Comparing Issaquah to Seoul
Living in Issaquah Highlands has helped me appreciate how much our community has to offer. Seeing how other communities compare has also shown me how we can learn from one another and create a stronger sense of belonging for new families and community members.
Moving to South Korea this summer to spend a year abroad has already given me a new perspective on how different communities can be, but also how similar they can be when you take the time to look closer. Visiting and experiencing these places has brought me closer to my own community, and I hope it can inspire you to find that same connection in yours.
Bukhansan National Park
Bukhansan National Park
Issaquah is known for its extensive network of trails, with the Issaquah Alps offering popular routes for hikers. In Seoul, I have found trails to hike in the Bukhansan National Park such as Bukhansan Main Route, Baegunbongammun Trail, Dobongsan Mountain Trail and more.
Bukhansan National Park attracts over 7.5 million tourists every year, and for good reason. Home to hundreds of plant species, and an assortment of wildlife, this unique place of natural beauty is one of the most popular hiking trail tourist spots in all of South Korea.
The park also features hundreds of amazing views, and it’s a great place to go for anyone who loves nature, hiking or both. Bukhansan holds the Guiness World Record for the most visited national park per unit area!
Seongsu-dong District
Seongsu-dong District
Issaquah’s Front Street has many local businesses with a long history, such as Fischer Meats, Village Theatre and local coffee shops. A place I found in Seoul that has many local businesses is Seongsu-dong District.
The space offers a sense of luxury and comfort, with opportunities to shop for clothes, unwind and spend time with friends. This popular district is known for pop-up stores, cosmetic stores, trendy shopping areas and many local coffee shops.
It’s a great place to experience local businesses and community, with an interesting but approachable vibe that reflects the character of the city.
Namsan Seoul Tower
Namsan Seoul Tower
The infamous Seoul Tower is one of Seoul’s main landmarks, attracting almost 12 million visitors every year. The tower is known for its cylindrical shape, giving it a similar look to other famous landmarks such as the Space Needle. It was fully constructed in August 1975 and officially opened to the public in October 1980.
Standing tall in the center of the city, the tower is also a popular place for couples to leave “Love Locks,” whether they are a new couple or have been married for years. Visitors write a wish on a lock and attach it to the tower, hoping their dreams will come true.
From the top, you can take in a sweeping view of Seoul while standing at one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
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These places may all be special in their own ways, but when you look beyond their most recognizable features, I’ve found that you can find more similarities to home than initially expected. Even when a new place seems completely different from what you know, take the time to look around, notice the details and appreciate what makes each community unique. You may be surprised by what feels familiar.
This is the first article in a series by Issaquah Highlands resident and eighth grader Noah Meckstroth as he lives abroad in Seoul, Korea for the next year.
