iPhone, Instagram, YouTube, and KakaoTalk lead the pack in Korea. YouTube is the most used app by Gen Z in Korea. It’s considered as the leading search tool, news source, and entertainment platform. KakaoTalk and Naver are more popular among those over 40.
Looking for vocabulary as well as info on KakaoTalk?
Gen Z – Z 세대 (Z se-dae)
Changdeok-gung is one of five Grand Palaces in northern Seoul’s Jogno District. Also known as the East Palace, it was the residence of the last king of Korea, Sunjong (순종). While it was originally constructed in the 15th century, only portions of the original structure survive today.
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Peak strawberry season in Korea is January to March though they start to hit supermarkets and restaurant menus as soon as December and as late as April. Strawberries are an ideal fruit to grow in Korean greenhouses hence the winter harvests.
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The Millenials and Gen Z of Korea, also known as the MZ Generation (MZ 세대), are those born 1981-1995 and 1996-2010, respectively.
A recent trend in South Korea, and other countries, has these generations using “vintage” digital cameras and old iPhones to take pictures. iPhone SE models are also highly sought after. Retro Filters are also used to give their photos a distinctive retro feel. This fits into youngtro (영트로) – where Korea’s youth embrace retro electronics, fashion, and music.
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With the passing of 2025’s Valentine’s Day, we reflect on the holiday and the impact on Koreans. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated here since the 1980s by young couples and newlyweds. Valentine’s Day is the day that young women give gifts to men, typically chocolates or things of that nature. It’s also common for couples to go out for dinner or other activities.
Limited decorations are seen around Seoul, mostly limited to simple things in red color such as a strong of hearts. It’s really only at convenience stores and department stores where chocolates and candy are sometimes setup outside (very common in the 2010s).
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“In Korea, there’s a desire to create a shared, synchronized experience where the show and viewers are emotionally aligned.” This recent article discusses the difference between American shows and Korean shows and why all the on-screen text works for this market.
Variety show – 다양한 쇼 (dayang-han syo).
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