corebrilliance
Every day is an opportunity to learn and discover—about myself and the fascinating world we live in.
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- Culinary Explorations (1)
- Life Discoveries (2)
- Travel Adventures (8)
- New York / USA (2)
- Seoul / Korea (6)
Author: Rachel C
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![[Korea’s Liberation Day Special] Seoul’s ‘Hidden’ Stories: A Journey to Discover History](https://corebrilliance.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ec849ceb8c80ebacb8ed9895ebacb4ec868c_eab5adeab080ec9ca0ec82b0ecb2adeab5adeab080ec9ca0ec82b0ed8faced84b8.jpg?w=1024)
While I usually only write about places I’ve personally visited, today is a very special occasion. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day (광복절), and it felt important to share a different kind of guide. As you can imagine, I love the historical sights of Seoul—the way ancient palaces stand proudly amidst…
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If you’re visiting Korea this fall (or during any nice weather season), or you have enough time in Seoul to explore beyond the usual sightseeing, shopping, and dining, let me introduce you to one of my favorite secrets: the Inwangsan Trail. This isn’t just a hike; it’s an experience that places you right in the heart…
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From Minhwa to Merch Line: The Resurgence of the Tiger and Magpie Why are museum gift shops sold out of traditional paintings of tigers and magpies? The answer seems simple: the merchandise looks almost identical to the art featured in the Netflix movie <K-Pop Demon Hunters>. With fans lining up to get a piece of their…
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If you’re looking for a truly unique stay in Korea, you have to check out Gyeongwonjae by Walkerhill. The hotel is located in Songdo, Incheon, not far from Incheon International Airport. While this might be my first post outside of Seoul, it’s still very much in the metropolitan area and makes for a great detour on…
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The first time I stumbled upon Seosullagil (서순라길) was in 2020, while walking down from Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces. My photos of this street date back years. Looking at them now, you can see how this quiet street along the stone wall of the Jongmyo Shrine has blossomed into a romantic date spot. It has become a lively street full of cozy cafes,…
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I’ve been thinking a lot about the first “hidden spot” I want to reveal in Seoul. While most people come here for the shopping, nightlife, or K-drama locations, one of the city’s most profound cultural treasures is actually hidden in plain sight: the National Museum of Korea. Now, I know what you’re thinking—a museum might sound…
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While I love sharing my adventures here in New York and New Jersey, I’ve been thinking about the place that truly shaped me. The time has come to reveal my personal guide to Seoul. Forget the usual tourist traps—this is a look at the secret spots and experiences that only a local would know. It’s going…
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If you’ve been following the NYC food scene at all, you’ve probably noticed that Korean cuisine is having a major moment. And as a Korean living here in New York, let me tell you, it’s been incredible to watch! It makes me so happy to see the dishes of my heritage not only gain such well-deserved attention but also…
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Who says apple cider is just for fall? Sure, it’s a harvest season classic. But, with its crisp, light flavor, it’s also the perfect summer sip for picnics and BBQ. And guess what? I found your ideal summer escape: Brooklyn Cider House in New Paltz, New York! Just 1.5 to 2 hours from NYC, this spot is a…
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A Deep Dive into the Fun, Fresh, and Family-Friendly Shopping Experience. We’re avocados, We’re avocados, We have a song to sing for you. 🎶 Imagine this: Avocados singing a song, life-sized cows strolling down the aisles, and robots performing dances while you’re simply trying to buy groceries. Sounds wild, right? Well, that’s exactly the magic…
