Seollal, or Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the most cherished holidays in Korea. Falling in late January or early February, it’s the perfect time to embrace the winter season and plan a snowy getaway. For me, Seollal has always been an opportunity to escape the city and immerse myself in the serene beauty …
Tag: winter
Cheorwon’s Icy Wonder – Jiktang Waterfall in Winter
When you think of Gangwon Province in South Korea, the first images that come to mind might be the pristine beaches of Gangneung or the iconic bus stop made famous by BTS fans. But beyond these well-known attractions lies a winter wonderland that often goes unnoticed by many travelers. Nestled in the northeasternmost part of …
Chasing Winter Magic in Wonju: Pandae Ice Park and Café Stone Creek
Living in Seoul for over a decade has taught me to appreciate the beauty of escaping the city whenever possible. While Seoul is vibrant and full of life, the colder months can sometimes feel oppressive, with polluted air and biting winds testing your patience. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for quick getaways to …
Discovering the Charm of Pocheon: A Winter Escape to Cafe Perr and Ugeum Reservoir
Nestled in the northeast of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea’s most populous province, Pocheon-si is a city that often flies under the radar for many travelers. Known for its stunning mountainous landscapes and the famous Herb Island theme park, Pocheon offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Seoul. But during the colder months, this …
Magical Winter in Korea – Muju Deogyusan National Park Adventure
Winter in Seoul can be unpredictable. While some years bring heaps of snow, transforming the city into a magical wonderland, other years leave us longing for even a single snowflake. In 2020, Seoul experienced one of those snowless winters. By February, there was still no sign of the heavy snowfall I had been hoping for. …
Lunar New Year at Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch: A Winter Getaway in Gangwon-do
Every year, as Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) approaches, I find myself grappling with the same question: where should I go to make the most of this cherished holiday? Seollal is one of Korea’s most significant national holidays, usually falling in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar. It is a time …
Korea’s Hidden Winter Gem – Cheongsong Ice Valley
The first week of January is often a time for new beginnings, fresh resolutions, and, for many, the pursuit of adventure. For me, it was no different. On a regular afternoon, as I scrolled through my Facebook timeline, a striking headline from The Korea Times caught my eye. The article featured a breathtaking image of an icy …
A Winter Journey Through the Historical Village of Hokkaido
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, has a history that sets it apart from the rest of the country. Unlike mainland Japan, Hokkaido was shaped by the Jomon culture, known for its hunting and fishing traditions, and later by the Ainu culture, which embraced a deep connection with nature. Before the Wajin (mainland Japanese) settled here, the …
Café MINNIM and the First Snow of 2018
Just to put it in my record, first snow struck Seoul this year on 24th November. It was not the first snow for Korea this year since an unexpected snow storm had hit northern mountains in Gangwon-do Province almost a month ago. I woke up excited for the plan at the time I had with …