SomiSomi is a Korean-American desert chain with 30 locations in the U.S. Founded in LA in 2016, the Korea chain specializes in a version of Japanese tayaki (fish-shaped deserts) that’s stuffed with soft serve ice cream and covered with a choice of toppings. Called bungeo‑ppang (붕어빵) in Korea, SomiSomi’s version is known as “ah‑boong” (아붕), a take on the dessert.
South Korea’s stock market is slowly becoming the top pick in emerging markets (신흥시장, sinheung sijang) for the next decade.
Thanks to cutting-edge 기술 (gisul) technology stocks tied to the AI boom and a strong push for 기업 개혁 (gieop gaehyeok) corporate reforms, investors are taking notice.
Morningstar Wealth recently highlighted that these forces give Korean equities a durable 성장 (seongjang) growth edge. Morningstar is now projecting returns of 11–12% annually in USD over the next decade — a standout figure among both emerging and broader Asian markets — according to Mark Preskett, senior portfolio manager at Morningstar Wealth. With global investors growing bullish, Korean stocks 한국 주식 (hanguk jusik) could shine brighter than ever.
Related articles:
-Personal debt and credit part one, part two, and part three
South Korea is facing a serious brain drain (두뇌 유출), as many professors (교수들) at Seoul National University and other top institutions leave for overseas (해외) jobs. In 2025 alone, 56 professors started new careers abroad—many citing better research funding (연구 자금), work–life balance (일과 삶의 균형), and international collaboration (국제 협력). These trends highlight challenges in Korea’s academic system.
You’ll often hear 교수 이탈 (professor’s departure) or 우수 인재 유출 (top talent outflow) in news about academia.
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To celebrate both Korean summer (여름) and American-style fun, here’s some Fourth of July spirit in Seoul.
One highlight is the retro-inspired Oldies 핫도그, topped with Cheetos powder, blending 스트리트푸드 (street food) flair with nostalgic Americana. Other menu items include a smoky 바비큐 버거 (BBQ burger) and ice-cold 맥주 (beer) or 콜라 (cola)—perfect for Korea’s summer 야외 나들이 (outings).
It’s a tasty reminder of how Korean and American cultures come together through food, fun, and festive vibes—even across the Pacific! See links for more info.
Looking for fireworks? There’s the upcoming Seoul International Fireworks Festival – September 27, 2025.
Vocabulary:
-Fireworks part one and part two
-Something you can’t pass up
South Korea is facing a record-breaking heatwave (폭염) this June, with 59 out of 97 weather stations reporting their highest-ever average temperatures for the month. This extreme weather is straining power supplies as people rely on air conditioning (에어컨), and raises concerns about heatstroke (열사병).
If you’re visiting the Hyundai Department Store in Apgujeong, Gangnam (강남) this summer, don’t miss a stop at 호과당 (Ho Gwa Dang)—also known as Tiger Pie House.
Summer is the perfect season for 시원한 과일 (refreshing fruit) treats, and Korea knows how to do it right. MEGA Coffee is a favorite inexpensive coffee and drink shop where the summer brings drinks like 수박 주스 (watermelon juice), 복숭아 스무디 (peach smoothie), and even 멜론 아이스티 (melon iced tea).
Enjoy the summer with fruit! – 과일로 여름을 즐겨요! (gwaillo yeoreum-eul jeul-gyeoyo!
