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㎡).                                                   

Olympic Park, located in Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea, is a sprawling park that was created to host the 1988 Summer Olympics. It is one of the largest parks in Seoul, combining sports facilities, cultural sites, and natural landscapes. Here’s an introduction to Olympic Park: Historical and Cultural Significance1. 1988 Summer Olympics : Olympic Park was constructed to host the 1988 Summer Olympics, which was a significant event in South Korea’s history. The park includes various sports facilities that were used during the games, such as the Olympic Gymnastics Arena and the Olympic Stadium.2. Cultural Landmarks : The park is home to several cultural and historical landmarks, including the Mongchontoseong Fortress, an ancient earthen fortification from the Baekje Kingdom. The park also features the World Peace Gate, a large arch that symbolizes peace and harmony. Attractions and Features1. Sculpture Park : One of the key attractions of Olympic Park is its extensive collection of outdoor sculptures. The Sculpture Park features over 200 works of art by artists from around the world, making it an open-air museum of contemporary art.2. Ecological Areas : Olympic Park is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including large green spaces, ponds, and gardens. It is a popular spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor activities. The Wildflower Garden and Rose Garden are particularly popular during the blooming seasons.3. Sports Facilities : The park includes various sports facilities that are still in use today. These facilities host numerous sporting events and activities, such as tennis, swimming, and basketball. The Olympic Gymnastics Arena, in particular, is a prominent venue for concerts and events. Recreational Activities1. Cycling and Walking Paths : The park features well-maintained cycling and walking paths that allow visitors to explore the vast area. Bicycles can be rented on-site, and there are several designated paths that take visitors through the scenic parts of the park.2. Fitness and Exercise Areas : Olympic Park includes several outdoor fitness areas equipped with exercise machines and facilities. These areas are popular among locals for morning workouts and recreational activities. Events and Festivals1. Seasonal Festivals : Olympic Park hosts various seasonal festivals and events throughout the year, including the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring and the Seoul Jazz Festival. These events attract large crowds and offer a vibrant atmosphere with performances, food stalls, and cultural activities.2. Concerts and Performances : The park's venues, especially the Olympic Gymnastics Arena, are frequently used for concerts, performances, and large-scale events. Many international and Korean artists perform here, making it a significant cultural venue in Seoul. AccessibilityOlympic Park is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest subway station is Olympic Park Station (Line 5), which provides direct access to the park. It is also well-served by buses and has ample parking facilities for those traveling by car. Tips for Visiting- Best Time to Visit : The park is beautiful year-round, but visiting during the spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for fall foliage offers particularly stunning views.- Comfortable Footwear : Given the park's large size, wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended to fully explore the area.- Event Schedules : Check the park’s event schedule in advance to catch any festivals or performances during your visit.Olympic Park offers a unique combination of sports, culture, and nature, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the diverse offerings of Seoul. Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, outdoor activities, or cultural events, Olympic Park has something for everyone.

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.