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Spicy Korean Food Guide: How Hot Is Korean Cuisine, Really?

Have you ever heard a Korean person say, “맵지만 맛있어” (It’s spicy but delicious) — with tears in their eyes and sweat dripping from their forehead? If you’re traveling to Korea and wondering whether you’ll survive local dishes like tteokbokki or buldak, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: Korean spicy food isn’t just about pain — it’s about flavor, pride, and yes… sometimes a little masochism. Let’s dive into what makes Korean spicy food so special — and how you, as a visitor, can enjoy the heat without burning out.   It’s Not Just Heat — It’s a Whole Experience Korean spiciness isn’t like the sudden, explosive fire of Mexican habanero or the dry, scorching heat of Indian chili powder. It’s layered. Often, the spice is built on fermented flavors like gochujang (red chili paste), garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce. It doesn’t punch you in the face at first bite — it creeps in, builds up, and then BAM — you’re sweating. But for many Koreans, that’s the point. Spicy food is a...

Should You Fill Out Korea’s E-Arrival Card 3 Days Before? And What If You're Staying in Multiple Hotels?

 If you’re planning your first trip to South Korea—especially in the early autumn months—you’ve likely already stumbled upon a confusing little detail in your travel checklist: the e-Arrival Card. “What is it? Do I have to fill it out? And when exactly?” These were my questions too. I was traveling with my family in early September, and we had an itinerary that took us across half the country—from Seoul to Gimpo, to Jeju Island, then up through Busan. We weren’t sure which hotel to list, or whether it was too early to submit the form. Here's what I found out—and what will hopefully save you time and stress. 📋 What Exactly Is the E-Arrival Card for Korea? The Korea Electronic Arrival Card is a short digital form that replaces the traditional immigration slip you used to fill out on the plane. You provide basic information: passport details, travel dates, your accommodation address in Korea, and a contact number. It’s not the same as the K-ETA visa waiver (which many travelers also...

What to Do If You Get Sick in South Korea: A 2025 Guide for Tourists

 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...

5 Scenic Hiking Trails Near Seoul That Made Me Fall in Love with Korea’s Outdoors

I came to Seoul expecting temples, food markets, neon signs—and I got all that. But what I didn’t expect? That I'd fall head over heels for its hiking trails. It started one chilly spring morning when I randomly followed locals in hiking gear onto a subway car. I ended up on a short, surprisingly peaceful trail on Inwangsan, with the entire city below me glowing under the sun. That single moment—wind in my hair, silence in my ears, and a 360-degree view of Seoul—changed everything. Since then, I’ve been chasing that feeling. If you’re craving a breath of fresh air (literally) on your Korea trip, here are 5 trails that gave me more than just great photos—they gave me stories. 1. 🏞️ Inwangsan (for Sunset and Shamanic Energy) Ever wondered what Seoul looks like at sunset from a mountaintop just 20 minutes from downtown? Inwangsan is your answer. 🕓 Time: ~1.5 hours round trip 🎒 Difficulty: Easy–Moderate 📍 Start Point: Dongnimmun Station (Line 3) I’ll never forget watching the sun d...

I Used Chingu Mobile SIM Card in Korea — for First-Time Visitors

When I first planned my trip to Korea, I expected SIM cards to be a straightforward thing. But after about ten minutes of research, I found myself in a rabbit hole of options—eSIMs, physical SIMs, airport booths, courier delivery—and honestly, it got overwhelming fast. I eventually chose Chingu Mobile , not because someone told me it was the best, but because it looked beginner-friendly. And since I’d never set up an eSIM before, that mattered a lot to me. Now that I’ve used it for two weeks across Seoul and Busan, I wanted to share how it actually went—what worked, what could’ve been better, and what I wish I knew before I arrived. Why I Ended Up Choosing Chingu Mobile I wasn’t looking for the cheapest SIM, just one that would work without much fuss. Their site was in English, they offered both physical SIMs and eSIMs, and the airport pickup instructions were really clear. I went with the 15-day unlimited eSIM , mostly because I didn’t want to deal with opening my phone and finding a ...