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.)

  • COEX Aquarium, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Korea (한국 탐험하기),  Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    10 Aquariums To Visit With Kids In Korea

    Most people, especially kids, have some interest in exploring the world around them and that includes the depths of the seas. What better way to cultivate that interest and learn about our sea friends than to visit a nearby aquarium? There are aquariums around Korea and they are pretty easy to tack on to most itineraries and really provide hours of fun for children and the adults that they bring along. Need something to do indoors during monsoon season or looking for what to do during winter in Korea? This is it. Want something fun to do in Seoul? Something fun to do in Busan? Something fun to do in…

  • White Flowers, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험),  Travel Planning (여행 계획)

    When & Where To Find Flowers In & Around Seoul, Korea

    Flowers bloom in Seoul from April to November. Spring flowers, summer blooms, and autumn flowers make for stunning photos here in Korea. Want to know where to find flowers in Seoul? Here’s a guide to get you started. I’m just about a professional flower hunter in Korea and I want to help you find the flowers, too. Make the most of spring in Korea and get out to see the dazzling display that Mother Nature provides. She certainly does not disappoint in Korea. Beat the heat this summer in Korea with the beauty that nature provides and end the warmer months with the gorgeous fields of cosmos, pampas and pink…

  • Greenmile Coffee, Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley, Modern Hanbok
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    What To Do In The Bukchon Hanok Village: Cafes, Experiences, and Hidden Spots

    You might think the Bukchon Hanok Village is just about pretty rooftops and that one famous photo street, but there’s actually so much more tucked into those alleys if you know where to look. Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the most visited areas of Seoul, Korea, but if you ask me, people are missing a lot. The first time I visited, I walked through, saw the beautiful traditional Korean homes called Hanoks, and then left. It wasn’t until I started going back, and bringing friends and family, that I realized Bukchon is more than just a place to see, it’s a place to experience.   From traditional craft workshops…

  • Peace Culture Bunker, Dobongsan, Seoul, Korea, 평화문화진지
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    The Peace Culture Bunker: Once Military, Now Communal

    It’s not uncommon to travel around Seoul, or Korea for that matter, and find military bases and bunkers. Usually they’re surrounded by barbed wire and fences because civilians, like myself, cannot enter. They’re starting to get converted into community spaces though as they become unnecessary. The Peace Culture Bunker (평화문화진지), once a tank bunker is one of those places and it’s now a very cool community space. More and more these bunkers and bases are being given back to the community at large and they are being given back in some awesome ways. Don’t miss the new spaces to find around the city. Is Korea still at war? Technically yes,…

  • Snow In Seoul, Nanji Stream Park, World Cup Parks, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley
    Explore Korea (한국 탐험하기),  Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Ski In Korea: A Guide For Where To Go & How To Get There

    When winter arrives in Korea, mountains turn into snowy playgrounds. If you’re wondering “Can I ski in Korea?” or “What are the best ski resorts near Seoul?”, the answer is yes, and you’ll have plenty of options. Korea may not be as famous as Japan or Switzerland for skiing, but it has well-developed ski resorts, Olympic-level slopes, and family-friendly runs just an hour or two from Seoul. Whether you’re planning a ski holiday in Korea, looking for an easy day trip from Seoul, or hoping to experience the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics slopes, this guide covers everything you need: where to ski, how to get there, what to pack, and…

  • Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Changgyeonggung: The Hidden Palace In Seoul

    There are five palaces in Seoul and not all of them attract equal attention. This is good to know if you want to walk around a gorgeous Korean palace WITHOUT all of the crowds. As far as Korean palaces go, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace in Seoul, and Changdeokgung featuring the Secret Garden always seem to top the lists but if you were to ask me, I’d say visiting Changgyeonggung (창경궁) is even better… for a number of reasons. Different palaces for different feels I guess. I do love Gyeongbokgung from time to time and always take short term tourists there, but if I want to visit a palace and…

  • Seoul Botanic Park, Magok, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험),  Family Travel Friendly (가족 여행 프렌들리)

    The Seoul Botanic Park: Find Nature In Seoul

    Whether or not you enjoy gardens or botany, the gorgeous architecture of the large greenhouse is definitely a draw at this new hot spot in Seoul. The Seoul Botanic Park (서울식물원) was opened in Magok in the Gangseo-gu district which was an interesting choice for the massive park. This area of Seoul has been getting a lot of development and even has an Ando Tadao building now, the LG Art Center. This is THE spot to visit in spring in Seoul or even summer in Seoul. We love parks and if you do too, this is definitely one you can’t miss here in Seoul, Korea. Here is where you’ll find…

  • Namsan Tower, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower): Why It’s a Must-See in Seoul

    If you’re headed to Seoul, chances are you’ve already seen a photo of N Seoul Tower, maybe without realizing it. It’s a spindly tower lit up on the mountain in the middle of basically every skyline shot of the city. Depending on the fine dust in the air or the holiday approaching, the lights on the tower change. It’s a sight from day through night. Perched atop Namsan Mountain, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Seoul, and it should be on your itinerary even if you’re only in the city for a couple of days. You may also hear it called Namsan Tower, more on that in a…

  • Urban Space, Myeongdong, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Things To Do In Myeongdong Seoul: Shopping, Food, Cafes, and Hidden Gems

    Myeongdong moves fast. The main pedestrian street is rarely quiet, the vendors are determined, and by evening the whole area smells like hotteok and grilled corn. It’s a lot, in the best way, and it’s the neighborhood most visitors to Seoul end up in at least once, whether they planned it or not. The district is small enough to navigate without getting lost and lively enough to fill an entire day without running out of things to do. Shopping is the obvious draw, and Myeongdong delivers on that completely with international brands alongside Korean labels, K-beauty stores stacked three floors high, and duty-free options that save real money if you…

  • Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Eunpyeong Hanok Village: Seoul’s Beautiful Hidden Hanok Village

    Everyone knows about the beautiful Hanok homes that make up Bukchon Hanok Village in central Seoul, but have you heard of the Eunpyeong Hanok Village (은평한옥마을)? While Bukchon is beautiful, it’s also crowded, loud, and increasingly restricted. I first came upon this area many years back after the hiking club I was with came down off of the Bukhansan Mountain range. At the time only a few Hanoks were standing but it was clear, this was going to be a pretty cool village of traditional Korean homes. Today, Eunpyeong is home to a beautiful and underrated traditional Hanok village. The best part is it still feels calm, local, and enjoyable…

  • Fruit Museum, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley, pink ball pit
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    The Most Colorful Of Places To Find In Seoul RIGHT NOW!

    There’s something about summer in Korea that screams go bold, go vibrant, go colorful… or just go home. Granted, with the heat that is overwhelming the country at the moment, the choice to go home might be really really appealing right now. But, there are far too many things to see and beautiful places to go. So, let’s get out there! It’s been a hot minute since I was out taking Friday adventures since most of my pals work on Fridays, but this week the timing just worked and I found a fun gal pal to catch up on our colorful fun together.  (This post contains affiliate links, which means…

  • Seoleung, Cafe Sanchaek, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험),  Family Travel Friendly (가족 여행 프렌들리)

    Seooreung Royal Tombs & Pretty Cafes Just West of Seoul

    There is quite a bit to see and do when you head up to the northwest of Seoul to Goyang. Heading out to see flowers at First Garden or drink coffee at a greenhouse cafe, I saw this park and knew I needed to make time to actually take a wander there at some point. I love wandering through parks and breathing in the fresh air. One of those parks is the Seooreung Royal Tombs (고양 서오릉). If you’re looking for things to do in Goyang, or something to do near Eunpyeong-gu in the west of Seoul, check out this quiet area. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk…

  • National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관), Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea; view of Gyeongbokgung Palace from above
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    9 Places To Get A Great View of Seoul From Above

    Looking for the best views in Seoul, Korea? We’ve got the list for you. Seoul Sky Observatory is so worth the ticket price in my opinion, BUT if you want a few other options that will make that trip to Seoul very budget friendly, here is a good list of places to check out. They may not be as tall, because the Seoul Sky Observatory is way… way up there, but these buildings in Seoul will give you some great cityscape and tall perspectives of the streets of Seoul. Get ready to get an observatory view of Seoul, Korea. If you’re looking to check out the Seoul Sky Observatory, get…

  • Gyeongbokgung Subway Station, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    What To Do In Seochon Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

    There are some fantastic things to see in downtown Seoul near Gyeongbokgung Palace and most tourists to Seoul miss some great ones entirely. Generally tourists visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, head east from the biggest palace in Seoul and visit Bukchon Hanok Village. This is totally understandable, but Seochon (서촌), the neighborhood to the west of main palace in Seoul is cool too and a bit more popular with the locals. Let’s check out some of the best things to see west of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seochon, or Tongin-dong. What to do and eat in the Seochon Village: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a…

  • Korean Jesa Ceremony, Seollal, Lunar New Year, Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험),  Korean Culture (한국 문화),  Life In Korea (한국의 삶)

    What To Do If You’re Staying In Seoul For Seollal 2027

    This year, 2027, Seollal, or the Lunar New Year, falls on February 7, 2027. Seollal is a big family holiday here in Korea so it’s important to know what to expect, what is open and what is closed. Most Koreans head back to their hometowns to see family and if they celebrate in the traditional fashion will wake very early in the morning and hold a ceremony to pay respects to their ancestors in which they will dress in traditional Korean clothing, or Hanbok, and bow to an altar table set with all kinds of food including meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. My Korean family will partake in this very…

  • Moment Coffee, Hongdae, Brunch Restaurant, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Best Brunch In Hongdae: Local Picks For Pancakes, Bagels and Build-Your-Own Sets

    Brunch places galore. It seems like that’s what the Hongdae vicinity has become, and it’s pretty stunning to me because I’ve been living in the area for the past nine years and for most of that time, good brunch spots were nearly impossible to find. A few would pop up and then disappear. Now they are in full force, and deliciously so. If you’re in the area and want good food in the morning, I highly recommend coming over early, when the night crowd has skedaddled and the coffee drinkers have taken over. The streets feel different before noon in Hongdae and it’s one of my favorite ways to experience…

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