Pleasures of Seoul
The Covid crisis continues, and free travel seems a distant prospect. As we wait for the restrictions to lift, here we reminisce about Seoul and the pleasures it offers.
Culture
Poop in Korean Imagination: From Manure to Waste to Pastry
Are Koreans obsessed with poop? Maybe not. But certainly, the matter, ahem, comes up often enough that one has to wonder: What’s up with all these references to poop and the blasé attitude?
The K-pop DNA
K-pop is no longer just ‘Korean’ pop, but a global phenomenon reaching millions of fans worldwide. Here’s the story of a BTS fan from Malaysia.
Jeju: Museum Heaven or Tax Haven?
Ever wondered why Jeju Island, South Korea's quintessential tourist destination, has so many seemingly-random private museums? Apparently it's all about the tax breaks.
Pojangmacha: Tent Nostalgia
For decades, the pojangmacha was a fixture of South Korean nightlife. The old and young drank soju and chatted in these often tiny, cramped tents. Most of these street tents have disappeared, now to a cultural relic and tool of nostalgic indulgence. But some tents still remain; here are the voices of those inside.
The Billion Dollar Q: Will More Casinos Be Opened to South Koreans?
Foreign investors have expressed strong interest in developing multi-billion dollar mega resorts in S. Korea. But there's a big catch: almost all casinos are off-limits for local citizens.
Why the Korean-Venezuelan Brothers Make Chocolate
Meet the creators of P.chokko, a chocolate shop in Seoul. They want to change Korean chocolate and send a message about their home, Venezuela.
South Korea’s Credit Card Companies Push Cultural Marketing
Amid white-hot industry competition, South Korea's credit card companies are investing heavily in culture in a bid to attract more customers. Welcome to cultural marketing.
K-pop 101: Why Do Artists Keep Singing “Niga”?
Don't worry, it has nothing to do with the other N-word. What exactly is K-pop? Why is it so popular? Why is it often hated? Find out more in our 101.
What Are Some Cultural Faux Pas in South Korea?
Do you receive soju with one hand? Do you blow your nose at a table, or detonate privately in a bathroom? Here's our advice. Take it with a grain of salt.
Barber From Another Era
Welcome to Seongwoo Barbershop, one of South Korea's oldest barbershops and a fascinating glimpse into a forgotten era within a rapidly changing country.
The Palace’s Painful Past
When you think of 'traditional Korean palace,' you won't think of this white building. The Grand Conservatory has a complex past, now open to the public.