Best Korean

Prison Playbook is a 2017 South Korean television series directed by Shin Won-ho and starring Park Hae-soo and Jung Kyung-ho. The drama aired on tvN from November 22, 2017 to January 18, 2018, spanning sixteen episodes broadcast weekly. It marked Park Hae-soo’s debut as a lead actor in a television...

The National Museum of Korea houses an extensive collection of Korean art and historical artifacts spanning millennia. Established in 1945, it represents a vital resource for understanding Korean culture’s evolution. The museum's significant holdings include Joseon-era paintings, ancient royal costu...

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean neo-noir psychological thriller directed by Park Chan-wook. The film follows a man who is inexplicably imprisoned in a windowless hotel room for 15 years before being released and seeking answers and revenge. Based on the Japanese manga of the same name, the narrative i...

Galbi is a staple dish of Korean barbecue consisting of beef short ribs marinated in a sweet and savory soy sauce base. The marinade traditionally incorporates sesame oil, garlic, sugar, and fruit purées such as pear or apple to tenderize the meat. The ribs are typically cut across the bone into thi...

King Sejong the Great ruled Korea's Joseon dynasty from 1418 to 1450. He sponsored the creation of Hangul, promulgated in the 1440s as a phonetic writing system that ordinary Koreans could learn more readily than literary Chinese. His reign also supported scholarship, astronomical instruments, agric...

Kimchi is a traditional Korean food consisting of salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly prepared with napa cabbage and Korean radishes. The vegetables are seasoned with a variety of ingredients, including chili powder, garlic, ginger, scallions, and salted seafood. It is a staple dish in Ko...

Forest of Secrets is a 2017 Korean legal thriller television series broadcast on tvN. The show centers around Prosecutor Han Yeo-wook, portrayed by So Ji-sub, who investigates complex corruption cases involving powerful figures within Seoul. Notable for its intricate plot and exploration of systemic...

Lovely Runner is a 2024 South Korean television series adapted from the web novel “Tomorrow’s Best” and its accompanying webtoon. The drama stars Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon and aired on tvN between April 8th and May 28th, 2024. It is currently available for streaming across various platforms in...

Bulgogi is a Korean dish consisting of thinly sliced beef, typically sirloin or ribeye, marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other seasonings before being grilled. Historical references to marinated meat dishes in Korea date back to the Goguryeo period (37 BCE–668 CE),...

Old Boy, directed by Park Chan-wook, is a 2003 Korean thriller renowned for its intense and shocking depiction of revenge. The film’s most memorable moment involves an extended, unbroken shot of a brutal hallway confrontation with a hammer. It explores themes of trauma, injustice, and the lengths to...

Korean gochugaru is a spice made from sun-dried red chili peppers that are ground into coarse flakes or a fine powder. Characterized by its vibrant red color and a flavor profile that balances moderate heat with subtle sweetness and smokiness, it is a foundational ingredient in Korean cuisine. It is...

Chuno is a Korean historical drama set in the Joseon Dynasty. The story centers around a slave hunter’s quest for revenge against a disgraced former general who was once enslaved. Alongside this pursuit, he navigates relationships and seeks to find a woman significant to him. This series, broadcast...

Choe Sejin was a Korean linguist and scholar of the Joseon Dynasty who lived from 1473 to 1542. He is best known for authoring the "Hunmong Jahoe" in 1527, a foundational rhyming dictionary that standardized early Korean phonology. This work used Hangul alongside Hanja to help teach correct pronunci...

Galbi-jjim is a Korean braised beef short rib dish that serves as a centerpiece for festive occasions and traditional holidays. The preparation involves soaking the ribs to draw out blood, then slowly braising them in a complex sauce of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Root vegetabl...

Good Manager is a Korean television drama exploring workplace dynamics through the story of a charismatic marketing manager. The series highlights the challenges of leadership, team management, and interpersonal relationships within a corporate setting. It’s particularly relevant for viewers interes...

Mr. Queen is a South Korean television series centered around a modern woman who unexpectedly inhabits the body of a king from the Joseon Dynasty. The drama follows her adaptation alongside King Cheoljong’s efforts to govern his kingdom and support its populace. It aired on tvN from December 2020 th...

Kyung-Wha Chung is a South Korean violinist who gained international prominence in the late 20th century. Born in 1948, she studied at the Juilliard School and co-won the Leventritt Award in 1967, which launched her career with major orchestras across Europe and North America. She is recognized for...

Hotteok is a Korean filled pancake consisting of a wheat flour dough stuffed with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, chopped nuts (typically peanuts or walnuts), and cinnamon, then pan-fried until golden and crispy. The filling melts during cooking, creating a sweet syrup-like center. Though consumed...

The White Book is a 2016 literary work by South Korean author Han Kang that blends elements of prose, poetry, and essay. Structured around a series of vignettes, the narrative meditates on the concepts of life, death, and grief through the lens of various white objects, such as salt, snow, and rice....

This gilt-bronze incense burner dates from the Baekje kingdom in 6th century Korea. It’s a significant relic due to its intricate design featuring a mountain-shaped lid and sixty-four meticulously cast figures. The burner was used in ritual contexts, primarily by members of the Baekje elite for burn...

Goryeo celadon is a type of Korean stoneware created during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). Its notable characteristic is the distinctive jade-green glaze, achieved through complex firing techniques. The pottery also features intricate sanggam decoration, a unique inlay method developed in Korea. The...

Squid Game is a South Korean survival drama television series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk that premiered on Netflix in September 2021. The plot centers on a tournament wherein 456 deeply indebted contestants are invited to play traditional children's games for a massive cash prize, though the consequ...

The Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul showcases Korean art from ancient to contemporary periods. Notable for its architectural design by Botta, Nouvel, and Koolhaas, it houses a significant collection including works by Park Soo-keun and traditional Korean ceramics. The museum serves art enthusiasts, sch...

Jeonbokjuk is a traditional Korean savory porridge made by simmering rice with finely chopped abalone. Abalone is a highly prized ingredient in Korean cuisine, making this dish historically associated with royalty, the wealthy, and special occasions. The porridge is renowned for its soft, easily dig...

Goblin is a South Korean fantasy melodrama exploring themes of immortality, loneliness, and redemption. The series centers on a centuries-old goblin who forms an unlikely connection with a young woman struggling with grief. It’s notable for its atmospheric visuals and poignant character development....

Korean BBQ offers a dynamic and engaging dining experience centered around grilling marinated meats at the table. The combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, coupled with an array of banchan (side dishes), creates a complex and satisfying meal. The interactive nature of grilling fosters a s...

Haemul Pajeon is a savory Korean pancake made from a batter of wheat flour, eggs, and water, generously filled with scallions and a variety of raw seafood. The dish typically incorporates ingredients such as squid, shrimp, clams, and oysters, which are pan-fried together with the vegetables to creat...

The Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) is an annual film festival established in 2000 and held in Jeonju, South Korea. It is recognized as a major cultural event dedicated to showcasing independent, experimental, and art-house cinema from around the world. The festival screens a diverse selec...

This bronze sculpture depicts a Korean bodhisattva, specifically a seated figure known for its pensive expression. The piece reflects influences from East Asian Maitreya traditions, showcasing a common representation of Buddhist enlightenment and compassion. It is a significant relic within the cont...