Premium Food Court – House of Shinsegae Food Hall

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The Gosok (Express) Bus Terminal in Seoul’s Gangnam district is one of Korea’s busiest intercity transport hubs, seamlessly connected to shopping and dining at Shinsegae Gangnam, a flagship department store opened in 2000.

On June 7, 2024, Shinsegae introduced the House of Shinsegae—an upscale food hall focused on premium brands, elegant design, and curated dining experiences. It contrasts with Famille Station, the earlier food court concept near Central City that opened in the mid-2010s, which focused on casual, varied quick dining.

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Seoul Adds English to Taxi Receipts to Protect Foreign Riders

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Seoul is rolling out English-labeled taxi receipts to make rides clearer and safer for foreign visitors. Until now, receipts were issued only in Korean, making it difficult for tourists to understand base fares, late-night surcharges, or extra fees.

Taxi receipt provided in English
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Not Just Difficult—Infamous: This Year’s Suneung English

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2025’s Korean college entrance exam (su-neung) sparked controversy when the English section turned out to be far harder than expected. It was last offered on November 13, 2025 and takes the entire day. Although English is graded on an absolute scale, the test included abstract passages and complex logic, leaving many students overwhelmed.

College entrance exam stress
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“Young 40” — When Gen Z Teases Millennials in Korea

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In South Korea, a new Gen Z trend is quietly roasting people in their early 40s. Nicknamed “Young 40,” it refers to adults who dress trendy, follow youth slang, and try to stay culturally relevant online. On social media, Gen Z users post memes and AI images exaggerating this look—oversized streetwear, expensive sneakers, and forced “cool” poses. Take a look at this viral illustration of the young 40 look.

“Young 40s” in Korea
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Korea’s Mobile Resident ID: Life Without a Physical Wallet

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South Korea is rapidly moving toward a wallet-free future with the nationwide expansion of the Mobile Resident ID. This government-issued digital ID now works for identity verification at airports, banks, hospitals, convenience stores, and even age-restricted purchases.

Mobile Resident ID
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Why Koreans Love Heated Floors More Than Heaters

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Korean homes stay warm from the ground up. Instead of heating air, floors are heated, keeping feet and bodies comfortable during long winters. People sit, eat, and even sleep on the floor, so warmth from below feels natural. This system is quiet, evenly heats rooms, and avoids dry air.

Ondol heated floor
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It’s Not Fashion—It’s Survival: Korea’s Padding Coat Culture

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If you visit Korea in January, you’ll notice that almost everyone is wearing a long padded coat. On the subway, at cafes, even indoors, padding coats are everywhere. Korea’s winters are cold and windy, and people rely on public transportation and walking.

Long padded coat / long down jacket
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