Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Before traveling to Korea, I did my research on the other places that most people (at least the people in my circle) don't usually go to (pa-hipster yuck). Then I stumbled upon this UNESCO Heritage site with an interesting backstory, the Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon City which is just an hour train ride from the nation's capital.

Common Ground & Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Common Ground, a large pop-up store near Konkuk University is one of my favorite places in Seoul. Opened  April of 2015, the multi-culture complex houses several fashion and food brands by South Korean start-ups including social enterprises, but what's interesting about it is its architectural form -- it's a huge shopping center made of 200 shipping containers!

Nami Island & Petite France

Almost everyone I know who has been to South Korea had their photos taken along Nami Island's picturesque Metasequoia footpath, making it the most cliched destination in the country (at least for me). Nonetheless, I believe visiting the country is not complete without a sidetrip to this beautiful half-moon shaped island just a little north of Seoul.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Nestled between the palaces of Gyeongbok and Changdeok, Bukchon Hanok is a 600-year old traditional Korean village with more than a million visitors every year and a reflection of the capital's urban history.