There’s an unspoken rule in the world of Korean fried chicken joints that many food enthusiasts have come to recognize. It’s a rule that may seem counterintuitive to some, but it’s one that has proven to be true time and time again. The rule is simple: the worse the cabbage slaw, the better the chicken. This rule was put to the test during a recent visit to Two-Two Chicken in Myeongdong, a popular spot known for its delectable fried chicken. The coleslaw served at this joint was a far cry from the creamy, well-mixed slaw that many of us are accustomed to. Instead, it was a rather haphazard co ..read more

Type: Fine Dining Korean BBQ Good for: Saying you went to a MIchelin restaurant Worth it? Food Atmosphere Service The allure of Michelin-starred restaurants is undeniable. The prestigious Michelin Guide has long been a beacon of culinary excellence, and its recommendations are often seen as the ultimate accolade in the world of gastronomy. Recently, I had the opportunity to dine at Born & Bred, a restaurant that has been repeatedly featured on the list of Best Restaurants in Korea and comes with a Michelin recommendation. Born & Bred is renowned for its Korean beef experience ..read more

Type: Instagram Bait Good for: Instagram–if you’re already in the COEX Mall Worth it? Authenticity Uniqueness Fun A fake library full of fake books for fake people COEX Mall’s “Library”: a playground for faux-intellectuals and a paradise for smartphone lenses. They converted their food court into social media chum, because nothing says “world travel” like faux literary sophistication. So you flew halfway around the globe to stand in a fake library? Sure, there are some real books, mostly in Korean, flanked by their poser cousins made of styrofoam. Fake books Feel free to snap that c ..read more

Type: Domestic, Artificial Good for: if you are a fan of the K-drama “Winter Sonata” Worth it? Authenticity Uniqueness Fun Ah, Nami Island: The Disneyland of Korea, without the charm or the iconic mouse ears. Look, I’ve got nothing against Nami Island—been there, done that, dodged the Instagram Couples™ on their pedal-powered chariots of narcissism. But if you’re visiting Korea for the first time, let me lay it down for you: You’ve got better options, people! First off, Nami Island is an artificial paradise, born after some dam flooded a hunk of land. Its origin story is as manufactu ..read more

According to the JoongAng Ilbo, bagels have really hit it big in Korea. In the expat-o-sphere, we’ve been noticing more bagel shops pop up over the years in our group Restaurant Buzz Seoul. The New Yorkers and Montréalers pooh-poohed most of the offerings. Not chewy enough. Too much cream cheese. Trying to make them as sweet as doughnuts. Or just not understanding how a bagel should be sliced before applying cream cheese. I have two indicators for when a food has become a big trend. One is when I see a type of food in an area that is not that adventurous–like the suburbs I live in. I was surp ..read more

Planning a trip to South Korea? Choosing the right time to visit can greatly enhance your travel experience. In this seasonal guide, we’ll help you navigate the best time of year to explore the enchanting landscapes and cultural wonders of South Korea. From stunning cherry blossoms in spring to lively festivals in summer and picturesque snowy landscapes in winter, we’ll showcase the highlights of each season to help you plan your itinerary. Gyeongbokgung Palace with cherry blossom in spring,Korea.Spring: Embrace the Blossoming Beauty (April to June) Spring in South Korea is a sight to behold ..read more

What Makes Springtime in Korea So Special? Springtime in Korea is a magical time of year. With the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom and the many exciting festivals, tours, and activities that take place during this season, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to Korea for an unforgettable experience. From sampling delicious Korean food to taking part in traditional festivals, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the culture and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun adventure with friends, springtime in Korea will not disappoint ..read more

In my experience talking to our tour guests, the most popular Seoul hotel areas are Myeong-dong, Hongdae, Jongno, Itaewon, Insa-dong, Dongdaemun, Bukchon, and Gangnam. Some people have loved their places. Others have shown regrets. It depends on your expectations and goals. Here is a quick rundown of each area. (cc) Taehyun Kim Gangnam Hotels Going “Gangnam Style” has the cachet of going all ritzy. That is, if you consider ritzy to be a bunch of Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. There are some attractions in Gangnam, like Lotte World, Lotte World Tower, Bongeunsa Temple, and Garosu-gil. The ..read more

Insa-dong is one of the top tourist destinations in Seoul. It’s been one of my favorite places since I moved here in 2004. I’ve watched it go through a ton of changes, and it’s currently going through another makeover. Many of us pine for the lost Insa-dong of yore. Yet I have some tips on how to get the most out of Insa-dong, along with some background. Click Here for KAKAO MAP GUIDE What is Insa-dong? In the past century, Insa-dong has been known as a center of traditional Korean culture. For a long time, it was the place to go to for antiques, art, calligraphy, traditional crafts, and all ..read more

One of the best places to visit in Seoul is Noryangjin Fish Market. It’s like an aquarium where you can eat the exhibits. Unlike a lot of fish markets around the world, many of the fish are still alive in tanks. Because of that, it doesn’t smell as rank as other markets. This is a new guide because Noryangjin has gone through a transition from the Old Building to the new one.  Let Us Take You There If you want a fun guide and eating companion, book one of our Mix & Match Private Tours. We can take you to Noryangjin Fish Market and other great finds only local foodies know. GET S ..read more