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Sanrio Is Trending In Seoul: The Sanrio Pop-ups To Visit Now!
If you’re a fan of the company Sanrio and their many cute characters, then you’re in for a treat in Seoul right now. From the Sanrio Lover’s Club Café to the Cinnamoroll Cafe, there are pop-ups and more just for the Sanrio lovers out there. Though Sanrio is all about the most kawaii (cute) characters of Japanese pop culture, this trend is not just for children. People in the 20s are jumping on it too. It seems that nostalgia is trending in Korea and anything that is a couple decades old or older is coming back in with a fun and cute vengeance. Are you ready for the revival? Or…
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A Guide To Jeonju Hanok Village: From Free Tours To Choco Pies
There are many fantastic places to visit in South Korea, but only one is the birthplace of bibimbap. Jeonju is a popular daytrip or weekend away for many in Korea thanks to it being a foodie lovers destination and of course featuring the beautiful Jeonju Hanok Village. Actually, Jeonju is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in Korea outside of Seoul. Want to plan a trip to Jeonju Hanok Village? Check out the scenery? Eat some delicious bibimbap and chocolate treats or even visit a unique Hanok village? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeollabuk-do, Korea. Plan a trip…
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The Best Things To Do At Night in Seoul
The city of Seoul is vibrant at night. Neon lights brighten the view everywhere you look and the nightlife in Seoul is amazing. I had never been in a place where things just don’t close before arriving here. From night markets to noraebangs, or karaoke rooms, there is so much to do at night in Seoul, Korea. Are you a night owl? An insomniac? This is the city for you. You can take night walks in Seoul along the Seoul Fortress Wall or go to a night market in Seoul to eat all of the delicious food. Where do you think you’ll go first? Things to know about going out…
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The Man Who Laughs: A Musical To See In Korea Now!
Did you know that you can see musicals at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts? Musicals are a really popular way to tell stories, and they’re no less popular in Korea. Sometimes Kpop Idols will take up roles in musicals and bring even more attention to them. One example of this happening now is with The Man Who Laughs (웃는남자). When this musical first premiered, EXO’s Suho and Super Junior’s Kyuhyun played the lead role of Gwynplaine. Even though they aren’t in the show anymore, it’s still an incredibly good story with a lot of emotion that a lot of people can relate to. How to see The Man Who…
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4 Unique Art Parks in Korea Where Nature and Creativity Collide
I didn’t expect to stumble upon a giant pine beer in the middle of a mountain trail, but that’s exactly the kind of surprise I love finding when exploring Korea. There’s something magical about discovering art where you least expect it, tucked between tall trees, set beside a beautiful riverside, or peeking out of a hillside. If you’ve explored Seoul’s galleries and trendy exhibitions, but you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, a little more secret, know that Korea’s art scene is not just indoors. Some of the most whimsical, thought-provoking, delightful, and family-friendly art is scattered across Korea’s forests, mountains, and riversides. The best part…
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The Korean PC Bang: Everything To Know Before You Go!
In an electronically advanced city like Seoul, there lies an active underground society that spends day after day in the safe area of their own temporary personal cubicle. With access to the internet, food, and familiarity—who would ever want to leave? The legendary PC bang. PC rooms are a safe haven for gamers of all games, or people that don’t want the hassle of buying a personal computer. PC bangs are multifaceted and useful to any foreigner when it comes to having a consistent connection to the rest of the world via the internet. If you want to learn more about the Korean PC room and how to find one,…
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The Best Overseas Money Transfer Service: SentBe
Whether you’re trying to send money abroad to pay off your student loans or sending gifts to family, the need for easy money transfer services has grown immensely. It’s amazing how much easier it is now. I remember in 2006 when I first arrived in Korea how much paperwork at the bank it required and how long I had to sit there to do it. Now, there are apps and online services connecting banks in amazing ways. I’ve been using SentBe for a few years now to send money home. Admittedly, after the first time, I was SHOCKED at how fast and easy it was. I used it and never…
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Breakout Seoul: A Fun Escape Room in Hongdae
Are you looking for a fun activity in Seoul to do with a group in Seoul? There are some great English-speaker friendly escape rooms to try. Escape rooms are a great team-building exercise, whether it be for work, school, family, or friends. There are varying levels of difficulty to them too, so you can find one that matches your style, whether it’s your first escape room or you’re a total pro. Looking for something fun to do in Hongdae? While you can do all kinds of things from eating to shopping in Hongdae, there is plenty in between. Breakout Seoul (브레이크아웃 이스케이프) is one such escape room in the Hongdae…
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Why Everyone Is Talking About Kahi: Multibalm Sticks to Sunscreen
The Korean skincare company Kahi has been trending and has had some really good ad placement in Korean dramas which has brought it to the attention of a lot of high profile skincare influencers and beauty magazines lately. So, when I was invited to an event to learn more about their products, I was super excited. You may have seen their balms in the hands of Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, and Ava Max. They’re leading the trend when it comes to multi-stick balms but they’re more than just that. I recently attended an influencer event with Kahi and learned a lot about their brand and their goals for the…
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How To Visit The Blue House In Seoul: A Guide To Cheongwadae
Did you know you can visit the Blue House in Seoul now? Actually, there were tours before, but now you can see more. Formerly the president’s home, the newly elected Korean president no longer lives there, so they’ve opened it for people to see for the first time in 74 years. If you’re interested in seeing Korea’s government buildings, you should go take a tour of The Blue House, or Cheongwadae (청와대) as it’s called in Korean. Citizens and tourists can see the Blue House but the process to see it is a bit different, so make sure you read carefully. If you’ll be visiting downtown Seoul soon, this is…
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Papa Recipe: Four Great Serums For Sensitive Skin
Looking for gentle skincare products? Korean beauty products that are ideal for sensitive skin types? You definitely need to look into Papa Recipe. This Korean skincare company is devoted to creating skincare products that are ideal for people with skin concerns just like the founder’s daughter who kicked off his education in skincare regimes. Papa Recipe recently release four new serums focused on a variety of skin concerns from wrinkles to skin tone and more. Which one will you try? Find out more about Papa Recipe’s new serums: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no…
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Seoul Animation Center and Ani Town Will Leave You Smiling in Seoul
Have you heard of Ani Land? The Seoul Animation Center? Ani Town? It’s okay if you haven’t. Located across the street from the popular shopping district, Myeongdong, in Seoul, it’s a bit off the beaten path unless you’re on the hunt for animation art. In Ani Town, there lies a street dubbed Zaemiro made up of studios, restaurants, and cartoon-covered walls. It’s known as the “content-specialized street” of Ani Town, a place full of unique exhibitions and views. From Seoul Animation Center, ideal if you have kids, to Zaemiro, there’s something fun for everyone. Until December, there is also a special event going on to visit, get stamps, and get…
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Where To Stay In Busan: A Complete Guide To The Hot Spots
Busan is one of my favorite cities. Actually, if I could choose where to live in Korea, I’d probably choose Busan. Not only is my husband from Busan, but it’s got beaches to the south, mountains to the north, and plenty to do in between. Anyway, if you’re taking a trip to Busan, then you should really think about where to stay in Busan because unlike Seoul that has a central point and radiates out, Busan is sort of long and follows the coast instead. If you want to see things on the west end of Busan, you don’t want to be in the east because it can be a…
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Jongmyo Shrine: A Beautiful Historical Site in Downtown Seoul
Built in the 14th Century, Jongmyo Shrine (종묘) is the oldest Confucian royal shrine in Korea. Located right in downtown Seoul, you may have walked by this important site and not realized what is behind the walls that protect the grounds. If you’re visiting Seoul or traveling to Korea, this is a beautiful area to take a walk in downtown Seoul where the streets can be bustling. Learn about Korean history and culture and maybe get to see a royal rite. List of Contents: Plan a trip to Jongmyo Shrine! (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking…
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4 Great Game Shops In Seoul To Play or Shop
If you’re new to Korea, it can be tough to find a place to go and hang out with other people or to just find like minded people. If you’re interested in playing games in Korea, though, I’ve got some cool places you can go in Seoul. Some are better if you have people to bring, while others will allow you to meet someone or multiple people right then and there to hang out and play games. If you are a fan of board games, card games—especially Magic: The Gathering, or just analog games in general, these are the places you are going to want to visit during your time…
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Papa Recipe: Noble Rot Lifting Ampoule & Essence Review
Korean skincare is ever evolving and always using natural ingredients that it would never occur to me to put onto my skin. If Noble Rot is new to you, don’t worry, it was new to me as well and it’s not as bad as it might sound… really. Papa Recipe, born from a parent’s concern for their child’s skin, has created skincare that uses raw materials from nature and noble rot is one of them. If you’ve had skin issues, then this might just be the Korean skincare company to look to for understanding and grace. We’ll get into that and more below. Looking for a new Korean skincare company…
