Local Korea Guide

Have you ever walked through a busy Korean market and felt completely overwhelmed — not by the crowds, but by the incredible smells drifting from every direction? Sizzling rice cakes, sweet pancakes, steaming skewers… Korean street food is one of the most exciting parts of visiting Seoul, and it's a must-do experience for any traveler. Before you go looking for street food stalls in random alleys, though, there's something worth knowing. Twenty years ago, pojangmacha and food carts lined nearly every street in Seoul. Today, it's quite different — street vending is strictly regulated, and outside of designated areas, you won't find many stalls at all. So if you're specifically looking for Korean street food, you'll need to head to the right spots: places like Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market, Insadong, or Namdaemun Market, where vendors are permitted to operate. Don't expect to stumble across a tteokbokki stall on a random str...

Couple wearing colorful hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul Wearing hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Seoul's most iconic experiences. Have you ever wanted to step back in time and experience Korea's rich cultural heritage firsthand? One of the most magical ways to do that is by wearing a hanbok — Korea's traditional clothing — and strolling through one of Seoul's stunning royal palaces. Whether you're visiting Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, or Deoksugung, slipping into a colorful hanbok transforms an ordinary sightseeing trip into something truly unforgettable. In this guide, you'll learn where to rent a hanbok in Seoul, what to expect, and how to make the most of your hanbok experience as a traveler in Korea. What Is Hanbok? A Brief History Hanbok (한복) is Korea's traditional clothing, and its origins trace back over a thousand years. The word itself simply means "Korean clothing." Characterized by its vibrant colors, gra...