A temple stay in Korea at one of the country’s ancient Buddhist temples offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Korean culture and temple life firsthand. Temple stays originated as a way for foreigners to learn about Korean Buddhism, but have grown into a fun activity for all. When you visit Korea, I highly recommend a Korean temple stay experience.
Overflowing with culture, cuisine, history and natural beauty, Korea's capital, Seoul, is a mega-city that offers endless options for travellers on any budget. The good news is, you don't have to break the bank to experience the very best of Seoul. From centuries-old palaces and temples to cutting-edge art galleries and lively markets, there are many free things to do in Seoul you'll love.
Choosing where to stay in Seoul during your trip to the Korean capital can be an overwhelming decision with so many vibrant locales beckoning. How do you find the right district in Seoul for your needs? How do you choose an area that meets your budget, introduces you to Korean culture, and won't leave you walking for miles to see the sights or get dinner?
During the frosty months of Korean winter, a small part of Korea’s Cheongyang Alps Village becomes a magical winter wonderland and home to the incredible Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival. At this festival, visitors are treated to beautiful winter scenes of frozen ice fountains and sculptures, snowy slopes you can slide down, and fiery logs roasting traditional winter snacks.
For three frigid weeks every January, the frozen river of the mountain town Hwacheon in Korea’s Gangwon Province transforms into a glittering ice playground for the magical Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival. At this festival, tourists and locals alike join together to catch the rare mountain trout (sancheoneo) found only in the clean waters of the river by traditional ice fishing.
Planning to travel to South Korea soon but not sure what's the best way to pay for goods and services in Seoul and beyond? Want to avoid expensive money exchange costs when you arrive in Korea? The issue of how to pay in Korea, whether you should use cash, card, or some other payment means, is a common problem for travellers and one I hope to resolve in this article.
Come wintertime, families across Korea engage in the beloved tradition of kimjang (or gimjang) - a kimchi making day where Koreans communally prepare batches of healthy kimchi for the winter months ahead. I joined in this decades-old Korean custom that centres around people filling napa cabbages with various fermented seasonings and ingredients to create Korea's iconic side dish, kimchi.
One of the biggest problems when travelling to South Korea is trying to figure out the best option to stay connected to the Internet and how to keep in touch with friends and family as you travel. That’s why I want to share my thoughts on the tourist-friendly SK SIM card in this review based on my experience using the SIM card while travelling across Korea.
When winter chills sweep across Korea, they bring a season of enchanting festivals and events that add warmth and wonder to the long, cold months. As snow blankets mountain peaks and ice stretches across rivers, Korea comes alive with lively winter celebrations of seasonal foods, activities, lights, and heritage. Join me and discover all the best winter festivals in Korea.
The literary world of Korea is buzzing with creativity, painting narratives that are profound, captivating, and deeply rooted in the country's culture and history. As the hallyu wave washes over the world, it's not just K-dramas and K-pop that deserve your attention. Korean novels, lovingly translated into English, are leaving indelible marks on readers everywhere.
With its beautifully preserved traditional hanok houses that date back to the Joseon Dynasty, Bukchon Hanok Village offers a mesmerising journey into Korea’s illustrious past and insights into it’s cultural present. There are so many things to do in Bukchon Hanok Village, it truly is a must-see destination in central Seoul and an essential addition to any Seoul itinerary.
If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, you’ve probably considered getting a Korean SIM card or an alternative, such as an eSIM, pocket WiFi router, or free WiFi. Learn how to get a tourist SIM card at Incheon Airport, what data and call plans are available, how much SIM cards cost, and lots more in this detailed guide. Discover how to stay connected wherever you go in Korea.