Explore Korea Now

 So, your flight’s booked, your suitcase is open, and the excitement is building—you're going to South Korea! But then the practical stuff creeps in: Wait, should I exchange my money now or when I land? It’s one of those nagging travel questions that no one talks about until it’s too late and you’ve lost a chunk of your budget to bad exchange rates. Let’s not let that happen. Here’s a guide that walks you through the real options—based on 2025 realities—with the goal of saving your money and giving you peace of mind before your trip. 1. Should You Exchange Money Before Leaving Home? Let’s be honest—there’s a certain comfort in having some cash in your wallet before you step on the plane. But here’s the deal: exchanging large amounts of money at your local bank or airport counter usually means you’ll pay more and get less. Better idea? Just swap enough to get through the first few hours—maybe $50 to $100 in Korean won. That’ll cover a coffee at the airport, a subway ticket, or you...

 Traveling is exciting, but catching a cold or dealing with unexpected stomach pain in a foreign country can quickly become stressful—especially when you’re unsure how to find help. If you’re planning a trip to South Korea in 2025 and wondering what happens if you get sick, don’t worry. Korea’s healthcare system is efficient, foreigner-friendly, and easy to navigate—if you know a few key details. This guide covers exactly what you need to know: from how to find a pharmacy, when to go to a clinic vs. a hospital, and how to handle language barriers—all based on updated, real-world information for 2025. 1. Should You Be Worried About Getting Medical Help in Korea? Not really. South Korea has one of the most advanced medical systems in the world, and even as a tourist, you can access both public and private services. Most major hospitals have International Clinics with English-speaking staff, and many pharmacists in city centers can offer basic help in English or with translation apps...

As of March 2025, political tensions surrounding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol have led to frequent public protests across central Seoul. Every weekend, both pro- and anti-impeachment demonstrations take place in key locations such as Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul City Hall Plaza, the National Assembly area in Yeouido, and in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho. For foreign travelers, understanding where and when to avoid certain areas can help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Korea’s capital. Why Are These Protests Happening? The recent movement to impeach President Yoon has deeply divided public opinion in Korea, resulting in regular rallies organized by both conservative and progressive groups. Gwanghwamun and City Hall are highly symbolic political zones where demonstrations frequently occur. Some rallies—particularly those organized by far-right groups—include aggressive chanting, nationalistic displays (such as waving U.S. and Kore...

So you’re vegetarian—and you’re heading to South Korea. I know exactly how that feels. When I was planning my trip, I read every blog, watched every vlog, and still had this pit in my stomach: Will I find anything to eat besides white rice and lettuce? The short answer? Yes, absolutely. But it takes a little prep and a lot of curiosity. Let me walk you through what I learned (the easy way and the hard way) so you can enjoy Korea without constantly worrying about your next meal. What Being Vegetarian Means in Korea First, let’s get this out of the way: in Korea, the word “vegetarian” doesn’t always mean what you think it means. Unless you say “no meat, no fish, no seafood, no animal broth,” your bibimbap might still come with anchovy stock or beef toppings. What helped me: I carried a translation card that said exactly what I couldn’t eat in Korean. You can print one from websites like Vegan Korea or use apps like HappyCow that offer phrase translations. I even learned to say: 고기, 생...

Planning your first trip to Korea? Seoul is a vibrant and exciting city, but like any major tourist destination, it has a few things to watch out for. One of the most common issues that travelers face—especially foreigners—is being approached by religious recruiters who often disguise their intentions with friendly conversation. Let me share my personal experience with this and give you some helpful tips to stay safe while enjoying Korea. 🗺️ Where It Happened: A Busy Street in Seoul This happened in Hongdae , one of Seoul’s most popular areas for tourists and young locals. It’s known for shopping, street performances, and cool cafes. But it’s also a common spot for tourist-targeted scams . As I was walking near Hongdae Station, two people came up to me with big smiles and said in English, “Excuse me, do you have a minute? We’re doing a cultural survey.” 🕵️ What Happened Next: The Approach At first, it seemed harmless. They asked a few generic questions and then invited me to a...

Want to go beyond sightseeing? This guide is for travelers who don’t just want to visit Korea—they want to experience it like locals do . Instead of hitting only the tourist hotspots, this post introduces everyday activities, neighborhoods, and tips that allow you to live a slice of real Korean life, even if just for a few days. 🌿 1. Start Your Morning Like a Seoulite Forget Starbucks. Begin your day at a neighborhood coffee shop where real locals go. Order a sweet potato latte or dalgona coffee and enjoy slow time watching morning commuters. 🏥 Local picks: Anthracite (Hapjeong) Cafe Onion (Seongsu) Perception (Yeonnam-dong) 🛍️ 2. Shop at a Traditional Market Skip the convenience stores and head to a traditional market where locals buy their groceries and meals. 🚗 Experience tips: Mangwon Market: Try bindaetteok, soondae, and seasonal fruits Gwangjang Market: Grab a stool and share a table with strangers over mayak gimbap 🍣 3. Eat Where Office Workers Eat Instead of touristy B...