For my 24th birthday I decided to overdose on… wait for it: endorphins! Yes, you read that right! What better way to celebrate than to give out free hugs and smiles to remind myself NEVER to grow up. Giving or receiving a hug releases a surge…
High-heeled strides along Sinsa Dong’s Gingko-lined promenade are a popular pastime for many Seoulites. You’ll be forgiven for momentarily thinking that you are ambling along a bustling boulevard somewhere in Europe, when you encounter it at first glance. The main street, Garosu-gil, is lined with…
The murals, mosaics, metal statues and quirky illustrated road signs make Naksan Park intriguing, especially if you have a curious gaze. It is nestled on a granite mountain, quietly observing the bustle below. Naksan Park resembles a camel’s hump: ‘nakta’ in Korean means camel, while ‘san’ means…
I wrote this article for Neh Magazine as part of my freelance work. I wander wide-eyed along the eastern wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, beneath the Gingko trees. You should visit Samcheong Dong with the intention of getting lost among the narrow paths and alleyways. It’s the…
Now that you’ve read Busan on a Budget, here’s my advice on where to go and what to do while in Busan. Beomeosa Temple At over 1,300 years old, Beomeosa Temple, which was built in 678AD, is Busan’s oldest zen Buddhist temple. Its ancient artifacts epitomise…
Busan Busan is one of the most popular beach resorts in South Korea, due to its premium location on the south-eastern most tip of the peninsula. The subtropical climate has thousands, nay, more accurately millions flocking to claim their square metre of beach during the summer months.…
My magpie gene – the uncontrollable weakness to stare at or buy all things bright, shiny and sparkling – was temporarily satiated by the 8th Seoul Fireworks Festival held last night. Yeouido Island was the ideal location. Despite the crowds (this is Seoul we’re talking about after…
While on holiday on Jeju Island, I couldn’t resist the chance to visit Udo Island for a day trip. This smaller island is named after its shape (it resembles a sleeping cow) and is located on the east coast of Jeju, only a 15-minute ferry ride away, which only cost KRW…
The ‘Island of the gods’ is an appropriate name for Jeju – the largest island located off the southern tip of South Korea. The island is mostly made up of fertile igneous rock, which came about from a volcanic eruption. The subtropical climate cultivates luscious vegetation…
This is post is about the second two of our roadtrip to Gyeongju, here is Gyeongju: The Gorgeous (Part 1). On Sunday morning we rented bicycles so as to explore the city at our leisure. Our first stop was Tumuli Park where we explored the…
Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla dynasty in Korea for over one thousand years (57 BC – 935 AD). It’s not surprising that it’s called the ‘museum without walls’ as it houses a wealth of ancient artifacts and natural treasures. It is one of the…
For over two hours we watched as gleeful faces, young and old, walked by waving brightly lit lanterns and twirling to the beat of Korean drums. The intricately decorated lantern floats, which were illuminated from within, came in a variety of themes, shapes, colours and sizes.…
N Seoul Tower is the South Korean equivalent of the Eiffel Tower and possibly one of the most romantic place in Seoul by night. The rails of the viewing deck are clad in hundreds of multi-coloured padlocks, which are engraved with lovers’ inscriptions. So many have…
[This post was updated in February 2019] One of the first things you’ll learn about me can be summarised in this very simple mathematical equation: Me + butterflies = heaven! Let me explain: in Polish motyl means butterfly and my surname just so happens to be Motylska. So,…
Hadong is renowned for being the first tea plantation in South Korea. It remains popular among locals and tourists foreigners because it’s one of the few tea plantations where tea is still prepared by hand rather than mechanically. Hence the reason why Hadong’s green tea is…
Cheonggye Temple is quietly nestled on Cheonggye san (‘san’ meaning mountain in Korean), which is 618 metres high. The 20-minute walk up a fairly steep road runs parallel to a stream. Cheonggye mountain is blessed with beautiful geographical features and it was no surprise to see many visitors ascending…