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The Anyang Art Park: Fun, Forests and It’s Free!
The Anyang Art Park (안양예술공원) just outside of Seoul, Korea is one of those places that makes its rounds in the blogosphere almost every year. It’s always fun and always provides cool photos for whoever wants to head south from Seoul just in to Gyeonggi-do. Because of that, I was sort of laughing at myself for taking so long to enjoy the place that is so enjoyable. Make sure to check out the awesome art installations and there ARE a couple maps I’ve been able to find in this post as well. Good luck adventuring to Anyang! Skip around and get all of the info you need to plan your…
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7 Places To Get A Great View of Seoul From Above For FREE
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 Seoul will give you some great cityscape and tall perspectives of the streets of Seoul. If you’re looking to check out the Seoul Sky Observatory, get your tickets online before you go. You don’t have to wait…
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What To Do If You’re Staying In Seoul For Seollal 2024
This year, 2024, Seollal, or the Lunar New Year, falls on February 10th. 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 tradition…
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The Best Places To Eat Brunch In Hongdae
Brunch places galore. It seems like that’s what the Hongdae vicinity is these days. It’s pretty stunning to me because I’ve been living in the area for the past 9 years and gosh darn it if brunch restaurants were next to none for most of that time. Sure there were a few that popped up and then disappeared but now, they are in full force and deliciously so. If you’re in the area and want some good eats in the morning, and I highly recommend coming over to the area in the morning when the hoodlums have skedaddled and the coffee drinkers have taken over, check out these brunch places…
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Every Single Day: Korean Dramas & Olympic Dreams
Sometimes I forget that I have a front row seat to everything Every Single Day. I assume everyone else knows what they’re up to so seldom write about the band or what my husband is doing with the band. If you follow me on Instagram, then you’ll know that I shared in an Insta-story a bit back that my husband was in the hospital with pneumonia which he basically got because he had bronchitis but was so busy recording and preparing for concerts that he neglected himself. To say he’s been busy is an understatement. That’s not a bad thing when done right though. My husband is a guitarist in…
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Namyangju: Strawberry Picking, Abandoned Train Stations & Snow!
There’s a small peninsula that juts out into the Han River where it splits into two rivers just east of Seoul in Namyangju and that is where we found strawberries, abandoned train stations and more this past weekend. If you’re looking for some place that isn’t too far out of the city but will afford you with fresh air, great views and some fun too, then keep reading and look for Nungnae Station, strawberry farms, and even some good food! Plan a trip to Namyangju: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you.…
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Sewoon Plaza, Reborn as Makercity Sewoon
When walking down the streets of Seoul, Korea it’s common to notice only what is on the street level nearest you, but there is always so much more to see. Buildings with rooftops, decorated seating, and cool vibes abound and few find them. Want a view out over the Jongno area? You must find Sewoon Sangga (세운상가), also known as Sewoon Plaza and revamped into Makercity Sewoon. Sewoon means “attracts all the energy of the world” and it seems like it does, no matter which of the names above you end up using. The market went from boom to bust and it’s about to go to boom again. Learn more…
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New Parks Featuring Trains, Battleships & More In Seoul!
There is always something to see and do in Seoul and people are forever asking me how I know what’s going on. I just keep my ear to the ground I suppose. I also have good friends who are also in the know and it often happens that I hear about one thing, they hear about another in the same area and a great day trip comes out of it. Here are a few transportation based adventures I’ve had recently that you should know about. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you.…
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Christmas In Seoul: The 2017 Holiday Guide To Markets, Lights & Events!
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AN UPDATED 2018 HOLIDAY GUIDE AT THIS LINK HERE! The Christmas season has begun and with that everyone is in search of where to get the holiday goods, gifts and more. I culled this list of markets to check out with mulled wine to quench the holiday thirst, gardens with twinkling lights and events with chili cook-offs and every other holiday event I could find. What will you get into this holiday season? (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,…
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Seongsu-dong: A Guide To The Brooklyn Of Seoul
The shoe district that has become the “it” spot to hang out in Seoul, Korea what with the warehouses being converted to art spaces and cafes and the boutique shops has something around every corner. Where to begin in Seongsu-dong?! Some have even called it the “Brooklyn of Seoul” so I knew I’d like it before I even got over there. Everywhere you look there is street art celebrating the district known for shoe factories and design and now with more artists moving in, there is bound to be ever more creative hot spots to appreciate. Young creatives started heading to the area back in 2011 due to the low…
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Korean Superstitions & Halloween Events
It is the season of superstitions, gruesome tales of death and dismemberment and scary costumes. Superstitions (미신) change from country to country and culture to culture so while stepping on a crack may not break your mother’s back in Korea, whistling while you walk just might! Are you ready for Halloween in Korea? It’s a bit different, but still fun fun fun! Celebrate Halloween in Korea or just learn about the Korean superstitions you should be aware of, or beware of. We like to get out and about have fun with the rest of them so I’ve compiled some of the popular Korean superstitions to beware of this holiday season…
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Heyri Art Village In Paju: A Guide To The Sights, Sounds & Eats
Intriguing places, pretty cafes and art too is what you’ll find if you head north into Paju to the delightful artsy spot known as Heyri Art Village (헤이리 예술마을). This is just one thing to do in Paju, but there is really a ton! The Heyri Art Village is less than an hour northwest and was the vision of a book publisher many years back. Home to photographers, painters, artists of all kinds, musicians, architects and writers means it is quirky, artsy and very fun as well as home to galleries, museums and more. To give you an idea about where to start in this eye catching village check out…
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The Prettiest Autumn Spot In Korea: Yangju’s Nari Park
Having lived in Korea for more than a decade, I have seen A LOT of this country and I can honestly say Yangju’s Nari Park (양주나리공원) is one of the prettiest places I’ve seen in the whole country of South Korea. There are numerous parks around the country and each is a bit different in what they offer. Nari Park in Yangju just north of Seoul is purely for the flower lover within you. Expansive plot after plot of curated flowers await in colors like purples, pinks, oranges and bright reds. As the autumn sun heats up the days with cool breezes blowing in, this is where to go to appreciate…
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Housing & Money: A Guide To Getting A Place In Korea
Having lived in Korea for ten years, I’ve gone though numerous housing arrangements. I started off living in school provided housing which worked out fabulously for my first year and have gone from renting to now owning while in Korea. My second job was horrible, the owner didn’t even look into finding me the housing that was promised until a month in (I slept on an amazing friend’s floor during that time) so I ended up taking a flat cash stipend and found my own room to rent from someone. It was during that time that I learned just how horrible it could have been to live in school provided…
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16 Cafes Making A Statement in Hongdae
Café hopping is one of the ultimate past times to have if you visit or live in Seoul, Korea. It’s just utterly amazing how many interesting and new cafes there are are ALWAYS! Korea has unique design concepts and quirky fun cafes too. If you’re visiting Seoul, every day should have at least one interesting cafe stop. If you live in Seoul, then you KNOW you have to get out to see a cool cafe once awhile if not more. Here is a list of the coolest and best cafes to check out in the Hongdae / Hapjeong area of Seoul. This district is known for the young college crowd…
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Hamdeok Beach: The Idyllic Place To Stay on Jeju Island
Jeju Island is the best place in South Korea to visit in the summer months in Korea. There are plenty of beaches to explore and museums and fun indoor sites too. Our favorite place to stay and what I would consider one of the best beaches on Jeju Island, the white sandy Hamdeok Beach is so inviting. When you’re stuck between the city buildings of Seoul and the clear blue waters of Jeju are calling, this is where you’ll want to stay in Jeju. It is too enticing to pass up. Looking for a beautiful and also kid friendly area on Jeju Island? Definitely check out Hamdeok Beach on Jeju’s…