Here are the top 10 must-visit Starbucks outlets in South Korea

Daegu Jongro Gotaek Store_exterior

Are you the sort that goes to Starbucks around the world to bring home some local-specific merch?

If yes, you would want to drop by one (or more) of the top 10 must-visit Starbucks outlets in South Korea.

These stores aren’t handpicked by me, but by Starbucks Korea together with the Korea Tourism Organization.

And they are not just in Seoul, just in case you’re visiting other cities for your upcoming trip to Korea 😉

KYUNGDONG 1960 STORE

KYUNGDONG 1960 STORE

Dedicated to revitalizing and restoring the Kyungdong Market’s heritage, this store preserves the original architecture and materials of the old Kyungdong Theater.

3F Kyungdong Market, 1036 Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

THE YANGPYEONG DT STORE

The Yangpyeong DT Store_interior

The largest Starbucks store in Korea, located in Yangpyeong, offers scenic views of the South Han River and flexibility for any travel style.

76 Yanggeunro, Yangpyeong-eup, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

THE YEOSU DOLSAN DT STORE

The Yeosu Dolsan DT Store_exterior

Located on Dolsan Island, this store features an observatory to enjoy breathtaking ocean views of Yeosu.

697-20 Udu-ri, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si

THE JEJU SONGDANG PARK R STORE

The Jeju Songdang Park R Store_exterior

Korea’s largest Starbucks Reserve® store in Jeju City offers views of Hallasan Mountain and Jeju Stone Park, with an interior design by local kinetic artist Jo Byeong-cheol.

2635-3 Songdang-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si

EDAE R STORE

Edae R Store_interior 2

The first Starbucks® store in Korea, remodeled into a Reserve® store, located in the Ewha Womans University area.

54-4 Daehyeong-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

THE BUKHANGANG R STORE

The Bukhangang R Store_interior

South Korea’s only pet-friendly Starbucks® store, located along the Bukhan River and provides open space for pets and their owners.

806-1 Geumnam-ri, Hwado-eup, Namyangju-si

THE BUKHANSAN STORE

The Bukhansan Store_exterior

Near the entrance of Bukhansan National Park, this store offers a unique café experience with a special photo zone capturing Bukhansan Mountain.

277-11 Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

BYULDABANG STORE

Byuldabang Store_interior

An oasis known locally as ‘Byuldabang’, this store features a large digital art wall and LEED-certified design.

88 Hoehyeon-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

CHUNCHEON GUBONGSAN R STORE

Chuncheon Gubongsan R Store_exterior

This store offers panoramic views of Chuncheon City, lovely for sunset viewing on Gubongsan Mountain.

340-61 Mancheon-ri, Dong-myeon, Chuncheon-si

DAEGU JONGRO GOTAEK STORE

Daegu Jongro Gotaek Store_exterior

Housed in a century-old hanok, this store honors Daegu’s heritage with over 100 years of history.

58 Jong-ro 2ga, Jung-gu, Daegu

Starbucks Korea celebrates 25 years

If you haven’t heard, Starbucks in Korea is celebrating 25 years of coffee and connections this year.

To share the milestone with their loyal customers, they will offer some special drinks and deals for a limited time.

If you’re in Korea during this period, look out for their global-inspired beverages like the London Fog Tea Latte, French Vanilla Latte, and Melon of Melon Frappuccino on the menu.

Starbucks Korea 25th anniversary

Image Credits: starbucks.co.kr

The new Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Hazelnut is also available!

As an eco-friendly option, you can get an Americano, Latte, or Caramel Macchiato at the original 1999 price when buying a reusable cup.

To mark the anniversary, Starbucks Korea has also launched a limited collection with the heritage logo.

You can pick up mugs, tumblers, and a big Bearista Bear.

Exclusive merch made in collaboration with Bernardaud and Bialetti is also on sale.

All image credits to Starbucks Korea/Starbucks Asia Pacific.

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Singapore Airlines Crowned 2024 Best Airline in Asia, Ranked #2 Globally

With our leave requests finally approved, it is time to pack our bags and escape the daily grind of the Lion City. It is important that our adventure is enjoyable from the moment we step on the plane as traveling is our chance to truly unwind.

To help us make the best choices, Skytrax, a UK-based consultancy specializing in the air transport industry, conducted the 2024 World Airline Awards. Since its inception in 1999, the World Airline Awards have been based on an annual global customer satisfaction survey. This year, the competition was fierce, with results so close they required a recount. Qatar Airways claimed the top spot globally, while Singapore Airlines secured a close second.

ASIA’S BEST AIRLINES IN 2024

#1: SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Singapore Airlines not only topped the list as Asia’s best airline but also secured the second spot globally. Known for its exceptional cabin crew and world-class service, Singapore Airlines has consistently ranked as a 5-star airline by Skytrax for the past three decades.

It was the first to introduce the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-10 into service and is the only operator of the ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900. The airline is celebrated for its efficiency, convenience, and spacious cabins, making it a favorite among travelers.

#2: ANA (ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS)

Ranked fourth globally, ANA (All Nippon Airways) is a Japanese airline offering both domestic and international flights. Known for its excellent service, ANA has received a 5-star rating every year since 2013. The airline also won awards for the World’s Best Airport Services and the World’s Cleanest Airline. Committed to expansion, ANA plans to introduce new short-haul and medium-haul aircraft by 2030.

#3: CATHAY PACIFIC

Cathay Pacific, the flag carrier of Hong Kong, flies to over 200 destinations and consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction. This year, it was recognized as the World’s Cleanest Airline and the provider of the World’s Best Economy Class. It also received the Cargo Airline of the Year award at the 49th Annual Airline Industry Achievement Awards.

#4: JAPAN AIRLINES

Japan Airlines, founded in 1951, was Japan’s first international airline and now connects over 349 airports in 54 countries and regions. Known for its hospitality, it has been awarded a 5-star rating by Skytrax and consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction.

#5: EVA AIR

EVA Air, one of Taiwan’s largest airlines, operates both passenger and cargo services to more than 40 international destinations. Celebrated for its cheerful environment and brightly painted livery, EVA Air is known for its fun in-flight experience and a wide range of service items.

WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION

The World Airline Awards are based on a survey conducted from September 2023 to May 2024, with over 21 million customers from 100 countries who evaluated more than 350 airlines. This extensive survey captures a wide range of opinions and experiences, providing a comprehensive overview of the global airline industry.

Qatar Airways’ win marks its eighth time as the World’s Best Airline, highlighting its commitment to quality and service. Although Singapore Airlines slipped to second place, it remains a key player in the industry, renowned for its exceptional service and innovation.

LOOKING AHEAD

The World Airline Awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in the airline industry, recognizing airlines that excel in service quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation. The prominence of Southeast Asian airlines in these awards indicates a positive trend for the region’s aviation industry.

As these airlines continue to invest in fleet modernization and service enhancements, they are likely to further strengthen their positions in the global market.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Singapore’s Gold Medal Payout: World’s Most Generous Prize

As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games unfold, the world’s top athletes are competing not only for individual glory but also for their countries’ pride. The medals themselves are a spectacle: gold medals consist of 523 grams of silver coated in 6 grams of gold, while silver medals weigh 525 grams and are made of pure silver. Bronze medals weigh 455 grams and are composed of copper, tin, and zinc. Adding a unique touch to their traditional design, this year’s medals also incorporate a piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower.

While nations like the U.S., China, and France currently lead the medal tally, another exciting race is taking place behind the scenes: which country offers the most generous reward for Olympic gold?

The answer is Singapore, as it stands out with its extraordinary prize offerings. Through its Major Games Award Programme (MAP), it awards an impressive S$1 million to gold medalists in individual events. Silver medalists receive S$500,000, while bronze medalists are given S$250,000. For team events—such as athletics relays or badminton doubles—the reward is even higher, with winners taking home S$1.5 million. In the case of team sports like basketball or football, the prize reaches S$2 million. Silver and bronze medalists in team events receive 50% and 25% of these amounts, respectively.

To date, the only athlete to have claimed this substantial prize is swimmer Joseph Schooling, who won gold in the 100m butterfly at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

In comparison, American athletes are awarded US$37,500 (approximately S$51,000) for each gold medal, US$22,500 (about S$30,600) for silver, and US$15,000 (around S$20,400) for bronze. And the neighboring country, Malaysia, offers one million ringgit (approximately S$341,000) for a gold medal.

Other notable countries include Hong Kong, which provides HK$6 million (approximately S$1.03 million) per gold medalist through its Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, and Serbia, which awards US$218,000 (about S$295,000) for gold medalists.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Olympics

With its impressive prize structure, Singapore leads the world in Olympic gold medal payouts, highlighting its dedication to celebrating athletes’ extraordinary accomplishments. As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue until August 11, we look forward to seeing more Singaporean athletes make their mark in sports.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Should you take many short, cheap trips in a year or invest your money in a long, expensive trip once a year?

a luggage full of items

If you’re like me, a wanderlust-er, you’re always plotting your next escape.

But here’s a big big dilemma: should you go for quick, budget-friendly getaways, or save up for one blow-out vacation?

Let’s look into this topic together.

The pros of taking multiple short, cheap trips
  • Boost your endorphin levels

I’m sure you know that wonderful feeling of counting down the days to your next getaway.

By taking multiple short trips throughout the year, you’re giving yourself more opportunities to feel that pre-vacation hype.

Let’s also not forget that brief escapes can increase your positive emotions.

  • Stress less, live more

Life is a rollercoaster of stress and by taking regular travel breaks, you’re giving your mental and body chances to reset.

Think of it as preventive medicine for your well-being!

The benefits of investing in one long, expensive trip
  • More bang for your buck

If you believe in “quality over quantity,” investing in one long, expensive trip each year is the way to go.

Instead of just skimming the surface with weekend getaways, you’re allowing yourself to fully experience a new country, food, and more.

Plus, you will have more flexibility in your travel plans, not having to cramp everything in days.

  • Expand your horizons

Saving up for that big annual trip means you can push your boundaries and explore places you’ve never been before.

man taking photo of woman against a backdrop of hot air balloons

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Maybe you’ve always wanted to trek through some great mountains or sail through some faraway islands.

With a bigger budget, these experiences become possible.

  • Stress-free planning

Travel is fun but planning multiple trips throughout the year can be exhausting.

By focusing on one big adventure, you can take your time researching and planning your destination; curate the perfect itinerary, find those hidden spots, and ensure every aspect of your trip is exactly what you want.

How to decide?
  • Your energy levels and vacation time

Think about how much time off you can realistically take from your boss.

If you’re the type who gets wiped out after a week away, shorter trips might be your thing since they are less fatiguing and easier to bounce back from.

But if you’ve got a decent chunk of time to spare and love exploring new places, a longer trip works.

  • Excitement and variety

Multiple short trips can keep your excitement levels sky-high throughout the year since there’s always another adventure waiting!

But don’t count out long trips just yet; they offer a different kind of thrill.

  • Destination demands

Some places are perfect for a quick weekend getaway, while others need more time to fully appreciate.

What’s on your bucket list?

If it’s a complex destination with loads to explore, a longer trip might be the way to go.

But if you’re eyeing several easily digestible locations, go for short trips.

If you crave variety and frequent escapes from the daily grind, choose short trips. But if you want that once-in-a-lifetime adventure, saving up for one HUGE journey could be worth it. Weekend road trips or weeks-long expeditions, it’s your pick.

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4 accommodations under $46/night in Bangkok, Thailand if you can free yourself for a weekend trip in October 2024

Bangkok Airbnb

Itching for a weekend getaway this October to Bangkok?

Then allow us to intro to you some budget-friendly accommodations, all under $46/night, that will allow you to rest your heads.

These affordable options ensure you will have more to spend on Pad Thai and more.

Neat studio rental flat close to Airport Link Station

Neat studio rental flat close to Airport Link Station

Price: $30/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 11 to 13 October 2024

First up, we have this really cheap rental to start us off.

Touchdown at this Airbnb studio just a quick 7-minute stroll from the Airport Link Station.

Kick back on the wide balcony with city views from the 8th floor, then head downstairs for a caffeine boost at the building’s cafe or to pick up essentials at the convenience store.

With easy access to the city center, this studio is in a prime location.

Complimentary laundry service is provided so you can pack light.

Clean & bright vacation home near Huai Khwang Station

Clean & bright vacation home near Huai Khwang Station

Price: $32/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 4 to 6 October 2024

Or consider this bright vacation home near Huai Khwang Station, a part of a bustling neighborhood that comes alive late into the night.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, while a double bed and high-quality latex pillows ensure you catch up on your ZZZs.

Stay connected with free high-speed Wi-Fi, and take advantage of the coin-operated laundry on the second floor if you need it.

There’s room for a third guest (at an additional fee), just ask the host for more info.

One-bedroom unit with gym & pool access

One-bedroom unit with gym & pool access

Price: $38/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 18 to 20 October 2024

Looking for a home base near Bangkok’s Huamak Station?

This one-bedroom unit offers homely vibes—a queen bed, a living area with a sofa, and a kitchenette stocked with all the basics.

You also get access to the building’s amenities, including a pool to cool off after a day out and a gym to stay active.

Stay a while or stop over—this prime location near Huamak station lets you dip into the city’s bests.

Double room in a vintage-looking villa

Double room in a vintage-looking villa

Price: $45/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 4 to 6 October 2024

Last but not least, escape the tourist trail and experience local life like a true Thai native with this double room in a vintage-looking villa.

This place offers a real taste of residential living.

You will be nestled right among the locals, with a convenience store and hawker center just around the corner.

Inside, the room features a king-size bed, a private balcony for catching the breeze, and a wide couch to slouch on after a day of exploring.

There’s also a proper work desk if you need to get things done.

And that’s about it from us. These abovementioned options under $46/night won’t stay unbooked for long for a weekend escape this October. So, reserve fast, pack your bags, and get ready to hop on your flight to Bangkok. Have a safe trip!

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