Today was genuinely amazing. Waking up at six wasn’t exactly thrilling, but everything that followed made it totally worth it! Breakfast on the 17th floor set the tone perfectly — the hotel offers so many great options, but I think the muffins are my favorite so far. Light, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet.

After another hour-long bus ride, we arrived at our first stop: Hwaseong Fortress. The entire site was breathtaking, filled with fascinating history. As we walked along the fortress walls, we saw small holes built into the stone — apparently used to pour boiling liquids or drop objects on intruders. A bit intense, but very effective for the time!

For lunch, we ducked into a small shop down an alley and had the most unexpectedly delicious breakfast sandwich. The sauce had a sweet kick, and the hash brown in the middle was crispy perfection. I’d go back in a heartbeat if I had the chance. On the way to get mango ice cream, we passed vibrant murals, blooming flowers, and even spotted a cat perched on top of a wall — a peaceful little moment tucked into the busy day.

Our next stop was the Samsung Innovation Museum. As someone who already uses Samsung products, I thought I knew what they were about, but seeing the full history and range of technology blew me away. The exhibits on TVs and phones were impressive, but the smart kitchen appliances? I’d gladly take one of everything home with me!

Then it was off to Myeongdong — finally time to shop! I couldn’t make it through every store due to the time crunch, but what I did see was incredible. Souvenir shopping here is easily one of the best experiences I’ve ever had: a bit of sensory overload, but in the most exciting way. I even grabbed a small LEGO set on the way out.

Dinner, as expected, was amazing. The kimchi stole the show for me, but honestly, everything on the massive spread was delicious. I’ve never had a traditional Korean dinner before, and now I just want to try it all again.

To wrap up the night, we had a scavenger hunt at a cute little café tucked away on the second floor of a building. We got to sample three flavors of dessert — mango, strawberry, and tiramisu — and even though the portions were huge, we managed to nearly finish them all. On the bus ride home, I stood at the front and got the most incredible nighttime view of the city. It was the perfect end to an awesome day.