Solo & So Much More: 13 Days Through Seoul and Busan

Through the Palace Gate: Where Seoul’s history meets its modern skyline

This 13-day journey through South Korea combined the energy of Seoul with the breezy charm of Busan—and offered everything I love about solo travel: freedom, discovery, and the kind of human connection you can’t plan for.

Neon nights and noodle shops: a side street in Seoul’s buzzing food district

In Seoul, I based myself at Le Méridien Myeong-dong and Stay Classic Myeong-dong, both perfect for walking to palaces, Cheonggyecheon Stream, sprawling underground shopping malls, and major subway hubs. I wandered the grand courtyards of Gyeongbokgung Palace and stumbled into the changing of the guard ceremony at Deoksugung Palace, surrounded by locals in colorful Hanbok.

Dining solo was an educational experience that was so much fun. Korean BBQ (cutest table drawers for utensils!) and night market street food—spicy rice cakes, fish cakes, and pancakes hot off the griddle.

I also found tranquility at Jogyesa Temple, where a woman working at the temple welcomed me into a private worship area typically reserved for monks. It was a moving, meditative moment of cross-cultural connection.

At Jogyesa Temple, the vibrant Dragon Drum is steeped in tradition—and only women are honored with the role of beating it.

I also had the opportunity to stay with a visiting friend in Gangnam and spent a luxurious night at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. Sweeping city views and impeccable service made it a property I’d recommend to travelers seeking both luxury and convenience. While in Gangnam, I booked an appointment for a full-body skin treatment and facial peel at Muse Clinic. The space is spotless and very comfortable, with English-speaking staff, private waiting areas and they boast incredibly reasonable prices for skin, facial, and wellness treatments. If you have some downtime in Seoul, add facials and spa treatments to your list of to-do’s. Be sure to book in advance, as skin treatments are very popular in Korea.

One of my most memorable day trips was the DMZ tour, which began just steps from my hotel and included serene forest trails, the dramatic Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, a thoughtfully curated museum, and a traditional Korean lunch. The mix of history, nature, and cultural context made it both moving and accessible, and the group was an even blend of Korean and international travelers. Navigating a city where most signage is in Korean became a daily part of the adventure here, thanks to Papago, the only translation app you’ll need in Korea, and the eagerness of locals to help.

Crossing the clouds on the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, just miles from the DMZ

From Seoul, I boarded the KTX bullet train to Busan—fast, comfortable, and efficient. My base there was the Grand Josun Busan, directly on Haeundae Beach, perfect for sunrise walks and boardwalk people-watching. I took a car to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple early one morning to see the sunrise and walked the scenic Osiria Coastal Trail afterwards.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple—where waves meet wisdom on Busan’s rocky coast

Pro tip: The temple gets very crowded during the day and has a touristy feel with vendors out front. If you plan to see this beautiful temple, plan to do so early in the morning. The walk on the Coastal Trail took me to Ananti Cove, and a luxury enclave of cafés, bookstores, and boutique shops.

Twilight along Haeundae Beach, where Busan’s skyline meets the sea

But the real heart of Busan came in the form of an elderly woman who, fascinated by my wild silver curls, led me through her neighborhood, introducing me to friends, who all wanted to feed me dish after dish of amazing Korean food, most of which I couldn’t even name. It was an amazing experience filled with laughter and curiosity. The kind of exchange that reminds me why I love traveling solo—space to say yes to the unexpected and savor every magical moment.

In Busan, a stranger became a friend—proof that connection needs no translation.

• Muse Clinic in Gangnam offers English-speaking staff, private treatment rooms, and affordable packages. Book in advance.

• Signage in Korea is primarily in Korean. Download Papago (highly recommended) or use Google Translate + Lens (not as reliable) for menus and navigation.

• T-Money transit card works across buses, subways, and some taxis—pick one up at convenience stores or stations.

• Most locals speak limited English but are very willing to help—it’s helpful to learn a few polite Korean phrases for smoother exchanges. And the locals love it when you try to understand their language and culture.

• Visit Haedong Yonggungsa temple early to avoid crowds. Sunrise over the ocean with the temple behind you is mesmerizing.

• Always pack shoes in your pack that you can slip on/off for temple visits and spa experiences.

• DMZ tours can be booked online or via concierge; always take your passport along for these tours.

• For solo travelers: Korea is extremely safe, and locals are curious and welcoming. Be open—you’ll leave with new stories and maybe even new friends.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Seoul and Busan pages.