Hello there! If you’re traveling in Korea or learning Korean, one of the first pairs of words you’ll encounter is Mom(“엄마”, “Eom-ma”) and Mother(“어머니”, “Eo-meo-ni”). Most textbooks simply say that Mother(“어머니”, “Eo-meo-ni”) is the polite version of Mom(“엄마”, “Eom-ma”). However, in the real lives of Koreans, these two words represent more than just politeness—they embody … Read more
The True Gourmet Soul Food: So-Gopchang (Beef Intestines) While Samgyeopsal and Galbi are famous, the ultimate delicacy for Koreans is So-Gopchang (Grilled Beef Small Intestines). It is important to distinguish it from pork intestines, as “So-Gopchang” is the star of the high-end grilling culture. It is beloved for its deep, nutty flavor and a uniquely … Read more
If you walk the streets of Seoul in the middle of a freezing January -when the wind chill hits -10°C – you’ll witness a strange and fascinating sight. People wrapped in thick “long padding” coats, shivering in the cold, are almost always holding a transparent plastic cup filled with ice. In Korea, we have a … Read more
The Topic Lighting Up the Korean Internet Lately If you’ve been following Korean society or pop culture, you’ve likely come across the term ‘Young Forty’ (영포티). While it sounds like a simple label for “youthful 40-somethings,” it has actually become a lightning rod for debate among Korea’s Gen Z and Millennials. In the past, 40-somethings … Read more
If you live in Korea, terms like ‘Hong-dae’, ‘Geon-dae’, and ‘I-dae’ are second nature. But for our expat friends or travelers visiting for the first time, these names can be a bit of a puzzle. Why? Because the names we use in daily life are often different from the official English names on subway maps! … Read more
Korean dining culture is all about sharing, and this is reflected in the unique vocabulary used at the table. Here are three essential terms and practical examples to help you sound like a local! 1. “Mat-jib” (맛집): Beyond a “Good Restaurant” While English speakers use “popular” or “good,” Koreans use “Mat-jib” (맛집) to describe a … Read more
Today, I’d like to talk about “Korean-specific behaviors and speech habits” that are currently going viral online. These are things we usually do without thinking, but seeing them written down makes you realize, “Whoa, is this literally me?” and gives you chills from how relatable they are. How many of these apply to you? Here … Read more
These days, I have this weird little ritual. After dinner, I take my usual neighborhood stroll, but I always stop by the claw machine arcade just to check out what new characters have landed. And seriously? I just realized that there are now seven dedicated claw machine spots within a 10-minute walk of my place! … Read more
I’m a huge fan of travel, so I often take little weekend trips. Even on the weekends when I don’t go away for a whole night, it’s become my go-to thing to drive out to a cafe near Seoul for a few hours. It’s a great way to grab a coffee and just chill. It … Read more
Today, let’s take a look at some natural phrases you can use when making requests to staff at a restaurant. “사장님(sa-jang-nim)” or “저기요(zeo-gi-yo)” or “여기요(yeo-gi-yo)” In Korean restaurants, you don’t just make eye contact with a staff member and wait for them to come over to your table. Instead, you slightly raise your hand and … Read more