December 2025 - KoreaPeek

Namsan Tower Guide: Seoul’s Iconic Landmark (2026)

KoreaPeek / December 26, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 I first saw Namsan Tower in 1989. Back then, it was just “Seoul Tower” — a […]

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 Itaewon in 1989 was a different world. American soldiers everywhere. Tailors shouting “Custom suit! Good price!”

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 Seoul subway in 1989 had 4 lines. Four. That was it. I watched them build Line

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 My first Dongdaemun experience was disorienting. I wandered for two hours, bought nothing, left confused. 30

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 In 1989, Korean coffee was terrible. Instant coffee in paper cups. “다방” (dabang) coffee shops with

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 I walked through Bukchon in 1990 and thought nothing of it. Just old houses. Korean people

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 Myeongdong in 1989 was completely different. No K-beauty stores. No Chinese tourists. No street food vendors

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 I packed terribly for my first Korea trip. Half of it was useless. The other half

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

I’ve visited Gyeongbokgung over 50 times. The first time was 1989, a week after I arrived in Korea. I wandered

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 In 1989, I navigated Seoul with a paper map and asking strangers for directions. “어디예요?” (Where

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 Korean convenience stores saved me my first year in Korea. But convenience stores? Universal language. Point

KoreaPeek / December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 2026 I remember Hongdae before it was famous. No tourists. No chain stores. Just raw creative energy.