That’s Even Better

If you’re looking for a perfect blend of Korean culture and breathtaking natural beauty, the Garden of Morning Calm should top your travel list. Nestled in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, this enchanting garden attracts both locals and international visitors with its unique charm and cultural significance. It’s not only a peaceful retreat but also a popular site for K-dramas and K-pop music videos. This botanical garden, so breathtaking that CNN listed it as one of the must-visit destinations in South Korea, will undoubtedly make your trip extraordinary. What Makes the Garden Special? Opened in 1996, the Garden of Morning Calm was designed to highlight Korea’s horticultural tradition. It spans 330,000 square meters and features over 5,000 plant species in 22 themed sections. Each area emphasizes harmony between natural landscapes and Korean artistic principles. Some highlights include: • The Sunken Garden: A meticulously designed space that offers stunning views of seasonal flowers. ...

A Historical Gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, located about 30 kilometers south of Seoul, is a breathtaking historical site built during the late 18th century under King Jeongjo’s reign. It was constructed to honor his father, Prince Sado, and to serve as a new administrative and military hub. Spanning over 5.5 kilometers, the fortress is a blend of impressive military architecture and historical significance, earning its UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1997. How to Get to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Using Public Transportation From Seoul to Suwon Station By Subway • Take Seoul Metro Line 1 (dark blue line) heading toward Suwon Station. • Travel time: ~1 hour from central Seoul. • Fare: Approximately 1,800 KRW By Bus After arriving at Suwon Station, exit through the main gate to find the bus terminal. Board the following local buses: • Bus 11, 13, 36, or 39 heading toward Paldalmun Gate or Hwaseong Fortress. • Travel time: ~10-15 minutes. • Fare: Aro...

In the past, horse racing culture was associated with a small group of gamblers, making racetracks a place of high stakes and tension. However, Let’s Run Park has transformed into a fun and family-friendly destination. Much like the lively atmosphere of greyhound racing in Ireland, visitors can now enjoy a refreshing beer and snacks while cheering on their favorite Greyhound dog. Remember to bet responsibly, keeping it light for maximum enjoyment. Admission and Basic Information • Admission Fee: 2,000 KRW (around $1.50 USD) per person. • Payment Options: Only cash is accepted for admission and betting, so prepare accordingly. Outdoor Activities at Let’s Run Park Seoul 1. Family-Friendly Spaces • Picnic Areas: Relax in designated picnic zones surrounded by lush greenery. Perfect for families and groups. • Playgrounds: Let children enjoy the outdoor play areas while you unwind. 2. Seasonal Events and Exhibits • Cherry Blossoms in Spring: During spring, the park transforms with b...

If you’re visiting Seoul, Cheonggyecheon is a destination you cannot miss. For years, this iconic stream has been a must-visit for tourists exploring nearby landmarks like Gwangjang Market and Gwanghwamun Square. Whether you’re strolling between attractions or simply enjoying the serene setting, Cheonggyecheon offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and modernity. But what makes it even more special is the annual Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival, a winter celebration that lights up the stream with beautiful lanterns. Held every year, this festival transforms the area into a magical wonderland that locals and tourists flock to enjoy. If you’re visiting Seoul during the festival dates, be sure to make time for this unique experience! About the Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival The Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival is one of Seoul’s most beloved winter traditions, featuring intricate lantern displays that stretch along the stream. Each year, the festival adopts a unique theme, showcasing K...

I’ve always been fascinated by exploring historical palaces while traveling. These sites offer a glimpse into past lives, cultural traditions, and the architectural beauty that defines a city’s charm. Among Korea’s many historic gems, Changdeokgung Palace stands out, particularly during its magical Moonlight Tour. This seasonal night tour transforms the UNESCO World Heritage site into a serene, illuminated wonderland. If your visit to Seoul aligns with this special event, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this unique blend of history and atmosphere. About Changdeokgung Palace Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, is celebrated for its seamless harmony with nature. Originally built in 1405, the palace is an integral part of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty history. Today, the palace’s secret garden (Huwon) and its traditional architecture make it one of Seoul’s must-visit landmarks. Moonlight Tour Details The Moonlight Tour allows visitors to experience Changdeokgu...

If you’re a baseball enthusiast or just curious about Korean culture, visiting Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul should be on your list. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic stadium offers more than just a game — it’s a cultural experience full of passionate fans, unique traditions, and delicious food. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit. Location and How to Get There Jamsil Baseball Stadium is conveniently located in the Sports Complex area of Seoul, part of the Seoul Olympic Park complex. • Address: 25 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea • Subway Directions: Take Line 2 (Green Line) or Line 9 (Gold Line) to Sports Complex Station, Exit 5. The stadium is a short 5-minute walk from the exit. • By Bus: Numerous buses stop near the stadium, including routes 333, 3411, and 2415. Ticket Prices and Where to Buy Korean baseball tickets are affordable and accessible online or at the stadium. • Price Range: ₩10,000–₩40,000, depending on the sea...

Gangnam often carries the image of being an upscale neighborhood, filled with corporate offices and towering skyscrapers, making it seem rigid and uninteresting at first glance. Its reputation as one of the most expensive areas for real estate in Korea only reinforces this perception. However, the area around Gangnam Station tells a completely different story—it’s vibrant, bustling with shopping options, and lined with countless restaurants that stay open late into the night. Moreover, if you venture just a bit beyond Gangnam Station, you’ll discover unique aspects of Gangnam’s charm, offering a fresh and stylish appeal. Let’s get into Gangnam style. 1. K-Star Road Why Visit: For K-pop fans, K-Star Road is a dream come true. This iconic street in Gangnam is lined with “GangnamDol” statues representing Korea’s most famous K-pop groups like BTS, EXO, and Girls’ Generation. You’ll also find plaques and shops tied to K-pop history. • Nearest Subway Station: Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Bundang...

When I visit Yongin, two destinations always make my list. The first is Everland, with its thrilling rides and picturesque scenery. However, it can be overwhelming due to large crowds, even on weekdays, with school groups adding to the hustle and bustle. If you’ve already visited a theme park like Lotte World in Seoul, I wouldn’t recommend spending another full day here. But if you’re determined to experience unique rides, it’s worth a visit. The second must-visit destination—and the one I’ll introduce today—is the Korean Folk Village. Unlike Everland, this place immerses you in Korea’s rich cultural history. It’s especially wonderful for families with children. Even though it attracts a lot of visitors, I wholeheartedly recommend making time for it. For the best experience, visit on a weekday and arrive early in the morning. Discover Korean Folk Village The Korean Folk Village in Yongin offers an authentic glimpse into the life of Korea’s past. It’s an open-air museum designed to recr...

The lotus holds profound significance in Asian traditions, especially within Buddhist culture, where it symbolizes purity and enlightenment. Koreans deeply admire the lotus, as do their neighbors in China and Japan, who also regard it as a sacred symbol. The destination introduced below is celebrated for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, but it’s also famous for its lotus-covered reservoir. For me, however, what stands out most is the unique lotus hot dog. This might be because of a fond memory of biking all the way from Seoul with my parents to visit this serene spot. Despite the exhaustion, muscle cramps, and sheer effort it took to arrive, I vividly recall standing energetically in line for that hot dog. My parents’ disbelief at my sudden recovery still brings laughter to us today. For the record, we took the subway home, as none of us could muster the energy for the bike ride back. Explore the Beauty of Dumulmeori Dumulmeori, located in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do, is a stunni...

Lately, Rosé’s song The Apartment seems to be playing everywhere I go. After hearing it once, it’s been stuck in my head on repeat. While it might sometimes disrupt my focus, I can’t say I mind—its infectious rhythm and energy make it impossible to resist. Inspired by the song, I decided to introduce a location near Seoul that has ties to Rosé. Although it’s a highway rest area, it’s been featured in music videos of several K-pop stars, making it a must-visit spot for fans. Whether you recreate your favorite scenes or simply listen to the music that made the location famous, this is an experience you won’t forget. Since it might feel like a waste to visit only the rest area, I’ll also recommend nearby attractions to explore—perfect for making the most out of your car rental adventure. Located just outside of Seoul, Yongdu Rest Area in Yangpyeong isn’t your typical highway stop. Thanks to appearances by BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Zico, and SEVENTEEN, this rest area has become a must-visit destin...

  Do you remember the Imjingak Gondola highly recommended in Let’s Dive Suburb! Part 4: DMZ Tour from Seoul? Or are you already planning to visit? If so, consider adding this location to your itinerary. If you can manage your schedule to catch the return train to Seoul, stopping by this charming destination could be worth it. Especially if you’re a fan of K-pop or K-drama, this place will hold even more appeal. Although traveling here is easier by taxi than public transport, the village, reminiscent of a quaint French town, offers countless photo opportunities that will undoubtedly become cherished memories. If you haven’t read the earlier post, check it out here (opens in a new tab). By Taxi: A 20–25 minute ride costing approximately 12,000–15,000 KRW. Paju Provence Village isn’t just a picturesque French-themed destination—it’s a hotspot for K-pop and drama fans seeking iconic filming locations. The vibrant hues, romantic alleys, and whimsical decor have served as the perfect ba...

Pocheon Art Valley is a one-of-a-kind destination where nature, art, and pop culture converge. This former granite quarry has transformed into a scenic cultural hotspot that K-drama fans, K-pop enthusiasts, and nature lovers will all adore. How to Get There • By Public Transport: Take the subway to Uijeongbu Station (Line 1) and transfer to Bus 138-5. It drops you at the entrance. From Seoul, the journey takes about two hours. • By Car: Use 234, Art Valley-ro, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do in your GPS. Plenty of parking is available. Cheonjuho Lake: The K-Pop and K-Drama Star The emerald waters of Cheonjuho Lake, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, have become a global sensation thanks to its appearances in K-dramas and music videos. • BTS’s “Spring Day”: This iconic music video was filmed at Cheonjuho Lake, with its tranquil waters and ethereal backdrop perfectly complementing the song’s nostalgic theme. ARMYs worldwide flock here to recreate memorable scenes. Don’t miss your chanc...

  Why South Korea Stands Out as a Unique Travel Destination South Korea is known for K-pop, kimchi, instant ramen, and countless other cultural exports. But one unique aspect that makes the country truly stand out is its status as a divided nation still technically at war. Although there has been no active conflict since the Korean War in 1950, South Korea and North Korea have not signed a peace treaty, meaning the war has not officially ended. As a result, all South Korean men are required to complete about two years of military service. I’ve served my time as well—while it wasn’t easy, it gave me valuable life lessons. That said, I wouldn’t volunteer to go back! But does this ongoing state of war make South Korea a dangerous place? Not at all. Thanks to the armistice, the chance of conflict reigniting during your visit is minimal. So, rest assured and enjoy your travels. Exploring the DMZ: A Must-See Destination Near Seoul The  Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) , a strip of land that...