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.

When we think of Korean food, dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap often come to mind. However, beyond the well-known favorites, there are many traditional dishes that are lesser-known but just as delicious. One of these hidden gems is Gondre Rice (곤드레밥), a simple yet flavorful meal deeply rooted in Korean culinary history.  What is Gondre Rice? Gondre Rice, or "Gondrebap," is a traditional Korean dish made with gondre (also known as *Cirsium setidens*), a wild leafy vegetable that grows in the highlands of Korea, particularly in the Gangwon Province. The vegetable has a distinctive earthy aroma and a slightly bitter taste, which becomes mellow when cooked. Gondre is often compared to spinach or other leafy greens but with a unique flavor of its own. This dish is created by cooking rice together with the gondre leaves, allowing the flavor of the vegetable to infuse the rice. It’s usually served with a side of soy sauce mixed with sesame oil, adding an extra layer of savory richness to the meal.  Why is Gondre Rice Special? 1. Nutritional Value: Gondre is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, particularly iron and calcium. It has long been valued for its health benefits, including aiding digestion and improving liver function. 2. A Taste of Simplicity: The beauty of Gondre Rice lies in its simplicity. The clean, fresh taste of the gondre combined with plain rice creates a satisfying and healthy meal that doesn’t need any complicated seasonings or ingredients. 3. A Traditional Dish from Gangwon Province: Gondre Rice is most popular in the Gangwon Province, where the wild gondre plant grows naturally in the mountains. While it’s becoming more available throughout Korea, it’s still considered a regional specialty, and many visitors to the province seek out this dish as part of their culinary experience. 4. A Connection to Nature: Because gondre is a foraged wild vegetable, Gondre Rice is a dish that connects people to the natural environment of Korea. It reminds us of Korea’s long history of using wild plants in its cuisine, creating dishes that are both healthy and sustainable.  How to Enjoy Gondre Rice Gondre Rice is traditionally served with a simple soy sauce dip, but it can also be paired with a variety of side dishes (banchan), such as kimchi, seasoned vegetables, and fermented soybean paste (doenjang). It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a humble meal on its own or as part of a larger spread of Korean food. In many restaurants, especially in the Gangwon region, Gondre Rice is served in a traditional stone pot, which keeps the rice warm and creates a crispy layer of rice at the bottom, known as nurungji—a favorite for many diners.  Where to Try Gondre Rice Though it originates from Gangwon Province, Gondre Rice is becoming more popular in other parts of Korea. You can find it in specialty restaurants that focus on traditional Korean dishes or even in some Korean BBQ restaurants as a healthier alternative to white rice. If you're visiting Gangwon Province, be sure to try Gondre Rice at a local eatery, where you'll get the freshest gondre and the most authentic experience. Some restaurants even offer meals that feature multiple dishes made with gondre, showcasing the versatility of this unique vegetable.  Conclusion While it may not be as famous as some other Korean dishes, Gondre Rice offers a delicious and nutritious taste of Korea’s culinary heritage. It’s a simple yet hearty dish that highlights the natural flavors of the wild gondre vegetable, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore more traditional Korean foods. Next time you’re in Korea, or if you find a Korean restaurant that serves Gondre Rice, don’t miss the chance to try this hidden gem. It’s a perfect example of how Korean cuisine finds beauty in simplicity and its deep connection to nature.Gondre Rice is a wonderful introduction to the lesser-known side of Korean cuisine, offering both health benefits and a deliciously earthy flavor.