Just another world from Ploy's view
I was meeting up with a visitor in Hongdae one evening, and my mission was simple but high-stakes: find a top-tier Gogi-jib (BBQ House) to welcome a friend who had just landed in Korea that very morning. After a quick deep dive into Naver, I stumbled upon Dwaeji Myeong-ga (돼지명가) Yeonnam-jeom. At the time of …
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 …
One spring evening, the peak of the cherry blossom season drew us to the neighborhood around Guro Digital Complex Station. After a lovely walk underneath a delicate white-and-pink canvas of blossoms, the crisp spring air left us with a specific craving: Minari Samgyeopsal. A quick search on Naver led us to a place called Yeokjeon …
Sapporo, the largest city in the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido, is an area that is famous for its premium and fresh seafood. One of the most popular places to enjoy the local cuisine is the Nijo Seafood Market. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of seafood stalls and restaurants serving up some of the …
After a decade of living in the heart of Seoul, I’ve navigated my fair share of smoke-filled BBQ joints. From the high-end luxury spots in Gangnam to the hidden “hole-in-the-wall” gems in Mapo, I thought I had seen—and tasted—it all. But then I found 백년갈비 (Baeknyeon Galbi) Sinjeong branch, and frankly, the leaderboard has been …
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 …
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 …
If you think you know Seoul’s cafe culture, think again. While the city has always been a haven for the ‘Instagram-worthy,’ the scene in 2026 has evolved into something much deeper. It’s no longer just about the perfect shot; it’s about the perfect vibe. Today, Seoul’s coffee shops are masterclasses in ‘Spatial Storytelling.’ You’ll find …
Korea is a seafood lover’s paradise, yet one delicacy remains curiously elusive: the rich, buttery bliss of fresh sea urchin, or uni. My quest to find it led me to Okcheon Hoetjip in Busan, a famed fish house that promises an authentic taste of the ocean’s treasure. I knew I had to experience it for …