As Korean cuisine gains popularity worldwide, hanwoo, or Korean beef, is also drawing attention from global food enthusiasts. While well-known hanwoo-producing regions like Hoengseong in Gangwon Province, Yeongju in North Gyeongsang Province and Jangsu in North Jeolla Province have long been recognized, fewer people are aware of the high-quality hanwoo from Daegwallyeong in Gangwon Province.

Nestled in an area famous for its pristine air, fresh water and grasslands, Daegwallyeong’s hanwoo is known for its superior quality and distinctive flavor, carefully regulated by local authorities. Only the highest grades — 1++, 1+, and 1 — are sold under the Daegwallyeong hanwoo label, ensuring top-tier beef for diners.

For those looking to try this premium meat, Daegwallyeong Hanwoo Town in Pyeongchang is the go-to destination. This farm-to-table establishment offers high-quality hanwoo at reasonable prices, as it is operated by the local livestock cooperative and its meat is sourced directly from the cooperative-affiliated farms.

Inside the restaurant, there is a butcher shop where customers can purchase hanwoo and grill it at the adjacent dining area, offering a true Korean barbecue experience.

One of the must-try dishes here is hanwoo yukhoe, or Korean-style beef tartare, which can be ordered at the restaurant. The finely sliced raw beef is served with a fresh egg yolk and slices of pear to mix and eat together, adding extra richness to the dish. This sought-after delicacy is priced at 25,000 won ($17.25).

Daegwallyeong Hanwoo Town

38 Olympic-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province

Welcome to the Hello Kitty Apple Cafe in the bustling shopping district of Myeong-dong, central Seoul, where you can open the door to your childhood and walk down memory lane.

Step into the world of pink where everything is pink, including the entrance, decorations, furniture and stairway. The cafe offers coffee, beverages and desserts with Hello Kitty characters on top. The drinks are priced from 5,500 won ($3.78) to 8,500 won. The cakes are offered at between 12,000 to 15,000 won.

The third floor is dedicated to Hello Kitty merchandise, from keyrings, mugs and clocks, to hairbands, socks and a photo zone for those who want to take a selfie with Hello Kitty.

Visitors must make on-site reservations at the entrance if the cafe is fully booked.

Do not forget to add the cafe to your Seoul itinerary, as the cafe is located only three minutes away from Myeong-dong Station on Metro Line No. 4.

Hello Kitty Apple Cafe

15 Myeongdong 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

If you’re a cat lover, Jipssaeuiharu -- or Day of Butler in English -- is a must-visit. Founded in 2015, the place began as a refuge for abandoned and rescued cats, offering them care, comfort and the possibility of finding a permanent home. Over the years, it has expanded into a 12-location chain across Korea, with branches in Hongdae, Gangnam, Hyehwa and Nowon.

Visitors are required to store their bags and coats in lockers before entering the main area. The 10,000 won entrance fee includes a drink and allows visitors to relax in a space where cats roam freely, nap in cozy corners, lounge on sofas or climb custom-built towers and scratch posts.

Before interacting with the feline friends, you must use hand sanitizer. Each cat has its own personality, and patience is key -- approaching too quickly can startle them. Let the cats take the lead -- a slow blink signals friendliness and offering a hand for a gentle sniff helps build trust.

For those eager to engage, wand toys are available, while an assortment of treats -- churu, dried pollack and chicken breast -- can be purchased for 2,000 to 3,000 won. All profits directly support the cafe’s mission of caring for and rehabilitating these animals.

Day of Butler operates daily from noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. On weekends, visits are limited to 90 minutes, while weekdays allow for a more leisurely two-hour stay. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Day of Butler Hyehwa Center

192-3 Myeongnyun 2(i)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul