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)
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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Here’s an visual short read on the Year of the Blue Snake.
띠 (tti) – a person’s Chinese Zodiac
무슨 띠예요? (museun tti-yeyo?) – “What is you Chinese Zodiac?”
저는 __띠예요. (jeo-neun ___-tti-yeyo) – “I am____.”
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Happy (Lunar) New Year! 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (saehae bok manhi badeu-seyo)!
The Lunar New Year holiday is referred to as Seollal (설날). In 2025, the public holiday runs from 1/28-1/30. Wednesday January 29 is New Year’s Day.
Here are our Lunar holiday articles. Looking for popular greetings?
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