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...

  Jeju Island isn’t just another beach destination — it’s a place where you can hike through lava tubes in the morning, sip Hallabong tea at a seaside café in the afternoon, and enjoy a sunset over volcanic cliffs by evening. In 2025, Jeju is more accessible and foreigner-friendly than ever. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a digital nomad escape, or a family vacation, this guide answers the key questions international travelers are asking right now. 🛂 Do I Need a Visa to Visit Jeju in 2025? Here’s the good news: most travelers can visit Jeju without a visa — but there’s a catch. Direct Entry Only : The visa-free program is valid only if you fly directly to Jeju International Airport or arrive by cruise ship. If you enter Korea through Seoul (Incheon/Gimpo) or Busan first, you must follow the standard visa/K-ETA rules. 30 Days Stay : Visitors from eligible countries can stay in Jeju for up to 30 days visa-free. Excluded Countries : Citizens of 23 countries (i...

 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 He...

 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...

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 a week-long trip to South Korea ? Whether you love bustling cities, scenic coastal views, or cultural gems , this guide ensures you maximize your experience with a balanced itinerary, minimal travel fatigue, and seamless transportation . Having traveled across Korea multiple times, I’ve fine-tuned this 7-day itinerary to give you the best mix of must-visit landmarks, hidden gems, and delicious food stops. Whether it’s Seoul’s historic palaces, Busan ’s breathtaking beaches, or countryside escapes , you’ll find the perfect adventure waiting for you! 🏙️ Day 1-2: Exploring Seoul – The Heart of Korea ✈ Arriving at Incheon Airport ? Grab a T-Money card for easy transportation. [ Full guide here ]. 🚆 Take the AREX Express Train to Seoul Station (43 minutes). 📍 Day 1: Culture & City Vibes in Seoul ✔  Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Hanbok Experience 👑 – Nothing beats walking through Korea’s grandest palace in a traditional hanbok. Bonus? Free entry if you wea...