I Walked the Streets You Walked: A K-Pop Fan’s Ultimate Seoul & Busan Guide ❤️

Prologue: The Dream That Took Four Years to Come True

Some trips are planned in weeks. Others, like this one, are written in the stars—or rather, in the pages of a fan’s diary that started four years ago.

Back then, I had it all mapped out: the flights, the hotels, the exact café where my idol once sat. But life, as it often does, threw in plot twists. A global pandemic. A grueling college entrance exam. Political tensions that made travel impossible. And the cruelest blow of all—I missed my bias’s once-in-a-lifetime military discharge ceremony.

Sound dramatic? Welcome to the life of a devoted fan.

It wasn’t until February, while wandering the streets of Taipei, that I made a promise to myself: This year, I’m going to Seoul. No more excuses.

When my school calendar dropped, everything clicked into place. No hotel hunting needed—my idol literally runs a guesthouse just waiting for fans like me. March: booked the flights. April: locked in the accommodations. And then began the daily countdown, fingers crossed like a kid before Christmas.

This guide is for two kinds of people. If you’re a fellow fan, consider it your ultimate pilgrimage checklist. If you’re just a curious traveler, it’s your backstage pass to where Koreans actually eat, shop, and hang out.

From 2008 to 2018, I finally walked the streets you walked. And somewhere between the neon lights of Hongdae and the quiet alleys of Seongsu-dong, I realized: youth isn’t wasted on the young. It’s spent on dreams that refuse to fade.

About the Dreamer Behind This Guide

Hi, I’m Jessie—perpetually eighteen, eternally a fangirl, and hopelessly addicted to photography and travel. My motto? Life is too short to skip good food and good music.

If you enjoy this guide, you might also love my other adventures: - Seoul: The Ultimate Foodie’s Paradise - Paris & Switzerland: A Fairytale in the Alps - Taipei: A Dream I Never Want to Wake From - Three Times in Thailand: Graduation, Sunshine, and Freedom

Before You Go: The Practical Stuff

✈️ Flights: How I Saved Big

Living in Guangzhou, I’m spoiled by three airports—Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macau. But Guangzhou’s prices? Painful. China Southern round trips start at 3,000 RMB.

I initially planned to fly Korean Air from Hong Kong (about 2,300 RMB with 23kg luggage). Then I discovered Macau Air—and it was a game-changer.

My pick: Macau Air from Macau, round trip for just 2,315 MOP (~2,000 RMB). Two daily flights to Incheon: midnight and 9 AM. Return times are convenient, and you get 20kg baggage.

Pro tip: Start monitoring prices at least six months out. I saw it for 2,000 MOP initially, but hesitated—and lost a few hundred. Don’t be me.

A quick rant: Check-in at Macau Airport was chaos. All flights crammed into four counters, lines snaking around the terminal. We barely made it. And on the return flight? They served kimchi. Because of course they did.

🏨 Hotels: Where I Stayed (Including My Idol’s Place)

Seoul: 7 nights, 2 guesthouses

1. Mom House (Myeongdong)
- Location: 2-minute walk from Myeongdong Station, airport bus 6015 right across the street.
- Vibe: Small but spotless, surprisingly quiet.
- Price: ~370 RMB/night.
- Why I booked it: It’s owned by Kyuhyun (Super Junior). Yes, I’m that fan.
- Bonus: Breakfast comes with a view of Kyuhyun’s photos on the 5th floor, and the café plays Super Junior MVs on loop. Pure nostalgia.

2. Airbnb near Hongdae
- Location: 10–15 minutes from Hongdae Station, 5 minutes to the main street. Warning: hills and stairs with luggage.
- Vibe: Cozy, clean, underground level (no elevator).
- Price: ~390 RMB/night.

Busan: Elysee Hotel Busan
- Location: 2-minute walk from Nampo Station, uphill to Busan Tower and BIFF Square.
- Vibe: Quiet, spacious rooms. (The transparent bathroom door? Questionable design choice.)
- Price: 47,600 KRW/night.

📄 Visa: Surprisingly Painless

I’m a Guangzhou resident, so I visited the visa center in person. Here’s the cheat sheet:

1. Check requirements online. For residents of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen (excluding collective household registration), a 5-year multiple-entry visa requires no financial proof—just a form, photo, ID, and household registration photocopy.
2. Book an appointment at least 2 working days ahead. Print the confirmation.
3. Download the visa application from the official site, fill it out, and bring it.
4. Show up at the Guangzhou Visa Center (14F, Yuexiu Financial Tower, Zhujiang New Town). Get a visitor pass at the lobby.
5. Pay: 630 RMB for the visa, then 120 RMB processing fee. Wait for your number. Done.

Honestly, it felt like they’d give me a visa if I just showed up with cash.

🚇 Getting Around

Incheon Airport → Seoul - Airport Bus: Buy tickets at the counter or tap your T-money card (save 1,000 KRW). For Mom House, take bus 6015 to Myeongdong. 14,000 KRW/person. - AREX Express: Cheaper, but Seoul’s subway stations have stairs. Lots of stairs. Not fun with luggage. - Taxi: Black cabs are expensive but speak English. You do you.

Seoul & Busan Subway - Get a T-money card at any convenience store. Cheaper than single tickets. I spent about 70,000 KRW in 10 days. Balance is refundable (minus fee). - I used a Cashbee card from last year—works the same.

🚄 KR Pass: The Smart Way to Go Busan

Most people buy individual KTX tickets. Don’t. Get a Korail Pass instead.

Options: - 2-day or 4-day flexible pass - 3/5/7-day consecutive pass - Youth, adult, group (2–5 people) rates

I bought a 2-day youth pass (bless being under 25). Book online, print the confirmation, exchange at any KTX station.

Note: Only international credit cards work. No UnionPay.

📱 Essential Apps & Gear

• WiFi: Rented from “Roaming Superman” on Taobao—10 RMB/day, fast battery life, lightweight.
• Apps: Lotte Duty Free, Shinsegae Duty Free (order online, pick up at airport), Korea Subway Map, Naver Map, Hanjook Map, Baidu Maps.
• Currency: Exchange at Myeongdong’s “Money Exchange Near the Embassy” (near the embassy). Better rates than banks. Open 7:30 AM–10 PM.

Seoul: A Fan’s Pilgrimage Map ❤️

🏛️ Bukchon Hanok Village

How to get there: Anguk Station, Line 3.

These traditional Korean houses date back to the Joseon Dynasty, once home to the nobility. Today, they’re still lived in—so whisper when you visit.

Fan moment: In Super Junior-M’s Guest House, Eunhyuk recommended the 6th of Bukchon’s 8 scenic spots. From there, you see hanok rooftops against modern skyscrapers—a perfect metaphor for Korea’s transformation.

🏯 Gwanghwamun & Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gwanghwamun: The main gate of Gyeongbokgung, built in 1395. Destroyed during the Japanese invasions, rebuilt in 1867, burned again in the Korean War. The current gate (1968) stands 10 meters behind the original.

Fan moment: Play Kyuhyun’s “At Gwanghwamun” while walking through. It’s the law.

Gyeongbokgung: Korea’s equivalent of the Forbidden City, but smaller. The grounds are covered in yellow sand—a security measure so assassins’ footsteps could be heard. The most tragic spot: the north end, where Empress Myeongseong was murdered by Japanese agents.

• Admission: 3,000 KRW (adults), 1,500 KRW (youth).
• Hours: 9 AM–6:30 PM. Closed Tuesdays.

Honest take? The palaces all look the same after a while. And in summer, you’ll melt.

🎓 Ewha Womans University

How to get there: Ewha Station, Line 2 (Exit 2 or 3).

Founded in 1886 as “Ewha Hakdang,” this university is famous for its European-style architecture, the iconic sunken library, and… producing First Ladies.

Fan moment: In Super Junior’s SuJu Returns, members filmed here. Walk the same paths they did, and pretend you’re in a music video.

🌃 Hongdae: The Heart of Youth Culture

How to get there: Hongdae Station, Line 2.

This neighborhood pulses with energy—street performers, indie music venues, vintage shops, and cafés on every corner. It’s where Korea’s youth culture comes alive.

Must-do: Catch a free busking performance near the main street. Some of Korea’s biggest stars started here.

Fan spot: The MBC Music building is nearby, where many idol shows are filmed. Hang around long enough, and you might spot a rookie group.

🏙️ Namsan Seoul Tower

How to get there: Cable car from Myeongdong, or hike up.

The iconic tower offers panoramic views of Seoul. Love locks line the fences—a tradition made famous by Korean dramas.

Fan moment: In Super Junior’s Bonamana era, members visited here. Kyuhyun’s lock is supposedly still there. Good luck finding it among thousands.

• Admission: 12,000 KRW for the observatory.
• Hours: 10 AM–11 PM.

🎵 SM Entertainment Building (Cheongdam-dong)

How to get there: Cheongdam Station, Line 7.

The holy grail for any SM fan. The building is sleek, modern, and surrounded by fans waiting for a glimpse of their idols.

Fan tip: Visit the SMTOWN COEX Artium in Samseong-dong instead—it’s a full experience with a museum, café, and merch shop.

🍜 Gwangjang Market

How to get there: Jongno 5-ga Station, Line 1.

This is where Koreans actually eat. Skip the tourist traps and head straight for the food alley.

Must-try: Mayak gimbap (addictive mini seaweed rice rolls), bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Fan moment: Super Junior’s Heechul famously loves this market. Order what he orders—you won’t regret it.

Busan: The Coastal Escape 🌊

🚄 Getting There: KTX from Seoul to Busan

Time: 2 hours 40 minutes. Cost: Covered by your KR Pass.

The ride is smooth, scenic, and worth every won. Watch the mountains give way to the sea.

🏖️ Haeundae Beach

How to get there: Haeundae Station, Line 2.

Korea’s most famous beach. In summer, it’s packed with umbrellas and laughter. In spring, it’s peaceful and perfect for a stroll.

Fan moment: BTS’s Spring Day music video vibes. Bring a picnic and pretend you’re in a coming-of-age film.

🐟 Jagalchi Fish Market

How to get there: Jagalchi Station, Line 1.

The largest seafood market in Korea. Watch vendors chop live octopus, then eat it upstairs at a restaurant.

Must-try: Sannakji (live octopus—chew carefully), hoe (Korean sashimi), and haemul pajeon (seafood pancake).

🏛️ Gamcheon Culture Village

How to get there: Bus from Toseong Station, Line 1.

A hillside village painted in rainbow colors. Every alley offers a photo op, and the art installations are Instagram gold.

Fan moment: This place feels like the set of a K-drama. Wander without a map—getting lost is part of the charm.

🌉 Busan Tower

How to get there: Walk uphill from Nampo Station.

Smaller than Namsan, but the view of Busan’s harbor is stunning. The observation deck has a glass floor for the brave.

• Admission: 8,000 KRW.
• Hours: 9 AM–10 PM.

Final Thoughts: The Dream Lives On

Four years of waiting. One trip that changed everything.

I walked the streets of Seoul and Busan, ate at the same restaurants, stood in the same spots. And somewhere between the chaos of Hongdae and the calm of Haeundae, I realized: fandom isn’t just about loving an artist. It’s about loving the world they helped you discover.

So whether you’re a K-Pop fan, a foodie, or just someone looking for an adventure—go. Book the flight. Walk the streets. Your own dream is waiting.

Jessie’s Top Tips Recap: - Book flights 6+ months early - Get a KR Pass for intercity travel - Stay at Mom House if you’re an ELF (Super Junior fan) - Use Naver Map for navigation (Google Maps is unreliable in Korea) - Bring cash for markets and street food - Pack comfortable shoes—you’ll walk 20,000 steps a day

Until next time, Seoul. I’ll be back. ❤️