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Why Are So Many People in Korea Named Kim? What To Know About Korean Last Names & How They Are Changing!
As a foreigner navigating life, love, and family in Korea, I found the history and structure behind Korean names endlessly fascinating. So let me take you on a journey into Korean surnames: why so many people are named Kim, Lee, or Park, what those names really mean, and how even first names have a deep-rooted cultural backstory that connects generations. Trust me, you’ll be fascinated too. Get ready to learn about Korean names, why there are so many Kim’s, and why there are more and more new last names in Korea: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after…
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Jeju’s Hidden Art Walk: Exploring Sincheon-ri Mural Village
I stumbled across the Sincheon-ri Mural Village (신천리 벽화마을) while walking a section of the Jeju Olle-gil and knew instantly I had to bring my daughter back for an evening stroll. No crowds, no noise, just us, the art, and a peaceful neighborhood splashed with color. In a similar fashion, I had stumbled upon the Gimnyeong Craft Metal Mural Village on Jeju Olle Course 20. I love how many mural villages there are in Korea. There are more than people realize and that’s probably because most of them are in small towns and villages that you really have to stumble upon to find out about. So, here we are in…
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Discover Seoul’s Hidden Hanok Library at the Foot of Inwangsan
Cheongun Literature Library (청운문학도서관) is a spot for every book lover in Seoul. Tucked into the hillside just a few meters up from the foot of Inwangsan Mountain, the library had long been on my radar. I’d seen photos of the hanok-style structure, admired the wooden beams and sweeping tiled roof, and imagined myself curled up with a book as mountain breezes whispered outside. Always in search of serene corners of Seoul, I knew I’d enjoy it. Cheongun Literature Library isn’t just a spot for reading, it’s a place that lets you breathe slower, think more deeply, and sit in a beautiful harmony of nature, literature, and history. Cheongun Literature…
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Yukjeon Hoegwan: Where the Bassak Bulgogi Isn’t What You’d Expect
When you’re searching for the best restaurants in Seoul, you’ll find no shortage of trendy spots. But if you want something with deep roots and real history, Yukjeon Hoegwan (역전회관) near Gongdeok Station delivers. This isn’t just one of the oldest restaurants in Seoul and has a family and flavor that dates all the way back to 1928. If you’re looking for where to eat in Gongdeok, or want to experience something beyond the usual modern Korean fare, this is it. This restaurant is a standout not because it’s new or flashy, but because it’s steady—and still doing what it does best. Get ready to eat at one of the…
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Sihyunhada: Why This Korean Photo Studio Is a Must-Visit
In need of a new headshot to represent myself when sending out articles for other publications, I dove down a rabbit hole of trendy portrait options and iconic Korean headshot studios and came upon the one experience making waves for anyone looking to capture their best self—Sihyunhada Photo Studio (시현하다). If you’ve been following Korean beauty and professional portrait trends, you’ve likely heard of Sihyunhada. More than just a photography studio, Sihyunhada personalizes every shoot through 1:1 consultations, helping clients craft the perfect headshot or portrait that encapsulates their personality. Korean headshots and ID photos are always rather stunning, definitely better than any ID photo I’ve ever had taken, so…
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Korea In May: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
May in Korea is the sweet spot of spring — when the flowers are still blooming, but the days are warmer, longer, and begging for outdoor adventures. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and there’s just something about this month that feels downright refreshing. You might even catch a gentle breeze carrying the scent of spring flowers or freshly cut grass. After nearly two decades of exploring Korea, I can tell you that May is one of the most pleasant months to be here. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to pack a picnic, hike a mountain, or simply stroll through a park and soak it…
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Korea in April: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
April in Korea is when the world seems to come alive again. Cherry blossoms bloom and for many, they are the main attraction of the month, but they’re not the only bloom to brighten your days. Spring is in full swing, and the chill of winter has finally made its retreat, leaving behind crisp mornings and mild afternoons that beckon you outside. Having spent years wandering Korea’s trails, towns, and temples, I can tell you there’s a special energy to April. It’s not just about the blossoms — though they’re breathtaking — but also the festivals, the fresh seasonal flavors, and that perfect weather sweet spot before the summer heat…
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The Ultimate Night Out in Apgujeong: 4 Must-Visit Bars, All on One Street
While Apgujeong in Seoul, Korea is most often discussed when referring to luxury shopping and boutiques, there’s another side of the area that comes alive when the sun goes down. When it comes to nightlife, Apgujeong is known for its stylish crowd, upscale venues, and a cocktail scene that delivers both quality and creativity. Get ready for the Apgujeong cocktail crawl. What if I told you that you could hit four of the best bars in the area, maybe in the city—all on the same street? That’s right, with just a short stroll, you can experience a variety of atmospheres, flavors, and hidden speakeasies without ever needing to call a…
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Kahi’s FREE Caviar Cooking Class: Skincare Meets Luxury Dining
Kahi, the Korean skincare brand that skyrocketed to fame with its viral Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm Stick, is known for their commitment to beauty with skincare. They revolutionized the way we simplify routines with their multi-use balm sticks. If you haven’t seen their balms in the hands of Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, or Ava Max, you’ve probably caught their signature pink stick making guest appearances in everything from Yumi’s Cells to Hocus Pocus 2. But Kahi isn’t just about skincare, they’re about luxury. Originally an exclusive event for VIP customers, the Kahi Caviar Cooking Class is now open to the public, and it’s completely FREE. Yes, you read that…
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Whip It Up in Seongsu: Make Your Own Skincare at WHIPPED House
In the heart of Seongsu-dong in Seoul, the air buzzes with the excitement of pop-ups and emerging beauty stores. One of the places getting a lot of attention due to their viral concoctions is WHIPPED House (휩드하우스). While WHIPPED is going viral online for its amazingly soft and rejuvenating skincare products, visitors can experience the magic of whipping in person when they visit, learning how to create their very own WHIPPED product and, in the process, appreciating the craftsmanship and the brand’s distinctive ethos and style. Was I excited to see what WHIPPED was all about? I sure was. If you want to do more than just shop at WHIPPED…
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Korea in March: The Weather, Tips From A Local, Flowers and Things To Do
March in Korea is like a soft awakening after the long slumber of winter. The chill still lingers, but hints of spring start to peek through in the form of budding trees and the first brave blooms. It’s a month of transition, where the weather keeps you guessing, seriously be prepared for cold winds but you’ll start sweating in the sun. After nearly two decades here, I’ve learned to embrace March for what it is: a time of anticipation. You’ll spot farmers prepping their fields, cafés switching out their menus for spring-themed treats, and locals heading outdoors to soak up the longer days. It’s the perfect time to wander, explore,…
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From Hanoks to High-Tech: Discover YLESS, Bukchon’s Futuristic Beauty Playground
What if I told you that beneath the serene charm of of Bukchon’s traditional hanoks lies a futuristic K-beauty playground waiting to be discovered? Walking down the alleys and streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, it’s easy to feel transported back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910). With beautiful hanoks, traditional Korean buildings, everywhere you look, people adorned in traditional hanboks, traditional dresses, you’d never guess that just around the corner, futuristic K-beauty innovations are quietly redefining the landscape. Enter YLESS (와이레스). A venture by Koreatech, the creators of Kahi and pioneers of the multi-balm craze that came out of Korea in 2020, the YLESS Flagship Store blends traditional Korean…
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Craft, Culture, and Color: Discover Maison Danha’s Bojagi Experience in Seoul
Danha (단하한복) is a name you may not know, though you should, with a modern Hanbok style you’re sure to remember. They splashed onto the Hanbok scene in 2018 and made waves when they were featured in BLACKPINK’s music video “How You Like That” in 2020. Their bold prints and bright colors that pay homage to traditional Korean patterns are stunning and on top of that, they’re focused on sustainability. Their Hanboks are gorgeous and I plan to get one, but until I do, I signed up for their bojagi bag-making workshop just to visit their space and learn more. With my daughter along for the adventure, we headed to…
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The Viral 15-Step Korean Scalp Treatment From Korea: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
Aging brings many changes, and for me, one of the most noticeable has been my scalp health—thinning hair, dryness, and overall irritation. Moving to Korea and adjusting to the water brought on similar scalp issues actually, and so for the years I’ve been here, I’ve been more in-tune with my scalp and hair. Fortunately, I live in South Korea, where scalp care isn’t just an afterthought, it’s an obsession. With a beauty and wellness industry dedicated to hair health, I knew I had to dive in and try one of the most talked-about treatments. The 15-step Korean scalp treatment has taken social media by storm, with videos of the intricate,…
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SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask Review
If you love the deep-cleaning power of a clay mask but hate the mess they usually create, you’re not alone. So, when I saw the Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask by SKIN1004 in this super easy to apply innovative stick form, I jumped on it. It promises to cleanse pores, soothe sensitive skin, and leave your complexion refreshed. But does it live up to the hype? Spoiler: This was fantastic for travel and really cleaned out my pores: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)…
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Exploring Seoul’s Seosomun Shrine: Where Architecture Meets Martyrdom
The first time I visited the Seosomun Shrine History Museum (서소문성지 역사박물관), I went for the architecture. I had seen photos and had no real idea what history this museum in Seoul would be detailing, but every museum I find in Korea has something fascinating to teach. While I initially visited for its modern design, I left with a newfound understanding of Korea’s Catholic martyrs and their resilience.” Seomun Gate is a sacred place for Korean Catholics. It was here that countless Catholics were executed after standing up against Joseon’s class-based society and declaring that all humans were equal under God. After the death of King Jeongjo in 1800, Catholics…
