Seoul is developing into a charming destination for foreign visitors, from scenic Bukchon Hanok Village to vibrant Hongdae and Myeong-dong.

For those who live in Seoul, however, spending time in the city can be a different experience. A lot of Seoul professionals spend nearly all of their time in offices and apartment complexes.

Not many manage to take the time to visit Gyeongbok Palace or experience the joy of trying on hanbok in a hanok. It’s like how many New Yorkers never visit the Statue of Liberty, and many Parisians never visit the Eiffel Tower. 

Author Kwon Da-hyun’s recently released book, “I’m Leaving for Seoul” (Readers’ House), is written for Seoulites who are willing to rediscover their city like a tourist.

From five-star hotels to unique hanok guest houses, and cool cafes in Hongdae to high-end galleries in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul, it offers many options for people to spend their time in Seoul, as if it were their first time visiting the city.

Kwon was born in a rural port town and has been living in Seoul for the last 10 years. In the book, she writes about her Italian friend, Maria, who lives in Milan with a successful career; though many admire her for living in the city, Maria does not find Milan so interesting.

“Most of us aren’t interested in the things that we are used to,” Kwon writes.

“That is why we are drawn to foreign cities, and choose to go to places that are very different from where we spend most of our time. While I found Milan to be an illuminating city, Maria was rather drained by her life there.”

Unlike her friend Maria, however, Kwon still manages to find Seoul fascinating. And it takes effort to explore it. When she finds her life too busy, Kwon spends her nights in spacious hanok guest houses in northern Seoul. She also enjoys Korean pancakes and rice wine in Gwangjang market, having brunch in Itaewon, and dancing her nights away to live music in Hongdae clubs.

The book dedicates many pages to accommodation.

“When you don’t have the time and money to plan a trip to overseas countries, the best alternative is to spend your nights outside your house in Seoul,” Kwon suggests. “Seoul offers many places to stay, including five-star hotels and guest houses that offer many different services.”

For those who would like to spend some alone-time away from home, Kwon recommends a guest house called “126 Mansion” in Palpan-dong, northern Seoul. It’s one of the few modern buildings in a neighborhood is dominated by hanok; its first floor is a book cafe, while the upper floor consists of suites that are very much like hanok’s heated-floor rooms.

For those who seek to have a private party with close friends, Kwon suggests they book a suite in boutique hotel R Hotel, Sheraton D-cube City Hotel, or Cutee Hotel. Cutee Hotel, which is located in Jongno, northern Seoul, is known for offering special party-rooms equipped with karaoke machines.

If you are interested in seeing the traditional side of Seoul, visit Keundaemunjip, a hanok guest house in Gye-dong, northern Seoul. The traditional guest house offers an opportunity for visitors to wear hanbok and take pictures. Its suites are decorated like the rooms of noble ladies of the Joseon era.

The book also offers ways to enjoy seven different areas in Seoul, including Hongdae, Daehangno, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Samseong-dong and Cheongdam-dong in southern Seoul. This book, if it ever gets translated into English, would be a useful guide for foreign tourists as well.

All in all, the book can be also read as Kwon’s tribute to a city she still loves to explore.

“Seoul is vibrant and ever-changing,” Kwon writes. “It always manages to give me something different. Living in Seoul is very much like dating the city.”

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)