Explore Korea Now

  Why Your Best Day in Korea Might Happen Outside Seoul Leave Seoul ’s lights for an hour or two and the tempo shifts. Footsteps ease, rice fields replace billboards, and someone—often an older neighbor—asks where you’re from and which local dish you’ve tried. The moment curiosity turns into hospitality , your trip starts to breathe. Seoul is generous with choices: palaces and city walls, museums and towers, even a day trip to the DMZ . It’s a perfect first base. But in the countryside you trade “filling the schedule” for leaving a little blank space . In those empty margins, frogs sing at dusk, a breeze picks up over the paddies, and a stranger’s small kindness redraws your map for the day. The scenery is full of good surprises. A run of old tile roofs ends—and suddenly a modern bridge leaps across a river, or a tall apartment stack rises behind a mountain shoulder. It’s Korea in a single frame: past and present sharing the same picture without crowding each other out. Peopl...

  Studying in Korea: What Parents Worry About the Most Korea is no longer just a travel destination. With the global rise of K-POP , Korean dramas , cutting-edge technology, and a reputation for rapid growth, the country has become one of the world’s most attractive study abroad destinations. As of 2025, the number of international students in Korea has surpassed 270,000. For students, this journey is exciting. For parents, however, it is filled with worries and unanswered questions. Studying in Korea is both an opportunity and a challenge—and behind every decision are parents who stay awake at night wondering if their child will truly be safe, happy, and successful. 1. Safety and Health – Parents’ Number One Concern The first question that comes to mind for most parents is simple: “Will my child be safe in Korea?” Is it safe for them to return home late at night? What if they become victims of crime or accidents? How will they cope with sudden illness or emergencies when pa...

 When you’re traveling abroad, one of the first practical questions that comes to mind is simple but important: “Can I drink the tap water here?” If you’re planning a trip to South Korea , you might have already searched this exact phrase. And chances are, you’ve stumbled across mixed answers. Some guides say yes, others recommend sticking to bottled water, and then there are those confusing stories about “red water” incidents in Incheon a few years back. As someone who has lived in Korea and also guided countless travelers, I want to clear up the confusion and give you a real, experience-based answer. Let’s dive in. The Short Answer: Yes, Korean Tap Water Is Safe South Korea’s tap water meets — and often exceeds — international standards, including the WHO (World Health Organization) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . In fact, Korean water authorities test for 60+ mandatory items nationwide , and in cities like Seoul , the number of tests goes beyond 350 different ...

 Looking for the perfect Korean souvenir beyond skincare? Discover traditional crafts, teas, snacks, and cultural gifts that share Korea's soul. Forget Sheet Masks — Let’s Talk Meaningful Korean Souvenirs When you Google “souvenirs from Korea,” you're bound to see endless lists of sheet masks and K-beauty products. Don’t get me wrong — I packed plenty on my first trip too. But if you want to bring home something that feels like Korea , you’ll want to look beyond cosmetics. Trust me. Here’s your guide to authentic, cultural Korean gifts that go beyond trends and tell stories. These are souvenirs that your friends will talk about — and maybe ask you to bring more of next time. 🏛 Museum Shops: Where Culture Meets Shopping If you’re in Seoul, head to the National Museum of Korea’s gift shop . It's a haven of meaningful items: from miniature Pensive Bodhisattva statues to notebooks bound with traditional hanji paper. I once picked up a metallic bookmark shaped like an old pa...

Korean Convenience Stores: Must-Visit Spots for Travelers | Korea Travel Tips  Discover how Korean convenience stores like CU and GS25 are transforming the travel experience for tourists. Learn why these stores are more than just snack stops—they’re full of local culture, essential services, and real travel support. Table of Contents How Convenience Stores Became a Traveler's Best Friend Your First Night in Korea: Jet Lag and Triangle Kimbap AI Translation in Korean Convenience Stores: Language Made Easy Korean Convenience Store Services That Save You Time Discovering Korean Culture Through Every Aisle Why These Little Shops Leave a Big Impression How Convenience Stores Became a Traveler's Best Friend If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, your checklist probably includes things like visiting palaces, trying street food, and catching a glimpse of K-pop culture. But let me add one more thing you might not expect to fall in love with: the convenience store. Yes, I’m talking ab...

 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 a trip to Korea? Shopping is an unmissable part of the experience! From innovative skincare products to delicious snacks and unique cultural souvenirs, this guide covers everything you need to know to shop like a pro in Korea. 1. Korean Skincare: World-Renowned Beauty Secrets Korean skincare is globally celebrated for its cutting-edge innovation and effectiveness. No trip to Korea is complete without visiting Olive Young , the go-to health and beauty store. Top Picks from Olive Young : Laneige Water Sleeping Mask : Hydrate your skin overnight with this cult favorite. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch : A quick fix for breakouts. Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum : Luxurious and highly effective for glowing skin. Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint : Vibrant, long-lasting colors perfect for any occasion. Pro Tip : Shopping for a gift? Olive Young offers premium packaging and exclusive travel kits, making it easy to pick up the perfect present. Reserve a spot on the Olive Young Shuttl...