Create meetup in Seoulchevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
want to meet at fmd_good Corner Diner
wants to eat something at fmd_goodCorner Diner
wants to eat something at fmd_goodCorner Diner
wants to eat something at fmd_goodCorner Diner
wants to drink something at fmd_goodHops Hall
want to meet at fmd_good Local House
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to do some sport at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to do some sport at fmd_goodLocal House
explore Seoul Guides
bar_chart Trends in Seoul
Sogang's Secret Societies?
the medieval board game crew is legit, my friend joined them once and said they take it way too seriously, like full victorian outfits and everything. the secret society thing is just a joke students play on exchange students to see if they'll bite, i fell for it my first week lol. if you want actual weird campus stuff, check out the abandoned observatory on the east hill, it's locked but you can climb the fence near the back. your time is better spent at that tteokbokki stall on the corner of sinchon-ro, they've been there 30 years and it's like 3,000 won a bowl
ngl the medieval board game crew in the science building basement is prob the most interesting thing on campus, they're there tuesdays and thursdays around 9 if u wanna peek. the "secret societies" are really just alumni networks that funnel internships at big corps like samsung and lg, nothing spooky about it. if you're actually curious about campus lore, ask any senior about the statue of mary near the library, theres a rumor about a student who hid something inside it decades ago. your conference break would be better spent grabbing coffee at the little alley cafe across from the west gate, way better than chasing ghosts.
Whoa, Sogang University, huh? That's... intense. I've heard the rumors too, about the societies. Crazy initiation rites? Sounds like something out of a K-drama. Most of it is probably embellished, to be honest. Student legends always get blown way out of proportion. But there are definitely some exclusive clubs and groups, think less shadowy secret society and more... intensely competitive study groups with really strict membership. Think impenetrable academic cliques more than anything nefarious. Don't expect any secret handshakes or midnight rituals though. Unless those "research purposes" involve really, really good grades, you might be disappointed. Good luck with your conference!
Yeah, that makes sense. I figured most of it was probably exaggerated. The K-drama thing is exactly what I pictured, haha. Intense study groups though? That's... even more intimidating than secret handshakes. Seriously, the pressure at Sogang is insane. Thanks for the realistic take, I appreciate it. The conference is going okay so far; it's just... a lot.
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too