Embracing the Winter Charm of Donggyo-dong

Donggyo-dong, nestled in the vibrant heart of Seoul, offers a unique blend of traditional Korean culture and modern urban life. As the temperatures soar to an unusual high of 42.2°C on January 25th, the clear skies provide a perfect backdrop for exploring the indoor and shaded wonders of this bustling district. Start your day with a visit to the local markets, where the aroma of freshly cooked street food mingles with the chatter of vendors. Here, you can savor traditional Korean delicacies, from spicy tteokbokki to sweet hoddeok, all while staying cool under the market’s shaded stalls.

For those seeking a more immersive cultural experience, the Donggyo-dong area is home to several art galleries and museums. These indoor havens offer a respite from the heat, allowing you to explore Korea’s rich artistic heritage. The Seoul Museum of Art, with its rotating exhibits of contemporary and traditional Korean art, is a must-visit. As you wander through the air-conditioned halls, you’ll gain insight into the country’s evolving artistic landscape, making it a perfect escape from the midday sun.

A Day of Adventure: Nami Island and Eobi Ice Valley

On January 26th, as the weather shifts to overcast skies and a chance of rain, it’s the perfect time to embark on a day tour to Nami Island and Eobi Ice Valley. The Nami Island Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore these iconic winter destinations. Departing from Seoul in the morning, the tour takes you on a scenic journey to Nami Island, a beloved filming location for Korean dramas. Here, you can wander through the island’s picturesque landscapes, capturing the serene beauty of its snow-covered trees.

After a leisurely lunch on the island, the tour continues to Eobi Ice Valley, where you’ll be greeted by the stunning sight of towering ice walls. This natural wonder is a photographer’s dream, offering countless opportunities to capture the beauty of winter in Korea. As the day progresses, the tour returns to Seoul, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

“Great little daytrip outside of Seoul - Sabrina was a great host and amazingly spoke four languages fluently. The tour had just the right amount of stops and ample time to explore each stop. Thank you for a great time, Sabrina!” - Reviewed on 2024-02-14

Savoring the Sweetness of Korean Strawberries

For those looking to add a touch of sweetness to their winter escape, the Strawberry Picking Tour on January 26th is a delightful option. Starting early in the morning, this tour takes you to a local strawberry farm, where you can handpick and taste the renowned sweet strawberries of Korea. The experience is both refreshing and rewarding, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s agricultural traditions.

Following the strawberry picking, the tour continues to the Garden of Morning Calm, where you can enjoy a mesmerizing light show. As the sun sets and the garden lights up, you’ll be transported into a world of enchanting beauty, with vibrant light sculptures illuminating the winter night. This magical experience is the perfect way to end your day, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your time in Donggyo-dong.

“Not bad, especially if you want a specific combination of experiences - One of the few operators that offers all the experiences we were looking for, i.e. strawberry picking, Eobi Valley, and the Garden. Don’t expect much from the strawberry farm: it’s just a tent with low rows of strawberries and we were done within 20 minutes. Eobi Valley is really just a photo stop too. That said, they gave us plenty of time—nearly 4 hours!—at Nami Island. We had about 1.5h at the Garden—it’s prettier in other seasons, so go in winter only if you like Instagrammable light sculptures (there isn’t much else to see, especially under the snow and after nightfall). Our tour guide was pretty good and efficient, though I wish he had given us a bit more historical/cultural background on each place we visited.” - Reviewed on 2024-01-09

Whether you’re exploring the cultural depths of Donggyo-dong or venturing out to the winter wonders of Nami Island and Eobi Ice Valley, this weekend promises a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate the unique charm of Korean winter.