“The end is not the most important part.” – Claire the robot “Maybe Happy Ending” debuted in Seoul in 2016, and since its arrival in New York last year, it has become a beloved sleeper hit, one that many critics predict will snag a Tony for Best Musical. Ranking #7 in the theater capacity rankings…
The latest Michelin Guide has awarded the highest number of stars ever bestowed on Korean restaurants in the U.S., marking a historic moment for Korean cuisine. A total of 16 Korean restaurants earned at least one Michelin star, while 14 more were recognized in the coveted Bib Gourmand category for their high-quality yet affordable dining…
Tucked away in the penthouse of an unassuming Koreatown building, Joo Ok is a refreshing addition to the New York dining scene. Last year, this two-Michelin-star modern restaurant boldly moved from its original Seoul location to New York City. Chef Shin Chang-ho offers a meticulously curated tasting menu that showcases the innovation and finesse of…
In a gritty, bustling area of lower Manhattan, who could have foreseen the nostalgic allure of a retro Korean diner, one echoing the establishments once frequented by Seoul’s taxi drivers? Thankfully Kisa Sikdang is now accepting a limited number of reservations, but it is here that diners queued for hours, eager for a taste of…
Culinary Class Wars broke records this fall as the first Korean unscripted title to rank No. 1 on the Netflix Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) list for three consecutive weeks. With the success of Korean dramas and films paving the way, it’s no surprise that Korean variety shows are now captivating international audiences. This surge…
“Seoul is the best place in the world to shop for clothes!” My cousin’s claim seemed like just another example of Korean hyper-patriotism. After having studied in London and toured Europe, I was convinced that Seoul couldn’t hold a candle to fashion capitals like London, Paris, or NYC, especially in the cutting edge world of…
Watching Andy Kim’s historic victory last night felt like a spark of hope in an otherwise highly divisive and discordant election. As a young Korean American intern for his campaign, I stood with my fellow volunteers, holding “Andy Kim for Senate” signs, all of us buzzing with anticipation. It was really happening. And when the…
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,…