Hang : Korea Made Simple

 If you spend time eating in Korea, doenjang jjigae (된장찌개) is one of those dishes you will see again and again. It may appear as a main meal at a small neighborhood restaurant, arrive alongside Korean barbecue, or be served with rice and several side dishes. Doenjang jjigae is a Korean soybean paste stew made with doenjang, a fermented soybean paste. The stew usually contains tofu and vegetables, while seafood or meat may also be added depending on the restaurant and recipe. Unlike some of Korea's famous bright-red stews, doenjang jjigae is usually more savory, earthy, salty, and deeply fermented than intensely spicy. For travelers who want to try everyday Korean comfort food rather than only famous dishes such as bulgogi or bibimbap, it is an excellent place to start. 1. What Is Doenjang Jjigae? The name is easier to understand when divided into two parts. Doenjang (된장) : fermented soybean paste Jjigae (찌개) : Korean stew Doenjang is one of Korea's traditional fermented seas...

Chuseok is a wonderful time to photograph Seoul’s traditional side. Visitors in hanbok add color to the royal palaces, while hanok neighborhoods and markets fill with seasonal food, autumn fruit, and holiday decorations. In 2026, Chuseok Day falls on Friday, September 25. The official holiday runs from Thursday, September 24, through Saturday, September 26. Seoul’s four major royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine offer complimentary general admission during this period. That does not mean every attraction, restaurant, or market stall will be open. Many Koreans spend the holiday with family, so independent businesses may close or shorten their hours. Build your photography plan around palaces and public spaces, then confirm restaurants and shops on the day of your visit. 1. Grand Palace Views: Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung 1) Gyeongbokgung Palace Gyeongbokgung is one of the easiest places for first-time visitors to photograph hanbok and Korean palace archite...

 If you visit a Korean restaurant, traditional pub, or makgeolli bar, you may come across a large savory pancake filled with green onions and seafood. This is haemul pajeon (해물파전) , one of Korea’s best-known types of jeon. In English, it is usually described as a Korean seafood pancake or seafood and green onion pancake . Unlike the sweet pancakes many visitors may be familiar with, haemul pajeon is completely savory. It combines long pieces of green onion with seafood and a flour-based batter, then cooks everything in a pan until the outside develops crisp edges while the center stays tender. Korea Tourism Organization describes haemul pajeon as a pancake made with ingredients such as green onions, squid, shrimp, and mussels, commonly served with a soy-based dipping sauce. It is especially good for sharing, making it an easy Korean dish to order when traveling with friends. Here is what to know before trying haemul pajeon in Korea. 1. What Is Haemul Pajeon? The name is easier to ...

If you are visiting Korea during Chuseok, wearing a hanbok (한복) can be one of the most memorable ways to experience the holiday. Hanbok is Korea’s traditional clothing. Koreans do not normally wear it in everyday life today, but you can still see hanbok at traditional holidays, weddings, first-birthday celebrations, cultural events, and historical attractions. For international travelers, Seoul makes trying hanbok surprisingly easy. Rental shops are concentrated around major royal palaces, especially Gyeongbokgung, and many are used to helping visitors who speak little or no Korean. In 2026, Chuseok Day falls on Friday, September 25 , and the official holiday runs from September 24 to September 26 . Here is what first-time visitors should know about choosing a hanbok, renting one, visiting a royal palace, taking photos, and staying comfortable during a Chuseok trip. 1. What Is Hanbok and What Should First-Time Visitors Know? When many travelers imagine hanbok, they picture a ...

If you are spending Chuseok in Korea, learning just one or two Korean holiday greetings can make everyday interactions feel much warmer. Chuseok (추석) is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. Families often get together, share food, and spend time with relatives. In 2026, Chuseok Day falls on Friday, September 25 , and the official holiday runs from September 24 to September 26 . There is one thing that often confuses Korean learners. You might expect “Happy Chuseok!” to translate directly as “Chuseok chukhahaeyo” , or “Congratulations on Chuseok.” Koreans would understand what you mean, but that is not the most natural everyday greeting. Instead, Koreans are much more likely to say something like: 즐거운 추석 보내세요. Jeulgeoun Chuseok bonaeseyo. “Have a happy Chuseok.” Or simply: 추석 잘 보내세요. Chuseok jal bonaeseyo. “Have a good Chuseok.” Here are the easiest and most useful Korean Chuseok greetings for travelers, expats, students, and anyone interested in Korean culture. 1. T...

Chuseok is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. It falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar and is usually a time for family gatherings, shared meals, and remembering ancestors. Chuseok is often described in English as “Korean Thanksgiving.” That comparison is useful as a quick introduction, but the two holidays do not have exactly the same history or customs. Korean families also celebrate Chuseok in different ways. Some hold an ancestral memorial ritual called charye , while others keep the holiday simple with a family meal, a short trip, or a visit to relatives. For an international visitor, the most respectful and practical way to experience Chuseok is through public cultural spaces, seasonal food, traditional games, and Seoul’s historic neighborhoods. This one-day Seoul itinerary combines a royal palace, Korean holiday food, hands-on culture, and a traditional market. 1. Before You Go: Chuseok Dates, Closures, and Travel Tips...

If you spend Chuseok in Korea, you will probably come across another word that seems to appear everywhere around the holiday: Hangawi (한가위) . Koreans may say “Chuseok” in one conversation and “Hangawi” in another. Holiday cards and advertisements often use phrases such as 풍성한 한가위 보내세요 , while friends may simply say 추석 잘 보내세요 . So are Chuseok and Hangawi two different holidays? No. Hangawi is another traditional Korean name for Chuseok. Chuseok is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. In 2026, Chuseok Day falls on Friday, September 25 , with the official holiday running from September 24 to September 26 . But why does one Korean holiday have so many names, including Hangawi, Gawi, Gabae, and Jungchujeol? Here is an easy guide to what those names mean, what historical records actually tell us, and how foreigners can use the word Hangawi naturally in Korea today. 1. What Does Hangawi Mean? Hangawi (한가위) is a traditional Korean name for Chuseok th...

If you visit Korea in early fall, you may hear the word Chuseok (추석) everywhere. Train tickets sell out, families travel across the country, supermarkets fill with gift sets, and rice cake shops display colorful trays of songpyeon. Chuseok is often introduced in English as “Korean Thanksgiving.” That comparison is useful, but the two holidays are not exactly the same. Chuseok has its own history, foods, family customs, and traditions rooted in Korean culture. At its heart, Chuseok is about family, the autumn harvest, sharing food, and remembering ancestors. For travelers and foreigners living in Korea, it is also one of the best times to see a side of Korean culture that is easy to miss during an ordinary week. In 2026, Chuseok Day falls on Friday, September 25 , with the official holiday running from September 24 to September 26 . 1. What Is Chuseok and Why Is It Important in Korea? Chuseok is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. It is celebrated on the 15th day...