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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…
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A Guide To Korea’s Winter Bloom: Where To See Camellias
When you picture winter in Korea, you probably picture snowy mountains, ski resorts, and steamy street food stalls. That said, did you know there are flowers that bloom in the winter in Korea? While there can be plenty of snow and plenty of cozy indoor spots to hang, if you head to the southern provinces of Korea, you’ll be able to find flowers! Yes, flowers in the winter! Camellias (동백꽃) bring a splash of color to the winter canvas, offering a delightful experience for visitors and locals alike. As the cold sets in, a natural wonder unfolds across the southern regions of Korea that are the pick-me-up you might need…
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National Foundation Day In Korea and The Myth That Started It All
I have visited a lot of museums and exhibitions in Korea over the years and I’m always drawn into the tales and stories of Korean myths and folklore. If you learned about the Roman gods and Greek mythology in school and loved the tales and lore, you’ll likely be interested in the Korean mythology as well. The origin story of Korea is quite the tale and if you haven’t heard it yet, get ready to discover the beginning of Korean mythology and why today National Foundation Day (개천절) is celebrated. Get ready to dive into Korean folklore, myth, and legend: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a…
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How To Play Yut Nori: Korea’s Traditional New Year’s Game
If you live in Korea and stay through a traditional Korean holiday, chances are high that you will come across the traditional Korean game known as yut nori (윷노리). Even if you’re not celebrating with a family, you can find the game played at schools, yut nori sets can be found at folk museums, and you can even find sets in local toy stores. Yut nori is a fun Korean game and if you’re looking for something fun to do this Lunar New Year with your kids, this is a great game that you can also prepare yourself at home. Yut nori is a fun traditional Korean game that weaves…
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Moxy Seoul Myeongdong: The Coolest Hotel In Seoul
Looking for one of the coolest hotels in Myeongdong in Seoul, Korea? It has to be Moxy! Moxy invites the young at heart and free-spirited travelers to experience a unique stay that seamlessly blends the excitement of Myeongdong’s lively streets with the hotel’s contemporary and unconventional approach to hospitality. If you’ve never stayed at a Moxy before… I’ll fill you in on the unconventional part below. Moxy Seoul Myeongdong is one of the coolest hotels in Myeongdong: (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 your support.) Basic Info How…
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Arte Museum: The Immersive Exhibition To Find In Korea
Ever on the lookout for immersive art experiences, we couldn’t help but step in to the media escape that Arte Museum provides. If you’re like us and always looking out for the cool places to go and things to do in Korea, then there is no doubt that Arte Museum (아르떼뮤지엄) has already been on your radar. Created by d’strict, a digital design firm, there are Arte Museums located in Gangneung, Jeju, and Yeosu and soon to be one opened in Busan, Korea. In a country that grapples with fine dust every year which causes a major issue with spending time outside, especially if you have little ones, the focus…
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Korean March 1st Movement: Movies To Watch For The Holiday
Among the pivotal events in Korean history, March 1st holds a deeply significant place. On that day in 1919, in collective defiance against Japanese colonial rule, the Korean people initiated Sam-il Un-dong (The March 1st Independence Movement / 3.1 운동). March 1st is now celebrated as one of South Korea’s five major national holidays. It is a day of remembrance and reflection, honoring the courage and unity of those who stood up for their nation’s independence. It serves as a solemn reminder of Korea’s history of sovereignty and the spirit of independence activists. Get ready to learn about the March 1st Independence Movement Day in Korea and movies to learn…
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The Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask: The Perfect Peel Off Mask
I tried the Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask and it quickly became my favorite peel off mask on my shelf. Amp up your skincare routine and peel off this mask to find smoother, clearer, and supple skin. As someone always on the lookout for gentle yet effective exfoliation, I couldn’t resist trying this Sulwhasoo creation. Actually, I should rephrase, any time I can try any Sulwhasoo product, I jump at the chance and I was able to get this from Amore Seongsu the last time I was there. Whether you’re a seasoned skincare aficionado or a beauty explorer, Sulwhasoo’s Clarifying Mask invites you to unveil the secrets to enduring radiance and youthful…
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Discover The Views From Oryukdo Skywalk in Busan
Head to where the East Sea and the South Sea converge and you’ll spot the Oryukdo Islets that paint a mesmerizing picture in the emerald sea. Comprising five islands that sometimes become six as the tides change, this natural wonder off the coast of Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, is a must-visit destination for those seeking the perfect blend of geological marvels, marine sanctuaries, and cultural heritage. On one of my first trips to Busan with my husband he took me to nearby Igidae and I couldn’t get enough of the rocky coastline and blue waters in this area. While the view is spectacular, it seems to be the Oryukdo Skywalk (오륙도…
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OUL: A Unique Blend of Heritage and Modern Mixology in Seoul
When I first moved to Seoul, I was young dumb and, let’s face it, skint (a word I learned form my British roommate at the time) for most of my time. We frequented cheap pubs and drank beers outside of convenience stores, which is not illegal in Korea FYI. Having gotten older wiser and having less nights out, when I do go out, now I’m on the hunt for the best bars in Seoul, upscale cocktail bars, and just generally unique bars in Seoul. One bar where all of those describers ring true is in the lux Four Seasons Hotel. Hotels can have some pretty cool bars, let’s be honest,…
![Hantangang Sky Bridge [한탄강하늘다리], Pocheon, Korea](https://thesoulofseoul.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_6700-2.jpg)
