So revenge travel is real, as I told a few people. 

This trip was really fueled by the idea of celebrating my birthday in air, on a more luxurious class, funded by my near-to-expiry miles. Seoul was the only place that fitted into my plan for a short trip which is not too near. I think I never minded going back to Seoul considering there were many places which I had wanted to visit but didn’t get to go last time coz it was too cold to be outdoors all the time, even if I am still quite apprehensive of Korean cuisine (or maybe just kimchi). 

And I don’t watch K-dramas, I don’t follow K-pop, I’m not going for plastic surgery. The sister was all like “then you go there for what?!” 

Well for starters I guess it’s always good to recharge. The previous work month was once again trying and the idea of an upcoming vacation helped me pull through. My boss was asking me how’s my mental health when I went for a meeting with him the other day and I literally told him I just need more breaks (maybe I should have told him I need more staff, kidding). 

So it was once again a relaxing trip with no fixed itineraries other than clustering a few attractions based on where I was staying. Had the young Hongdae neighborhood and the ultimate touristy neighborhood in Myeongdong this time round, and once again didn’t restrict my accommodation budget too much given that I saved a bit on airfare already. 

It did turn out to be more of an eating trip even though I still can’t bring myself to try kimchi. Was pretty close to convincing myself though. I was very selective in food, maybe too much cafe food, pastries and bakes etc which Korea is now setting trends. There’s no short of food recommendations on IG too. The only downside is that it’s a rather unfriendly city for solo dining because everything comes in big sharing portions - fried chicken, dakgalbi, jjimdak, jokbal..so had no choice but to forego some items. 

Meanwhile the weather couldn’t be more different as compared to the last time I was there, but at least it’s still quite early summer so it’s not super hot yet. I get glorious clear days which makes for good pics, and the first couple of days I thought I might need a jacket even. It warmed up considerably in the last couple of days, but the shorts I brought never needed to make an appearance. 

As always solo trips are special in their own way. Last minute route changes, lengthy strolls, detours and circuitous routes, breaks for people watching lol and really just 放空. If you have no choice but to travel solo…well you just gotta learn to enjoy it or your life is just gonna be really miserable - and thankfully I am able to get along with it just fine. That said, I think that’s the last solo trip of the year unless year end family trip doesn’t happen. 

And the return flight. Need I say more? (Kidding, I kinda need to say more - so much that there will be a separate post for that)