The Korean Guide

  One of the things foreign visitors immediately notice in Korea is how safe the country feels. Walking alone at night, leaving your belongings unattended in cafés, and feeling relaxed in public spaces are everyday things for Koreans, but for many foreigners, these moments are surprising. As someone who has lived in Korea for many years, I often realize how safe this country is, especially after traveling abroad. Here is a clear explanation of why Korea is considered one of the safest countries and why foreigners find its safety culture so unique. 1. Safe to Walk at Night Korea maintains a relatively high level of safety even late at night. In most cities and residential areas, people walk alone without feeling overly anxious. Foreign visitors are often surprised to see people walking confidently after 10 or 11 pm, even in smaller neighborhoods. This everyday comfort is one of Korea’s strongest advantages. 2. Leaving Belongings Unattended in Public Spaces In Korean cafés and restau...

Korean street food is one of the most memorable parts of visiting Korea. From traditional markets to busy city streets, you can find a wide variety of foods that are quick, affordable, and full of flavor. Many foreign travelers say they experience “real Korean culture” through street food more than anywhere else. As a Korean local, I also feel that Korea’s street food culture is unique. The variety, accessibility, and price make it easy for visitors to enjoy different flavors in a short amount of time. Here are ten must-try Korean street foods that are especially popular among foreigners. 1. Tteokbokki Tteokbokki is the most iconic Korean street food. Soft rice cakes cooked in a spicy and slightly sweet red sauce create a flavor that leaves a strong impression on most travelers. There are also variations like cheese tteokbokki and cream tteokbokki. 2. Sundae Sundae, or Korean-style sausage, is a unique dish made from glass noodles and various ingredients. Foreigners are often surprised...

One of the things foreigners notice quickly when visiting Korea is how special Korean convenience stores are. A convenience store in Korea is more than just a place to buy snacks — it’s a part of everyday life and a small “all-in-one living hub” that many visitors find fascinating. Whenever my foreign friends come to Korea, I always take them to a convenience store first. They are surprised by how many things you can do and how good the food options are. Here’s a Korean local’s explanation of why Korean convenience stores are so unique, along with the most popular items among travelers. 1. They Are Open 24 Hours, Everywhere Most convenience stores in Korea operate 24/7. You can find them in big cities, neighborhoods, near stations, and even small streets. Being able to grab food, drinks, or daily necessities at any hour is something many visitors appreciate, especially those from countries where stores close early. 2. Instant Ramen Cooking Stations The ramen cooking machine is one of t...

When traveling abroad or waiting during a long layover, you may find yourself with a few extra hours near Incheon International Airport. I’ve often had the same situation, wondering where I could go without traveling too far. Fortunately, there are plenty of places near the airport that are perfect for a short trip. Incheon Airport is close to Yeongjong Island, Songdo, and Chinatown—making it easy for travelers to explore beaches, parks, shopping areas, or cultural spots within just 20–40 minutes. Based on my own visits and popular recommendations among travelers, here are the best places to visit near Incheon Airport. 1. Wolmido (Wolmido Island) Wolmido is one of Incheon’s most famous seaside spots and is perfect for a short visit. There’s a long coastal walking path, small amusement rides, cafés, and street food vendors, making it a relaxing place to stroll. ◆ Travel time: 25–30 minutes ◆ Highlights: ocean views, amusement rides, night scenery ◆ Best for: families, couples, transit t...

Living in Korea, there are certain places that naturally become part of everyday life. One of them is the study café. These quiet and comfortable spaces for studying or working are extremely common in Korea, yet they feel very new and interesting to many foreigners. Whenever foreign visitors see them for the first time, they often ask, “Why does Korea have so many of these?” As a Korean who uses study cafés regularly, I wanted to explain what makes this culture special and why it leaves such a strong impression on people from overseas. 1. What Exactly Is a Study Café? A study café is a quiet, dedicated space for studying, reading, or personal work. It is quieter than a regular café and more relaxed than a traditional library. Most study cafés offer: ◎ Individual desks ◎ Soft lighting ◎ Partitioned seats ◎ A calm atmosphere for concentration Students, office workers, freelancers, and people preparing for certificates all use these spaces to focus without interruptions. 2. The Unusual “U...

  When you live in Korea, there are many cultural habits you accept so naturally that you barely notice them. However, when foreigners visit Korea for the first time, these ordinary scenes often feel unusual or even surprising. As someone who grew up in Korea and experiences these moments daily, I often hear from visitors how different and interesting Korean daily culture is. Today, I want to introduce several everyday Korean cultural habits that feel completely normal to Koreans but may stand out to people from other countries. I hope this helps those who are curious about Korean life and want to understand the country a little better. 1. Free Side Dishes at Restaurants In Korean restaurants, it is common to receive several side dishes (called banchan) along with your meal. These dishes are usually free, and customers can request refills without additional cost. Foreign visitors are often surprised: “Why do they give so much food for free?” In Korea, side dishes are seen as part o...

One of the first things many travelers notice in Korea is the café culture. No matter where you go, there is always a café nearby, each with its own style and atmosphere. In Korea, cafés are not just places to buy coffee — they are cultural spaces where people spend time, relax, and express their taste. As someone who lives in Korea, I often feel that cafés play a much bigger role than simply serving drinks. Personally, I think because Korea is a relatively small and dense country, people naturally gather in cafés to enjoy daily life and culture in one shared space. This environment helps cafés grow into an important part of modern Korean lifestyle. Let’s take a closer look at why Korean café culture feels so unique. 1.  Many cafés, but each one has its own personality While the number of cafés in Korea is high, what makes them special is that each café has a clear identity. Some focus on interior design, some are known for their desserts, and others create aesthetic spaces ideal f...

  Kimjang, the traditional process of preparing and storing kimchi for the winter, is one of the most iconic cultural practices in Korea. It is not only about making a large amount of kimchi but also about preserving Korea’s communal spirit, seasonal wisdom, and culinary heritage. What Is Kimjang Season? Kimjang season typically takes place between November and early December, when temperatures begin to drop and winter approaches. Kimchi prepared during this time ferments well, lasts longer, and becomes an essential food source for the cold months. In the past, families, relatives, and neighbors gathered to make kimchi together, preparing dozens of heads of napa cabbage. Although lifestyle changes have reduced the number of households making kimchi in large quantities, the cultural meaning behind Kimjang remains deeply valued. How Koreans Prepare for Kimjang To prepare for Kimjang, many Koreans purchase napa cabbage, radish, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, salted shrimp, and anchovy ...

  Hello, and welcome. I’m a Korean man living in Korea, and I’ve decided to start this blog because I often meet people who are deeply curious about my country. When I talk with foreign friends who love Korean music, dramas, or food, I realize how much of Korea they still haven’t seen — the small details, the real daily life that rarely appears in travel guides. That’s what inspired The Korean Guide. Most people outside Korea think of this country through keywords like  K-pop, K-dramas, films, or food. But as someone who was born here, grew up here, and still lives here, I see sides of Korea that are far more ordinary, unexpected, and sometimes even contradictory. This blog is my way of showing that side — the real Korea that exists beyond the spotlight. Here, I’ll share things I personally experience and enjoy in daily life — not from advertisements or tourism campaigns, but from real moments. I’ll write about 😉Korean food and home recipes, 😉Travel tips and hidden places wo...