Korea Living

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...

If you live in South Korea or have close Korean friends, chances are high that you will eventually receive a crisp, elegant invitation card to a Korean wedding ( Gyeolhon-sik ). While weddings in Western or other global cultures are often day-long (or multi-day) affairs filled with long speeches, seated dinners, and late-night dancing, a typical modern Korean wedding is a wildly different beast. It is efficient, highly structured, deeply practical, and usually over in less than two hours! From handing over cash at a front desk to trading monetary gifts for meal coupons, navigating a Korean wedding for the first time can feel like stepping onto a whole new planet. Here is an insider's guide to understanding South Korea's unique wedding culture and how to attend one like a seasoned local pro. Scenes from a Korean Wedding Part 1. The Pre-Wedding Reality: "Studio, Dress, Makeup" (스·드·메) To understand a Korean wedding, you first have to understand how much prepar...

Planning an extended stay in South Korea? Whether you are a digital nomad, a language student, or a slow traveler spending a few weeks exploring Seoul, finding budget-friendly accommodation is usually your biggest challenge. For years, platforms like Airbnb were the default choice for international travelers. However, rising service fees, hefty cleaning charges, strict cancellation policies, and legal uncertainties around unregistered studio apartments ( officetels ) have left many visitors feeling frustrated and overcharged. Note: If you are traveling solo for just a few days and prefer the classic budget-friendly vibe, make sure to read our freshly updated [ 2026 Guide to Seoul’s Best Guesthouses & Hostels ] before booking! But for stays longer than a week, there is a new player in town. Enter 33m2 (삼삼엠투) —South Korea’s number-one short-term rental app that is rapidly taking over as the ultimate "Airbnb alternative" for savvy expats and long-term tourists. By ...