-
Gunsan’s Seonyudo Island Is The Escape To Take In Jeollabuk-do
Originally called Gunsan-do, Seonyudo Island (์ ์ ๋) is one of a few islands that are just off the coast of Gunsan in Jeollabuk-do. There are some really stunning places to go on the west coast of Korea and this area is definitely one of them. Take a boat ride that goes in and around the islands and watch as the sun sets on the horizon. It’s beautiful and fun, and an escape from the city and busier areas that makes a vacation spot a perfect getaway. Take a road trip south of Seoul and head here if you can. You need to experience the island life in Korea. Skip around to…
-
Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve: Where To Go In Jeollanam-do
Taking a trip to Jeollanam-do, don’t miss the natural wonder of Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve (์์ฒ๋ง์ต์ง or ์์ฒ๋ง์์ฐ์ํ๊ณต์), a world-class wetland located on the southern coast of Korea. Officially certified by the Ramsar Convention and UNESCO, this pristine reserve boasts intact natural coastlines and a diverse ecosystem. One of the most popular places in Suncheon and something that people visiting nearby Yeosu often add to their itinerary, the reserve is beautiful in every season so I’ve been told but is most often showcased in the autumn when the reads are brown and waving in the wind. From rare bird sightings to thriving wildlife, get ready to explore the unique features…
-
Finding The West Coast Of Korea: Things To Do In Seocheon-gun
Seocheon-gun in Chungcheongnam-do was a recent stop on a fishy tour south of Seoul and I was really pleasantly surprised with the things we found in the area. We were learning more about Korean laver, stopping into the port city of Gunsan, and having lots of fun. There are plenty of things to do in Seocheon and some really beautiful places to see. The area is often overlooked when planning trips to the west coast of Korea since the popular mud festival in Boryeong is just north and the city of Gunsan is just south. For spreading out and having some less popular but no less fun though, Seocheon is…
-
What Is Laver aka Gim? The Korean Superfood That Is On Every Restaurant Table
Gim, a kind of seaweed also called laver, has been one of my favorite foods that I learned to eat while living in Korea. Seaweed is quite the superfood and has tons of health benefits and laver is so yummy to boot. If you’re wondering what is laver, what is gim, what’s the difference and what kind of seaweed it is, then you came to the right place. Laver is often gifted for holidays in Korea because it is just that important and so oft eaten in Korea so whether you’re coming here or are just looking for a healthy superfood to add to your diet, it’s something you should…
-
Need An Apostille? It’s Not As Difficult As You Think
Thereโs a lot that goes into moving your entire life across the world. The process can be quite lengthy, but itโs without a doubt worth it. Still, there are a number of small details that can’t be overlooked and one of them is getting documents apostilled. The details are crucial so let’s get into how to get an apostille. You could need an apostille for any number of things including getting a visa, but there could be other documents that you need while abroad and the only way to ensure their authenticity is to get an apostille. In Korea, if you want to exchange your driver’s license for a Korean…
-
The Hidden Artistic Side Of Gongju, Korea: The Yugu Mural Village
Finding hidden artistic wonders is a talent of mine I’d say and boy do I love when I find a spot that’s worth the hunt. The Yugu Mural Village (์ ๊ตฌ๋ฒฝํ๋ง์) in Gongju, Korea is one of those places that is off the beaten path in Korea but oh so fun to find. Not only are there artistic things to see, but it tells a story about the village and the past and it’s centered around a local market so there is some good food too. Looking for a weekend away from Seoul? Head to Gongju in Chungcheongnam-do for some beautiful things to see. Here’s all of the information you need…
-
The Geumgang Nature Biennale: Finding Bears In Gongju, Korea
I recently took a spur of the moment trip down to Gongju, Korea as the clouds parted, the sun began to shine, and all we wanted to do was get out to see something. I had tagged a few things on my map to check out and one was a forest that seemed to have bears! Okay, no, there are not really bears in Korea, but there are some whimsical bear installations, among other things, along the Yeonmisan Mountain (์ฐ๋ฏธ์ฐ) trails in Gongju thanks to the Geumgang Nature Biennale (๊ธ๊ฐ์์ฐ๋ฏธ์ ๋น์๋ ๋ ). I love finding art parks and art installations in unique places and art installations in forests is really whimsical and…
-
Raph&Remy: The Sustainable Baby Onesies, Swaddles & More Made From Bamboo
Always looking for more sustainable and eco-friendly options, I was delighted recently when Raph&Remy reached out and asked if I’d check out their premium bamboo baby essentials. I’ve had no problem finding more sustainable options for myself like my favorite Allbirds Shoes or the compostable phone cases from Pela, but, I find that kids items are always lacking. Even though my little lady is five and growing, my closest besties here in Korea are having their bundles of joys so I said absolutely. Maybe I can get them a gift? Let me check out these chic and sustainable baby essentials that are made from BAMBOO! I don’t remember ever seeing…
-
Muuido Island Is The Fun In The Sun Spot Near Seoul To Find
Muuido Island (๋ฌด์๋) in Incheon is one of the most popular beach getaways from Seoul and it has become a bit more popular since there was a road that was built from the mainland to the island. Since it doesn’t require a ferry trip anymore, it is just a bit busier than before but still oh so fun. There are two beaches on the island but the one you definitely can’t miss is Hanagae Beach (ํ๋๊ฐํด์์์ฅ). There is lots of sand, lots of fun, and plenty of sun. If you’re hot this summer in Seoul, head to the beach. There are actually beaches near Seoul if you’re ready to get…
-
Sansok Lighthouse Is The Cool Spot To Find Near Jeonju, Korea
Around Korea there are more and more culture and arts spaces that are being opened after older factories and industrial spaces that were once abandoned, are renovated.ย These spaces are always intriguing to me and I will always search them out because seeing how places and spaces that were used to treat waste maybe, or store oil, or house military personnel that have been converted are so cool. Most recently, we visited Sansok Lighthouse (์ฐ์๋ฑ๋), a cool culture and arts space just outside of Jeonju, Korea. Whereas Jeonju is very much a historical city where tourists head to find the Jeonju Hanok Village there, this is a very cool industrial…
-
Modo, Sindo, & Sido Islands Off The Coast Of Incheon: Art and Adventure
Modo (๋ชจ๋), Sindo (์ ๋), and Sido (์๋) islands, always grouped because they sit right next to each other and are connected via bridges so when you take the ferry from Incheon to one, you’ll always visit all three, are also called the “Three Brother Islands”. They are so close and yet they seem so far from Seoul, Korea. What secrets do these islands hold? Let me share because this year is all about Incheon island hopping and these are the first three you should start with. It’s an easy trip from Seoul and you won’t feel like you’re that close at all. All you know can be found right here:…
-
Hagwon VS. Public School: Where To Teach In Korea
When people decide to teach in Korea, there is often a misunderstanding between a hagwon vs public school. Itโs definitely a different system than most people around the world are used to. In America, we go to school and do our extra curricular or tutoring usually within the school. In Asia however, the education system is way more rigorous than Western countries. Here, kids go to school in the morning, then in the afternoon, most of them go to academies till 10pm or later. These academies, called hagwons in Korean, are essentially programs for extra practice and tutoring. Whereas public school is the place all students are required to attend…
-
Huinnyeoul Culture Village: The Most Colorful Place To Visit In Busan
Like most people, I’ve been to the more well-known Gamcheon Culture Village, but did you know there is another colorful and more coastal culture village in Busan? Yes! The Huinnyeoul Culture Village (ํฌ์ฌ์ธ๋ฌธํ๋ง์) is a colorful seaside spot to see art, enjoy cafes and food, and have a good time with friends or family walking along the coast. Looking for something to do in Busan? Look no further. Here’s what you need to know about the Huinnyeoul Culture Village in Busan, Korea: (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…
-
Spa Land Centum City In Busan Is The Best Korean Spa In Korea
Whether you live in Korea or are just coming in to visit for a short time, a visit to a local Korean sauna or Korean bath house is an absolute must. The jjimjilbang, or Korean spa, is a part of culture that I have grown to love. Did it take some time to get comfortable hanging out in the buff with strangers? It sure did. Is it necessary to be nude when you visit? At some point. But is it absolutely worth it to visit a Korean bath house and experience the exfoliating, the heat therapies, and more? Yes yes, 1000 times yes and the premier place to do it…
-
Multicultural Family Life In Korea (ํ๊ตญ์ ๋ค๋ฌธํ ๊ฐ์ ์ํ_, My Korean Husband (๋์ ํ๊ตญ์ธ ๋จํธ)
The Sun & The Moon Story: An English/Korean Children’s Bed Time Story
Like most families, we’ve slowly started a bedtime routine to get our daughter to sleep at an appropriate time. That routine includes brushing teeth, changing into pjs, reading books, and then listening to a bedtime song as she drifts off to sleep… most nights. In our house, my Korean husband speaks only Korean with our daughter and I speak only English with her so when we’re having a family discussion, there are always two languages utilized. This is great most of the time but I quickly realized that when it came time for bed it was super difficult to find bedtime stories for kids that were bilingual. Our daughter would…
-
Songdo, Busan: A Beach, The Busan Air Cruise Cable Car & A Suspension Bridge Too!
Songdo is an area in Busan that might be overlooked for hotspots like Gwanganli or Haeundae but honestly, it won my heart a couple weekends ago. Songdo is home to a lovely beach as well as bridges to walk across while looking at the Busan heonnyeo finding sea creatures, the Songdo Marine Cable Car, also known as the Busan Air Cruise, and the recently added suspension bridge and lookout too. Basically, if you’re looking for things to do in Busan or where to stay in Busan with things to do, this might just be the perfect spot for you. It’s one of those areas that you could easily get a…
