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Did you know the world’s largest drum is in Korea?
You never know what you’ll find in Korea. The world’s largest drum is one thing that you can find in Korea… if you know where to look. Heard of the Yeongdong Nangye Traditional Music Center (영동 난계 국악체험촌)? It’s a pretty cool place established to spread information about the development and achievements of Nangye Park Yeon and promote gugak, or traditional Korean music. Get ready to learn more about traditional Korean music and also see the largest drum in the world of course… which yes, you can beat on. Learn more about where to find the largest drum in the world: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive…
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10 Beautiful Greenhouses in Korea To Find
Do you like greenhouses? You might be surprised to learn how many greenhouses there are in Korea. From greenhouses on palace grounds to eco-parks, there are greenhouses everywhere. These curated indoor gardens are great in the winter when you need a warm pick-me-up and super lush in the summer. If it’s too dusty in Korea and you can’t go outside for the day, head to a greenhouse to get your dose of healthy oxygen and greenery. I’ve created a list of some of the most beautiful greenhouses in South Korea to check out. You never know what you’ll find until you go and look. Oh, and if you do love…
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Where to See Christmas Lights in Seoul
Almost every country in the world celebrates Christmas in some way, shape or form. Regardless, holiday lighting displays seems to reign supreme in every place that features this winter holiday. While no one does it quite like the USA, Canada or Europe, the Christmas lights in Seoul, South Korea are quite breathtaking in their own right. Remember to dress warmly, I like to layer with Uniqlo heattech whenever possible, and head out to see what Christmas is like in Korea. Find out more about the top 11 places to see Christmas lights in Seoul along with a healthy number of honorable mentions. From Lotte retail giant and several shopping malls,…
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What are the travel requirements for South Korea?
Are you thinking about traveling to South Korea? The country is one of the top places to visit in the world today. Do you know what you need to travel into the country? The travel requirements changed for tourists during Covid and while some of those updates will go away, some are here to stay. We will go through the list of travel requirements for South Korea and other things you may need to know. Do you need to get travel documents translated into Korean? Can you just walk right through immigration as a tourist to Korea? Let’s see. Get ready to travel to Korea: (This post contains affiliate links,…
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The Lighting Museum: A Quirky Fun Spot North of Seoul
Always on the hunt for fun things to do with kids near Seoul, I saw a fun picture of the Lighting Museum (조명박물관) and saved it for a day out. Luckily, when the time came for an impromptu adventure, I had a spot. Not in the easiest of places to reach, it’s a bit of a random spot to head to, but random is what we do. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.) How To Get There Address: 235-48 Gwangjeok-ro, Gwangjeok-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 양주시 광적면…
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SKIN1004: The Entire Hyalu-Cica Line Reviewed!
Looking for hydrating Korean skincare products? Have you heard of SKIN1004 yet? A couple years back, I got my hands on the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella toner and ampoule and immediately adored them. They were so easy to apply and so hydrating. They left my skin supple and moisturized. All that to say, when I heard SKIN1004 had a new line of Madagascar Centella and Hyaluronic Acid products, I was excited to try it. Tending toward dry skin myself, I look out for Kbeauty products touting hydration and moisturization as this one does. So let’s see how they stand up! Get ready to check out SKIN1004’s Hyalu-Cica line: (This post contains…
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Traditional Korean Medicine: Hanyak, Sasang, and Medicinal Herbs
With a pretty traditional Korean mother-in-law, I’ve been given a variety of more holistic remedies over the years and as someone who is more inclined toward holistic medicine over modern, I’m okay with that. But, there’s a lot to know and remember and a lot to know when it comes to Hanyak, Hanbang, and Sasang. There is so much to learn when it comes to traditional Korean medicine. I have to wager a guess that people of yore had little booklets or something that they kept all of the info on the plants around them listed because there’s just so much information. With that in mind, I’ve put together a…
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Dancheong: The history, the meaning, and more!
If you’ve ever sat in awe looking up at the beautifully decorated and colorful traditional palaces or temples in Korea like I have, then you’ve probably noticed the elaborate details and wondered what it all means. The colorful facades and intricate details are beautiful and the traditional Korean decorative coloring, or dancheong (단청), might take you back to your childhood days of staring at the tortuous Magic Eye books looking for some hidden meaning. There might not be a 3D illusion, but there is more symbolism than you might realize. Learn everything you need to know about dancheong: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of…
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Things To Do In Hongdae: From someone who lived there
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, Korea, then you’ve probably come across the district called Hongdae and wondered what is really going on there. Is this trendy neighborhood in Seoul really where you should spend some time? Well known for nightlife hot spots, pretty cafes, busking musicians and K-pop dance groups, there’s a lot to do in Hongdae… if you know where to look. The streets of Hongdae are fun and packed with a lot to see and do and it can be overwhelming if you go with no plan at all. You could go many many many times and still not see everything there is to see in…
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Fall Fashion In Korea: The Trends To Know
Fashion plays an important role in how we perceive a culture and helps us express ourselves in various ways. In Korea’s case, the bold and unique K-pop style, the traditional Hanbok (한복), and the clean everyday, or minimalist look are the most common styles that we see overall. If you’ve been following the Korean fashion trends, then you know how people worldwide are now embracing the Korean styles more and more. You probably also know how fast the trends in Korean fashion change. What is hot on a drama one day, is not just a week later. While we’re all just trying to keep up, there are some main stays…
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Bugak Skyway: Where To Get Panoramic Views of Seoul
Are you looking to take in panoramic views of downtown Seoul, Korea? Want to have a bit of coffee and take in the views out over Seoul as the sun sets and the lights flicker on across the city? You’re probably picturing a spot like Namsan Tower or Seoul Sky Observatory for those kinds of views, but there’s one more spot that doesn’t require a fee at all and offers just beautiful views from a beautifully vividly colored traditional Korean pavilion. Take a drive on the most beautiful road in Seoul, Bugak Skyway (북악스카이), and stop off at Bugak Pavilion (북악팔각정) for some impressive views. You’ll see… Get ready to…
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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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Nam June Paik Art Center: The Art and Architecture Spot To See In Yongin
If you didn’t see one of Nam June Paik’s pieces before you came to Korea, you’ve certainly seen one of his pieces since arriving. Once you’re aware of his style and aesthetic, you’ll notice one of his pieces in almost every museum in the country. If you want to learn more about one of Korea’s most famous artists, a pioneering video artist, you definitely need to visit the Nam June Paik Art Center (백남준아트센터) in Yongin, Korea. Established to revive the generosity, criticality, and interdisciplinarity characteristic of his work and life, the center makes for a fun and artistic place to go south of Seoul, Korea. You can learn why…
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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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How To Get To The Garden of the Morning Calm
Have you heard of the Garden of the Morning Calm (아침고요수목원) yet? It’s included on quite a four Korean tour itineraries and if you haven’t been, you might wonder why. This garden is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Korea and it’s one of the best things to do in Gapyeong to be sure. On top of that, it’s a beautiful garden year round with something to see in every season. Wonder where to see holiday lights in Korea? This is definitely a winter wonderland. Want to frolic in the lush greens of summer? Visit Garden of the Morning Calm. From season to season, there is something just…
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Suneung: Your Questions Answered
Come autumn in Korea, you’ll start to hear about Suneung (수능) and if you don’t know what all the jazz about, you might wonder what the big deal is. A test? Didn’t we all take tests in high school when we were kids? We did… but this is a little different. Get ready to learn all about the Korean Suneung, or College Entrance Exam. Whether you’re looking for example English questions on the Suneung to learn about all of the drama every year or what to give a student about to take the Suneung, you’ll find it here. Wondering what the Suneung is? Here’s all the details: (This post contains…
