visitseoul.net

Solo travel is emerging as a new travel trend among Gen Z. It offers a sense of healing and great satisfaction, allowing individuals to focus entirely on their inner selves and preferences. A solo trip to Seoul is highly recommended as it is one of the safer areas of travel for those going at it alone, especially thanks to its excellent public safety and convenient public transportation. Recently, GISELLE, a member of the popular Gen Z girl group, aespa, embarked on a solo trip to Seoul with Visit Seoul. She curated her own travel course under the series title, GISELLE Line (Z-LINE), which centers around Namsan Mountain while featuring her favorite and most intriguing spots. Hop on the public transit to follow along the route she took and set off on your solo adventure.

Music is My Life:
Hyundai Card MUSIC LIBRARY, Hyundai Card VINYL & PLASTIC

Just a 5-minute walk from exit 3 of Hangangjin Station, these spots are already hot favorites among music lovers and Gen Z. 

Hyundai Card MUSIC LIBRARY and the Hyundai Card VINYL & PLASTIC, located side by side, are impressive architectural marvels. 

However, their biggest appeal is that visitors can enjoy a wide variety of music for free. At VINYL & PLASTIC, you can purchase records and listen to various music genres using turntables, CD players, and cassette tape players. The MUSIC LIBRARY features over 10,000 LP records released from the 1950s until the present time and a collection of music-related books. Visitors can also enjoy listening to these records on nine different turntables.

The café on the first floor is open to everyone, while the second-floor MUSIC LIBRARY is exclusive to Hyundai Card members. However, by signing up on the DIVE app, you can access the Music Library for free up to four times a month on weekdays. 

Capturing Memories in a Bottle: 

NONFICTION Hannam

The NONFICTION Hannam flagship store has captivated Gen Z with its mystical and unique fragrances made from the finest ingredients and delicate craftsmanship, paired with sleek and sophisticated packaging. 



At NONFICTION, you can explore and experience various lifestyle products, including perfumes, hand and body washes, hand creams, candles, and room sprays. The store also offers a variety of gift sets, making it an excellent choice for travel souvenirs.



The brand perfectly complements solo travel while encouraging you to listen to and discover your own preferences.

Savor the Taste of Seasonal, Local Cuisine: 
MISU Restaurant

MISU Restaurant, known for its clear pork gukbap, can be found as you stroll through the charming streets of Hannam-dong. The restaurant is housed in a three-story converted home, blending old charm with modern elements and offering an authentic local atmosphere. MISU Restaurant distinguishes its menu between day and night. During the day, they serve their famous clear pork gukbap, or rice soup, which has been featured on various TV shows. In the evening, the restaurant offers dishes from seasonal seafood and meats influenced by Korean and Japanese cuisine, wine, and traditional Korean liquors. When the weather warms up, you can also enjoy the terrace seating, allowing you to savor your meal while experiencing the romance of an early summer night.

Near Hangangjin Station, you'll discover some of Seoul's hottest spots, including Korea's largest art museum, the Leeum Museum of Art, and the café Sayoo, known for its diverse exhibitions and photo zones. The area also features numerous flagship stores, restaurants, and cafés, making it an ideal place to explore your interests while soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere.

Furthermore, Seoul offers numerous 24-hour restaurants and convenience stores, complemented by a highly developed delivery culture. This ensures you can savor a variety of delicious meals at any time, regardless of jet lag. Keep this in mind when planning your travel itinerary. Use this opportunity to explore your culinary tastes and preferences, creating unforgettable memories on your solo journey.

Experience the Essence of Korea: 
KOREA HOUSE Kohojae

Upon exiting Chungmuro Station and leaving the glittering buildings behind, a short walk through the alleys will lead you to KOREA HOUSE, a renowned traditional cultural space in Korea. KOREA HOUSE offers various experiences of Korean traditional culture, including royal cuisine, traditional art performances, and traditional weddings. GISELLE visited Kohojae, located in a separate annex of KOREA HOUSE.



Kohojae, meaning “a home for those who appreciate the old,” is a premium Korean traditional dessert cafe where you can savor royal court treats. At Kohojae, you can experience the charm of a hanok in the heart of Seoul while enjoying a personalized dessert table made with seasonal ingredients. The one-person dessert table features traditional Korean tea, rice cakes, and sweets on a traditional Korean tray called “soban.” Additionally, you can enjoy the royal dance “Chunaengjeon,” which mimics the movements of a nightingale in spring. Reservations can be made via the Catch Table app, and reserved guests enjoy free parking.

The area around Chungmu-ro, where Kohojae is located, is an excellent place to experience Korean traditional culture. It is home to the Namsangol Hanok Village, which preserves traditional hanok houses and cultural heritage, and the Inhyeon Market, a traditional market. Adding a touch of traditional travel in the heart of the city can bring a unique and special sentiment to your solo journey.

Where Local Meets Culture:

Sinheung Market in Huam-dong

When enjoying a local trip in Seoul, traditional markets are a must-visit. Typically, traditional markets are known for selling agricultural products, various foods, and daily necessities. However, the Sinheung Market has recently emerged as a new playground for the millennials and Gen Z. This market offers a variety of experiences, resembling a complex cultural space within the market itself.

Sinheung Market has been revitalized into a trendy hub with a retro vibe and modern flair, thanks to an urban regeneration project that brought together artists and merchants. Along the circular path, you'll find a variety of shops, including cafés, restaurants, bars, workshops, and accessory stores. Notable spots include an arcade featured in a drama, a vintage shop with a unique vibe, Missterious, where GISELLE enjoyed shopping, and a small neighborhood bookstore called Inner Surfing. These charming locations, reminiscent of a drama set, are scattered throughout the market, adding to the joy of your visit. It's a great place to buy a small gift, enjoy a café, or experience something new at a workshop.

Embrace a Romantic Sunset:
noop café

The area around Itaewon, home to Sinheung Market, is perfect for enjoying Seoul's scenic views and nightscape, particularly with Namsan Mountain as the backdrop and there's no better place than noop café. The café is a spacious venue over 1,650 square meters, occupying an entire six-story building with stunning views of Namsan Mountain. This antique-themed café and pub is a hotspot for its panoramic vistas. It provides a variety of experiences in one location, including a billiards area, an outdoor terrace rooftop, and photo spots perfect for capturing memorable moments. 

The menu at noop café offers a wide variety of options, from classic café items and refreshing draft beer to delicious pasta and pizza. Embrace the romance of solitude by watching the Seoul sunset. You can write a letter to your future self or capture memories of your solo journey with N SEOUL TOWER illuminated by colorful lights in the background. 

Near Sookmyung Women's Univ. Station (Garwol), where Shinheung Market and noop café & Pizza Pub are located, you'll find various dining options. Explore Namyeong-dong Food Alley, known for its diverse restaurants, or visit Yeoljeongdo, a food alley created by the passion of young entrepreneurs. Additionally, don't miss Yongsan's famous hot spot, Yongnidan-gil, popular among Gen Z. Enhance your solo travel experience with exquisite cuisine and vibrant cultural activities. 

Nightscape that Can't be Beat: 
N SEOUL TOWER

N SEOUL TOWER, a landmark and a future cultural heritage of Seoul, is a premier multi-cultural space in the city. It frequently appears as a backdrop in popular K-movies and other K-content that captivate global audiences. Loved by Seoul residents and an essential stop for travelers, the highlight of N SEOUL TOWER is its observatory. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view extending up to 60 km, offering a breathtaking panorama of the beautiful city of Seoul. Beyond the observatory, N SEOUL TOWER features many attractions, including “Inside Seoul,” a media art exhibition that fantastically reinterprets Seoul's stunning landscapes. There are also cafés, restaurants, and galleries to explore. Take your time to enjoy all this iconic landmark has to offer.

At night, N SEOUL TOWER lights up, and the color of the lights changes based on the air quality: blue for “Good,” green for “Moderate,” yellow for “Unhealthy,” and red for “Very Unhealthy.”

Culinary Delights & Sightseeing: 
HANCOOK

The special venue, HANCOOK, is the final highlight of the Namsan Mountain hot spots solo travel course along the GISELLE Line. Situated on the 3rd floor of N SEOUL TOWER, this restaurant offers a perfect blend of gourmet dining and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Seoul.

HANCOOK is a dining spot where you can savor various course meals and premium Korean beef barbecue. With a meal reservation, you receive a complimentary N SEOUL TOWER observatory ticket. Dining at HANCOOK atop N SEOUL TOWER will offer a spectacular finale to your solo adventure. 

N SEOUL TOWER is conveniently located near Myeongdong, the heart of Seoul's shopping district; Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Seoul known for its affordable jewelry and fashion items; and Cheonggyecheon Stream, a popular walking route that hosts numerous events and festivals. This prime location makes it easy and safe to experience a variety of travel courses.

Embark on an exhilarating journey with the GISELLE Line through Seoul's Namsan Mountain area hot spots! Begin by exploring your tastes in Hannam-dong, then dive into traditional Korean beauty at Chungmuro Station. Next, soak in the retro vibes at Sookmyung Women's University Station (Garwol), and cap off your day with the breathtaking night views at Seoul's iconic Namsan Mountain. The GISELLE Line offers a seamless and safe solo travel experience, with quick commutes and easy access to public transportation. This season, ideal for all-day adventures, treat yourself to the diverse attractions of the GISELLE Line, aka Z-LINE, solo course.