Korea’s Cheapest Little Luxury: Takeout Coffee

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Even on a rainy day, inexpensive takeout coffee is one of Korea’s easiest pleasures. Small cafés and budget chains are everywhere—often just steps from a subway station or apartment complex.

Chains such as Mega MGC Coffee, Compose Coffee, and Paik’s Coffee specialize in large drinks at small prices. An iced Americano generally costs around ₩1,500–₩2,000, while an iced latte is usually ₩2,700–₩3,500. Ordering is normally done at a counter or touchscreen kiosk, and drinks are prepared within minutes.

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A Bowl That Won’t Wait: Sweet and Nutty Kongguksu

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Today’s lunch came from nearby 순리대로콩비지 (@sunridaero.kongbiji⁠): a refreshing bowl of 콩국수 (kongguksu), or noodles in chilled soybean broth.

The noodles arrived topped with shredded cucumber, sprouts, and a bright slice of tomato, with the thick, pale-green soybean broth packed separately. After pouring it over the noodles, everything becomes creamy, cool, and wonderfully 고소해요—a Korean word describing a rich, nutty flavor.

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Korea’s New Travel Map Runs on Bread

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Korea has officially confirmed what many travelers already suspected: a good trip may begin with a train ticket, but it ends with a bakery bag and bakery tourism.

For the new “Korea Attractions Discovery 100×100” project, 40,145 people cast more than 1.53 million votes for nearly 10,000 attractions across 100 themes.

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Korea’s Latest Summer Fashion: Socks With Flip-Flops?

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For years, wearing socks with sandals was considered a serious fashion mistake. In Korea this summer, young people are turning that rule upside down.

Open-toe socks designed specifically for flip-flops are becoming trendy, covering the top of the foot while leaving the toes exposed. They originally had a practical purpose: preventing flip-flop straps from rubbing against bare skin. Now they come in cotton, knit and even lace versions and are being worn as a deliberate fashion statement.

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Seoul Could Reach 40°C? Korea’s Summer Heat Is Breaking Records

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If you think Seoul is already hot, brace yourself. Weather experts are warning that temperatures in parts of South Korea could approach 40°C (104°F) as an intense heat wave continues. While Seoul rarely reaches that level, a combination of strong sunshine, hot air moving north, and warm overnight temperatures could push the city close to a historic record. Authorities are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on elderly neighbors and family members.

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When a River Temperature Became a Stock Market Controversy in Korea

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South Korea’s Han River (한강, Hangang) is much more than a river—it is one of Seoul’s most recognizable landmarks. But in March 2026, it unexpectedly became the center of an online controversy involving a popular finance app and Korean internet culture.

Korean Internet meme 

What happened?

Korean fintech company Toss introduced a small feature that displayed the current water temperature of the Han River. The feature was originally intended for people enjoying water sports, fishing, and other outdoor activities. However, many users immediately associated it with a well-known piece of Korean stock market slang. 

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Hot Soup on the Hottest Days of Summer

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If you visit South Korea in July or August, you may be surprised to see long lines outside restaurants serving steaming hot chicken soup. While many visitors look for ice cream or cold noodles to cool down, Koreans traditionally eat samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) during the hottest days of the year.

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