헬로우 코리아

Planning your first trip to Korea can feel a bit overwhelming—especially when you’re dreaming of stunning views, crisp mountain air, and an unforgettable hiking experience. If you’re searching for the best mountains to hike in Korea, this guide is for you. I’ve walked the trails, explored the peaks, and I’ll share real-life tips so your Korea travel adventure becomes as smooth and memorable as possible. Whether you’re after a challenging summit or a relaxed forest walk, you’ll find something here for your Korea hiking trip. 🌄 Why hiking mountains is a must on your Korean trip With about 70 % of Korea’s land covered by mountains, hiking is woven into everyday life here. Seoraksan National Park, Jirisan National Park, and many more draw nature-lovers and travellers for good reason. Here are a few things you’ll experience: Breathtaking vistas overlooking valleys, coastlines, or ridges. A blend of nature and cultural touches—temples, fortress walls, and local legends. Accessible tra...

  If you’re planning a trip to Korea and feeling a little worried about how to approach the food scene, you’re not alone. Exploring local cuisine during your Korean trip can feel overwhelming—so many dishes, so many regions, and you want to get the most out of your experience. Luckily, this guide is here to help you savour the best regional dishes to try across Korea. We’ll explore the flavours of provinces, show you what to eat, and give you actionable tips so your Seoul travel guide becomes a full-blown Korea travel guide with delicious local bites. 📌 What does “Korean regional cuisine” mean? When we talk about “Korean regional foods” we mean the unique dishes, cooking styles and special ingredients that vary by area—thanks to geography, climate, history and local produce. The term “regional dishes to try across Korea” really sums it up: these are signature meals tied to specific places, not just generic Korean food. For example, the Korean trip to Jeonju wouldn’t feel comple...

  Traveling in Korea and dreaming of glowing, flawless skin? You’re not alone. But for many foreigners, stepping into a Korean beauty clinic can feel intimidating. What if there’s a language barrier? Or hidden costs? Don’t worry — I’ve walked this path and want to share how you can confidently book and experience a Korean skincare clinic (or beauty / aesthetic clinic) during your trip. 🔍 Why Korean Beauty Clinics Are So Attractive Korea is globally famous for its skincare and aesthetic innovations. Clinics here often combine dermatology, high-tech devices (lasers, radiofrequency, fractional tech), injectables, and intensive skin care in one place. Medical tourism in Korea is robust — one reason being the high standard of care, relatively shorter wait times, and broad experience with aesthetic procedures. Because of this, many clinics now cater to foreign patients, with English support and international patient departments. Booking ahead is strongly recommended — walk-ins are ra...

  Visiting Korea is exciting, but health issues don’t wait for convenience. You may worry: **“If I get sick or injured, can I go to the hospital? Will they treat me as a tourist?”** The short answer is yes — but with important caveats and costs. In this post I'll walk you through how Korea’s health system works, how tourists can access care, real scenarios, and tips so that you’re prepared. 🌐 How Korea’s Health System Works: National & Private Korea has a strong, modern healthcare ecosystem combining a **National Health Insurance (NHI)** system and a large private medical sector. The **National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)** covers most Korean citizens and long-term residents. Contributions are typically shared between employer and employee, or based on income for self-employed people.  However, many hospitals and clinics are privately run (in fact, over 90 % of hospitals are private) but are part of the insurance reimbursement system for covered patients....

  Arriving late at night, jet-lagged, or simply staying out late exploring — one of the most frequent worries when traveling in Korea is: **“Will there be food open?”** Good news: in many Korean cities (especially Seoul), the late-night food culture is alive and well. This guide will help you navigate Korea’s 24-hour and late-night restaurants, share examples, and give you tips so your tummy never goes hungry after dark. ✨ Why Korea Has a Late-Night Food Culture Before diving into where to eat, let’s understand why Korea supports “eating after midnight” better than many places: **Nightlife & social drinking culture** — Many Koreans end their evenings with food (soju + food combos), meaning restaurants and bars stay open late. **“Simya Sikdang (심야 식당)” concept** — This literally means “midnight restaurant.” These are eateries that open late (often until 2 AM, 4 AM, or even all night) to serve simple, comforting meals. (“Midnight Restaurants in Seoul” list)  **Poja...

  🤗 Introduction: Nervous about driving in Korea? You’re not alone. If you’re planning a road trip in Korea, you might be wondering: “Are traffic signs in English? Can I right-turn on red? What are the speed limits?” Totally fair questions—Korean roads are safe and well-maintained, but a few local quirks can catch visitors off guard. This friendly guide breaks down the essential Korean Driving Rules in plain English, with real-life examples, step-by-step instructions, and practical tips to help you drive confidently from Seoul to Jeju and beyond. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect when driving in Korea —and how to avoid the common mistakes tourists make. 🗺️ Background & Basics: How road rules differ in Korea Korea’s road network is modern, signage is standardized, and expressways connect most major regions. You’ll see bilingual signboards (Korean + English) on intercity routes and around cities, though smaller rural roads may skew more Korean-only. The mos...

  🙂 Introduction Traveling in Korea is an exciting adventure, but navigating the tech landscape can feel a bit overwhelming — which apps should you download? Between maps that don’t work as expected, local taxi systems, translation needs, and booking rides or food, your phone becomes your best travel companion. In this post, I’ll share the top 10 must-have apps for traveling in Korea — apps I use myself or trust from travel communities — so you can travel smoother, avoid stress, and enjoy exploring. Whether you’re in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or beyond, having the right tools makes a big difference. 🔍 What to Look for in Travel Apps in Korea Before jumping into the list, here are some important criteria I used when picking apps: Works reliably in Korea (English support or intuitive UI) Useful for navigation, language, transport, or local conveniences Free or with essential free functionality Trusted by travelers or locals (well-reviewed, active) Also: download and set up (log...

  💬 Introduction: Nervous About Using Public Restrooms in Korea? One of the most common concerns for first-time travelers is this: “What are public bathrooms like in Korea?” Whether you’re exploring Seoul’s shopping streets, hiking in Busan, or visiting temples in Gyeongju, finding a clean and comfortable restroom can make or break your trip. The good news? Korean public restrooms are generally well-maintained, modern, and free to use — but there are a few things you should know before you go. This guide covers everything: where to find restrooms, what facilities to expect, cultural do’s and don’ts, and practical traveler tips. After reading, you’ll feel confident and comfortable using public bathrooms in Korea anywhere — from subway stations to mountain trails. 🚻 What Makes Korean Public Restrooms Different? Korean bathrooms are known for being free, clean, and safe —especially in big cities like Seoul and Busan. Most modern facilities are equipped with toilet paper, ...

  💬 Introduction: Worried About Low-Cost Flights in Korea? If you’re planning a Korean trip and eyeing low fares, you’ve probably asked: “Are Korean budget airlines reliable—and which one is best for me?” You’re not alone. Many travelers love the prices but worry about baggage rules, add-on fees, and airport logistics in Seoul (Incheon vs. Gimpo). Good news: I’ve flown these routes repeatedly, and this friendly, up-to-date Seoul travel guide breaks down the essential differences so you can book confidently, save money, and still have a smooth journey. Below you’ll find practical comparisons, real-life examples, and step-by-step tips to master Korean Budget Airlines from booking to boarding. I’ll also share when to choose Jeju Air vs. T’way vs. Jin Air vs. Air Busan vs. Air Seoul vs. Eastar Jet, plus notes on Aero K and Air Premia (a hybrid low-cost option). Let’s make your Seoul travel guide experience stress-free and your exploring Korea budget go further. 🧭 What Counts a...