[3D2N Damyang Itinerary] Bamboo Forest, Asia's First Slow City and Cafe Spots

If you're looking for an off beaten path adventure in South Korea away from the usual touristy destinations then why not hop on a bus and head to Damyang! I only learnt about this destination recently via an online tour with Trazy, thanks to KTO Malaysia and my photographer side is just itching to visit Damyang after this pandemic. 

You Need To Try These Local Dishes in Jeju Island, Korea

When in Jeju Island, eat as the locals do. There is no better representation of a local culture than through its food - an element molded by the ingredients of its surroundings and the lifestyle of its people over history and time. 

Jeju's local cuisine is one such an example. With its unique location in the south of South Korea and surrounded by sea, Jeju has access to ample seafood. Its inland landscape and climate invites for great farming opportunities as well. So if you're planning a visit to Jeju Island post pandemic (because I am!), you can rest assured that some of the food here will simply be out of this world. 

Here's a list of 10 local dishes to try on Jeju. Make sure to bookmark it! 

Where to Stay on Jeju Island, South Korea

South Korea’s island of the gods and horses– Jeju Island – might just be the perfect getaway destination with gorgeous beaches, quirky museums, land of three natural wonders under its UNESCO belt and beautiful natural landscapes. Even if you rent a car, you won't find the time to see the entire island in a day because there are just so many things to see and do along the way. 

3 Jeju Olle Trails to Hike in Autumn [including checkpoints, elevations and tips]

If you're looking for a different way to see and explore Jeju Island that isn't hopping on and off a bus or a self-drive around the island, I've got you covered in this blog post

A little known aspect of Jeju Island is its 425km worth of walking trails otherwise known as Jeju Olle Trails. That's right. You can actually explore Korea's most southern island by foot. Circling its coastline and cutting inland, you can take your pick of 26 different walking and hiking courses all across the the island, courtesy of Jeju Olle Foundation. 

5 Iconic Marathons in South Korea to Start Planning Your Next Runcation for

More than just the land of Kpop and Kimchi, South Korea is also home to some of the most scenic, historical and fastest marathon routes in the world. Imagine running along coastal roads and under cherry blossom trees in the springs and against a fiery backdrop of red and yellow in the autumn. 

Marathon season in Korea starts in March, taking advantage of the cooler weather and carries on throughout April and May during which you will get to see fields of flowers come alive. Race season picks up again in October when the temperatures drop once more and the trees turn colour. 

Here are my bucket list of marathons and races in South Korea. 

Stay at Innisfree' Green Tea Farms on Jeju Island via Airbnb

Any K-beauty product fan would known about Innisfree and that their most iconic product range - the Green Tea Line - gets their star product from the green tea fields of Jeju island, South Korea. Jeju Island is a stunningly beautiful tropical volcanic island and also the only place in the world that holds a  UNESCO Triple Crown. 

Imagine waking up to this view at Seogwang Tea Farm Camping

And thanks to this collaboration between Innisfree and Airbnb, two lucky guests will have the opportunity to experience a restorative, back-to-nature overnight stay on some of the island’s major green tea farms, available on Airbnb for the first time ever! 

Steps and Tips to Renting A Car in Jeju, South Korea

Public transportation like train and subways tend to be my favourite means of getting around a city especially in spots like Tokyo and Sydney especially if I am solo travelling. But if I am travelling in a group or have specific rural destination in mind, then renting a car is the way to go. 

Source: Canva

Some destinations are just made for exploration on wheels. Such as Jeju Island. While equipped with a network of buses around the island, the best way to experience every inch at your own pace is by renting a car. Not only can do you have the freedom to do whatever you want at your own pace and interest, a car is more cost effective if you're travelling in pairs or groups. So where does one start with the renting process? 

Korean Egg Roll (Gyeran-mari 계란말이) Recipe

This Korean dish is so easy I have no idea why had taken me so long to try it out. I bought an omelette pan from Don Don Donki for this purpose and until now, it has just been used to fry bacon. But nevertheless, making Korean Egg Roll also known as Gyeran-mari (계란말이) is super easy. You can even make it with the usual frying pan for a bigger portion. 

2021 Busan One Asia Festival is Back and Everyone is Invited

The annual biggest Kpop festival in Busan is back!

Set to take place from 8 - 9 May 2021, K-Pop fans are going to have an awesome time together as they will get to see many K-Pop groups, appearing in the Busan One Asia Festival (BOF). Hosted by Busan Metropolitan City, BOF brings you various excitement from the mixture of Hallyu and Korean cultural experiences.

Can't travel to Busan. no problem as this year it will be held online across two platforms: VLIVE and YouTube. Best of all....ADMISSION IS FREE! 

Here's the line up of this year's concert: 

8 Off-the-Beaten Path Adventures around South Korea

I had the grand plan to travel to South Korea in 2020 as part of my New Year's resolution to uncover a country that isn't Japan or Australia. Well, we all know how that turned out. But while I wait patiently for my turn to be vaccinated and for borders between Malaysia and South Korea to reopen, I've decided to comb the internet for places to visit in South Korea that are just off the beaten road from its main cities and the crowd. Because in a post-Covid world, physical distancing and isolation might be the new way of travelling. 

Fortunately, outside of its vibrant cities, South Korea, blessed with four seasons, unique food and culture, has much to offer. So grab your pen and paper (or just save this post) and let's get started.