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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

“When the Phone Rings” is a Korean television drama set in 1996 Seoul. The series explores themes of love, regret, and second chances through the unusual premise of anonymous phone calls connecting two individuals decades later. Starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, it’s aimed at viewers interest...

Viburnum carlesii, also called Korean Spice Viburnum, is a deciduous shrub native to Korea and Japan. It’s notable for its exceptionally strong, spicy fragrance emanating from dense clusters of pinkish-white flowers in the spring. The plant offers ornamental interest and attracts pollinators. Garden...

Soondubu with Beef is a traditional Korean stew showcasing exceptionally soft, un-set tofu alongside tender beef. The dish utilizes a rich gochugaru broth creating a spicy and flavorful jjigae. It’s popular among those seeking authentic Korean cuisine and enjoys bold, savory flavors. This offering p...

Sundubu Jjigae is a traditional Korean stew featuring soft tofu, typically uncurdled silken variety. The spicy broth, flavored with gochugaru chili powder, incorporates vegetables and frequently includes seafood or meat. This dish offers a warming, flavorful experience appreciated by those seeking a...

Be Melodramatic is a South Korean television series from JTBC focusing on the intertwined lives of two aspiring actresses. The drama explores themes of ambition, rivalry, and romantic relationships within the competitive world of acting. Starring Chun Woo-hee and Jeon Yeo-been, it gained attention f...

Jeju Island is a Korean island renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscape. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases distinctive geological features including Mount Hallasan and extensive lava tubes. The island attracts tourists seeking natural beauty and recreational activities, as we...

Yun Dong-ju was a significant Korean lyric poet of the 20th century. His work, often characterized by its poignant reflections on life, loss, and resistance during Korea’s colonial period, remains notable for its emotional depth and enduring relevance. He is particularly valued by those interested i...

Gochujang is a foundational Korean fermented chili paste. Made with red peppers, glutinous rice, soybeans, and salt, it delivers a complex flavor profile characterized by intense heat, savory umami, and subtle sweetness. Traditionally used in Korean cuisine, it enhances stews like kimchi jjigae and...

Korean BBQ, particularly Gwangjang style, is a popular Korean cuisine featuring marinated meats—often beef or pork—grilled at individual tables. It’s notable for its social nature and interactive dining experience. Diners enjoy customizing their meals with diverse side dishes known as banchan, such...

Fated to Love You is a South Korean television drama produced in 2014. The series follows the intertwined lives of several individuals across different eras – 1871 Joseon and modern-day Seoul – exploring themes of fate and romance. Starring Jang Hyuk, Jang Na-ra, Choi Jin-hyuk, and Wang Ji-won, it’s...

Good Doctor is a Korean medical drama focusing on Park Sae-woo, a brilliant surgeon with autism spectrum disorder. The series highlights his journey integrating into a hospital environment and treating patients with complex conditions. It’s notable for its realistic portrayal of neurological differe...

House of Hummingbird is a poignant 2018 South Korean film directed by Kim Bora. The story centers on Hana, a young girl in 1994 Seoul, grappling with personal loss and societal expectations during her formative years. It’s notable for its realistic depiction of teenage experience and the challenges...

Dolsot bibimbap is a traditional Korean rice dish cooked in a heated stone pot, known as a dolsot. The cooking process creates a remarkably crispy crust on the bottom of the pot, called nurungji, which adds a unique textural element to the meal. It typically features warm white rice, assorted season...

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is a popular South Korean web novel exploring a unique premise. The story centers on a man who gains awareness of a fantastical world and its impending apocalypse. His knowledge allows him to strategically guide events, influencing the narrative itself. It's particularl...

Doenjang jjigae is a traditional Korean stew centered around fermented soybean paste, doenjang. This savory dish provides significant protein and probiotics due to the fermentation process. It’s a staple in Korean cuisine offering warmth and nourishment. Commonly enjoyed by families and individuals...