Matt Kelley, Author at Discovering Korea

Romantic Holidays and Destinations in Korea

Yellow, blue and red background with white text 'Korean Festivals' in the center of the frame.

Valentine’s Day may not be an indigenous Korean holiday, but there are no shortage of romantic destinations for you and your loved one.

Taebaeksan Snow Festival Korea

A close up of a collection of paper windmills in various different colors on a half dark half light background in soft focus.

The Taebaeksan Snow Festival Korea is one of the country’s premier winter events. Located in snowy Gangwon Province, the festival features snow and ice sculptures.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

When UNESCO added the remarkable Suwon Hwaseong Fortress to its list in 1997, they cited its unique blend of eastern and western architectural styles.

Incheon as the Gateway to Northeast Asia

With its colorful history, thriving port and ambitious infrastructure projects, many are looking at Incheon as the Gateway to Northeast Asia.

Deoksugung Palace

Exterior view of Jeonghwangeon throne hall. An ornate building in red, orange and green stands on a stone platform. In place of windows is orange fretwork, and ornate carving in the eaves.

Deoksugung Palace was built in the 15th century and abandoned until the years immediately pre- and post Japanese annexation of Korea.

Korea’s Rolling Hills of Green Tea in Boseong

Rolling green fields of tea plantation with trees in the background at Boseong.

Korea’s rolling hills of green tea in Boseong are among the its most famous. In fact, some say that Boseong is Korea’s tea growing capital.

Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Stream

Paving stones crossing the Cheonggyecheon stream with people walking and multicolored paper lanterns in the background.

Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon stream has become one of the city’s most popular icons, since the 6-kilometer waterway was restored and reintroduced to the public in 2005.

Visiting Korea’s Colorful Daegu

A close up of little bowls containing different seeds and powders in a shop in Daegu, Korea.

The southeastern city of Daegu in Korea is often left off travel itineraries. But this historic capital of North Gyeongsang Province has a lot of charm.

Jeonju Hanok Village

View towards the cathedral at Jeonju, in the background the cathedral has three dome shaped spires and arched windows. In the foreground are the traditional dark tile curved roofs of the hanok houses.

The Jeonju Hanok Village in North Jeolla Province is a wonderful place to sample Korea’s traditional food, tea, paper-making and unique hanok architecture.

Garosugil – Sinsa’s Tree-Lined Street

An orange cafe on Garosugil street in Seoul.

Garosugil in Sinsa-dong is a “tree-lined street” in southern Seoul that’s popular for its trendy boutiques, cafés, restaurants and people-watching.

The Glorious Gingko Tree in Seoul

Close up of bright yellow gingko leaves and fruit.

The glorious gingko tree in Seoul is something to look forward to every year, with it’s golden leaves contrasting with black bark.

Andong Hahoe Folk Village

A light brown house with wooden frame and a thatched roof in a field of rows of vegetation and mountains in the background.

Andong Hahoe Folk Village is the most popular of Korea’s traditional villages. Set on a bend in the Nakdonggang river, it recently received UNESCO status.