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...

  Essential Apps to Download Before Traveling to South Korea (2025 Guide) Table of contents Why apps Matter When Traveling to South Korea Top Apps You Should Download Papago Kakao T Naveer Map Korail (KTX) Currency Exchange Apps Banking Apps : WISE and Revolut Frenquently FAQ Final Thoughts Why Apps Matter When Traveling to South Korea Traveling to South Korea is an exciting adventure filled with vibrant cities, delicious food, and stunning cultural sites. But without the right essential apps for traveling to South Korea, navigating language barriers, transportation systems, and money matters can be challenging. This guide ensures you’re well-prepared by introducing you to must-have Korea travel apps before you even land! Top Apps You Should Download Papago Papago is your ultimate translation buddy, developed by Naver. Unlike other translation apps, Papago specializes in Asian languages and offers precise Korean-English translations. Features: Real-time text, voice...

 If you’re planning your first trip to South Korea—especially in the early autumn months—you’ve likely already stumbled upon a confusing little detail in your travel checklist: the e-Arrival Card. “What is it? Do I have to fill it out? And when exactly?” These were my questions too. I was traveling with my family in early September, and we had an itinerary that took us across half the country—from Seoul to Gimpo, to Jeju Island, then up through Busan. We weren’t sure which hotel to list, or whether it was too early to submit the form. Here's what I found out—and what will hopefully save you time and stress. 📋 What Exactly Is the E-Arrival Card for Korea? The Korea Electronic Arrival Card is a short digital form that replaces the traditional immigration slip you used to fill out on the plane. You provide basic information: passport details, travel dates, your accommodation address in Korea, and a contact number. It’s not the same as the K-ETA visa waiver (which many travelers also...

 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...

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...

 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...