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Jeju's Seongsan Ilchulbong and Dongmun Market: Where Sea and People Meet on an Island Shaped by Volcanoes
This introduces Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site formed about 6,700 years ago by a hydromagmatic volcanic eruption, and Dongmun Traditional Market, the oldest permanent traditional market in Jeju. It's a Jeju travel course that explores both the island's terrain shaped by nature and the traces of life accumulated by its people.
Vietnam Airlines to Launch New Direct Da Nang-Singapore Route on November 17
Starting November 17, Vietnam Airlines will begin operating a new direct route connecting Da Nang and Singapore with one daily round-trip flight, bringing the total number of Vietnam-Singapore flights to 42 per week.
Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, Where the Moment of the Fall of Saigon in 1975 Stands Still
Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) in the Ben Thanh area of Ho Chi Minh City is both the site of the Fall of Saigon in 1975 and a space that encapsulates Vietnam's modern history. Inside the modernist building designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ, the presidential reception room, the war situation room, and the rooftop helipad remain preserved.
Seoul's Jongmyo Shrine: 600 Years of Joseon Royal Rites and a Forest of Silence
Jongmyo, the Confucian royal shrine enshrining the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens. This piece introduces the simple, long horizontal architecture of Jeongjeon and Yeongnyeongjeon, the background of its 1995 UNESCO World Heritage inscription, the viewing methods that vary by day of the week, and what to check before visiting.
Vietnam Airlines Launches New Direct Route Between Hanoi and Ahmedabad, India
Starting November 3, 2026, Vietnam Airlines began operating a direct route between Hanoi and Ahmedabad, India, four times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday) using Airbus A321 aircraft. With this launch, the total number of Vietnam-India routes has expanded to seven.
Hoi An Old Town: Lantern Alleys Left by a 400-Year-Old Trading Port
Centered on Chùa Cầu (Japanese Covered Bridge) and the Tấn Ký Old House, symbols of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An Old Town, this piece introduces the alleys that still bear traces of a 15th–19th century Southeast Asian trading port. Visitors are advised to check the admission method and the latest information on the official tourism website before visiting.
Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village: From a Refugee Hillside Town to Korea's Santorini
A hillside village once home to refugees of the Korean War has transformed into one of Busan's leading tourist attractions through a public art project in 2009. Here is the history of Gamcheon Culture Village, where colorful houses and murals line stepped alleyways, along with tips for visiting.
Korea's National Parks Offer Free Hiking Gear Rentals for Autumn-Winter Hiking Season
The Korea Tourism Organization has officially announced the free hiking gear rental service and safe hiking guide currently operating at visitor support centers in 20 national parks nationwide, timed for the autumn foliage season.
Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market, the Southern Hemisphere's largest outdoor market with 150 years of history
Officially opened in 1878, Queen Victoria Market is the largest outdoor market in the Southern Hemisphere, located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. Built on the site of Melbourne's old cemetery, it was added to Australia's National Heritage List in 2018. Within the market, which retains its historic building structures, visitors can experience both fresh produce and Melbourne's food culture together.
Marrakech Jardin Majorelle, the garden preserved by the blue a painter mixed
The blue garden in Marrakech, cultivated for 40 years by French painter Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent. A landmark where you can feel a tranquility different from the medina, amid the 'Majorelle Blue' exterior walls, cacti, and bamboo.
Thailand to Hold Loy Krathong 2026 Festival Nationwide Starting November 15
According to an official announcement released on November 5 by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Loy Krathong 2026 festival will be held across Thailand from November 15 to 29, with the full moon reference date falling on November 24. Different programs will take place simultaneously by region, from riverside events in Bangkok to the Sukhothai Candlelight Festival and the Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai.
São Paulo's Mercadão, a Sanctuary of Gastronomy and Architecture Spanning Over 90 Years
Opened in 1933, São Paulo's Mercado Municipal Paulistano (Mercadão) is São Paulo's iconic market, famous for its unique stained glass depicting food production and its mortadella sandwiches. Designated as a cultural heritage site in 2004, this neoclassical building's history and visiting tips are introduced here.
Honolulu's ʻIolani Palace: The Last Royal Memory Remaining on American Soil
ʻIolani Palace, where the last monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi actually resided, is an American Florentine-style building completed in 1882. After the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893, it was used as a government building, and following restoration, it opened as a museum in 1978. As the only royal palace remaining on U.S. territory, it offers a close encounter with royal history in downtown Honolulu.
Venice's Rialto Market, a seafood market beside the canal with 1,000 years of history
Beside the Rialto Bridge in Venice, the Rialto Market has been the center of the city's commerce since the 11th century. The Neo-Gothic fish market and produce market face the Grand Canal, and since operating hours vary by day of the week, checking official information before visiting is necessary.
Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Heart of the Main Palace Carrying 600 Years of the Joseon Dynasty
Gyeongbokgung, the main palace of Joseon, was damaged by wars and colonial rule after its founding in 1395, and restoration continues to this day as one of Seoul's representative palaces. Visitors can explore royal history and traditional architecture together, centered on Geunjeongjeon, Gyeonghoeru, and Hyangwonjeong.
Sydney's The Rocks: Cobblestone Lanes Left by Australia's First Settlement
The Rocks, Australia's first neighborhood, settled by the British fleet in 1788. From a historic district where sandstone buildings and narrow lanes still remain, to weekend markets and a small museum, we introduce Sydney's starting point—perfect for exploring on foot.
Cape Town's Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden: The 'Boomslang' Canopy Walkway Strolling Above the Forest Canopy
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, located at the foot of Table Mountain, is a world-renowned botanical garden that has preserved South Africa's indigenous flora. The 'Boomslang' Canopy Walkway, built to commemorate the garden's 100th anniversary, is a curved bridge that rises up to the height of the forest canopy, offering views of Table Mountain throughout the walk.
Chiang Mai's Doi Inthanon National Park Selected for "Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026"
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced on November 3 that Chiang Mai's Doi Inthanon National Park was selected for the international sustainable tourism campaign "Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026." This is news of an international certification/award, not a change in regulations.
Confeitaria Colombo, the Last Parlor of Rio de Janeiro's Belle Époque
Confeitaria Colombo is a café and pastry shop in Rio de Janeiro's Centro that opened its doors in 1894. We introduce this space that preserves traces of the Belle Époque era, including Art Nouveau crystal mirrors, a stained-glass ceiling, and the 130-year-old Leque biscuit.
Las Vegas Neon Museum, a graveyard and museum for the signs that once lit up the Strip
Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum is a space that preserves and exhibits over 250 historic neon signs that once lit up the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown. In the outdoor exhibition area known as the 'Neon Boneyard,' visitors can see legendary signs from places like the Sahara and the Frontier.
Centrale Montemartini, Rome: Ancient Roman Sculptures Sleeping in a Power Plant
The story of how an old thermal power plant in Rome's Ostiense district went through a temporary exhibition in 1997 before becoming an official museum in 2001. We introduce this unique space where ancient Roman sculptures stand amid massive turbines and boilers, along with how to get there and tips for visiting.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a Record of Peace Told by the Atomic Bomb Dome
The Atomic Bomb Dome, standing along the Motoyasu River in downtown Hiroshima, has been preserved in ruins since the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945, and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The Peace Memorial Park surrounding the Dome contains the Cenotaph and the Peace Memorial Museum, making it a place where visitors can reflect on both remembrance and peace.
Papeete Market, Where Tahitians' Daily Life Comes Together
A traditional market over 100 years old in the heart of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. The first floor features ingredients such as fish, tropical fruits, and spices, while the second floor has shops selling pareo fabric and black pearl handicrafts, with the Sunday dawn market being especially lively.
Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis, the Site Where the 'Great Experiment' Began After the Abolition of Slavery
Aapravasi Ghat, remaining on the coast of Port Louis, Mauritius, is a ruin of immigrant lodging through which more than 460,000 indentured laborers passed after the abolition of slavery in 1834. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, this site invites a look back at the history of the modern diaspora.
Thailand's Udon Thani to Host First International Horticultural Expo in Northeastern Region, Opening November 1
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that the 'Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026' will be held at Nong Da Nae Wetland in Udon Thani from November 1 to March 14, 2027. It's a great time to combine the trip with nearby Isan attractions such as Red Lotus Sea and Ban Chiang Archaeological Site.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena, the City Protected by the New World's Largest Fortress
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, atop San Lázaro Hill in Cartagena, Colombia, is the largest Spanish fortress in the New World, built in 1536 and expanded in 1657 and 1763. It has a history of repelling a massive British attack in 1741, and in 1984 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Cartagena's historic old town.
Los Angeles Watts Towers, 'Our Village' Built Alone by an Immigrant Over 30 Years
17 steel-and-mosaic towers built alone over more than 30 years starting in 1921 by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia, the Watts Towers. Having survived the threat of demolition and designated a National Historic Landmark, the structure is now managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, hosting guided tours and local festivals.
Leadenhall Market, London: A Victorian-Era Arcade Hidden in the Heart of the Financial District
Introducing Leadenhall Market, which began on the site of a Roman-era forum and was completed in 1881 as a glass-and-cast-iron arcade designed by Horace Jones. Managed by the City of London Corporation, this historic market is also famous as a Harry Potter filming location, and it is a landmark where you can feel the contrast between Victorian-era architecture and the modern city right in the middle of the financial district.
Daxi Old Street, Taoyuan: A Baroque Façade Street Left by Japanese Colonial-Era Urban Planning
Daxi Old Street in Daxi District, Taoyuan, Taiwan, is a historic street formed through Japanese colonial-era urban planning in 1919, lined with Baroque façades featuring European-style arches and relief decorations. It is a place where you can enjoy both the old atmosphere of a town that once prospered through the camphor and tea trade, and today's street of tofu snacks.
Nadi Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, 100 Years of the Southern Hemisphere's Largest Hindu Temple
Located at the southern end of Nadi, Fiji, Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, built by an Indo-Fijian community organization founded in 1926. This article introduces its facade covered in intricate Dravidian-style carvings, visiting etiquette, and the centennial restoration work currently underway this year.
Zanzibar's Jozani Forest: A Time to Meet the Island's Only Red Monkeys
Jozani Chwaka Bay, Tanzania's only national park on Zanzibar, is home to the endangered red colobus monkey, found nowhere else in the world. This protected area, which combines groundwater forest, mangrove forest, and Chwaka Bay, was also designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2016.
Hanoi's Hoan Kiem to open traditional craft experience exhibition 'Tinh Hoa Hoi Tu' on November 3
To commemorate Vietnam's Cultural Heritage Day and Culture Day, the traditional craft experience exhibition 'Tinh hoa hội tụ' will be held at the Culture and Information Center by Hoan Kiem Lake from November 3, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
Santiago's Cerro San Cristóbal, the Virgin's Hill Overlooking the City
Cerro San Cristóbal, the heart of Santiago Metropolitan Park, is the city's premier viewpoint, with a statue of the Virgin dedicated in 1908 standing atop the 880m hill. Visitors can ascend via the funicular or cable car (teleférico), both opened in 1925, and also explore various park facilities such as a zoo and an observatory.
New York's High Line: An Elevated Garden Revived from an Abandoned Freight Railway
Built in 1934 and taken out of service in 1980, New York City's High Line was reborn as a public walkway in 2009 thanks to a campaign led by local residents. This guide covers its history, design background, and the best sections for walking.
Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, a Sanctuary of Light Built in Glass by a King
Hidden within the Palais de Justice district on Paris's Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is a 13th-century royal chapel famous for its stained glass depicting the history of humanity in 1,113 scenes. Built by Louis IX to house holy relics, this space offers much to know before visiting, including restoration history and security screening procedures.
Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul: A Joseon Palace and Secret Garden That Did Not Defy Nature
Built in 1405 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Changdeokgung Palace is known for its unique layout that makes use of the surrounding mountain terrain. Visitors can tour both the main hall, Injeongjeon, and the royal garden Huwon (Biwon) together, making it a representative Seoul attraction where one can experience Joseon palace architecture and garden culture.
Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu: A Lake Journey with the 1912-Built Steamship TSS Earnslaw
The TSS Earnslaw, which sails Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand, is the only coal-fired commercial passenger steamship remaining in the Southern Hemisphere, launched in 1912. Having survived the threat of being decommissioned, it still makes round trips to Walter Peak Station today, offering views of the lake and mountains alongside its century-old hull.
Nairobi Giraffe Centre, a Home That Has Protected Rothschild's Giraffes for Over 40 Years
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi's Lang'ata area is a non-profit conservation facility that has been protecting and breeding the endangered Rothschild's giraffe since 1979, returning them to national parks. It features a wooden observation platform where visitors can feed the giraffes, along with warthogs that roam freely, making it one of Nairobi's signature attractions, ideal for a visit before or after a safari.
Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District to Hold Cultural Arts Events at 10 Heritage Sites in the Old Quarter Throughout November
To mark Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23) and Culture Day (November 24), Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District will present traditional craft experiences and performances at 10 heritage sites in the Old Quarter. The main event will be held from November 21 to 24 at Ly Thai To Flower Garden near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Cusco's Coricancha: The Stone Walls of the Inca Sun Temple Once Covered in Gold
We introduce Coricancha, the Inca sun temple that remains beneath the Santo Domingo Church in central Cusco. You can explore on foot the temple's stone walls—once covered in gold—layered with colonial architecture, as well as the site museum located right next to it.
Templo Mayor, Mexico City: The Heart of the Aztec Empire Sleeping Beneath the Zócalo
Templo Mayor, the heart of the Aztec Empire that lay sleeping beside Mexico City's Zócalo. This introduces the dual-temple ruins and the INAH museum, which were brought to light following the discovery of the Coyolxauhqui Stone in 1978.
Anafiotika, Athens: A Hidden Aegean Island Village Below the Acropolis
In the Plaka district of Athens, on the northeastern slope beneath the Acropolis, a small island-like village of whitewashed houses and blue gates lies hidden. Built in the 1830s by stonemasons from the island of Anafi, Anafiotika features car-free narrow alleys and flower-draped walls that recreate the scenery of the Cyclades islands. This is an Athens highlight brought to you by PletTrip.
Macau's Ruins of St. Paul's: The Memory of a 400-Year Façade That Survived Fire
Introducing the Ruins of St. Paul's (Dai Sam Ba Pai Fong), an iconic landmark of the Macau Peninsula. The church and college, built between 1602 and 1640, were destroyed by a fire in 1835, leaving behind the Baroque-style façade that now stands as the core of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Historic Centre of Macao.' Visitors can also explore the underground Museum of Sacred Art and the crypt ruins.
Thailand to Hold 'Grand Diwali Festival 2026' in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket Throughout November
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced it will hold seven free Diwali festival programs, including diya lighting ceremonies, in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket from November 3 to 29.
Nha Trang Thap Ba Hot Springs: A Healing Time Flowing with Khanh Hoa Mineral Mud
Located in the Ngoc Hiep area north of downtown Nha Trang, Thap Ba Hot Springs is a mud bath facility that opened in 2000, utilizing mineral hot spring water and mud discovered in 1994. It is an entirely different place from the similarly named Po Nagar Cham Towers, so visitors should not confuse the two, and it is advisable to check the official website again for the service offerings and operating status closer to your visit date.
Phu Cat Airport in Gia Lai Province, Vietnam Welcomes First International Flight from Macau on New Runway
Phu Cat Airport in Gia Lai Province (formerly Binh Dinh Province), Vietnam held the completion ceremony for its second runway on October 29 and welcomed a Bamboo Airways charter flight from Macau carrying 166 passengers as the first international flight on this runway. Whether and when regular international flights will be launched has not yet been officially announced.
Niigata Prefecture Named Japan's Only Pick in National Geographic's 'Best of the World 2027' List of 25 Travel Destinations
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) announced that Niigata Prefecture is the only destination in Japan selected for National Geographic's 'Best of the World 2027.' The selection cited scenery where rice paddies and the Shinkansen coexist, fermentation culture, and the 2027 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale as reasons for the choice.
Tokyo Sensō-ji: 1,400 Years Held Within Tokyo's Oldest Temple
Sensō-ji in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest temple, tracing its origins to the 7th century. The route from Kaminarimon Gate through Nakamise-dori to Hōzōmon Gate, the five-story pagoda, and the Main Hall forms one of the iconic sights of Tokyo tourism. From October 30 to November 3, 2026, a projection event will also be held at the Main Hall and Hōzōmon Gate.
Thailand Unveils National Event Calendar for November, From the Nan Marathon to the Pattaya Fireworks Festival
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has released a nationwide event calendar for November. It includes the Amazing Nan Marathon (November 1), the Udon Thani International Garden Expo (November 1 – March 2027), the Pattaya International Jazz Festival (November 6–7), and the Fireworks Festival (November 27–28).
Seoul Gwangjang Market: Enjoy Bindaetteok and Mayak Gimbap at a Traditional Market with 100 Years of History
Opened in 1905, Seoul Jongno's Gwangjang Market is known as Korea's first permanent market, famous for a variety of street foods such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mayak gimbap (seaweed rice rolls). It is well suited for travelers who want to sample multiple Korean foods in a short time, and given the market's crowded aisles, it's worth considering the time of visit. For exact operating hours, checking the official homepage is recommended.
Air India Express launches new direct flight between Visakhapatnam, India, and Bangkok
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed the first direct flight of Air India Express's new Visakhapatnam–Bangkok route on October 27, 2026. Operating twice weekly, the service expands air connectivity between eastern India and Bangkok.
Bangkok Art Biennale 2026 Opens Simultaneously at Temples, Museums and Shopping Malls from October 29
The Tourism Authority of Thailand officially announced on October 28 that Bangkok Art Biennale 2026, themed 'Angels & Mara,' will run from October 29 to February 28, 2027 at 11 venues across Bangkok, featuring over 200 works by 72 artists from 29 countries at temples, museums, and shopping malls.
Phu Quoc's Ham Ninh Fishing Village: a plate of crab and sea urchin hauled in from the island's east coast
A different kind of fishing village scenery from the Duong Dong night market — in Ham Ninh village, you can taste crab and sea urchin straight from boats that have just come in in the morning. Based on official tourism authority materials and travel media, here's a summary of who this visit suits, how it differs from the more organized night market, and what to check before visiting.
Kuwait Airways Launches New Direct Route Between Kuwait and Phuket
Kuwait Airways opened a direct route between Kuwait City and Phuket on October 27, 2026. The flight operates twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand mentioned the possibility of additional flights during peak season.
Japan Tax-Free Shopping Refund: What to Do Before Checking Your Luggage
For purchases made on or after November 1, 2026, you pay the tax-inclusive price at the store, and receive a refund after customs verification when you leave Japan within 90 days of the purchase date. If you plan to check your tax-free items as checked baggage, complete the verification procedure before checking your luggage.
Da Nang Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge: A 150m Golden Bridge Held Up by Giant Hands
Opened in 2018 on the slopes of Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, the Golden Bridge is famous for its unique design featuring two giant stone hands supporting the bridge. Here we cover visiting strategies based on weather variables, time needed, and crowd levels, as well as how to check the latest operational information.
Nha Trang Yersin Museum, the House Left Behind by the Scientist Who Discovered the Plague Bacterium
Inside the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang stands the preserved house where bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin, discoverer of the plague bacterium, actually lived. Opened in 1997, this small science museum displays his research instruments, letters, and photographs, offering a glimpse into the world of tropical medicine research from a century ago.
Belavia Launches First Direct Minsk–Bangkok Flight…Minsk–Phuket Route Also Resumes Twice Weekly
Belarusian national carrier Belavia launched its first-ever direct Minsk–Bangkok route on October 25, 2026, and from October 29, the Minsk–Phuket route will also resume as a regular service operating twice a week.
Tokyo Meiji Jingu, an Imperial Sanctuary Embraced by a 100-Year Man-Made Forest
Founded in 1920 next to Harajuku Station in the heart of the city, Meiji Jingu is enveloped by a man-made forest created from 100,000 trees donated from across the country. Enshrining Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this is one of Tokyo's representative attractions where visitors can experience Japanese shrine culture by walking along the grand torii gate and the approach path.
Seoul Bukchon Hanok Village: A Living Hanok Alley in the Heart of the City
Located on a hill between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village is one of Seoul's representative attractions, lined with hanoks (traditional Korean houses) built from the late 19th to early 20th century. Since it is a residential area where real residents live, visiting hours are being enforced, so visitors should check the official website for the latest information.
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