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Bar 81: The Largest Champagne Collection In Asia Is HERE In Seoul!
Looking for a unique experience in Seoul? Want to plan the best date night? Looking for where to celebrate an anniversary in Seoul? Bar 81 in SIGNIEL Seoul, the tallest hotel in Korea, is the experience you need to have this year. Bar 81 is an upscale champagne bar in the tallest building in Korea that features the largest champagne collection in Asia. Not only is SIGNIEL Seoul the tallest hotel in Korea, but it’s second tallest hotel in the world! Take in a breathtaking view out over the Han River and all the way to Namsan Tower and beyond while you sip and sup in style. Live it up…
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How To File Taxes While Abroad: Taxes For American Expats
It’s tax season… or is it? Fun fact, in Korea, if you’re working for a company, your taxes will be filed in December. However, if you’re a freelancer like me, they won’t be filed by you until May. Oh, and you have to make sure you do your American taxes somewhere in there too! Yes, you MUST file your American taxes every year. A lot of Americans move to Korea and seem surprised to learn they must file taxes every year. The US is one of just two countries that enforces citizen-based taxation. Since you’re abroad, you actually get an extension on filing, but you absolutely still need to file…
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Online Shopping In Korea With iHerb
Shopping online in Korea is pretty easy (if you have a Korean bank account and card) and with fast shipping and all that jazz, it’s great. That said, I’ve never really jumped on that bandwagon until COVID hit. Grocery shopping in Korea is a whole new experience and shopping online can be overwhelming especially when everything is in Korean and I just want to get on and get off real quick. I did tap sites that are tried and true and easy to get the essentials, like iHerb, though. This post is sponsored by iHerb but all opinions on the service and products are my own. Seriously, iHerb is one…
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The Agricultural Museum: A FREE Thing To Do In Seoul
We are always on the hunt for awesome things to do with kids in Seoul so we pretty much have every museum, small or large, on our list to check out. Doesn’t matter what subject the museum is devoted to, we are there to learn something new and inevitably do. Right downtown near Seodaemun Subway Station is the small but interesting Agricultural Museum (농업박물관) and on top of being a learning opportunity, it’s great for the budget because it’s FREE! There isn’t a lot of English information, but there is enough to get by and if you have some knowledge of agriculture yourself, you’ll be able to help the kiddos…
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To All The Boys: Always and Forever & Where They Went In Seoul
The third and final installment of ‘To All The Boys’ went live last night, February 12th, and of course I was watching. The film titled ‘To All The Boys: Always And Forever’ kicks off with Lara Jean’s family traveling to Seoul, Korea and of course as someone who lives here, I was stoked to see so many places I recognized. Their whirlwind trip to the capital of Korea will make anyone who hasn’t visited want to come, and anyone who has been want to revisit. Want to follow in Lara Jean’s footsteps, see Seoul and be inspired by travel? Here are the places in Seoul shown in the movie ‘To…
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Bucheon EcoPark: A Fun Thing To Do With Kids In Korea
Ever on the lookout for parks, gardens and outdoor spaces near Seoul, I drove by Bucheon EcoPark (부천자연생태공원) some time ago as I was on the way to see the beautiful azaleas that cover Wonmisan Mountain in the spring and made sure to mark it on our map for another trip to Bucheon. Bucheon has some really interesting things to see, with or without kids, like the B39 Art and Culture Space and there’s also an aquarium in Bucheon to check out. For this trip though, we were ready to get outside, see some bugs, some flowers, and enjoy the scenery and the Bucheon EcoPark was great for that. Looking…
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Kada:Kudu: Shopping For Shoes In Korea Just Got Easier
Shopping in Korea can be so so fun, if you can fit into the clothes. While the streets of Hongdae and the roads of Myeongdong are lined with store after store of chic, fun, and quirky items, they’re often only available in a select (read: small) size and that just doesn’t cut it for many people. Fashionable clothing is one thing, but when it comes to shoes, it’s an even more difficult endeavor to find shoes in Korea for anyone with a size 9 or higher. Actually, I should say, a size 250 or higher. I remember the first time I went shopping for shoes in Korea, I wondered what…
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Best Things To Do In Seoul With Kids: Museums, Parks, Kids Cafes and More
Raising a child in Seoul, Korea, or even just visiting with them, is pretty amazing. The city is far more kid-friendly than many people expect. Seoul is a massive city with everything from museums built just for little hands and curious minds, kids cafes, and giant parks that cater to those little people among us to experience spots and more. If you’re visiting Seoul with kids or living here and trying to keep weekends interesting, there is no shortage of places to explore. I’ve also seen a lot of “Seoul with kids” content online written by people who don’t have children or who visited once and made a quick list.…
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A Guide To Gift Giving In Korea: From Weddings To Housewarming Parties
Whether you’re living in Korea for a short time, staying for an extended period, or marrying into the culture, knowing Korean gift giving etiquette matters more than most people expect. The wrong gift at the wrong event isn’t just awkward, some choices carry real symbolic weight that can make a lasting impression in the wrong direction. The good news is that once you understand a few core principles, gift giving in Korea becomes surprisingly straightforward. Money is often the right answer. Context determines the amount. And knowing what not to give is as important as knowing what to give. Get ready to give gifts in Korea. Here’s what you need…
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Tea Therapy: The Cafe and Foot Bath To Find In Bukchon
There’s never a bad reason to head downtown to Jongno in Seoul. I often find myself there when I want to spend time in a tea house, get a view of Hanok rooftops or just take a stroll and find something new to see. Tea Therapy (티테라피) is one of those wonderful spots I visited some months back on a stroll in the area. If you like tea or you just want a lovely place to take a break near the Bukchon Hanok Village, this is most certainly a spot to get on your list. Looking for a tea house in Jongno? Here’s more information about Tea Therapy: (This post contains…
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SKIN1004: The Madagascar Centella Toner & Ampoule Review
Centella asiatica has most certainly become one of my favorite skincare ingredients so it probably comes as no surprise that I really love the Madagascar Centella Toning Toner and the Madagascar Centella Ampoule from SKIN1004. I was actually surprised though since the toner and ampoule seemed quite light and watery but they really pack a wonderful punch of hydration. Want to learn about SKIN1004 and their Kbeauty products? Here is the review on this Korean skincare company that produces EWG green grade products. Need some centella, or cica, goodness? You need to try these. Are you ready to dive in to this review? Let’s go! (This post contains affiliate links,…
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WoodWatch: The Eco-Friendly Watch & BlueBlock Lense Review
When you start down the path of eco-friendly and sustainable living, you begin to notice the things that are staring you in the face that aren’t. One I noticed happened to be on my wrist. I had gotten a compostable phone case from Pela when I needed to replace my old one, and started buying Allbirds sustainable shoes over anything else so when it was time to get a watch, it was time for WoodWatch to step in. Because wood is free of harmful toxins and artificial materials, a wooden watch is not only the sustainable and eco-conscious choice, but it’s also better for your body. If you’re looking for…
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Gangjin Travel Guide: Celadon, Cherry Blossoms, and Hidden Jeollanam-do
I’ve been to Gangjin twice, both times in spring, and both times I’ve found cherry blossom lanes with nobody on them. Not fewer people than usual, nobody. Just cherry blossoms, roads, and the particular quietness of a place that doesn’t know it’s supposed to be popular yet. That’s the best way I can describe why Gangjin belongs on your Korea itinerary. Gangjin is a beautiful place to go in Jeollanam-do. Gangjin is far enough south in Jeolla that most people heading toward Yeosu and Suncheon Bay drive right past it. It has 1,000 years of celadon pottery history, green tea fields at the foot of a mountain, a folk painting…
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What You Need To Know About Taxes If You’re An American In Korea
Have you moved to Korea? Working as an ESL teacher for a year or starting a business perhaps? Whether you’re living here for a short time or long term, you’ll want to be aware of what you need to do to file taxes. Did you know, as an American, you’re expected to file taxes every year no matter where you’re living? Not every country requires this but as an American expat, it is your responsibility to file taxes. If you’re an American living in Korea, make sure you know how to file taxes from abroad. If at some point you move home and you never filed, you could find yourself…
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Naksansa Temple: Korea’s Sacred Seaside Temple in Yangyang
A few years ago I remember hearing someone remark that Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan was the only seaside temple in Korea. I sat back in my chair and thought about my trip to Naksansa Temple (낙산사) in Yangyang-gun and how it most surely must count as a seaside temple with a pavilion and paths that literally take you to nearby Naksan Beach and waves that splash against the cliffs beneath your feet. Many people head to Yangyang for the beaches and the surf. There’s another reason to make the trip though, Naksansa Temple (낙산사), is one of the most historically significant and visually dramatic Buddhist temples in Korea. Set…
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Baby Hanbok Guide: What To Wear For a Korean Dol Ceremony
In Korea, the biggest moments in a baby’s first year are the 100-day celebration and the first birthday dol ceremony, and that often means dressing the little one in a beautiful baby Hanbok. If you live in Korea, finding one is not too difficult. If you live abroad, though, it can feel a bit trickier to know where to start. Over the years, I have had readers ask me where to buy a baby Hanbok online again and again, especially when preparing for a doljanchi. And I understand why. Baby Hanboks are not just adorable, they are tied to family tradition, celebration, and some really precious photos you will likely…
