The DMZ is the DeMilitarized Zone, the border between North and South Korea, the 38th parallel. There lies many observatories and even a cable car, along with the legacy of a brutal war and the mythologizing that came after.

The start of my new mini-series, Solo in Seoul, showing cool places to check out that I’ve collected over my three years in Korea. Hapjeong is a treasure trove of proud roasteries, vintage thrift shops and vegan restaurants in Seoul.

This town, like many Korean tourist spots, is catered to modern comforts with the dressings of the wistful past. Is it authentic? I don’t know what makes something authentic or not until it hits me square in the jaw.

What makes little Gunsan worth the time? Well, there’s the Korean classics: cafes, museums, and good food. And it’s got some of the only remaining examples of Japanese architecture left in Korea.

As we went on, we remarked how much Busan feels like a trip to another country. It’s hard to describe. Busan just feels like a league unto its own. You’ve got it all: busy beaches, temples tucked away, and some bbq that impressed even this Texan.

I can see why Yeosu has songs written about it. When I think of Yeosu, all I can see is blue water and dense green foliage. And the FOOD—they say Jeolla food is the best and I can see why.

If I told you there was an independent republic on a tiny island near Seoul—inland, not on the ocean—would you be surprised?

While there were a few more restrictions due to the pandemic, Daecheon beach was still open for those masked-up vacationers.

Part of my Jeju series. The Snoopy Garden is a not just a cash grab. I wish I’d say I wasn’t surprised by that (so cynical) but I was.

Part of my Jeju series. February is prime orange season in Korea. What’s better than fresh citrus and cute puppies?

Part of my Jeju series. I can’t recommend Chocolate Land…unless you’re just really into Johnny Depp.

Part of my Jeju series. We went to Jeju’s own little island—Udo. The quickest way to my lil travel heart is a bike ride through some green scenery.

Part of my Jeju series. Green tea lotions, ice cream, and tea paraphernalia. And of course, lush green tea fields.

Part of my Jeju series. Double-masked, and covered in sanitizer, we carefully plotted our course to watch the sunrise on the water.

Part of my Jeju series. The Bunker de Lumières is a digital art installation. The music swells, and it takes you into Van Gogh’s work, swirling and swimming.

Last Saturday my friends and I decided to do a little (read: long) Halloween hike. We settled on Gyeryongsan 계룡산.

Cheonan is a little town that’s home to the Independence Hall of Korea (독립기념관). Here are my favorite photos.

How does Daegu compare to last time? How has it changed since the outbreak?

Picture this: I’m sunburnt, exhausted, and just had a massive fight with my travel companions at an airport at 3am. That’s how I started this cooking class: furious, tear-spent, and as red as the devil in hell.

Part of My Favorite Places series. It’s time we talk about Italy. Matera has history, art, live music, and an age-worn charm.

Tainan was all about the atmosphere for me. Sunny, laid-back, and warm, with good food and pretty museums.

Jiufen is probably the most famous tourist spot in all of Taiwan. It’s Tourist Central, and crowded beyond belief. So, is it worth all that?

Art has the power to make change. One person can make a difference. Art can be an act of resistance, and the lessons we learn from Rainbow Village can be brought home.

Once a mining village in the hills of North-eastern Taiwan, it’s now infamous for many kitties and kitty-themed cafes.

The ground is wet sand, home to thousands of little crabs and snails. The sun sets, and everything turns golden red. That’s the Gaomei Wetlands in Taichung, Taiwan.

I love film for its rich colors and dark, deep shadows. So you’re probably not surprised that I have some film photos from my trip to Taiwan.

Something I never thought I’d do is cherish my phone photos enough to rival my DSLR ones. But then I upgraded my phone and went to Taiwan.

What noodles await you in Taiwan? All the noodles, my friend. What should you do in Taiwan—and most importantly, what should you eat?

I’d heard my coteachers talk about Korea’s third biggest city and its infamous makchang (막창). So, naturally, it’d always been my goal to return to Daegu.