• Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea: Korea Food
    Korean Culture (한국 문화)

    8 Things To Know Before You Eat In Korea

    The food is served and you are ready to dig in… but wait, do you know good table manners in Korea? I’ve made plenty of mistakes around the dinner table in Korea, chief among them tapping my father-in-law’s soju glass when he poured his own drink. I’ll get to that story later. There is a lot to know about eating in Korea and I should add that a lot depends on who you’re eating with. I’ll get to that later too. Anyway, you’re ready to eat in Korea. Before you do, let’s learn the Korean eating etiquette so you can dig right in. What to know about Korean table manners: (This…

  • AXIS-Y Korean Skincare
    Korean Beauty

    AXIS-Y: 6 Korean Skincare Products You Need In Your Life

    We are going to unpack a TON of info on the Korean skincare brand named AXIS-Y in this post. If you haven’t heard of them yet, AXIS-Y is all about hydration and revitalization and I’m going to review 6 of AXIS-Y’s top products right in this post! There are some awesome Korean skincare brands out there and this has fast become one of my favorites. My skin is supple and glowing and in the winter, I’m surprised when that happens. Are you interested in AXIS-Y skincare? Here’s what you need to know: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase…

  • Haslla Art World, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Korea
    Gangwon-do (강원도)

    Haslla Art World: A Must See In Gangneung

    When thinking of the coastal city of Gangneung, many people conjure images of the white sand beach and summer sun. But, there’s way more than that and while Gangneung is an ideal summer destination in South Korea, it’s also great every other season because there is still plenty to do. Thus, here’s what you need to know about Haslla Art World (하슬라아트월드), and how to plan a trip to this awesome art experience on the east coast of Korea. Looking for things to do in Gangneung? This should definitely be on the list. Plan a trip to Haslla Art World in Gangneung: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I…

  • Valentine's Day, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    12 Things To Do For Valentine’s Day In Seoul

    Valentine’s Day is just one of numerous romantic holidays in Korea. It’s a big one though. If you’re revving up to celebrate your love and you need some romantic things to do in Seoul or the best date ideas in Seoul, you’ve come to the right place. Couple culture in Korea is out of this world with couples often wearing matching clothing and even buying matching underwear. Thus, you can imagine that a romantic holiday such as Valentine’s Day is up there in popularity for couples in Korea. Here’s what you need to know to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Seoul: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a…

  • Gwangmyeong Cave (광명동굴), Gwangmyeong, Korea
    Gyeonggi-do (경기도)

    The Coolest Culture Space In Korea Is In A Cave In Gwangmyeong

    In the summer we were studying rocks and lava and decided to take a field trip south to Gwangmyeong Cave, or Gwangmyeongdonggul, (광명동굴). When Seoul starts to get too hot and humid to bear, take a trip here. The interior of the cave has a dramatic temperature difference from the outside and you can fill it literally as soon as you take one step in the entrance. Visiting is a really cool thing to do near Seoul… literally. Once a mine, today, it is the largest themed cave park in Korea. Plan your visit to Gwangmyeong Cave: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of…

  • Seobinbaeksa (서빈백사), Udo Island (우도), Jeju, Korea
    Jeju (제주도)

    Udo Island: A Guide To The Island Off The Coast Of Jeju Island

    Jeju Island is much larger than you might expect which means you really need to know what you want to see before you go and stay near those things. If you’re staying on the west side of Jeju Island, for example, then you would really never have time to get to Udo Island which is off the eastern coast of the island. Stay near the beautiful Seopjikoji though, and you will definitely and should definitely  make time for a daytrip to Udo Island. If you’re staying in the right place, or going to take the time to stay ON Udo Island, then here is the guide for you. Check out…

  • Leesle Hanbok, Cafe Rapture, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley
    Korean Culture (한국 문화),  Korean Pop Culture

    Everything You Need To Know To Buy A Modern Hanbok Online

    Are you ready to buy a modern Hanbok? Have you seen some of your favorite K-pop artists wearing Hanboks? Or maybe you’re just getting ready for an upcoming Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving, or Seollal, Lunar New Year, holiday. Whatever the reason, here is everything you need to know to buy a modern Hanbok online. I have four Hanboks myself, a traditional Hanbok and three modern Hanboks, and I’m ready to get you ready to buy a Hanbok yourself. Traditional has become trendy. Get your modern Hanbok now: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to…

  • Year of the Tiger, Korea
    Korean Culture (한국 문화)

    How To Celebrate The Year Of The Tiger In Korea

    Happy New Year! 2022 has begun and with it the Year of the Tiger, the black tiger to be precise. In Korean, this year is called “Iminnyeon”, 임인년, with “Im” meaning black, “in” meaning tiger, and “nyeon” meaning year. Korea is known as the “Land of tigers”. Tigers, which once roamed the Korean peninsula, are so ingrained in Korean history and folklore that you’ll even see Korea depicted as a tiger… it just takes a little imagination. So, what does the Year of the Tiger mean? And, how can you celebrate the Year of the Tiger in Korea? Here’s what you need to know… What to know about the Year…

  • New Year's Eve, Seoul, Korea
    Events In Korea (한국의 행사),  Life In Korea (한국의 삶)

    How To Celebrate New Year’s Eve In Seoul

    Ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Korea? Like many places around the world, on New Year’s Eve there are parties galore across the country from Seoul to Busan and everywhere in between. But I think it should be noted that traditionally, January 1st is celebrated with a sunrise hurrah not a midnight kiss. These days there is a lot to do from night to morning though. Whether you want to celebrate traditional Korean style or are looking for where to countdown in Seoul or maybe where to see fireworks in Seoul, there is plenty to do to ring in the New Year in Seoul. There are numerous ways to…

  • Uniqlo Heattech, How to survive winter in Korea
    Life In Korea (한국의 삶),  Product Review

    What To Wear In Winter In Korea: Uniqlo Heattech

    Winter in Korea can be really frigid and apparently this year is going to be colder than most. Are you ready? Usually people ask when they can see snow in Korea, but it’s really important to ask if they can even be outside in the winter. Some winters are really mild and quite nice, but others are frigid frigid frigid and you really need to prepare or you’ll just be running from interior space to interior space to stay warm. There are a few things that I make sure we have every year and one thing I make sure everyone in my family has is Uniqlo Heattech. To be honest,…

  • transfer money to/from Korea, best apps to send money from Korea
    Life In Korea (한국의 삶)

    How To Transfer Money To / From Korea

    I was working on a trends report recently and one of the sections was on apps for people sending money to/from Korea. I have lived in Korea for 15 years and way back at the beginning, the only way to transfer money outside of Korea was to go into the bank and initiate a international remittance with the teller. The process took some paperwork each time. It got a bit easier over time to send money abroad from Korea but nowhere near what you can do now. I had gotten so used to using the bank systems that I didn’t realize there were new and amazing startups, companies, and apps…

  • Naganeubseong Folk Village, Suncheon, Korea
    Jeollanam-do (전라남도)

    Travel Back In Time In Naganeupseong Folk Village In Suncheon

    Having visited the Naganeubseong Folk Village (순천 낙안읍성), or Nagan Folk Village, twice in the past year, it’s high time I write about this charming and very unique folk village in Korea. Considered the best preserved Korean fortress town in the country, this is absolutely something you need to see in Jeollanam-do. Not only is it the best preserved, but it’s still active! There are 100 households with a bit over 200 residents that live in the traditional thatched roof homes in the village. It’s pretty amazing really. The town has been growing in popularity over the past few years but is still very much a hidden gem in Korea…

  • Boseong Green Tea Fields, Boseong, Jeollanam-do, Korea
    Jeollanam-do (전라남도)

    Boseong Green Tea Fields: How To Get There & What To See

    Did you know the green tea terraces of Boseong are green year round? I just found out and I think that is awesome because while it can be a rather popular place to visit in the spring and the summer, maybe more people should go in the autumn and winter instead. The Boseong green tea fields, as they’re often called, will still be quite gorgeous… which I can say from experience as I’ve just been there, whenver you want to visit Jeollanam-do. Looking for a beautiful escape this winter in Korea? Or maybe you are looking for things to do in Jeollanamdo. Whether you’re a tea lover, nature lover, or…

  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    8 Things To Do At Dongdaemun Design Plaza

    The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자), often referred to as DDP by locals, is one of those cool things to see in Seoul that is on numerous list after list of the architectural must-see’s in the capital city of Korea. Seoul was even named the World Design Capital in 2010 because of the DDP. The building is iconic and is actually the world’s largest atypical architecture. Often the home of artistic exhibitions, like TeamLab, but also home to Seoul’s fashion week, there is always something to see… if the building itself isn’t enough. But really, it is. There are a ton of things to do in Dongdaemun but this is definitely…

  • Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Cheonggyecheon Stream: A Guide To One Of The Top Things To See In Seoul

    Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천) is one of the top things touted on lists of things to see in Seoul, South Korea. The river which starts near Gwanghwamun Square and eventually ends at the Han River is where the Seoul Lantern Festival is held each year among other popular annual events. Whether it’s summer or autumn, if you want to take a walk in downtown Seoul, this where you should go. I’ve had a goal to walk the entire length of the Cheonggyecheon Stream for a few years now and finally got around to it this year. After 15 years living in Seoul, yes, I have odd goals, but there it is.…

  • Pepero Day, Korean Holiday, Pepero
    Korean Culture (한국 문화)

    12 Things You Should Know About Pepero Day

    Oh Pepero Day (빼빼로 데이), the Korean holiday that you might love or love to hate. I guess it depends on whether you like the Korean snack, Pepero, though. If chocolate covered cylindrical cookies are your jam, then this is a holiday for you! Do you know how many romantic holidays there are in Korea? More than 12. Learn about the other romantic holidays in Korea here. Come November, snack shelves in Korean convenience stores, grocery stores, and every other store, feature a substantial number of this popular Korean snack item. Want to know more about this romantic holiday in Korea? You’ve come to the right place. Here are 12…

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