Explore Korea Now

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...

 When I first mapped out our 11-day family trip to South Korea, I was filled with excitement—and completely overwhelmed. I wanted to see everything: Seoul, Andong, Gyeongju, Busan, Suncheon, Jeonju, Suwon, the DMZ... You name it. I had read dozens of guides and felt sure we could squeeze in all the highlights if we just kept moving. After all, South Korea looks small on the map, right? Well, here’s the truth I wish someone had told me before I started booking trains and guesthouses: Korea is small, yes—but travel here takes time. Not because it’s hard, but because every stop deserves more attention than you think. The Fantasy vs. Reality of a Packed Itinerary Our original plan was intense. Two nights in Seoul, then a hop to Andong, down to Gyeongju, a few days in Busan, out to Suncheon and Boseong, through Gwangju and Damyang, up to Jeonju, a day trip to Suwon, and maybe the DMZ before circling back to Seoul. Looking at the schedule felt like solving a puzzle. It made sense on pap...

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...

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...

When I first planned my trip to Korea, I expected SIM cards to be a straightforward thing. But after about ten minutes of research, I found myself in a rabbit hole of options—eSIMs, physical SIMs, airport booths, courier delivery—and honestly, it got overwhelming fast. I eventually chose Chingu Mobile , not because someone told me it was the best, but because it looked beginner-friendly. And since I’d never set up an eSIM before, that mattered a lot to me. Now that I’ve used it for two weeks across Seoul and Busan, I wanted to share how it actually went—what worked, what could’ve been better, and what I wish I knew before I arrived. Why I Ended Up Choosing Chingu Mobile I wasn’t looking for the cheapest SIM, just one that would work without much fuss. Their site was in English, they offered both physical SIMs and eSIMs, and the airport pickup instructions were really clear. I went with the 15-day unlimited eSIM , mostly because I didn’t want to deal with opening my phone and finding a ...