Is it just me, or has Korean pop culture really become…popular lately? It seems like there’s been an explosion the past few years! There are several Korean restaurants in my hometown in Kansas that have popped up recently, and K beauty is a THING most people know about now. Do you want to hop on this bandwagon?? If you’re like I was, you may have a small seed of interest… but no clue where to plant it?? Where does one begin?
Disclaimer:
I am not deep into Korean pop culture the way many fans are…not by a long shot. In fact, I’d never listened to a K Pop song or watched a K Drama before we moved there in 2017. I am not an expert in any one area… BUT! I am very well rounded in the shallow waters of all things Korea.
Having lived in Seoul, South Korea for 3 years, I picked up a lot through sheer proximity and osmosis. Then when we moved home in 2020 I really missed aspects of Korean culture! So in the past few years I’ve sought out ways to be immersed in the culture again.
Having lived most of my life unaware of the happenings of K everything… I know just how to carry you from Newbie status to a solid…Rookie. Or something like that. Here’s where I think everyone with zero knowledge should start:
Quick Note: I’ve tried to point out where you can find all of these items. There aren’t affiliate links or sponsors in this article, I just figured that would be helpful info to have if you want to dive into the world of Korean culture!
Read this: The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee
It’s hard to explain just how important and complicated the relationship is between North & South Korea. While the nations are technically still (!!) enemies at war, most Koreans don’t view it that way. Many North AND South Koreans view the population on the opposite side as lost brothers and sisters… often quite literally. These issues are very relevant there today, with a small but steady influx of North Koreans secretly arriving in Seoul and navigating a new life there.
This book is a wild, real-life account of one woman’s journey as she discovers what it means to be Korean. Check it out at your local library, or you can buy it here!
Watch this K-Drama: Crash Landing on You (available on Netflix)
I tried several different pilot episodes of K-Dramas over the past few years… before I finally got hooked with this one. It’s the best of the best, in my very humble opinion. I know friends deep into K-everything that have great things to say about it, and huge skeptics that admitted their obsession with this show.
The two leads are fantastic, and it highlights really well the stark contrast between present-day North & South Korea. It’s certainly a romance…but it’s also hilarious. It has quite a bit of action and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I can’t recommend this one enough!! If you do one thing in 2022, WATCH (or rewatch!) Crash Landing on You!!!!
Eat this: Ottogi Jin Ramen (MILD!)
Instant ramen isn’t the best Korean food you can find. In fact… maybe it’s the opposite. My Korean language teacher made a point to say that instant ramen IS NOT how Korean food should be represented. BUT…if you haven’t tried any Korean food before, it may be a stretch to jump straight into kimchi and octopus!
This instant ramen is a great jumping off point, and a brand that is really loved and consumed often in Korea by expats and Koreans alike. I buy this at our local Asian grocery store, but wouldn’t be surprised to find it in larger grocery stores near the instant ramen, either!
Listen to this: BTS “Butter”
BTS is King when it comes to boy bands in Korea. Many Koreans feel they’ve sold out by appealing more to their Western audiences… but no one will deny their incredible success worldwide.
I mean honestly I hope for your sake you already know this song because it’s HUGE. And my favorite K Pop song, by far. My 3 year old sings this all the time, and it’s the best.
Also: My good friend is deep into Kpop and wrote a great summary of the history of the genre in Korea! Find that post HERE.
Beautify with this: Innisfree Skincare Line (available on Amazon)
There are a LOT of big beauty brands out in Korea: Skinfood, Etude House, Too Cool for School, and a zillion others. It’s admittedly not my area of interest, but I was very impressed with all the K-beauty products I bought. Innisfree is a big brand that boasts natural ingredients, particularly those found on the Korean island of Jeju (PSST: Read all about our time on beautiful Jeju island here).
The volcanic pore clearing product (pictured above in the black jar) is very popular. I love their Hair Oil Serums (mine is almost out…it’s lasted forever, so a great investment!). Innisfree is a very reputable brand and you can’t really go wrong with any of their products. Happy moisturizing!
Wear This: Cutesy Animal Socks
Cute socks are everywhere in South Korea. Since guests and residents remove their shoes upon entering anyone’s apartment, your socks are always on display! Kids and adults of all ages wear adorable socks. You can purchase them for cheap in most subway station shopping malls. The variety is endless! I’d always buy these as souvenirs for family & friends when we’d come back to visit.
Looks like you can buy these (pictured above) on Amazon that are very similar to those found in Seoul! What better way to spice up this long winter season than with cute panda socks???
Accessorize with This: Huge Adorable Phone Case
You may wonder if this phone case is intended for children or young teenagers… but not so, friends. In Korea there is no age too old to enjoy adorable accessories…and throw pillows…and large stuffed animals.
This particular phone case is the Kakao Friends brand. Kakao is the main messaging app in Korea, but it’s also so much more than that…Kakao Taxi, digital payment, driving navigation, and more. There are several little characters (emojis?) you use in KakaoTalk app, and people are INTO THEM! There are back stories for all of them…for instance, this is Ryan (who is a lion that lost his mane I believe)….it’s a whole thing. (You can read more about the Kakao App and other useful apps to help navigate life in Seoul here). When a Kakao Friends store opened up in Gangnam there were adults wrapped around the block for weeks!
I’ve never had a phone case this bulky (my phone fitting into my back pocket is v. important to me) but TONS of people do. I did, however, have a sparkly star pink phone case for a long time in Korea. When in Rome, right??
You can find this phone case and tons of other over-the-top adorable Kakao Friends accessories on the Amazon store here.
Your turn!
Do you love Korean pop culture already??
If so, what would you add to this list??
Let me know in the comments below!
Read all about our experiences living abroad in Korea!
EXPAT KIDS IN SEOUL: THE 7 BEST PLACES
HOW TO SHOP FOR GROCERIES IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
DON’T WORRY- SEOUL HAS 6 FAMILIAR DESSERT CHAINS YOU KNOW & LOVE!
