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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. They’re satirical. And they’ve shaped Korean identity for centuries. 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. 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: (This post…
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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
Strolling along the Jeju Olle-gil trail 6, I was excited to stumble 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 to…
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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…
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Discover Seoul’s Hidden Hanok Library at the Foot of Inwangsan
Cheongun Literature Library (청운문학도서관) is a spot for every book lover in Seoul. Tucked into the hillside just a few meters up from the foot of Inwangsan Mountain, the library had long been on my radar. I’d seen photos of the hanok-style structure, admired the wooden beams and sweeping tiled roof, and imagined myself curled up with a book as mountain breezes whispered outside. Always in search of serene corners of Seoul, I knew I’d enjoy it. Cheongun Literature Library isn’t just a spot for reading, it’s a place that lets you breathe slower, think more deeply, and sit in a beautiful harmony of nature, literature, and history. Cheongun Literature…
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Yukjeon Hoegwan: Where the Bassak Bulgogi Isn’t What You’d Expect
When you’re searching for the best restaurants in Seoul, you’ll find no shortage of trendy spots. But if you want something with deep roots and real history, Yukjeon Hoegwan (역전회관) near Gongdeok Station delivers. This isn’t just one of the oldest restaurants in Seoul and has a family and flavor that dates all the way back to 1928. If you’re looking for where to eat in Gongdeok, or want to experience something beyond the usual modern Korean fare, this is it. This restaurant is a standout not because it’s new or flashy, but because it’s steady—and still doing what it does best. Get ready to eat at one of the…
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Sihyunhada: Why This Korean Photo Studio Is a Must-Visit
In need of a new headshot to represent myself when sending out articles for other publications, I dove down a rabbit hole of trendy portrait options and iconic Korean headshot studios and came upon the one experience making waves for anyone looking to capture their best self—Sihyunhada Photo Studio (시현하다). If you’ve been following Korean beauty and professional portrait trends, you’ve likely heard of Sihyunhada. More than just a photography studio, Sihyunhada personalizes every shoot through 1:1 consultations, helping clients craft the perfect headshot or portrait that encapsulates their personality. Korean headshots and ID photos are always rather stunning, definitely better than any ID photo I’ve ever had taken, so…
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Korea In May: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
May in Korea is the sweet spot of spring — when the flowers are still blooming, but the days are warmer, longer, and begging for outdoor adventures. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and there’s just something about this month that feels downright refreshing. You might even catch a gentle breeze carrying the scent of spring flowers or freshly cut grass. After nearly two decades of exploring Korea, I can tell you that May is one of the most pleasant months to be here. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to pack a picnic, hike a mountain, or simply stroll through a park and soak it…
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Korea in April: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
April in Korea is when the world seems to come alive again. Cherry blossoms bloom and for many, they are the main attraction of the month, but they’re not the only bloom to brighten your days. Spring is in full swing, and the chill of winter has finally made its retreat, leaving behind crisp mornings and mild afternoons that beckon you outside. Having spent years wandering Korea’s trails, towns, and temples, I can tell you there’s a special energy to April. It’s not just about the blossoms — though they’re breathtaking — but also the festivals, the fresh seasonal flavors, and that perfect weather sweet spot before the summer heat…
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The Ultimate Night Out in Apgujeong: 4 Must-Visit Bars, All on One Street
While Apgujeong in Seoul, Korea is most often discussed when referring to luxury shopping and boutiques, there’s another side of the area that comes alive when the sun goes down. When it comes to nightlife, Apgujeong is known for its stylish crowd, upscale venues, and a cocktail scene that delivers both quality and creativity. Get ready for the Apgujeong cocktail crawl. What if I told you that you could hit four of the best bars in the area, maybe in the city—all on the same street? That’s right, with just a short stroll, you can experience a variety of atmospheres, flavors, and hidden speakeasies without ever needing to call a…
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Kahi’s FREE Caviar Cooking Class: Skincare Meets Luxury Dining
Kahi, the Korean skincare brand that skyrocketed to fame with its viral Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm Stick, is known for their commitment to beauty with skincare. They revolutionized the way we simplify routines with their multi-use balm sticks. If you haven’t seen their balms in the hands of Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, or Ava Max, you’ve probably caught their signature pink stick making guest appearances in everything from Yumi’s Cells to Hocus Pocus 2. But Kahi isn’t just about skincare, they’re about luxury. Originally an exclusive event for VIP customers, the Kahi Caviar Cooking Class is now open to the public, and it’s completely FREE. Yes, you read that…
