Discussion · VoyageForum

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Original post

Chatulu

RegularLiége · 274 posts

2025-03-08

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a short trip of about 7-8 days in Seoul in mid-July.

I’ll be traveling with my 15-year-old daughter, who loves Asian culture.

This will be our first trip to Asia, and I’d really love to experience the authentic side of Asia.

I’ve done some research, and I’m a bit worried that Seoul might just be a big city like ‘New York’ and that we won’t find that authentic feel.

Is it possible to mix modern and authentic without spending too much time on transportation?

I’d really love to make this trip special for my daughter, but I’m honestly worried about ending up surrounded by skyscrapers for a whole week.

Thanks in advance for your help.

FabSriLanka ·2025-03-16

Hi there,

Having been to Seoul several times, I highly recommend visiting. Sure, it's a big city, but there are some really cool things to discover, and you'll see it's a city that has managed to keep its authenticity.

The palaces are stunning, and it's really pleasant to stroll through the gardens, especially in summer with the heat.

If you have time, I strongly recommend checking out Suwon Fortress. You can easily spend a day there.

And if you're really missing nature, head to Seoraksan Park for 2 or 3 days—it's absolutely breathtaking!

Happy planning, and enjoy your trip—South Korea is amazing!

Fab - Un Passeport En Cavale

Un Passeport En Cavale - Blog spécialisé Sri Lanka et Asie créé par des expats

Patrick91230 Globetrotter ·2025-03-16

Hi there,

7–8 days isn’t enough given the travel time and jet lag—plan for at least 8 nights on the ground. Seoul’s a great entry point for a first visit. The city has activities for all ages: temples, modern life, and more historic, cultural spots. Book a hotel and explore easily using the subway.

Cordialement, Patrick.

Erjome Globetrotter ·2025-03-16

Hello,

Seoul is a really cool city with tons to see. You could easily spend 8 days there, and it’s nothing like New York—I promise. The skyline isn’t the best or most photogenic, unlike Busan, for example.

You’ll find a mix of palaces, gardens, museums (of course), walking paths or bike rentals along the Han River, the Banpo Bridge light show, and different neighborhoods to explore like Insadong, Gangnam, Bukchon (go early to avoid crowds), Ikseondong, Ihwa (also best early for its street art), Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, Itaewon, and if you have time, a day trip to Suwon to walk along the Hwaseong Fortress. The markets are amazing, especially Gwangjang Market, where the street food will blow your taste buds away.

Plus, the subway system is super convenient, in English, and like everywhere in South Korea, very safe.

Just a heads-up: July isn’t the best time for weather—expect rain and high humidity.

"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit" "Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"

Erjome Globetrotter ·2025-03-20

Hello,

The replies left you speechless ;)

"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit" "Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"

Chatulu Regular ·2025-03-22

Haha, no way! I didn’t have notifications on, and I just noticed the replies when I came to check other topics about South Korea...

I’ll reply to everyone now

Chatulu Regular ·2025-03-22

Hi and thanks for your reply.

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you—I hadn’t turned on notifications, so I didn’t realize someone had responded!

In the meantime, I’ve put together a little itinerary that looks like this: Seoul from the 15th to the 19th Busan or Gyeongju from the 19th to the 21st Back to Seoul on the evening of the 21st since our flight leaves at 10 AM on the 22nd.

It’s not a lot of time, but it’ll give us a first glimpse of Asia and South Korea.

Chatulu Regular ·2025-03-22

Hi there, and thanks for your reply.

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you—I hadn’t turned on notifications, so I didn’t realize anyone had responded!

In the meantime, I’ve put together a little itinerary that looks like this: Seoul from the 15th to the 19th Busan or Gyeongju from the 19th to the 21st Back to Seoul on the evening of the 21st since our flight leaves at 10 AM on the 22nd.

It’s not a lot of time, but it’ll give us a first glimpse of Asia and South Korea.

Chatulu Regular ·2025-03-22

Hi and thanks for your reply.

Sorry for the delay in responding—I hadn’t turned on notifications, so I didn’t realize I’d gotten a reply!

In the meantime, I’ve put together a little itinerary that’ll look like this: Seoul from the 15th to the 19th Busan or Gyeongju from the 19th to the 21st Back to Seoul on the evening of the 21st since my flight leaves at 10 AM on the 22nd.

Do you think Busan or Gyeongju are good choices, or is there another area that might be more typical?

Thanks for the tips—I’m jotting them down carefully!

Yeah, unfortunately, I was limited by the duration and timing (work, school, etc.)...

It’s not much time on the ground, but it’ll give us a first glimpse of Asia and South Korea.

Patrick91230 Globetrotter ·2025-03-23

cool! 😉

Cordialement, Patrick.

Erjome Globetrotter ·2025-03-23

Hello,

In the meantime, I’ve put together a little itinerary that looks like this: Seoul from the 15th to the 19th Busan or Gyeongju from the 19th to the 21st Back to Seoul on the evening of the 21st since our flight leaves at 10 AM on the 22nd.

Do you think Busan or Gyeongju is a good choice, or is there another area that might be more typical?

Busan is a huge city—very modern and by the sea. You’ll need to take your time to really appreciate it.

On the other hand, Gyeongju is much smaller, more typical, and historic. Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto are a nice outing not too far away. In Gyeongju, the Dorandoran Guest House is a great place to stay—well-located, traditional architecture, and the elderly couple who run it are lovely and speak English. The breakfast is communal, with everyone pitching in. That said, if you're looking for high-end luxury, this isn’t the place for it.

Yes, unfortunately, I was limited by time and timing (work, school, etc.)...

It’s not much time, but it’ll give us a first glimpse of Asia and South Korea.

No doubt this first trip will make you want to come back.

"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit" "Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"

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