When you imagine Seoul, do you see the neon signs of Gangnam or the busy streets of Myeongdong? While the city is famous for its speed and technology, the true heart of Seoul beats a little slower—up in the mountains. For locals, hiking isn’t a special expedition requiring a car and heavy gear. It is […]
Hiking in Seoul: 3 Mountains You Can Reach by Subway Read More »
In many parts of the world, hiking is a solitary pursuit—a quiet battle against nature involving heavy packs and silent trails. But in South Korea, hiking (or deungsan) is a vibrant, communal, and deeply spiritual way of life. It is where the famous “Pali-pali” (hurry-hurry) culture of Seoul finally slows down, traded for the rhythmic
The Soul of the Summit: Why Hiking is Korea’s Favorite Pastime Read More »
In Korea, happiness doesn’t always come with a luxury price tag. Sometimes, it fits right in the palm of your hand and costs less than a cup of coffee. If you follow Korean lifestyle trends, you’ve likely heard of Olive Young for all things K-beauty. But for everything else—from charming home goods to clever travel
Finding ‘Small but Certain Happiness’ for Just 1,000 Won: A Guide to Korean Daiso Read More »
If you walk down any street in Seoul—or even a quiet village lane in Jeju—you are never more than a few minutes away from a glowing neon sign. Whether it’s GS25, CU, or 7-Eleven, the Korean pyeon-ui-jeom (convenience store) is far more than a place to grab a quick pack of gum. It is a
The Magic of the 24/7 Glow: Why Korean Convenience Stores are the Heart of Local Life Read More »
Happy New Year! But wait, if you are in Korea, you might have just gotten one year older, even if your birthday is months away. Confused? Welcome to the unique and slightly chaotic world of “Korean Age.” In Korea, you don’t just blow out candles to age up. You have to eat a bowl of
Why Koreans Eat This Soup to Get One Year Older: The Mystery of “Korean Age” & Tteokguk Read More »