shopping

How to Stretch Your Won and Save Money While Living in Seoul

A few years back, I quit my job as an English teacher and decided to study Korean full-time as a university student. At the time, I had forgotten what it was like to live without a steady income and it didn’t take me long to realize that my habits of frivolous spending had to come …

A Girl’s Guide to Gangnam, Day Two: Apgujeong and Cheongdam-dong

This is part two of a two-part, two-day itinerary focusing on the best shopping, eats and cafes in Seoul’s Gangnam district.  To read part one, featuring Sinsa-dong, please click here. After having a simple breakfast at your Airbnb, hop a bus or hail a taxi to Apgujeong, a short 5-10 minute ride from Garosugil. Although Apgujeong Rodeo Street …

A Girl’s Guide to Gangnam, Day One: Sinsa-dong

Psy may have put Gangnam on the map with his bow-ties and “gentleman”ly behavior, but the fact of the matter is… Gangnam is for girls. Recently, I took a bit of a staycation in Seoul’s upscale district in search of the area’s best shopping, dining and entertainment facilities and made a point to take plenty …

A Girl’s Guide to Dongdaemun

Imagine a place where you can buy everything you need at a reasonable price. In one convenient location. At any time of the day. While such a fantasy land might only seem like the stuff of dreams, in Korea, it’s a reality and it goes by the name of Dongdaemun. Here, mammoth modern shopping complexes …

8 Gifts for Your Koreaphile Friends

If you’re like me, when it comes time for shopping for the holidays, birthdays or other events, you stress over what to buy, what to give and if it’ll actually be used and enjoyed by the receiver. That’s why I’ve put together this fool-proof gift list of eight of my favorite Korean-inspired goodies from around …

10 Ways to Stay Warm During Winter in Korea

Let me just make one thing clear. I am not a fan of Korean winters. Sure, the snow can be beautiful and the holiday decorations do make me all fuzzy on the inside but on any given day from December to March, the last place you’ll find me is outside. Coincidentally, many Koreans share my …

Places to Check Out in Paju That Have Nothing to Do With North Korea

Paju is perhaps most associated with its geographical location, as it sits just south of Panmunjeom on the 38th parallel, steps away from North Korea. As the peninsula’s most famous border town, many might assume that Paju is a drab, frightful place, but in actuality, it’s just the opposite. Sure, it may be the final …

Korean Designer Leesle Delivers Fashion-Forward Hanbok to the World

A seamless blend of complexity with simplicity, flatness with volume and curved lines contrasted against straight edges, the hanbok beautifully conveys the Korean desire to be at one with nature and maintain balance in life. Modern takes on the dress have recently become incredibly popular in fashion circles all the world over, while Korean designer …

Seoul Walks: Sweets & Shopping in Sinsa, Part 3

This is part two of a three-part Seoul Walks series. In this segment, I’ll introduce to you Sinsa-dong’s best dessert cafes, nightlife spots and a Korean-style spa fit for a princess. For the previous post, click here.Dessert Alley  No visit to Sinsa is complete without a visit to one of the area’s many dessert cafes, and …

Seoul Walks: Sweets & Shopping in Sinsa, Part 2

This is part two of a three-part Seoul Walks series. In this segment, I’ll guide you along Serosu-gil and Garosu-gil and introduce to you Sinsa-dong’s best international eats and cultural galleries. For the previous post, click here.An International Feast  Just as famous as Sinsa’s boutiques are its atmospheric restaurants and there are plenty of options …