Korean convenience stores are much more than places to grab a drink or a bag of chips. At CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven, you can find quick meals, snacks, toiletries, basic medicine, portable chargers, simple skincare, transportation cards, and all kinds of little things that suddenly become useful on a trip. For Koreans, convenience stores are…
Traditional markets in Seoul are often introduced as places to eat street food, but that is only one part of the experience. Some markets developed around a particular trade. One neighborhood specializes in traditional medicinal herbs, another is known for meat wholesalers, and another is filled with fabrics, beads, buttons, and sewing supplies. Even a…
Korean etiquette for tourists can feel a little different from what American travelers are used to, but you do not need to memorize a long list of rules before visiting Korea. Some differences are obvious, such as taking off your shoes before entering a home. Others are more subtle. Someone may stand closer to you…
Walk around Seoul for even a few blocks, and you will quickly notice how many cafés there are. Some are tiny specialty coffee shops. Others fill several floors with bakeries, elaborate interiors, rooftop terraces, gardens, or carefully designed photo spots. But Korean cafe culture is about much more than coffee. Cafés are where people meet…