Many of Seoul’s most popular sites don’t give much information. Or, should I say, don’t give much interesting information. But Joe McPherson, creator of popular food blog ZenKimchi, has invested much of his time – years, in fact – into unearthing the more sinister stories of the city’s dark past. He tells these captivating tales …
Note: The following information is accurate as of October 2017. Halloween isn’t a traditional holiday here in Korea but over the past decade or so, it has begun to slowly seep into the nation’s culture. In Seoul, decorations can be spotted in storefronts while costumes can be purchased at supermarkets and specialty stores. Kindergarteners go …
If you’re new to South Korea, you’ll notice the hundreds of specialty shops that dot the city streets that offer more goods and gifts you could ever hope to buy for yourself. A great way to take advantage of these amazing shops and indulge in their wares is to immerse yourself in the rich tradition …
Every country has its fair share of… “delicacies”… and Korea is no exception. While some of the country’s dishes are downright scary (both in appearance and taste), others are just unfamiliar concepts to the Western palate that work surprisingly well. Nevertheless, they are all components of Korea’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage that should not …
This article was originally published in May 2013 but is still just as relevant today amid the most recent missle tests and threats from North Korea. While eating breakfast at my hostel in Barcelona in April 2013, a CNN news brief aired declaring that tensions were high and nuclear war was imminent on the Korean …
Once the country’s largest market for trading antiques and artwork, Insadong has over the years developed into a bustling yet quaint destination that is now recognized as one of Seoul’s most iconic neighborhoods. Fairly well preserved and organized to represent Korea’s culture of both the past and the present, Insadong is the premiere locale to …
With its great service, endless array of dining and entertainment facilities and optimal efficiency, Incheon Airport is one of the best in the world. It’s also one of the most traveled which can make the entire airport experience incredibly frustrating during peak travel periods like Chuseok and Chinese New Year. But did you know that …
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 …
This is the second part of a two-part series of a walking tour through Seoul’s university neighborhoods. To read Part 1: Edae, click here. Sinchon at night | © Sami Paju / Flickr From Hello apM in Edae, pass Sinchon Railway Station, which separates Ewha Women’s University and Yonsei University, and is the oldest railway station …
As the familiar hues of nightfall spill across the skies, herds of tourists flood into the streets of Myeongdong. 6.8 million of them a year, to be exact. Neon starts to flash overhead, filling the streets with an instantly recognizable buzz, barely audible over the rhythmic beats of K-pop that blare from hidden speakers. Shop …