Seoul can instantly draw you in with its modern culture and deep-rooted traditions. On my recent solo trip, I explored some of Seoul’s highlights, and it turned out to be a mix of tranquility, excitement, and discovery. This was my second trip to the city but my first as a solo traveler. Here’s a snapshot of my adventure:

Cafe Hopping

This is really what I came for. Seoul is a haven for cafe lovers, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the cafe scene! I wandered through hidden alleyways, discovering cafes that were just as much art installations as they were places to grab coffee. Each cafe had its own charm—from writing activities to cute animals to outdoor waterfalls.

One of my earliest coffee stops was at the Cat Playground.

I also visited Nuldam Cafe, a cafe where you can drink coffee while writing a letter to yourself and it will be mailed to you a year after. The writing kit comes with a nice wax seal, too.

A sheep statue standing along one of the shopping streets leads you to the Thanks Nature Cafe where you can buy coffee and play with live sheep living there.

Another interesting stop was at Cafe Pokpo which actually has a real waterfall as its main view.

View from the Top

No trip to Seoul is complete without visiting the Seoul Tower. I took a cable car up (I did not want to take the hiking option), and as I reached the top, I was welcomed by sweeping views of the city. The tower itself felt like an iconic spot, and it was fun seeing the locks left by couples from all over the world.

K-Pop Moment

One of the highlights of my trip was experiencing the BTS Festa 2024. Being a new BTS fan, attending the Festa was an interesting trip. The atmosphere was electric, with ARMYs from all around the world and of various age ranges coming together to celebrate. Though there was no live performance at the event venue, there was the online show of Jin on weverse on the evening of that day (he had just gotten out of the military), so the Festa experience was complete.

There were also plenty of places that celebrated Jin’s military release around the city for those who did not stay at the actual Festa event.

Street Food

I have never been brave enough in other countries to really eat at the street markets but I got to try it at Gwangjang market. I believe many of the stalls there were already featured on Netflix. Great experience!

The Monuments and Interesting Structures

To experience Seoul’s history, I visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning reminder of Korea’s royal heritage. Aside from appreciating the intricate architecture of the palace, watching the changing of the guards was just as fascinating—it felt like stepping back in time. Right across the palace at Gwanghwamun Square were other sights including the giant figures of King Sejong the Great (fourth king of Joseon Dynasty) seated on a golden throne as well as General Yi Sun-Shin standing tall with his sword.

The Dongdaeumun Design Plaza, a shopping place, looks amazing at night while the Myeongdong Cathedral let weary shoppers rest and have time to pray. Turns out this church is the seat of Seoul’s archbishop.

Fountain Show

One evening, I headed to the Hangang River for the famous fountain show at the Banpo Hangang Bridge. As the sun set, the Banpo Bridge lit up in an array of colors, giving the water blasts its colors while all synchronized perfectly with music. The fountain show was a relaxing way to end the day. There’s also a lot areas to eat and walk around in there.

Shopping Streets

Of course, a trip to Seoul wouldn’t be complete without some serious shopping! I spent an entire afternoon in Myeongdong, Hyongdae, and other shopping streets, where I was greeted with an overwhelming variety of shops, from global brands to unique Korean boutiques. The street food stalls were just as enticing as the cosmetics and fashion shops—everything from tteokbokki to Korean corn dogs.

Becoming a Local

So what do locals do on lazy weekends? I sat with the locals at the side of the famous Jonggyecheon river. Apparently, they walk around or sit to hang out there to dip their feet in the water and just have relaxed talks with loved ones or just read a book. When evening comes, a fun open-air evening library for kids pops up there, too.

Wrapping Up My Seoul Adventure

Exploring Seoul on my own was both liberating and fulfilling. I went to Seoul on my own to relax, and I was able to do exactly that. The city’s mix of past and present, calm and chaos, made every day feel like an adventure. From quiet moments in a hidden cafe to the thrill of BTS Festa and the beauty of the Han River fountain, I left Seoul with countless memories and a longing to return. For anyone considering a solo trip, Seoul is welcoming, exciting, and packed with experiences you won’t forget.