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Urban Regeneration in Korea: Factories, Bunkers, and Parks Turn Arts & Culture Hubs
You might think trash plants and bunkers don’t belong on your travel list, but in Korea they make for some of the coolest arts and culture spaces around. Over the past decade, cities around Korea have turned oil depots, rail stations, and military sites into cafes, galleries, playgrounds, and performance halls. If you want to travel like a local, see urban regeneration in Korea, and visit some truly inspiring art spaces, these regenerated spaces from Seoul to the DMZ, Jeonju, Daegu, and Incheon should be highlights you look for. Check out this guide to how Korea is reusing spaces to create thriving cultural hubs: (This post contains affiliate links, which…
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Korea In October: The Weather, Travel Tips, Flowers and Things To Do
October in Korea is peak autumn, and it’s every bit as magical as it sounds. The days are cool but not cold, and the skies are often a brilliant blue. That doesn’t mean it’s all crisp air and falling leaves just yet. Not at all. October has an energy that combines the best of summer’s warmth and autumn’s charm. Having spent years exploring Korea in October, I can confidently say it’s one of the best times to visit. The foliage is breathtaking, with fiery reds and golden yellows in every direction, and the air is perfect for hiking, strolling, or just sitting back with a warm drink. Whether you’re here…
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Why You Should Eat Chinese Food in Korea: Korean Chinese Cuisine Explained
My favorite thing about ordering Chinese food in Korea from the start was that it was brought on plates and bowls which the delivery drivers came back to pick it up after you finished. You might not fly to Korea planning to eat Chinese food, but maybe you should. It wasn’t the first food I set out to eat here, but it has become a comforting staple. Born from Chinese immigrant communities and adapted for Korean tastes, Korean Chinese food has given us some delicious dishes like jjajangmyeon (짜장면), jjamppong (짬뽕), and tangsuyuk (탕수육). Get the backstory about the rituals, roots, and delicious dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Find…
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Museum of Contemporary Art Busan: Where Art and Nature Meet
Picture Busan, Korea and visions of beaches and seafood may come to mind, but there’s also a thriving art scene waiting to be explored. We’re most often in Busan outside of beach season, so we’ve seen a lot more museums than sand. One of the best places to dive into contemporary art in Korea is in Busan, the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan (MOCA Busan) (부산현대미술관) was opened in 2018 on Eulsukdo Island. The building itself is a piece of art, wrapped in living greenery as part of the installation Vertical Garden by French botanist Patrick Blanc. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibitions, interactive installations, and even a dedicated children’s library…
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Glow Like Gelato: Honest WHIPPED Review of Their Bestselling Products
Korean skincare has a reputation for innovation, but sometimes a brand comes along that feels genuinely fresh and fun, something a bit different. WHIPPED is one of those brands. With airy, whipped textures inspired by homemade recipes, their vegan products look and feel indulgent while delivering serious results. From creamy cleansers to soufflé-like moisturizers, every product feels decadent… and their descriptions might make you think they’re edible… but don’t eat them. After visiting the WHIPPED House in Seongsu-dong in Seoul, I walked away with WHIPPED’s bestsellers: the Vegan Pack Cleanser, the Muhwabutter Scrub, and the Yujamong Vita Soufflé Cream. Sharing that signature “whipped” texture, they all bring something a bit…
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Fine Dining at Confier: Where Korean Ingredients Meet French Artistry
You may not expect to find one of Seoul’s most creative fine dining experiences to be tucked beneath an office building near Seoul Station, but that’s exactly where you’ll find Confier (콘피에르). Hidden in the basement, behind a large ominous door with a rock-like handle, this restaurant creates an experience from entrance to dessert. Chefs become actors creating dishes in the open kitchen and dishes unfold like scenes in a play, expertly introduced by waitstaff. If you’re looking for an evening that blends artistry, atmosphere, and flavor, this is a stage worth stepping into. Definitely one of the best restaurants near Seoul Station, it’s the perfect spot for a memorable…
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Tot Seaweed in Korea: How to Eat It, Why It’s Healthy, and Where to Try It
When most people think of Korean seaweed, gim (김) or dried sheets of laver, or miyeok (미역) which is used in Korean birthday soup, usually comes to mind. But, there’s another sea vegetable that has been part of the Korean diet for centuries: tot (톶). We’ve been eating more and more living in Jeju, so I did a deep dive into this kind of seaweed, how to cook it, and what to make with it. If you’ve spent time along Korea’s southern coast or browsed a local market in Jeju, you may have seen bundles of wiry, dark brown seaweed piled high. That’s tot, and while it doesn’t look like…
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Korea In September: The Weather, Travel Tips, Flowers and Things To Do
September in Korea marks the start of autumn, where the summer heat begins to fade, and the air turns crisp and refreshing. Well the summer heat is supposed to fad. Last year, it was the hottest September on record. September is usually a delightful mix of warm days and cooler nights, perfect for enjoying both outdoor and indoor activities. After almost two decades here, I’ve learned that September is the month where Korea’s nature really begins to transform. The first hints of autumn colors appear in the mountains, and festivals celebrating the harvest season are in full swing. Pack layers to stay comfortable, and get ready for beautiful hikes, cultural…
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Saeseom Island: The Island You Can Walk To From Seogwipo via Saeyeongyo Bridge
Seogwipo on Jeju’s southern coast is famous for its waterfalls, seafood, and vibrant portside atmosphere, but if you head just a few minutes from the bustle, you’ll find one of my favorite peaceful escapes: Saeyeongyo Bridge (새연교) and Saeseom Island (새섬). Recently, my daughter has been taking a class in the city for a couple hours each week, and this has become our go-to spot for a quiet walk that fits perfectly into that window of time. You’ll spot the bridge to the island first with its striking sail-shaped design, Saeyeongyo is the longest pedestrian bridge in Jeju. At night, it lights up in colorful illuminations that shimmer against the…
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The Most Popular Alcohol In Korea & What To Eat With Each… Because It Matters
I remember my first few years in Korea being scolded a number of times by Korean friends, who, to be fair, were really just shocked I had no idea what libations pair with which cuisine options in Korea. Coming from the perspective that steak can pair equally well with wine as it can with beer, it was then that I realized Koreans have a very different relationship with alcohol and the food they eat with it. In Korea, alcohol and food are paired with purpose and it’s not just about taste. Drinking isn’t something you do alongside food, it’s something you do with food. There’s rhythm, order, and of course…
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Podo Museum Doesn’t Have Grapes, But It’s One Of The Best Art Museums In Jeju
Come to Jeju Island in South Korea and you’ll find a Citrus Museum, a Lemon Museum, and a Podo Museum (포도뮤지엄). Imagine my surprise when I rocked up to the Podo Museum, podo means grape in Korean, and there weren’t any grapes in sight! Jokes aside, Jeju Island isn’t just about beaches and lava tubes, though those are beautiful and interesting, it’s also home to a growing collection of inspiring art museums. Among them, the Podo Museum has quickly made a name for itself as one of the most thought-provoking cultural spaces on the island. Did I enjoy my visits? I did and I think you will too. Here’s what…
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Discover Seoul’s Most Sustainable Building (and the Fun Inside!)
I know I’m not the only one that endeavors to teach my child to care for the earth, recycle, reuse, and all of those good things so I know I’m not the only one that will find what the Seoul Energy Dream Center (서울에너지드림센터) is doing not only educational, but cool and interesting too. Located in the World Cup Park, this is Korea’s first energy-independent public building, an amazing example of how science, design, and sustainability can come together. Not just a building though, it’s a museum, and they offer some amazing programs completely free. Get ready to learn about energy saving in Seoul. Plan a visit to the Seoul…
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Liberation Day In Korea: The History, The Meaning, and What To Expect
If you’re in Korea in August, you might notice national flags fluttering from apartment balconies, ceremonies on TV, and a distinct sense of national pride in the air. August 15th marks Gwangbokjeol (광복절), or National Liberation Day, a holiday (or red day as we call it locally) that commemorates Korea’s liberation from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule in 1945. For Koreans, it’s a day for celebration, remembrance, and reflection. As a visitor, understanding its significance can deepen your experience of the country and it’s always good to know when and how to be at your utmost respectful. From special exhibitions to parades, make sure you know what to expect…
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Why Everyone Is Getting Their Nails Done In Korea (And You Should Too)
When you think of Korean beauty, it’s easy to focus on the 10 step skincare routines, the products, the dewy finishes, the glossy finishes, the exfoliation treatments, but Korean nail artistry has been making a name for itself. Not only creative, it’s one of the most accessible parts of the K-beauty experience. It’s not just locals booking appointments now though. Increasingly, travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Singapore are adding nail salon visits to their Korean itineraries. The artistry, the attention to detail, and the range of styles here make it a beauty experience worth planning for. From trending nail art to how to book your nail appointment in Korea,…
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Korea In August: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
August in Korea is the peak of summer, and it definitely feels like it. The heat is intense, the humidity is high, and the air is thick enough to remind you that this is summer in full swing. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid Korea in August. Not at all. This month has its own energy and excitement if you know how to beat the heat. After nearly two decades here, I’ve come to see August as the season of festivals, beach days, and late-night strolls. Sure, the midday sun can be overwhelming, but mornings and evenings are perfect for exploring. Pack a fan, stay hydrated, and don’t miss…
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I Got a Personal Color Analysis in Korea—Here’s Why You Should Too
Personal color analysis has become one of those experiences in Korea that tourists young and old look to add to their itinerary, and it’s easy to see why. The global rise of K-beauty has transformed skincare routines, but beneath the surface of flawless complexions and dewy finishes lies a deeper philosophy: beauty that feels personal and intentional. As more beauty lovers look to Korea for guidance, this tailored approach to color has become a natural extension of the K-beauty wave. Who wants to walk through life being washed out by their wardrobe? One size does not fit all, and one hue is not for everyone. Science meets style and the…
