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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Jeonju Hanok Village: The Complete Guide to Korea’s Food Capital
There are many fantastic places to visit in South Korea, but only one is the birthplace of bibimbap and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Jeonju is one of the most popular destinations in Korea outside of Seoul, beloved for its food, its 700+ traditional Hanok buildings, and a pace that feels different from the capital. A day trip works, but a weekend is even better. Want to plan a trip to Jeonju Hanok Village? Check out the scenery? Eat some delicious bibimbap and chocolate treats or even visit a unique Hanok village? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeollabuk-do, Korea. Plan…
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4 Unique Art Parks in Korea Where Nature and Creativity Collide
I didn’t expect to stumble upon a giant pine beer in the middle of a mountain trail, but that’s exactly the kind of surprise I love finding when exploring Korea. There’s something magical about discovering art where you least expect it, tucked between tall trees, set beside a beautiful riverside, or peeking out of a hillside. If you’ve explored Seoul’s galleries and trendy exhibitions, but you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, a little more secret, know that Korea’s art scene is not just indoors. Some of the most whimsical, thought-provoking, delightful, and family-friendly art is scattered across Korea’s forests, mountains, and riversides. The best part…
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Where To Stay In Busan: The Best Areas for First-Timers, Families & Beach Lovers
Busan is one of my favorite cities in Korea. If I could choose anywhere outside of Seoul to live, it would probably be here. Yes, my husband is from Busan, but even without that connection, this coastal city has something special. Beaches to the south, mountains to the north, fresh seafood everywhere, and neighborhoods that each feel completely different from one another. If you’re wondering where to stay in Busan, your hotel location matters more here than it does in Seoul. Busan isn’t built around one central downtown. It stretches along the coastline, which means staying on the wrong end of the city can easily add an hour to your…
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The Best Folk Villages In Korea: Living Hanok Villages and Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for the best folk villages in Korea, you have more options that you might realize. Some are large open-air museums filled with performances and hands-on activities, while others are quiet living villages where residents still live in centuries-old Hanok homes. Folk villages tend to be quieter and less populated areas to tour in my experience and they’re also beautiful year-round. Whether you’re a tourist in Korea or a resident, exploring a traditional village in Korea gives you a completely different perspective on the country. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to lesser-known rural gems, here are some of the best folk villages in South Korea to add to…
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Flower of the Sun: An Historical Korean Musical
Have you seen a musical in Korea? There are plenty to choose from. It’s a popular pastime in Korea to attend a musical and though they may not be in English, many of them involve dance, movements, and songs that will tell the story even if you don’t speak Korean. From musicals about history to acrobatics, there is something fun to see on stages across the country. If you’re interested in tales of Korean history, then one Korean musical you shouldn’t miss is Flower of the Sun (태양의꽃). This gorgeous Korean musical takes place during the Silla dynasty and is playing at the Gyeongju Expo Park in Gyeongju, Korea until…
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A Guide To the Gyeongju Expo Park
Are you looking for things to do in Gyeongju? Gyeongju is a really beautiful place to discover more about the history of Korea. It was the capital of the ancient Silla dynasty, so there are a lot of historical sites to see. If you’re planning a trip to Gyeongju, check out this guide to Gyeongju for a full picture of all there is to do. In this post, we’ll be focusing on the Gyeongju Expo Park (경주엑스포공원) where there are musicals about Korean history and there are exhibits in the park tower. There’s also a night walk with a story about Silla. You could spend the whole day here. Keep…
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Haenggung-dong Mural Village: What To See In Suwon
There are probably more mural villages around Korea than you might realize. They are just everywhere and it is so fun to find them. Mural villages in Korea often provide an artistic and creative hunt with a good walk outside simultaneously. Some you find by chance and others you’ll probably seek out. A few weeks ago we happened upon Haenggung-dong Mural Village (행궁동벽화마을) in Suwon by chance after visiting the Suwon Museum of Art. Just across the street from the art museum and the Haenggung Palace and Hwaseong Fortress Wall, it’s a great area to see something and then get a snack or food by stopping into one of the…
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Best Daytrips From Seoul: 25 Places To Go Near Seoul
Daytrips daytrips are so fun, daytrips daytrips, there’s something for everyone! Seoul is a fantastic city to visit or live in, but sometimes, it’s nice to get out too. There are a TON of places to go near Seoul and I have traveled extensively here, there, and everywhere so let me fill you in. You’d be surprised how far across the country you can get in just one day. Ready for a day trip from Seoul? This is the guide for you with some of the easiest places to get to with public transportation, and some spots nearby that you need a car for. Get ready to travel in Korea.…
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How to Visit the DMZ From Seoul: Imjingak, JSA, and Cheorwon
I was featured on CNN for sharing hidden gems in the DMZ, and after more than 15 years living in Korea, I’ve visited multiple times across both major areas. If you want to visit the DMZ, take a DMZ tour, or figure out how to see the JSA (FYI, JSA has been closed for a few years now, but I know it’s a top question when people think about the DMZ), this is everything you need to plan the trip. It sounds like a trek. It’s actually easier than most people expect. One thing trips people up before they even start planning: the DMZ can close to tourists for political…
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Wonimisan is a Magical Mountain of Azaleas South of Seoul
Cherry blossoms aren’t the only early spring blooms to burst forth each year in Korea and some of the other blooms are really magical. Azaleas (진달래) are just beautiful and you can see them in numbers on the Wonmisan mountainside (원미산) just south of Seoul in Bucheon. Looking for a mountainside of flowers this spring in Korea? Here is where to go. Plan your trip to see azaleas this spring in Korea: (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 To Get There Address: 21-1san, Chunui-dong, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do…
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Koo House: A Gapyeong Museum of Art & Design
There are some pretty cool things to do in Gapyeong just east of Seoul, but some get a bit more attention than others. The next time you take a trip to Gapyeong, bypass some of the more popular touristy destinations and find the hidden gems the locals check out. Koo House Art Museum is one of those gems that is a fun stop for everyone and something a bit artsy to see. It’s fun. It’s colorful. It’s a great daytrip option. Plan a trip to Gapyeong that includes Koo House Art Museum: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase…
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Haslla Art World: Immersive Art, Pinocchio Museum, and Hillside Sculptures in Gangneung
When thinking of the coastal city of Gangneung, many people conjure images of the white sand beach and summer sun. But, there’s way more than that and while Gangneung is an ideal summer destination in South Korea, it’s also great every other season because there is still plenty to do. Thus, here’s what you need to know about Haslla Art World (하슬라아트월드), and how to plan a trip to this awesome art experience on the east coast of Korea. Looking for things to do in Gangneung? This should definitely be on the list. Plan a trip to Haslla Art World in Gangneung: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I…
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The Coolest Culture Space In Korea Is In A Cave In Gwangmyeong
In the summer we were studying rocks and lava and decided to take a field trip south to Gwangmyeong Cave, or Gwangmyeongdonggul, (광명동굴). When Seoul starts to get too hot and humid to bear, take a trip here. The interior of the cave has a dramatic temperature difference from the outside and you can fill it literally as soon as you take one step in the entrance. Visiting is a really cool thing to do near Seoul… literally. Once a mine, today, it is the largest themed cave park in Korea. Plan your visit to Gwangmyeong Cave: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of…
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Udo Island: Complete Day Trip Guide From Jeju with Things To Do, Food, and How To Get There
Jeju Island is much larger than you might expect which means you really need to know what you want to see before you go and stay near those things. If you’re staying on the west side of Jeju Island, for example, then you would really never have time to get to Udo Island (우도), which is off the eastern coast of the island. Stay near the beautiful Seongsan Ilchulbong though, then Udo Island is not only doable, but it’s one of the best day trips you can take in Korea. We’ve visited four times now and it’s still one of our favorite adventures in Korea. What you’ll find in this…
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Travel Back In Time In Naganeupseong Folk Village In Suncheon
Having visited the Naganeubseong Folk Village (순천 낙안읍성), or Nagan Folk Village, twice in the past year, it’s high time I write about this charming and very unique folk village in Korea. Considered the best preserved Korean fortress town in the country, this is absolutely something you need to see in Jeollanam-do. Not only is it the best preserved, but it’s still active! There are 100 households with a bit over 200 residents that live in the traditional thatched roof homes in the village. It’s pretty amazing really. The town has been growing in popularity over the past few years but is still very much a hidden gem in Korea…
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Boseong Green Tea Fields: How To Get There & What To See
Did you know the green tea terraces of Boseong are green year round? I just found out and I think that is awesome because while it can be a rather popular place to visit in the spring and the summer, maybe more people should go in the autumn and winter instead. The Boseong green tea fields, as they’re often called, will still be quite gorgeous… which I can say from experience as I’ve just been there, whenver you want to visit Jeollanam-do. Looking for a beautiful escape this winter in Korea? Or maybe you are looking for things to do in Jeollanamdo. Whether you’re a tea lover, nature lover, or…
