The Korean Wave: Lindsay on Location
What is the Korean Wave? In Korean, it is the hallyu wave (a term for Korean popular media and culture). It means that Korea is having a moment, actually more than a moment. Everywhere you turn Korea is there. When you think of Korea you might think of mobile phones, cars, Korean entertainment, or skincare. These are just some of South Korea’s biggest economic and cultural contributions to the world. The wave has been flooding the international scene over the past few years with Korean food, dramas, fashion, art, and of course music, all finding immense popularity with new audiences. The popularity of tv and movies have given them awards across the seas, and K-pop is bigger than ever. I headed to South Korea to not only ride the wave but to showcase all the unique things that makes it's culture stand out.
Home base for the week was Seoul, Korea. Seoul is the capital of South Korea, and is a huge metropolis city, that combines both the modern world with its history and tradition. From modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, pop culture to Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets.
Like so many, I am a big fan of K-pop, especially the dancing. Hikr Ground is a new interactive cultural museum in Seoul that celebrates so much of the K-entertainment world. You can visit the Laundry room from BTS video "Permission to Dance" also the spaceship is from Aespa's "Next Level." As well as learn how to do your very own K-Pop dance. They have professional dancers there to help you. I had the best time, but I defiantly needed the help. It was a great activity and perfect for the entire family.
They say the beginning of K-Pop was Gangnam Style. But it is no secret that BTS really took it to the next level. In fact, in 2017, the band was solely responsible for 1 in every 13 tourist to South Korea.
Korean Food Culture is one of the best ways to gain insight into Korea's history and Identity. In Korean food culture, it is believed that “food and medicine are grown from the same root,” thus “there is no better medicine than food.” And for Koreans, food is not just for physical healing but also mental and emotional well-being. There are over 20,000 side dishes and over 200 difference Kimchi's. Kimchi is even protected by Unesco. I am a big fan of Korean food (I mean who doesn't love Korean BBQ?) and was so excited to have a cooking class with he biggest K-drama food stylist. Ellie, owner of Food & Culture Korea Academy, instantly made me feel at home. We spend the afternoon learning and eating. I learned that Korean food is all about color, time, and presentation. We were still preparing the dishes as they would of been served to the King. I learned how to make gujeolpan as well as, as well as the beautiful way they wrap their presents. You never need tape or scissors. They use gorgeous fabrics that are presented as gifts themselves.
You must visit any and all the food markets. They are busy and intense and so much fun. Try all the local foods and sit on plastic chairs with the locals. We visited Gwangjang market and had everything we could fine. The only thing I did not eat is the live octopus they serve and is still moving. I am always adventurous. But I do have my limits.
I have had soju before, but not like it is served in Korea. They options are endless. Soju is rice wine, but do not let the name fool you. Unlike wine it is about 40% alcohol. We did a full tasting of makgeolli, soju, yakju, cheongju at The Sool Gallery. I had for the first time makgeolli. Which ended up being my favorite. It is also made from wine, but it appears cloudy and it only around 6% alcohol. It is perfect to go along with most of the Korean spicy dishes. The Sool Gallery is a perfect place to understand rice wine and try something new.
Thanks to Squid games the street snack from the 1960's Dalgona is extremely popular. Made up of only sugar and baking soda, the kids game was made so you tried to cut out shape from the cookie without breaking it. The popular tv series made this into a life or death situation. The cookie turned out to be delicious tasting similar to a marshmellow, but my fate was not great, as I broke my cookie almost instantly.
Korean fashion is a beautiful mix of new and old. The are fashion forward with a minimalist modern spin. But they also honor the traditions of the past. I tried on the Hanbok, which dates back to 57 BC. They used to wear it daily, now it is only for special occasions and celebrations. There are layers on layers with beautiful colors and fabrics. All which symbolize something. Everything they do and wear is with intention.
K-beauty is sought after all over the world. I always loved Korean beauty products, but I never really know why, until now. First we visited House of Sulwhasoo. Some might say the top beauty house in Korea. I learned their secret ingredient is ginseng. It is found locally in Korea and amazing for beauty products. It is all about anti aging, wrinkles reduction, and youthfulness.
I then got a Korean pop star makeover at Joy 187. I learned the difference between Korean makeup and ours. It's simple make up. They focus on "glassy skin" and rosy cheeks and big full lips. The goal is always with their products and makeup is all about how young you can look. The younger the better.
One of the top things I wanted to do in South Korea was hop over to Jeju Island. In less than an hour flight from Seoul, you are in what they call Korea's Hawaii. Also the backdrop to so many loved K-dramas. We stayed for the night at The Seaes Hotel & Resort: The resort is widely known as filming locations for TV shows such as ‘Princess Hours’ and ‘Boys Over Flowers’. It was tropical and exotic. I knew instantly why this is known as honeymoon paradise.
Another reason I wanted to head to the island is for the haenyeo divers (also knows as Korean Mermaids). On Jeju Island, there is a community of women, some aged in their 80s, who go diving 10m under the sea to gather shellfish, such as abalone or sea urchins for a living without the help of oxygen masks. With knowledge of the sea and marine life, the Jeju haenyeo (female divers) harvest for up to seven hours a day, 90 days of the year holding their breath. We got the honor to go to the restaurant on the island where the divers bring back their catch and cook it for us. We learned all about what they do, how they train at an early age, the fact that they do it their entire life, and that it is ONLY women.
Where to stay:
Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador
Jeju Hotel:
Where to Eat:
