In 2000, one song would forever alter the course of Korean pop music. At the time, J.Y. Park was an emerging producer, fresh off the success of g.o.d, a group he had carefully crafted into a national sensation. With their emotional storytelling and melodic hooks, he had begun to define his signature style. But producing…
Korean Everyday Icons #1 Binggrae’s Banana Flavored Milk has been a staple in Korean households for over 50 years, first introduced in June 1974 to encourage milk consumption at a time when dairy was unfamiliar to many Koreans. Bananas were an import-restricted luxury, making the banana-flavored milk an instant hit, offering both a new taste…
하회 마을과 고즈넉함에 대하여 There’s a word in Korean—고즈넉함 (goznokahm)—that doesn’t quite translate into English. It’s a kind of peaceful stillness, one that feels full rather than empty. Quiet, but rich with meaning. It’s the kind of silence where time slows. A hanok’s wooden floors creaking in the afternoon sun. The distant sound of wind…
Where History Meets Modernity: Exploring Daegu’s Hidden Depths What began as an inspirational meeting with an artist breathing new life into traditional Korean textiles — ramie (모시) and hemp (삼베) — for modern wardrobes unfolded into a journey of discovery through Daegu’s layered identity. Daegu, the fourth-largest city in Korea and the capital of North Gyeongsang Province,…
A quiet introduction to the person behind The Kosmosis Q: Who are you? A: I go by Seoul Goodman—a pen name, a state of mind, and maybe a quiet commitment to where I’m from. I’m a cultural storyteller focused on portraying Korea in ways that are emotionally honest, visually layered, and globally resonant. Q: Why…
When I think about the most authentic Korean streetscape, it’s not the sleek landmarks designed by world-renowned architects, nor the hanoks, which, while cherished, are few in number. It’s the villas—the low-rise, multi-family buildings that have shaped Seoul’s residential fabric since the 1970s. Unlike high-rise apartment complexes, which feel closed off from the streets, villas…
From the Silver Screen to Printing Presses: The Evolution of Korea’s Creative Heart In the 1950s and 60s, Chungmuro naturally became Korea’s film hub. Movie studios needed promotional materials — posters, scripts, brochures — and the print shops were already here, ready to meet the demand. This symbiotic relationship between filmmakers and printers gave birth…
The history of art galleries in Korea is a fascinating journey that reflects the country’s cultural development and its complex relationship with both traditional and modern art forms. Early Beginnings Prior to the 20th century, Korea didn’t have formal art galleries as we know them today. Art was primarily displayed in palaces, temples, and the…
Over a Decade After ‘Gangnam Style’: What Do We Really Know About Seoul’s Most Famous Neighborhood? After Psy’s global hit “Gangnam Style”, the name “Gangnam” became synonymous with opulence, extravagance, and fun. It’s probably Seoul’s most famous neighborhood, instantly recognizable to people who’ve never set foot in Korea. But every time I think about visitors who…
Experience Seoul’s urban oasis through words and images. Swipe to explore the park’s many moods, from lively paths to peaceful nooks, captured in both pictures and poetry. In the Shades of Han River Park Where the city’s heart beats green, And shade holds serenity’s grace, Enjoy Hangang with a friend, Or find your own quiet…