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Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve: Where To Go In Jeollanam-do
Taking a trip to Jeollanam-do, don’t miss the natural wonder of Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve (순천만습지 or 순천만자연생태공원), a world-class wetland located on the southern coast of Korea. Officially certified by the Ramsar Convention and UNESCO, this pristine reserve boasts intact natural coastlines and a diverse ecosystem. One of the most popular places in Suncheon and something that people visiting nearby Yeosu often add to their itinerary, the reserve is beautiful in every season so I’ve been told but is most often showcased in the autumn when the reads are brown and waving in the wind. From rare bird sightings to thriving wildlife, get ready to explore the unique features…
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Finding The West Coast Of Korea: Things To Do In Seocheon-gun
Seocheon-gun in Chungcheongnam-do was a recent stop on a fishy tour south of Seoul and I was really pleasantly surprised with the things we found in the area. We were learning more about Korean laver, stopping into the port city of Gunsan, and having lots of fun. There are plenty of things to do in Seocheon and some really beautiful places to see. The area is often overlooked when planning trips to the west coast of Korea since the popular mud festival in Boryeong is just north and the city of Gunsan is just south. For spreading out and having some less popular but no less fun though, Seocheon is…
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What Is Laver aka Gim? The Korean Superfood That Is On Every Restaurant Table
Gim, a kind of seaweed also called laver, has been one of my favorite foods that I learned to eat while living in Korea. Seaweed is quite the superfood and has tons of health benefits and laver is so yummy to boot. If you’re wondering what is laver, what is gim, what’s the difference and what kind of seaweed it is, then you came to the right place. Laver is often gifted for holidays in Korea because it is just that important and so oft eaten in Korea so whether you’re coming here or are just looking for a healthy superfood to add to your diet, it’s something you should…
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The Hidden Artistic Side Of Gongju, Korea: The Yugu Mural Village
Finding hidden artistic wonders is a talent of mine I’d say and boy do I love when I find a spot that’s worth the hunt. The Yugu Mural Village (유구벽화마을) in Gongju, Korea is one of those places that is off the beaten path in Korea but oh so fun to find. Not only are there artistic things to see, but it tells a story about the village and the past and it’s centered around a local market so there is some good food too. Looking for a weekend away from Seoul? Head to Gongju in Chungcheongnam-do for some beautiful things to see. Here’s all of the information you need…
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The Geumgang Nature Biennale: Finding Bears In Gongju, Korea
I recently took a spur of the moment trip down to Gongju, Korea as the clouds parted, the sun began to shine, and all we wanted to do was get out to see something. I had tagged a few things on my map to check out and one was a forest that seemed to have bears! Okay, no, there are not really bears in Korea, but there are some whimsical bear installations, among other things, along the Yeonmisan Mountain (연미산) trails in Gongju thanks to the Geumgang Nature Biennale (금강자연미술비엔날레). I love finding art parks and art installations in unique places and art installations in forests is really whimsical and…
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Raph&Remy: The Sustainable Baby Onesies, Swaddles & More Made From Bamboo
Always looking for more sustainable and eco-friendly options, I was delighted recently when Raph&Remy reached out and asked if I’d check out their premium bamboo baby essentials. I’ve had no problem finding more sustainable options for myself like my favorite Allbirds Shoes or the compostable phone cases from Pela, but, I find that kids items are always lacking. Even though my little lady is five and growing, my closest besties here in Korea are having their bundles of joys so I said absolutely. Maybe I can get them a gift? Let me check out these chic and sustainable baby essentials that are made from BAMBOO! I don’t remember ever seeing…
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Muuido Island Is The Fun In The Sun Spot Near Seoul To Find
Muuido Island (무의도) in Incheon is one of the most popular beach getaways from Seoul and it has become a bit more popular since there was a road that was built from the mainland to the island. Since it doesn’t require a ferry trip anymore, it is just a bit busier than before but still oh so fun. There are two beaches on the island but the one you definitely can’t miss is Hanagae Beach (하나개해수욕장). There is lots of sand, lots of fun, and plenty of sun. If you’re hot this summer in Seoul, head to the beach. There are actually beaches near Seoul if you’re ready to get…
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Sansok Lighthouse Is The Cool Spot To Find Near Jeonju, Korea
Around Korea there are more and more culture and arts spaces that are being opened after older factories and industrial spaces that were once abandoned, are renovated. These spaces are always intriguing to me and I will always search them out because seeing how places and spaces that were used to treat waste maybe, or store oil, or house military personnel that have been converted are so cool. Most recently, we visited Sansok Lighthouse (산속등대), a cool culture and arts space just outside of Jeonju, Korea. Whereas Jeonju is very much a historical city where tourists head to find the Jeonju Hanok Village there, this is a very cool industrial…
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Modo, Sindo, & Sido Islands Off The Coast Of Incheon: Art and Adventure
Modo (모도), Sindo (신도), and Sido (시도) islands, always grouped because they sit right next to each other and are connected via bridges so when you take the ferry from Incheon to one, you’ll always visit all three, are also called the “Three Brother Islands”. They are so close and yet they seem so far from Seoul, Korea. What secrets do these islands hold? Let me share because this year is all about Incheon island hopping and these are the first three you should start with. It’s an easy trip from Seoul and you won’t feel like you’re that close at all. All you know can be found right here:…
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Huinnyeoul Culture Village: The Most Colorful Place To Visit In Busan
Like most people, I’ve been to the more well-known Gamcheon Culture Village, but did you know there is another colorful and more coastal culture village in Busan? Yes! The Huinnyeoul Culture Village (희여울문화마을) is a colorful seaside spot to see art, enjoy cafes and food, and have a good time with friends or family walking along the coast. Looking for something to do in Busan? Look no further. Here’s what you need to know about the Huinnyeoul Culture Village in Busan, Korea: (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…
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Spa Land Centum City In Busan Is The Best Korean Spa In Korea
Whether you live in Korea or are just coming in to visit for a short time, a visit to a local Korean sauna or Korean bath house is an absolute must. The jjimjilbang, or Korean spa, is a part of culture that I have grown to love. Did it take some time to get comfortable hanging out in the buff with strangers? It sure did. Is it necessary to be nude when you visit? At some point. But is it absolutely worth it to visit a Korean bath house and experience the exfoliating, the heat therapies, and more? Yes yes, 1000 times yes and the premier place to do it…
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The Sun & The Moon Story: An English/Korean Children’s Bed Time Story
Like most families, we’ve slowly started a bedtime routine to get our daughter to sleep at an appropriate time. That routine includes brushing teeth, changing into pjs, reading books, and then listening to a bedtime song as she drifts off to sleep… most nights. In our house, my Korean husband speaks only Korean with our daughter and I speak only English with her so when we’re having a family discussion, there are always two languages utilized. This is great most of the time but I quickly realized that when it came time for bed it was super difficult to find bedtime stories for kids that were bilingual. Our daughter would…
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Songdo, Busan: A Beach, The Busan Air Cruise Cable Car & A Suspension Bridge Too!
Songdo is an area in Busan that might be overlooked for hotspots like Gwanganli or Haeundae but honestly, it won my heart a couple weekends ago. Songdo is home to a lovely beach as well as bridges to walk across while looking at the Busan heonnyeo finding sea creatures, the Songdo Marine Cable Car, also known as the Busan Air Cruise, and the recently added suspension bridge and lookout too. Basically, if you’re looking for things to do in Busan or where to stay in Busan with things to do, this might just be the perfect spot for you. It’s one of those areas that you could easily get a…
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Donghae Mureung Health Forest: Heat Therapy & A Sauna In Gangwon-do
Looking for a relaxing escape from Seoul, Korea? Discover the serene Donghae Mureung Health Forest (동해무릉건강숲) in Gangwon-do. Nestled in picturesque mountains, this health facility offers a rejuvenating experience for all visitors that make a trip to the area. Mureung Health Forest promotes wellness for everyone, offering a range of affordable programs and activities like heat therapy, which comes highly recommended. And don’t miss the sauna’s Salt Cave and Oxygen Healing Room, complete with massage chairs and 24-hour oxygen generators. While you’re there, take a scenic 20-minute walk to Mureung Valley, where you can immerse yourself in the refreshing mountain waters or explore the nearby Samhwasa Temple. Whether you’re seeking…
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Chuam Beach: The Best Beach In Donghae On The East Coast Of Korea
Looking for a beach to visit on the east coast of Korea? Come summer in Korea all I do is seek the coast. There are some absolutely beautiful beaches in Korea and not all of them are as busy as say Haeundae in Busan. To be honest, I tend to enjoy the beaches on the east coast of Korea more than the ones on the southern coast. The southern coast has other draws though for sure but today, I want to talk about Chuam Beach (추암해수욕장) in Donghae, Korea. Recently, we were out that way to check out the Donghae Mureung Health Forest and the wellness facilities there and after…
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Sansawon Museum & Baesangmyeon Brewery: The Hanok To See & Try Traditional Korean Liquor
Just northeast of Seoul in Pocheon is one of the most beautiful and also traditional Korean liquor breweries you can find in Korea. Sansawon (전통술박물관 산사원) is a museum and tasting room just next to a beautiful brewery called Baesang,yeon (배상면주가) that features traditional onggi pots, those giant brown earthenware pots you see around Korea, that create a maze to wind through before ending up at a beautiful Hanok building and pavilion where you can laze away the afternoon. I’d heard of Sansawon a few times over the years and was intrigued by the pictures but just never found the time to get up there… until recently. Want to take…
