Korean Culture (한국 문화)
From Hanboks, to traditional ceremonies in Korea, here are the things to know about Korean culture. (한복에서부터 한국의 전통 의식까지, 여기 한국 문화에 대해 알아야 할 것들이 있다.)
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Where To Buy Korea’s Mother of Pearl Lacquerware or Najeonchilgi
I LOVE najeonchilgi (나전칠기) and think it’s an underrated gift from Korea that I wish more people knew about. Najeonchilgi, or mother-of-pearl lacquerware in English, is beautiful and has an amazing history behind it. This Korean handicraft used to be really popular in Korea but has gone out of fashion over the years which has decreased the number of craftsmen making it now. That, though, has also increased the value. Want to get your hands on some beautiful Korean souvenirs? You can buy them in Korea but also while you’re abroad and I’m going to tell you how to make sure you get an authentic piece of Korean mother of…
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Everything You Should Know About Korean Chopsticks & How To Use Them
One of the first things travelers notice when they sit down to eat in Korea is that their chopsticks are metal not wooden like they’re used to back home when ordering Asian food. Using metal chopsticks is a whole new obstacle, but we’ll get to that. There are so many reasons to love Korean chopsticks. They’re eco-friendly, sustainable, and while it might be difficult to learn how to use them at first, they will make you more dexterous. Here’s how to use chopsticks and why to love them. Learn everything about the Korean metal chopsticks: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale…
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8 Things To Know Before You Eat In Korea
The food is served and you are ready to dig in… but wait, do you know good table manners in Korea? I’ve made plenty of mistakes around the dinner table in Korea, chief among them tapping my father-in-law’s soju glass when he poured his own drink. I’ll get to that story later. There is a lot to know about eating in Korea and I should add that a lot depends on who you’re eating with. I’ll get to that later too. Anyway, you’re ready to eat in Korea. Before you do, let’s learn the Korean eating etiquette so you can dig right in. What to know about Korean table manners: (This…
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Everything You Need To Know To Buy A Modern Hanbok Online
Are you ready to buy a modern Hanbok? Have you seen some of your favorite K-pop artists wearing Hanboks? Or maybe you’re just getting ready for an upcoming Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving, or Seollal, Lunar New Year, holiday. Whatever the reason, here is everything you need to know to buy a modern Hanbok online. I have four Hanboks myself, a traditional Hanbok and three modern Hanboks, and I’m ready to get you ready to buy a Hanbok yourself. Traditional has become trendy. Get your modern Hanbok now: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to…
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How To Celebrate The Year Of The Tiger In Korea
Happy New Year! 2022 has begun and with it the Year of the Tiger, the black tiger to be precise. In Korean, this year is called “Iminnyeon”, 임인년, with “Im” meaning black, “in” meaning tiger, and “nyeon” meaning year. Korea is known as the “Land of tigers”. Tigers, which once roamed the Korean peninsula, are so ingrained in Korean history and folklore that you’ll even see Korea depicted as a tiger… it just takes a little imagination. So, what does the Year of the Tiger mean? And, how can you celebrate the Year of the Tiger in Korea? Here’s what you need to know… What to know about the Year…
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12 Things You Should Know About Pepero Day
Oh Pepero Day (빼빼로 데이), the Korean holiday that you might love or love to hate. I guess it depends on whether you like the Korean snack, Pepero, though. If chocolate covered cylindrical cookies are your jam, then this is a holiday for you! Do you know how many romantic holidays there are in Korea? More than 12. Learn about the other romantic holidays in Korea here. Come November, snack shelves in Korean convenience stores, grocery stores, and every other store, feature a substantial number of this popular Korean snack item. Want to know more about this romantic holiday in Korea? You’ve come to the right place. Here are 12…
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Squid Game: All Of The Games Explained So You Can Play Too!
Something about ‘Squid Game’ has struck a nerve and it has apparently become a worldwide phenom. That doesn’t happen often with a Korean drama but this Netflix hit seems to have been the show to do it and has taken the world by storm. Squid Game became the No.1 show on Netflix worldwide and instead of just a one season wonder, it was picked up for a second season and a real life ‘Squid Game: The Challenge” came to be as well. If you haven’t seen ‘Squid Game’ yet, then get on it! If you have watched the nine episode survival drama, then you probably already know what your Halloween…
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KoreLimited: Review Of An Awesome Korean Streetwear Brand
Do you love Korean style? Maybe want some of your own Korean street style or want some clothing that pays homage to your time in Korea but says a bit more than just “KOREA!”. Look no further than Korelimited. Korelimited is a really cool brand with some great people making cool clothes. Want to make a statement? Let Korelimited help you as they produce clothing that celebrates Korean culture and lifestyle while being eye catching too. Here’s what you should know about Korelimited: (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…
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A Guide To Gift Giving In Korea: From Weddings To Housewarming Parties
Whether you’re just living in Korea for a short time, living for an extended period, or perhaps marry into the culture, it’s important to know proper gift giving etiquette in Korea. When you’re in another country and are invited to an event that involves giving the person you’re celebrating a gift, it is so important to do your research and not look clueless or worse, give something taboo. This is the guide for those people living in Korea or coming to Korea for an event, check out this guide if you want gifts to give your Korean-loving friends. If you’re wondering what the best gift to give at a wedding…
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Where To Buy A Baby Hanbok Online: Joteta
The first time most families look into buying a Hanbok is when their child is turning 100 days old or celebrating their first birthday. To celebrate the occasion and to hold a Dol Ceremony, the first purchase is a baby Hanbok. If you’re abroad, that can be a bit tricky as there are far less retailers than you can find if you’re in Korea. That said, online shopping is become the standard and it’s getting easier and easier whether you’re in Korea or abroad to get everything you need with just a click of a button. I’ve been asked again and again from readers abroad where to buy a baby…
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Guide To Korean Teas: What They’re Good For & When To Drink Them
While most of the world views tea as a beverage made by putting hot water on some type of leaf, Koreans seem to make tea with anything and everything they can put hot water on. Hot water on flowers? Why not? Hot water on some roots from the garden? Definitely. Because of this, traditional tea houses can have long rather substantial lists of teas. It can be overwhelming. It took me forever to remember the names of the Korean teas that I enjoyed and go figure, I often forget when it comes to seeing boxes of teas in the market. Since I’ve taken numerous a tourist to a traditional tea…
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Leesle Hanboks: Where To Buy One
For a time it seemed as though the Hanbok was about to go completely out of fashion in Korea. Seen as only appropriate on special occasions and holidays, the traditional Korean clothing that was originally daily-wear wasn’t daily anymore. That was until designers in Korea, like Leesle, took their passions and put their own modern twists on the traditional Korean dress that has been coming back with resounding applause and style and has even been seen on catwalks in major fashion shows. Leesle Hanboks are both simple and complex but maintain a beautiful balance exactly as they were originally designed. What’s better is you don’t have to be in Korea…
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What To Do If You’re Staying In Seoul For Seollal 2025
This year, 2025, Seollal, or the Lunar New Year, falls on January 29, 2025. Seollal is a big family holiday here in Korea so it’s important to know what to expect, what is open and what is closed. Most Koreans head back to their hometowns to see family and if they celebrate in the traditional fashion will wake very early in the morning and hold a ceremony to pay respects to their ancestors in which they will dress in traditional Korean clothing, or Hanbok, and bow to an altar table set with all kinds of food including meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. My Korean family will partake in this very…
