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The Soul of Seoul | Operation High Jinks Recap
This past weekend I hosted an AMAZINGLY fun event called “Operation High Jinks”. A bit Amazing Race missions, a bit Running Man hysterics and a bit scavenger hunt clues, it was a race planned to introduce attendees to Korea of today in a fun way. Not only did teams get to meet local Koreans and cook Kimchi jeon (Kimchi pancakes), they got to meet a local photographer and get a photo, meet some local expat entrepreneurs and more. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking. Thank you for your support.) Finding things unique to Korea like dressed…
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The Seoul Sky Observatory: Tallest Building in Korea
The Seoul Sky Observatory (서울스카이), the third highest observatory in the world but featuring the highest glass deck in the world, sits in Lotte World Tower. It is easily a must see spot in Seoul and should make it into the top 10 things to see in Seoul every time. If you’re looking for the most amazing view of the Seoul skyline, then this is the tower you should be seeking out on your next trip to Seoul as you can get panoramic views and you’ll literally be standing higher than the helicopters that check the traffic are flying down below. On clear days, you can see as far as…
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The Trickeye Museum: Augmented Reality
[TRICKEYE in Hongdae is CLOSED] The Trickeye Museum in Hongdae, Seoul recently updated their already 3D fun space with augmented reality that literally brings the awesome paintings to life and I just had to see it for myself. While the paintings on the walls are the same as they were when I visited at the end of 2015 with my daughter who was just 1, they’ve been given new life with a new app that shows off the augmented reality of the paintings. For more pictures of the paintings, check out that older post about Trickeye revamped. Basic Info Address: 357-1 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 홍익로3길 20) Directions: Go to…
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Vineworks: Interactive Wine Tasting in Seoul
Looking for a wine bar in Hongdae? A great place to have a wine tasting in Seoul to learn about wines? When it comes to wine, Ian Ashworth is not only knowledgeable but he is super enthusiastic in making wine as approachable as possible and that’s why he founded Vineworks. If you’re on the lookout for a Seoul wine bar, Vineworks is a fabulous place to try different wines, learn about wine, and eat delicious food whether you’re going to an event or attending just for dinner with some friends. Learn about Vineworks, a Seoul wine bar that does tastings and more: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I…
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15 Hot Spots In Mangwon-dong For Eats & Treats
Mangwon-dong in Seoul, Korea sits just a subway stop away from the night out artsy district known as Hongdae. The districts around this university art and music neighborhood have been getting more and more hype because cool places are moving out of Hongdae, likely due to high rent prices, and moving into Mangwon and other nearby districts. Yeonnam-dong is another nearby neighborhood that has experienced a boom in the past couple of years. The area is now host to a beautiful park as well as foodie hot spots and neat cafes. Mangwon is Yeonnam’s understated little brother, but he’s piping up for attention! Since my husband has had a studio in the area…
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Nest Hotel: A Modern Hotel Near Incheon International Airport
Looking to have a weekend away in Incheon without much fuss and loads of chic and modern aesthetic appeal, I began my search by checking the Design Hotels properties in Korea knowing that they have properties around the world that are amazingly interesting to stay in. Nest Hotel is one of the best hotels near Incheon International Airport and you’d be surprised how much there is to actually do on the island that the airport is located on. Whether you’re a tourist in Korea or looking for a staycation, this is a great hotel to do it. Have a great stay at Nest Hotel in Incheon, Korea: (This post contains…
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Korea Kids Cafes: Pororo The Little Penguin
Pororo the Little Penguin was first introduced to Korea’s child audience in 2003 and since has grown into quite the big man on campus… though he hasn’t seemed to age one day on screen. From Pororo Kids Cafes to Pororo cutlery and dishes, they’ve pretty much got the market cornered in South Korea and every single child here starts their interest in cartoons with this penguin and his crew. There’s no end to the joy to be had and there are plenty of things to do with kids in Seoul and kids cafes are just one of them. If your kid loves Pororo though, definitely take them to a Pororo…
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Fish Markets In Seoul: Noryangjin and More!
Again and again, I’m asked for information on the Noryangjin Fish Market. How to get there, what to order and how to make the most of a trip there. I’ll be honest, I’ve been there a handful of times and though it is the most popular fish market in the Seoul, I just want to say that it isn’t the ONLY fish market in the city and definitely not the only fish market in Korea. Noryangjin is the most centrally located of the fish markets in Seoul so I’ll give all of the info you need to know to get in, around, and up and down in the space but…
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Can I See Snow In Seoul In The Winter?
I cannot count the number of times I’ve seen this question pop up in my inbox. If you’re traveling to Korea in the winter and wondering if you’ll get to see snow in Seoul or just wondering where to see snow in Korea at all, I get it. Snow is a quintessential part of winter and if you’ve traveled from a warmer country, I totally understand the interest. You might get lucky and see snow in Seoul, but if you want to see snow for sure, I’ve created a list of places to see snow in Korea and detailed the best snow-covered sights. From winter festivals in Korea to snowcapped…
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Where To Eat In Myeongdong: 90 Years Of History At Hadongkwan
While the majority of visitors to the hopping shopping district of Myeongdong are there looking for the newest shiniest thing from apparel to cosmetics, there is more to Myeongdong than meets the eye. Walk down the alleys in the area and you’ll find the newest of shopping vendors and stores, but you’ll also find some old gritty spots that have lasted the test of time. Looking for something to eat in Myeongdong? You should definitely find the tried and tested Hadongkwan (하동관). This Korean soup restaurant is delicious… you’ll see. How you know a restaurant is good? It’s old and only has a few things on the menu: (This post…
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Line Friends: The Cutest Stores In Seoul
Always on the lookout for cute things in Seoul and fun shops, of course when the LINE FRIENDS stores started popping up, we had to check them out. These stores looks very kid friendly with huge teddy bears, ducks, bunnies and other furry friends in the windows and decorating the doorway so walking by with a two year old and NOT entering was NOT an option. If you’re on the lookout for LINE FRIENDS stores in Seoul, you’re in luck, because there are a number of them. BUT, only a few have the big characters to take pictures with AND all of the LINE FRIENDS products you could want. Get…
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The Complete Guide To Celebrating The Holidays In Seoul, Korea
In the States it seems like everyone has started putting up their holiday decorations well before even Thanksgiving has passed. Once that was taboo but these days clearly what was taboo is not anymore (you know what I’m referring to, right?). In Korea, sometimes you can be hard pressed to see any holiday decor to get into the spirit before or after Christmas. It is there, if you know where to look though! (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking. These funds go to maintain the site… and if there’s any left over, to a bottle of…
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10 Years In Korea: How I’ve Lived Abroad For A Decade Happily
Living abroad is amazing, scary, enlightening, humorous, lonely and from there the list of adjectives could just go on and on. Traveling abroad is one thing but most that take the adventure know that at some point they’ll go home which can effect an entire outlook on how they experience a place. Living abroad takes a whole host of adjustments and immeasurable levels of acceptance in many ways. (This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click on them and purchase something, I will get a percentage of the transaction at no cost to you. Thanks for the support!) I wrote an article for Groove Korea Magazine in October…
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Lights, Art & Interaction: The Future Of Theme Parks At Team Lab World In Seoul
teamLab World just opened in Seoul, Korea in August and it is mesmerizing in the best immersive way. (UPDATE: teamLab is no longer in Seoul.) The interactive play place is fun for children and adults and has activities in every corner of the space appealing to the eyes at every turn. Upon entrance, guests are thrust into the depths of a futuristic fun world. Guides in each space invite everyone to partake in the fun by playing, exploring and learning through movement, drawing, hopping, jumping, skipping, sliding and all other haphazard methods that could lead to exploration and amusement. (This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click on…
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caFACE: A Selfie Obsession Of The Latte Variety
In a selfie obsessed world, why not dive in and start sticking that face on every other thing under the sun including the latte that you savor in the cafe up the road? I’m not anti selfie, do NOT get me wrong. I’ve been known to take a few. Hey, I took a selfie of myself holding a latte with a selfied photo of me in this here post. How often can one even do that? I dare say the chances are slim that most will ever be able to do this but if you’re in Seoul, then you’ve got better chances than most. A Seoul cafe with the sole…
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Compromise, Acceptance & Happiness In A Multicultural Marriage
Five years! We are celebrating our five year anniversary this year.. well actually at the beginning of next year. Okay, that’s confusing. Five years ago in October of 2011, we wed in traditional Korean fashion down in Busan, Korea. While the ceremony was colorful, interesting and fun, we also wed stateside in Ohio in January of 2012. We actually celebrate our wedding anniversary in January using our American ceremony date, BUT that doesn’t stop me from reminiscing over our Korean ceremony each year come the autumn foliage and cool breezes in October. Just look at us all done up in those gorgeous Korean traditional duds! Getting into them required a…