Explore Korea (한국 탐험하기)
Top places to see in Korea. Where to go in Korea and what to do. Want to travel in Korea? See more outside of Seoul. (한국에서 볼 수 있는 최고의 장소. 한국에서 어디로 갈 것인지, 무엇을 할 것인지. 한국에서 여행하고 싶으세요? 서울 외곽에서 더 많이 보십시오.)
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Camp Greaves: An Abandoned Military Base With An Artistic Future In The Korean DMZ
The DMZ hasn’t called to me much over most of my years in Korea. I’ve never been drawn to the touristy, photo-zone side of the border area, and the DMZ has an odd way of mixing the genuinely historical with the distinctly amusement-park. But Camp Greaves (캠프 그리브스) is different. It’s one of the rare DMZ sites that feels honest about what it is. It’s an odd thing for me to go someplace that has so much meaning for separated families and people that fought here, then to see an amusement park and photo zones really throws me. Some areas along the line are worth the trip and some just…
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Ganghwa Island Day Trip: Things To Do, Cafes and How To Get There From Seoul
Ganghwado Island (강화도) is the fifth largest island in Korea and one of numerous islands in Incheon’s northwest waters. Once I realized it was just an hour west of Seoul, there was no reason not to go, and I’ve been back multiple times since. Each visit turns up something new: a restaurant that wasn’t there before, a cafe with a view I hadn’t found, a coastal fortification I’d driven past without stopping. There are 4th-century temples, UNESCO-designated prehistoric dolmens, a restored 1933 textile factory that’s become one of the most distinctive cafe complexes in the greater Seoul area, and a seaside cafe with footbaths and water views that had a…
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Summer in Korea: Sambok, Heat Survival Foods, and Where to Cool Off
When summer arrives in Korea, it can be surprising just how fierce and fast that heat wave strikes, temperatures during peak summer can reach 33-38°C (91-100°F). The added bonus of a monsoon season makes it all the better with humidity up the wazoo. Yes, I said bonus. Is it really? My hair would disagree but I’m from a valley in Ohio so humid summers are nothing new to me, still Korean summers have their own particular intensity. It’s easy to forget how humid Korea can get in the summer and right when you think you’ve adjusted to it, bam, it’s Sambok, also called Boknal, or the hottest period of all.…
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Herb Village: Lavender Fields & Waterfalls Near Seoul
Searching for flower fields in Korea has become somewhat of a hobby of mine. There are flowers everywhere but seeing an entire mountainside covered in azaleas, a field of tulips or the gorgeous fields of Nari Park in the autumn is just breathtaking. This year, I was on the hunt for lavender fields in Korea. There are some beautiful lavender fields in Korea, some closer to Seoul and some make for a great weekend away. For this trip, we opted for the lavender fields at Herb Village north of Seoul in Yeoncheon-gun and decided we would head up there to see what we could see. Herb Village was all that and…
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Instagrammers In Seoul: This One’s For You!
It’s a wonder it took this long for someone to decide to make a business based solely on the -gram. But that is exactly what Instasia (인스타지아) seems to have done and good on them. Whether you like taking photos as a hobby or taking photos just for that Insta shot, this is the place for you. Instasia is one photo zone after photo zone after photo zone just outside of Seoul in Songdo, Incheon. It’s basically like you stepped into a studio with different sets but instead of getting the expensive photographer that comes with the studio, you have a friend take your photos, bring a tripod… or maybe bring…
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Where To Go Glamping Near Seoul: Club Lespia
This past weekend, I got a group of 25 people (9 of which were toddlers) together for a glamping adventure just outside of Seoul in celebration of my birthday. Today, I turn… well, I was born in 1984, so I’ll let you figure it out. I LOVE LOVE LOVE getting into nature or just being outside. I’m not so sure my husband feels the same way all of the time though and that’s why I thought glamping would be a good compromise for some fun this year. Last year we enjoyed a great picnic with friends so I upped the ante and this year, glamping it was. BONUS!: It was…
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The Anyang Art Park: Fun, Forests and It’s Free!
The Anyang Art Park (안양예술공원) just outside of Seoul, Korea is one of those places that makes its rounds in the blogosphere almost every year. It’s always fun and always provides cool photos for whoever wants to head south from Seoul just in to Gyeonggi-do. Because of that, I was sort of laughing at myself for taking so long to enjoy the place that is so enjoyable. Make sure to check out the awesome art installations and there ARE a couple maps I’ve been able to find in this post as well. Good luck adventuring to Anyang! Skip around and get all of the info you need to plan your…
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Gamaksan Suspension Bridge: The Gloucester Heroes Bridge Near the DMZ
A few weekends ago, I joined a tour to the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge and the DMZ. I’ll be honest: I’d never been particularly drawn to the Paju-area DMZ before. With so many visitors going through, I wasn’t sure how much was genuine history and how much was tourist trap. The suspension bridge ended up being the highlight of the day, even though it was the last stop. Here’s what the tour actually covers and what to know before you book it. Learn about a common tour you can take to the DMZ area which includes the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge and Imjingak. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive…
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The Ara SkyWalk, Waterfall & Flower Cafe Not Far From Seoul
The Gyeong-in Ara Waterway runs from Gimpo to Incheon and has bike paths, walking paths and more for the active among us. For the less so, or the toddler toting, there is an awesome suspended circular glass bottom bridge just next to Korea’s largest man-made waterfall. Want to take a little trip and see something different? Check out the Ara Maru (아라마루전망대). There are some surprising things to do in Incheon and this is just one so make time to spend more time out in the city to the west of Seoul. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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The Prettiest Autumn Spot In Korea: Yangju’s Nari Park
Having lived in Korea for more than a decade, 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. Expansive plot after plot of curated flowers await in colors like purples, pinks, oranges and bright reds. As the autumn sun heats up the days with cool breezes blowing in, this is where to go to appreciate…
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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…
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Hamdeok Beach: The Idyllic Place To Stay on Jeju Island
Jeju Island is the best place in South Korea 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, the white sandy Hamdeok Beach is so inviting. When you’re stuck between the city buildings of Seoul and the clear blue waters of Jeju are calling, this is where you’ll want to stay in Jeju. It is too enticing to pass up. Looking for a beautiful and also kid friendly area on Jeju Island? Definitely check out Hamdeok Beach on Jeju’s…
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18 Best Beaches in Korea: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When summer comes, it’s amazing how fast those beaches in Korea start beckoning. With the temperatures rise, the sun’s rays are strong and all I can think about are lapping waters, sandy beaches and swimming, swimming, swimming. The salty seas refresh and luckily in Korea there are miles and miles of coastline to choose from across three very different coasts. The west coast offers long mud flats and dramatic tidal beaches. The east coast has the clearest water and whitest sand in the country, backed by mountains. The south brings sprawling city beaches and island energy. And Jeju, in its own category entirely, has white sand, black sand, and rocky…
