Jan 6, 2016

Checking in: Seoul

I think I sound like a broken record when I bemoan how my time in "x" city was too short, but I really felt that in Seoul. I went in with zero expectations (besides expecting to eat some damn good soondubu – which I did) but was quite blown away by the museums, food, design, how cheap everything was, and how modern everything felt.

I started my trip at the Grand Hyatt, which was located fairly centrally to many of the things I wanted to do. For instance, you can walk to the Leeum Museum from there, though the walk back is up a gnarly hill. The views are beautiful and the light in the restaurant is insane in the morning.



For the second half of my stay, I moved over to the Park Hyatt which is located in the Gangnam financial district of Seoul. There's something terribly luxurious about a bathroom that's bigger than your NYC studio. After checking in to a handful of hotels this year, I've come to realize I really do appreciate an unnecessarily large bathroom and shower that lets me spread out shamelessly. Though the location was a little less convenient, taxis were incredibly cheap (being stuck in traffic and going way across town for an hour would still only cost $17 USD or so) so it wasn't a problem.



(How beautiful is this staircase? I came across so many well-designed staircases during my short stay; no detail was spared!)

For me, it's fun to check out different neighborhoods so I don't mind the hassle of moving hotels mid-way through a stay, though it does cut into exploring time. There are still so many museums I want to visit and I didn't even scratch the surface with other visual attractions. I'm so looking forward to getting back there (especially as I've been completely ruined with Korean food and can't even think about having it in NY right now!).

*Lingered Upon received a press discount at the aforementioned Hyatt properties.

17 comments :

  1. Seoul looks amazing! And I have only heard good things about it. It is on my Travel Bucket List. Now that I see the food, I may need to bump it up closer to the top of my list! :)
    Thank you so much for sharing!

    Take care,
    C | http://atlantic-c.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  2. This places looks like my kinda place. Cant wait to see more pictures of Seoul.

    www.itsallbee.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. This post certainly makes me want to visit Seoul ASAP! These photo look like a dream to stay in!

    Amber | y a c h t s m a a n

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love Seoul! Such a great city and love the food too :)

    Christine
    http://www.christinelovestotravel.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I agree - my time in Seoul was too short! Look forward to visiting again soon!


    Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for posting this and the beautiful photos! Seoul is where I grew up and lived the better part of my life. I haven't been back since 1993, and you have now motivated me to plan a trip this year. Fall us my favorite season in Korea 😊

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for posting this and the beautiful photos! Seoul is where I grew up and lived the better part of my life. I haven't been back since 1993, and you have now motivated me to plan a trip this year. Fall us my favorite season in Korea 😊

    ReplyDelete
  8. Seoul always have a special place in my heart. And lovely photos as usual!

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Park Hyatt Bathroom! *insert gasp emoticon*

    http://www.wllwproject.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. The colours in the first picture. So lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh wow! I still haven't been (my homeland. I know, shameful) but dying to go one day.

    ReplyDelete
  12. These pictures are absolutely stunning. I look forward to visiting Seoul someday! ~ Christa

    http://theavidpen.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. your picture are amazing make me want to stay there too love it <3

    ReplyDelete
  14. Park Hyatt! Too expensive and does not suit with travelers!

    ReplyDelete
  15. This Looks Beautiful and the food looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete