Digital Journal Mia Camargo

Welcome to my digital journal, where I show my unforgettable experiences in Seoul, South Korea. From the busy streets of Myeongdong to the serene temples of Jogyesa, join me as I explore the vibrant culture, delicious food, and unique architectural designs this captivating city has to offer.

On our first official day in Korea, while exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, we met a group of friendly Korean boys dressed in traditional hanboks. They graciously posed for a picture with us, adding a welcoming and fun touch to our visit.

I captured this gorgeous photograph of Gyeongbokgung Palace, its elegant architecture framed perfectly against the clear blue sky.

Wearing a beautiful black, white, and gold hanbok, I felt like I had stepped back in time as I explored Gyeongbokgung Palace. The traditional clothing I was looking forward to wearing added a touch of elegance to my experience, making my visit even more memorable.

The building behind me was the first building I saw on my first day in Seoul that truly captivated me with its stunning architectural design.

This is the YTN Seoul Tower, also known as the Seoul Tower Broadcasting Center. It houses broadcasting facilities and supports the main tower. Its distinctive red and white color scheme makes it a prominent landmark next to the iconic Namsan Tower. Though it is not talked about as much as the Namsam Tower, I was amazed of its beauty along with the colorful sky behind it.

Seoul City Hall is a great example of modern architecture, it has a wave-like glass facade that symbolizes harmony and transparency. It is located in the heart of the city and it houses many government offices and public spaces. The building seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary design elements, reflecting Seoul's dynamic and progressive ways.

This is Queen's Bakery, which I visited during my first week in Seoul. I adored the charming exterior design, reminiscent of a café set in a cozy house.

Before vs After of Queen Bakery's delicious food

I visited Kwangjang Market which is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, South Korea. It is well known for its food stalls where you can try authentic Korean street foods such a mung bean pancakes, tteokbokki, and gimbap. I loved how even though the market's design looks old, it still looks captivating to enter.

This is Lotte World Tower. Standing at 555 meters (1,819 feet) with 123 floors, it is the tallest building in South Korea and one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. I was amazed of how tall it was and how scary it must be to be at the top. From the bottom, the tower looks like it is leaning.

I saw these statues while I was on the way to Lotte World in the subway. The incredible detail put into each statue amazed me. It was fascinating to encounter such artistry in a transit space, making the commute feel more like a journey through an art exhibit. The craftsmanship was so exquisite that it seemed like these statues belonged in a museum rather than a subway station, adding an unexpected cultural touch to my visit.

“He dismantled her tomb and rebuilt the bridge using the stones, placing them upside down, so people would always walk above her grave."

This sculpture, located just outside Seoul's Museum of Art, is called Jangdockdae and was created by Hwan Kwon Yi. The artist depicted three generations of a family, including grandparents, parents, and children, using his friend's family as the model.

This is the Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, a ten-story structure located on the first floor of the National Museum of Korea. Unlike the typical granite used during its time, this pagoda is made of marble. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, the pagoda was taken to Japan in 1907. It was returned in 1918 and placed on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and now it stands in the main hall of the National Museum of Korea.

When I visited Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, I captured this close-up photograph of it. The intricate details of the fortress amazed me, and its historical significance was evident. Experiencing it in person was beautiful, especially with the stunning views and surrounding nature enhancing the experience.

A photograph of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) which was designed by the infamous architect Zaha Hadid. It serves as a major cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, fashion shows, and various events, and is known for its innovative design and dynamic public spaces.

The following glideshow shows some buildings I really liked personally and found interesting.

This Galleria in Gwanggyo caught my eye instantly, prompting me to capture its unique architecture in a photograph. The building's design is unlike anything I've seen before, showcasing a blend of creativity and innovation that reflects excellent attention to detail. The architect's skillful execution of the design is evident, as the structure stands out prominently, drawing admiration and curiosity from people which make them attracted to go to it.

While walking along the Cheonggyecheon river, I photographed this building due to its exceptionally unique and captivating design.

While exploring Gangnam, I stumbled upon this building that immediately captured my attention with its striking design. I was fascinated by its distinctiveness, which offered a refreshing contrast to the architecture I typically encounter in Miami.

I spotted what appeared to be apartment buildings and quickly captured a photo. Their intriguing illusionary design caught my eye, sparking my interest in them.

The last architectural design I loved was the castle of Lotte World which is behind me. It has a familiar feeling to the Magic Kingdom castle but it has its uniqueness and fits the Lotte World atmosphere.

My postcards to encourage others to visit Seoul. You won't regret it!