Korea Trip 2025 Incheon and Seoul by KEVIN JIE

Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요)

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 19:16:45 UTC

Hello! My name is Miki, my major is Illustration and I will be going into my Senior year of my bachelors. This Padlet highlights the many different things that I got to experience on my study abroad trip to Korea. The title of this course is "Tradition and Innovation in Asian Art and Design" and I honestly felt that I really got to experience and see so many different art forms ranging from traditional to modern contemporary art. Along with the curriculum I did quite a bit of shopping, sightseeing, and eating which all added to and created a very positive and fun experience in Korea!

Arrival

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 19:31:30 UTC

My friends and I finally landed in South Korea at the Incheon International Airport after two 10 hour flights and a layover in Istanbul. We met up with our professor, Professor Kyunghee Pyun, dropped off our stuff at the hotel and immediately started our trip with a visit to the Hyundai Premium Outlets in Songdo. This Outlet mall is gigantic with many outdoor and indoor stores spanning across multiple streets. This would be a place that we would visit multiple times in our time in Incheon.

First Meal

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 19:37:12 UTC

Nothing is better than your first actual meal after a long flight. This was the first thing me and my friends did after getting to the mall and splitting up with our professor. The food was great, I had a bibimbap, dumplings and a zero calorie soda, I probably finished this in like 5 minutes flat.

Start of day

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 19:54:10 UTC

Woke up early and got ready for class. Here's a mirror selfie of me and my roommate, Ella, before we met with our professor and the class for our first-ever class excursion. We were extra excited to see what Korea would offer us today!

FIT Korea

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 19:56:17 UTC

SUNY Korea

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 20:06:02 UTC

We all went back through the Hyundai Outlets to make it to SUNY Korea where FIT's Korean campus is located. This University is huge and comprised of many different SUNY schools, but we mostly toured the FIT portion. There are so many facilities on this campus and i'm honestly quite jealous of their amenities. We also made use of a couple of their lecture halls and had class here, joining in on a guest lecture from our professor to a class of current FIT Korea students.

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 20:07:37 UTC

Some garments on display at FIT Korea's hallways, we were able to view so many works here made by many different students and alumni, and each of them was stunning. I particularly enjoyed how they displayed these pieces in the hallway.

Hyundai Premium Outlets

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 20:08:40 UTC

Went back to the Hyundai Outlets for more shopping and dinner with friends! Streamers lined the tops of the area, making for a beautiful backdrop.

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 21:03:59 UTC

Started the day off with a coffee from the lobby, I was shocked when I saw that my morning coffee was about equivalent to 2$ American. I had an apple mango coffee with an extra shot of espresso and it was terrible, just not my jam.

Startup Park

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 21:04:22 UTC

Roof of Startup Park

Startup Park Diagram Show

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 21:04:46 UTC

Our first stop this day was startup park, I was honestly confused as to where we were going but I was impressed by how modern and nice this working space was. I especially enjoyed watching the reel of movie scenes shot at startup park.

Central Park

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 21:05:51 UTC

Central Park draws equivalents to New York's own central park as a giant public park with multiple landmarks within. Here is a picture of me in the middle of the vast pastel cobblestone square found somewhere in the center.

Hyungji Fashion Group

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-20 21:06:06 UTC

A warm welcome indeed from the Hyungji Fashion Group! I really enjoyed touring this building, their facilities, and all of the projects that the Hyungji fashion group has been a part of and is currently a part of. I felt very welcome, and I enjoyed the gifts that they gave us, especially the little introduction to Korean snacks and refreshments we received at the beginning of our conference.

Incheon Harbor Museum - Incheon Blues

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-21 18:20:43 UTC

Our first museum of the trip! Enjoyed watching this early short film from 1960 titled Incheon Blue's. Its a little crude and more in tuned with Animation more than a short film, with static people moving at different times across a lateral plane, but the film proves interesting nonetheless.

Museum of World Writing System , Gustave Dore Exhibition

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-21 18:21:02 UTC

I really enjoyed seeing all of Gustave Dore's artworks on display, there is so much detail packed into each and every one of his drawings. However, I did not enjoy the implementation of AI within this exhibit. AI was used to animate his artworks, not very well may I add. AI was also used to distort his face and deepfake the illustrator to speak in korean. I just don't think Gustave Dore would approve of his artwork and likeness being implemented with AI in exhibition.

Chinatown Rose Bush

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-21 18:21:16 UTC

The class all split up in Chinatown this day. Chinatown had some of the cheapest prices for just about anything, and the food was amazing. Street vendors and restaurants alike, all charging a very small fee for high-quality food. Here is a picture my friends and I took in front of a beautiful red rosebush; there were a couple of them scattered around Chinatown.

Wormido, Amusement Park

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-21 18:21:37 UTC

Wormido was such a treat, my friends and I walked there from Chinatown, and although it was a long walk, it was so worth it. Nier the water is a boardwalk with rides and games spread across it. We spent the rest of our day here, and although we were tired, all the fun we were having kept us going into the night!

Hwamunseok Museum

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-22 19:31:34 UTC

Creating Hwamunseok was so much fun; it put into perspective the skill and artistry required to create the giant, beautiful, and stunning pieces featured in the museum part of the Hwamunseok museum. Although we all made these mats, there was a clear difference between our little coaster mats and the large mats with pictures depicted through the alternating of colored and uncolored pieces of straw.

Goryeo Palace

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-22 19:32:33 UTC

The Goryeo Palace was stunning; there was so much work and history packed within these walls. These royal records document a scene with its simplistic figures and style. These documents record royal events such as weddings, funerals, or diplomatic missions. These documents also show the precise order and hierarchy of participants in state events. I particularly enjoy the way the artist positioned each figure, some from the side and some from the back, to arrange the document.

Jogyesa Temple

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-22 20:59:12 UTC

Visiting Jogyesa Temple was both peaceful and meaningful. Just like Gyungbokgung Palace, surrounded by tall buildings, is the contrast of this beautiful Buddhist temple. It almost felt like a hidden sanctuary. The main hall, Daeungjeon, was stunning. Its colorful wooden carvings and intricate roof details were absolutely beautiful. Inside, three golden Buddha statues sat peacefully, and people came in and out to bow, pray, or simply sit in silence. I took a moment to sit, too, just taking it all in. The whole space felt incredibly spiritual and grounding.

Gyungbokgung Palace Changing of guards

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-22 21:01:51 UTC

I was able to catch the changing of the guard ceremony, which happens right in front of the main gate. The guards where bright, colorful hanbok and carried traditional weapons—it felt like watching history unfold right before my eyes, something truly out of a painting just like the one found in the previous days Goryeo palace! Their disciplined movements and the sound of drums echoing in the courtyard made it easy to imagine life back in the Joseon Dynasty.

Gyungbokgung Palace

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-22 21:03:14 UTC

Visiting Gyungbokgung Palace was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed getting dressed in Hanbok and seeing almost everyone at the palace dressed similarly. As I passed through the massive Gwanghwamun Gate, the noise of the city seemed to almost fade behind me. Here, between the modern city and large buildings, sits a preserved piece of Korean history. The palace grounds were expansive and serene, surrounded by distant mountains that framed the whole scene. I enjoyed this whole experience; it truly made me feel like royalty.

Irworobongdo Mural

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-22 21:47:57 UTC

This stunning mural is a modern take on the traditional Korean painting called Irworobongdo. The mural shows the sun and moon on either side, with five green mountain peaks rising in the center, crashing waves below, and tall pine trees on both sides. We later learned that this scene was once placed behind the king’s throne during the Joseon Dynasty, symbolizing cosmic balance, royal authority, and harmony between nature and rule. It felt surreal to see something so historical presented in such a modern way, right in the middle of the city. This was another good example of how Korea is both modernizing itself and keeping history alive. It was like discovering a piece of the palace, tucked into an everyday street.

Park Sul Nyeo’s Hanbok studio

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-22 21:59:50 UTC

Visiting Park Sul Nyeo’s Hanbok studio was such a unique and memorable experience. Each piece looked like it was made with incredible attention to detail. The colors and patterns paired with the delicate embroidery truly prove her skill as both a fashion designer and artist. I especially loved how the hanbok in her studio felt both royal and wearable, like something you’d see in historical dramas, but also feel proud to wear yourself. My favorite part of the visit was definitely the wall of photos, dozens of visitors from around the world dressed in her designs, smiling, posing, and celebrating Korean culture. It really showed how fashion can bring people together, no matter where they’re from.

Music Complex Seoul - Rooftop Record Bar

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-22 23:58:36 UTC

Later in the day, we visited a record bar. I wanted to stop and enjoy some music with my friends, but we had such a packed schedule, we were not able to. This is one of my favorite soundtracks from a movie. Blue Giant is an amazing anime Jazz movie that I would highly recommend.

Mango Bingsu!

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 00:00:13 UTC

I love sweets, we took a pit stop and got refreshments, I got a mango smoothie and a mango bingsu, they were both amazing. Bingsu really is better in Korea when compared to ones i've had in the states, way more affordable as well.

On the steps of the Palace!

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 00:13:52 UTC

My friends and I are posing in our hanboks, the hanbok rental place also gave us little purses to carry our things around in. We all looked so good and felt so pretty after putting on our hanboks. I loved the light purple my friend Michelle picked out; I should've gone with purple!

Hanbok Selfie!

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 00:23:33 UTC

Felt good after putting on my hanbok and getting my hair done, it really made me feel like a princess. In retrospect, I would totally have chosen a different chima (skirt), but this one was tiered, pink, and oh so pretty.

Ehwa Hanbok Collection

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:06:07 UTC

I love these hanbok tops, and I find them incredibly charming. They embody a sort of delicate elegance that feels both graceful and endearing. Their soft, pastel hues and subtle floral patterns lend them a gentle, almost ethereal quality that I find very sweet. These Hanbok Tops are definitely something I would see in my own personal wardrobe. I also love the contrast between colors here, purple with its complete color wheel opposite yellow, creates an alluring and sweet display.

Sculpture From Hong ik Student Exhibition

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:07:36 UTC

I like this sculpture made by a student at Hong ik University because it feels both unexpected and thought-provoking. The way the artist carved realistic human feet at the ends of what looks like rough, natural wooden logs creates an unusual contrast between organic nature and human form. It makes me reflect on how people are deeply connected to nature, almost growing out of it like branches or roots. I also appreciate how the rough texture of the wood is left untouched, except for the incredibly detailed feet, may I add. It shows a balance between raw material and precise craftsmanship.

SNU Student Showcase

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:09:05 UTC

I love these two paintings from the student showcase. I can tell that the artist who painted them is adept at creating surreal images that capture a sort of delicate femininity. These two paintings capture a dreamlike sense of elegance through their soft, muted palette and hyper-focused framing. The left piece highlights a ribbon tied gracefully around the neck, rendered in soft pastels that evoke both innocence and quiet sophistication. The right painting draws attention to a ballet-inspired shoe, adorned with an almost foil-like medium set against a moody, reflective surface that is almost like water or glass. The mix between media creates a strong contrast that's both engaging and eye-popping. Together, the works celebrate femininity and fashion with a surreal stillness that invites you to look closer.

Kyujanggak Ssangnyuk

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:09:50 UTC

This image shows a traditional Korean board game known as Ssangnyuk, which dates back to the late Joseon period. It was often played among the yangban (scholar/official) class and remains a fascinating example of Korea’s historical gaming culture. Ssangnyuk is a two-player game somewhat reminiscent of backgammon. Players use two dice to determine the movement of cone-shaped pieces, each team trying to move all their pieces around the board's circular path and safely back home. The game requires strategy, anticipation, and a bit of luck, making it both intellectually stimulating and unpredictable. As someone who absolutely loves games, I was instantly drawn to it. I’m always intrigued by how different cultures express play, competition, and strategy. Discovering this game made me imagine what it might have been like to sit on a heated ondol floor centuries ago, caught up in the excitement of dice rolls and clever moves. It's amazing how games can connect people across time.

National Folk Museum 1970s - 1980s Storefront

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:12:29 UTC

This charming storefront is a preserved re-creation of a neighborhood shop from South Korea’s past, the 1970s to the 1980s. The shop is divided into two sections. On the left, the yellow sign reads “근대화수퍼” (Modernization Super), and on the right, the green sign reads “현대문구사” (Hyundai Stationery Store). These shops reflect the daily life of Korean communities during the rapid industrialization period, when modern goods started appearing. You’ll notice the vintage Pepsi logo, retro arcade cabinets, and colorful awning, all adding to the nostalgic feel. Inside, you’d typically find things like snacks, school supplies, toys, and household items.

National Folk Museum, Baem Jusari Nori

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:14:39 UTC

This board game, titled "뱀주사위놀이 "(Baem Jusawi Nori), meaning “Snake Dice Game,” is a Korean twist on Snakes and Ladders from the 1980s or 1990s, blending fun with life lessons. Players roll the dice to move from square 1 to 100, advancing by ladders when making good choices (like studying or helping others) and sliding down snakes when making poor ones (like cheating or being lazy). Each illustrated square represents moments in a person’s life, showing how actions affect one’s path. As someone who loves games, I found this especially interesting, not just as entertainment, but as a playful guide to values that shaped everyday life in Korea during that time.

Irworobongdo at Changdeokgung Palace

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:15:37 UTC

The Irworobongdo is a symbolic backdrop used in Korean royal courts. The painting shows five mountain peaks, flanked by the sun and moon, and waterfalls flowing down through a lush, stylized landscape. It represents the king as the center of the universe, surrounded by the natural order. Seeing it in person was completely different from seeing multiple recreations. The colors were bold, the imagery felt alive, and the craftsmanship was stunning. It wasn’t just a throne; it was the whole world centered around one spot.

Miki Jie - DDP: Valorant event

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:16:31 UTC

I was so pleased to see this event happening at DDP for the game Valorant. I knew that League of Legends, a game made by Riot Games, was really big in Korea, but I did not realize that Valorant, another game by Riot Games, was just as big in Korea. The exhibition had many interactive portions to it, lit in strong colors and equipped with a large gift shop. It was also cool to see the weapons in-game as real-life tangible props.

Sema, Seoul 1975 (Yim Setaik)

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:17:09 UTC

This bold and chaotic painting is a powerful piece painted by Yim Setaik, simply named Seoul 1975, displayed at the Seoul Museum of Art, reflecting themes of modern Korean identity, media, violence, and surveillance. The composition is visually fragmented, mixing elements like a hospital bed, religious imagery, comic-like characters, and armed figures, all layered over a backdrop that looks like Sejong-ro, a major street in central Seoul that we had walked upon earlier on this day. The scene feels like a commentary on the clash between modern life, history, and trauma.

SeMA, Historical Field

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:17:44 UTC

This work feels like a response to a world saturated with symbols. It's chaotic, humorous, and a little unsettling, but that’s the point! It pushes viewers to think about what happens when cultures, histories, ideologies, and media all collide in one space. Standing in front of it, I felt like I was seeing a visual map of the modern condition, part history, part parody, part puzzle.

A Pensive Room, National Museum of Korea

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:20:01 UTC

It's seldom that I take a minute to stop and appreciate the serenity found within a scene; however, when I walked into this room, I was no longer in the National Museum of Korea but instead faced with the room of the pensive bodhisattvas. The way they designed this room really does bring your attention towards the pensive bodhisattvas as they both sit on their raised pedestals, as close as you can get to a sort of throne in the museum setting. The contrast between the dim light and the glaring light above the pensive bodhisattva really emphasizes the statue's grace and importance.

National Museum of Korea Lobed Ewer

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:20:50 UTC

This is a Lobed Ewer made of celadon, dating back to the 12th century during Korea's Goryeo dynasty. What makes it unique is its shape, which imitates a Korean melon, a fruit that was commonly used as a motif in ceramics of that period. The fine crackled glaze and smooth yet textured curves show off the exceptional skill of Goryeo potters, who were famous for their celadon work. The lobed design wasn't just decorative; it also made the ewer easier to shape and replicate. These vessels were used in both daily life and ceremonial contexts. Melon-shaped ewers like this one have also been found in tombs, suggesting they held symbolic or spiritual importance.

YooGeum Museum

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:21:48 UTC

This richly detailed object is a decorative roof tile from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), described on the label as a "Brick with a pattern of peony and twin dragons." It was likely part of a grand building, possibly a palace or temple, where such tiles were used not just functionally, but also symbolically. At the center of the tile is a blooming peony, a flower long associated with wealth, nobility, and beauty in East Asian cultures. On either side are two dragons, both swirling toward the center in mirror-like symmetry. In Chinese tradition, dragons are powerful symbols of imperial authority, protection, and good fortune, especially when paired.

Folk Museum, Lacquer Hat Box

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:22:22 UTC

This is a lacquered octagonal case for an official hat, likely used by a high-ranking figure during the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. These kinds of containers weren’t just practical storage; they were also a statement of status, craftsmanship, and cultural symbolism. The box is made using black lacquer and decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay, which is a highly valued art form in Korea, as we have seen through various museums and a tour of Professor Na's workshop.

PATI Student Exhibition

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:22:47 UTC

I really love this student's art style. I honestly think that this is a very successful clash between the colored background and the baseball players in black and white. I also enjoy how the figures have a sort of cartoonish aspect, but are still rendered one by one in detail. I also enjoy the semi 3d aspect the artist has added through the staggering and layering of each player's many floats above the background.

LieSangBong Armored Bodice

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:23:17 UTC

Lie Sang Bong Truly had a Magnificent collection of artworks, this one in particular is displayed at the front of his studio. The piece mimics the form of a high-fashion bodice or dress, but instead of fabric, it's constructed entirely from reclaimed parts like fans, vents, circuit casings, and wires, items you might find inside old computers, appliances, or machines. Its armor-like quality gives it a sense of strength and resilience, while still maintaining an elegant, sculptural silhouette that echoes haute couture.

Horim Museum

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:24:51 UTC

This stunning vase is a Goryeo dynasty celadon prunus vase, intricately decorated with inlaid lotus designs, and inscribed with the word ‘Deokheung’. Made in the 12th century, it showcases the Goryeo period’s mastery of inlaid celadon, a technique where patterns are carved into the surface and filled before glazing, resulting in the soft jade-green finish that Goryeo ware is famous for. The lotus motif symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening. The shape, known as a maebyeong, is elegant and balanced, typically used to hold plum blossoms. Displayed in a dark room with a single spotlight, the vase glows, allowing its timeless beauty to truly shine.

Gyeonggi Ceramics Museum

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 05:25:32 UTC

This is a blue and white porcelain jar from the Joseon Dynasty, dating to the 18th century. The design features lively deer and pine trees, both of which are deeply symbolic in Korean culture. Deer often represent longevity, grace, and peace, while pine trees are associated with resilience and steadfastness, especially in connection with Confucian values. The jar is painted using cobalt-blue underglaze, a technique imported from China but highly developed by Korean artisans during the Joseon period. This particular style became especially prominent among the elite class, used in both everyday and ceremonial contexts. The jar's round shape and balanced composition highlight the Joseon Dynasty’s emphasis on simplicity, elegance, and harmony with nature.

Jajangmyeon

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 12:45:41 UTC

This place had undeniably the best Jajangmyeon I've had on this trip. It's probably my favorite Korean dish, and I've only ever had it in the States. This bowl of Jajangmyeon was also the cheapest one I had on the trip. Here's a picture of me and my friends enjoying jajangmyeon, sweet and sour pork, jjampong, dumplings, and jajang rice.

ABC Mart

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 16:50:22 UTC

Needed a new pair of sneakers and heard some good news about ABC Mart, I found these pink converse that were more than half off in my size! Total Score!

Modern Hanbok

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 16:56:56 UTC

The day before, I picked out this beautiful modern hanbok just down the street of Park Sul Nyeo's Hanbok Studio. Here is a picture of me in front of the Hanboks on display at Ehwa University wearing my modern Hanbok. It was such a fortunate coincidence that I wore my Hanbok this day.

SNU Student Showcase

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 17:51:47 UTC

This painting immediately gives off a surreal, almost futuristic feeling. The bold red shape anchors the composition, while the spiky, sculptural white and black form on top feels prominent yet eerily out of place. The background is soft and muted, creating a calm atmosphere that contrasts with the sharp, geometric structure in the foreground. There's a sense of balance between stillness and tension, making it feel like something important is about to happen. It’s abstract, but not empty, almost like it’s telling a story you can’t quite put into words. Another excellent student painting on display at SNU.

Subway Map

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 17:54:23 UTC

Took a picture of the subway map present in Seoul this day in case I got lost or needed to travel alone. Something to note, one line goes in a complete circle to let people transfer from line to line, its a very smart system that I go think we quite have in the New York subway system.

Sulbing Tiramisu Bingsu

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 18:00:23 UTC

I love ice cream, but something I love even more than Ice cream is Tiramisu. It was no brainer that I would go for the Tiramisu bingsu when it was an option, and I can say it was amazing. Too bad I didn't have the time to enjoy it, I scarfed it down and got a brain freeze in the process.

Carving Dojang

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:09:48 UTC

Here is a picture of me carving my own Dojang, a stamp that is used on official documents, just like a signature. I carved one for myself and one for my partner. The instructor was very helpful since I don't know any Korean whatsoever.

Dojang

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:10:04 UTC

On the left, one for my partner Bella in green and one that says my name, Miki, with the pink bag.

Hongdae - Popmart

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:21:59 UTC

I would end up going to PopMart a couple of times this trip. I love collecting PopMart figures in the States, and Korea offers many PopMart stores with great options. This day, there was a release for a new version of this character in the picture, Spaceman Molly; however, I was not able to obtain the new figure, as they sold out before I got there.

I-Park Mall - Ghibli Popup

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:32:05 UTC

While exploring the I-Park mall, we came across the cutest Ghibli pop-up paired with a Ghibli museum. We got a couple of things from here, including the little plushies of the catbus and Ponyo, which we are holding in the picture.

Popmart - Hirono SECRET!

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:32:29 UTC

The aforementioned Popmart sells these figures called Hirono, and I got the secret one, which is very, very rare. I have been trying to get him for a while, and I cannot believe I got him in Korea! On this day, my roommate and I went to every Popmart in the area in search of the new releases. No luck with the new "Blooming Spaceman Molly" but a secret is even better in my opinion.

Kyobo Bookstore

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:44:17 UTC

Cute Mirror selfie of me and my friends at the giant Kyobo bookstore, I bought quite a few gifts and items here. I really do love to go shopping!

Sejong-ro river

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:44:28 UTC

Obtained most of this outfit in Hongdae, but everything from my ensemble is something I've gotten in Korea. Took some cute pictures near the river we visited. The water here is so clear, and the scenery here in Sejong-ro is truly gorgeous.

Michelin Star Samgyetang

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:49:11 UTC

I didnt know what to expect from trying my first Samgyetang. I was not very excited seeing that the broth is so clear; however, this Samgyetang truly exceeded my expectations. The sticky rice was stuffed into the chicken, and I can safely say that I have never had chicken this tender in my life.

Black Sesame Ice cream with Mugwort Churro

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:50:59 UTC

This ice cream was nice, paired with the mugwort churros. I honestly thought it would be a weird combo, but it worked nicely.

London Bagel Museum

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:51:12 UTC

One of the places I really wanted to visit in Seoul, the London Bagel Museum, was definitely worth the two-hour wait. I had seen this place featured on a YouTube video years ago and wanted to experience it for myself, especially since we were so close to it. I got a couple of souvenirs and a total food coma when I visited the London Bagel Museum.

Lotte World

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:51:24 UTC

Visited Lotte world and went on many of the rides they offer. This place was huge with both an outdoor and an indoor area. My friends and I spent the whole day here.

Outside of the National Museum of Korea

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:58:05 UTC

Another Scenic view from atop the steps of the National Museum of Korea.

National Museum of Korea

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:58:14 UTC

The National Museum of Korea was another experience entirely, separate from any other museum we visited. This museum was gigantic, too big to explore in one day. One feature that I found fun and so very modern was the robots that could offer tours. There was so much to see in this museum, definitely worth the visit the next time you're in Korea!

Wacky Willy - Myongdong

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:58:27 UTC

I love this brand and the little mascot that they have, he reminds me of a much cuter Bart Simpson. I got multiple clothing items from this brand when I visited Korea!

Modern Hanbok ft. Tchai Kim

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:58:38 UTC

This Ensemble uses the modern chima that I had obtained earlier and the newly acquired Tchai Kim top that I got when we visited her studio. This is an outfit I will be wearing again.

A Twosome Place

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 19:58:44 UTC

I thought that the name of this cafe was a little comedic; however, it really is a great cafe. My friends and I probably went to a cafe at least once every day on this trip. I had a Tiramisu and an apple mango Mickey yogurt drink; however, the Matcha here is some of the best I've had anywhere, and I have matcha quite a bit in the States.

Ran Hwang

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 20:01:38 UTC

Ran Hwang creates wonderful work with the help of her assistants. I loved seeing how her work was made. I haven't seen anything like it. The meticulous layering of buttons truly creates such an amazing 3d sculpture on a 2D plane. I also enjoyed seeing her very, very nice kitchen space within her studio.

Revolving Sushi

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 20:37:08 UTC

I've gone to many revolving sushi's in the past, mostly in America, but I have not gone to one with such affordable prices. Each plate was 2200 won, no matter what option was chosen. My friends and I went all out!

Katsudon - Ceramic village

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 20:37:19 UTC

Thank you to Professor Pyun for this wonderful meal. After a long morning, this Katsudon truly rejuvenated me.

Starfield Mall - Starfield Library

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 20:38:21 UTC

Went to this famous library located in the giant Starfield Mall. This library is truly something else, with shelves of books going up to the ceiling and a giant lit-up installation as a centerpiece. This is truly one of the most beautiful modern libraries I've ever visited.

View from Gyeonggi Ceramics Museum

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 20:39:49 UTC

Took a pic of the wonderful view found outside of the Gyeonggi Ceramics Museum. I enjoyed this museum and all of the child-oriented amenities that they offer, such as the playground and art contests they hold. The fountain that they had in the center square was also quite beautiful, along with the view of the mountainside, I just had to take a picture!

Kim Hye Soon Studio

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 20:40:58 UTC

Kim Hye Soon's work was truly inspirational, sustainable, and stylish; her work transcends and truly incorporates traditional and modern Styles. I enjoyed looking at her work. I was especially amazed by the fabric of this piece; the colors are lively and rich, paired with the carefully detailed embroidered motifs within. It's cute, whimsical, and I feel the color screams Hanbok. After learning about all the work that goes into making a sheet of fabric like this, I can understand and appreciate all of the artistry that went into this one sheet.

Gangwha Antique Park Bakery

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 21:01:52 UTC

The bakery featured and located in the Junkyard/Antique park we visited was unexpected. I didn't know what to think when we entered, but I really am glad we did. The food was great. I had a cake that was titled "The Temptation of an Angel." With a name like that, I just had to eat it.

Gangwha Junkyard Park

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 21:01:58 UTC

A selfie I took with my roommate in the eating area of the Bakery, so many pretty antiques with great lighting, it was a big contrast from the antiques featured out in the open.

Before London Bagel Museum

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 21:57:01 UTC

After London Bagel Museum

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 21:57:07 UTC

Modern House - Frilly Bedding

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 21:57:26 UTC

I wish I could pack this whole bed in my luggage, and I probably should have tried; I regret not getting any part of this bed for myself in the States. The Modern House store offers a variety of Korean bidding, furniture, Silverware, and more. I picked up a very cute parasol from here.

Lotte World - Pokemon event

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 21:58:26 UTC

I love Pokémon, and there was a Pokémon event going on at Lotte World at the time of our visit. Here is a picture of me and Claudia posing with the giant Pikachu mascots.

Lotte World - Rio parade

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 21:58:31 UTC

We ended our night watching the parade held in the center of the indoor portion. It was crazy, fireworks, music, floats, and lights all coming together for a fun time! I was invited into the parade by one of the mascots, and you can bet your bottom dollar I danced my heart out in the parade!

Lotte World - Castle

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 21:58:36 UTC

Part of the outdoor area, this large castle is actually a giant gift shop. In the picture are my friends and I all wearing the aforementioned headbands. We also rented out these school uniforms, which are also popular to wear around Lotte World. I have never been to Disney World. I've always wanted to go, but Lotte World was so big and grand, I bet that I wouldn't have half the amount of fun at Disney World.

Cute Headbands

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 21:58:41 UTC

Everyone in my group got these headbands that were so adorable. Everyone at Lotte World was wearing them, so we just had to join in on the fun! Here is a picture of me and my friend Abby after we got our headbands. Abby's headband had a dangling fish that floated in front of her face, too cute!

Mission Accomplished!

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 22:00:07 UTC

Finally got the Blooming Spaceman Molly that I was searching for the whole trip. Also picked up a 400% Spaceman Molly that I've always wanted to pick up for my collection since I had some space in my luggage. I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey in Korea! Great food, scenery, shopping, and friends really made this trip a dream. I would highly recommend you visit at least once in your life if you are interested!

Last Day Nails

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 22:00:13 UTC

Forgot to take a picture of my nails back when I got them done in Incheon. My nail tech was very kind and tried to make lots of small talk, even though there was a little bit of a language barrier. My nails were similarly priced to nails you would get in the States.

Popmart Hongdae - One last time

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 22:00:18 UTC

Was in the Hongdae area and just had to check the popmart one last time, got some total scores here.

One last Selfie

kevin_jie1 — 2025-06-23 22:00:29 UTC

In this picture, I am wearing a hoodie that I got from the Valorant DDP event. This was probably the first time I went anywhere alone; however, it was kind of therapeutic to know that this was my last adventure in Korea.