Seoul Travel Diary – Day 2

Our second full day in Seoul was all about blending city views, cozy cafés, trendy neighborhoods, and modern landmarks. From the top of Namsan to the streets of Seongsu, the day gave us a taste of Seoul’s vibrant contrasts.

Morning: Namsan & N Seoul Tower

We kicked off the day with a walk up Namsan Mountain, one of Seoul’s most iconic green spaces. At the top, the N Seoul Tower offered sweeping views of the entire city skyline. Even on a hazy day, the sight of Seoul stretching endlessly in every direction was breathtaking. Couples were hanging love locks on the fences, adding to the romantic vibe of the place.

Late Morning: Rain Report Café

After taking in the views, it was time to recharge. We headed to Rain Report, a stylish café known for its warm atmosphere, perfect for both breakfast and coffee. With its cozy interior and a menu that balances both hearty and light bites, it was the ideal stop to relax before diving into the day’s adventures.

Afternoon: From Hangangjin to Seongsu

We hopped on the metro at Hangangjin Station and made our way to Seongsu, often called the “Brooklyn of Seoul.” This once industrial district has transformed into one of the trendiest spots in the city, filled with creative shops, street art, and hip cafés.

Seongsu Shopping & Nudake

Wandering the streets of Seongsu was a treat, boutique shops, independent brands, and unique concept stores gave the area a fashionable yet laid-back vibe. Among the highlights was a stop at Nudake, a café by Gentle Monster known for its avant-garde desserts and artistic interior. Their pastries and cakes felt more like edible sculptures than simple sweets.

Starfield Library

From Seongsu, we made our way to Starfield COEX Mall, where the famous Starfield Library is located. The massive, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves inside the open atrium were jaw-dropping. Even if you’re not there to read, the architecture alone makes it worth a visit.

Gangnam Style Statue

Just outside the mall, we couldn’t miss the quirky Gangnam Style statue, a playful tribute to the viral hit that put Korean pop culture on the global stage. Tourists and locals alike were striking the iconic dance pose in front of it.

Bongeunsa Temple

Right across from Starfield, we stepped into Bongeunsa Temple, a serene escape from the surrounding urban chaos. The colorful lanterns, traditional wooden architecture, and the quiet atmosphere provided a perfect balance to the modern energy of the day.

Gentle Monster Store

To finish off the day, we visited the Gentle Monster flagship store, a true experience in itself. More than just a place to shop for eyewear, the store felt like an art exhibition, with creative installations and immersive design. It was the perfect closing note to a day that celebrated Seoul’s creativity and contrasts.

Reflections on Day 2: From panoramic cityscapes to temple tranquility, trendy cafés to futuristic concept stores, Day 2 in Seoul showed us just how diverse the city can be. Every stop felt like a different world, yet together they painted a picture of a city that thrives on both tradition and reinvention.