Notnetflixkorea

🍶 Calling All Drink Lovers: Let Me Introduce You to Korean Makgeolli Makgeolli (막걸리) is Korea’s oldest traditional drink — a cloudy, slightly fizzy rice wine with over 2,000 years of history. Once the choice of farmers after a long day in the fields, it’s now found in trendy bars across San Francisco, LA, and New York. 🌾 What is Makgeolli? It’s made by fermenting steamed rice with a natural yeast starter called nuruk. The result? A creamy, tangy, slightly sweet drink that’s rich in probiotics and way easier to drink than strong spirits. ✈️ Why Are Americans Falling in Love with Makgeolli? Natural Wine Vibes: Unfiltered, fermented, and full of good bacteria. Easygoing ABV: Usually around 5–6%, making it light and friendly. Instagrammable Looks: That cloudy swirl? Pure visual joy. Global Curiosity: It’s a foreign, traditional drink — mysterious, fun, and surprisingly tasty. Curiosity leads to discovery! At Jilli in San Francisco , people sip makgeolli tasti...

T-money Card Refund Guide (Latest Edition) Before leaving Korea, don’t let your leftover T-money card balance go to waste. Here's a complete and updated guide on how to get your money back efficiently. Not sure how T-money cards work in the first place? 👉 Beginner’s Guide: How to Use T-money in Korea ✅ Key Things to Know The purchase price of the card (around ₩2,500) is non-refundable. Only the remaining balance is refundable; a ₩500 service fee usually applies. You can keep and reuse the card on your next trip. 🏪 Small Refunds: Use Convenience Stores Where: CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and other major chains. How: Show your T-money card to the cashier. They'll check your balance and give you a cash refund minus ₩500 fee. Get a receipt if needed. Note: Most stores only handle refunds if your balance is under ₩20,000–30,000 . 💡 Tip: Try to use up your card so the remaining balance is under ₩30,000. Since conven...

Foreigners Love Korean Dermatology? Here's Why Gangnam Clinics Are Getting All the Hype Back in the day, Korea was all about skincare products — sheet masks, toners, serums... you name it. But now? It seems like dermatology treatments are becoming just as popular, especially among foreign visitors. While browsing Reddit, I came across a post from a traveler who got a laser treatment at a clinic in Gangnam. It wasn’t just a casual facial — it started with a high-resolution skin scan and ended with laser toning and vitamin infusion. Kinda wild, right? 🔍 The Experience (Reddit Review Summary) The traveler described the whole process as smooth and surprisingly painless. The scan showed their pores, pigmentation, hydration levels — basically, their skin was analyzed like a science project. Based on that, the doctor customized a treatment plan. The result? Brighter, smoother skin for days. The best part? The clinic was super clean, modern, and had English-speaking staff, which...

How to Travel from Seoul to Busan: KTX vs Bus vs Flight (2025 Guide) Planning to visit Busan from Seoul? Whether you're a budget traveler or just trying to figure out the smartest way to move between South Korea’s two biggest cities, this guide breaks down the three most common options: KTX, domestic flights, and express buses. Let’s find what works best for your trip! 🚄 KTX – Fast and Convenient, But Pricey Price: ₩59,800 (Standard seat) Time: ~2 hours 40 minutes Depart/Arrive: Seoul Station → Busan Station (city center to city center) Pros: Very punctual and fast Spacious and clean seats Ideal for those short on time Cons: The most expensive option Popular time slots can sell out quickly ✈️ Domestic Flight – Fast Flight, But Time Adds Up Price: ₩30,000 ~ ₩70,000 Flight Time: 1 hour (total ~3 to 3.5 hours including transfers) Depart/Arrive: Gimpo Airport → Gimhae Airport Pros: Can be cheaper with promotions Qui...

🧳 Traveling from Incheon Airport with a Family of 5+ – Here's How So you've landed in Korea with a big family — tired, excited, and juggling luggage. Welcome! But here comes your first challenge: “Can we all fit in one car from the airport to our hotel?” If you're thinking Uber XL is your solution... not quite. 🚫 Why Uber Doesn’t Work Well in Korea UberX fits up to 4 passengers UberXL is rarely available in Korea Even if you find one, many drivers refuse 5+ passengers due to local rules Often, you'll end up booking two cars = double the cost 📌 One Reddit user shared: “We took one Uber from Incheon to Seoul and it cost about ₩70,000. Since we were 5, we had to call another one. It added up fast.” Best Option: Use K-Ride App K-Ride is a foreigner-friendly ride app officially partnered with Incheon Airport. It's designed to help international travelers easily book cars with English support. Why K-Ride Works: Supports large vehicle...

🇰🇷 A Complete Guide to Public Transportation in Korea for Foreign Visitors (2025) If you're visiting Korea for the first time, you’ve probably heard that the public transport system is clean, safe, and efficient. But once you arrive, you might find yourself wondering: “Which card should I buy?”, “How do I transfer?”, or “Where do I recharge my card?” This guide covers everything you need to know — transportation cards, subways, buses, transfers, apps, etiquette — to make your trip smooth and stress-free. 💳 Transportation Card Comparison (Simplified) 1. T-money Price: 2,500–4,000 KRW Transfer: ✅ Supported Rechargeable: ✅ Yes (at convenience stores, subway stations) Best for: Long-term visitors, students 2. T-money Travel Card Price: 4,000–5,000 KRW Transfer: ✅ Supported Extra: Includes tourist discounts (replaces Korea Tour Card) Rechargeable: ✅ Yes Best for: Tourists 3. M-Pass Price: Starts at 10,000 KRW (1-day) Tran...

After driving a Hyundai Grandeur HG for several years, I switched to a Tesla Model Y about a year ago. At first, I wasn’t sure if electric cars were for me—but I was definitely curious about Tesla itself. The self-driving tech, futuristic interface, and constant OTA updates pulled me in. And I’m glad they did. 🛣️ Silence at Red Lights: Surprisingly Addictive The Grandeur was a solid mid-size sedan, but the engine vibrations during stops were quite noticeable. That soft “brrrrr” while waiting at lights became a minor stress factor. But with the Model Y, the silence is therapeutic. In heavy traffic during my daily commute, that quiet makes a big difference in mental comfort. And when I need to overtake slow cars? The instant torque and acceleration feel amazing—like a roller coaster, but legal. ⚡ Charging at Home > Trips to Gas Stations Living in an apartment with a basement garage charger, I just plug it in and forget about it. No more trips to gas stations. It’s convenience ...

Why Do Koreans Sleep on Stone Beds? Walk into a Korean home and you might find a massive, flat slab of marble or jade in the bedroom. Don’t be alarmed—it’s not a table. It’s a stone bed , and yes, people actually sleep on it. From Heated Floors to Heated Beds Koreans have long used ondol , a traditional underfloor heating system. Stone beds are the modern extension of this idea—they warm your body from below as you sleep, just like a heated floor. It’s Not Just About Warmth—It’s About Health Many Koreans believe that sleeping on a heated stone bed helps improve circulation, relieve back pain, and even detoxify the body. It’s especially popular with older adults, who see it not as a luxury, but as a long-term health investment. The Bed Your Parents Probably Have Ask any Korean, and they’ll probably say, “My parents have one.” That’s because stone beds became wildly popular in the early 2000s thanks to home shopping TV shows showing happy seniors sleeping peacefully on ...

What Is a PC Bang? In Korea, a "PC bang" (literally “PC room”) is more than just an internet café. It’s a gamer’s paradise. Packed with high-end computers, ergonomic chairs, and blazing-fast internet, PC bangs offer an environment optimized for competitive online gaming — think League of Legends, Overwatch, Valorant, and more.   Affordable Heaven: Just $1 Per Hour Believe it or not, spending an hour in a PC bang usually costs around 1,000–1,500 KRW (about $1). For that price, you get access to top-tier hardware and a comfortable seat. Many students even come here to kill time, watch YouTube, or just enjoy the cool air conditioning during summer.   Gamers Get Hungry Too: The Legendary Food Menu Forget stale chips and vending machines. Korean PC bangs are famous for their surprisingly extensive menus — ramyeon, fried rice, spicy tteokbokki, pork cutlets, bubble tea, and even iced coffee. You can order directly from your seat with just a few clicks, and your food arr...

Find Your Peace in Korea: Temple Stay Experience Guide Image Source: Pixabay ( Korean Temple at Sunset ) One summer, feeling burnt out from parenting and everyday life, I decided to try a temple stay at a local temple near Changwon with my child. I thought it might be a good cultural experience for the little one, but in the end, my partner and I were the ones who came back truly healed. Even though it was hard to fully concentrate on meditation with a child around—whispers during silent meals, playful distractions during 108 bows—something about the slowness and calm of that space gently melted away our stress. Why Gen Z is Choosing Silence Over Parties Today’s Gen Z travelers, especially in the U.S., are shifting away from noisy, flashy experiences. Instead, they’re looking for ways to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with themselves. Temple stays in Korea, known for their quiet ambiance and deep cultural roots, are gaining popularity among this group. You’ll see has...

A Day in the Life of a Korean Dog (That Lives Better Than Me) In Korea these days, it really feels like dogs live more like humans — or even better. I don’t own a dog myself, but one of my close friends does. And after seeing how their dog lives... I was honestly speechless. Let’s just say, in their home, the dog is the real boss. 🚍 A Dog That Goes to Kindergarten? Every morning, my friend gets ready for work and also packs a tiny bag — for the dog. At first I thought it was just a cute accessory, but nope. Their dog actually goes to doggy kindergarten . Even crazier? There’s a pick-up service . A special pet shuttle bus comes right to the door to pick up the dog. Uniformed driver and all. I’m not even kidding. 🎓 Morning Classes and Social Skills Once at daycare, the dogs run around with friends, play with toys, and attend obedience classes. But it doesn’t stop there. They even take socialization training to help them get along with other dogs. Honestly, this dog’s ...

Singing Alone in a Tiny Booth? Totally Normal in Korea One of the most surprising cultural experiences for many foreigners visiting Korea is the noraebang—also known as a singing room. In Korea, a noraebang isn’t just a place to sing. It’s a space for expression, emotion, and stress relief, all packed into a tiny booth. Coin Noraebang: Affordable, Private, and Everywhere These days, coin noraebangs are wildly popular. You can find them near subway stations, universities, or tucked into almost every alley. For just 1,000 won (around $1), you can sing two or three songs. What’s more interesting? It’s completely normal to go alone. In Korea, singing solo in a small booth is not awkward—it’s therapeutic. This solo trend even has a name: “hon-kono” (short for “honja coin noraebang”), meaning “solo coin singing room.” Everyone Sings—From Kids to Grandparents The noraebang isn’t limited to any one generation. Elementary school kids visit after class with friends. College students sin...

Flying Off the Shelves – Why Fire Noodles Are Taking Over the World If you've ever searched “Korean spicy noodle challenge” on YouTube, you've probably seen people crying, sweating, and even screaming over a bowl of instant noodles. The culprit? Korea’s infamous Fire Noodles, or “Buldak Bokkeum Myeon.” 🍜 What Is Fire Noodle? Launched in 2012 by Korean food company Samyang, Fire Noodles are ultra-spicy instant ramen known for their bright red sauce and intense heat. The name “buldak” literally means “fire chicken.” It’s not just a name—it’s a warning. 🧨 Not Really a Korean Obsession Contrary to popular belief, most Koreans don’t eat Fire Noodles that often. It’s not a national obsession. But on Korean livestreams, it’s a different story—you’ll see “food fighter” challenges like eating 10 or even 20 packs in one sitting, all for virtual donations. Sometimes, the viewers suffer more than the hosts. 😎 Personally Speaking... I’m actually one of those Koreans who love ...

Hot Coffee? No Thanks. The Korean Love Affair with Iced Americano 🧊 Iced Coffee in Freezing Weather? In the middle of winter, when you can see your breath in the air and everyone’s wrapped in thick padded coats, you’ll still spot someone holding an iced Americano. To outsiders, it might seem absurd — “Why drink something cold when it’s freezing?” But in Korea, this isn’t unusual. It’s normal. Expected, even. ☕ Why Koreans Prefer Iced Over Hot Koreans love their iced Americanos (aka “ah-ah” in Korean) all year round. Seasons change, but the drink doesn’t. Whether it's summer heat or winter frost, the response is often the same: “Hot? No, iced please.” There’s something oddly satisfying about the chill, even if your hands go numb holding it. It Feels Cleaner and Keeps You Sharp One big reason is the refreshing taste. Iced coffee feels lighter, cleaner, and sharper — perfect for staying alert at work or school. For many Korean students and office workers, an iced American...

When you think of shaved ice, you might picture a cheap summer snack. But in Korea, things are different — especially when it comes to mango bingsu. During the hot season, this icy treat becomes a premium experience, and believe it or not, some places sell it for over $80 (₩110,000) . High-end hotels like The Shilla Hotel or Signiel Seoul are famous for serving this luxurious mango bingsu. And what’s more surprising? People actually line up to eat it. A dessert that costs more than a fancy dinner — and yet, it’s a hit. So Why Is It So Expensive? First, the mangoes. Many of these desserts use Philippine apple mangoes , flown in at peak ripeness. Second, the visual. Think soft milk snow topped with golden mango slices, whipped cream, mango sorbet, and even edible gold flakes. It’s basically designed for Instagram. Finally, the atmosphere. You’re not just paying for the dessert — you’re paying for the luxury setting, the service, the piano music, and the hotel brand. It’s not ju...

“$800 a month to learn ABCs?” In Korea, that’s not shocking at all. Welcome to the world of English kindergartens — a common yet intense part of Korean early childhood education. What Are English Kindergartens in Korea? These kindergartens aren’t just about learning a few English words. They’re full immersion programs, often run entirely in English from morning to afternoon. Native-speaking teachers lead classes, playtime, mealtimes, and even nap time — all in English. It’s like sending your kid to a mini international school… inside Korea. How Much Do They Cost? On average, over ₩1 million per month (around $800). Some elite kindergartens charge even more — and that’s not including extra fees like admission, textbooks, transportation, and after-school programs. Is It Worth It? Let’s be honest. ₩1 million is a lot of money in Korea. For some people, that’s what they might earn from a month of part-time work. Yet many parents still make the financial stretch to enroll thei...

☀️ Ever Seen Someone Use an Umbrella on a Clear, Sunny Day? If you're visiting Korea in the summer, you might notice something curious: people using umbrellas… not for rain, but for sun. To many foreigners, especially from the West, this may look odd. But in Korea, it's totally normal — even expected. In fact, sun umbrellas ( yangsan ) are so common here that department stores dedicate entire sections to them during summer. 🇺🇸 Why Westerners Rarely Use Sun Umbrellas In many Western countries, using an umbrella when it’s not raining feels... weird. Most people opt for sunglasses, hats, or sunscreen. Sun umbrellas? Those are usually seen as something only elderly women might use. Also, many Western cultures associate tanned skin with health and vitality. So the idea of blocking sunlight feels unnecessary — or even strange. 🌸 In Korea, It’s All About UV Protection In Korea, skin tone is closely tied to beauty standards. Lighter, even-toned skin is often preferre...

Why Everyone's Talking About Dogs – From Superhero Krypto to Korea’s Puppy Craze The Krypto Effect Have you seen the new Superman movie? Everyone’s talking about Krypto, the superhero dog who totally stole the show. Well, turns out, Koreans are also going through a bit of a dog craze right now—though it’s less about flying and more about cuddling. Korea’s Rising Pet Culture In Korea, the number of pet-owning households has skyrocketed. More than 1 in 4 homes now has a furry friend, and small-breed dogs like Maltese, Poodles, and Shih Tzus are especially popular. There’s even a new word here: “petfam,” short for "pet family." Dog Cafés and VIP Treatment You can find entire cafés dedicated to dogs in Korea. Yes, cafés—not for humans, but for dogs! These dog cafés are a mix of playground, salon, and spa. Some even throw birthday parties for their canine customers. It's Krypto-level pampering. ▲ Many dogs in Korea are treated like family membe...

Is This a Club or a Baseball Game? The Real Face of Korean Baseball Culture Korean baseball stadiums are more than just sports venues. With high-energy cheering, diverse food, and an enthusiastic crowd, the experience feels like a full-on cultural festival. Cheering Culture That Feels Like a Concert One of the most unique features of Korean baseball is its cheering culture. Every team has its own cheerleaders, hype leaders, and even custom songs for each player. Thousands of fans sing, clap, and dance together in perfect sync, creating an atmosphere that honestly feels like a K-pop concert. If you sit in the first base section, you’ll witness fans performing full choreographies together—like a coordinated show put on by the crowd itself. Chicken, Beer, Ramen, Pizza, and Even BBQ Eating at the stadium is another key part of the fun. Fried chicken and beer—known as “chimaek”—are just the basics. You’ll also find ramen, pizza, bubble tea, coffee, and even churros. Some sta...

  Photo by 422737 on Pixabay Your Complete Guide to Surviving Restroom Emergencies in Korea 🚨 Nature calls? Don’t panic. Traveling in Korea and suddenly need to go to the bathroom? Don’t worry — Korea is actually one of the most bathroom-friendly countries in the world. You just need to know where to go and where not to go. ✅ Public restrooms are everywhere — and they’re free! In most parts of Korea, you can find clean, free public toilets at subway stations, parks, department stores, rest areas, and even large convenience stores. No need to pay, no tipping required, and many come with toilet paper and even bidets! Also, Korea has many large shopping malls and commercial buildings, and almost all of them have restrooms open to the public — and yes, they’re free too! However, it's a good idea to carry some tissues with you, just in case — not all bathrooms have toilet paper stocked. ❌ But don’t just walk into any building Important tip: Do not enter small...

Have you ever dreamed of living in South Korea—not just visiting, but actually staying for a while, soaking up the food, the culture, the late-night convenience stores, and yes, even the K-dramas on a lazy Sunday? If that’s you, there’s one path you’ve probably heard whispers about but might not have seriously considered: becoming an English teacher at a Korean hagwon (private academy). What is a "Hagwon"? Hagwons are private after-school academies in Korea that students attend for extra lessons—like math, science, and of course, English. For many foreigners, teaching English at a hagwon is not just a job. It’s a fast-track way to immerse yourself in Korean society, meet locals, and yes, even pay your rent while you’re at it. Why Teaching English Works (And Why It's More Than Just "Work") Let’s be real: you don’t need a PhD. Most schools are looking for native English speakers with a bachelor’s degree. Some even provide housing, paid vacatio...

🦑 Squid Game Isn’t Fiction – Here’s the Real Game Korean Kids Grew Up With Image from Pixabay 1. The Most Iconic Game in Squid Game? Definitely This One When Squid Game exploded on Netflix, it left people speechless. But among all those shocking scenes, the one game that stood out most? “Red Light, Green Light” — or as we call it, “무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다.” For Koreans, it wasn’t new. It was nostalgia. 🏃‍♂️ 2. Red Light, Green Light – But More Intense You might know the game as “Red Light, Green Light.” But in Korea, we call it “무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다” — which literally means “The rose of Sharon has bloomed.” Sounds pretty, right? But in real life, it was all tension and panic. 😨 3. How the Game Actually Worked (No Guns, Still Scary) Here’s how we played it as kids: The tagger (술래) turns toward a wall or tree and shouts: “무궁화~ 꽃이 피었습니다!” At “다!”, they spin around to catch anyone moving. If you’re caught moving? You’re out — and must stand behind the tagger holding hands. ...

출처 : 허프포스트코리아(https://www.huffingtonpost.kr)  Hey there! 👋 I’m JH , just your average Korean dude who wants to show the real Korea to the world. Sure, YouTube’s packed with Korea videos, but I’m not exactly camera‑friendly. 😅 Writing? That’s my lane. So this blog is where I’ll drop fun stories about Korean life: food runs at 2 AM, weird slang, random cultural quirks—stuff Netflix never shows. But it’s not a one‑way street. I’m dying to know: What are you most curious about in Korea? Heard anything wild or surprising about Korean culture?  Hit the comments and let’s chat! Thanks for stopping by, and stick around for more crazy Korean stories. — JH 🇰🇷 💬 Talk to me! Got burning questions or funny myths about Korea? Leave a comment below—I read every single one!