Namdaemun Market is a MUST-do when you visit Seoul! We give you our reasons why this market is a can't-miss! Follow Dojeon team member, Lewis, as he shows you around! The heart of Seoul has so much to offer, and right in the middle of the city is Namdaemun Market. Here you can experience local culture at its fullest. For me, the market is worth visiting around lunchtime, when you can taste different street food, and for me the fresh smoothies during the summer which is a MUST! Not only, do you have local market stalls, where you can use your bartering skills, but you also have some high-end shops close to Myeondong . If you are not good at bartering, then don't worry, you will have plenty of opportunities to practice. Bear in mind, that if you visit during the weekend, you will have to fight the crowds, so it is worth visiting early. Hotteok is what I recommend you to try when you visit the market! It's a pan fried delicacy that is filled with cinnamon, melted brown sugar, and sliced nuts. I usually buy two because one is never enough! And it's only KRW 1,000 (USD 0.72) each! Happiness could be that cheap! Ha-ha-ha! Sometimes, the lines in front of these guys are so long, that the ahjumma (middle-aged woman) selling bags at the next stall complains because the hotteok customers cover her shop. Ha-ha-ha! Everyone has to re-align the line. So, the next time you're walking through the alleys of the Namdaemun Market, observe where shoppers, locals, and tourists actually flock, and you can immediately tell that K-pop stars and Korean celebrities are not the most popular people in Namdaemun Market. Although most markets accept card or even electronic payments these days, I would still recommend taking some cash with you. You will also notice whilst you are visiting the market, that there are "tourist information" guides. When I first visited the market many years ago, I thought they were trying to get me to book a tour, as in London, guides for bus tours dress very similarly. However, I later realized that they are stationed there to help foreign tourists with directions and information in the market, as due to the narrow streets, you can easily get lost. How to get to Namdaemun Market: Walking: From Seoul Station, it's a short 15-minute walk. Subway: Take line 4 from Seoul Station for 1 stop. Get off at exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station. Let us know in the comments below if you have visited Namdaemun Market, and tag us in your photos! #hotteok #koreanfood #namdaemunmarket

More like a full-length movie, Rain's new action/romance thriller drama Red Swan is adrenaline-pumping non-stop action! We give you three reasons why it should be at the top of your summer K-drama playlist! Spoilers! Rain was born to play this role! Right off the opening scene, Red Swan looks more like an Hollywood-produced international movie rather than a K-drama! Filmed in multiple countries: South Korea, Philippines, and New York City, the production quality and action is top-notch and had us on the edge of our seats! Here are three reasons why Red Swan should shoot up to the top of your summer K-drama watchlist! 1. Rain is South Korea's number one action star! We can't forget the first moment we saw Rain play the main lead in the Hollywood movie Ninja Assassin. This man was born to play action roles! With a body to match, Red Swan is nothing short of adrenaline-pumping action sequence after action sequence fun! The shootout scene in the first episode was nothing short of spectacular Hollywood-style slow motion, "grab the girl and run while cars explode in the background" and we're here for it! 2. Kim Ha Neul is the perfect compliment to Rain's character Poised, professional, and beautiful, Kim Ha Neul's ( Curtain Call 2022) character, Oh Wan Soo, perfectly compliments Rain's rough around the edges bodyguard character, Seo Do Yoon. Not only is she not phased by someone trying to assassinate her, but she has the courage to face her killers on public television and announce that she will be continuing her charity work. We do have to admit that the beginning interaction between the two leads after saving Oh Wan Soo from the shootout was a little cheesy, we hope that she doesn't fall in love too quickly with Seo Do Yoon! 3. The mother-in-law from hell! Not only does Oh Wan Soo have to dodge bullets from assassins, but at home as well! Her mother-in-law, Park Mi Ran, played by legendary actress Seo Yi Sook , seems to hate her since Oh Wan Soo's mother used to be her golf caddie and comes from nothing. Not to mention, Oh Wan Soo married into the chaebol family Hwain Group and has something to do with Seo Do Yoon's best friend and cop's murder! So did we convince you yet to watch Red Swan ? Let us know in the comments with your thoughts! Red Swan is anticipated to have 10 episodes and you can watch it every Wednesday on Disney+ #RedSwan #Rain #KimHaNeul #DisneyPlus

Hannam-dong in Seoul is notorious for being the most expensive area in the country, and rightly so, with gated communities such as "The Hill" where it's been rumored that BTS has properties. Dojeon team member, Lewis, recently visited this exclusive area and this is what he found! Hannam screams everything to do with luxury! From houses, and cars, to even coffee shops and restaurants. So when I visited, of course, I expected to pay a premium for things, as well as being able to see a vast amount of wealthy people. Also, BTS has been rumored to have a residence in the Hills. In the UK, some wealthy people like to show off their fortune, whether that be through the clothes that they are wearing, or the car that they are driving, though it does not happen that often. Perhaps it is the British being polite and not too fussed about designer items. In Hannam this was quite the opposite. I figured that in the past, since Korea used to be a poor country not so long ago if people have wealth now they show it off, and why not? There were many well dressed people, and so many expensive cars around the area. The area of Hannam itself is an area within Yongsan , so it is close to Itaewon . Being right across the river from the Gangnam area of Seoul and its proximity to locations in northern Seoul makes the neighborhood centrally located in Seoul. Many celebrities and executives live in three well-known residential areas in the neighborhood. The main purpose of my visiting this area was to walk around to check out some exclusive residences, and take in the area itself. Although I lived in Seoul for over 2 years, it is not an area that I have been to that often, apart from when I first arrived back in 2020. I did find many amazing coffee shops and restaurants in the area, and I have to say that they were reasonably priced for the area. I did stop at one restaurant during lunch time and I had a really good meal with my friend. The area is very similar to other areas of Seoul that I have visited in the past, and since this area is close to Itaewon, it is very hilly, so I would recommend wearing some comfortable shoes when you visit the area! I definitely, recommend visiting this area when you are in Seoul, especially if you want to experience the glitz and glamour, similar to what you can imagine to be able to experience in LA. You can check out my reel, which features my full-day trip to Hannam-dong on our Instagram account! Let us know in the comments below if you have ever been to Hannam, and don't forget to tag us in your photos! #BTS #HannamHills #TheHill #Itaewon #Seoul

The all-American girl "K-pop" group, Katseye , is set to debut this summer! The collaboration between HYBE UMG and Geffen Records just released their debut single "Debut" with lyrics and choreography! Let's dive into this highly-anticipated debut! Formed from the reality series Dream Academy , Katseye comprises six members: Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae. The first-place winner and leader of the group is Sophia and the youngest (maknae) is Yoonchae (born in 2007). Let's get to know each member more with this introduction video! Set to debut on August 16, 2024 , Katseye's first EP, "SIS" (Soft Is Strong), will feature two singles before the album's release. Their first single M/V, "Debut" , already has a lyric and choreography video and has garnered over 2.5 million views on YouTube in just 4 days! Let's take a look at all three! Described by Katseye member, Daniella, as "American pop music but trained to do crazy choreography of K-pop" , Katseye boasts diversity in the group's lineup with four of the members (Indian, Filipino, Black, and Latina) becoming the first of their ethnicities to be signed under HYBE . Katseye also debut their official fandom name in a very simple but sincere video! Welcome "EYEKONS" ! Katseye will also be featured in a Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: Katseye this summer! It will dive deep into the group's formation and preparations for their debut EP. We're not sure whether to call Katseye "K-pop", "American Pop," or just "Global Pop" in general, but maybe you can help and suggest the name of their genre in the comments below! Are you excited for their debut? #KATSEYE   #KATSEYE_Debut # EYEKONS

BLACKPINK is one of the biggest and most successful K-pop groups to come out of Korea, and one of the bands that Dojeon team member, Lewis, believes to have started the Korean Wave ( Hallyu ). Follow Lewis as he tours Seoul, BLACKPINK style! Stop 1: YG Entertainment Building Hapjeong-dong is already the hot spot amongst the younger generation but is also famous for YG Entertainment’s new building, which BLACKPINK is part of! Taking an entertainment-building tour is A MUST for all K-pop fans, including myself, when I have been to the area before. During the fan tour, it’s impossible to overlook the new YG building where the most popular group BLACKPINK belonged. The YG building is easy to spot and there is an MD shop in the basement of the café building where you can purchase official merchandise! If you are a fan of the girl group, then this is a must-do when you are in Seoul! Not only does the space make the YG fans’ hearts flutter but they also have delicious desserts. Make sure you are enjoying a donut, the signature dessert from The sameE , as you take a look around the YG building! Unfortunately, I have yet to see BLACKPINK when I have been in Seoul, though I continue to hold out hope! Stop 2: Pottery Cafe Jool If you remember during BLACKPINK’s reality show "24/365 with BLACKPINK" which was uploaded on BLACKPINK’s official YouTube channel, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Rosé went on a pottery date. Cafe Jool located in Donggyo-dong is where BLACKPINK visited. Many people come alone, so if you need to take time to heal during your busy daily life, try pottery making as a special event for yourself! Not only does it relieve your stress as you fully focus on your pottery creation, but it also gives you the benefit of taking home a unique gift that can’t be found elsewhere. For me, I have tried making pottery before, and I have to say it was so much fun, and although I found it difficult, it was fairly relaxing! Stop 3: Rakkojae, the Hanok Hotel Rakkojae, the Hanok Hotel is where BLACKPINK had a photo shoot back in 2020. 2020 was when I came to Korea, and the Hanok Hotel is a place that I have been to before. It is very photogenetic and traditional, and I really recommend that you visit here on your BLACKPINK tour of Seoul! The Rakkojae is located in the Bukchon Hanok Village , where this amazing photoshoot took place. Rakkojae, located in the middle of a quiet Hanok alley that seems unimaginable in Seoul, has starred in the MICHELIN guide. It is a Hanok hotel that perfectly portrays the alluring beauty of Korea. If you want to take a break from your everyday routine and experience a time in the beautiful past, head over to Rakkojae. Add some fun by taking your photo shoot at the same place where BLACKPINK took theirs! Let us know if you have been to any of the locations on the tour, and tag us in your photos if you have! #BLACKPINK #seoultour #bukchonhanokvillage #jisoo #rose #jennie

Not only did K-pop boy band SEVENTEEN become the first K-pop group to ever perform at the UK's biggest music festival, Glastonbury , but they ate also! Some may argue that they did not draw a crowd as big as other artists there, but remember, this is only their first time! We highlight all their performances from this past weekend! Shining on the Pyramid Stage, the 13-member group dazzled the crowd with their highly synchronized choreography and stage charisma as girls wearing brightly colored attire held signs screaming! Fans were treated to up-tempo hits "Maestro" , "Very Nice", and "SOS" as the group seamlessly switched on and off the stage in three different groups for each performance. Check out the highlights below! The crowd was offered a K-pop treat as SEVENTEEN slayed in each of their performances, mesmerizing the crowd and commanding the stage with all its members spread out, perfect for the large festival stage! SEVENTEEN looked pumped up and happy to perform regardless of the size of the crowd and it showed! One of the members said, " We are just extremely honored to be here," as they started their set. We're amazed at what SEVENTEEN is doing with their music, performing at festivals that nobody thought was possible! They are truly breaking barriers and becoming great K-pop ambassadors! Let us know your thoughts on SEVENTEEN's performance at this year's Glastonbury Festival! Do you think they'll be invited again? #SEVENTEEN #GlastonburyFestival2024 #Glastonbury #VERYNICE #MAESTRO #SOS

The BTS phenomenon will continue even as most of the world’s most popular K-pop group is currently serving their mandatory military service.  The oldest member, Jin (31), who recently was discharged from serving his term made headlines on July 2, 2024 as he has been named the official torchbearer for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games!  Details about the torch relay location and schedule has yet to be disclosed.  It is believed that BTS’s global popularity and constant message to “love yourself” is the main reason why he was chosen to bear this very important role. The 2024 Paris Olympics is scheduled to begin on Friday, July 26, 2024 . The singer was recently discharged from the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province on June 12.  Jin held a public fan meeting in celebration for BTS Festa 2024 the day after in Jamsil giving them “free hugs” which almost broke the internet! Meanwhile, Jin is scheduled to make a guest-star appearance on the outdoor reality show The Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island but the broadcast schedule has not been decided.  A source from MBC has confirmed that “BTS’s Jin already finished filming.” This is amazing news for South Korea and for K-pop fans everywhere to see a member of the most popular K-pop group represent such an important event!  Jin joins just a handful of South Koreans with the honor including legendary former Manchester United midfielder Park Ji Sung. Comment below with your thoughts on this monumental achievement by not only Jin himself, but BTS!  Show your love for BTS in the comment section! 김석진   #방탄소년단진   #JIN   #석진   #SEOKJIN #2024ParisOlympics

Have you ever wondered how Korean desserts are made? Or what the ingredients are? Dojeon team member, Lewis, had the opportunity to make some edible delights at a Korean dessert café class! Read on to find out how you can also experience this delicious treat! Located on the outskirts of central Daegu you will come across Café Green Moss . The Café is located next to Palgonsan Mountain , which makes it a perfect relaxing getaway! On the way to the café, I was able to enjoy a peaceful drive, around mountain roads, taking in the natural summer beauty and countryside. When I arrived at the café there were plenty of places to park, and next to the parking lot was a stunning garden, where you can enjoy your drinks and desserts outside! I was greeted by the owner and teacher for my class, and taken into the kitchen classroom where I was able to read through the desserts that we were going to be making in the class. I was amazed at how clean the café was and the cooking area was! Today we were going to be making Songpyeon ( 송편) , a traditional Korean food made from rice flour usually served during Korean holidays. I love cooking, however, I have not had much experience with baking. I find that usually baking takes a lot of skill, though I was keen to try baking! Our teacher was very detailed with her explanations of what we were going to be making, the time it would take and she also explained about the different ingredients as well. I was impressed that the ingredients were gluten-free! We had to start by washing our hands and then kneading the dough, before making it into small balls, which we would use for each of the three different deserts. In addition, we used white bean paste for the filling. It was the first time that I had tried white bean paste, as typically in Korea red bean paste is used, especially in winter treats! I will say, that the kneading and shaping the dough, looked pretty simple, though it took more skill than I thought, but I had so much fun shaping it and my teacher was very helpful and supportive, as she kept giving me different tips. You can check out the full cooking class experience on my YouTube feature video which I have linked to this article! Once we had finished making the deserts, we had to wait 20 minutes for the Songpyeon to steam. During that time we waited in the café area, and we were given some other delicious home made treats to try. For me they tasted like donuts, though they were smaller and packed much more of a punch. The savoury one was my favourite, and to go with this, we were given a seasonal cinnamon milk tea! Of course, what better way to relax, than by looking out to the beautiful garden! For sure, I will be going to cooking school again! It was so much fun and I found it to also be a great insight into local Korean culture through its culinary delights! To book the class: Number: 010-5778-8916 Instagram: cafe_greenmoss Check out my video! https://g.co/kgs/Vw6rB41 Let us know in the comments below if you have ever tried making Korean traditional desserts? Don't forget to tag us in your photos! #Koreandessert #Koreancafe #bakingclass #daegu

Rising quickly to the number one spot in weekend viewership, according to Nielsen Korea, JTBC's romantic comedy Miss Night and Day has quickly snatched our hearts and laughter! Along with great acting and storyline, HYBE's new boy group, BOYNEXTDOOR , debuts its first OST on this latest series! Read on for more details! Starring the beautiful Jung Eun Ji (from the girl group APINK ) and veteran actor, Choi Jin Hyuk ( Numbers 2023), Miss Night and Day has been drawing viewers in for a special treat! With amazing on-screen chemistry filled with laughter and quick wit, this is definitely a must-watch for all romantic comedy lovers! BOYNEXTDOOR debuts its first OST! HYBE's new boy group, BOYNEXTDOOR , is featured in this amazing drama's OST! Let's take a listen! Catchy and filled with pop, "Lucky Charm" is a great song for this light-hearted romantic comedy! Debuting on June 29, 2024 , the song has already received over 36,000 views on YouTube! Check out this "live" version of the song and let us know which version you enjoy more! Like the lyrics, " 빛나 너와 나" (shine together), BOYNEXTDOOR really hit the nail on the head with their purpose and vibe! The main character in Miss Night and Day , Lee Mi Jin ( Jung Eun Ji ) is in her late 20s and struggles to find a full-time job and purpose in life, until she turns into a 50-year-old woman and meets a really hot prosecutor in Gye Ji Woong ( Choi Jin Hyuk ). Her life completely turns around and she has finally found her purpose! With lots of positivity and feel-good vibes, we can't help but add this to our summer playlist! Comment below with your thoughts on Miss Night and Day and let us know your thoughts about BOYNEXTDOOR's debut OST "Lucky Charm"! #보이넥스트도어   #BOYNEXTDOOR #LuckyCharm #낮과밤이다른그녀   #OST #MissNightandDay

Do you want to go for a refreshing café with an on-site bakery and an extensive drink menu? Dojeon team member, Lewis, shares his café of the month full of savory options and also very pet friendly! Check out Bapabaro on your next trip to Daegu, South Korea! I moved into the area close to two years ago and I visit this café at least once a week. For me, it is close by, and I found out recently that before it was converted into a café, a temple used to be on the same land. That's pretty cool, right? Whenever I visit the café, I take my dogs as outside there is a small dog pen and a water feature which is just peaceful to relax with and I also really enjoy watching the dogs running around having fun. I have also became friendly with the owner over time, and despite there being a slight language barrier, we still get by. I think that is one of the great things about the café being in a residential area, however, it is right on the crossroad of a motorway, so it is a good stop-off point on your way out of Daegu , or even to the local river resort (Dongchon resort in Daegu) which is a close 5 minute walk away. Downstairs is a bakery, and I can always smell the mouth-watering pastries baking away while I am enjoying my morning coffee. I have found a lot of Korean bakery items fairly sweet compared to the UK, although there is a good mix of sweet and savory options as well. An on-site seasonal bakery that bakes items and cakes for all different occasions is also a bonus! I found the salted croissant one of my favorites, and I recommend that you try this when you visit! Inside the café, you will find a selection of seating options. I really like the traditional seating area where you have to remove your shoes, but these two areas offer privacy for you and your group, and feel a lot more authentic and relaxing. Of course, I have signed up for the loyalty points as I visit so often, and I decided to write about this café and feature it as café of the month for July 2024, due to the on-site delicious bakery, and the very attentive and friendly staff, but more importantly the tranquil outdoor seating area. With the Korean summer hitting the full swing mark, what better place to visit than Bapbaro Café! Check out their Instagram! Let us know in the comments below if you have visited this café, and don't forget to tag us in your photos! #koreatravelguide #daegucafe #daegu #bakery #yummy #cake #pastries

Imagine your favorite childhood hangout being sold to someone unexpected! This is the reality facing BTS fans worldwide! Here's why stirred ARMYs to be up in arms about the purchase of this iconic building! In a surprising turn of events for fans of BTS , the beloved old Big Hit Entertainment building , full of memories for BTS members and their fans, has been bought by famous actor Kim Woo Bin . This news has stirred up strong emotions and reactions on social media, with fans expressing feelings ranging from nostalgia to anger. The iconic building in Nonhyeong-dong holds a special place in BTS's history, drawing fans worldwide. It's adorned with emotional graffiti and heartfelt messages, symbolizing the group's humble beginnings and rapid rise to global stardom. Even though BTS has moved to the new HYBE building , the old Big Hit location remains a cherished landmark for fans, filled with precious memories. According to Allkpop and K-sélection, on June 25, AM Entertainment confirmed the news, adding: “It is true that Kim Woo Bin bought the building,” Many upset ARMYs took to social media to express negative comments about Kim Woo Bin. Some were simply critical, while others voiced concerns that he might erase the messages left by fans. While the tweets didn’t gain much attention, there was a notable amount of backlash against Kim Woo Bin. In response to the negativity, both ARMYs and regular K-drama fans defended the actor. They pointed out that HYBE and BIGHIT MUSIC had the opportunity to buy the building themselves. They also urged people not to direct their anger at Kim Woo Bin or jump to conclusions about the building's future. Some fans even devised drastic measures in case Kim Woo Bin considers removing the messages. Despite the initial wave of negativity, a more balanced perspective began to emerge. Some netizens suggested that the building's sale could be seen as a positive development, with the potential for respectful preservation of its legacy. Even in 2022, the members were spotted in Nonhyeong-dong, near the old Big Hit building, for an episode of "Run BTS". Even today, ARMYs come to leave messages on the building. The old Big Hit building has witnessed countless significant moments, from BTS’s early rehearsals to fan gatherings. Although the group moved on to bigger stages, this location symbolized their perseverance and success . What will happen to this place now that it's owned by someone else? How will this affect BTS's journey and the memories of their fans? How has BTS affected your life, and what do you think will happen next? share your thoughts and expectations in the comments below! #BTS #KimWooBin #BigHitEntertainment #Kpop #BTSARMY #KoreanDrama #HYBE #BIGHITMUSIC #KoreanCelebrities #KpopNews #KpopCulture #MusicIndustry #PopCulture #KoreanEntertainment #CelebrityNews #Memories

July will see the famous Daegu Chimac Festival! From July 3rd - 7th 2024, Daegu's Chimac Festival returns for 2024 at Daegu's Duryu Park, and this year, there will be no short of festivities! Read on to find out more about the delicous food and drink plus K-pop acts that will be performing! I cannot wait for this festival, as I think this festival shows off some of Korea's best-loved food and drinks. Chicken and beer ! Unfortunately due to the bad weather and the time of year that the festival was scheduled, I did not attend last year, so I am very much looking forward to attending this year! Let's check out 2023's highlights! A great thing about the festival is that it is welcoming of all ages and nationalities. Here you will find Koreans and foreign visitors all enjoying a common theme of chicken and beer while soaking in the music and Daegu's summer heat. There are many tours from Seoul, and Busan which shuttle guests to this festival, as Daegu is the home of chicken and beer in Korea! When I first came to Korea, I was surprised that fried chicken would be so popular here! Throughout the night, you will be able to enjoy different K-pop artists, pop-up beer tents and stands as well as different brands and flavors once-a-years of fried chicken. Now with this once-a-year festival, it is something not to be missed and you should mark it in your calendar NOW! Artist lineup! July 3 (Wednesday): Park Myung Soo (DJ G.Park) / ZICO July 4 (Thursday): CHANGMO / DAYBREAK July 5 (Friday): TANAKA / Needmorecash & 158 / EZUZ July 6 (Saturday): Zior Park / Woodie Gochild July 7 (Sunday): RYU WON JEONG / Song Ga In How to get there: For more information check out the link below: https://www.chimacfestival.com/ Remember to take your photo ID with you to buy beer!! Let us know in the comments below if you will be attending the 2024 Chimac festival in Daegu. #beerfestival #chimaek #chickenandbeer #2024DaeguChimacFestival #koreanfriedchicken