Learn Korean with News: Neighborhood Culture Connecting Through Second-hand Apps Hello, Korean learners! It's Soona. Have you ever bought or sold something used? In Korea, trading second-hand items isn't just about saving money anymore; it has become a whole new way to connect with your neighbors! If you live in Korea, you've definitely heard of '당근마켓' (Daangn Market), a neighborhood-based app that has completely transformed local communities. Nowadays, people don't just sell

Learn Korean with News: K-Fashion Slang 'Kku-an-kku' vs 'Kku-kku-kku' Hello, Korean learners! It's Soona. When it comes to K-fashion and beauty, striking the right balance is everything. Have you ever looked at a K-pop idol’s airport fashion and thought, "They look so effortlessly chic, yet I know they put so much effort into it!"? In Korea, we have a specific slang for this exact vibe: '꾸안꾸' (Kku-an-kku). On the flip side, when someone is dressed to the nines—perfectly style

Learn Korean with News: Seoul's Hidden Shantytowns & Moon Villages Hello, Korean learners! It's Soona. Have you ever heard of 'Daldongne' (달동네), also known as Moon Villages, in Korea? Right amidst the glamorous, glittering skyscrapers of Seoul, there are hidden neighborhoods that tell a very different story of the city. Places like Guryong Village in Gangnam serve as a stark reminder of the scars left behind by Korea's rapid economic growth in the 1980s. While many of these s

Learn Korean with News: Beating the Monsoon Season & Rainy Day Culture Hello, Korean learners! It's Soona. Have you ever heard the term 'Jangma' (장마) in Korea? As the summer approaches, the month-long monsoon season brings unique changes to Korean daily life. While some enjoy the rainy weather by eating crispy Pajeon with Makgeolli, others find it challenging to deal with the high humidity and sticky heat. It's a season where Koreans adapt their lifestyles, from searching for

Learn Korean with News: The 'Cat Mom' Debate & Coexisting with Stray Cats Hello, Korean learners! It's Soona. Have you ever heard the term 'Cat Mom' (캣맘) in Korea? As the number of people caring for stray cats grows, a heated debate has sparked in many Korean neighborhoods. While some passionately advocate for animal rights and peacefully coexisting with our feline friends, others raise complaints about noise, torn trash bags, and hygiene issues in residential areas. It's a

Learn Korean with News: Korea's 'Beggar Map' & Extreme Saving Trend Hello, Korean learners! It's Soona. Have you noticed that prices for eating out are getting higher and higher everywhere? Korea is no exception. Due to high inflation, also known as 'Lunchflation' (런치플레이션), young Koreans have invented a very unique and humorous way to save money! Recently, 'Beggar Chat Rooms' (거지방) and 'Beggar Maps' (거지맵) have become a massive trend. In these anonymous chat rooms, people roas