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Gwangjang Market: How To Get There & What To Eat
Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is one of the largest traditional markets in Korea and was even featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. If you’re in the city for any amount of time and looking for one of the best places to eat in Seoul, this is a must visit. Gwangjang traditional market is a well known market for fabric and Hanboks, but it’s also known for eats eats eats and it’s not just visited by tourists, but locals frequent Gwangjang Market, too. The market is one of my top recommendations for tourists, visitors, friends, and family when it comes to where to eat in Seoul. I just love it… and here’s why……
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Nanji Ecological Park: Finding Solitude in Seoul
A couple summers back, Jae-oo and I headed to the Gangseo Marsh Ecological Park and enjoyed the sights in the rather quiet surroundings on the banks of the Han River. At the time, I didn’t even realize we had our own ecological park right down the street near the Nanji Hangang Park (난지한강공원생태습지원). The Han River Parks have been reinvigorated over the past decade and each park is different and offers something different to enjoy. If you want a peaceful place to visit, rent some bikes and head here. (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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The Soul of Seoul Tours: The S(e)oul Derby Recap
On July 17th, fourteen teams came together to set the pace and win that race… if they could. The weather wasn’t superb, but the drizzle gave everyone a little push to move and groove and get indoors that much sooner. The teams included expat teachers, Koreans, service people and families looking to do something a little different with their Saturday afternoon. The premise of the event was that The Soul of Seoul Tours would give out a list of scavenger hunt clues which included things like finding someone walking around in a Hanbok, piling into a phone booth, making funny faces, hunting for kimbap and a host of other cultural, quirky and…
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The Cutest Thing in Hongdae: The Hello Kitty Cafe
Hello Kitty is one of those characters that everyone knows of even if they’ve never seen the actual show. The cute and lovable Japanese character that was created in 1974 has grown to proportions that creator Yuko Yamaguchi likely never imagined. There’s a cafe in Hongdae that has the most fun pop-ups and this is one of them. (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.) Basic Info The Hello Kitty Cafe is no longer in Hongdae, but this building is still run by Sanrio and is now…
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KMF Korea Providing Self Defense Classes in Seoul
I recently had the pleasure of meeting and working with Gideon Roth the regional director and foreign representative for Krav Maga Federation Korea, the only official Wingate Institute accredited Krav Maga school in Asia. With fourteen years of experience in Krav Maga, he is the most experienced instructor in Korea and he wants to spread the word that he has self-defense classes for you. Learn more about Krav Maga in Seoul and the self-defense classes they offer: (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.) Basic Info Address:…
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Jeongdongjin Beach: The Most Beautiful Beach In Gangneung
Jeongdongjin is one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the Gangneung area of Korea. While everyone else is hanging out on Gyeongpo Beach just north, this gorgeous beach is quiet but epic especially considering the giant and quirky Sun Cruise Ship, oh wait it’s a resort in the shape of a cruise ship, that towers above the the seaside here. When looking for beaches on the east coast of Korea, don’t miss this one. Here’s what to expect when you get to Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진해변). Get ready to see more in Gangneung starting with the Jeongdongjin area: (This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click on…
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Gangneung’s Sungeut Beach in Gangneung is Quiet and Ideal
The beaches on the northeastern shores of Korea always stun me. The white sands and the emerald blue clear waters that lap against the shore are so dreamy. It’s a wonder that anyone lives in a city NOT on a coast in Korea when the kind of beauty that exists in Gangneung is out there. We took three days and went out to Sungeut Beach (순긋해변). It’s a bit smaller than the other popular beaches in the vicinity and doesn’t offer the numerous cafes and restaurants of the areas surrounding, but that meant it was perfect for our first trip to the coast of the season. Gangneung is a popular…
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Aqua Planet: Sea Life, A Petting Zoo & More
Aqua Planet (아쿠아플라넷) is a aquarium brand you can find all over South Korea. We first visited the Aqua Planet in Ilsan, Korea, but you can find them in Gwanggyo, the 63 Building on Yeouido Island in Seoul, Jeju, and Yeosu. I had initially expected this to be just an aquarium, meaning sea life, sea creatures and the like, but was pleasantly surprised to find birds, a petting zoo with farm animals and just so much more. If you have kids in Korea and want to introduce them to sea life, Aqua Planet in Korea is a great place to go. There are a number of amazing aquariums in Korea,…
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The S(e)oul Derby: Sign Up Now!
Come for some fun. With clues in hand, teams will race to find as many locations as possible from cultural hot spots to traditional architecture and even some friendly local eateries too. The event will be a cross between scavenger hunt searches and amazing race-esque missions. How much do you know about Seoul? Come test your knowledge with some great people and if you have the stuff, you can even win some fabulous prizes. There are more than W1,000,000 in prizes! The event will kick-off near Hapjeong Station and will culminate at 3 Alley a local expat owned pub in Itaewon where we will tally the points while you sit…
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The OTB Lounge in Walkerhill Has Hit Its Stride
A new no-limit off track betting lounge run by the Korea Racing Association (KRA), was recently opened in the Sheraton Grand Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul, Korea and boy is it chic. This lounge specifically caters to foreign customers and allows them to bet more than the maximum per race bet limits that are enforced at the race courses and at other existing OTBs. This is one of thirty-two OTBs that are operated around Korea in addition to the actual race courses in Seoul, Busan and Jeju. Not only is the lounge chic, but the hotel itself is beautiful so you could make a weekend of it, and have a grand…
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The Top Summer Festivals to Hit In Korea
It’s summer in Korea! It’s finally here with the hot gusts of wind followed by the cool breezes sweeping down from the mountains and in from the shores. Sandals, t-shirts and clothing with very little there has suddenly been whipped out of closets. Here’s what to look forward to this summer in Korea from sunny beach fun to townie food based get-togethers. When it comes to summer festivals, there are a lot to enjoy in South Korea. Find one near or far and go have fun! Get ready for summer festivals in Korea: (This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click on them and purchase something, I will…
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Learning Korean In Korea: Noisy Salesmen Are Great Teachers
When I first got to Korea, I did not speak Korean. Not a lick and that was cause for quite a few humorous assumptions. Assumptions aren’t always bad. It depends what you do after making assumptions that can be bad. Luckily for me, after awhile, I fell into a group of Koreans that were quick to show me the err in my ways or just to educate the silly foreigner. The education has proven immeasurable and also has given me many funny stories along the way. Today, I’m going to share a couple of those funny tales. Wonder why learning Korean when living in Korea is useful? I’ve got some…
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The Soul of Seoul Tours: Hanboks, Tea & Gold Recap
This past weekend, The Soul of Seoul Tours held our Hanboks, Tea & Gold event and boy was it fun, not to mention beautiful! The group started at a Hanbok rental shop at 10:00am and was dressed head, and some, to toe in traditional Korean clothing. Each person chose from a selection of brightly colored skirts and tops, changed and then had their hair done. They had the option to carry a provided purse as well so the whole outfit could be in the style of traditional Korea. After the group was dressed and good to go, we headed to Unhyeongung Palace or royal residence. The residence provided a chance…
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Sea LaLa Water Park: Indoor Family Fun In Mullae-dong
Looking for an indoor water park in Seoul, Korea? I’ve got one to tell you about that is very kid-friendly and parent-friendly too! Sea Lala (씨랄라 워터파크) sits in the area of Mullae-dong which is more popular for the street art and iron works among most expats in Korea, but there are some cool hidden gems there for families living in Korea. If you’re ready to get wet and wild with your kids in Seoul, put this fun spot on your list of places to go. (This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click on them and purchase something, I will get a percentage of the transaction at no cost…
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Unhyeongung Palace: Perfect For Traditional Photos In Seoul
Unhyeongung Palace or Royal Residence (운현궁) sits quietly along the road just south of the touristy and popular Bukchon Hanok Village. This quaint and more rustic collection of historic Hanoks is easily accessible and if you want beautiful photos with Hanok buildings sans crowds, you should definitely visit Unyeongung Royal Residence. With five palaces in Seoul to choose from when visiting the capital of South Korea, it’s easy to head to the biggest and grandest of them all, Gyeongbukgung Palace, and call it a day. I often recommend the palace to tourists saying that if they’ve only a short time, it is a must see. That isn’t to say that…
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Noryangjin Fish Market: A Guide For What To See & What To Order
Noryangjin Fish Market (노량진수산물도매시장) is one of top things to see in Seoul. It is the BIGGEST fisheries market in Seoul. Centrally located, Seoul’s most popular fish market is a great spot to check out for lunch or dinner and is great on an itinerary for Seoul but make sure you know what you’re getting into. Get ready to visit the Noryangjin Fish Market with the names of fish in Korean, the tours to take, and more. There’s a lot to know about Noryangjin Market. Here’s what to know: (This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click on them and purchase something, I will get a percentage of…
