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This Thanksgiving, I embarked on an unforgettable trip to South Korea with my family—my husband Ethen, our son Bodhi, his two cousins, and my sister. It had been 16 years since my last visit in 2008, and this trip was all about reconnecting with my roots, immersing myself in Korean culture, and diving deep into K-beauty research.
The Perfect Base- We stayed at the Orakai Hotel, nestled between Insadong and Ikseon-dong. This location was perfect for shopping, dining, and exploring the vibrant café culture. The traditional hanok homes and villages housing quaint cafés were a delight to discover. The cozy neighborhoods, filled with so much to see, do, and eat, left a lasting impression on us.
Exploring Seoul's Iconic Landmarks- Our adventure began with a Han River cruise on a clear, sunny day. The views of Seoul from the cruise's roof deck were breathtaking, and I was struck by the vastness of the Han River. We also visited the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, where we witnessed the changing of the guards. The kids loved running and jumping around the palace grounds, soaking in the rich history.
Traditional Charm: Bukchon Hanok Village- Walking through the Bukchon Hanok Village was like stepping into a picturesque postcard. The traditional Korean homes and narrow alleys winding up the hill were a sight to behold. The beautiful tile work on the homes added to the village's charm, making it a memorable experience.
A BTS Fan's Dream Come True- My sister and I, along with Bodhi and one of his cousins, went on an exciting BTS tour. As die-hard BTS Army members, we felt like teenagers again! The tour took us to key locations where the BTS members lived and worked, including their dormitories, favorite restaurants, and practice studios. We even left our special message on the infamous BTS graffiti wall.
Gangnam Style and Beyond- Visiting the Gangnam district was a highlight, especially seeing the Psy Gangnam hand gold statue in front of the Coex Mall. Despite the rain, we couldn't resist doing the iconic dance. The Starfield Library inside the mall was a sight to behold, with its curved bookshelves reaching the ceiling and beautiful Christmas decorations.
Feline Fun at Mocha Cat Café- The Mocha Cat Café was a hit with the kids. Surrounded by 40 cats in a modern setting, they were in heaven. The cat lollipops we offered made us very popular with the feline residents. I am super allergic to cats, but I could not resist! I wore my mask and had the best time playing and petting all those cats! (Just don't tell my pup, Lucca! Lol).
Pampering at Park Jun Beauty Lab- My sister and I enjoyed a girls' day out at Park Jun Beauty Lab in Myeong-dong, where we indulged in a 15-step Korean hair treatment. And let me tell you, all the hairstylist at the salon looked like K-pop stars or boy band royalty. The scalp massages and personalized treatments left our hair feeling incredibly soft and healthy. It was a much-needed pampering session during our busy vacation. So glad we did this!
Skincare Heaven at Olive Young - Olive Young, the like a Korean version of Sephora, was a must-visit. The flagship store in Myeong-dong was like a skincare enthusiast's Disneyland, with three floors dedicated to sheet masks, eye creams, haircare, serums, and more. The designated waiting lounge for husbands and kids was a thoughtful touch! My sister and I got caught up in the skincare frenzy and we stocked up on our favorite Korean skincare, sheet masks and sunscreens and asking ourselves, "Will this all fit into our luggage?"
Day Trip to Busan- A three-hour bullet train ride took us to the coastal town of Busan, which reminded us of Hawaii with its beautiful beaches and scenic ocean views. Our tour guide took us to the Gamcheon Culture Village, known as the "Santorini of Korea." The colorful homes and twisted alleys offered stunning views, and the village was filled with cafés, bakeries, and shops.
Gondola Rides and Street Food- We enjoyed a gondola ride over the water, taking in the epic views of Busan. I loved seeing the cliffs and you could even see Japan in the distant horizon! The BIFF Marketplace offered some of the best Korean street food we've ever had. So glad we stopped there!
First Snow in Seoul- Returning to Seoul, we were lucky to experience the first snowfall in November in 27 years. Bodhi, experiencing snow for the first time, was thrilled. It was so refreshing to see the entire city covered in fresh snow. What a sight!
Namsan Tower and The Most Memorable Meal- On our last day, we visited Namsan Tower, which offered breathtaking views of Seoul. The city's endless skyline was awe-inspiring. We had an incredible meal at HanCook restaurant at the top of the tower, with wagyu beef and desserts presented in traditional Korean jewelry boxes. Watching the snowfall while enjoying this spectacular meal was a memorable experience.
Until Next Time- This trip to South Korea was unforgettable, and I can't wait to go back and explore more. The blend of culture, history, and modernity made it a truly enriching experience. See you soon, Korea!
Love,
Christina
