Go beyond sightseeing. Dive into unique Korean culture experiences.
In the West, an “Internet Cafe” is a sad place with slow computers where you go to print a PDF. In Korea, a PC Bang (PC Room) is a neon-lit palace of high-end technology and gastronomy. Imagine a place with the fastest internet on Earth, computers powerful enough to launch a rocket, and… a full … Read more
In America, the SAT is stressful, but life goes on. In Korea, on the day of the Suneung (CSAT), the entire country stops. Banks open late. Stock markets open late. Even airplanes are banned from taking off or landing during the English listening test section. Can you imagine JFK Airport shutting down for a high … Read more
In the West, if you want to meet someone, you use Tinder or Hinge. You swipe left or right on your phone while lying in bed. In Korea, they brought the app into the bar. It is called “Hunting Pocha” (Hunting Bar). Don’t worry, no animals are harmed. The “prey” is a date. These bars … Read more
In Ohio, when work ends at 6 PM, you go home. You watch Netflix. You relax. In Seoul, when work ends, the real work begins. It is called Hoesik (Company Dinner). To a foreigner, it looks like a party. Free BBQ! Free alcohol! Do not be fooled. Hoesik is a battlefield disguised as a dinner. … Read more
In Ohio, when it snows, we drink Hot Chocolate. We wrap our hands around the warm mug and sit by the fire. In Korea, when it snows, they drink Iced Americano. You will see it everywhere. People wearing giant puffer jackets (Long Padding) that look like sleeping bags, shivering in the biting wind, but clutching … Read more
In America, dating is a blurry line. You hang out, you grab dinner, maybe you kiss, and eventually, you just know you are together. In Korea, dating is a legal contract. You can hold hands. You can eat expensive steak together. You can text 24/7. But if no one said the magic words “Will you … Read more
If you are from Ohio like me, “public bath” sounds like a nightmare. We value personal space. We lock the bathroom door even when we are home alone. So, when I heard about Jimjilbang (Korean Sauna), I was terrified. “You mean I have to get naked? In front of strangers? And then we eat eggs … Read more
Let’s be honest. Before I moved here, my image of Korea was 100% based on K-Dramas. I thought I would step off the plane, a soft wind would blow through my hair, a BTS song would play in the background, and a tall, handsome CEO would accidentally bump into me and fall in love. Reality … Read more