“Bitter, Sweet, Seoul”: Korea’s Capital City Through the Eyes of the World

Seoul, and Korea in general, have taken a lot of heat for their tourism marketing campaigns for quite some time now. Many have criticized the fact that the city’s past efforts have been overly sugar-coated and not representative of Seoul’s true essence. In the past, campaigns have focused primarily on promoting the city’s landmarks, shopping …

South Korea’s Best Themed Cafes

Over the past decade, coffee shops have taken over the streets throughout South Korea; it’s impossible to walk around neighborhood without running into a Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or Tom and Toms. Competition for customers is high so it’s not surprising that entrepreneurs have begun to try out creative methods to make their businesses stand out …

Cargo 127: Craft Beer and Pub Grub Perfection in Itaewon

Note: As of September 2015, Cargo 127 is now closed.  One of the biggest culinary trends to hit South Korea over the past couple years is that of craft beer.  Subsequently, microbreweries and small gastropubs have been mushrooming throughout Seoul, particularly in the neighborhoods of Itaewon, Gyeongnidan and Haebangchon. Each of these watering holes offers …

Hus-hu: Seoul’s Best English Speaking Dental Clinic

Going to the dentist can be scary anywhere, but even more so in a place where language barriers exist and clinical procedures aren’t necessarily the same as those in one’s home country. Still, one’s health should not be neglected simply because one is intimidated by language or unknown procedural costs.  Despite my nursing background, it …

Exploring Korea on the K-Shuttle

Seoul, South Korea is slowly but surely becoming recognized as a favorite tourism destination among travelers for its diverse neighborhoods, mouth watering cuisine and exceptional shopping facilities.  In addition, Seoul is constantly making efforts to better cater to the religious, dietary, and medical needs of its international visitors while signage in English, Japanese, and Chinese …

Jong-ga Dining at Jeonju’s Hakindang House

It’s rare, if not impossible, that you will find yourself having a bad Korean meal in Korea.  It just doesn’t happen.  But every so often, usually when it’s least expected, you will experience culinary nirvana.  It will be a meal that proves to be unique from any other you’ve had in the past, one that …

Seoul’s Salsa Scene in Full Swing

The excitement is palpable, as it always is just before any dance competition.  Upbeat Latin tunes echo through a hall of dressing rooms that buzz with giddy conversations in a number of languages. Inside, flamboyantly dressed men ensure that every tassel of their costumes is in place while their female partners apply thick eyeliner and …

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, …

Undiscovered Seoul: The City’s Best Off the Beaten Path Destinations

N’Seoul Tower. Gyeongbokgung. Myeongdong. Garuso-gil.  Very few tourists come to Seoul without these must-see attractions at the top of their to-do lists.  And for good reason, as each offers a unique insight into Korea’s capital city.  However, there is a different Seoul waiting to be explored by the more curious traveler.  In fact, there is …