Korea Travel Guide
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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The Spotlight
Travel Essentials
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. Both modern and traditional at Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul © IR Studio, Photo Korea It’s a little…
Jjimjilbang 101: Beginner’s Guide to Visiting the Korean Bathhouse
Brave a little public nudity at a jjimjilbang, and you’ll get access to an unforgettable cultural experience… one you definitely shouldn’t miss. These huge Korean saunas and bathhouses are as much a way of life for locals as kimchi! Everyone from couples to families to work associates visit them together…
Affordable Medical Check up in Korea for Foreigners | Personal Experience at KMI Global in Seoul
Imagine having nearly 100 separate medical check ups in Korea in a single highly organized, technologically advanced, and modern medical facility. Now imagine that all tests are completed within a few hours, you get your results within 10 days, and on top of that – the prices are actually affordable….
I Tried Ear Seeding in Seoul: Here’s My Honest Take on Ri& Clinic in Myeongdong
I couldn’t escape ear seeding in Korea — it was literally everywhere online. So after weeks of curiosity, I finally decided to find out what the hype was actually about. I’ll be honest — when a tiny metal seed was carefully pressed onto my ear with tweezers, I wasn’t quite…
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…
Korea in September 2026: Essential Weather & Festival Guide (15-Year Local)
After the searing temperatures and exhausting humidity of Korea in August, we all breathe a collective sigh of relief in Korea in September. It’s one of the best months to visit Korea — and if you time it right around Chuseok, it can be a unique cultural experience you’ll never…
Starfield COEX Mall Guide: 12 Best Things to Do + Navigation Hacks
As a 15-year Seoul expat who still gets lost inside its winding corridors, I can personally attest that Starfield COEX Mall is a world of its own. Located in the heart of Gangnam, this sprawling complex is officially the largest underground shopping mall in Asia. The Starfield Library is one…
South Korea in October 2026 | Weather + Best Festivals in Seoul and Beyond
There’s no doubt that Korea in September is a stunner, but Korea in October is the true star of autumn. As fall foliage peaks, fiery crimsons, burnt oranges, and golden yellows paint the ROK in a rainbow of kaleidoscopic hues. And as if that wasn’t enough, dreamy pink muhly, silvery…
Korea in August 2026 | Weather + Best Festivals (15 Year Local’s Guide)
The dramatic monsoon rains typical of Korea in July have passed, but you can still expect blisteringly hot weather in Korea in August. There is some relief in sight this month though. In 2026, malbok | 말복 (the last of the 3 dog days of summer), falls on August 14th,…
Korea in July 2026: Weather & Festival Guide From a 15-Year Expat
The spring flowers of May and relatively comfortable weather of June are but a distant memory in Korea in July. This is the peak of summer in all its hot, humid, monsoon glory. As someone who’s lived through 15 sweaty, sticky summers here, I know firsthand that July can be…
Korea in June 2026 Travel Guide | Lessons from 15 Years in Seoul
Compared to the frenetic pace of cherry blossom festivals in April, and spring events in May, Korea in June is relatively quiet. It almost feels like the calm before the storm, both literal and figurative, before heavy monsoon rains begin and the hectic summer tourism season starts in earnest. Korea in June is…
6 Reasons Why Agios Prokopios in Naxos, Greece is Total Beach Perfection
If I had to pick just one beach to visit for the rest of my life, it’d be Agios Prokopios Beach on the Cycladic Island of Naxos, Greece. It’s not just incredibly beautiful, it also has the perfect combination of sand, local flavour and summer vibes to keep you feeling…
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!
