A Solo Trip to South Korea in 2016: Catching the Tail of Autumn!

Life isn't always pure; often things are beyond our control. The cold season can't stop the arrival of spring—quietly feel, quietly reflect; the frozen river hides undercurrents, full of warmth and passion; dull days aren't the only reality—open your heart and you'll discover so much beauty, so much emotion. Letting things be is a state of mind, even more so a mood. Complain less, do more, and gently strum the strings of life to be the best and most beautiful version of yourself.

A spontaneous solo trip: departed on November 22, returned to Shenzhen on November 26. With an iPhone 6S, one suitcase, a backpack, a small shoulder bag, three changes of clothes, and skincare must-haves like facial masks and body lotion—because winter in Korea is very cold and dry, and skin care is essential.

Truly a spur-of-the-moment trip—before I knew it, I was headed to Korea. I never dreamed I'd go to Korea, since as a young woman just starting to work, I had no money and heard about needing a deposit or something. But then I found a group tour on Ctrip that made the visa process very convenient—five days and four nights, with two days free. Being a first-timer, I naturally had many concerns, especially with an unfamiliar country. Actually, my visa was rejected once—no idea why I was the unlucky one picked. I called the front desk at my company, but the receptionist was new, and since our department is separate from headquarters, she denied I worked there without even checking. I called Ctrip several times that night, insisting they fix it or I'd keep complaining—they hadn't mentioned a random check. The next day they asked me to provide my employment contract and social security records to resolve it.

Weather on that day!!!

Insadong is located in the bustling city center yet retains the authentic old commercial street feel of Korea. Lined with many galleries, traditional craft shops, art stores, etc. Traditional tea houses and restaurants are also among the biggest attractions!

Korea's administrative divisions: (dong) is the smallest unit, equivalent to China's "street" (jiedao). Special City, Jung-gu, Myeong-dong.

"Jjimjilbang" (Korean sauna) originated in Korea with a long history, very popular among the people. Korean jjimjilbang is a major characteristic of Korea. Traditional Korean jjimjilbang involves heating yellow clay and various stones, then people sit or lie on them to expel wind and cold, warm the body and blood, moisturize the skin and beautify the face. It is said that Korean jjimjilbang has a history of 600 years, developed by King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty to treat his people's illnesses. However, some argue it originated from the kilns used for firing ceramics 600 years ago.

In Korea, people of all ages and both genders love a Chinese dish—jajangmyeon (noodles with black bean sauce). But this bowl of noodles was actually born not in China but in Korea's Incheon Chinatown. In 1883, the year after the original Incheon Port opened, with the establishment of the Qing consulate, merchants and workers from Shandong and other areas gradually gathered, naturally giving rise to Chinese restaurants, and thus began the story of Incheon Chinatown.

For a first-time visitor, wandering through alleys reveals unique scenery!

Gratefully send off red leaves to the mortal world.

There is an autumn that is Korea's autumn!

Stepping on golden fallen leaves everywhere, bathed in refreshing wind, leaves falling like songs—each leaf slowly completes its journey, eventually returning to the soil. And I will try to remember that fleeting eternity.

This is the most iconic soju, often seen in Korean dramas, perfect with grilled meat!!

"It's snowing—how can we not have fried chicken and beer?"

This is from the Korean drama "My Love from the Star" where the heroine Cheon Song-yi (played by Jun Ji-hyun) loves eating fried chicken and drinking beer on the first snowfall.

Since I'm here, I should experience the local subway—convenient for travel, with signs in Korean, English, and even Chinese to guide you. Go check in at your destination!!

First stop on Seoul subway free travel—the cafe run by EXO's Chanyeol's mother.

Second subway stop—Ewha Womans University!!

Third stop—Gwangjang Market, the most representative free market in Korea.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace (law palace) of the Joseon Dynasty, the last unified dynasty on the Korean Peninsula.

Near Gyeongbokgung, you can rent hanbok (Korean traditional clothing) to take photos as a keepsake—very nice.

Hanbok originated from the indigenous clothing of the Korean people (also called Han people) during the ancient Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon periods of the Korean Peninsula. After being greatly influenced by Chinese Hanfu, it underwent continuous "ethnic localization" to become the clothing we see today.

Finally, how could I forget N Seoul Tower—one of the most iconic sights frequently appearing in Korean dramas!

Let's end with a few clear photos!!!

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