Did you know that South Korea has twelve days each year that celebrate (or mourn over, in the case of Black Day) love? And three of them are in December!  While in Western cultures, people tend to associate Christmas with the birth of Jesus and time with family, most South Koreans perceive Christmas as a day for celebrating romance. In this article, you’ll learn about common South Korean traditions for Christmas, explore some of the most popular activities, and pick up some new vocabulary.  Ready? Let’s go.  1. A South Korean Christmas Like many countries, South Korea has its own version of 크리스마스 (keuriseumaseu), or "Christmas," celebrated each year on December 25. Christmas Day in South Korea has... Show more

Does rainy and overcast weather make you as depressed as it makes me? The rainy weather doesn’t do any favors for my morale, and its effect grows stronger with each day it continues raining… In South Korea, the rainy season is a several-week period during which the country experiences heavy rains and overall gloomy weather. In this article, you’ll learn all about the Korean rainy season, how to prepare for a trip to South Korea during this time, and some useful vocabulary. Let’s get started! 1. What is the Rainy Season? In South Korea, the rainy season is called 장마철 (jangmacheol), and it’s a several-week period during which the country experiences bouts of 폭우 (pogu), or "heavy rain." This is caused by a 장마전선... Show more

On Children’s Day, South Korea is alight with fun activities, lots of foot traffic, and smiling children. In this article, you’ll learn all about this festive Korean holiday and pick up some new vocabulary along the way. Let’s get started. 1. What is Children’s Day in Korea? Let’s begin with a little bit of Children’s Day history. In the past, people had little concern over children’s rights or their place in society, which led to many Koreans foregoing a happy childhood. The novelist Bang Jeong-hwan saw this, and sought to create positive change in children’s lives. Thus, he worked to put together several organizations to help improve children’s lives and promote their rights. These organizations include The Rainbow... Show more

In South Korea, Buddha’s Birthday is a major celebration dedicated to honoring the birth of Buddha, clearing one’s mind, and performing good deeds. In this article, you’ll learn all about Buddha’s Birthday celebration in South Korea, a little bit of the country’s religious background, and pick up some useful vocabulary. Let’s get started. 1. What is the Buddha’s Birthday? South Korea doesn’t have a national religion. South Korea contains a mix of different religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Catholicism. Buddhism does remain a very common religion here, and the Buddha’s Birthday is the most important Buddhist holiday. The Korean Buddha’s Birthday holiday is celebrated in honor of the day when Sakyamuni, or... Show more

On Independence Movement Day, Koreans commemorate those who sacrificed themselves for Korea’s freedom from Japan. They also celebrate that freedom and independence through a range of patriotic traditions. In this article, you’ll learn about the March 1 Movement, Korean celebrations for it today, and one of the most notable figures associated with Korea’s Independence Movement Day. Are you ready? Let’s get started. 1. What is Independence Movement Day in South Korea? If you grew up in the United States, you probably remember hearing about the Battle of Alamo in school. Well, did you know that in South Korea, Independence Movement Day commemorates a similar episode in Korean history? On March 1, 1919, underground... Show more