You have to go to Korea.
Hello and welcome to Mantifang.com, your starting point for discovering Korea! This page is not just about travel inspiration — it is an invitation to experience Korea in all its depth. It invite you to put Korea on your bucket list. Written by Hugo J. Smal, our chief editor, who has traveled Korea many times and knows how to guide you towards unforgettable experiences.
If you saw the Squid Game or the Itaewon Class series, you already felt the energy. But nothing compares to living the real adventure: tasting bibimbap in a local market, sharing Korean barbecue with new friends, or dancing in one of Seoul’s nightclubs. Korea is waiting for you — the question is not if, but when you will check it off your bucket list.
When do you check Korea on your bucket list?
The Land of the Morning Calm offers stories, films, and history — but being there in person is incomparable. From the palaces in Seoul to the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Gyeongju, every destination tells a story. The Sansa mountain monasteries, added to the World Heritage List in 2018, are just one example. Maybe a temple stay will change the way you look at life.
Travel tips to Korea
Planning your trip is easier than you think. Direct flights from Europe and the US connect to Seoul’s Incheon Airport, one of the best-rated airports in the world. Trains such as the KTX bring you in just a few hours from Seoul to Busan or Gyeongju. The best time to travel? Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (colorful foliage). At Mantifang, we make sure you find all the background stories and inspiration to make your journey unforgettable.
Wondanggol Valley — where wind, water, and memory shape the land.
Today I published a new page about this quiet place in Goyang: its healing gardens, its history, and the hidden shrines that still watch over the valley. If you want to see where the Jijang Fractal first appeared in my journey, start here.
Four Korean Women
My new story brings you into the world of four extraordinary women who shaped Korean history and culture — Queen Jeonghui, Deposed Queen Yun, Heo Nanseolheon, and Murasaki Shikibu. Their lives reveal a Korea of inner strength, quiet power and timeless beauty. A perfect starting point for anyone wanting to explore the deeper layers of the country beyond the usual travel guides. Read the full story.
Sansa, Buddhist mountain monasteries in Korea
The Sansa monasteries are spread across the peninsula. Their open courtyards, Buddha halls, pavilions, lecture halls, and dormitories have survived centuries of faith and practice. These mountain sites remain sacred and active. Experiencing them gives you a glimpse into Korea’s spiritual depth.
Baedagol Bakery & Forest House — taste tradition, explore nature.
Baedagol: a hidden treasure near Seoul
If your journey brings you to Goyang, you cannot miss Baedagol. This theme park is transforming into a place where culture, history, and nature meet. Our sponsor Kim Young Soo, CEO of Goyang Koi Farm, welcomes every visitor with warmth. Take the chance to say hello, enjoy the atmosphere, and discover how Korea’s traditions are brought to life in new ways. Baedagol is more than a park — it is a symbol of renewal and connection, and it belongs on your Korea bucket list.
Put nature Korea on your bucket list.
For mountain lovers, Korea is paradise. Hiking is in the Korean soul — families and friends gather every weekend to climb mountains such as Seoraksan or Bukhansan. The reward is not just the breathtaking views, but also the shared meal afterwards. And if you love culture, combine nature hikes with visits to ancient temples and villages. On Mantifang, you will find personal travel stories that inspire you to plan your own route.
North Korea on your bucket list?
Visiting North Korea remains a challenge. The government strictly controls what is shown to visitors. But times may change, and who knows what the future will bring? Until then, Mantifang focuses on the South — rich, vibrant, and open to discovery.
Discover Korea: A Culinary Journey Full of Flavor
Korean cuisine is a world on its own. Bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi, and countless regional dishes — each meal is an adventure. It is not just food, but a cultural ritual that brings people together. Read more in our dedicated section: Korean Kitchen.
Mantifang as your guide
This page is just the beginning. Explore more on Mantifang:
- The Red Lamp – stories of existence and reflection
- My Korean Journey – personal travel stories
- Korea on Your Bucket List – your travel inspiration
- Baedagol – the evolving theme park in Goyang
Use Mantifang as your compass for exploring Korea — culture, history, art, and koi. Wherever your journey starts, we are here to inspire and guide you.
TIP: Hugo J. Smal, our chief editor, is always happy to answer questions: h.smal@me.com
Temporary pause on koi exports — healing park in development
International koi exports are currently on hold. Meanwhile, we are laying the foundations for a nature-driven healing park in Goyang that blends koi culture, art, and quiet craftsmanship. For updates or collaboration, feel free to get in touch.
Contact Kim Young SooNew to Mantifang? Begin here: Start here.
