Day 13: Time-Traveling in a Hanok Village & Unwinding at the Spa
- wanderingazuki
- Sep 30
- 8 min read
Table of Content
🌺 Introduction 🫘
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." – Marcel Proust
After a packed itinerary over the past few days, today was a bit more relaxed—though it didn’t feel that way at first. I had originally planned to explore Gangnam, but I was feeling a little off, both mentally and physically. So instead of venturing far, I chose a slower-paced adventure: wandering through the charming alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village and treating myself to some much-needed downtime at the hotel spa. Later that evening, we stepped back in time with a magical night tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace—an experience I’d been looking forward to the entire trip.
💤 Slow Mornings & Wardrobe Woes 😴
After a couple of packed days, we treated ourselves to a slow and easy start. We slept in, took our time, and finally headed out mid-morning. I’d been so scarred by the freezing weather the day before that I layered up with a jumper—big mistake. The sun was out in full force and I quickly realised I was roasting. So, there I was, carrying my jumper like a sweaty regret for the rest of the day. 😅
🏘️ Getting Lost (in a Good Way) at Bukchon Hanok Village🙂
We set off on foot to explore the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village, guided by the Naver app. It pointed us to a single pinned location, but in reality, the village is spread out across several winding alleyways nestled between modern buildings and hidden slopes. Thankfully, we weren’t the only ones slightly puzzled—clusters of fellow travellers wandered in all directions, all seemingly on the same mission to find the most scenic pockets of this historic neighbourhood. There was a quiet sense of camaraderie in getting a little lost together.
Once we found our way in, the charm of the village truly came alive. The narrow lanes were lined with beautifully preserved hanok—traditional Korean houses with elegant wooden beams, curved tiled roofs, and small courtyards tucked behind wooden gates. It felt like stepping back in time, especially when we spotted a few visitors dressed in colourful hanbok, the flowing garments adding a cinematic flair to the already nostalgic setting. The contrast between old and new Seoul was striking; we could glimpse the city’s skyline peeking between rooftops, a reminder of how tradition and modern life coexist here.
Despite the warm weather and some hilly climbs, it was a peaceful stroll, filled with lovely photo spots at every turn. The village had a calming rhythm to it—quiet corners, beautifully framed doorways, and the occasional flutter of wind chimes. We spent about an hour and a half soaking it all in, stopping to snap photos, admire the craftsmanship, and simply enjoy the slower pace. Eventually, the pull of lunch (and shade!) convinced us it was time to head back and refuel.
🍜 Lunch Goals: Broth, Buns & a Bit of Green Tea Bliss🍦
After our walk through the charming alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village, we made our way to the ever-reliable Lotte Department Store food court for a much-deserved lunch. I opted for a comforting bowl of noodle soup—filled with silky noodles swimming in a rich, savoury broth, topped with tender slices of meat and a medley of fresh vegetables. Alongside that, I couldn’t resist adding a few dim sum staples to the mix. The dumplings were delightfully steamy, their delicate wrappers giving way to juicy, flavour-packed fillings. It was the kind of satisfying, soul-warming meal that makes you instantly feel revived.
At this point, the Lotte food court was quickly becoming our go-to spot for fuss-free, flavourful meals. With so many options in one place and a relaxed vibe, it was the perfect spot to recharge without having to venture far.
Of course, no meal is complete without a little something sweet. Before heading back, we stopped by Osulloc for a scoop of their signature green tea and milk ice cream. Creamy, smooth, and infused with that distinct earthy matcha flavour, it was the perfect refreshing treat to cool down from the midday heat. A little matcha magic goes a long way—and this one truly delivered!
🧖♀️ Soaking the Day Away at the Hotel Spa
To round off the afternoon, we treated ourselves to a bit of pampering at the hotel spa—a quiet little oasis tucked away from the hustle and bustle outside. The spa featured a modest but welcoming indoor pool, flanked by two jacuzzis that were bubbling away invitingly. A few lounge chairs were scattered around the poolside, offering a comfortable spot to stretch out and unwind. There were designated lanes for members and non-members, which helped with the flow of people, although it wasn’t overly busy during our visit.
While the space was relaxing, the ventilation left a little to be desired—the air felt a touch heavy and warm, especially after the heat of the day. There was a small outdoor terrace with limited seating, which offered a breath of fresh air, but it was more for cooling off than lounging for long.
The changing room, surprisingly compact for a hotel spa, consisted of a single row of lockers and just two shower stalls. It was functional, but not particularly luxurious. Still, after a day of walking through the winding hills of Bukchon Hanok Village and basking in the midday sun, the spa felt like a much-needed retreat.
Sliding into the warm water of the jacuzzi was bliss—like a warm hug for my tired legs and feet. A quick soak, a few deep breaths, and suddenly, we were recharged and ready for whatever the evening might bring.
Clean and refreshed, we felt recharged and excited for whatever the evening had in store.
I couldn’t resist heading back to the Osulloc food court to pick up a green tea roll cake—and it was just as soft and rich in flavour as I’d hoped.
🌃A Magical Night at Gyeongbokgung Palace — Hanbok, History, and Hidden Charm 🏰
One of the most exciting experiences of the trip was exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace at night! To get in for free, we rented hanboks from Hanboknam, a rental shop I discovered on Klook. It had great reviews, so I gave it a go—though I later realised there were cheaper options nearby.
The staff were really kind and even styled our hair for free. There were several hairstyles to choose from, although I couldn’t help but wonder if the brushes and accessories were properly cleaned between uses… I tried not to dwell on it.
Wearing the hanbok itself was quite the experience—five layers wrapped tightly around me, which felt a bit uncomfortable around the stomach. We went for the standard hanbok, picking the colour and style of the skirt and top ourselves.
There’s a royal set available at a higher price, which looked stunning with more intricate designs and colours. I did notice that hanboks from other rental shops appeared more flattering and fashionable, while ours felt more historically accurate. If I were to do it again, I’d probably shop around for a more stylish design.
As hanbok wearers, we got the perk of skipping the main queue and using a separate entrance—a huge plus! If you don’t wear a hanbok, you need to buy a daily ticket, which is only available to tourists holding a non-Korean passport.
Walking through Gyeongbokgung Palace at night was truly magical. The soft glow of the lights, the elegant traditional architecture, and the sea of visitors in hanboks made it feel like stepping straight into a historical drama. Certain areas were beautifully illuminated to help capture perfect night shots of the palace. It was quite busy, so getting a clear photo was a challenge, but seeing others in hanbok added to the enchanting atmosphere.
Although I loved the experience, I couldn’t fully relax—I kept checking the time to make sure we returned the hanbok on time. I don’t think there would have been a fine, but the shop was closing, and we didn’t want to keep them waiting.
Cost Breakdown💰:
Hanbok Rental (1.5 hours at Hanboknam) – ₩20,000+ (~£12+)
Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Entry – Free with hanbok, otherwise around ₩3,000 (~£2)
🌌Late-Night Finds: Olive Young and Dinner at Lotte Food Court🍱
After returning the hanbok, we took a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood, stopping by another Olive Young—because, I just can’t resist! For dinner, we made our way back to the Lotte Department Store food court, and we were pleasantly surprised (and delighted) to find it still open. It might have been because it was a Thursday, though I’m not entirely sure.
I came across a spot serving tendon—a warm bowl of rice topped with perfectly crispy prawn tempura and crunchy pieces of fried seaweed. I think my mum got pho. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to call it a night.
🌕 Day’s reflection 🫶
Today was truly a great day, even if I’m a bit gutted about missing the baseball game. It was one of the things I’d been most excited about in Seoul, and I had it all planned out—from exploring Lotte World to visiting Jamsil and Apgujeong. I’m not quite sure why I didn’t follow through with the plan.
Looking back, I think it came down to a lack of self-trust when it came to exploring new areas and navigating unfamiliar transport links. It felt like I was stepping too far outside my comfort zone, away from familiar territory, and that uncertainty held me back. I want to be kind to myself—I’ve already done so many new things on this trip and didn’t want to overwhelm my nervous system.
That said, today’s highlights more than made up for it. Wandering through Bukchon Hanok Village was like stepping into a living postcard—traditional houses, quiet alleyways, and a glimpse into Seoul’s history all wrapped up in one scenic stroll. Later in the day, winding down at the hotel spa was just what we needed after all that exploring. A warm soak and a bit of stillness were the perfect balance to the bustling streets and steep hills.
And then there was the night tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace — absolutely enchanting. Wearing the hanbok and wandering through the softly lit palace grounds felt like stepping into a historical drama. The atmosphere was truly special, even if I found myself glancing at the time, anxious about returning the hanbok promptly.
All in all, this day reminded me that travel isn’t just about ticking off everything on a list; it’s about the moments you pause to experience fully. Missing the baseball game just means there’s another reason to return. Next time, I think I’ll stay in Gangnam to explore that side of the city properly.
For now, baseball goes straight onto my “Next Time in Korea” list.
🧳Your Turn to Wander In🧋
Have you ever missed out on something you were really excited about while travelling? How did you handle it?
What helps you build confidence when exploring new areas or navigating unfamiliar transport systems?
Have you ever worn traditional clothing while travelling? What was your experience like?
Which part of Seoul would you recommend for me to explore next time?
Have you ever visited a place that felt like stepping into a different era, like a palace or historic site? How did it make you feel?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!
Comments