Something about being near water is simply relaxing. When the weather finally agrees to reward Seoul, Korea with a mild and sunny day after a brutally long winter people tend to flock to the Han River. Here are 10 ways to enjoy the river in the coming months.

photo credit: my cool friend James

1) Banpo Bridge

I have no intention of making you jealous, but I have to inform you that I am writing this blog post from a beach chair 4 feet from the water on the small island of Koh Samet in Thailand. It is late afternoon and the beach area in front of my resort (My bungalow is $20 a night!) is starting to clear out for the day. I personally think dusk is the best part of a beach day. The sky’s color is spectacular, the sun isn’t as intense as it was a few hours prior and I can finally tell by looking at my skin that yes, I in fact did manage to tan and not burn after hours of frolicking in the surf.

from http://exuberanza.com

A friend from college who spent two previous years in Korea quickly became my go-to source for random questions and concerns before my final decision to sign, stamp and send my teaching contract back to my recruiter. She planned to return home to the US shortly before my own departure date. I was lucky enough to meet up with her in Boston for a quick drink and a much needed pep talk that reassured me I was making the right decision by moving to Korea (“Korea!?” – all my friends/family at holiday gatherings).

A reader writes in:

I'm wondering, besides Jeju, what would you consider the best place in Korea for a romantic overnight/weekend getaway? I'm talking relaxation, not like a "romantic" hike on Seoraksan. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeju is definitely a romantic place, don't get me wrong. Until recently, the island was considered the honeymoon spot for Koreans, and a number of hotels offered honeymooner services that broke the ice for the new couple to, um, introduce themselves to each other. Unfortunately, the island is a plane ride away - not the easiest thing to spontaneously plan. The following suggestions, therefore, recognize that getting away needs to be reasonably easy.