Explore Korea Now

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...

 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...

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...

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...