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Explore Korea's Hidden Underground Shopping Gems

1. COEX Mall at Samseong Station

What's even more amazing than Korea’s vibrant night streets is the vast underground shopping areas. COEX Mall, located beneath Samseong Station on Subway Line 2, is one such place.

Even with a map, it's easy to lose your way in this enormous mall. Since its 2014 renovation, which introduced sleek white tones, the number of people getting lost has surged.

With everything from movie theaters to restaurants, clothing stores, and accessory shops, COEX Mall offers a complete experience, making it unnecessary to leave. That said, navigating your way out can be quite the challenge!

2. Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Mall

Gangnam Station on Subway Line 2 is not only known for its bustling streets but also for its underground shopping mall. It's perfect for those looking to do some light shopping, with a wide range of clothing stores and accessory shops available.

3. Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall

The underground shopping mall at the Express Bus Terminal, where Subway Lines 3, 7, and 9 intersect, is another hidden gem. You might find yourself asking, "How is this great item available at such a price here?" With price tags clearly marked, you can simply pay the listed price and enjoy the bargains.

Korea’s underground shopping malls offer a unique and convenient shopping experience that rivals the lively street scenes above ground. From the vast COEX Mall to the popular Gangnam Station and Express Bus Terminal malls, you'll find a variety of items, great deals, and endless exploration opportunities. Whether you're seeking fashion, food, or fun, Korea's underground shopping scene has it all.

The World of Underground Shopping Malls in Korea

Essential Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Trip to South Korea

1. Expect to Be Stared At

First, you will be stared at wherever you go. Korea is a country comprised of a single ethnic group, so regardless of whether you're white, black, or Asian, it's common for people to look at you, especially in public places like the subway, buses, or taxis. Don’t take it personally—no offense is intended by Koreans.

2. Korea Is Extremely Safe

Second, Korea is incredibly safe, even 24/7. There are almost no thieves because they are sure to get caught. CCTV cameras are everywhere, covering all areas, so there are no blind spots. Feel secure no matter where you go.

3. Be Polite

Third, politeness is crucial. Koreans highly value manners and etiquette. Most Korean men are required to serve in the military, and in school, regardless of gender, students used to be punished for mistakes (though this no longer happens). Always remember: "Manners make the human."

4. Don't Hesitate to Ask for Help

Fourth, don't assume Koreans are cold. They may appear blunt at first, but it’s likely because you haven’t asked. Once you ask, they’ll gladly help and answer your questions sincerely. This is especially true for information desks and police stations, where people are exceptionally friendly.

5. What's the Last One?

What could the last important tip be?

5 Things You Must Know Before Traveling to Korea

Discover Korea’s Love for Extremes in Food, Spice, and Sports

Extreme Love for Hot and Cold Food

Korean people are quite unique in their tastes.

They're crazy about extremely hot soup, not just warm. Boiling soup in a ceramic bowl called ttukbaegi is served so hot that it’s bubbling, and they scoop it up with a stainless steel spoon, enjoying every sip.

On the other hand, they are equally passionate about cold dishes. One popular example is naengmyeon, served in a large stainless steel bowl with frozen broth that’s so cold it feels like your head might burst. This love for extremes is deeply rooted in Korean food culture.

The Ultimate Spicy Challenge

You may know that dishes like kimchi and tteokbokki are spicy, but in Korea, there’s a level of spiciness that goes beyond what most people can handle. Take Buldak Bokkeum Myeon (fire chicken noodles), for example—it’s so spicy, it has even sent people to the hospital! Various tteokbokki brands also offer sauces with spice levels that are truly extreme, pushing your taste buds to the limit. If you’re thinking of trying them for fun, be careful—one bite could ruin your entire trip!

Archery: Where Precision Meets Extremes

Korea’s love for extremes extends beyond food into sports. Archery, an Olympic event, is one of the most precision-demanding sports, and in Korea, the competition is fierce. There's a saying that the Korean national team trials are as intense as an Olympic final. The athletes undergo intense training, which includes practicing against noise at baseball stadiums and even competing with archery robots to sharpen their skills. Koreans, it seems, don’t know how to do anything halfway!

People Who Push Beyond Limits

Whether it's food, spice, or sports, Koreans take everything to the extreme. They live life without moderation, turning simple things into extraordinary experiences.

Korea, a Country of Unconditional Extremes

Why the Irresistible Smell of Deli Manjoo Drives Koreans Crazy in Subway Stations

Discover the Best Korean Dramas on Netflix: From Fantasy to Romance

Goblin

Translated Content:

"Goblin" is a hugely popular fantasy drama about an immortal goblin and his bride.

The cinematography is stunning, and the soundtrack is perfect.

The acting by the leads, Kim Go-eun and Gong Yoo, is fantastic, and the supporting roles played by Yoo In-na and Lee Dong-wook are just as great.

Reply Series

The Reply Series is set in the years 1988, 1994, and 1997, portraying the lives of young people and their families.

It’s full of relatable, charming characters and heartwarming stories about relationships and the warmth between people.

Kingdom

If you love horror or zombie shows, Kingdom is a must-watch. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, it’s a historical drama featuring battles with zombies. Get ready for heart-pounding thrills and intense action!

Must-Watch 4 Korean Dramas on Netflix

Explore the "Museum Without Walls"

– Gyeongju's Rich Heritage and Hidden Gems

Have you heard of the city of Gyeongju in Korea?

It’s often called the "museum without walls."

Everywhere you go, you’ll encounter cultural heritage sites.

Architectural Beauty

At night, "Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond" shines even brighter, while "Cheomseongdae" stands firm both day and night. You definitely need to see the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, which showcase Korea's exceptional architectural beauty.

Modern Delights

Don't forget to spend some time on Hwangridan-gil, where you'll find popular restaurants, cafes, and shops that MZers love.

Travel Tips

Traveling from Seoul to Gyeongju takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by KTX, 3.5 to 4 hours by express bus, or around 4 hours by car.

Not Seoul, but Gyeongju: A Cultural Journey

Is Korean Difficult to Learn?

Hangul, the Korean alphabet, was invented in 1443 by King Sejong the Great.

It’s incredibly logical, with just 24 letters, making it one of the easiest alphabets to learn.

You can master it in just a few hours!

Grammar Differences

Grammar in Korean is quite different from English.

For example, in English, you say “I eat pizza,” but in Korean, it’s “I pizza eat” (나는 피자를 먹는다).

Additionally, there are honorifics—different ways of speaking depending on who you're talking to, adding another layer of complexity.

Pronunciation Challenges

Pronunciation can also be tricky. Korean includes sounds that don’t exist in English, such as the double consonants “ㅃ” or “ㄸ.” These unique sounds can take time to master.

Comparing Languages

Learning Korean is a whole new adventure for many Americans, who often find languages like Spanish or French easier due to similar vocabulary and sentence structure. With Korean, you need to familiarize yourself with new characters and grammar rules.

Uncover the Truth About Learning Korean: Challenges and Tips for Beginners

Discover the Global Impact of Korean Webtoons on Movies and Dramas

Korean webtoons have become a global sensation, attracting millions of fans every week.

From $3.7 billion in 2021, the webtoon market is expected to skyrocket to $56.1 billion by 2030.

Popular Adaptations

Train to Busan, Along with the Gods, Sweet Home, Itaewon Class, D.P., and Mask Girl

—these are just a few examples of movies and dramas adapted from popular Korean webtoons.

Market Growth

Naver Webtoon boasts 82 million users, and Kakao's Piccoma recorded $673 million in transactions last year. The success of webtoons is opening doors for Korean comic artists on a global scale.

Unprecedented Success

108 Webtoons on Naver Webtoon have surpassed 500 million views each. And in June 2024, Naver Webtoon was listed on the U.S. NASDAQ.

Future Releases

That Movie & Drama Was Made from a Korean Webtoon

Special Swimming Pool in Korea

The Han River, a huge river that runs through Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

People in Korea spend a lot of time relaxing and exercising at the Han River parks.

Summer Fun

In the summer, the outdoor swimming pools at the Han River in Seoul open up for some fun right in the city. They usually operate from June to August each year, and in 2024, they'll be open every day until August 18th, unless there's bad weather like a typhoon.

Affordable Admission

The admission fees are quite affordable: about $2.30 for children, $3.10 for teens, and $3.80 for adults.

Dive into Summer Fun at the Han River Swimming Pools in Seoul

Explore why pajeon and makgeolli are the ultimate comfort foods for Koreans on rainy days.

When it rains, Koreans all seem to think of the same food, like they have some kind of telepathy.

That food is pajeon, a Korean-style pancake made by mixing green onions, seafood, and flour, and frying it in oil.

Ultimate Pairing

It's often paired with makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine that's milky white. Together, pajeon and makgeolli make up the ultimate rainy-day comfort food for Koreans.

Other Favorites

Sure, there are other rainy-day favorites like spicy ramen, kalguksu, and sujebi, but nothing beats pajeon and makgeolli.

Unique Reasons

So why do Koreans love pajeon and makgeolli so much on rainy days? Maybe it's because the sizzling sound of frying pajeon is similar to the sound of rain.

Tradition

Traditionally, in rural areas, people would take a break from work on rainy days and enjoy pajeon with makgeolli at home.

Delicious

Korean Soul Food on a Rainy Day

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