I last saw South Korea's fabulous capital Seoul way back in 2002, so when my 15-year-old son spotted a great flight price in November I was very keen to take him there! This podcast episode reports back on our week in Seoul, and I even persuaded my son to come on and chat about our trip, too.
I'm …I last saw South Korea's fabulous capital Seoul way back in 2002, so when my 15-year-old son spotted a great flight price in November I was very keen to take him there! This podcast episode reports back on our week in Seoul, and I even persuaded my son to come on and chat about our trip, too.
I'm a big believer in being a thoughtful traveller in all phases of a trip, so in this episode I start off explaining the three things I did to prepare for our trip (at short notice - we booked a fortnight before we left) - and they do not involve planning a day-by-day itinerary. My son Ruben and I then chat about some of our favourite parts of the trip, including the best day out, most delicious meal and our most fun shopping experiences. I give us a rating on the thoughtful travel scorecard and then finish up by explaining our budget - for once I had all the figures to hand and several people had asked me. Listen and tell me if you think our budget was appropriate or not!
Links:
• Korea travel reading list - https://amzn.to/45Oxn0l
• Ruben’s YouTube channel of Pro Clubs (FIFA) gaming, Reginald Ramen - https://www.youtube.com/@ReginaldRamen
• The best moments of my trip to South Korea were not on my itinerary - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/p/the-best-moments-of-my-trip-to-south
• PLK Travel for DMZ Tour - https://www.plktravel.com
• My Seoul Map - https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1s8N441QUJAOnjRQUMH0X9D6H6unt6cU&usp=sharing
• Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers
• Join our LinkedIn group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://notaballerina.com/linkedin
• Sign up for the Thoughtful Travellers newsletter at Substack - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com
• Show notes: https://notaballerina.com/378
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn debriefs more from his Asi…Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com
Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam
Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn debriefs more from his Asia trip including his time in Seoul, visiting the Lotte Tower and his somewhat sad room at the Ibis Styles Seoul Gangnam (redeeming Accord points)! Other topics discussed include: what Amex FHR options look like post-credit boom, how to grab the Southwest Companion Pass for 2 years with just one card offer, a status match that was too good to be true, New Haven pizza and the tallest/longest bridges in the world.
• 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
• 1:40 Why New Haven pizza is the best in the world
• 5:20 Debriefing Seoul - 6th tallest building, Korean Disneyland and more
• 10:10 Ibis Styles Seoul Gangnam review - Redeeming Accor points!
• 13:44 What $80 gets you at an amazing Courtyard in China
• 17:27 How to get the Southwest Companion Pass with just one card
• 24:03 A status match that was "too good to be true"
• 29:01 Diving into the Amex FHR weeds - Higher prices & hard to find a "deal"?
• 35:52 The tallest and longest bridges in the world - Modern tourist sights! Links
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Brent revisits some of his favorite conversations about street food around the world. There’s the famous Arepa Lady in Jackson Heights, New York, the queen of street food in Palermo, Sicily, and delicious treats in the Chinatown neighborhood of Sydney, Australia. Plus, everything on a stick in Seoul…Brent revisits some of his favorite conversations about street food around the world. There’s the famous Arepa Lady in Jackson Heights, New York, the queen of street food in Palermo, Sicily, and delicious treats in the Chinatown neighborhood of Sydney, Australia. Plus, everything on a stick in Seoul, South Korea. [Ep 357]
Today, we're taking you on a journey through one of the most fascinating and dynamic countries in the world—South Korea. From the bustling streets of Seoul to tranquil temples and breathtaking peaks, South Korea offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend ancient history with cutting-edge pop c…Today, we're taking you on a journey through one of the most fascinating and dynamic countries in the world—South Korea. From the bustling streets of Seoul to tranquil temples and breathtaking peaks, South Korea offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend ancient history with cutting-edge pop culture.
Whether you're a foodie eager to discover authentic Korean cuisine, a history buff fascinated by the deep past, or someone looking for spiritual enlightenment in the mountains, this episode has it all.
Joining me today are David Mason, a renowned expert on Korean culture and spirituality; Joe McPherson, a food lover and founder of ZenKimchi; and James Jin, an incredible guide who knows how to craft the perfect Korean adventure.
We'll explore everything from Korean spirituality to the latest in K-pop, share some unforgettable food moments, and uncover the real Korea, far beyond the typical tourist paths.
Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Luggage Forward.
Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels
If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/
What happens when your brother calls and says, "Want to meet me in Japan?" If you're Adventurer Cosette, you don't think twice. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with Cosette to unpack a spontaneous, unforgettable journey that crisscrossed South Korea and Japan.
Fr…What happens when your brother calls and says, "Want to meet me in Japan?" If you're Adventurer Cosette, you don't think twice. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with Cosette to unpack a spontaneous, unforgettable journey that crisscrossed South Korea and Japan.
From wandering Seoul's vibrant night markets and exploring the DMZ, to immersing herself in the peaceful reflection of Hiroshima and hiking snowy trails to spy on wild snow monkeys, Cosette's story is packed with cultural depth, scenic beauty, and a little chaos (including a rough flight home!). Along the way, she dressed up for Ninja class, tackled Japan's legendary Nine Bath Challenge in Shibu Onsen, and uncovered hidden gems across Kyoto and Kanazawa.
If you've ever dreamed of diving into a new country on short notice, this episode is for you. The crew also shares practical travel hacks—like how to find last-minute flight deals, why power banks are non-negotiable, and what you should really expect from Mount Fuji.
Highlights include:
• What it's like to travel internationally on a whim
• How Korean and Japanese culture differ—and surprise you
• Packing tips and tech gear that saved the day
• Memorable stops: Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Kyoto's Bamboo Forest, and Tokyo's massive crowds
• Bonus challenge: Did Cosette complete all nine hot spring baths?
Whether you're planning your first overseas trip or just dreaming of adventure from your couch, this episode reminds you: the best stories happen when you say "yes."more
We’re taking you on a fast-paced, culture-packed journey through Seoul, South Korea. From digging into crispy Korean fried chicken and sizzling BBQ, to exploring ancient palaces and tea houses, to stepping foot near the tension-filled border of the DMZ, we made the most of every moment. Jamal shares…We’re taking you on a fast-paced, culture-packed journey through Seoul, South Korea. From digging into crispy Korean fried chicken and sizzling BBQ, to exploring ancient palaces and tea houses, to stepping foot near the tension-filled border of the DMZ, we made the most of every moment. Jamal shares the wild adventure of navigating Seoul’s public transit, Brittanie gets cozy with traditional teas and sweets, and we offer travel tips to help you explore Seoul like a pro. Don’t miss this episode filled with history, K-culture, epic eats, and real talk about what it’s like to squeeze Seoul into just two days!
• Stay at the Moxy Hotel, a trendy, metro-accessible hotel with a rooftop bar
• Get an eSim from Airalo before you go
• Eat Korean Fried Chicken at KyoChon and Korean BBQ at Myeongdong
• Take a DMZ Tour and explore this forbidden land (you can book with Julie, our amazing tour guide on Instagram)
• Wander through the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village
• Relax at Chatteul Tea House
• Tour the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Ride the Namsan Cable Car to the Observation Deck Seoul Tower for panoramic nighttime views.Find a great flight deal to Seoul by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.
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Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.more
Chris and Pete will return on Thursday for a full debrief on the charity record destroying cyclothon - so make sure you meet us back here for that.
For todays show, we thought we'd remind ourselves of the before times, and show that was recorded after Pete and Chris had just that second returned fr…Chris and Pete will return on Thursday for a full debrief on the charity record destroying cyclothon - so make sure you meet us back here for that.
For todays show, we thought we'd remind ourselves of the before times, and show that was recorded after Pete and Chris had just that second returned from Korea, so decided a K-pop special was in order! (Pop = population.)
Do get in touch via [email protected] and the boy Broad (35 and loving life) will be here to answer all your questions on Thursday 1st May!
Abroad in Japan is the podcast devoted to the most unique country in the world. Subscribe for new podcasts twice a week, every week.
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Daniel Gray lived in an orphanage in Korea until the age of 5 when he was adopted by a couple in the U.S. Daniel talks with Brent about fried lobster on a stick, Spam as a luxury item, and what we can learn about Korea from the TV show M*A*S*H. Plus, a street food dish that’s so addictive it’s calle…Daniel Gray lived in an orphanage in Korea until the age of 5 when he was adopted by a couple in the U.S. Daniel talks with Brent about fried lobster on a stick, Spam as a luxury item, and what we can learn about Korea from the TV show M*A*S*H. Plus, a street food dish that’s so addictive it’s called a narcotic and showing a Hollywood star around Seoul. [Ep 298]
