Established in 1964, the Baeksang Arts Awards is a comprehensive arts awards ceremony encompassing TV, film, and theater. The 59th Baeksang Arts Awards took place on April 28th, 2023, at the beautiful Paradise City Resort in Incheon, and was broadcast live in Korea and on TikTok for international viewers. 1,723,992 people watched the show on…
What is dojang? In Korea, a dojang (도장) is a seal or stamp used to represent one’s personal name or signature. The use of dojang dates back to ancient times in Korea, and they have been an important part of Korean culture since its founding. Just imagine that you are sitting on a departing plane…
Chopsticks Feed Billions but Also Prevent Assassinations and Train Olympians Sometimes when I’m waiting in a coffee line, an odd annoyance pops into my head. It bothers me that my 10-year-old son does not know how to use chopsticks properly. It’s not a top-tier concern, up there with climate disasters or hate crimes, but it…
Korean film “Broker” was a favorite at Cannes and is now available to view in theaters for a limited time.
2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit. The Lunar New Year starts on January 22, 2023, and ends on February 9, 2024. The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the Korean zodiac and is associated with traits such as gentleness, kindness, and diplomacy. When combined with the water element, which is associated with creativity,…
One of the most popular questions I’ve received in recent weeks is: “Noona’s Noonchi, what are the best Korean Dramas of 2022 in your opinion?” It’s a great question but not an easy one to answer; because the truth is we all have our preferences, our own likes and dislikes. It’s also a question that I…
Korea is a land of four beautiful seasons and winter is a time when Koreans embrace the low temperatures while indulging in some wonderful escapes from the cold. Temperatures can definitely dip below zero, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays with fun winter activities in Korea and maybe even experience a…
The recent historical films about the Imjin War and the exploits of Korea’s greatest war hero Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545-1598), were blockbuster hits in South Korea. Now both these films, Hansan: Rising Dragon (2022), and The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014 – original Korean title Myeongnyang) are available to stream in the US on most of the major platforms. The legendary…
Based on your encounter with Korean names, you might have been wondering if all Koreans share the same handful of last names—Kim, Lee, Park, or Choi. Diving deeper into the anatomy and conventions around Korean names, there’s a lot more that a Korean name can tell you than you think. Korean last names or family…
(Seoul) Just past the broiling early summer months and before the coming bite of winter, crisp nights and gorgeous foliage welcome natives and tourists alike. Our bias may be showing but we challenge you to name a better fall destination than Seoul. Ideal temperatures, stunning nature walks and lively entertainment await. Korea may be best…