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.

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.