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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Eungbongsan Mountain | Vibrant Forsythia, Palgakjeong Pavilion, and Gorgeous Views over Seoul

Joseon Dynasty hunting ground. Forsythia flower paradise. Gorgeous early spring hike. Incredible night views. However you think of it, Eungbongsan Mountain in Seoul is worth a visit. A hike up Eungbongsan in early spring, surrounded by bright forsythia flowers is exactly what I needed to shake off the melancholy of…

7 Delicious Places to Eat near Jamsilsaenae Station in Seoul | My Personal Favorites!

The area around Seoul’s Jamsilsaenae Station might seem like a wasteland of intestine barbecue restaurants, chain cafes, hofs, and claw arcades, but there’s a few hidden gems to be found amongst the riffraff. I’ve lived in this area for over 10 years, and while the restaurants and cafes seem to…

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The Luxurious 18-Step Korean Head Spa at Eco Jardin in Seoul | Personal Experience & Review

The 18-step Korean head spa is the first of its kind. Using specially developed tools, plant-based ingredients, human stem cell culture extract, and even minoxidil – it’s the single most comprehensive scalp treatment available in Seoul. A Korean head spa at Eco Jardin is the ultimate scalp treatment. I finally…

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Goseokjeong Flower Garden | An Endless Sea of Astonishing Autumn Flowers, 90 minutes from Seoul

Goseokjeong Flower Garden is a never-ending ocean of pretty pink muhly, cheonilhong, baekilhong, kochia scoparia, cosmos, and silver grass in full bloom near Seoul. It really has to be seen to be believed. So far, it’s still pretty under the radar for tourists visiting Korea, but it won’t stay that…

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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…

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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….

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Korea in October 2026: My Favourite Fall Festivals, Weather Tips & Packing Blueprint (from a 15-Year Expat)

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 country in a rainbow of kaleidoscopic hues. October is my favourite month of the year in Korea….

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Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour 2026 | How to Get Tickets to this Exclusive Event

Moonlight tours at Changdeokgung Palace are back for a 17th year, and it’s something you definitely don’t want to miss. I had the privilege of attending in spring, and the experience was so remarkable, it’s STILL imprinted on my memory. The Changdeokgung Moonlight tours are unforgettable. Just imagine wandering Changdeokgung…

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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