Real Korea, by a local

Travel guides, tips, and culture — straight from Seoul.

Infographic: Korea's summer heat, with the 42.5C all-time record, a record run of tropical nights, and tips to beat the heat.

Surviving Korea's Summer Heat: A Local's Guide

By SooSung

The downtown Seoul skyline seen from Namsan, with high-rise towers backed by the city's ring of mountains and autumn foliage in the foreground.

3 Days in Seoul: A Local's Itinerary

By SooSung

The platform at Seongsu Station on Seoul Metro Line 2, with 성수 (Seongsu) signs and the station's curved glass roof.

Seongsu's Famous Restaurants: JoJo Kalguksu, Neungdong Minari, and Muguok

By SooSung

The Insadong Starbucks in Seoul, its storefront wrapped in a wooden-slat hanok facade with the sign written in Hangul as 스타벅스.

Seoul's Hanok Starbucks: Two Traditional-Style Stores to Know

By SooSung

A rainy night in Seoul, with neon reflections on wet streets and people carrying umbrellas.

Korea's Monsoon Season (Jangma): A Local's Honest Guide

By SooSung

Visitors wearing hanbok near Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul's historic old town.

Bukchon Hanok Village: A Local's Visiting Guide

By SooSung

A dolsot (stone bowl) bibimbap with vegetables, egg yolks, and gochujang.

Korean Food to Try: A First-Timer's Guide

By SooSung

Gwanghwamun Gate and the Gyeongbokgung Palace courtyard in Seoul, with the city skyline behind.

Gyeongbokgung Palace: A Local's Visitor Guide

By SooSung

Infographic: getting data in Korea - eSIM set up before you land, physical SIM from an airport counter (KT, SKT, LG U+), or pocket WiFi for groups.

Getting Data in Korea: eSIM, SIM Card, or Pocket WiFi

By SooSung

Infographic: where to exchange money in Korea - airport (worst rate), city booths like Myeongdong (best rate), and cards or Global ATMs.

Where to Exchange Money in Korea (for the Best Rate)

By SooSung

Infographic: getting around Seoul - subway from 1,550 won, color-coded buses, taxis via Kakao T, use Naver or Kakao Map, pay with one T-money card.

How to Get Around Seoul: A Local's Transit Guide

By SooSung

Infographic: do you need a visa for Korea in 2026 - visa-free for many, K-ETA waived through 2026, and what to bring.

Do You Need a Visa for Korea? A 2026 Guide

By SooSung

A Seoul street at night, busy and well lit.

Is Seoul Safe? An Honest Answer From a Local

By SooSung

Food stalls at Gwangjang Market in Seoul.

Do You Need Cash in Korea? A Local's Honest Answer

By SooSung

Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, with traditional Korean tiled-roof houses.

Korean Etiquette for Visitors: The Rules That Actually Matter

By SooSung

Incheon Airport to Seoul transport options

How to Get from Incheon Airport to Seoul (2026)

By SooSung

Seoul subway and T-money card

How to Use a T-money Card in Seoul (2026 Guide)

By SooSung