What are the MUST do things in Seoul as a first time visitor?

since you've got weeks, carve out a whole day for euljiro. it's this gritty industrial area that's turning into a hip nightlife spot but still has all these old machine shops and metalworkers during the day. grab soju at one of the rooftop bars that look out over the maze of alleys, the contrast is wild. most tourists skip it cause it's not on the typical lists yet

also download naver maps now and get used to it, google maps barely works here for walking directions. you'll thank me when you're not lost in the backstreets of jongno at 11pm trying to find that speakeasy your friend recommended

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

if you've got a few weeks, definitely book a stay at a jjimjilbang for one night. dragon hill spa near yongsan is the most tourist-friendly but i actually prefer siloam sauna near seoul station, quieter and the food is better. you'll see korean families hanging out at 2am eating boiled eggs and drinking sikhye, it's such a specific experience that no youtube video really captures the weird cozy chaos of it

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

honestly skip the gyeongbokgung palace if you're on a tight schedule, it's always packed and you'll get the same vibe at changdeokgung with way fewer tourists. the secret garden there needs a reservation but it's worth it.

for food don't waste time on instagram-famous places in myeongdong. hit up gwangjang market for bindae-tteok and mayak gimbap, or go to mangwon market which is smaller but more local. also try a pojangmacha at night, those tent bars near hongdae station have the best tteokbokki and soju vibes.

one thing youtube won't tell you is that namsan tower is kinda meh from the bottom but the cable car ride up at sunset is beautiful. just go on a weekday or you'll queue for an hour. also if you're into hiking, bukaksan has a restricted trail that gives u amazing views of the city and the old fortress wall, but you need to bring your passport for the checkpoint.

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

The 4대보험 hit is real but the bigger issue is hours getting cut in the rainy stretch of 장마, so your monthly total swings a lot. I'd ask current staff about the actual shift schedule before signing, not the posted rate.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

b birga local · 49m

장마 shifts get cut first, ask about 우천 대체 근무

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

s sybilla local · 48m

for real, and the rainy day shifts they swap you into are usually shorter, so ask how many actual hours a week you'd get

arrow_drop_up 1 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

Adventure Park runs on short seasonal contracts, so expect around minimum wage (10,320 won in 2025, maybe 10,500 in 2026) minus 4대보험, which drops your take-home more than people think. On that, a deposit-heavy Seoul rent is a stretch unless you share a place or live out near the park.

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

s sybilla local · 51m

yeah but short contracts mean no severance either

arrow_drop_up 0 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply