Just another world from Ploy's view
Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a bustling hub of commerce in Seoul, South Korea. The market has been around since 1905, and it’s home to over 5,000 vendors, making it one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the country. The market is famous for its textiles, traditional Korean goods, and most importantly, its street …
It took me two years of patience and careful timing, but I finally did it! I managed to capture Jeongdok Library at the absolute peak of spring, where the cherry blossom trees are in their full, fluffy prime under a crisp, bright blue sky. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul during the blooming season, …
You know spring is in full swing in Seoul, South Korea, when the days grow longer, the air turns warmer, and the 벚꽃 (bot-ggot), the Korean word for cherry blossoms, begin to bloom. It’s the season that breathes life back into my sluggish social media presence after a seemingly endless winter hibernation. The moment I spot the …
As someone who has lived south of the Han River for a long time, the northern districts of Seoul often felt like a bit of a mystery to me. But last spring, my itchy feet led me to the Seongbuk district, and I stumbled upon a literal cherry blossom gem. Today, I’m taking you down …
Spring 2025 was my year of petals. I made it a personal mission to chase Seoul’s most beautiful cherry blossoms, and by the season’s end, I had visited a grand total of 11 different spots across the city during their peak blooms. It was a whirlwind of pink and white, but among all those incredible …
If you’ve ever been to Seoul’s trendy Apgujeong district, you know the drill: the chic boutiques of Rodeo Street, the long lines at famous dessert cafés, the buzz of fashionistas and shoppers. I’ve walked that main strip countless times, in every season, for meetings and meals. It’s always vibrant, always busy. But what if I …
Nestled right at the foot of Namsan Mountain, in the very heart of Seoul’s bustling urban landscape, lies a beautiful pocket of tranquility: Namsangol Hanok Village. This isn’t just any park; it’s a carefully preserved collection of five traditional Korean hanok houses from the Joseon Dynasty, complete with a tranquil pavilion, a flowing stream, and …
Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re looking for something else. That’s exactly how I stumbled upon one of Seoul’s most enchanting springtime gems—while on a brunch quest to Dear Moment, a charming little café tucked away in Mapo-gu. What began as a hunt for avocado toast led me to the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail …
Every spring, the world flocks to the Han River or Seokchon Lake for cherry blossoms. But sometimes, the most magical scenes are found by accident. Last winter, a simple errand in Mokdong led me down Sinjeong Jungang-ro. Even in the dead of winter, I noticed the long, skeletal lines of cherry blossom trees flanking the …
There’s a moment in early spring when Seoul shakes off the last of winter’s chill, and the air fills with a quiet magic. Before the iconic cherry blossoms take center stage, another floral pioneer makes a stunning, albeit brief, debut: the magnolia. With their elegant, sculptural petals in shades of pure white and soft pink, …