On our last day in the city before heading back to Japan, we decided to take the hop-on, hop-off bus tour to explore the city in a relaxed way and give our tired legs a rest after all the walking we'd done. The bus tour was included in our pass, so we were able to end our stay on a high note without too much physical exertion.
One thing to flag is that it would've been easier to buy or exchange our tickets directly on the bus to avoid these little detours. Once we got our wristbands, everything was well organised and we were able to just let ourselves get from one stop to the next.
We chose the 'Traditional Culture' route, which takes in some of the city's most iconic sites. The bus leaves every 30 minutes from 9:30am to 5pm from the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which is a really modern venue in the heart of Seoul and a bit of a contrast to the theme of the tour. This allowed us to discover a lovely mix of tradition and modernity, with convenient stops to get off and explore, then get back on when we felt like it. It was the perfect way to end our trip in the city, with some memorable stops that we'll always remember.
We got off at Cheongwadae, right in front of the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace, ready to learn more about Korean history. Before going into the palace gardens, we decided to hire some hanboks, those magnificent traditional Korean garments, to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. There are a few shops near the palace that rent out these traditional Korean clothes. It's not unusual to see visitors in hanboks wandering through the alleys and in front of the palaces, adding a vibrant and authentic touch to the landscape.
Thanks to our pass, we were able to hire one at no extra cost. However, the range of hanboks included in the pass was slightly more limited than those available to those hiring without a pass, with fewer colours and styles. Even so, we found some great outfits that made our visit even more memorable. As well as the outfit, we also got a small bag and a hair accessory, which added a bit of extra style. However, hair and make-up weren't included with our pass.
The hire shops are well organised, with a locker to leave our personal belongings in while we're out and about. As we left the shop, dressed in our hanboks, we joined many other visitors also dressed in traditional outfits. It was great to be immersed in the atmosphere of the past, surrounded by the royal architecture and lush gardens of the palace.
We got our pass for the Gyeongbokgung Palace, but we ended up not even needing it because it was free that day! It was a nice surprise that meant we could keep our pass for other activities.
As soon as we got into the palace, we felt like we'd been transported to another era. We were surrounded by elegant roof pavilions and tranquil gardens. Dressed in our hanboks, we felt like we were part of history, as if we were walking through the centuries alongside the people who once lived there.
After our enjoyable time at the palace, we went back to the hotel. I suddenly realised that I'd left my passport in my bag. I was pretty panicked at that point – losing your passport abroad is a nightmare scenario! Luckily, after a thorough search, I found it had just been left in the room. It was a scary moment, but thankfully, no harm done!
To recover from our excitement, we decided to have lunch in a small traditional restaurant right next to the hotel. The menu had a Korean fondue, or 'jeongol', which we hadn't really heard of before but which sounded interesting. I have to admit that we didn't really understand the ingredients or how to prepare it, but luckily the waitress, despite the language barrier, was incredibly attentive and guided us step by step. She showed us how to mix the ingredients in the simmering broth, adding vegetables, meats and noodles as the dish cooked in front of us.
The result was delicious – a typically Korean blend of comforting and spicy flavours. On top of that, it was a really filling meal, just what we needed to recharge after a morning of sightseeing, and at a great price. It was a great culinary experience that we'll remember as one of the highlights of our stay!
We caught the bus from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the first stop on the route. We could have got on at any stop, but this was the most convenient one from our hotel, so we decided to keep it simple!
This time we got off at the famous Namsan Tower stop, with the intention of going up to admire the panoramic view of Seoul. However, when we got there, we saw that there was a long queue. With the chill of nightfall, we felt that waiting would be a bit chilly, both literally and figuratively.
We ultimately decided to switch up our itinerary and head back to Myeong-dong for some retail therapy. This district, known for its lively boutiques, cosmetics and street snacks, quickly made us forget our disappointment at the Namsan Tower. We spent the rest of the day wandering around the stalls, trying out a few Korean beauty products and tasting some new flavours, which was a great way to end the day!
Wandering around the streets of Seoul, I couldn't help noticing the many shops with French names, often with a touch of humour. Sometimes the names were elegant phrases or words chosen for their exotic sound, giving the signs a special charm.
These slightly unexpected French touches add a chic and sometimes quirky edge to the shop fronts, which seem to play on the imagination that France represents here. This little French touch made discovering the alleyways all the more fun and full of surprises!
At the end of the street, I noticed a Café de Paris, which seemed like it was a long way from France, but was actually right in the heart of Seoul. I know of one other café de Paris, in Monaco on the Place du Casino. It has a lot of prestige, but the prices are not at all local.
Here, the atmosphere was very different: the sign evoked French elegance, but the atmosphere remained friendly and accessible. The prices were also more reasonable, appropriate for a small café or patisserie, and I couldn't help but smile at the contrast. This ‘Café de Paris’ in Seoul had its own personality, a surprising mix of Parisian style and local charm that gave it a unique character.
The Café de Paris spanned three floors, with an uninterrupted view of the bustling, illuminated street below. At 6.30 p.m., the place was deserted and I felt as if I had exclusive use of it, as if this vast space had been reserved for me for a moment.
I was sitting by the window, enjoying a slice of rainbow cake – that famous rainbow cake with its colourful tiers. It looked amazing and, thankfully, it tasted just as good. I also got a peach iced tea to go with the dessert.
As I enjoyed each mouthful and took a sip of tea, I appreciated the moment of calm while watching the passers-by and the neon signs that were starting to come on everywhere. It was a nice change of pace from the non-stop action of Seoul.
It was our last walk through Seoul before we head off to Japan tomorrow. It was a busy time of day, with lots going on in the streets and street food stalls drawing in passers-by with their delicious aromas. The city was lit up with colourful lights, giving the alleyways an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The vibrant neon lights provided a striking contrast to the chill of the evening.
Winter was slowly but surely setting in. The air was cooler, coats were thicker, and a few stalls were even offering hot drinks to warm the hands of strollers. The combination of the wintery atmosphere and the buzz of the city made this last evening in Seoul really special. One last stroll through the city, taking in the sights, sounds and smells before heading off to explore new places.
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