헬로우 코리아

  💌 Introduction — Plant-Based Travel, Made Easy Hunting for the best vegan cafes in Korea can feel tricky when menus are in Korean and listings keep changing. I’ve been there—arriving hungry after a subway ride, only to find a place closed or fully booked. This friendly guide solves that stress with clear, up-to-date picks, practical ordering tips, and neighborhood-by-neighborhood suggestions. Whether you’re doing a quick weekend in Seoul or a coast-to-coast Korean trip , you’ll find reliable options for breakfast bowls, slow brunches, and dessert runs that actually taste like a treat. Below you’ll find where to eat, how to order vegan (or vegetarian) in Korean, and smart ways to plan routes so you’re never far from great coffee, plant-based mains, and a sweet finish. Bookmark this before you go exploring Korea. 🌱 Background — Why Korea Is Easier for Veg Travelers Now In 2025, plant-based dining is booming in major cities. Cafés now highlight dairy-free milks, clearly ...

  💌 Introduction — Stress-Free Golden Hour Planning Jet lagged, short on time, and wondering where the sky actually puts on a show in Korea? I’ve been there. This friendly guide maps out the best places to watch sunrise and sunset in Korea , from volcanic craters in Jeju to glassy Han River views in Seoul, so you can plan magical moments without guesswork. You’ll get real-world tips, exact neighborhoods, and easy transport pointers—perfect for a first Korean trip or a return visit. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to go tonight for sunset and where to set your alarm tomorrow for sunrise—plus how to move around, what to pack, and when to arrive. Let’s make those golden hours the highlight of your itinerary. 🏮 Background — Why Sunrise & Sunset Are a Big Deal Here Koreans celebrate the “first sunrise” of the year at beloved coastal headlands, and couples regularly plan blue-hour walks and night views in the city. That means great infrastructure (viewing decks, trai...

  💌 Introduction — Love & Culture Collide Visiting Korea isn’t just about palaces, K-pop, and street food—it’s also about people. Many travelers find themselves curious about Korean dating culture , especially as romance and relationships look a little different here compared to the West. If you’re wondering how couples date, what etiquette to follow, or even whether it’s okay to meet someone through apps, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into what makes dating in Korea unique, fun, and sometimes surprising, especially from a tourist’s perspective. 🌸 Korean Dating Culture at a Glance Couple Culture: Matching outfits, couple rings, and anniversaries (100 days, 1 year, etc.) are big milestones. Public Displays of Affection: Light hand-holding is common, but passionate PDA is usually avoided in public spaces. First Dates: Cafés, casual dinners, and walks by the Han River are classic choices. Communication: Many Koreans prefer text messaging apps like Kak...

  💌 Introduction — Stress-Free Planning for Your Dream Trip Planning a honeymoon in South Korea can feel overwhelming—so many islands, cities, palaces, hot springs, and scenic cafés, and only a handful of days to fit it all in. If you’re worried about where to go, how to balance romance and sightseeing, or how to travel smoothly without speaking Korean, you’re in the right place. This friendly, no-fuss guide brings together what couples actually love doing here: beach sunsets, temple walks at night, rooftop dinners, and cozy boutique stays. I’ll break it all down with real examples, step-by-step planning tips, and easy solutions for transport, data, and payments—so your honeymoon in South Korea is memorable for all the right reasons. Below you’ll find the most romantic destinations, practical how-tos, smart itineraries, and money-saving tools. Whether you prefer a luxury city break or a nature-first escape, this is your 2025-ready playbook for an unforgettable Korean trip . ...

  🤔 Introduction If you’ve ever traveled to Korea or even dined at a Korean restaurant abroad, you’ve probably seen two famous drinks on the menu: soju and makgeolli (Korean rice wine) . But many foreigners wonder—what’s the actual difference? Is one stronger? Which one tastes better? And more importantly, when should you drink each one? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this clear and simple guide so you’ll never feel lost when ordering drinks in Korea. 📜 Background: A Taste of Korean Tradition Soju has been Korea’s iconic spirit for centuries. Traditionally distilled from grains like rice, barley, or wheat, modern soju is often made with sweet potatoes or tapioca for a lighter flavor. Today, brands like Jinro and Chum Churum dominate convenience stores across Korea, making soju the most consumed alcohol in the country. Makgeolli , on the other hand, is a traditional rice wine with a cloudy, milky appearance. It’s made by fermenting rice with nuruk (a Korean f...

  👋 Introduction One of the first things many travelers worry about when arriving in Korea is: “Can I withdraw money with my foreign card ?” Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Figuring out how to use ATMs in Korea can feel confusing at first because not every machine accepts international cards. In this guide, I’ll show you how to find the right ATMs, what fees to expect, and step-by-step tips so you can confidently withdraw cash during your Korean trip. 💳 Which ATMs Accept Foreign Cards? Not all ATMs in Korea are international-friendly, but the good news is that you can easily find ones that are. Look for machines with signs showing “Global ATM” , “Plus” , “Cirrus” , or “Maestro” . These ATMs usually allow withdrawals with Visa , Mastercard , Maestro, UnionPay, and sometimes American Express. Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, CU, and GS25 often have international ATMs that operate 24/7. Major Banks: Shinhan Bank, KB Kookmin Bank, Woori Bank, Hana Bank, and NH Bank provide...

  👋 Introduction Traveling in Korea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. With breathtaking palaces, neon-lit streets, and hidden alleys filled with charm, it’s natural to want professional-quality photos to capture your trip. But let’s be honest—taking travel photos isn’t always easy. Maybe you’re traveling solo, or your phone just doesn’t do justice to Seoul’s night skyline. Don’t worry! This guide will help you learn how to take (or arrange for) professional travel photos in Korea, even if you’re not a pro photographer yourself. 🏯 Iconic Spots Perfect for Travel Photography Korea offers countless locations for photography, but here are some of the most popular and photogenic places: Gyeongbokgung Palace – Best at sunrise or sunset, especially if you rent a hanbok for authentic Korean vibes. Bukchon Hanok Village – Narrow alleys with traditional Korean houses, perfect for timeless portraits. Namsan Seoul Tower – For stunning cityscapes and romantic evening...

  👋 Introduction If you’re planning your Seoul travel itinerary , chances are you’ve heard about Gwangjang Market . For first-time visitors, it can feel overwhelming—so many stalls, so many smells, and so many choices! Don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you. Gwangjang Market is one of the must-visit destinations for food lovers and culture seekers in Korea. Let’s explore what makes it so famous. 🥢 Famous for Street Food Gwangjang Market is especially renowned for its Korean street food . The market’s food alley is buzzing day and night, with vendors cooking fresh meals right in front of you. Some of the most famous dishes include: Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake) – Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, made by grinding fresh mung beans and frying them golden. Mayak Gimbap – Mini seaweed rice rolls with sesame oil and dipping sauce, often called “addictive gimbap.” Tteokbokki – Spicy rice cakes in gochujang sauce, loved by both locals and tourists. Soondae (K...

  👋 Introduction Planning your Korean trip can be exciting, but if you’re thinking about trying traditional Korean medicine or acupuncture for the first time, it might also feel a bit overwhelming. Is it safe? Will the doctor understand me? How do I even book an appointment? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Thousands of foreign visitors come to Korea each year to experience hanbang , Korea’s unique approach to traditional medicine. In this post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know—where to go, what to expect, how much it costs, and some insider tips to make your visit smooth and memorable. 🌿 What is Korean Traditional Medicine? Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), often called hanbang , is a holistic system of healthcare developed over centuries. Unlike Western medicine , which often targets symptoms directly, TKM focuses on restoring balance in the body’s natural energy flow, known as Qi . Treatments include acupuncture, moxibustion (burning herbal sticks ...

  Planning to browse English titles in Korea but worried you’ll only see Hangul everywhere? You’re not alone. Many travelers message me saying, “I want a cozy afternoon in a Korean bookstore… but where can I actually find English books?” Good news: you absolutely can. In this post, I’ll show you exactly where to go, how to spot the right sections quickly, and what to expect in 2025—so your hunt for Korean bookstores with English books turns into a highlight of your trip. TL;DR: Head to the big chains (Kyobo & Youngpoong) for the widest selection, dip into long-running indie gems like Itaewon Books for character and finds, and check second-hand shops (like Aladin) for bargains. I’ll also share pro tips, a step-by-step store game plan, and easy links to plan the rest of your day—hotels, transit cards, SIMs, and more. 🏷️ What We’ll Cover Background: Why Korea’s book scene is amazing for visitors Top Spots: The best Korean bookstores with English books in Seoul (and be...