Seoul is a big, bright and chaotic city that you should add to your "must go here" list. The beauty of this huge metropolis with nearly 10 million people is that it's convenient, walkable, and always has some exciting event perfect for people-watching. Even though I had been to Seoul several times when I taught in South Korea after university, I was looking forward to returning four years later for an extended layover. For five days I ate myself into a food coma, reminisced outside 7-Elevens, and walked countless miles every day on busy streets. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Whether by taxi, subway, bus, or walking, it's easy to get to all of Seoul. Even if you only have a few days, you can easily get around the exciting city and take advantage of seeing an area of ​​the world that has been thriving since the 1950s. Here are seven things you need to check out Seoul.Walk everywhere. One of my favorite things to do when exploring a new city is to walk around and get lost. However, with our little internet sources connected to our bodies, it's virtually impossible to actually get lost. While Google Maps isn't efficient in Seoul, downloading Seoul Map Offline will keep you on the right path if you're a little worried about a wrong turn. Walking is a great way to see parts of the city that aren't accessible from the taxi window or subway. Plus, it's free! Wandering around Seoul you'll come across adorable little spaces that would otherwise be undiscovered if you're traveling on wheels. Whether you discover one of the various cute cafes, heart-shaped photo booths, try some new street food, or work out at one of the various outdoor stations with a local ajumma, you'll have plenty to enjoy on foot. If you don't know where to start in this great city, check out this app to help you find your way on a self-guided walking tour of Seoul. On the other hand, Seoul's public transportation is top-notch. If you feel like your feet might fall off by the end of the day, squeeze into the subway with millions of Seoulites. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. Begin your walking tour with a leisurely morning stroll through Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is a huge Confusion-designed structure located on the northern side of the city, originally finished in the late 14th century. It was later rebuilt in the 19th century, but was soon almost completely destroyed during the Japanese occupation at the end of the century. However, in more recent years, Gyeongbokgung Palace has been partially restored and now contains around a third of the 500 buildings originally located on the site. Once inside, you will have the chance to walk through the multiple passages while watching Koreans dressed in traditional clothing. traditional Hanbok clothes to make you feel like you've stepped back in time. You can get your mix of history, culture and architecture in a short afternoon at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Stroll through Bukchon Hanok village. Speaking of history, you can take a tour of this authentic neighborhood of the city. Bukchon Hanok Village is located a short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace and contains the best-preserved hanok in the country. Hanok are traditional Korean-style houses first built in the 14th century. In the past, depending on the style of hanok you lived in determined your class. Today you will see people walking around in traditional clothing, you can visit the various open-air markets that have sprung up everywhere and take photos of the unique architecture. This neighborhood brings together a unique history that is still visible to this day. It's an areafun place to discover and learn more about old Korean culture. Hike in Bukhansan National Park. If you need a break from the city, you don't have to go far. Just north of Seoul is that mountain you want. It is passable all year round, but spring and autumn will be the best weather. At just 2,744 feet above sea level lies Baegundae Peak, the highest in the park, and it's not a very difficult trek. However, there are multiple routes, so you can choose your hike length and difficulty level before starting your outdoor trip. You will only need good shoes, full water bottles and some snacks for your adventure. If you want to hike the mountain in true Korean style, be sure to bring brightly colored windbreakers, visors, trekking poles and a bottle of makgeolli for the summit. Head to the bangs. Bang means "room" in Korean and there is room for everything. It's fun to get a taste of Korean culture by experiencing at least one of the various shots. If you feel sore from the hike or from walking all day, you can go to a jimjillbang. Here you can relax in a nice sparkling spa or get a scrub from an elderly Korean. If it's raining and you can't go outside, go watch a DVD-bang. This is otherwise known as your private theater where you choose a 90s movie that you forgot existed. Do you want to party? Grab some friends and sing your heart out at a karaoke room, also known as a noraebang. There's nothing that celebrates Korean culture like squealing to some famous K-Pop songs. If you've seen these "방" symbols, then you know you're on your way to an amazing time. Shop at Gwangjang Market. Want a smell you'll never forget? Of course you are. Try spending an afternoon having lunch at one of Korea's oldest traditional markets: the enormous Gwangjang Market. Walking around Gwangjang Market will be a whole new kind of culture shock. You can easily spend a whole day here amidst lots of locals and tourists. You'll be wide-eyed and entertained as you watch locals mix buckets of kimchi, quickly flip Korean pancakes for hundreds of hungry customers, and witness live octopus being torn apart. There are over 5,000 different stores in this 450,000 square foot market that will get you everything you need and more. Be it clothing, cosmetics, food, juice, crafts and more. Even if you don't want to buy anything, make sure to at least try a new type of food just for the experience. You will love walking around this crazy, crowded, wonderful, colorful and pungent market. Eat everything. My mouth was watering for some bulgogi the moment I stepped off the plane at Incheon International Airport after four years. I had one main goal for my few days in the ROK and that was to EAT. Eating around Seoul is an event in itself. Not only is Korean food absolutely delicious, but I love that Korean food culture allows you to sit for hours at a restaurant without having to run out the door. All you have to do is press a button and, voilà!, the food will magically appear before your eyes. Be open to experiencing everything before your eyes. Seoul offers many unique spicy, savory, sweet and fragrant snacks. Best of all, you'll get plenty of free sides with your meals. Here are just a few things I make sure to binge on when I travel to Seoul. Before a night out: Korean BBQ, Dakgalbi or Shabu Shabu On a rainy day: Pajeon and MakgeolliStreet food hopping: Kimbap and DukbokkiSit down to fast food: Bibimbap, mandu and doenjang jjigaeFor the brave: octopus.