KR INSIGHT

Korea’s Best Wellness and Cultural Escapes - From Hanbang Healing to Nature Therapy While Korea is globally recognized for its fast-paced cities and pop culture, a lesser-known but equally transformative side of the country lies in its wellness retreats, traditional medicine, and nature-based healing . From ancient hanbang practices to seaside luxury stays, temple meditations to forest therapy, Korea’s wellness scene is a rich tapestry of culture, history, and holistic health. Here’s a guide to Korea’s most compelling wellness and cultural experiences for foreign travelers seeking something deeper than the typical tour.

What You Didn't Know About Riding Elevators in Korea (Until You Got the Death Stare) Elevators may seem universal — step in, push a button, go up or down. But in Korea, these tiny metal boxes are microcosms of unspoken social codes . If you've ever been in one and felt an eerie silence, or worse, the sharp gaze of a stranger for pressing the wrong button, welcome. You’ve just broken one of Korea’s elevator etiquette rules . Let’s take a ride together — with humor, cultural insight, and a few real-life foreigner experiences to guide the way.

From Busan to the Bay: The Cultural Journey of Jagalchi Market In the heart of Daly City, just minutes from San Francisco, a bold cultural experiment is underway. Opened in March 2025, Jagalchi is not your average shopping mall. Named after South Korea's most famous seafood market in Busan, this 75,000-square-foot lifestyle complex invites visitors into a vibrant world of Korean flavors, traditions, and innovations. But to truly appreciate what makes this space so unique, we need to journey back - not just across the Pacific Ocean, but across time - to understand what “Jagalchi” means to Koreans and why it resonates in a California suburb.

What It's Like to Experience a Temple Stay in Korea: A Journey into Stillness Temple stay in Korea isn't just a travel trend - it's a profound return to presence. In a fast-moving world where our days are packed with screens, notifications, and endless planning, stepping into the grounds of a Korean Buddhist temple feels like entering a different dimension. The silence, the smell of incense, the rhythm of gongs and chants - it all pulls you gently out of modern chaos and into a space of peace. But what really happens during a temple stay? Is it too religious, too strict, too quiet? Let's explore.

Why South Korea Is Safe Despite North Korean Tensions: A Comprehensive Traveler’s Guide South Korea is often seen as a land of innovation, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. It is one of the most visited countries in Asia, known for its modernity, safety, and vibrant city life. Yet, despite its growing international recognition, North Korea's presence often looms large in the media, leading to concerns for international tourists. With frequent reports of North Korean missile launches , nuclear threats , and political tensions, many wonder: Is South Korea really safe for travelers? The answer is unequivocally yes. While South Korea shares a tense geopolitical reality with its northern neighbor, the everyday safety of travelers is not compromised. In this article, we’ll explore why South Korea is still one of the safest places for tourists , despite the tension that occasionally arises with North Korea. The Reality of North Korean Tensions in South Korea ...

Why Arab Travelers Feel Unspoken Discrimination in Korea: A Closer Look at the Social Context South Korea, known for its technological advancements and vibrant culture, has increasingly become a top destination for tourists worldwide. However, Arab travelers , like many others, often encounter unspoken discrimination during their stay. This discrimination, while subtle, can stem from cultural misunderstandings, stereotypes, and biases, often linked to the portrayal of Arabs in Korean media.