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Amore Seongsu: A Must-Visit Beauty Experience in Seoul
Seongsu-dong, the “Brooklyn of Seoul” is one of those neighborhoods I can visit again and again. The streets are vibrant, there is street art, plenty of cafes and restaurants, and it has become an area popular for hosting pop-ups. Amore Pacific was one of the first major Korean brands to move in to the area and open up an experiential shopping complex and now there are more than ever. Amore Pacific, a beauty and cosmetics conglomerate boasting a rich legacy dating back to 1945, opened Amore Seongsu (아모레성수) quite a few years back. They were one of the first reasons I headed to the area and is one I stop…
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Gimhae Gaya Theme Park Is Fun For Everyone
We head down to Gimhae, Korea for every major Korean holiday to see my Korean in-laws so I’m always looking for things to do in Gimhae and the Gaya Theme Park (김해가야테마파크) was AMAZING! This theme park in Gyeongsangnam-do really has something for everyone from the extreme fun to the cultural (and apparently it’s going to get even better as they’re expanding and building Korea’s largest freshwater aquarium). The great thing about visiting amusement parks in Korea that are off the beaten path and in more rural areas is that you can have a lot more space and you can ride the rides and have the experiences without the lines.…
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Learn About Korean Food and Alcohol At HANSIK Space E:eum
A visit to the Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, Korea is a must and always included on basic Seoul itineraries. When you get there though, it’s easy to wander and wander and wonder what’s worth a stop in. I recently visited the HANSIK Space E:eum (한식문화공간이음) and can say it’s definitely worth a stop in, especially for those interested in Korean food culture and traditional Korean alcohol. Learn about Korean food and join a class in Bukchon Hanok Village: (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.) How…
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How To Get A T-Money Card For Kids in Korea
I wrote a whole guide to using the Seoul Subway System and where to buy a T-money card, but I wanted to do an extra-focused parent-friendly article. If you’re planning a family trip to Korea, ensuring smooth and convenient transportation is key. Using subways and buses is efficient, budget-friendly, and a great way to travel, but you should know how to get a T-money card specifically for your kids because they can get discounted rates on fares. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of obtaining a T-money card for children in Korea. It’s easy to get a T-money card, but if you have kids, make sure you…
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Explore the Serenity of Bonte Museum in Jeju
When you begin to plan a trip to Jeju Island, you might start to realize that this Korean island is not only a tropical paradise, but it is also home to over 100 museums. There is definitely plenty to see and do from beaches to art. When it comes to museums, Bonte Museum (본태박물관) stands out as an artistic escape and makes the perfect place to explore on a rainy day in Jeju. Designed by Tadao Ando and featuring traditional Korean crafts and works by Yayoi Kusama among other beautiful pieces, there’s a lot to discover. Get ready to explore Bonte Museum on Jeju Island: (This post contains affiliate links,…
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Visa Runs From Korea: Where To Go
Living in Korea on a short-term visa and need to do a quick visa run to reset your tourist visa or change visas? Visa runs are a common practice for foreigners residing in Korea who need to extend their stay without the luxury of obtaining a long-term visa. Or, if you’re changing your visa, a visa run may be in order. I had to do a visa run decades ago when I was switching from a tourist visa to an E2 teaching visa in Korea. If you’re trying to figure out how easy a visa run is, where the best places for you to take a quick visa run from…
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The Traditional Korean Food You’re Supposed To Eat Each Month
Did you know there is a holiday on the lunar calendar every month in Korea and there’s a traditional Korean food that is to be eaten on each of these days? While you’ve probably heard of Chuseok and Seollal and maybe even Sambok, there are even more special days on the traditional Korean calendar and food to be eaten on each of these days. Holidays in Korea often involve specific local delicacies, so get ready to learn about what to eat and more importantly when. If you haven’t yet been to the Hansik Space E:eum (한식문화공간) in the Bukchon Hanok Village, make sure to check it out. It has fantastic…
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Discover The Illuminating World of Jeju LAF
There is so much to explore on Jeju Island and if you’re headed there with family or friends, Jeju LAF (제주라프) offers an amazing opportunity to immerse in art, ziplines, and footbaths. If you’re staying in the beautiful Hamdeok beachside area, this great space is just a 25 minute bus ride. You’ll be welcomed in by a rainbow of color that just leads to even more colorful creations. Jeju LAF is made up of LAF ART, LAFLY, LAFOOT, and LAF F&B. Get ready to experience it all: (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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Learn About Korean Ceramics At The Clayarch Gimhae Museum
As my in-laws reside in Gimhae, Korea, I’m constantly on the lookout for interesting places to go when we visit them over the holiday periods. On this last trip we found the very interesting Clayarch Gimhae Museum (클레이아크 김해미술관) and the museums that surround it. Gimhae is a city with a long tradition in crafts like Gaya pottery and Buncheong ware that was produced during the Joseon Dynasty and so the region today has created a thriving creative industry for visitors to learn more, see more, and create more. There are some really interesting things to do in Gimhae if you happen to be in the area. If you’re planning…
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Epic Views of Seongsan Ilchulbong From Tadao Ando Architecture
Always on the lookout for artistic gems and natural beauty and any place that elegantly combines them both, I was excited to visit the Phoenix Jeju Yumin Art Nouveau Museum (휘닉스제주 유민미술관) and Glass House (글라스하우스) designed by Tadao Ando on Jeju Island. Nestled in Seopjikoji with breathtaking views of Seongsan Ilchulbong, this gallery is a testament to the fusion of architecture, arts, and nature. But, there’s also an epic swing set… let me show you. Where to get the most epic views of Seongsan Ilchulbong and embrace art and nature: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after…
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5 Reasons You Have To Experience An Ice Fishing Festival In Korea
Ice fishing was one of those things I’d heard about or read about in books growing up, saw in the movie “Grumpy Old Men” and thought, woah, that’s a funny thing to do in the winter. Isn’t it freezing? I had relegated fishing to a summer activity in my head, but it is indeed a winter experience as well and in Korea there are some great ice fishing festivals for everyone to partake in the fun. Looking for an ice fishing festival in Korea? There are three great ones to choose from. Get ready to attend a Korean ice fishing festival: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive…
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The Best Ski Resorts In South Korea: How To Hit The Slopes
When the winter season arrives in South Korea, the country’s mountaintops transform into snowy wonderlands, making it the perfect time for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts to hit the slopes. South Korea boasts an impressive array of ski resorts, some you probably spotted during the 2018 Winter Olympics held here as well. Considering the country is covered in mountains, it shouldn’t be surprising how many skiing resorts you can find here. Planning a winter in Korea vacation? There’s plenty to do and skiing or snowboarding is up there among the highlights of the season. Get ready to visit some of the best ski resorts in South Korea this winter in Korea.…
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The Cutest Baskin Robbins In Korea: Care Bear Themed
If you grew up in the 80s and 90s like me, then I’m sure you grew up with the colorful kind Care Bears and their rainbow-producing bellies. A wonderful thing about living in Korea is how there is always something to see, do, and enjoy. When I learned about the Care Bear themed Baskin Robbins in Bundang, I could NOT pass up a trip down memory lane and the opportunity to introduce my daughter to the kindness of the colorful Care Bears. From rainbows and plushy dolls to unique menu items and cartoons, this is where you should get your next bowl of ice cream. Relive your favorite colorful Care…
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Media Art In Unexpected Places In Seoul: Hongje Stream
I used to pass through Hongje on a bus every day as I’d traverse from Eunpyeong-gu to a school in Seodaemun-gu. The area doesn’t seem like it’s changed much, but if you went through every day like I did, you’d notice small changes around the Yujin Arcade, the Inwang Market, and the Naebu Expressway area. After teaching one day I traipsed up the mountainside to find the Ant Mural Village, and in the past couple of years there were more changes when the tunnels beneath the intersection were finally opened up and even renovated with light art. Hongje Stream is a beautiful place to walk or ride a bike in…
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Gapyeong’s Unique Hidden Gem: The Yellow Bridge Museum
There are a lot of popular things to do in Gapyeong, Korea, but there are also some really cool and rather hidden gems to see as well. The Yellow Bridge Museum (노랑다리미술관) in Gapyeong, Korea is a hidden gem that offers a unique and artistic experience. As you approach the museum, you can’t miss the vibrant yellow bridge that beckons from a distance, setting the tone for what lies ahead. Well, to be honest, you can’t begin to guess what you’ll see inside this unique museum in South Korea. Want to take an adventure to Gapyeong? Add the Yellow Bridge Museum to your itinerary: (This post contains affiliate links, which…
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Butter Shop: One Of The Cutest Stores In Myeongdong
Walk down the streets of Seoul and you’ll find all kinds of lifestyle stores and stationary shops and one of the cutest ones to find is absolutely Butter Shop (버터샵). The store’s iconic feature, a grandiose cat doll stationed at the entrance, serves as an endearing mascot, beckoning visitors to a world of cutesy wonder. Now, most of the Butter Shops aren’t so done up though still offer the cutest of souvenirs and lifestyle goods, but if you want one that’s got photo-zones and all of the goods, definitely visit the Butter Shop in Myeongdong. You, and the kids you might be toting along, will love it! (This post contains…
