Why Seoul is a Perfect City to go for a Girl's Trip

I didn't know what to expect from my first girl's trip to Seoul. But I knew that I could rely on my friend to help me take pictures for the gram and that I'd also be able to do my fair share of shopping overseas. But at the end of our trip, I felt that Seoul was underrated and is a great location for girl's trips. If you're planning to travel overseas with your girls, Seoul might blow your mind. Here're some of the things that stood out for me.

You Can Shop 'til You Drop

Attention fashionistas! Besides k-pop, Seoul is well-known for its fashion and beauty. The city is a shopping paradise and where merchandisers source the latest trends. Myeong-Dong, Dongdaemun, Hongdae are some of the popular districts for shoppers. You could find countless stylish boutiques and beauty shops with affordable pricing. Even if you're not a big shopper, it's hard to resist from all the pretty displays, promotions and free samples. There're even underground shopping malls inside the subway stations!

Check out these popular shopping districts and underground shopping malls in Seoul:

Myeong-Dong Shopping District

Shopping fanatics who travel to Seoul know Myeong-Dong is a terrific spot for discount Korean skincare and cosmetics. In this area, you can also find popular apparel brands and souvenirs to bring home.

Address: Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

How to get there: Myeong-Dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exits 6.

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Ewha Woman's University Shopping Street 

Believe it or not, Ewha Woman's University is actually a tourist attraction. Besides being a famous Korean landmark, most people come here to shop as well. And that's because there're plenty of affordable and trendy boutiques in the area. You can find pieces for as low as 5000 won ($6 CDN)! Start with a visit at the campus complex and walk your way to the surrounding streets of Ewha Woman's University Station.

Address: 03766 10, Ewhayeodae 1-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Seoul Subway Line 2, exit at Ehwa Woman's University Station, Exit 2

Ewha Woman's University Campus

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Hongdae Shopping District

If shopping is your forte, then you cannot miss the Hongdae Shopping District. Hongdae is near Hongik University and is known for its youthful and artistic vibe. Shopping in Hongdae appeals to those who are fashion-forward but don't want to break the bank. Mural art, galleries, markets, quirky cafes, nightclubs and bars make this a great spot to hang out with your girls.

Address: Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

How to get there: Hongik University Station (Subway Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang, AREX), Exit 9.

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Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun is one of South Korea's famous markets. This is the place where you can find wholesale suppliers and get bargains on everything from apparel to fabrics and toys. It's opened all day long until late at night. While you're browsing your way through, be sure to try out local delicacies in street stalls nearby.

Address: 266, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

How to get there: Dongdaemun Station (Seoul Subway Line 1,4) Exit 8 or 9

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You Can Glam Up With the Hottest Make Up Trends

Korean skincare and beauty brands are taking up the world by storm. They not only do wonders to the skin but they also don't cost a lot. If you want flawless looking complexion, you wouldn't want to miss out! Top Korean brands like Etude House, Innisfree, VDL, Missha, Tony Moly, Holika Holika, Skin Food and many more can be found in popular shopping district like Myeong-Dong. Plan ahead and splurge on items at the same shop with your friends to enjoy tax saving benefits!

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You Eat, Drink, Dance Repeat

Besides fashion and cosmetics, you cannot go home without trying Korean cuisine. From stone grill barbecues to spicy stews, not to mention their fried chickens, there's a lot to love about the Korean food scene. Drinks are also affordable. A bottle of Soju in Seoul costs $2 CDN! Whether you want a night out at a club or eating out, restaurants, bars and clubs are usually within footsteps in popular districts like Hongdae. Fun night outs can't get as convenient as this!

Check out some of my favourite places to eat in Seoul:

Piggy Bank Stone Grill Barbecue

When in Seoul, it's common to see people barbecuing and chatting away with a bottle of soju while indulging delicious grilled meats. And Piggy Bank is popular for its unique stone grill barbecues. That means you cook the meat over natural stones! What's good about cooking over natural stones is that the stones would absorb all the oil from the meats. In other words, meats are less greasy and less likely to get burnt. Each order of meat comes with lettuce leaves, cloves of garlic and sauces. Just wrap the meat inside a leaf and eat them like a burrito! It's a fun and authentic way of experiencing Korean cuisine.

Address: 146-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Subway Line 2, Hongik University Station Exit 8, Walk 3 minutes

Piggy Bank Natural Stone Grill Barbecue

Piggy Bank Natural Stone Grill Barbecue

Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari

Jinokhwa is known for its chicken and the restaurant has a long history for its famous chicken stew. And this is the only thing they served as well. You know when a restaurant only serves one thing on their menu, it usually means it's specialized. An entire chicken is served inside a pot with a clear broth with ginseng, onions, garlic and potatoes. Compared to other Korean dishes like GamJa Tang (pork bone soup) and Soon Tofu (spicy tofu stew), this chicken stew is blander in taste. But, the meat, to my surprise was super moist and juicy. You can also choose to add in rice cakes, green onions, noodles or rice to go with your chicken stew. And of course, kimchis are great with it.

Address: 18 Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno 5(o).6(yuk)ga-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari Original Chicken Stew

Kyochon Fried Chicken

This is by far the best fried chicken I've had! Our Airbnb host recommended Kyochon to us during our stay in Hongdae area. Kyochon fills up with locals quickly in the evening. And for a good reason. There're many flavours and options to choose from and the price ranged between 15,000 to 18,000 won ($17-21 CDN). The portion is reasonable and good for sharing. Please do yourself a favour and try them yourself.

Address: 362-15, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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Daege Jaldoneneun Jib (All You Can Eat Crabs)

Seafood is good in Seoul, especially crabs! In Daege Jaldoneneun Jib, you get unlimited orders of full-sized steamed crabs for around $40 CDN! And these crabs are fresh, meaty and larger than the size of my palm.

Address: 203 Mullae-ro, Yeongdeungpo-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Daege Jaldoneneun Jib (All You Can Eat Crabs)

Daege Jaldoneneun Jib (All You Can Eat Crabs)

You Can Rent an Oppa For a Tour

Oppa is a Korean term that girls use to call someone who's like an older brother. Here in Seoul, you can rent an Oppa to take you out on a tour! If you're into Korean dramas like my friend,  this will definitely be attractive. Each Oppa has his own tours and destinations to bring you. Tours are approximately 2 and a half hour long starting from $70 USD and up. You can also customize your own itinerary with the Oppa starting at $100 USD. This also makes a great bachelorette activity all while experiencing the city's culture.

Check out ohmyoppa.com

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You Can Have a Photoshoot Wearing Traditional Hanbok Dress

In a city that is also so rich in culture, taking pictures of historic palaces and temples is inevitable. Girls also like to take advantage of these surroundings and rent Hanbok dresses to wear. Hanbok rentals can be found in most tourist attractions, like Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Rental costs about 20,000 won for 4 hours or 28,000 won for a full day. We knew we had to rent Hanbok dresses while we were there. The scenery and palaces were perfect backdrops. And I think we looked pretty cute in them. Don't you agree?

Check out 7 Best Hanbok Rentals in Seoul Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

You Can Enjoy Tea in Cute Cafes

Cafes may be common. But cafes in Seoul are the cutest and Insta-worthy. A lot of thoughts and details went into the decors and menus.  Take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy an afternoon tea with friends. You also have tons of Instagrammable shots with lovely backgrounds and pretty pastries.

Check out some of the cutest cafes in Seoul:

943 King's Cross Harry Potter Cafe

Harry Potter fans, board the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 3/4! It's a 4-storey Harry Potter themed cafe with Hogwarts Express replica, wooden staircase, a wall filled with wands, suspended owl cages and robes to rent for a magical experience. 

Address: Mapo-Gu Seogyo-Dong 417, Hongdae, Seoul
How to get there: Hongik University, Exit 9, Located near Trick Eye Museum

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Radio M 라디오엠

Radio M is not a typical cafe. The basement of the cafe is actually the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Seoul. And in Korean drama, What's Wrong With Secretary Kim, stars, Park Seo-Joon and Park Min-Young had a romantic scene in front of this cafe. You can enjoy a cup of joe beneath the whimsical cherry blossom tree on comfy nooks and retro chairs.

Address: 37-2 Samcheong-ro 2-gil, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Subway Line 3, Anguk station, Exit 1 or Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung station, Exit 2.

Cha-teul

Cha-teul is a "tea-drinking garden" located on a hilltop in Samcheong-dong. Pastries and teas are served in traditional ceramic tableware. Imagine enjoying fine teas with your girls overlooking a spectacular view of the neighbourhood amongst a garden of flowers. Life is as good as it gets.

Address: 26, Bukchon-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Subway Line 3, Anguk Station, exit 1

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Get Pampered Together in Jjimjilbang (Korean Bathhouse & Sauna)

Visiting a Korean bathhouse, Jjimjilbang is one of the must-dos when travelling to Korea. And locals treat it like an R&R getaway. A typical Korean bathhouse comes with a lot of amenities. Besides having a communal bathing area and sauna rooms, it is also equipped with therapeutic tubs, fitness room, lounging area, sleeping rooms, entertainment room and a cafeteria. A visit to the Jjimjilbang is a fun and unique way of experiencing Korean culture first-hand while getting pampered at the same time. It's more comfortable going with your girls and trying it out for the first time together.

Check out my guide to the Jjimjilbang experience here.

Let me know what's your favourite girl's trip destination?

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Check out my other travel guide for Seoul!

A Guide to Korean Bath and Sauna (Jimjilbang) Experience