A Shopping Satchel in Guri — Nara Hyeon

ZEISS progressive lens exam at 007 Optical, a Namdaemun-ro optician

007 Optical is an eyewear shop on Namdaemun-ro near Hoehyeon Station in Jung-gu, Seoul, with a large display of frames and sunglasses and a price marked on every frame. The writer's husband, who has a very strong prescription, had a binocular refraction exam on ZEISS equipment at 007 Optical and chose progressive lenses after going over compression levels and budget with the optician. There was a wait and about 30 minutes to pick up the finished glasses, but the exam and consultation were thorough enough to recommend 007 Optical to anyone ordering high-power progressive lenses for the first time.

Written Sep 14, 2026Sponsored

PlaceHwaseong, GyeonggiRestaurants

Ginseng chicken soup with free parking in Dongtan: Dream Samgyetang

Dream Samgyetang is a samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) restaurant within walking distance of Dongtan Station in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi. The writer stopped in with her child on the way back from her parents' home and ordered the basic Dream Samgyetang with a seafood scallion pancake: the broth was rich without feeling heavy, and the crisp pancake made a good match. With 2 hours of free parking in the building's basement lot, Dream Samgyetang is an easy pick for a hearty meal near Dongtan Station.

Written Sep 13, 2026Sponsored

PlaceHwaseong, GyeonggiThings to do

Dongtan aquarium with lizard touch and a play room: Artis Theme Park

Artis Theme Park is an indoor aquarium and animal experience space on the 9th floor of Sinyu Medi Plaza in Dongtan, Hwaseong. On a weekend visit with a 4-year-old, Artis Theme Park filled three full hours: scooping the feed, feeding otters, rabbits and birds, touching a lizard, and a play room at the end. Sightseeing and hands-on activities keep alternating, so the child leads the way while parents get a chair and a break.

Written Sep 14, 2026Sponsored