Seongsu — cafés and creative spaces
Seongsu is a great place to explore local cafés, independent shops and the places where young people spend their time. Instead of rushing between attractions, take a walk and discover the area at your own pace.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL PERSPECTIVES.
Who knows a place better than the people who live there?
We asked our friends from different countries what they would recommend to visitors, which places they think are overrated, and what they wish foreigners understood about their culture.
These are their personal perspectives, favourite places and little pieces of advice. No perfect itineraries, just ideas from people who know these places differently.
01 / SOUTH KOREA
Beyond K-pop and the tourist hotspots
Seoul has much more to offer than the places that usually appear on social media. Our friends recommended exploring neighbourhoods, eating where locals eat and making time for ordinary Korean experiences.
Where would locals take you?
Jongno — old Seoul meets modern Seoul
Jongno brings together traditional architecture, historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the modern city surrounding them. It offers a fascinating middle ground between Korea's past and present.
The Han River — chicken with friends
One recommendation was simple: head to the Han River and order fried chicken. Sharing chicken by the river is a popular way for young people to spend time with friends, especially when the weather is nice.
PLOP — pizza in Seoul
If you want something different from Korean food, one friend recommended PLOP, a Seoul pizza restaurant known to them for its really good pizza.
Local cafés and gukbap
Another recommendation was to choose independent cafés over familiar international chains when possible. For food, try gukbap, a Korean dish of rice served with soup.
Places that might not live up to the hype
Some of our friends feel that Myeongdong and Itaewon can be overrated if you want to experience everyday Korean life. Both attract plenty of visitors, and parts of these neighbourhoods can feel more tourist- oriented than local.
That does not mean they are not worth visiting. It simply means that they show only one side of Seoul. Seongsu and Jongno offer other ways to experience the city.
Things foreigners sometimes misunderstand
- Not every Korean listens to K-pop or is interested in it, even though Korean music is popular worldwide.
- Korean food is not always spicy. There are plenty of dishes for people who prefer milder flavours.
- Politeness and social etiquette can work differently across cultures. Paying attention to context can help visitors understand everyday interactions.
What should you try?
Our friends suggested makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine often described as mildly sweet, tangy and lightly fizzy. If you are of legal drinking age, it can be an interesting part of exploring Korean food culture.
Other recommendations include Korean fried chicken, gukbap, independent cafés and exploring Seoul beyond its most famous tourist streets.
Explore South Korea02 / JAPAN
There is more to Japan than Tokyo
Our friends' recommendations ranged from traditional cultural experiences to local food, peaceful parks and everyday discoveries in Japanese cities.
Places worth exploring
Shinjuku Central Park, Tokyo
Tokyo is often associated with buildings, crowds and busy streets. One friend recommended Shinjuku Central Park as a reminder that the city also has green spaces where you can take a break from the urban atmosphere.
Nagoya — food and everyday city life
One friend would take visitors around Nagoya, combining shopping and sightseeing with local specialities such as miso katsu, a pork cutlet served with miso sauce, and hitsumabushi, a Nagoya-style grilled eel dish.
Osaka Expo '70 Commemorative Park
This park was recommended for its combination of nature, art and leisure activities. It is a place to consider if you are visiting Osaka and want a break from shopping streets and crowded city areas.
Kaihin Park in Ibaraki
One friend suggested visiting around the beginning of May. Confirm the specific park and seasonal conditions before planning your trip, as the recommendation did not specify the exact location or attraction.
Experience Japanese traditions
- Tea ceremony: Learn about the preparation of matcha, traditional etiquette and the beauty of the experience.
- Kimono: Consider wearing a kimono as part of a respectful, traditional cultural experience.
- Local festivals: Discover traditional food, performances and the atmosphere of a community celebration.
- Kabuki: Experience a traditional form of Japanese theatre, known for its distinctive costumes, stylised performances and cultural history.
- The four seasons: Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, festivals in summer, autumn leaves or winter snow, depending on when you visit.
Little details you might not expect
Japan is not only about vending machines
One friend pointed out that vending machines can seem unusual to visitors, but many of the products they sell are also available in supermarkets and convenience stores. Sometimes the things that look most distinctive to visitors are simply part of everyday life.
Starbucks is not exactly the same everywhere
Japanese Starbucks locations have their own selection of drinks and seasonal offerings. International menus do not necessarily match what is available in Japan, so it can be fun to check out the local menu.
People are not always quiet and serious
One friend explained that Japanese people may seem reserved when meeting someone for the first time, but can be very friendly and funny around their friends. First impressions do not tell the whole story.
Personal space on public transport
Some people prefer to keep more personal space on trains and buses. An empty seat next to someone should not automatically be interpreted as rejection or unfriendly behaviour.
What should you eat and drink?
Our friends recommended ramen at a small local restaurant, sushi, Japanese convenience-store food and authentic green tea. They also encouraged visitors to explore local cafés and restaurants that might not appear in travel guidebooks.
If you want a quieter atmosphere, consider smaller towns and the countryside rather than spending your entire trip in the busiest tourist areas of Tokyo or Kyoto.
Explore Japan03 / TAIWAN
Come hungry, leave curious
When we asked about Taiwan, food and everyday entertainment came up again and again. Our friend recommended experiencing the city through its markets, neighbourhood businesses and local activities.
What should you do?
Visit a night market
Night markets were the strongest recommendation. Try different foods, explore the stalls and experience the atmosphere. Our friend also emphasised choosing markets that local people actually visit, rather than focusing only on the most famous tourist locations.
Explore Taipei and Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is a well-known landmark, but our friend also recommended exploring the nature surrounding the big city. Combining city views, green spaces and food stops offers a more varied experience of Taiwan.
Try karaoke or watch a baseball game
Karaoke and baseball were suggested as ways to experience local entertainment. These activities can introduce visitors to another side of everyday social life beyond sightseeing.
Do not overlook convenience stores
Taiwanese convenience stores are worth exploring for quick meals, snacks and drinks. They can be an easy way to try everyday products and discover what people buy when they are on the go.
What should you eat?
- Bubble tea — a classic Taiwanese drink.
- Beef noodle soup — a hearty local favourite.
- Breakfast from a Taiwanese breakfast shop.
- Street food and snacks from local night markets.
A common concern about visiting Taiwan
Our friend mentioned that some people hesitate to visit Taiwan because of concerns about tensions involving China. Their personal experience is that everyday life feels relaxed and that they do not spend much time worrying about the possibility of conflict.
This is one person's perspective, not a guarantee about future safety. Travellers should check current official travel advice before visiting.
Explore Taiwan04 / MONGOLIA
More than horses and endless grasslands
When people think about Mongolia, they often imagine horses, archery, traditional nomadic life and vast open landscapes. And while these things are an important part of Mongolian culture, there is much more to discover, especially when it comes to modern city life and everyday experiences.
What should you experience?
Experience life in the countryside
Our friend recommends riding horses, trying archery and visiting a local herding family in the countryside. It is an opportunity to learn about traditional Mongolian life and experience a different side of the country.
Explore Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia is not just countryside. Our friend recommends visiting the capital's most famous places, including museums, Zaisan Hill, the central square and the amusement park.
Discover Huuhdiin 100
If you want to explore the nightlife, our friend suggests Huuhdiin 100, a neighbourhood known for its bars, as well as terrace bars around the city. It is another way to experience Ulaanbaatar beyond its daytime attractions.
Let's talk about the stereotypes
Mongolia is not stuck in the 13th century
One misconception our friend mentioned is that some foreigners imagine Mongolia as a country without electricity, modern cities or contemporary lifestyles, where everyone rides horses everywhere. Others have unfairly described Mongolians as barbaric.
Traditional nomadic culture is an important part of Mongolia's heritage, but it exists alongside modern urban life, technology and contemporary lifestyles. Mongolia cannot be reduced to one stereotype.
What should you eat?
Our friend recommends trying as many Mongolian dishes as possible. Food is a great way to discover the country's culture, traditions and regional influences.
- Tsuivan: A popular dish of noodles, meat and vegetables.
- Boodog: A traditional dish prepared by cooking meat using heated stones inside the animal's cleaned hide.
- Khuushuur: Fried, meat-filled pastries often enjoyed during celebrations and festivals.
- Buuz: Steamed dumplings traditionally filled with meat.
- Airag: A traditional fermented drink made from mare's milk, with a distinctive tangy flavour.
Are the famous tourist spots worth visiting?
Unlike some of our other local recommendations, our Mongolian friend does not think the popular tourist attractions are overrated. They believe the well-known places are important and worth visiting, especially if it is your first trip to Mongolia.
Start with the main attractions in Ulaanbaatar, then consider heading outside the city. As our friend pointed out, the countryside is a whole different topic in itself!
Explore MongoliaA LITTLE TRAVEL CHEAT SHEET
Where would you like to start?
| Destination | Local recommendation | Something to try |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Seongsu and the Han River | Fried chicken or gukbap |
| Japan | Nagoya and Shinjuku Central Park | Ramen or green tea |
| Taiwan | Local night markets | Bubble tea or beef noodles |
| Indonesia | Bali and Lombok | Rendang or satay |
Start planning your own adventure
These recommendations are just the beginning. Explore the destinations, ask questions and leave room for your own discoveries along the way.
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