About SOHOFRANCHISE
SOHOFRANCHISE is an independent travel publication about Korea. We write for people visiting Korea — first-timers and returning travellers alike — who want to find good food, neighbourhoods worth exploring, honest shopping advice and the everyday culture that guidebooks often miss.
Who runs it
SOHOFRANCHISE is not a company, tourism board or travel agency. It is an independent project run by an individual. No investor or advertiser decides what we write about; the only test is whether it genuinely helps someone travelling in Korea.
What we cover
Destinations
From Seoul’s neighbourhoods to smaller cities across the country — places we have walked and would recommend.
Eat & Drink
Restaurants and cafés locals actually go to, plus how to order and what to expect at the table.
Shopping
Markets, local shops, department stores and tax refunds — what visitors find useful to know.
Things to Do
Exhibitions, festivals, hands-on experiences and what’s worth doing in each season.
Franchise in Korea
International franchise brands entering Korea — and how they are changing the streets travellers walk.
Smoke Free Chefs
Our campaign for smoke-free kitchens and dining. It runs independently of any advertising.
How we work
- We visit places ourselves wherever possible and use our own photos. When we haven’t been somewhere, we say so.
- Prices, opening hours and rules change. We note when information was checked and update stories when we learn of changes.
- We never accept payment for a review or for coverage of a place.
- Sponsored stories and ads are clearly labelled “Sponsored” or “Advertisement”. Advertisers cannot see or approve our independent stories before publication.
- When we get something wrong, we fix it and note the correction.
How the site is funded
Everything on SOHOFRANCHISE is free to read. Running costs are covered by labelled display advertising (Google AdSense), clearly marked sponsored content and our YouTube channel.
Get involved
Restaurants and chefs joining the Smoke Free Chefs campaign, and volunteers who want to write or shoot for us, are always welcome. Spotted a change or a mistake? Let us know too.