Seoulthejourney loved the ease of exploring Seoul, let alone South Korea.
We start our adventure in the trendy student town of Anam, the home of one of SKY universities, Korea University.
Anam is a humble place to explore, there is a lovely blend of student digs, coffee shops, and restaurants that serve up a wide range of cuisines and cute shops.
Anam – by Simon Williams-Im
Whether the visit to Anam started in a lovely hotel, AirBNB or you were daring and tried one of the many goshiwons (tiny cupboard-sized student and adult digs – that cost around $250 (USD) a month and will certainly help you to save your travel budget!
Take a pick of the many coffee shops – Starbucks is our preference but we do suggest you explore beyond the ‘bucks!
Unlike Canadian Starbucks stores that feel like a blend of trashy and trendy stores, Starbucks Korea caters to the market that expects a clean and safe environment. As a traveller, the advantage is the easy access to Wifi, sockets and clean and comfortable seatings (in Canada, the problem with many of the Starbucks stores is the dirt and safety concerns!).
If like Seoulthejourney, Starbucks is your thing – download the app and be sure to collect the points – the benefits system isn’t the same as in North America and Europe – it is a surefire way to get a pretty souvenir!
One of the unique gems beyond the beauty of the Korea University campus itself is π-ville 99 a unique addition to the campus and a space that is worthy of exploring. Similar to Platform61 and the trendy Commonground but this area might well tempt you to study in Korea.
Location: Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
We have a few suggestions incase you are thirty or hungry!
Starbucks Anam exit 3 Anam Station
Otsal (Indian restaurant) 6 Inchon-ro 24-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Sulbing 설빙 고대점 (Korean desert) 14 Inchon-ro 24-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.
신포 1971 안암점 (Korean)24 Inchon-ro 24-gil, Anamdong 5(o)-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
But, save yourself for another favourite Rolling Pasta
Heading to Jongno by bus or subway to Rolling Pasta Jongno 롤링파스타 종로지점 which is delicious and priced well!
Enjoy a very popular spin on pasta and pizza. This brand is found in several places in and around Seoul.
And, time for coffee in another neighborhood – hit the road!
Location: 339-1, Dangsan-dong 6(yuk)-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 영등포구 선유로52길 12
Veve Coffee Roasters is a lovely coffee shop that will get your day rolling to explore a new neighbourhood. The opportunity to head towards Yeoido or even check out some locations suggested on this very blog or this one!
There is an alternative neighbourhood, Hongdae – where you can head to Blackdrum Coffee.
Location: 9 Sinchon-ro 4-gil, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Alternatively, we suggest a visit to our former home Gongdeok to explore the shops and weave your way to a lovely coffee shop and then a beautiful park, Hyochang Park.
Take the opportunity to explore the statues, Uiyeolsa Shrine, tombs and the Kim Koo library and museum.
Take the metro to Hyochang Park and head up exit 2 to enjoy a brew at DG Sangsa 다과상사 before a walk to Hyochang Park.
Just an impression of some of spots found around this lovely park.
Essential – camera, water and let’s hope no rain!
Before we end, we must also remind you that there is a check-in service at Seoul Station and Starfield CoEx – so take advantage!
