所謂的「首爾病」是一種年輕人因旅遊首爾後產生的心理落差與情感依附現象。隨著航程便利、韓國簽證制度的快速便捷化，以及韓劇、K-pop與網路社群的推波助瀾，越來越多年輕人將首爾視為一個充滿療癒氛圍的城市。在這裡，他們能夠短暫逃離生活壓力與職場焦慮，享受陌生文化所帶來的新鮮感。對許多人而言，首爾不僅僅是旅遊地，更是一個能夠重新呼吸、重置自我心靈的地方。

然而，當旅行結束、回到日常生活後，部分人卻出現類似「後旅遊憂鬱」的心理狀態。他們一旦翻看手機裡保存的首爾天空照片，或街邊攤販的影像，就會觸動深層的情緒，甚至在上班通勤的地鐵上落淚。這種揮之不去的失落感，讓人覺得每日的生活彷彿只是在等待下一次飛往首爾的旅程。久而久之，這種依戀與渴望，被形容為「首爾病」。

不過，關於「首爾病」的討論在大陸網路上也出現兩極化聲音。支持者認為，這反映了年輕人對於都市療癒、精神逃離的需求，是一種現代社會壓力下的正常心理現象。但也有不少網友批評這是一種網路與媒體誇大的效果，認為韓國的觀光魅力被過度美化。有人直言，首爾並沒有傳說中那麼夢幻，當地美食並不特別出眾，商品價格也並非便宜到能吸引反覆消費。部分批評者甚至指出，這種「首爾病」更像是一種年輕人被偶像文化、短視頻行銷「餵養」後的心理暗示，而非真實的旅遊價值體驗。

整體來看，「首爾病」既揭示年輕人在全球化背景下尋求心靈慰藉的需求，也暴露出旅遊消費與文化想像之間的巨大落差。對某些人來說，它是一種甜蜜的精神寄託；對另一些人來說，則是被商業行銷操縱的幻象。這種現象反映的不僅是旅遊心理學的問題，更折射出當代年輕人如何面對壓力、尋找出口，以及如何在現實與幻想之間保持平衡。

The so-called “Seoul Syndrome” refers to a psychological state of attachment and emotional withdrawal that some young travelers experience after visiting Seoul. With its convenient flight routes, fast and easy visa process, and the influence of K-dramas, K-pop, and social media, Seoul has increasingly become a popular “healing destination” for young people. For many, the city offers not only sightseeing but also a chance to escape everyday stress and find temporary relief in a foreign cultural environment.

However, once the trip is over and travelers return to their daily routines, some begin to experience a type of “post-travel depression.” Simply scrolling through photos of Seoul’s skies or street stalls on their phones can trigger intense emotions, with some even shedding tears on their daily subway commute. Their everyday life starts to feel like it’s merely preparation for their next trip to Seoul. This lingering sense of loss and longing has come to be described as “Seoul Syndrome.”

That said, online discussions about “Seoul Syndrome” in China have been quite divided. Supporters see it as a natural psychological response, reflecting young people’s need for healing and escape in a high-pressure society. Critics, however, argue that the phenomenon is exaggerated by media and online hype. Some netizens point out that Seoul isn’t nearly as dreamy as advertised, claiming that its food is unremarkable and shopping is not as cheap as many believe. Others go further, suggesting that “Seoul Syndrome” is more a result of idol culture, short-video marketing, and media-driven fantasy than genuine travel experiences.

Overall, “Seoul Syndrome” highlights the psychological need of today’s youth for relief and emotional connection, while also revealing the gap between travel fantasies and reality. For some, it’s a sweet emotional anchor; for others, it’s a commercial illusion. The phenomenon reflects not only issues of travel psychology but also broader questions about how young people cope with stress, seek emotional outlets, and balance reality with fantasy.