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Gongdeok District In Seoul May Surprise You
There are some districts of Seoul that seem like straight forward business districts and nothing more. Gongdeok has always been one of those areas for me. I’d pass through the area on the way from Hongdae to Itaewon or visit when I was going down to Yeouido to see the annual fireworks festival, but until last year when I was working in Gongdeok, I hadn’t really stopped to look around. Glad I did though. While there are a ton of businesses in the area, there are also cool cafes, reclaimed spaces, and some good good good eats. So, if you are around and want to try something different, don’t hesitate…
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The New Zealand Wine Festival Is BACK in Seoul & Busan
The Kiwi Chamber is hosting the 11th annual wine festival here in Seoul on May 25th. After attending last year, I can say it’s one fun event so don’t miss out. I’ve cleared my calendar. Will you? Don’t worry if you don’t live in Seoul though, there is a second addition that is held down in Busan on June 8th. Hosted by the Grand Hyatt Hotel, the backdrop couldn’t be better in the spring. Stand next to the waterfall, grab a picnic blanket and lounge on the grass, or stand around a table as you sup on some delectable eats and of course sip on some wine, wine wine. If…
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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…
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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…
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The Hanok Village You’ve Probably Never Heard About In Seoul: The Eunpyeong Hanok Village
Everyone knows about the beautiful Hanok homes that make up Bukchon Hanok Village but have you heard of the Eunpyeong Hanok Village (은평한옥마을)? Considering Bukchon residents are looking to limit the number of tourists in and out of their area so they can enjoy more of a residential feel, I thought it high time to let you know about a little spot I found years ago. Actually, 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…
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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…
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Instagrammers In Seoul: This One’s For You!
It’s a wonder it took this long for someone to decide to make a business based solely on the -gram. But that is exactly what Instasia (인스타지아) seems to have done and good on them. Whether you like taking photos as a hobby or taking photos just for that Insta shot, this is the place for you. Instasia is one photo zone after photo zone after photo zone just outside of Seoul in Songdo, Incheon. It’s basically like you stepped into a studio with different sets but instead of getting the expensive photographer that comes with the studio, you have a friend take your photos, bring a tripod… or maybe bring…
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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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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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The Oil Tank Culture Park: A Cool Regeneration Project In Seoul
A plot of land sitting across from World Cup Stadium and the World Cup Parks system in Seoul, Korea is home to a surprisingly cool urban reformation project. Now named the Oil Tank Culture Park (문화비축기지), this park is an eye-appealing, if you like that industrial look, and eco-friendly site that uses six old oil reservoir tanks that were transformed for public use. While this isn’t your standard tourist site, it is really intriguing to people interested in urban regeneration, but also of interest if you want to know where local events and performances are held in Mapo-gu. Looking for something interesting to see near Hongdae? Check out this spot:…
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Yongma Land: The Abandoned Amusement Park in Seoul
Yongma Land (용마랜드) is a small failed amusement park in northeastern Seoul that has become popular with photographers and photo-op seeking teenagers in recent years. The abandoned amusement area offers some of the standard rides like the iconic carousel and the “Viking” as well as a mini train that is now covered in vines. Whether you’re looking for abandoned places in Seoul or want to film your own Kpop video to mimic your favorite artists, this is the place to go in Seoul. It’s not the most common addition to a Seoul itinerary, but it’s a cool spot if you want something unique in the capital of Korea. Plan a…
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Seoullo 7017: Where To Walk In Seoul, Korea
If you’re headed down to central Seoul, Korea and happen to be transiting through Seoul Station, then you cannot miss a walk along Seoullo 7017. This elevated pedestrian walkway completely changed the major roadway outside of the ever busy Seoul Station in 2017 and hosts events by day and light shows by night. There’s more to see around Seoul Station than most people realize and this is one thing that has gained a lot of attention not only for what it provides to see like the Seoullo 7017 Skygarden, but also what it provides a safe place to walk for pedestrians in the downtown Seoul area. If you’re headed downtown…
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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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Cheap Infinity Pool In Seoul: Take Your Kids This Summer
Are you ready to get outside and go swimming this summer in Seoul? The Nanji Water Playground (난지한강물놀이장) is probably the cheapest infinity pool in Seoul, Korea or anywhere else for that matter. And on top of that, it’s family friendly! If you want a great Han Riverside pool for kids, this is great. Let’s get swimming this summer in Seoul. There are quite a few awesome pools that sit along the Han River, but this is the only one, that I’m aware of, that is set up to emulate a beach slope heading out and then stops just short of the Han River. It’s picturesque, it’s fun, and it…
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Unhyeongung Palace: Perfect For Traditional Photos In Seoul
Unhyeongung Palace or Royal Residence (운현궁) sits quietly along the road just south of the touristy and popular Bukchon Hanok Village. This quaint and more rustic collection of historic Hanoks is easily accessible and if you want beautiful photos with Hanok buildings sans crowds, you should definitely visit Unyeongung Royal Residence. With five palaces in Seoul to choose from when visiting the capital of South Korea, it’s easy to head to the biggest and grandest of them all, Gyeongbukgung Palace, and call it a day. I often recommend the palace to tourists saying that if they’ve only a short time, it is a must see. That isn’t to say that…