Discover Korea Now

 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...

 Discover the best things to do in South Korea during winter — from snow-covered palaces in Seoul to seafood feasts in Busan and ski adventures in Gangwon-do . This 2025 Korea winter travel guide covers destinations, weather, food, and local tips for a perfect trip. Why Winter in Korea Is a Must-Experience Season Winter in South Korea is more than just cold weather — it’s a season of contrast and beauty. Between December and February , the entire country transforms: palaces shimmer under fresh snow, bustling markets fill with the scent of roasted chestnuts, and the mountains of Gangwon-do glisten like powdered sugar. Whether you’re drawn to city lights, coastal calm, or snowy adventures, winter in Korea offers a variety of experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Asia. From ice festivals to ski resorts, temple stays to street food tours, this guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy a cozy, unforgettable Korean winter. Korea’s Winter Weather by Month Korea’s win...

Korean Convenience Stores: Must-Visit Spots for Travelers | Korea Travel Tips  Discover how Korean convenience stores like CU and GS25 are transforming the travel experience for tourists. Learn why these stores are more than just snack stops—they’re full of local culture, essential services, and real travel support. Table of Contents How Convenience Stores Became a Traveler's Best Friend Your First Night in Korea: Jet Lag and Triangle Kimbap AI Translation in Korean Convenience Stores: Language Made Easy Korean Convenience Store Services That Save You Time Discovering Korean Culture Through Every Aisle Why These Little Shops Leave a Big Impression How Convenience Stores Became a Traveler's Best Friend If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, your checklist probably includes things like visiting palaces, trying street food, and catching a glimpse of K-pop culture. But let me add one more thing you might not expect to fall in love with: the convenience store. Yes, I’m talking ab...

  Your Perfect Trip to South Korea Planning your first trip to South Korea? I’ve been there—refreshing dozens of blog posts, trying to figure out how to get from the airport to my Airbnb without getting hopelessly lost, wondering whether I’d freeze in a temple courtyard in February or melt on a humid summer subway ride. So, instead of just throwing another checklist at you, I want to walk you through Korea the way I wish someone had done for me: with heart, humor, and the kind of honesty only a fellow traveler can offer. 🛬 First Stop: Arriving in Korea (and What to Expect) Let’s be real—Incheon International Airport is beautiful, but also a bit overwhelming if you’ve never been there. Immigration lines are efficient but long, and once you step outside, you’ll be hit with signage in Korean and people walking way faster than you expected. 🎯 What helps? Downloading a translation app (Papago works better than Google Translate here) and having a pre-activated SIM or eSIM. That mome...

When I first traveled to South Korea, I thought I was prepared. I had my SIM card ready, subway app downloaded, and a list of must-try foods. But what caught me off guard wasn’t the logistics—it was the subtle moments when I realized I didn’t quite know how to behave. A friendly Korean elder bowed slightly, and I awkwardly waved back. I almost walked into a traditional restaurant with my shoes on. And once, I reached out with one hand to pay at a café and got a quick lesson in manners from the barista’s kind but firm expression. If you’re planning your first trip to Korea and don’t want to learn these things the hard way (like I did), here are the cultural etiquette basics that helped me feel more comfortable and respectful while traveling. 🙇 How to Greet Someone (and What Not to Do) In Korea, people don’t shake hands the way they do in the West. A small bow or a slight head nod goes a long way, especially with elders or people in service roles. It doesn’t have to be deep—just a gest...