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Seokjeong Hot Springs Hue Spa
Okay, this is not Caribbean Bay, but if you live near Gwangju, or Jeonju or anywhere in between, this is the place to go for families with young kiddos! Don’t bother if you are adults looking for excitement, but for family time (or adults looking for some quiet time) with a bit of excitement… this is the place to go!! This was our second year coming here. We first came, while living in Gwangju, for our daughter’s birthday. She loved it so much that she asked to come again for her birthday this year. We now live in Seoul, so quite a trek, but we combined it with a visit…
Where to Escape the Heat in and Around Seoul this Summer
Korean summers are hot and humid, and if you can walk out the door without breaking a sweat, you’re a tougher person than I! I am Australian. I have lived through 30 something summers with 40° celsius days, but I’ve never felt as uncomfortable as summer in Korea. It’s the humidity! Still, there are plenty of places to cool off and beat the heat. Of course, there are beaches and mountain streams and even shady spots or air-conditioned oases within the city. Here are the top places I’ve found, so far, to escape the summer heat! I’d love to hear your ideas to add to my repertoire. Hit the Beach…
Overnight trip to Tongyeong with Kids
After a night in the countryside at the Grandparents’ house, we set off for an overnight trip to Tongyeong on our way to Busan. The kids and I struggle with long car trips, so it’s always better to break up trips into smaller sections. The port city of Tongyeong seemed like a perfect stopover for beauty, culture, sea, and history! We chose a smallish hotel with pretty average reviews but a very decent price and views across the bay. It turned out to be clean, comfortable and waking up to watch the fishing boats come into the port was good fun. Tongyeong Samdo Sugun Tongjeyeong Naval Station During Joseon times,…
Overnight trip to Gyeongju
On our way home from Busan last month, we stopped over in Gyeongju overnight to break up the trip. The last time I was here was in 2007 with my parents. A LOT has changed in that time. Back then, we struggled to find a spot to stop for a pre-dinner beer or any restaurants that looked especially interesting. We did have a great time and resorted to Norebang (karaoke) for our nighttime entertainment. But now! Now Gyeongju is full of microbreweries, hipster bars and quaint cafes. Some complain about the gentrification of this small city, but the excellent rooftop pizza and gelati shop might make up for it! First…
3 Days in Busan with Kids in the Rain
We had wanted to visit Busan for years. When the opportunity suddenly arose for a few days away, we decided to go for it. We then found ourselves in Busan, with kids, in the rain. Having packed for a beach trip, we had snorkels, buckets and spades, inflatable beach toys but only one light cardigan each. Oops. We were now on the hunt for indoor activities to keep us busy. Gwangalli Beach Haeundae might be the most popular beach in Busan, but we chose to stay at Gwangalli Beach, and we sure are glad we did. Gwangalli Beach is a long, curved stretch of sand lined with tiki umbrellas and stunning…
Hongjecheon Stream, Walking and Cycling Trail in Seoul
There are so many fantastic walking and cycling trails in Seoul. Hongjecheon stands out due to it’s ease – you can easily walk or cycle here with children – and also the number of unique stops along the way. You can start and finish wherever you wish, but this tour begins at Sangmyung University (or at least the bus stop at the bottom of the hill to Sangmyung University) and ends at the Han River. You could take it the opposite direction, or jump in anywhere in between. Palseongsaeng Chinese Restaurant On the corner of the street leading up to Sangmyung University is this fantastic restaurant. If you start or…
Ansan Cherry Blossom Walkway
So, I’m a week too late with this post. The blossoms have disappeared and new leaves are budding on the trees. But the tulips are in full bloom and it’s still a beautiful place for a walk or a picnic. We walked along Hongje Stream from Pobangteo Market, near our new house, and about 30 mins later we reached the waterfalls that signal the entrance to the Ansan Cherry Blossom Walkway. We could have crossed the stream to find the entrance beside the waterfall, but we entered via the street next to Seodaemun-gu Office. Missy moo needed the toilet! The whole area is spectacular when the cherry blossoms are in…
Gwangju’s Mudeungsan Monorail
Living in and exploring Gwangju for two years, I only just discovered that Mudeungsan has a monorail. Oh yes! A chairlift and a monorail and an obesrvatory. All the stunning views without the sweaty hiking! Jisan Recreation Area used to be an amusement park back in the 70s. Faded waterslides snake eerily out of the overgrown forest and into a concrete car park. First, you take the chairlift. Purchase tickets from the convenience store at the entrance, hiding behind Mudesung Park Hotel. Tickets are 9,000won (Adult) / 7,000won (Child) for the lift and 7,000won (Adult) / 6,000won (Child) for the monorail. Children over two years are allowed on the chairlift.…
6 Things to do in Damyang with Kids
Stroll through Juknokwon Bamboo Forest Juknokwon must be Korea’s most famous Bamboo Forest, and certainly is what attracts most people to Damyang. The calming effects of the bamboo swishing and swaying in the breeze is certainly a highlight. I’ve been lucky enough to experience Damyang’s Bamboo Forest in all seasons. In fact, the very first time I visited Gwangju as a tourist in 2006, my friend and local guide (who I’ve sadly lost touch with – Won, if you’r reading this, send me a message!) brought me here on a snowy winter day. The tall bamboo makes for effective shelter from cold winds. In summer, its cool and shady. There…
Gwangyang Maehwa Festival (but not a festival this year) – Blossoms in Korea
Back in the spring of 2019, we were lucky enough to enjoy the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival. This was back before I had a ‘real’ camera and before I had any notion of maybe wanting to share our travels on a blog. I have very few photos, but the memories and the impressions have stuck. I was SO unimpressed with the traffic going into the festival area. Luckily (or unluckily?), you might not have that to deal with this year. Our then four-year-old was so desperate to go to the toilet while stuck in traffic that I offered her little brother’s nappy to wee in. She refused and held on! After…
