Moments to Masterpieces: Seoul, Korea
Hi, I’m Vin!
Thank you, new friend, for coming to my blog. I hope you enjoy today’s content and find inspiration and joy as you read.
Last week, we dove into my trip to Manila—the land of my ancestry. This week, we will dive into my favorite city in all of Asia. Ironically, the last time I was here was seven years ago, around the same time as my Manila trip.
Seven. Flippin’. Years.
It may sound pretty bold to call Seoul my favorite city in Asia when I’ve only come here twice. However, I call this my favorite because I’ve also been to Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Jakarta. So why does Seoul come out on top?
It’s the place that’s provided me the most inspiration for my novel, by far. Let’s deep dive into why!
Culinary Chronicles – Stories Shared Through Seoul's Food Scene
Gwangjang Market and Myeondong Shopping Street are premier spots for all first-time travelers in Korea. Are you seeking quality street food? Look no further.
Korean food has to be my favorite cuisine for a multitude of reasons: the spiciness, the freshness, and the uniqueness. Sounds like a bunch of vague words to describe Korean cuisine, but I’m also not a culinary expert.
Introducing…a lot of what I ate in Korea!
Perhaps pictures will convey the deliciousness rather than words?
I had the luxury of trying grilled octopus on a stick, fried popcorn crab, and octopus & beef sashimi in these places. The third thing will probably gross you out from looking at it, but I assure you: it’s part of a golden experience!
But how does this relate to my novel series? It’s less about the food and more about the vibe. Gwangjang Market inspired a key setting in my novel set in 2186 Los Angeles—a vibrant gathering spot for Neo-Asians to share food and culture.
The lively energy, mouthwatering cuisine, the warmth behind transparent curtains, and the sense of togetherness all found their way into one of my favorite scenes. This became the setting for Nanami Market, a sanctuary for Neo-Asian refugees in Los Angeles’ Sector U. I’m eager to show you more about it once I’m published!
2. Traditional Meets Modern – Finding Inspiration in Seoul’s Contrasts
My biggest regret in Hanok Village was not renting a hanbok! (Hopefully I shall next time when I come with a group.)
Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace are two portals into the past that marry the new world to the old world. Walking through the district feels like navigating a vibrant museum, with each step whispering a different tale of the past. The old architecture speaks a different story of what once was in Korea.
I took a lot of pictures in both places in my first few days. It served as a stark reminder of the well-preserved history, despite the rapid modernization of Seoul.
How many cities do you come across where wearing historical garments is popular?
The Korean hanbok sports 2,000 years of history in an ancient monarchy. Tourists and locals alike wear this traditional garb. You can easily get your hands on one and pretend you’re of Korean royalty.
And this is only one aspect of historical Korea, on top of the Buddhist shrines and temples spread throughout the city. Korea—along with most of Europe—excels in preserving its historical heritage, something I believe America could improve upon.
This inspired me to develop a historical district in my futuristic Los Angeles. The L.A. you see in 2025 will likely serve a similar purpose to Hanok Village in 2186. The question is, how will it age?
Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace both stand as stalwart snapshots of old Korea. I hope more cities follow Seoul’s example as they embrace the new ages.
3. A Foundation for a Cyberpunk Backdrop - the Neon-Lit Beauty of Seoul
The city aesthetic is my biggest inspiration for my novel. Many have asked me: what did you base your futuristic Los Angeles on?
The answer might surprise you—it wasn’t L.A.
Instead, I based my city on the eastern-inspired aesthetic of cyberpunk, originating in Japan. You may have seen this backdrop in modern media such as Ghost in the Shell, Blade Runner, and Cyberpunk 2077. With the cyberpunk genre booming in the 1980s, neon-lit cities became a staple of worldbuilding.
In a typical cyberpunk story, you imagine yourself navigating through a brightly lit metropolis run by a corporate culture. This kind of atmosphere is built to define the futuristic relationship between society and technology. Now, imagine that in real-life.
Two cities come to mind: Tokyo and Seoul.
For Seoul, you encounter the electric sensation in every block. Every corner feels like a mini Times Square, captivating you in a cool-colored light show that you will never forget. Whether you're out with friends, exploring the bustling night markets, or taking a quiet midnight stroll, the city immerses you in cyberpunk vibes without trying. The hum of technology, the glow of neon signs, and the endless motion of people create a uniquely futuristic energy.
And that’s the type of world I built my Los Angeles around. Seoul’s vibrant streets gave me the blueprint for crafting a city that feels alive, thrilling, and, at times, overwhelming.
Until next time! :)
V.A.L
