I don’t really know what I was expecting when I went to Herb Island, but there were certainly a lot of surprises. Located an hour north of Seoul in Pocheon, the old tourist destination boasts a plethora of events and decorations all year round. If you visit in the summer, you’ll be greeted by plants from around the world (and herbs, of course). In the winter, slobby donkeys and Santa statues galore are there to welcome you. Like all cheesy tourist stops in Korea, there’s a hotel and several food options to make your stay more comfortable. My favorite part was actually checking out the indoor decorations, as each shop and restaurant had a different theme; I especially loved the traditional Korean village. Overall, the place needs a bit of renovation and TLC to keep its Christmas theme modern, but for a spontaneous romantic trip or a goofy day out with friends, Herb Island is a great stop to put on your list.

