This is south Korea

A vendor at Namdaemun Market in Seoul selecting steamed buns and dumplings from a display. Introduction: The True Highlight of a Seoul Trip Greetings, dear readers. Today, I’d like to share a light introduction to Seoul’s street food. Seoul is more than just a large metropolitan city. It’s a place where traditional hanok houses stand alongside towering skyscrapers, where bustling traditional markets coexist with cutting-edge shopping malls, and where four distinct seasons create ever-changing scenery and flavors. But perhaps the most vivid way to experience the city is by  walking its streets and enjoying a snack in hand . In particular,  Seoul street snacks  offer a multi-sensory experience—taste, aroma, sound, and even the warmth of human interaction. For locals, these snacks are small everyday pleasures; for visitors, they are often a highlight of the trip. Generations of Koreans still share memories of buying spicy tteokbokki for just a few coins after school in th...

Traditional Hanji, Versatile Enough to Be Used for the Windows of Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanji: The Traditional Korean Paper Gaining Recognition in French and Italian Museums   Dear readers, greetings! Today, I would like to share with you the story of Hanji , the traditional Korean paper. Not only has the Louvre Museum in France begun using Hanji for the restoration of cultural heritage, but Italy’s ICPAL (Istituto Centrale per la Patologia degli Archivi e del Libro) has also successfully restored five cultural artifacts using Hanji. Until recently, many countries primarily used Washi , the traditional Japanese paper, for such work. However, it seems that nations around the world are now beginning to recognize the remarkable durability of Hanji, which can last for over a thousand years. Let us now begin this fascinating story. The Invention of Paper and the Birth of Korean Hanji According to historical records, paper was invented by Cai Lun of the Han Dynasty in China . Later,...

Goryeo Ginseng   Introduction: — Have You Heard of Ginseng?  Dear readers. Greetings! Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of Korea’s most ancient and precious natural resources —  Korean ginseng , also known as  Goryeo Ginseng . This remarkable root, which is said to resemble the shape of the human body, has been valued for centuries as a natural health remedy. Even if you're unfamiliar with it, ginseng grows wild or is cultivated in countries such as the United States, Canada, China, Japan , and Russia . But if so many nations produce ginseng, you may wonder —  what makes Korean ginseng so special? The answer lies in its history, proven benefits, and the deep-rooted cultural reverence surrounding it. Let’s dive into why Korean ginseng — often referred to by its historical name,  Goryeo Ginseng  — remains a globally respected superfood and what its future holds. The History of Goryeo Ginseng: A Legacy of Quality and Prestige The name  Goryeo G...

  Evening skyline of Yeouido , Seoul, the heart of Korea's financial industry Introduction: Dear readers, Welcome. Today, I’d like to take you on a journey through the South Korean stock market—its history, current dynamics, and where it may be headed. For those familiar with capital markets in the U.S. and other developed countries, the Korean market might seem unfamiliar. Yet, its development and distinct characteristics offer important insights within the broader global economy. A Late Start, But Rapid Growth The Korean stock market officially began in 1956 with the establishment of the Korea Stock Exchange . This is considerably later than the New York Stock Exchange , which opened in 1792. Despite the late start, the Korean market has seen rapid development over the past several decades. The “Box Range” Dilemma However, the market still faces several structural challenges. One of the most notable issues is the so-called “ box range ” phenomenon. For years, the KOSPI (...

  Hands of a digital creator working on a laptop keyboard Hello, dear readers! Today, I’d like to share some insights into how Koreans —especially office workers —spend their time after work. The hours after leaving the workplace aren't just for rest or entertainment; for many, this time plays a vital role in shaping the quality of life. That’s why many Korean office workers tend to make the most out of their post-work hours. A Look Back: How Korean Office Workers Spent Evenings in the Past Let’s rewind a bit. Around 30 to 40 years ago, it was almost a rite of passage for new employees starting their first jobs to enroll in computer or English classes after work. Whether or not they studied hard didn’t matter much— "everyone did it" was simply how things were. Back then, personal computers weren’t yet common in households, and most companies didn’t use computers for daily tasks either. Yet, young office workers eagerly signed up for computer academies, anticipatin...

Dongdongju served in a small traditional jar Introduction: Hello, dear readers!    Today, I’d like to introduce you to two of Korea’s most beloved traditional alcoholic beverages: Makgeolli and Dongdongju . Let’s begin with makgeolli . Interestingly, the name itself carries two meanings in Korean: “freshly made” and “roughly made.” You might be wondering, Why would someone introduce a drink that’s hastily or roughly made? That’s a fair question—so let me explain right away. Both makgeolli and dongdongju pair beautifully with traditional Korean dishes , creating combinations that are beloved by many. In fact, even though I’m not usually much of a drinker, I do enjoy makgeolli and dongdongju from time to time. What exactly is Makgeolli? Makgeolli is a milky, unfiltered rice wine made by fermenting grains—typically rice—with a natural fermentation starter called nuruk . Once the fermentation is complete, water is added to the remaining mash, and the mixture is filtered. ...