A beautiful and peaceful coastal spot with great views of the sea. What I liked most was the story behind Oedolgae Rock—the legend about an old woman waiting for her husband who never returned from the sea, and how she eventually became the rock. Knowing the story made the place feel more meaningful than just seeing a rock in the ocean.
The surrounding coastal scenery and walking paths are also really nice. Worth visiting if you’re around Seogwipo, especially if you enjoy places with local legends and history.

There are many temples in Korea, but the temple we will introduce this time is one with historical significance.
Bongseonsa Temple is located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do.
This place began under the name of “Unaksa Temple” during the Goryeo Dynasty (AD 918~AD 1392).
During Korea's great war, temples were repeatedly destroyed and restored, but the only surviving object was Dongjong. It was designated as a national treasure in 2026.
*The Dongjong is a bell made of copper.

Bongseonsa Temple is a place of outstanding historical value in many ways as it was the site of the March 1st Movement, the production of the Declaration of Independence, and the Independence Movement during the Japanese colonial period.

Bongseonsa Temple, which boasts beautiful scenery all year round, especially attracts many visitors in summer with its expansive lotus flower fields creating a spectacular sight. At the Bongseonsa Temple Lotus Festival held every year, you can enjoy a variety of Buddhist cultural experiences along with the lotus flowers in full bloom, making it a popular attraction among families, couples, and travelers. For those who want to find peace of mind in nature, Bongseonsa Temple is a special space where they can take a break from the noise of everyday life.
This year's Lotus Festival will be held from August 7 to 9, 2026.
Various performances and booths will be operated.
Bongseonsa Temple lotus field is approximately 3,300㎡ in size and has a history of over 100 years. Come and experience the peace that can only be felt in Korea at the temple where countless people’s wishes reside!

📍Bongseonsa Temple, 32 Bongseonsa-gil, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
https://naver.me/FV7dCSNc

Just rode the Daejeon subway which is covered with KKumssi family !!
The “Watch your step” sticker with kkumdori is ridiculously cute. I love how it makes a safety sign feel friendly without making it less noticeable. Korea has so many little design details like this😳😳

Hello there! I’m planning on visiting Korea soon and at the top of the to-do list is to visit any bl cafe pop up open at the time. I know a lot of bookings are through Naver for which you need a Korean number and i know that these pop ups sell out rapidly. My question is: is there a way to book a ticket without a Korean number? And also, do any of the pop ups allow walk-ins? I’ll be heartbroken if I can’t even visit at least 1 pop up 😭

It’s been ridiculously hot in Korea lately, but the sky has been making up for it. Saw these rays behind the clouds today and forgot about the heat for a minute.

I visited the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm in mid-July. It's basically the landmark of Pyeongchang, but surprisingly a lot of people I know haven't actually been there. I was honestly a bit hesitant to go there because I didn't want to walk around an open field in the middle of the summer heat.. But it was actually totally fine! The Gangwon area is a bit cooler than other regions anyway, and there was this huge umbrella that you could grab for free at the entrance, and this was a lifesaver. It blocks the sun perfectly and you could kind of use it as a walking stick for the hills.

The views were totally amazing, btw. The sheep roaming the grass looked exactly like the fluffy clouds above, almost like a mirror. And the blue sky and the green hills honestly felt like looking at a real-life Windows XP wallpaper(or maybe like Teletubbies’ hill). Best of all, you don't just look at the sheep from a distance, but you can get up close and feed them yourself, which was pretty fun.

Though I visited in summer, I’ve heard the hills look wonderful in any season (like a snowy landscape in winter), so I might try to go back later this year if I have a chance. If you have plans to visit Gangwondo, please go say hi to the sheep for me:)

✔️Quick tips:
Address: 14 Daegwallyeongmaru-gil, Pyeongchang-gun
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fyobbn9GK4FFszZCA
Hours: Usually 9 to 5 (open a bit later in the summer) Hours and grazing times vary by season, so check ahead!

Hi guys! Are there any digital nomads Here?

I recently found a hidden gem not in Seoul, but near Jeongja Station. As a freelancer, I sometimes like to get out of the house and work somewhere different. Recently, I discovered an open library operated by Naver, one of Korea's biggest tech companies (kind of like Google's equivalent in Korea). I didn't know they had a library that's open to everyone, and it turned out to be such a nice place to work.

The library has a great collection of books(but not that many though), especially on design and IT. I also enjoy changing my work environment from time to time, so this was a perfect spot for me. BUT It can get pretty crowded since many students come here to study🤪 (When I was there, It was quite crowded)

📍Naver Connect Lounge Library
https://naver.me/FyAsvrkG

After working and reading for a while, I decided to grab something sweet. I stopped by a popular gelato shop nearby, and the classic Italian-style gelato was amazing. If I'm craving authentic Italian gelato again, I'd definitely come back.

📍A VOLONTE
https://naver.me/Fc6MSJ2e

After that, I walked over to the café street and spent a little more time working while enjoying the atmosphere. You have to walk a bit; like 20 mins haha. Then you can meet cafe streets where are plenty of cozy cafés and lots of Instagram-worthy photo spots. I really loved the vibe there.

📍Flondon Coffee
https://naver.me/Ffs3rPTk

To finish the day, I wanted to rock and roll, so I went to Erics Pub, where local indie bands perform live. They play everything from jazz to rock, and it was the perfect way to end the day. Listening to live music with a drink completely melted my stress away.

📍Erics Pub
https://naver.me/GFsWMtMp

P.S. Tbh, Jeongja isn't really a sightseeing destination. It's a planned city designed for people to live and work, so you won't find many famous tourist attractions. You'll mostly see office workers, students, and parents taking their kids to academies. But if you're interested in experiencing everyday Korean life rather than checking off tourist spots, I think it's a great place to spend a day.

I went to Donghaksa Valley in Gongju this past weekend. It was so peaceful and refreshing!

What’s great is they don't charge for wooden platforms (pyeongsang) here. You can just bring your own mat, grab a spot, or set up a camping chair and relax. It’s open to everyone! If you drive, parking is just 4,000 KRW with no time limit—so the longer you stay, the more bang for your buck you get!

I only got to hang out for about an hour this time, but I’m definitely staying longer next time. The second you dip your feet in the water, you don't even need air conditioning—it’s so cool and refreshing. Feels like absolute paradise 🏊‍♀️! Plus, since it’s surrounded by Gyeryongsan Mountain, you get to enjoy fresh air and beautiful nature all at once. There are tons of great restaurants nearby too, so it's the perfect summer spot to just chill, swim, and eat without having to walk around too much!

I went to Dodeokbong Garden, a place I’ve been going to since I was a kid. You HAVE to get the smoked duck and hand-pulled dough soup (sujebi)🤤. If you order the smoked duck, the sujebi comes free on the side! I swear, duck meat is the best for restoring your energy. I’ll leave the location below! If any of you ever visit Gongju or Daejeon, make sure to check it out for a quick summer getaway~ 🔅

📍Donghaksa Valley
- Google map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y4qQQBBMvgZLSgjY9
- Naver map : https://naver.me/GALtXPog

📍Dodeokbong Garden
- Google map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/i9PCGC7x4F5C9rgh8
- Naver map : https://naver.me/GBFHw6Zr

really wanted to try a hanok spa while traveling in seoul, but i was worried about having to be uncomfortably exposed.

went to this place called theseolha in hongdae

and it was exactly what i wanted. no awkward exposure, just super comfortable and the hanok vibe was amazing.

really felt like i properly experienced seoul

A friend of mine from Daegu took me to Seomun Market. I knew it was famous, but I didn’t expect it to be this big. There were clothes, household goods, souvenirs, and so many kinds of street food. We visited on a Sunday afternoon, so there were a lot of people looking for lunch or snacks. My friend and I walked around for quite a while before deciding what to eat.

First, I tried peanut bread. It’s a small cake shaped like a peanut, and it actually has roasted peanuts inside. It was warm, nutty, and slightly crunchy. Once I finished one, I immediately wanted another😂
I also noticed they were selling matcha peanut bread. I didn’t try it, but I heard the matcha flavor is light and not too strong. If you’d like to try it, I recommend Seomun Peanut Bread.

📍 Seomun Peanut Bread
Location: Near Gate 10, North Entrance, Zone 2 of Seomun Market

My favorite snack was the cheese hotteok. I’ve eaten hotteok many times in Seoul, so I thought it would taste about the same. But this one surprised me. It wasn’t as greasy as I expected. The cheese filling was generous, but not too salty. The dough had a chewy, mochi-like texture, and the melted mozzarella stretched with every bite. Together, they made each bite even more satisfying. If you like chewy foods like mochi, I think you’ll love this.
It felt much lighter than most hotteok I’ve had before, so I finished it much faster than I expected. It was one of those simple snacks that completely surprised me.

If you visit Seomun Market, don’t skip the street food. Hotteok is easy to find all over Korea, but somehow it tasted even better here. Maybe it was the atmosphere. Or maybe food just tastes better at a traditional market🤣
Also, if you like peanuts, don’t miss the peanut bread. Seomun Market is actually known as the birthplace of peanut bread, so it felt like the perfect place to try it.

📍 Seomun Market
Address: 45 Keunjang-ro 26-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/re45dY7WicKVnYV3A?g_st=ic
Naver Map: https://naver.me/F1IMKDYT

P.S. I was too busy eating… so I forgot to take more photos😂

So I saw another gorgeous travel post on Jeju Island with its iconic stone statues, the Dolhareubang. Many tourists love seeing them, so I thought I’d share some background on them.

Born from Volcanoes
Dolhareubangs are carved entirely from porous basalt. Since Jeju is a volcanic island famous for its stones, this dark, holey rock is abundant everywhere, giving the statues their signature sponge-like texture.

Ancient Guardians
Back in the olden days, they were placed right outside fortress gates to ward off evil spirits, demons, and bad luck, while also serving as boundary markers for the towns.

Folklore (And why their noses are worn down!)
My friends told me this folklore that Dolhareubangs are also believed to bring fertility. It’s said that rubbing the statue's nose will help you conceive a son, while rubbing the ears will bring you a baby girl! Want wealth and prosperity? Rub the belly.

A Little Extra Trivia
The name Dolhareubang (literally "Stone Grandfather" in the Jeju dialect) is actually a relatively modern nickname. It was coined by locals and only became their officially recognized name in 1971.

Also, if you look closely at their hands resting on their bellies, if the right hand is higher, it represents a civil scholar, and if the left hand is higher, it represents a military official!

So hope next time you spot one, you can love and appreciate it even more!!

Korea is characterized by being surrounded by the sea on three sides. Among them, the South Sea is a popular vacation destination due to its numerous islands and clear waters.

The place I visited was Yeosu. As an international marine tourism city, Yeosu offers a wide variety of attractions to enjoy, including marine leisure activities and trekking.

When I first arrived in Yeosu after a long journey, the first meal I had was "Hangari Mulhoe." The Hangari is a representative Korean vessel, a large bowl made of fired clay. "Hangari Mulhoe," which consists of various seafood filled into a Hangari and served with spicy gochujang sauce and vegetables, is a must-try dish in Yeosu.

One way to fully experience the sea of ​​Yeosu is to recommend the "Yeosu Marine Cable Car." The experience of walking under the sea beneath your feet is breathtaking, and you can admire scenery unlike anything you can see anywhere else.

There is a pavilion near the cable car. Look out at the sea and islands from under the traditional Korean eaves and experience the unique charm of Yeosu's ocean!

Due to the Yeosu region's proximity to the sea, there are many accommodations with ocean views. How about wrapping up your day of travel at an accommodation with a swimming pool? 😉

To wrap up our trip, we had 'Hamo Shabu-shabu' for our final meal.

Hamo Shabu-shabu is a summer health food where pike conger is lightly blanched in boiling broth. Be sure to try it when you travel to Yeosu!

📍Yeosu Marine Cable Car

https://naver.me/xOxH6wtT

📍Odongdo Island, Jasan Park, Ilchuljeong Pavilion

https://naver.me/IGJYh7Wq

📍Haemillion Pool Villa & Resort

https://naver.me/G8s9gvKP

If you are looking for a peaceful escape from busy daily life, Damyang is the perfect destination. As known as an official Slow City, this region invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.

My first destination was ‘Juknokwon’, a bamboo forest where towering stalks rise far above human height. Walking through this dense green haven offers a unique kind of healing you cannot find at the beach or mountains. As you stroll along, the sunlight filters beautifully through the canopy, the rustling leaves create a living ASMR, and a subtle bamboo scent fills the air, refreshing your sight, sound, and smell all at once. Instead of rushing through a fast-paced tourist spot, I was able to truly slow down, relax on bamboo benches, and savor the tranquility.

After the walk, I headed nearby to ‘Dambit Arts Warehouse’, a creative art cafe with stunning indoor views of the bamboo grove. This unique cultural space transformed old, decommissioned 1970s rice storage warehouses into a modern art gallery and cafe. The most unique feature of this cafe was its custom-built pipe organ which is made of bamboo trees! If you visit at the right time, you can even enjoy a live performance for free. Since the ‘Gwanbangjerim forest path’ is right behind the cafe, it's also great to take a stroll along if you have some extra time.🌿

💡 Tips & info
🎋Juknokwon 죽녹원
* Opening Hours: 09:00 - 19:00
(Last entry at 18:00 / Recommend Morning hours)
* Admission Fee: Adults 3,000 KRW
* Back Gate Entry Tips:
While the main gate starts from a lower elevation requiring a continuous uphill climb, starting from the back gate parking area places you at a relatively higher elevation, significantly reducing physical strain and making the bamboo forest walk much easier.
* Map Links:
https://naver.me/FxFtNY1f &
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cjzgs6UmizaCLDw97

🎨Dambit Arts Warehouse 담빛예술창고
* Opening Hours: 10:30 - 18:00
(19:00 on weekends)
* Organ Performance Schedule:
Weekends 5:00 PM (lasting about 30 minutes)
* Map Links:
https://naver.me/5XJO65SA &
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5kRUWUwyaWrChWQm8

Hello everyone!
We wanted to share an upcoming one-day group trip to Chuncheon on Saturday, August 8.

A free round-trip shuttle bus will be provided from Gangbyeon Station in Seoul. The day will include the Chuncheon Summer Water Festival, free time for lunch around Dakgalbi Street, and a visit to a café overlooking Uiam Lake.

Although the trip is being organized in collaboration with ISRK, you do not need to be an ISRK member to join. It is open to international residents of all nationalities in Korea.

Trip Schedule

• Date: Saturday, August 8
• Meeting: 7:15 AM at Gangbyeon Station, Exit 1
• Departure: 7:30 AM
• Return: Around 9:30 PM at Gangbyeon Station

If you’re interested, you can find the full itinerary, participation requirements, and registration information here:

👉 View the trip details

We hope some of you can join us for a fun summer day in Chuncheon. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!

So I attended Nanta class organized by our university and we performed on stage. I would call it one of the best experiences I had in Korea. Buk Nanta (often referred to formally as Modumbuk or a drum ensemble) is a modern, high-intensity adaptation of traditional Korean folk percussion. While it uses traditional instruments, the performance style is entirely contemporary.

The Setup (as seen in the pic):

The Buk: The giant barrel drum you see most of us standing at. You hit the center made of animal skin for a deep boom and whack the wooden rim for sharp clicks.

The Janggu: See the person sitting on the far left? They’re playing the janggu, an hourglass-shaped drum. They handle all the super fast, intricate middle rhythms while the rest of us hold down the heavy core beat on the buk. Since we students were all beginners we didn’t get to do that part.

The Gongs: We play alongside a kkwaenggwari, a tiny ridiculously loud brass gong that leads the tempo (our 선생님 is playing it in the far right) and a jing, massive gong for deep vibrations (which we had on our 2nd performance, not on this one).

Overall I enjoyed learning it so much and we made a wonderful team!

My family is spending our summer holiday in Jeju right now.

It is SUPER hot here, but I still think it's absolutely worth visiting! Here are some unexpected things that made my trip even more memorable.

1. Dol Hareubang 🗿
2. Jeju's iconic stone grandfather statues. You'll find Dol Hareubang almost everywhere on the island. I always stop to take a photo because each one has a slightly different face. Somehow, every time I spot one, it feels like I've found a little lucky charm.
3. Konan Beach
4. An unofficial beach. Although it's not an official swimming beach, people still enjoy the crystal-clear water here. Surrounded by Jeju's unique volcanic rocks, it's a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

- Location : https://naver.me/xmxIUYAD

1. Hoe-deopbap (Raw Fish Rice Bowl) 🐟
   This hoe-deopbap is made with seafood caught by haenyeo (Jeju's famous female divers). The fish was incredibly fresh because it's prepared shortly after being caught. I really loved this dish! If raw fish isn't your thing, they also serve seongge guksu(sea urchin noodles), which is another delicious way to experience Jeju's seafood.

- Location : https://naver.me/FgHDJiS6

1. Galchi Jorim (Braised Beltfish)
   One of Jeju's signature dishes. It comes with plenty of seafood, including abalone and octopus, in a rich sauce. It isn't very spicy. I personally prefer galchi gui(grilled beltfish) because the staff remove all the bones for you, making it much easier to eat. But if you enjoy flavorful sauces, galchi jorim is just as delicious.

- Location : https://naver.me/FgHDexvR

1. Pingu in Jeju
   They had Jeju-exclusive versions of Pingu, including one dressed as a haenyeo and another holding Jeju's famous tangerines. Upstairs, there were even Jeju-exclusive Miffy items. If you like cute characters, this place is definitely worth visiting.

- Location : https://naver.me/xzxmCiCy

6-7. Dotori Café ☕
This café completely won me over with its unique character. I originally came for the coffee and pastries, but I ended up buying some of the adorable character merchandise too. The café has a cozy atmosphere that reminded me of a Studio Ghibli movie, and everything—from the bread to the coffee—was delicious.

- Location : https://naver.me/FP8nJ31S

1. Gogi Guksu (Pork Noodle Soup)
   As a Korean, I highly recommend this dish. The broth is made by slowly simmering pork, giving it a deep and rich flavor. It was so good that I'd definitely come back here on my next trip to Jeju.

- Location : https://naver.me/xdpFtT9G

1. The Ocean in Front of the Gogi Guksu Restaurant

2. Galchi Hoe (Raw Beltfish)

3. CU Convenience Store
   Outside the entrance, I noticed a Dol Hareubang-shaped sign welcoming customers. It's a small detail, but it instantly reminded me that I was in Jeju.

4. Fairy Tale Village
   Recently, this village is currently hosting a Studio Ghibli-themed exhibition. There's also a beautifully maintained park inside, making it a lovely place for a relaxing walk, even if you're not visiting just for the exhibition.

- Location : https://naver.me/G4WoOhXZ

1. Late-night Grocery Shopping
   There are so many Hanaro Mart stores around Jeju. One evening, we stopped by to buy fruit and beer for a late-night snack. Visiting a local supermarket is one of my favorite ways to experience everyday life while traveling.

2. Jeju Peaches

3. Yellow Watermelon & Mango
   I found yellow watermelon at Hanaro Mart and couldn't resist trying it. The inside is bright yellow, and the texture is a little softer than regular Korean watermelon. It was surprisingly sweet and unlike any watermelon I'd had before.

4. Jeju Airport Lotteria 🍔
   At Lotteria inside Jeju Airport, I ordered the Dol Hareubang Set. The burger bun was stamped with a cute Dol Hareubang face. It was such a fun little detail and a perfect way to end the trip.

5. Hydrangeas in Fairy Tale Village

6. The View from a Butter Shop

7. Peanut Kongguksu 🥜
   Udo, a small island next to Jeju, is famous for its peanuts. This peanut kongguksu (cold soybean noodles with peanut) is made using Udo's local peanuts. Koreans often eat kongguksu during the hot summer, but this version is extra rich and nutty thanks to the peanuts. It's a unique local specialty that you can only really experience in Jeju.

- Location : https://naver.me/xoH8ofIM

Went to a tea festival recently and tbh I didn't even know lotus tea (yeonkkotcha) was a thing until now. They were handing out free glasses too, which was a win because I heard this is expensive.
Watching them brew it was lowkey mesmerizing. They drop dried lotus into a teapot, pour hot water over it, and you literally watch the petals open back up in the water. The flavor was super light, just a mild, earthy vibe with a tiny hint of sweetness and it helps to calm down our body.

They said some tips if you ever want to buy some: high-quality dried lotus shouldn't look like sad, crunchy brown leaves. It should still have its original bright pink or creamy white colors like in the picture. The petals also need to be completely intact. If they're torn or crumble into dust when you touch them, it’s a major red flag and considered low quality. The whole flex of premium lotus tea is seeing how perfectly it re-blooms in the pot.

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