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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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An Elevated Fried Chicken Experience In Seoul? That’s Kyochon Pilbang
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. If you’re going to have just one chimaek experience in Seoul, this is your spot. If you want to go out on a date, this is your spot. It’s cool, it’s modern, and an homage to heritage…
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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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25 Things To Do In Incheon 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? It’s time to learn about the traditional masks in Korea. Get ready to learn about Korean traditional masks from the common sights and the rarest of them all:…
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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…
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Wandering into Art: Discovering Lee Jung Seop Street on Jeju’s Olle Trail
I was nearing the end of Jeju Olle-gil trail 6, and excitedly stumbled upon a street that felt like both a gallery and a garden. The Lee Jung Seop Street (이중섭거리) in Seogwipo turned out to be a nice slow break from the trek along the coastline of the island. As someone who loves both art and nature, it felt like a perfect intersection: a quiet, colorful street nestled into the landscape, filled with creative energy and the story of a brilliant, passionate artist. You don’t have to trek the Olle-gil to find this spot though. If you’re visiting Seogwipo, this local gem is worth slowing down for. Here’s what…
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Why the Jeju Marine Animal Museum is a Hidden Gem for Kids
There are a lot of great things to do in Jeju and since we’ve moved here, we’ve been having fun finding them. Usually for tourists and visitors, there is a one track mind to stick to the beautiful beaches in places like Hamdeok or hike up Hallasan Mountain. Both of those are must-dos, but there is a lot in between, and a lot that maybe caters to locals a bit more. If you’re looking to get a bit more local, then here’s a spot to add to your list: Jeju Marine Animal Museum (제주해양동물박물관). It’s a bit small but has a fantastic collection and it’s perfect for curious little minds.…
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Boksoondoga Is The Champagne Of Makgeolli & You Need To Try It
If you’ve ever visited a makgeolli bar in Seoul, Sanullim 1992 in Hongdae for example, you know how overwhelming the drink list can be. With beer, you can gauge a lot from the type, and with wine, it’s all about the region. But when it comes to makgeolli, it often feels like a free-for-all taste test until you find the one you love. Suffice it to say, when I first tasted Boksoondoga (복순도가), I never looked back. Boksoondoga makgeolli is a hand-brewed, effervescent delight, called the champagne of makgeolli, it was the libation I needed. With a tangy-sweet fizz and creamy-milky texture, it’s both nostalgic and refreshingly unique in the…
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Why Are So Many People in Korea Named Kim? What To Know About Korean Last Names & How They Are Changing!
As a foreigner navigating life, love, and family in Korea, I found the history and structure behind Korean names endlessly fascinating. So let me take you on a journey into Korean surnames: why so many people are named Kim, Lee, or Park, what those names really mean, and how even first names have a deep-rooted cultural backstory that connects generations. Trust me, you’ll be fascinated too. Get ready to learn about Korean names, why there are so many Kim’s, and why there are more and more new last names 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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Jeju’s Hidden Art Walk: Exploring Sincheon-ri Mural Village
I stumbled across the Sincheon-ri Mural Village (신천리 벽화마을) while walking a section of the Jeju Olle-gil and knew instantly I had to bring my daughter back for an evening stroll. No crowds, no noise, just us, the art, and a peaceful neighborhood splashed with color. In a similar fashion, I had stumbled upon the Gimnyeong Craft Metal Mural Village on Jeju Olle Course 20. I love how many mural villages there are in Korea. There are more than people realize and that’s probably because most of them are in small towns and villages that you really have to stumble upon to find out about. So, here we are in…
