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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BTS Butter Beach: Otherwise Known As Maengbang Beach in Samcheok
I hadn’t headed to Samcheok to see the BTS Butter Beach per se, but while we were driving from our pension to a nearby viewpoint, we spotted the BTS sign and orange parasols and had to pull over to check it out. Off of peak swimming season and in the early morning, there were only a few locals taking walks on the shore of Maengbang Beach (맹방해수욕장) so we had the K-pop music video spot to ourselves. Samcheok has beautiful beaches, but they were fairly quiet in this area as most tourists flocked to the Gangneung area for beaches, beauty, and fun. It was actually one of the least visited…
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Sky Capsule Busan: Tickets, Route, Tips and the Haeundae Blueline Park
If you’ve been searching Busan on Instagram or TikTok, you’ve already seen them, colorful little retro capsule pods gliding above the coast, the ocean stretching out behind them. That’s the Haeundae Sky Capsule (해운대스카이캡슐), part of the Haeundae Blueline Park (해운대블루라인파크), and it has become one of the most popular and photographed experiences in Busan since it opened in 2020. This guide covers everything you need to ride it: how to book, which direction to choose, what the prices are, how to combine it with the Haeundae Beach Train (해운대해변열차), and the attractions worth stopping at along the route. One important note before anything else: the Sky Capsule is on…
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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 you’re going to Seoul, you can just take a flight from Gimpo. It’s 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…
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Soda Museum: Regenerated Arts Space in Hwaseong
Nestled amidst the charming streets of Hwaseong’s Annyeong neighborhood, the Soda Museum of Art has created quite the creative space that breathes life into forgotten spaces. This private design and architecture museum, acronymically named ‘SODA’ which stands for ‘Space of Design and Architecture,’ opened its doors to the public in April 2015, bringing a vibrant burst of culture and artistic ingenuity to the city. Get ready to find out more about Soda Museum, a cool and fun artistic space in Hwaseong, Korea: *Note: The exhibition in these photos will have changed by now so the outdoor space will be slightly different. Check their website for updated exhibitions and installations. (This…
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Snoopy Garden: What To Do in Jeju with Kids
How many times have you visited Jeju Island? This popular travel destination in South Korea, called the Hawai’i of South Korea, is bigger than many expect and I’ve been four… or is it five times and am still finding things to see and do. Some places are more for the natural beauty like Hallasan Mountain and Jeongbang Waterfall and some are for the quirky and fun escapes. One such fun escape on the island was the surprisingly beautiful Snoopy Garden. Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Jeju Island, Snoopy Garden is where families seeking a blend of nature, creativity, and nostalgia should head. On top of that, Kpop lovers are…
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Paju Book City: Design, Typography, and Libraries
Just west of Seoul in Paju is an interesting neighborhood with architectural gems, book cafes, and publishing companies. Called the Paju Book City (파주출판도시), if you’re looking for something different to do this weekend, maybe head here and see what you can see. This hidden gem is a haven for architecture enthusiasts, bookworms, and publishing enthusiasts alike. While it may not be a mainstream tourist destination, Paju Book City offers a plethora of captivating attractions and delightful surprises waiting to be discovered. Get ready to take a trip out to the Paju Book City: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if…
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Renting a Car in Jeju: Everything You Need to Know (Tourist and Resident)
Jeju Island comes with a strong recommendation to rent a car attached to almost every guide you’ll read, including this one. Public transportation on the island does exist, and if you’re planning to stay in one area, like Hamdeok Beach, you don’t necessarily need one. But if you want to move freely between different parts of the island, cover multiple areas or villages, or stay anywhere even slightly remote, a car makes the trip significantly better. Jeju looks small on a map. It is not small when you’re trying to get from one side to the other though, trust me… as a resident of the island. The main thing to…
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A Guide To The Sejong National Arboretum
Did you know Korea’s first urban national arboretum, Sejong National Arboretum (국립세종수목원), is located in Sejong City? This sprawling garden in Korea’s administrative capital is a beauty and perfect for any plant enthusiast or traveler looking for a peaceful escape. When I first went to Sejong, a city built for government facilities, I wasn’t sure what I’d find. But, you might be surprised that there are a number of interesting things to do in Sejong and visiting the Sejong National Arboretum is chief among them. With its vast collection of plants, themed gardens, and impressive greenhouse complexes, Sejong National Arboretum is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves…
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The One Million Rose Garden To See Near Seoul
When the weather warms up in Korea, it’s the perfect time to explore the country’s most beautiful rose gardens. While there are several great rose-viewing spots across the country, one truly stands out: the Million Rose Garden in Bucheon (백만송이장미원). Located at the base of Dodang Mountain, this expansive garden bursts with roses in every color and is officially the largest rose garden in Korea. If you’re searching for summer flower spots in Korea, add this one to your must-visit list. Get ready to find roses in Korea: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no…
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Cosmo 40: From Chemical Factory To Cafe In Incheon
Ever fancy a visit to a chemical facility? I would fathom no, but if a once abandoned chemical facility that was regenerated into an arts and culture complex is up your alley, then you should visit Cosmo 40 in Incheon, Korea. Korea has quite the knack for taking old abandoned warehouses, facilities, and remnants of war and turning them into community spaces and I, for one, dig it. Looking for something unique to see in Incheon? Definitely see what’s going on at Cosmo 40 (코스모40). Keep reading to learn more about this cool spot. Regenerated spaces and places are popular in Korea. Visit Cosmo 40 to see why: (This post…
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Wolhwawon: The Chinese Garden To Visit In Suwon
When traveling abroad was difficult, you know the time of which I speak, there began a trend in Korea with people seeking out places that would give them vibes from abroad. Places that weren’t so much hotspots before became hotspots so that people could feel as though they’ve traveled even for just an afternoon and that is why Wolhwawon Garden (월화원) in Suwon started trending online. Looking for a traditional Chinese garden in Korea? This is the one to visit. Get ready to explore this beautiful garden in Suwon: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at…
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Caves In Korea You Can Visit For Fun
If you’re planning a family trip to Korea, make sure to add visiting caves in Korea to your itinerary! The caves in Korea are not only magnificent, but also offer a unique educational experience for kids. From the world’s 12th longest lava tube at Manjanggul Lava Tube in Jeju Island, to the Gosu Cave System, which was formed over 450 million years ago, there are plenty of caves to explore. There are even caves with wine for parents or groups of friends. Don’t forget to pack a jacket and shoes with grip to make the most of your cave exploration with your family! Add some of these great caves in…
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4 Arts and Nature Places To See In Wanju, Korea
Headed to Jeonju, Korea soon and want to get off the beaten path a bit? You should go to Wanju. This quiet county in Jeollabuk-do is rich in history and culture and has some really cool regenerated arts and culture spaces. Get ready for an adventure to see the Sansok Lighthouse, Samrye Culture and Arts Village, Daea Arboretum and more! It’s off the beaten path and worth adding a day in Jeonju to see. Get ready for an trip to Wanju: (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…
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7 Tadao Ando Buildings To See In Korea
You might walk down the streets of Korea and conclude that the architecture is not much to write home about. Apartment towers all look the same. Cement buildings sprawl in every direction with traditional Hanok villages interspersed. But if you know where to look, there are some remarkable architectural gems scattered across the country, and a surprising number of them were designed by a single architect. Tadao Ando has seven buildings in Korea, spread across Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, and Jeju Island. For architecture lovers, this makes Korea an unexpectedly rewarding destination. For travelers who happen to stumble into Museum San or the Glass House, they tend to leave wondering why…
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Gaehang-ro: Explore This Cool Neighborhood In Incheon
Incheon has a lot of cool things to see and do and one neighborhood you should check out if you like good food, reading, and nice cafes, is Gaehang-ro (개항로). Full of established book stores and newtro cafes, there is a lot to hunt out and enjoy. There are a lot of cool things to see in Incheon and since it’s just west of Seoul, it makes for a great daytrip from Seoul. This is a cool little area to spend the day in hopping from good eatery to café to gallery. Ready to see what’s cool in Gaehang-ro? (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain…
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What To Do in Suwon, Korea: Hwaseong Fortress, Food & Getting Around
Is Suwon worth a day trip from Seoul? Absolutely, yes! With access to the subway line in Seoul and buses going back and forth quickly, Suwon is an easy day trip, too. Over time it has become very popular for urban and cultural development leading it to be an excellent area of interest for travelers and locals alike. Built entirely around a UNESCO fortress you can walk, bike, or ride a trolley around. Walk along the Hwaseong Fortress Walls and then take a hot air balloon ride up over to get the full scope of the fortress. See art and eat chicken… maybe even spend a weekend in Suwon to…
