Korea is a country with a rich cultural heritage, packed with unique traditions, customs, etiquette rules, and beliefs. Learn more about Korean culture and traditions with these articles. Shine a light into the captivating world of Korean culture, both traditional and modern. See how Korea has evolved from a traditional community to a modern cultural powerhouse and find out how to see, enjoy, and learn about the best Korean culture available in Korea.
No trip to Korea would be complete without a visit to a Korean traditional market, such as the massive Namdaemun Market in Seoul or the fresh fish displays of Jagalchi Market in Busan. Whether you want to shop for souvenirs, buy original Korean goods, or simply stuff your face with delicious Korean snacks, traditional markets in Korea have what you're looking for.
A temple stay in Korea at one of the country’s ancient Buddhist temples offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Korean culture and temple life firsthand. Temple stays originated as a way for foreigners to learn about Korean Buddhism, but have grown into a fun activity for all. When you visit Korea, I highly recommend a Korean temple stay experience.
During the frosty months of Korean winter, a small part of Korea’s Cheongyang Alps Village becomes a magical winter wonderland and home to the incredible Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival. At this festival, visitors are treated to beautiful winter scenes of frozen ice fountains and sculptures, snowy slopes you can slide down, and fiery logs roasting traditional winter snacks.
For three frigid weeks every January, the frozen river of the mountain town Hwacheon in Korea’s Gangwon Province transforms into a glittering ice playground for the magical Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival. At this festival, tourists and locals alike join together to catch the rare mountain trout (sancheoneo) found only in the clean waters of the river by traditional ice fishing.
Come wintertime, families across Korea engage in the beloved tradition of kimjang (or gimjang) - a kimchi making day where Koreans communally prepare batches of healthy kimchi for the winter months ahead. I joined in this decades-old Korean custom that centres around people filling napa cabbages with various fermented seasonings and ingredients to create Korea's iconic side dish, kimchi.
The literary world of Korea is buzzing with creativity, painting narratives that are profound, captivating, and deeply rooted in the country's culture and history. As the hallyu wave washes over the world, it's not just K-dramas and K-pop that deserve your attention. Korean novels, lovingly translated into English, are leaving indelible marks on readers everywhere.
Want to know how to order food in Korean when you visit Korea? Worried about eating food that’s too spicy (or not spicy enough)? Need to know if dishes are halal or vegan-friendly? Eager to impress Koreans with your Korean language and dining etiquette knowledge? Then these simple Korean phrases for ordering food and eating out will be perfect for you.
Planning to travel to Korea and worried about not being able to understand Korean words and signs? Want to be able to speak to and understand Korean speakers when you're travelling in Korea? Interested in learning Korean phrases and vocabulary before visiting Korea? Then this guide to using the Papago app to translate Korean will be perfect for you.
Are you interested in opening up a box of Korean seasonal goodies that have been hand-picked and themed to introduce you to a fun part of Korean culture? Then you might be interested in the Daebak Box - one of the best subscription Korean gift box services.
Have you ever wanted to learn Korean and watch TV at the same time? Want a more interesting and interactive learning experience that will teach you how to speak Korean like a native speaker and introduce you to Korean expressions? Then perhaps you'd be interested in Lingopie.
Do you know what's considered rude in Korea? Are you interested in learning some insights into Korean etiquette, culture, and manners so that you can impress people when you travel? Want to know if you should tip in Korea? Eager to find out more about Korean culture to help you understand your favourite K-Drama?
Imagine yourself draped in beautiful Korean hanbok, walking around historic palace grounds whilst cherry blossoms gently fall to your feet. Or strolling along riverside paths, picnicking under the shade of pink blossom clouds. Discover the best places to see cherry blossoms in Korea this spring to make sure you create your own lovely Korean cherry blossom memories.