Introduction: The K-Pop Fan's Pilgrimage

For K-Pop fans, visiting Korea isn't just a trip but a pilgrimage. From attending K-Pop concerts and music shows, to visiting entertainment agencies in Gangnam, to joining cup sleeve events that celebrate your favorite idols' birthdays or anniversaries, to shopping in streets overflowing with albums and official merch — Seoul is the ultimate destination for fans.

View from outside my hotel in Myeongdong

Instead of buying skincare in Olive Young, I decided to make my own during my short visit in Seoul. It's the perfect activity while in this city that loves beauty!

Another class I joined while in Seoul was Perfume-Making.

Actually, there are a lot of studios offering this kind of class, but I chose the one easily booked through Klook called the GN Perfume in Seocho. I later found out that GN stood for GOOD NOSE!

→ Seoul Self Perfume-Making Activity in Seoul by GN Perfume Studio

What's your favorite scent?

I joined a Korean Full-Course Meal Cooking Class at a Local Home during my recent Seoul trip! 

Last autumn 2022 in Korea, I went to Suwon for a day-trip. This city is only about an hour from Seoul, and where you can find some of the famous Kdrama shooting locations including Woo Young Woo's Kimbap / Gimbap restaurant. I traveled to Suwon by bus.

From the bus stop, I just followed my Google Maps to Kajaguruma, the name of the restaurant in real life. The facade is still the same as the one we saw at the Kdrama, but you will also see the resto's menu in front. Everything's in Korean, but I tried not to get intimidated by it since I traveled far to Suwon for this.

Woo to the Young to the Woo!

The Kdrama True Beauty starring Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-youp, and Park Yoo-na gained traction again the past weeks when it was finally shown on Netflix. I remember looking forward to new episodes when it was first released in Viu.

The Kdrama was actually based on a webtoon series by Yaongyi. It also has an English printed version too (available here, use ANAGON upon check out for discounts!). I think part of True Beauty's charm is its high school plot. It has the typical main girl character insecure and bullied because of her looks, and then discovered makeup thus transforming her look and even life. BUT with or without this mask, two beautiful men still fell for her. So many loop holes from the story, but it was a fun watch. To me, a big Cha Eunwoo fan, I definitely got second lead syndrome with Hwang Inyoup's equally endearing character. So are you Team Suho or Team Seojun? 

Aside from this storyline, there were also other issues raised in the drama, from family pressures to friendships, and dark themes like suicide. I also remember loving True Beauty's OST, and some of the songs are still on my playlist now. 

And with that, sharing one of the True Beauty Kdrama filming locations you can visit when you travel to Seoul! It is the comic book shop where a lot of the most memorable scenes of Suho and Jugyeong were filmed.

I am imagining Love So Fine or I′m in the Mood for Dancing playing as background music while walking around the store!