Today started off so well as we landed at Incheon International Airport. The moment we arrived, everything already felt so different and exciting. As soon as we got through, we stopped at a convenience store, and I was honestly amazed by the variety of things they had. There were so many unique snacks, drinks, and packaged foods that I had never seen before, and everything looked so aesthetically pleasing and neatly organized. I picked up some banana milk, which I had heard was really popular in Korea, along with a snack that I kept seeing everywhere online and in stores. I decided to try them during our hour-long bus ride to our hotel in Myeongdong, and it was such a fun way to start experiencing Korean food culture right away.

During the bus ride, our tour guide, Esther, kept us engaged by sharing so many interesting facts about Seoul. She talked about how the city is divided into different areas, the significance of the bridges we were passing, and even the meaning and history behind some of the road names. It made me realize how much history and thought go into the city’s structure. Looking out the window while hearing all these stories made everything feel more meaningful, and it really helped me start forming a connection with the place rather than just seeing it as a tourist.

When we got to the hotel, I didn’t feel the need to rest since I had already slept on the flight, so I decided to push through the day and make the most of it. After getting ready, we headed out again, starting with exchanging money, which was my first real interaction with Korean currency. After that, we took the subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace. The subway system was honestly so impressive to me. It was extremely clean, well organized, and everything ran so smoothly and on time. Even though it was busy, it didn’t feel chaotic at all, which made the experience really comfortable and efficient.

Walking into the palace was honestly such a surreal moment. Gyeongbokgung Palace was absolutely massive, and I was amazed by its scale and architectural beauty. One of the most fascinating things I learned was that the buildings were constructed without using any nails. Instead, they used a system of wooden blocks that fit together perfectly, like a locking mechanism, showing how advanced and thoughtful their construction methods were. As we explored further, Esther explained many small but meaningful details about the palace. For example, there were no bushes in certain areas, preventing anyone from hiding and potentially attacking the king. The sand spread across the ground was also intentional so that footsteps could be heard easily, adding another layer of security. Even the surrounding structures were designed strategically to protect against attacks. Hearing all of this made me appreciate how much planning and intelligence went into building the palace.

We also got the chance to watch the changing of the guards ceremony, which was really interesting and culturally rich. Even though there were a lot of people and it was a bit hard to see everything clearly, the coordination, colors, and overall presentation made it a very memorable experience.

After leaving the palace, we spent some time walking around and taking pictures near key landmarks, including Gwanghwamun Gate and Gwanghwamun Square. These places really felt like the center of the city, surrounded by history, government buildings, and modern life all at once. It was really cool to see that blend in one place.

Next, we went to Insadong, which had a lively, artistic atmosphere. The streets were filled with shops selling traditional items, souvenirs, and so much street food. Everything smelled amazing, and there was so much to look at everywhere you turned. It felt like a perfect place to experience both culture and everyday life at once. We had a delicious lunch there.

After that, we visited Bukchon Hanok Village, which was honestly one of the most beautiful and peaceful places we went to today. I loved how it blended traditional Korean architecture with modern elements, like small shops and nearby cafes. It was interesting to see that people still live there, making it both a residential and a tourist area. Walking through the narrow streets and seeing the architecture up close was such a unique experience. While exploring, I even bought a perfume, which made the visit feel even more memorable.

At one point, my groupmates and I got completely lost while trying to find our meeting point. For about 10 minutes, we were just walking around in circles, confused and slightly stressed, but also laughing at the situation. Eventually, we figured it out and made it back to the correct spot. Once we regrouped, we got some ice cream, which felt very refreshing after all the walking, so thank you to Chris for that.

Later in the evening, we went to Gwangjang Market, and that was such an exciting experience. The market was incredibly vibrant and full of energy, with so many food stalls and vendors calling people over. There was such a wide variety of food, and everything looked so delicious and unique. At one point, I stopped at a stall that sold octopus and ended up trying a small piece of live octopus. Even though it was tiny, it still felt crazy because I had only ever seen people do that in videos. The texture was definitely different, but it actually tasted fine. It was one of those moments where I realized I was really stepping out of my comfort zone. After that, I got some chicken skewers, which were honestly really good and comforting after trying something so new.

We also stopped by Olive Young, which I had heard a lot about for skincare and beauty products. I really liked how organized and modern the store was. I even got a skin analysis done, which was super interesting because it helped me better understand my skin type and which products would actually work for me.

On our way back to the hotel, we made one last stop at 7-Eleven to grab some snacks for the night. Even that felt like an experience because the convenience stores here are so much better than what I’m used to.

Overall, today was such a full and exciting day, and I feel like we truly made the most out of every moment. From trying new foods to learning about history and exploring different parts of the city, everything felt meaningful and memorable. I already feel so happy and fulfilled being here, and it’s only the first day, which makes me even more excited for everything that’s coming next in Korea.