Koreans line up for books by Han Kang (female) on 10/10/2024 following her Nobel prize win in literature.
And our article on Korean poems.
Click here to learn more about the poet, Han Kang
Category Archives: News
Spotify adds free tier for Korean listeners.
Link
Spotify has been in Korea since 2021 but only as a paid music streaming service. Spotify is rolling out a free tier plan in hopes of attracting more customers. Read more here.
And here’s our articles on listening to music.
Hottest September on record (2024)
Link
September 2024 recorded the hottest month on record in South Korea. The average temperature for the month was 24.7°C/76.5°F. Full article here.
Here’s part one of our illustrated articles on hot and humid. And part two.
Japanese sake imports reach all-time high in Korea.
Link
According to 2024 South Korean import statistics, sake imports have hit an all-time high in Korea. This is likely, in part, due to the weak Japanaese Yen. Full story here.
Want to learn vocabulary words for different types of alcohol, check out our illustrated articles on alcohol and liquor..
Youth Suicide
Link
Suicide is sadly the leading cause of death for Koreans age 10-24. And there’s been an increase in youth suicide attempts as well as seen here.
Youth suicide is thought to be high due to family expectations, competition in academics and getting a job, finding a spouse, affording to buy a home, school bullying, and mental health issues.
“If you’re [in Korea and] thinking about self-harm or suicide, contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s helpline on 1393, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please request a translator for English-language services.”
More cultural vocabulary in our illustrate article: Youth Suicide
Doing things alone, single-person activities
Link
Korea is a place where traditionally, things were done in groups. Since COVID, more activities are becoming socially acceptable to do alone.
Korea Times story here
Our articles on doing things alone
Self-driving cars come to Gangnam (9/2024)
Link
While there’s been self-driving cars in San Francisco and other U.S. cities since 2021, it’s great to see them arrive in Seoul. An evening-only self-driving car service will launch in our home area – Gangnam and part of Seocho District, starting Thursday 9/26.
Korea Times story on launch of self-driving cars in Seoul