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  • This tallest mountain in Seoul is a must-hike! [The view is amazing!]

    Bukhansan Mountain which can be seen from central Seoul, is a MUST do when you are in the mega capital of South Korea. Not only, is it a much-needed escape from the city, but it's also very accessible, with many bus routes available. Dojeon team member, Lewis, shares his wonderful getaway experience and explains why you must try it as well! July is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, and hiking up Bukhansan Mountain offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding nature. The lush greenery and clear skies make for a rewarding and memorable hiking experience in Seoul. Now, I have hiked this mountain a couple of times, and it's often a memory I look back on, as I found it peaceful, beautiful and enjoyable. I strongly recommend taking refreshments with you, and comfortable shoes, but don't worry, depending on how much you want to walk, hike or climb, there are different tracks and courses for you to take. Let's check out this video! One of the memorable aspects of my trip to the mountain was that was located in a quiet area of the National Park. When I visited I was able to hear the monks, meditation music, and because it was very early morning I was able to see the sun start to come out between the clouds. It’s hard to believe that a mountain as stunning as Bukhansan lies in the center of this sprawling metropolis. The view from the top is breathtaking and no trip to the K-pop capital is complete without doing the Bukhansan hik! I assumed Bukhansan's hiking trails would be a walk in the park! I did little to no research and arrived bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to take on the famous hike to the peak of Seoul’s highest mountain. What amazed me was how the Koreans took on the Bukhansan hike with ease! They made it look so easy and gracefully soared up the mountain without even breaking a sweat! In contrast that was not the case for me, I am not the biggest fan of heights, and I was a little scared! However, the view made it all worthwhile! This really is a must-do on your trip to Seoul, and the best thing? It's FREE! Let us know in the comments below if you have visited Bukhansan National Park, or if you plan to this Summer! #bukhansan #seoultravel #seoultraveltips #mustdoactivity #hiking #urbanpark

  • 5 Seoul K-Drama Filming Locations You Must Visit!

    #travelkorea #koreandramas #kdrama #drama #itaewonclass A report released by LG Uplus on March 4 revealed that locations , where scenes of famous dramas in Korea were filmed, have become tourist attractions. Among the 80 attractions visited by 1.6 million foreigners last year, 57.6% were set in productions by Netflix and other broadcasters. So let's get to know some tourist spots for your ultimate Korean experience for your next trip! 1. Haebangchon Haebangchon , in some cases condensed as HBC, is a region of Yongsan-gu in Seoul, South Korea. It is perhaps the most established area in midtown Seoul. It is otherwise called "the neighborhood at the foot of Namsan". These locations were in dramas such as Nevertheless, When the Camellia Blooms, Beauty Inside, Hospital Playlist, and Itaewon Class. 2. Han River The Han (or Hangang) River is the main river that runs through the heart of Seoul. This river is an iconic symbol of the capital, not only for its beautiful landscapes but also for its historical value. Great for a romantic outing, it has been the setting for many dramas like What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?, Navillera, Abyss, Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life, and more! 3. Hongdae Hongdae is not only a super cool place to explore and shop in Seoul, but it can also be another good place to see your favorite K-drama stars! Remember that hilarious scene from Kill Me, Heal Me? When Ji Sung 's character Yoona roamed the streets? This was filmed in Hongdae! 4. The Real Palaces in Seoul Be sure to visit some of the magnificent palaces located in the heart of Seoul. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Deoksugung Palace are the four most visited! Historical dramas such as Kingdom, Historian Goo Hae-Ryung, and Moonlight Drawn By Clouds are usually filmed in these palaces. Some of them are usually open for visitation and there you can live all the traditional Korean experiences of the time. 5. Uijeongbu Art Library Located in Gyeonggi Province, this mesmerizing place is labeled an art library and aims to embrace transgenerational culture, art, knowledge, and experiences in an attempt to channel talents and make dreams come true. Dramas like Our Beloved Summer, High Class, Doom at Your Service and It’s Okay Not To Be Normal were recorded in this fully conceptual library. These places really make us want to pack our bags today! Let us know which of these attractions would you like to visit!

  • Get to know what helped “spark” this year’s Olympics with K-pop 101: Lightsticks!

    One of the things that K-pop does best is help develop relationships between the group and fans. It’s common knowledge that you must have a light stick to get the best experience at a K-pop concert. So, it’s no surprise that Hybe is distributing special light sticks on July 27th this year at the Olympics for Team Korea . But have you ever wondered how people started to use lights during music concerts? Fire! The ritual of fans using lights to show support for artists is not new to the music industry. In 1969 the United States, an artist called Melanie performed at Woodstock . People had performed a ceremony using candles in the audience. All the lights inspired her to write a song about it. This was the first recorded evidence of lights being used at a concert. Music fans wanted to relive the feeling of Woodstock and continued to bring candles to concerts to show support for the artists. In 1973 Bic created the lighter, a portable flame. This was so convenient that fans replaced the candle flames at concerts. The next record of lights being used at concerts was in 1974. Hideki Saijo asked fans in Osaka to shine a light on themselves in the dark concert venue so he could see their face and feel connected. Fans obliged and continued to bring pen flashlights to all of his concerts all the way into the 1990s. Coldplay Fans In 2005, Jason Regler went to a Coldplay’s concert. He was extremely moved by the performance of the band’s song called "Fix You". The lyrics “ lights will guide you home” inspired Regler to create a wrist band that flickers to the sound of music using RF or radio frequency transmitters. Coldplay loved the idea so much that they started to use these wristbands called Xylobands in 2012. Other artists like Taylor Swift also uses RF technology with LED lights for her concerts. Did any of these events have an impact on light sticks used in K-pop concert? Here’s what happened in South Korea! K-pop Fandom History 101  Once upon a time in K-pop land the fandoms only wore colored clothing to support their favorite artists. During the first generation, the more famous fandoms turned creative by showing support wearing raincoats and waving colored balloons. The fandom for the famous boy band H.O.T. wore white raincoats and carried white balloons while the fandom for famous girl group Sech Skies wore yellow raincoats and yellow balloons. This first generation not only helped to create the basic guidelines of creating a fandom, but they also started fan chants during the instrumentals of the band’s songs. Father of the "Bong" In 2006, G-Dragon from Big Bang designed the first light stick and called it the “Bang Bong”. Bong means "stick" in Korean. It was a simple stick with a crown shape and meant for VIP fans. Other groups followed and created their own stick designs. Assigning the band’s colors, design of the bong, and fan chants continued to be a must have for K-pop fandoms to show support for their favorite groups. Bong Black Out The bong is a powerful in setting a mood during a K-pop concert. During a concert, all of the lights create an “ocean” of light.  When the lights are the band’s color, it is the ultimate tribute to show love to a K-pop band. In turn, no lights or the “ black ocean ” is the ultimate dislike of the band. The dislike of the band can result from more fans being present at an awards event or fans showing dislike for band members behaviors (professional or even personal!). The bong is truly a symbol of the power of people! Band Bongs Boom The design of the bong needs to resonate with the band and the fans. K-pop bands have made designs really fun and unique. The “Carat Bong” allows Seventeen's fandom to put anything in the globe part of the bong allowing the fan to add a unique personal touch. The K-pop girl band Cherry Bullet has the “Lullet”. It is a fun water gun style red bong. My personal favorite is the “Army Bomb” for BTS . In 2015, it was originally just a light up stick in 2015. Then as quickly as BTS became popular they created another version in 2017 with blue technology that allowed for a synchronized light show for their songs. On July 27th of 2018, a special light stick app was introduced that connects lights sticks that flicker and changes colors to a specific song and in concerts, to a specific venue. Light Sticks For All Fans Outside of Music Music fans interacting with artists in the music industry has come a long way from candles in the rain. The K-pop music industry has come a long way from raincoats and balloons. Connecting fans is what K-pop does best and maybe other teams will create light sticks for their countries in future Olympic events. Maybe we’ll see light sticks at other sports events in the future. Perhaps it will be like K-pop band Stray Kids and be everywhere and all around the world? Would you buy an Olympics light stick for your country’s Olympic team? Comment below to let us know! Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 #kpoplightsticks #bangbong #bongbong #gdragon #seventeen #bts #blackpink #2024ParisOlympics #HYBE

  • Kicks & Sticks: Phil-Kor National Sports Demonstration is something that you must see!

    As the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the ushers in August, we proudly announce a month filled with traditional celebrations! This August, as we celebrate 75 years of friendship between Korea and the Philippines, we have prepared a series of events reflecting both nations' rich cultural heritage through sports and family-oriented activities. Sticks & Kicks: Phil-Kor National Sports Demonstration On August 9, join us at the BGC Arts Center for an exhilarating display of national sports from both countries. The Globe Auditorium will host “Sticks & Kicks: Phil-Kor National Sports Demonstration,” where top athletes from Korea and the Philippines will showcase their prowess. From Korea, Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, will amaze the audience with its powerful and graceful Taekwondo performance, embodying the art, discipline, and spirit of this martial art. Representing the Philippines, the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF) will demonstrate the precision and skill of Arnis, the Filipino national sport, with a showcase of techniques, moves, and drills. Adding a special touch to this commemorative event, the audience will be treated to a unique Phil-Kor performance before the sports demonstration begins. NARA, the Korean Cultural Center's traditional performing team, and the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe will captivate with their dynamic and historical performances. This event is free to the public, but tickets are required. Secure your tickets through this link ! bit.ly/KicksandSticksRegistration . Catch the Spirit of Tradition and Friendship! Join us this August at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines to celebrate the vibrant cultures of Korea and the Philippines. Don't miss out on these exciting events! Mark your calendars, secure your tickets, and be part of this cultural celebration! #KicksandSticks #KoreanCulturePH #KCCPhil

  • Explore the Han River by kayak or paddleboard! [The perfect summer activity!]

    July is the perfect time of year to explore the Han River by kayak or paddleboard and to get that authentic Korean experience on South Korea's iconic river! We tell you all the reasons why it's not only a "touristy" thing to do, but why so many Koreans enjoy it! When you are in Seoul, a visit to the Han River is a must, especially in the evening . I have previously written about Banpo Bridge and Yeoido Park , which are the two main sunset parks along the Han River. However, Ttukseom Hangang Park is a great hidden spot, where you can enjoy many water activities! Many activities take place around Ttukseom Hangang Park, located on the upper reaches of the Han River. Here you will find the water is cleaner and fresher than in other Hangang parks. The water is generally calm, making it ideal for SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) and kayaking and July is the perfect time to experience these activities firsthand! Not only can you enjoy your windsurfing and the pleasant breeze, but also paddling a kayak along with the night view of Seoul . Do not miss your opportunity to enjoy the most romantic water leisure sports that can be experienced on the Han River. Sounds perfect right? For me, coming from a port town in the UK (Bristol) I have grown up with many water activities, and being by the water makes me feel calm and relaxed, so when I heard that you could go paddle boarding along the Han River, I felt excited. Paddleboarding in Bristol has become very popular along with kayaking in recent years, though of course in the UK it is very expensive, unlike in Korea. I think that being able to make new memories as you learn to ride a paddleboard with your friends is the ultimate bucket list experience, and it's also something different than wandering around the busy city on an evening. Let's check out this video! For sure, this is on my summer 2024 list of activities and experiences to try! Will it be on yours? You can make a booking through various sites such as this one: https://www.seoultravelpass.com/en/products/364-seoul-ttukseom-han-river-ocean-leisure-sports-kayak-paddleboard-windsurfing L et us know in the comments below if you have ever tried paddleboarding or kayaking along the Han River, and tag us in your photos! #SUP #standuppaddleboarding #kayaking #hanriver #summeractivity

  • The cutest father/daughter combo in K-pop! STAYC's Sieun and her father Park Nam Jung!

    Most of the younger K-pop fans don't know who STAYC's Sieun's father Park Nam Jung is, but we're here to show you why this father/daughter combo is one of the cutest in all of K-pop! Now, Sieun is commanding that stage with her charm and elegance as she is part of the super popular girl group STAYC with their huge comeback this month! Check out their new comeback single "Cheeky Icy Thang" ! K-pop royalty Equally as popular as his daughter Sieun, singer Park Nam Jung was "one-of-a-kind" back in the 1980s K-pop scene Best-known for inventing the "L-dance" craze in the late 80's, Park Nam Jung was also a star in his own right! From adolescence to glamour girl Sieun has always been in show business even when she wasn't acting or singing being featured in her ordinary life as a teenager, she had her quarrels with her father often. Since Sieun grew up before our eyes, their chemistry as the cutest father/daughter combo in K-pop can be seen in their collaborative social media dances! Take a look! So who is your favorite K-pop father/daughter combo? Let us know in the comments below! #Sieun #ParkNamJung #fatherdaughter #kpoppers #STAYC #TeddyBear_Challenge #CheekyIcyThang

  • Are you ready to dive into Korea's national sport, taekwondo? Here's how you can participate in Seoul!

    The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics are right around the corner and what better way than to talk about Korea's national sport, taekwondo! It is also a popular sport throughout Korea and the world, but why not learn it from its origin. In Korea, you will see a wide variety of programs! Read on to learn more about how you can participate while visiting! Even when I was a kid, Taekwondo had also been an option of a martial art for me to be able to try. I remember when I was in school, and we had different guests visiting each week, promoting programs, from the Boy Scouts and first aid to Taekwondo. Taekwondo, is the most recognized form of Korean martial arts globally, and it is a sport that emphasizes a sense of morality, humility, and a respect for one's opponent. It has become a globally recognized sport where practitioners improve both their physical ability and mental strength. This martial art teaches both defensive and offensive techniques without using weapons. However, taekwondo puts more emphasis on defense because of the taekwondo spirit of respecting peace and justice. What better way than to experience a Korean traditional sport than actually in Korea! Many tourists head to the mega city of Seoul each year, and why not?! It has so much going on, and of course since it's a mega city there are plenty of Korean English speakers. International Kumgang Taekwondo Center in Seoul is a place where you are able to learn the national sport for yourself, and classes are available in Korean and English. In fact, this Taekwondo Centre in Seoul has been voted one of the best among foreign participants for being very interactive and educational! For me, I have found that the prices are competitive for the sessions, and it is definitely, something that I would be interested in trying! It was even featured in the popular YouTube channel Korean Englishman! For more information: http://www.taekwontokorea.com/ Address: 47, Mokdongjungangbon-ro 1-gil, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 양천구 목동중앙본로1길 47) Directions: Take Bus No. 602, 650, 654, 6715 or 6633 from Hongik Hospital Bus Stop near Mokdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 5, Exit 3) to Yeongdo Middle School/Gangseo High School Bus Stop and walk for approx. 10 min Fee (per person): 70,000 won (90-min lesson) / 150,000 won (3-hr lesson) / 70,000 won (self-defense lesson) / 100,000 won (blackbelt holders' lesson) Inquiries: +82-2-2654-1999 (Korean, English) Let us know in the comments below if you have ever tired Taekwondo. If you have, tag us in your photos! #taekwondo #koreanenglishman #nationalsport #southkorea

  • Jin's Bracelet Sparks Global Movement: BTS Fans Push for Peace

    In a powerful gesture of solidarity, fans around the globe are rallying behind BTS member Jin , calling for his voice to be heard on an urgent humanitarian issue . Let's take a look at what sparked this movement from BTS ARMY ! It all started with a bracelet, the FRED Force 10 Bracelet, worn by Jin , newly appointed Global Ambassador for Fred Jewelry . This bracelet, crafted in collaboration with Special Olympics to support athletes with intellectual disabilities, became a symbol that ignited a passionate plea from fans: advocate for peace in Palestine. Fred Jewelry , a Paris-based company dating back to 1936, made headlines by selecting Jin as their first brand ambassador, a move celebrated by fans worldwide. Yet, it wasn't the shimmering elegance of their jewelry that caught the public's eye; it was Jin's subtle act of wearing a bracelet dedicated to inclusivity and philanthropy that sparked a movement. BTS fans, known as ARMYs , flooded social media platforms with #SpeakYourselfBTS, demanding Jin to use his influence to support a ceasefire in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict. ARMYs in Gaza are not just fans; they are individuals directly affected by the conflict, facing daily challenges and seeking solidarity and support from their idols. Their pleas for help and intervention underscore the real-life impact of global events on ordinary people, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. The groundswell of support quickly gained momentum, trending on Twitter (X) and catching the attention of Korean news channels and even international organizations like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions). Influential social media pages picked up the story, further amplifying the voices of ARMYs in Gaza and drawing attention to their plight. However, the movement hasn't been without its critics. Some argue that targeting a single celebrity for political advocacy is unfair, suggesting that actors and other celebrities should also be called upon to take a stand. Why Only Target Jin? This comment reflects a concern that singling out Jin for activism may not be fair, especially when other celebrities and public figures could also be engaged. Historical Context of Racism: This comment emphasizes that Jin, as an Asian celebrity, has faced racism and should not be forced into a spokesperson role that may be facing an increase of his problems. Concerns About Jin's Position: Critics worry about the potential consequences for Jin personally and professionally if he takes a stance on a politically sensitive issue like the conflict in Gaza. Separating Politics from Music: Some fans advocate for keeping BTS's activities strictly focused on music, arguing that Jin shouldn't be pressured into political statements. Critics further voiced concerns about the potential backlash Jin might face, citing previous incidents where public figures faced severe criticism for political statements. Nevertheless, supporters of the campaign emphasize BTS's history of engaging with social issues, including visits to the White House and advocating for human rights. BTS's History of Breaking Rules: Supporters point out that BTS has a history of breaking conventional idol rules and has engaged in social and political issues before. BTS's Impact and Influence: Fans highlight BTS's global influence and argue that their platform can be used for positive change, urging Jin to use his voice for humanitarian causes. Comparison with Other Artists: Supporters note that other artists have spoken out on political issues without significant backlash, suggesting that Jin could similarly make a difference. They cite BTS member Namjoon's words as a call to action for Jin to use his platform for meaningful change. The debate raises profound questions about the role of celebrities in global issues and the impact of their advocacy. Should artists leverage their influence to advocate for peace and justice, or are there better avenues for effecting change? As discussions continue, the world watches to see if Jin will heed the call from his fans and take a stand on one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time. Do you believe celebrities like Jin should use their influence to support causes like the ceasefire in Gaza? How can fans and supporters effectively push for meaningful change on a global scale? Comment below and share your thoughts on the role of artists in shaping international discourse and promoting peace. #BTS #방탄소년단 #SpeakYourselfBTS

  • Korean men’s fashion tips and tricks to help you stay cool and stand out this summer!

    Korean men’s summer outfits should be stylish and comfortable as temperatures soar and the sun shines brightly. From breezy linen shorts and shirts to colorful swim trunks, there are endless possibilities for creating the perfect summer look. These Korean men’s fashion-for-summer ideas can help you stay cool and stylish during the hot summer months, whether going to the beach , a backyard party, a hike, a day trip, or whatever fun summer activity you like! Dojeon team member, Lewis, gives you some fashionable tips and tricks to keep you cool while looking to stand out during the summertime! A summer outfit is all about comfort, style, and versatility, and with these combinations, men can quickly achieve the right look for any casual or formal summer event. Investing in a few key pieces of clothing from quality retailers can help men build a summer wardrobe that will last for years and can be mixed and matched for any occasion. Ultimately, it’s all about being confident and comfortable while enjoying the summer months in style. Baggy T-shirts and wide-stretched jeans/shorts are a good idea this time of year. Many high street stores such as SPAO, TOP TEN, H&M, and other stores are currently selling a wide variety of trendy outfits. Lightweight Korean men’s fashion for summer is all about staying relaxed and comfortable. That’s why lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and any lightweight fabric are highly recommended. These fabrics allow air to circulate freely, which prevents sweating, and boy, is this a good idea. TOP TEN has a good variety of good-priced t-shirts, shirts, and shorts, to help with this, and I can honestly say that they work well. Oversized Oversized clothing has been a popular trend in Korean fashion for a while now. This summer, the trend continues with oversized t-shirts, shirts, and shorts. These loose-fitting clothes are perfect for hot and humid weather, allowing air to circulate freely. These are now my go-to clothes during the summer and I have to say I sweat less, they are a lifesaver!! Summer Shorts Choose lightweight, breathable shorts to keep you cool and dry on hot days. Comfort is king. You don’t want your legs to look bulky from your shorts. Men’s shorts that are the proper length and fit are also essential for an effortless, pleasing look. Wear sweats and gym shorts if you want a looser fit; make sure they aren’t too long or baggy. A slim or tailored fit in jeans and chino shorts looks stylish for a casual look. Wide Legged Not into wearing shorts? Wide-legged pants are also comfortable and stylish, making them perfect for any season. Korean men like to pair them with plain t-shirts or dress them in printed shirts. These pants come in different materials and colors; pick the one that best suits you. There are thick, wide-leg pants made of thin materials that will not make you hot even if you wear them in the summer. Bucket Hats Bucket hats are back in style this summer, and Korean men love them! These hats give your clothing a refined touch while offering enough protection from the sun. They come in various colors and prints and can be paired with almost any outfit! For me, the baggy clothes and the wide breathable shorts are for sure a lifesaver, but I think I will pass on the bucket hats for now. Let us know in the comments below what you think of Korean men's summer fashion and what styles you prefer! Also, share your outfits in the comments and we'll pick out the best to post on our socials! #Koreanmenfashion #menfashion #summerfashion #summeroutfit

  • [Korean Fridays] Facial Features in Korean | Part 2

    Let's continue our journey into describing facial features in Korean! In Part 1 , we covered the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Now, let's delve into the remaining features: head, cheeks, chin, teeth, and eyebrows. Understanding how to describe these features not only enhances your Korean language skills but also deepens your ability to observe and communicate nuances in facial expressions. By the end, you'll see the complete picture of our character, allowing you to apply what you've learned in describing facial features in Korean. ☆ Let's look at each feature in detail: Head - 머리 (meori) ● His head is round. - 그의 머리는 둥글어요. (geu-ui meori-neun dung-geul-eo-yo.) ● She has a small head. - 그녀는 작은 머리를 가지고 있어요. (geu-nyeo-neun jag-eun meo-li-reul ga-ji-go iss-eo-yo.) Cheeks - 볼 (bol) ● His cheeks are rosy. - 그의 볼은 붉어요. (geu-ui bol-eun bulg-eo-yo.) ● She pinched her cheeks lightly. - 그녀는 볼을 가볍게 눌렀어요. (geu-nyeo-neun bol-eul ga-byep-ge nul-lyeo-sseo-yo.) Chin - 턱 (teok) ● His chin is prominent. - 그의 턱은 두드러져요. (geu-ui teok-eun du-deu-reo-jyeo-yo.) ● She pointed at her chin. - 그녀는 자신의 턱을 가리켰어요. (geu-nyeo-neun ja-sin-ui teok-eul ga-li-kyeoss-eo-yo.) Teeth - 이 (i) He is white teeth. - 그는 하얀 이를 가지고 있어요. (geu-neun ha-yan i-reul ga-ji-go iss-eo-yo.) She showed her teeth in a smile. - 그녀는 웃으며 이를 보였어요. (geu-nyeo-neun u-seu-myeo i-reul bo-yeoss-eo-yo.) Eyebrows - 눈썹 (nunssip) ● His eyebrows are thick. - 그의 눈썹은 굵어요. (geu-ui nunssip-eun gu-geoyo.) ● She raised her eyebrows in surprise. - 그녀는 놀람에 눈썹을 올렸어요. (geu-nyeo-neun nol-lam-e nunssip-eul ol-lyeo-sseo-yo.) Now that we've described each part of his face, let's reveal the full picture of our character that we described! With this complete view, you can now visualize how all these features come together to create a unique facial expression. Practice these Korean phrases to describe faces not just in cartoons but also in real-life situations. Practice these phrases to become more confident in expressing yourself in Korean! Remember, in Part 1 , we learned how to use possessive adjectives to describe ownership, such as "my," "your," "his," and "her." These are essential for constructing meaningful sentences in Korean! You can give it a try to practice what you have already learned in first part ! Then practice these sentences to improve your Korean fluency and confidently engage in daily conversations. Stay tuned for more language tips and lessons on learning Korean. If you have any questions feel free to share them in the comments section below! #KoreanLanguage #FacialFeatures #LearnKorean #KoreanVocabulary #KoreanFridays

  • Did the new K-drama mini-series "The Pork Cutlets'' live up to the tasty hype? We found out!

    Pork cutlet or tonkatsu ( 돈까스) should be a national dish in South Korea. It is the equivalent of the American hamburger. It is literally on every corner of the country and delicious! We love that some Korean dramas are named after their best-loved dishes. We have seen the release of Chicken Nugget (2024) and now July has seen the release of The Pork Cutlets (나는 돈가스가 싫어요 ). Let's see if this K-drama is as tasty as it sounds! In a highly saturated market, with many new dramas being released almost daily, this drama had to stand out, and of course, the name helped it do that. However, it also needed some well-known stars in the cast. The main cast members of this new drama are Jung Sang Hoon ( Longing For You 2023) and Jeon Hye Bin ( Kiss Sixth Sense 2022) Let's check out a teaser! The Pork Cutlets is a human comedy that depicts the humorous story of Onghwa Village and its village chief Jung Ja Wang ( Jung Sang Hoon ), who championed a neutering surgery for the village’s Casanova dog Baek Gu, only to end up getting a vasectomy himself overnight. Now, I a comedy drama is always good, and I think it is funny how some of these events were supposed to happen in just one night. Having watched the teasers, I will be tuning in! This drama premiered on July 5 and 6 and is only for two episodes, for this special comical release. I have watched both episodes, and in my opinion, I think it was a good move to host this as solely a 2 part special. In episode one we start with the head of the village, Jung Ja Wang ( Jung Sang-hoon ), on the loudspeaker looking for a dog named Baekgu. We learn that Baekgu is quite a player, having pups all over town and upsetting all the neighbors. And since the village chief’s name means “sperm king,” it seems like Baekgu isn’t the only one who’s spreading his seed. For me, it was really nice to see Korea's national dog ,the Jindo , star in this series, as I also have a Jindo mix, and the dog featured reminded me of my dog! Later, before the TV crew has a chance to arrive to do the story on Baekgu, Ja Wang gets drunk on ginseng homebrew and lets Baekgu off his leash. In his mind, there’s still hope for Baekgu and there’s no reason to put him through what he and Bok Cheol have just endured. The next morning, when the TV crew is there and the dog is missing, Ja Wang finds himself on a sudden mission to find Baekgu. But with flyers all over town and pork cutlets left out as bait, months pass (the twins are born) and there’s still no sign of him. It’s a big deal because now the town’s yam sales are wrapped up in finding this dog. For me, I think having a TV crew, while trying to have a re-election campaign, get a vasectomy and neuter my dog, would all be a little too much, and I think it's comical how it was all handled on the show, which of course makes this 2 part series a success. Full of wacky humor, puny wordplay, and enough innuendo around chili peppers to last a lifetime, the two-episode drama scores highest in the convivial connections between the villagers and the way adversaries become easy friends. It’s a bit basic and a little loud, but its upbeat tone and offbeat comedy are enough to push it forward and make the time pass quickly. Overall, I loved this series, and I think it screams everything about a more rural Korean community and local culture outside of the big cities! Did you tune in to watch this new exciting K-drama? Let us know in the comments below! #PorkCutlets #LimSimAe #JeongJaWang

  • BBC acquires new entertainment series "Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience". Will it be a hit?

    What happens when you take five boys from the UK, drop them in Seoul, and put them through the world-renowned K-pop process? You have the UK's largest broadcasting company, The BBC (British Broadcasting Co-operation), acquiring this new exciting series Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience ! Read on to find out more exciting details! Made in Korea this K-pop experience will be a music experiment like no other. The collaboration is between K-pop giant powerhouse SM Entertainment and Kakao Entertainment. The K-pop Experience will be a 6 part series, which will follow five boys from the UK, who are put through their paces in a K-pop training school, to launch a new boy band on a global level. To me, this sounds like a good series to watch, and coming from the UK, you often hear about the rigorous process and schedule of K-pop training schools, so will the British boys be able to handle it?! Cameras will go behind closed doors at SM Entertainment for the first time to witness the band working with the world’s greatest choreographers, singing songs from the best songwriters, and being tutored by some of the most revered experts in the K-pop business. I also find this interesting, as many great global bands have been launched by SM Entertainment such as AESPA and RIIZE , so to gain an insight into what these global sensations go through, will be interesting! Let's check out this video for some extra details! The K-Pop Experience sees the boys immersed into K-pop culture and put through the original K-pop training process for 100 days. They will face a schedule of intense choreography, vocal and performance lessons, and life coaching techniques, alongside an immersion into all aspects of Korean life - set against Seoul’s striking landscapes and iconic K-pop locations, which I cannot wait to see! I think that the BBC's interest in launching this collaborative series stems from the rise in influence of K-culture which has continued to sweep across the world, especially in Western countries. I think it will be really interesting to see how this series does in terms of viewers and interest from the British public, which I have to say, until recently have not known to much about South Korea. The show is scheduled to be released this summer! Follow us on all of our socials to see when it will be released! Without a doubt, I will be tuning in to watch this show. Will you?! Let us know in the comments below. #BBC #KpopExperience #madeinkorea #kpopidoltrainees #aespa #riize

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