# liveforownhappiness

> Honest, on-the-ground guides to traveling, eating, and living in Korea — written in plain English for visitors and expats.

Honest, first-hand guides to traveling, eating, and living in Korea — written in English, with original photos from the places covered.

## Posts
- [Daiso K-Beauty: Korean Skincare & Makeup Under $5](https://www.liveforownhappiness.com/blog/daiso-k-beauty-guide/): Daiso is Korea's secret weapon for cheap K-beauty — sheet masks from ₩500, solid skincare, and makeup under $5. What to buy and what's actually good, photographed in a Seoul Daiso.
- [How to Shop Olive Young as a Foreigner: A K-Beauty Guide (2026)](https://www.liveforownhappiness.com/blog/how-to-shop-olive-young-foreigner/): A practical English guide to shopping at Olive Young — what to buy, the must-know brands, tax refunds, and how to order from abroad. Photographed at Olive Young Itaewon, Seoul.
- [Seongsu-dong: A Walk Down Yeonmujang-gil, Seoul's Trendiest Street](https://www.liveforownhappiness.com/blog/seongsu-yeonmujang-gil-guide/): A walking guide to Seongsu, Seoul's coolest neighborhood — from the entrance of Yeonmujang-gil past LOEWE, NONFICTION, and the famous Dior Seongsu. By a local who lives here.
- [How to Use the Seoul Subway: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners](https://www.liveforownhappiness.com/blog/how-to-use-seoul-subway/): Everything a first-timer needs to ride the Seoul subway — buying a card, tapping in, finding your line and exit, and reading the (English!) signs. Photographed at Itaewon Station.
- [What to Buy at a Korean Convenience Store: A First-Timer's Guide](https://www.liveforownhappiness.com/blog/what-to-buy-korean-convenience-store/): A local's guide to the best food, drinks, and snacks at Korean convenience stores — what to order, how to heat it up, and how much it really costs. Photographed at a CU in Itaewon, Seoul.
- [Festa by Choonghu: Michelin-Chef Fine Dining at Banyan Tree Seoul](https://www.liveforownhappiness.com/blog/festa-by-choonghu-banyan-tree-seoul/): A first-hand review of the dinner tasting menu at Festa by Choonghu, the signature restaurant at Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, led by one of Korea's youngest-ever Michelin-starred chefs.
- [Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul: A Luxury Namsan Staycation (Pool Room Review)](https://www.liveforownhappiness.com/blog/banyan-tree-seoul-staycation/): A first-hand review of a one-night staycation at Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul — the in-room pool, The Oasis outdoor pool, spa, fitness, and breakfast. What to expect, written for foreign visitors.
- [Baeksong: Dry-Aged Hanwoo BBQ near Dongdaemun (Sindang, Seoul)](https://www.liveforownhappiness.com/blog/baeksong-hanwoo-bbq-sindang-seoul/): A first-hand guide to Baeksong, a dry-aged hanwoo (premium Korean beef) BBQ restaurant in Sindang near DDP and Dongdaemun — what to order, prices, and tips for foreign visitors.