Hidden Korea

Seoul’s Hanok Cafés – Where Tradition Meets Coffee Culture Looking for a café that’s more than just good coffee? In Seoul, you’ll find a growing trend that blends Korea’s traditional architecture with modern café culture: Hanok cafés . These beautiful, often hidden spots let you sip your latte while surrounded by wooden beams, tiled roofs, and garden courtyards. It’s like stepping into a slice of old Korea—with Wi-Fi and espresso. Here’s a guide to some of the most charming Hanok cafés around the city, perfect for relaxing, snapping a few photos, and soaking up some culture along with your brew. 1. Café Onion (Anguk) Located near the beautiful Changdeokgung Palace, Café Onion Anguk is a crowd favorite. The hanok structure has been preserved beautifully—think creaking wooden floors, sunlight filtering through paper windows, and a peaceful courtyard where locals and tourists alike sip their coffee in silence. Their pastries (try the Pandoro or Injeolmi scone!) are lege...

KTX vs SRT: What’s the Difference and Which High-Speed Train Should You Take in Korea? If you're planning to travel between cities in South Korea—say from Seoul to Busan, or to Gwangju, Daegu, or Daejeon—your best bet is one of Korea’s high-speed trains. But then comes the question: KTX or SRT? What are they? Are they different? Which one is better? Let’s break it all down in simple terms for travelers. This guide covers how to use both trains, the key differences, and how to choose the best option for your trip. What Are KTX and SRT? KTX (Korea Train Express) is the original high-speed rail operated by Korail, Korea’s national rail company. It’s been running since 2004 and connects Seoul to most major cities like Busan, Daejeon, and Gwangju. SRT (Super Rapid Train) is a newer high-speed service operated by a private company called SR. It started in 2016 and runs along the same high-speed lines—but starts from a different station in Seoul. Key Differen...

How to Use Seoul’s Public Bike ‘Ddareungi’ – A Simple Guide for Foreigners If you’re visiting Seoul and want to explore the city in a fun, cheap, and eco-friendly way, you’ll love ‘Ddareungi’ —Seoul’s public bike rental system. It’s green, it’s easy to use, and it’s everywhere. The best part? You don’t need to be a Korean citizen to ride. I’m here to break it down for you step by step, with tips to make your first ride smooth and stress-free. Whether you want to cycle along the Han River, through quiet parks, or just skip the subway for a day, here’s how to get rolling. What is Ddareungi? ‘Ddareungi’ (따릉이) is Seoul’s official public bike-sharing system. You’ll see green-and-white bikes parked all around the city—in parks, near subway stations, and at busy intersections. The bikes are sturdy, have adjustable seats, and even come with a small front basket. You can rent one for as little as 1,000 KRW (under $1) and return it at any station. The system is available 2...

Which Han River Park Is Best? A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Riverside Spot in Seoul There’s something magical about the Han River —how it runs through the heart of Seoul, catching golden hour light, dotted with picnickers and cyclists, couples, and kids. But with over a dozen different parks along the river, the big question is: which one should you go to? I’ve lived in Seoul for over 10 years, and I've visited pretty much every major riverside spot. So here’s a comparison of some of the most popular Hangang Parks , depending on what kind of experience you’re after. Stick around until the end for my personal favorite. 1. Yeouido Hangang Park – Best for Festivals & City Views Good for: Picnics, night views, cherry blossoms, watching fireworks. Yeouido is probably the most famous Han River spot, and for good reason. It’s wide, centrally located, and gets packed during cherry blossom season and summer festivals. The skyline view of the 63 Building and the Ma...

Discover Seoul’s Hidden Night-View Gems: 5 Local Favorites Hi there! I’m a Seoul native who loves unwinding after work or taking easy weekend drives to catch city views after dark. Tonight, I want to let you in on five night-view spots that almost never make it into tourist guides—but are beloved by locals. These are the kind of places you stumble upon when you’re just exploring or out on a whim. So here they are—real moments I’ve experienced under Seoul’s lights. Hope you enjoy 😊 1. Under-Bridge Café Zone beneath Seongsu Bridge Yes, everyone’s heard of Seongsu‑daegyo—but not many people venture underneath it. Down by the riverside, under the highway, a small "under-bridge café zone" has popped up with fold-out chairs and tiny tables. Bring a coffee and a small picnic blanket, plop yourself down, and watch the bridge lights dance over the Han River. Around 8 PM, it’s practically empty—just you, the hum of traffic, and the gentle ripple of water. It’s like disco...