In Korea, there are a number of things that keep me eagerly waiting for the beautiful season of autumn all year long. Here are five of them
I’ve always adored makgeolli, but enjoy it even more now that I am back in America, as it is not only delicious but is also associated with so many wonderful memories of my time in Korea. I was so excited when I recently came across Hyesun House, an Austin-based startup that sells DIY makgeolli kits. …
Worth approximately $500 million annually, the South Korean medical tourism industry is experiencing an all-time high. But despite its increasing growth, the industry still presents a number of challenges to international visitors looking to go under the knife, including safety concerns, price transparency and language barriers. Enter Eunogo, a trusted, government-approved community marketplace designed to …
Every year, over a million people flock to the sleepy town of Hwacheon to participate in the Sancheoneo Ice Festival. The festival, which takes place annually, is consistently voted one of the best local festivals in Korea and was even named one of the “Seven Wonders of Winter” by Lonely Planet. I participated in the …
I sip my latte and stifle a chuckle as I take in my surroundings at Ddo-Ong Cafe in the Ssamzigil shopping complex in Insadong. Colorful mini plungers hang delicately from a tree in the corner, old fashioned squat toilets are placed tastefully throughout the shop and two girls take selfies with a stuffed doll with …
Spend enough time in Korea and you will get asked the inevitable question: What’s your blood type? When I was first asked about my blood type, I wasn’t able to answer. In fact, I’ve observed most of my North American and European friends are uncertain of their blood type. Is it important to know? Sure. But …
When I first moved to Korea, I spent every minute of my free time getting lost in the neighborhoods of Seoul. Wandering the unknown became a hobby and through it, I was able to learn a lot about my new home and discover many a hidden gem, whether it be a cafe, an interesting sculpture …
It’s never a bad idea to start out a new year with a few extra good karma points… you never know when you’ll need them. So, instead of spending New Year’s Eve drinking too much in a crowded bar and waking up to feelings of pain and regret, I decided to ring it in at …
New Year’s Eve in Korea is action packed. Hotels host swanky soirées, restaurants lure in hungry diners with holiday specials, and the masses gather in the streets, unmoved by subzero temperatures, eager to share a final shot of soju with one another before the clock strikes midnight. But, contrary to what many think, there is …
The creak of old wooden floors. The sliding of beautifully crafted doors. The upward curves of tiled roofs and the enchanting calm of courtyards. Hanok, or traditional Korean houses, are delightful dwellings where those who enter them can’t help but be hypnotized by their charm. Constructed in accordance with nature and geographical location, hanoks were …