“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…
Walking into a Buddhist temple for the first time, I was blown away by the blanket of color hanging overhead. The sun bounced off endless rows of paper lanterns, creating an ethereal kaledioscope of color that swayed gently in the May breeze. With such a vibrant atmosphere, everyone’s spirits seemed to lift as they entered…
Most people associate cherry blossoms with springtime in Korea but you’d be remiss not to pay attention to the amazing Getbol that also comes to life around the same time. Getbol, or tidal mud flats of southwestern Korea, may not be high on your list of must-see places. However, this Unesco World Heritage site is…
On my first trip to Gyeongju, I remember being surprised to see such large mounds of earth protruding from the fields. Later, I learned that these mounds were more than just man-made hills but, in fact, the ancient burial chambers for Korea’s elite and royal. While such views have become more commonplace since living in…
An Overview of Korea in May In Korea, May transforms into an unofficial “Family Month,” a time when the celebrations of Children’s Day and Parent’s Day infuse the calendar with warmth and connection. This is a month of exquisite weather, bringing people outdoors for memorable adventures. And while the cherry blossoms may have concluded their…
Even after twenty years of living in the US, I call my annual trips to Korea “going home.” My teenage daughter, however, describes the same trip as “visiting Korea.” Herein lies the difference in our attitudes – mine is to reconnect with family and friends while hers is to explore new places and experiences. Luckily,…