Kpop & Korea

South Korea offers some of the most diverse and breathtaking sunrise and sunset (sunrise & sunset) viewpoints in East Asia. With coastlines on three sides, volcanic islands, mountain ranges, and modern cities, each region provides a completely different experience of the sun rising and setting. This guide introduces the best sunrise and sunset locations in Korea , along with practical travel tips for visitors. Best Sunrise Spots in South Korea 1. Jeongdongjin (Gangneung, Gangwon Province) Best for: Sunrise over the East Sea Jeongdongjin is one of Korea’s most famous sunrise destinations. The sun rises directly from the horizon, making it ideal for first-time visitors and photographers. Why visit Clear ocean horizon Easy access by train Popular New Year sunrise location 2. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Jeju Island) Best for: UNESCO-listed sunrise views Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, is a volcanic crater on Jeju Island. Watching the sun rise from the ...

In 2026, the Korean stock market is expected to show meaningful upside potential as positive forecasts from global investment banks , attractive valuations , and earnings recovery expectations converge. Major global institutions such as J.P. Morgan have suggested that the KOSPI index could potentially reach the 5,000–6,000 range under favorable macro and earnings conditions.  One of the key arguments supporting this outlook is valuation. Korea’s equity market still trades at lower PER (Price-to-Earnings Ratio) and PBR (Price-to-Book Ratio) levels compared to other developed markets. This gap implies room for valuation re-rating if corporate profitability and shareholder returns continue to improve. Below are 10 Korean stocks to watch in 2026 , selected based on fundamentals, sector trends, and valuation metrics. 1. Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) PER: ~11–12x PBR: ~1.0–1.3x Samsung Electronics remains a undervalued large-cap stock. Demand for AI servers, data ce...

The USD/KRW exchange rate plays a critical role in South Korea’s economy, influencing trade, investment, inflation, and daily life. For foreign readers, understanding the historical extremes of the Korean won against the US dollar helps provide context for today’s market movements.  This article explains why the dollar became dominant , Korea’s exchange rate system , and most importantly, the historical highest and lowest USD/KRW levels based on widely accepted standards. Why the US Dollar Dominates Global Exchange Rates The US dollar became the world’s primary reserve currency after World War II, supported by the Bretton Woods system, the size of the US economy, and the depth of US financial markets. Even after the gold standard ended in 1971, global trade, energy pricing, and international finance continued to rely on the dollar. As a result, countries like South Korea are highly sensitive to changes in US monetary policy and global dollar demand. How the USD/KRW Exchang...

Christmas in South Korea is a unique blend of Western traditions, modern culture, and Korean social values . While it is a public holiday, the way Koreans celebrate Christmas may surprise many foreigners. This article explores Korean Christmas traditions, cultural meaning, and practical tips to enjoy Christmas meaningfully in Korea . What Does Christmas Mean in Korea? In Korea, Christmas is recognized both as a religious holiday and a cultural event . For Christians, it is a sacred day celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. For the general public, it is more commonly seen as a day for couples, friends, and social gatherings . Unlike Western countries, Christmas in Korea is less family-centered and less gift-focused , especially compared to Lunar New Year or Chuseok. Is Christmas a Public Holiday in Korea? Yes. South Korea is one of the few Asian countries where December 25 is an official public holiday . However: Most shops, cafes, and restaurants remain open ...

Korea is famous for K-pop, Korean food, and skincare—but one cultural experience many travelers remember the most is the jjimjilbang . A jjimjilbang is a Korean-style sauna and relaxation center where locals unwind, sleep, eat, and socialize. This guide explains what a jjimjilbang is, how to enjoy it properly, and where to find famous ones across Korea. What Is a Jjimjilbang? A jjimjilbang (찜질방) is a public bathhouse combined with heated rooms, resting areas, and casual dining spaces. Most jjimjilbangs are open 24 hours , making them popular not only for relaxation but also as an affordable overnight stay. They usually include: Hot and cold baths (separated by gender) Heated rooms made of stone, salt, charcoal, or clay Shared resting halls where everyone wears the same uniform Snack bars serving traditional Korean drinks and food The Origin of Jjimjilbang Culture The roots of jjimjilbangs go back to traditional Korean steam baths , known as hanjeungmak , used s...

In recent years, PDRN has become one of the most searched and fastest-growing ingredients in the global skincare market. Products such as PDRN serums and PDRN ampoules consistently rank among top sellers not only in Korea but also on international e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Shopee, and Qoo10 . This article explains what PDRN means , why consumers prefer PDRN skincare , which PDRN product types sell the most , and the common characteristics of successful PDRN cosmetics , with a focus on Korean beauty brands . 1. What Does PDRN Mean? PDRN stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide . It refers to DNA-derived fragments that are commonly used as cosmetic ingredients. In skincare products, PDRN is generally: Derived from purified salmon DNA sources Used for skin conditioning, hydration, and overall skin care support 📌 Important Note In cosmetics, PDRN is not a drug . It does not claim medical, therapeutic, or regenerative effects and is positioned purely as a cosmetic s...

Apartments play a central role in South Korea’s housing market and everyday life. Unlike many countries where detached houses dominate, apartments have become the most common residential form in Korea. This article explores the origin of Korean apartments , why public interest remains high, how they function as a financial asset , and what the future outlook may look like. The Origin of Apartments in Korea Modern apartments in South Korea began to emerge in the 1960s and 1970s , during a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization. As people moved from rural areas to cities like Seoul in search of jobs, housing shortages became a serious social issue. To address this, the government promoted high-density apartment complexes as an efficient solution. Apartments allowed more people to live near workplaces, transportation, and infrastructure, making them a practical choice in a country with limited land. Why Koreans Are Highly Interested in Apartments There are several reas...

2025 was one of the most dynamic years in recent Korean history — marked by political upheaval, technological breakthroughs, major social controversies, and global cultural presence. From the dramatic removal of a former president to cyber security shocks and record-setting arts events, here are the Top 10 Korea News of 2025 . 1️⃣ Constitutional Court Removes Former Police Chief Linked to Martial Law Incident In December 2025, South Korea’s Constitutional Court formally removed the impeached police chief over his role in enforcing martial law during a controversial political crisis. The court found that unconstitutional orders were carried out to block the National Assembly in late 2024 — part of a broader political conflict that included the impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier in April 2025. AP News 2️⃣ Coupang Data Breach Shocks the Nation Cybersecurity took center stage when Coupang , the country’s largest e-commerce platform, suffered a massive data bre...

K-pop has become a truly global phenomenon. Beyond album sales, Korean artists are building strong emotional connections with fans in different countries through music, performances, and cultural exchange.  Below are 10 Korean K-pop artists , each especially popular in a specific country, with short profiles, reasons for popularity, and local fan episodes . 1. United States – BTS Profile: Debuted in 2013, BTS is a seven-member group known for self-produced music and global tours. Why Popular: English interviews and U.S. TV appearances Lyrics about youth, identity, and mental health Strong social media communication Episode: BTS topped the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times and addressed the United Nations, gaining wide public recognition beyond K-pop fans. 2. Japan – TWICE Profile: A nine-member girl group formed by JYP Entertainment. Why Popular: Japanese members (Momo, Sana, Mina) Japanese-language albums and dome tours Bright, friendly image Epi...