K - Granny

  When people plan their first trip to Korea, Seoul is usually at the top of the list. And for good reason. Seoul has almost everything a traveler could want — palaces, K-pop, shopping, traditional markets, modern architecture, delicious food, and a fascinating mix of old and new. But there is another Korea waiting beyond the capital. If you have more time during your trip, consider visiting some of the small cities in Korea . You may discover a quieter, slower, and more personal side of the country. Why Visit Small Cities in Korea? Seoul can sometimes feel overwhelming. The streets are busy, the subway is crowded, and there always seems to be something happening. Small cities offer a different experience. You can walk more slowly. You can sit in a local café. You can visit a traditional market without rushing. You can enjoy a meal in a small restaurant and watch local people going about their everyday lives. In other words, you are not simply seeing Korea . You are...

  When you think about traveling to Korea, what comes to mind first? Seoul’s modern skyline? Traditional palaces? K-pop, Korean food, or beautiful cafés? There is another side of Korea that many international visitors are beginning to discover : the mountains. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Korea. Koreans of all ages enjoy walking through mountain trails, especially on weekends.  And these days, more and more foreign travelers are joining them. If you enjoy nature, exercise, and seeing a different side of Korean life, hiking in Korea may become one of the most memorable experiences of your trip. Why Do Koreans Love Hiking? Korea is a mountainous country. Mountains are surprisingly close to many cities, including Seoul. For Koreans, hiking is more than simply climbing a mountain. It is a way to exercise, relax, enjoy nature, and spend time with friends or family. On a weekend morning, you may see groups of people heading toward the mountains wearing co...

 One of the small but stressful difficulties when traveling away from home is finding a restroom. This can be especially true when you are traveling in another country.                            You may be walking around an unfamiliar city, visiting a market, taking a long train ride, or exploring a neighborhood — and suddenly you need a bathroom. Then comes the question :  “Where can I find a restroom?” If you are traveling in Korea, however, this is one thing you usually don't have to worry about too much. Korea has a well-developed network of public restrooms , and travelers can often find clean and accessible toilets in subway stations, parks, public buildings, traditional markets, shopping areas, highway rest stops, and many other places. For older travelers and families with children, this can make traveling around Korea much more comfortable. Why Are Public Restrooms So Easy to Find in Korea? O...

 If you visit Korea, you may notice something that seems rather ordinary at first. There are convenience stores everywhere. You can find them on busy city streets, in quiet residential neighborhoods, near subway stations, beside schools, and even in small towns. For many Koreans, a convenience store is not simply a place to buy snacks or drinks. It has become a small but important part of everyday life. For a foreign visitor, spending a few minutes in a Korean convenience store can actually be a fascinating way to experience modern Korean culture. A Small Store With Almost Everything You Need Korean convenience stores are usually small, but they make surprisingly good use of their limited space. You can buy drinks, snacks, instant noodles, coffee, sandwiches, rice dishes, ice cream, household necessities, stationery, and many other everyday items. Some stores also provide services such as parcel delivery, mobile phone top-ups, bill payments, and other practical functions. The exact...

  When people think about Korea, they often imagine Seoul, K-pop, Korean dramas, beautiful palaces, and delicious Korean food. All of these are certainly part of Korea. But Korea is much more than what visitors usually see in the big tourist areas. If you really want to understand Korea, you need to look at everyday life — the small things that Korean people experience every day. Here are seven things that can help you see a different side of Korea. 1. Korea Is More Than Seoul Seoul is the capital and the largest city, but it is only one part of Korea. There are beautiful coastal cities such as Busan and Gangneung, historic cities such as Gyeongju, and many small towns and villages surrounded by mountains and fields. Each region has its own food, scenery, traditions, and personality. If you have time, take a train or bus outside Seoul. You may discover a quieter and more traditional Korea. 2. Mountains Are Everywhere Korea is a mountainous country. Even in and around large cities, ...

  Every year on August 15th, the streets across South Korea are beautifully adorned with ocean-blue and vibrant-red flags fluttering under the summer breeze. To visitors, it might look like a lively midsummer national holiday, but to Koreans, August 15th carries a profound historical emotion and cultural pride. It is "Gwangbokjeol" (광복절)—Korea’s National Liberation Day.  Today, I would like to share the inspiring story behind this meaningful day, the poetic meaning of its name, and the fascinating Eastern philosophy woven into the Korean national flag, the Taegeukgi. 1. What Does "Gwangbok" Mean? (Restoring the Light) The word "Gwangbok" (光復) is composed of two Chinese characters: • Gwang (光) : Light • Bok (復) : To return or restore Together, Gwangbokjeol literally translates to "The Festival of Restoring the Light." On August 15, 1945, Korea was liberated from 35 years of harsh Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945). During that colonial period, Kor...