From the Journal.
Recipes, culture, hanbok, and the meaning behind Korean traditions.
What is Nunchi? The Korean Art of Reading the Room
What nunchi means Nunchi (눈치) literally translates to “eye-measure.” In practice it means the ability to read a room…
Hanbok GuidesMen's Hanbok: A Guide for the Modern Korean-American
Men's hanbok is the part of Korean traditional dress that most Korean-American men encounter only briefly, at a wedding, at a…
Korean CultureThe Meaning of Colors in Korean Culture and Hanbok
Obangsaek, the five cardinal colors Korean color theory traces back to obangsaek (오방색), the five cardinal colors corresponding to…
Hanbok GuidesHanbok for Non-Koreans: Is It Appropriate?
Eric gets this question often. A non-Korean friend is marrying into a Korean family. A non-Korean guest is invited to a dol. A…
RecipesPajeon: Mrs. Lee's Korean Savory Pancake Recipe
What pajeon is Pajeon (파전) is a Korean savory pancake made with a thin batter, green onions, and often seafood. The most common…
Korean CultureWhat is Paebaek? The Korean Post-Wedding Ceremony Explained
What paebaek is Paebaek (폐백) is the post-wedding family ceremony of Korean tradition. It originated in Joseon-era weddings as the…
Hanbok GuidesWhat is Chuseok and What Do Koreans Wear?
Chuseok falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in late September or early October. It is one of two major Korean…
Korean CultureKorean Wedding Traditions: The Complete Modern Guide
The shape of a modern Korean wedding A typical Korean wedding today: a Western-style main ceremony (white dress, tuxedo, vows)…
Hanbok GuidesHanbok Colors and Their Meaning in Korean Culture
Korean traditional dress uses color the way Western suits use cut. The choice is read instantly by anyone who grew up around it…
RecipesHow to Make Korean Rice Perfectly Every Time
Why Korean rice is different Korean rice (specifically short-grain or medium-grain white rice, often called sushi rice in…
Korean CultureWhat is a Dol? Understanding Korea's First Birthday Tradition
Where dol came from Dol (돌) literally means “one year.” The celebration originated centuries ago, in an era when…
Hanbok GuidesHow to Measure for Hanbok: What You Need to Know
Hanbok is meant to be fitted to the person wearing it. Off-the-rack hanbok looks costume-y precisely because it ignores fit. A…
Hanbok GuidesHanbok Accessories: The Complete Guide to Norigae, Gache, and More
Accessories make the outfit, but restraint makes it good A chima jeogori is the main event. Accessories are the punctuation…
RecipesWhat is Banchan? Korean Side Dishes Explained
What banchan is Banchan (반찬) is the Korean word for side dishes. Every Korean meal includes some, served in small bowls placed…
Hanbok GuidesThe Difference Between Traditional and Modern Hanbok
People sometimes ask Eric whether modern hanbok is "real" hanbok. The answer is yes, but it helps to understand what each style…
Hanbok GuidesHow to Care for Hanbok: Storage, Cleaning, and Preservation
Know your fabric first The single most important question for hanbok care is fabric. Silk needs dry cleaning. Cotton and linen…
Hanbok GuidesHanbok for Your Child's Dol Celebration: A Complete Guide
Dol is the celebration of a Korean baby's first birthday. Historically, when infant mortality was high, surviving the first year…
Hanbok GuidesHanbok for Korean-American Women: How to Reconnect Through Clothing
The mixed identity experience Most Korean-American women Eric works with carry the same quiet experience: they grew up Korean at…
Korean CultureWhat is Seollal? Korea's Lunar New Year Explained
What Seollal is Seollal (설날) falls on the first day of the lunar calendar, usually late January or early February. It is one of…
Hanbok GuidesWhat to Wear to a Korean Wedding as a Guest
Korean weddings have a particular shape. The main ceremony often looks Western, white dress, tuxedo, vows in front of the family…
Hanbok GuidesModern Hanbok vs Traditional Hanbok: Which Is Right for You?
They are different garments, not different price tiers The first thing to understand: modern hanbok is not “cheap…
RecipesSamgyeopsal: How to Make Korean Grilled Pork Belly at Home
What samgyeopsal is Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) is thick-cut pork belly grilled at the table, sliced into bite-size pieces, and eaten…
Korean-American LifeThe Root of Korean Culture: Tradition, History, and Modern Influence
The Captivating Culture of Korea From K-pop to Korean cuisine, Korean culture has been captivating audiences around the world…
Korean-American LifeThe Best Places to Visit in Korea
Every country in the world that we get the chance and opportunity to travel to is both a gift and a blessing. In every travel…
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