Self Care in the City
Authored By:
When studying abroad in Seoul, every day brings new adventures and sights. From exploring the seemingly endless picturesque cafes to visiting historical landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the city truly has so much to offer! Still, it is sometimes easy to get overwhelmed. As someone who has never lived in a big city before, I definitely find myself needing breaks from the hustle and bustle every so often. If you’re looking for some R&R, here are some of my favorite ways to recharge.
1) Journaling or Reading at a Café
Journaling is a great way to ground yourself and get in touch with your emotions. Also, it’s fun to look back on your musings later on when you read your entries! Try visiting a café and writing while you enjoy a dessert or drink. If you don’t know what to write about, give a stream of consciousness entry a try. Another option is to read a book in a café! If you don’t already have books on hand, Seoul is filled with bookstores. Some have an English section, or you could check out an English/Foreign store, such as Itaewon Foreign Bookstore.
2) Walking Alongside Cheonggyecheon Stream
Flowing through downtown Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream is a must-see destination. The 11km-long stream is a popular destination for exercising, taking pictures, or just simply relaxing. Along the way, keep your eye out for interesting natural sights, such as storks and small fish.
3) Visiting a Park
Seoul is full of lovely parks to enjoy. Two popular options are Seoul National Forest and Yeouido Hangang Park. Try biking, walking, picnicking, or simply people watching at these scenic spots!
4) Trying New Bath/Skincare Products
Stocking up on skincare and bath products is always fun for a self care day! If you’re looking for new ones, you’re in luck, as Seoul is full of beauty/bath stores. One popular option is LUSH, which has many locations throughout the city. Another beauty store I’ve been excited to visit is the flagship store of Klairs, an eco-friendly and cruelty-free Korean skincare brand.
Regardless of the specifics of how you practice self care, make sure to take some time for yourself during your time abroad. It’ll help keep you balanced, healthy, and present for all the new memories you’re bound to make!
Related Posts
Best Eats and Cafes in Sinchon
Best Eats and Cafes in Sinchon When I first chose Yonsei University, I was excited to explore Seoul’s popular neighborhoods, like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Seongsu, especially for their restaurants and... keep reading
Pottery in Icheon: Learning from a Korean Ceramic Master
For my first CIEE blog post, I’m sharing my experience visiting Namyang Pottery in Icheon, South Korea! From meeting a master potter with over 50 years of experience to creating my own pottery, this trip gave me a chance to explore a quieter side of Korea and appreciate its traditional craftsmanship. Read along as I share what I learned, what I created, and why this experience became such a memorable part of my study abroad journey!
Hiking to Baegundae Peak Alone: My Bukhansan Adventure
One of my goals while studying abroad in South Korea is to push myself outside of my comfort zone and become more independent. Hiking to Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National... keep reading