Trip to Korea

2 Days in Tsushima, Japan – Fall Foliage, Ocean Views & Local Eats At the end of November 2024, I took a short but memorable 2-day trip to Tsushima with a colleague from work. Having lived in Ulsan previously, I had visited Tsushima multiple times thanks to its close proximity to Busan and affordable ferry rides. This time, our goal was simple: enjoy the last of the autumn leaves and unwind. 🛳 Getting There – The Ferry Experience We boarded the ferry from Busan to Hitakatsu, one of the two main ports in Tsushima (the other being Izuhara). Several companies operate on this route, including Beetle (Daea), Kobee (Mirejet), and Nina. Travel time ranges from 70 to 110 minutes depending on your destination. Reserve your ferry here . Unfortunately, the waves were rough that day, and I experienced severe seasickness. I hadn’t eaten anything, ...

  Hainan Day 5 – A Tropical Christmas and the Final Massage Spending Christmas in Sanya, Hainan, felt completely different from the snowy holidays I’m used to. The city was filled with Christmas decorations, but the weather was warm — almost too warm for holiday cheer. Palm trees and Santa hats? A strange but memorable combo. We started the day with a hotel breakfast and a short swim. Since our group package didn’t begin until noon, we had time to relax at the resort. At 12 PM, we met our guide and headed out to visit Luhuitou Park and Buxingjie Walking Street . Luhuitou Park – Romance and Scenic Views Luhuitou Park sits on a hill at the southern edge of Sanya. According to legend, a young hunter chased a deer, which then turned into a beautiful woman. The name “Luhuitou” means “Deer Looking Back.” This story has made the park a romantic symbol in the city. We took a shuttle bus up and down the hill, which made the visit easy despite the warm weather. From the top, we had a w...

Hainan Travel Diary: Days 3–4 of Food, Shopping & Ocean Breezes Days 3 and 4 of our Sanya trip were designated as free days in the itinerary. While other travelers opted for optional tours to scenic spots like Binglang Village or Nanshan Cultural Park, my sister and I had one thing in mind: food and shopping. We decided to skip the add-ons and roam freely. Day 3 – Markets, Souvenirs & Night Snacks We kicked off the morning by revisiting Pineapple Mall and Summer Station Mall, two of Sanya’s most popular shopping complexes. We wanted to explore the local supermarket again — the shelves were filled with unfamiliar snacks, exotic seasonings, and quirky instant noodles. I picked up a few Chinese spices for cooking, while my sister couldn’t resist grabbing coconut coffee and cookies. For lunch, we headed to the basement food court. I noticed something called "pin...

A Local Favorite in Yeosu: ‘Eome Kimchi Jjigae’ Serves the Best Kimchi Stew & Pork Duruchigi If you're traveling to Yeosu and searching for a truly local culinary experience, skip the tourist traps and head straight to Eome Kimchi Jjigae (어매김치찌개) in the Munsun (무선) neighborhood. This modest, no-frills restaurant is a favorite among Yeosu locals , especially office workers who line up during lunch for its hearty portions, self-serve perks, and authentic home-style flavors. 🥘 What is Kimchi Jjigae? Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개) is one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods. It’s a spicy and savory stew made primarily with well-fermented kimchi, slices of pork, tofu, green onions, and garlic. The stew is slowly boiled to bring out the deep, tangy flavor of the kimchi. At Eome Kimchi Jjigae, the broth is boiled long enough to concentrate the flavors, making it richer and more intense. The pork slices inside are generous, and the spicy broth pairs perfectly with steamed white ric...

  My First 48 Hours in Hainan, China (Sanya) In March 2025, my sister and I took a 6-day package trip to Sanya, a beautiful coastal city in Hainan, China. Known as the "Hawaii of China," Sanya is famous for its warm climate, tropical scenery, and affordable luxury resorts. We booked our tour through HanaTour, and here’s how our first two days unfolded. Day 1 – Arrival and Hotel Check-in Our flight from Incheon took about 4.5 hours. Upon arrival at Sanya Phoenix International Airport, we passed immigration relatively smoothly. Our local guide was already waiting and escorted us to our hotel, a 4-star resort with a beautiful view of palm trees and the ocean. The room was spacious and clean with basic amenities, a bathtub, and even a balcony. Though it was late at night, we could still explore the nearby convenience store and grab some Chinese snacks. Wi-F...

  Tasting Edward Lee x Mom’s Touch: Korean-Style Burgers You Can’t Miss If you’re planning a trip to South Korea and love trying local fast food with a twist, here’s something you don’t want to miss: a chance to try food designed by renowned Korean-American chef Edward Lee , without needing a reservation or fine-dining budget. Mom’s Touch, a popular Korean fried chicken and burger chain, recently launched a collaboration with the chef, and I had the chance to try it from the comfort of my hotel. Spoiler: It was unexpectedly good. Where Fine Dining Meets Fast Food Chef Edward Lee is a familiar name in the culinary world, known for blending global fine dining techniques with Korean ingredients. When I saw that he collaborated with Mom’s Touch to create a new burger, I was immediately curious. The collaboration is built around enhancing their beloved “Thigh Burger” — which already has a cult following — with richer, deeper flavors and premium ingredients. The concept is exciting...

   Touring the Blue House in Seoul – A Rare Glimpse into Korea’s Presidential Mansion 🇰🇷✨ When I visited Seoul last year in June, I had every intention of checking out the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)... but the heat was unbearable and my schedule didn’t work out. So this time around, I was determined not to miss it—and I’m so glad I went! Here's a full recap of my experience visiting Korea's former presidential residence, complete with practical tips, impressions, and why I think it's one of the most underrated spots in Seoul. 🏛️ What is the Blue House? The Blue House, or Cheong Wa Dae , was the official residence of the President of South Korea until 2022. Now, under the slogan “Cheong Wa Dae, Back to the People” , it’s been fully opened to the public—both locals and international visitors. Think of it like Korea’s version of the White House. Getting to walk inside the actual presidential office and residence? That’s a rare opportunity. 📅 How to Visit: Rese...

2 Days in Seoul: A Family Trip with Unexpected Encounters 🇰🇷✨ Seoul is always an exciting destination, but this time, my visit was mainly for a family event. Instead of rushing through a packed itinerary, I wanted to enjoy the city at a slower pace while spending quality time with my loved ones. Though I’ve been to Seoul before, experiencing it with family brought a new perspective. --- 🚆 March 1st: A Significant Day in Korean History On the morning of March 1st, I boarded the KTX train bound for Seoul. Waking up early was tough, but the excitement of a short getaway kept me going. Some of my family members were coming from Ulsan, so we planned to meet at Seoul Station before heading to the hotel together. After a quick 10-minute wait, we hopped in a taxi and made our way to our accommodation. This date, March 1st, is a major historical day in South Korea known as Samiljeol (Independence Movement Day). On this day in 1919, Koreans staged a nationwide, non-violent protest against Jap...

📍 A 2-Day Trip to Gwangju: Exploring Local Cuisine & Culture Day 1: The Journey Begins 🚗 I decided to visit Gwangju after watching Black & White Chef, where Chef Ahn Yoo-seong, the only White Spoon in the Jeonnam region, showcased his culinary skills. Fortunately, I managed to make a reservation at his restaurant Gamae Japanese Cuisine. This was my first visit to Gwangju, but my travel buddy studied here, so he offered to show me around his alma mater. The drive to Gwangju was beautiful, with clear blue skies. Upon arrival, we met a local friend who recommended a hidden gem— Aehobak Sigol Gukbap (Zucchini Country Soup). Although it was a 30-minute drive, the taste was worth every second. The rich broth and tender zucchini created the perfect harmony of flavors. 🏨 Hotel Check-in: Holiday Inn Gwangju doesn’t have a five-star hotel, but Holiday Inn was a great alternative at a reasonable price. After checking in, we took a short break before heading to our much-anticipated din...

Best Night Tour in Seoul – Namsan Tower, Han River & More! 🚍✨ If you’re visiting Seoul and looking for a fun way to explore the city at night, Seoul City Tour Bus is the perfect option! 🏙️ This time, I joined the Night Tour Course , and I’m here to share my experience. 🚌 Seoul City Tour Bus Courses & Prices There are three different courses available: ✅ Downtown, Palace & Namsan Course – Adults: 30,000 KRW / Children: 20,000 KRW ✅ Night View Course – Adults: 27,000 KRW / Children: 17,000 KRW ✅ Panorama Course (Currently not in operation) I booked for 5 people and got a discount, paying 115,000 KRW in total . You can book through the official website or get a slightly better deal on MyRealTrip : 🔗 Official Website 🔗 MyRealTrip 🌉 Types of Buses for the Night Tour There are several types of buses available. You can choose the one you prefer at the departure point: ✔ Fully Open Double-Decker Bus – The best for an open-air experience ✔ Semi-Open Double-Dec...

  Authentic Gwangju Dining – Songwon Meat Restaurant Review If you want to experience a true local dish in Gwangju, South Korea , you must try Ae-Hobak Sigol Gukbap (애호박시골국밥 – Zucchini Country Soup) . Unlike mainstream tourist spots, Songwon Meat Restaurant (송원식육식당) is where locals gather to enjoy authentic flavors. During my trip, a friend from Gwangju highly recommended this restaurant, so I had to check it out! 📍 Location & Accessibility Songwon Meat Restaurant is not located in the city center , so you’ll need to drive or take a taxi. However, the journey is worth it for an authentic meal. Address : 13, Pyeongdong-ro 800beon-gil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, South Korea Opening Hours : Monday - Saturday, 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Break time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM) / Closed on Sundays Parking : Limited parking in front of the restaurant; recommend parking at a nearby lot or Nonghyup Hanaro Mart Upon arrival, the restaurant was packed with locals, which is always a great sign of ...

  Suncheon Travel Guide: A Hidden Gem in South Korea Why You Should Visit Suncheon If you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature , Suncheon is a must-visit destination in South Korea. Located in Jeollanam-do , this city is famous for its stunning wetlands, beautiful gardens, and delicious local food . Unlike Seoul or Busan, Suncheon offers a more relaxed atmosphere with breathtaking natural scenery and rich Korean culture. In this guide, I’ll introduce the best places to visit in Suncheon , including: ✅ Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve – A stunning coastal wetland with golden reed fields ✅ Waon Beach – A quiet beach known for its breathtaking sunsets ✅ Suncheon Bay National Garden – A massive eco-park where you can even go camping! Plus, I’ll cover how to get to Suncheon from both Seoul and Busan and introduce some must-try local foods ! 🌿 1. Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve (순천만 습지) One of Korea’s most beautiful coastal wetlands, home to migratory birds and endless r...

  Holiday Inn Gwangju IHG Hotel Review – My Honest Stay Experience During my recent 2-day trip to Gwangju , I stayed at the Holiday Inn Gwangju IHG Hotel . After comparing several options, I found that booking through Naver provided a more affordable price, and it even included a coffee voucher, making it a great deal. Many travelers tend to book directly through the hotel’s official website, but sometimes platforms like Naver offer better deals . If you don’t need IHG membership perks, checking third-party reservations is a good idea. Location 🏨 Room & Facilities The Holiday Inn Gwangju offers spacious rooms , though the hotel itself has a slightly aged feel. However, it is well-maintained and clean. The hotel’s exterior design is unique, making it easy to recognize. Located near the Kim Dae-Jung Convention Center and Gwangju Songjeong Station , the hotel is very convenient for travelers . Additionally, free parking is available, making it a good choice for those drivi...

Authentic Thai Food in Yeosu – Coconut Rain Review If you are looking for authentic Thai food in Yeosu, look no further than Coconut Rain ! This restaurant brings the true flavors of Thailand to the coastal city of Yeosu, offering a delightful dining experience with its street food-inspired interior and delicious Thai dishes. I previously visited this restaurant and loved the food, so I decided to return and try more of their menu. Here’s my detailed review! 📍 Location & Nearby Attractions Coconut Rain is conveniently located near several must-visit spots in Yeosu, making it an ideal place to stop for a meal during your trip. Some nearby attractions include: ✔ Hamel Lighthouse – A historic site commemorating Dutch sailor Hendrick Hamel, with a stunning ocean view ✔ Yeosu Romantic Pocha Street – A famous street lined with food stalls serving delicious seafood and local Korean dishes ✔ Yeosu Cruise Terminal – Take a boat ride to enjoy Yeosu’s beautiful coastline and islands ✔ Geo...

  VOCO Hotel Myeongdong Review | The Best Budget-Friendly Stay in Seoul VOCO Hotel Myeongdong Review | The Best Budget-Friendly Stay in Seoul Introduction: Why I Chose VOCO Hotel Myeongdong When traveling, I always prioritize location, comfort, and value for money when choosing a hotel. During my recent stay in Seoul, I decided to book VOCO Hotel Myeongdong , a modern yet affordable hotel nestled right next to Namdaemun Market and Hoehyeon Station . I booked two rooms for a weekend stay, including breakfast , and surprisingly, it only cost around ₩200,000($140) per night per room. For the location and quality of service, it was an absolute steal! This review covers everything you need to know about VOCO Hotel Myeongdong, including: ✔ Location & Accessibility ✔ Room Condition & Amenities (including free minibar & welcome treats) ✔ Breakfast & Dining Options ✔ Check-in & Service Experience ✔ Overall Pros & Cons 📍 Location: Un...