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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Discover Seoul’s Most Sustainable Building (and the Fun Inside!)
I know I’m not the only one that endeavors to teach my child to care for the earth, recycle, reuse, and all of those good things so I know I’m not the only one that will find what the Seoul Energy Dream Center (서울에너지드림센터) is doing not only educational, but cool and interesting too. Located in the World Cup Park, this is Korea’s first energy-independent public building, an amazing example of how science, design, and sustainability can come together. Not just a building though, it’s a museum, and they offer some amazing programs completely free. Get ready to learn about energy saving in Seoul. Plan a visit to the Seoul…
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How to Experience the Changing of the Guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Flags flutter in the wind. Boots step in rhythm on the cobbled stone. Drums set the beat across the courtyard. The Changing of the Guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace is a choreographed flashback to Korea’s royal past. Bold colors. Fierce faces. Just ceremony. If you’re visiting Seoul, Korea, this is one of the most vivid, photo-worthy, and FREE experiences you’ll find. But, there are some pro-tips to enjoying it and seeing the main palace of the capital. Let’s break it down. Here’s how to enjoy Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Changing of the Guard like a pro, not just a bystander with a phone out. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive…
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Gaeseong Mandu Koong: Where To Eat North Korean Dumplings In Insadong
In the winding alleyways of Insadong, one of Seoul’s most touristy districts, it’s still possible to find cafes, restaurants, and shops tucked away around corners that have been there for decades. Gaeseong Mandu Koong (개성만두 궁) is one of those places and you have to know about it to find it. Visit this restaurant in Insadong and you’re not just eating dumplings, but you’re taking in the history of a family that stretches from North to South Korea. Established in 1970 by a Gaeseong native, this restaurant is now in its third generation of family ownership. The large dumplings stuffed with pork, mushrooms, or kimchi are filling, the soup delicious.…
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What Is a Norigae? Meaning of the Korean Hanbok Charm & Where To Make One In Seoul
If you’ve ever admired the elegant lines of a Hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, chances are you’ve spotted a norigae (노리개), the graceful tassel charm that dangles from the coat strings or skirt of the traditional attire. After living in Korea for many years and collecting norigae from markets and Hanbok shops, I’ve come to appreciate how much symbolism and craftsmanship is packed into these small charms. Recently, I stopped into the Leesle modern Hanbok shop in the vibrant Hongdae district of Seoul, Korea to make my own. It’s a little tassel with a lot of charm. If you like crafting and want to create your own unique souvenir from…
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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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K-Star Road, Gangnam: All 17 K-Pop Statues & How to Find Them
The Hallyu K-Star Road (한류스타거리) in Gangnam is a must-see if you’re into Korean pop culture, so I was told, I polled my followers on this, and while I’m not a K-pop fanatic myself, it came back loud and clear as a top pick for K-pop-interested travelers. I’ve walked it myself and taken tour groups here too, so consider this the practical, no-fluff version of what you’re actually getting into. This walk among the ultra luxury shops of Apgujeong is lined with 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…
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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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Five 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…
