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Boosting Hydration: A Review of Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI
I’ve been to a number of events hosted by Sulwhasoo, a luxury Korean beauty brand, in which I’ve gotten to try their products and gotten to hear more from their brand reps on how to use them effectively. When I first heard of the brand, it seemed more appropriate for women fifty and older and as I wasn’t quite there yet, I didn’t give them a ton of thought… also because they’re expensive. That said, Sulwhasoo is a brand I’ve come to love while living in Korea. If you haven’t heard of this major Korean beauty brand, get ready for a deep dive into them and one of their most…
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The Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask: The Perfect Peel Off Mask
I tried the Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask and it quickly became my favorite peel off mask on my shelf. Amp up your skincare routine and peel off this mask to find smoother, clearer, and supple skin. As someone always on the lookout for gentle yet effective exfoliation, I couldn’t resist trying this Sulwhasoo creation. Actually, I should rephrase, any time I can try any Sulwhasoo product, I jump at the chance and I was able to get this from Amore Seongsu the last time I was there. Whether you’re a seasoned skincare aficionado or a beauty explorer, Sulwhasoo’s Clarifying Mask invites you to unveil the secrets to enduring radiance and youthful…
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What To Do At The Sulwhasoo Dosan Flagship Store In Seoul
Sulwhasoo (설화수) is a Korean luxury skin care brand that is renowned for high quality herbal medicine based products and the Sulwhasoo Flagship Store (설화수 도산 플래그십 스토어) is an absolute must visit for not only KBeauty lovers but any tourist in Seoul interested in unique experiences that you can only have here. After trying my own collection of Sulwhasoo products, I can honestly say they are worth the money and I’ll be a loyal customer forever more. Not only that, but the flagship store is just stunning so any reason to go back there again and again… and maybe again. The flagship store is gorgeously Instagrammable and did you…
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Why Lee Moon Won Clinic’s Korean Hair Care Is Trending With Foreigners
When foreigners arrive in Korea and start to settle in, one of the most surprising and frustrating issues they encounter is sudden hair loss and an itchy scalp. Not only an initial issue though, it can become continuous. What’s happening? Drastic changes in everything from diet to water quality, combined with the stress of adapting to a new environment can do a lot to your hair. But you’re not alone—Koreans face similar challenges, and the country is home to numerous specialized hair clinics. The good news? Many of these clinics are now expanding their services to cater specifically to the needs of foreign clients, offering multilingual support to ensure you…
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The Korean Ajumma and How I Became One
When I first came to Korea, I had just graduated from university and I was pretty bright eyed and bushy tailed. I had no idea what was what and I was floating through life having fun, attending parties that seemingly never ended, and traveling around South Korea and other nearby countries. Switch to now and I’ve just turned 40 and l’ve learned how to transition into this next stage of my life from the iconic Korean ajummas that I’ve called neighbors for most of my adult life. For some, there’s something scary about them. For others, they seem undaunted by everything and liberated to the point of uncaring about mundane…
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Amore Seongsu: A Must-Visit Beauty Experience in Seoul
Seongsu-dong, the “Brooklyn of Seoul” is one of those neighborhoods I can visit again and again. The streets are vibrant, there is street art, plenty of cafes and restaurants, and it has become an area popular for hosting pop-ups. Amore Pacific was one of the first major Korean brands to move in to the area and open up an experiential shopping complex and now there are more than ever. Amore Pacific, a beauty and cosmetics conglomerate boasting a rich legacy dating back to 1945, opened Amore Seongsu (아모레성수) quite a few years back. They were one of the first reasons I headed to the area and is one I stop…
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The Korean Moon Jar: What It Is and Why It’s Iconic
The world of ceramics is filled with treasures that span centuries and cultures and Korea is a country that has an immense history with ceramics in a variety of forms. The Korean moon jar is a uniquely beautiful piece of Korea’s ceramic culture and stands as an iconic symbol of simplicity, elegance, and cultural significance. These unique porcelain vessels, with their milky white glaze and distinctive shape, have captured the hearts of artists, collectors, and connoisseurs for generations and more recently, thanks to RM of BTS, a new and younger generation of people around the world have learned about the iconic moon jars. Get ready to learn about the iconic…
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Where To Rent A Hanbok In Seoul: Everything To Know
Are you planning to travel to Seoul, Korea? Or you’re just looking for something fun to do downtown this weekend? Did you know that renting a Hanbok, or traditional Korean clothing, is one of the most popular things for tourists to do in Seoul? On top of that, Korean locals do it too. Renting a Hanbok is both fun and makes for gorgeous photos in the traditional areas of downtown Seoul. If you’ll be visiting a Korean palace or walking along the traditional streets of the Bukchon Hanok Village, and wondering how to rent a Hanbok in Seoul, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more about the Korean Hanbok…
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Seoul K-Medi Center: Learn About Traditional Korean Medicine
Are you interested to learn about traditional Korean medicine? Ever wonder where you should go in Seoul to get learn more about holistic Korean medicine? If you haven’t heard of the Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Market, then now is the time. Specifically for this post though, we’re going to delve into the Seoul K-Medi Center (서울한방진흥센터), a space built purposefully in the pursuit of teaching more about the traditional Korean medicines so locals and tourists can learn more about holistic medicine. I had visited Yangnyeongsi Market years ago before this center was established and I did not know what I was looking at at all. This center is really impressive and…
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The 9 Best Areas To Stay In Seoul, Korea: From Gangnam To Hongdae
The capital city of Seoul in Korea is sprawling and you could easily spend one to two hours on the subway getting across the city. When it comes to deciding where to stay in Seoul, it’s important to focus on what it is you want to accomplish while you’re here. From the traditional sites in Bukchon Hanok Village to the artsy district of Hongdae, there is a lot to choose from and plenty to do. Here is a breakdown of the best places in Seoul to stay and what to do nearby. This guide to the best hotels in Seoul in each area of the city is sure to help…
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My Allbirds Shoe Review: The Tree Skippers & The Wool Runners
In a continuous endeavor to be more sustainable, shop from more eco-friendly brands, and reduce my waste, I was pretty stoked when my mom gifted me a pair of Allbirds two years ago. She gave them to me because they were the most comfortable sneakers she’d ever worn, but I was ecstatic when I learned of their eco-friendliness. From that first wear, I was hooked. I wore that first pair of sustainable footwear almost exclusively for months. My first pair, the Allbirds Tree Skippers, took me through two springs and summer and then when it got chilly this past autumn, I got my second pair, the Allbirds Wool Runners to…
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The Seoul City Tour Bus Guide: What To See & Do When You Hop On Hop Off
If you’ve never joined a City Tour Bus, Seoul is the place to do it. City Tour Buses are a great way to see a city and not have to worry about transportation. See the hot spots of Seoul from the upper level of a bright red bus. I rode my first City Tour Bus in New York City and absolutely loved the experience. It’s just something that is so touristic and fun. Don’t waste money on taxi fares and buses. Don’t get confused in the subway. For your first trip to Seoul, take the time to ride this bus and get views of the city while getting a lay…
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A List Of The Best Gifts To Give Your Korea Loving Friends & Family
More and more people around the world are interested in Korea whether it be due to K-Pop or K-Dramas, or a friend that lives in Korea and can’t stop talking about it maybe, I’m not sure. Whatever the case, there are is a ton of interest in South Korea these days and there are plenty of unique gifts to send our Koreaphile friends and family abroad. Whether you need a gift for the K-drama fan, K-pop fan, or maybe the Korean language learner, I’ve got you covered. Here is the ultimate list of Korean gifts suitable for any holiday. Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, Christmas gift, or just…
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Resom Forest & The Have9 Healing Spa: The Perfect Wellness Getaway in Korea
Resom Forest (리솜포레스트리조트) is a resort in Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea that seeks to provide healing through nature and water. The resort sits in a forest of trees that has been there for a 1000 years and the buildings were built to coexist with their natural surroundings. Through eco-friendly construction and ideals and providing holistic and natural healing programs, the resort has effectively integrated nature, healing, and even adventure for guests that make the trek out to the area. Resom Forest is a spectacular getaway for the adventurer and might just have the best spa in the country. If you’ve had enough city time in Seoul and needs a break to the…
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Gangnam, Seoul: What To See, Do, Eat & Where To Stay
Gangnam is an area of Seoul known for being home to the wealthy, celebrities, and it’s not uncommon to see people walking around with bandages on after they’ve gone to one of the high-end cosmetic surgery spots in the district. Literally meaning “south of the river”, Gangnam gained international attention in 2012 when Psy released his hugely popular song “Gangnam Style”. The area is actually rather new compared to other districts in Seoul having only been built up and developed in the 80s, and while I’ve most often frequented the west side of Seoul, I have gone to Gangnam from time to time throughout the years and thought it was…
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Internet Detox & Healing At Healience Seonmaeul Near Seoul
Living in Seoul, Korea can be amazing, fun, and there’s a ton to see but it can also be overwhelming, stressful, and busy. For those times when the city is a bit too much, there are healing and wellness hotels and resorts around Korea and Healience Seonmaeul is one of the best. A big trend in Korea right now is refocusing the ‘self’ and more healing and wellness-centered hotels and resorts are popping up to help people living the fast-paced life rekindle and replant their roots in nature and take a breath. This year I’m in a Wellness Tourism group that is sponsored by the Korea Tourism Organization so I’m…