-
Namyangju: Strawberry Picking, Abandoned Train Stations & Snow!
There’s a small peninsula that juts out into the Han River where it splits into two rivers just east of Seoul in Namyangju and that is where we found strawberries, abandoned train stations and more this past weekend. If you’re looking for some place that isn’t too far out of the city but will afford you with fresh air, great views and some fun too, then keep reading and look for Nungnae Station, strawberry farms, and even some good food! Plan a trip to Namyangju: (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.…
-
Sewoon Plaza, Reborn as Makercity Sewoon
When walking down the streets of Seoul, Korea it’s common to notice only what is on the street level nearest you, but there is always so much more to see. Buildings with rooftops, decorated seating, and cool vibes abound and few find them. Want a view out over the Jongno area? You must find Sewoon Sangga (세운상가), also known as Sewoon Plaza and revamped into Makercity Sewoon. Sewoon means “attracts all the energy of the world” and it seems like it does, no matter which of the names above you end up using. The market went from boom to bust and it’s about to go to boom again. Learn more…
-
New Parks Featuring Trains, Battleships & More In Seoul!
There is always something to see and do in Seoul and people are forever asking me how I know what’s going on. I just keep my ear to the ground I suppose. I also have good friends who are also in the know and it often happens that I hear about one thing, they hear about another in the same area and a great day trip comes out of it. Here are a few transportation based adventures I’ve had recently that you should know about. (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.…
-
Seongsu-dong: Things To Do, Best Cafes, Shopping, and K-Beauty in the Brooklyn of Seoul
The shoe district that became Seoul’s most talked-about neighborhood didn’t happen overnight. Young creatives started moving into Seongsu-dong around 2011, drawn by low rents and good subway access. Old shoe factories and industrial warehouses became galleries, cafes, and concept stores. The street art went up. The K-beauty brands arrived. The pop-ups multiplied. And then the whole world found out about it. Some people call it the Brooklyn of Seoul, which is fair, there’s the same mix of industrial bones, creative energy, and the uncomfortable awareness that the thing that made it special might not survive its own success. But right now, Seongsu-dong is at the peak of what it can…
-
Crazy Multiply: The Seoul Art Collective To Follow
Some years ago, in 2013 to be exact, this cool art collective named Crazy Multiply officially debuted in Seoul to play host to some neat events that sought to bring art and music, people and bevvies together in an atmosphere where art could be more approachable and people could collaborate. The art collective which was originally established by Amy Smith, Olivia McNair and Laura MacDonald quickly found a following. It seemed there were many expat and Korean artists looking for something a bit unorthodox and more intrinsic in order to show off their artistic talents. A lot has changed since the beginning, namely the three ladies who established the collective have…
-
8 Up & Coming K-Beauty Influencers To Follow
After attending the first Seoul Blogger Brunch some months back, I not only walked away with a huge bag of K-Beauty products from companies like COSRX, Eunogo, Tiam and more, but I had also had the opportunity to meet up with some K-Beauty movers and shakers. Since I walked into the event knowing very little about what I was stepping into and didn’t know what half of the products in my bag even do (still learning what an ampoule is good for), these ladies have been an invaluable resource for all of my many questions. I consider myself a general consumer. A general consumer that didn’t know there was a…
-
Greenhouses, Cafes & Gardens Northwest Of Seoul
One of my pastimes has definitely become falling down Instagram rabbit holes that lead me to beautiful places and cafes in Korea. I’ve learned a few things after searching long and hard long enough. That rabbit hole is what led me to Yangju’s gorgeous Nari Park and then on to the greenhouse cafe set on a mountain in Namyangju. I also found a lot of the cafes in Hongdae I visited recently via this rabbit hole. But I’ve also used that Internet sleuthing skill to find some pretty awesome places northwest of Seoul where we can spread out, get away from the crowds and enjoy nature. There are so many…
-
Korean Superstitions & Halloween Events 2025
It is the season of superstitions, gruesome tales of death and dismemberment and scary costumes. Superstitions (미신) change from country to country and culture to culture so while stepping on a crack may not break your mother’s back in Korea, whistling while you walk just might! Are you ready for Halloween in Korea? It’s a bit different, but still fun fun fun! Celebrate Halloween (할로윈) in Korea or just learn about the Korean superstitions you should be aware of, or beware of. We like to get out and about have fun with the rest of them so I’ve compiled some of the popular Korean superstitions to beware of this holiday…
-
Heyri Art Village In Paju: A Guide To The Sights, Sounds & Eats
Intriguing places, pretty cafes and art too is what you’ll find if you head north into Paju to the delightful artsy spot known as Heyri Art Village (헤이리 예술마을). This is just one thing to do in Paju, but there is really a ton! The Heyri Art Village is less than an hour northwest and was the vision of a book publisher many years back. Home to photographers, painters, artists of all kinds, musicians, architects and writers means it is quirky, artsy and very fun as well as home to galleries, museums and more. To give you an idea about where to start in this eye catching village check out…
-
Yangju Nari Park: Korea’s Prettiest Autumn Flower Fields
Having lived in Korea for nearly twenty years, I have seen A LOT of this country and I can honestly say Yangju’s Nari Park (양주나리공원) is one of the prettiest places I’ve seen in the whole country of South Korea. There are numerous parks around the country and each is a bit different in what they offer. Nari Park in Yangju just north of Seoul is purely for the flower lover within you. I’ve now been to this garden three times, twice during the festival and once after the festival had ended, and it’s still one of my favorite autumn escapes from Seoul. It’s one of the most picturesque places…
-
The Oil Tank Culture Park: A Cool Regeneration Project In Seoul
A plot of land sitting across from World Cup Stadium and the World Cup Parks system in Seoul, Korea is home to a surprisingly cool urban reformation project. Now named the Oil Tank Culture Park (문화비축기지), this park is an eye-appealing, if you like that industrial look, and eco-friendly site that uses six old oil reservoir tanks that were transformed for public use. While this isn’t your standard tourist site, it is really intriguing to people interested in urban regeneration, but also of interest if you want to know where local events and performances are held in Mapo-gu. Looking for something interesting to see near Hongdae? Check out this spot:…
-
Incheon Songdo’s Central Park And The Tri-Bowl Are A Must See
If you’re looking for a cool area to spend the day in Incheon, Korea, look no further than Incheon Songdo, not to be confused with a few other Songdo’s in the country. The area of Songdo in South Korea is interesting as it’s a smart city, but for visitors like you and me, there’s still plenty to see and do. Get ready to spend a day in Songdo Central Park seeing the architecturally inspiring Tri Bowl and then visit the National Museum of World Languages between boat rides and walks. Plan a trip to the Songdo Central Park: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage…
-
A Guide To Renting or Buying A House in Korea
Having lived in Korea for almost twenty years, I’ve gone through nearly every type of housing you can imagine. I started off in school-provided housing, then rented a tiny room, moved into an officetel and then a villa, and eventually with my husband, we bought an apartment, and now we live in an actual house on Jeju Island. From sleeping on a friend’s floor while waiting for a job to sort out housing, to putting down tens of thousands of dollars in key money, I’ve experience the highs and lows of navigating Korea’s unique housing system. If you’re a foreigner moving to Korea, or even considering buying property here, this…
-
Korean Bath House Guide: What To Expect In A Jjimjilbang
Korean bath houses come up in conversation and the reaction among foreign visitors is usually the same: high interest, moderate anxiety, and a lot of questions about what actually happens in there. Most of the anxiety centers on nudity, which is real but also considerably less uncomfortable in practice than most people expect. The other reaction, from almost everyone who actually goes, is that they wish they’d done it sooner. I’ve visited neighborhood bath houses (mokyoktang) many times and also been to the large upscale jjimjilbang experiences that are more suited for tourists. Both have their place. From young children to grandparents, Koreans visit bath houses as a regular part…
-
Best Cafes In Hongdae: Themed Spaces, Great Coffee and Seoul’s Most Creative Neighborhood
Cafe hopping is one of the great pleasures of living in or visiting Seoul, and nowhere does it better than Hongdae. Known for its youthful energy, creative vibe, and streets that seem to reinvent themselves every few months, Hongdae is packed with themed cafes, beautifully designed coffee shops, dessert spots, and concept spaces that make it easy to spend an entire day just wandering from one to the next. The neighborhood has been a creative hub since Hongik University drew art students and musicians here decades ago, and that energy runs directly through its cafe culture. You won’t find the same polished minimalism you get in Gangnam or the traditional…
-
Hamdeok Beach: The Best Family Beach on Jeju Island
Jeju Island is the best place to visit in the summer months in Korea. There are plenty of beaches to explore and museums and fun indoor sites too. Our favorite place to stay and what I would consider one of the best beaches on Jeju Island, is the white sandy Hamdeok Beach (함덕해수욕장). You’ll also see this beach called Hamdeok Seoubong Beach, named for Seoubong, the small volcanic cone (오름) sitting right beside it. It’s not a separate or official alternate name, but does give you a good idea of what you can find here. Not all Jeju beaches have a volcanic cone in walking distance. When you’re stuck between…
