After a 15-hour plane ride, we finally touched down in Seoul, South Korea at the crack of dawn—arriving at Incheon Airport around 4 a.m. Our first priority, of course, was food. We stopped at a cozy little restaurant near our hotel, where I had a deliciously warm bowl of dumpling soup for breakfast. It was the perfect comfort after such a long journey and a great introduction to Korean cuisine
To really kick off the day, we explored the Royal Palace grounds—a beautiful blend of history, tradition, and quiet elegance. I was especially fascinated by how the royal family once conducted their day-to-day lives. Surprisingly, the section we visited wasn’t even the entire palace; renovations are still underway, and the full grounds are even larger. Hopefully, when everything is complete, I can come back to see it all in its full glory. We also got a glimpse of the future president’s residence, known as the Blue House, and learned the purpose behind each of the main offices. The architectural detail and historical significance behind every building reflect a deep respect for leadership and heritage.
To top off the day, we wandered through a lively Korean street food market where I tried tteokbokki for the very first time—spicy, chewy, and absolutely delicious. I missed out on banana ice cream this round, but it’s definitely on my list. By 3:00 p.m., it was a mad dash back to the hotel—literally. Even though my group didn’t make it in time to earn any rewards, the experience of blazing through the streets of Seoul was thrilling in its own right. Still, I think I’ll take the bus next time.
