5 Mistakes I Made in Seoul and How You Can Avoid Them!

1. Not Planning My Trip to Nami Island Carefully

One of the biggest mistakes I made was not planning my trip to Nami Island properly. Nami Island is not just about the island itself, there are many other attractions in the surrounding area, such as the Gangchon Rail Park and Petite France. I only allocated half a day for Nami Island, which was not enough to explore everything.

Tip: If you're visiting Nami Island, plan a full-day itinerary that includes nearby attractions like the rail park or the Garden of Morning Calm. It's worth it!

2. Spending Too Many Days in Seoul

Seoul is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, but if you're staying for more than seven days, you might want to consider exploring beyond the capital. I spent too many days just in Seoul and later regretted not taking a short trip to Busan or Jeju Island.

Tip: If your trip is longer than a week, plan a few days for a getaway to Busan, Jeju, or even the countryside for a different experience of South Korea.

3. Using a T-Money Card Instead of a Climate Card

T-Money is a popular transportation card in Korea, but I later realized that the Climate Card offers much better value for tourists. The Climate Card provides unlimited subway rides for seven days at just 20,000 KRW, which is a fantastic deal compared to using T-Money.

Tip: If you're staying in Seoul and relying on the subway, definitely get the Climate Card instead of topping up a T-Money card repeatedly.

4. Underestimating Seoul’s Winter Temperature

Coming from a tropical country, I thought I was prepared for Seoul’s winter. However, I underestimated just how cold and windy it could get, especially at night. I didn’t pack enough layers and had to buy extra winter gear after arriving.

Tip: If you're visiting Seoul in winter, wear thermal layers, a thick coat, gloves, and a hat. The wind chill can be intense, so don’t take the cold lightly!

5. Only Exploring Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a famous tourist attraction, but in my opinion, it’s overrated and quite small. I regretted not visiting other hanok villages like Eunpyeong Hanok Village, which is less crowded and offers better scenic views.

Tip: While Bukchon is worth a visit, don’t stop there! Check out Eunpyeong Hanok Village for a more peaceful and authentic hanok experience.