All About Korea: Today's Picks

  Most first-time visitors to Seoul picture bright shopping streets, famous landmarks, and busy nightlife. Places like Myeongdong , Hongdae , and N Seoul Tower are wonderful, but after living in Seoul for more than 30 years, I've come to realize that my favorite nighttime memories weren't made at the city's busiest attractions. Instead, they came from quiet parks, riverside paths, and scenic viewpoints where I could slow down and simply enjoy Seoul after dark. I've lived near Hongdae for quite a while, and whenever life felt overwhelming, I often found myself taking evening walks instead of staying indoors. Watching the lights reflect on the Han River or standing quietly on a hill overlooking the city always helped clear my mind. When friends visit Korea from overseas, these are the places I genuinely want to show them—not because they're the most famous, but because they reveal a softer, more authentic side of Seoul. If you're looking for the best night views ...

  When people visit Seoul for the first time, they usually have the same places on their itinerary: Myeongdong Hongdae Gangnam N Seoul Tower These famous attractions absolutely deserve their popularity. But after living in Seoul for more than 30 years, I've found myself visiting a different kind of destination. Instead of crowded tourist hotspots, I now prefer places where I can slow down, clear my mind, and experience the city the way many locals do. Some of my favorite places are quiet walking trails, peaceful riverside parks, and neighborhoods where Seoul residents come simply to relax after work. Whenever friends from overseas ask me where they can experience the "real Seoul," these are the places I recommend. In this guide, I'll introduce five of my favorite hidden spots in Seoul that are easy to reach by subway, budget-friendly, and perfect for travelers looking for a quieter side of the city. Why Visit Seoul's Hidden Local Spots? One of the biggest surprise...

  When people think of Hongdae , they usually imagine crowded shopping streets, K-pop dance performances, and busy nightlife. While those are certainly part of its charm, they're only a small piece of what makes this neighborhood special. I've been living near Hongdae for quite a while now, and over the years I've discovered a different side of the area—quiet backstreets, cozy cafés, peaceful parks, and hidden corners that many visitors never see. When friends from overseas ask me where they can experience a more authentic side of Seoul without spending too much money, Hongdae is often my first recommendation. It's one of the easiest places in Seoul to enjoy a solo trip , whether you want to wander, relax in a café, or simply spend a day exploring at your own pace. In this guide, I'll share the budget-friendly Hongdae itinerary that I personally enjoy, along with practical travel tips for first-time visitors. Why Hongdae Is Perfect for Solo Travelers Hongdae is one...

  Whenever I want to slow down and reconnect with Korea's history, I often find myself visiting one of Seoul's museums. After living in Seoul for more than 30 years, I've visited most of the city's famous attractions countless times. Yet museums are among the few places I never get tired of returning to. When I feel nostalgic for traditional Korean life, I usually visit the National Folk Museum of Korea , located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Walking through its exhibits always reminds me of stories I heard from my grandparents and the everyday life of old Korea. Whenever I want to reflect on Korea's modern history, I head to the War Memorial of Korea . It is a place that not only tells the story of war but also reminds visitors of the value of peace. Recently, I have noticed many more international visitors at the National Museum of Korea . It's common to hear English, Japanese, Chinese, and many other languages while exploring the galleries. In my opinion, it ...

  Even after living in Seoul for more than 30 years, Myeongdong and Namsan are two places I still enjoy revisiting whenever I feel nostalgic. When I was a university student, my campus was just a short walk from Myeongdong. After class, my friends and I would wander through the shopping streets, try new restaurants, and browse the latest fashion trends. On pleasant afternoons, we often walked along the quiet trails behind our campus that led up Namsan Mountain. Sometimes we climbed all the way to N Seoul Tower , while on other days we took the Namsan Cable Car and enjoyed the city views without the uphill walk. Back then, Myeongdong was mostly filled with local shoppers. Today, it has become one of Seoul's busiest international tourist districts, attracting visitors from all over the world. Although the atmosphere has changed, I still believe it is one of the best places for first-time visitors to experience Seoul. If friends ask me for a one-day sightseeing itinerary in Seoul, I ...

  After living in Seoul for more than 30 years, I've visited many travel destinations and amusement parks across Korea. But whenever my friends and I decide to spend an entire day having fun, Everland is usually the first place that comes to mind. Although I don't visit every month, I try to go whenever the seasons change or a new festival begins. Spring brings millions of colorful tulips, summer features exciting water festivals, autumn transforms the park into a Halloween wonderland, and winter lights up with spectacular Christmas decorations. Every visit feels completely different. I've also taken several international friends there, and they all had the same reaction: "I had no idea Korea had a theme park this big!" In recent years, Everland has become even more famous worldwide thanks to its beloved giant panda family , making it one of the most popular attractions for international visitors. If you're planning your first visit, here's everything you...

  If you've ever met international travelers in Seoul, you've probably noticed that many of them are thinking about more than just sightseeing. One question I hear surprisingly often is: "What's it really like to study Korean in South Korea?" Years ago, most people came because they loved K-pop or Korean dramas. Today, I meet many visitors whose goals are much broader—they want to earn a university degree, find a job in Korea, or even build a long-term life here. After living in Seoul for more than 30 years, I've watched the city become one of Asia's most popular destinations for international students. Walk around neighborhoods like Sinchon, Anam, or Hongdae, and you'll hear dozens of languages spoken by students attending Korean language institutes and universities. If you're considering studying in Korea, this guide will help you understand the differences between language programs and degree courses, estimated tuition fees, living costs, studen...

  One of the most surprising parts of visiting South Korea isn't always the famous tourist attractions—it's experiencing a Korean jjimjilbang . When international friends visit Korea for the first time, they usually look forward to things like: K-pop Han River Shopping in Myeong-dong Korean food But after their trip, many of them tell me that one of their most memorable experiences was actually spending time in a jjimjilbang. After living in Seoul for more than 30 years, visiting a jjimjilbang has become something I rarely think twice about. It's simply part of everyday life here. However, many foreign visitors tell me it feels like stepping into a scene from a Korean drama. A jjimjilbang is much more than a public bath. It's a unique place where you can relax, enjoy different types of saunas, eat traditional snacks, take a nap, and experience everyday Korean culture—all under one roof. If you're planning a trip to Seoul in 2026, here are some of the best jjimjilban...

  After living in Seoul for more than 30 years, I've noticed something about every Korean summer. As soon as the hot and humid weather arrives, many people start thinking about escaping to the East Coast. When my friends from overseas visit Korea, one of the questions they ask most often is: "Where can I find the most beautiful beaches in South Korea?" My answer is almost always the same. "Jeju Island is wonderful, but if you want to experience where Koreans actually spend their summer vacations, head to Korea's East Coast." The East Coast offers crystal-clear blue water, clean sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and breathtaking sunrises. It's one of my favorite places to escape the city whenever I need a break from Seoul. In this guide, I'll share the East Coast destinations I've personally visited and confidently recommend to first-time visitors looking for an authentic Korean summer experience. Why Visit Korea's East Coast? Unlike the busy stre...

  After living in Seoul for more than 30 years, I've taken many friends from overseas to famous attractions across Korea. While places like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village always impress first-time visitors, there's one destination that consistently earns the same reaction: "This feels like the real Korea." That place is Korean Folk Village (Yongin Korean Folk Village) . Unlike historical palaces that focus on royal life, Korean Folk Village recreates the everyday lives of ordinary people during the Joseon Dynasty. Walking through traditional villages, watching live cultural performances, trying authentic Korean food, and even wearing a hanbok all in one place makes it one of the most immersive cultural experiences in Korea. I still visit from time to time with friends, especially during spring and autumn. Every visit feels a little different because there are always seasonal events, performances, and festivals taking place. If you're planning your ...