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The Korean Dojang: How To Get A Korean Name Stamp
If you’re living in Korea and you’ve ever wondered why the area to put your signatures on forms is so small, the answer is the dojang. I’m sure I’m not the only one that went from a full name signature to just using my initials when signing everything from bank books to contracts after moving to Korea. Wondering what that name stamp is every Korean person seems to have when they go to sign a contract? Let me fill you in. In Korea, a dojang (๋์ฅ) is a seal or stamp with one’s name or signature. Whether you want one for legal purposes in Korea or if you are just…
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Which immigration office in Seoul should I go to?
Yes, you read that right. Which one? There are THREE immigration offices in Seoul, Korea and while that might seem great, it has and can cause a lot of confusion when you go to book an appointment to get things done. Need to renew your visa in Korea? Reserve a visit to your immigration office in Seoul? First, make sure you know where to go. You do NOT have a choice about which immigration office to go to. It all depends on your local address. Once you now where you’re going, continue reading to find out what information you need to report to the Korean immigration office in Korea when…
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What is Hangul Day?
When you start living in Korea, one of the first things you do is look up all of the national holidays so you know when you have off from work, right? Or, was that just me? Either way, you figured out the holidays in Korea at some point and a holiday in October every year you probably noted was Hangul Day. A celebration that goes beyond marking a historical event, it is a celebration of language, the commitment to preserving a cultural identity through language, and it can be a pretty fun day off. Over the years, Hangul Day has evolved from a symbol of resistance to a vibrant celebration…
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The Korean Stone Art Museum Now Museum Wave: Statues & Media Art
It’s always fun to find the museum gems in Seoul, Korea and finding them when no one else is there. I’ve visited and love to continually visit the numerous art museums in Seoul, but recently, I made my way to the Korean Stone Art Museum (์ฐ๋ฆฌ์๋๋ฐ๋ฌผ๊ด), nestled in the picturesque Seongbuk-dong district. The museum has undergone a transformation and now there’s also a Museum Wave (๋ฎค์ง์ ์จ์ด๋ธ). From contemporary art to cultural stories and statues, this is a cool museum to find in Seoul. Set on the side of a mountain, it’s not the easiest place to find (actually, it’s easy to get to via public transportation, but it’s not…
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Bank of Korea Money Museum in Myeongdong: A Hidden Gem
Most people go to Myeongdong for shopping or maybe for all of the delicious street food, but there are some really interesting hidden gems in Myeongdong and museums that people could easily walk by. The Bank of Korea Money Museum (ํ๊ตญ์ํ ํํ๋ฐ๋ฌผ๊ด) is one of those hidden gems in a beautiful historical building in downtown Seoul. Learn more about the history of currency culture in Korea and abroad, how currency is made, and check out some really interesting currency design from around the world.ย Get ready to learn about money in Korea: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase…
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12 Korean Drinking Games: A Guide to the Fun and Frolic
Korean drinking culture is a unique and vibrant world. There are rules for nights out and all of the drinking rounds in Korea and fun drinking games too. Whether you’re enjoying a night out with Korean friends or exploring the lively streets of Seoul, you’re bound to either see others playing or be in the midst of some super fun Korean drinking games. These games add a layer of excitement and camaraderie to the drinking experience, making it all the more memorable. Let’s dive into the world of Korean drinking games and discover how to play some of the most popular ones… and then make sure you know all of…
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Kid-Friendly Food in Korea: No Kids’ Menus But Lots Of Food
If you’re planning a trip to Korea or have recently moved here with your little ones, you might be wondering: Do kids’ menus exist at restaurants in Korea? Whether you’re visiting Korea or living in Korea, so much of the experience is about eating out. There are a ton of awesome things to do with kids in Seoul but dining out with children in Korea can seem daunting. If you don’t have much experience with Korean menus or kid-friendly Korean food, I’ll try to provide some guidance to help you with your kids or just picky eaters in general. Korea is known for its rich culinary traditions, which can be…
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Shopping in Hongdae: Flagship Stores & Street Shopping
Popular as a night out district in Seoul, Hongdae has grown into quite the shopping district for fashion enthusiasts and a hub of creativity even if you’re just looking to walk down the bustling Hongdae Shopping Street. If you’re looking to do some shopping in Seoul, definitely don’t overlook Hongdae. For fashion lovers, there are popular Korean fashion brands like Covernat, What It Isn’t, Fallett, Gentle Monster and more. There are a lot of great things to do in Hongdae from seeing buskers and street dancers to eating, drinking, and of course shopping! In this guide to shopping in Hongdae, we’ll navigate the labyrinth of Hongdae’s fashion scene, fun design…
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A Guide To The Sky Capsule Busan: Booking and More!
In the bustling South Korean city of Busan, what was once an abandoned railway along the picturesque coast has undergone a remarkable transformation into a popular tourist destination. The Haeundae Blueline Park is breathing new life into what was once the Donghae Nambu Railway Line and if you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok searching Busan at all, you’ve undoubtedly seen these little retro looking mini train cars that are now a must-ride in the city. Those are indeed part of the Haeundae Sky Capsule, or Sky Capsule Busan, as many people seem to be searching online. If you’re wondering, like we were, where the Sky Capsule Busan is, there are…
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Korea Postage Stamp Museum: Where To Teach Kids About Old School Mail
If you’ve visited Myeongdong a bit, chances are you’ve walked right by the big Korean Post Office. It sort of seems out of place to find something so necessary for local life in such a busy and touristy area. Step inside and you can also find the small but very interesting Korea Postage Stamp Museum (์ฐํ๋ฐ๋ฌผ๊ด) which holds more than 6,000 stamps, envelopes, and postcards. If you’ve got kids in Korea or just want to have something to do in Myeongdong to take a break from the shopping hustle and bustle, here’s one spot you can add to your list. An hour is all you need, but it’s a nice…
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Poop Cafe Seoul: A Hilariously Crappy Adventure
This hilarious poo-themed cafe has been around since I first got to Korea decades ago and yet I never really felt the urge to visit this quirky spot… until I had a daughter. Kids will find it hilarious and the adults with them will probably chuckle a bit too. In the heart of Seoul’s traditional Insadong district, when a family of tourists says they’re going to Insadong and asks me what to do there, I always suggest the poop cafe Seoul. It’s hilarious, fun for kids, and actually has delicious treats, but I think when you’re traveling with kids especially, you need to mix it up between serious and traditional…
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HiKR Ground: Immersive Tourism Space In Seoul, Korea
Welcome to the ultimate Hallyu playground in Seoul, Korea. HiKR Ground (ํ์ด์ปค ๊ทธ๋ผ์ด๋) is an immersive tourism space opened by the Korea Tourism Organization, oh and I should mention it’s one cool and FREE thing to do in Seoul. It is a vibrant fusion of K-Pop, K-Drama, and Korean culture, designed especially for the younger generation to have a blast and learn more about Korean tourism. Walk in and find the right floor and you’ll literally see everyone dancing to their favorite BTS or New Jeans song and creating their own K-pop videos for TikTok. Step onto the wellness tourism floor and find out which Korean tea is right for…
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14 Of The Best Korean Fried Chicken Restaurants To Try
Getting ready to chow down in Korea and want to try the best Korean fried chicken? Want to have a chimaek experience and see what all of the fuss is about? There are some super popular Korean fried chicken chains and, trust me, they areย different. Whether you want the original and good fried chicken or the yangnyeong chicken or maybe banana chicken, there’s a Korean fried chicken restaurant for you. There are so many great things to eat in Korea and fried chicken is one of them and with a glass of light beer, it can’t be beat. Get ready to eat fried chicken, baked chicken, just delicious chicken. Want…
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PAINTERS Show in Korea: A Fun Family-Friendly Performance
Looking for something fun to do in Korea? Something especially fun to do with kids in Seoul? You should definitely check out the nonverbal performance called PAINTERS. Imagine a performance that combines live painting, humorous and serious beats and movements, and cutting-edge media art. The PAINTERS have revolutionized the world of art and entertainment with their unique blend of live drawing, 3D visual effects, exciting dance, and comedy. They’ve consistently been the best-selling show for audiences for three consecutive years, and they’re one of the top 5 most popular attractions in Korea over the last 5 years. If you haven’t seen the show yet, you’re missing out! PAINTERS is a…
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The Korean Moon Jar: What It Is and Why It’s Iconic
The world of ceramics is filled with treasures that span centuries and cultures and Korea is a country that has an immense history with ceramics in a variety of forms. The Korean moon jar is a uniquely beautiful piece of Korea’s ceramic culture and stands as an iconic symbol of simplicity, elegance, and cultural significance. These unique porcelain vessels, with their milky white glaze and distinctive shape, have captured the hearts of artists, collectors, and connoisseurs for generations and more recently, thanks to RM of BTS, a new and younger generation of people around the world have learned about the iconic moon jars. Get ready to learn about the iconic…
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Guide To Gimhae: The Historic Places, Spaces & Fun Things Too!
Have you been to Gimhae, Korea yet? Often overlooked due to its proximity to Busan, this city, also home to the airport nearest Busan, has some cool things to see that I’ve enjoyed as it’s where my Korean in-laws live. Gimhae is relatively easy to get to and if youโre going to Seoul, you can just take a flight from Gimpo. Itโs only 50 minutes and is sometimes even cheaper than the train to Busan! From museums to fortress walls and an awesome amusement park, there are a lot of cool things to do in Gimhae. The next time you want to head south, maybe head here. A lot of…
