My Seoul : Hidden Gems

Spot
The Best Streets in Seoul for Holiday Walks 13
Visit the Vibrant Historical Town of Yeonnam-dong 14
Let’s visit Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty During Weekend 21
Let’s Visit Buam-dong This Weekend! 26
Let’s Visit Unhyeongung Royal Residence and Ikseon-dong 30
Have You Been to Book Store in Seoul? 37
Let’s visit Jeongdong! 37
Have You Been to Haebangchon near Mt. Namsan? 38
Have You Seen the Yeouido Cherry Blossoms in Korea? 38
Do You Want to Visit Interesting Places in Seoul on the Weekend? 41
Did You Recently Visit the Seoul Wall? 41
Short and Tough Hiking in Seoul, Inwangsan Mountain 44

Food
Oh! Best Bibimbap in Seoul! Yeokjeon Hoegwan 54
Best Meat Restaurants near Namsan Mountain 54
60-Year Old Daesungjib Restaurant 56
Over 50-Year Old Korean Restaurant 56
Have You Heard About Yasik? 57
How to Drink Like a Korean 61
Do You Know Why Overseas Travelers Buy Korean Gim? 66
Korean-Chinese Cuisine: Jajangmyeon 66
Let’s Go to a Galbi Restaurant 67
Have You Heard of the Name of the Coffee Shop, Coffee Hanyakbang? 67
The Best Danpatjuk Restaurant in Seoul 69
Konkuk University Yang-kochi (Lamb Skewer) Alley 70
Have You Tried Eating Korean Super Spicy Ramen? 71
Have You Heard of the Name of the Coffee Shop, Coffee Hanyakbang? 74

Lifestyle
Things to Avoid in Korea 88
Unique Cultural Items in Korea 88
Take Off Your Shoes 89
Asian Dinner and Drinking Manners 89
Korean Scrubbing Services : Ttaemiri 94
Korean Noraebang 94
Do You Have Korean Money? 96
Do You Know Scissors are commonly used in Korean restaurants? 103
Have You Ever Experienced a Temple Stay? 103
Why Locals love Buses in Seoul 106
The Greatest Korean Traditional Painting Masters 109
How Koreans Count Their Age 109
Hurry-Hurry Culture in Korea 112
Do You Know BTS? 117
Unusual Habits of Koreans 117
Why do Locals drive Korean Cars for Business Purpose? 118
Korea Is Cleaner Than Some 121
Do You Know Why Koreans Use Toilet Paper on the Dining Table? 121
Korean Romantic Days 126

Travel Tip
Three Best Things to Do in Seoul During the Chuseok Holiday 132
Seoul Subway System 132
Have You Heard About Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market? 135
Top 5 Places to View Seoul’s Beautiful Nightscape 138
Do You Want to Visit Contemporary Art Galleries in Seoul? 140
Have You Seen Korean Gardens? 142
Do You Need an English Speaking Beauty Parlor Downtown? 146
Saturday’s Serious Traffic Jam in Seoul 150
Refresh and Relax While on the Road in Korea 155
Transportation from Incheon Airport to Seoul 156

Korean customs
Traffic Law 162
Korean Greeting 167
Lunar New Year Gift 168
Korean New Year Greeting 168
Korean Winter 172
Gimjang 176
Supermarkets in Korea 181
Coffee Culture 181
Safe Country Korea 190
Etiquette in the Korean House 190
No Tipping Country 193
Soju 193
Chuseok Gifts 194
Gangbuk Style 201
Business Lunch 208

If you want to visit the royal tombs of Joseon Dynasty, you may think that there are somewhere far away from Seoul, but located in Seoul or near Seoul city in reality. I recently visited one of the Royal tomb of Joseon Dynasty called Jangneung, which is 15 minutes away from Gimpo Airport. I realized that this Royal tomb is located near residence such as apartments, a golf driving range, and a variety of restaurants. Entering the royal tomb, I saw how well-preserved and landscaped the surroundings is, so visitors can enjoy relaxing and walking in this area. Jangneung is the tomb of the posthumously designated king, King Wonjong (1580-1619), who was the father of King Injo, and of his wife, Queen Inheon (1578-1626). King Wonjong was the 5th son of King Seonjo. He had deep respect for his parents and a strong affection for his siblings. King Wonjong’s third son was exiled to Ganghwado Island under a false accusation and ended up committing suicide. King Wonjong was shocked at the tragic death of his son and died in 1619.

While attending various dinners during my latest overseas trip, I learned that it was an excellent opportunity to experience other culture and life style. One interesting manner at the dinner table in the Philippines is that they use their hands when eating various sea food and rice. Although it was not common in Korea, it was fun to utilize the hands to eat rice and sea food.