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Road trip in South Korea – from Seoul to the countryside

A road trip through South Korea’s beautiful countryside will bring you to stunning lakes and mountains, lovely villages, and amazing scenery you wouldn’t otherwise find in the country’s busy and bustling cities. Step out of Seoul and see more of South Korea with this exciting and easy-to-follow road trip itinerary.

A couple of years ago, my friends and I attended a convention in Seoul, South Korea. In a classic work/travel balancing act, we managed to sneak in a short road trip to the countryside south of Seoul.

Back then, we were all visiting South Korea for the first time. By the end of our first day in Seoul, we were so in love with the city – everything about it was amazing! From its delicious food to its dazzling nightscape, to the lively shopping districts…

But the best was before us: beautiful roads, stunning lakes and mountains, and lovely villages. An hour into the road trip, any misgivings we may have about trading extra days shopping in Seoul for a road trip to some unknown were immediately dispelled.

But I’m getting way ahead of this story. Here’s how my first trip to South Korea went – and why I’ve come back so many times since. Continue reading “Road trip in South Korea – from Seoul to the countryside”

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3 days in Busan – what to see and do in South Korea’s vibrant seaside city

What to see and do for 3 days in Busan, South Korea: If you’re looking for the perfect balance of sun, sea, and the city, Busan is the ideal destination for you. Its seaside cosmopolitan vibe will surely draw you in. Check out this itinerary for top recommendations!

Can’t decide whether you want a vacation where you can just kick back and relax on the beach with a fruit shake or do some shopping, sight-seeing, and food tripping? I’ve got the perfect destination for you: Busan.

If you haven’t heard of Busan, this is South Korea’s second city, sitting on the southeastern edge of the country’s main island. It’s the perfect mix of Seoul’s dynamic and vibrant city vibe and Jeju’s relaxing atmosphere and gorgeous subtropical landscapes. Coupled with South Korea’s staples of high-speed internet, efficient public transportation, delicious seafood cuisine, and terrific shopping options, Busan is the perfect destination for anyone who wants everything.

Here’s how to spend 3 days in Busan. Continue reading “3 days in Busan – what to see and do in South Korea’s vibrant seaside city”

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Driving in South Korea – what you need to know

Driving in South Korea - what you need to know

Driving in South Korea is a fun way to discover the country. The country’s cities are exciting and a great start to your adventures, of course, but to really get a sense of South Korea, you have to venture to its small quaint towns and have a taste of its amazing countryside.

While it is possible to go around South Korea using public transportation, driving around is a lot more convenient and fun. It definitely saves you travel time and if you plan your trip right, it can even save you money. Plus: it’s a lot easier to do than you think – even if you don’t speak their language.

Here are my tips for renting a car and driving in South Korea.

Continue reading “Driving in South Korea – what you need to know”

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Autumn in South Korea 2018 – the country’s best spots for fall in one amazing road trip

South Korea is a great place for an autumn holiday. There are plenty of spots to enjoy the fiery reds and oranges of fall, and have a taste of the country’s rich culture and tradition. This itinerary takes you in and around Seoul, then guides you to venture out into the countryside where you’ll see South Korea’s best spots for autumn.

The evenings are getting cooler and the days shorter. While summer’s impending end may make you feel blue, here’s a thought that could pick your spirits right back up: it’s time to chase the beautiful colors of fall! Let’s start planning!

South Korea is a great place for an autumn holiday. There are plenty of spots to enjoy the beauty of autumn, and even within its capital city, Seoul, you’ll find plenty of parks and open spaces boasting the radiant colors of fall. This itinerary takes you in and around Seoul, then guides you to venture out into the countryside where you’ll see South Korea’s best spots for autumn. Happy leaf-hunting!

Continue reading “Autumn in South Korea 2018 – the country’s best spots for fall in one amazing road trip”

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Where to stay in Jeju – a guide to South Korea’s gorgeous holiday island

Fancy a holiday where you’ll be able to hop from one gorgeous beach to the next, visit all kinds of quirky museums, and see stunning natural landscapes? South Korea’s “island of the gods” – Jeju Island – is the perfect destination for you.

Jeju definitely has a lot to offer. But what most first-time visitors are surprised to find out is that Jeju is huge. Even with a rental car, you can’t go around the whole island in one day. The island’s many attractions are far apart, and this is why you need to make sure you know exactly where to stay in Jeju, depending on what you’re in the mood to see and do. Continue reading “Where to stay in Jeju – a guide to South Korea’s gorgeous holiday island”

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Where to stay in Busan – a guide to the city’s neighborhoods and best accommodations

Busan is a city with many faces. It can be laidback and exciting, rustic and cosmopolitan. Depending on what you want to experience, there’s a Busan neighborhood perfect for your personality and preferences. Check out this neighborhood guide and find out where to stay when in Busan.

Busan is a city with many faces.

At first glance, Busan is a city where you go for a break. Especially if you’re coming from Seoul, Busan’s seaside city vibe is a welcome break from the unrelenting energy of the capital. You can smell the sea even kilometers away from the seashore, which of course, brings with it promises of a lazy, relaxing, and rejuvenating holiday. Continue reading “Where to stay in Busan – a guide to the city’s neighborhoods and best accommodations”

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Where to stay in Seoul – a guide to the city’s neighborhoods and best accommodations

Do you identify as: a) shopaholic? b) culture vulture? c) a creative? or d) a world citizen? No matter what your personality or tastes in travel are, there’s a neighborhood in Seoul that’s just perfect for you. This megacity caters to all kinds of travelers, and your problem won’t be the lack of choice, but the abundance of it. Don’t get overwhelmed! Take this quick and easy quiz and find out where YOU should stay in Seoul.

Planning a trip to Seoul? Chances are, you have about 5 tabs open on your browser right now and probably pulling your hair out with all of the choices and information out there. Believe me – I’ve been there. There is no shortage of guides and blogs on Seoul and you have the city itself to blame.

If you think online information on Seoul is overwhelming, you should go to, well… Seoul! From the moment you land on Incheon and venture into the heart of the city, you’ll be bombarded by all sorts of curiosities and novelties and choices, choices, choices!

If you’re on a diet, forget about it. You’ll be eating your way around the city in no time. Not really planning to shop? Friendly (albeit unfashionable) tip: wear blinders. Thinking of taking it slow and having a relaxing trip? Wear your most comfortable shoes anyway, as you’ll be drawn from one street to the next and before you know it, you’re in the middle of an art village on top of a hill and you just want to keep on going.

Seoul’s vibrancy and life is just so infectious and there’s just so much you can do that the trip-planning stage can be so overwhelming. So here’s my part in helping you plan your little holiday and making it less of an information overload: I made a fun and quick quiz (5 minutes tops!) that will help you decide where to stay in Seoul!

Continue reading “Where to stay in Seoul – a guide to the city’s neighborhoods and best accommodations”

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Spring in South Korea – when and where to see the cherry blossoms

Join the festivities this spring as South Korea dresses in pink! See the gorgeous cherry blossoms, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and look forward to brighter and warmer days ahead.

Life in South Korea has certainly gotten faster and flashier in the last few years, but come March, everyone stops to smell the flowers. Winter melts and spring takes over, splashing the cities and the countryside with brilliant colors and fragrant scents.

The most awaited of these blooms, of course, is the cherry blossom. While we all wait with bated breath for the forecasts and the festivals, get a head start on your travel plans with these top tips for savoring spring in South Korea.

Continue reading “Spring in South Korea – when and where to see the cherry blossoms”

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Gyeongju – a day trip to South Korea’s ancient capital

Whether you’re into ancient history or Buddhist art – or just want to get away from South Korea’s bustling cities – take a day trip to Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital. It’s a full day of art, architecture, and nature.

South Korea is mostly known for being modern – even futuristic. And when you’re in the major cities like Seoul and Busan, this is highly evident in the towering buildings, ultra-bright city lights, and high-speed Internet. Even their tourism organizations highlight the country’s dynamism and rapid progress.

Despite this, however, there remain pockets of cultural destinations where visitors can catch a glimpse of Korea’s splendid past. One such destination is Gyeongju – the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Silla, home of some of the best Buddhist art in the Far East.

If you’re into ancient cultures and traditions – or just want a break from the fast cars and bright lights of South Korea’s cities – take a day trip to Gyeongju, South Korea’s ancient capital.

Continue reading “Gyeongju – a day trip to South Korea’s ancient capital”

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Udo Island – a taste of Jeju in a day

Little holidays in Udo Island

There’s something that a lot of first-time travelers to Jeju don’t realize: the island is huge.

Most people think they can fly in to Jeju in the morning, hike Hallasan mountain, visit 3 or 4 museums, spend an afternoon at the beach, maybe do a little shopping in Lotte Duty Free, before getting on the last flight out back to Seoul or Busan.

Even allotting two days in the island is not enough, not even for fast-paced travelers.

But if you only have two days and you want to experience Jeju’s beautiful natural landscape, you should go to Udo Island. Continue reading “Udo Island – a taste of Jeju in a day”