Pepero Day (빼빼로 데이) is a beloved annual gifting tradition in Korea that is observed on November 11th (11/11). Originated by the maker of Pepero (빼빼로), the Lotte Corporation, Pepero Day is more celebrated by Koreans than Valentine’s Day or White Day since those days are for romantic partners whereas this celebratory day is for…
Like water is shaped by its container, we also form our destiny to some degree. The face is a living form and keeps changing through our lifestyle and mindset. Everyone’s face is unique. Gwansang, or the ancient Korean practice of face reading, contends that people’s capabilities, qualifications, and even destinies can be ascertained by interpreting faces.…
To countless devotees, Jeju Island is, without a doubt, the best vacation spot in Korea. Known as the Hawaii of Korea, Jeju Island makes people feel as if they are worlds away from the Korean peninsula with its beautiful tropical landscapes. Jeju Island has everything you need or want for your perfect vacation escape from magnificent…
Chuseok 2023 is on September 29! Be sure to check off the essentials for food, family, and fun. What is Chuseok? Korean Chuseok (추석), also known as Hangawi, is one of the two main holidays on the peninsula, and it’s a very big deal. Considered Korean Thanksgiving, it is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth…
Immersive learning is probably the best way to learn any language and many people go to Seoul with a goal to learn Korean. Language programs for college students at places like Yonsei University are very popular. Less known, however, are schools that welcome students who are older or younger. If you’re not in college and…
Korean Spas: Fall Pampering the Korean Way It’s not just you. Summer days do feel far away. If the fall transition season seems especially tough this year, do yourself a favor and take a Korean spa day. How are Korean spas different from American spas? Well, a meal at a conventional restaurant or at a…
It wouldn’t be summer in Korea without bingsu, the shaved ice treat that is so refreshing and unique to Korea. Every year, around April or May, bingsu starts to appear on the menus of many Korean cafes and restaurants, and although many think of this as a dessert, Koreans generally eat bingsu as a summertime…
Longevity and healthy aging are hot topics these days. The Wall Street Journal recently reported a spike in interest in ice baths while Harvard genetics professor David Sinclair offers a compelling argument for becoming healthier through actions such as calorie restriction, cold therapy, and of course exercise in his bestseller “Lifespan: Why We Age and…
What are the absolute best things to do in Seoul right now? Travelers from all over the world are coming to Korea in droves and asking that very question. With the explosion of interest in K Dramas, K Pop, Korean cuisine and so much more, there are many different ways to enjoy Seoul! But your…
Fall In Love and Feel Your Heart Break as In-Yun Takes Center Stage Who hasn’t wondered, What if? “Past Lives” tells a remarkably tender story of the quiet devastation that can remain when people leave. In Celine Song’s film, it’s the engineer who’s the dreamer and the playwright who prefers decisions based on practicality over…