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Ikseon-dong: Where To Eat and What To Do
Ikseon-dong has become one of the most popular little Hanok villages in downtown Seoul. While people visit Bukchon Hanok Village to see the old Hanoks in all of their grandeur, Ikseon-dong attracts visitors for food, cafes, and fun. The alleys are narrower and instead of traditional, the shops that have moved in seem to pay homage to the history and traditions of the area through upscale eats and artistic experiences. You can find quirky, cute, and fun places to hang out in this historic district of Seoul, Korea. Ikseon-dong also makes for a great area to stay in as I found when I stayed at the Moxy Hotel. From adorable alleyways…
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Moxy Seoul Insadong: A Trendy Urban Hotel in the Heart of Seoul
Right outside of Jongno 3-ga Subway Station and south of the popular Ikseon-dong Hanok Village sits Moxy Seoul Insadong, a hotel that blends youthful energy with the historical charm of the area. Featuring a rooftop bar, cool communal spaces, and murals, Moxy Hotel in Insadong is a great hotel in the heart of the historic area of Seoul for tourists, remote workers that are traveling, and staycationers. I’m often asked where to stay in Seoul, and I often recommend the Insadong and Bukchon areas which often lands people on Hanok hotels, but there are great modern hotels in the area as well and this is one of them. Moxy Seoul…
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Chimaek: A Journey Through Korea’s Favorite Combo
Korean fried chicken has made waves in recent years across the internet for various reasons. Some people think it’s crispier than popular American-style fried chicken. Some think the sauces make it more appetizing. Whatever it is, fried chicken in Korea is now a staple on everyone’s must-eat lists in South Korea and there are a lot of Korean fried chicken brands to choose from. While you might look up “what to eat in Korea?” and expect to see things like kimchi, a plethora of rice dishes, and Korean bbq, you might not expect to see Korean fried chicken up there. Why is it so popular? How did Korea become a…
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How To Visit A Sheep Farm in Gapyeong at Cloud Hill
There are some great things to see in Gapyeong and among them sit some fun family-friendly farms where you can see and feed animals like sheep. If you’ve been wondering where to go for just such an experience, check out the Gapyeong Sheep Farm (가평양떼목장) which also features the very nicely designed Cloud Hill cafe. Feed some fuzzy friends, eat some cakes, and breathe in the fresh air of Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do. It’s the adventure into nature you need this weekend. Get ready for an adventure to feed sheep in Korea: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after…
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Personalized Experiences At The Monami Concept Stores In Seoul
I was once gifted a Monami pen at a beauty event in Seoul. It was a beautiful pen with a light pink metal casing with perfect heft and it even had my name on it. It was one of those pens that I made people hold so they could also understand the appeal and so they could understand why I wouldn’t let them just walk away with my pen. Some years later it was stolen, and so I went out of my way to find another to replace it and that’s when I discovered the fun to be had in the Monami Concept Stores in Seoul, Korea. If you find…
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Black Day in Korea: A Celebration of Singlehood
Scheduled exactly one month after White Day and two months after Valentine’s Day, is an unofficial Korean holiday called Black Day (블랙데이). This distinctive celebration is dedicated to individuals navigating the realm of singlehood, particularly those who found themselves bereft of gifts or affection on the preceding romantic holidays. That’s how the story goes. Mostly what you need to know is that eating jjajangmyeong (짜장면) is super popular on this day and if you’re single in Korea and weren’t pleased by the onslaught of romantic holidays that the past two months brought, now is your time to shine. Want to learn more about Black Day in Korea? Here’s what you…
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From Forbidden Love to Terrifying Horrors: The Charm of Iconic Korean Dramas
As you check out the trending lists on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, you can’t help but notice a recurring trend: Korean dramas are consistently stealing the spotlight more than ever before. It’s more than just a passing fad; it’s a global phenomenon. The Hallyu wave has truly washed ashore in just about every country at this point. Extending far beyond South Korea, these shows have effortlessly transcended geographical and linguistic barriers to captivate a diverse global audience. But what is it about Korean dramas that viewers are loving worldwide? Get ready to dive into five of the most iconic Korean dramas that are more than just entertaining…
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Korean Gastronomy on Display: A Deep Dive into Iconic Foods in K-Dramas
In Korean culture, the significance of food extends beyond the everyday table and integrates into language and media, particularly in Korean dramas and films. When greeting someone in Korea, instead of asking “How are you?”, you may have noticed that people ask, “Have you eaten?” If you’ve ever watched a Korean drama or film you may have picked up on this, but the food on the table in each scene can also be an important narrative tool. In many cases, filmmakers and producers have used specific Korean dishes in order to tell the viewer something about the people that are eating together. Specific Korean dishes can play a pivotal role…
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Amore Seongsu: A Must-Visit Beauty Experience in Seoul
Seongsu-dong, the “Brooklyn of Seoul” is one of those neighborhoods I can visit again and again. The streets are vibrant, there is street art, plenty of cafes and restaurants, and it has become an area popular for hosting pop-ups. Amore Pacific was one of the first major Korean brands to move in to the area and open up an experiential shopping complex and now there are more than ever. Amore Pacific, a beauty and cosmetics conglomerate boasting a rich legacy dating back to 1945, opened Amore Seongsu (아모레성수) quite a few years back. They were one of the first reasons I headed to the area and is one I stop…
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Gimhae Gaya Theme Park Is Fun For Everyone
We head down to Gimhae, Korea for every major Korean holiday to see my Korean in-laws so I’m always looking for things to do in Gimhae and the Gaya Theme Park (김해가야테마파크) was AMAZING! This theme park in Gyeongsangnam-do really has something for everyone from the extreme fun to the cultural (and apparently it’s going to get even better as they’re expanding and building Korea’s largest freshwater aquarium). The great thing about visiting amusement parks in Korea that are off the beaten path and in more rural areas is that you can have a lot more space and you can ride the rides and have the experiences without the lines.…
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Learn About Korean Food and Alcohol At HANSIK Space E:eum
A visit to the Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, Korea is a must and always included on basic Seoul itineraries. When you get there though, it’s easy to wander and wander and wonder what’s worth a stop in. I recently visited the HANSIK Space E:eum (한식문화공간이음) and can say it’s definitely worth a stop in, especially for those interested in Korean food culture and traditional Korean alcohol. Learn about Korean food and join a class in Bukchon Hanok Village: (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.) How…
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How To Get A T-Money Card For Kids in Korea
I wrote a whole guide to using the Seoul Subway System and where to buy a T-money card, but I wanted to do an extra-focused parent-friendly article. If you’re planning a family trip to Korea, ensuring smooth and convenient transportation is key. Using subways and buses is efficient, budget-friendly, and a great way to travel, but you should know how to get a T-money card specifically for your kids because they can get discounted rates on fares. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of obtaining a T-money card for children in Korea. It’s easy to get a T-money card, but if you have kids, make sure you…
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Explore the Serenity of Bonte Museum in Jeju
When you begin to plan a trip to Jeju Island, you might start to realize that this Korean island is not only a tropical paradise, but it is also home to over 100 museums. There is definitely plenty to see and do from beaches to art. When it comes to museums, Bonte Museum (본태박물관) stands out as an artistic escape and makes the perfect place to explore on a rainy day in Jeju. Designed by Tadao Ando and featuring traditional Korean crafts and works by Yayoi Kusama among other beautiful pieces, there’s a lot to discover. Get ready to explore Bonte Museum on Jeju Island: (This post contains affiliate links,…
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Visa Runs From Korea: Where To Go
Living in Korea on a short-term visa and need to do a quick visa run to reset your tourist visa or change visas? Visa runs are a common practice for foreigners residing in Korea who need to extend their stay without the luxury of obtaining a long-term visa. Or, if you’re changing your visa, a visa run may be in order. I had to do a visa run decades ago when I was switching from a tourist visa to an E2 teaching visa in Korea. If you’re trying to figure out how easy a visa run is, where the best places for you to take a quick visa run from…
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The Traditional Korean Food You’re Supposed To Eat Each Month
Did you know there is a holiday on the lunar calendar every month in Korea and there’s a traditional Korean food that is to be eaten on each of these days? While you’ve probably heard of Chuseok and Seollal and maybe even Sambok, there are even more special days on the traditional Korean calendar and food to be eaten on each of these days. Holidays in Korea often involve specific local delicacies, so get ready to learn about what to eat and more importantly when. If you haven’t yet been to the Hansik Space E:eum (한식문화공간) in the Bukchon Hanok Village, make sure to check it out. It has fantastic…
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Discover The Illuminating World of Jeju LAF
There is so much to explore on Jeju Island and if you’re headed there with family or friends, Jeju LAF (제주라프) offers an amazing opportunity to immerse in art, ziplines, and footbaths. If you’re staying in the beautiful Hamdeok beachside area, this great space is just a 25 minute bus ride. You’ll be welcomed in by a rainbow of color that just leads to even more colorful creations. Jeju LAF is made up of LAF ART, LAFLY, LAFOOT, and LAF F&B. Get ready to experience it all: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost…
