Explore Korea Now

 magine exploring Korea, a country rich with thousands of years of history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. You're wandering through ancient temples, picturesque villages, and bustling modern cities, each place with a unique story to tell. Now picture this—what if your exploration could feel like a treasure hunt, guiding you deeper into Korea’s fascinating heritage and giving you memories that last forever? This isn't just an imaginative scenario; it's exactly what the "Korean Heritage Passport" offers travelers. Think of it as your personal adventure journal, encouraging you to discover Korea’s stunning cultural landmarks while collecting unique stamps as memorable keepsakes. How to Get Your Korean Heritage Passport Every year, from April to November, Korea rolls out the red carpet with its "Korean Heritage Passport Tour." On the 10th and 20th of each month at precisely 2 PM, travelers can apply online through the official Korean Heritage ...

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 trip to Korea this summer? Here's everything you need to know about navigating Seoul during the rainy season — from flood-prone tourist areas to practical travel tips. You’ve been dreaming about your summer escape to South Korea — maybe it’s your first time, or maybe you’re coming back because you fell in love with the food, the people, or the energy of Seoul. But just as you're building your itinerary and imagining the alleys of Ikseon-dong or the sunset from Namsan Tower, you stumble across the words: “rainy season.” Wait, what? Yes, Korea has a monsoon season — and it can catch unprepared travelers off guard. So before you zip up your suitcase and hop on that plane, let’s talk about what it really means to visit Korea in the summer months between June and July , when sunshine isn’t always guaranteed. ☔ So, When Exactly Is Korea’s Rainy Season? Unlike tropical countries with daily predictable rain, Korea’s monsoon season feels a little... emotional. It might be sun...

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...

 If you're planning a trip to South Korea and it's more than a quick stopover, you've probably already asked yourself: Should I book every hotel and Airbnb in advance—or can I just figure it out as I go? I’ve been there. It’s the kind of question that doesn’t seem urgent—until you're standing outside a fully booked guesthouse in the middle of a festival weekend with your suitcase, Wi-Fi that barely works, and not a single room in sight. To help you avoid that scenario, here’s what I wish I had known before my trip—along with advice from other travelers and locals who’ve done it all.  Is It Safe to Book Hotels As You Go? The good news: In big cities like Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or Daegu , it’s perfectly doable. With platforms like Booking.com , Agoda , and even Naver (if you're a little adventurous), you’ll have plenty of options at your fingertips. I’ve booked places the night before—or even the same day—with no issues. However, if you're hoping for specific areas ...

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...

So you’re vegetarian—and you’re heading to South Korea. I know exactly how that feels. When I was planning my trip, I read every blog, watched every vlog, and still had this pit in my stomach: Will I find anything to eat besides white rice and lettuce? The short answer? Yes, absolutely. But it takes a little prep and a lot of curiosity. Let me walk you through what I learned (the easy way and the hard way) so you can enjoy Korea without constantly worrying about your next meal. What Being Vegetarian Means in Korea First, let’s get this out of the way: in Korea, the word “vegetarian” doesn’t always mean what you think it means. Unless you say “no meat, no fish, no seafood, no animal broth,” your bibimbap might still come with anchovy stock or beef toppings. What helped me: I carried a translation card that said exactly what I couldn’t eat in Korean. You can print one from websites like Vegan Korea or use apps like HappyCow that offer phrase translations. I even learned to say: 고기, 생...

Want to go beyond sightseeing? This guide is for travelers who don’t just want to visit Korea—they want to experience it like locals do . Instead of hitting only the tourist hotspots, this post introduces everyday activities, neighborhoods, and tips that allow you to live a slice of real Korean life, even if just for a few days. 🌿 1. Start Your Morning Like a Seoulite Forget Starbucks. Begin your day at a neighborhood coffee shop where real locals go. Order a sweet potato latte or dalgona coffee and enjoy slow time watching morning commuters. 🏥 Local picks: Anthracite (Hapjeong) Cafe Onion (Seongsu) Perception (Yeonnam-dong) 🛍️ 2. Shop at a Traditional Market Skip the convenience stores and head to a traditional market where locals buy their groceries and meals. 🚗 Experience tips: Mangwon Market: Try bindaetteok, soondae, and seasonal fruits Gwangjang Market: Grab a stool and share a table with strangers over mayak gimbap 🍣 3. Eat Where Office Workers Eat Instead of touristy B...

 If you're planning a trip to Seoul in 2025 , you may have heard about a new public transportation update called ‘GO SEOUL.’ This rebranding of buses, subways, and bike-sharing services is designed to make transit more seamless—but does it change how tourists get around? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Seoul’s transport system , including subway tips, bus routes, and money-saving hacks to help you travel efficiently. What’s Inside This Guide? 🚇 How Seoul’s public transportation works in 2025 🚍 Do you need a special pass for ‘GO SEOUL’? 💳 Best ways to pay for transit (T-Money & alternatives) 💡 Money-saving tips for tourists using public transportation 🚇 How Public Transport in Seoul Works (2025 Update) Seoul’s transportation system is one of the best in the world , offering a network of subways, buses, and public bikes that make getting around effortless. What is ‘GO SEOUL’? ‘GO SEOUL’ is not a new service but rather a rebranding of the existin...

Thinking about traveling to South Korea but unsure about the budget? While South Korea isn’t as cheap as Thailand or Vietnam, it’s not as expensive as Japan or major U.S. cities either. In 2025, the cost of living in South Korea has risen slightly compared to previous years, but travelers can still explore Korea affordably with the right strategies. This guide breaks down real travel costs, comparisons with U.S. prices, and tips on saving money , so you can plan an amazing trip without overspending! 1. Korea vs. U.S.: 2025 Travel Cost Comparison How much does South Korea cost compared to major U.S. cities? Here's a direct cost breakdown for 2025: Expense Seoul, Korea      New York, U.S.      Los Angeles, U.S. Hotel (3-star) $80 – $150       $150 – $250 $140 – $220 Coffee (Latte) $4 – $6       $5 – $7 $4 – $6 Fast Food Meal $6 – $8        $10 – $15 $12 – $18 Public Transport (Subway, Bus) $1.20   ...

If you're planning a trip to South Korea and considering renting a car to explore the country more freely, you're not alone. While Korea has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world, driving can offer the flexibility to go off the beaten path—think remote mountain temples, coastal villages, and scenic countryside roads that buses rarely reach. But before you jump into the driver’s seat, there are a few things every international tourist should know to drive safely and confidently in Korea. From essential documents to road rules and unspoken etiquette, here’s a no-fluff guide based on real traveler experiences. 1. Do You Need an International Driving Permit? Yes. Most foreign visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention (not the 1968 Vienna one—important!). You must also carry your home country driver’s license. Both documents are required when renting a car and during police checks. 🚫 Tip : U.S., Canada, Au...

  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...