2025년 5월 30일 금요일

South Korea_🐟 A Hidden Gem by the Beach: “Poomjang Eel Restaurant” near Wangsan Beach

 


If you ever find yourself exploring the west coast of South Korea, make sure you don’t miss Wangsan Beach (왕산해수욕장) — a scenic, lesser-known beach just a short drive from Incheon International Airport. But beyond the peaceful sands and sunset views, there’s a culinary gem tucked nearby that deserves a spot on every foodie’s radar: Poomjang Eel Restaurant (품장 장어집).

🐍 Wait… Eel? Why You Should Try It in Korea

Yes, eel (장어 / Jang-eo) might sound a bit adventurous if you’re not used to it, but trust us — it’s a beloved delicacy in Korea, especially during the summer. Koreans believe eel provides energy and stamina, and it’s known for its rich flavor and slightly sweet, fatty texture when grilled.

At Poomjang, they specialize in freshwater eel, grilled to perfection over charcoal right at your table.

🔥 What Makes Poomjang Special?

  • Authentic Charcoal Grilling: The eels are grilled over open charcoal fire, giving them a smoky flavor that’s impossible to replicate. The staff expertly handles the grilling, so all you need to do is enjoy.

  • Fresh, Locally-Sourced Ingredients: The eel is incredibly fresh, with a tender yet firm texture. You can taste the quality.

  • Traditional Side Dishes (Banchan): Like many Korean restaurants, your meal comes with a variety of free side dishes, including pickled radish, kimchi, seasoned garlic, perilla leaves, and spicy dipping sauces.


  • Wrap It Your Way: Take a piece of eel, dip it in sauce, add some garlic and rice, then wrap it all in a perilla leaf or lettuce. It’s a perfect bite.

📍 How to Get There

📌 Poomjang Jangeojip (품장 장어집)
📍 Near Wangsan Beach, Incheon, South Korea
🕒 Open: Typically 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Check local hours)
📞 You may want to call ahead or ask a local to help reserve a table if visiting during the weekend.

🚖 Tip: If you're coming from Incheon Airport, it's about a 20-minute taxi ride. Ask the driver for "왕산해수욕장 품장 장어집" – they’ll likely know it!

💬 Final Thoughts

Eating grilled eel by the beach may not be on your usual travel itinerary, but Poomjang makes it unforgettable. It’s a great way to experience authentic Korean flavors, especially if you want something off the beaten path. Pair your meal with the salty ocean breeze, and it becomes more than food — it’s a memory.

If you’re a food adventurer or just someone looking for a local experience near Incheon, don’t miss Poomjang.☺

2025년 5월 29일 목요일

South Korea_🌊 Discovering Wangsan Beach: Korea’s Hidden Coastal Gem 🇰🇷🏖️

 


If you’re planning a trip to South Korea and want to explore beyond Seoul’s busy streets, let me introduce you to one of Incheon’s best-kept secrets: Wangsan Beach (왕산해수욕장).

Just an hour or so from Seoul, this tranquil beach is the perfect spot to relax, watch the sunset, and enjoy Korea’s beautiful west coast. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape, a local beach experience, or just a unique destination close to Incheon Airport, Wangsan is worth the visit.

📍 How to Get There

Wangsan Beach is located on Yeongjong Island (영종도), the same island as Incheon International Airport, making it super convenient if you have a layover or a free day before flying out.

  • 🚇 From Seoul: Take the AREX line to Unseo Station, then a local bus or taxi (~20 minutes).

  • 🚕 From Incheon Airport: Around 15–20 minutes by taxi (~15,000 KRW).

🏖️ What to Expect

Wangsan isn’t as commercial as some of Korea’s other beaches, and that’s exactly what makes it special. You’ll find:

  • A wide sandy shore perfect for picnics and beach walks

  • Shallow water ideal for families or casual swimming (especially in summer)

  • Campgrounds and pension houses nearby for overnight stays

  • A few cozy cafes and seafood restaurants, many run by friendly locals


It’s also a favorite spot for sunset lovers. The view over the Yellow Sea is absolutely stunning—especially with the silhouette of small fishing boats on the horizon.

🐚 Local Tip: Seafood Heaven

Don’t miss the chance to try some fresh grilled clams (조개구이) or spicy seafood stew (해물탕) at the beachside restaurants. Many places let you choose your seafood live before it’s cooked!

🧘‍♀️ When to Visit

  • Summer (June–August): Great for swimming and beach activities.

  • Spring & Fall: Ideal weather for walks, photography, and peaceful vibes.

  • Winter: Quiet and serene—a perfect place for those who love calm landscapes.

📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots

  • The wooden path along the beach

  • Sunset over the sea with fishing boats

  • Colorful beach tents in summer

  • Minimalist shots of tidal flats at low tide

🧳 Final Thoughts

Wangsan Beach might not show up in most travel guides, but that’s what makes it so charming. If you want to experience Korea like a local and unwind by the sea without the crowds, make sure Wangsan is on your list.

✨ Sometimes, the best destinations are the ones you discover by accident. Wangsan feels like one of them.


2025년 5월 27일 화요일

South Korea_🌟 Paradise Found: My Stay at Paradise City Hotel, Incheon 🌟

 

Hi fellow travelers!
If you're planning a trip to South Korea and flying in or out of Incheon International Airport, you might be wondering where to stay — somewhere luxurious, convenient, and unforgettable. Let me introduce you to Paradise City Hotel, a true hidden gem that’s more than just a hotel — it’s a full-blown art & entertainment resort.

🏨 First Impressions: A Grand Welcome

As soon as I stepped into Paradise City, I felt like I entered a scene from a modern fairy tale. The lobby is a masterpiece, with stunning architecture, towering ceilings, and carefully curated contemporary art pieces that give the space an upscale yet creative atmosphere. Check-in was smooth and staff were extremely helpful, with fluent English speakers who made everything easy.



📍 Location, Location, Location

The hotel is only 5 minutes away from Incheon Airport by free shuttle, which runs frequently. It’s perfect for:

  • A layover retreat

  • A start or end to your Korea journey

  • Or even a weekend staycation escape if you're living in Seoul (just an hour away!)

And the best part? You don’t feel like you’re near an airport. Instead, you’re surrounded by calm, elegance, and even nature.


🛏️ Rooms: Sleek, Spacious, and Smart

I stayed in a Deluxe King Room, and it was huge. Modern design, a super comfy bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bathtub with a view. Every detail was thoughtful — even the light switches and curtains are controlled from a smart panel by the bed. Wi-Fi was strong and fast, perfect for remote workers and digital nomads.


🍽️ Food Heaven: From Korean BBQ to Fine Dining

There are plenty of dining options inside the resort:

  • On The Plate: A high-end buffet with global cuisine

  • Imperial Treasure: Amazing Cantonese fine dining

  • Raku: Traditional Japanese food with premium ingredients


  • A cozy café for pastries and coffee


    And yes, there’s room service 24/7 if you’re feeling lazy (guilty as charged!).

🎨 Art, Entertainment & More

What really sets Paradise City apart is that it’s not just a hotel — it’s a cultural and entertainment complex.

  • 🎨 Paradise Art Space: A mini modern art museum — and it's free!

  • 🎰 Casino: For non-Korean passport holders, there's a beautiful foreigner-only casino

  • 💦 CIMER: A massive spa & wellness zone with indoor/outdoor pools, saunas, and even an Instagram-worthy water zone with LED visuals

  • 🎠 Wonderbox: A boutique indoor amusement park — perfect if you're traveling with kids or want some playful fun

🌟 Final Thoughts: Is Paradise City Worth It?

Absolutely YES.
Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, business traveler, or family, Paradise City offers a perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and entertainment. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, recharge, and feel inspired — even if you’re just staying for one night.

💡 Travel Tips:

  • Book in advance during weekends or holidays — it gets busy!

  • Join their membership program for some perks (they offer discounts even for short stays)

  • Don’t miss CIMER — it’s unlike any spa I’ve seen

Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Paradise City truly lives up to its name.

Happy travels,
— [luckybeartravel] ✈️

2025년 5월 23일 금요일

South Korea_Discover Naksan Beach: A Hidden Gem on Korea's East Coast

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of South Korea’s major cities, Naksan Beach might just be your perfect getaway. Located in Yangyang County, along the scenic east coast of Korea, this beach is a favorite among locals but still relatively unknown to international travelers — which makes it all the more special.


🌊 Why Visit Naksan Beach?

Naksan Beach offers a stunning stretch of soft, golden sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply relaxing. The beach is less commercialized than some of the more famous beaches like Haeundae or Gwangalli, which means you can enjoy a more authentic and peaceful seaside experience.

Here’s why Naksan should be on your itinerary:

  • Gentle Waves – Great for families and casual swimmers.

  • Incredible Sunrise Views – Wake up early to see the sun rise over the East Sea.


  • Clean Facilities – The beach is well-maintained with showers, restrooms, and convenience stores nearby.


  • Local Seafood – Enjoy fresh grilled fish, squid, and seafood pancakes at nearby restaurants.

🧘‍♀️ Naksansa Temple: Serenity Meets the Sea

Just a short walk from the beach is Naksansa Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple perched on a hill overlooking the ocean. It's one of the rare places in Korea where you can see both traditional architecture and sweeping sea views in one place. The Haesugwaneumsang, a large statue of the Goddess of Mercy, is particularly breathtaking.

🚗 How to Get There

  • From Seoul: Take an express bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Yangyang (approx. 2.5 hours), then grab a local taxi or bus to Naksan Beach.

  • By Car: If you’re renting a car, it’s an easy drive via the Donghae Expressway.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a beach lover, a temple explorer, or just someone looking to unwind, Naksan Beach is a beautiful, underrated destination that offers both relaxation and cultural depth. Add it to your Korean travel bucket list — you won’t regret it!

📸 Don’t forget your camera — this place is Instagram gold.☺

2025년 5월 21일 수요일

South Korea_Experience the Ultimate Getaway at INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, Incheon

 

 🌟 Welcome to Korea's Premier Entertainment Destination

Nestled near Incheon International Airport, INSPIRE Entertainment Resort is South Korea's largest integrated resort, offering a blend of luxury, entertainment, and relaxation. Spanning over 460,000 square meters—equivalent to 64 football fields—it features five-star accommodations, a state-of-the-art arena, diverse dining options

🏨 Luxurious Accommodations

INSPIRE boasts three distinct hotel towers—Sun, Ocean, and Forest—each offering unique themes and views. Rooms are spacious and modern, equipped with amenities like minibars, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can unwind at the spa, enjoy the indoor swimming pool, or relax in the hot tub. 

🎭 World-Class Entertainment

🎶 INSPIRE Arena

Home to Korea's largest multi-purpose performance arena, INSPIRE Arena accommodates up to 15,000 guests. It hosts a variety of events, from international concerts to theatrical performances. 

🌈 Aurora Media Show

Experience the mesmerizing "Aurora," a 500-foot floor-to-ceiling LED display showcasing dynamic visual art installations throughout the year.

🍽️ Culinary Delights

With seven restaurants offering cuisines ranging from Chinese and French to American and Japanese, there's something to satisfy every palate. The resort also features a food court designed to evoke the ambiance of Hong Kong's serene streets, complete with soothing water installations. 


🎰 Exclusive Casino for International Guests

INSPIRE houses a casino exclusively for foreign visitors, providing a variety of gaming options in a luxurious setting. 


🏖️ Indoor Water Park & Wellness Facilities

Families can enjoy the indoor water park, while those seeking relaxation can visit the spa and wellness center, offering a range of treatments and amenities. 



🚗 Accessibility

Located approximately 60 km from Seoul Station, the resort is easily accessible by car, taking about 48 minutes. Public transportation options are also available, including buses and trains connecting to Seoul. 

💬 Final Thoughts

Whether you're on a layover, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, INSPIRE Entertainment Resort offers an unparalleled experience combining luxury, entertainment, and cultural immersion. It's more than just a resort—it's a destination in itself.😊

For more information and bookings, visit the official INSPIRE website.

South Korea_I-Dae-Jo Gamjatang: A Classic Korean Pork Bone Stew Spot in Hongdae

 If you’re exploring the energetic streets of Hongdae and looking for a truly local Korean dining experience, I-Dae-Jo Gamjatang (이대조뼈다귀) i...