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

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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Seoul’s Hidden Bakery Gem: Discovering La Patisserie Kim in Dogok

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If you’re exploring Seoul beyond the famous chain bakeries, one neighborhood deserves a stop: Dogok (도곡동) in southern Seoul. Tucked among residential towers and small office buildings is La Patisserie Kim (르파티세리 김), a bakery that combines classic European techniques with Korean creativity. The bakery is run by a Korean master baker and his son, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, and has built a reputation for using quality ingredients and traditional baking methods. 

Unlike many trendy cafés that focus on Instagram-worthy desserts, La Patisserie Kim feels like a neighborhood bakery where locals stop by daily. During my visit, I found shelves filled with breads, pastries, cookies, and seasonal specialties that showcased both French and Korean influences.

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Korea’s New Pepsi Extra Fizz: More Bubbles, More Fun!

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Korea is known for releasing unique soft drinks, and this summer there’s a new one for cola fans: Pepsi Extra Fizz (펩시 엑스트라 피즈).

Unlike regular Pepsi, this version is designed to keep its carbonation stronger for a longer time. According to the manufacturer, a special production process creates finer bubbles, giving the drink a more intense sparkling sensation from the first sip to the last. It also contains about 30% less sugar and fewer calories than regular Pepsi, making it a lighter choice for people who still enjoy a classic cola taste. The drink is available in 355 mL cans and 500 mL bottles at convenience stores and supermarkets across Korea. (Lotte Chilsung⁠)

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Why Young Koreans Are Buying Stocks — Even When the Market Bites

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In Korea, many young people buy stocks because traditional wealth-building feels harder than ever. Apartments in Seoul are expensive, salaries feel slow, and saving alone can seem boring compared with AI stocks, U.S. ETFs, and chip companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

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Korea’s AI Stock Rollercoaster: When KOSPI Went Too Fast

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South Korea’s stock market has been on an incredible ride in 2026, powered largely by AI excitement. The country’s main stock index, the KOSPI, surged as investors poured money into semiconductor giants like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

But this week, reality hit hard.

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