Shelley Travel Stained

What to Expect in Seoul & Beyond

South Korea is vastly under-visited compared to some of its neighbours, but I don’t think this will be the situation for much longer. The huge influx of tourists lately is staggering!

Read on to to find out everything you need to know about visiting one of the world’s most underrated tourist destinations.

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Samgwangsa Temple | A Captivating Lotus Lantern Festival in Busan with 40,000 Lanterns

I’ve long drooled over pictures of the Samgwangsa Temple Lotus Lantern Festival, without actually making the easy trip from Seoul to Busan to see it in person. Shameful, isn’t it? With 40,000 lanterns gloriously illuminating the temple, you can just imagine how breathtaking it is. Just a fraction of the…

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Autumn in Korea Forecast 2026 | 37 Exceptional Places to See Breathtaking Fall Foliage

Spanning the months of September, October, and November, autumn in Korea is the most magnificent of the country’s seasons. This is the time of year when you can count on brilliant blue skies, incredibly comfortable weather, and a country bursting with every spectacular shade of orange, yellow, red, (and pink!)…

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Yangju Nari Park & the Cheonilhong Festival 2026: A Captivating Autumn Garden near Seoul

In autumn, Yangju Nari Park is one of the most captivating gardens near Seoul. While it’s famous for hosting the annual Cheonilhong Festival and having Korea’s largest globe amaranth colony, you’ll also find stunning, expansive fields of pink muhly grass, bright orange cosmos, and fiery red kochia bushes spread across…

Bongeunsa Temple Seoul | The Serene 1,200 Year Old Temple where Ancient & Modern Meet in Gangnam

With its unique location in the heart of wealthy, modern Gangnam, Bongeunsa Temple is absolutely one of the best places in Seoul to experience the stark contrast of old and new in Korea. Modern and traditional collide spectacularly at Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul © IR Studio, Photo Korea Originally founded…

The Dazzling Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain | Current Schedule 2026 + How to Get There

At last count, there were 31 bridges spanning the mighty Han River in Seoul’s capital area. But Banpo Bridge is undoubtedly the most famous… and not just in Korea. A perfect view of the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain with N Seoul Tower glowing in the background © 서울특별시 소방재난본부 (CC…

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I Had 7 Korean Medicine Treatments for Buffalo Hump & Facial Asymmetry at Duna Clinic in Seoul — The Results Surprised Me

Nobody really talks about buffalo hump or facial asymmetry, but it’s one of those things you notice in photos, hate in mirrors, and quietly Google at midnight, hoping for answers. If that sounds familiar, welcome to my club. Fortunately though, there are super effective, non-invasive options available at Duna Clinic…

Shelley Travel Stained

안녕! I'm Shelley!

It’s my mission to explore off-the-beaten places in my South Korea, and share them with you. Come with me on a journey to hidden gems and amazing places in Seoul and beyond. Be sure to connect if you have questions!

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