There are two places in Hongdae that offer up one of my favorite meals in Korea, but since I was in Busan last week I got to eat the stuff where it came from. Some years ago I was introduced to dwaejigukbab, or pork stew, and haven’t been able to get enough of it since. This meal, I was told, isn’t generally eaten by girls because the smell can be strong, or foreigners, for the same ...

Just having moved to Busan in January 2011, I feel obliged to inform my neighbors from up north the real deal on Haeundae’s nightlife. Assuming we’re talking about a Friday or Saturday night, you’ll start the night at one of Haeundae’s many restaurants in the area. Once you’ve chowed down, it’s time to get drunk! 

If you've popped into any of the Korean body/bath/beauty-type shops spotted on the street, in the underground, or at your nearest Lotte department store, you've probably noticed the ubiquitous paper packages displaying pictures of fruit or flowers paired with the word "mask"  and "sheet."  The first time I shelled out a couple coins for one, I assumed ...

Begin your ascent up any South Korean mountain, and within seconds you'll witness the barrage of outdoor wear that paints the trails in this small but peak-filled nation--a head-to-toe ensemble of high-performance boots, quick-dry long sleeves, loose-fit rain-resistant pants, form-fittting day packs, ultra-wide visors, and professional light-weight walking s ...

Autumn has arrived in Seoul, and with it comes the ending days of October, sadly without the ghouls and goblins of Halloween in Korea.   For the record, Korea has no history whatsoever related to or even associated with Halloween, All Saint's Day, Dia de Los Muertos or any other of those creepy, spooky, knee-knocking days nutured by and kept alive through confectionary conglomerate ...

Years ago we met Simon MacAvoy spinning alongside Audio Tsunami. The torch had been passed and these young protégés have carried it farther than any of us could ever have imagined. Audio Tsunami is a talented DJ and producer while MacAvoy has become one of the most instrumental figures in the scene. His professionalism and hospitality are unmatched to both guests and artists. Simon ...

 This isn’t the time travel part.  This is the heading to Sangumburi part…the second crazy-green volcanic crater I peered into on the sweet isle of Jeju.  Same day, even.  It was a Sunday.  I had risen before dawn.  Suddenly the day was so much longer!  So I decided to take in a few sites post-Seongsan country stroll.  After ...

Back home to my Busan pad after an eight-day vacay into the south of South Korea…land of islands, mountains (okay, this whole country is covered in mountains), volcanoes, trees so lush they appear to burst from the countryside, flat-stone, black-rock, and gold-sand beaches, caves and waterfalls, too much rice, and permed ajummas renting floor mats to ...

If you’re in Busan--or planning to visit--and haven’t been here yet,you’ve gotta go.

Days in Korea: 108