Korea Living

Autumn is one of the best seasons to travel around South Korea. The summer heat finally disappears, the air becomes cooler, fall colors begin spreading across the country, and some of Korea's most exciting festivals take place between September and November. As a certified tour guide in Korea, I always tell foreign visitors not to choose a festival simply because it appears on a long "things to do in Korea" list. Some festivals are worth planning an entire trip around, while others are perfect additions to a Seoul itinerary. So, if you're visiting Korea this fall, here are my picks for the best autumn festivals in Korea in 2026 —and which one might be right for you. 1. Seoul International Fireworks Festival 📅 September 5, 2026 📍 Hangang Park, Seoul If you're already in Seoul on September 5, this is an easy recommendation. The Seoul International Fireworks Festival lights up the night sky above the Han River with spectacular displays by profes...

South Korea's autumn harvest festival, Chuseok (추석) , is often described to foreign visitors as "Korean Thanksgiving." That's a useful introduction, but if you grew up in Korea, Chuseok is remembered through much smaller and warmer moments. For me, one of those memories is sitting with my entire family making Songpyeon (송편) . As a child, I didn't care much about making the perfect shape. I was more interested in what was hiding inside: sweet sesame or beans? I loved the warm sesame-and-sugar filling. Beans? Not so much. Every bite felt like a tiny Chuseok lottery. If you're new to the holiday, first read my guide to Chuseok: Korean Thanksgiving & Traditional Culture for the meaning of Chuseok, ancestral traditions, holiday foods, and cultural experiences. Here, let's explore the more playful side of the holiday—the food, games, and traditions Korean families shared together. Songpyeon: A Chuseok Memory You Can Taste Songpyeon is a small ric...

In many Western cultures, seeking guidance about the future involves Western Astrology, Tarot cards, or birth charts. These systems rely primarily on planetary alignments, mathematical calculations, and symbolic archetypes. However, in South Korea, there exists a far more intense, direct, and ancient spiritual practice known as Musok (무속 - Korean Shamanism) . Rather than calculating charts, a Korean shaman, known as a Mudang (무당) , acts as a living conduit to the spirit realm. Through an intuitive reading called Sinjeom (신점) , the Mudang bypasses analytical logic, communicating directly with deities, ancestors, and nature spirits to deliver raw, unfiltered spiritual messages. From ancient village rituals to the massive global success of the 2024 occult thriller film Exhuma (파묘) , here is a deep dive into South Korea’s most mysterious living tradition. A shaman who performs fortune-telling Part 1. Astrology vs. Sinjeom: The Power of Direct Spiritual Connection To understand Ko...

Long before K-pop and Korean cinema took the world by storm, a dynamic, high-flying martial art was serving as South Korea’s ultimate global ambassador: Taekwondo (태권도) . Literally translating to "the way of the foot and hand," Taekwondo is far more than just a sport or a system of self-defense. Practiced by over 100 million people across more than 200 countries, it is a global phenomenon rooted in ancient martial traditions, strict discipline, and deep philosophical respect. From its ancient origins on the Korean Peninsula to its status as a permanent Olympic sport—and even its unique place in Korean pop culture history—here is the complete story of South Korea’s national martial art. Taekwondo aerial kick Part 1. Roots and History: How Taekwondo Was Born While modern Taekwondo was officially standardized in the mid-20th century, its philosophical and physical roots stretch back over two millennia. Ancient Martial Arts: Ancient Korean kingdoms developed indigenous...

Moving to a new home in South Korea is not just a logistical task—it is a full-blown cultural event shaped by modern urban architecture, folk beliefs, and a few delicious traditions. While homeownership remains a key life goal in Korea, official government data shows that the national homeownership rate hovers around 56% to 58% , leaving over 40% of the population living in rental housing. These rentals primarily consist of Wolse (monthly rent with a high deposit) and Korea's famous Jeonse (a unique key-money system where tenants deposit 50% to 80% of the property value interest-free) . Because lease terms are typically two years, moving is a frequent experience for millions of residents. (If you are an expat looking to navigate the complex world of Korean deposits and lease agreements, check out our comprehensive guide on How to Rent a House in South Korea as a Foreigner) .  Whether you are watching giant yellow ladder trucks shoot furniture into 20th-floor apartment ba...

In Korea, a baby's first birthday holds profound significance. Historically, following the Korean War, the country faced a period of extreme poverty and a lack of advanced medical care. Tragically, many newborns did not survive to see their first birthday. Consequently, celebrating this one-year milestone carries a deeply special meaning rooted in survival, hope, and community blessing. If you are living in South Korea or have Korean friends starting families, you will likely receive an invitation to a very special celebration: a Dol-janchi (돌잔치) . While a baby turning one year old is celebrated globally with a simple birthday cake and party hats, in South Korea, the first birthday is a monumental cultural milestone. Rooted in deep historical traditions, a Dol-janchi is a vibrant, heartwarming event filled with color, festive food, games, and even a bit of fortune-telling for the baby's future! Whether you are invited to a grand party hall in Seoul or a cozy restaura...

Receiving the news that a friend, colleague, or loved one in South Korea has passed away is a heartbreaking experience, no matter where you are in the world. However, when you must navigate the grieving process in a foreign country, a layer of anxiety is often added: What should I do? What should I wear? Will I do something incredibly offensive? Korean funeral culture is rooted in deep Confucian traditions that prioritize filial piety, respect for elders, and community bonding. While many global funeral traditions focus on quiet mourning and individual grief, Korean funerals—specifically 3-Day Funerals (SAM-IL-JANG) —are intense, communal affairs held in dedicated funeral halls. If you are a foreigner living in or visiting Korea, sooner or later, you may find yourself invited to pay your respects at a funeral hall ( Jang-rye-sik-jang ). Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding this unique culture and how to attend one with confidence, dignity, and cultu...