First Impressions of South Korea

Snowfall, Skyline Views, and Seoul’s Flavorful Food Scene

3/22/20252 min read

My first weeks in Korea have been a whirlwind of sights, flavors, and discoveries. Walking through Seoul’s historic palaces, hiking up to Seoul Tower, and watching snow blanket the city was a surreal way to begin this journey. Each step has given me a deeper appreciation for the city’s energy, its people, and the quiet nuances of daily life in Korea.

Walking Through Seoul’s History

One of my first explorations in the city took me to Deoksunung Palace, a famous historic palace in Seoul. The grand, sweeping rooftops and intricate details on the gates were captivating, starkly contrasting the modern cityscape surrounding them. It was a moment of stepping back in time, imagining centuries of tradition unfolding within these palace walls.

A Hike to Seoul’s Skyline

One of my favorite moments so far has been hiking up to Seoul Tower with a friend. The air was crisp, and the climb was steady but rewarding. As we reached the top, the entire city sprawled before us, framed by a light dusting of snow that had begun to fall. It was breathtaking—Seoul’s vast urban landscape stretching to the horizon, glowing under the evening sky.

It was in this moment that I truly felt the scale of the city and my place in it. There’s something about climbing to the top of a city that makes you feel like you’re really there, fully immersed in it.

Observing Korean Culture & People

One of the things I’ve noticed early on is how reserved the people here tend to be. There’s a quiet politeness in public spaces—people generally keep to themselves, conversations are hushed on the subway, and even in bustling streets, there’s an unspoken orderliness. As someone who has traveled through more expressive and chaotic cultures, this is a shift that I’m learning to embrace.

It’s not that Koreans aren’t warm—rather, there’s a different rhythm to social interaction. I’ve found that small gestures, like a respectful bow or a kind smile when ordering food, go a long way in bridging that initial reserve.

Discovering the Food Scene

Early in my trip, I relied heavily on convenience stores for meals—ramen, onigiri, and mandu (dumplings). These were quick, easy, and cheap, costing around 6,000 won (roughly $4 USD, for ramen and mandu).

But as I’ve settled in, I’ve realized just how accessible great food is here. For around 10,000 to 14,000 won ($6-10 USD), I can sit down for a full meal at a local restaurant. These meals are an experience in themselves—plates of sizzling meats, endless side dishes, fresh rice, and a depth of flavor that far surpasses the convenience store fare. The cost-to-quality ratio in Korea is impressive, making dining out an exciting and worthwhile part of daily life.

Looking Ahead

This first week in Korea has already shown me so much, but I know it’s just the beginning. From its stunning cityscapes and deep-rooted traditions to its flavorful food and cultural nuances, Seoul is a city that unfolds in layers.