Explore Korea Now

 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...

  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...

 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...

 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...