Just another world from Ploy's view
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, …
Spring in Korea is nothing short of enchanting. As the cold grip of winter loosens, the landscape transforms into a dreamy canvas painted with delicate shades of pink and white. Among the many places to witness this seasonal spectacle, Yeonhui Forest Shelter (연희숲속쉼터) stands out as a hidden gem—a tranquil retreat nestled in the heart …
After my accidental discovery of Guro Geori Park (구로거리공원) during the autumn of 2024, I made a promise to myself to return when the seasons shifted. On April 11th, I finally made it back—and let me tell you, this park is a total chameleon! While my last visit was defined by deep fiery reds and …
There’s a magic to autumn in Korea that you can’t quite capture in a single photograph. The fiery foliage wildly frames rugged mountains, and golden ginkgo leaves create a dramatic contrast against ancient palaces. While famous spots like Seoraksan National Park and Namsan Mountain get crowded for good reason, a quieter, equally beautiful secret awaits …
As spring unfolds its vibrant hues, one of the most breathtaking sights in Korea can be found at Bucheon Mureungdo Arboretum. Nestled within the Bucheon Natural Ecological Park, this hidden gem in the bustling city of Bucheon offers a serene escape into nature, especially during the tulip season. A few springs ago, I had the …