Artful presentation and refined taste, Korean royal dishes demonstrate a centuries-long tradition of cooking that has been passed down by court cooks and royal descendants for generations. It’s the feast for all five senses and is often considered the highest form of dining in Korean cuisine.
Continue reading Korean Cuisine: First Taste of Korean Royal DishesA busy commuter highway was transformed into a nature-filled public area. An abandoned stadium was replaced by a world-class exhibition center. And on the site of the old campus, a man-made canyon was created. Seoul has received a major facelift in the last few years. From a mere industrial center in the 1960s, it has grown into a modern, eco-friendly capital that many cities in the world want to model after.
Continue reading The Regeneration of Seoul DowntownIf cities were human beings: Seoul would be an assertive businessman, while Busan would be a boisterous sailor. Indeed, South Korea’s second-largest city is full of spirit and character, with miles of beaches, vibrant nightlife, and an unrivaled food scene.
Continue reading Busan: A Trip to the Dynamic Coastal CityExpensive, exclusive, and elite are the most appropriate words to describe Seoul’s Gangnam district. It’s indeed a place to see and be seen, filled with high-end real estate, luxury boutiques, and glimmering skyscrapers. But fifty years ago, this area was nothing more than a vast countryside; home to rice paddies and pear farms. And everything you see today has been built since then.
Continue reading Gangnam District: From Zero to HeroWith the sizzling sound, the irresistible aroma, and the savory meat, Korean barbecue has never failed to impress hungry visitors. This dish has extended beyond the borders of its home country, becoming the favorite of many people around the globe. And certainly, a trip to South Korea will never be completed without this grilling experience.
Continue reading Korean Cuisine: The Korean BarbecueHome to pristine nature, Jeju has long been South Korea’s favorite domestic holiday destination. A natural wonder just off the southern coast of the country – the island offers a stark contrast to the concrete jungle in Seoul or Busan, with fresh air, lush green landscapes, and exquisite beaches.
Continue reading Jeju Island: South Korea’s Natural WonderTeddy bears are no longer just regular toys. Since their introduction some 100 years ago, those bear cubs have been loved and cherished by nearly every boy and girl on this planet. I was no exception. Hence, when seeing the Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju, I couldn’t stop myself from getting in. It’s simply a trip to childhood.
Continue reading Back to Childhood at Jeju Teddy Bear MuseumEvidence of a turbulent creation, East Jeju is characterized by black cliffs, hundreds of extinct volcanoes, and craters. It was a desolate land, filled with rocks and lava stones. But Mother Nature has revitalized this part of the island, transforming it into a picturesque landscape with impressive rock formations, lush green meadows, and silver grass fields.
Continue reading East Jeju: The Tale of A Dramatic CoastThough incredibly beautiful, the western half of Jeju is somewhat wilder and generally less accessible than East Jeju. Tour buses usually don’t halt here and people who go to this area are mostly locals. But travelers who decided to explore this part of the island will be rewarded with unspoiled terrain and experiences that they can find nowhere else.
Continue reading West Jeju: A Journey off the Beaten PathPerching on a sea cliff in northeastern Busan, Haedong Yongungsa is undoubtedly one of Korea’s most impressive worship places. The temple is widely known for its stunning ocean view, architectural beauty, as well as the enigmatic phenomenon that occurred throughout its 600-year history.
Continue reading Haedong Yonggungsa: Spirituality by the SeaA hillside labyrinth filled with vivid colorful houses, Gamcheon is a destination for travelers with an interest in art and history. The village has emerged from the dust of poverty to become one of Busan’s most unique attractions. Here and there, quirky murals and eccentric figures spring up, adding an artistic touch to a lesser-known part of the city.
Continue reading Gamcheon: The Artistic Side of BusanConcealed in the scenic Seoraksan National Park, Kensington Hotel Seorak is the closest accommodation to Korea’s most famous vacation area. With a mahogany interior and royal emblems, the hotel surely evokes the graceful atmosphere of a British royal residence.
Continue reading Kensington Hotel Seorak: A British Touch in SeoraksanA picturesque landscape in which red and golden autumnal forests are dotted by majestic rocks and small mountain streams, Mount Seoraksan has long been a favorite destination for both Koreans and international travelers. The mountain changes its color according to each season. But fall in the area is considered amongst the most beautiful in the entire Korean Peninsula.
Continue reading Seoraksan: The Autumn DestinationFusing media art and traditional Korean performing arts, the troupe and production team of “Sim Cheong” has created a magical performance that highlights filial piety – a virtue that’s highly valued in Korean society.
Continue reading Sim Cheong: A Magical Performance
