A walk through Seoul’s royal heart — from the grand courtyards of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the quiet alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. Along the way, I found timeless architecture, tea houses tucked behind narrow lanes, and even a Tim Hortons that reminded me of home.

A panoramic view of Seoul from Namsan, autumn leaves in full colour, and the vibrant energy of Myeongdong below—my first day in South Korea was a perfect mix of calm and excitement.