Seoul searching in South Korea’s capital city

Seoul has serious pulling power – a city where ancient palaces sit beside neon skylines, and tradition rubs shoulders with K-pop cool. But would you consider it as a solo destination? For Melinda, a married mum of two, it was the perfect place to mark her birthday by doing something entirely for herself. A chance to wander without compromise, linger longer in hidden cafés, and soak up a culture in one of Asia’s most exciting capitals. Here’s how her Seoul story unfolded.

From left: In the heart of Namdaemun Market. On an airport bus to the city centre. Scenes from Myeongdong Market

Why I went
As my 42nd birthday approached, I wanted to do something meaningful and just for me. Seoul had always been on my holiday hitlist as it blends tradition and modernity so beautifully. Going alone gave me the freedom to explore on my watch, without compromise. It also gave me time for self-reflection, to get off the hamster wheel of life in Singapore, sit quietly in a café or on a rooftop, and take in where I was and how far I’ve come.

First steps
Getting there was easy with a direct flight from Singapore to Incheon, followed by an airport bus into the city for about SGD$15. On my return, I used the AREX train from Seoul Station, which was super convenient. To do this, I based myself near Seoul Station for my last two nights. In total, I spent five days exploring.

First impressions
Seoul felt buzzing, crowded, and a little overwhelming with all the neon lights and people. But as I explored more, I began to notice its softer side, like Gyeongnidan-gil, a quieter street leading down to Itaewon, an area known for its coffee culture and late-night venues. After five days, the city felt surprisingly personal and welcoming.

Fro left: Kozayo Hostel in Hongdae. Hello from Gangnam! Authentic Korean street food at Namdaemun Market.

Where I stayed
I split my time between Hongdae and Seoul Station. Kozayo Hostel in Hongdae (kozayo.com) was clean, safe, and perfect for solo travellers. At SGD$50 a night, it wasn’t fancy but ideal for rest between adventures. Seoul Central Hotel near the station was more about convenience, being close to buses, markets, and transport links. Both worked well, depending on whether I wanted energy and nightlife, or practicality.

Exploring Seoul
Days began with coffee and planning before hours of sightseeing. I ticked off Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace, joined a Guruwalk tour of Gangnam (complete with the classic Gangnam Hands statue photo), and visited Starfield Library. Evenings were for street food, live buskers, and the electricity of Hongdae or Myeongdong. Highlights included the hilarious Nanta Show, Hongdae’s 8-floor Theme Café with amazing rooftop views, and Seoul’s newest attraction, the Seouldal Balloon Ride. I boarded in Yeouido Park at sunset and was majestically raised above the city.

Spending money
The underground malls felt like secret shopping worlds, serving up quirky socks, K-beauty, and bargains. Then there was the 10-storey Daiso, where I bagged a cooler for $5 and a mini thermos for $3. Food-wise, I loved the Korean-flavoured burgers and tacos, feasting on fried chicken with beer, and grazing at the night markets. The people-watching was next level!

From left: Soaring above Seoul in the iconic SEOULDAL balloon. Striking a pose by one of Seoul’s colourful signs. Bongeunsa Temple adorned with fluttering white prayer flags

City snags
Getting around was mostly convenient thanks to the Naver Maps apps, though the vast metro system tested me a few times and taught me to be very alert (but in a fun, adventurous way)! Ordering food also proved tricky at times because of the language barrier, but Google Lens was a lifesaver. Despite the challenges, locals were always willing to help.

With kids
I loved how travelling alone gave me independence and the freedom to explore how I wanted, but Seoul is also very family-friendly. There are amusement parks, children’s museums, spacious parks, and quirky places like the Smurf Magic Forest (smurfmagic.com). Kids will love the themed photobooths everywhere and the interactive cafés.

My lasting impressions
What surprised me most about Seoul was the efficiency of everything and how much creativity thrives in daily life, from dance and music to street art. I’m already planning my return, when I’ll have a picnic by the Han River, stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in the evening, try the Gangchon Rail Bike, book a Templestay (where you can live like a monk for a period), do a ring-making class, and visit nearby Nami Island. Honestly, one trip was not enough!

From left: A two-storey open library inside Gangnam’s COEX Mall. itnessing tradition at Gyeongbokgung Palace’s guard changing ceremony. Hongdae at night with neon lights and bustling streets