23 Aug 2009, Posted by Matt in Art & Culture, Festivals & Holidays, Seoul, Video, 5 Comments

Seoul Fringe Festival 2009

During Seoul’s hot summer, if you’re walking along the colorful streets of the Hongik University neighborhood, you may happen upon a seemingly impromptu performance. That’s because Seoul hosts perhaps Asia’s largest Fringe Festival, a three-week showcase of independent and underground art installations.

19 Jun 2009, Posted by Matt in Festivals & Holidays, Seoul, Video, 12 Comments

Queer Seoul

On Saturday, an estimated 1,500 people marched along the Cheonggyecheon (청계천) stream in downtown Seoul. The main event of the 10th annual Korea Queer Culture Festival (KQCF) marked South Korea’s largest-ever celebration of homosexuality. The procession was led by a troupe of pungmul folk musicians and three trucks outfitted with rainbow flags, dance platforms and speakers playing Korean pop. Locals wearing “God made Queer” buttons marched with foreign English teachers and teen boys donning mouse ears and pleated skirts.

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06 Jun 2009, Posted by Matt in Seoul, Video, 11 Comments

Seoul’s Pet Cafés

I’ve uploaded a new Discovering Korea video blog, this time looking at a very Seoul phenomenon~ the pet café. Take a look at urbanites in trendy Hongdae among dozens and dozens of cats and dogs. I hope you enjoy it!

(A version of this video was uploaded to the KBS World site on May 13, 2009.)

10 Apr 2009, Posted by Matt in Food & Drink, Seoul, 16 Comments

Seoul’s Best Brunch, Part 1

Although eating comes easy here in Seoul, instead of traditional Korean fare, let’s take a look at a new favorite: brunch. Located in Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods, many Koreans are eager to incorporate foreign cultures into their own. So, whether it’s the posh Cheongdam neighborhood of Southern Seoul, or Hongdae and Edae located north of the Han River, brunch is hot.

Come to think of it, brunch and Seoul are a good fit, because on the weekends, Seoul stays up late, and wakes up late, too.  So if you’re among the reluctant weekend risers, don’t worry about missing breakfast, because I’ve got five wonderful brunch options for you. 

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18 Mar 2009, Posted by Matt in Buddhist Temples, Nature, Seoul, Shopping, 13 Comments

Youth Culture in Seoul’s Edae Neighborhood

The Edae neighborhood’s shopping alleys at night (click here for larger).

Periodically, we explore places to see in the big city. This time around we’ll head to a vibrant neighborhood that’s often overlooked on Seoul itineraries. That neighborhood is Edae (이대), which along with the neighborhoods of Sinchon and Hongdae, are perhaps Seoul’s most famous areas for college students. Sure, Sinchon and Hongdae are very well-known for their youthful exuberance, but Edae has its own distinct character that shouldn’t be missed.

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