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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Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Seoul: What To See, Do, and Know Before You Visit
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자), often referred to as DDP by locals, is one of those buildings that stops people mid-stride. It is a definitive architectural must-see in the capital city of Korea. The sweeping aluminum curves, the lawns that rise up and fold over the roofline, the way the whole structure seems to have grown from the ground rather than built on it. Seoul was even named the World Design Capital in 2010, and DDP is a significant reason why. The iconic building is actually the world’s largest atypical architecture. Often the home of artistic exhibitions, like TeamLab, but also home to Seoul’s fashion week, there is always something…
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Cheonggyecheon Stream: What To See Along The Walk, The Best Spots and Seoul Lantern Festival
The Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천) is on almost every list of things to see in Seoul, and for good reason. The river starts near Gwanghwamun Square and runs 10.92 kilometers through the heart of the city before eventually meeting the Han River. It’s the site of the Seoul Lantern Festival each winter, hosts art installations and events throughout the year, and serves as one of the best pedestrian walks in the city at any time of day. I’ve lived in Seoul since 2006 and had a goal for years to walk the entire length of the stream. I finally did it. Whether you’re planning to walk the whole thing or just…
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The Best Places To See The Sunset In Seoul
Last summer, as part of the Global Seoul Mates there was a mission to showcase Seoul’s gorgeous sunsets and oh how many beautiful sunsets did I enjoy. We were sharing sunsets for the whole month of August and this summer as August rolled around again, I was thinking back to some of the best places to see the sunset in Seoul. Do you want to see pink and orange skies over skyscrapers? Or want to see the sunset while you picnic along the Han River? Ever wondered where the best places to see the sunset in Seoul? Well, let me tell you! There are just a ton of beautiful places…
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The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul: A Family Friendly Stay In The Heart Of Seoul
What is the best hotel in downtown Seoul? It is most certainly the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (포시즌스호텔서울). With impressive views out over Gyeongbokgung Palace and within walking distance of all of the historic must-sees in the city, this luxury hotel is the best place to stay in the heart of Seoul. When it comes to finding a hotel in Seoul, there are plenty to choose from. It really comes down to what you want to see and choosing a place near the sights you’re interested in. I love heading downtown and even as a resident, I still go to see the palaces at least once a year, walk along…
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Yeouido: A Guide For The Must See Island In Seoul
Yeouido Island in Seoul, Korea is one of those places that gets on a lot of lists for where to go in Seoul and things to do in Seoul but it took me awhile to figure out why. Sure, there are some awesome things to see like the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival or the only fireworks festival in Seoul. BUT, what is there TO DO in Yeouido? Well, I’ve got the list if you’re like me and went and wondered where you were supposed to go in the business district in the center of Seoul. From the Yeouido Han River Park to the 63 Building a few spots in between,…
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Seodaemun Natural History Museum: Educational Fun In Seoul
Looking for a cool thing to do with kids in Seoul? Seodaemun Natural History Museum (서대문자연사박물관) is definitely up there on the list. This is a great museum which is in a bit of a hidden spot on Ansan Mountain. This makes it a great daytrip option because you can combine a stop at the museum with a nice walk on the mountain. Here is what to expect when you visit Seodaemun Natural History Museum in Seoul. Take a trip to the Seodaemun Naturan History Museum: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to…
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Tea Therapy: The Cafe and Foot Bath To Find In Bukchon
There’s never a bad reason to head downtown to Jongno in Seoul. I often find myself there when I want to spend time in a tea house, get a view of Hanok rooftops or just take a stroll and find something new to see. Tea Therapy (티테라피) is one of those wonderful spots I visited some months back on a stroll in the area. If you like tea or you just want a lovely place to take a break near the Bukchon Hanok Village, this is most certainly a spot to get on your list. Looking for a tea house in Jongno? Here’s more information about Tea Therapy: (This post contains…
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How To Rent Bikes In Seoul: Bike On The Han River Or Just Get From A To B
Do you want to see Seoul, Korea in a different way? Wonder how easy it is to rent a bike in Seoul? Getting around the city can be super fun. I know for me, when I want to make a day of traversing around the city, I want to make it more memorable. Of course walking is a great way to explore any city, but sometimes you want to put the pedal to the metal. Korea has so many different options for biking and scooter rentals to ride around the city and parks. The ones I’ll be telling you about in this post are located in Seoul but there are…
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Teamlab Is Finally Back In Seoul With teamlab:LIFE!
After quite the hiatus from Seoul, Korea, teamLab is finally back! If you missed it a few years ago, there was actually a long term exhibition in Jamsil’s Lotte World Tower called teamLab: World that was awesome. Unfortunately, after a couple years, it closed. Anyone in Korea hoping to visit teamLab were relegated to taking a trip to “nearby” Tokyo to see teamLab: Borderless or Shanghai’s teamLab: Borderless. If you like teamLab, you should still probably go, BUT before teamLab: World ends here in Seoul, go go go! This is NOT a long term exhibit like Borderless or World, this exhibition is only running until April so NOW is most…
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Pet Friendly Hotels In Seoul: The Best Places To Stay With Your Dog In Seoul
Seems like everyone has a pet these days which seems like a bit of a new phenom in Korea. I still remember when we got out cats more than a decade ago and older Koreans would tell me cats were NOT good house pets and shouldn’t be kept inside. Whether it’s cats, dogs, or a hedgehog, more and more people are jumping into pet owning and loving. While it may seem like a trend of sorts though, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind any would-be pet owners that owning a pet is not something you should do on a whim and it does cost money. They will become…
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Where To Stay In Hongdae: Best Hotels, and Guesthouses in Seoul!
Hongdae is one of the best areas to stay in Seoul if you want easy airport access, lively streets, shopping, cafes, and nightlife all in one neighborhood. Centered around Hongik University, it’s popular with both tourists and locals, and after living around Hongdae for more than a decade, I’ve helped plenty of visiting friends and famil figure out where to stay here. Is Hongdae a good place to stay when you visit? It sure it! Now you just have to decide where to stay. After that, here is a list of what to do in Hongdae from brunch to evening. Where do you want to stay in Hongdae? Skip around…
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The Seoul City Tour Bus Guide: What To See & Do When You Hop On Hop Off
If you’ve never joined a City Tour Bus, Seoul is the place to do it. City Tour Buses are a great way to see a city and not have to worry about transportation. See the hot spots of Seoul from the upper level of a bright red bus. I rode my first City Tour Bus in New York City and absolutely loved the experience. It’s just something that is so touristic and fun. Don’t waste money on taxi fares and buses. Don’t get confused in the subway. For your first trip to Seoul, take the time to ride this bus and get views of the city while getting a lay…
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Dalgona Coffee: What It Is, Where It Came From, & Why What You’re Making, Isn’t It!
When you could just make a cup of coffee in less than five minutes, why not spend the next twenty to thirty making dalgona coffee? While Koreans know what dalgona is and where it started, most foreigners don’t despite the challenge’s viral success. I was recently invited out to a cafe in Seoul that makes legit dalgona coffee based off of real Korean dalgona and, surprise!, it is NOT what you’re making at home. They wanted to get the word out about dalgona and asked me to help. Spoiler: The coffee you’re whipping is actually based off an Indian coffee drink, not Korean at all. Mind blown? Yeah, let’s get…
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Seoul Station: Transport Info, Food and Things To Do Nearby
Seoul Station (서울역) is one of the busiest transit hubs in Korea, the terminus for KTX high-speed trains, the connection point for two subway lines, the stop for the AREX airport express from Incheon, and home to a major intercity bus terminal. If you’re arriving in Seoul from the airport or leaving the city by train, you’ll be here. But once you’re oriented, Seoul Station is also worth spending time at. The original 1925 station building next door is now a free arts and culture center. The Seoullo 7017 elevated walkway, a former road converted into an urban park, starts from here. There’s street art, a hidden mirror plaza, a…
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Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026: Bloom Dates and Best Viewing Spots
Spring in Korea doesn’t really feel like spring for many locals and visitors until those beautiful light pink cherry blossoms bloom. One minute the trees are bare, and the next the streets, rivers, and parks turn soft pink, and then it’s gone again in what feels like the blink of an eye (some years it really is that fast if it rains). There are numerous places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul and around Korea with some being more popular than others. You could really walk down the most mundane neighborhood and see cherry blossoms, so while you should and probably will seek to find some of the touted best…
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ShuShu and Sassy: The Kid Friendly Skincare Brand & The Kids Beauty Salons In Seoul
There are kids’ cafes all over Korea but now there are also kids’ spas and beauty salons too! If you’re looking for the cutest most Instagrammable places to take your kids in Seoul, it has to be ShuShu and Sassy (슈슈앤쎄씨). When our little lady was younger we visited the Tayo Kids Cafe and the Pororo Kids Cafe but she is quickly getting too old for all of that madness it seems. One of the hottest trends in Korea right now is taking kids to get their own manicures, pedicures and glittery hair extensions and my daughter really jumped right onto that bandwagon. Children wanting to mimic their parents is…
