Explore Seoul (서울탐험)
Top things to see in Seoul. The best things to do in Seoul. Best cafes and restaurants to find in Seoul. Mountains, parks, and more things to do in Seoul, Korea. (서울에서 볼 수 있는 최고의 물건들. 서울에서 할 수 있는 가장 좋은 일들. 서울에서 찾을 수 있는 최고의 카페와 식당. 산, 공원, 그리고 한국의 서울에서 할 수 있는 더 많은 것들이 있다.)
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Play The Gayageum In Seoul: The Most Unique Cultural Experience You Can Have In Korea
I’ve lived in Seoul, Korea since 2006 and I’ve had my fair share of unforgettable experiences, eating like a Joseon royal at Gyeongbokgung Palace, sipping tea in the beautiful tea houses of Insadong among them. But the the day I played the gayageum (가야금) while wearing a Hanbok? That is definitely one of the most unique experiences you can have in Korea, if you ask me. What makes it even more special is how unfamiliar the gayageum is to people outside of Korea. Learning to play the gayageum feels like joining a secret club, one where you walk away not just with new skills, but with a deeper, more personal…
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Teterot Salon: Where To Buy A Stylish Modern Hanbok In Person Or Online
If you’re wandering the maze-like alleyways of Ikseon-dong, one of Seoul’s most photogenic neighborhoods, you’ll eventually stumble upon something special among the rows of Ikseon-dong cafes and restaurants: Teterot Salon (때때롯살롱). Not just a boutique, it’s a modern take on Korean heritage, and one of the best spots to pick up a stylish modern Hanbok in Seoul. (Bonus for those abroad though, Teterot Salon also has an online shop!) On the hunt for a new modern Hanbok to add to my collection, I already have three and one traditional one, I had heard about this shop from friends and wanted to visit for myself. Whether you’re looking for a piece of…
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Creating Scented Memories: Greedy Scent Perfume Workshop in Seoul
Perfume culture in Korea has taken off in recent years. In 2025 alone, the country’s fragrance market is projected to hit $468.91 million, with a steady annual growth rate of 2.3% through 2030. What’s driving this growth? A perfect storm of emotional wellness, aesthetic expression, and self-care trends. A few years ago, the term “korgasm” (코르가즘), a blend of nose in Korean and orgasm, emerged to describe the deep emotional pleasure triggered by scent. Not just about smelling good, perfumes became a small luxury and small acts of self-love. What came after that was a boom in shops for creating your very own personalized aroma and that’s where Greedy Scent…
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Beyond Moonlight Hours: Exclusive Night Tours & Royal Dining at Gyeongbokgung Palace
There are a few experiences in Seoul, Korea that will stop you in your tracks, something so special, unique, and exclusive, that you need to be in the know to even find them. The Moonlight Tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of them. To be clear, I’m not talking about the Korean palace extended hours. I’m talking about the special tours and events that you have to book or you’ll be denied entry. A decade ago when the first moonlight palace hours were unveiled, locals and tourists alike flocked to the main palace of Seoul to see it in, literally, a totally different light. Now, three of the main palaces…
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Explore K-Star Road in Gangnam: Where to See BTS, EXO, and More in Seoul
The Hallyu K-Star Road (한류스타거리) in Gangnam is a must-see if you’re into Korean pop culture, so I was told. This walk among the ultra luxury shops of Apgujeong is lined with giant bear statues dedicated to some favorite K-pop groups and leads right through the heart of where many idols were born. Welcome to the place where music, celebrity, and Seoul’s luxury fashion district all meet. Whether you’re hoping to spot a K-pop star, want a fun photo op with GangnamDols, or just want to walk through one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods, here’s what to expect when you visit K-Star Road in Gangnam. Take a Trip to Hallyu K-Star…
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Discover Seoul’s Hidden Hanok Library at the Foot of Inwangsan
Cheongun Literature Library (청운문학도서관) is a spot for every book lover in Seoul. Tucked into the hillside just a few meters up from the foot of Inwangsan Mountain, the library had long been on my radar. I’d seen photos of the hanok-style structure, admired the wooden beams and sweeping tiled roof, and imagined myself curled up with a book as mountain breezes whispered outside. Always in search of serene corners of Seoul, I knew I’d enjoy it. Cheongun Literature Library isn’t just a spot for reading, it’s a place that lets you breathe slower, think more deeply, and sit in a beautiful harmony of nature, literature, and history. Cheongun Literature…
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Kahi’s FREE Caviar Cooking Class: Skincare Meets Luxury Dining
Kahi, the Korean skincare brand that skyrocketed to fame with its viral Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm Stick, is known for their commitment to beauty with skincare. They revolutionized the way we simplify routines with their multi-use balm sticks. If you haven’t seen their balms in the hands of Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, or Ava Max, you’ve probably caught their signature pink stick making guest appearances in everything from Yumi’s Cells to Hocus Pocus 2. But Kahi isn’t just about skincare, they’re about luxury. Originally an exclusive event for VIP customers, the Kahi Caviar Cooking Class is now open to the public, and it’s completely FREE. Yes, you read that…
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Craft, Culture, and Color: Discover Maison Danha’s Bojagi Experience in Seoul
Danha (단하한복) is a name you may not know, though you should, with a modern Hanbok style you’re sure to remember. They splashed onto the Hanbok scene in 2018 and made waves when they were featured in BLACKPINK’s music video “How You Like That” in 2020. Their bold prints and bright colors that pay homage to traditional Korean patterns are stunning and on top of that, they’re focused on sustainability. Their Hanboks are gorgeous and I plan to get one, but until I do, I signed up for their bojagi bag-making workshop just to visit their space and learn more. With my daughter along for the adventure, we headed to…
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Exploring Seoul’s Seosomun Shrine: Where Architecture Meets Martyrdom
The first time I visited the Seosomun Shrine History Museum (서소문성지 역사박물관), I went for the architecture. I had seen photos and had no real idea what history this museum in Seoul would be detailing, but every museum I find in Korea has something fascinating to teach. While I initially visited for its modern design, I left with a newfound understanding of Korea’s Catholic martyrs and their resilience.” Seomun Gate is a sacred place for Korean Catholics. It was here that countless Catholics were executed after standing up against Joseon’s class-based society and declaring that all humans were equal under God. After the death of King Jeongjo in 1800, Catholics…
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Explore 8 Themed Floors at Hongdae’s Ultimate Culture Cafe
When most people are looking for a fun night out neighborhood in Seoul, an area filled with cafes, buskers, street art, and fun, they’re probably looking for Hongdae. There are so many things to do in Hongdae that you could spend days upon days exploring. Because of this, it makes for a great district to stay in Seoul (speaking as someone who lived there for a decade). Now that you’ve got your bearings, we’re going to zoom in to a spot that’s about to blow up, if you ask me. If you’ve walked down the main shopping and fun street of Hongdae recently, you may have noticed the 8-story building…
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Robots, Ramen, and K-Food: The Convenience Store of the Future in Insadong
When you think of Insadong, images of traditional Korean tea houses, antique shops, and calligraphy stores probably come to mind. But right in the heart of this historic cultural hub is something new, unexpected for many tourists I imagine, and quite futuristic: Ground Blue 49 (그라운드블루49). This futuristic convenience store feels more like a playground of possibilities than your typical corner shop. If you’ve heard of robots and want to see how they are actually being utilized in everyday life, this is a good stop to make. Get ready to see the future of convenience stores in Seoul. Robots are trending and you’ll see why: (This post contains affiliate links,…
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Four Reasons You Should Visit The Seoul Tourism Plaza
I remember the first time I walked into the Seoul Tourism Plaza in 2021. I was struck because it was such a cool culture spot. The Seoul Tourism Plaza (서울관광재단) is a tourism hub with a ton of information for tourists regarding the top Seoul tourism attractions but there’s also a souvenir shop and even a Tap Shop! While there are tourist offices and booths all over the city for visitors to Seoul, the Seoul Tourism Plaza has some unique reasons to find it. From official Seoul City souvenirs so maps, guides, pamphlets, and more… here’s why you’ll want to find it. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I…
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SEOULDAL: How To Ride The Moon-Shaped Balloon In Seoul
Move over N Seoul Tower and Seoul Sky Observatory, there’s now a high-flying hot spot in town for those craving panoramic views of Seoul, Korea. Say hello to SEOULDAL (서울달), a moon-shaped gas balloon that’s lifting off in the heart of the city. This isn’t just any observatory; it’s an aerial adventure that takes you soaring above Yeouido, offering a unique vantage point to experience Seoul like never before. As someone who had tried to ride the one in Suwon on multiple occasions and wasn’t able to because every time I got there, the wind was blowing too much, I was stoked for this one to open so I could…
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Baskin Robbins Madang In Samcheong Is A Traditional Treat
Baskin Robbins back home may look the same from place to place, but one of the fun things about visiting Baskin Robbins in Korea is that they can be quite unique. After the Care Bear-themed Baskin Robbins, our next favorite Baskin Robbins in Korea is the traditional Hanok Baskin Robbins in Samcheon-dong (배스킨라빈스 삼청마당점), actually the first Hanok-themed Baskin Robbins in the country. Located in the tourist-friendly area near Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village, it’s an easy Baskin Robbins to add into a Seoul itinerary. Get ready to visit and try their exclusive menu items that pay homage to traditional Korean treats only available here. Look out for this Baskin…
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Riding The Bus In Seoul: What To Know
When it comes to transportation in Seoul, the infrastructure is amazing. The Seoul Subway System is vast and usually the easiest to use for newcomers. The buses on the other hand, tend to be the hardest for newcomers to master. Bus routes can definitely help you reach certain places a lot easier though, so let me help you learn how to use the buses in Seoul. I personally enjoy taking the bus more than the subway because I can look out the windows and see what’s going on and spot sights in neighborhoods I might not know existed. If you’re going longer distances, the subway is probably your best choice,…
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Gwanghwamun Square: What Lies Beneath
How many times have you walked along Gwanghwamun Square? How many events have you seen at Gwanghwamun Square? Have you ever gone beneath the square that sits just south of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul though? The last time I was there and went down to see what was going on, I found the amazing space completely empty. As I made my way through the underground workings, I only came upon two groups of kindergarten students and their teachers. Because of that, I decided to write about what lies beneath Gwanghwamun Square and why you should really go to check it out. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive…
