We’re taking you on a fast-paced, culture-packed journey through Seoul, South Korea. From digging into crispy Korean fried chicken and sizzling BBQ, to exploring ancient palaces and tea houses, to stepping foot near the tension-filled border of the DMZ, we made the most of every moment. Jamal shares…We’re taking you on a fast-paced, culture-packed journey through Seoul, South Korea. From digging into crispy Korean fried chicken and sizzling BBQ, to exploring ancient palaces and tea houses, to stepping foot near the tension-filled border of the DMZ, we made the most of every moment. Jamal shares the wild adventure of navigating Seoul’s public transit, Brittanie gets cozy with traditional teas and sweets, and we offer travel tips to help you explore Seoul like a pro. Don’t miss this episode filled with history, K-culture, epic eats, and real talk about what it’s like to squeeze Seoul into just two days!
• Stay at the Moxy Hotel, a trendy, metro-accessible hotel with a rooftop bar
• Get an eSim from Airalo before you go
• Eat Korean Fried Chicken at KyoChon and Korean BBQ at Myeongdong
• Take a DMZ Tour and explore this forbidden land (you can book with Julie, our amazing tour guide on Instagram)
• Wander through the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village
• Relax at Chatteul Tea House
• Tour the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Ride the Namsan Cable Car to the Observation Deck Seoul Tower for panoramic nighttime views.Find a great flight deal to Seoul, or anywhere else, by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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I last saw South Korea's fabulous capital Seoul way back in 2002, so when my 15-year-old son spotted a great flight price in November I was very keen to take him there! This podcast episode reports back on our week in Seoul, and I even persuaded my son to come on and chat about our trip, too.
I'm …I last saw South Korea's fabulous capital Seoul way back in 2002, so when my 15-year-old son spotted a great flight price in November I was very keen to take him there! This podcast episode reports back on our week in Seoul, and I even persuaded my son to come on and chat about our trip, too.
I'm a big believer in being a thoughtful traveller in all phases of a trip, so in this episode I start off explaining the three things I did to prepare for our trip (at short notice - we booked a fortnight before we left) - and they do not involve planning a day-by-day itinerary. My son Ruben and I then chat about some of our favourite parts of the trip, including the best day out, most delicious meal and our most fun shopping experiences. I give us a rating on the thoughtful travel scorecard and then finish up by explaining our budget - for once I had all the figures to hand and several people had asked me. Listen and tell me if you think our budget was appropriate or not!
Links:
• Korea travel reading list - https://amzn.to/45Oxn0l
• Ruben’s YouTube channel of Pro Clubs (FIFA) gaming, Reginald Ramen - https://www.youtube.com/@ReginaldRamen
• The best moments of my trip to South Korea were not on my itinerary - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/p/the-best-moments-of-my-trip-to-south
• PLK Travel for DMZ Tour - https://www.plktravel.com
• My Seoul Map - https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1s8N441QUJAOnjRQUMH0X9D6H6unt6cU&usp=sharing
• Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers
• Join our LinkedIn group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://notaballerina.com/linkedin
• Sign up for the Thoughtful Travellers newsletter at Substack - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com
• Show notes: https://notaballerina.com/378
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NotABallerina.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Support the show: https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/
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Today, we're taking you on a journey through one of the most fascinating and dynamic countries in the world—South Korea. From the bustling streets of Seoul to tranquil temples and breathtaking peaks, South Korea offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend ancient history with cutting-edge pop c…Today, we're taking you on a journey through one of the most fascinating and dynamic countries in the world—South Korea. From the bustling streets of Seoul to tranquil temples and breathtaking peaks, South Korea offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend ancient history with cutting-edge pop culture.
Whether you're a foodie eager to discover authentic Korean cuisine, a history buff fascinated by the deep past, or someone looking for spiritual enlightenment in the mountains, this episode has it all.
Joining me today are David Mason, a renowned expert on Korean culture and spirituality; Joe McPherson, a food lover and founder of ZenKimchi; and James Jin, an incredible guide who knows how to craft the perfect Korean adventure.
We'll explore everything from Korean spirituality to the latest in K-pop, share some unforgettable food moments, and uncover the real Korea, far beyond the typical tourist paths.
Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Luggage Forward.
Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels
If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/
What happens when your brother calls and says, "Want to meet me in Japan?" If you're Adventurer Cosette, you don't think twice. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with Cosette to unpack a spontaneous, unforgettable journey that crisscrossed South Korea and Japan.
Fr…What happens when your brother calls and says, "Want to meet me in Japan?" If you're Adventurer Cosette, you don't think twice. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with Cosette to unpack a spontaneous, unforgettable journey that crisscrossed South Korea and Japan.
From wandering Seoul's vibrant night markets and exploring the DMZ, to immersing herself in the peaceful reflection of Hiroshima and hiking snowy trails to spy on wild snow monkeys, Cosette's story is packed with cultural depth, scenic beauty, and a little chaos (including a rough flight home!). Along the way, she dressed up for Ninja class, tackled Japan's legendary Nine Bath Challenge in Shibu Onsen, and uncovered hidden gems across Kyoto and Kanazawa.
If you've ever dreamed of diving into a new country on short notice, this episode is for you. The crew also shares practical travel hacks—like how to find last-minute flight deals, why power banks are non-negotiable, and what you should really expect from Mount Fuji.
Highlights include:
• What it's like to travel internationally on a whim
• How Korean and Japanese culture differ—and surprise you
• Packing tips and tech gear that saved the day
• Memorable stops: Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Kyoto's Bamboo Forest, and Tokyo's massive crowds
• Bonus challenge: Did Cosette complete all nine hot spring baths?
Whether you're planning your first overseas trip or just dreaming of adventure from your couch, this episode reminds you: the best stories happen when you say "yes."more
Elijah Coleman, the friendliest guy from Oakland, CA took a leap of faith and found himself stationed in South Korea after joining the army. Eli's eye-opening journey abroad—his first time leaving the U.S.—transformed his outlook on life. From embracing a vibrant new culture to navigating the challe…Elijah Coleman, the friendliest guy from Oakland, CA took a leap of faith and found himself stationed in South Korea after joining the army. Eli's eye-opening journey abroad—his first time leaving the U.S.—transformed his outlook on life. From embracing a vibrant new culture to navigating the challenges of being a single father station abroad, his story is raw, relatable, and packed with heart. Hear about his adventures, the dating scene as a dad overseas, and the lessons that only travel can teach.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.more
