While dol ostensibly is a festive party centered around the birthday child, it is larger than that…It is a tribute to the generations who came before me and survived enough birthdays of their own to bring this very moment into life. For Korean parents, there are few events in their child’s life that take on greater significance…
If you are looking to improve your Korean and haven’t heard of Eggbun yet you need to download the app now! As someone who’s tried so many different ways to learn Korean- watching Youtube videos, completing workbooks, listening to podcasts, etc- I’ve found that Eggbun is the answer, and in my opinion the best app…
“Unbeknownst to Kim himself, he accomplished the considerable feat of making Korean genre painting widely known around the world,” When the ports of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) opened to the rest of the world in the late 19th century, travelers, diplomats, missionaries and merchants flooded in, all curious to find out more about the life…
In western countries, women take a shower immediately after childbirth. They have a regular diet, start walking around, and go out in the cold weather. On the other hand, Korean women are advised not to take a shower for a week or more. They are not allowed to put their hands in cold water. For…
“Seoul is ‘beyond’ – on the leading edge of technology, music, fashion, cosmetics, and food – it’s THE spot guaranteed to entertain even the most discriminating of adolescents.” If your family contains one or more opinionated teenagers, the South Korean capital of Seoul might be the perfect destination to appease the most discerning members of…
“What’s your sign?” is a question commonly asked in the Western world. But in East Asian nations like South Korea, you’re more likely to hear, “What’s your blood type?” That’s because for the past century, many Koreans have associated different blood types with specific personality characteristics that determine one’s likability, romantic compatibility, and even health…
[Read to the end 💔] Mother’s Day has this Korean American mom reminiscing about all of the wild and crazy things my mother used to tell me over the years. You can say it was a hodgepodge of old wives tales, superstitions or just plain old common sense embellished, Korean style. Here is a compilation…
![[MEMBERS-ONLY WEBCAST] Art in the Time of Coronavirus: A Conversation With Author Min Jin Lee](https://bestofkorea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/200502_minjinlee_eventimag4-720x492.jpeg)
As COVID-19 is forcing people to stay home, lack of social interaction is causing boredom and cognitive decline. In such times, engaging with literary arts may allow people to travel to fictional worlds created by the authors. And adding in the flavor of Asian creativity, the literary world becomes even more exotic and intriguing. Join…
Dong chim is a popular prank that involves using your index fingers to poke someone in the between the bum cheeks with as much force as you can muster BEWARE the poop needle.” That’s my travel advice to anyone heading to South Korea. Because nothing can prepare you for the shock of South Korea’s craziest…
On Black Day, single Koreans drown their sorrows in a bowl of jjajang myeon noodles. If one day of hearts and lovey-dovey, mushy-gushy isn’t enough , you might want to consider a move to Japan or Korea. Both countries have an interesting adaptation for Valentine’s Day: They celebrate it twice. Traditionally on February 14, the…