Author Archives: easykorean

About easykorean

Designers are a Semiconductor Robotics Instructor and a Fine Arts/Graphic Designer -'Easy to Learn Korean' newspaper series since 2009 (published in the Korea Times Englisher Newspaper Tues-Fri each week) -Monthly contributing writers to the Gangnam Newspaper

Korea Is the Next Hotspot for Global Investors

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South Korea’s stock market is slowly becoming the top pick in emerging markets (신흥시장, sinheung sijang) for the next decade.

Thanks to cutting-edge 기술 (gisul) technology stocks tied to the AI boom and a strong push for 기업 개혁 (gieop gaehyeok) corporate reforms, investors are taking notice.

Morningstar Wealth recently highlighted that these forces give Korean equities a durable 성장 (seongjang) growth edge. Morningstar is now projecting returns of 11–12% annually in USD over the next decade — a standout figure among both emerging and broader Asian markets — according to Mark Preskett, senior portfolio manager at Morningstar Wealth. With global investors growing bullish, Korean stocks 한국 주식 (hanguk jusik) could shine brighter than ever.

Related articles:

-Personal debt and credit part one, part two, and part three

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Korea’s Brightest Minds Leave Amid Pay Freezes and Poor Research Support

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South Korea is facing a serious brain drain (두뇌 유출), as many professors (교수들) at Seoul National University and other top institutions leave for overseas (해외) jobs. In 2025 alone, 56 professors started new careers abroad—many citing better research funding (연구 자금), work–life balance (일과 삶의 균형), and international collaboration (국제 협력). These trends highlight challenges in Korea’s academic system.

Top talent are leaving Korea

You’ll often hear 교수 이탈 (professor’s departure) or 우수 인재 유출 (top talent outflow) in news about academia.

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Fourth of July in Seoul.

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To celebrate both Korean summer (여름) and American-style fun, here’s some Fourth of July spirit in Seoul.

Celebrate the 4th of July in Seoul

One highlight is the retro-inspired Oldies 핫도그, topped with Cheetos powder, blending 스트리트푸드 (street food) flair with nostalgic Americana. Other menu items include a smoky 바비큐 버거 (BBQ burger) and ice-cold 맥주 (beer) or 콜라 (cola)—perfect for Korea’s summer 야외 나들이 (outings).

It’s a tasty reminder of how Korean and American cultures come together through food, fun, and festive vibes—even across the Pacific! See links for more info.

Looking for fireworks? There’s the upcoming Seoul International Fireworks Festival – September 27, 2025.

Vocabulary:

-Fireworks part one and part two

-Something you can’t pass up

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Heat wave.

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South Korea is facing a record-breaking heatwave (폭염) this June, with 59 out of 97 weather stations reporting their highest-ever average temperatures for the month. This extreme weather is straining power supplies as people rely on air conditioning (에어컨), and raises concerns about heatstroke (열사병).

Heat wave in Korea
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Culture Bite: Ho Gwa Dang’s 타코파이 (Taco Pie)

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If you’re visiting the Hyundai Department Store in Apgujeong, Gangnam (강남) this summer, don’t miss a stop at 호과당 (Ho Gwa Dang)—also known as Tiger Pie House.

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Seasonal fruit drinks

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Summer is the perfect season for 시원한 과일 (refreshing fruit) treats, and Korea knows how to do it right. MEGA Coffee is a favorite inexpensive coffee and drink shop where the summer brings drinks like 수박 주스 (watermelon juice), 복숭아 스무디 (peach smoothie), and even 멜론 아이스티 (melon iced tea).

Enjoy the summer with fruit! – 과일로 여름을 즐겨요! (gwaillo yeoreum-eul jeul-gyeoyo!

MEGA Coffee 2025 summer drink specials
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Pets multiply in Korea.

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Pet ownership in Korea has reached a record 15.46 million people (반려인), nearly 30% of the population.

Around 5.91 million households (가구) now have pets, mostly dogs (강아지) and cats (고양이). However, over 80% of pets are left home alone (혼자 집에 있음) for nearly 6 hours daily. This rise in pet culture (반려동물 문화) is changing how Koreans live and spend.

cars and dogs
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