Seoul Then vs Now: Why This City Will Completely Surprise You

Paula Barnes lived in Seoul 15 years ago — and honestly? It was hard. The language barrier was real, the taxis were brutal, and getting around without Korean felt nearly impossible. So when she went back, she wasn't expecting to fall in love with it. She did. In this episode, Paula goes solo to unpack everything that's changed, everything that's stayed beautifully the same, and every reason why Seoul should be at the top of your travel list. From the DMZ to Dongdaemun, Korean BBQ to Olive Young skincare halls, cherry blossom season to single-digit winter temps — this one covers it all. Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifth, this episode is your honest, no-fluff guide to Seoul.DMZ tour (respectful, highly recommended)Nanta Show — no Korean needed, funny and unmissableMyeongdong — street food, Olive Young skincare, boutique shoppingNamdaemun Market — oldest market in Seoul, try the Hotteok!Bukchon Hanok Village — go early morning for sunriseGangnam — upscale shopping mall, the iconic Gangnam statueItaewon — boutique bars, restaurants & Vatos (Korean-Mexican fusion)Courtyard Marriott Namdaemun — central location, robot room serviceGimpo Premium Factory Outlet — near the airport, worth the detourBibimbap cooking classTraditional Korean feast restaurant in MyeongdongTemple stay information centre — free activities, monk conversationsOlive Young — Korea's answer to Sephora, massive flagship in MyeongdongBest seasons to visit: cherry blossom (spring) and autumnPaula's full Seoul guides on her website: 5-day itinerary, where to stay, best things to do, and DMZ day trip. Send us Fan MailTravel with peace of mind: SafetyWingsGet covered in 180+ countries with flexible monthly subscriptions starting at just $45.08. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on:Website: Truly Expat Travel Facebook: Truly ExpatInstagram: Truly Expat Travel TikTok: Truly Expat Travel Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂