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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 (순천만습지 or 순천만자연생태공원), 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…
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Seocheon-gun Travel Guide: Skywalks, Shellfish Digging, and the West Coast of Korea
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. Seocheon has some great spots to explore and it tends to be overlooked by many.…
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What Is Laver (Gim)? The Korean Seaweed On Every Table, Its Benefits and Types
Gim (김), also called laver in English, has been one of my favorite foods since I moved to Korea. Before I arrived here, I had no real sense of how many different kinds of seaweed existed or how differently each one was used. Most Western markets carry one vaguely seaweed-shaped product for sushi. Come to Korea and there are aisles of different varieties, each with specific uses and preparation methods. Gim in particular is everywhere, it’s on every restaurant table as a side dish (banchan), it’s used to wrap rice balls, it’s a topping for soups instead of extra salt, and in my house it occasionally just replaces potato chips.…
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How to Get an Apostille for Korea: Driver’s License, Background Check, and More
Moving to Korea involves a surprising number of small but crucial document steps that nobody warns you about until you’re already in the middle of the process. One of the more confusing ones: the 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 license (FYI if you have a resident visa then you can’t drive with an International Driver’s License legally technically), you need to get an…
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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 (유구벽화마을) 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…
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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 (연미산) trails in Gongju thanks to the Geumgang Nature Biennale (금강자연미술비엔날레). I love finding art parks and art installations in unique places and art installations in forests is really whimsical and…
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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…
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Muuido Island: No Ferry Needed, The Hanagae Beach Guide For Seoul Day Trips
Muuido Island (무의도) in Incheon is one of the most popular beach day trips from Seoul, and it’s gotten easier to reach since a bridge was built from the mainland in 2019. No ferry required, which is worth saying clearly because most other articles about this island still say you need one, and that information is outdated. There are two beaches on the island. The one you cannot miss is Hanagae Beach (하나개해수욕장), 1km of fine-grained sand, tidal flats perfect for digging when the water recedes, overnight beach huts if you want to stay, and a wooden boardwalk trail that goes out over the water. It’s louder and busier than…
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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. 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 (산속등대), 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…
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Sindo, Sido and Modo Islands: Island Hopping Near Seoul in Incheon
Modo (모도), Sindo (신도), and Sido (시도), always grouped because they sit right next to each other, connected by small bridges, are called the Three Brother Islands. Ten minutes by ferry from Yeongjong Island, they are close enough to Seoul that a day trip is practical, and yet quiet enough to make you feel significantly further away than you are. These are not Muuido. They’re smaller, calmer, and less visited. If Hanagae Beach on Muuido is crowded and you want the island experience without the weekend traffic, Sindo, Sido, and Modo are the answer. There are two main things to see: Sugi Beach on Sido Island (a K-drama filming location…
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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. It’s 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…
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Huinnyeoul Culture Village: Busan’s “Santorini” Seaside Village
Most visitors to Busan know Gamcheon Culture Village, the famous hillside one with the Little Prince statue. Fewer know there’s a second, more coastal culture village just as worth the trip. Huinnyeoul Culture Village (희여울문화마을) sits along Busan’s southern coast, where stark white buildings line a clifftop overlooking brilliant blue ocean, close enough to the real thing that locals call it “The Santorini of Busan.” If you’re looking for something different to do in Busan, this is it. 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…
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Spa Land Centum City Busan: Complete Guide, Tips, and What To Expect
Walking into a Korean jjimjilbang for the first time is one of those experiences that sounds intimidating in theory and becomes one of your favorite Korea memories in practice. The nudity, the communal baths, the strangers in various states of undress, it all sounds like a lot until you’re actually inside and realize everyone is just relaxed and focused on their own experience. The jjimjilbang, or Korean spa, is one of the most memorable Korean experiences you can have. And if you’re going to do it once, or if you want to do it properly, the place to go is Spa Land Centum City (스파랜드 센텀시티) in Busan. Here’s why:…
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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…
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Songdo, Busan: Beach, Cable Car, and Suspension Bridge Guide
Songdo is an area in Busan that might be overlooked for hotspots like Gwanganli or Haeundae but honestly, it won my heart. This is Songdo Beach in Busan (not Songdo, Incheon, the planned city with Central Park up near Seoul). Busan’s Songdo has a lovely beach, walking bridges over water where Busan’s haenyeo divers work the sea floor, the Songdo Marine Cable Car (also called the Busan Air Cruise), and a suspension bridge with a lookout over the coast. 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…
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Donghae Mureung Health Forest: Heat Therapy & A Sauna In Gangwon-do
Looking for a relaxing escape from Seoul, Korea? Discover the serene Donghae Mureung Health Forest (동해무릉건강숲) in Gangwon-do. Nestled in picturesque mountains, this health facility offers a rejuvenating experience for all visitors that make a trip to the area. Mureung Health Forest promotes wellness for everyone, offering a range of affordable programs and activities like heat therapy, which comes highly recommended. And don’t miss the sauna’s Salt Cave and Oxygen Healing Room, complete with massage chairs and 24-hour oxygen generators. While you’re there, take a scenic 20-minute walk to Mureung Valley, where you can immerse yourself in the refreshing mountain waters or explore the nearby Samhwasa Temple. Whether you’re seeking…
