Seoul for my Soul – Fashion Street Art District

I immediately fell in love with Seoul and its fashion arts district! First, it was easy to get around. Second, my treasure hunt for street art at Naksan Park was rewarding. Third, I did not plan to go shopping, but the fashion district of Dongdaemun seduced me into buying clothes. Fourth, my traditional hanuk guesthouse charmed me and my room reminded me of a courtesan’s quarter in a kung-fu movie. Fifth, people were very friendly and despite the language barrier, were forthcoming in offering help.

Very excited for the rest of my stay here in Seoul, I only wish I were here longer!

Incheon International Airport

I left my place at an ungodly hour past 4 am to catch my flight at 6:30 am. AirAsia was on time with no hassles. I didn’t realise it was a long flight to Incheon International airport. It was noon by the time I arrived. Seoul is one hour ahead of Manila.

First stop, currency exchange, 820 won to 1AUD. Second stop, tourist information kiosk. Koreans are lovely. The lady at the kiosk patiently went through the map and directions for me. I asked what events there might be. I did not plan for it, but it was good timing for my visit. Tomorrow is their National Day.

I took the 6011 limousine bus to Angguk Station. It runs three times by the hour. Costs 10,000 won. The trip took an hour. There was no traffic. Infrastructure seems pretty good in South Korea. We only hit heavy traffic when we were a couple of suburbs into Angguk station, but it didn’t last long. I think it had got to do with the National Day celebrations.

Bus Stop at the Airport

Insadong District

By the time I alighted, I was a bit disoriented. I did not have GoogleMaps. My phone was not connected to wifi. I wrote instructions on how to get to my destination. Whilst it seems easy on the map, in reality, it gets a bit confusing. Maybe I just doubted my instincts that I felt the need to ask for help. The street vendor, selling shoes for 5000 a pair (I probably would have bought a pair had I not been too preoccupied finding my way), was helpful.

He tried calling my guesthouse but to no avail. Finally, he told me to get help from the information centre. A queue of customers was building up and I wasn’t really buying. He was simply accommodating.

Finally decided to follow my gut. I found myself in a quaint alley lined with cafes, tearooms, boutique shops and galleries. It’s my kind of place. I’m already in love with Seoul! I just love the vibe!

I did not mind getting lost. Despite my doubts and hesitation though, I found myself in the right direction. Sophia Guesthouse was tucked in a little alley, from the corner of a tiny street Yulgokro 1. The surrounding area was bustling which gave me the impression the place must be popular to locals. I didn’t see that many tourists.

What greeted me was an old guesthouse, a heavy wooden door with red roof tiles. I rang the bell. Sophie herself welcomed me in.

Sophia Guethouse Entrance to the guesthouse in a ubiquotous alley.

The sliding door opened to reveal a courtyard. My room was to the right, the first room of a few lining a 5-meter hallway. My room reminds me of those courtesan’s rooms in one of those kung-fu movies. The windows were of thick paper. My bed is a futon. So cosy and charming.

Sophia Guesthouse – Entrance Sliding doors reveal the courtyard.

Sophia Guesthouse Courtyard Lovely courtyard in the middle of the guesthouse.

Sophia Guesthouse Maria, the host. Sophia’s mom.

Wifi was free. Breakfast was also complimentary. I napped for a while, got sorted. Realising I may need more wons, I dropped by Insadong to change money. It was a massive market complex of shops, antiques, crafts, souvenirs.

Naksan Park

It was 5PM by the time I was out and about on a mission to find street art. I took a bus from Angguk Station exit 1 to HyeHwa station. The bus cost 1300 won. From the stop, it was a 10-15 minute walk to Naksan Park.

Right outside the station

I finally found what I was looking for! I saw two street art that was featured in the global street art book that I have. It was a like a treasure hunt and I struck gold!

Famous street art

There were installations, sculpture, murals, graffiti, even a tiny paste-up of a dinosaur, painting and mosaic on stairs like the famous one in Rio de Janeiro.

From there, I headed up the topmost part of the hilly neighbourhood where I ended up at the Seoul City Wall. Apparently it’s a famous place to date for couples and also for location shoots of movies and TV soap operas. Korean TV series are very popular in parts of Asia.

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Dongdaemun

My feet were killing me! But I was determined to see KLive at Lotte Fin, Dongdaemun. I just took a cab, it cost only 3700 won. Driver asked me where I’m from, I said Australia and the Philippines. He turned around with a big smile and said: “You’re beautiful!”

I didn’t see that coming, especially as Korea is also into the “white and skinny standard” of beauty, I felt a bit uncomfortable. He kept saying “You’re so beautiful” in a genuine and almost child-like manner, I just soaked it in. When I got to the venue, I realise KLive is only hologram, not a real live performance. I was hoping to see Psy. Oh well…

Dongdaemun

I skipped it and ended up shopping for clothes instead. Apparently, the place is a fashion district and it did not disappoint. All the tags said “made in Korea”, and the stall owners were proudly selling that point. Ended the day with an awesome dinner of Korean noodles for 4500 won. The place was full, I was lucky to get fast service.

I saw the famous Design Center from across the road. With my energy tank depleting fast, decided to skip exploring the place.

The massive Design Center

It was already 10:30 PM and I’ve had a long day. So I decided to just take a cab again, instead of a train. The taxi driver had a difficult time understanding me. He just had to drop me off to Angguk to make it easier and I had to walk to Sophia Guesthouse again.

The town was still very much alive so late at night, but I was ready to retire. Been a long, satisfying day.