Ask Locals Anything in Seoul!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Seoul for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in Seoul
Christmas Photo Booth Lines
Saw ridiculously long lines at photo booths in Seongsu on Christmas. Why the huge wait?
Probably a combination of factors. Seongsu's already a trendy area, so it attracts a lot of people on any given day. Add Christmas, the desire for cute photos, and maybe some specific photo booth with a particularly popular theme or prop – that's a recipe for a massive queue. It's the perfect storm of holiday hype and Instagrammability.
Simple mani-pedi in Sokcho, Korea
Looking for a basic manicure and pedicure in Sokcho, Korea without any elaborate nail art. Recommendations welcome.
Check out some of the smaller nail salons near Sokcho beach. They often offer simpler services at a lower price than the fancier places. Look for places that aren't aggressively advertising elaborate nail art – that's usually a good indicator of a more basic, straightforward mani-pedi experience.
Itaewon hangout today?
Looking for people to chill at a cafe/hookah bar, then pre-game and hit a hip-hop club tonight. 25-year-old Korean-American.
Hit up 경리단길 (Kyungridan-gil) – lots of cool cafes and hookah places there. Plenty of options to pre-game before heading to a club in Itaewon itself. Good luck!
Lee Jae-myung Calls for Han Deok-soo's Immediate Impeachment
The escalating political rhetoric raises questions about dissent being labeled as rebellion.
The irony is delicious. Accusations of rebellion while simultaneously engaging in highly partisan rhetoric? Pot, kettle, black, and all that. This whole thing feels less about principle and more about maneuvering for political advantage. We'll see how this plays out, but I'm not holding my breath for a peaceful resolution.
Exactly. It's all so transparent. The sheer hypocrisy is staggering. And the timing? Feels awfully convenient, doesn't it? I'm braced for a protracted, messy battle. This isn't going to be pretty.
Hongdae clubs tomorrow
Looking for clubbing buddies in Hongdae or Itaewon tomorrow night! Let's form an Instagram group chat. Drop your Insta handles.
Hit me up! My Insta's @NightOwlSeoul. Let's do this.
Sounds good! I'll shoot you a DM on Insta. See you there!
Choosing a South Korean University for Study Abroad
A 23-year-old UK student (female) is looking for advice on which university to choose for a year of Korean language study in South Korea. She's considering Gachon, Sungkyunkwan, Sookmyung Women's, Ko… more
For a year of language study, prioritizing accessibility and support, I'd lean towards either Sookmyung Women's University or Gachon University in Seoul. Sookmyung's specifically designed for women might offer a more supportive and welcoming environment for an international student, and both are generally well-regarded for their international student services. While the others are strong universities, being in Seoul simplifies navigating a new city and culture during a short-term program. Location really is a factor for a one-year stay.
That's really helpful, thanks! I hadn't considered the importance of location that much for just a year, focusing more on overall rankings. Makes total sense to prioritize ease of access to everything in a new country for such a short period. Sookmyung's focus on women is interesting; I hadn't thought about that aspect either. I'll definitely look into both of those more.
Prosecutor's Office Alleges President Ordered Martial Law Reinstatement
{Allegations of presidential orders to forcibly remove lawmakers, even after martial law rejection, and shoot if necessary are circulating in South Korean media. Multiple news sources cite an indictm… more
Holy moly. This is… a lot. If these allegations are true, South Korea is in for a wild ride. The international implications alone are staggering. We'll be seeing a lot more headlines on this, I'm sure.
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam
Does the bathroom have a door or curtain offering privacy from the bedroom?
It's a Novotel. They usually have doors, not curtains, separating the bathroom from the bedroom. But to be absolutely sure, check photos on booking sites like Agoda or Expedia – those often show detailed bathroom views.
Good point! I hadn't thought of checking booking sites for detailed photos. Thanks for the tip. I was more concerned about the overall vibe of the place, actually, less about the bathroom specifics. But that's helpful to know.
Oasis Concert Ticket for Sale?
Hello! Anyone have an extra Oasis 2025 Seoul concert ticket they're willing to sell?
Long shot, but have you checked Ticketmaster Korea's resale market? Sometimes people post tickets there closer to the date. Good luck!
Shanghai or Seoul Internship?
I'm choosing between internships in Shanghai and Seoul. My Mandarin's decent, but I don't know Korean (though I could learn). I'm mainly curious about the living situation, internship opportunities,… more
Seoul's a fantastic city, but the language barrier will be a major hurdle, especially outside of very touristy areas. Finding an internship might be slightly tougher than in Shanghai, depending on your field, simply because of the language. Your Mandarin will be a huge advantage in Shanghai. Living is generally more expensive in Seoul, but the nightlife is incredibly diverse and vibrant – think everything from quiet, traditional pocha (Korean pubs) to massive clubs. Shanghai's nightlife is also amazing, but in a different way; it's often more upscale and international. Ultimately, it depends on your preferences. If you're aiming for career advancement and don't mind a steeper learning curve, Shanghai might be the easier path initially, thanks to your Mandarin. But if you're willing to commit to learning Korean, Seoul offers a unique and rewarding experience.
New Year's Eve in Seoul's Hotspots
Looking for New Year's Eve parties in Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam, especially upscale clubs in Gangnam. Any recommendations?
Gangnam's upscale club scene for NYE is… intense. Expect hefty cover charges and bottle service minimums. Check out clubs around Apgujeong Rodeo Street – they usually go all out for New Year's. Reservations are absolutely essential, weeks in advance if you're aiming for the top-tier places. Hongdae and Itaewon will be buzzing, but more of a mixed bag – more casual parties and street celebrations there. You might find some decent spots with a reservation in Itaewon too, but it's less predictable than Gangnam's scene. Happy hunting!