Seoul is a big, bright and chaotic city that you should add to your “must see” list. The beauty of this huge metropolis of almost 10 million people is that it's affordable, walkable, and always has exciting events perfect for people watching. Although I had been to Seoul several times while teaching in South Korea after college, I looked forward to returning four years later for an extended layover. For five days, I put myself in a food coma, reminiscing about memories outside of 7-Elevens, and walking countless miles every day on busy streets. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayWhether by taxi, subway, bus, or on foot, getting around Seoul is easy. Even if you only have a few days, you can easily tour this exciting city and enjoy discovering a region of the world that has been booming since the 1950s. Here are seven things you need to check out in Seoul. Walk everywhere. One of my favorite things to do when exploring a new city is to wander around and get lost. However, with our little internet sources attached to our bodies, it's basically impossible to truly get lost. Although Google Maps isn't effective in Seoul, downloading Seoul Map Offline will keep you on track 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 your taxi window or subway ride. Plus, it's free! As you walk around Seoul, you'll come across adorable little spaces that would otherwise be unfamiliar if you were traveling by car. Whether you check out one of the many cute cafes, heart-shaped photo booths, try new street foods, or workout at one of the various outdoor stations with a local ajumma, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained on foot. If you're not sure where to start in this great city, check out this app to help you navigate 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 at the end of the day, take the subway with millions of Seoulites. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. Start this walking tour with a leisurely morning stroll through Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is a gigantic structure designed by Confusion, located on the north side of the city and was completed in the late 14th century. It was later rebuilt in the 19th century, but soon almost completely destroyed during the Japanese occupation at the turn of the century. However, in recent years, Gyeongbokgung Palace has been partially restored and now contains about a third of the 500 buildings that were originally on site. Once inside, you will have the opportunity to weave through the multiple passages while watching Koreans dressed in traditional Hanbok clothing to make you feel like you have stepped back in time. You can experience your mix of history, culture and architecture in just one afternoon at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Take a stroll through Bukchon Hanok village. Speaking of history, you can walk around this authentic part of town. Bukchon Hanok Village is a stone's throw from Gyeongbokgung Palace and is home to the best preserved hanoks in the country. Hanoks are traditional Korean-style houses first built in the 14th century. At the time, depending on the style of hanok you lived indetermined your class. Today you will see people walking around in traditional clothing, can visit the various open-air markets that have appeared everywhere and take photos of the unique architecture. This neighborhood brings together a unique history that can still be seen today. It's a fun place to experience and learn more about ancient Korean culture. Hiking 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've been dreaming about. It can be done all year round, but spring and fall will be the best times. At just 2,744 feet above sea level is Baegundae Peak, the highest in the park, and it's not a very difficult hike. However, there are several trails, so you can choose the length of your hike and its difficulty level before embarking on your outdoor escapade. You will only need good shoes, full water bottles and a few snacks for your adventure. If you want to hike in the mountains in true Korean style, be sure to bring your brightly colored windbreakers, visors, trekking poles, and a bottle of makgeolli. for the summit. Head to the fringe. Bang in Korean means “space” – and there is space for everything. It's fun to get a taste of Korean culture by experiencing at least one of the different fringes. If you're feeling sore from all that hiking or walking all day, you can head to a jimjillbang. Here you can relax in a lovely, sparkling spa or get exfoliated by an elderly Korean man. If it's raining and you can't get outside, head to a DVD-bang. It's otherwise known as your own private movie theater where you choose a 90s movie you forgot existed. Want to party? Invite some friends and sing your heart out in a karaoke room, also known as noraebang. Nothing brings home Korean culture better than screaming along to famous K-Pop tunes. If you've seen these "방" symbols, then you know you're on your way to having a great time. Shop at Gwangjang Market. Do you want a smell that you will never forget? Of course yes. Try spending an afternoon having lunch at one of Korea's oldest traditional markets: the massive Gwangjang Market. Walking through Gwangjang Market will be a whole new type of culture shock. You can easily spend a whole day here weaving between lots of locals and tourists. You'll be wide-eyed and entertained as you watch locals stir buckets of kimchi, quickly flip Korean pancakes for hundreds of hungry customers, and see live octopuses being cut into pieces. There are over 5,000 different stores in this 450,000 square foot market that get everything you need and more. Be it clothing, cosmetics, food, juice, crafts and much 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 through this crazy, bustling, wonderful, colorful and zesty market. Eat everything. My mouth was watering for bulgogi the second I got off the plane at Incheon International Airport after four years. I had one main goal during my few days back in the Republic of Korea: EAT. Eating in Seoul is an event in itself. Not only is Korean food absolutely delicious, but I love that Korean food culture allows you to sit at a restaurant for hours without being in a rush to go out. All this.