[box_dark] Seoul’s Hanok Island Unhyeongung Royal Residence and Ikseon-dong | 운현궁과 익선동 [/box_dark] Written by Robert J. Fouser Photographed by Robert Koehler Seoul is full of surprises in the most unlikely of places. The eclectic area that sits between Insa-dong to the west and Jongmyo to the east is the quintessential surprising place in the […]
Let the spirit move you, be it Chinese, Buddhist, or just the pull of a good bargain, and follow it to Dongmyo. Dongmyo Station 동묘앞역 takes its name from the nearby shrine, built to honor the Chinese general and deity Guan Yu (162–219). Near-ubiquitous on the other side of the Yellow Sea, shrines like these are […]
On the trail to Baegundae Park, Bukhansan National Park. Photo by Robert Koehler.
[box_dark] BORN TO CLIMB Meeting sports climbing champion Kim Ja-in 김자인 [/box_dark] Written by Ben Jackson Photograph courtesy of All That Sports They say the very best pianists are the ones that make even the hardest pieces look easy, their hands gliding effortlessly up and down the keyboard. Watching the world’s No. 1 sport climber […]
As competition in the dating market heats up, many men are opting out The Dong-A Ilbo, one of Korea’s largest newspapers, recently relayed the tale of Mr. Lee, a shy 28-year-old man who, at first glance, seems to be living the dream. He’s got three girlfriends— one is an English instructor at a kindergarten, one […]
[box_dark] Bukchon | 북촌 Losing yourself in the charm of old Korea [/box_dark] Written and photographed by Robert Koehler It’s lunchtime, and Jo Chang-yeon is waiting at the top of an alley as a group of film students shoots some footage of scenery. A photographer, he comes here at least once a month. […]
Prost Pub and Grill | 프로스트 펍 앤 그릴 Part of the landmark District complex attached to the Hamilton Hotel, Prost is a traditional pub in the best sense of the term. Beer drinkers will love the vibe, but the mojitos are a good bet, too. Even the classic brick exterior is a delight. Of course, you’ve got […]
Ayasophia Wedding Dress | 아야소피아 웨딩드레스 This cozy hanok shop hidden away in an alley near Bukchon’s Jeongdok Library deals almost exclusively in wedding dresses. You can try on dresses before making up your mind, and the friendly owner even provides refreshments as you shop. Prices are quite reasonable, just $200 to $600. Reception dresses, wedding shoes, and wedding accessories […]
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History | 대한민국역사박물관 This latest addition to Korea’s national museum system pays tribute to the country’s modern history, spanning from the opening of Korea in 1876 to the present day. To be sure, it’s a dramatic history that includes the country’s colonization and independence struggle, the foundation of the Republic of Korea, the Korean […]