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Showing posts from March, 2025

[K-BEAUTY 2 ] March Sunshine is Getting Stronger – Time to Protect Your Skin!

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  The Top 5 Best Sunscreens You Must Get at Olive Young in Korea As spring arrives, the weather is getting warmer, and the sun's UV rays are becoming stronger. Many people underestimate the power of spring sunlight , but did you know that UV rays in spring can be just as intense as in summer? Proper sun protection is essential to prevent premature aging and skin damage. In Korea, sunscreen is not just a seasonal necessity but an essential part of daily skincare . Olive Young, Korea’s top beauty and health store, is the go-to destination for high-quality sunscreens, offering a wide range of options catering to different skin types and needs. So, which sunscreens are the most popular? Here are the Top 5 Best Sunscreens you must buy at Olive Young to keep your skin safe and healthy this spring! 1. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen 🌿 ☀ SPF50+ PA++++ πŸ’§ Hydrating + Lightweight Formula This sunscreen has been a best-seller in Olive Young for years! Infused with birch...

[K-Snacks FLEX! 2] Top 5 Korean Rice Cake Snacks

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  Korea’s street food culture is globally renowned, and among its many offerings, rice cake-based snacks stand out for their chewy texture and unique flavors. Rice cakes, once considered traditional, have evolved into modern and versatile treats enjoyed by people of all ages. Here are five must-try Korean rice cake snacks that foreign visitors will love. 1. Tteokbokki – The Ultimate Korean Street Food Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most iconic street foods, featuring chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy-sweet gochujang (red chili paste) sauce. Though it has simple ingredients, the combination of flavors creates an irresistible and addictive taste. Variations like creamy tteokbokki and black bean tteokbokki have emerged, making this dish even more popular among food lovers. πŸ”Ή Why You’ll Love It : The perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors coating chewy rice cakes πŸ”Ή How to Eat : Add fish cakes, boiled eggs, or ramen noodles for a richer experienc         ...

[K-CULTURE 2] Bowing in Korea: More Than Just a Greeting – A Tradition of Respect

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  “Bowing in Korea: More Than Just a Greeting – A Tradition of Respect” If you visit Korea, one of the first things you'll notice is that Koreans don’t just say “Hi” —they bow . Unlike in the U.S., where a casual “Hey!” works for almost anyone, Koreans use different levels of bowing to show respect, gratitude, and even apology . From a small nod to a full 90-degree bow, each variation carries a specific meaning. But how did this tradition start, and what’s changing with younger generations? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Korean bowing culture . 🀝 The Many Ways Koreans Greet Each Other 1️⃣ The Signature Bow (인사, Insa) Bowing is the core of Korean greetings . Whether it’s a simple nod or a deep bow, this is how Koreans show respect and politeness in daily interactions. πŸ’‘ Different types of bows: The Casual Nod (15°) – A slight head tilt, used between friends or colleagues in casual settings. The Polite Bow (30°) – A standard greeting for acquaintances, elders, ...

[K-PEOPLE 2] Meet Weonrhee : Beyond Furniture: Weonrhee, the Designer Who Creates Sculptural Art

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The Milan Furniture Fair and the Loewe Craft Prize have their eyes on a rising Korean designer, Weonrhee (이쒅원). His work goes beyond furniture design—his deep exploration of materials, raw structural inspiration, and boundary-breaking experiments in craft and design have propelled him onto the global stage. In 2023, he gained international recognition by winning at the SaloneSatellite competition at the Milan Furniture Fair . Later that year, he was invited to Japan’s prestigious Marunuma Art Forest Residency . Now, in 2024, he has been selected as a finalist for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize , standing alongside some of the world’s most innovative artists. 🌿 Discovering Art in Waste: The Parallam Revelation One of the most striking elements of Weonrhee’s work is his choice of material . In 2021, during the demolition of a cafΓ©, he came across an unfamiliar material called Parallam (PSL – Parallel Strand Lumber) . πŸ’‘ What is Parallam? A type of engineered wood made from co...

[K-POP- GROUP-1]πŸ”₯ Stray Kids: The Rebel Kings of K-Pop Who Create Their Own Path 🎢

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 If you think K-pop is all about perfectly choreographed moves and polished idol groups, Stray Kids is here to shake things up. Known for their intense energy, raw emotions, and self-produced music , this group isn’t just another K-pop act—they’re a movement. From fighting their way through a survival show to becoming global superstars , Stray Kids have rewritten the rules of the industry with their powerful beats and rebellious spirit. πŸ’₯ Who Are Stray Kids? Stray Kids (슀트레이 ν‚€μ¦ˆ) is an eight-member group under JYP Entertainment , formed through a survival reality show of the same name in 2017 . What makes them unique? Unlike many K-pop groups that rely on external producers, Stray Kids write, compose, and produce their own music —a rare feat in the industry. Their signature “noise music” blends EDM, hip-hop, rock, and emotional storytelling, creating anthems that speak directly to a generation breaking free from societal norms . 🎀 Members: Bang Chan (Leader), Lee Know, Cha...

[KOREA TRAVEL -1 SEOUL] Experience the Beauty of Korea: A Guide to Traditional Palaces

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  Korea, a country rich in history and culture, offers a truly immersive experience for travelers looking to connect with its past. For those visiting the country, exploring the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace , the elegance of Changgyeonggung Palace , the unique charm of Deoksugung Palace , and the authenticity of Hanok Villages provides a window into Korea’s timeless beauty. Each of these sites hosts special events and activities tailored to foreign visitors, offering a deep and engaging cultural experience. 🏯 Gyeongbokgung Palace: The Majestic Heart of the Joseon Dynasty As the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Korea’s most significant historical landmarks. Walking through its vast courtyards and intricately designed buildings transports visitors to the grandeur of Korea’s past. Unique Experiences for Visitors: ✅ Hanbok Experience – One of the best ways to explore Gyeongbokgung is by wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean attire). Vi...

[K-FOOD 3] Rolling Beyond Borders: Kimbap with a Global Twist! 🌎

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  1. Classic Kimbap (A basic and familiar kimbap that foreigners can easily enjoy) πŸ“Œ Ingredients 1 sheet of seaweed (gim) 1 bowl of rice (mixed with 1 tsp sesame oil and a pinch of salt) 1 strip of ham (or spam) 1 egg (cooked as a thin omelet and sliced) 1 strip of pickled radish (danmuji) 1 strip of cucumber 1 strip of carrot (lightly sautΓ©ed) A small portion of spinach (or substitute with kale, arugula) πŸ† Instructions Slice the ham into strips and lightly fry in a pan. Beat the egg, cook a thin omelet, and cut into strips. Julienne the carrot and sautΓ© lightly. Slice the cucumber thinly. Spread the rice evenly over a seaweed sheet and layer the ingredients. Roll the kimbap tightly, then slice into pieces to serve! 2. Bulgogi Kimbap (Korean BBQ-style beef kimbap with a rich, savory flavor) πŸ“Œ Ingredients 1 sheet of seaweed 1 bowl of rice (mixed with 1 tsp sesame oil and a pinch of salt) 100g (about 3.5 oz) bulgogi (beef or pork, marinated and cooked)...