Korea Living

In September 2026, Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga was ranked No. 1 on Time Out’s list of the “40 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World.” The result quickly produced dramatic headlines claiming that Jongno had “beaten New York and Paris.” That description is catchy, but it needs context. Time Out did not conduct a competition between entire cities. Its 2026 list compared 40 individual neighborhoods selected from cities around the world. Jongno 3-ga placed first, while neighborhoods in New York and Paris appeared farther down the same list. It was still a remarkable result—especially because this was not Jongno 3-ga’s first appearance. The neighborhood had already ranked third on Time Out’s 2021 list. So why has this part of old Seoul attracted global attention twice? The answer is not one famous landmark or one fashionable café. Jongno 3-ga is unusual because several versions of Seoul exist within a small, walkable area: royal history, Buddhist culture, hanok alleys, traditional markets, j...

Choosing a hotel in Seoul is not only about finding a comfortable room at the right price. Your neighborhood can change the entire rhythm of your trip. Two of the most popular choices for first-time visitors are Myeongdong and Hongdae. Both areas have plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops and convenient public transportation. However, they offer very different experiences. Myeongdong is in central Seoul, close to Namsan, royal palaces, traditional markets and many of the city’s major attractions. Hongdae is younger, more energetic and directly connected to Incheon International Airport by the AREX All-Stop Train. So, which area should you choose? The short answer is: Choose Myeongdong for a convenient first visit focused on sightseeing, shopping and central Seoul. Choose Hongdae for direct airport access, nightlife, cafés and a younger atmosphere. The better answer depends on your arrival time, itinerary, travel companions and how you want your evenings in Seoul to feel. Spl...

Many first-time visitors assume that taking a taxi from Incheon Airport is always the fastest and easiest way to reach Seoul. A taxi certainly offers door-to-door convenience. You can load your luggage, give the driver your hotel address and relax without making transfers. However, it is not always the fastest choice—especially if you arrive during Seoul’s afternoon or evening rush hour. I learned how important this distinction can be through one of my own tour guests. An Israeli guest had reserved my private Namsan night tour, which was scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. His flight arrived at Incheon International Airport at approximately 4:00 p.m. He assumed that taking a taxi directly to his hotel would give him enough time to check in and join the tour. Unfortunately, the roads into Seoul were heavily congested. He arrived at his hotel after 7:00 p.m. and finally joined the tour after 8:40 p.m.—more than one hour and forty minutes after the scheduled starting time. When we e...

October is one of the best months to visit South Korea. The summer heat and humidity have faded, the air feels cooler, and autumn colors begin appearing across Seoul and the surrounding mountains. However, visitors traveling in early October 2026 should be aware of several public holidays that may affect banks, government offices, transportation schedules, tourist attractions, and local crowds. South Korea has two important national holidays in early October: Saturday, October 3, 2026: National Foundation Day Monday, October 5, 2026: Substitute holiday for National Foundation Day Friday, October 9, 2026: Hangeul Day This creates two long weekends within the same week. Many Koreans may take short trips, visit parks, attend cultural events, or spend time with family. The good news is that Seoul does not completely shut down during these holidays. Most restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, shopping malls, and major tourist attractions remain open. Still, some services close...

Dragging a suitcase through Seoul can quickly turn an exciting day into an exhausting one. Subway stations have stairs, long transfer passages, crowded platforms, and exits that may be several blocks away from one another. Fortunately, many Seoul subway stations have luggage lockers—but simply finding a locker does not guarantee that one will be available. I saw this problem firsthand at World Cup Stadium Station. I had gone to Seoul World Cup Stadium to watch an international football match between South Korea and Uruguay yesterday. Near the station, I noticed foreign visitors arriving with their luggage. They went to the station lockers, only to discover that every suitable compartment was already occupied. With nowhere to leave their bags, they had to carry everything back onto the subway and travel to another station. The situation could probably have been avoided by checking locker availability through T-Locker before arriving. This guide explains how travelers can find ...