Month: January 2018

Seoul’s Modern Architectural Marvels

After the end of the Korean war, Seoul, like many Korean cities, was left in shambles. Reasonably so, rebuilding efforts were focused more on practicality than aesthetics to reconstruct the city quickly and efficiently. These days, however, Seoul’s skyline is an eclectic mishmash of contemporary architecture, from towering cement apartment complexes to eye-catching glass and …

The Best Restaurants and Bars in Gangneung

The PyeongChang 2018 Olympics are officially upon us! While the Games are no doubt going to be action packed, offering plenty of excitement for both locals and the 150,000 athletes, reporters and die-hard sports fans that are expected to travel to Korea for the event, there’s also plenty to do and see outside of the …

The Scoop on Poop in South Korea

I sip my latte and stifle a chuckle as I take in my surroundings at Ddo-Ong Cafe in the Ssamzigil shopping complex in Insadong. Colorful mini plungers hang delicately from a tree in the corner, old fashioned squat toilets are placed tastefully throughout the shop and two girls take selfies with a stuffed doll with …

Wishing Trees and Rice Chests: Suwon’s Hwaseong Haenggung

Once a resting shelter and vacation destination for kings, the grounds of Hwaseong Haenggung in Suwon, South Korea are now a site where locals and tourists can learn about Korean royal history and culture. Despite recent renovations, every inch of the palace has a story to tell. So much so, in fact, that when I …

Music, Melodies, and Metal at Jazz Story

One of my favorite things about Seoul is that it is chock full of hidden gems, unsuspecting and obscure, that offer those that are lucky enough to discover them a real treat. Restaurants, cafes, galleries and bars are easy to find in Korea’s capital city, but it’s the ones tucked into back alleys and inconspicuous …

Dae-oh Book Store 33 Cafe: A Place of History, Culture and Family

When I first moved to Korea, I spent every minute of my free time getting lost in the neighborhoods of Seoul. Wandering the unknown became a hobby and through it, I was able to learn a lot about my new home and discover many a hidden gem, whether it be a cafe, an interesting sculpture …