Posts

Discover Jongmyo Shrine : A UNESCO Heritage Site and Hidden Gem in Seoul

Image
Today, I visited Jongmyo Shrine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Although i had been there a few times before, i never really gave it much thought.  This time, however, i wanted to reconnect with the historical essence of this Korean treasure, so i decided to visit over the weekend.  Shall we explore the charm of Korean beauty and architecture together? Loacted at 157 Jongno, Jonno-gu, Seoul, Jongmyo Shrine is the royal ancestral shrine where the spirit tablets of the kings and queens, emperors, and empresses of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire are enshrined.  The shrine was established in 1395, following the founding of Joseon, based on the traditional principle of placing the royal shrine on the left and the altar for the state on the right of the palace. [Jongmyo Shrine Location Guide] Map How to get to Jongmyo Shrine Jongmyo Shrine is easily accessible by public transportation. Jongno 3-ga Station (Subway Lines 1, 3 and 5), Exit 11, 273m away. The Jon...
Read more

The World of Korean Traditional Folklore : The Essence of Korean Culture Through Myths, Legends, and Goddess Stories

Image
In Korea, there is a type of story that begins with, "Once upon a time, in the days when tigers smoked cigarettes, in a certain village...", a story known as 'folklore'.  Folklore is an important part of Korean Folklore, encompassing myths, anecdotes, legends, origin stories, and folk tales.  These folklore stories are fictional tales with a certain structure, and they do not include personal anecdotes or historical facts.   Korean Folklore : Fascinating Stories Passed Down Through Generations in Korea Folklore is passed down through oral tradition, and since Korean Legends are stories shared orally, they evolve over time with added details, causing slight variations in the story from region to region.  However, through these characteristics of Korean Folklore, we can gain insight into the worldview, values, and spirit of the time.  The folklore that has survived and been passed down to this day includes fundamental va...
Location: 한국
Read more

How to Cook Delicious Ramen : The Perfect Guide to Achieving Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home

Image
Cooking ramen deliciously is an engaging topic that can transform a simple dish into a work of art.  To maximize the flavors packed into  a bowl of ramen, we'll explore tips like "how to make perfectly chewy noodles," "secrets to a delicious ramen broth," and "upgrading the taste with additional ingredients."  Let's dive into how to make tasty ramen at home. How to Cook Tasty Ramen at Home 1.  Boiling the Right Amount of Water It is essential to boil the exact amount of water as indicated on the ramen package (usually 550ml).  If the water amount is incorrect, it can affect the taste of the broth and the texture of the noodles.  This is a fundamental key to cooking ramen. 2. Adding the Seasoning and Flakes in Advance If you add the ramen seasoning and flakes before boiling the water, the broth's flavor becomes richer, and the aroma of the flakes is well-infused.  This is a highly recommended tip for making the broth more de...
Location: 한국
Read more

A Guide to Making Kimbap for Foreigners : Simple and Healthy Recipes to Try at Home!

Image
Kimbap is a representative Korean dish that can be enjoyed simply and healthily with fresh ingredients.  By wrapping various ingredients with seaweed and rice, it becomes a convenient meal loved worldwide.  This guide introduces how to make kimbap, popular variations, and tips for making ti delicious. 1.  Basic Kimbap Recipe : A Simple Method Anyone Can Follow 1.1 Preparing the Ingredients - Eggs : Season 3 eggs with salt, cook into a thin omelet, and slice them into long strips. - Carrots : Julienne the carrots, blanch them briefly in boiling water to retain a crunchy texture, and add a pinch of salt. - Cucumber : Remove the seeds and slice the cucumber into long, thin strips. - Fish cakes : Cut into thick strips and simmer in soy sauce, sugar, cooking wine, and water over high heat for 1 minute. - Ham : Blanch the ham slightly.  Better to add Massal (Crab sticks). - Pickled radish : Prepare kimbap-sized pickled radish or cut a similar-sized one into strips. - Rice ...
Location: 대한민국
Read more

A Must-Have Hanbok Experience Guide for Foreigners Visiting Korea : How to Wear Hanbok and Where to Experience It.

Image
The traditional Korean attire, Hanbok, embodies Korea's history and traditions, capturing the unique beauty and historical significance that greatly appeal to foreigners.  Experiencing Hanbok is considered one of the must-try activities when visiting Korea.  We would like to introduce popular travel destinations where foreigners visiting Korea can try on traditional Hanbok and explain the proper way to wear traditional Korean Hanbok. Experiencing Korean Traditional Culture through Hanbok A Hanbok Experience Guide for Foreigners Components and How to Wear Hanbok Hanbok is traditional Korean attire, with its components varying slightly based on the wearer's gender, season, and purpose.  Below is an introduction to the main components of Hanbok and the role of each part. 1.  Jeogori (Upper Garment) - Women's Jeogori : The upper garment of the hanbok for women, it is short and worn to fit closely to the body.  The collar (Dongjeong) and ribbon (Goreum) help complete...
Location: 한국
Read more

Popular Cocktail 'Somaek' Featured in K-Dramas and K-Movies! The Perfect Korean Somaek Ratio Guide and Tips for Enjoying it

Image
Somaek is a popular drink in Korea made by mixing beer and soju, balancing a unique refreshing and intense flavor.  Though a simple combination, the strong taste of soju and the crispness of beer blend perfectly, pairing well with various side dishes and establishing itself as a staple of Korean drinking culture.  In this post, we'll introduce somaek, often featured in K-dramas and K-movies, covering its definition, the golden ratio for Korea-style somaek, and tips on making it well, so that foreigners can fully enjoy this drink.             How to Make Korean-Style Somaek                         with the Golden Ratio Somaek, a blend of the words 'soju' and 'maekju' (beer), is a Korean cocktail made by mixing a suitable amount of soju into beer.  This unique drink emerged naturally within Korea's corporate culture in the 1970s.  At the time, it became common practice to mix...
Location: 한국
Read more

The Perfect Guide to Fast and Easy Travel from Incheon International Airport to Downtown Seoul : Choosing Between Airport Rail, Limousine Bus, and Taxi.

Image
Incheon International Airport is the first gateway for travelers arriving in Korea from abroad.  Since the airport is located on the outskirts, first-time visitors to Korea may find it challenging to figure out how to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul.  Fortunately, Incheon International Airport offers various convenient options, such as the airport rail, buses, and taxis, not only to Seoul but also to other regions.  This guide aims to help first-time visitors or those curious about transportation options find the best ways to travel from Incheon Airport to Seoul comfortably and with ease. Best Way From Incheon International Airport to Seoul Welcome to Korea! Let us introduce you to the various ways to travel from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul.  Even if navigating an unfamiliar public transportation system feels daunting, there's no need to worry!  With this Seoul Airport Transportation Guide, you can find the best way to get fro...
Location: 한국
Read more

Statue of Peace : The History of Comfort Women Victims and the Symbolic Meaning of Peace - Why the World Should Take Notice?

Image
The Statue of Peace is a monument symbolizing the suffering, human rights violations, peace, and justice associated with the Korean and other Asian women forcibly mobilized during the period of Japanese imperialism.  Recently, a controversial video by American YouTuber Johnny Somali, in which he insulted the Statue of Peace, has sparked significant outrage in South Korea.  While many Koreans understand the meaning and significance of this statue, foreigners may not be familiar with the Statue of Peace and its background.  This article aims to not only introduce the statue's meaning and historical context but also to convey the importance of accountability for war crimes and the values of peace and justice. Statue of Peace - Symbol of Peace and Justice The Statue of Peace, which depicts young girls forcibly mobilized as "Comfort Women" during the Japanese occupation, was first installed in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, in 2011.  Since then, it h...
Location: 한국
Read more