Category Archives: About Korea

Autumn in Seoul: The City’s Most Beautiful Season

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Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit Seoul. By late October, the summer humidity has disappeared, temperatures are cooler, and the city’s parks and walking trails begin turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red.

A tiny neighborhood park, Yangjae, Seoul

One of the best places to experience autumn is along Seoul’s many urban streams, including Yangjaecheon (양재천), where tree-lined paths, peaceful waterways, and colorful foliage offer a relaxing escape from busy city life. Many cafes, bakeries, and European-style restaurants and brunch spots are also here.

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디엠 보내! Learn the Korean of DMs, Reels, and Being Left on Read

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You find a funny video, think of a friend, and tap “send.” No long explanation needed. The video itself says, “This reminded me of you.”

That everyday moment is a useful doorway into Korean internet culture—and a handful of expressions you might not find in a beginner textbook.

Today’s phrase is 디엠 보내! (Diem bonae!), meaning “Send me a DM!”

Why talk about DMs now?

KakaoTalk has long been closely associated with messaging in Korea, but it is not the whole picture. Somako’s October 2 trend report highlights teenagers’ use of DMs as a recent topic. 

There is also a fresh connection to how people share content. Opensurvey’s September 21 Social Media Trend Report identifies DM sharing as a notable response to content on Instagram. Its summary contrasts this with likes and reactions on TikTok and watching without further action on YouTube. 

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Korea’s Sudden Cold Snap! 갑자기 추워졌어요! (It Suddenly Got Cold!)

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It’s October, but Korea is already feeling like winter!

Just over a week ago, people in Seoul were enjoying unusually warm weather. On October 12, the capital reached an astonishing 30.1°C (86.2°F), setting an October temperature record.

Now, only ten days later, Seoul is expecting a morning temperature of around 5°C (41°F) on October 22. That’s a remarkable difference of about 25°C (45°F) between the two dates!

Cold wave advisories have been announced for numerous regions, including parts of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, and Gyeongsang provinces. Some inland and mountainous areas could even fall below freezing.

What would Koreans say about such an abrupt change in weather?

Cold weather
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한글날 (Hangeul Day) – Celebrating 580 Years of Korea’s Amazing Alphabet!

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October 9 is 한글날 (Hangeul-nal), or Hangeul Day, a national holiday celebrating the creation of Korea’s unique writing system. It’s a public holiday and 2026 marks the 580th anniversary of the publication of Hangeul in 1446 and the 100th anniversary of the modern Hangeul Day celebration!

While most countries celebrate independence days, important historical figures, or religious holidays, Korea has something rather unusual—a national holiday dedicated to its alphabet!

And there’s a fascinating story behind it.

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Your Flight Hasn’t Left, but the Korean Culture Has Already Started

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One of my favorite things about Incheon International Airport is that Korean culture sometimes appears where you least expect it.

While passing through Terminal 2, I came across a live traditional performance presented by the Korea Heritage Agency (국가유산진흥원). Instead of another airport advertisement or duty-free shop, travelers were treated to Korean music and dance performed in hanbok.

Incheon Airport – Korea, Terminal 2, sanjo performance
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A Hidden Korean Air Lounge Near Gate 283 at Incheon Airport

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If you’re flying from the far end of Incheon Airport Terminal 2, there’s a Korean Air lounge that is easy to miss.

Korean Air, Prestige Garden East Lounge at ICN T2

The Korean Air Prestige Garden East Lounge is located on the 4th floor opposite Gate 281, making it especially convenient for flights departing around Gates 281–283. It opened as part of Korean Air’s major Terminal 2 lounge expansion and renovation project. 

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Korea’s Giant 220-Liter Trash Bag: Let an App Sort It Out

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The enormous black bag in these photos is not an official city garbage bag. It belongs to Covering (커버링), a private collection service that removes mixed household waste directly from your door.

Massive 220L bag
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