The first thing I noticed upon arriving in Gwangju was a peculiar atmosphere. It is difficult to explain in words, but there was a scent of Berlin somewhere. An extraordinary energy could be felt starting from the seemingly nonchalant black-and-white fashion.
Airbnb is expanding beyond a lodging booking app into a platform that covers the entirety of travel. At its 2026 Summer Release, Airbnb announced new services including car rentals, grocery delivery, airport pickup, luggage storage, boutique hotels, World Cup experiences, and AI-powered travel tools. Following the renewed strengthening of Airbnb Services and Airbnb Experiences last year, the direction this year is to bring travel mobility, dining, itineraries, and customer support into the app. […]
Singapore felt more like an extremely well-run company than a nation. It was a testament to how the desperation for survival can create a powerful organization.
Kuala Lumpur is a city that offers all the essentials for travelers without being overly expensive. Resorts with pools are a common sight, and overall prices are affordable, making it a great place to stay.
Arriving after a short flight, Shanghai was a far cry from what I'd imagined. I encountered uniquely Chinese brands rarely seen in major cities around the world, and it was a sophisticated city with a depth that transcended the vain displays of wealth.
Shanghai, located on China's eastern coast, is China's largest city and a global financial and trade hub. Centered around the Huangpu River, modern skyscrapers and historic European-style architecture blend seamlessly, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere that earns it the nickname "New York of the East." A unique cultural blend of tradition and modernity permeates the city, offering a diverse range of attractions and dining options, including Shanghai Disneyland, the Bund, Xintiandi, and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. As one of China's most open and trendy cities, […]
TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel platform, has completely revamped its brand identity to celebrate its 25th anniversary. This rebranding was carried out in collaboration with UK design agency Koto Studio. While TripAdvisor has long maintained its signature turquoise green, the new color palette has been transformed into a more vibrant lime green. Furthermore, the brand's mascot, Ollie the owl, has been given a more vibrant look, with animated eyes that move […]
Airbnb has officially launched "Airbnb Experiences," a program that allows travelers to authentically experience local culture. Beyond accommodations, this strategy aims to enrich travel experiences by offering diverse experiences led by local hosts. The campaign video, featuring the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour," serves as a soundtrack, emphasizing the excitement and mystery of travel. The captivating video, produced by animation studio Buck, visually captures the diversity of host-led urban experiences. Tours, […]
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the political, economic, and cultural center of the north. Boasting over 1,000 years of history, it was once the capital of the Vietnamese dynasties. While Nha Trang offers the leisurely charm of a seaside resort town and Ho Chi Minh City offers the energy of a rapidly growing city, Hanoi offers the tranquil charm of Vietnam's millennia-old capital. Hanoi, a city where tradition and modernity coexist, boasts the Old Quarter, a vibrant mix of historic buildings and entertainment, and luxurious French-inspired buildings.
This was my third visit to Vietnam. In Nha Trang, I experienced the leisurely pace of a resort seaside town, and in Ho Chi Minh City, I felt the energy of a rapidly growing city. This time, in Hanoi, I felt a calm charm distinct from other cities in Vietnam. I was worried about the exhaust fumes from motorbikes and the often-open kitchens (for Koreans), but these concerns were completely eliminated on this trip. The streets are wide and pedestrian-friendly, and the plethora of stylish cafes and restaurants made for a delightful dining experience. Hanoi (Hà Nội) is the capital of Vietnam and the political and […]
