About
This is Arar, and I’m in Seoul at the moment. Hapjeong (the West Village?? of Seoul) to be more precise, in a high-rise apartment building that reminds me of Columbus Circle.
Holiday 2025, Photo by A. Au
Seoul is a little like Tokyo—full of everyday experiences that are different. It takes some getting used to. But since you don’t have open-ended time here and I do, I thought I’d gather up my trial and error and other mishaps to help you have a great visit while you’re here.
This site is a guide for my friends who:
- Are overseas Koreans like me, but want to experience this place as an adult, on a trip that isn’t dominated by meals with distant relatives.
- Are Asian American lovers of Korean stuff and want to visit, but are a little intimidated by traveling to a new place that isn’t English (or Mandarin) speaking.
- Are curious about the “glow up” but aren’t K-beauty aficionados.
Whether you are 1, 2, or 3—and I have been all of the above—you’re in the right place.
If you have questions, use the annotation feature to ask them right where they come up in the guide. I’ll answer as thoroughly as I can, as quickly as I can. Over time, this site will evolve as more people ask, as I learn what’s confusing, as Seoul itself changes.
Welcome. I hope this helps, and I hope you have a wonderful trip.