​N Seoul Tower, opened in 1980 atop Namsan Mountain, is an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Seoul. Standing 236 meters tall, it features observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and a colorful evening light display. It is famously known for its "love locks" trees, making it a popular romantic destination.

​Walking up to N Seoul Tower through Namsan Mountain Park takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Routes like the Namsan Dulle-gil Trail, Namsan Sky Forest Trail, and Namsan Northern Forest Trail offer scenic, paved paths and stairways. It is a steep but rewarding climb featuring city views, lush greenery, andrest areas along the way.

​N Seoul Tower offers an unmatched 360-degree panorama of Seoul, showcasing the modern skyline, Han River, and distant mountains. By night, the city transforms into a glittering sea of neon.

​At the base, the famous roof terrace is packed with thousands of colorful "love locks." Couples attach personalized padlocks to the metal fences and snap photos by giant heart sculptures to symbolize eternal affection.

​Inside the plaza, you can explore immersive OLED digital art displays, browse themed gift shops, or dine at diverse restaurants—including n.GRILL, a fine-dining French eatery that rotates fully every 100 minutes for shifting skyline views.

​You should visit N Seoul Tower for its breathtaking 360-degree views, blending historic mountains with a futuristic neon skyline. The romantic "love locks" terrace offers a unique cultural tradition, while digital art installations and rotating fine dining make it an unforgettable, multi-sensory way to experience the heart of Seoul.

​The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 4 km wide buffer strip established in 1953 to separate North and South Korea following the Armistice Agreement. Running 250 km across the peninsula, it is ironically one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders, symbolizing the unresolved conflict since a peace treaty was never signed.

​First we visited the Imjingak Peace Park, located near the DMZ in South Korea, which was established in 1972 as a powerful symbol of hope for reunification. The site holds memorials and artifacts from the Korean War, including the Freedom Bridge, which was crossed by nearly 13,000 prisoners of war. It is a moving tribute to the divided nation.

Next up we were visiting the Dora Observatory which provides a deeply impactful look at the Korean division. From the platform, you can visually trace the heavily mined border and see the North Korean countryside. The experience underscores the ongoing military tension and the palpable sense of unresolved conflict that makes the DMZ the world’s most dangerous, yet captivating, border.

The South Korean flagpole at the DMZ is part of a famous "Flagpole War" with North Korea, symbolizing the military and propaganda contest between the two nations.
Here are the key details:

• Location: It stands in the South Korean village of Daeseong-dong (often called "Freedom Village"), one of only two villages permitted within the DMZ.  
• Height: The flagpole measures approximately 98.4 meters tall.  
• Flag Weight: The South Korean flag weighing about 130 kilograms 
• Context: South Korea erected this pole in the 1980s. North Korea quickly responded by building the Panmunjeom flagpole in its nearby propaganda village of Kijŏng-dong, which towers over the South's at 160 meters (one of the tallest in the world).  

The South Korean flagpole is therefore seen not just as a national symbol, but as the initial move in a literal height competition across the world's most heavily fortified border.

​Visitors can explore a portion of this clandestine passage, revealing the chilling military threat from North Korea. The tunnel is 2 meters wide and tall, and the walk is physically demanding. At its end, sightseers can peer through a barricade that marks the actual border with the North. But we were not allowed to take any photos down there sorry to say.

​The DMZ tour, costing around €40, offered exceptional value. Highlights included seeing the actual border and peering into North Korea from Dora Observatory. The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel was memorable but challenging; the steep descent and limited air made it physically demanding. Meeting a North Korean defector provided a fascinating, unique perspective.

The purpose of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul is to showcase and preserve Korean and international modern and contemporary art, acting as a cultural hub for diverse art forms and cross-disciplinary dialogue. Understanding modern art can be challenging because it often moves beyond traditional aesthetics to explore new materials, concepts, and societal themes, requiring viewers to engage with context, ideas, and intent rather than just visual appeal. The MMCA aims to make this process more accessible through exhibitions, educational programs, and by contextualizing Korean art within its social and historical development. 

Yes definitely! So don't miss the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA)! Its diverse and intriguing exhibitions are genuinely captivating—I could easily have spent much longer than the two hours I was there.
The area surrounding the museum is very delightful. I visited in early autumn when the gardens were beautifully adorned with flowers. The neighbourhood truly complements the museum, offering plenty of small art galleries and appealing, cozy coffee shops for a perfect break. It's a fantastic, easy half-day or full-day outing.

​Located by the sea in Glyfada, Archelon's Rescue Centre is a beacon of hope for sea turtles. Established in 1994, it provides crucial care for sick and injured turtles, aiming for their eventual release. During my visit, hearing about individual turtle stories and the challenges they face was incredibly moving. The passion of the staff and volunteers was palpable, inspiring deeper appreciation for marine conservation.

​Piraeus is Athens' bustling main port, serving as Greece's largest and a major Mediterranean hub. Historically, it was crucial for ancient Athens' naval power and trade. Today, it's the primary gateway to the Greek islands, connecting countless travelers and goods. Beyond its functional role, it offers a vibrant waterfront with restaurants and cultural sites like the Archaeological Museum.

​My visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens was truly impressive. Seeing these ancient structures, especially the majestic Parthenon, up close was a highlight. The site's historical importance and its commanding position above the city are quite remarkable. It's a significant landmark that showcases incredible ancient craftsmanship. I was very glad I got to experience it.

Koh Larn, a picturesque Thai island just off the coast of Pattaya, beckons with its beautiful beaches and crystalline waters. Accessible via a frequent 45-minute ferry ride from Pattaya's Bali Hai Pier, it offers a convenient island escape. For those in Bangkok with limited time but a desire for a short island getaway, Koh Larn presents an excellent and easily reachable alternative for a few nights.

​Tyresta National Park, near Stockholm, boasts old-growth forests, clear lakes, and a unique rift valley landscape. Explore 55 km of hiking trails, swim in Stensjön, or picnic amidst nature. Discover diverse flora and fauna, including rare lichens and numerous bird species. Visit Tyresta village with its 18th-century farm and the Naturum visitor center. Easily accessible by public transport from Stockholm, Tyresta offers a peaceful escape into untouched Swedish nature. Remember to respect the environment and enjoy the tranquility.

​Tyresta National Park consistently ranks as my favorite hiking area. Its dependable variety of trails means there's always something new to explore. The presence of wind shields offers practical comfort during adverse weather. Furthermore, the chance to observe wildlife, including the distinctive signs of beaver activity, adds a unique and rewarding element to the natural experience.

​Trollträdet, the "Troll Tree" in Tyresta National Park, is a remarkable, ancient pine with a unique, gnarled shape, resembling a mythical troll. Estimated to be over 400 years old, it survived the 1999 fire, standing as a symbol of resilience. Located near the main trails, it's a popular and easily recognizable landmark, embodying the old-growth forest's magic.

​Beavers thrive in Tyresta National Park's numerous lakes and wetlands. Their presence is evident through visible dams and gnawed trees along the water bodies. These industrious animals play a key role in shaping the park's aquatic habitats, creating diverse environments that benefit other species. Keep an eye out for their activity near any of the park's lakes for a chance to witness their impact. Unfortunately I didn't see the beavers themselves this time...

​Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, operated in German-occupied Poland during WWII. Over 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were murdered there. It remains a stark symbol of the Holocaust's atrocities.

​Visiting both Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine in a single day proved to be a mistake. While I anticipated the emotional weight of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the sheer scale of the tragedy and the long hours of the tour left me drained. The subsequent visit to the salt mine, though fascinating, felt jarring and disrespectful to the solemn experience I had just endured. It's a lesson learned: Auschwitz-Birkenau deserves its own day, allowing for proper reflection and processing of the horrors it represents. However the thing that affected me most with Auschwitz-Birkenau wasn't anticipated...