Posts

Hangeul Day Special: The Story of Hangul, the Most Beautiful and Logical Alphabet Ever Created by Humanity

Image
  This is the statue of King Sejong the Great, the creator of Hangul, located at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Hangul: The Most Scientific and Beautiful Alphabet in the World Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to introduce Hangul, the unique writing system used by the Korean people. Coincidentally, October 9 on the solar calendar is  Hangeul Day , the national holiday that commemorates the creation of this remarkable alphabet. Many foreigners have praised Hangul as  one of the easiest writing systems in the world to learn . Although the Korean language itself may seem challenging, learners are often amazed by how  surprisingly simple it is to master Hangul . I am delighted to share with you today  the reasons that make such an experience possible . Now then, shall we begin? Meta Description: Hangul is the Korean writing system created by King Sejong in 1443 and promulgated in 1446. Recognized by UNESCO as one of the most scientific alphabets in human h...

The Meaning and Origin of Chuseok — Korea’s Thanksgiving Day and a Festival of Family and Gratitude

Image
  During Chuseok, women dressed in traditional hanbok often go out to enjoy the autumn foliage 🌕 Chuseok — Korea’s Thanksgiving Day: Tradition, Family, and Gratitude Chuseok, often called the Korean Thanksgiving, is one of South Korea’s most important traditional holidays. Discover the meaning, customs, food, and modern changes behind this cherished autumn festival that celebrates family, harvest, and gratitude.  Introduction: The Heart of Korean Autumn Hello, dear readers! Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of Korea’s two major traditional holidays — Chuseok (추석) , also known as Hangawi (한가위) . It’s celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar , which usually falls in September or early October on the solar calendar. While many countries celebrate holidays based on the solar calendar, Korea uniquely observes both the solar and lunar calendars , a reflection of its deep agricultural heritage and harmony with nature. Chuseok is a time when fa...

How Koreans’ Culture of Respect Creates Exceptional Public Safety

Image
If someone left their tablet and phone and went to the restroom, what are the chances that they would still be there when they return? Introduction: Why Is Korea Considered a Safe Country? Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to share some insights about public safety and law enforcement in South Korea. Let's get started. For anyone planning a trip, the very first thing to check is public safety . Of course, breathtaking tourist attractions, delicious food, and diverse cultural experiences are important. But the foundation of all these joys is safety . Especially for Korean travelers preparing for trips to Europe or South America, one of the biggest concerns is the prevalence of pickpocketing and theft. Indeed, countless travel videos filmed by Korean YouTubers abroad often capture such incidents unintentionally, showing how common they are in daily life in some countries. In contrast, public spaces in Korea provide foreign visitors with a truly unique experience. The idea t...

Japchae, Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry: A Dish Loved Worldwide

Image
Japchae, a traditional Korean glass noodle stir-fry Introduction: Hello, dear readers! Have you decided on your dinner menu for tonight? If not, how about trying a Korean dish called Japchae? If this is your first time hearing about Japchae, don’t worry — today, I’d like to introduce it to you. Let’s get started! Japchae (잡채) is one of Korea’s most representative traditional dishes. It is made by stir-frying glass noodles (sweet potato starch noodles) with a variety of vegetables, meat, and mushrooms, then seasoning the mixture with soy sauce and finishing it with fragrant sesame oil. Unlike greasy or heavily seasoned foods, Japchae is known for its light yet profound harmony of flavors . It is a staple on festive occasions in Korea—such as holidays, family celebrations, and birthdays—symbolizing abundance and togetherness. For Koreans, Japchae evokes the feeling of a “special day’s dish,” while for foreigners, it often feels like a unique version of “Korean pasta.” In particular,...

Korean Transportation Card Guide for Foreign Travelers: How to Use T-money at a Glance

Image
  When visiting a convenience store, remember to get a transportation card along with your ramen Introduction: Getting Around Korea Made Easy Dear readers, today I would like to briefly introduce the transportation card that is essential when using public transportation in Korea. If you’re visiting Korea for the first time, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is  how to get around . Sure, you can always hop in a taxi right from the airport, and most taxis accept credit cards or cash in Korean won. But keep in mind that taxi fares in Korea have gone up quite a bit in recent years. That’s why many travelers—and even locals—recommend using the subway or bus instead. Korea’s public transportation system is  fast, affordable, and safe , making it one of the best ways to explore the country. There’s just one catch: in many places, especially on buses, you can’t pay with cash. This is where the  T-money card  comes in. For both convenience and savings, it...