Explore Korea Now

 When I first landed in South Korea , I thought I knew what to expect: skyscrapers , K-pop , crowded streets in Seoul . But within days I discovered something deeper — places where silence, sea, temples , and small alleys whispered stories that no guidebook fully captures. If you’re planning a trip to Korea and want more than just the usual highlights, let me take you by the hand and lead you through the spots that touched my heart. These aren’t the most famous places (though some overlap), but those that unexpectedly became my favorites. In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences—why these sites moved me, what they felt like in the moment, and practical tips you can use. By the end, you’ll want to trace your own paths through mountains, riversides, and historic towns. 1. Escape to Nature: Bukhansan National Park — Seoul’s Green Secret Many visitors don’t realize that Seoul is cradled by gentle mountains. Bukhansan is one peak that always stayed with me. At first, I ass...

 When travelers search for information about South Korea, one of the first questions that often comes up is: “Is it safe?” If you’ve ever wandered the streets of Seoul or Busan , you probably noticed how different the atmosphere feels compared to big cities in the United States or Europe. Walking alone at midnight, riding the subway late at night, or even leaving your laptop in a café while you go to the restroom—things that might seem unthinkable elsewhere—are surprisingly normal here. Still, just because South Korea is statistically one of the safest countries in the world doesn’t mean every street or alley is equally welcoming, especially after dark. Think of it like this: even in New York , Tokyo , or Paris , you wouldn’t wander into certain neighborhoods at 3 a.m. without a second thought. South Korea has a few of those corners too—not dangerous in the “gangs and guns” sense, but places where a mix of alcohol, nightlife, or simply a lack of streetlights can make a traveler ...

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...

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...

  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...