I live in what Koreans call the jin-jja shi-gol (진짜 시골), or the deep countryside, so whenever I get the chance to visit Seoul, I’m always seeking out new experiences. Growing up in a time when K-culture wasn’t well-known or considered cool, I’m still surprised by how many tourists visit now. It’s been fascinating to…
Call me competitive, but I admit I watched the medal count in the Olympics every day of the events in Paris and, sometimes, multiple times a day. Two numbers mattered most to me: the USA and South Korea. When the events came to an end on Sunday, the numbers were fixed and there was a…
The jar’s curves are full yet simple. Its white color is pure but not cold, and its glaze shines warmly without being flashy. The humble Korean moon jar has captivated the world and is experiencing a huge resurgence in popularity. The international craze for moon jars first started in the UK. It began in 2006,…
Who is Dosan Ahn Chang-Ho? Ahn Chang-Ho (1878 – 1938), also known by his art name Dosan, was an independent activist and educator involved in events such as the assassination of Itō Hirobumi during the Japanese occupation in 1909 and the bombing at Hongkou Park in Shanghai in 1932. In 1902, Ahn Chang-Ho founded the…
Bingsu is one of the most popular Korean summer treats enjoyed not only in South Korea but also across the globe, thanks to the growing popularity of K-food and culture. But did you know that a bowl of bingsu can cost more than ₩100,000 ($70-80) at some high-end hotels in Seoul? It seems absurd, considering…
Commanding center stage at the Grand Ole Opry, comedian Henry Cho looked right at home, drawing the kind of belly laughs that only come when people really “get you.” There’s an energy, a feeling like no other. Just ask any performer or athlete. There’s nothing like killing it in front of a home crowd. With…
With our bags checked and having passed through security at Gimhae Airport, I felt a sigh of relief as we sat in the chairs waiting for our flight to take off. This was my first trip to Japan, and I don’t think the waves of excitement hit until that moment. It was at that moment…
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated” – Confucius “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo Da Vinci * When I think of Ju Rhyu and her Mighty Patch success story, I am awed by the simplicity of her journey. In 2017, Rhyu bootstrapped one product and launched it the fastest…
In recent years, South Korean cinema has captivated audiences worldwide, transcending language barriers with its unique blend of storytelling, innovation, and artistry. Far from being newcomers to the industry, Korean filmmakers have been been honing their craft for decades. From the groundbreaking brilliance of “Parasite,” which made history at the Oscars, to the intense political…
Three Giants of Joseon Art Jeong Seon, Kim Hong-do, and Shin Yun-bok are among the most representative painters of Korea’s Joseon period, a 500 year dynasty which lasted from 1392-1897. These artists’ works reflect the customs, landscapes, and spirit of Joseon, marking an important era of Korean painting history. Their works are fundamental to Korean…