About
I am a Seoul local, and I've watched the same few streets and palaces fill up while much of the city stays quiet. That's a pity for visitors and for the neighborhoods that take the crush. So I write light, practical tips for getting past the crowded highlights and into the places locals actually use. No hype, no hidden agenda — just what I'd tell a friend.
Crowds vs. quiet
Same city, same afternoon plans — one photo is packed Bukchon, the other a quiet alley by the Seoul City Wall trail in Jangchung-dong. Very different experiences, and both are Seoul.
Free download
Korea Without a Korean Phone Number — Quick Start
A short, plain guide to getting around Korea when you don't have a Korean phone number. It's free, and it covers the things I'd want a friend to know before they land.
Sign up with your email and I'll send it over.
Coming soon
Seoul Subway Hikes
A guide to hikes you can reach by subway, with routes, how to get there and back, and where locals eat afterward. No car, no tour bus, no guesswork. In the meantime, the free quick-start guide above is a good place to begin.
After the hike, locals eat at neighborhood places — a samgyeopsal (삼겹살) spot, or a typical Korean table: two mains and a spread of banchan.
Beyond Seoul
