The first time I heard the sound, I wasn’t sure what it was. My husband and I were strolling through the lush greenery of Seoul Forest when we heard a familiar “pop, pop, pop.” Curious, we followed the noise past the flower gardens and basketball courts—and there it was: a group of Koreans playing pickleball.…
The Budget Travel Dilemma It was the morning of my flight to Korea, and I was more anxious than usual. It was my first time flying a budget airline across the Pacific Ocean. I had always been loyal to Korean Air, or their American affiliate, Delta. But this time around, I had no idea what…
At the 47th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Paris last week, the Korean Peninsula claimed two new entries on the prestigious list of the greatest cultural and natural sites in the world. Mount Kumgang, North Korea’s mythic mountain range, and the Bangucheon petroglyphs in South Korea, an archaeological canvas of Neolithic life, add…
Some stories don’t begin with love at first sight. When I first learned that I’d been placed in Pohang for my U.S. Fulbright Korea English Teaching grant year, my heart sank. While I knew Seoul was off the table for any first-year grantee, I had hoped to be placed at least somewhere nearby. Pohang felt…
A few weeks ago, The New York Times reported that a deadly plane crash near Muan was caused by bird strikes. The birds involved were among the species that rely on the Getbol to survive. Scientists had warned for years that building airports in these areas would be dangerous. No one listened and worse, plans…
“Seoul is the best place in the world to shop for clothes!” My cousin’s claim seemed like just another example of Korean hyper-patriotism. After having studied in London and toured Europe, I was convinced that Seoul couldn’t hold a candle to fashion capitals like London, Paris, or NYC, especially in the cutting edge world of…
I live in what Koreans call the jin-jja shi-gol (진짜 시골), or the deep countryside, so whenever I get the chance to visit Seoul, I’m always seeking out new experiences. Growing up in a time when K-culture wasn’t well-known or considered cool, I’m still surprised by how many tourists visit now. It’s been fascinating to…
The jar’s curves are full yet simple. Its white color is pure but not cold, and its glaze shines warmly without being flashy. The humble Korean moon jar has captivated the world and is experiencing a huge resurgence in popularity. The international craze for moon jars first started in the UK. It began in 2006,…
With our bags checked and having passed through security at Gimhae Airport, I felt a sigh of relief as we sat in the chairs waiting for our flight to take off. This was my first trip to Japan, and I don’t think the waves of excitement hit until that moment. It was at that moment…
Call me biased, but South Korea should be at the top of your travel wish list. Beyond the allure of kimchi, K-Pop idols, K-Dramas, and remarkable skincare, you’ll discover a country steeped in rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. As a Korean Adoptee, I didn’t grow up in a ‘typical’ Korean family. While I learned…