Seoul attractions

Get a Glimpse of the Future at Renovated Samsung d’light in Gangnam

Last month, Samsung d’light, located within the Samsung Electronics Building in Gangnam, reopened its doors to give tech nerds and gadget geeks an intimate peek into the future. Founded in December 2008 to showcase the latest in Samsung’s consumer electronics, Samsung d’light recently underwent a three-month transformation from a showroom to something that more closely …

My First Korean Tarot Card Reading

“Oh God,” I wince as the card I have just drawn from a well-worn deck is turned over to reveal an ominous image that instantly reminds me of the woman from The Ring. “That can’t be good,” I note as my eyes take in the oriental ink sketching that surely, in my mind, is indicative …

Night Views and City Lights on the Han River Fireworks Cruise

Few places in Seoul are as soothing as the Han River, also known as the Hangang. Stretching 319 miles (514 km) through the city and beyond, the river has played an important role in the Korean capital’s history. Although still utilized for economic and industrial purposes, the average Seoulite views the Han River as a source …

Hanging Out in Hyehwa

Once the center of Seoul’s art and music scene, Hyehwa is a neighborhood bursting with creativity and youthful energy. The area is situated in the northeastern part of the capital and is also known as Daehangno, a nickname derived from dehag, or “university,” because of its close proximity to a number of learning institutes. Over …

Sampling Seoul: A Night Dining Tour with O’ngo Food Communications

Korean cuisine, much like the country’s people, is vibrant, flavorful, eclectic and packs a lot of punch. It’s so diverse that it would take years to try each banchan (side dish), variety of kimchi (there’s over 200!) and regional and seasonal specialty. Fortunately for gastronomes eager to sample Korea’s tastiest cuisine in a limited amount …

Top 10 Attractions at Everland Theme Park

Everland is, without a doubt, Korea’s best amusement park. Modeled after Disney World- albeit on a much smaller scale- the theme park consists of plenty of fun attractions that draw in more than 7 million visitors a year. With those attendance numbers, one can only imagine what the weekend crowds are like, particularly at peak …

Behind the Scenes of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines iFly TV: Secrets of Seoul

In January, I had the pleasure of hosting a film crew from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ iFly Magazine as they filmed a travel documentary on Seoul. When they first contacted me, they requested that I compile a number of destinations that I felt best represented various aspects of the city including great views, interesting local …

A Whole Lot of Han at the Korea House

Han.  A simple word that has had many meanings over the years in the Land of the Morning Calm. There’s the Han River.  The family surname.  The shortened form of hana, one.  Even Korea’s name in Korean is Hanguk.  And that famous Korean concept of powerful sadness, which has no literal translation in English and …

Reasons to Love Layovers at Incheon International Airport

Just the mention of the word delay, cancellation, or layover is enough to make even the most laid back passenger cringe.  Such occasions usually equate to extended hours spent in oft-hated, geographically-indistinguishable airports, facilities that rarely provide the amenities to entertain or comfort the weary traveler.  Fortunately for those connecting in or traveling to Seoul, …