Visit the cutest places in Seoul, South Korea

Renowned as a shopping capital and a country with numerous historical wonders, Korea does not conventionally pop into mind when you mention the word ‘cute’. Dispel this myth, for here are our top picks on where you can find Seoul at its pinnacle of cuteness.

LINE Store

Brimming with an immense galore of LINE merchandise up for grabs, the LINE store at Ehwa definitely comes in at the top of our list of cute places in Seoul! Be sure to drop by this Instagram-worthy store when you’re shopping in Ehwa, especially since it’s only a short distance from the main fashion street. This place is virtual reality-come-true with the LINE characters from your chat app morphing into irresistible keepsakes!

I couldn’t stop gushing over the array of merchandise available! Pose with the stars of the show, a life-sized Brown or Cony that welcomes you upon your entrance.

The most arresting feature of this store is the quaint brick wall that hits all the right notes in the visuals department, displaying rows of Brown bears dressed in a plethora of outfits. And if you can’t get enough of the charm of this store, there is a little booth in which more LINE plushies await to greet you… This has got to be the epitome of cuteness, hands down!

Address: 59 Ehwa Women’s University Road, 56-136 Daehyun-dong Level 1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울 서대문구 이화여대길 59 대현동 56-136 1층)

Teddy Bear Gallery

The child within each of us can never resist cuddly teddy bears, what more a whole gallery of them! This slightly obscure find within the N Seoul Tower is not to be missed the next time you’re there.

With teddy bears in all shapes and sizes, this is a haven if you’ve got a soft spot for cuddly plushies and collectors’ items! Go ahead and purchase your favourites, because some of these teddies are truly rare and unique. Now you know that the locks of love and observatory tower aren’t the only attractions at N Seoul Tower!

Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105 (용산동2가) )

Ihwa Mural Village

Tucked in a secluded area, this humble yet extraordinary residential area is worth the trek up Naksan Mountain – it’s a tourist paradise where modernity and tradition meld into a harmonious concoction. We were surprised to find shops selling intricate costume jewellery, a plenitude of souvenirs, and even a few cafes brewing the whole range of coffee beverages!

Be dressed in your best; you will definitely want to look as gorgeous as the hand-painted murals which are pure artistry. Besides posing for your #ootds against the murals in the village, you can also enjoy the tranquillity of this place away from the bustle of the city.

Address: Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 이화동)

Yeouido Hangang Park

If you’re visiting Korea during spring, don’t miss out on chilling at Han River Park. This is the time to behold flowers in a riot of vibrant colours here. You can literally take your time to smell the roses! Prepare your selfie stick for the highlight of the park — the cute “I Seoul U” sculpture that lends itself to enhancing the aesthetics of your Instagram feed.

Have a languid evening lounging on picnic mats with food and drinks purchased from the street food stall nearby and give yourself an auditory treat as you listen to the buskers perform. The refreshing breeze and panoramic views are sure to liberate you from all your troubles. Cheers!

Address: 330, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330 (여의도동))

Souvenir shop at Anguk Station

Still find yourself short of souvenirs for your friends and family back home? Suppress that sigh and make a beeline for this little souvenir shop near Anguk Station! Souvenir shopping was unbelievably fun for me when I stumbled upon this trove of delights.

This lovely shop is a cavern housing an amazing variety of souvenirs — from themed handmade dolls decked primly in hanboks (the traditional Korean costume), to gold-plated bookmarks that depict icons of Korea such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace. There are also purses made from rich textiles, novelty keychains, elegant fans adorned with intricate carvings and calligraphy paintings. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. We assure you that your friends and loved ones will simply adore you for these souvenirs!

How to get there: Walk to the shops near Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2

See more: 7 reasons why you should visit Seoul once

Source: Internet

The best ecotourism experiences in Vietnam

Struggle to find a place for eco tour in Vietnam? Here is the list of top 6 incredible ecotourism destinations for your hiking, trekking, sightseeing and discovering unspoiled natural landscapes in Vietnam.

Boat on Ba Be Lake

This beautiful lake is the largest in Vietnam. Nestled among surrounding mountains, Ba Be Lake sits northeast of Ha Noi. There are boat tours that will take you out into the smooth waters during the day where you can watch the mist rise off the water in the morning, admire the clear waters in the afternoon, and gaze at a romantic sunset in the evening. This dreamy location makes for an idyllic scenic trip so make sure to bring your camera.

A trip to Cuc Phuong National Park

140 kilometers to the south of Ha Noi, Cuc Phuong National Park is considered as the oldest nature reserve in Vietnam. Covering an area of 22 hectares of rainforest, this place is one of the most attractive ecotourism destinations when you travel to Northern Vietnam. Thanks to its botany diversity and long history, Cuc Phuong attracts not only tourists but also archaeologists who are long for exploring primitive life in Nguoi Xua Cave (Pre-historic Man Cave).

The most notable scenery in Cuc Phuong is thousands of vibrant butterflies flying in ‘butterfly season’ from April until the end of May. Tourists will be blessed by a colorful realm of 280 butterfly species gathering in the park. You can see butterflies landing everywhere, on the road, your cars and your helmets.

Boat trip along Ngo Dong River in Ninh Binh

Literally meaning “three caves”, travelers visiting Tam Coc – Bich Dong will be amazed by the Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba caves that are situated on Ngo Dong River in Northern Ninh Binh Province. Bich Dong refers to a beautiful pagoda complex built in the fifteenth century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will take your breath away with its limestone mountains, lazy rivers, serene rice fields, and bright blue skies.

The gorgeous natural beauty makes this complex a top destination for ecotourism experiences in Vietnam. There is a wide range of day trips that include a visit to the ancient Hoa Lu Citadel and a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River.

Trekking through Ha Giang

Ha Giang province borders China in northern Vietnam. This remote, stunning location is perfect for travelers seeking a multi-day trekking experience. Trekking tours through Ha Giang range from 5-13 days and itineraries include touring breathtaking rice terraces, limestone karsts, and visiting minority villages. The view from the province’s Ma Pi Leng Pass is surreal. Trekking Ha Giang offers an excellent selection of tour packages, from quick hikes to two-week adventures. Note that the price depends on tour length and group size.

Biking Tours in the Mekong Delta

These multi-day tours begin in the southern city of Saigon, a bustling metropolis with a population of nearly nine million people. Seeing the city fade in the distance as you cycle into glorious natural surroundings is an amazing sight in itself.

Over the course of several days (4-6) you will cycle through fields of sugar cane, banana plantations, narrow country lanes, and across water channels. This is the perfect getaway from the big city for anyone with an affinity for traveling several days on a bicycle.

See more: Top beautiful towns in Vietnam

Biking and Trekking Tours in Sapa

Favored by nature, Sapa has long been a famous tourist destination in the northwest of Vietnam. Taking a tour to Sapa, you can contemplate a lot of strikingly beautiful landscapes with some famous destinations like Fansipan Mountain, Muong Hoa Valley, O Quy Ho Pass, Ethnic villages, etc.

Likewise, there is a wide range of forests and terraced rice fields that are extremely suitable to hold some fascinating activities in ecotourism. Sapa trekking tours will definitely offer the most authentic experiences and help tourists respectively experience their life and culture. The stunning views and scenery do not hurt either.

Source Internet

How to spend 24 hours in Tokyo

It’s impossible to experience the entirety of Tokyo in one day, but this itinerary will help you maximize your time – from culinary and cultural experiences to famous sights and activities.

Immerse in the hustle and bustle of Harajuku

 Make your way to Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for shopping and people-watching. Takeshita Street contains tonnes of quirky shops and trinket sellers. So whether you’re looking for offbeat souvenirs or unique pieces to add to your wardrobe, you’ll find them here. Harajuku’s unofficial specialty is crepes, so grab one before heading toward Omotesando.

👉 Takeshita Street 1-13-17 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Stop by Meiji Shrine and try on traditional Japanese attire

Although they share the same grounds, you can’t access Meiji Shrine from inside Yoyogi Park, so exit at the southeast corner and head north; the shrine entrance is behind Harajuku Station. If you’ve ever wanted to try on a yukata or kimono, this is a good opportunity to do so. You can book a rental in advance at Sakaeya Kimono Shop and be guided through the shrine (though be sure to budget more time for this activity).

👉 Meiji Shrine 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Dine and shop along Omotesando

First, you might want to head straight to 76Cafe for a late lunch of taco rice, an Okinawan dish that combines classic taco ingredients with rice instead of tortillas. Then, along Omotesando, you’ll find luxury goods and some of the most impressive architecture in the world. Many of the best shops, including second-hand and vintage stores, can be found in the winding back alleys, so don’t be afraid to explore.

👉 76 Cafe 4-9-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Check out the Shibuya Crossing and enjoy a ramen dinner

Head to Shibuya to check out the sights, including Hachiko, Shibuya Crossing, and the iconic Shibuya 109 mall. It also has endless options when it comes to food. Try ramen at a restaurant where vending machines take your order instead of people, find sushi go round joint where you order from a tablet, or check out Tengu Sakaba for izakaya fare and a friendly atmosphere.

👉 Shibuya Station 2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Read more: Street food in Tokyo, dishes that you should try once

Drop by Tokyo’s entertainment district, Kabukicho

If you’d like to make it an early night, head to Shinjuku to wander the alleys of Kabukicho, and grab a drink in the district’s famed Golden Gai. Otherwise, stay in Shibuya and spend the night at one of the many live music venues, clubs, or DJ bars in the area.

👉 Golden Gai, 1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan

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