Fourth of July in Seoul.

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)

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.

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.

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

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.

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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Seoul Gangnam’s Dogok Neighborhood.

As summer 2025 kicks off on June 20, warm weather and early seasonal activities are underway in Seoul.

Dogok (도곡동), one of the 25 neighborhoods in Seoul’s upscale Gangnam District, is joining in the seasonal spirit. A banner reads, “Dogok Early-Summer Picnic” (도곡 초여름 피크닉).

Dokgol Neighborhood Park (독골근린공원(
Inflatable event entrance
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