r/KoreaExperience

The Namhansanseong Fortress (https://map.naver.com/p/entry/place/13490975?place) is a UNESCO World Heritage site atop Namhansan mountain. It really isn't viable getting here unless you have a car, or at least a friend with a Korean licence. Once you get there, you could also trek along the walls (I assume these are the same walls that Korean soldiers fought off the Japanese during Joseon era). It took about half an hour, but the view of Downtown Seoul from up there is definitely something to experience.

After that, we drove down to Cafe Vu by World Green (https://map.naver.com/p/entry/place/1462265629?place). It's a quick 10 minute drive along a river (stream?) dotted by various such cafes. The coffees were pretty good, but the dessert, especially the Nutella Choco Cake, was to die for! Also, the owner has a special affinity to foreigners. He told us all about how he spend years abroad, and even gave use coffee for free. We spent most of our time sitting by the stream or just lounging in one of the many sofas/swings. They also gave us nets and poles, and we managed to catch three fish. We decided to release them back tho, since there was really no real way they'd survive in an aquarium.

Of course it helps if you have a car, but this place is worth a visit even if you have to pay for a cab. Do check it out.

Osulloc is often considered one of the must-see spots in Jeju, and I've heard many mixed reviews from friends. So last week, I finally went to Osulloc to experience it for myself. Here is my two cents: if you’re traveling to Jeju Island and have a tight itinerary, I wouldn't suggest making it a priority.
It’s one of the most famous spots on the island, but the actual tea plantation wasn't quite what I expected. The green tea fields are fine for a quick photo op, but they are much smaller than I anticipated. The area feels more like a massive commercial shop than a peaceful farm or an actual "museum."

The background of this place is actually pretty cool. The factory and fields are owned by Amorepacific (the massive Korean company behind K-beauty brands like Innisfree, Laneige, and Sulwhasoo). Back in 1979, the founder bought barren, rocky volcanic land on Jeju and spent years transforming it into these organic tea plantations to revive traditional Korean tea culture. When the Osulloc Tea Museum opened in 2001, it was Korea's first-ever tea museum.

While the "museum" aspect might be a bit underwhelming, the cafe and their tea products is genuinely good and lives up to the positive reviews. Be warned, though: the cafe is incredibly crowded. Finding a spot is basically a waiting game where you have to hawk-eye the tables and grab a seat the exact second someone leaves (at least during the time I visited).

The Final Verdict: If you’re short on time, skip it. Jeju has far more serene and authentic spots to explore. However, if you have a flexible schedule and consider yourself a die-hard matcha fan, it’s worth the detour just to try their exclusive matcha bibimbap and matcha noodles.

Last week, I visited a tiny village called Incheon Art Platform. And It was right next to the china town in Incheon.

There wasn't a lot to see, but I really enjoyed walking around and discovering its small artistic touches. There were also several small museums, but unfortunately I arrived too late that they had already closed. Even so, the area had a completely different atmosphere from a typical Korean neighborhood. (Especially buildings was unfamiliar to me)

I looked up the place afterward, and here's what I found
- Incheon Art Platform is a cultural and arts complex located in Incheon's historic Open Port area. It supports local and international artists through residency programs and hosts a variety of exhibitions, performances, workshops, and educational programs for the public.

I especially enjoyed the small exhibitions and the peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood. Especially, I was impressed with the art that the public could take part in. And I even came across posters inviting the public to participate in art projects. When you walk around, you can find the place that you could draw with chalks on the road. ( I think this event is not permenant, and every time it is changed) As an art lover, it felt like the kind of village I'd always dreamed of.

Also, I really like to shop (who doesn’t like it? xD) And I just got into a little shop sells colorful jewerly and pottery. I didn’t suppose to buy one, but I got to get one 🤣🤣🤣 I couldn’t stop wearing whole jewerly. It was my style!!!!

Anyway, my one-line review is
“There was a joy in discovering a low-key charm, artistic hidden gems around every corner, and an incredibly calm atmosphere in this village”

📍Incheon Art Platform
https://naver.me/xCjZFhzP

I went on a family summer vacation to Inje last week! Seoul was brutally hot, so Inje felt amazingly cool to me (it was only 18°C). I was so happy to enjoy nature’s air conditioning.

Today, I’d like to share one of my favorite places from the trip. It’s Baekdamsa, a beautiful temple in Inje. My family and I walked around together, took lots of pictures, and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. My favorite part was stacking stones by the riverside (Yeongsilcheon), right next to the temple. Here’s what I enjoyed the most!

If you plan to visit Baekdamsa, I definitely recommend taking the shuttle bus because the temple is deep inside Seoraksan National Park. I saw some people hiking along the trail instead, but it takes a little over an hour on foot. So if you enjoy forest walks or want to burn off a meal, go for it! Just make sure you have enough time.
A one-way shuttle ticket costs 2,500 won for adults and 1,200 won for anyone under 18, and the ride takes about 20 minutes.

The shuttle bus ride was actually one of my favorite parts of the trip. Everything about it was perfect. The cool breeze came through the window, and I loved looking at the lush green forest outside. The best part? The bus was surprisingly fast😂 It honestly felt like riding a roller coaster! I sat in the front row, so I had the best view through the huge front window. I felt so lucky.

After the bus ride, I got off and started exploring the area. Right in front of me was a long bridge leading to Baekdamsa. As I crossed it, I saw the temple blending beautifully with the surrounding mountains and river.
What makes Baekdamsa special is its location right beside the river. I’ve done temple stays at other temples before, but most of them were surrounded only by forests. They were peaceful too, but Baekdamsa felt different. The sound of the river made everything feel much calmer. After visiting, I honestly thought a temple stay by the river would be even better than one in the forest.
(Baekdamsa also offers a temple stay program, so I’d definitely recommend it if you’re interested.)

One of my favorite experiences was stacking stones by the riverside. I noticed lots of stone towers that visitors had built while making wishes. My family and I built a few together as well. Listening to the sound of the river while carefully balancing the stones felt incredibly peaceful. It ended up being one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

The traditional Korean temple buildings were also beautiful. Their tiled roofs looked elegant against the green mountains, making them a perfect place for photos. If you visit Baekdamsa, don’t forget to take a few pictures before you leave!📸

📍Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QtPdYoKeJ5WJTNSs5?g\_st=ic
📍Naver Map: https://naver.me/5Z0JUEAr

Pretty detailed lol. What do you guys think?

Just a short distance from Seoul, you can leisurely enjoy a delicious time in a place full of greenery.

If you want to enjoy delicious food and drinks close to nature, head to Namyangju. Namyangju is a suburb of Seoul located to the northeast of Seoul.
From the scenery stretching along the Bukhan River to spaces where forests and gardens blend harmoniously, there are plenty of places to take a short break wherever you go.

There are various places where you can enjoy delicious meals or drinks while overlooking an open riverside.

📍 The Dreaming Dreamgol
1630-18 Bukhangang-ro, Hwado-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Dreamgol Outdoor Barbecue Camping Restaurant
https://naver.me/xP890Hb6

Here, you can enjoy pork belly at a relaxed pace while overlooking the big river. It also offers glamping and water sports, so you can easily spend an entire day just enjoying yourself here. If the busy, urban river scene in Seoul is tiring, I recommend this place!

📍 Dalbit Sae Bakery & Cafe
292-21, Geumgang-ro 782beon-gil, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
https://naver.me/IFgdQs3X

It is a large drive-in cafe where the exterior is larger than the interior. Outside, there are lotus flowers and ornamental rocks, walking paths, and a small fountain, and each spot has a different atmosphere. It almost looks like a small arboretum. In particular, this place is very impressive because the train passes over the bridge.

A place where you can feel like you’ve traveled without going far: the perfect healing getaway near Seoul is Namyangju.

Thanks to my dad's generous treat for this Busan trip, I got to stay at the LCT Residences. Being all the way up on the 90th floor, I could take in a panoramic view of Haeundae at a glance. The dizzying height made it feel less like a hotel room and actually more like sitting inside an airplane..! Since it’s a residence, there were actual residents living on the other floors, and the room was fully equipped with everything from an ice-water purifier, a dishwasher to a whirlpool bathtub and even a wine fridge.

After checking out the place, I thought, "I wish this was my home," but honestly, after spending a night there, it felt a little too scary, so I'll pass haha. Still, getting to see that surreal view morning and night made me feel like I was floating on the ocean.. almost enough to get motion sickness.😅 It was definitely a unique experience!

While I was in Busan, I wanted to visit somewhere other than just the beach, so I chose ‘the Bosu-dong Bookstore Street’. Whenever I travel, I always visit local bookstores and libraries. I love reading, but I’m also a huge fan of the unique atmosphere that bookstores and libraries have. When traveling abroad, even if I can’t read the local language, it’s so much fun just browsing through printed materials and taking in their visual vibe. Bosu-dong Street had a nice selection of English books too, and getting to browse through secondhand books allowed me to really soak in a nostalgic, old-school Korean vibe. The alley isn't huge, but after grabbing a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe, and checking out the nearby Kkangtong Market and Gukje Market across the street, half a day flew right by.

I hope my travel log is helpful for anyone visiting Busan who’s looking for a unique experience! I'll pin the locations below.
Anyone else here who shares the same vibe? 📚📖

📍Bosu-dong Bookstore Street
(67-1, Daecheong-ro, Jung-gu, Busan)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kR9n3AgPGqKSuNVm6?g_st=ic

📍LCT Residence
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aATaBr4XsqgR6hxB6?g_st=ic

Hanbit Tower is one of Daejeon’s biggest landmarks it was built back for the 1993 Daejeon Expo! Even though I was born and raised in Daejeon, I honestly had no idea you could actually go inside for free... I only found out when a foreign friend asked to visit Daejeon, so we headed over to the Expo Park area in Yuseong-gu.

Once you’re at the top, you get an amazing view of the famous Expo Bridge and the Gapcheon River it's so pretty!! Plus, they occasionally host free mini-orchestra concerts up there, making it a super nice spot for a quick hangout. Also, look up at the ceiling inside the elevator. It literally looks like outer space!

Right in front of the tower, there’s a Kumdori merchandise shop where you can take pictures with cute characters... The keycaps and magnets were insanely cute!

Nearby, there's also the Daejeon Museum of Art where you can check out art exhibitions really cheap! The Lee Ungno Museum is another huge point of pride for Daejeon, so if you have the time, I highly recommend spending a day in Yuseong exploring the Expo square, Science Museum, Arboretum, and the art museums.

Also, Daejeon’s public bike service(Tashu) is free for one hour! It makes getting around to all these spots super convenient if you use it right..😌

📍Hanbit tower : https://maps.app.goo.gl/XBd1vNpM3UrU4NgY7

📍Daejeon Museum of Art : https://maps.app.goo.gl/QZn3jyGjUCeTbiHM6

(As you can see the last picture, there are Berlin walls in Daejeon 😂 )

I’m a huge roller coaster fan. I used to be scared of them, but once I discovered the thrill, I got completely hooked! Now roller coasters are always the first thing I look for at an amusement park. So today, I’m sharing my experience at Gyeongju World and E-World in Daegu with my friend, who’s from Daegu. Visiting amusement parks outside Seoul always feels fresh and exciting!

The main reason I wanted to visit Gyeongju World was Draken. I’ve ridden T-Express at Everland and Atlantis at Lotte World many times, and I’d heard Draken was even more thrilling. So my expectations were pretty high. But honestly… it wasn’t as scary as I expected😂 The ride felt quite short, and even the steep drops weren’t that intense for me. Maybe I’ve gotten too used to roller coasters, but it felt like it was over in seconds! Gyeongju World itself wasn't very big, so we could see most of it pretty quickly.
One random recommendation is try dak-kkochi (Korean chicken skewers)! It’s quick, easy to eat between rides, and comes with sauces like teriyaki or spicy Korean sauce. Plus, it’s protein💪

📍 Gyeongju World
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5gVEj9ivJq6K55oE6?g\_st=ic
Naver Map: https://naver.me/xvdDXlhP

E-World felt much bigger and more spacious. When I visited, the entrance had a colorful Alice in Wonderland-like theme, which was really fun to look around. Our first attraction was the haunted house because my friend loves them… Thankfully, it was more about creepy clowns than traditional Asian ghosts, or I probably wouldn’t have gone in😇 Still scary, though! We also rode the Viking from the very back and had a lot of fun. But my favorite attraction was actually Music Express. The staff takes song requests, blasts K-pop, and sings along while the ride spins around. Fast speed + cool wind + loud K-pop = SO much fun. I still remember that feeling clearly, so I’d definitely recommend it.
And if you can, stay until night. E-World lights up with colorful lights and feels like a little fantasy world. There’s something magical and slightly bittersweet about an amusement park at night, knowing that such a fun day is almost over.

📍 E-World
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xsFaKgwGzjWyGEqZA?g\_st=ic
Naver Map: https://naver.me/FHngTm08

Yesterday, I visited Bogwangsa Temple (보광사) in Sokcho, Gangwon-do, and what started as a simple temple visit turned into one of the most meaningful cultural experiences I’ve had in Korea.
📍 Bogwangsa Temple (보광사)
Address: 579-2 Dongmyeong-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Road address: 69-2 Yeongnanghoban-gil, Sokcho-si
Established: 1937
Located near Yeongnangho Lake
The temple itself is peaceful and surrounded by nature. It has the main Buddha hall (Daeungjeon), Samseonggak, a reclining Buddha statue, and other Buddhist cultural treasures.
I first spent some time exploring the temple and praying. Then I had the opportunity to meet one of the monks there.
What surprised me was how welcoming he was. We sat together and shared tea, and he explained so many things about Buddhism, the temple, and especially the life of a monk.
He talked about the discipline and simplicity of monastic life, and how monks try to live with fewer personal desires and dedicate themselves to serving others and the community around them.
We talked about happiness, what makes a good life, why someone would choose to become a monk, and the lessons he had learned throughout his life.
It was fascinating to hear these things directly from someone who had actually chosen this way of life.
And the experience didn’t end with tea 😂. We eventually had lunch together as well. We continued talking, took some pictures, and I got to learn even more about Korean Buddhist culture and the daily life of monks.
One of the things that stayed with me most was the idea of living for something beyond yourself. The monk’s perspective made me think about how differently people can define happiness and a meaningful life.
As a foreign student living in Korea, I really appreciate experiences like this. You can read about Korean Buddhism, temples, and Korean culture online, but sitting down with a monk, sharing tea and a meal, and listening to him talk about his own life is a completely different experience.
I went there as a visitor, but I left with much more to think about.
A few interesting things about Bogwangsa:
The temple was established in 1937 and is associated with Bogwang Buddha. It also has several interesting Buddhist cultural artifacts, including a reclining Buddha and a wooden Jijang Bodhisattva statue dating back to 1654.
If you’re visiting Sokcho and are interested in Korean Buddhism, history, culture, or simply looking for a quiet place away from the more crowded tourist spots, this is a place worth visiting.
Have you ever visited a Korean Buddhist temple and had the opportunity to talk with a monk? I’d love to hear about your experience.

[NAVER Maps]
Bogwang Sa Temple
Gangwon-do Sokcho-si Dongmyeong-dong 579-2
https://naver.me/xrzeOkfh

It’s been ridiculously hot in Korea lately, but the sky has been making up for it. Saw these rays behind the clouds today and forgot about the heat for a minute.

Hey everyone! If you’re on Jeju right now, definitely try to catch the Haenyeo performance at Daepyeongri Port, Seogwipo before it wraps up.

In case you aren't familiar, Haenyeos are Jeju's famous "sea women", who free-dive to the ocean floor to harvest seafood without any oxygen tanks. It's a huge part of the local culture and even recognized by UNESCO.

Honestly, the event was so much fun!
You actually get to see a glimpse of how they work while they sing their traditional songs. They also have a local band playing in between, which kept the energy up and made the whole night really lively. The whole program was about 1hr.

We got super lucky with an absolutely stunning sunset while we were there, making the whole vibe feel pretty magical. Also, after the program you can take photos with the Haenyeos if you want.

Tip: There’s a 24-hour pizza place called 'Napoli' right next door (three varieties of pizza and two varieties of pasta). It's super convenient, so you don’t have to stress about rushing to find dinner before places close up.

Here are the details if you want to go:

Location: Daepyeongri Port, Seogwipo
[NAVER Maps]
Daepyeong Port
Jeju-do Seogwipo-si Andeok-myeon Changcheon-ri 914-5
https://naver.me/GB3ZFaTv

Time: Fridays and Saturdays @ 7:00 PM

Dates: Running until August 22nd! Maybe will extend until Sept first week

Admission is totally free!

Just rode the Daejeon subway which is covered with KKumssi family !!
The “Watch your step” sticker with kkumdori is ridiculously cute. I love how it makes a safety sign feel friendly without making it less noticeable. Korea has so many little design details like this😳😳

A beautiful and peaceful coastal spot with great views of the sea. What I liked most was the story behind Oedolgae Rock—the legend about an old woman waiting for her husband who never returned from the sea, and how she eventually became the rock. Knowing the story made the place feel more meaningful than just seeing a rock in the ocean.
The surrounding coastal scenery and walking paths are also really nice. Worth visiting if you’re around Seogwipo, especially if you enjoy places with local legends and history.

There are many temples in Korea, but the temple we will introduce this time is one with historical significance.
Bongseonsa Temple is located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do.
This place began under the name of “Unaksa Temple” during the Goryeo Dynasty (AD 918~AD 1392).
During Korea's great war, temples were repeatedly destroyed and restored, but the only surviving object was Dongjong. It was designated as a national treasure in 2026.
*The Dongjong is a bell made of copper.

Bongseonsa Temple is a place of outstanding historical value in many ways as it was the site of the March 1st Movement, the production of the Declaration of Independence, and the Independence Movement during the Japanese colonial period.

Bongseonsa Temple, which boasts beautiful scenery all year round, especially attracts many visitors in summer with its expansive lotus flower fields creating a spectacular sight. At the Bongseonsa Temple Lotus Festival held every year, you can enjoy a variety of Buddhist cultural experiences along with the lotus flowers in full bloom, making it a popular attraction among families, couples, and travelers. For those who want to find peace of mind in nature, Bongseonsa Temple is a special space where they can take a break from the noise of everyday life.
This year's Lotus Festival will be held from August 7 to 9, 2026.
Various performances and booths will be operated.
Bongseonsa Temple lotus field is approximately 3,300㎡ in size and has a history of over 100 years. Come and experience the peace that can only be felt in Korea at the temple where countless people’s wishes reside!

📍Bongseonsa Temple, 32 Bongseonsa-gil, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
https://naver.me/FV7dCSNc