Travel stories from beautiful places in Korea
We visited Daemyeonghang harbor in Ganghwado to eat mantis shrimp, driven by concerns about Japanese nuclear contamination of seafood and the thought that we might never get to eat them again since they come from the West Sea.
Seobgikoji is the quintessential Jeju destination, and while crowds of Chinese tourists and Korean visitors made it challenging to enjoy, it remains a genuinely photogenic tourism landmark.
Visiting Cheonjiyeon waterfall, one of Jeju's signature attractions, we encountered large student groups but captured the misty spray and serene pools despite the crowds.
We accidentally ended up at Gaekkak columnar jointed rock instead of Daepho columnar jointed rock because we didn't search for the right location on GPS, but the coastal scenery was worth the detour.
I never imagined encountering such spectacular natural scenery at Daepo Columnar Basalt, a distinctive geological formation worth the modest admission fee.
We skipped climbing Seongsan Ilchulbong due to the massive crowds but captured distant views from a nearby coastal spot, which proved to be a wiser choice for avoiding exhaustion.
We couldn't book a clear kayak reservation at the popular Soesokkak in time, but the black sand beach and water activities left us determined to return.
Modern Napoli Pension in Jungmun proved to be a clean, well-located accommodation with breakfast included, perfectly suited for traveling with family.
We discovered Morae Bee Café, a charming Mediterranean-styled café next to the crowded Whale That Will Be Café, where the view and coffee were both memorable.
Songaksan offers a scenic hiking course where you can feel Jeju's ocean breeze, gaze at distant Sanbangsang, and explore remnants of Japanese wartime fortifications.
Sanbangsang offers a practical parking tip and an unforgettable local treat called Tamra Bpo that captures the flavor of summer on Jeju.
A daytime return to Daepo Harbor reveals the casual charm and fishing activity that transforms the location I'd only seen at night.
Osulloc and Innisfree House showcase Jeju's lush green tea fields and exclusive treats like green tea ice cream that linger in memory long after the visit.
Without a tripod but armed with patience, night photography at Daepo Port reveals the silhouettes of lighthouses and the dancing lights of fishing boats.
Hyeopjae Beach captivates with its emerald waters, clean shoreline, and cool breezes—qualities that make it an ideal destination for swimming.
OK Rent Car at Jeju Airport provides affordable rates for independent travelers, especially when bundled with accommodations for a budget-conscious trip.
A short flight from Gimpo Airport to Jeju marks the beginning of a late summer vacation that leaves the traveler visibly tanned and carrying fresh memories of plane-watching and anticipation.
A weekend getaway to Anmyeon Island's Good Thought Pension, where Sambong Beach was only a two-minute walk away, and the grilled meat and memories with friends kept us wanting to return.
A friend working in Japan as a foreign laborer wanted to travel with friends in Korea, so we planned a trip to Anmyeon Island and set off without firm plans, meeting up with other friends along the way.
Four couples reunited and discovered Namhansanseong as a wonderful destination where parking is plentiful and you can enjoy both mountains and valleys within easy reach of the city.
A scorching weekend visit to Seonyudo Park near Yangwadaegyo Bridge that I'm finally getting around to posting about, with scenic walkways and plenty of photo opportunities.
After learning how to get to Muido previously, this post covers visiting Somunido by local bus and exploring the scenic Badanuri trail along its coast, ending with a trip to Incheon Airport.
After taking time off to rest from exhausting overnight travel, this post explains how to reach Muido Island using the airport railroad on weekends, with step-by-step directions and practical transportation details.
The end of an unexpectedly long 2-day overnight Suncheon trip that felt like a 4-5 day journey, with lingering regrets about the places left unvisited.