Articles By

Joel Marrinan

Deoksugung Palace in Seoul seen from City Hall

30 Best Free Things To Do In Seoul: Cheap Fun In Seoul 2024

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.

Where to stay in Seoul: District guide 2024

Where To Stay In Seoul 2024: District Guide For Tourists

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?

Ice Wall at the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival

Is The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival 2024 Worth Visiting?

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.

Sledding at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2024: Korean Ice Fishing Fun

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.

Travel money for visiting Korea

How To Pay In Korea: Cash, Card And Other Payment Methods

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.

Korean kimchi making day Kimjang pin

I Tried Kimjang! Korean Kimchi Making Day Is Tough But Fun

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.

New Year Fireworks Winter Festival In Korea

The Best Winter Festivals In Korea You Must Visit In 2024

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.

A selection of Korean novels to read

10 Must-Read Korean Novels in English That You’ll Love

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.

What to do in Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

What To See And Do in Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul In 2024

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.

Korean SIM Cards And Tourist ESIMs At Incheon Airport

Korean SIM Cards And Tourist ESIMs At Incheon Airport 2024

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.

The Korea Tour Card Korean Transportation Card

The Korea Tour Card: Tourist Transportation Card 2024

Travelling to Korea and want to save money on public transport, popular attractions, and cultural experiences? Then you should check out the Korea Tour Card, Korea’s tourist-only transportation card that not only offers you all the benefits of a T-Money card, it also saves you money at top attractions. Pick one up at Incheon Airport and travel with ease across Korea.