About Korea Byways

Hello! I’m the “Tteokbokki Mom.”

I was born and raised in South Korea, and I’m a mom who loves traveling with my family — and, of course, discovering good food along the way. If there’s tteokbokki nearby, even better.

As my child has grown, family travel has become one of our favorite traditions. We take several trips each year, both in Korea and abroad, and over time I’ve found myself especially drawn to quiet towns, local neighborhoods, scenic roads, and places with a slower rhythm.

Some of my favorite travel memories have come from places that were never on the typical must-see list.

Mother and child walking together on a beach during a family trip.
Child picking tangerines while a basket of freshly picked fruit is held in the foreground.

Why I Created Korea Byways

Traveling without a plan can be wonderful, but when you’re traveling with a child, practical information matters.
I often found myself asking questions like:
Is this place family-friendly? What can children enjoy here? How do we get around? Where should we eat? Is there anything useful to know before we go?

Those questions eventually became the idea behind Korea Byways.
I created this site for international travelers who want to discover Korea beyond its best-known destinations — especially those who enjoy small towns, local food, everyday experiences, and a more relaxed style of travel.

There are still many places in Korea I haven’t explored myself, and that is part of what makes this project exciting. I hope to keep discovering new places and sharing what I learn along the way.

What You’ll Find Here

Cute yellow car illustration for Small Town Travels

Small Town Travels

Discover quieter towns, scenic routes, and local places beyond Korea’s biggest cities.

Cute bibimbap bowl illustration for Korean Table

Korean Table

Explore regional dishes, local markets, and everyday flavors that make each place unique.

Cute samgak gimbap illustration for Convenience Store

Convenience Store

Find quick meals, popular snacks, and practical tips for enjoying Korean convenience stores.

A Different Side of Korea

Through Korea Byways, I hope to show a side of Korea that can be easy to miss between bright city lights and famous attractions: quiet streets, small markets, regional dishes, family-friendly stops, and ordinary moments that make a trip memorable.

I want the guides here to be clear, practical, and approachable, while still leaving room for the unexpected discoveries that make travel special.

Travel information such as opening hours, prices, transportation, and local conditions can change, so I always recommend checking time-sensitive details again before your visit.

Child walking along a quiet forest trail during a family trip in Korea.

Let’s Explore Korea Together

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Korea or looking for somewhere beyond the usual route, I hope Korea Byways helps you find a place, a meal, or a small experience worth remembering.
Thank you for stopping by — and welcome to Korea Byways!