BUZZ KOREA

Hello travelers! Are you planning a trip to Korea and curious about the best local foods by region? Let me guide you through Korea’s flavor-packed destinations—Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang—so you can enjoy an authentic culinary adventure. Taste Korea: The Best Local Food in 5 Regions Korea is a country with rich food traditions. Each region has its own must-try specialties, so let’s dive in! 1.  Seoul – A City Full of Food Surprises In Seoul, you’ll find a mix of royal recipes and street food classics. Try   Seolleongtang   (milky beef soup)—perfect for warming up after exploring the city. Street food lovers shouldn’t miss   Tteokbokki   (spicy rice cakes) in Sindang-dong and   Sundae   (Korean blood sausage) in Sillim-dong. Looking for Korean BBQ?   Galbi   (grilled beef ribs) in Mapo is famous! 2.  Gyeonggi – Everyday Comforts Near the Capital The Gyeonggi region is all about hearty flavors. Don’t miss   Suwon ...

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun caused a buzz in Seoul on Nov. 30 when they met for dinner at Kkanbu Chicken , a popular fried-chicken chain in the city’s upscale Gangnam district. Huang, visiting Korea for the first time in 15 years, reportedly chose the location himself — a move widely interpreted as a symbolic gesture of friendship and alliance with Korea’s top business leaders. As he walked into the restaurant, he told reporters he enjoys grabbing beer and fried chicken with friends, adding, “Kkanbu is the perfect place.” The trio kept things casual: relaxed outfits, friendly arm-over-shoulder poses, even “love-shot” toasts — a Korean drinking gesture where two people link arms while taking a sip. They also handed out fried chicken to fans who gathered outside, delighting onlookers and sparking social-media chatter about their easy camaraderie. So… What Does Kkanbu Mean? Kkanbu  is a Korean sl...

Today, Korea is at the heart of remarkable change—and the world is watching. October 29, 2025 marks a rare moment when global diplomacy, national remembrance, and dramatic social evolution converge in a single country. Korea at the Center of the World This week in Gyeongju, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit brings together leaders from the world's most powerful nations. South Korea is not only hosting, but actively leading conversations that shape the future of regional and global cooperation. For many, Korea’s role as a mediator between the United States and China is more important than ever, and its bold steps toward innovation and influence are capturing international attention. What is APEC? The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum is a major global gathering where leaders discuss trade, security, and regional growth. Korea, as host, signals its rising impact on the world stage. Remembering Itaewon: A National Turning Point Three years ago, on October 29, a...

Photo Credit = X On December 3, 2024, South Korea was once again caught in the midst of a great historical upheaval. President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law under the pretext of national security, and the military seized control of major cities. Freedoms of assembly and expression were suppressed, and the daily lives of citizens were strictly monitored. Yet, even under such control, there was a generation determined not to remain silent: South Korea's MZ generation. The MZ generation found their own unique way of resisting—not through traditional means, but with lightsticks in hand, illuminating the darkness of oppression and showing their support for democracy. Lightsticks, symbols of the K-POP fandom, had long represented the unity and passion of music lovers. But that night, they took on a far greater meaning. They became a symbol of hope and support for democracy. In the streets of Seoul, citizens gathered with their lightsticks, creating a stunning display of diversity an...

Photo Credit = Pixabay South Korea is one of the world’s most cashless societies, leading the transition to a "cashless economy." With mobile payments and digital wallets becoming integral to daily life, especially among younger generations, this shift is not just about convenience—it’s reshaping how people live and interact in modern society. 1. What is a Cashless Society? A cashless society is one where physical money is rarely used, with transactions instead carried out through digital means like credit cards, mobile apps, QR codes, and NFC (Near-Field Communication). South Korea is at the forefront of this global trend. As of 2024, less than 10% of transactions involve cash, and digital payment methods dominate. Even traditional markets, once reliant on cash, now commonly accept QR codes and card payments. 2. Mobile Payments and Lifestyle Changes Among the Young Younger generations have been pivotal in driving the adoption of digital payments, embracing new technologies a...

Photo Credit = Pixabay South Korea's railway and subway unions have announced plans for indefinite strikes starting next month, demanding wage increases and additional manpower.  Tourists visiting South Korea are advised to prepare for potential travel disruptions. The Korean Railway Workers' Union held a press conference on November 21 at Seoul Station, declaring, "If the government and the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) do not change their stance, we will begin an indefinite strike on December 5." Adding to the concerns, the Seoul Metro Union, which operates subway lines 1 through 8, announced on November 19 that it would hold a strike starting December 6. The union is opposing workforce reductions and the implementation of a one-person operation system. The potential strikes are expected to cause significant inconvenience for visitors relying on public transportation, especially as the year-end tourism season approaches. In the first half of 2024, South Korea ...