Globetrotter

A Beginner's Guide to Korean Drinks: Soju, Makgeolli, and Chimaek (2025) A Beginner's Guide to Korean Drinks: Soju, Makgeolli, and Chimaek In South Korea, drinking is rarely just about the drink itself. It’s a social ritual, a way to bond with friends and colleagues, and an essential companion to the country’s incredible food. The clinking of glasses, the lively calls of "건배!" (geonbae! - cheers!), and tables laden with food and drink are the soundtrack to any Korean evening. For a first-time visitor, the world of Korean alcohol can seem vast, but there are three quintessential experiences that form the "holy trinity" of the drinking culture: Soju, Makgeolli, and the modern phenomenon of Chimaek. This guide will introduce you to all three. Soju (소주): The Iconic Green Bottle You can't talk about Korean drinks wi...

The Ultimate Guide to Seoul's Street Food Markets: Myeongdong vs. Gwangjang (2025) The Ultimate Guide to Seoul's Street Food Markets: Myeongdong vs. Gwangjang The heartbeat of Seoul can be found on its streets, amidst the steam, sizzle, and chatter of its legendary food markets. For any traveler, diving into this vibrant scene is a non-negotiable part of the experience. But with so many options, where do you start? This guide will take you through the two titans of Seoul's street food world: the dazzling, modern Myeongdong Night Market and the chaotic, traditional Gwangjang Market. Each offers a completely different atmosphere and a unique menu of must-try delicacies. Let's dig in! Myeongdong Night Market: Trendy Bites Amidst Neon Lights As the sun sets over Seoul, the main streets and alleyways of the Myeongdong s...

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Korean BBQ: How to Eat Samgyeopsal & Galbi Like a Pro (2025) The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Korean BBQ: How to Eat Samgyeopsal & Galbi Like a Pro The sound is the first thing that hits you: a satisfying sizzle. Then, the smell of caramelizing meat and garlic fills the air. Welcome to the world of Korean Barbecue (K-BBQ), an interactive, communal, and incredibly delicious dining experience. But for a first-timer, a table laden with strange tongs, scissors, and a dozen little side dishes can be intimidating. Don't worry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to navigate your first K-BBQ adventure with confidence and leave with a very full, very happy stomach. Step 1: Choosing Your Meat – The Main Event While the menu can have dozens of options, most first-...

A Beginner's Gastronomic Guide to Korea: 15 Must-Try Dishes (2025) A Beginner's Gastronomic Guide to Korea: 15 Must-Try Dishes To travel to South Korea is to embark on a culinary adventure. Here, food is more than just sustenance; it's a love language. The most common greeting isn't "How are you?" but "밥 먹었어요?" (bap meogeosseoyo?) , which means "Have you eaten?" From the sizzle of tabletop barbecues to the bubbling of fiery stews and the endless array of street food, every meal is an experience. For a first-time visitor, the sheer variety can be overwhelming. Fear not! This guide will walk you through the 15 essential Korean dishes you simply must try on your trip. Before You Eat: The Basics of Korean Dining The Magic of Banchan (반찬): The firs...

More Than Coffee: A Guide to South Korea's Incredible Cafe Culture (2025) More Than Coffee: A Guide to South Korea's Incredible Cafe Culture In South Korea, coffee is a culture, a hobby, and an art form. Wander through any Seoul neighborhood, and you'll find more cafes than convenience stores, each one a unique universe waiting to be discovered. This isn't just a place to grab a quick espresso. Here, cafes are vital "third spaces"—part social club, part study hall, part art gallery, and a welcome extension of the living room for city dwellers. Forget your standard coffee shop experience; a Korean cafe is a destination in itself. This guide will take you on a tour of the different types of cafes that make the Korean scene one of the most exciting in the world. Themed Cafes: Step into Another World Korean themed cafes ...

Yangyang County, Korea's Surf Capital: A Travel Guide (2025) Yangyang, South Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Korea's Laid-Back Surf Capital (2025) When you think of South Korea, ancient palaces, futuristic cities, and K-pop might come to mind. But what about world-class surfing, beachfront craft beer, and a vibe so relaxed it feels more like Southern California than East Asia? Welcome to Yangyang County (양양군) , the undisputed heart of Korea’s burgeoning surf culture. Nestled on the pristine East Sea coast, Yangyang offers a refreshing escape from the hustle of the city, trading subway stations for surf shops and skyscrapers for stunning sea cliffs. If you're looking to see a different, younger, and more adventurous side of Korea, this is the place to be. Why Visit Yangyang? The Appeal of Korea's "Surfyy Beach" ...

Jeonju Hanok Village Guide: A Perfect Day in Korea's Traditional Heart (2025) Jeonju Hanok Village: A Foodie & Culture Lover's Travel Guide (2025) Imagine a place where hundreds of gracefully curved, slate-grey rooftops stretch across the landscape, where the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling street food, and where the streets are alive with people in vibrant, traditional dress. This isn't a movie set; it's the Jeonju Hanok Village . While other historical sites in Korea can feel like quiet museums, Jeonju is a living, breathing celebration of tradition. It's the country's largest traditional village, a designated UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking a delicious and immersive cultural experience. Why Jeonju Hanok Village Should Be On Your Itinerary ...