Discover Korea Now

 If you are planning your first trip to Asia , chances are you are stuck between two countries: Korea and Japan . Both are safe, modern, easy to navigate, and famous for food. On paper, they look similar. In reality, they offer very different travel experiences . This article compares Korea and Japan from a traveler’s point of view, focusing on people, food, cost, transportation, and overall atmosphere , to help you decide which destination fits you best and which one you are less likely to regret. 1. People and Atmosphere: Your First Impression Matters Japan feels calm and controlled from the moment you arrive. Everything works as expected. Streets are orderly, rules are clear, and customer service follows a precise system. For first-time visitors to Asia, Japan feels safe and predictable . Even if you do not speak Japanese, the structure of daily life quietly guides you. Korea, on the other hand, feels more direct and energetic. People speak quickly, move fast, and interacti...

 When people think of Namdaemun Market in Seoul , they usually imagine souvenir shops, clothing stalls, and busy streets filled with tourists. Many travelers visit once, take a few photos, grab a snack, and move on. But the real soul of Namdaemun Market does not live on the main roads. It hides quietly in the narrow alleys. The kind of places you never enter unless you already know they exist. This post is about one of those places: a hidden food alley in Namdaemun Market where locals still line up every day, and tourists almost never notice. Not on the Map, Not in Guidebooks This food alley does not appear clearly on Google Maps. You will not find large signs saying “famous restaurant” or “must-visit spot.” Instead, what you see is something much more telling: a quiet line of locals forming around lunchtime . Office workers, market vendors, delivery drivers. People who eat here not for content, but for consistency. The entrance feels almost accidental. The alley is narrow,...

 Planning a first trip to Seoul? This practical 2–3 day guide groups 15 top attractions by area and time of day— palaces , hanok villages , markets , the Han River , nightlife, and nature—so you spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the city. Seoul is one of those cities where you can accidentally “over-plan” and end up riding the subway more than sightseeing. The simplest way to avoid that is to stop thinking in a checklist of places and start thinking in routes . When you group neighborhoods and match them with the right time of day (daytime culture, sunset views, night markets, etc.), Seoul becomes easy, fast, and surprisingly relaxing. Below is a first-timer-friendly guide to 15 best things to do in and around Seoul , organized to help you build an itinerary that feels full—without feeling exhausting. The 3 “Moods” That Make Seoul Click Most Seoul highlights fit into three categories. A good itinerary mixes two moods per day (not all three), so you don’t burn out...

Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year): Why Kids Love It—and Why Adults Feel Mixed Seollal (설날) is Korea’s Lunar New Year, and for many Koreans it feels like the real start of the year—even more than January 1st. Families gather, share traditional food, bow to elders, and exchange New Year wishes. At the same time, Seollal can feel totally different depending on your age : For kids, it’s often the happiest holiday of the year—full of treats, games, and New Year money . For adults, it can bring warmth and pressure—travel, expenses, and the famous “life update” questions from relatives. This guide explains the most important Seollal traditions (including tteokguk , sebae , and sebaetdon ) and why the holiday creates such a strong emotional contrast between children and grown-ups. If you’re visiting Korea during Lunar New Year, you’ll also find practical travel tips at the end. What Is Seollal? (Korea’s Lunar New Year in One Minute) Seollal is Korea’s major Lunar New Year holiday ...