What to See, Eat and Do in Korea (and Beyond)
One of my favorite things about living in Korea is eating at Korean convenience stores. It’s not just the colorful displays or wide varieties of foods available at cheap prices, it’s that the menu is always changing and if you don’t have a favorite item yet, you’ll find one eventually.
CJ the Kitchen has 2-hour cooking classes, fully in English, where you can learn the ins-and-outs of Korean recipes in a top-tier kitchen.
If this cafe’s name made you raise an eyebrow, you’re in good company. FUK COFFEE is a bit tongue in cheek, and intentionally so. It’s named after the IATA airport code “FUK” for Fukuoka Airport, and you’ll see that theme threaded everywhere: latte art planes, boarding-pass-inspired branding, and a vibe that’s part airport lounge, part cozy meet-up spot. In fact it’s so popular that it’s draw quite a following, that kind that will wait outside in the blazing heat just for a seat.
It’s no big secret that Korea’s cafe culture is next level. Not only do Korean’s love their tea and coffee, but foreigners and tourists flock to Seoul just to experience it. Making “cafe hopping” a popular item on most Korea itineraries these days.
Trendy cafes are a dime a dozen here, each with their own unique aesthetic, signature drinks and unforgettable desserts. And if you want something pretty for the gram, you won’t be hard pressed to find something anywhere you go. But if you want a cafe experience truly unique to Korea that will elevate your trip, then I’ve got you covered.
Dazaifu is a small, quiet city on the outskirts of Fukuoka, that’s absolutely perfect for a day trip. Just a 30-minute train ride from Fukuoka (if you plan your train transfers right), Dazaifu is a charming old town that served as Kyushu’s political and diplomatic hub back in the day and I simply had to see it for myself.
Seoul is an old city and rich in history. Whether you go to museums, old-school restaurants or see landmarks of a time long past, it’s a good reminder that newer isn’t always better. And if you happen to be a bit of a bookworm, Daeo Bookstore is one of those old places that needs to be on your itinerary.
In hot summers, like the one we’re having now, naengmyeon or Korean cold noodles, are the perfect way to beat the heat.
Naengmyeon is a super refreshing Korean dish of cold, chewy noodles that’s especially popular in the summer. But did you know there are different variations of this dish, each with its own origin, noodles, broth, and flavor profile. While the two main categories are mul naengmyeon (물냉면) and bibim naengmyeon (비빔냉면), within and beyond those, there are regional and modern variations. Here’s a breakdown of the 4 most popular variations you can eat in Seoul.
Korea might be the home of webtoons, but there aren’t nearly as many events as you might expect. That’s why we were so excited to hear that the “Villains are Destined to Die” was being held for a month this summer in Mapo-gu, Seoul.
The webtoon officially ended back in 2024, but there are stilll lots of fans of the series and D&C Media, the studio behind the webtoon, still regularly holds fan pop-ups and releases merch at events like these about once a year.
It’s that time of year again, time for BTS Festa! This year not only marks the 12th anniversary of BTS, but also all the members will finally be discharged from their mandatory military service. There will be cafe events, special celebratory projects, J-Hope’s final 2 concerts and, of course, 2025 Festa which will be held at Kintex.
Oido (오이도) is a coastal area located in Siheung City just southwest of Seoul. For those of us who live in Seoul, it’s a pretty popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways, particularly during the warmer months. Since it’s a pretty easy one and a half hour trip there by subway, it’s a great way to enjoy those costal city vibes without having to go all the way east to Gangneung or down south to Busan.
After almost reaching the point of no return (due to Covid), Myeongdong has risen from the ashes and has once again become a tourist hotspot. So we’ve complied a list of places we personally visit and feel would be worth your time and hard earned cash.
Every year for about one week to two weeks during spring, Yeonnamdong Cherry Blossom House becomes the most popular cafe for miles amongst locals, tourists, and overseas travelers. The wait for seating is routinely over one hour long with small crowds forming before the cafe even opens in the morning.
