DEBORAH IN KOREA

Category: Seoul Day Trips

  • Alpaca World Korea: Complete Visitor’s Guide (From Seoul)

    Considered the first and only Alpaca Theme Park in the entire world, Alpaca World (알파카월드) is located about 3 hours outside of Seoul and is one stop that I would highly recommend. If you love alpacas or are just looking for something unique to do, this is a great stop filled with animals, unique experiences, and even alpaca themed treats!

    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.

    How to Get to Alpaca World (and what to bring)

    Because Alpaca World is located about 3 hours from Seoul, getting there can be a bit tricky. Personally, I booked this round trip full day Alpaca World Tour through Klook that also visited Nami Island so it was very easy. Alpaca World is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and costs $13 when purchased in advance.

    If you want to do the trip on your own, the next best option would be using public transportation. You could also hire a taxi, however I imagine this would be quite spendy and I wouldn’t recommend. Using Seoul’s public transportation system will take you about 4 hours each way – you’ll want to make it to the Gangbyeon Subway Staion on the Green Line (Line 2), then walk to the East Seoul General Station and catch the bus to Hongcheon Terminal, and finally catch the bus to Pungcheon-ri End Point to walk the remaining 10 minutes to Alpaca World.

    You might also be wondering what to bring to Alpaca World, even if you only plan to visit for a few hours. I would highly recommend comfortable walking shoes – the grounds are quite hilly so going up and downhill will be much easier in tennis shoes. Because Alpaca World is located in the mountains the weather can also be a bit different from Seoul, so I recommend bringing a light jacket even in the summer months, as well as sunscreen!

    Lastly, if you plan to walk the entire grounds then I would bring a water bottle as well, but if you choose not to then there’s a few cafes on site where you can purchase a cold drink. I also recommend bringing a small backpack or large purse to fit all your items in during the Alpaca Playground interaction.

    My Favorite Day Trips from Seoul :

    -> Nami Island and Alpaca World Day Trip

    -> DMZ and Suspension Bridge Day Trip

    -> Minsokchon and Suwon Day Trip

    What to Expect at Alpaca World

    Meeting the Alpacas – At the very beginning of your visit, all guests will be gathered in the Alpaca Playground. Here, you’ll get to experience the very adorable Alpaca Run & be able to feed the Alpacas! If you stand along the fence near the dirt road, you’ll have the best views of the Alpacas running through. I’ll be honest this experience goes very quickly, so I recommend trying to feed an Alpaca as soon as they come through the gate into the playground area. Also, watch out for the occasional peeing/pooping Alpaca! If you end up using all the free food they give you for this experience, then they will also give you more. (This event happens once a day at 10:10 am.)

    Animal Interactions & Experiences – In addition to the Alpaca Feeding experience, there are a few other experiences you can participate in throughout Alpaca World for an extra fee. The Alpaca Healing Walk is available all day until 5 pm for 12,000 Won (about $12 USD). For all other animal interactions, I recommend checking their event page here.

    Other Animals at Alpaca World – Honestly, before visiting Alpaca World I just assumed the only animals they had were Alpaca. However, it turns out that they have quite a large variety of animals including deer, rabbits, ostrich, peacocks, sheep & goats, squirrels, capybara, and quite a few different types of owls & birds of prey. During your time at Alpaca World you’ll have time to walk the property, so you can easily see all the other animals too!

    Feeding the Animals – Throughout the Alpaca World grounds you’ll see pink vending machines for feeding the animals! You’ll have to first purchase “Pacacoins” at the ticket office if you want to later exchange these for more food. Each “Pacacoin” costs 1,000 Won (about $1 USD). These can be used for the Alpacas, rabbits, and deer.

    Food & Drinks at Alpaca World – Like I mentioned above, if you’re planning to explore the grounds for a while I recommend bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated. Although there was no one checking if we had food with us, I don’t recommend. If you really want to bring some snacks I would make sure to have them zipped away in a backpack or purse.

    There are also plenty of cafes and places to cool down throughout the property. We only stopped at the Cafe near the entrance and ticket office (which I recommend only for their adorable Alpaca Breads!) but there are plenty of other options near the top of the Theme Park. You can find Korean snacks, drinks, and meals if you’re hungry! There’s also many picnic tables to sit at in the shade for you to enjoy a cool drink or snack!

    Getting your Free Alpaca Stickers – Even if your time is short, I always love a fun challenge and highly encourage you to try to grab all 10 stamps to get your free page of Alpaca Stickers! You can find the stamp collection page on the back of the welcome brochure/map, as well as a guide to where you can find each stamp – each stamp location looks like a stand with a little house on top. Even though I had to go pretty quick to get all my stamps during my tour time, I was able to grab my free stickers and still have time to enjoy some Alpaca Bread & some lemonade!

    Watch My Alpaca World Adventures Here!

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  • Bojeong-dong Cafe Street Guide: Seoul’s Hidden Cafe District

    The Bojeong-Dong Cafe Street is located near Suwon, a short subway ride to an area South of Seoul. Also nicknamed the Jukjeon Cafe Street, this area is filled with many boutiques, cute cafes, and plenty of foreign cuisines. Indian, Mexican, Italian, Vietnamese, and even some Korean – you can find it all within these few blocks. Below I’m sharing how to find it, and some of my personal favorites places to stop at while you’re there.

    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.

    How to Get to the Bojeong Cafe Street

    The closest subway station to the Bojeong Cafe Street is the Jukjeon Station on the Yellow/Suin Bundang Line. From here, you can head through the Shinsegae Department Store and then up the street into the Bojeong Cafe Street Area.

    If you choose to take the bus, then honestly there are so many options you can choose that I won’t list them all here. My best recommendation is to check Naver for the best route to take from your location to the Bojeong-dong Cafe Street/Jukhyeon Maeul Bus Stop or the Jukhyeon Maeul/Dankook University Bus Stop and walk the remainder of your way to the Cafe Area.

    For your visit, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes so you can easily explore the area, and an empty stomach to try some of the cafes or restaurants in the area! There are quite a few photo areas as well, so if you’re planning to use your time there to stock up on some new photos, you might also want to keep your outfit in mind.

    My Favorite Tours in Seoul :

    -> Nami Island & Alpaca World Day Trip

    -> DMZ and Suspension Bridge Full Day Tour

    -> Folk Village & Suwon Fortress Day Trip

    Places to Visit in the Bojeong Cafe Street in Seoul

    To be fair, there are plenty of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants to visit in the area – and visiting them all (and eating at them all) would take a very long time. You can find a piercing shop, multiple photo stores, and even a place to try your hand at pottery in a guided class. However, after a few visits to the area, I’ve listed my current favorite places to stop below.

    By Weight Secondhand Clothing – This unique clothing store sells all secondhand clothes, and only sells by the weight of what you choose! This is a fun way to get a few new items, and last time I visited it was 2500 Won for 1 Kilogram of clothing. They also have handbags, hats, and shoes! (무게로 보정동2호점구제의류)

    Eco’s Library Book Cafe – This Cafe has just as cozy of an exterior as the inside, with plenty of drink and dessert options. Their drinks can be quite sweet, but their bingsu is one of the best traditional desserts that you can find without any of the fluff and extra sweets that many others now have. (에코의서재북카페)

    Damsot Yongin Bejeong Branch – This sit down restaurant serves traditional Korean food with a modern twist. I highly recommend getting one of their bowls (the garlic, steak, and salmon bowls are all delicious) – and my favorite part is that they serve each meal with a small yogurt for dessert. This restaurant is quite popular so chances are you might have to wait for a bit, but it’s worth it! (담솥 용인보정점한식)

    Haru Muni Cafe – In my personal opinion this is one of the cutest cafes in the area, and I love their twist on flexible seating. I got their chocolate latte and it was rich and delicious, and not too thick like others I’ve had. They also have a few dessert options like french toast. (하루무늬카페)

    Watch My Cafe Adventures Here!

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  • 13 Best Things to Do on Wolmido Island, Incheon

    Wolmido is famous around Korea for a few things. One, for being the perfect quick getaway for a date day outside of Seoul, and two, for being a popular K-Drama filming spot. With delicious local restaurants, plenty of fun carnival rides and games, and beautiful views of the coast – there’s plenty to do even if you’re just visiting for the day.

    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 Wolmido & Planning Your Trip

    No matter where you’re coming from in the Seoul area, Wolmido is very easy to get to, however because Wolmido is located on the western coast of South Korea near Incheon International Airport, it might take you a while on public transportation.

    On the subway, you’ll want to connect to either the Dark Blue #1 Line or the Golden Yellow SuinBundang Line and take it all the way to Incheon Station. When you exit you’ll be right at the entrance to Incheon’s Chinatown – and from here you can either take a bus or the Wolmido Sea Train onto Wolmido Island.

    As you plan your trip to Wolmido, I recommend wearing comfortable tennis shoes, bringing extra sunscreen, sunglasses, and of course your camera to capture the beautiful coastal views! You’ll also want to come with an empty stomach to enjoy the delicious local restaurants. It’s also worth noting that during summer months many people visit Wolmido as a quick getaway or date day from Seoul, and so you can expect lots of couples and Seoul locals.

    If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Wolmido, I recommend this Holiday Inn near Central Park!

    My Favorite Tours Near Wolmido :

    -> Pororo Theme Park Admission on Wolmido

    -> Incheon Full Day Tour from Seoul

    Best Things to Do in Wolmido

    1. Enjoy the Carnival Rides
    As soon as you walk around Wolmido you’ll notice this area is filled with not just the Wolmi Theme Park but also random rides in the area that you can enjoy! Two of the most popular in Korea are the “Disco Pang Pang” where riders attempt to sit around a circular arena as the announcer tries to bounce them off, and the second is “The Viking” – a pirate boat that swings up and down. You can choose to get a day pass or pay for each ride individually at the ticket booths.

    2. Play Some Carnival Games
    The more you walk, you’ll also notice plenty of small shops with all kinds of Carnival Games inside! Currently, the most popular is the dart throw to pop balloons – it’s really quite easy but you’ll have to buy a lot of rounds to actually win a large prize.

    3. Enjoy the Local Cafes
    Although there’s a number of cafe’s throughout all of South Korea, one of my personal favorites on Wolmido is the Orange Cafe. They have a super comfortable interior with adorable macarons and drinks, and when I visited the owner had her adorable puppy running around as well. Plus, because it’s on the second floor the views of the ocean are stunning!

    4. Look For K-Drama Filming Locations
    My husband and I were lucky when we visited and there were multiple filmings going on along the main street, however this is a fairly popular spot to film K-Drama scenes so chances are pretty good you’ll see one too if you’re lucky! Descendants of the Sun, 19/20, and Hotel Del Luna all had scenes filmed on Wolmido!

    5. Visit the Incheon Chinatown
    Not technically on Wolmido, but this Chinatown is the most popular and well known throughout Korea. As you exit the Incheon subway station, you’ll simply have to cross the street and you’ll find yourself right at the beginning! I highly recommend trying some Chinese-Korean cuisine, specifically a black noodle dish called “jajangmyeon” (자장면) that is only found in Korea. You can also walk up the hill to the Emperor Stairs for a fantastic view.

    6. Try the Local Seafood
    Because Wolmido is located right on the coast, it’s also lined with plenty of local seafood restaurants – and although they’ll all beckon you in as you walk by – don’t feel any pressure! Honestly they’re all serving the same dishes, so I would go into the one that looks the busiest! If you don’t feel like seafood, there’s an excellent traditional Korean Udon restaurant off the main road that serves some awesome King Dumplings!

    7. Ride the Wolmido Sea Train
    This is hands down the best way to experience the incredible views of Wolmido and the ocean – plus, by taking the Sea Train you’ll save your legs and feet from walking around the entire island! Included in the your ticket you get one chance to get off and get back on, so I recommend doing that at the beginning of the Culture Street and walking down to the next station.

    8. Walk the Wolmi Culture Street
    As you walk down the main street of Wolmido, dubbed the Wolmi Culture Street, you’ll find all sorts of entertainment. From musical fountains, to local fishermen, to beautiful ocean views and even the chance to buy some shrimp chips to feed the seagulls – there’s plenty to do! This is also where you’ll see all the carnival games and rides in addition to the local cafes and restaurants.

    9. Lock Gate Exhibition Center
    This exhibition center on Wolmido shares all about the Port – how and why it started, how it’s changed into what it’s become today, and even future plans for the port area!

    10. Wolmi Observatory
    You’ll have to hike up a few stairs for this observatory, but if you want some more epic views overlooking Wolmido then this is your second best bet aside from the Sea Train! You can also catch your breathe here at the local cafe!

    11. Walk through Wolmi Park
    This large park has plenty of paved trails for a nice walk and even has traditional Korean gardens. You can also find the Maritime Police Ship and the Wolmi Observatory here in the park!

    12. Take the Wolmido Ferry
    ​The Wolmido Ferry is 80 minutes long and takes you from the Wolmido Port around the Yeongjongdo Bridge and the Ara Waterway. It has incredible views of the islands in the area and the coastline, and costs about $15 a person.

    13. Incheon National Maritime Museum
    Having just opened earlier in the year, the National Maritime Museum was created to share exhibitions and galleries that showcase the “magnificent world of the ocean”. Entry is free, so it’s an excellent idea if you’re looking to cool down in the AC or get out of the rain!

    Watch My Wolmido Adventures Here!

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  • Wolmi Sea Train Guide: Everything You Need to Know

    The Wolmi Sea Train is the best way to explore Wolmido – an island right off the coast of Incheon, the home of South Korea’s busiest international airport. With 4 stops along a one way loop, a one way ticket allows you to get off once to explore and get back on. The Wolmi Sea Train is even considered the “longest urban tourist monorail in Korea” and is considered one of the top 100 Must Visit Tour Spots by the Korea Tourism Organization – meaning you should definitely add it to your itinerary!

    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 Your Tickets & Finding the Sea Train

    The Wolmido Sea Train is open year round, Tuesday through Sunday, and closed every Monday. In the off season (November – March) they’re open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and in the peak season they’re open from 10:00am to 6:00pm with extended hours on weekends and National Holidays.

    Tickets cost 8,000 Won per adult, or 5,000 Won per child, and each ticket includes one chance to get off, explore, and get back on the Sea Train. Luckily, the Sea Train only goes in one direction – so you won’t have to backtrack at all.

    Although my husband and I visited when it wasn’t too busy, apparently even on the busiest days the best way to get a ticket is at the ticket kiosks located at each of the 4 stations. It’s important to note that you will not be guaranteed a seat, and chances are more than likely that you’ll have to stand the entire time. The host on our train even mentioned that on peak summer days you might have to wait an hour or two just to fit into the train – which is why it’s important to plan ahead and remember that the last train is 50 minutes before closing time.

    My Favorite Tours Near Wolmido :

    -> Incheon Full Day Tour from Seoul

    -> Pororo Theme Park on Wolmido

    Best Stops on the Wolmi Sea Train

    1. Wolmi Sea Station
    This is the easiest station to get to if you’re coming from pretty much anywhere, especially since it’s right next to Incheon Subway Station (on both the #1 Blue Line and the Suinbundang Yellow Lines). If you’re getting on or off here, I recommend also stopping by Chinatown – one of the most famous ones in Korea! Some other areas to explore are :

    Silo Wall Painting – apparently the world’s largest Silo Painting, you can see this view from the Sea Train on the way to the next station!

    Port Area – apparently, Incheon was the first port in Korea, and when the original Jemulpo Port opened in 1883 the area was covered in Japanese style buildings and streets – many of which have now been turned into shops, hotels, museums, or exhibition halls

    Jayu/Manguk Park – this park, also called Freedom Park, has plenty of hiking opportunities, sports courts, and even an ocean boardwalk

    Songwol-dong Fairytale Village – this fun village near Chinatown has lots of murals and sculptures to explore, many of which are based on childhood stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Thumbelina

    2. Wolmi Park Station
    I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t recommend using your one stop on the Sea Train here, but if you’re looking for a picnic or stroll in the park kind of day then this is the perfect place to explore.

    Maritime Police Ship – you can see this fun boat shaped building on the way to the next station!

    Wolhyujeong – this traditional Korean Garden can also be seen from the Sea Train, but if you want to have a picnic or just want to head out for a walk this is the perfect place

    Wolmi Cultural Center – at this cultural center you can experience traditional life in Korea as well as the type of food, clothing, and cultures that families would have had in the Joseon Dynasty

    Wolmi Trail – another great spot for a picnic or park walk that is also a great spot to view the cherry blossoms during the spring season!

    3. Wolmi Culture Street Station
    If you want to get off at one station, this is the one I would recommend – and it just happens to be the area where most visitors to Wolmido are wanting to explore anyways. Along the Culture Street you’ll find plenty of rides and carnival games, adorable cafes and yummy restaurants, and you might even have the chance to run into a K-Drama filming crew! Some of my favorite spots in this area are :

    Wolmi Theme Park – another great stop is the theme park, where you can find the famous Ferris Wheel featured on the Korean Netflix show Nineteen to Twenty, and even classic Korean theme park rides like The Viking and Disco Pang Pang

    Wolmi Excursion Boat & Ferry – chances are you won’t be able to take the Sea Train and a ferry in one day, but if you’re in the Wolmido area for a few days then I also recommend booking a boat tour or ferry ride to another nearby island!

    Restaurants – although most of the restaurants in this area are seafood based with some of the best and freshest clams and shellfish you’ve ever had, we did find one restaurant serving more traditional foods like udon, king mandu (dumplings) and bibimbap (called Hansin Udon Wolmido Branch)

    Cafe Street – most of the cafes on Wolmido Culture Street are on the second floor of buildings making them a bit harder to find,  but I highly recommend Orange Cafe – which has delicious chocolate lattes, macaroons, and even an adorable puppy to snuggle with!

    Musical Fountain – although I couldn’t hear the music, the fountain was fun to see and we even saw many people feeding the seagulls with shrimp chips – which you can find at pretty much any convenience store on the street!

    4. Museum Station
    The very last station before heading back to Wolmi Sea Station is the Museum Station. Here you can not only find some of the best views overlooking Wolmido Island, but you can also stop at :

    Incheon National Maritime Museum – having just opened earlier this year, the MMK hopes to share the “magnificent world of the ocean” through their galleries and exhibitions 

    Lock Gate Exhibition Center – this exhibition center shares about the port’s beginning, current state, and port’s future plans!

    Wolmi Observatory – this observatory requires a hike up the stairs, but it’s said to have the best views of all Wolmido, because I haven’t visited this spot yet, I’m not sure if there is an extra fee for this or not

    I recommend…
    Catching the train at the Wolmi Sea Station, which is right next to the Incheon Subway Station. From here, I recommend riding the Sea Train to the Wolmi Culture Street Station – then getting off to explore all the fun sights in the area! The best thing to do, in my opinion, is to walk all the way down to the Museum Station (about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile). From here, I recommend getting back on the Sea Train and riding it back to the Wolmi Sea Station to explore some of Incheon’s famous Chinatown or heading back home via the Subway!

    Watch My Wolmido Adventures Here!

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  • Korean Folk Village (Minsokchon): Complete Visitor’s Guide

    Minsokchon is the most popular Folk Village in Korea, mainly due to its’ proximity to Seoul – an area most tourists frequent. Although Minsokchon is located a little ways to the South of Seoul near Suwon, it’s easy to get to and it’s the perfect full day experience. Here, you can see what life was like for locals, both rich and poor, during the Joseon Dynasty. They even have live performances and plenty of activities you can participate in!

    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 Folk Village & What to Expect

    Minsokchon is located to the South of Seoul, and takes about one hour (depending on traffic) to get there from downtown Seoul. Personally, I think the easiest way to get there is by bus – which drops you off right across the street from the Folk Village’s Parking Lot. This bus station is called the “Korean Folk Village/Bora Hyosung/Samjung Apartment” stop, and the following buses stop here : 10-5, 88, 88-1, 4101, 5001-1, 30, 32, 551-2B, 54. For up to date information on how to get to Minsokchon, check their website here.

    Tickets cost 32,000 Won per adult, 26,000 Won per child, and 22,000 Won for Senior Citizens. Hours for Minsokchon depend on the season – they always open at 10:00am and close either at 6:00pm, 6:30pm, or 7:00pm – and also on any special events or holidays. If you have some things you’d like to put away while you explore, Minsokchon also has lockers available for guests (located directly to the right after you enter). Below, I’ve listed my 11 favorite things to do at Minsokchon to make the most of your trip! 

    My Favorite Tours Near Minsokchon :

    -> Full Day Folk Village & Suwon Fortress Tour

    -> Folk Village & Suwon Night Tour

    Best Things to Do at Minsokchon

    1. Night Experiences
    There are a handful of attractions that can only be experienced at Minsokchon after nightfall (they’re typically open until 6:00pm – 7:00pm depending on the season). One of course, is the Jigokcheon River, which has a giant moon in the center that lights up and the Wooden Bridge that is lined with traditional lanterns – very cutesy. In addition to the beautiful photo zones, they also have special traditional performances, LED performances, and shadow art performances at night!

    2. Minsokchon Horror Experience
    ​This terrifying experience shares the story of the shaman Lee Hwa – including village ghosts! To be honest I wasn’t quite up for it, but I’ve heard it’s one of the scariest and best ghost experiences found in Seoul. Located in the Amusement Village, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

    3. Traditional Holiday Experiences
    During national Korean Holidays, Minsokchon has special activities and experiences for guests to partake in! If you visit during these holidays, you’ll find unique experiences and foods that aren’t typically available to guests during “normal” visits. Dates can change annually depending on holidays based on the lunar calendar, but these include :

    Dongji – also considered the Winter Solstice festival, locals typically eat red bean soup with friends and family, a food also served at Minsokchon on this day (Dec. 21, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026)

    Korean New Year’s Day – a special day to bring in the Korean New Year where locals share rice cakes & rice cake soup (Jan. 29, 2025)

    Jeongwol Daeboreum – a Full Moon Festival celebrating the first full moon of the year, Minsokchon celebrates by building a triangular bonfire – also called the “Moon House” – for burning (Feb. 25, 2025)

    Double Third Festival – a festival originally from China, that is celebrated to ward off evil spirits, at Minsokchon they have special flower pancakes (Mar. 31, 2025)

    Buddha’s Birthday – throughout Korea, the coming of Buddha is celebrated in a large way – primarily through lantern parades and lantern making crafts – at Minsokchon they encourage guests to make special lanterns as well (May 5, 2025)

    Dano – during this festival, locals celebrate the coming of warm weather, planting of the yearly crop, and the coming summer season, during this festival locals wash their hair in boiled water with iris to ward off evil spirits (May 31, 2025)

    Chuseok – also dubbed the Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok is celebrating the year’s harvest – and locals tend to gather with large meals which also includes gathering to make Songpyeon (you can even experience this right at Minsokchon!) (Oct. 5-7, 2025)

    4. Yippee! Yippee! Parade
    This parade route follows the path circling the Market Village, and showcases traditional clothing, dance, and music! Depending on when you’re visiting it can get quite crowded, so I recommend finding a seat about 10-15 minutes beforehand so you can get a good view. This is one of the best ways to see the traditional dance and “folk people” up close!

    5. Traditional Yeot Candy
    ​If you’re lucky, you’ll run into the traditional Candyman! He’ll be selling Yeot (pronounced “YUT”) – a very sticky rice taffy that is sweet and made from steamed rice, corn and sweet potatoes. Surprisingly it’s quite delicious, and when we met him he was super friendly too! Just be warned, they’re quite messy and VERY sticky – so if he asks if you want it cut make sure to say yes!

    6. Archery, Horseback Riding, Etc.
    ​In addition to special events during Korean holidays, Minsokchon also has traditional activities for visitors to try. During my visit I tried archery (a little more crooked than I was used to haha) but they also have horseback riding, traditional dyeing, and a few others! These types of activities are an extra cost, but usually fairly cheap.

    7. Traditional Tea House
    ​Tucked away on the other side of the river, you’ll find Minsokchon’s Traditional Tea House – which was adorable. They have floor seating – common in hanok buildings – and delicious tea sets. You can choose which type of tea you’d like and also what kind of dessert! When I visited there was no one else there and a very peaceful stop compared to the rest of Minsokchon!

    8. Korean Folk Museum
    ​Nearby the Tea House, you’ll also find the Korean Folk Museum. Here, you can walk through at your own pace to see life for local Korean’s during the late Joseon Dynasty. The museum showcases daily activities, chores, and customs for Korean’s during all 4 seasons.

    9. Eat Your Way Through the Market Place
    ​The Market Place at Minsokchon is the perfect place to grab lunch, especially if you’re at the village exploring all day. Here you can find traditional dishes like seafood and veggie pancakes, bibimbap, jajangmyeon, and nangmyeon! There’s large tables and lots of shade, making it the perfect spot to rest your feet.

    10. Enjoy the Amusement Village
    ​The Amusement Village is on the other side of the river inside Minsokchon, however if you want to start your day with some thrill you can head straight over the bridge to the right after entering Minsokchon. In the Amusement Village you can find all sorts of rides for the whole family – the Viking, bumper cars, and even some roller coasters! This is also where the scary Minsokchon Horror Experience is located.

    11. Enjoy the Folk Village!
    ​Even though there’s a ton to do at Minsokchon, one of the best things to do of course is exploring the Folk Village! Taking up a majority of the Minsokchon grounds, you can self-guide yourself through different buildings during the Joseon Dynasty – like the pottery shop, landowner’s houses, government offices, and even see what a nobleman’s mansion would have looked like in the day. Hidden throughout these grounds you’ll find all the live experiences and hands on activities I mentioned above!

    Watch My Minsokchon Adventures Here!

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  • 10 Best Things to Do in Boryeong, South Korea

    Boryeong, South Korea, is located on the Western coast – dotted with incredible coast lines and adorable fishing villages. Located only about 3 hours from Seoul via public transportation, it’s the perfect spot for an easy day trip or weekend getaway – most popularly known for their annual Mud Festival and their delicious seafood! Just next door, and considered to be in the same area, is the beachside town of Daecheon.

    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 Boryeong & What to Expect

    Luckily for visitors, there are a few ways to get to Boryeong. If you have access to a car (don’t forget your International Drivers Permit!) then it’s really quite simple, and you’ll just drive the few hours from the Seoul city center. I highly encourage you to stop at one of the fun rest stops along the way as well, most of them have robotic baristas if you’re in the mood for some coffee!

    If you don’t have access to a car, then you can also take public transportation. If you take the train from Seoul Station, you’ll have to go via Cheonan and it’ll take about 3 hours, and if you go from Seoul Station to Osong to Iksan you’ll get to Daecheon (the Boryeong area) in about 3-4 hours.

    You could also hire a KakaoT or Taxi, but it’ll be quite spendy and I don’t recommend. If you’re looking for a place to stay, I recommend the CL Hotel. It’s not in walking distance, but it’s an excellent hotel for a reasonable price plus they have ample parking space, they even have an entire wall dedicated to photo of celebrities that have stayed at this hotel!

    My Favorite Tours Near Boryeong :

    -> Full Day Coastal Tour with Sky Bike

    -> Boryeong Mud Festival Ticket

    Best Things to Do in Boryeong

    1. Daecheon Beach
    Daecheon Beach is the highlight of most visitors trips to Boryeong. This is where the annual mud festival is held, and also where you can walk the shores to find all kinds of sea shells, starfish, and sea glass!

    2. Muryangsa Temple
    The Muryangsa Temple is one of my favorite temples I’ve visited in South Korea. It’s located a little ways outside of town, but it’ll be worth the drive. When I visited there was no one at the gate so we entered for free, but you might have to pay a few thousand Won if you visit during peak season.

    Inside, you’ll find various buildings housing Buddha – and what they’re most known for – their 5 story pagoda. The grounds are beautiful, and not as busy as other temples, so it’s important to be respectful during your visit and keep your voice level at a quieter level.

    3. Gaehwa Art Park
    This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Boryeong. Located on the drive to Muryangsa Temple, the Gaehwa Art Park could take all day to explore. They house an artist residency program, have a museum, beautiful cafe (Riris Cafe – filled with amazing amounts of flowers), indoor botanical garden, outdoor sculpture garden, and even a petting zoo area. You’ll have to pay a fee for each person to enter the park.

    4. Daecheon Skybike
    Another very popular attraction in the Boryeong area is the Daecheon Skybike, conveniently located in town right on the coast. If you want to experience the beautiful coastlines in South Korea this is one of the best ways to do it. Because it can be difficult to book in advance, I recommend going right when they open to get in line for tickets. I arrived 10 minutes after they opened for the day, and there was already a long line and we heard they were almost sold out until the afternoon rides.

    If you’re worried about biking, quite a bit of it is automatic and we had no issues. It is a little freaky looking down as the ocean is literally right below you, but it ended up being one of my favorite things in the area! There are 4 people that can fit in each car, and it’s worth noting when I last visited it seemed like their zip line was closed.

    5. Daecheon Undersea Tunnel
    This 6.9 Kilometer underwater tunnel took 11 years to complete, and is said to be the 5th longest underwater tunnel in the entire world. I’ll be honest when I heard the hype around the tunnel I thought there were portions of the tunnel where you could see outside, but that’s not quite the case. However there are some fun sounds and light shows inside showcasing different marine animals, making it a unique stop.

    6. Try the Local Cuisine
    Daecheon (and Boryeong) are known for their amazing seafood dishes – makes sense since they’re right on the coast. If you walk the beach you’ll see restaurant after restaurant serving essentially the same thing, fresh seafood. Let me be clear, VERY fresh seafood (see my video below…lol). I was a little nervous at first but truthfully it was all very tasty, and similar to hot pot experiences I’ve had. I highly encourage you to try at least one dinner while you’re in the area, and recommend choosing a place that looks busy for the best meal.

    7. Boryeong Mud Festival & Mud Plaza
    Boryeong is most known for their annual Mud Festival typically held every July. During the few days of the Mud Festival, tourists and Koreans from out of town flock to the Mud Plaza in Boryeong to enjoy one of the most unique experiences in the world. Make sure to purchase an entry ticket ahead of time otherwise you won’t be allowed in, however once inside you’ll get to enjoy all sorts of unique attractions like their giant mud pit and spa!

    8. Visit a Cute Cafe
    Depending on how long you’ve been in South Korea, you’ll notice plenty of cute cafes everywhere – let’s just say this country takes their cafe culture very seriously. Even in Boryeong, you have quite a few options – my personal favorite being Riris Cafe at the Gaehwa Art Village. They have beautiful desserts and it’s completely covered in fresh flowers.

    ​If you want something a little closer to the beach, you can walk the main street. I found that Caffe Bene, right on the round about at the Mud Plaza, had an excellent patbingsu! (Traditional Korean dessert with sweet red bean paste and shaved ice.)

    9. Boryeong Chungcheong Suyeongseon Fortress
    The name is long, but the hike is not. 😉 This fortress is perched right on the hill side overlooking a beautiful bay full of fishing boats, and in my opinion is the most perfect date or picnic spot. Although you can walk onto the fortress platform, it’s essential that you take your shoes off and please treat the building with respect as you enjoy.

    10. Yeongmokhang Port
    If you end up driving through the Daecheon Undersea Tunnel, continue driving and go past one more bridge, you’ll come out near the Yeongmokhang Port. This sleepy fishing village is one of the best areas to explore if you want to experience the “countryside” of South Korea. There isn’t much to do, but the views are beautiful.

    Watch My Boryeong Adventures Here!

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  • Bongeunsa Temple Stay Review: Everything You Need to Know

    A Templestay Experience in Seoul is one of the most unique cultural experiences you can partake in when visiting Seoul. If you’re lucky enough to include this in your South Korea itinerary, I highly encourage you to read through this post to make the best of your time there and know exactly what to expect and what to pack with you. Bongeunsa Temple is located right in the heart of Seoul, and this is hands down one of my favorite experiences in all of Korea.

    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.

    How to Book Your Templestay Experience & What to Expect

    Booking your Bongeunsa Templestay experience is quite easy. You can simply head to the Templestay Reservation Website and choose the dates you’d like. The English Templestay Program is held over the first weekend of each month, from 2pm on Saturday until 11am on Sunday. The cost is 120,000 Won per person, and although they encourage you to pay online you can also pay with cash at check in.

    Overall, there’s a lot to expect from the Templestay program. All of your meals are included, and although it’s frowned upon to leave leftovers, you can always grab a smaller plate and then go back up for more. During your Templestay experience you’ll be asked to wear the orange uniforms and slippers while inside the buildings, so I recommend easy shoes to slip on and off each time you enter/exit a building. You’re “bed time” is quite early, but you’ll appreciate it when you get up at 4 am the next morning. I’ve listed a complete schedule breakdown below so you can know what to expect, but overall I would say this is an incredible and unique experience you won’t want to miss out on during your visit to Seoul.

    There are a few things you’ll need to bring with you for your Templestay experience, including comfortable walking shoes that are easy to slip on and off, a refillable water bottle, any toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, and towels for your use.

    During your Templestay, there are a few “rules” or “expectations” you’ll be asked to follow during your stay. These are as follows :

    When checking out, please clean your room and return any clothes and bedding to the program leader. Put trash in a bag and put it outside the front door.

    When you see a Sunim (monk), half bow by putting your palms together.

    Drinking and smoking are not allowed.

    Silence is recommended inside the temple.

    Please be punctual.

    When moving around, follow your program leader and stay in a line.

    During meal times, please try not to leave food – only put enough on your plate to eat.

    Do not disturb other participants during your break time.

    If sharing a room with other participants, please be aware of cell phone calls or watching videos.

    My Must-Do Tours in Seoul :

    -> DMZ and Suspension Bridge Full Day Tour

    -> Minsokchon Folk Village Day Trip

    -> Nami Island and Alpaca World Day Trip

    An Overview of the Templestay Schedule

    Day 1 Program :
    At 2:00 pm you’ll begin the check in process. If you haven’t paid yet, you’ll be asked to pay in cash as you check in. Then you’ll be brought inside, where you’ll wait for all participants to arrive while the program leader passes out uniforms for your stay and welcomes you with a cup of Sikhye (식혜), a Korean rice punch drink.

    Around 3:00 pm, after everyone checks into their rooms and has a chance to change, you’ll be led around the temple grounds on a guided tour. You’ll learn the history of the temple, like how it was moved from Busan, and basic temple etiquette.

    From 4:00 pm onwards you’ll be led through a variety of temple activities. From the Traditional Tea Ceremony where you’ll learn traditional Korean tea etiquette, to the Sutra Gold Ink experience where you’ll trace traditional Korean Buddhist sayings in gold ink – you’ll eventually be brought to your first meal at the temple. Like I mentioned above, you’ll be asked to only grab what you’ll eat so that you don’t leave leftovers, and before you eat you’ll say a short Buddhist prayer. Our meals were very traditional, and consisted of rice, tofu, different vegetables (banchan) like kimchi and seaweed soup.

    After dinner, you’ll experience your first Yebul ceremony inside the main temple, and then have a long discussion/guided meditation with a monk. During this time, you’ll be able to ask questions you have about Buddhism, and be taught how to meditate. At 9:00 pm it’ll be lights out for your early morning tomorrow!

    Day 2 Program :
    At 4:20 am, bright and early, your Templestay Experience will continue with a Yebul ceremony at the main temple. Afterwards you’ll experience the 108 Vows, a daily ritual for practicing Buddhists and monks. For each vow, you’ll also perform a full bow – but if you feel like you can’t complete all 108 bows you can sit or stand in the back of the room.

    After the bows you’ll have a short break time, then be brought to breakfast – which had the same dishes and expectations as dinner. Afterwards, you’ll have a bit more free time to explore the temple grounds with hardly any other visitors around – a rarity in Seoul. This is a great time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the temple grounds, and if you’re in a rush to head somewhere afterwards, to clean up your room and pack your things.

    Around 9:00 am you’ll have your last Templestay Experience activity, a final tea time with the monk you met last night. He’ll lead you through a quick, personal tea experience, where you can chat with him and ask him any more questions you have about him, Buddha, or Buddhism. From 10:00 am to 11:00 am you’ll be able to clean up, check out, and finish up the survey you were asked to take. Don’t forget to take any of your gifts and souvenirs you’ve been given during your experience!

    Watch My Templestay Experience Here!

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  • Seoul to Busan by KTX: Everything You Need to Know

    If you’re into zombie movies, or movies about Korea, then you’ve mostly likely heard of the 2016 film, Train to Busan. A story about a father and his young daughter that become stuck on the train ride to Busan while a zombie outbreak occurs. The best part is that you can now experience the real train to Busan for yourself during your visit to Korea!

    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 Your Ticket on KTX

    Luckily, booking your Train to Busan ticket is very easy on RailNinja – the only platform I use to book my train travel in Korea. There are three main options for train routes from Seoul to Busan :

    • Bullet/High Speed Train – about $85 a person, and about 2.5 hours
    • Express Train – about $65 a person, and about 4.5 hours
    • Intercity Train – about $45 a person, and about 5.5 hours

    The train you choose really depends on your budget and how much time you want to spend on the train. It’s also important to note which station you’re leaving from, there are two options in Seoul. The Seoul Central Station is very easily accessible, and is where I left from, but you can also leave from Suseo Station in the heart of Gangnam. Lastly, there are two types of tickets on the KTX Train – basic economy seats and first class seats. The economy seats are blue and have 2 in each row, first class seats are red and have single seats in each row.

    My Favorite Tours in Busan :

    -> Busan Haeundae Sky Capsule

    -> Busan Skyline Yacht Tour

    -> Busan Air Cruise Cable Car

    Experiencing the Train to Busan

    If you’re a fan of the Train to Busan, then you’ll be pleased to know that the trains have free Wifi, and the entire Train to Busan movie is free on Youtube! And since the movie is just under 2 hours, you’ll be able to stream the entire movie on your trip! Although to be honest, it was a bit eerie sitting in the same seats and train cars shown in the movie.

    I also recommend bringing snacks and drinks for your ride. You’ll find some people bringing complete meals (fairly common for locals), but I would stick to something easy like fruits or pre-packaged snacks and drinks! Up above your seat you can also find a place to store your luggage, and because the seats are fairly wide, you’ll have enough room around you as well to stay comfortable. The bathrooms were also clean and well stocked.

    Watch My Train to Busan Adventures Here!

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  • 10 Best Things to Do at COEX Mall in Seoul

    Coex Mall is one of the most iconic areas of Seoul. From the Instagram famous Starfield Mall to the gigantic gold “Gangnam Style” Statue outside, there’s plenty to see at the mall other than just shopping. You can walk the entire indoor walking track, head across the street to Bongeunsa Temple, or enjoy a book at the functioning Starfield Library.

    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 COEX Mall & What to Expect

    Coex Mall is very easy to get to on public transportation, especially since it’s directly connected to the subway station. Just get on the Green Line 2, and get off at Samseong Station. You can also get there via the Gold Line 9 by getting off at Bongeunsa Station.

    You can also get to the Coex Mall by taking a bus, however this can be a bit more confusing since there are more options, or any public car service like KakaoT or Uber. If you want to take the bus, you can find all buses that stop at Coex here.

    My Favorite Tours in Seoul :

    -> COEX SeaLife Aquarium Admission

    -> Seoul Personal Color Analysis

    -> DMZ and Suspension Bridge Full Day Tour

    10 Best Things to Do at COEX

    1. SeaLife Aquarium COEX
    The aquarium inside Coex Mall was recently completely remodeled. Although I’m not the biggest fan of aquariums and zoos, it’s definitely a fun stop for families with young kids. They have all kinds of exhibits, and even a fun interactive treasure hunt for kids. You’ll have to check their current schedule, but during different days of the week they have mermaid shows, magic shows, and various animal feedings.

    2. Starfield Library
    This famous Instagram attraction is what originally drew crowds to Coex. Although it’s really not much more than an actual running library, there’s plenty of photo opportunities inside if you don’t mind the crowds. During various times of year they’ll also have different kinds of popups and seasonal photo areas.

    3. Mega Box
    A “Mega Box” is Korea’s word for a cinema, and you can often find them in malls. The theater itself might be pretty basic, but at the entrance you can find a large set of steps open for people to sit and enjoy, and a large screen showing short films & commercials. You can also grab some popcorn and enjoy the large arcade at the bottom! If you’re looking for a more unique movie theater in Seoul, I recommend the bean bag movie theater!

    4. Shopping
    This is no surprise, but there’s plenty of shopping to do at Coex Mall. You can find global brands like Hoka and Adidas, or Korean based brands like Kakao Friends and Style Nanda. I enjoy browsing the smaller Korean boutique stores as they’re typically a bit cheaper than globally famous brands.

    5. Grab a Bite to Eat
    Along with plenty of shopping, there’s plenty of eating to do too! You can find restaurants sprinkled throughout the mall, but right now, my personal favorite spot is Tomodachi, a Japanese restaurant specializing in Pork Cutlets and rainbow soba noodles! They’re delicious, and not as “busy” as other restaurants.

    6. Visit the Gangnam Style Statue
    The evolution of K-Pop was catapulted forward in 2012 with the release of Psy’s “Gangnam Style.” Not only was it played around the world, but K-Pop became a common music genre in households everywhere. Right outside of the main Coex Mall entrance you can find a gigantic gold statue of the famous dance move in that song – they also have the song playing on loop in case you need a reminder!

    7. Head to Bongeunsa Temple
    Out the other side of Coex Mall and across the street you’ll find the Bongeunsa Temple – a local Buddhist temple open to visitors and tourists. Unlike other temples in Southeast Asia you don’t need to worry about a specific dress code, and there’s no entry fee to visit. If you’re interested in learning more about Buddhist culture or what life is like for local monks, you can sign up for a templestay experience!

    8. Get Your Korean Beauty Fix
    There are plenty of stores in the Coex Mall where you can get your K-Beauty fix, but my personal favorite store is Olive Young. You can find these on almost every corner in Korea, and they even have an app so you can re-order from the U.S. You can think of Olive Young as the Korean version of Sephora or Ulta, and their staff is incredibly knowledgable to help you find what you’re looking for.

    9. Relax & Unwind
    If you’re looking for something a bit more immersive (compared to shopping) then stop by the Spa Imbellis. They have all kinds of options from facials to scalp care to full body and skin lifting treatments. If you’re wanting to experience K-Beauty at it’s finest, then this is one spot at Coex you won’t want to miss.

    10. Spend the Night
    If you’re exploring Coex Mall and decide you need some more time to do everything on this list, then I recommend finding a room at one of the nearby hotels! There are two that are connected to the Coex Mall – the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas and the Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul – both of these are excellent options! If you want something more unique, I recommend looking into the Templestay option I mentioned above! (Don’t worry, the hotels will have western beds and not traditional bedding that’s shown above.)

    Watch My Templestay 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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