Stories from Korea
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Notes on Korean culture, travel, and seasons — from guides who've lived in Seoul for more than a decade.
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KTX Seat Shortage in Korea: Why High-Speed Train Tickets Sell Out and How to Book
Korea's high-speed trains are already hard to book, and the second-phase relocation of government agencies to Sejong may make it worse. Foreign rail passengers grew about 80% in two years, and track expansion has slipped to 2028. We explain what it means for your trip and how to plan around it.
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Korean life
Korea's Urban-Rural Divide: Cities, Metropolitan Areas & Village Life Explained
South Korea is one of the world's most urbanised countries: about 90 % of its 51 million people live in cities, and the Seoul Capital Area alone — just 12 % of the land — is home to half the nation. We break down how that happened, how Korean cities are classified by population, what challenges urbanisation created, and why rural Korea is reinventing itself with agritourism, seasonal migrant workers, and strawberry-picking robots.
Seoul
Seoul Night Economy: Moonlight Yajang, Night Zones & Late-Night Culture
Seoul's new administration has made the night economy its very first flagship policy: 25 "Moonlight Yajang" outdoor dining spots, extended hours at palaces and museums, new night economy coexistence zones around DDP, Hangang, and Seoul Arena, and expanded late-night buses. For travelers, this means Seoul after dark is about to get significantly more interesting — and more open.
Korean life
Minor Offenses in Korea: Fines, Rules, and What Tourists Must Know
Korea has a dedicated law — the Minor Offenses Act (경범죄처벌법) — that regulates everyday infractions most tourists wouldn't expect to be fined for: tossing a cigarette butt (₩50,000), jaywalking (₩30,000), or smoking in a designated non-smoking zone (₩100,000). These rules apply equally to foreign visitors. We break down the key fines, what counts as a minor offense versus a serious crime, and what to watch out for on your trip.
Korean Family: Chonsu, Household Types, and the Art of Addressing Relatives
Korea's family culture is one of the most distinctive in the world — shaped by Confucian hierarchy, a precise numerical kinship system called chonsu, and a language of address so elaborate it traces back to the royal courts of Joseon. At the same time, modern Korea has undergone a dramatic demographic shift: single-person households now make up over a third of all homes. We unpack the old and the new, from the eldest son's duty to the DINK couple next door.
Korean Housing Explained: Apartments, Jeonse, and How to Rent Safely
Korea has a housing market unlike anywhere else in the world — dominated by high-rise apartments, shaped by a unique deposit-based rental system called jeonse, and layered with legal protections most foreigners have never heard of. Whether you're planning a long stay or simply curious about Korean city life, we break down every housing type, rental format, and tenant right you need to know.
Joseon Palace Seoul: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book
Joseon Palace Seoul positions itself above the Four Seasons and Signiel in the Gangnam luxury market — and the details bear that out. We walked through the property floor by floor: from the 25th-floor check-in lounge and Byredo amenity-stocked rooms to Chinese fine dining, Korean chef's table, and a rooftop pool on the 26th. Here is everything you need before you book.
Medical Tourism in Korea: Premium Health Check-Ups, Stem Cell Banking, and Wellness All Under One Roof
Korea's premium medical wellness centres offer far more than a standard health check. From personalised DNA testing and immune-level screening to stem cell banking and anti-ageing therapies, visitors receive a fully tailored health plan — with a luxury hotel room included. We walked through one of Seoul's flagship clinics floor by floor and came away with everything you need to know before booking.