Trip to Korea

   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...