-
Surviving Chuseok in Seoul: What’s Open, What’s Closed, and Public Transport Tips
If you are staying in Seoul during Chuseok (추석)—Korea’s premier traditional harvest holiday—you are about to experience a rare side of the South Korean capital. Known worldwide as a bustling, 24/7 megacity that never sleeps, Seoul undergoes a dramatic transformation over the multi-day Chuseok break. Millions of locals pack their bags and head out of…
-
Understanding ‘Jeong’ (정): The Unspoiled Heart of Korean Relationships
If you have lived in South Korea for a while, studied the language, or watched enough K-dramas, you have likely encountered a situation that left you feeling unexpectedly warm. Perhaps the elderly owner (Ajumma) at your local restaurant gave you a free side dish or extra dumplings without asking, simply saying “Service!” Maybe a neighbor you…
-
The Ultimate Survival Guide to Seoul’s Humid Summer: How to Beat the Heat Like a Local
If you are planning to visit South Korea between late June and August, or if you’ve recently unpacked your bags to start a new life in Seoul, you are probably bracing yourself for the weather. You might have checked the temperature forecast and thought, “Oh, 32°C (90°F)? That’s not too bad. I can handle that!”…