Welcome to Arirang Travel Diaries. This week, we’re heading to Namhansanseong, the mountain fortress where stone walls and winter air still carry history. We’ll revisit the gripping story behind the film The Fortress and trace the real footsteps of 1636 along the ramparts. Then we’ll finish the day the best way possible: one easy scenic trail and the coziest post-hike eats and cafés.

Welcome to Arirang Travel Diaries—your weekly guide to Korea, one neighborhood and story at a time. Today, we’re turning New Year’s resolutions into something you can actually walk to: a sunrise hike on Achasan and a peaceful reset at Bongeunsa Temple. If you’re craving a fresh start, stay with us—your new year begins right here.

Heads to Seodaemun where a vanished West Gate still leaves its mark, and the city shows you how it remembers. We'll follow a path of independence, then exhale on a quiet winter walk-ready to step into Seoul's living history?

This week on Arirang Travel Diaries, we explore New Year’s in Korea as a season of resets—public, private, and deeply symbolic. From the midnight bell at Bosingak to Seollal traditions and the Year of the Horse, we trace how Korea welcomes time with history and heart. And of course, we end with the most comforting ritual of all: a warm bowl of tteokguk or mandu-guk to begin 2026 on a hopeful note.

This week on Arirang Travel Diaries, we’re unwrapping Christmas in Korea—from church bells and city lights to K-pop carols and quiet living-room feasts. Behind the sparkle, we’ll talk about how Christmas arrived here, and how joy and tragedy sometimes share the same winter streets. Bundle up, grab a piece of Christmas cake, and join us for a very Korean holiday journey.

Today on Arirang Travel Diaries, we head to Dongdaemun–where fortress walls hide under futuristic curves, and shopping streets glow long after midnight. From the “Great East Gate” to DDP’s neon winter lights, come walk the side of Seoul that never sleeps.

This week on Arirang Travel Diaries, we step through Namdaemun – Seoul’s south gate and a living symbol of the city’s moral and historical blueprint. From the 2008 fire to the 2013 restoration, we explore what “authenticity” really means when a nation rebuilds its heritage. Then we dive into the heartbeat next door: Namdaemun Market’s alleys, legends, and unforgettable comfort food.

This week on Arirang Travel Diaries, we’re heading to Gwanghwamun, the front gate of a dynasty in the very heart of Seoul. From royal palaces and political drama to winter lights and late-night hangover soup, we’ll peel back the many layers of this iconic square. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a warm drink, and join us at the Gate of Illuminating Transformation.