Seoul Searching: From BBQ to Bar Crawls, How I Explored Seoul in Style

Sep 25

Seoul is one of those cities that hits you with neon lights, sizzling grills, beauty stores on every corner, and somehow still makes space for quiet traditions. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it fed me in more ways than one. I went in hungry, curious, and ready to dive headfirst into K-culture — from BBQ feasts and kimchi-making to scalp spas and banana milk (yes, banana milk!).

Here’s my diary-meets-guide to how I explored Seoul in style.

Staying in Seoul: Four Points by Sheraton Guro Review

We based ourselves at the Four Points by Sheraton Guro. While it wasn’t right in the middle of Seoul’s hot spots, that was the beauty of it. Staying in Guro felt authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and gave us a peek into local life. Plus, there was an Olive Young right next door, which meant skincare shopping happened before my first Korean BBQ. Priorities, right?

K-Beauty Experience: Juno Hair Scalp Treatment in Seoul

When in Seoul, you must try a scalp treatment at Juno Hair. Forget massages — this was on another level. Imagine your scalp being deep-cleaned, massaged, and pampered until it’s basically glowing. Beauty isn’t just an industry here, it’s a way of life. Honestly? This was one of the biggest highlights of my trip.

Exploring Seoul’s Best Food Markets: Mangwon and Gwangjang

If you want to feel the soul of Seoul, head straight to the markets. Wandering through Mangwon Market and Gwangjang Market was easily my favorite part of the trip. They reminded me of my childhood in Oahu’s Chinatown — the buzz, the smells, the colors — but here it was sizzling tteokbokki, endless kimchi stalls, and street vendors calling out their daily specials.

I also joined a kimchi-making class, which ended up being the moment I felt most connected to Korean culture. Learning to make kimchi with my own hands, surrounded by tradition, gave me a whole new appreciation for the flavors of Korea.

Eating Korean BBQ in Seoul: Three Feasts, No Regrets

Let’s be honest: Korean BBQ is a way of life — and I did it right. Three times in one trip. Each table came with marbled beef that melted like butter, one time it included sizzling pork belly, and all the banchan (side dishes) you could ever dream of.

Some pro tips:

Wrap your meat in lettuce with garlic and ssamjang.
Don’t skip the grilled garlic.
End with cold noodles (naengmyeon) for the ultimate palate cleanser.

Every meal felt like a celebration, and trust me, you’ll never look at BBQ the same again.

Seoul Nightlife: Bar Crawl in Itaewon

For nightlife, we joined a bar crawl with @seoulnightlife_ in Itaewon, and let’s just say: it delivered. The drinks were bottomless, the crowd was international, and the DJs mostly played English music. Honestly, it felt like a club back in the States — only louder, wilder, and more unforgettable. Itaewon is definitely where Seoul parties hardest.

Why Korean Convenience Stores Are Next Level

Forget boring corner stores — Korean convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) are on another planet. They’re packed with hot meals, quirky snacks, and unique drinks. My obsession? Banana milk. I had it almost every day, sometimes twice. Pro hack: mix it with hazelnut coffee for the perfect sweet breakfast. Thank me later.

Final Thoughts: Why Seoul Stole My Heart

Between the BBQ feasts, market adventures, nightlife chaos, and even a scalp spa treatment, Seoul showed me how seamlessly it balances tradition with trendsetting cool. I left with a deeper love for Korean food, culture, and yes — a full-blown banana milk addiction.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I might add Busan into the mix. But Seoul, you had me at BBQ.

Alexander Keoki