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Changdeokgung Palace Complete Guide: A Joseon Dynasty Palace in Harmony with Nature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

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  A peaceful view of Donhwamun, the main gate of Changdeokgung Palace. Changdeokgung Palace: The Art of Harmony Between Nature and Royal Architecture (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to introduce Changdeokgung Palace , one of Korea’s most beautiful and historically significant royal palaces. Located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the aesthetics of the Joseon Dynasty and its deep harmony with nature. Together, we’ll explore its cultural treasures such as Donhwamun Gate, Injeongjeon Hall, and the Rear Garden (Huwon), while uncovering the history and meaning behind them. Many visitors are familiar with Gyeongbokgung Palace, yet some may be hearing about Changdeokgung for the first time. From Incheon International Airport, you can conveniently reach Changdeokgung in about one hour and fifteen minutes by taking bus No. 6011. Let us now begin our journey into the heart of this timeless palace. ...
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Pros and Cons of Running a Business in Korea as a Foreigner

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 A Nighttime Scene Along Cheonggyecheon , Seoul                                                 Introduction: Hello, dear readers! Today, I'd like to talk about the pros and cons of doing business in Korea as a foreigner. In today’s globalized world, it is no longer unusual for foreigners to start businesses in Korea. From Seoul to Busan , and from Daegu to Gwangju , you can find entrepreneurs from diverse countries running restaurants, online shops, IT services, education centers, and more. Korea has become an attractive market for foreign investors thanks to its stable legal system , high level of technological development , strong digital infrastructure , and consumer purchasing power . However, from a foreigner’s point of view, starting a business in Korea may not be as simple as it appears. Despite Korea’s reputation for efficiency and structure, cult...
Location: 미국 뉴욕
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Why Do Koreans Love Spicy Food So Much?

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 A variety of spicy Korean kimchi                                                       introduction: Hello, readers! Today, let's explore an intriguing cultural question: Why do Koreans love spicy food so much? It’s a topic that fascinates both locals and foreigners alike. If you’ve ever visited Korea or tried Korean cuisine , chances are you’ve noticed the bold use of chili pepper in everything—from soups and stews to side dishes and even snacks. But the answer goes far beyond just taste preferences. To understand Korea’s spicy food culture, we need to dive into its history, culinary evolution, emotional associations, and even the physiological effects of spice. So grab a warm drink and let’s dive into this flavorful journey! 🌶️ A Bit of History: Chili Peppers Were Not Always Korean Contrary to what many people assume, chili peppers are ...
Location: 미국 뉴욕
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Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: How Solo Foreign Travelers Can Easily Visit from Incheon Airport

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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...
Location: 미국 뉴욕
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How to Enjoy Summer in Korea as a Solo Foreign Travele

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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...
Location: 미국 뉴욕
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Landing in Korea Without a Plan – What Could Go Wrong?”

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   A view of an airplane moments after takeoff                                               1. Unbelievable Fare—And a Spontaneous Decision “A round-trip ticket to Korea for just $99?! Is this some kind of scam?” I was sipping my morning coffee when I spotted an ad for unbelievably cheap flights to Korea . Normally, I’m cautious and plan trips methodically—but that ad made my heart race. With just a few clicks, I booked the ticket. Before I knew it, I had an email with a confirmed “Seoul-bound” flight. Life often surprises you when you make impulsive choices. I packed minimally—“I’ll only be gone a week or two,” I thought. With that simple mindset, I stepped onto Korean soil. 2. Touchdown at Incheon Airport—And Now What? Incheon International Airport is world-famous. As soon as I arrived, Wi-Fi connected automatically, and clear signs in both Korean and En...
Location: 미국 뉴욕
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What Korean Food Should Foreigners Try First? — A Beginner’s Guide to Korean Cuisine

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    Cheonggukjang (Fermented Soybean Stew)                                                   introduction: Dear readers, hello! Today, let’s talk about a fun and flavorful topic: “If a foreigner is trying Korean food for the first time, what dish would be the best choice?” Believe it or not, there are many foreigners who have lived in Korea for a long time and can enjoy Korean food even better than some Koreans. Korean cuisine, or hansik , includes some dishes known for their strong aromas — fermented skate (hongeo) and cheonggukjang, for instance, are famous for making first-timers hesitate. But don’t worry too much — most people end up loving them eventually!  One Greek man named Andreas, who has been living in Korea for many years, once recalled his first time in the country. With no acquaintances around, he went to a small, unassuming restaura...
Location: 미국 뉴욕
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How Foreigners Settle and Succeed in Korea: Business, Life, and Challenges

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   A Stylish Café Interior in Jinyeong, Gimhae                                                Introduction: What's Life Like for Foreigners Living in Korea?  Hello everyone! Today, I’d like to share a closer look at how foreigners living in Korea make a living and build their lives here. In recent years, Korea has become more than just a popular travel destination. A growing number of foreigners—especially from the U.S., Canada, and Europe—are choosing to stay for the long term, building families and careers here. These individuals are no longer just students or temporary workers; they’re people who have rooted their lives in Korean soil. But how do they make a living? Particularly for those running their own businesses, what types of ventures have proven successful? What are the benefits and challenges of starting a business in Korea compared to other c...
Location: 미국 뉴욕
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