DEBORAH IN KOREA

Category: Reviews

  • Making a Flipbook in Busan: My Honest Experience

    Located in Busan, the Gamcheon Culture Village is one of the cutest and quirkiest places to visit. Although it’s the perfect place to spend a day wandering around and exploring, the area can get especially busy with tourists in the afternoon, and even when I visited around 11 am there were multiple tour groups that were just arriving. However, my ultimate favorite stop in this area is the Busan Flipbook Studio.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Where to Find the Flipbook Studio

    The Busan Flipbook Studio, also called (움직이는사진상점) in Korean, is located in the heart of the Gamcheon Culture Village. In order to get to the Gamcheon Culture Village on your own you’ll need to either take the local subway, bus, or a taxi. You can also walk the entire way, but Busan can be a bit hilly so I recommend one of the other options. Once you make it to the Village you can walk a little ways on the main road and you’ll see the Flipbook Studio on your right!

    By Taxi – from most other major tourist attractions in Busan, the drive is only about 10 minutes

    By Subway – head towards Toseong station which is the closest station on Line 1, Exit #6 at this station will have signs bringing you to the Gamcheon Culture Village

    By Bus – take the local 1-1 or 2-2 buses towards Busan University Hospital up the hill, when you see the village on the left side you can press the exit button and get off at the next stop

    My Favorite Tours in Busan :

    -> Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule

    -> Busan Songdo Air Cruise

    -> Busan Top Attractions One Day Tour

    My Experience at the Flipbook Studio

    My honest opinion is that this is the best souvenir you can make during your time in Korea. It is so cute, unique, and honestly just so much fun to make and watch back! The entire experience only takes 15 minutes (including the time to print your flipbook), and only costs $10!

    If you’re not sure what to do for your flipbook that’s not an issue, there are plenty of example flipbooks that you can copy that range from cute and romantic, to silly and quirky. You can choose to make a flipbook with your partner or with family and friends – or even by yourself! The studio has an incredible amount of props and signs to use, and the owner actually came out to help show us how to act and pose in front of the green screen.

    My husband and I truly loved our experience here, and it’s definitely something we’ll do every time we visit Busan! If you’re planning to add this stop to your itinerary, then I highly recommend booking a slot ahead of time to ensure your spot – they can get super busy in the peak summer months!

    Watch My Flipbook Experience Here!

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  • Han River Sunset Cruise Review: Is It Worth It?

    The Han River is one of the top attractions in Seoul, and is what divides the city into two main areas – Ganbuk to the North and Gangnam to the South. Both are equally as impressive, with plenty of top sights scattered throughout both areas, however in my personal opinion some of the best views of Seoul can be found along the Han River!

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Booking & Prepping for Your River Cruise

    Luckily, booking your cruise on the Han River is very easy – especially if you go through this tour on Klook. However, it’s important to note that this tour requires visitors to have a non-Korean passport. (Locals in Korea have a better chance to book directly through Naver.)

    There are quite a few options you have when choosing which river cruise to book – and each are slightly different. The Fireworks Music Cruise only operates on Friday nights, and you’ll be able to enjoy the incredible skyline views of Seoul in addition to the fun fireworks. The Moonlight Cruise and Starlight Cruise both have live jazz music, and the Sunset Cruise is the shortest option for those who have a limited amount of time. If you’re able to visit during the day, then they even have an Afternoon Tea River Cruise!

    As you get ready for your cruise, there’s a few things to expect. No matter the cruise, you’ll need to bring your passport with you. Once you arrive on site you might also need to exchange your online tickets for real tickets at the ticket booth onsite. Here, you’ll also need to fill out an “immigration form” similar to one you would fill out when visiting a new country. After checking in and getting your tickets you can explore the area before boarding your ship – they typically open the gates about 10-15 minutes before departure.

    Depending on the time of your cruise and the season you’re visiting, I would recommend bringing layers to stay warm. Long pants and a light jacket are perfect if you plan to enjoy the views from outside.

    My Favorite Han River Tours :

    -> E Land Han River Cruise

    -> E Land Han River Nighttime Cruise

    What to Expect on Your Han River Cruise

    Boarding : The gate to board your ship typically opens about 10 minutes before the departure time. The process was very easy and was completed within a few minutes. The ship left right on time so don’t be late! Also, there is a bathroom onboard the ship.

    Photo Opportunities : There are quite a few photo opportunities throughout the ship. From heart shaped backdrops to dress up opportunities with a captain and sailor’s costume – make sure to look around so you don’t miss them!

    Seagull Feeding Experience : If you visit the upstairs & outdoor area of the boat you’ll find the Seagull Feeding Experience! For 3,000 Won you can purchase a bag of dried anchovies at the onboard convenience store – then, you can head back upstairs and hold out one at a time for the seagulls to swoop down and eat them right out of your hands!

    Convenience Store : Like I mentioned earlier, the ship has it’s own convenience store right onboard! You can find little snacks like Kancho (chocolate filled crackers) or strawberry and banana flavored milks! I recommend purchasing snacks earlier in the cruise, towards the end they were out of a lot of their options.

    The Views : Personally, I think the best views you can find of the mega city that is Seoul is from the Han River. Although you don’t go too far up or down the river on the cruise, you can enjoy both the Ganbuk and Gangnam Skylines. Unfortunately, the air pollution in Seoul is quite bad, so although the views are beautiful, actually seeing a clear sunset on your sunset cruise is quite rare.

    Live Music : As you enjoy some of the best views of Seoul, you can also enjoy some live music! Although the type of music can vary, you can typically enjoy some live jazz on the main floor of the ship during the duration of your river cruise!

    Watch My Han River Adventures Here!

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  • Seoul’s Bean Bag Movie Theater Review (CGV Cine Foret)

    Regardless of what many people think, there are a few Bean Bag Chair Movie Theaters in Seoul. However, the most popular and easiest to find is at the Cine & Foret at the CGV Gangbyeon. Here, you can get comfy in one of their bean bag chairs or even in one of two cabanas in the back of the theater room (although those tend to book out ahead of time). Here I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about our mishap and how to make the most of your trip here!

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Where to Find the Bean Bag Chair Movie Theater

    Luckily, Cine & Foret (and all their bean bag chairs) are quite easy to find once you know how to get there. You’ll want to begin by making your way to the Gangbyeon (강변) Subway Station on the Green Line/Line 2 in Seoul.

    After getting to Gangbyeon station, you’ll simply need to follow the signs to CGV – you can either head outside, cross the street into the mall, and take the elevator to the 10th floor OR you can even get there through the subway system.

    My Favorite Tours in Seoul :

    -> DMZ and Suspension Bridge Full Day Tour

    -> Nami Island and Alpaca World

    -> Minsokchon & Suwon Fortress Day Trip

    Before You Visit Cine & Foret

    1. Ticketing – Although you can get your tickets in advance online, I recommend just getting them in person for the easiest option. My husband and I actually ended up having to visit the theater twice because the first time we had accidentally ordered movie tickets for a regular room and not the Bean Bag Chair Room.

    If you do feel the need to order tickets in advance to make sure that you save the spots you want – you can do that here. Head to the 2nd column titled “국장” (Theater) – then the second tab titled “아트하우스” (Art House) then “서울” (Seoul) and finally “강변” (Kangbyun or Gangbyeong). After setting this up to ensure you’re booking tickets for the Cine & Foret, you can then choose what day/time you’d like in the column to the right and finally the movie you’d like in the column to the right.

    2. Food & Drink – One of the most unique things to me about the movie theaters in Korea is that unlike in the U.S., you can bring in any food & drinks you want! In addition to some popcorn and drinks from the movie theater’s concession stands my husband and I stopped at the Lotteria downstairs and grabbed some food to go – then just brought it in with us to snack on during the movie! Try not to bring in anything too noisy though.

    3. Cine & Foret – As one of CGV’s Art Houses (they have multiple kinds throughout Korea, like their living room or library themed theaters), the Cine & Foret looks to bring the regular movie goer to the forest. With walls lined with trees, comfortable bean bag chairs or cabanas for a picnic feel, this theater even has stars covering the ceiling. Hands down the most unique theater I’ve ever been to.

    After you find your assigned seat, you’ll find that each bean bag chair has its own private cubby & small table next to it. And although the experience is unique and (let’s be honest) pretty adorable, I recommend sitting towards the back if you’re able to. I sat in the 3rd row and to be completely honest it started to get a little uncomfortable towards the end. It’s also worth noting that the movie we saw had no English subtitles (which made it tricky for my husband) but overall – a very fun experience that I would recommend if you’re visiting Seoul!

    Watch My Seoul Adventures Here!

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  • My Honest Review of Seoul’s Famous Poop Cafe

    Famously dubbed the Poop Cafe in Korea, the “Ddong Cafe” is known around the world for it’s unique flair on sweet treats and cafe drinks. With toilet bowls for cups and poop shaped breads, there’s plenty to choose from – that is, if you can stomach it. But the real question is, other than a fun place to take some photos, is it really worth visiting?

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    The Poop Cafe & It’s History

    When I first visited Insadong many years ago I found a small bread stand serving poop shaped, red bean paste filled bread – and it was so unique that I convinced my mom that we had to buy at least one to try (yes, it was that long ago).

    Now, they’ve taken over almost half of the entire top floor of Ssamziegil (쌈지길) in the famous Insadong district, so it’s hard to miss. Once you make your way into the open air, mall-type building, you’ll take the stairs up to the top floor and chances are you won’t miss it (just look for the poop signs).

    Ddong Cafe Stand in 2015

    Inside, you’ll find all kinds of toilet themed souvenirs, plushies and posters, but the fun doesn’t stop there. On their menu you’ll find drinks served in toilet bowl mugs, meals served on urinal plates, and poop shaped bread treats.

    My Favorite Tours Near Insadong :

    -> Traditional Name Carving Activity

    -> Insadong Half Day Cultural Guided Tour

    Why the Poop Cafe Isn’t Worth It

    All right, here me out – here’s why I simply don’t believe the Poop Cafe is simply not worth visiting anymore. When I first visited their stand many years ago, their poop shaped bread filled with sweet red bean paste was warm, soft, and fresh. When I re-visted their cafe earlier this summer with my husband – let’s just say that their fame might have been their downfall.

    We ordered one of their specials – a rose flavored latte – in addition to a waffle with a side of ice cream. To be fair the waffle and ice cream were delicious, but the latte was very plain and came out lukewarm. We also grabbed two of their paste filled, poop shaped breads on the way out from their take out stand, and honestly they tasted a few days old. Definitely quite a bit different than what I remembered from all those years ago.

    Which is why, in my personal opinion, the Ddong or Poop Cafe in Seoul is simply just not worth visiting anymore. Unless you want some fun photos (which, I get it if you do) – there are plenty of other, better cafes in Seoul that serve much more delicious coffees and treats than this tourist destination, like the Onion Anguk!

    Watch My Visit to the Poop Cafe Here!

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  • Myeongdong Capsule Hotel Review: Is It Worth Staying?

    Capsule Hotels have popped up all around the world, primarily in Asia – and they’ve taken the internet by storm. Luckily, right in the heart of Seoul there’s one capsule hotel you can easily stay at if you’re wanting to try one out while visiting Korea! Located just a couple blocks from the nearest subway station, and fairly close to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Myeongdong Capsule Hotel definitely a unique stay that you’ll remember forever.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Finding The Capsule Hotel

    The Myeongdong Capsule Hotel is located just 2 blocks from the nearest subway station, Euljiro 4 (“sa”) Ga. The entrance is just a little ways into the alley, and has a black exterior with a small sign saying “The Capsule Hotel” that you can see in my video below. I’ll be honest it was a little tricky to spot, but hopefully with the extra visual that’ll help you find it easily! Book the Capsule Hotel here!

    My Favorite Tours in Myeongdong :

    -> NANTA Cooking Show

    -> Myeongdong Personal Color Analysis

    What to Expect, My Honest Review

    If you’re planning to experience The Capsule Hotel on your visit to Korea, there’s a few things you might want to know before you actually check in. Depending on when you plan to check in, there’ll either be a person at the front desk after you go inside, or there’ll be a paper on the door with your check-in instructions. Personally, I felt this was a little strange because the door code was right on the front door for everyone to see and get inside, but I didn’t have any issues.

    The first floor is an all men’s floor, and the floor I was on (the 3rd floor) was an all women’s floor. In the basement you can find the showers, which are co-ed. They did have some basic toiletries like shampoo and body wash, hair dryers, and lotion for guests to use. Bathrooms are located on each floor in the stairwell, and although the showers seemed clean – the bathrooms weren’t as well taken care of.

    The capsules themselves are quite tidy, although if you’re much bigger than me (or my 6 foot 2 inch husband) chances are you’ll be pretty cramped and might have to bend a bit while you sleep. Inside the capsules you’ll have a pillow, blanket (which I didn’t use because it was so warm), outlets, switches for the light & fans, and a tablet that has basic information about the Capsule Hotel & area. There’s also a table you can take out and some hooks to hang up some of your belongings.

    Each Capsule also has it’s own corresponding cubbies and locker that’s big enough to fit a carry on bag, so if you plan to do some exploring in Myeongdong then you can leave your belongings without having to carry them around! If there’s one piece of advice I can give you about the Myeongdong Capsule Hotel – it’s to bring some earplugs! Overall though, it was a very fun experience that I can’t wait to do again at the Incheon International Airport!

    Watch My Capsule Hotel Adventures Here!

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  • TokyoTreat Review: Is Japan’s Snack Box Worth It?

    TokyoTreat is a Japanese snack box subscription service that’s filled with limited edition treats from Japan. Through their monthly subscription you can test out exclusive treats like limited-edition KitKats, chips, seasonal treats, and Japanese sodas that are only available in Japan for a limited time. It’s the perfect way to reminisce on a past trip, get excited about your future travels, or, you know, just try some treats from Japan. This is my honest review of the box they sent me.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    What’s Inside the TokyoTreat Box?

    What you find inside the box can vary, especially depending on the season you order your TokyoTreat Box. Most items are snacks that can be found at any local “konbini” – a.k.a. a local convenience store like Lawson’s. I ordered my box in June, and here’s exactly what arrived in my box :
    – Consomme Potato Chips – bite size rice crackers that have a sweet soy sauce flavor
    – a Lawson polaroid from Mt. Fuji – reminded me of my visit to Fujiyoshida and had a sweet note from Ayumi, TokyoTreat’s CEO
    – a TokyoTreat Guide – a mini magazine sharing about Japanese culture around konbinis and descriptions and information about each treat inside my snack box
    – Baumkuchen Earl Grey Cake – a traditionally German style of soft, layered cake flavored to taste like Earl Grey tea
    – Retro Konpeito – small, sweet hard candies that are colorful and in the shape of a star
    – Maruchan Kitsune Udon – a mini version of instant udon, the perfect warm snack!
    – Ginshari Rice Ball Cracker – a dry version of onigiri (rice balls) with a splash of soy sauce flavor
    – Wasabi Potato Crisps – spicy potato crisps that definitely gave me a kick (I’ve never been a huge fan of wasabi)
    – Sour Paper Candy Apple – a deliciously sour strip of apple gummy
    – Kimchi Kakipi – like trail mix but…kimchi flavored? (I love kimchi, but this one was not for me haha)
    – Bourbon Chocolate Sandwich Cookies – delicious mini sandwich cookies with chocolate cream filling
    – Butter Soy Sauce Potato Sticks – yummy potato sticks that were almost like dried french fries?
    – Mini Melon Pan Biscuits – crunchy biscuits that are melon flavored!
    – Umaibo Cheese Stick – think giant puffed cheese balls
    – Crunchy Chocolate Almonds – exactly what they sound like, chocolate covered almonds
    – Grape & Muscat Gummies – my favorite snack in the box were these grape and shine muscat flavored gummy rings!
    – Matcha Chocolate Kitkats – when I visited Japan I tried these for the first time, so it was so much fun having them again!

    Order your own TokyoTreat Snack Box!

    My Favorite Tours Near Tokyo :

    -> Day Trip to Fujiyoshida from Tokyo

    -> teamLab Planet Tokyo Admission

    -> Tokyo Disneyland One Day Admission

    My Honest Review of TokyoTreat

    My first thought when I opened my TokyoTreat Box was “wow, how am I going to fit all these snacks back in the box…?”. Seriously, once you’ve opened and looked through your box there is no way you’ll be able to fit them all back in, trust me.

    My second thought was “ok, this is actually adorable”. I loved that the snack box felt personalized with the Lawson Poloroid and small note, and I loved the TokyoTreat Guide even more. While I traveled through Japan I usually had no idea what the snacks were, which made me a little hesitant to try the random Japanese snacks from the local konbini. In this snack box you get a little description of each item, allergy info, and even if it’s suitable for vegetarians.

    Overall, I truly think this Japanese snack box went over the top, and was thoroughly surprised with how many snacks were inside of it. After spending the entire week trying the different goodies inside, it not only reminded me of my trip to Japan, but my husband and I had so much fun trying all the “new-to-us” snacks inside! And let’s be honest, seeing our reactions to the different snacks too (good or bad, haha). Not only did they have a variety of snacks inside, but I also thought they did a great job balancing the sweet and savory snacks. If you’re looking for a way to try some authentic Japanese snacks without splurging on a plane ticket, then this is your best bet!

    Get $5 off your first order here!

    Watch My Tokyo Adventures Here!

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  • Is COEX Aquarium Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

    The COEX Aquarium was recently completely remodeled and became branded with the “SEA Life” brand. During my visit this summer, I was able to visit after most of the construction had been completed, and to be honest I was quite impressed. With incredible performances, interactive exhibits, and amazing sea life – you might be wondering a visit to the aquarium inside the COEX Mall is worth it.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Getting to the COEX Aquarium (& Getting Tickets)

    Finding the COEX Aquarium is quite easy, there’s actually 2 subway stations you can choose to take that lead right to it. Your first option is to take the Green Line 2 to Samseong Station and take Exits 5 or 6 that directly connect to the underground of the Mall. Your second option is to take the Gold Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station and leave through Exit 7, which is technically a shorter walk to the Aquarium.

    Getting your Aquarium Tickets is also fairly easy. You can either get them in advance here, which is what I recommend in case you happen to visit on a day when they’re sold out or have a field trip there. Otherwise, you can risk it and get tickets in person at their entrance station. When I visited, they were only accepting cash payments – so this could still be the case. Currently, adult tickets are ₩24,000 online or ₩33,000 at the door.

    My Favorite Tours in Seoul :

    -> COEX SeaLife Admission Ticket

    -> DMZ Day Trip with Suspension Bridge

    Honest Review of COEX Mall’s SEA Life Aquarium

    The first thing to know as you plan your visit to the SEA Life Aquarium is that there are multiple, scheduled daily shows. When I visited, I was able to time my visit to overlap with the Mermaid Show and the Magic Show. The Mermaid Show is typically 3+ times per day from Tuesday to Sunday, and the Magic Show is usually 2 times a day from Monday to Friday – so if you visit during a weekday you should be able to see both. Personally, I felt both were great shows, and they did a great job entertaining the kids that were there watching. In the auditorium, there are a few tables if you get there early enough, and some vending machines for you to grab a drink and snack at.

    The aquarium exhibits were also nicely done. I felt the highlights were the stingray pool, the aquarium tunnel you could walk through, and the “painting” exhibit. Where all sizes of frames showcased different “paintings” – a.k.a. windows into different aquariums. Throughout the aquarium there are signs sharing what could be found inside – from penguins to otters to electric eels – in both Korean and English, making it accessible for visitors also.

    Exhibits were also interactive for both kids and adults. There were face painting booths, a “science lab,” and a fun treasure hunt where kids (or adults) could look for special booths to collect stamps in their “passports.” If you’re there for the whole day, chances are you’ll also be able to watch some of their animal feedings or special shows, like with the otters.

    Honestly – looking at the exhibits, species, and entertainment included with your visit to the Aquarium – I would say a trip to the SEA Life Aquarium is a great activity for couples or families with young kids. There are so many fun things to do, beautiful animals to look at, and it’s completely inside – making it the perfect rainy day adventure.

    Watch My Seoul Adventures Here!

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  • Is Air Premia Worth It? My Honest Review Flying from Los Angeles to Seoul

    Is Air Premia Worth It? My Honest Review Flying from Los Angeles to Seoul

    If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, you’ve probably come across Air Premia while searching for flights. That was exactly my husband and I’s experience, we genuinely had never heard of them before we booked our flight. On our most recent trip to Seoul, we found a direct flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Seoul that was significantly cheaper than any of the other airlines. After doing a quick bit of research, we decided to give it a go. After flying more than 100 flights over the past two years, here’s my honest review of what it was actually like flying Air Premia from LAX to Incheon, Seoul.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    What to Expect When Flying Air Premia

    Because this was my first time flying Air Premia, I really had no idea what to expect, and after flying budget airlines in the past my expectations were pretty low. However, Air Premia simply went above and beyond in every way, even on their website they actually categorize themselves as a “hybrid” airline – meaning they rival budget airline price points while still offering a more inclusive and complementary air service.​ Even though my husband and I flew in economy seats, this was honestly one of the best flight experiences we’ve had, and as two people that have taken lots of flights last two years, that’s saying something.

    Our check in experience at LAX was the same as other airlines, we went to the check-in counter and checked in our two included bags each and we had an on-time departure – which lately isn’t often the case. We were also allowed a carry on bag, which fit in the space above us, and we were able to stretch out and utilize the space under the seat in front of us. We each brought a backpack, which had no issues for space. When we arrived at our seat we had a pillow and blankets, plus an eye mask for us to use during the 13 hour flight. Seats had a surprising amount of legroom, even my husband who is 6’2″ had much more space than other budget airlines. Similar to other airlines, each seat had its own pocket for personal items, a TV to watch shows, and a charging port. Wifi was available for purchase, but we didn’t buy it.

    My Must-Do Tours in Seoul :

    -> DMZ & Suspension Bridge Tour

    -> Full Day Nami Island & Alpaca World Trip

    My Honest Air Premia Review

    Boarding, Seats and Overall Comfort

    The boarding experience for our Air Premia flight felt organized, and very efficient. Similar to other airlines we boarded in zones. Priority passengers (like those in first class) boarded first, and those of us in economy boarded in steps through our assigned zones. Flight stewardess and attendants were in uniform and cleanly dressed, reminding me of Korean Air, and they kindly welcomed us onto the plane as we boarded. Similarly, the plane itself was very clean, there was no garbage on the floor and everything seemed to be in its place. Even the tray tables seemed to have all been wiped down. Compared to my prior experience with flights in the same price range, I was very impressed. Like I mentioned above, we had enough space to store our carry on above us, and we also had plenty of legroom for my tall husband to stretch out. We also had blankets, pillows, and eye masks to use during the flight.

    Entertainment

    Entertainment was a bit tricky as well. Because they’re a Korean based airline, most of the onboard entertainment was in Korean as well, which really limited options for English speakers like my husband. Luckily I had no issues, and unlike experiences on other flights, our screens worked the entire time and we had no issues. If you’re planning to fly Air Premia and don’t speak Korean, I recommend pre-downloading some episodes or movies to enjoy during the flight.

    Food & Drinks

    During our flight to Seoul, we were served two different meals and a snack, as well as various beverages like coffee, tea, and soda. There were more options available for purchase (like their “chi-mek” combo – a chicken & beer combo famous in Korea), but we only tried what was included with our ticket. Overall, the food was ok – you could tell they tried to incorporate a mix of Korean and American food, some of it worked and some didn’t. Their version of bibimbap was ok, but as you can tell in the photo some of the vegetables were a bit old. It did come with a miniature version of sesame oil and gojuchang, which I thought turned out pretty good after mixing in. On the other hand, their cold coleslaw side with a slice of ham really didn’t do it for me – but with so much food included I really couldn’t complain.

    Would I Fly Air Premia Again?

    Overall, I honestly enjoyed flying Air Premia and it definitely exceeded my expectations. The service felt much closer to a full service airline than a budget airline – boarding was organized, the cabin was clean, and having multiple meals included really made the long flight much more comfortable. While the entertainment options could be better for English speakers, I would absolutely fly Air Premia again. If you’re looking for an affordable nonstop flight between Los Angeles and Seoul, I think Air Premia is definitely worth considering.

    Watch Before You Go To Korea!

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  • Afternoon Tea in Seoul : My Honest Review of Cafe Treeanon

    Even though Seoul is best known for its trendy cafes and adorable Korean desserts, you might be surprised to learn that you can also enjoy a traditional, English-style, afternoon tea. Hidden away in a quiet Gangnam neighborhood is Cafe Treeanon, a cute garden themed cafe that serves a beautiful afternoon tea set – complete with an entire teapot of tea, a two-tier serving stand and a cozy garden vibe. If you’re looking for a quieter way to enjoy an afternoon in Seoul, here’s everything you need to know before you visit.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Planning Your Visit to Cafe Treeanon

    When exploring Seoul, an English-style afternoon tea might not be on your list of top things to do, you might not even know that places like this exist in Korea. When I found Cafe Treeanon on social media I was pleasantly surprised. Located in a quiet neighborhood of Gangnam, this adorable cafe serves a traditional, English-style afternoon tea, similar to those you’d typically find in London. Similar to afternoon teas in other countries, Cafe Treeanon’s afternoon tea includes an entire teapot of tea, delicious desserts and small bites to munch on, and a beautiful garden setting, perfect for slowing down after a busy day of sightseeing in Seoul. Because it’s an afternoon tea set, I recommend trying to visit sometime in the afternoon. They can get a little busy around lunch time, so I’d try to time your visit for around 2-3 in the afternoon.

    According to Cafe Treeanon, you need to make a reservation to make sure you’ll be able to enjoy their afternoon tea, otherwise they don’t promise that they’ll have everything they need to create your tea set. You can make reservations through their NAVER listing or by messaging them on their Instagram. If for some reason you aren’t able to reserve ahead of time and they don’t have everything they need for the afternoon tea set, you’ll likely need to order from their al-a-carte menu. This is still a great option if you’re looking for cute drinks and pastries, you just wont get the entire “Afternoon Tea” experience and 2 tier serving platter. Parking in this neighborhood is extremely tight, especially since the cafe is hidden away in a residential area, so I recommend taking the subway. You’ll want to make your way to the Gangnam-gu Office Station and take Exit 4, from there you’ll have about a 1/2 mile walk to the cafe.

    My Must-Do Tours in Gangnam :

    -> Seoul BTS Tour

    -> Gangnam Personal Color Analysis

    My Honest Afternoon Tea Experience

    When you get to the cafe you can sit wherever you’d like, they have cute and cozy indoor seating or more garden tea party style outdoor seating. On the top floor of the cafe is a small boutique store, unaffiliated with the cafe. Cafe Treeanon’s afternoon tea set is large enough for 2 people, so I recommend going with a friend and sharing. When I visited we were given an entire teapot of your choice of tea, I chose Earl Gray, but they have endless tea options – from what kind of tea, to what kind of sugar or milk, they even had boba pearls as an option. We were also give a two-tiered platter of small bites and snacks. The bottom layer was filled with more “savory” breads and pastries like small sandwiches, muffins, scones, etc. On the top layer were more “sweet” items – like macarons and fruits.

    Overall, I really enjoyed Cafe Treeanon’s Afternoon Tea experience! Even though I’ve been lucky to enjoy a proper English-style afternoon tea multiple times in London, I felt the tea and small bites were tasty, the cafe ambiance was great, and the staff was so kind and welcoming. Even though it’s not a traditional Korean experience, I thought it was a really fun way to spend the afternoon and escape the crowds to enjoy something a little different, and it’s definitely a spot I would go back to. I think Cafe Treeanon is perfect for couples, birthdays, girls’ trips, families, or anyone wanting a slower-paced afternoon in Seoul!

    Watch My Afternoon Tea Adventures Here!

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  • Is Hello Kitty Island in Jeju Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

    If you’re a Hello Kitty or Sanrio fan, there’s one attraction on Jeju Island you won’t want to miss – the Hello Kitty Island. Although not really an island, this part museum, part interactive exhibit, and part themed cafe is filled with all kinds of colorful attractions, photo opportunities, and plenty of adorable souvenirs. Because there’s so much to do on Jeju Island you might be wondering if it’s worth adding to your Jeju itinerary. After visiting myself, here’s everything you need to know before you go, including ticket prices, what to expect, and whether I think it’s actually worth the visit.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Planning Your Visit to Hello Kitty Island

    Getting around Jeju Island can be pretty easy if you’ve already been exploring other areas of South Korea. The main difference between the mainland of South Korea and Jeju Island is that there’s no subway system on Jeju, meaning that unless you have a rental car you’ll need to use the public bus system (which covers most of the island) or a ride service like KakaoT or Uber. Because you’ll likely be navigating with maps on your phone, I highly recommend downloading NAVER Maps or Kakao Maps before your trip. Most public buses in Korea tend to avoid using cash now, so before you want to board your first bus I recommend stopping by a convenience store like GS25 and picking up a refillable T-money or Bee Card to use. They’re super easy to use, and they’re refillable – just tap on when you board the bus and tap off when you get off. One ride on the public bus ranges from 1,200₩ to 3,000₩ depending on how far you end up going.

    If you’re visiting for more than just the day then you’ll likely also need a place to stay. I recommend either choosing to stay on the North end of the island in Jeju City or on the South end of the island in Seogwipo. These are the two largest cities on the island and they’ll have the most options with easy access to public transportation. Personally, I recommend Seogwipo only because it’s closer to Hello Kitty Island and after visiting both areas, Seogwipo seemed to have more things to do – like visiting all the famous waterfalls. However, Jeju City is where the island’s main airport is, so it’s really up to your personal preferences. Either way, it takes about 2-3 hours to go between the two cities via public transportation. Some hotels on Jeju Island have two room types available – traditional Korean rooms that come with a mattress pad for sleeping on the floor, and westernized rooms that will have your typically elevated beds.

    📍 LocationJeju Island
    💰 AdmissionAdults: ₩14,000
    ⏱️ Visit Time2–3 hours
    ☕ IncludesMuseum, café, exhibits, gift shop
    👨‍👩‍👧 Best ForHello Kitty & Sanrio fans, families, rainy days

    Hello Kitty Island is located somewhat near the center of Jeju Island. Because there’s a lot to see inside with multiple interactive exhibits, I recommend planning to spend about 2-3 hours there. Currently adult admission tickets are 16,000₩, with extra charges inside if you want something from the cafe or gift shop. There’s lots of unique things to see inside, and even though there’s a lot of collectors pieces – there’s also lots of interactive exhibits that are perfect for families with kids. Think a movie room, outdoor area, playground, coloring stations, and playrooms. Personally, I think it’s perfect for couples, families with young kids, or any Sanrio/Hello Kitty fan – especially on a rainy day.

    My Must-Do Tours on Jeju Island :

    ->Jeju Full Day Private Tour

    -> Jeju 9.81 Amusement Park Tickets

    What to Expect at Hello Kitty Island

    Before you visit Hello Kitty Island, you’ll want to get your tickets first. Currently admission tickets for adults are 16,000₩, tickets for teens and students are 15,000₩ and tickets for young kids are 13,000₩. If you’re unable to get them ahead of time, you can usually get them right at the door without worrying too much about them selling out for the day.

    Inside you’ll find multiple floors in the museum, including an adorable Hello Kitty themed cafe, multiple interactive exhibits, a 3D theater where you can watch a short Hello Kitty & Friends film (in Korean), and of course a gift shop. Everything is so on theme that even inside the bathrooms you’ll see Hello Kitty shaped mirrors. As you walk through the various exhibits, you’ll see all kinds of Hello Kitty history, decor, and memorabilia – think Hello Kitty hanboks, an entire Hello Kitty bedroom, and even an outdoor Hello Kitty exhibit where you can take life size photos with different Sanrio characters. When you eventually make it to the Hello Kitty Cafe on the top floor, you can even find fun Hello Kitty themed drinks and cakes. They were incredibly cute, but I found them much sweeter than I expected – with most of the flavor coming from the overwhelming amount of frosting.

    So, after reading all that information you might still be wondering if a stop at Hello Kitty Island is actually worth it while you’re in Jeju. If you’re a huge Hello Kitty or Sanrio fan, then yes, I definitely think Hello Kitty Island is worth visiting. Between the interactive exhibits, themed photo spots, adorable café, and gift shop, it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring everything. It’s also a great choice for families with young children thanks to the interactive play areas, so don’t be surprised to see lots of little kids running around. That said, if you’re only visiting Jeju for a short time and aren’t particularly interested in Sanrio characters, I’d prioritize some of the island’s incredible natural attractions first – like the waterfalls and lava tubes. Personally, I think Hello Kitty Island makes for a great rainy day activity or a fun, unique addition to a slower day on your itinerary. Just be sure to leave enough time if you’re taking public transportation, and don’t forget to stop by the cafe for one of their adorable desserts before you leave.

    Watch My Hello Kitty Adventures Here!

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