In NYC, a haircut costs $100 and takes 3 weeks to book. In Seoul, a haircut costs $20 (or less), includes a head massage, and makes you look like a K-Drama star. Korean hair technology is years ahead of the rest of the world. They have perms for everything—roots, bangs, and even the sides of … 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, my skincare routine was simple: Wash face with a harsh scrub, dry with a towel, done. In Korea, skincare is not a routine. It is engineering. You’ve heard the myths. “Koreans use 10 products every night!” “You need snail slime on your face!” So, you walk into Olive Young (the Korean Sephora/CVS hybrid), … Read more
In America, Google Maps is God. It tells you where to go, how to walk there, and even how crowded the bus is. In Korea, Google Maps is a liar. Because of unique security laws (and local competition), Google Maps in South Korea is severely limited. It won’t give you walking directions. It won’t show … Read more
In America or Europe, going to the beach means one thing: Getting a tan. You wear the smallest bikini or swim trunks you own, lie on a towel, and bake until you look like a golden toast. So, when I went to Haeundae Beach (Busan) for the first time, I was ready for my Baywatch … 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
The Art of K-BBQ: How to Eat “Ssam” with “Ssam” (Without Getting Burned) You think you know barbecue. You think it’s just throwing meat on a fire. Wrong. In Korea, BBQ is not cooking. It is a strategic team sport. There are roles, there are rules, and if you mess up, you don’t just ruin … Read more
In Ohio, throwing away trash was easy. You opened the bin, you threw it in, you walked away. In Korea, throwing away trash is a science exam. You need specific bags. You need to separate labels. You need to know if a chicken bone is considered “food” or “weapon.” If you mess this up, two … Read more