South Korea Travelogue: First Impressions of Seoul

February 08, 2025

South Korea Travelogue: First Impressions of Seoul

My first trip to South Korea, a free nation nestled between Japan and China, began on a snowy afternoon at Incheon Airport. The sight of snow was a welcome surprise for someone coming from a southern Chinese city. Despite the cold, the excitement of experiencing snow was palpable.

After taking the airport bus to the city center and checking into our accommodations, we ventured out into the streets of Seoul for our first meal. The bustling city was alive with activity, and it wasn't long before we encountered our first protest – a common occurrence in this vibrant democracy.

The contrast between the peaceful snowfall and the passionate protest was striking, and I couldn't help but feel that I was witnessing the multifaceted nature of South Korea firsthand. The energy of the city was infectious, and I was eager to explore more of what Seoul had to offer.

As I walked through the city, my Sony A6700 and Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 lens captured the moments – the snow-covered streets, the vibrant street food vendors, the traditional architecture juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers, and the faces of the people who call this city home.

From the awe-inspiring Gyeongbokgung Palace to the bustling markets of Myeongdong, Seoul was a city of contrasts and surprises. The warmth of the Korean people, despite the cold weather, was heartwarming, and the food, with its bold flavors and unique ingredients, was a culinary adventure.

Even though it was my first visit, I felt a connection to this city and its people. The experience was more than just a trip; it was an immersion into a new culture, a new way of life. And as I captured these moments through my lens, I knew that this was just the beginning of my South Korean adventure.

Gears & Settings	Figures
Camera	Sony A6700
Lens	Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN
Creative Style	IN
Date Time	Jan 2025
Location	Seoul, South Korea

YouTube

Photos (35)

#: 1 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 12:38:22 | SS: 1/60s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 41mm

#: 2 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 12:38:33 | SS: 1/60s | ISO: 250 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 41mm

#: 3 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 13:16:07 | SS: 1/60s | ISO: 320 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 35mm

#: 4 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 13:23:31 | SS: 1/60s | ISO: 320 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 36mm

#: 5 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 13:47:16 | SS: 1/160s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 75mm

#: 6 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 14:47:57 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 250 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 72mm

#: 7 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 14:52:39 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 500 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm

#: 8 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 14:53:46 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 125 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm

#: 9 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 14:58:59 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm

#: 10 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 15:09:39 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.5 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 27mm

#: 11 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 15:10:13 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 320 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 36mm

#: 12 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 15:11:47 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 125 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm

#: 13 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 15:52:51 | SS: 1/25s | ISO: 100 | F: 6.3 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm

#: 14 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 15:54:17 | SS: 1/25s | ISO: 100 | F: 6.3 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 52mm

#: 15 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 15:55:40 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 52mm

#: 16 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 15:56:05 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 160 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 36mm

#: 17 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 15:59:05 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 100 | F: 3.2 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm

#: 18 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 15:59:08 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 100 | F: 3.2 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm

#: 19 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:00:25 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 100 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm

#: 20 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:03:44 | SS: 1/30s | ISO: 125 | F: 7.1 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 52mm

#: 21 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:05:12 | SS: 1/30s | ISO: 100 | F: 8.0 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 49mm

#: 22 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:05:19 | SS: 1/30s | ISO: 100 | F: 6.3 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 75mm

#: 23 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:05:58 | SS: 1/160s | ISO: 100 | F: 3.5 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 52mm

#: 24 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:06:12 | SS: 1/160s | ISO: 320 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 72mm

#: 25 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:07:13 | SS: 1/160s | ISO: 100 | F: 3.5 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 36mm

#: 26 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:11:08 | SS: 1/200s | ISO: 250 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 36mm

#: 27 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:13:15 | SS: 1/200s | ISO: 250 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 36mm

#: 28 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:16:01 | SS: 1/200s | ISO: 320 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 36mm

#: 29 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:18:39 | SS: 1/200s | ISO: 160 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 36mm

#: 30 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:23:33 | SS: 1/200s | ISO: 250 | F: 3.5 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 36mm

#: 31 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:24:32 | SS: 1/200s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 52mm

#: 32 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:28:49 | SS: 1/200s | ISO: 500 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 36mm

#: 33 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:31:00 | SS: 1/100s | ISO: 320 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 52mm

#: 34 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 16:31:22 | SS: 1/100s | ISO: 160 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 52mm

#: 35 | Timestamp: 2025/01/31 17:18:03 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 1600 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 27mm