The rise in Seoul apartment prices has slowed due to the government’s tightened loan regulations. While transaction volumes have decreased and unsold listings are accumulating, large-sized apartments in Seoul are still setting record-high prices. Experts predict that demand from wealthy individuals, driven by the relative scarcity of large apartments, will further increase their popularity.According to the Monthly KB Housing Price Trends report by KB Real Estate on the 24th, the average sale price of large apartments in Seoul with a dedicated area exceeding 135㎡ was reported at 3.04661 billion KRW last month. This represents a 6% (172.13 million KRW) increase from October last year (2.87448 billion KRW). For the first time since KB began compiling this data in 2016, the average price has exceeded 3 billion KRW. The upward trend has continued for 16 consecutive months since June last year.This trend is also evident in the monthly apartment sale price index by area. Last month, the sale price index for large apartments in Seoul was 105.49, the highest since the statistics began in 2016. Compared to October of last year (100.84), it increased by 4.62%. In comparison, the price increases for other apartment categories during the same period were more moderate: 2.1% for medium-large apartments (102㎡ to 135㎡), 3% for medium apartments (85㎡ to 102㎡), 2.52% for small-medium apartments (60㎡ to 85㎡), and 1.4% for small apartments (under 60㎡).                                                   

Myeong-dong is a vibrant and bustling shopping district located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. Known for its energetic atmosphere, it is a major tourist destination and a paradise for shoppers and food enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed introduction to Myeong-dong:Shopping1. Fashion and Beauty : Myeong-dong is renowned for its wide array of fashion and beauty stores. International brands, local boutiques, and renowned Korean skincare and cosmetics shops like Nature Republic, Etude House, and Innisfree line the streets, offering the latest trends and products.2. Street Markets : Besides the big stores, numerous street stalls sell a variety of goods, including clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. These stalls offer a more affordable shopping experience and a chance to find unique items.Food1. Street Food : Myeong-dong is famous for its street food scene. Vendors sell a variety of delicious and affordable snacks such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and gyeranppang (egg bread).2. Restaurants and Cafés : The area is also home to numerous restaurants offering Korean cuisine, including BBQ, bibimbap, and traditional Korean desserts. There are also plenty of international dining options and trendy cafés perfect for a coffee break.Attractions1. Myeong-dong Cathedral : A significant landmark, the Myeong-dong Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic-style church and the first Roman Catholic church in Korea. It’s a place of historical and cultural importance.2. Namsan Seoul Tower : Although not directly in Myeong-dong, the Namsan Seoul Tower is easily accessible from the area. The tower offers panoramic views of Seoul and is a popular spot for tourists.Entertainment1. Street Performances : The streets of Myeong-dong often come alive with various street performances, including K-pop dance covers, musicians, and other entertainers.2. Cultural Experiences : There are opportunities to engage in cultural activities, such as traditional Korean tea ceremonies or Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) experiences.AccessibilityMyeong-dong is easily accessible by public transportation. The Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) is centrally located, making it convenient for visitors to reach the area from different parts of the city.Tips for Visiting- Best Time to Visit : Myeong-dong is lively throughout the day, but the best time to visit is in the late afternoon and evening when the street food vendors and shops are in full swing.- Currency : Most shops accept credit cards, but having some Korean Won (KRW) on hand is helpful, especially for street vendors.- Bargaining : While most prices in stores are fixed, bargaining is common at street stalls.Myeong-dong is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Seoul, offering a dynamic mix of shopping, food, and cultural experiences that capture the essence of modern South Korean urban life.

Bibimbap is one of the most well-known and beloved dishes in Korean cuisine. The name "bibimbap" literally means "mixed rice" in Korean, which perfectly describes the essence of the dish. Here’s a detailed look at what makes bibimbap so special:Ingredients1. Rice: The base of bibimbap is steamed white rice.2. Vegetables: A variety of seasoned vegetables, known as namul, are typically used. Common vegetables include julienned cucumber, zucchini, carrot, mushrooms, spinach, and bean sprouts.3. Protein: Bibimbap often includes a protein component such as sliced beef (bulgogi), a fried egg, or sometimes tofu for a vegetarian version.4. Gochujang: This is a spicy and sweet red chili paste that is a key ingredient, giving bibimbap its distinctive flavor.5. Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil is usually drizzled on top for added flavor.6. Garnishes: Other garnishes may include sesame seeds and nori (seaweed strips).Preparation1. Rice: Cook the rice until it's fluffy.2. Vegetables: Each vegetable is usually cooked and seasoned separately. They can be sautéed or blanched and then seasoned with salt, sesame oil, and sometimes garlic.3. Protein: The beef is typically marinated and then grilled or pan-fried. If using an egg, it is often fried sunny-side up.4. Assembly: The rice is placed in a bowl, and the vegetables and protein are artfully arranged on top. A dollop of gochujang is added, and everything is mixed together just before eating.Varieties- Dolsot Bibimbap: This version is served in a hot stone bowl that makes the rice at the bottom crispy.- Jeonju Bibimbap: Named after the city of Jeonju, which is famous for its version of bibimbap, it often includes more elaborate ingredients and a specific way of seasoning.Cultural SignificanceBibimbap is not only a nutritious and balanced meal but also holds cultural significance. It is often served during festive occasions and can be customized to include a wide variety of ingredients, reflecting the diversity and adaptability of Korean cuisine. How to EatTo eat bibimbap, you mix all the ingredients thoroughly so that the flavors blend together. The combination of textures and flavors from the vegetables, protein, gochujang, and sesame oil makes for a harmonious and delicious meal.Overall, bibimbap is celebrated for its healthiness, versatility, and the balance of flavors and textures, making it a staple in Korean dining both at home and in restaurants.