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Korean Persimmons: The Culture, The Folktales, The Food
When autumn comes to Korea there’s no other fruit that represents the season better than persimmon, or gam (감). If you take a trip into the rural countryside of Korea, you will spot beautifully vibrant persimmon hanging everywhere. If you stay in Seoul, you’ll find persimmon desserts and snacks abound. I hadn’t had persimmon before coming to Korea and when I first got some, I had no idea how to eat it. Is it supposed to be so smushy? Is it supposed to be dried? Candied? I was lucky enough to live near some Korean grandmothers who taught me how to best enjoy Korean persimmons and so I wanted to…
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Unveiling the Charm of Suncheon Bay National Garden: A Guide
As avid nature lovers and the sort that will travel for a beautiful natural landscape, the Suncheon Bay National Garden (순천만국가정원) was on my list of must see destinations in Korea for years. We’ve now managed to visit twice in two very different seasons and I can say without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful and interesting natural landscapes and gardens in Korea to visit. If you’re looking to get away, look into heading to Korea’s southern coast. There is so much to explore. Plan a trip to the gorgeous Suncheon Bay National Gardens. From spring to autumn, they are a must-see: (This post contains affiliate links, which…
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The Timeless Charm of Seomjingang Train Village in Jeollanam-do
Traveling around the countryside of Korea is such an opportunity to travel back in time. While Seoul can seem so modern and new, there are plenty of places in Korea still that offer the opportunity to be transported to another age. Take the Seomjingang Train Village (섬진강기차마을) in Gokseong, Jeollanam-do; dedicated to Korea’s railway heritage, you can take a ride on an old steam engine train and enjoy a beautiful rural landscape. And if that’s not enough, it’s also home to a substantial flower garden. It’s a great family-friendly adventure to take to the heart of Korea. Visit Gokseong in Jeollanam-do for a ride on the retro rails: (This post…
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The Dreamiest Park In Seoul: Dream Forest
The number of beautiful parks in Seoul, Korea is really stunning and we love exploring them. If you’re looking for a park in northern Seoul, you definitely need to keep Dream Forest (북서울 꿈의숲) on your radar. This park is also one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in the spring in Seoul. From picturesque views and an observatory to deer and waterfalls, there’s a lot to enjoy. Get ready to spend the day in Dream Forest in Seoul: (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…
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A New Way To See Relics: The National Folk Museum of Korea Paju
Traditionally, the storages of museums and galleries have been secretive spaces and the only time we as the public gets to see relics is when they’re on display. However, the National Folk Museum of Korea Paju (국립민속박물관 파주) flipped this idea around and decided to use its vast collection and welcome sightseers into its now open storage space. If you’ve visited the amazing National Folk Museum of Korea on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, next head to Paju to see even more of their amazing historic collection. Not your standard museum space, the storage facility provides a look at how our national treasures are preserved. Learn more about…
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Tap Shop Bar: A Cool Wine Tap Bar In Seoul
Did you know there’s a wine tap bar in the basement of the Seoul Tourism Organization building in downtown Seoul? The Tap Shop Bar actually has three locations in Seoul, Korea and it is super cool and has a selection of wine that any wine connoisseur would be excited to see. I was researching trends in alcohol in Korea and came across this cool concept and had to check it out. The bar’s standout feature is its ‘tap’ system, offering patrons the chance to immediately pour and taste a diverse range of wines. Of course, you can also just get a whole bottle, some fresh raw oysters and enjoy the…
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Where To Pull Over For Chicken Stew In Gapyeong: Donggigan
We are known to take quite a few road trips on the regular and because of that, I’m constantly marking good looking restaurants on my map and then just hoping that we’ll be passing by on one of those said road trips. The past two times we’ve transited through Gapyeong, we made sure to stop at one of the best places to eat in Gapeyong, Donggigan (동기간). It’s ideally located if you’re heading to Gapyeong to see Nami Island, Koo House, or maybe the hidden Yellow Bridge Museum or some other fun tourist spot in the area. Eat here, and then find all of these other cool things to do…
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Boosting Hydration: A Review of Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI
I’ve been to a number of events hosted by Sulwhasoo, a luxury Korean beauty brand, in which I’ve gotten to try their products and gotten to hear more from their brand reps on how to use them effectively. When I first heard of the brand, it seemed more appropriate for women fifty and older and as I wasn’t quite there yet, I didn’t give them a ton of thought… also because they’re expensive. That said, Sulwhasoo is a brand I’ve come to love while living in Korea. If you haven’t heard of this major Korean beauty brand, get ready for a deep dive into them and one of their most…
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The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History: Great For Kids and Views
We love visiting the national museums of Korea, not only are they free but they offer so much access to information and fun. The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관), right downtown next to Gwanghwamun Square is one of the most overlooked museums in Seoul but it’s awesome. The museum offers a unique perspective on Korea’s journey from the late 19th century to the present day. This interactive museum is great for both adults and kids. Get ready for history and fun! Learn more about this underrated museum in downtown Seoul: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase…
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The Photobooth Trend In Korea: Providing Unique Souvenir Memories
Photobooths are THRIVING in Korea. You can’t walk down the streets in popular meet-up districts like Hongdae, Sinchon, Seongsu, or Myeongdong and not find a photobooth to hop into. The trend of unmanned photoshops emerged a couple years back but doesn’t seem to be going anywhere and in fact, seems to be adapting and changing in ways you might not expect. Themed photobooths? Yes, and not the kinds of themes you might expect. Amidst the vibrant university neighborhoods, queues form in front of uniquely adorned photo booths, each offering a creative and fun way to capture memories in the more nostalgic paper form instead of in the captured in the…
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Finding Culture At The National Folk Museum of Korea
Korea is home to a number of fantastic museums. The Korean national museums not only house fantastic collections but are an amazing free thing to do in Korea too. Whether you’re on a budget or want to deep dive into Korean culture and history, you should put the museums on your list of places to go and things to see. Recently, we visited the National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관), a museum I hadn’t visited in over 15 years and I was reminded just how interesting the rich heritage of the country is. Nestled within the historic grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, this museum is full of interesting information inside and…
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The Most Unique Convenience Store In Hongdae: The Ramyun Library
For noodle aficionados and culinary adventurers alike, a new must-visit spot has emerged in Hongdae, Seoul. Already a super popular place to go, there are a ton of things to do in Hongdae and now eating Korean ramen in a convenience store is one of them. The CU convenience store chain has unveiled the Ramyeon Library. Shop til you drop in Hongdae and then hit up this Instagrammable spot for a quick bite on the go. The design of this convenience store is an innovative response to the evolving consumer habits and and major interest in ramyeon from not just Koreans but visiting tourists alike. Korean ramyeon has become super…
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Beyond the Border: Korean Films That Reflect a Nation Divided
To South Koreans, North Korea is both the closest and the farthest place away. Not only in Korea, but abroad as well, North Korea has become a source of intrigue that has captivated the film industry. Amidst the division of North and South Korea, South Koreans, harboring fantasies of reconciliation and unification, find themselves drawn to content about inter-Korean relations, seeking to fulfill these fantasies through such narratives. Get ready to dive into how Korean dramas and movies have reflected and explored the complexities of a nation divided: War movies in Korea On June 25, 1950, with the onset of the Korean War, the Korean Peninsula was divided into North…
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Build An Epic Korea Itinerary By Visiting Crash Landing on You Filming Locations
If you are already interested in Korean content, chances are high that you have already heard about Crash Landing on You (사랑의 불시착). This Korean drama offers a deep exploration of the nature of love and human relationships, along with an understanding of the relationship between North and South Korea. Crash landing on You is not just a romantic comedy, but a drama that delivers a wide range of emotions that led to its major and continuous popularity. You could build a pretty epic Korea itinerary based on the filming locations in the Crash Landing On You Korean drama. Get ready to find beautiful places in the country: What is…
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Mystical Realms of Korean Mythology in Popular Films
Today, we embark on a fascinating journey to explore how Korean myths and folktales, more than just stories, have endured through time and continue to shape our understanding today. These ancient narratives are not merely legends; they are cultural treasures that unveil the richness and diversity of Korean culture. They bring to life a world where nature, humans, gods, and spirits intersect. Among Korea’s foundational myths is the tale of a bear and a tiger transformed into humans after consuming garlic and mugwort. We also encounter stories of mischievous doggae-be (goblins), known for stealing treasure and considered symbols of good fortune and protection, despite their playful nature. Another key element…
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How To Celebrate The Year of The Dragon In Korea
Happy New Year! 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, the blue dragon or wood dragon to be precise. The dragon is the only mythical creature among the twelve zodiac signs and is a symbol of strength, prosperity, and success. In Korean, this year is called “Gapjin” (갑진) and if you want to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Korea, there are a number of things you can do. So, what does the Year of the Dragon mean? And, how can you celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Korea? Here’s what you need to know… (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a…
![Hantangang Sky Bridge [한탄강하늘다리], Pocheon, Korea](https://thesoulofseoul.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_6700-2.jpg)
