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There Is Just Something About The Way KORELIMITED Pays Homage To Korean Heritage
Some streetwear brands make noise with logos. Others tell stories. KORELIMITED does both, but the reason I love them is the stories. This LA-based Korean fashion brand blends bold streetwear aesthetics with symbols and stories from Korea’s rich cultural heritage. With every limited-edition drop, KORELIMITED reminds us that fashion can be more than just clothing, it can be a conversation about identity, resistance, and pride. Whether you’re Korean, Korean American, fell in love with a Korean and married into the culture (ahem, that’s me), or found Korean culture through K-pop, K-dramas, or travel, KORELIMTED is one of the best Korean fashion brands to explore for meaningful fashion. KORELIMITED is a…
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Bokbunja: The Korean Black Raspberry Wine With a Hilarious Name
I remember my first sip of bokbunja (복분자) in 2006, my first year in Korea. The wine shelves at the time were limited. There was a lot of local Korean wine that tended toward very sweet, and one Australian wine with a kangaroo on the label that served as the reliable alternative. Most evenings we went for the kangaroo. Come holiday time or a party when something with more character was needed, it was bokbunja. I had a bit too much that first year and took a lengthy break, only recently returning to it when I sat down to an eel dinner with my father-in-law. The pairing was excellent. With…
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What Is a Norigae? Meaning of the Korean Hanbok Charm & Where To Make One In Seoul
If you’ve ever admired the elegant lines of a Hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, chances are you’ve spotted a norigae (노리개), the graceful tassel charm that dangles from the coat strings or skirt of the traditional attire. After living in Korea for many years and collecting norigae from markets and Hanbok shops, I’ve come to appreciate how much symbolism and craftsmanship is packed into these small charms. Recently, I stopped into the Leesle modern Hanbok shop in the vibrant Hongdae district of Seoul, Korea to make my own. It’s a little tassel with a lot of charm. If you like crafting and want to create your own unique souvenir from…
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The Biggest Mistake Tourists Make in Seoul: Underestimating Its Size
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, Korea and your itinerary includes hopping from your hotel to Gangnam over to Hongdae and back to your hotel in one day here’s your reality check: you’re going to spend more time underground than above it. Bright-eyed tourists show up with jam-packed plans to hit Gangnam, Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Insadong and what seems efficient ends up being a lesson in how to use the Seoul subway system (<- Yeah, I have a guide for that too). Seoul is massive! It’s not just big in population or reputation, geographically, it’s a sprawling metropolis of 25 districts, each with it’s own vibe, attractions, and character.…
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Play The Gayageum In Seoul: The Most Unique Cultural Experience You Can Have In Korea
I’ve lived in Seoul, Korea since 2006 and I’ve had my fair share of unforgettable experiences, eating like a Joseon royal at Gyeongbokgung Palace, sipping tea in the beautiful tea houses of Insadong among them. But the the day I played the gayageum (가야금) while wearing a Hanbok? That is definitely one of the most unique experiences you can have in Korea, if you ask me. What makes it even more special is how unfamiliar the gayageum is to people outside of Korea. Learning to play the gayageum feels like joining a secret club, one where you walk away not just with new skills, but with a deeper, more personal…
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Teterot Salon: Where To Buy A Stylish Modern Hanbok In Person Or Online
If you’re wandering the maze-like alleyways of Ikseon-dong, one of Seoul’s most photogenic neighborhoods, you’ll eventually stumble upon something special among the rows of Ikseon-dong cafes and restaurants: Teterot Salon (때때롯살롱). Not just a boutique, it’s a modern take on Korean heritage, and one of the best spots to pick up a stylish modern Hanbok in Seoul. (Bonus for those abroad though, Teterot Salon also has an online shop!) On the hunt for a new modern Hanbok to add to my collection, I already have three and one traditional one, I had heard about this shop from friends and wanted to visit for myself. Whether you’re looking for a piece of…
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Korea In June: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
June in Korea is when summer starts to take hold, but don’t let the rising temperatures deter you. Not at all. June can be absolutely lovely, filled with warm breezes, vibrant greenery, and plenty of ways to stay cool while enjoying the season’s best offerings. Having spent nearly two decades exploring Korea, I’ve come to appreciate the rhythm of summer here. Some years, June feels mild and inviting, while others jump straight into the humidity and heat. If you visit during one of the warmer stretches, just plan for early morning adventures, take advantage of shady spots, and cool off with a refreshing bowl of naengmyeon or bingsu. And don’t…
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Creating Scented Memories: Greedy Scent Perfume Workshop in Seoul
Perfume culture in Korea has taken off in recent years. In 2025 alone, the country’s fragrance market is projected to hit $468.91 million, with a steady annual growth rate of 2.3% through 2030. What’s driving this growth? A perfect storm of emotional wellness, aesthetic expression, and self-care trends. A few years ago, the term “korgasm” (코르가즘), a blend of nose in Korean and orgasm, emerged to describe the deep emotional pleasure triggered by scent. Not just about smelling good, perfumes became a small luxury and small acts of self-love. What came after that was a boom in shops for creating your very own personalized aroma and that’s where Greedy Scent…
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Kyochon Pilbang: Seoul’s Upscale Chimaek Speakeasy in Itaewon
If you think all Korean fried chicken joints are the same, you haven’t been to Kyochon Pilbang (교촌필방) in Itaewon. This isn’t your average chimaek experience that’s for sure. Chimaek is that beloved combination of chicken and beer, or maekju as it’s called in Korean. KyoChon Pilbang is a fried-chicken restaurant glow-up if there ever was one. It’s an upscale, secretive hideout that is 30 years of tradition in a sleek, artsy space. It’s probably not where my husband and his friends would go for a standard chicken and beer night out. But it’s absolutely where you go when you want a chimaek experience that’s actually memorable — on a…
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Beyond Moonlight Hours: Exclusive Night Tours & Royal Dining at Gyeongbokgung Palace
There are a few experiences in Seoul, Korea that will stop you in your tracks, something so special, unique, and exclusive, that you need to be in the know to even find them. The Moonlight Tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of them. To be clear, I’m not talking about the Korean palace extended hours. I’m talking about the special tours and events that you have to book or you’ll be denied entry. A decade ago when the first moonlight palace hours were unveiled, locals and tourists alike flocked to the main palace of Seoul to see it in, literally, a totally different light. Now, three of the main palaces…
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The 2025 New Zealand Wine Festival In Seoul: What You Missed
The 25th New Zealand Wine Festival just wrapped up in Seoul, and if you were there, you know it was one for the books. Held under the theme “Journey & Friendship,” this year’s event was all about celebrating how far New Zealand wine has come and the connections it continues to spark between Korea and New Zealand. Great wine, great food, warm vibes, and a few surprises thanks to the gray skies outside. Here’s what you missed at the 2025 New Zealand Wine Festival in Seoul, Korea: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost…
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Living in Jeju Island: 5 Perks Only Locals Know About
While Seoul is where the vast majority of people seem to take up residence in South Korea, there are a number of reasons to live somewhere else… anywhere else, in the country. Take Jeju Island for example. Given the moniker the “Hawaii of Korea”, this island has palm trees, beaches galore, and a number of perks that only residents of the island can enjoy. (Actually there are a few things you mainlanders can enjoy too, so pay attention.) More foreigners and Koreans alike are choosing Jeju Island for its natural beauty, slower lifestyle, and surprising local benefits. We moved to Jeju, Korea six months ago and here are five reasons…
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Sip & Savor at the 2025 New Zealand Wine Festival in Seoul and Busan
One of Korea’s best springtime events is back. Are you a wine connoisseur in Seoul or Busan? Or, just looking for a luxurious way to enjoy the season? The 2025 New Zealand Wine Festival hosted by The Kiwi Chamber of Commerce is not to be missed. Returning for its 26th year in Busan and 25th in Seoul, this year’s theme is “Journey & Friendship,” celebrating the rich connection between New Zealand and Korea, and the innovative journey of New Zealand’s world-class wine industry. With over 25 wineries from New Zealand pouring their best, paired with exquisite cuisine and a seaside or garden backdrop, all you have to decide is: Seoul,…
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Things To Do In Incheon: 25 Picks Beyond The Airport
When people tell me they’ve been to Incheon, I usually ask which part, and inevitably, it’s just the Incheon International Airport they’re referring to. Does that really even count? Not if you ask me. Incheon is massive! It’s the third largest city in Korea and covers an area that includes vibrant seaside neighborhoods, quiet island beaches, revitalized cultural hubs, and historical districts that shaped the nation’s past. Each area has its own personality, its own story, and its own reasons to visit. What started as a casual day trip many years back turned into multiple return visits, and now I tell everyone: don’t skip Incheon. It’s not just one neighborhood,…
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Traditional Korean Masks: Ancient Faces with Sacred Stories
You’ve seen Halloween masks and masquerade masks. But in Korea, masks, or tal (탈), are something else entirely. They’re sacred. Part performance, part prayer, and all symbolism, traditional Korean masks are intriguing, unique, and you can spot them more places in Korea than you might realize, from the streets of Insadong to performance venues around the country. They’re still worn, still revered, and still relevant to Korean culture. Want to know what these faces mean and the stories they have to tell? Here’s everything you should know about traditional Korean masks. Get ready to learn about Korean traditional masks from the common sights and the rarest of them all: (This…
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Explore K-Star Road in Gangnam: Where to See BTS, EXO, and More in Seoul
The Hallyu K-Star Road (한류스타거리) in Gangnam is a must-see if you’re into Korean pop culture, so I was told. This walk among the ultra luxury shops of Apgujeong is lined with giant bear statues dedicated to some favorite K-pop groups and leads right through the heart of where many idols were born. Welcome to the place where music, celebrity, and Seoul’s luxury fashion district all meet. Whether you’re hoping to spot a K-pop star, want a fun photo op with GangnamDols, or just want to walk through one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods, here’s what to expect when you visit K-Star Road in Gangnam. Take a Trip to Hallyu K-Star…
