Autumn in Seoul is absolutely wonderful – The leaves turn crisp and rich shades of yellow, red, orange and brown, the air is chilly, and you can start pulling out your light coats and scarves.
It boasts the perfect weather to walk around outside, bask in the cool breeze and to take in the gorgeous landscapes. Here’s our list of the best in Seoul for you to take in the beautiful fall foliage and take the best Instapics. Head to them quick before winter hits!
A photo posted by 한지연_코니페블 (@masha_conniepebble) on
Garosugil means “street with trees” and it definitely is lined with lots of them, especially Ginkgo trees. Enjoy taking in these towering trees with yellow fan-shaped leaves as you shop along the streets or sip a cup of coffee.
Gilsangsa Temple is surrounded by many old trees and beautiful autumn leaves. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely walk since the environment is peaceful and airy.
A photo posted by IMAGO PICTURA (@hendryyadhisna) on
Beautiful scenery is everywhere along this stonewall road, with the trees that look particularly colorful when viewed against the Deoksugung Palace walls. Enjoy it after a tour of the palace!
The summer hues of pink and white are replaced with shades of orange, yellow, and some green at Bongeunsa Temple – all against a serene backdrop of the Buddha statue.
A small but peaceful park, Dosan Memorial Park is full of golden autumn leaves and is a popular destination for office workers to enjoy a walk during their lunch breaks.
All the locations mentioned in this post are organized here for your convenience. If you’d like to check out more picturesque places across Korea to enjoy the fall foliage this autumn, try this tour!
As always, don’t forget to stop by our official website, Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop to stay up-to-date on the best things to do and places to check out!
Welcome to Bangkok: a city full of people, traffic, vibrant nightlife, busy markets, brightly lit malls, tranquil riversides, and captivating history! An abundance of transport options such as buses, taxis, motorcycle taxis, ferries, boats, tuk-tuks, and trains exist.
There’s so much to explore and with this guide, you’ll be navigating the city like a pro. We’ve got you covered with information about the types of transport available, fares, operating hours and more!
1. BTS Skytrain
The BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) Skytrain is the swiftest, safest, and smoothest way to get around Bangkok and see everything the city has to offer. Along with the MRT, it connects all of the main shopping, entertainment and business districts.There are two lines- the Silom line (runs west to south from the National Stadium to Bang Wa) and the Sukhumvit line(runs north to east from Mo Chit to Bearing). The lines meet at Siam Station and interconnect with the MRT at Sala Daeng and Asok station. Trains run from 06:00 to midnight and arrive every 3 to 4 minutes. Do keep in mind that they can get quite crowded during peak hours (07:00 – 09:00 and 16:00 – 19:00).BTS Rabbit cards can be purchased from machines in the stations with coins only (but change is given at the service desks). There are several options to choose from depending on the duration and distance you are traveling.
Type
Fare
Single Journey Ticket
15 ~ 52 THB depending on distance traveled
Unlimited Travel 1 Day Pass
120 THB. Ideal for tourists as you can travel as much as you want all day.
Standard Rabbit Card / Stored Value Card
150 THB (50 THB is a refundable deposit). Can be filled with minimum 100 THB and maximum 4000 THB. Valid for 5 years.
30 Day Pass for Adults
Starts at 375 THB for 15 trips of an unlimited distance. Available for 15, 25, 40, 50 trips at varying prices.
The BTS site includes a detailed mapas well as directions showing you how to get to the major tourist attractions. You can also find maps at any station.
2. MRT
Calm and convenient, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) consists of the blue line (runs from Hua Lamphong in the south to Bang Sue in the north) and the recently opened purple line (runs from Taopoon Station in the Bang Sue district to Bangyai district in Nonthaburi). Here’s a map for your convenience.Trains run from 06:00 to midnight and arrive every 5 to 7 minutes. You can connect to the BTS Skytrain at Asok station. Unlike the BTS Skytrain, tickets are black plastic tokens purchasable from machines in the station. Simply touch the token against the screen next to the turnstile as you enter and drop it into the slot as you leave. Fares range from 15 to 40 THB depending on the travel zone. Note that the passes bought for the MRT are not compatible with ones for the BTS Skytrain.
3. Taxis – Meter and Motorcycle
Taxis are your next best bet in terms of convenience as they are easy to hail and ideal for traveling to destinations that aren’t on the BTS Skytrain or MRT map.
The taxis are spacious, new, and come in many colors like yellow-green, red-blue, bright orange, and pink. However, don’t be confused as they all share the same service rates so it doesn’t matter what color vehicle you take.Fares start at 35 THB and remain there for the first two kilometers, then rise steadily by 2 THB at a time per kilometer. Communication can sometimes be an issue as many drivers speak little English, so improvise and be imaginative. Also, avoid taxis during rush hour unless you want to end up paying a fortune.
*Always make sure your taxi uses a meter. Drivers may come up with many ways to try and scam you and get you to use their taxi. Meters are always cheaper and more reliable. Carry around change as well since most drivers will not give change under 10 THB. If you’re up for an adventure, try a motorcycle taxi. Though it’s probably the most dangerous option, it’s also the fastest. During rush hour, they will dart effortlessly around cars and buses, driving on sidewalks or opposite traffic lanes to get you to your destination as fast as possible. The drivers are easy to spot as they wear numbered orange vests.
Fares start from 10 THB for short journeys and vary depending on the distance. Certain routes may have fixed rates and you will sometimes see a board displaying the prices. Make sure to always negotiate the price prior to the journey, or you may find yourself being ripped off.
* Make sure you wear a safety helmet. Aside from the obvious reason, tourists are also very easy to spot and fine (up to 1000 THB depending on the traffic officer’s mood).
4. Buses
Buses are a great way to travel from one side of the city to another at an incredibly cheap price. The downside is that they can be confusing to tourists as the routes are extensive and destinations are written in only Thai a lot of the time. Make sure you have an MBTA map (available at most terminals), ask someone around you or call the “184” BMTA hotline for assistance. You can also print out a simple map here. Buses with blue signs take the normal route while ones with yellow signs take the expressway. The fares and routes vary according to the color of the bus. Bangkok buses run daily from 05:00 – 11:00 while night buses run 24 hours a day.
Bus Type
Fare
Regular (cream-red / white-blue)
7 THB
Expressway (yellow)
8.5 THB
Air Conditioned (cream-blue)
9~19 THB (depending on destination)
All night (cream-red)
8 THB
EURO II (yellow-orange)
12~22 THB (depending on destination)
Tickets can be purchased from the conductor once you board the bus. Simply tell them your destination and you will receive a small receipt once you pay. Keep the receipt as sometimes it will be checked.
*Wave your hand if you intend to get on the bus! Sometimes bus drivers tend to just drive past without stopping if no one seems to be intending to get on. Also, carry a copy of your address written in Thai as it will spare you the trouble of trying to communicate with the conductor or driver.
5. Boats and Ferries
Explore canals, historical attractions, temples, and architecture on boats and ferries. There are several types but the main ones are river crossing ferries and express boat river taxis. River Crossing Ferries resemble a raft with a roof and operate at 32 separate ferry crossings. As the name suggests, they transport people from one side of the river to the other for only 3 THB. The most popular crossing is between Wat Pho Temple and Wat Arun at Tha Tien Pier. For express boat river taxis, there are five different types: No flag, Blue flag, Orange flag, Yellow flag, and Green flag lines. The green and yellow lines are for those commuting to and from work from the northern outskirts of Bangkok.
Type of Boat
Course
Fare
Operation Hours
No Flag (Local Line)
Stops at every pier from Wat Rajsingkorn (Pier S1) in the south to Nonthaburi (Pier N30) in the north.
10~20 THB
06:00 – 18:30 Monday to Friday.
Blue Flag (Tourist Boat)
Stops when you want. Operates between Nonthaburi in the far north to Sathorn Central Pier.
40~50 THB per trip.
100 THB for all day pass with unlimited journeys.
07:00 – 18:25 daily
Orange Flag
Stops at main piers. Operates between Wat Rajsinkorn (Pier S3) and Nonthaburi (Pier N30).
15 THB per journey
05:50 – 19:00 daily
6. Tuk-tuks
Tuk-tuks were once a major Bangkok attraction but are slowly declining as more convenient and modern modes of transport arise. However, they are still quite popular among tourists and visitors!
Originating from old fashioned rickshaws during WWII, tuk-tuks are a rickshaw with a small engine fitted in. They are ideal for short trips since they cost the same or even less than a taxi and are much faster. Fares vary depending on the distance traveled but haggling is a must as the price named by the driver is always inflated. Negotiate 5~25 THB off the proposed fare and take it from there.
*Be careful of drivers around touristy areas who offer sightseeing tours or say they know “secret” or “special shopping places”. A short and firm “no thank you” will save you from being scammed.
Try a Tuk Tuk Tour if you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore the night lights of Bangkok. You can also enjoy a comfortable private transfer service if you’re heading to or from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK Airport) and Bangkok City.
If you found this guide helpful, make sure to stop by Trazy.com, your travel shop for Asia, for more posts with detailed guides and tips like this one!
Beaches, ice creams, short pants… It’s finally time to bid the long scorching summer goodbye and welcome the chilly fall weather with open arms. Famous author Jim Bishop once said, “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons”. In contrast to the lush green grass and fragrant flowers of Spring, Autumn presents us with stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow.
These sights all offer spectacular foliage scenes and worthwhile hiking experiences. So get up, grab your camera and prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of Autumn!
Known for its beautiful scenery all year round, Seoraksan National Park is the starting point of fall foliage in Korea. Located in the northeast of Korea, the park spreads across Gangwon Province which is divided into two main areas, OeSeorak (east) and NaeSeorak (west).
It is an extremely popular hiking destination during the autumn season, with throngs of people gathering to watch the leaves change color. On October 18th, the foliage will reach its peak in the park, boasting magnificent views of the mountains with the hiking routes blanketed in a canvas of yellow, reddish-gold and orange.
To enjoy the autumn tints here to the fullest, Trazy highly recommends the following two trails:
Baekdamsa Temple is one of the beloved trails you can take from Seoraksan, a very popular destination within the mountains. The trail here is narrow and winding, but it’s well worth it as it is a beautiful temple, known for its scenery that embodies an old history tracing back to the Silla kingdom (B.C.57~935).
There are streams and valleys nearby as well that add more beauty to the scenery, complete with crisp blue skies and a gentle cool breeze.
The second trail is from Seoraksan to Ulsanbawi, a massive rock standing at 876m that provides a spectacular view. Hiking up these granite peaks is no easy task, with the last section involving a steep flight of 800 steps that can be especially difficult to climb in strong winds.
But don’t give up, because once you reach the summit and gaze upon the panoramic view, you’ll realize the pain and suffering were all worth it.
Seems difficult but give it a try!
Besides the foliage, Seoraksan boasts colossal mountain peaks that pierce through the clouds, dense rocks, gorging valleys and cascading waterfalls that are sure to be magnificent.
The next foliage destination that you could visit in South Korea is Naejangsan, located in Jeolla Province. This place is particularly famous for its vivid crimson foliage, 600-year-old nutmeg trees, and famous waterfalls such as Dodeok Falls. There are also two famous temples to explore called Baekyangsa Temple and Naejangsa Temple.
Temples, mountains, plants, animals, waterfalls … Naejangsan has an endless list of things to offer so you’ll never be bored. There are incredible views every season, such as cherry blossoms in the spring, greenery in the summer, and trees covered with snow in the winter.
Daedunsan, at 878 meters, is known for its steep and rocky landscapes and is one of the most challenging but worthwhile mountains to climb. Characterized by large rocks and trees, the main attraction is a hair-raising suspension bridge that hangs over a deep ravine 300 meters above sea level. Cross it if you dare! We can assure you that it’ll add an element of thrill and excitement to your trekking, especially on a windy day when the bridge sways from side to side.
However, for those of you who don’t want to cross the bridge, you can ride the cable car instead! Aside from the thrills, Daedunsan is full of maple leaves that are a dazzling red spectacle from above.
Whether you’re someone who loves going up mountains or not, it’s sure to be an enriching experience, especially once you reach the summit, not to mention it helps build incredible strength and endurance. Check out this list of trekking courses in Korea for more places to explore. If hiking isn’t your thing, not to worry as there’s plenty of autumn foliage in the city too!
Finally, don’t forget to stop by Trazy.com to stay informed on the latest and best things to do in South Korea!
It’s that time of year again, “the season with clear skies and stout horses.” Nothing depicts fall in Korea more accurately than this old saying.
During the fall, the weather is at its prime with the perfect combination of sunshine and cool breeze. Additionally, the harvested crops are so plentiful that even livestock get to enrich themselves, so what’s not to like about this peaceful season?
Besides the beautiful scenery on the street and the smell of pumpkin spice and roasted chestnuts, there’s another reason why we anticipate fall…it’s the time of Korean Thanksgiving, also known as “Chuseok“!
1. Chuseok, Happy Korean Thanksgiving Day!
Chuseok is a harvest festival that the whole nation celebrates together. Many scholars claim that it originates from the shamanistic worship ritual of giving thanks to the harvest moon and ancestors. Farmers would show their gratitude and pay homage to their ancestors by presenting them with their new harvest, believing they would spend the coming winter with warmth and plenty of food and have a rich harvest for the coming year. They would then share their food with friends, family, and neighbors.
Nowadays, it’s a time when people take a break from their busy lives to head home and spend time with their family and friends. As a result, airports, trains, and roads are packed as people return to their hometowns. There’s even an expression for such phenomenon, the “mass migrationof Chuseok“. So if you plan to travel anywhere during Chuseok holiday, make sure you book your tickets way ahead of time or you’ll be headed absolutely nowhere.
About Charye
Charye (차례)
“Charye” is an ancestor memorial ritual that has been carried out for thousands of years in Korea. On the morning of Chuseok, family members gather in their homes to hold a memorial service for their ancestors, usually up to around four generations above (Chuseok would probably be over if they tried to pay their respects to every single one). During the ceremony, food, fruits, and beverages are offered to them. Each dish has a designated spot on the table and there are set processes such as lighting candles before alcohol is poured into three different cups and bowing twice afterward.
On the morning of Chuseok, family members gather in their homes to hold a memorial service for their ancestors, usually up to around four generations above (Chuseok would probably be over if they tried to pay their respects to every single one).
During the ceremony, food, fruits, and beverages are offered to them. Each dish has a designated spot on the table and there are set processes such as lighting candles before alcohol is poured into three different cups and bowing twice afterward. After the ceremony, everyone sits together to enjoy the delicious food they prepared and used for the ceremony as they reunite and bond with their family members.
2. It’s Not a Festival Without Food!
No food, no party. That’s the universal rule.
Chuseok is no exception. Preparing the delicacies is a lengthy process that involves many hands due to the quantity and variety of foods to be made. The food is meant to serve the ancestors. Therefore, Koreans believe that the more effort you put into making it, the more respect you are paying for them.
Songpyeon: The Delicious Chuseok Delicacy
Songpyeon (송편)
When it comes to Chuseok specialties, it would be blasphemous to leave “Songpyeon” off the table.
This crescent moon shaped rice cake is made with rice from the first harvest of the year, filled with beneficial ingredients such as powdered sesame, red beans, brown sugar, and chestnuts. The finishing touch is a fragrant pine scent, achieved by layering the cake with pine needles.
Though Songpyeon used to be made solely by women, nowadays the whole family participates. And ladies, take note! There’s a belief that a person who makes Songpyeon in the prettiest shape will meet a great spouse and have a beautiful baby, so make it count! Besides Songpyeon, various other foods and fruits are served during the festival. Seasoned vegetables, pork, beef, and fish are common and the remaining choices vary by region.
For instance, in the northern part of Gyeongsang province, dried shark meat called Dombaegi and octopus are served because their main harvest is seafood.
It’s quite interesting to see the variety of foods in different regions, so do give them a try if you have the chance!
Dombaegi (돔배기), dried shark meat
3. Eat, Pray and … Play!
So you’ve filled your stomach with delicious food and spent hours chatting with your family members. Now, it’s time to relax… NOT! The real fun now begins.
There are many fun traditional activities that await you, so get up and prepare to have fun!
About Ganggangsulae Dance
Ganggangsulae dance (강강술래)
This nearly impossible-to-pronounce dance is traditionally done by women to pray for a bountiful harvest.
They come together under the brightest full moon, forming a circle as they hold each other’s hands. As the lead singer starts singing, the rest sing the refrain “Ganggangsulae” as they rotate clockwise. The dance gets faster and faster as the tempo speeds up and can last until dawn.
No one knows the exact origin, but many people claim the dance dates back to the 16th century when the Japanese attacked Korea. Naval commander Yi Sun-shin ordered the women to circle the mountains in military uniform to scare the enemy off, in an effort to deceive them into thinking the Korean military was greater in number than it actually was.
If you’ve never seen the dance, it’s quite interesting and exciting. Better yet, why not join in!
About Ssireum
Ssireum (씨름), Korean wrestling
“Ssireum” is a traditional sport in Korea, composed of two opponents who wrestle while holding each other’s belts, called ‘Satba (샅바)’.
To win, the player must bring his opponent down to the sandy ground. Unlike Japanese Sumo wrestling, pushing the player out of the circle does not signify victory.
The biggest contest is held during the festival, its popularity scale comparable to American football on Thanksgiving as many families enjoy watching the games on TV.
Traditionally, the champion of the contest receives a bull and rice as the victory prize along with earning the title of being “the world’s strongest man”. He’s definitely not someone you want to mess with. Can you imagine what an honor it would be for a man to be called the world’s strongest and to bring home a bull in one hand and a bag of rice in the other?
About Bull Fighting
Bullfighting (소싸움)
There is no written record of its origin, but bullfighting has been done traditionally over many centuries. However, Korean bullfights don’t involve much blood or killing at all.
Instead of humans fighting bulls like in Spain, it’s literally just two bulls fighting each other. So if you’re an animal lover, don’t worry as you won’t be seeing anything gruesome. As a matter of fact, the bulls are treated with lots of love and affection. The trainers take care of them in a respectable way, feeding them gourmet meals after training.
The show isn’t all about competition. Rather, it’s to show how well their livestock have been raised. In a contest, these thick-necked bulls butt heads until one eventually gives in. A dual can last a few minutes or even hours.
Cheungdo is the city well known for its annual bullfight festival, with its own exclusive stadium that holds various events related to bullfighting. The event draws thousands of tourists every year. If you’re interested in this unique traditional and exciting event, you should try a visit to Cheungdo this Chuseok. If you’re stuck with nothing to do during Chuseok because your family is abroad, don’t stay at home moping. Head outside as there are still many things to do!
Cultural sites like museums and palaces will be open, hosting a variety of holiday events. Try the National Folk Museum of Korea to participate in traditional folk games and try your hand at making Songpyeon or the National Museum of Korea to enjoy percussion performances.
Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, we hope you spend the best time during Chuseok holiday! And don’t forget to stop by Trazy.com to stay updated on the latest events and fun things to do in South Korea.
September is the month signaling the start of Autumn, and with Korean Thanksgiving Chuseok just around the corner, Korean beauty brands are starting their seasonal promotions and sales, with items selling for up to 50% off! If there are new products that you’ve been wanting to try or you want to stock up on your favorites, now’s the time!
Check out our ultimate list of offline store-only deals for September below. These top Korean beauty brand stores are easy to find in major shopping districts in Seoul, such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, Ewha Womans University or underground shopping malls, and they are located near each other, making your shopping very convenient.
1. Etude House
Get ready to snatch up these products from the new Etude House Pink Skull collection, available in stores now until the 29th of September.As the name suggests, everything from the mascaras, glosses to nail polishes are imprinted with an adorable pink skull design.
The more you buy, the more discounts you receive: 10% off for purchasing 1 item, 20% for 2, and 30% for 3 (excludes Pink Skull nail polish). However, there is no discount for a purchase of 4 items or more. Grab these limited edition products while you still can!
2. Innisfree
How can you resist these colorful and cute designs by painter, illustrator and street artist Chris Uphues! Just look at those adorable googly eyes.These pouches and card wallets are available in blue, black and beige and each features a unique design. Purchases over 30,000 KRW get you the wallet, while purchases over 50,000 KRW get you both. This offer is available while stocks last, so head to your nearest store to get yours now!
3. Missha
Show your friends and family some love with these exclusive Chuseok gift sets, available for 20~30% off until the 18th of September.
There’s a large range to choose from such as body spray and shower gel, perfume and skincare, all packaged in sleek looking boxes. You can also receive a full size of the Layer Blurring Primer until the 18th of September by purchasing the new Original Tension Pact.
A photo posted by 💎USA & KOREAN COSMETICS💎 (@beautesecret.makeup) on
Choose from 4 types of primers according to your skin’s needs-pore cover, tone control, long lasting and shimmer. A mini size of the pact is also given as a freebie if you purchase anything from the 2016 F/W Venetian Look collection.
4. Tony Moly
Tony Moly has jumped on the skin and body care sale bandwagon for Chuseok with the Lentil Bean and Prestige Jeju Snail skincare lines available for 20~50% off until Sept 15.And Pokemon fans, get ready for this. The Pokemon x Tony Moly collection is the embodiment of everything cute, and you’ll definitely want to catch em’ all! They’re currently having a 2 for 1 deal on the hand creams and face washes which feature 8 characters, each with a unique scent.
A photo posted by GO.KSTORE (@go_mykorea_store) on
The collection is out until the 30th of September, so grab your favorite characters before they sell out! Finally, you’ve heard of facial and eye masks, but your feet need love too, so grab a Shiny Foot Peeling Mask to nourish and care for them with this 2 for 1 deal until the 30th of September!
5. Skinfood
From milk to honey to lemon, Skinfood’s products always look and sound absolutely delicious. They’ve also come out with Chuseok gift sets for 30% off until the 18th of September. Don’t be fooled as the items pictured below aren’t the only ones on sale. There are 22 sets to choose from, so take your pick.Check out our 101 guide to must-have Korean cosmetics as well as our post on Mid range beauty brands to inspire your next shopping spree in Korea. You’ll also want to bookmark this post on regular sales periods of road shop cosmetic stores so that you don’t miss out on grabbing your favorite products.
Finally, don’t forget to stop by Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, for the latest tips and trendiest things to do in South Korea!
Korea is a fast paced, fun city with lots of places to visit and things to experience. It’s also got a unique culture, customs, and ideologies that are the norm to us who’ve lived here for years, but not to those visiting. Here is a list of things that foreign tourists find to be fascinating, unusual and maybe even shocking in Korea. Let us know if there are any you agree with!
1. Lightning Speed Wifi
Unless you’re stranded at the top of a mountain with literally nothing and no one around you, chances are that you’ll probably be able to access wifi almost anywhere here. Not too surprising as we’re the proud owners of the world’s fastest average internet connection speed. 55% of you love how fast the wifi is and find it handy when looking up information about a tourist spot. Also, if you have absolutely no sense of direction at all, then you’ll be in good hands as you can look up where your destination is anytime.
A 21’st century smartphone user’s favorite sign
Though wifi is almost everywhere, some places like subways require you to pay to access it, so if you want to be able to have it wherever you go, a portable wifi device aka a wifi egg is your best bet. With this bad boy, you can travel all over Korea and use the internet whenever and wherever you want!
2. The Cutting Edge Subway System
The subway system in Korea is an absolute gem as it’s reasonably priced, quick and efficient. Exploring the city will be a piece of cake! You seriously won’t be needing a car here.
It looks like a terrifying maze, but it’s actually quite easy to master.
The subway fare is very inexpensive and transfers are also super convenient, with signs in English all over the station that make navigating a breeze. Oh, and there’s an app with a map of the subway system, complete with timetables showing times for the first and last train – all in English. How awesome is that?
3. Cutting Food Not With Knives, But Scissors?
Many of you apparently don’t use scissors to cut your food back home. But it’s a heck of a lot easier than using a knife, that’s for sure. The convenience and time effectiveness of cutting food with scissors, especially with thick and coarse meat or kimchi is incomparable to using a knife. And who wants to be waiting around for a thick piece of meat to be cut into pieces with a knife, especially when they’re starving! It’s just so much more efficient. Speaking of meat, check out all these delicious places to satisfy your taste buds. And be sure to cut them with scissors!
A photo posted by 강남 역삼피부관리실 미인수에스테틱 🎈 (@baeinsoo) on
4. A Foot Mask? Snail Cream? Yes, They Do Exist
Korea’s the mecca of skincare and beauty- there’s no denying that. There are tourists in Myeongdong dragging heavy suitcases that they fill with skincare and makeup products on the daily. And who could blame them? They’re inexpensive and though some of them look and sound ridiculous, Korea’s definitely ahead of the curve and thrives in the creative department when it comes to coming out with new products that have endless claims promising to make us look gorgeous. And you know what? A lot of them actually do work- just look at all the people on the streets who have gorgeous, translucent skin!
Yes, this is actually a thing here…
The shelves are lined with cute hand lotions shaped like apples and chocolates, eyebrow stains that stay on all week, creams with snail slime that claim to make you look 10 years younger, masks not only for your face but also your lips… the list is endless. It’s quirky and gimmicky, and it sells. Check out our ultimate guide to Korean cosmetics here.
5. The World’s Most Dangerous Border. Dun dun dun…..
Sounds terrifying, right? It’s actually not that bad at all, as long as you follow the (very strict) instructions from your guides. A lot of you lovethe DMZ Tour and are fascinated by it since it gives you a glimpse of our (not so) friendly neighbor, North Korea. Prepare to be fascinated as you take a tour of this area barricaded with barbed wire fences and guard posts.
If you want the closest view possible of the North, the exclusive JSA tour is your best bet, since you can witness North and Korean forces standing face to face, experiencing the full-fledged tension between the two firsthand.
They’re staring into your soul. Hide while you still can.
Your head could be on the chopping block and you could be whisked off to a prison camp in a heartbeat, so make sure you abide by the dress code, photography restrictions and behavioral rules. For example, you can’t wear rip jeans because apparently, the North Koreans used it as a form of propaganda to show that Westerners can’t afford new jeans!
For more fun and informative posts like this one, be sure to check out Trazy.com!
SALE. A shopaholic’s favorite word that has them whip out their card and cash in a flash as they make a beeline towards the shops. Well, get ready because the Korea Grand Sale is headed your way in October, where your wallet is guaranteed to be emptied out- fast.
What is it?
The Korea Grand Sale is an annual shopping tourism festival aimed at foreign tourists. Previously held during the winter season, this year it has arrived early and will be held from 1st of October to 31st October all around Korea. Around 20,519 stores from 222 businesses of all different types are expected to participate.
What’s in it for me?
Benefits include 50% off a pass to Everland, up to 80% off selected items at Lotte Duty-free, an additional free night’s stay at the Ibis Ambassador Hotel in Myeongdong, and more. As an overseas guest in Korea, you can shop till you drop with items marked down at ridiculous prices and enjoy awesome discounts up to 50% off for products and services in the sectors of fashion, beauty, food & beverages, accommodation, entertainment and more. Customers can also enjoy various shopping offers from the participating companies with just one coupon, which you can find on the official website.
Is shopping the only thing I can do ?
Oh no, it doesn’t just end there. You can get a warm welcome as soon as you get your first breath of Korean air with an airport welcoming event held on the first day (1st of October) at Incheon and Gimpo International Airport.
Many of you are also probably K-Pop fans, so, of course, you won’t want to miss out on the Grand K-Pop performance taking place at Seoul Yeongdongdaero and COEX on the 30th of September. So far 2PM, who we rate 10 out of 10 in the eye candy and abs scale are the first confirmed participants, with the rest to be revealed on the site as the date draws closer.
Additionally, you can enter for a chance to win a date with a Hallyu star. Yup, that’s right. You could be sitting across the table, gazing into the eyes of your favorite actor or singer as he feeds you cake or link arms with them as you stroll around the shops. Previous stars include Super Junior’s Leeteuk and Kangin and SS301. The winner also receives free round trip flight tickets and hotel vouchers. Sounds like a dream come true, right?
Check the official websiteand facebook pageto be the first to know who you could be having a date with this time and how to enter!Besides the ones mentioned above, there is a diverse range of cultural experiences that you can check out, such as free or discounted trips to museums and palaces and traditional performances. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to enjoy everything Korea has to offer!
Check out the official website here for a detailed list of the participating companies, coupons, schedules and more.
Want to stay updated on the latest events and fun things to do ? Then be sure to check out Trazy.com!
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