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Docking Seoul: An Abandoned Spiral Ramp Now A Public Art Space
As people rush around Seoul Station, jumping onto train, bus, or subway to get to and fro, I often wonder if they just see the area as a thoroughfare and not the artistic adventure that it can be. From Seoullo 7017 to Culture Station Seoul 284, there is a lot to see around Seoul Station and now there’s another cool spot to check out called Docking Seoul (도킹서울). The Seoul Metropolitan Government created the “Seoul is a Museum” initiative and are creating arts and culture spaces open to the public all over. A prime example of this endeavor is the transformation of an abandoned spiral ramp into a public art…
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Soda Museum: Regenerated Arts Space in Hwaseong
Nestled amidst the charming streets of Hwaseong’s Annyeong neighborhood, the Soda Museum of Art stands as a testament to the creative spirit that can breathe life into forgotten spaces. This private design and architecture museum, acronymically named ‘SODA’ which stands for ‘Space of Design and Architecture,’ opened its doors to the public in April 2015, bringing a vibrant burst of culture and artistic ingenuity to the city. Get ready to find out more about Soda Museum, a cool and fun artistic space in Hwaseong, Korea: *Note: The exhibition in these photos will have changed by now so the outdoor space will be slightly different. Check their website for updated exhibitions…
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We Asked, Kahi Answered: The New Multibalm Refill Kit
Kahi, a popular Korean skincare brand is back to meet the demand of their consumers with the Kahi Multi Balm Stick Refill Kit! Kahi has been making waves and showing up in major Korean dramas and even making it into American movie scenes including Hocus Pocus 2 and found supporters in people like Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, and Ava Max since they released their super popular Kahi Multibalm stick. Leading the trend of multibalm sticks that were once just for sun creams or quick make-up applications, after Kahi’s Wrinkle Bounce Moisturizing Multi Balm Stick hit the market, companies left and right started releasing their own balms in stick form…
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Snoopy Garden: What To Do in Jeju with Kids
How many times have you visited Jeju Island? This popular travel destination in South Korea, called the Hawai’i of South Korea, is bigger than many expect and I’ve been four… or is it five times and am still finding things to see and do. Some places are more for the natural beauty like Hallasan Mountain and Jeongbang Waterfall and some are for the quirky and fun escapes. One such fun escape on the island was the surprisingly beautiful Snoopy Garden. Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Jeju Island, Snoopy Garden is where families seeking a blend of nature, creativity, and nostalgia should head. On top of that, Kpop lovers are…
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Medicube Triple Collagen Line Review
Well, I’m getting up there y’all. As I head into my, ahem, 40s soon, I’m ever aware of my skin and the changing lines and plumpness and glow… or lack thereof I guess. I was recently given this set by the Korean skincare brand Medicube from a friend and it is promoted to people with mature skin so I guess since I’m getting close to 40 that might be me now. I haven’t used Medicube before so was interested to see how this Triple Collagen Line stood up against some of my favorites. There were hits and there was a miss, sort of, but overall, it is a lovely rich…
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A Guide to Fall In Korea: Foliage and More
Fall in South Korea is a time of vibrant colors, crisp air, and beautiful landscapes. As the summer heat subsides the scenery transforms to fall flowers like cosmos and pink muhly and then transforms again to colorful fall foliage in Maple reds, Metasequoia oranges, and Ginkgo yellows. From what to expect from fall weather in Korea to what to wear and the festivals to find, this is your guide to fall in Korea. Delve into the seasonal activities in Seoul and revel in the delicious delicacies that make autumn in Seoul so much better. There is so much to enjoy about fall in Korea. Fall is one of the top…
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Bingsu: The Korean Shaved Ice Dish You’ll Love
Bingsu, also sometimes spelled bingsoo, is a refreshing Korean dessert that is a summertime staple and has gained popularity worldwide thanks to Korean dramas and the Hallyu Wave. You won’t generally see it all year round, though there are some popular cafes that continue to offer the dish, it’s most popular in the summer in Korea and starts appearing on street food carts and in restaurants around late April and early May. Bingsu has become so popular and has gone through quite the evolution even in just the past decade. With traditional options and now more trendy versions too, this is a part of Korean cuisine you’ll want to try. …
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17 Things To See and Do In Jamsil
There are a few majorly popular things to do in Jamsil (잠실동) like Lotte World Amusement Park and visiting the tallest observatory in Korea in Lotte World Tower. Yes, the most popular things to see in Jamsil are highly marketed by the biggest Korean conglomerate, Lotte, so I’m sure you’ve heard of them by now. But, there are more things to see and do in Jamsil than you might realize and if you’re going to head to southeast Seoul, you should know about them. I lived in Songpa-gu for my first year in Korea and spent many weekends in Jamsil. At the time, there wasn’t nearly as much to see…
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Paju Book City: Design, Typography, and Libraries
Just west of Seoul in Paju is an interesting neighborhood with architectural gems, book cafes, and publishing companies. Called the Paju Book City (파주출판도시), if you’re looking for something different to do this weekend, maybe head here and see what you can see. This hidden gem is a haven for architecture enthusiasts, bookworms, and publishing enthusiasts alike. While it may not be a mainstream tourist destination, Paju Book City offers a plethora of captivating attractions and delightful surprises waiting to be discovered. Get ready to take a trip out to the Paju Book City: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if…
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Why you shouldn’t just walk by Seoul City Hall
The Seoul City Hall (서울특별시청) in downtown Seoul just across from Deoksugung Palace is one of the most striking buildings and most people just walk right by. With its grand architecture and captivating wave structure, it’s hard not to be captivated by its exterior beauty. The large glass wave towers above the older Seoul Metropolitan Library building and Seoul Plaza. Heard of the Korean Wave? This is the architectural representation of it and it is beautiful. Let me tell you a little secret though, don’t just walk by this iconic landmark; instead, take a moment to explore its unique interior and experience the breathtaking installations that lie within. Trust me, it’s…
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Seoul In One Day: 24 Hours In Seoul
Whether you have a short layover in Seoul or want to see Seoul quickly to get on your way to another part of Korea, there is plenty to see if just 1 day is all you’ve got. I’ve been living in Seoul since 2006 and I’ve been up, down, and all around. I’ve managed to talk a few family members and friends into getting long layovers when they fly through Asia so they can stop and see me and I can show them around and these are the Seoul one-day itineraries that I use. There is a ton to see in Seoul, but if it’s your first time and it’s…
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Nurungji: The Korean Burnt Rice Dish You’ll Love
Nurungji (누룽지) is a traditional Korean delicacy that holds a prominent place in Korean cuisine and if you’re my daughter, it’s your favorite Korean comfort food. Called burnt rice or scorched rice, nurungji is the crispy, golden crust that forms at the bottom of the hot pot when cooking rice. Want to learn more about nurungji, including its health benefits, when Koreans typically enjoy it, and how to make this delectable treat, you’ve come to the right spot. Learn more about one of our favorite Korean comfort foods, nurugnji: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at…
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Korean Stationary Stores and Art Supply Stores In Seoul
While I’ve visited plenty a stationary supply store in Seoul for basic necessities like printer paper and notebooks, it wasn’t until my daughter aged into the “must-have-the-cutest-everything” phase that I really delved into the stationary stores in Seoul. There are definitely stores that cater to the standard needs and stores that cater to the everything cute crowd so let’s break it down. Korean stationary makes a perfect gift for friends and family back home and a charming addition to any desktop so make sure you know where to go, if you want the cute or chic-designed items versus the standard notebooks for school. Whether you’re a stationary fanatic, someone who…
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How To Rent A Car In Jeju Island
Jeju Island in South Korea is often the highlight of Korea for many, tourist and local alike. Given the moniker the “Hawaii of Korea” and known to many a local as the spot for a honeymoon, Jeju is an island in Korea you just have to visit at least once. Though if you’re like me, you’ll go again and again and still find it amazing and beautiful and worth the trip. The thing about Jeju though that you’ll hear again and again is how you need to rent a car. Now, don’t get me wrong, you can definitely get around without a car. Public transportation on Jeju Island does exist. It’s…
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Buldak Ramen: The Spiciest Ramen On The Market
Looking for some ramen with heat? Korean instant noodles packed with a punch? The spiciest Korean ramen on the market? Whether you’re just trying it for fun or partaking in the spicy ramen challenge, Buldak Ramen is the Korean ramen you need to look for. We recently got a fun subscription box from Daebak box with two kinds of Buldak Ramen inside: the original Buldak Ramen and the Habanero Lime Buldak Ramen. I had seen the viral ramen challenges online, aka the Fire Noodle Challenge, but hadn’t gone out of my way to spice up my life. Receiving it at the door meant my husband and I were ready even…
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A Guide To The Sejong National Arboretum
Did you know Korea’s first urban national arboretum, Sejong National Arboretum (국립세종수목원), is located in Sejong City? This sprawling garden in Korea’s administrative capital is a beauty and perfect for any plant enthusiast or traveler looking for a peaceful escape. When I first went to Sejong, a city built for government facilities, I wasn’t sure what I’d find. But, you might be surprised that there are a number of interesting things to do in Sejong and visiting the Sejong National Arboretum is chief among them. With its vast collection of plants, themed gardens, and impressive greenhouse complexes, Sejong National Arboretum is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves…
