Hi, I’m Blanca

I was born and raised in Korea, and I’ve spent the last 20 years living abroad. Today I live in Latin America, while my parents are still in Korea.

That means I see Korea from two sides.

I grew up with Korean food, Korean manners, and the small everyday habits that rarely show up in travel guides. But after 20 years away, I also see Korea a little like a visitor does.

KoreaAura is where I share both perspectives.

I Get Surprised, Too

Korea changes fast. Really fast.

Every time I go back, something is different. A new payment app everyone seems to use. A restaurant where you order from a tablet instead of a server. A subway station that’s been redesigned, or a neighborhood that’s suddenly full of cafes that didn’t exist on my last visit.

Even as a Korean, I sometimes find myself standing at a kiosk, trying to figure out what to tap next.

In those moments, I’m not that different from a first-time visitor. That’s why I think I can explain things from a perspective many travelers will recognize: I know what’s familiar to Koreans, and I also know what feels confusing when you’ve been away.

Why I Started KoreaAura

Many travel guides tell you where to go. Fewer explain how things actually work, or why Koreans do things a certain way.

I wanted to write the kind of guide I’d give a friend before their first trip: what’s worth your time, what usually confuses visitors, and what I’ve learned from going back and forth over the years.

Korea Doesn’t End When the Trip Does

For me, Korea isn’t only a place I visit. It’s something I carry with me in another country.

Korea is a long way from Latin America, so I can’t just fly home whenever I run out of my favorite skincare. I usually travel to the U.S. more often, and that’s where I’ve learned to find Korean products, compare them with the versions sold in Korea, and figure out where to buy them safely.

That’s why you’ll also find guides on Korean beauty and products you can buy in the U.S. I want KoreaAura to help you keep a little bit of Korea in your life after you return home.

What You’ll Find Here

• Korea Travel: practical tips on transportation, apps, neighborhoods, and planning your trip
• K-Beauty: skincare I use, shopping in Korea, and buying Korean products in the U.S.
• Food & Cafes: Korean dishes, restaurant culture, and how to order with confidence
• Korean Culture: everyday customs and etiquette, explained by someone who grew up with them

A Note on Recommendations

When I recommend something, I’ll tell you whether I’ve used it myself. If I haven’t tried something, I’ll say so. Prices, rules, and store policies in Korea can change quickly, so I try to update my guides and recommend checking official sources before you go.

Thanks for Being Here

Whether you’re planning your first trip, already missing Korea, or simply curious about Korean life, I’m glad you found KoreaAura.

— BLANCA