This is south Korea

Autumn scenery of Nami Island, where gentle ripples meet colorful foliage Prologue: The Memory of a First Visit Dear readers, today I would like to introduce a travel destination that is popular among both Koreans and foreigners. That place is none other than Nami Island. Let’s get started. The road to Chuncheon in Gangwon Province always stirs a sense of anticipation. Driving along the highway that follows the Bukhan River, the landscape unfolds as if painted on a canvas. Sunlight shimmers and dances on the water, and in the river’s center a round, inviting island appears. From a distance it may look like an ordinary river islet, but as you approach, you begin to sense that this place holds stories far beyond a simple landscape. To reach Nami Island, you must take a ferry or shuttle boat. Although the crossing lasts only a few minutes, it always feels like the true beginning of the journey. The thought of heading to an island in the middle of the river brings with it the thrill of ...

View of Odongdo Island from the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car Introduction: Dear readers, hello. Today, I would like to introduce you to Yeosu , a coastal city in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, beloved by both locals and travelers alike. In the past, Yeosu was considered a somewhat distant destination due to its limited accessibility from Seoul and the metropolitan area. However, with the recent expansion of transportation options, it has become a far more convenient place to visit. Most notably, the opening of Yeosu Airport now allows travelers to fly directly to the city. This means Yeosu is no longer a destination to postpone simply because of distance; it has become a must-visit travel spot. For many Koreans, including myself, Yeosu is a place that immediately brings to mind one of our most revered historical figures— Admiral Yi Sun-sin . For readers who may not be familiar with him, he is undoubtedly regarded as one of the two most respected figures in Korean histo...

Cute little white Jindo puppy                                                               The Jindo Dog: Korea's Loyal and Legendary Native Breed Hello, dear readers. Do you happen to like dogs as well? Today, I’d like to talk with you about Korea’s native dog breeds . Korea is home to four native dog breeds that the nation takes great pride in: the  Jindo ,  Pungsan ,  Sapsali , and  Donggyeongi . These dogs have been raised and preserved over generations, deeply woven into the fabric of Korean culture . Among them, the Jindo dog stands out as the most iconic and widely recognized breed, symbolizing loyalty, intelligence, and strength. A Wolf's Bloodline: Jindos and Pungsans Both the Jindo and Pungsan breeds are known to be genetically close to wolves . This connection gives them heightened hunting instincts...

UNESCO Suwon Hwaseong and the adjacent fortress village                                                                           Introduction: Exploring the Inner Structure, Fortress Trekking Routes, Photo Spots, and Seasonal Highlights Hello, dear readers! Today, I’d like to continue our story of Suwon Hwaseong from where we left off last time.In the previous post, we took a spontaneous trip to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and experienced the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site through first impressions. At the end of that story, I promised to introduce the fortress in more detail—including its internal structure, scenic trekking routes, top photo spots, and the best times to visit by season. Today, I'm keeping that promise. This article will take a deeper dive into Suwon Hwaseong, offering practica...

The Northwestern Watchtower (Seobuk Gongsimdon) and the Hwahseomun Barbican of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress"                                          introduction: For many first-time visitors to Korea, one of the biggest worries is arriving without a fixed itinerary. But in today’s travel culture, spontaneity is no longer a drawback—it’s a trend. There’s a saying: “The best travel plans are the ones you didn’t make.” So let’s explore a stress-free journey that begins the moment a solo traveler from an English-speaking country lands at Incheon International Airport with no prior plans. Rather than heading straight to Seoul, Gangnam, or the popular Itaewon district, we’ll set our sights on a unique destination: Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon —a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and culture. And before diving into this historic attraction, we’ll enjoy a comforting meal at a multic...

Korean Shaved Ice Dessert (Patbingsu) Topped with Ice Cream                                Introduction: Lost in the Heat of Korea’s Summer Dear readers, hello! If you’ve come to Korea alone this summer and don’t know where to go, this article is for you. But let me be upfront — the places introduced here are all well-known spots that many locals and savvy travelers already know. Still, they’re great starting points. And don’t worry — I’ll be sharing even more hidden gems and truly special places in upcoming posts. Stay tuned Summer in Korea is a season full of vibrant culture and beautiful nature, wrapped in blazing sunshine and heavy humidity. But for American and English-speaking travelers, the heat can feel more intense than expected — and unfamiliar. Especially when you're traveling alone without local friends or solid information, it’s easy to feel stuck, unsure of where to go or what to do. For tra...

Haeundae Beach : Perfect for swimming and relaxation                                                       Introduction:  Hello, readers! Today, I’d like to introduce some great places in Korea for digital nomads to work or relax while staying for a month or longer. As the number of digital nomads worldwide rapidly increases, South Korea is emerging as more than just a tourist destination — it is becoming a favored country for long-term stays and one-month living experiences. Among its cities, Busan stands out as a prime choice. This guide shares realistic information that foreigners, especially English speakers, should know when planning to stay and work or relax in Busan for a month or longer — including housing costs, living expenses, environment, and building community connections. 1. Why Busan? Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, ...