Hey beautiful friends and enemies,

What a whirlwind of a week it’s been! By day, I’ve been grappling with papers in Korean to finally push the history part of my thesis forward. By noon, I’ve been keeping a promise to myself to explore and have fun. So, buckle up for this week’s post where I’ll share some epic experiences, a new obsession, a dessert that blew my mind, and a must-visit beer spot.

P.S. Cozy cafes are getting their own special spotlight soon—my coffee and café obsession is on a whole new level, and I’m brainstorming the best way to share it. Stay tuned!

Ttukseom Outdoor Swimming Pool

Let’s start and talk about Ttukseom Outdoor Swimming Pool first. The weather has been as unpredictable as a reality TV show. One day, I was sizzling under the sun like a piece of bacon, and the next, I was dodging thunderstorms while still sweating bullets. Despite the chaos, I really wantede to savor my summer experience literally dive into this experience.

At just 5,000 won (about 3 euros), the pool is a steal. You can choose one slot either in the morning or evening, and the snack options are solid—think ddeokbokki, sundae, ramyeon, and more. Alcohol is a no-go, likely due to the pool being a family-friendly and safe zone. Only one thing to note: swim caps are a must, (you can wear a swim ca under a baseball capy tho) unless you want to be politely escorted out of the water.

And just another heads-up: I believe the Ttukseom Outdoor Swimming Pool is only open during the summer, so keep this info in mind for next year if you’re planning to check it out. I definitely recommend it as a fun way to cool off. Just be prepared for the reality that swimming can be a bit of a squeeze—given the number of people, you might find yourself with only a square meter of space to navigate. Still, it’s a refreshing and enjoyable experience if you’re up for it!

Ttukseom Outdoor Swimming Pool, 서울특별시 광진구 자양동 112, https://naver.me/xJiaZkRr

Beer to go

After a refreshing dip at the Ttukseom Outdoor Swimming Pool, my friend and I were on the hunt for a bite to eat. We stumbled upon a unique beer spot that turned out to be quite the discovery. It is called Bottling. The place is small on seating but has a really cool concept. You get a bracelet with a magnetic chip, which you use to pour your beer into a takeaway glass. You can either bring your own glass (which earns you a 500 won discount, about 30 cents) or use one provided by them. You only pay for the amount you pour, which is a pretty neat setup.

I’m a big fan of Korean Jeju brewery beers and always opt for their IPA if it’s available, so that’s exactly what I went for—it was incredibly refreshing.

I must admit, I returned another time alone, primarily for the popcorn. They serve it fresh and hot, and I was especially craving their caramel popcorn. Unfortunately, they didn’t have it anymore. It was a bit of a letdown, but I still enjoyed the overall experience. I ended up taking my beer to go and took a 30-minute stroll to the nearest cinema, where I finally got my caramel popcorn fix. By the time I got there, my beer was almost finished, but the walk was pleasant and the popcorn was worth the detour.

You can find it: 바틀링, 서울 광진구 뚝섬로34길 67 1층 107호, https://naver.me/FvE7Id6q

Tokyo Bingsu

Now, let’s dive into dessert. If you’re familiar with bingsu, you know Seolbing is a classic. But lately, I’ve been craving a bingsu with a twist—a Seolbing cousin with a little extra flair. Enter Tokyo Bingsu. I’d been eyeing this place for ages, and finally decided to check it out. I remember some three years ago my friend and I were debating if we want to go to Tokyo bingsu or Seolbing and eventually we decided against Tokyo bingsu but finally I went and oh boy, was that a sweet decision!

Their pistachio bingsu is an absolute game changer. As a fan of all things pistachio—Italian croissants with pistachio filling, yes please!—I was thrilled to find this gem. Tokyo Bingsu OG started in Magwon (now a chain with, I believe, five locations around Seoul), and it’s just a 10-minute ride from me. It’s now officially my new favorite spot. I also tried their tomato bingsu, which, while popular, wasn’t quite my flavor (well but MJ liked it). But that pistachio bingsu? It’s the real deal, especially here where the latest trend seems to be overly indulgent Dubai chocolate concoctions. But hey, finally, I’ve found a pistachio flavor that truly delivers.

Kuki’s Vet Visit

Now for a different kind of adventure—Kuki’s trip to the animal hospital. When it comes to finding a vet for lizards, specifically blue-tongue skinks, it’s no easy feat. Fortunately, I managed to track down a small but reputable clinic not too far from me. I took cookie with me and walked all 35 minutes by foot in 37 heat as I was afraid that the shaking of a bus and the strong airconditioner would Kuki make even sicker.

The hospital was modest, but the doctor was incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely nice. I was relieved to see someone who knew their way around reptile care.

So, why the vet visit? Kuki had been making some concerning noises—no whistling, but a peculiar clicking sound from his nose. There was no mucus or runny discharge from his mouth or nose, but the clicking, combined with his sudden lack of energy and constant thirst, had me worried. Naturally, I turned to Google for answers, which, as we know, is a bit of a hit-or-miss when it comes to health information. Google’s prognosis was pretty grim, suggesting that Kuki might not have long to live. Cue my panic attack. To make matters worse, I mistook what was actually a normal part of Kuki’s anatomy for a severe injury. I thought he had a tear in his tail, which led to a full-blown mental breakdown.

After a thorough examination, including an x-ray to rule out any serious issues, it turns out that Kuki’s main problem was constipation—probably caused by his love of sweet potato. The vet explained that Kuki’s “poopy hole” (as I call it) had slightly opened up due to the constipation, not a tail injury. Phew! Now, I just need to adjust Kuki’s diet to include more greens, although he’s not a fan of them.

By the way: The vet asked about Kuki’s age, and honestly, I’m not sure. I estimate he’s around 5-6 years old. We adopted him on August 23rd last year, which is now his official birthday. Kuki’s previous owner was considering releasing him into the wild, which was not an option I could accept (made my heart soft). And to be honest at first, I was intimidated by Kuki and hesitant to handle him, but he quickly became a part of the family.

Post-vet visit, Kuki’s trust in me took a hit. He’s now quite skittish, avoiding me, hissing, and even peeing on me when I try to handle him. I guess he did not enjoy the wet visit at all… He used to be a lap lizard, but now he’s more of a “stay away” type. We have some rebuilding to do on that front.

To keep an eye on him while I’m out, I’ve installed a CCTV camera. Since he seemed bored, I’ve let him explore the kitchen—a safe area where he won’t easily injure himself or get stuck. Fingers crossed this helps him feel a bit more at ease and less bored.

Climbing in Incheon

Finally, I took the plunge and tried climbing with my former embassy colleague and his lovely wife. I must admit, while the climbing walls look deceptively low from a distance, they are surprisingly intimidating once you’re on them.

Being on the taller side, I breezed through the initial routes with relative ease. But as the routes grew trickier, I found myself tapping out after tackling the 9th climb. Despite the session lasting less than an hour, my hands were shaking like leaves in a windstorm. It’s clear that my fitness level needs a serious boost—my previous athleticism hasn’t fared well against my recent sedentary lifestyle.

If you haven’t tried climbing, I highly recommend it. There are plenty of easy and fun routes to enjoy for beginers as well. One thing that did make me a bit uneasy was the sheer number of people at the climbing gym. As an introvert, I felt somewhat self-conscious about my climbing skills and worried that others might be judging my lack of technique. Though I doubt anyone was actually paying much attention, it still felt a bit overwhelming.

Catch Stone Climbing Gym, 경기 부천시 원미구 부천로 11, https://naver.me/xv3jlENL

And here’s a little extra to add to this adventure… Oh, the trials of public transport! I should have arrived around 11:30, but a wrong train and a series of unfortunate events (I was lucky enough to board an express train which doesn’t stop at most stops) led me to end up in Anyang—about as far from my destination as you can get. Line number 1, with its labyrinthine routes and endless directions, turned out to be my nemesis. I felt utterly clueless and flustered as I navigated my way back, finally arriving an hour late. So, a word of advice: double-check your train routes before embarking on any climbing escapades!

Oh, and a quick note: I’ve signed up for tennis classes starting Monday! It’s been ages since I did any sports, and my body is definitely feeling the need for some movement.

My hummus obsession is back

A quick note to wrap up: I was meeting some friends for dinner. We had our heart set on trying some hummus at a Turkish restaurant, but alas, it had closed. I was pretty bummed, especially after the one-hour trek from home. However, the detour allowed me to explore the area. We took a stroll around Iteawon and its neighboring areas.  And eventually discovered a cool beer spot with an impressive selection. The nachos were decent, and the sauce and salad had a healthy vibe. What’s the best tho they had sour beer which I am huge fan of.

But fear not, hummus lovers! I’ve got some excellent recommendations for you:

1. For a great lunch or dinner experience, check out KEEM. Located in the Iteawon area, KEEM serves fantastic hummus and their French toast is also worth trying. It is on the pricier side, but with Seoul’s rising costs, it’s hard to gauge what’s considered expensive these days. You can find KEEM at:

KEEM Hannam 서울 용산구 한남대로27길 36-61 1층 Naver Map

2. If you’re in the mood for beer and snacks, I highly recommend Kiwa Beer Taproom. Located in Anguk, this place is set in a traditional hanok (Korean house) and offers a wide range of tap beers along with a Korean-Western fusion menu. It’s a fantastic spot for a casual outing (once again priecier side haha) and some late giggles and talks though it can get quite crowded. Visit them at:

Kiwa Beer Taproom 서울 종로구 율곡로1길 74-7 1층 Naver Map

Lastly, I found some hummus at my local Lotte Mart for about 7,000 won (around 5 euros). It’s not the best I’ve had, but it’s a decent option when you’re in a pinch. Sometimes you have to make do with what’s available!

P.S. I recently got a new plant, but I’m still searching for the perfect name for it. Any suggestions? Fingers crossed this one will stick around longer than the last three-month wonders! 🌿

P.P.S. It seems my obsession with pink is showing no signs of fading anytime soon. Can’t help it—there’s just something about that shade that keeps pulling me in! 💗

Stay tuned for more adventures and misadventures. Until next time!

And for now…

…stay tuned

Au revoir

– M

Introducing a New Blog Series #exploring&adoring for rediscovering joy in the small things in everyday. Welcome to the launch of a new series on my blog! Let me give you a peek into why I decided to embark on this journey.

Lately, I’ve found myself in a bit of an existential pickle. It’s strange to admit, but if you asked me what brings me the most joy these days, it’s the satisfaction of crossing something off my to-do list. This has led me to step back and reconsider what truly makes me happy.

I’m surrounded by great people, pursuing activities I love, and living in a charming place. Despite all this, I’ve found myself caught in a cycle of seeking meaning and making sure every moment is “productive.” In doing so, I’ve forgotten how to simply enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I rarely read for pleasure anymore; my reading material is now confined to thesis-related texts. While I’m interested in my academic work, the fear of not making every second count has become overwhelming.

After days of sprinting on the productivity treadmill, I find myself utterly drained and collapsing in front of the TV, which has surprisingly turned into a source of frustration rather than relaxation. My life feels like a constant race between tasks, ending with me becoming a couch potato. I’m determined to break this cycle. Despite all the wonderful experiences I’ve had, I often feel mentally disconnected from the moment, obsessively counting seconds and feeling guilty for not working.

I understand that it’s unrealistic to be upbeat every single day, but I believe we can choose to make the most of our experiences. I think finding balance might involve working diligently on my research and class prep, and then stepping outside for fresh air at least once a day as I live in an area surrounded with beautiful view of mountains and many cute cozy cafes, shops etc (not so many as other areas but still…). Also, I as someone with pretty high social anxiety (I know I am able to hide it pretty well lol) I will challenge myself with just going to some yet unexplored spots and just enjoying (or at least trying to haha) some alone time. I’m not suggesting I’ll abandon my work and spend my days idly—because, let’s face it, the sweetness of rest comes after a productive day. Instead, I plan to set clear boundaries so I can fully engage in work and then truly relax without guilt. What more I also have a camera which was sitting on the shelf for way too long and definitely needs to take a walk outside with me.

You might think it’s odd to use the word “numb,” but my biggest fear is losing the ability to enjoy things as I once did. Last November, I was seriously ill with meningitis (a near-death experience that’s now a peculiar story hahaha), and the strong medication left me feeling detached. The joy I once felt in my favorite shows, coffee shops, and streets seemed to vanish. This experience frightened me and fueled my desire to truly savor life.

I also believe that time becomes meaningful when we create something of value—whether thoughts, memories, or feelings that inspire further creativity. So, I’ve decided to start this blog series to rediscover simple joys without overthinking their significance. I don’t want to waste my time staying indoors all the time, nor do I want to miss out on the little pleasures in life.

Living in Korea right now, I’ll be sharing weekly reflections on what I’ve enjoyed: new places, foods, music, and activities that have brought me happiness. While it might seem paradoxical to add another task to my list to escape my goal-oriented rut, this series is about stepping back, exploring, and appreciating my surroundings more fully.

For instance, I’m currently sitting in one of my favorite cafes in Seoul—a place I’ll introduce in a future blog post (#ItsCoffeeTime). This cafe specializes in dripped coffee and has a playlist that’s a delightful mix of experimental and classic jazz, along with some indie artists and bands. It’s the kind of place that brings a sense of ease and peace to the mind. The staff is friendly without being intrusive, and the patrons seem to be happily immersed in their own little worlds.

Despite the calming atmosphere right now, my mind still plays its usual game of searching for meaning and worrying about wasting time. But right now finishing this post and I’m setting aside my laptop and just savoring my coffee without any tasks on my mind (let’s see if I can manage ten minutes of this!). Later, I’ll head home and, instead of diving straight back into my thesis, I plan to unwind with one of my favorite playlists and enjoy the rest of this warm Sunday night. Tomorrow, I’ll kick off the week fresh and ready, and for now I’ll make an effort to focus on my hobbies rather than stressing about work.

This post is a bit of a brain dump, but I’m confident that many of us feel overwhelmed by our goal-driven society. Join me as I embark on this journey to find joy in the everyday! This said, welcome to the launch of a new series on my blog!

And for now…

…stay tuned

Au revoir

– M