The Culture Behind Korea’s Summer Commute The Strange Sight of Bare Eyes in Summer If you spend time in Seoul during summer, one thing may feel surprisingly different: not many people wear sunglasses on the way to work. For foreigners like “Ella Mitchell,” this can be a real culture shock. In many countries, sunglasses are … Read more
The Smart Etiquette Guide for Runners in Korea Running Boom in Seoul Running in Korea is having a real moment! From Han River paths to Cheonggye Stream and neighborhood parks, more people are joining running crews and weekend jogs. But with more runners on public paths, the need for better running etiquette is growing fast. … Read more
Escalator Etiquette in Korea Is Changing Again A Small Rule That Confuses Everyone If you have ever visited Korea, you probably noticed one everyday question that feels oddly stressful: should you stand still on the escalator, or walk up if you are in a hurry? And if you stand, which side should you use? Surprisingly, … Read more
Why Koreans Don’t Say “Bless You” After Sneezing Cultural Differences in Simple Gestures “Nisa Sermchaiwong”, an American student in Seoul, felt increasingly awkward as she whispered “bless you” for the fifth time to her sneezing classmate. The silent lab made each blessing feel more out of place, until her Korean senior finally laughed at the … Read more
Essential Etiquette Guide Understanding Hoesik in Modern Korea Ever heard the phrase “Let’s grab some soju next time?” In Korea, this isn’t just a casual invitation—it’s often the gateway to building professional relationships! While the intensity has mellowed since the ’90s, “hoesik” (work dining after hours) remains a unique cultural phenomenon where colleagues bond over … Read more