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This Museum in Gangwon is Quirky, Cool, and Kind of Unbelievable
If you’ve never heard of the Gangwon Comprehensive Museum (강원종합박물관), you’re certainly not the only one, and yet this huge and rather eye-catching museum should really be on everyone’s radar. It’s a bit traditional, definitely quirky, and really unique in all of the right ways. If you love finding off the beaten path hidden gems in Korea, then this is definitely one to seek out. Take a roadtrip into Gangwon, maybe head to Gangneung like we did, and then pull over for a stop at this museum in the middle of nowhere. Check out this epic museum in Gangwon-do: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain…
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Boseong Green Tea Fields: How To Get There & What To See
Did you know the green tea terraces of Boseong are green year round? I just found out and I think that is awesome because while it can be a rather popular place to visit in the spring and the summer, maybe more people should go in the autumn and winter instead. The Boseong green tea fields, as they’re often called, will still be quite gorgeous… which I can say from experience as I’ve just been there, whenver you want to visit Jeollanam-do. Looking for a beautiful escape this winter in Korea? Or maybe you are looking for things to do in Jeollanamdo. Whether you’re a tea lover, nature lover, or…
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Juknokwon: Korea’s Most Popular Bamboo Forest In Damyang
Damyang, Korea’s claim to fame is a massive bamboo forest named Juknokwon (죽녹원). It is the most famous bamboo forest in South Korea. While this is the most famous and was even named one of the top things to do in Korea in 2019 by the Korean Tourism Organization, there is also the stunning Taehwagang River Bamboo Forest in Ulsan which features a huge number of brilliantly colored flowers in the spring and summer and one of the best kept secrets on Geoje Island, the Bamboo Theme Park. Bamboo forests dot the southern half of the country, but if you only have time to visit one, Juknokwon Bamboo Forest is the…
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A Guide To Gyeongju, Korea: What To Do, See, Eat & Where To Stay
If you haven’t heard of Gyeongju, Korea yet, then you need to! Though Andong, Korea is often referred to as the most traditional city in the country, I’d say that Gyeongju is the most historical you can visit. Gyeongju is referred to as “the museum without walls” because everywhere you turn you can find another site with historical relevance to see. The city actually has more tombs, temples, pagodas, palace ruins, and other historical artifacts than any other place in Korea. I’d say it’s a must see, but that term is so overused at this point. I visited Gyeongju for the first time over a decade ago and found it…
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Youngwol Y Park: An Epic Art Museum In The Middle Of Nowhere In Korea
If you like hidden art museums and adventures in Korea, you need to find Youngwal Y Park (젊은달와이파크). It’s in the middle of nowhere in Gangwon-do, but if you can figure out how to make the trek out to Youngwol Y Park, it is so so worth it. Striking red installations stand out against the greens of the natural mountainous surroundings. It’s just beautiful. This year I’ve really enjoyed finding artistic installations in hidden spots like the Hamchang Art Road or in Gimpo at the Gimpo Sculpture Park, which is a bit more of a rustic artistic find, but there is just so much to see if you can manage…
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Ulleung-do: A Guide To The Secret Island You NEED To Visit In South Korea
Set 120 kilometers off the eastern coast of South Korea, Ulleung-do, or Ulleung Island, is about as off the beaten path in Korea as you can get. While plenty of people know of the island, it’s not the easiest place to get to and many people just don’t have the time… and you’ll need some time. If you do get to this remote island only accessible via ferry, you’ll be delighted with karsts rising from the emerald blue seas, towering lush green mountains and island life rarely seen in Korea. Brave the erratic weather that surrounds the secret island and you will be rewarded with views for days and a…
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The Rainbow Zip Wire: The Longest & Tallest In Korea
Gimcheon is a city in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea and is easily accessible via the KTX train line that connects the capital city of Seoul to the coastal city of Busan. In recent years, the city has been getting amped up and looking to get more tourists to the region and might just be the next hot spot for the thrill seekers and adventure hunters in Korea. If you’re looking for a weekend away in Korea, consider Gimcheon especially if you like zip wires, suspension bridges, and breathtaking views. This city in South Korea isn’t super popular but maybe it should be. Plan a trip to Gimcheon, Korea: (This post contains affiliate…
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Bukchon Hanok Village: What To See, Where To Go & What To Do + A Map!
Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the most visited areas of Seoul, Korea. The neighborhood of Bukchon is special due to the numerous traditional Korean homes, or Hanoks, that are located there. The neighborhood was originally home to high-ranking government officials and nobility so you would be right in assuming that these Hanok estates are rather nice. Bukchon is a neighborhood that sits to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace in the capital city of Seoul, and west of Changdeokgung Palace, known for its gorgeous secret garden. The neighborhood to the west of the main palace, while not as traditional in architecture, is also a great spot to find…
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Danyang, Korea: A Guide To The Best Things To See & Do
When it comes to getting away and taking a weekend to travel, I know it’s not just me, I search out a coastal city and head straight to the nearest one with an available hotel and a seaside view. The center of Korea has been quite overlooked by me… and I imagine many others, but I’m gonna put this little post up here with a little reminder that there is indeed plenty to see and DO in the middle of Korea. To be fair, I had visited Danyang (단양군) many… many years… okay, maybe a decade ago. It was actually one of the FIRST places I ever enjoyed a weekend…
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The Seoul Sky Observatory: Tallest Building in Korea
The Seoul Sky Observatory (서울스카이), the third highest observatory in the world but featuring the highest glass deck in the world, sits in Lotte World Tower. It is easily a must see spot in Seoul and should make it into the top 10 things to see in Seoul every time. If you’re looking for the most amazing view of the Seoul skyline, then this is the tower you should be seeking out on your next trip to Seoul as you can get panoramic views and you’ll literally be standing higher than the helicopters that check the traffic are flying down below. On clear days, you can see as far as…
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Gyeongbokgung Palace: A Step By Step Guide To Missing The Crowds + A Map
These days, crowds and crowds of tourists coming off of those large tourist buses are filling up Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) and they’re not the only ones with this must-see sight on their Seoul itinerary. Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the top tourist sites in Seoul, Korea and is a definitely must-see for anyone living here or coming for a visit. Just north of Gwanghwamun Square and south of the former President’s Blue House, the palace is right in the heart of Seoul and easy to get to from anywhere. In 2022, 3.38 million people visited the main palace of Seoul. Be one of them next year! Learn how to visit…
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A Guide to the Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival: Everything To Know
The 2024 Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival in celebration of Buddha’s birthday is back! This spring festival takes place over a few days with events around downtown Seoul from morning into the evening. Colorful lanterns have been strung up around the city in anticipation of the event and then over 100,000 more lanterns will be lit and paraded down the main streets of the capital. The excitement, hope, and love is palpable at this event and all are welcome to attend whether Buddhist or not. This is one of the most beautiful events to see each spring in Korea. Check out my nifty guide to the 2024 Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival…
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Taejongdae: A Must See in Busan, Korea
Taejongdae Resort Park (태종대), named after the 29th King of the Silla Dynasty, King TaeJong, who enjoyed shooting arrows off the cliffs, is a must see for anyone traveling to Busan, Korea. The southernmost tip of Yeongdo-gu offers beautiful views of the ocean, cliffs, and on clear days people can even spot Daema, or Tsushima, Island of Japan. This is one of the top tourist spots in Busan and it’s worth the trip it takes to get out there. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, spring, summer, winter, or autumn, the views are gorgeous and the walk around the tip of the island, fun and energizing. The varying shades of blue as…
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Bongwonsa Temple In Seoul: Less Touristy, More Buddhas
When beginning to build an itinerary for Seoul, there are usually a few things that people want to make sure are included. A palace, a traditional market, and often a stop at a local Korean Buddhist Temple. The Buddhist temples here are beautiful and while most are located on the mountainsides outside of Seoul, there are a few in central Seoul that are easy to access. Two temples have become the most popular on tourist itineraries, those being Jogyesa Temple and Bongeunsa Temple, but not too far away sits the beautiful Bongwonsa Temple. Generally quieter and without tourists, this Korean temple in Seoul Visit this beautiful Buddhist temple in the…