Just another world from Ploy's view
While the world raves about Korea’s cherry blossoms in April, those in the know understand that the real herald of spring is the humble, hardy plum blossom (maehwa). Before the cherry trees even think about budding, the plum trees burst into a fragrant display of whites, pinks, and deep magentas. There’s a certain poeticism to …
We are officially in the middle of the third chapter of 2026—March! In Seoul, the air is softening, the breeze is getting warmer, and if you look closely, the city is waking up with hints of green and tiny flower buds. Due to the unusual warmth we’ve been experiencing this year, the blossoms have made …
Finding the perfect yakiniku spot can be a challenge, especially when you’re craving an all-you-can-eat feast outside of Tokyo. Last week, my travels brought me to Nagano Station. While Nagano is a bustling city with almost everything you could need right by the station, I struggled to find a spot that offered an all-you-can-eat service …
After a long day on the slopes or exploring the beautiful trails around Hakuba, there’s nothing better than finding a warm, quiet spot to unwind. I came across Cafe Momoka (カフェももっか) while searching for a place to grab a nice cup of coffee near Hakuba Station. And while the area certainly doesn’t lack for coffee …
If you’re planning a trip to the snowy wonderland of Hakuba, you likely already have your lift passes and gear sorted. But what about the post-shred fuel? On a recent trip, we followed a tip from a friend who’s a Hakuba regular and headed straight for Takahashi-ke 髙橋家. We can’t thank them enough for the …
It took me two winter trips to Japan to finally arrange my time slot to fit ARIGATON (ありが豚) for a dinner while staying near Narita International Airport. And the result? Nothing short of regret—that I should have tried to visit sooner! This restaurant commenced our first night in Japan this year (2026) wonderfully well, boding …
Seoul Forest (서울숲) is arguably the crown jewel of Seoul’s spring season. But let’s be real—the park is huge. While having tons of hidden corners around the lake is a vibe, it’s also a recipe for sore feet and “where-am-I” fatigue. If you’re tired of walking aimlessly and want to spend more time snapping pics …
So, you’ve heard about Suwon’s famous fortress walls, but did you know this vibrant city is also a haven for modern design, serene gardens, and some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste? Just a short trip from Seoul, Suwon effortlessly blends centuries of history with a dynamic, contemporary heartbeat. Forget the typical tourist trail. …
Planning a road trip through Japan is an absolute dream—until you hit the neon-lit, bustling streets of Tokyo. If you’ve ever tried to park in a high-profile district like Shinjuku, you know the struggle is real. During my recent trip, I quickly learned that while rural Japan is a breeze for drivers, Tokyo parking fees …
Upon discovering a captivating Instagram video featuring a charming mint-colored monorail gracefully navigating a vibrant staircase, I embarked on a diligent quest to pinpoint the exact location of this unique site. Despite the initial challenge presented by the absence of geotags and limited descriptions in the video, my persistent efforts paid off, revealing it as …