Hidden Korea

Top Hotels Near Gangnam Station for Foreign Travelers Top Hotels Near Gangnam Station for Foreign Travelers Planning to stay in Seoul’s Gangnam district ? Whether you're here for business or leisure, Gangnam is one of the best areas to base yourself. With world-class shopping, dining, and transportation options, it’s no surprise that foreign travelers often look for accommodations near Gangnam Station . 🏨 Recommended Hotels Around Gangnam Station 1. Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam Location: 130 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu A 5-star hotel offering luxury and convenience. Facilities include an indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, and multiple restaurants. Located near Sinnonhyeon Station and within walking distance of Gangnam’s key attractions. 2. Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam Location: 231, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu One of Seoul’s newest luxury hotels with modern design, panoramic city vie...

Sindang-dong: Seoul’s Spicy Food Paradise and Hidden Retro Gem If you’re looking to experience Seoul through the lens of flavor, nostalgia, and authentic local culture, Sindang-dong should be high on your list. Located in Jung-gu near the Dongdaemun area, this neighborhood is famously known as the home of Korea’s beloved spicy dish— tteokbokki . But beyond the iconic food, Sindang-dong offers a unique glimpse into retro Korea, quirky underground art spots, and old-school markets that still pulse with daily life. 🍲 Welcome to Tteokbokki Town Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town (신당동 떡볶이타운) is the heart and soul of the area. For decades, this alleyway filled with humble eateries has been serving up steaming plates of chewy rice cakes simmered in spicy gochujang sauce, often enhanced with fish cakes, boiled eggs, ramen noodles, and even cheese. Many shops here date back to the 1970s and are family-run, offering not just great food but local stories and ...

Yeouido: Where Glass Towers Meet Quiet River Breezes in the Heart of Seoul Yeouido: Where Glass Towers Meet Quiet River Breezes in the Heart of Seoul Picture this—silver skyscrapers stretch skyward while cherry petals twirl through the air like soft confetti. Business folks hustle through sleek lobbies by day, then unwind on picnic mats by sunset. That’s Yeouido (여의도) for you. It's Seoul’s financial nerve center and its go-to weekend escape rolled into one unexpectedly balanced place. Think of it as Seoul’s version of Manhattan, but with way more parks and a whole lot more cherry blossoms. Whether you're jetting in for business or strolling through on vacation, Yeouido delivers that rare city experience: all the buzz without losing the breeze. A Financial Powerhouse With a Surprising Soft Side At first glance, Yeouido is all suits and skylines. It’s home base for the Korea Exchange, major TV networks like KBS, and headquarter...

Seongsu-dong: Seoul's Trendiest Industrial Chic Neighborhood | Travel Guide Seongsu-dong: Seoul’s Industrial Chic Gem You Can’t Miss Forget everything you thought you knew about Seoul. While Myeongdong’s neon buzzes and Gangnam’s luxury glitters, there’s a captivating transformation unfolding in eastern Seoul that’s begging to be explored. Meet Seongsu-dong (성수동), Seoul’s very own answer to Brooklyn or Shoreditch – an industrial district reborn as the city's coolest creative playground . Once a bustling hub of shoe factories, print shops, and warehouses, Seongsu-dong has shed its gritty skin to reveal a vibrant, stylish core. This isn't just gentrification; it's a thoughtful urban regeneration where the echoes of the past beautifully collide with the pulse of contemporary culture. Old factory shells now house cutting-edge art galleries , trendy cafes , and independent boutiques, creating a unique urban tapestry...

Seoul Children’s Grand Park: A Hidden Gem in Gwangjin-gu Discover Seoul Children’s Grand Park: A Hidden Gem for Nature, Play, and Relaxation When people think of Seoul, images of futuristic skylines, bustling markets, and K-pop billboards often come to mind. But nestled in the quieter, greener district of Gwangjin-gu lies a delightful escape that many travelers overlook— Seoul Children’s Grand Park . This expansive urban oasis is where city life slows down, and the simple joys of nature, animals, and wide-open spaces take center stage. Whether you're traveling with children, looking for a low-key local experience, or just craving a peaceful day under the trees, this park offers a refreshing detour from Seoul’s usual tourist trail. A Park That Has It All: Zoo, Garden, Rides, and More Opened in 1973, Seoul Children’s Grand Park is much more than a playground—it’s a multifaceted leisure space that blends education, entertainment, and relaxation....

Noodles with a View: Han River Instant Ramen Guide Noodles with a View: Why You Must Try Instant Ramen by the Han River Seoul is filled with skyscrapers, palaces, trendy cafés, and vibrant markets — but ask any local about their favorite simple pleasure, and many will point you to this: eating instant ramen (라면) at a convenience store by the Han River (한강). It’s not fancy. It’s not expensive. But it’s a uniquely Korean experience that combines beautiful views, comfort food, and that casual magic of being in the moment. If you're visiting Seoul and looking for something authentic, affordable, and unforgettable, don’t miss this Han River ritual. What is "Han River Ramen"? At several parks along the Han River, you’ll find GS25 or CU convenience stores with a special machine: a ramen-cooking station. Instead of using hot water or a microwave, you get a metal pot and an automatic ramen cooker — the same way students and night-shift workers have ...

Lotte World Tower: Seoul’s Must-See Skyscraper Touching the Sky: Lotte World Tower If you're heading to Seoul and scanning the skyline, one giant structure is impossible to miss. Towering over everything around it like a gleaming needle pointed at the heavens, the Lotte World Tower (롯데월드타워) isn’t just South Korea’s tallest building — it’s an entire vertical universe packed with wonder, luxury, and jaw-dropping views. Nestled in Songpa District beside the tranquil Seokchon Lake and legendary Lotte World amusement park, this skyscraper isn’t just tall — it's Seoul's shimmering badge of pride, ambition, and modern flair. Ride the Sky at Seoul Sky Let’s start at the top — literally. The crown jewel of the tower is Seoul Sky (서울스카이), an observation deck perched high between floors 117 and 123. If you've ever wondered what Seoul looks like from the clouds, this is your ticket. Panoramic cityscapes: At 555 meters high, g...

Myeong-dong Magic: Top Shopping & Food Spot in Seoul A Must-Visit Destination for Shoppers and Foodies in Seoul If there’s one place in Seoul that captures the city’s fast-paced energy, bright lights, and trendsetting spirit, it’s Myeong-dong (명동) . Located in the heart of the city, Myeong-dong is a vibrant shopping and street food district that’s been a favorite among locals and foreign travelers for decades. Whether you’re a fashion lover, a K-beauty enthusiast, a foodie on the hunt for sizzling snacks, or simply someone who wants to soak in the city's dynamic vibe, Myeong-dong delivers on all fronts. A Shopper’s Paradise Myeong-dong is best known as Seoul’s shopping mecca. The neighborhood is packed with flagship stores, street stalls, and department stores offering everything from global brands to quirky local labels. K-beauty heaven: Brands like Innisfree, Etude House, Olive Young, and Laneige line the streets. Try free sa...

Where Old Seoul Meets New Style: Discovering Ikseon-dong Hanok Village Where Old Seoul Meets New Style: Discovering Ikseon-dong Hanok Village (익선동 한옥거리) Tucked away in the heart of Jongno, just a short walk from the majestic palaces of Seoul, lies a neighborhood that feels like a well-kept secret. Welcome to Ikseon-dong (익선동) —a unique blend of Korea’s rich tradition and cutting-edge trendiness. With its narrow alleyways, restored hanoks (한옥), and a thriving scene of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, Ikseon-dong is a must-visit for travelers who want to see how Seoul’s past and present harmoniously coexist. A Hidden Gem Reborn Originally built in the 1920s, Ikseon-dong is one of the oldest hanok villages in Seoul. For decades, it was a quiet, somewhat forgotten residential area. But over the last few years, creative entrepreneurs, artists, and restaurateurs have breathed new life into these old homes—transforming them into trendy spaces while p...

Gwangjang Market in Seoul: A Foodie Playground Packed with Soul Gwangjang Market in Seoul: A Foodie Playground Packed with Soul If you believe the quickest way into a culture is straight through its kitchen, Gwangjang Market in Seoul should be stamped on your travel map—bold and underlined. This isn’t just a place to eat. It’s where senses wake up and memories start sizzling. Right in the lively middle of Jongno-gu, Gwangjang feels like a living, breathing story told through spices, steam, laughter, and clattering chopsticks. Whether you're craving bold Korean street food, on the lookout for traditional fabrics, or simply hoping to soak up local life with both hands, this market delivers a big, flavorful dose of Seoul’s heart. A Century-Old Gem That Still Kicks Gwangjang Market isn't some trendy pop-up. Born in 1905, it's one of Korea’s oldest markets and still going strong. While it first made its name as a go-to for silk, line...

Wandering Through Time: A Traveler's Guide to Bukchon Hanok Village   Nestled between two of Seoul's grandest palaces-Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) and Changdeokgung (창덕궁)-lies a timeless neighborhood where history whispers through narrow alleyways and tiled rooftops. Welcome to Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을), a living museum of traditional Korean architecture and a must-visit for travelers eager to experience the soul of old Seoul. Unlike a recreated theme park or static display, Bukchon is an authentic residential neighborhood. It's home to hundreds of hanoks (한옥)-traditional Korean houses-many of which date back to the Joseon Dynasty. These beautiful buildings, with their curved roofs, wooden beams, and stone courtyards, offer a glimpse into a Korea that existed long before neon lights and skyscrapers. Despite being surrounded by the bustling city, Bukchon remains a tranquil pocket of tradition, attracting photographers, culture enthusiasts, and curious wanderers from around...

Discovering Korea's Past at Yongin Korean Folk Village Have you ever wondered what life was like in Korea centuries ago? Nestled in the city of Yongin, just outside the bustling metropolis of Seoul, the Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) offers visitors a captivating journey back to the late Joseon Dynasty period. First opened on October 3, 1974, this living museum has become one of South Korea's most beloved cultural attractions, drawing both domestic and international tourists seeking an authentic glimpse into traditional Korean heritage. Spanning an impressive 245 acres of natural landscape, the Korean Folk Village isn't just another tourist spot-it's a meticulously recreated slice of history where over 260 traditional houses have been either restored or relocated from various regions across Korea. As South Korea rapidly modernized in the 1960s and 70s, this village was established to preserve the country's rich cultural traditions th...

Ever find yourself wondering where Seoul’s trendiest locals hang out when they’re not snapping selfies at palaces or sipping bubble tea in Myeongdong? Say hello to Seongsu-dong —the city's artsy underdog that's quickly becoming the place to see and be seen. Once a gritty, industrial zone crammed with shoe factories and dusty warehouses, Seongsu-dong has pulled a full 180. It’s now a colorful, creative playground buzzing with quirky cafes, indie boutiques, and enough Instagrammable corners to fill your camera roll twice over. Some folks even call it the Brooklyn of Seoul —and honestly, they’re not wrong. Let’s dive into what makes Seongsu-dong such a standout. Why Seongsu-dong Feels So Different What makes this neighborhood so special? It's the way it embraces its past without getting stuck in it. Old factories haven’t been bulldozed—they’ve been reimagined. You’ll find art galleries tucked inside former workshops and cafés blooming in spaces that once smelled like rubber an...