Independence Hall of Korea: A Journey Through Spirit

Alice standing in front of the Grand Hall at the Independence Hall of Korea.

If you want to understand the “soul” of the Korean people, you must look at their struggle for freedom. Specifically, the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan is the most important landmark dedicated to this history. Furthermore, it is not just a museum filled with old papers; it is a massive park where you can … Read more

Best Gochujang Dishes: Top 5 Spicy & Savory Favorites

A variety of popular Gochujang Dishes displayed on a traditional Korean table.

When you visit Korea, you will see a lot of red food. Initially, many foreigners assume that all these dishes taste the same because they are all spicy. However, once you taste them, you will realize that Gochujang Dishes have completely different personalities. The secret lies in how the fermented chili paste is balanced with … Read more

Gochujang : The Secret of Spicy Rosé Pasta

A finished dish of Rosé pasta, a popular example of Gochujang

Move over, Sriracha! There is a new global superstar in town. Recently, Gochujang Trends have taken over social media, transforming the traditional Korean chili paste into a versatile fusion ingredient. Specifically, the “Rosé” movement—mixing spicy paste with heavy cream—is the hottest food trend right now. However, this fermented sauce is much more than just “spicy … Read more

Korean Ramyeon Hacks: How to Cook Like a PC Bang

Ingredients ready for Korean Ramyeon hacks: Shin Ramyun, egg, green onion, and a pot.

If you think cooking Korean Ramyeon is just “boiling water and throwing noodles in,” you are disrespecting the soul of Korea. In reality, there is a massive difference between “Soggy Noodles” and “PC Bang Style Ramyeon.” Why does the ramen at a Korean PC Bang (Internet Cafe) taste 10 times better than home? It is … Read more

Gangneung Travel Guide: Goblin, BTS & Tofu Gelato

The famous Goblin breakwater and BTS photo spot featured in the Gangneung Travel Guide.

If you want to escape Seoul and see the deep blue ocean, Gangneung is the best destination. Located on the East Coast, it is famous for three things: Coffee, Tofu, and K-Content. Specifically, the beaches here are legendary. You can walk on the sand where Goblin was filmed and sit at the bus stop where … Read more

Korean Supermarket Shopping: Top 5 Souvenirs & Tax Refund

Alice filling her cart with snacks during Korean supermarket shopping at Lotte Mart.

If you buy your souvenirs at the airport or a random street stall in Myeongdong, you are losing money. In reality, the best place to buy gifts is a local hypermarket. Specifically, Korean supermarket shopping is an essential part of the travel itinerary. Places like Lotte Mart (Seoul Station) or E-Mart are massive warehouses filled … Read more

Korean Food Challenge: 5 Weird Foods Ranked (Level 1-5)

Alice screaming at a spoonful of Beondaegi, the final boss of the Korean Food Challenge.

Bibimbap and BBQ are delicious, but they are for tourists. If you want to earn the title of “Seoul Survivor,” you must face the dark side of K-Food. Korea has a unique culinary history where “nothing goes to waste.” Therefore, we eat feet, blood, and even bugs. To foreigners, this is a horror movie. To … Read more

Korean Raw Crab (Ganjang Gejang): Horror or Rice Thief?

Alice looking terrified at a plate of Korean Raw Crab while a local enjoys it.

In the West, we usually boil crabs, steam them, or make them into cakes. In contrast, in Korea, they soak them in soy sauce and eat them raw. Specifically, the dish Korean Raw Crab (known as Ganjang Gejang) is the king of this culinary style. To a foreigner, this looks like a scene from a … Read more

Trash Cans in Korea Cheat Sheet: Why Are They Missing?

Alice searching for trash cans in Korea while holding an empty cup.

Seoul is clean, modern, and beautiful. However, you will quickly notice a strange mystery. There are no trash cans. Specifically, you can walk for 20 minutes in Gangnam holding an empty iced coffee cup without finding a single bin. It is baffling. In most countries, trash cans are on every corner. In contrast, in Korea, … Read more

Hiking in Korea Cheat Sheet: Top 3 Mountains & Survival Tips

Alice struggling with hiking in Korea while locals pass her easily.

If you think hiking in Korea is just a casual walk in the park, you are making a dangerous mistake. In reality, hiking is a national sport here. Specifically, it involves professional gear, steep granite rocks, and a lot of Makgeolli (Rice Wine). Many tourists underestimate the mountains. Because they look small compared to the … Read more