Happy Korean New Year! Celebrating the New Year, also known as Seollal (설날), is a serious matter for Koreans. So much so that we often celebrate it twice a year – first on the Gregorian calendar New Year’s Day (shinjeong) on January 1st. Then once again on the Lunar New Year’s Day (gujeong), which lands…
Eating tteokguk on Seollal, the first day of the year, is a Korean tradition that dates back to the late 18th century. The white color of the tteok signifies purity and cleanliness and the shape is symbolic of round Korean brass coins, which is a wish for prosperity and wealth. On cold, wintery nights, nothing…
I’ve been back to Korea dozens of times over the years and have pretty much checked off everything on my bucket list. However this fall, on my list for the first time was the Korean comprehensive health check-up. I was a bit nervous about it, but it ended up being one of the best things I’ve…
With K-pop, K-drama, and K-culture being oh-so-popular nowadays, many people are clamoring for authentic Korean gifts! But traditional Korean gifts aren’t always easy to find. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and found some wonderful Korean products for you to consider. The traditional Korean gifts on this list embody the unique Korean spirit that…
Do you dream of starring in your own K-drama winter holiday fantasy? Or envision yourself belting out “All I Want for Christmas is You” as you walk the streets of Seoul? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here is an overview of where to find some seasonal magic in Korea, and some ways…
It’s never an easy task to shop for the most important people in our lives. And who deserves more appreciation than our beloved Korean moms – our ‘Ummas’ – who care for us with a warm meal and a heart full of love? Here are some can’t-miss suggestions for gifts that have secretly, or not…
Buying gifts for finicky teens and young adults is a difficult task! But one thing you can count on is that all things Korean are very cool right now. Also, most teens, including teen boys, care as much about skincare as any teen girl. Check out our top picks that are sure to delight all…
The 2024 Michelin Guide awarded a historic number of stars to Korean restaurants in the US. 15 Korean restaurants in the US were awarded at least one star, which is three more than last year, and two new restaurants have been added to the more affordable Bib Gourmand category. The Michelin Guide remains a dominant…
Robb Report’s Most Powerful People in Fine Dining Making remarkable headway in the high-end culinary world, seven Korean American chefs and restaurateurs are featured in Robb Report’s Power 50 in American Fine Dining. That number represents over 10 percent of the people considered to be the most impactful by their peers in the industry. Every…
The line of young Asian Americans who owe their Wall Street jobs to Mike Joo’s mentorship could wrap around a city block. Last year, KED Global reported that Mike Joo was the highest ranking Korean American banker on Wall Street, and over the years, he has quietly earned a reputation as a godfather figure for…