-
Best Instant Tteokbokki: Where To Buy It and How To Make It
If you like Korean food, then you’ve probably heard of the spicy goodness of tteokbokki. Not as spicy as Buldak Ramen, but still spicy if you ask me. Tteokbokki is a side dish or street food that is commonly purchased by teenagers for after-school snacks, a spicy pick-me-up, or a late night street food cart favorite. You can easily find tteokbokki at street food carts in districts like Hongdae and Myeongdong as well as prevalent in Korean traditional markets. If you’re not in Korea though, or just want to enjoy this spicy Korean dish at home, keep reading. Here are some of the best instant tteokbokki options and how to…
-
SKIN1004: The Entire Hyalu-Cica Line Reviewed!
Looking for hydrating Korean skincare products? Have you heard of SKIN1004 yet? A couple years back, I got my hands on the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella toner and ampoule and immediately adored them. They were so easy to apply and so hydrating. They left my skin supple and moisturized. All that to say, when I heard SKIN1004 had a new line of Madagascar Centella and Hyaluronic Acid products, I was excited to try it. Tending toward dry skin myself, I look out for Kbeauty products touting hydration and moisturization as this one does. So let’s see how they stand up! Get ready to check out SKIN1004’s Hyalu-Cica line: (This post contains…
-
Traditional Korean Medicine: Hanyak, Sasang, and Medicinal Herbs
With a pretty traditional Korean mother-in-law, I’ve been given a variety of more holistic remedies over the years and as someone who is more inclined toward holistic medicine over modern, I’m okay with that. But, there’s a lot to know and remember and a lot to know when it comes to Hanyak, Hanbang, and Sasang. There is so much to learn when it comes to traditional Korean medicine. I have to wager a guess that people of yore had little booklets or something that they kept all of the info on the plants around them listed because there’s just so much information. With that in mind, I’ve put together a…
-
Dancheong: The history, the meaning, and more!
If you’ve ever sat in awe looking up at the beautifully decorated and colorful traditional palaces or temples in Korea like I have, then you’ve probably noticed the elaborate details and wondered what it all means. The colorful facades and intricate details are beautiful and the traditional Korean decorative coloring, or dancheong (단청), might take you back to your childhood days of staring at the tortuous Magic Eye books looking for some hidden meaning. There might not be a 3D illusion, but there is more symbolism than you might realize. Learn everything you need to know about dancheong: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of…
-
Things To Do In Hongdae: From someone who lived there
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, Korea, then you’ve probably come across the district called Hongdae and wondered what is really going on there. Is this trendy neighborhood in Seoul really where you should spend some time? Well known for nightlife hot spots, pretty cafes, busking musicians and K-pop dance groups, there’s a lot to do in Hongdae… if you know where to look. The streets of Hongdae are fun and packed with a lot to see and do and it can be overwhelming if you go with no plan at all. You could go many many many times and still not see everything there is to see in…
-
Fall Fashion In Korea: The Trends To Know
Fashion plays an important role in how we perceive a culture and helps us express ourselves in various ways. In Korea’s case, the bold and unique K-pop style, the traditional Hanbok (한복), and the clean everyday, or minimalist look are the most common styles that we see overall. If you’ve been following the Korean fashion trends, then you know how people worldwide are now embracing the Korean styles more and more. You probably also know how fast the trends in Korean fashion change. What is hot on a drama one day, is not just a week later. While we’re all just trying to keep up, there are some main stays…
-
Bugak Skyway: Where To Get Panoramic Views of Seoul
Are you looking to take in panoramic views of downtown Seoul, Korea? Want to have a bit of coffee and take in the views out over Seoul as the sun sets and the lights flicker on across the city? You’re probably picturing a spot like Namsan Tower or Seoul Sky Observatory for those kinds of views, but there’s one more spot that doesn’t require a fee at all and offers just beautiful views from a beautifully vividly colored traditional Korean pavilion. Take a drive on the most beautiful road in Seoul, Bugak Skyway (북악스카이), and stop off at Bugak Pavilion (북악팔각정) for some impressive views. You’ll see… Get ready to…
-
Where To Rent A Hanbok In Seoul: Everything To Know
Are you planning to travel to Seoul, Korea? Or you’re just looking for something fun to do downtown this weekend? Did you know that renting a Hanbok, or traditional Korean clothing, is one of the most popular things for tourists to do in Seoul? On top of that, Korean locals do it too. Renting a Hanbok is both fun and makes for gorgeous photos in the traditional areas of downtown Seoul. If you’ll be visiting a Korean palace or walking along the traditional streets of the Bukchon Hanok Village, and wondering how to rent a Hanbok in Seoul, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more about the Korean Hanbok…
-
Nam June Paik Art Center: The Art and Architecture Spot To See In Yongin
If you didn’t see one of Nam June Paik’s pieces before you came to Korea, you’ve certainly seen one of his pieces since arriving. Once you’re aware of his style and aesthetic, you’ll notice one of his pieces in almost every museum in the country. If you want to learn more about one of Korea’s most famous artists, a pioneering video artist, you definitely need to visit the Nam June Paik Art Center (백남준아트센터) in Yongin, Korea. Established to revive the generosity, criticality, and interdisciplinarity characteristic of his work and life, the center makes for a fun and artistic place to go south of Seoul, Korea. You can learn why…
-
Seoul K-Medi Center: Learn About Traditional Korean Medicine
Are you interested to learn about traditional Korean medicine? Ever wonder where you should go in Seoul to get learn more about holistic Korean medicine? If you haven’t heard of the Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Market, then now is the time. Specifically for this post though, we’re going to delve into the Seoul K-Medi Center (서울한방진흥센터), a space built purposefully in the pursuit of teaching more about the traditional Korean medicines so locals and tourists can learn more about holistic medicine. I had visited Yangnyeongsi Market years ago before this center was established and I did not know what I was looking at at all. This center is really impressive and…
-
Top 7 Kpop Groups of All Time: Who do you think is on the list?
If you’re interested in Korean culture, it’s almost impossible to miss Kpop. Korean pop or Kpop refers to the Korean pop groups that have swept the world over the past two decades. Well-known for their flashy clothes, catchy beats, and pretty faces, it’s no wonder Kpop has become so popular. Kpop has become a global phenomenon and the artists have created some of the top songs in the world today. New to Kpop and want to know which Korean music groups to check out? Or maybe want to join the debate on the top Kpop groups today? Read on to find the most popular Kpop groups old and new, as…
-
How To Get To The Garden of the Morning Calm
Have you heard of the Garden of the Morning Calm (아침고요수목원) yet? It’s included on quite a four Korean tour itineraries and if you haven’t been, you might wonder why. This garden is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Korea and it’s one of the best things to do in Gapyeong to be sure. On top of that, it’s a beautiful garden year round with something to see in every season. Wonder where to see holiday lights in Korea? This is definitely a winter wonderland. Want to frolic in the lush greens of summer? Visit Garden of the Morning Calm. From season to season, there is something just…
-
Suneung: Your Questions Answered
Come autumn in Korea, you’ll start to hear about Suneung (수능) and if you don’t know what all the jazz about, you might wonder what the big deal is. A test? Didn’t we all take tests in high school when we were kids? We did… but this is a little different. Get ready to learn all about the Korean Suneung, or College Entrance Exam. Whether you’re looking for example English questions on the Suneung to learn about all of the drama every year or what to give a student about to take the Suneung, you’ll find it here. Wondering what the Suneung is? Here’s all the details: (This post contains…
-
See the Largest Mural In the World From The Wolmi Sea Train
Traveling a total of 6.1 kilometers at 10 kilometers an hour, the Wolmi Sea Train (월미바다열차) is said to be the longest urban tourist monorail in Korea. Looking for something fun to do in Incheon? Head to Wolmi Island and take the Wolmi Sea Train to get there. Once on the sea train, you can also take in the largest mural in Korea and visit a theme park! If you’re looking for something to do this weekend in Korea, take a daytrip to Incheon’s Wolmi Island. Here’s what you should know about the Wolmi Sea Train: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a…
-
How To Enjoy Lotte World: From Discount Tickets To Magic Passes
Looking for the Korean version of a Disney theme park? Look no further than Lotte World (롯데월드 어드벤처). Right in Seoul, Korea, Lotte World is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Though not as magical as Disney World itself, it is quirky, fun, and often a great way to celebrate upcoming holidays as they host events and parades on theme. Home to one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, Lotte World is great year round and fun for all ages. Being right in Seoul also makes it really easy to get to. Are you ready for rides, shows, and more? Everything you should know about…
-
Glossika Language Program Review: Learning Korean Online
Do you want to learn Korean? There are some great programs to learn Korean online out there and Glossika is one of them. Whether you’re planning to visit Korea or just want to understand those Korean dramas you’re watching better, learning Korean is a good idea. When trying to learn Korean or any new language, it’s important to focus on listening and speaking just as much as reading and writing. There are a lot of programs and websites that will help you with memorizing vocabulary and learning grammar, but fewer that focus on listening and speaking. Glossika is one really good website to practice your listening skills. Check out my…
