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Finding Culture At The National Folk Museum of Korea
Korea is home to a number of fantastic museums. The Korean national museums not only house fantastic collections but are an amazing free thing to do in Korea too. Whether you’re on a budget or want to deep dive into Korean culture and history, you should put the museums on your list of places to go and things to see. Recently, we visited the National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관), a museum I hadn’t visited in over 15 years and I was reminded just how interesting the rich heritage of the country is. Nestled within the historic grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, this museum is full of interesting information inside and…
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The Most Unique Convenience Store In Hongdae: The Ramyun Library
For noodle aficionados and culinary adventurers alike, a new must-visit spot has emerged in Hongdae, Seoul. Already a super popular place to go, there are a ton of things to do in Hongdae and now eating Korean ramen in a convenience store is one of them. The CU convenience store chain has unveiled the Ramyeon Library. Shop til you drop in Hongdae and then hit up this Instagrammable spot for a quick bite on the go. The design of this convenience store is an innovative response to the evolving consumer habits and and major interest in ramyeon from not just Koreans but visiting tourists alike. Korean ramyeon has become super…
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How To Celebrate The Year of The Dragon In Korea
Happy New Year! 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, the blue dragon or wood dragon to be precise. The dragon is the only mythical creature among the twelve zodiac signs and is a symbol of strength, prosperity, and success. In Korean, this year is called “Gapjin” (갑진) and if you want to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Korea, there are a number of things you can do. So, what does the Year of the Dragon mean? And, how can you celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Korea? Here’s what you need to know… (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a…
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A Guide To Korea’s Winter Bloom: Where To See Camellias
When you picture winter in Korea, you probably picture snowy mountains, ski resorts, and steamy street food stalls. That said, did you know there are flowers that bloom in the winter in Korea? While there can be plenty of snow and plenty of cozy indoor spots to hang, if you head to the southern provinces of Korea, you’ll be able to find flowers! Yes, flowers in the winter! Camellias (동백꽃) bring a splash of color to the winter canvas, offering a delightful experience for visitors and locals alike. As the cold sets in, a natural wonder unfolds across the southern regions of Korea that are the pick-me-up you might need…
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National Foundation Day In Korea and The Myth That Started It All
I have visited a lot of museums and exhibitions in Korea over the years and I’m always drawn into the tales and stories of Korean myths and folklore. If you learned about the Roman gods and Greek mythology in school and loved the tales and lore, you’ll likely be interested in the Korean mythology as well. The origin story of Korea is quite the tale and if you haven’t heard it yet, get ready to discover the beginning of Korean mythology and why today National Foundation Day (개천절) is celebrated. Get ready to dive into Korean folklore, myth, and legend: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a…
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How To Play Yut Nori: Korea’s Traditional New Year’s Game
If you live in Korea and stay through a traditional Korean holiday, chances are high that you will come across the traditional Korean game known as yut nori (윷노리). Even if you’re not celebrating with a family, you can find the game played at schools, yut nori sets can be found at folk museums, and you can even find sets in local toy stores. Yut nori is a fun Korean game and if you’re looking for something fun to do this Lunar New Year with your kids, this is a great game that you can also prepare yourself at home. Yut nori is a fun traditional Korean game that weaves…
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Moxy Seoul Myeongdong: The Coolest Hotel In Seoul
Looking for one of the coolest hotels in Myeongdong in Seoul, Korea? It has to be Moxy! Moxy invites the young at heart and free-spirited travelers to experience a unique stay that seamlessly blends the excitement of Myeongdong’s lively streets with the hotel’s contemporary and unconventional approach to hospitality. If you’ve never stayed at a Moxy before… I’ll fill you in on the unconventional part below. Moxy Seoul Myeongdong is one of the coolest hotels in Myeongdong: (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 How…
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Arte Museum: The Immersive Exhibition To Find In Korea
Ever on the lookout for immersive art experiences, we couldn’t help but step in to the media escape that Arte Museum provides. If you’re like us and always looking out for the cool places to go and things to do in Korea, then there is no doubt that Arte Museum (아르떼뮤지엄) has already been on your radar. Created by d’strict, a digital design firm, there are Arte Museums located in Gangneung, Jeju, and Yeosu and soon to be one opened in Busan, Korea. In a country that grapples with fine dust every year which causes a major issue with spending time outside, especially if you have little ones, the focus…
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The Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask: The Perfect Peel Off Mask
I tried the Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask and it quickly became my favorite peel off mask on my shelf. Amp up your skincare routine and peel off this mask to find smoother, clearer, and supple skin. As someone always on the lookout for gentle yet effective exfoliation, I couldn’t resist trying this Sulwhasoo creation. Actually, I should rephrase, any time I can try any Sulwhasoo product, I jump at the chance and I was able to get this from Amore Seongsu the last time I was there. Whether you’re a seasoned skincare aficionado or a beauty explorer, Sulwhasoo’s Clarifying Mask invites you to unveil the secrets to enduring radiance and youthful…
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Discover The Views From Oryukdo Skywalk in Busan
Head to where the East Sea and the South Sea converge and you’ll spot the Oryukdo Islets that paint a mesmerizing picture in the emerald sea. Comprising five islands that sometimes become six as the tides change, this natural wonder off the coast of Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, is a must-visit destination for those seeking the perfect blend of geological marvels, marine sanctuaries, and cultural heritage. On one of my first trips to Busan with my husband he took me to nearby Igidae and I couldn’t get enough of the rocky coastline and blue waters in this area. While the view is spectacular, it seems to be the Oryukdo Skywalk (오륙도…
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OUL: A Unique Blend of Heritage and Modern Mixology in Seoul
When I first moved to Seoul, I was young dumb and, let’s face it, skint (a word I learned form my British roommate at the time) for most of my time. We frequented cheap pubs and drank beers outside of convenience stores, which is not illegal in Korea FYI. Having gotten older wiser and having less nights out, when I do go out, now I’m on the hunt for the best bars in Seoul, upscale cocktail bars, and just generally unique bars in Seoul. One bar where all of those describers ring true is in the lux Four Seasons Hotel. Hotels can have some pretty cool bars, let’s be honest,…
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Ikseon-dong: Where To Eat and What To Do
Ikseon-dong has become one of the most popular little Hanok villages in downtown Seoul. While people visit Bukchon Hanok Village to see the old Hanoks in all of their grandeur, Ikseon-dong attracts visitors for food, cafes, and fun. The alleys are narrower and instead of traditional, the shops that have moved in seem to pay homage to the history and traditions of the area through upscale eats and artistic experiences. You can find quirky, cute, and fun places to hang out in this historic district of Seoul, Korea. Ikseon-dong also makes for a great area to stay in as I found when I stayed at the Moxy Hotel. From adorable alleyways…
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Moxy Seoul Insadong: A Trendy Urban Hotel in the Heart of Seoul
Right outside of Jongno 3-ga Subway Station and south of the popular Ikseon-dong Hanok Village sits Moxy Seoul Insadong, a hotel that blends youthful energy with the historical charm of the area. Featuring a rooftop bar, cool communal spaces, and murals, Moxy Hotel in Insadong is a great hotel in the heart of the historic area of Seoul for tourists, remote workers that are traveling, and staycationers. I’m often asked where to stay in Seoul, and I often recommend the Insadong and Bukchon areas which often lands people on Hanok hotels, but there are great modern hotels in the area as well and this is one of them. Moxy Seoul…
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How To Visit A Sheep Farm in Gapyeong at Cloud Hill
There are some great things to see in Gapyeong and among them sit some fun family-friendly farms where you can see and feed animals like sheep. If you’ve been wondering where to go for just such an experience, check out the Gapyeong Sheep Farm (가평양떼목장) which also features the very nicely designed Cloud Hill cafe. Feed some fuzzy friends, eat some cakes, and breathe in the fresh air of Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do. It’s the adventure into nature you need this weekend. Get ready for an adventure to feed sheep in Korea: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after…
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Personalized Experiences At The Monami Concept Stores In Seoul
I was once gifted a Monami pen at a beauty event in Seoul. It was a beautiful pen with a light pink metal casing with perfect heft and it even had my name on it. It was one of those pens that I made people hold so they could also understand the appeal and so they could understand why I wouldn’t let them just walk away with my pen. Some years later it was stolen, and so I went out of my way to find another to replace it and that’s when I discovered the fun to be had in the Monami Concept Stores in Seoul, Korea. If you find…
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Black Day in Korea: A Celebration of Singlehood
Scheduled exactly one month after White Day and two months after Valentine’s Day, is an unofficial Korean holiday called Black Day (블랙데이). This distinctive celebration is dedicated to individuals navigating the realm of singlehood, particularly those who found themselves bereft of gifts or affection on the preceding romantic holidays. That’s how the story goes. Mostly what you need to know is that eating jjajangmyeong (짜장면) is super popular on this day and if you’re single in Korea and weren’t pleased by the onslaught of romantic holidays that the past two months brought, now is your time to shine. Want to learn more about Black Day in Korea? Here’s what you…
