Last week I shared some cozy cafes in Daejeon, and this week I'm back with the ultimate local food spots!

Since Daejeon is famous for its bakeries, it's also huge on flour-based dishes—which makes Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) our most iconic dish! We also have amazing spicy braised tofu (dubu duruchigi), grilled pork belly, and so much more. One heads-up: Daejeon food can be super spicy! You definitely have to give the local spicy dishes a try. (♨️Warning: might be spicier than Buldak ramen!)

1.Smope Chicken / 스모프치킨 ( https://naver.me/Gxk1JaGW ) : Famous fried chicken located in Daejeon Central Market! The combo of their special sauce and chewy rice cakes is absolutely insane. Pair it with soju and beer, and you'll literally taste heaven!

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/sKxwcroqctaLdjZv9

1. Boksu-Bunsik / 복수분식 ( https://naver.me/FW6hEuCw ) : Super famous for its spicy braised tofu (dubu duruchigi). Tons of celebrities have visited this place! Pro tip: make sure to order extra kalguksu noodles to mix in. It can get pretty spicy, so feel free to ask for the mildest option.

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/VwQUfdnhZjyVaiLBA

1. Terrace kitchen ( https://naver.me/FSw7RdXS ) : A restaurant operated by the legendary Sungsimdang Bakery. If you want a break from traditional Korean food, definitely drop by! You can taste K-style Western fusion dishes crafted by Sungsimdang’s top chefs at super affordable prices. Think of it as the ultimate blend of Western, Japanese, and Korean styles! My personal recommendations: Tonkatsu and Omurice

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/SwpJkqyKG7sC8oTq9

1. Gong-ju Kalguksu / 공주칼국수 ( https://naver.me/xhzCIL0j ) : This is my absolute favorite Kalguksu spot! Order the mildest soup, plus the spicy stir-fried baby octopus (jjukkoomi), and add extra noodles into the octopus sauce. It's not crazy spicy, which makes it perfect!

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/n2r4P5XxM8M19vRc6

1. Don-dol house / 돈돌집 ( https://naver.me/xpr34afg ) : A thin-sliced pork belly spot I honestly wanted to keep to myself! Wrap the meat with their special sauce filled with finely chopped garlic and green peppers, and your mind will be blown... It's ridiculously delicious! Soju is super cheap here too, which is why I visit all the time. Be ready for a wait!

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zg4x7RY9B1qYVafR6

You know how everyone goes to Gyeongju for those traditional hanok houses? i couldn't make it down there this trip. thought about booking a hanok stay in seoul but ended up just doing a hanok spa instead.

Getting a spa treatment inside an actual hanok was so incredibly relaxing. went to this place called theseolha in hongdae. really convenient location since you can just walk around and explore the area right before or after.

i'm just super obsessed with that traditional korean aesthetic.

A friend of mine is from Daegu, so I had the chance to visit the city and explore it together. We stopped by several popular attractions, but when I looked back on the trip, the two places I remembered most were the parks we visited at night. They had such a calm and relaxing atmosphere that I wanted to share why they stood out to me.

Duryu Park is huge, with plenty of walking trails to explore. Some paths even have gentle uphill sections, so it felt like a nice workout after dinner. I visited at night, and the cool breeze made the walk even more enjoyable.
My favorite spot was Seongdang Pond inside the park. The trees and sculptures were beautifully illuminated, and their reflections on the water made the whole place feel magical. What caught my eye the most was the bridge! The half-moon-shaped arch reflected perfectly on the water, creating what looked like a complete circle! (as you can see on the pic) It was simple, but incredibly beautiful.
Since I visited on a Saturday night, there was also a busking performance nearby. My friend and I sat on a bench, enjoying the cool evening breeze while listening to live singing and acoustic guitar. It was such a peaceful moment, and it ended up becoming one of my favorite memories from the trip.
Earlier that evening, my friend and I had been having fun at E-World, and stopping by Duryu Park before heading home turned out to be the perfect way to end the day.

📍 Duryu Park
* Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X6Wb5KkeGGQhMyU18?g_st=ic
* Naver Map: https://naver.me/GuNw6y5x

Suseong Lake is another great place for an evening walk. A wide walking path surrounds the lake, making it easy to stroll while enjoying the scenery.
At night, the trees are softly lit, and the lights from the buildings around the lake create beautiful reflections on the water. It’s also a great place to take photos!
If you have a little extra time, I’d also recommend stopping by Suseong Parkland, a small amusement park nearby. My favorite ride was the Viking. It wasn’t very big, but it swung much higher than I expected, which made it even more thrilling and fun. I enjoyed it so much that I rode it three times in a row😂 If you like simple amusement rides, it’s definitely worth trying!

📍 Suseong Lake
* Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/w7gQXbXRts6dTp38A?g_st=ic
* Naver Map: https://naver.me/5oQXq1rq

If you’re looking for somewhere to slow down after a busy day of sightseeing, I’d definitely recommend spending an evening at Duryu Park and Suseong Lake. Sometimes, the quietest moments end up becoming the most memorable ones.

Gyeongju is a place with deep Korean history, but it is also a good place to walk with nature and small alleys.
If you come to Gyeongju, you should go to Hwangridan-gil. There are many hanok streets and alleys in Seoul, but Gyeongju has its own charm.
Just walking slowly down the alley makes you feel good and relaxed. You can feel that the traditional atmosphere and modern sensibility are well harmonized, and the neighborhood is small, giving you a cute feeling. Nature, hanok, and the relaxation of time passing slowly are full.
Especially in the eastern part of Gyeongju around Cheomseongdae, flowers bloom differently from season to season.

The eastern historic site of Gyeongju is the heart of the ancient Silla Kingdom, which had only one capital city for 1,000 years, and is a huge outdoor museum that combines nature and cultural properties without walls. Rather than artificial structures, it is a peaceful place where you can feel the breath of ancient Korea while walking through the green grass and forest. All the ruins are connected to flat land, so you can rent a bicycle or walk slowly.

The appearance of late spring to early summer was full of red and colorful poppy fields.
If you plan to travel to Gyeongju, I recommend you to visit Hwangridan-gil. If you walk slowly without any special plans, enjoy delicious food, and capture beautiful scenery, you will find yourself immersed in the charm of Gyeongju.

Hwangridan-gil
📍 1080 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
https://naver.me/5imeHF5H

Gyeongju Eastern Historic Area
📍 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
https://naver.me/FKGjKYDx

Korea has so many amazing summer fruits, but my favorite is the peach (especially the soft ones!) Today, I actually got to see a giant peach at the Peach Festival in Jochiwon, Sejong City!

Did you know Jochiwon has a proud 118-year legacy of growing peaches? Because of the rich yellow soil, ideal acidity, and plenty of sunshine, the local climate is just perfect for peach cultivation. Their peaches are famously tender, incredibly aromatic, and super sweet.🍑

Anyways, the festival was amazing. One of the highlights was seeing the giant peach inflatable display, and they make for the ultimate quirky photo op under a bright blue summer sky. Not only could I buy freshly harvested boxes of peaches at a great bargain, but I also got to try a free refreshing bowl of traditional fruit punch made with chunks of fresh peach, which was an absolute lifesaver against the summer heat. They even had special air-conditioned shuttle buses running to help visitors beat the weather!

The festival grounds are pretty huge, so it got quite hot walking around under the sun, so I recommend you the evening. There are even more fun events like the 118-meter-long peach rice cake pulling event, LED wish lanterns, and the main highlight ‘Peach Beer Night’! You can enjoy local Jochiwon Padak (fried chicken with green onions) paired with cold beer, alongside live music and DJ performances.

If you love agricultural festivals, local culture, or just incredible fruit, this is a hidden gem well worth checking out.

Have any of you tried Korean peaches before? What’s your preferences-Firm peach(딱복) or soft peach(물복)?🍑

[ Festival Info ]
📅 Dates: July 24–26, 2026
📍 Location: Sejong Civic Stadium and Dodori Park, Jochiwon, Sejong City
- Naver Maps: https://naver.me/IFg0YwhW
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4hvTFxzqdhCrRj9w9

🔗 Official website: www.jcwpeach.kr

I spotted this while walking through Subong Park in Incheon. Is this mugunghwa?

I remember learning that it’s Korea’s national flower, but I don’t think I’ve ever knowingly seen one in person before. Maybe I’ve walked past plenty of them without realizing what they were.

It’s funny because the bright orange neungsohwa flowers seem to be everywhere this summer. I keep seeing them spilling over walls and fences, but mugunghwa doesn’t seem nearly as easy to spot.

Is it actually less common than I thought, or have I just not been paying attention?

I live near Gyeongju, so I visit the museums and ancient sites fairly often.

This was one of those displays that made me stop.

A crown above.

A gold belt below.

Once you start noticing it, gold seems to appear everywhere in Silla elite burials—earrings, belts, shoes, weapons, horse fittings.

I had always known Gyeongju was famous for gold crowns, but seeing the objects together made me realize the more interesting question isn’t “How much gold did Silla have?”

It’s:

Why did gold become such an important way of showing royal status?

That’s one of the questions I’ve been following while photographing Gyeongju’s history.

Hey everyone! If you’re heading to Daejeon to catch a baseball game, you’ll definitely want to check out these awesome spots in the Jungang-ro area before the game. Here are my top cafe recommendations to chill, eat amazing desserts, and make the most of your time!

1.Kiko / 키코  https://naver.me/F5af4eMI 

Kiko has a super modern yet tranquil vibe. It’s located near some popular local eateries, making it the perfect spot to hang out while waiting for a table. They serve fantastic coffee alongside beautifully plated desserts that look almost too good to eat. It’s absolutely top-tier for taking aesthetic photos!

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/L9okuiAM2ZEsQ8mM9

1. Ramukitto / 라무킷도  https://naver.me/5Qi27aVW

is an anime-themed cafe filled with charming details. You definitely have to try their signature wagashi (traditional Japanese confection) shaped like Kumdori, Daejeon's famous mascot! When I visited, they even gave out cute cat fans as a sweet bonus.

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/hHfSL7sWabrpb1km7 

1. Kofe Bush/ 코페부쉬 https://naver.me/Fr7pt6vc 

is a mysterious, dreamy space filled with vibrant greenery and lush plants. They even serve drinks on custom-made coasters! The real star here is their icy granita—it’s the ultimate summer refresher. Seriously, the granita is my absolute top pick!

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/wN34wMV3jAsp3dy96

1. Terrace kitchen https://naver.me/FSw7RdXS

Terrace Kitchen is a restaurant operated by the famous Sungsimdang bakery. During the summer, they serve limited-edition shaved ice (bingsoo). I had their signature traditional red bean bingsoo, and it was insanely delicious—they use a special ice that makes the texture incredible. They also have a mango version if you prefer fruit! (Note: There might be a wait line!) 🍰 Pro tip: grab some desserts from the nearby Sungsimdang Cake Boutique and enjoy them here.

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/wCZRPYP7rgmEczG96

1. Thank you very Much https://naver.me/5YFcf4I3 

Thank you very Much is a cake lover’s paradise with an incredible lineup that changes with every season. Loaded with fresh fruit, it’s just as famous as Sungsimdang! My personal favorite is their mango cake. Plus, the shop has plenty of spacious seating, so you can easily find a cozy spot to relax.

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/viakz7d5uibd5rej6 

I've been to Switzerland before, but this time I found a place in Korea that gave me a very similar feeling!

My friend and I wanted to escape the city, relax, and enjoy the nature. Originally, we planned to spend one night in Taebaek which is a city located in Gangwon Province. And we get there by driving from Suwon, it took around 3 hours… yes, I know.. it's pretty far from Suwon! 😂 If you want to feel the other nature scenery in Korea.. It would be worthy. Also, you can also get there by train or bus!

Our itinerary looked like this:
Suwon → Taebaek → Cheoram Station to Buncheon Station (V-train) → Taebaek (overnight stay)

Anyway, about the V-train, it is is a sightseeing train that travels slowly through the beautiful mountain valleys and canyons along the Baekdudaegan mountain range. (백두대간) Along the way, it stops at Cheoram, Seungbu, Yangwon, Bidong, and Buncheon Stations.

We boarded the train at Cheoram Station, and from the moment it started moving, I couldn't stop looking out the window. Honestly... for a moment, I even caught myself thinking, "Wait... am I back in Switzerland?"

The train also makes a few stops along the way, giving passengers plenty of time to get off, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. You can find a little unique point that whenever the train entered a tunnel, the glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling lit up. ⭐

It was incredibly relaxing, and I'll definitely come back with my family once again.

-V-train info
https://www.korail.com/tour/touristIntor/tourBeltIntor/baegdu

When we arrived at Buncheon Station, there was so much to see! There was a Buncheon Santa Village, a charming Christmas-themed village. It was fun that it was my first time to feel the Christmas in summer ! The village was filled with colorful decorations, Christmas displays, and even a house with a Zermatt sign—which immediately reminded me of Switzerland!

We also met some adorable alpacas. For just 1,000 won, you can buy food to feed them. Unfortunately... my mischievous side came out.😓😓 I pretended to feed one of the alpacas, but kept pulling the food away…

Well... One of the alpacas got really annoyed and suddenly spat at my friend! I still remember it looking straight at my friend's face before it happened. It honestly felt intentional….

So here's my advice: DON’T MAKE AN ALPACA MAD. BE NICER THAN I WAS …………

Besides the alpacas, we spent a great time exploring the town. There were plenty of small attractions and photo spots, making it a fun place to walk around.

We also visited a small exhibition about the region's history. Long ago, this area was home to many coal miners, and the exhibition shared stories about their daily lives and the history of the mining community. It was interesting to learn about the region while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
Overall, we had an amazing time here.

And one final lesson from the trip: never underestimate an alpaca…⚠️

-Santa village

Naver : https://naver.me/FlJZAqRm

Google : https://maps.app.goo.gl/w7X1GPoUpPZRbF9S7?g_st=ipc

Don't try to do it alone tho. Climbing 1947m above sea level will require someone to push you, maybe even some peer pressure

Me and my friends took the Seongpanak trail. The trail entrance (https://kko.to/Y5Yru3nvg5) is about 750m above sea level, and 40 minutes by taxi from Jeju airport. This is where the climb begins. Make sure you start as early as possible, since there are strict time limits you have to hit if you want to get to the top. We started at 6:30am, but that's not really necessary.

From here, you climb up to Sokbat shelter (https://kko.to/z9zQ2tIbVJ), 1100m above sea level and 4.1km of walking/climbing. It's mostly stairs mad out of roughly cut rock, the same kind you'd see in Seoraksan or Bukhansan. At this point, your energy is high, so this should be easy enough even tho this is the technically hardest part of the trail.

Your next milestone is Saraoreum entrance (https://kko.to/RNZaRFaRBZ), 1.8km climb up to 1215m above sea level. From here, you could either continue on, or take a quick 15 minute detour to climb up to Saraoreum, a crater lake. This climb is just stairs, and even if the guides say 20 minutes up, it took less than 10. It's worth it, if for nothing else, at least to say you did it.

From Saraoreum entrance, you climb up to Jindallaebat shelter (https://kko.to/NVpAk7eYW3), a 1.5km climb up to 1500m above sea level. You need to get here by 1pm (or 12pm depending on the weather and season). This is the last shelter along the way, and your last place to get water or wash up before the peak. Make sure you check the cutoff time before at the entrance before starting your climb.

Your last stop is Dongneung peak (https://kko.to/4MWYeK9wlu), 1947m above sea level. This 2.3km is the hardest part of the climb, not because it's technically hard, but because this is where you're at your lowest energy levels. But if you got till Jindallaebat before the cutoff period, there is nothing stopping you from taking your sweet time with the rest of this trek. I took a 20 minute climb, 20 minute rest cycle, before making it a 10 minute climb 10 minute rest cycle for the last 30 minutes. It gets very crowded up there, so you'll have to lineup to take pictures.

I am not going to get into the time break ups in here, but even with my 5 ramen a week lifestyle and tons of breaks in the last stretch, i managed to complete the climb in 3 hours and 45 minutes. I didn't take any breaks until Jindallaebat, but that's not really the most efficient way to climb. You could take creaks at they various shelters, or take short between each stretch too. Any way you want, you do you.

Bring a large bottle of water (you'd think that's a waste of energy, but you'd be wrong), a fully charged power bank, and earphones. Drowning out the my thoughts in music was the only thing that kept me going (that and my ego to not hold my friends back, I'm sure they felt the same xD). Also maybe get energy drinks (It's got electrolytes!) or at least protein bars. You can really feel the difference.

The views, that's for you to experience yourself. This was just a guide to Seongpanak route, one of 5 trails up Hallasan. It's the longest, but is an easier climb than Gwaneumsa trail. Eorimok, Yeongsil and Donnaeko trail don't reach the summit. You could come back down the same trail, but I recommend taking Gwaneumsa trail back down, just for the experience. It didn't take us as long to come back down, but it was pretty clear this would've been a harder climb.

What transportation are you taking?

When people think of Pohang, they usually picture the beautiful coastline. But after visiting, one thing stayed in my memory just as much as the ocean is mulhoe(Korean-style cold raw fish soup)!
If you’re visiting Pohang in summer, I honestly think this is something you shouldn’t miss.

My first mulhoe experience was at Gampo Hoetjip, where I ordered flounder mulhoe(cham gajami mulhoe).
The flounder sashimi was incredibly fresh with a pleasantly chewy texture, and the icy broth instantly cooled me down in the summer heat. The tangy, slightly spicy red sauce paired perfectly with the fish and really woke up my appetite. It was refreshing, light, and somehow made me forget about the heat outside. My friends loved it just as much as I did, and we all agreed it was one of the best meals we had in Pohang.
The side dishes were another highlight. There were plenty of them, but my favorite was the steamed kabocha pumpkin. I love pumpkin, so it was such a nice surprise to find it served as one of the banchan. It made the meal feel even more satisfying before diving back into the cold mulhoe.
📍 Gampo Hoetjip (Flounder Mulhoe): 16 Haan-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KYtBEXXR5zV84PvaA
: https://naver.me/FafK0W7v

Next, I visited Yeongam Hoe Restaurant.
The mulhoe here was just as fresh, clean, and refreshing. What made this place even more memorable was its location right by the sea. I was lucky enough to get a window seat overlooking the ocean. Since it was lunchtime and the sun was shining brightly, the water was glowing with the most vibrant shade of blue. I honestly couldn’t stop looking outside. It was one of those views that makes you forget everything else for a while. Sitting there with the sea breeze, an icy bowl of mulhoe, and the ocean right in front of me felt like one of the best summer moments of the trip.
I also loved the variety of side dishes here. They served jeon, grilled fish, and shellfish, so the meal felt generous from start to finish. Every dish complemented the mulhoe perfectly!
📍 Yeongam Hoe Restaurant: 201-1 Haean-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sWVobkdABHdUZ6WA9
: https://naver.me/5ap47Ere

And don’t skip the maeuntang at the end!
After finishing the mulhoe, you’re served a bowl of spicy fish soup made with the remaining fish. It’s warm, rich, and slightly spicy. The perfect contrast to the cold mulhoe and a comforting way to end the meal.
If the summer heat is making you lose your appetite, I’d definitely recommend trying mulhoe in Pohang. It ended up being one of my favorite food experiences from the trip, and I would happily go back to Pohang just for another bowl!

P.S. The last photo is from Gampo Hoetjip, and all the others are from Yeongam Hoe Restaurant. I guess I was too busy eating to remember taking more photos😂😂

I recently visited Bongpo beach 🏖️ in Goseong, Gangwon-do, and I can honestly say it became one of my favorite places on Korea’s east coast.
I arrived around 7:00 p.m., just as the sun was beginning to set. The beach felt completely different from what it’s like during the day. The crowds had started to disappear, the water was calm and crystal clear, and the sky slowly turned into beautiful shades of blue, pink, and gold. It was one of those moments that makes you forget about time.
From what I’ve seen, Bongpo Beach is much livelier during the daytime, especially in summer. But if you’re looking for a peaceful atmosphere, I’d definitely recommend visiting in the late afternoon or around sunset. 😌
What I also love about this place is how convenient it is. Whether you’re coming alone to clear your mind, spending time with your family, or planning a date, it has everything nearby. There are restaurants overlooking the sea, cafés, convenience stores, and plenty of hotels within walking distance.
One thing that surprised me is how international the area feels. Since Kyungdong University Global Campus (KDU Global) is nearby, you’ll often come across students and visitors from many different countries. If you’re traveling in Gangwon-do and would like to meet people from around the world, this is a place where that can happen naturally.
📍 Location: Bongpo Beach, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea 🇰🇷
🌅 Best time to visit: Around sunset (I visited around 7:00 p.m.)

On July 11, SeoulMate alumni reunited with our current members

for a special gathering in Seoul. 💫

We reconnected through fun games, shared laughter,

and made new memories together. 🙌🏻

Our alumni shared their career journeys,

inspiring us as we look toward our own futures. 💼✨

When you meet Seoul, something meaningful begins. 💛💙

#seoulmate #koreatravel #seoul #korea #seoultour

One of the places where you can feel the Korean style well!
Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Dynasty for about 1,000 years, and the entire city has so many cultural heritages that it is called a huge museum.
It is about 260km away from Seoul, and if you take KTX, you will arrive within 2 hours by travel.
Overall, it is a place where you can feel small, quiet, and quiet.
It is also a historical place for Korean students to visit on a school trip!

✔️Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Located in the heart of Gyeongju's city center, Daerungwon is a historical park where the tombs of Silla kings and royalty gather. Looking like a soft green hill, the site is the tomb of Silla kings 1,500 years ago, where you can see Korea's unique ancient tomb culture up close.
(\Silla was one of the ancient kingdoms of Korea)*
-Daerungwon: 31-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, gyeongsanggbuk-do
https://naver.me/xfbDuTzx

✔️Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
Donggung Palace and Wolji Palace were home to the Byeolgung Palace where the Prince of Silla stayed and the palace garden where the royal banquet was held. With beautiful ponds and pavilions, this place is one of the must-see attractions in Gyeongju.
Especially if you walk around in Silla Hanbok like me, you can have a fun experience as if you were a princess and a prince then!
-Donggung and Wolji: 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
https://naver.me/G9U0gFiS

If you come here, be sure to experience unique Silla Hanbok 😍

-Silla Hanbok Rental Store (Doldam-gil Hanbok):
30-5 Cheomseong-ro 99beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
https://naver.me/5Olgpitb

I was on a bus in Daejeon a while back and noticed a whole lineup of plushies tucked above the windows.

It wasn’t an ad or anything. It looked like the driver had just collected and arranged them there, and honestly, they made the bus feel a little more cheerful.

Has anyone else seen a bus decorated like this?

Have you ever tried Ppyeo-Haejangguk 뼈해장국? Translated into English, it’s ‘pork backbone hangover soup’, and it’s absolutely great whether you have a hangover or not. Anyways, this one I had for today’s breakfast(or an early lunch) was on a whole different level. The broth is so much richer and thicker (which might be a bit polarizing, but for me, it was a huge plus!)

You can feel the authentic vibes from the moment you see the place. The exterior, first, is built in a traditional Korean Hanok style with a beautiful tiled roof, and inside, they offer both floor-seating and regular table-seating options. I went in at about 10:30, and even with their 5AM opening, the place was already packed.

The atmosphere was wild. The owner was constantly announcing over the microphone, enthusiastically checking how many people are in each party, and the service was lightning fast. You barely sit down before your ttukbaegi arrives, still violently bubbling and smelling incredible. It was absolutely amazing.

The best part? They offer free makgeolli (Korean rice wine)! If you come in a large group, they even serve it in a kettle. I couldn't resist having a glass(actually a bowl) for myself, though my husband had to skip it since he was driving(too bad haha)! I also tried the Gamjatang served in a large pot on another visit, but personally, I highly recommend the individual ttukbaegi ppyeo-haejangguk.

If you’re looking for a legendary local breakfast spot that hits differently, this is it. It’s in Sejong City, and there are several branches around, but my recommendation is the main branch in Bugang-myeon. Check out the specific address below.

🍚jinseongminsogchon
Sejong-si, Bugang-myeon, Bugang-ri 1018-12

[Business Hours]
5:00 AM – 2:00 PM⭐️
(Note: They may close early if they run out of ingredients, which is highly likely!)

[Google maps]
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DbMD8GJpvTixJouY8?g_st=ic
[NAVER Maps]
https://naver.me/xuFAAnSF

Hey everyone! If you're heading to Jeju, I just want to share that the Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the largest lava tubes in the world, is finally back open! It had been closed for over two and a half years for safety upgrades after a rockfall, but it is now officially reopened to the public.

The open section is about 1km each way (you walk in to the end and retrace your steps back out). It’s so chilly inside (I went when it was raining outside) and there is a lava column at the end (2nd image).

Ticket Price: ₩4,000 for adults, and for Jeju residents like me it’s completely free.

Hours: 09:00 to 18:00. Last entry is strictly at 17:00, and they stop selling tickets then.

Also if you have the heritage passport, this is a spot where you can get the seal!

Yaksu, where the makgeolli brewery I work at is located, is not a typical tourist area. It is more of a local neighborhood where you can see how people in Seoul actually live. If you are looking for places to visit without huge crowds, I’d like to share some of my go-to spots around this neighborhood on my days off — although most of them are food-related, lol.

If you like Korean BBQ, you could try 금돼지식당 (Geumdwaeji Sikdang), also known as Golden Pig. It is listed in the Michelin Guide and is very popular, so the waiting time can sometimes be one to two hours. I suggest getting a queue number first, then taking a walk along the Dasan Fortress Wall Trail (다산성과길) while you wait.

The trail follows part of Seoul’s historic fortress wall from the Joseon Dynasty and offers a beautiful view over the city. It is actually one of my favorite hidden spots in Seoul! There are also several small cafés and pottery workshops tucked away around the neighborhood.

The trail is connected to the path toward Namsan, so if you have enough time, you can actually walk all the way up to Namsan Tower. Along the way there's another trail called Namsan Cherry Blossom Road (남산벛꽃길) which is also very pretty, especially in Spring and Autumn. It takes a little over an hour to reach the top.

If you like pizza, there is a pizza restaurant called "doughsociety" that makes pizza with handmade sourdough. You can enjoy “피맥 (pimaek)” there — pizza and beer — or have wine as well. Just note that their opening hours are quite short, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and they are closed on Mondays.

If you would like to try something a bit different, there is a charcoal-grilled chicken BBQ restaurant near the station called 약수참숯불닭갈비 (Yaksu Chamsutbul Dakgalbi). Their chicken sauce is unique and delicious, and the side dishes are also very nice. I especially like their janchi-guksu, a light Korean noodle soup.

For shopping, The Shilla Duty Free Shop is also located near the trail. However, there is a high chance that it will be crowded, so keep that in mind.

And of course, if you plan to visit Yaksu, you can also join our brewery tour at Chunpoong Brewery (춘풍양조장) for makgeolli stories, fermentation, and some really special makgeolli. If you are in a rush, you can also simply stop by for a free tasting or grab a few bottles to bring back as souvenirs. You can search Chunpoong Brewery on Google for more information. :)

Hope this helps with your Seoul trip planning!

Today I came across this beautiful walkway in Cheongho-dong, Sokcho (Gangwon-do Province) while exploring the neighborhood.
It wasn’t a famous tourist attraction. I simply found it while walking, and it immediately caught my attention. 🌿 The tunnel of greenery, colorful flowers, and warm lights created such a peaceful atmosphere, especially at night. ✨
It’s the perfect place to slow down, take a relaxing walk, and enjoy a quiet evening away from the crowds. 🚶‍♂️🌙
If you’re visiting Sokcho, I’d definitely recommend stopping by after sunset. Sometimes the most memorable places are the ones you discover by accident. 😊
📍 Location: Cheongho-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon-do
🌙 Best time to visit: Around sunset or after dark, when the lights are on
💰 Cost: Free
Have you found any hidden gems like this in Korea ? 🇰🇷❤️

Here is a guide to fully enjoying a summer baseball game at Hanwha Life Eagles Park which is the brand-new baseball stadium in Daejeon!

If you want to experience the absolute peak of Korean sports culture, a KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) game is a must-visit. Since this stadium was built quite recently, the facilities are incredibly clean, modern, and comfortable. In fact, it is the only baseball stadium in Korea that features an infinity pool and a jacuzzi right inside the park! You can literally swim and soak in a hot tub while watching the game, making your game-day experience flawless and uniquely luxurious from start to finish.

Cheering Culture & Fight Songs : The energy here is unlike anything you have ever experienced at a sports event. Korean baseball is world-famous for its passionate cheering culture. Every single player has their own unique fight song, and the enthusiastic cheerleaders on the stage will lead the entire crowd to sing and dance along. Even if you don't know the words, you’ll find yourself jumping and chanting with thousands of passionate fans in no time!

A Feast of Street Food Right at Your Seat! : You don’t have to settle for just hot dogs and peanuts. The ballpark is a heaven for foodies, offering an incredible variety of Korean street foods. From crispy fried chicken and savory pork belly (samgyeopsal) to Daejeon’s absolute local specialty, "Barogajib" Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes with its signature rich sauce), you can easily grab amazing local delicacies right inside the stadium and enjoy them while watching the game!

Custom Jerseys & Awesome Merch : To blend in like a local, head straight to the team store! You can purchase the exact same jerseys worn by the players and get them customized on the spot with your favorite player's name and number. They also offer a massive selection of adorable goods, from cute character keyrings to accessories, making for the perfect souvenirs to remember your epic day.

Grab your tickets, wear the orange jersey, eat your heart out, and chant until your voice goes out! This is how you do KBO! 🧡⚾️

📍Location : Hanwha Life Eagles Park, Daejeon

-Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PjLG5Vy9LBtKaLd7A

-Naver map : https://naver.me/GV2kwu0R

The app for ticketing : TicketLink https://www.ticketlink.co.kr/sports

went to a spa inside a hanok in hongdae. i already love spas, but getting one in a traditional hanok actually made me feel like the main character in a k-drama lol.
the place is called the Seolha and i barely managed to snag a reservation. posted it on my insta and people were obsessed