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Villages Around the World

Bukchon Hanok Village, South Korea

Bukchon Hanok Village is a historic neighborhood located in Seoul, South Korea. The village has been inhabited for centuries, and its traditional houses date back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The area was historically a residential neighborhood for Seoul’s aristocracy and scholars, even today it still remains a residential area where people live and work. Bukchon village is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses, known as Hanoks, which offer a glimpse into the country’s architectural and cultural heritage. Walking through the narrow streets of Bukchon provides a contrast to the surrounding modern Seoul cityscapes.

Highlight of the trip: Have a break at the Bukchon Observatory and Tea House with the most scenic rooftop terrace. After you get lost strolling through the narrow streets, the crowds, and have had many memorable photos and selfies, this Tea House is the oasis you would much need. With a cup of traditional Korean tea in hand(hot or cold, many options, some flavours you may have never tasted before), head straight to the rooftop terrace. What a view – The Hanok village rooftops with Seoul cityscapes in the far background. At that moment, you would be amazed by the sight that a traditional village like Bukchon and a modern city like Seoul can coexist so naturally and so harmoniously, just beautiful!

How to get there: If you stay in an Insadong area hotel, you can walk to Bukchon Village, or subway to Anguk station and walk. I downloaded a  Korean app called NAVER (English version) for walking since Google Maps’s Walk function doesn’t work in Korea.

Where to stay: Amid Hotel Seoul. This hotel is within walking distance to Bukchon Village and minutes away from subways. I like that the hotel has a nice bakery/cafe in the lobby and a police station across the street(a plus for solo female travellers, also I have never seen a police station building that is so nice and modern).

Hallstatt Austria

Hallstatt Austria – A Day Trip from Salzburg

Hallstatt is a picturesque village nestled in the Austrian Alps, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Located in the Salzkammergut region, Hallstatt is famous for its charming wooden houses, breathtaking mountain scenery, and its serene Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt). Hallstatt has been on my bucket list for a long time and finally my husband and I made the trip this year.

Highlight of the trip: Brunch by Lake Hallstatt is the mos t memorable part of the trip. We reached Hallstatt by 10am, beating most of the crowds. We found a wonderful restaurant called Braugasthof, they have lovely patio tables by the lake. Surrounded by the beautiful summer flowers, under the warm blue sky, watching sailing boats coming and going, white swans leisurely gliding on the serene lake, eating delicious dish Goulash and drinking local beer, it was just a perfect day! Oh, we also found the spot where the postcard photos of Hallstatt are taken. I used to think the iconic image of Hallstatt in those photos isn’t real, but in reality, it is as stunningly beautiful as the photos, if not more. I also took some photos myself, they look just like those postcards, mission accomplished!

How to get there: Bus 150 + train + boat to Hallstatt from Salzburg. The route may not be the most straightforward, but it is the most scenic one. Bus 150 to Bad Ischl, then you change to train to Hallstatt Station (your bus ticket also covers this). After you get off the train, a waiting ferry (we paid 7€ for the return ticket, cash) will take you across the lake. If you purchase a day ticket and have enough time, you can stop off at either Bad Ischl, Gosaul, or St Gilgen, a lovely way to experience the beauty of the Austrian countryside.

Tips: if you want to guarantee a seat on the bus, get on a bus at the Salzburg main bus station ( starting point). We got on at Mirabell Square ( the second stop), and the bus was almost full. 
 

Where to stay: Hotel am Mirabellplatz. This is our first time in Salzburg, so we want to base in the city and take a day trip to Hallstatt. I think we made the right decision. The hotel is across the Mirabell Palace & Garden, it was nice to have a stroll in the garden after the dinner. You can also catch a concert inside the magnificent Palace.