Exploring Gangnam, Josun Palace, Namdaemun, Myeongdong, Insadong & Bingsu
This summer, I set out on an unforgettable journey through Seoul, South Korea—capturing every moment in my 2025 photo journal. From the stylish streets of Gangnam to the luxurious comfort of Josun Palace Hotel, my trip was filled with culture, history, shopping, food, and perfectly sweet (‘not too sweet”) summer treats. I wandered through the bustling lanes of Namdaemun Market, experienced the vibrant energy of Myeongdong’s shops and street food stalls, and explored the traditional charm of Insadong. Of course, no Seoul summer is complete without indulging in bingsu, Korea’s famous shaved ice dessert that’s perfect for beating the heat.
Whether you’re planning your own Seoul itinerary for 2026 or just want a peek into the best places to visit in Seoul, last summer’s photo journal highlights the must-visit places, hidden gems, and travel tips to make your trip memorable. (And don’t forget to visit my previous post on Seoul. And check out my Instagram Stories.)
SEOUL KOREA IN SUMMER 2025
KOREAN AIRLINES
My favorite airline in the world is Korean Airlines. The flight attendants are always so patient, kind and go out of their way to give you the best white glove experience – whether you’re in coach, business/prestige or first class. And I for sure did watch 4 K-dramas. Korean Airlines is just infinitely better than Asiana.
JOSUN PALACE, GANGNAM
Gangnam itself is a vibrant neighborhood, known for its upscale shops, trendy cafés, and K-pop culture. Staying in Gangnam made it easy to explore both the contemporary and traditional sides of Seoul while enjoying luxuriating comfort that I will forever want to revisit.
My home base for this trip was the elegant Josun Palace Hotel in Gangnam, one of Seoul’s most luxurious stays. The hotel perfectly combines modern design with world-class hospitality. From my room, I had sweeping views of the city skyline that looked even more magical at sunset.
Starfield Library
We visited a breathtaking floor to ceiling library located in the COEX Mall in the Gangnam-gu district. This super Instagrammable popular landmark boasts an impressive 13-meter-high bookshelves that reach the ceiling, housing about 50,000 books and creating a stunning, open-space atmosphere in the heart of the mall. I need this in my home.
Haircut
Who in the world would have thought my $27 haircut (inclusive of a shampoo, head massage and blow out) would be so fab. In the midst of errands in Gangnam, I grabbed a last minute appointment at JUNO, upstairs from a Starbucks – and I’ll be for sure going back.
Traditional Seoul Vibes in Insadong
For a change of pace, I headed to Insadong, a neighborhood that feels like stepping back into Seoul’s past. The streets are filled with antique shops, art galleries, calligraphy stores, and cozy tea houses where you can sip traditional Korean tea. It’s where old Seoul meets modern culture. My camera roll is filled with snapshots of hanboks, crafts, and curious hidden alleyways.
A Wholesome Culinary Escape at A Flower Blossom on the Rice
Tucked away in a quiet alley of Insadong, A Flower Blossom on the Rice (꽃, 밥에 피다) offers a serene contrast to the area’s bustling main street—a cozy hanok-style space where wholesome, eco-conscious Korean cuisine takes center stage.
This Michelin-recognized gem (earning both a Green Star and a Bib Gourmand) prides itself on using certified organic, farm-to-table ingredients. And 95% of its produce is sourced directly from eco-conscious farms supplying organic rice, pesticide-free vegetables, Korean beef, and more to boot!
Street Art, Nightlife & Creativity in Hongdae
No Seoul summer itinerary is complete without a stop in Hongdae, the city’s hub for youth culture and creativity. Known for its vibrant street art, indie music scene, and energetic nightlife, Hongdae offers a completely different vibe from the rest of Seoul.
During the day, I wandered through alleyways decorated with colorful murals and stumbled upon quirky cafés and fashion boutiques. And then at night, the neighborhood came alive as buskers performed live music on the streets, dancers gathered in groups to showcase their moves, and the air was fun and buzzy with excitement and youth.
Hongdae is a must-visit stop that shows off Seoul’s young creative spirit.
One negative about this college town was that it seemed like everyone and their ummas were smoking. I guess it goes with the demo.
The Scoop on Olive Young in Korea
Olive Young is basically Seoul’s beauty and wellness mecca. Think Korea’s #1 health & beauty store, blending the convenience of a drugstore with the trendiness of a beauty haven. Be on the lookout in the States. (Westfield Century City.. what?!) Olive Young will be making its way in 2026!
I went to town a few times a day! It’s Sephora on steroids!
Chang Skin Clinic — Gangnam’s Trusted Skin Experts
We all know thousandes of Americans are now flocking to Seoul for skincare, facials, plastic surgery and so on. And one of the most trending treatments is the Salmon Sperm Facial aka Rejuran.
Rejuran is a popular skin booster treatment originating in South Korea, made from polynucleotides (PN) derived from salmon DNA – and no, it’s not actual sperm. Instead, it harnesses DNA fragments that promote skin repair, boost collagen, amplify hydration, and support a smoother, firmer complexion.
I highly recommend Chang Skin Clinic in Gangnam. They were clean, kind, organized, professional — and my Johns Hopkins educated doctor looked like she was 23.
I did a write up on it here.
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong: Modern Comfort in the Heart of Seoul
For a change of scenery, we left Gangnam’s Josun Palace and moved over to the more quaint Le Meridien Seoul hotel in Myeongdong. Their rooms were clean and modest and they had a stellar breakfast buffet.
One of the most delicious surprises at Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong was their exclusive “Au Soleil Bingsu with ILLY” a stylish shaved-ice creation infused with the hotel’s signature mix of design flair and culinary creativity. Seriously the best way to beat the heat.
For those who don’t know, bingsu is Korea’s famous shaved-ice dessert. From classic red bean to modern mango and matcha flavors, it was the sweetest highlight of my trip. Delicious and always picture perfect.
The Buzz of Myeongdong: Fashion, Beauty & Food
If you love shopping, Myeongdong is the place to be. Known worldwide as Seoul’s K-beauty capital, the streets are lined with endless skincare and cosmetics stores offering the latest Korean beauty trends.
But beyond the shopping, Myeongdong is also a street food haven. My camera roll is full of sizzling skewers, fluffy egg bread (gyeran-bbang), and fresh fruit juices. The combination of neon lights, fashionable crowds, and incredible food makes Myeongdong a must-visit.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
The stream in Seoul is called Cheonggyecheon Stream. It’s a 10.85 km long stream that runs through downtown Seoul, separating Jongno-gu and Jung-gu. It was once a sewer, but was restored and transformed into a popular recreation area. Moms come with their kids, people bring their lunches and dip their feet in the stream to cool off.
A Literary Escape at Kyobo Bookstore
In between markets and shopping streets, I made time for a quieter stop: Kyobo Bookstore, the largest and most iconic bookstore chain in Korea. The flagship location in Gwanghwamun is a book lover’s paradise, with endless rows of literature, travel guides, design books, and even K-pop photo collections.
Even if you don’t read Korean, Kyobo is worth visiting for its atmosphere. The store often features curated displays of international bestsellers, a wide English-language section, and cozy reading nooks where you can take a break from the summer heat. I found myself browsing stationery, unique gifts, and beautifully designed journals – adorable souvenirs to bring home.
For me, Kyobo Bookstore was a cool cultural experience. It gave me a glimpse into what locals are reading, what stories are trending, and how deeply books remain part of Seoul’s everyday life. I may have purchased one too many Vogue – Korea magazines.
Fine Dining at Akira Back, Four Seasons Seoul
I didn’t love the aesthetics of the Four Seasons, upon entering. The palate was loud and Vegas-y and not subdued or classy in the typical East Asian way.
However, one of my highlight meals was a delicious unforgettable dinner at Akira Back, the modern Japanese restaurant located inside the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back, it delivered a fusion of Japanese cuisine with Korean flavors and a luxurious global twist.
The setting was chic yet warm, with sleek interiors and floor-to-ceiling views of the city. Every dish was artfully presented, from delicate sushi rolls to creative mains infused with bold flavors. The miso black cod melted in my mouth.
BACK TO LA
I returned back to the States after 10 days. And I’m already overdue for a return. If you go, let me know your favorite spots.
Here are some Instagram Stories if you wanted to grab a taste of my journey.
Until next time…
