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Alone in Seoul, what to do and where to stay?
Problem is, I fly on Dec 5th and dorms open on the 8th, so I'll have to book accommodation. I have… I am travelling to Korea (for the first time) for a 3 month exchange programme at KU this December.
Problem is, I fly on Dec 5th and dorms open on the 8th, so I'll have to book accommodation. I have been looking for a convenient-ish location to spend my first few days in Seoul, however, most of the places available at a somewhat affordable price are all dorms/shared rooms. Having a private room is important to me as I will be carrying a decent amount of luggage, and I don't want to inconvenience myself and others. I was wondering if there are any locations that are: easy to get to from ICN airport, and not too far from central Seoul. Yeouido has some nice places that caught my attention, but I wasn't sure if it was a decent area to stay. Please let me know if you have any recommendations!
Secondly, I'll most likely be travelling alone for the first few days, so I would like some recommendations on some lowkey things worth doing to get a little taste of Seoul (I want to save the more popular, 'touristy' things for group hangouts). I am probably going to visit some food markets and shop around Hongdae or Myeongdong, but other than that, I don't really have any other plans. I fear I might end up killing time in a PC cafe D: ... so please give me ideas!!
Also, if you guys have any tips and tricks for getting around in Seoul, I'd love to hear them.
Looking forward to reading your responses! :D
yeouido is fine for a few days, pretty central and easy to get to from the airport via the airport railroad and a transfer at hongdae. it's a business district so it's quiet at night, which might be good if you want to sleep off jet lag. for a private room that won't break the bank, check out the airbnbs in gongdeok or mapo-gu area, they're close to KU and still convenient from the airport without being in the party zones.
for solo lowkey stuff, skip myeongdong on your own, it's just chain stores and chaos. instead walk the seoul fortress wall from dongdaemun to naksan park, takes about an hour and gives you a great view without the tourist crowds. also check out ikseon-dong for hanok alley cafes, it's quieter than bukchon and you can wander into random little galleries. if you want food markets, go to mangwon market instead of gwangjang, it's smaller and more local, and you can eat your way through it in an hour without feeling rushed.
getting around is easy, get a t-money card from any convenience store at the airport and load like 20,000 won. the subway is in english and naver maps works way better than google maps here. for your first few days, just take the airport railroad all-stop train to seoul station, it's cheap and direct. and honestly
For that gap between arrival and dorms, look at the goshiwons in Sinchon. They're tiny private rooms meant for students studying for exams, usually around 30,000-40,000 won a night, and you can book through places like Kim's Goshiwon or just walk into one. You'll have your own space for your luggage and it puts you right next to KU's main gate, so you can wander over and figure out where your buildings are before classes start.
For solo time, take the subway to Anguk station exit 2 and just walk north through Samcheong-dong without a map. The side streets have small ceramic studios and independent bookshops that don't show up on any tourist list, and you'll end up at the back entrance of Gyeongbokgung without the ticket line crowds. Grab a bowl of kongguksu at a random spot when you get hungry, it's cold noodle soup and December is actually the perfect time for it since the broth is refreshing.
Download KakaoMap before you land, it works better than Naver Maps for walking directions and shows you which subway car door to stand at for transfers. When you get your T-money card, set up the automatic reload at a convenience store so you never have to queue at the machines.
honestly for accommodation, check out the guesthouses in sinchon or near ewha womans univ - tons of cheap private rooms with shared bathrooms and they're like a 20 min bus from KU. way easier than dealing with yeouido imo and youll already be near campus so you can scope out where your classes are
for solo stuff, go to seoul forest on a weekday morning, its mostly locals walking their dogs and you can just sit by the han river. also the d museum in yongsan is usually empty on weekdays and has cool rotating exhibits
Cultural Etiquette in Seoul: What Not to Do (2026)
When meeting someone for the first time, a slight bow with your eyes lowered is the standard greeting. Handshakes are common in business settings, but use both hands or support… 🙇 Greeting Customs
When meeting someone for the first time, a slight bow with your eyes lowered is the standard greeting. Handshakes are common in business settings, but use both hands or support your right wrist with your left hand to show respect. Avoid overly firm handshakes, as a gentle grip is preferred.
🏯 Temple and Palace Rules
At temples like Jogyesa or Bongeunsa, dress modestly: cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering any prayer hall. Photography is often prohibited inside the main halls, so look for signs or ask a monk. When sitting for meditation or a ceremony, never point your feet at a Buddha image; tuck them under you.
🥢 Dining Etiquette
Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual. Do not pick up food with your fingers unless it's a finger food like a wrap; use chopsticks or a spoon. When eating with elders, wait for them to start first, and do not start eating until the oldest person at the table has taken their first bite.
💵 Tipping and Paying
Tipping is not customary in South Korea, and leaving a tip at a restaurant or for a taxi driver may be refused or seen as odd. In group dining, the person who invites usually pays, and splitting the bill evenly is common among friends. If you want to treat someone, offer to pay before the bill arrives, as arguing over the check is a polite ritual.
👗 Dress Codes
In Seoul, casual wear is fine for most places, but avoid wearing revealing clothes in traditional neighborhoods like Bukchon or at religious sites. For upscale restaurants or clubs in Gangnam, smart casual is expected, and some venues may enforce a dress code. During summer, light fabrics are essential, but always carry a light jacket for air-conditioned spaces.
🤫 Public Behavior
Keep your voice low on public transportation and in cafes; Koreans value quiet in shared spaces. On the subway, give up your seat for the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities, as designated seats are reserved for them. Avoid eating or drinking on the subway, and do not play music or videos without headphones.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in traditional markets like Gwangjang or Namdaemun. In palaces and museums, flash photography is often banned to protect artifacts, so turn off your flash. When taking selfies in crowded areas, be mindful of others and do not block walkways.
🚶 Queueing and Transit
When boarding buses or subways, let passengers exit first, then form a line on the side of the doors. On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left, though in some stations it's the opposite, so follow the signs. In busy areas like Hongdae or Myeongdong, keep to the right side of the sidewalk to avoid collisions.
the guide got the chopstick thing right but one thing people really mess up is the green onion thing. if u order samgyeopsal or any grilled meat with ssam, don't cut the pajori (green onion salad) into tiny pieces with scissors unless someone offers. it's a whole vibe thing, older folks take it as rushing the meal. just tear it with ur hands or leave it whole, the grill does the work.
also on the bowing, don't do the 90 degree thing for strangers. a quick nod from the neck is fine, full bows are for funerals or formal apologies. i've seen tourists do a deep bow at a convenience store and the cashier looked like they wanted to die. keep it light, especially in hongdae or itaewon where everyone's chill.
and one thing the guide missed: if u're invited to a norebang (karaoke room), u don't have to sing but u do have to at least clap and nod along. sitting silent with ur phone out kills the mood. just fake it for one song and u're golden.
Good list, and the bit about not starting to eat before elders is the one I've seen tourists struggle with most. If you're with a Korean group and you're the youngest, you'll also be expected to pour drinks for everyone else before you pour your own. It's not a huge deal, but doing it right makes a great impression. Use two hands when pouring for someone older, and if you're receiving, hold your glass with two hands too.
One thing the guide didn't touch on is the subway card situation. Get a T-money card at any convenience store, it works on buses, subways, and even some taxis. You tap it on the reader, and it's way cheaper than single ride tickets. Also, when you transfer between bus and subway within 30 minutes, you get a discount automatically, so don't buy separate tickets for each leg. The machines at the station are in English, but the convenience store is faster.
honestly the guide nails the basics, but one thing nobody mentions is the whole "Korean age" thing when you're out drinking. if someone asks how old you are, they're not being nosy, they're trying to figure out if they should use formal speech or if you can be casual. it's a quick way to break the ice, just answer straight and don't overthink it.
another tip for the dining section: if you're at a pojangmacha (the street tents in Jongno or near Hongik Univ station), the ajumma running it might just hand you side dishes without asking. that's not a mistake, it's her way of saying welcome. eat them, they're usually the best part. and don't ask for a menu, there isn't one, you point at what looks good or just say "anything" and she'll sort you out.
oh and for the tipping thing, if you're at a fancy hotel and a valet helps with your bag, a small tip is fine even if it's not customary. they won't refuse it, they'll just give you a weird look like "oh this foreigner tried to tip me" and then pocket it anyway. so don't stress about that one.