Despite being such a large metropolis, there are many places to escape the urban landscape of Seoul. The Han River of course is one popular place that comes to mind, but maybe a little less well-known is Haneul Park. Upon doing some research, I learned that this place was once a landfill that the city decided to repurpose into a park. As you will see, the results were fantastic! With its gorgeous views and serene, almost dreamlike atmosphere, this place is sure to please! Continue reading “Sightseeing in Seoul: Haneul Park (하늘공원)”
Category: Living in Seoul
Traditional Markets in Seoul: Mangwon Market (망원시장)
Those looking for a traditional market experience near the Hongik University area will have quite a fun time visiting Mangwon Market (Mangwon Shijang 망원시장). I’ve always had a great time trying all the cheap eats they have to offer. There’s lots of traditional ingredients that you may not find at the typical Home Plus or Emart, such as dried persimmons (geotgam 곳감). I highly suggest it if you want to experience a traditional market in Korea that’s near Hongdae! Continue reading “Traditional Markets in Seoul: Mangwon Market (망원시장)”
2015 Sinchon Water Gun Festival (물총축제)
Looking for some good summer fun? Check out the Sinchon Water Gun Festival taking over the main road! Just head out of exit 2 from Sinchon Station (신촌역)! Even if you don’t have a water gun, you can buy one easily from vendors at the station or on the street! Today is the last day of the festival, so don’t miss out if you have a free Sunday! Continue reading “2015 Sinchon Water Gun Festival (물총축제)”
Karting in Korea: Paju Karting Land
Those looking to get a little adrenaline fix can check out Paju Kart Land (가트랜드). I’m actually a pretty big gear head myself back in the states, so I was excited to check out this place. The facilities and karts may not be (nearly) as good as their U.S. counterparts, but you can’t be too picky in a country where most people forgo fun to get an overly robotic education/job. I went there with the meetup group Karting Lovers. Check them out if you want to explore this track and others around Korea! Continue reading “Karting in Korea: Paju Karting Land”
1600 Pandas: An Epic Pandamic
With the gigantic rubber ducky having said goodbye to Seoul for quite a while now, the city has been a bit lonely without any animals made by artist these days. Luckily though, Seoul will be home to 1600 paper mache pandas, as a campaign to raise awareness on how many actual pandas are left in the wild. You have until the end of July to see them! You can click here to check out the main site.
Simply head out of exit 2 Jamsil Station (잠실역) and head south, make a left before the lake, and you’ll see it towards the left near the lawn area. Continue reading “1600 Pandas: An Epic Pandamic”
Seoul Photo Spots: Banpo Bridge (반포대교)
Banpo Bridge (반포대교) is the result of a citywide beautification effort resulting in the world’s longest bridge fountain, coordinating streaming water and lights to music in rhythmic manner. The show plays all week, with peak times being at night. Be sure to check the schedule and directions here and beware there are no shows in the winter. It’s similar to Cheongyecheon Plaza, but is obviously quite a bit more dynamic! Continue reading “Seoul Photo Spots: Banpo Bridge (반포대교)”
Noryangjin (노량진) Tour – A Haven for Street Food
Noryangjin is a rather special area in Seoul, home to the largest fish market in the city and full of cram schools (학원) where children go to study late at night. With so many students frequenting the area, it’s no wonder there is a plethora of cheap street stalls to make for one fun, food-filled excursion. When my friends invited me to visit the area, I was more than willing to oblige! Continue reading “Noryangjin (노량진) Tour – A Haven for Street Food”
Seoul Cheap Eats: Steff Houlberg Hotdog (스테프 핫도그)
Went to grab a quick late night meal at Steff Hotdog (스테프 핫도그) in Yangjae Station (양재역). I was coming from a really long day and I just needed to find something to hold me over with a couple of friends. Luckily this place was open and we managed to get there right before it closed. You have to go inside the station near the Express line (신분당선) where there are many underground stores and restaurants.The closest entrance would be exit #7. This place is a Denmark chain that likes to show off Continue reading “Seoul Cheap Eats: Steff Houlberg Hotdog (스테프 핫도그)”
Restaurants in Seoul: 호야즉석떡볶이(Hoya Quick Tteokbokki)
If you like tteokbokki (떡볶이), but want to spice it up with different flavors and ingredients, give Hoya (호야즉석떡볶이) a try! Hoya lets you customize your tteokbokki and cook it right in front of you in a hotpot. You can find this place near Sinchon Station (신촌역) by walking out of exit 3 towards the Uplex. It is literally across the street from the popular red tube structure. Continue reading “Restaurants in Seoul: 호야즉석떡볶이(Hoya Quick Tteokbokki)”
Living in Seoul: Guided Tour with Locals
Went on a guided tour around Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) and Insadong (인사동) with some locals. The tour was completely free and the guides were practicing English. There seem to be a couple of Korean groups offering these tours, so definitely check them out if you get the opportunity! Continue reading “Living in Seoul: Guided Tour with Locals”
Finding the Seoul 