BUS, SUBWAY, TRAIN

Just an hour and a half from Seoul, Anseong offers the kind of escape that feels like stepping gently into Korea’s living heritage. Known as “the city of masters” it carries a lot of pride and value in their craftsmanship and cultural traditions that are still practised there today. For a one-day trip, it is surprisingly rich, weaving together history, taste, and performance in ways that feel both grounding and inspiring. 1. Starting the Day with Hands Deep in Tradition: Kimchi Making The morning began in the most Korean way possible: with kimchi. Wearing aprons and gloves, we learned how to season and fold the sauce into crisp cabbage. For a moment, I imagined the countless winters Korean families endured, preserving not just food but a sense of resilience. 2. Witnessing Namsadang Nori In the afternoon, we watched Namsadang nori, a traditional folk performance designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Energetic, humorous, and deeply rooted in Korean folk storytelling, the performance was entertaining and the artists were incredibly kind. Acrobatics, drumming, and moments of unexpected comedy drew laughter from all of us. 3. A sweet end: Anseong’s Local Desserts Lastly, we had the chance to taste Anseong's award-winning desserts at the Starfield Mall, from rice cakes, to cute dog-shaped cookies, entirely plant-based cakes, salt bread with tasty fillings and yummy pastries. All of them are interesting and tasty in very particular ways.