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Dakgalbi is the Chuncheon Specialty You’ll Love
Originating from the city of Chuncheon, a city an hour east of Seoul, in the 1960s, dakgalbi (닭갈비) has a fascinating story rooted in post-war resilience and creativity. Over time, it evolved from a humble, budget-friendly meal known as “commoners’ galbi” into one of Korea’s most iconic comfort foods. This sweet and spicy chicken stir fry is now loved all around the country and even if you’re just visiting, you should find a restaurant that serves up this delicious meal. Or, if you’re headed out to Nami Island or Cheongpyeong Temple, stop by a local restaurant for this must eat dish. Dakgalbi is one of those dishes that will have…
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Moomin Magic on Jeju: A Playful Adventure for All Ages
When planning a trip to Jeju Island in South Korea, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore its natural beauty, from stunning shores to scenic oreums and everything in between. But beyond its breathtaking landscapes (which I highly suggest you see), Jeju also offers whimsical and playful attractions that might just surprise you. Among these must-visit spots is the delightfully kitschy Snoopy Land, where we couldn’t help but fall in love with its nostalgic vibe. Inspired by that visit, we stumbled upon Moomin Land (무민랜드) and thought, “Why not dive into the cartoony world of Moomin and his adventures?” It was more than I expected. Though not as large as Snoopy…
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Why Korean School Lunches Will Leave You Jealous
Growing up in the US, my school lunches were a predictable rotation of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, greasy fries, and cardboard-like pizza. So, when I experienced Korean school lunches for the first time, I was shocked how well-rounded and delicious Korean school lunches were. When it comes to school lunches, Korean public schools stand out for their balanced, nutritious, and flavorful meals that not only the students love, but the teachers love too. The pictures of my daughter’s lunch make me hungry every day and they’ll make you hungry too: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after…
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Korea in February: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
February in Korea is still firmly in winter’s grip. It’s actually the coldest month of the year so be prepared. If you are, you’ll be fine… as long as you like winter. February can be quite the winter wonderland and you can experience its beauty as long as you have some thermal underwear! Bundle up, keep some heat packs handy, and get ready to enjoy the cozy beauty of Korea in February. Will you be traveling to Korea in February? Here’s everything you need to know from the weather to the festivals. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase…
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Korea In January: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
Korea can become quite the winter wonderland in January, but it can also be pretty frigid and cold. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come in the midst of winter in Korea, though. Not at all. January can be delightful in a number of ways. You just need to know how to keep warm to enjoy it all. I’ve lived in Korea for almost two decades and to me it seems like there’s some sort of cycle that happens for winters. You’ll have the absolutely most frigid winter some years, followed by two winters that really aren’t that bad. If you happen to visit on a frigid one, just be on…
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Why You Should Eat Ganjang Gejang—Soy Sauce Marinated Raw Crab In Korea
When you think of Korean cuisine, dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi probably spring to mind, but there are some other very delicious delights like ganjang gejang (간장계장), or soy sauce marinated raw crab, that I know the foodies out there will love. Once you figure out how to eat it, you will be drawn by the incredible umami flavor which will have you coming back for more again and again. Marinated raw crab might be for the adventurous eater, but it’s good for everyone. Here’s what to know: (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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12 Cafes In Jeju Island You Don’t Want To Miss
While the beaches in Jeju, with their white and black sands and crystal-clear waters, may have lured you here, it’s the cafes in Jeju that will make you linger. Imagine sipping your coffee with the sound of waves crashing in the background, gazing out at lush citrus orchards, serene green tea fields, or even a far-off oreum. It’s like every cup of coffee comes with its own postcard-worthy view. There are some beautiful cafes in Jeju Island. Whether you like the modern appeal or rustic Hanoks, there are some great options for places to find coffee and tea: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage…
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Four Reasons You Should Visit The Seoul Tourism Plaza
I remember the first time I walked into the Seoul Tourism Plaza in 2021. I was struck because it was such a cool culture spot. The Seoul Tourism Plaza (서울관광재단) is a tourism hub with a ton of information for tourists regarding the top Seoul tourism attractions but there’s also a souvenir shop and even a Tap Shop! While there are tourist offices and booths all over the city for visitors to Seoul, the Seoul Tourism Plaza has some unique reasons to find it. From official Seoul City souvenirs so maps, guides, pamphlets, and more… here’s why you’ll want to find it. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I…
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Navigating Korea’s Public Bathrooms: Etiquette, Oddities, and Cultural Quirks
Forget the glittering skyline of Seoul, the cute cafes, and the K-beauty glamour for a moment—let’s talk about a more down-to-earth topic that’s just as much a part of your journey through Korea: public bathrooms. It might not be on your itinerary per se, but trust me, it’s an adventure in itself and just about everyone goes home with something to say about it. Korea’s bathroom culture can be a curious mix of old traditions and cutting-edge technology, and understanding the do’s and don’ts could save you a fair bit of confusion. Whether you’re finding the alley bathroom in Hongdae or the upscale option in Lotte Department Store, there are…
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How To Eat Korean BBQ: What To Expect When Eating In Korea
Korean barbecue might seem a bit intimidating if it’s your first time, but don’t worry, it’s as much about the experience as it is about the food! Whether you’re seated at a table with friends or enjoying it with coworkers, you’re in for a tasty adventure. Before you can begin that adventure though, you need to know how to order meat, what to expect at a Korean barbecue restaurant, and then you can reap the delicious rewards. What makes Korean BBQ so popular, especially for first-time visitors to Korea, is not just the high-quality, flavorful cuts of meat, but the immersive nature of the entire dining process. But, like I…
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Unwrap the Magic of Korea: 18 Unique Holiday Gifts for Your Loved Ones!
Looking for something extraordinary to gift this holiday season? Whether you’re surprising a loved one or treating yourself, these carefully curated Korean treasures will bring a touch of culture and charm to your celebrations. I love giving gifts from the country that I’ve decided to call home and if you have someone in your life interested in Korea, or at the very least interested in very aesthetically pleasing items, this list of unique gifts from Korea is for you. From traditional crafts to modern must-haves, this list is filled with gifts that go beyond ordinary and are sure to delight anyone on your list. Not your standard Korean souvenirs, this…
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The Most Touristy Thing In Wando Is A Tower
Wando, Korea might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of traveling in Korea. Tucked away in the southern part of the country, this island is most visited by travelers that are taking the ferry from the southern part of mainland Korea to Jeju Island. That’s exactly why we were visiting, but wow is the food good and the ocean glistening here. We’ll be through a few times, so for our first trip through, we stopped at what seems to be the most touristy thing there—the Wando Tower (완도타워). I thought we’d just pop in to this observatory and pop out, but boy was I…
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Travel Back In Time At The Jeju Folk Village
There are some amazing traditional folk villages in Korea, and the Jeju Folk Village (제주민속촌) definitely makes the list. There are more than 100 houses that were actual residences and they’ve tried to portray what time was like in the 1890s on Jeju Island. An interesting thing about this folk village is that it brings together mountain villages and fishing villages among other different living spaces into one place. So it feels like a few villages instead of just one. You could easily spend a few hours here not just looking, but also getting in on the traditional experiential action. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in…
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Jeju Citrus Museum: Where To Begin Your Jeju Hallabang Journey
If you’re searching for things to do with kids in Jeju, the Jeju Citrus Museum (감귤박물관) is a great place to start to add an educational perspective on any citrus adventure to come. It offers a fascinating dive into the history and culture of Jeju’s citrus, with plenty to learn about the different varieties grown on the island. Plus, if you’re curious about picking oranges in Jeju, this is the perfect spot to get an introduction before heading out to the orchards! Any good citrus adventure on Jeju Island should start with some history and culture and you can get both at the Jeju Citrus Museum: (This post contains affiliate…
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SKIN1004: Probio-Cica Enrich Cream and Intensive Ampoule Review
As a longtime SKIN1004 user I am not surprised at all that I loved the Probio-Cica cream and ampoule. Recommended to me as I have dry skin and am aging gracefully, this duo was rich, nourishing, and hydrating and that’s exactly what my skin consistently needs. When I first began my SKIN1004 journey, I was introduced to their Madagascar Centella toner and ampoule and much like I loved those, I found these products extremely hydrating on my dry skin. Need a skin pick-me-up, try these now! Getting into SKIN1004 and want to see if the Probio-Cica line is for you? The ampoule and cream are amazing. Find out why: (This…
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SEOULDAL: How To Ride The Moon-Shaped Balloon In Seoul
Move over N Seoul Tower and Seoul Sky Observatory, there’s now a high-flying hot spot in town for those craving panoramic views of Seoul, Korea. Say hello to SEOULDAL (서울달), a moon-shaped gas balloon that’s lifting off in the heart of the city. This isn’t just any observatory; it’s an aerial adventure that takes you soaring above Yeouido, offering a unique vantage point to experience Seoul like never before. As someone who had tried to ride the one in Suwon on multiple occasions and wasn’t able to because every time I got there, the wind was blowing too much, I was stoked for this one to open so I could…
