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Seokguram Grotto: Seoul’s Version
Seokguram Hermitage (경주 석굴암) is one of those places that makes it onto every list of top 10 temples, Buddhist sites or wondrous views while in Korea. If you haven’t heard about it yet, head over to my friend Dale’s website and read more about it there. As I’ve read the name and heard it again and again, though haven’t yet been the site myself, I recognized it when I came across the name in Korean as I sat on the side of Mt. Inwang in Seoul. Seokguram… Seokguram (인왕산 석굴암), when I realized why I recognized the name it made me all the more confused as to why there…
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Tongin Market: Eat On A Budget Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
Traditional markets dot the map of Seoul with some becoming more popular than others either due to a central location, the size, or a delicacy or item you just won’t get anywhere else. Tongin Market (통인시장) probably became famous due to it’s location in the high traffic area just west of Gyeongbukgung Palace, but over the years it has become popular with tourists for another reason. Tongin Market offers a fun and budget friendly place to try a plethora of Korean eats in small portion sizes perfect for tourists and locals who want a little everything when it comes to Korean cuisine. Want a unique experience in downtown Seoul? Head…
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A Landscape Revealed
At the foot of Mt. Inwang (인왕산수성동계곡) an interesting thing happened a few years ago. During demolition of the Ogin Sibeom Apartments in 2008, a scene very similar to that of the artist Gyeomjae Jeong Seon’s (1676 – 1759) in his “Eight Scenes of Jang-dong” appeared. During the rapid growth and industrialization of the area, the scene on the side of the mountain had been covered over with an apartment building in 1971 and wasn’t viewed again for more than 30 years. Upon razing the building a stone bridge was uncovered and the city, which had bought the land back for reclamation, decided to turn the area back into the beautiful natural…
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Korean Eating: Where To Try Daegutang in Busan
Not all stews in Korea are spicy, though depending on where they are served, some may be spicier than others. Daegutang (대구탕), or cod fish stew, is one dish that is very different if you pop into a shop to eat some in the north versus the south. In the north, the soup comes out with a deep red broth. It’s spicy and is more akin to maeuntang (매운탕), or spicy fish stew. In the south however, the cod is boiled and served in a broth that hasn’t had spices other than salt, pepper and garlic added. The result is a deliciously simple yet flavorful and filling dish that allows…
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The Military Invasion of Jeju Island
Most people that head to Jeju Island, known as the peace island, go with the intention of seeing the beautiful scenery from waterfalls and green tea fields to black lava sand beaches and palm tree lined lanes. Honeymooners go for romance and tourists go for scenery. With the tallest mountain in the country being the biggest draw by far for everyone from the avid hiker to the average Joe just out to get a jaunt and see some views, it’s a wonder that there hasn’t been more done to protect the island from military invasion. Though protesters in the small town of Gangjeong, meaning “Village of Water”, on the southern…
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The Top 5 Myths of the Korean Husband
What is it like being married to a Korean guy? Are Korean guys good husbands? I never realized how many stereotypes about Korean husbands there were until I married a Korean guy and people somehow bring it in to conversation so easily. Admittedly, the stereotype conversation usually comes from Korean men and women who seem to be sure that the stereotypes are true and ask me how I feel about cleaning and cooking everything. Then there are the westerners who have really weird Asian stereotypes. It’s especially odd when Korean women who are married with Korean men bring up this topic as I wouldn’t assume that their husbands are any…
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O’Sulloc Green Tea Fields: What To Do on Jeju Island
No trip to Jeju Island in South Korea would be complete without a stop at the O’Sulloc Green Tea Fields and Museum. It’s a must see spot and included on almost every Jeju itinerary that you’ll find online and popular for a good reason. The O’Sulloc Green Tea Fields and Museum (오설록티뮤지엄) is one of those places that is almost always busy with tourists to Jeju. But for delicious reasons. That doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of space to roam about though. With high-quality tea coming straight from the fields of Jeju, it really is a beautiful sight and a great souvenir from Korea or gift. Plan a trip to…