Tag Archives: Seoul

K-Ramen for the Soul: Seoul’s Cozy Pop-Ups Fighting Loneliness

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Seoul has launched “정신 편의점” (mind convenience stores)—pop‑up spaces where people can relax, sip instant noodles, enjoy a foot spa, and find on‑site 상담 (counseling).

Pop-up spaces with TLC

With nearly 40 % of households now single‐person, these soothing pop-up refuges (mind convenience stores) help to ease 외로움 (loneliness) in a stigma‑free, welcoming environment.

In districts like Dongdaemun, locals frequent them to unwind between work or errands. Through massage chairs and supportive peer listeners, these stores offer a cozy corner for mental health care—combining convenience (편의) with compassion (공감). A creative, caring addition to Seoul’s vibrant urban life.

Facts:

“In Seoul, home to nearly 10 million people, single-person households have surged from 16% to nearly 40% of all homes in just over two decades.” Here’s a link to the study.

Vocabulary

정신 편의점 (mind convenience store) jeongsin pyeonui-jeom

상담 (counseling) sangdam

외로움 (loneliness) ui-loum

편의 (convenience) pyeonui

공감 (empathy/compassion) gonggam

Related Articles

-Bored alone and nothing to do

-Person who eats alone

-To be emotional

–Always single-person

–Divorced and single

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Fourth of July in Seoul.

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To celebrate both Korean summer (여름) and American-style fun, here’s some Fourth of July spirit in Seoul.

Celebrate the 4th of July 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

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Culture Bite: Ho Gwa Dang’s 타코파이 (Taco Pie)

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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.

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Healthy fast-casual salads and in Seoul.

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Serving salads, poke bowls, wraps, hot bowls, sandwiches, and soup, Salady is a Seoul chain with 6 locations. We visited the Seoul Gangnam location.

Roast chicken thigh salad (로스트닭다리살 샐러디)
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Empty your mind, fill your belly with cake.

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Tucked along the peaceful Yangjae Stream in Dogok-dong (도곡), you’ll find a charming lineup of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants perfect for a relaxing stroll or a quiet bite. One standout is Sim Jae (心斋), a specialty dessert café known for its creative fusion-style cakes sold by the slice. While this location focuses on cakes, Sim Jae’s other branches also serve up tarts, bagels, brownies, and a variety of other handcrafted treats—each one as thoughtfully made as its serene name suggests.

Sim Jae bakery in
Specialty cakes and cheesecakes (wormwood, to the right)

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iPhones and Apple Watches to support Apple Pay for Public Transportation

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It was announced on 6/16/2025 that T-Money, a rechargeable pre-paid transportation card in Korea, will soon support Apple Pay. This means that you’ll soon be able to add a digital T-Money card to your iPhone and Apple Watch.

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Seoul Gangnam’s Gaepo Neighborhood.

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Nestled next to Dogok-dong, Gaepo-dong (개포동) is another affluent neighborhood tucked away in Gangnam, Seoul. Known for its top-tier public schools, lush parks, and the scenic Yangjaecheon Stream, Gaepo offers a peaceful charm with cozy coffee shops and tree-lined streets that bloom beautifully throughout the seasons.

Gaepo-dong on a lazy Saturday morning (Guryongsan Mtn in the background)
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