Day 3: Seoul’s Sights and Slight Detours
- wanderingazuki
- Jul 23
- 12 min read
Table of Content
🌺 Introduction 🫘
"The journey, not the arrival, matters." – T.S. Eliot
Some days unfold like a well-rehearsed itinerary. Others? They spiral into accidental noodle quests, miscalculated exchange rates, and unexpected bus cardio. Day 3 was... both
On our third day, we embraced the vibrant culture and culinary delights the city has to offer. Starting the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we were eager to explore more of what Seoul had in store. With plans for a mix of sightseeing and traditional dining, we set out to discover the beauty of the city while indulging in familiar flavours that reminded us of home.
🥯 A Morning of Comfort and Culinary Delights 🥟
After a couple of jam-packed days, we decided to slow things down with a well-deserved lie-in and a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. My mum had a great night’s sleep, but unfortunately, jet lag got the better of me—I only managed to drift off in the early hours. That extra bit of rest in the morning felt like a small luxury I was especially grateful for.
Since breakfast wasn’t included in our room rate, we knew we’d need to pay separately. We were seated in a quieter side area—perhaps reserved for walk-in guests—and the bill was discreetly placed on our table during the meal. The breakfast restaurant itself was impressively spacious, with plenty of room to move around and no sense of crowding despite the morning rush. What really stood out, though, was the buffet spread—an absolute feast for the eyes and the stomach. There was a generous variety of both Western and Asian dishes, all beautifully presented and regularly replenished. To top it off, baristas were on hand to craft fresh coffees and hot drinks to order, adding a thoughtful and personal touch to the experience.
For our first round, we instinctively headed to the Western section as it was the closest. I filled my plate with smoked salmon, eggs, and an assortment of pastries—reliable comfort picks. But when my mum went back for seconds, she stumbled upon the Asian section tucked away in a different corner. She returned with a delicious-looking plate of noodles and dim sum, and I was instantly jealous—I hadn’t even realised that part existed! Unfortunately, I’d already piled my plate high and was far too full to make another round. Definitely a rookie mistake.
Despite my dim sum FOMO, it was genuinely one of the best hotel breakfasts we’ve ever had—serene setting, high quality and range of food, and barista-made drinks. The only downside? The price. I heard the staff clearly before sitting, but this was the first of many times of confusion over the exchange rate—I thought it came to just £6 for the two of us. We were delighted, high-fiving over how worth it breakfast was and already plotting to come back the next morning.
But when I saw the actual price on my app, my jaw dropped. £60! And yes, I seriously considered not telling my mum the actual cost. For a moment, I thought, Maybe I’ll just let her believe it was £6 and we can enjoy this luxury every day... But even I couldn’t keep up the act—£60 was far too steep to sweep under the rug. So I came clean. The look on her face said it all, and she shut the idea down instantly with a firm, “Nope, we won’t be having breakfast here again!”
Tip✨: Walk the whole buffet before committing! You might find hidden gems—like the dim sum I sadly missed out on.
Cost Summary💰:
Breakfast for 2: £60
🍬 Olive Young: The Sweet Shop for Beauty Lovers 💅
We headed out early that morning, kicking things off with a visit to Olive Young—a K-beauty haven. Think of it as the Starbucks of Korea, with a branch on nearly every corner! Thankfully, the store we visited wasn’t too busy, which made for a calm and easy start to our shopping adventure.
Walking into Olive Young in Korea feels like stepping into a sweet shop—but instead of candy, you're surrounded by rows and rows of skincare, makeup, and self-care goodness. It’s a literal playground for beauty lovers, and trust me, it’s easy to get lost in there for hours.
From glowy sunscreens to glossy lip tints, and serums promising glass skin to entire racks of facial sheet masks, the variety at Olive Young is overwhelming—in the best way. I do wish they sold sheet masks by the box instead of individual sheets, though. I felt a little self-conscious piling so many into my basket (they're just so affordable!), but it's hard to stop at one. Just a heads-up: the sheet mask section is one of the busiest spots in the store—expect some over-the-shoulder grabbing as everyone tries to get their favourites.
Sun care is huge here. I couldn’t believe the number of sunscreen options—gel, cream, stick. Whether you're dry, oily, or somewhere in between, there's a sun product with your name on it.
And the makeup? Don’t even get me started. I fell hard down a rabbit hole of lipsticks I definitely didn’t need—but obviously bought anyway. The shades are so flattering on East Asian skin tones that I was completely spoilt for choice, and the packaging? Utterly adorable. It doesn’t hurt that many of the products are fronted by famous K-celebrities either—it’s like they knew exactly how to tempt me.
Note📝 : The staff on the floor are often really busy, especially during peak hours. Sometimes, when you're trying to ask a question, they can come across as a bit rushed or even slightly dismissive. It's probably not personal—they're just juggling a lot at once. If you’re someone who prefers browsing in peace, you’ll probably be just fine. But if you need help, patience might be your best accessory.
Tip✨: Each Olive Young location carries different stock and deals. So yes, this does justify visiting five in one day 😂.
Tip✨: Some price tags show member prices—don’t be confused if the “discounted” price doesn’t apply at checkout. You’ll need to be a member (with a Korean phone number) to unlock those savings.
Cost Summary 💰 (some examples):
Sheet masks: ₩1,000–₩3,000 each
Sunscreen: ₩10,000–₩30,000
Lip tints: ₩8,000–₩20,000
Blushes & other makeup: ₩10,000–₩25,000
🖐️ Ready, Set, Explore: Navigating Seoul’s Essentials 💳
As we wandered around the area to get our bearings, we stumbled upon a street near the Lotte Duty Free Department Store lined with handprints of K-pop stars—like a Korean version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As a lowkey STAY (Stray Kids fan), I obviously had to snap a photo of my would-be bias’s handprint and immediately send it to my friend. Meanwhile, the rebellious FANTASY (SF9 fan) in me tried to stay cool, resisting the urge to fangirl over the other groups—though I probably would’ve taken more photos if I’d let myself indulge.
Also, we stopped by a convenience store to grab and top up our Tmoney cards—an absolute essential for getting around Seoul’s extensive public transport system and even making small purchases. Sadly, this store didn’t have the fun designs I was hoping for. 😟 . I settled for a basic one, topped up with cash, and we were ready to hit the subway.
Tip✨: You can buy Tmoney cards at airports or convenience stores—but for the cutest designs, check out the latter.
Tip✨: You can top up your card either at convenience stores or metro stations. I needed to top up using cash, which served as a timely reminder: always keep a bit of loose change on hand—it comes in more useful than you’d expect.
🍜 A Cool Bite: Trying Cold Noodles in Seoul 🍴
Originally, we’d planned to visit Deoksugung Palace, but we quickly discovered it was closed that day. So, I had to pivot and do some on-the-go replanning.
It was lovely to stroll around the neighbourhood as we scouted for a spot to have lunch. I had been recommended to try cold noodles, a popular and traditional Korean dish, and during our morning walk, we spotted a charming local restaurant that seemed just right for a midday stop before our trek up to Namsan Tower.
The cold noodles were quite different from what I’m used to. The texture was a bit chewier than I expected, which took some getting used to, but the dish was refreshingly light and satisfying, especially after a big breakfast. Meanwhile, my mum opted for a hearty beef broth noodle soup that looked and smelled delicious. I’m really glad I took the chance to try this local delicacy—it was a wonderful way to expand my culinary experience in Korea without breaking the bank.
Tip✨: The cutlery is thoughtfully placed in a small tray on the table, and you’ll often be served water along with complimentary side dishes—known as banchan—which adds a lovely touch to the meal.
🗺️Bus-ted! Seoul’s Scenic Route (By Mistake) 🚌
With our bellies full from lunch, we set off toward Namsan Tower, relying on Naver Map to guide us. The subway part? Easy. The bus? Less so. Unlike the clear, linear routes I’m used to in London, the bus map here displayed a circular route that left me quite confused about the direction and stops. My limited Korean didn’t help matters much either!
After realising we’d taken the bus going the opposite direction, I suggested we walk to the nearest stop to get back on track. Unfortunately, my sense of direction let me down, and we ended up walking for about 30 minutes before finally finding the right stop. I’m so grateful my mum was such a good sport—I felt a bit guilty for the detour!
Spoiler Alert🔮: At that point, Naver Map was still fairly new to me, and although it wasn’t quite as intuitive as Google Maps, I got the hang of it after a few days of practice.
After jumping and checking we were on the right route we were ready to see Namsan Tower!
Side note📝: Our flight to Jeju was with Air Busan, and I remember trying to do the online check-in during the bus ride to Namsan so we could choose our seats. It was such a frustrating experience. I used the Trip.com app to book the tickets but I couldn’t check in here and instead tried the Air Busan website on my phone browser—and wow, what a terrible user experience. (My tech brain just wouldn’t switch off!) I kept trying to log in using the flight details, but it kept kicking me out. The interface wasn’t optimised for mobile at all, so I found myself endlessly scrolling sideways just to see the options. I attempted the check-in multiple times, and to add to the confusion, I was using a VPN on my phone set to South Korea—I’m not sure if that caused some issues. Meanwhile, my mind was also focused on the bus stops, making sure we got off at the right one, so you can imagine the relief when I finally succeeded in checking in. It was stressful!
☺️ Soaking in the Views at Namsan Tower 🏙️
Eventually, we made it to Namsan Tower! The bus dropped us off at the bottom of the hill, so we had to prepare for a bit of a hike up to the tower itself. I made sure to note down the bus departure times to help plan how long to spend there before heading back.
Tip✨: Check the bus schedule in advance to avoid getting stuck after making the uphill trek to the tower.
The uphill walk wasn’t too bad and the path was scenic. From the observation deck outside, we were treated to stunning panoramic sights that stretched across the sprawling city skyline, with Seoul’s sleek, modern high-rises standing tall against the backdrop of rolling, verdant mountains. The contrast between urban life and nature was striking—and truly breathtaking. We eagerly snapped as many photos as we could, wanting to capture every angle of this unique fusion of city and landscape.
Rather than purchasing a ticket to go inside the tower, we chose to simply wander around the outside, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The area buzzed with visitors from all over the world, each taking in the views and the peaceful yet lively energy of the spot. Love locks hung thickly on the fences, symbolising countless stories and promises, while colourful flowers and well-kept paths invited us to pause and admire the scenery from different vantage points.
We took our time exploring the grounds, enjoying the fresh air and the occasional breeze that made the warm afternoon more comfortable. It was the perfect place to reflect on our day’s journey so far and appreciate the simple joy of being somewhere new and beautiful.
Eventually, we made our way back down the hill, feeling content and grateful—and this time, much more confident—as we caught the bus back, thankful that we had finally figured out the route.
🌃 Change of Plans: No Night Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace 🏰
We had planned to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace for a night tour, which I was really looking forward to. However, when we arrived at a hanbok shop to rent traditional attire, the sales assistant informed me that night visits aren’t available on Mondays or Tuesdays. Since I hadn’t booked an appointment beforehand—wanting to keep my schedule flexible—I was caught off guard by this news.
Though it was a slight change of plans, we decided to take a leisurely stroll around the local area instead. The night view of Gyeongbokgung Palace was lovely, and we couldn’t resist taking some photos of the beautifully illuminated structure. Knowing this news meant I had to replan the second leg of our Seoul itinerary to accommodate the palace's night tour.
Ultimately, this unexpected detour turned out to be a delightful way to unwind and explore even more of the city. We meandered through charming streets, soaking in the atmosphere and discovering hidden gems along the way.
🍲 Revisiting Tradition: A Hearty Meal at Haidilao 🍜
Dinner that evening was a real treat—we chose Haidilao for a hot pot experience, a beloved tradition for my mum and me whenever we’re in Asia. It’s something we always look forward to, especially since it’s so much more affordable here compared to the eye-watering prices in London.
As soon as we arrived, we grabbed a ticket for the queue—something we knew to expect, given Haidilao’s immense popularity. The wait was long, but the restaurant makes it feel less of a chore by offering complimentary snacks and refreshments while you wait—a thoughtful touch that made the time pass quickly and pleasantly.
Once seated, we happily indulged, ordering all our favourites: fresh vegetables, tender cuts of meat, succulent seafood, and a variety of richly flavoured broths. Everything was cooked to perfection right at our table. The interactive nature of hot pot dining added to the experience, turning dinner into more than just a meal—it was a fun, shared ritual. The warm, bustling atmosphere made us feel instantly at home and offered the perfect comfort after a full day of exploring.
We left feeling full, cosy, and completely content—that kind of comforting fullness that comes not just from good food, but from the joy of tradition and togetherness. On the way back to the hotel, we made a quick stop at a convenience store—something I’d always dreamed of doing after seeing it in so many K-dramas. I couldn’t resist picking up a bottle of banana milk and strawberry milk, curious to see if they lived up to the hype. Back in our room, we sipped the sweet, creamy drinks as we packed and wound down for the night. It was such a simple moment, but a surprisingly lovely way to end the day—quiet, nostalgic, and a little bit magical. With happy hearts, full bellies, and our first K-drama convenience store moment ticked off the list, we drifted off to sleep, ready for our early morning flight to Jeju Island.
Cost Summary💰:
Dinner for 2: £30.32
🧳 Travel Tips for the Day ✨
✨Tmoney card: You can grab one at the airport or any convenience stores! It's essential for travelling around South Korea. You can use it again for your next SK visit. https://www.t-money.co.kr/ncs/pct/tmnyintd/ReadFrgnKoreaTourCardEngIntd.dev
✨Namsan Tower: The uphill walk from the bus stop is worth it for the incredible views, but be prepared for a little exercise.
✨Bus navigation: Double-check bus routes to avoid any confusion. It’s easy to make a wrong turn!
✨Night visits to Gyeongbokgung: The night tour is available twice a year for 2 weeks - one in spring and one in autumn. If you're planning a night visit to the palace during those times, be aware that it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Plan ahead!
✨Lotte Hotel Seoul Breakfast Tip: Walk around the breakfast area before filling your plate to ensure you don’t miss out on any hidden gems (like the dim sum station!).
🌕 Day’s reflection 🫶
Reflecting on the day, it was truly filled with memorable moments that highlighted the beauty and charm of Seoul. From the refreshing taste of cold noodles at lunch to the rewarding trek up to Namsan Tower, each experience brought something special. Though we had to change our plans when the Gyeongbokgung Palace night tour was unexpectedly closed, that unplanned stroll allowed us to soak in the city’s atmosphere in a more relaxed way—sometimes the best travel moments come from these spontaneous detours. Ending the day with a comforting hot pot dinner at Haidilao, a cherished tradition between my mum and me, felt like a warm embrace and the perfect way to recharge. Exhausted but happy, we returned to our hotel with hearts full and anticipation for the adventure awaiting us on Jeju Island the next morning.
🧳Your Turn to Wander In 🧋
Have you ever had an unexpected change in plans that led to a surprisingly memorable experience? What happened?
Have you tried hiking or trekking to scenic viewpoints while exploring a city? Where was your favourite spot?
Have you accidentally overspent by a lot and debated pretending it was intentional?
Do you have any travel traditions that you share with loved ones? I’d love to hear about them!
How do you handle jet lag when you arrive somewhere new? Any tips or tricks?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!
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