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The Lighting Museum: A Quirky Fun Spot North of Seoul
Always on the hunt for fun things to do with kids near Seoul, I saw a fun picture of the Lighting Museum (조명박물관) and saved it for a day out. Luckily, when the time came for an impromptu adventure, I had a spot. Not in the easiest of places to reach, it’s a bit of a random spot to head to, but random is what we do. Looking for lights, fun, and kid-friendly things in Korea? You’ll want to save this one! Get ready for a lit up adventure: (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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Everything you need to know about K-ETA
Before you head to the airport to take a trip to South Korea, read this! As of September 2021, visa-free travelers are required to apply for and get the K-ETA online before they board the plane. Airline staff will ask you if you’ve prepared this before you depart. Make sure you take all of the necessary steps to ensure that you can get to Korea complication free. Read through the cheat-sheet of info below so you’re not left standing at the gate unable to board your flight! Get ready to fill out your K-ETA and travel to Korea: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage…
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Best Instant Tteokbokki: Where To Buy It and How To Make It
If you like Korean food, you’ve probably encountered tteokbokki, the spicy rice cake dish that’s a staple of Korean street food carts, traditional markets, and after-school snack runs. You can find it at street food stalls across Hongdae and Myeongdong, piled up in Gwangjang Market, and eaten by Korean teenagers as naturally as chips. Not as incendiary as Buldak Ramen, but still legitimately spicy in its classic form. If you’re not in Korea right now, or if you’ve been and want to recreate the experience at home, the good news is that instant tteokbokki has become excellent over the past few years. There are now options ranging from butter and…
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SKIN1004: The Entire Hyalu-Cica Line Reviewed!
Looking for hydrating Korean skincare products? Have you heard of SKIN1004 yet? A couple years back, I got my hands on the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella toner and ampoule and immediately adored them. They were so easy to apply and so hydrating. They left my skin supple and moisturized. All that to say, when I heard SKIN1004 had a new line of Madagascar Centella and Hyaluronic Acid products, I was excited to try it. Tending toward dry skin myself, I look out for Kbeauty products touting hydration and moisturization as this one does. So let’s see how they stand up! Get ready to check out SKIN1004’s Hyalu-Cica line: (This post contains…
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Traditional Korean Medicine: Hanyak, Sasang, and Medicinal Herbs
With a pretty traditional Korean mother-in-law, I’ve been given a variety of more holistic remedies over the years and as someone who is more inclined toward holistic medicine over modern, I’m okay with that. But, there’s a lot to know and remember and a lot to know when it comes to Hanyak, Hanbang, and Sasang. There is so much to learn when it comes to traditional Korean medicine. I have to wager a guess that people of yore had little booklets or something that they kept all of the info on the plants around them listed because there’s just so much information. With that in mind, I’ve put together a…
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Dancheong: What the Colors on Korean Temples and Palaces Mean
If you’ve ever sat in awe looking up at the beautifully decorated and colorful traditional palaces or temples in Korea like I have, then you’ve probably noticed the elaborate details and wondered what it all means. The colorful facades and intricate details are beautiful and the traditional Korean decorative coloring, or dancheong (단청), might take you back to your childhood days of staring at the tortuous Magic Eye books looking for some hidden meaning. There might not be a 3D illusion to find, but there is more symbolism than you might realize. Learn everything you need to know about dancheong: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain…
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Hongdae Seoul Guide: Best Things To Do, Shopping, Cafes & Nightlife
Hongdae is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Seoul for shopping, street performances, cafes, nightlife, and youth culture. Centered around Hongik University, the area is known for its creative energy, buskers, indie roots, and busy walking streets packed with fashion stores, restaurants, and things to do from morning until… well, the next morning. Hongdae is more than nightlife though, it’s one of the most energetic neighborhoods in Seoul and one of the most popular areas for visitors for good reason. I lived in the neighborhoods around Hongdae for more than a decade and watched it change a lot. It used to feel a bit more grungy and indie than…
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Fall Fashion In Korea: The Trends To Know
Fashion plays an important role in how we perceive a culture and helps us express ourselves in various ways. In Korea’s case, the bold and unique K-pop style, the traditional Hanbok (한복), and the clean everyday, or minimalist look are the most common styles that we see overall. If you’ve been following the Korean fashion trends, then you know how people worldwide are now embracing the Korean styles more and more. You probably also know how fast the trends in Korean fashion change. What is hot on a drama one day, is not just a week later. While we’re all just trying to keep up, there are some main stays…
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Bugak Skyway: Where To Get Panoramic Views of Seoul
Are you looking to take in panoramic views of downtown Seoul, Korea? Want to have a bit of coffee and take in the views out over Seoul as the sun sets and the lights flicker on across the city? You’re probably picturing a spot like Namsan Tower or Seoul Sky Observatory for those kinds of views, but there’s one more spot that doesn’t require a fee at all and offers just beautiful views from a beautifully vividly colored traditional Korean pavilion. Take a drive on the most beautiful road in Seoul, Bugak Skyway (북악스카이), and stop off at Bugak Pavilion (북악팔각정) for some impressive views. You’ll see… Get ready to…
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Best Hanbok Rental In Seoul: Where To Rent Near Gyeongbokgung & Bukchon
You might think renting a Hanbok in Seoul is just for tourists, but honestly, it’s something even locals love to do too. I’ve seen couples on dates, families with kids, and groups of friends all dressed up wandering through palaces like they’ve stepped straight into the Joseon Dynasty. And I get it. The moment you put one on, everything feels a bit more magical. If you’re wondering where to rent a Hanbok in Seoul, especially near places like Gyeongbokgung Palace or Bukchon Hanok Village, you’re in the right place. After years of living here (and yes, wearing Hanboks myself for my wedding and plenty of photo days), I’ve put together…
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Nam June Paik Art Center: The Art and Architecture Spot To See In Yongin
If you didn’t see one of Nam June Paik’s pieces before you came to Korea, you’ve certainly seen one of his pieces since arriving. Once you’re aware of his style and aesthetic, you’ll notice one of his pieces in almost every museum in the country. If you want to learn more about one of Korea’s most famous artists, a pioneering video artist, you definitely need to visit the Nam June Paik Art Center (백남준아트센터) in Yongin, Korea. Established to revive the generosity, criticality, and interdisciplinarity characteristic of his work and life, the center makes for a fun and artistic place to go south of Seoul, Korea. You can learn why…
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Seoul K-Medi Center: Learn About Traditional Korean Medicine
Are you interested to learn about traditional Korean medicine? Ever wonder where you should go in Seoul to get learn more about holistic Korean medicine? If you haven’t heard of the Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Market, then now is the time. Specifically for this post though, we’re going to delve into the Seoul K-Medi Center (서울한방진흥센터), a space built purposefully in the pursuit of teaching more about the traditional Korean medicines so locals and tourists can learn more about holistic medicine. I had visited Yangnyeongsi Market years ago before this center was established and I did not know what I was looking at at all. This center is really impressive and…
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Top 7 Kpop Groups of All Time: Who do you think is on the list?
If you’re interested in Korean culture, it’s almost impossible to miss Kpop. Korean pop or Kpop refers to the Korean pop groups that have swept the world over the past two decades. Well-known for their flashy clothes, catchy beats, and pretty faces, it’s no wonder Kpop has become so popular. Kpop has become a global phenomenon and the artists have created some of the top songs in the world today. New to Kpop and want to know which Korean music groups to check out? Or maybe want to join the debate on the top Kpop groups today? Read on to find the most popular Kpop groups old and new, as…
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How To Get To The Garden of the Morning Calm
Have you heard of the Garden of the Morning Calm (아침고요수목원) yet? It’s included on quite a four Korean tour itineraries and if you haven’t been, you might wonder why. This garden is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Korea and it’s one of the best things to do in Gapyeong to be sure. On top of that, it’s a beautiful garden year round with something to see in every season. Wonder where to see holiday lights in Korea? This is definitely a winter wonderland. Want to frolic in the lush greens of summer? Visit Garden of the Morning Calm. From season to season, there is something just…
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Suneung: Korea’s Brutal College Entrance Exam Explained
Come autumn in Korea, you’ll start to hear about Suneung (수능) and if you don’t know what all the jazz is about, you might wonder what the big deal is. A test? Didn’t we all take tests in high school when we were kids? We did… but this is a little different. Get ready to learn all about the Korean Suneung, or College Entrance Exam. Whether you’re looking for example English questions on the Suneung to learn about all of the drama every year or what to give a student about to take the Suneung, or maybe why planes aren’t allowed to fly while the test is being given, you’ll…
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Wolmi Sea Train: Incheon’s Monorail to the World’s Largest Mural
Traveling 6.1 kilometers at 10 kilometers an hour, the Wolmi Sea Train (월미바다열차) is designated by the Korea Tourism Organization as one of Korea’s 100 Must Visit Tour Spots and is said to be the longest urban tourist monorail in the country. The train loops around Wolmi Island at a height of 7 to 18 meters, giving you views of the island, the harbor, the West Sea, and, most distinctively, the world’s largest outdoor mural, painted on a row of grain silos that you simply cannot take in properly from street level. The loop takes 35 minutes. You can get on and off at any of the four stations. Chinatown…
