Seoul & Jeonju, Korea

Seoul was everything I needed and more. There’s something about the mix of modern city life and cozy, hidden gems that makes this place so special. Walking through the buzzing streets of Hongdae with my family, stopping by cute cafés, and eating some of the best meals of my life felt like pure happiness. The food in Seoul was next level—everything felt fresh and seasonal, like true farm-to-table dining. Every meal was bursting with flavor, and I could taste the quality of ingredients that came straight from local farms. Shopping at The Hyundai Seoul and IFC Mall was such a fun experience too, with each store offering that effortlessly chic vibe. But the real highlight? Sitting in a cozy café corner, sipping peach milk tea, and soaking in the moment with my family. It’s these little things that make a trip unforgettable.

Another memorable experience was getting a Korean color analysis. I discovered I’m a Cool Soft Summer, which means soft, muted colors like blues, lavenders, and dusty pinks are the most flattering for my complexion. It’s already influenced my wardrobe choices—those shades just feel so right now. If you’re curious about the process, check out the video where I walk you through my color analysis journey—it might just help you find your perfect palette too!

Jobakjib 2 (26-5 Samcheong-ro, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea): Jobakjib 2 is known for its mouthwatering pork BBQ, offering a cozy yet lively atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious, high-quality meats. 10/10

경이로운 수길 Gyungisun Sukgil (Hongdae, Mapo, Seoul, South Korea): A cozy eatery with amazing vibes.

Zio Cucina Italian Fusion Restaurant (33-11 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea): The bolognese pasta, vongole pasta, and caprese salad were all a 10/10.

Make My Rainbow (Ikseon-dong, Seoul, South Korea): A must-visit for dreamy aesthetics and sweet treats.

한옥랑솜 익선 Hanok Ransom Ikseon Cafe (Jongno-gu, Ikseon-dong 155-4, Seoul, South Korea): Peach milk tea, fig tiramisu, and lattes. Absolute perfection. 10/10.

온다옴 Onda Om (Mangwon-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea): Spicy braised pork short ribs (매운 돼지 갈비찜) that were SO flavorful. 10/10.

The Hyundai Seoul (108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea): Checked out @maisonloeuvre for some chic fashion finds.

IFC Mall (10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea): Picked up a neutral blazer, black cardigan, and navy sweater from @mixxo_korea. Aesthetic wardrobe = complete.

San Sarang (164-1 Uljin-eup, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea): "San Sarang" translates to "Mountain Love" in Korean, suggesting their emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Standard Bread (13 Dosan-daero 53-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea): Standard Bread is renowned for its fresh, seasonal, farm-to-table approach, baking new batches of bread every 30 minutes to ensure warmth and freshness. The tissue bread, truffle butter and strawberry jam were some of the best things I had the entire trip.

Otto Kimbap (1 Usadan-ro 10da-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea): Otto Kimbap offers a unique take on traditional kimbap, with a focus on quality ingredients and flavors. I'm still dreaming about the tuna mayo rice ball and fried chicken.

Jeonju, Korea

Jeonju felt like a breath of fresh air. If Seoul is the energetic, fast-paced older sister, Jeonju is the calm, nostalgic one who takes you back to your roots. The hanok village was like stepping into a time capsule, with its traditional houses, quiet alleyways, and the smell of fresh street food filling the air. I loved the slower pace here—wandering through the village, trying out different snacks, and just embracing the beauty of tradition. And Mee-ae-dam? The fruit mochi was next level. There’s just something about food that’s made with care and tradition that hits differently.

Hanok Village, Jeonju, South Korea: A must-visit for traditional vibes and delicious eats.

미애담 Mee-ae-dam: This spot specializes in the cutest and most delicious fruit mochi. A must-try when in Jeonju!

Final Thoughts

Osaka and Kyoto were absolute gems. If you’re a food lover who craves a mix of modern city vibes and traditional beauty, these cities will leave you speechless. From Osaka’s incredible food scene to Kyoto’s serene temples and matcha treats, every moment was unforgettable. Can’t wait to revisit! Follow along for more travel tips, food recommendations, and insider guides on exploring Japan!

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Seoul & Jeonju, Korea