DEBORAH IN KOREA

Category: Spring

  • 7 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Seoul (2026 Guide)

    The Cherry Blossom season in Korea, although short, is one of the best in the world. With pink and white petals, and many other flowers blooming at the same time, the entire city seems to transform into a beautiful garden. However, for those visiting the area for the first time or for those looking to see the best of the best of the cherry blossoms, finding a spot can be hard. After spending the entire last week exploring different areas in Seoul for cherry blossom viewing, I can proudly share this list of the best places to go!

    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 Know About Korea’s Cherry Blossom Season

    Like I mentioned above, the Cherry Blossom season in South Korea is incredibly short. Depending on the weather, the peak season will typically be from the end of March to the beginning of April. If you’re coming earlier in the season, then areas south of Seoul will be better to visit – think areas like Busan. If you’re coming right in the middle of or at the end of the Cherry Blossom season, then Seoul and the surrounding suburbs are better.

    Psssttt…have you booked your travel medical insurance yet? Every time I travel internationally I always make sure Tyler and I have our “just in case” backup options ready – because you just never know what kinds of germs are floating around in crowds of cherry blossom admirers. I’ve been using SafetyWing for years now, and love that I’m covered as both a blogger and traveler. Essential coverage starts at just $14.07 per week and is super easy to sign up for, just follow this link and be protected on all your adventures – Korea or elsewhere.

    Many people tend to visit Seoul just for the Cherry Blossoms, including locals from around the country, so certain areas can get very congested. If you’re out exploring places, try to keep an eye on the time and avoid the subway during rush hours – to be 100% honest rush hour during the cherry blossom season is the most packed and crowded I’ve ever seen the subway.

    In order to make the most of your cherry blossom experience, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. I averaged about 13,000 steps each day I went out to see them. I would also recommend bringing a light jacket, water, and sunscreen.

    My Favorite Tours in Seoul :

    -> Nami Island & Alpaca World Day Trip

    -> DMZ and Suspension Bridge Full Day Tour

    The Best Places to Experience the Cherry Blossoms

    1. Seokchon Lake
    ​Located near the wildly popular Lotte World, this is my personal favorite spot to see the cherry blossoms, and the bloom is a little later than others in Seoul. Here you can see the cherry blossoms easily from a boardwalk that surrounds the entire lake, and if you head towards the area that surrounds Lotte World’s island, then you can even see adorable little boats going by as well. Even though it was busy, I found there were quite a few benches to sit at the enjoy the petals and I was still able to find some areas that I had to myself. (The closest subway station is Jamsil Station.)

    2. Seoul’s Forest Park
    ​This large park is one of the earlier areas to bloom in Seoul, and it’s the perfect place to come have a picnic in the park. There’s plenty of different areas to explore, and even if you’ve missed the cherry blossoms there’s plenty of other flowers to enjoy in the park – like the many tulip gardens! Inside the park you can also find many rest areas and chairs to kick back and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms. (The closest subway station is the Seoul-Forest Station.)

    3. Namsan Park
    Namsan Park is another favorite of mine, however it can be a bit overwhelming to explore if you don’t know where you’re going. I recommend exploring for a bit, then taking the bus up to the tower for some beautiful spring views of Seoul before walking down the mountain. (There are a few subway stations in the area, I recommend the Donguk University Station, Myeong-Dong Station, or Chunmuro Station.)

    4. Gwanggyo Reservoir
    Another beautiful spot to see the Cherry Blossoms in Korea is at the Gwanggyo Reservoir. Located right across the street from Kyonggi University Suwon Campus, the best way to get there is via Bus, and you’ll want to head to the Kyonggi University Suwon Campus Bus Stop. The Reservoir has a beautiful boardwalk lining the lake, and although it can get a bit crowded, the views with the cherry blossoms are absolutely stunning with the lake and mountain backdrop. They also have a few food stands if you’re hungry!

    5. Yeouido Park
    Yeouido, an island located along the Han River, is one of the earliest places to see the cherry blossoms bloom in Seoul – which means it’s also one of the earliest places to lose it’s petals. As one of the most popular places to go to experience the cherry blossom season in Korea, Yeouido even has it’s own Cherry Blossom Season typically in the first few days of April (although it changes depending on the weather). At the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival you can find different foods and tents within the park, making for a full fun day in the park! (The closest subway station is Yeouinaru Station.)

    6. Suwon’s Emart
    It sounds a little silly to be recommending an Emart as one of the best Cherry Blossom viewing areas, but hear me out. Right next to the Emart, you can find a beautiful creek you can walk around, and a beautiful “flower road” – a place where cherry blossoms line the entire street on both sides. Personally, this is my ultimate favorite spot simply because it is the least crowded. There aren’t many places to sit, but it’s the perfect spot for a walk! (The closest subway stations are Sujigu Office Station and Seongbok Station.)

    7. Towol Park
    A few blocks down the road you can find Towol Park (토월공원), another perfect spot for a cherry blossom walk. The entire park is lined with cherry blossom trees, and it’s a much cozier and secluded park than others in Seoul. They also have places you can sit and have a picnic in the shade! (The closest subway stations are Sujigu Office Station and Seongbok Station.)

    Watch My Cherry Blossom Adventures Here!

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  • 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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  • Lotte World Tower Observation Deck: Is It Worth It?

    The Lotte World Tower in Seoul is 123 floors high, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world (currently the 6th tallest in the world). Inside you can find offices, a gigantic mall, an aquarium, a hotel, and of course the famous Observation Deck and SkyZone. In my personal opinion this is the best tower in Seoul to enjoy the city skyline & views, and in this post I’ve gathered everything you need to know from where to get tickets, what to expect, and best tips on 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.

    Getting Tickets to Lotte Tower Observation Deck

    Before you visit, I always recommend grabbing your tickets for popular attractions like this one as far in advance as you can. You can either book directly on their website (unfortunately it kept crashing when I tried) or through third party apps like this one on Klook. Any of these options are great. You can also get tickets in person on the first floor of the Lotte Tower – which is the same spot where you enter to take the elevator up to the Sky Deck. If you aren’t able to find it, then I recommend following the signs in the mall or asking any of the information desks.

    When you purchase tickets you have multiple options. You can opt for a single admission to the observation deck (which includes floors 117-123), a Seoul Sky Bridge ticket (which is the special exterior bridge), or even an aquarium and Seoul Sky ticket combo. I’ve only ever done the single admission to the observation deck.

    My Favorite Tours Near Lotte Tower :

    -> Lotte Tower Seoul Sky Admission

    -> Lotte World Admission Ticket

    -> Lotte World Aquarium Admission

    What to Expect & Best Tips for Lotte Tower Observation Deck

    The Lotte Tower Observation Deck experience can vary widely depending on the time of day and which day you visit. For the least amount of other guests, I recommend visiting early in the morning (around when they open at 10:30) and during the week. This will guarantee that you have the best experience and won’t be fighting for space or views at the windows or open air decks.

    When you first arrive, you’ll walk through a short art exhibit on the first floor as you make your way to the elevators. From here, you’ll take the very fast elevator up to the 117th floor with a fun visual display on the ride up, and from there you’ll be able to take escalators to each of the remaining floors up to the 123rd floor.

    During your visit I recommend taking your time at each floor, making sure to stop at the glass floors, the outdoor decks, and the Seoul Sky Cafe. If you have Seoul Sky Bridge Tickets, I recommend doing that last and enjoying the general admission area before it gets busy. If you stop by the cafe, they have some fun specialty drinks to try like their Tok Tok drink – filled with pop rocks! There’s also a few souvenir booths to enjoy too.

    From the various floors you can take in the incredible views of Seoul – including the views of Lotte World, Jamsil Stadium, the Han River and the surrounding mountains, Namsan Tower, and of course, the never ending apartment buildings. In my personal opinion, this is the absolute best tower in Korea for views of Seoul and the surrounding areas – and if you have more time, then Lotte World is right next door!

    Watch My Lotte World 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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  • 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!

    Pin this Seoul Tea Review for Later!

  • Rent a Picnic Set in Seoul: My Experience with Cafe Awesome Picnic

    One of my favorite things about Seoul is how easy it is to spend an afternoon relaxing in one of the city’s many beautiful parks. If you’ve ever wanted to have a picture-perfect picnic without packing blankets, decorations, and snacks (which is perfect for travelers) Cafe Awesome Picnic makes it incredibly easy. They rent adorable picnic basket sets – complete with blankets, decorations, and other fun accessories to make for a great summer and spring activity for couples, friends, or really anyone who’s looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon outdoors.

    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 Reserve a Picnic Basket in Seoul

    Reserving your picnic basket can be a little tricky, and I highly recommend doing it in advance. The best way to get in touch with Cafe Awesome Picnic is through their Instagram, @cafe_awesome where you can directly message them. I reserved my basket just two days ahead of time, but if you’re wanting to enjoy one of their picnics on a popular holiday or in the middle of peak summer, I would aim to book at least one week ahead of time. You can message them in English or Korean, and they’ll confirm all logistics like date and time of pick up with you directly. You can also find their NAVER Link here.

    I rented my picnic basket with them a few years ago, and they didn’t have a deposit requirement at the time to reserve a basket. The rental is just for the day – so you can pick it up on your way to the park and drop it off on your way back. Because I was unable to pay through NAVER, they took a cash payment when I arrived at the cafe to pick up, which was super convenient because my husband and I ended up adding on some fresh coffees and waffles from their in-store cafe. At that time the day rental was 20,000₩, not including any food or drinks.

    If you want to rent a picnic basket but you’re not sure where to go, these are some of my favorite nearby parks :
    – Gwangnaru Hangang Park : This large riverside park is fairly close to the cafe, and is my top choice if you’re looking for a place to bring your picnic set. Located right on the banks of the Han River, you can enjoy some really great views of the skyline and river and it’s a really relaxing spot to enjoy a picnic. This park always has people enjoying the outdoors, and they also have bike rentals if you’re wanting to do something in addition to a picnic!
    – Olympic Park : This is the closest option to their cafe location, and my second top choice overall. Olympic Park is huge, so there’s lots of places to set up. They often have different events here throughout the year, so it’s a pretty lively park as well.

    My Must-Do Tours in Seoul :

    -> Alpaca World & Nami Island Day Trip

    -> DMZ & Suspension Bridge Day Tour

    My Cafe Awesome Picnic Experience

    Overall, I thought the entire picnic experience was adorable – and easy. Once I had arranged everything with them on Instagram, I simply showed up at their cafe to pick up my reserved picnic basket set. Everything was already prepared for me and ready to go. Inside the basket itself there was blankets to sit on, decorative and artificial flowers, a small portable Bluetooth speaker, and some other adorable props like heart shaped mirrors and a little folding table.

    In addition to the picnic basket rental itself, my husband and I opted to get a few of their cafe treats and coffees at their café to go along with the picnic, this way we didn’t need to stop at any other stores for snacks and drinks. At their cafe you can find little pastries, croffles (croissant waffles that are extremely popular in Korea), in addition to coffee drinks with cute heart shaped straws. They were both perfect for our picnic. After pick up, we made our way to a local riverside park, enjoyed our picnic, took some cute photos, and then returned the basket. It was the perfect date day, and the best part was there was no cleanup or planning for us – we just dropped off the basket with everything inside back at the café, and were good to go.

    Watch My Seoul Cafe Adventures Here!

    Pin this Seoul Picnic Guide for Later!

  • Best Time to Visit Seoraksan National Park (Season by Season Guide)

    Seoraksan National Park is one of the best places in South Korea to experience all four seasons. From colorful fall foliage and blooming spring flowers to lush summer hiking trails and snow-covered mountain peaks in winter, the park looks completely different depending on when you visit. If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Seoraksan is, here’s what you can expect during each season so you can decide which time of year is right for your trip.

    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.

    Best Time to Visit Seoraksan National Park

    I’ll be honest, figuring out when the “best time to visit Seoraksan” can be a bit tricky, and really depends on your interests and what you’d like to do and experience while you’re there. If you’re looking for picture perfect fall foliage and comfortable hiking weather, fall is hard to beat, but it’s also the busiest time of year in Seoraksan National Park.

    Summer is my personal favorite because all of the hiking trails and the cable car is usually open. The waterfalls are also usually at their strongest, but you’ll need to be prepared for crowds and occasional rainy weather. Spring offers blooming wildflowers, fresh greenery, and much fewer visitors, and in the winter you can expect a quiet, snow-covered landscape that’s perfect for anyone wanting to avoid the large crowds.

    No matter when you visit, each season offers a completely different experience, making Seoraksan National Park a top place to visit no matter the season. Below, you’ll find a little breakdown of pros and cons in each season and what you can expect in the park.

    SeasonWhy Visit (Pros)Things to Keep in Mind (Cons)
    🌸 SpringBlooming wildflowers, fresh greenery, fewer crowds.Some higher trails may still have snow or temporary closures.
    ☀️ SummerMajor attractions are typically open, lush mountains, powerful waterfalls.Busiest season with hot, humid weather and occasional monsoon rainstorms.
    🍂 FallKorea’s most famous fall colors spot, ideal hiking temperatures.Extremely popular, expect traffic, full parking lots, and busy trails.
    ❄️ WinterSnow-covered mountains and more peaceful hiking.Cold temps & icy trails, possible weather-related closures.

    My Favorite Seoraksan National Park Tours :

    ->Seoraksan National Park & Temple Tour

    ->Seoraksan National Park & Nami Island Combined Tour

    Seoraksan National Park by Season

    Autumn (September, October, November)

    During the months of fall Seoraksan National Park transforms into a colorful landscape with reds, oranges and yellows. Even though the weather begins to turn cooler, it’s perfect for hiking, and you usually get clearer skies. However summer is also one of the busiest seasons to visit Seoraksan. Known for being the most popular “fall foliage” spot in Korea, you can expect large crowds and extended wait times for parking lots, especially during the peak fall colors. If you visit in the Fall, you’ll want to dress in layers and try to time your visit for early in the day – this way you can avoid (and hopefully beat) the largest crowds. Peak fall colors usually come through around late September to October, and the temperature really starts to drop in November as Korea begins winter.

    ​Best For : Fall Colors, Hiking

    Winter (December, January, February)

    Winter in this area of Korea usually feels pretty deserted, and you can expect hardly any visitors – especially compared to the Fall month. This creates a much more quiet and peaceful time to explore Seoraksan National Park. With snow covering the mountain peaks, you’ll want to dress warm with multiple layers and bring some hand warmers. Depending how much snow there is and how icy trails are, you can usually expect some trail closures, meaning there likely won’t be too many opportunities for hiking. If they are open, be prepared for snow and ice (especially if you go higher up) – I recommend wearing crampons or ice cleats.

    ​Best For : Snowy Views, No Crowds

    Spring (March, April, May)

    Spring in Seoraksan is when things begin to liven and green up for Summer. There aren’t too many cherry blossoms in this area, but wildflowers begin to bloom, and the mountains start to turn green again. Hiking trails also begin to open back up, you might just run into a bit of mud. Weather can still be pretty chilly in the mornings and evenings, so I recommend dressing in layers. If it’s been an especially cold winter season then you might still have ice and trail closures – it really depends on the weather.

    Best For : Spring Flowers & No Crowds

    Summer (June, July, August)

    Similar to other popular tourist destinations in Korea, summertime at Seoraksan is also one of the busiest times of year to visit. You can expect large crowds, especially during midday, but it’s still my favorite time to visit. The mountains are a deep green, usually all the trails are open, and you’ll get a change to ride the cable car (as long as there’s no bad weather). Plus depending how much rainfall the area has gotten recently the waterfalls are usually at their largest and most powerful. There’s so much to explore in the summertime, you’ll just need to fight the crowds. Similar to in the Fall I recommend going early to get a parking spot and to try and avoid the largest crowds. July typically brings the rainy season to Korea, so you’ll want to bring an umbrella or poncho with you.

    ​Best For : Hiking Trails, Cable Car, Waterfalls

    Watch My Seoraksan National Park Adventures Here!

    Pin this Post on Seoraksan for Later!