A Day in Hongdae: Exploring, Reflections, and Celebrations
서울특별시 성동구 뚝섬로 433 5층
This post captures a busy yet emotional week that began with a spontaneous walk through Hongdae and unfolded into sunsets, reunions, year-end gatherings, and personal reflections.
From browsing accessory shops to quiet moments by the Han River, and from team dinners to heartfelt conversations, it reflects everyday Seoul life through small but meaningful experiences.
A Sudden Decision to Head to Hongdae
Monday was supposed to be a day off, but after an exhausting weekend, staying home felt impossible. Almost without thinking, I found myself heading to Hongdae.
I wandered through countless accessory shops, each one cuter than the last. If I hadn’t stopped crafting earlier, I probably would have bought far more than I could manage.
Sunset at a Rooftop Cafe in Mangwon
While roaming Hongdae, I suddenly felt like watching the sunset and walked toward Mangwon to find a cafe with a view.
The rooftop was quiet due to the cold weather, which made the moment even more peaceful. Even without seeing the sun directly, watching the Han River glow at dusk felt comforting.
Reuniting With Old Friends
Later that day, I met college friends I hadn’t seen in nearly five years. Everyone was married now, sharing stories about family and life.
Conversations flowed easily, eventually leading to soju and a very tired next morning. It was a reminder of how important it is to meet different people throughout life.
Year-End Team Dinner and City Lights
That same day also happened to be our team’s year-end dinner. We chose Ashley’s and wrapped up the year together, even though it was crowded and a bit chaotic.
On the way, I passed the Cheonggyecheon Pokémon lantern festival. Seeing Magikarp and Gyarados glowing along the stream added a playful touch to the night.
Quiet Reflections and Personal Moments
After a misunderstanding and a brief moment of silence, a heartfelt conversation helped clear things up. Being able to talk honestly felt like an important step forward.
Later, we celebrated my mom’s birthday and visited Nudaik Tea House. The desserts were memorable, and the tea experience felt special, even if it was on the pricier side.
Ending a Busy Week
Looking back, it was a week filled with movement, emotions, and gratitude. Work takes up a large part of daily life, and having supportive people around makes all the difference.
With a beautifully labeled bottle of wine waiting for Christmas, this busy chapter finally came to a close.
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