Explore Korea Now

Escape the city noise and step into the serene embrace of Korea’s hanok villages this winter. Discover five traditional stays where culture, history, and silence meet. When winter falls in Korea, it brings more than just snowflakes — it brings quiet. A hush that covers rooftops, streets, and even the hearts of those wandering through the cold. For some, that’s the perfect time to travel — not to the bustling cities, but to somewhere older, quieter, and deeply Korean. That’s where hanok villages come in. These aren’t museums, nor are they built for show. They are living, breathing spaces — some dating back hundreds of years — where tiled roofs cradle snow and wooden floors remember the warmth of a family meal. And if you’re looking to feel Korea’s soul beyond K-pop and neon lights, you might find it in the creak of a wooden door in one of these villages. Let’s take you through five of the most atmospheric hanok destinations — not just places to visit, but places to stay, reflect, and re...

Planning a family trip to Korea with your toddler? Learn how other parents successfully stayed in guesthouses—budget-friendly, safe, and toddler-approved. “Wait… you're traveling to Korea with a 3-year-old and staying in guesthouses?” We heard this a lot. Maybe you're asking yourself the same thing as you plan your family adventure. And we get it—traveling with toddlers means less flexibility, more planning, and a whole lot of sleep negotiations. But here's the truth: guesthouses in Korea can actually be a perfect choice for family travelers—if you know what to look for. Why We Chose Guesthouses for Our Family Trip to Korea Before becoming parents, we backpacked across continents and stayed in 40-bed dorms without hesitation. With a toddler? No chance. Suddenly, comfort, quiet, and cleanliness became priorities. But we were also traveling Korea for 4 weeks. Booking hotels every night? Not in our budget. We wondered: Are private guesthouse rooms in Korea family-friendly, saf...

 When I first started planning my trip to South Korea, one question kept nagging at me: How would I survive without speaking Korean—or even English fluently? I was planning this adventure with my family, none of us bilingual, and I couldn’t help but worry. Would we be able to ask for directions? Order food? Check into a hotel without awkward stares or misunderstandings? Turns out, we weren’t alone in wondering this. Many travelers—especially from French-speaking countries like mine—face the same fear: “Can I travel in Korea without speaking Korean or English?” So let me reassure you right away: yes, you can. And you might be surprised at how much fun you’ll have doing it. 📱 Your Best Friend: Papago, Not Google Translate Before the trip, someone recommended I download Papago , a Korean-made translation app. I didn’t expect much—but wow. It’s built specifically for Korean, and honestly, it outperforms Google Translate, especially when it comes to casual phrases and signs. We used...

 Have you ever been approached by a smiling stranger while traveling? Maybe they ask where you're from, say your energy seems peaceful, and mention a project on “global harmony.” Sounds kind of nice, right? That’s exactly how it started for me—in a quiet Seoul park near a university. The woman was friendly, polite, and spoke fluent English. But something about the conversation felt... scripted. I later found out I had narrowly avoided one of South Korea’s more subtle tourist traps: religious recruitment targeting foreigners. Let me walk you through what I experienced—and what I wish someone had told me before I landed in Korea. 🎯 Why You? If you’re new in town, maybe traveling alone, you’re likely open to connection. You’re navigating a new culture, maybe even looking for meaningful interactions. Recruiters know that. That’s why they look for foreign tourists and students, especially those who seem approachable. You’ll often be approached in: University parks (like near Hongdae or...

 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...

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...

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...

South Korea, known for its dynamic culture, global entertainment exports like BTS and 'Squid Game,' and modern infrastructure, recently witnessed an unprecedented event—a brief but shocking military martial law declaration. Although it lasted only six hours and was swiftly overturned by civilian resistance and democratic institutions, it has left many foreign travelers questioning the country’s current stability. Now that one month has passed since the lifting of martial law, many visitors are asking: Is South Korea safe to visit now? Have tensions fully subsided? This guide provides an objective analysis of South Korea's current safety situation, highlights areas to avoid, and recommends alternative locations for a smooth and enjoyable trip. 1. Understanding the Recent Martial Law Incident On the night of the incident, the unexpected military action led to concerns about democracy and governance in South Korea. However, the event was not an indication of long-term instabi...