We are Jasper and Barbara. This website is out little window on the world and the countries we have visited. The unpretentious café where we had lunch, antique shops, a cute dog, beautifully tiled floors. Small things that are generally thought to be commonplace.

A mountainscape is where we find our inner peace and a city with brutalist architecture, book shops and a foodmarket is where we come alive again.

about us

5 weeks

25.11.2024 ---- 30.12.2024

CROSSING A BORDER by boat was a first for us. Being sick from the moment you enter the country was not (see Madagascar). The crossing from Fukuoka to Busan only takes 6 hours, but it felt like wobbling for eternity. The upside? It could only go up from there. And up we went. Reaching some of the highest peaks in the country.

More than half of South Korea’s population lives in the Seoul Capital Area. We found out why. The opportunities for shopping, coffee and cool restaurants are endless. Working on a farm in Jeollanam-do made us move away from the capital area and into the countryside. Our hosts were 74 and 85 years old and we slept on their floor. Who would’ve known that this would be one of our favourite experiences.

south korea

3 days

Busan

10 days

Naju farm stay

5 days

Jeju island

3 days

Jirisan National Park

4 days

Gyeongju

10 days

Seoul

itinerary

01

Capital

Seoul

02

Population

51.7 million

03

Location

East Asia

04

Area

100 thousand km²

highlights

Tumuli in Gyeongju

A cosy city with nice cafes, good food, hanoks and an ideal base to visit Yangdong folk village. There are about 155 tumuli, hill-like burial mounds in and around the city. To get a better understanding of the Sila kingdom and what waas buried inside the tumuli, you can visit the free Gyeongju National Museum. One of our favourite evenings was spent in Vinyl vibe, where you can listen to records of your choice.

Roadtrip on Jeju island

This island satisfied our hunger for beauty in more than one way. Driving from the natural sightings to cafes with drool worthy interiors while snacking on tangerines we bought from an orchard along the road. If you visit in winter, the snow covered peak of Hallasan will guarantee spectacular views and a lot of winter fun.

Shopping in Seoul

It's no secret that Seoul has the craziest flagship stores. Seongsu is not for the faint of heart and the pop-ups will not offer a relaxed experience. Some favourites were Nonfiction Samcheong, the amomento stores, low classic and nothing written. For korean dish scrubbers and stainless steel bowls go to Namdaemun market. There is a complete floor dedicated to kitchenware inside the building.

South Korea has mountains

South Korea really does have something to offer nature lovers. For multi-day treks, you can visit Jirisan National Park, but the country's highest mountain can be found on Jeju Island. Be warned: no matter your level, the Korean is ALWAYS better equipped than you.

food

Yukhoe: a seasoned raw meat dish, much like steak tartare, usually accompanied by raw pear

Galbi jjim: pork rib stew. Even better when topped with cheese

Jjeon: vegetables pancakes

Duruchigi: one meal, two courses. First you stir fry spicy pork and kimchi, later you add rice in the pan and your second course is done

Hotteok: the most delicious street food pancakes filled with for instance honey, sugar or sometimes even japchae

Hairtail gimbap: a beautiful silver fish. We had a delicious set menu at a restaurant above the Seongsanpo Fisheries Cooperative (성산포수협 활어위판센터) on Jeju island

Seafood ramyon: best tried in Busan

Milmyeon: a cold noodle dish typical for Busan

Korean fried chicken: not your typical fried chicken. There actually a whole variety of flavours

Dwaeji Gukbap: pork and rice soup typical die Busan. Best eaten by putting meat on your spoon and topping it with your sidedishes

Korean bbq: bbq in the middle of winter, with a chef grilling the food for you at your table

Budae Jjigae: a spicy stew with ingredients like spam and noodles

Bingsu icecream: shaved ice with toppings