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APRIL JOURNAL
Mostly spent this month walking around Seoul, sitting in cafés, buying skincare products I absolutely did not need, and pretending the tomato bread in Barcelona changed my life (it kind of did).
April started with a trip back to Korea with my sister. I hadn’t been back in almost two years, and for some reason, I suddenly felt this very strong need to return. I think part of me missed the rhythm of Seoul, the cafés, the convenience, the energy of the city, but also all the little daily moments that somehow stayed with me even after leaving.
This time, I really wanted my sister to experience the version of Seoul I know and love. Not necessarily the “must-see tourist” version, but something more personal. The trip where you spend hours walking through different neighbourhoods, stop for coffee whenever your legs start hurting, and end up discovering random little places that become your favourite memories.
The design-led café:
Maha Café,
Hannam-dong
We stayed in Yeoksam-dong, in Gangnam, where I used to live. It felt strangely familiar going back there. Some streets looked exactly the same, while others had completely changed. Every day became a mix of revisiting old favourites and checking out all the new places I had saved over the past two years. I had an embarrassingly long list of cafés I wanted to try, and I think we ended up going to at least two coffee shops a day. My sister was probably slightly traumatised by the amount of matcha, pastries, and iced drinks involved, but honestly, she was so exhausted from the trip that she didn’t complain too much. Sitting in cafés became part of the routine.
We walked everywhere. Probably around 20,000 steps a day without even realising it. Seoul somehow does that to you.
We spent most of our time around Hannam-dong, Seongsu, Euljiro, Mangwon, Yeongdeungpo, and Samcheong-dong, areas I never get tired of. We also did all the skincare things Korea is famous for: treatments, clinics, buying way too many products to bring back home. Honestly, half my suitcase was skincare by the end of the trip.
Probably my favourite café in Seoul right now. The interior is stunning, very minimal, very calm, with an incredible view over the river. We ordered milk tea and stayed there way longer than planned, just sitting quietly and looking outside. It’s the kind of place that reminds me why I love Korean café culture so much. Every detail feels intentional without trying too hard.
A showroom Visit:
Lemaire Showroom, Hannam-dong
I genuinely think this might be one of my favourite stores in Seoul. The showroom is set inside a beautiful house with a small garden, hidden away in Hannam-dong. Honestly, if I could move in, I probably would. The space itself feels just as inspiring as the clothes, warm wood, beautiful furniture, soft lighting. Even if I’m not buying anything, I always end up going there just to enjoy the atmosphere for a moment.
The wine bar:
Aff Seoul,
Euljiro
Still one of the coolest places in Seoul in my opinion. It’s intimate, cinematic, slightly chaotic in the best way. Red lights, blue lights, tiny tables, natural wine, incredible food. Everything about it feels very atmospheric. We had raw fish, steak, rice dishes inspired by Thai flavours, and there was also a very cute dog walking around the restaurant the entire evening, which somehow made the experience even better.
After Korea, I went back to the Riviera for a few days to recharge a bit. I always forget how much I need that after travelling. Just slowing down, seeing friends, walking by the sea, getting coffee in the sun. The weather was already beautiful, which instantly changes my mood somehow.
I also spent a bit of time in Monaco before the season gets too crowded. And somehow, no matter how many new places I try, I always end up back at the Carlton. For tea time, dinner, drinks… I don’t even question it anymore at this point.
Toward the end of the month, I went to Barcelona for one of my friend’s birthdays. It was only my second time there, but the city is definitely growing on me. I loved how walkable it felt, all the trees everywhere, the long lunches, the atmosphere at night. We spent most of the trip just wandering around, eating constantly, and somehow talking for hours without noticing time passing.
Also, I need to mention the tomato bread situation because I became completely obsessed with it.
The Dinner spot:
Jacqueline, Barcelona
One of my favourite dinners from the trip. The atmosphere was intimate and cosy, with beautiful interiors that felt elegant without being too formal. We ordered sashimi, raw fish, cooked fish, wine, and honestly everything was incredible. Definitely one of those places I already know I’ll return to someday.