pickkkup

If you've ever worked in Korea or even visited for business, you might have heard of Hoesik (회식) . It's a company dinner (or sometimes lunch) where coworkers get together to eat, drink, and bond. Sounds fun, right? Well… it depends on who you ask! Some people love it, others dread it . Let’s dive into what makes Hoesik both a blessing and a curse, and how it has changed after COVID-19. The Good Side of Hoesik One of the best things about Hoesik is that it helps break the ice between coworkers . In Korean work culture, hierarchy can be pretty strict, so these gatherings provide a rare chance to talk casually with your boss or colleagues. People share personal stories, joke around, and build stronger relationships outside of the office setting. It can also be a great way to de-stress after work. With delicious food (think Korean BBQ, fried chicken, or seafood) and drinks flowing, it’s a moment to enjoy and relax with your team. Some even say Hoesik is where real teamwork s...

Hey there, future Korea traveler! 🇰🇷 You’ve probably heard about Korean BBQ & Soju and Chicken & Beer (a.k.a. Chimaek) —two legendary food combos that every Korean swears by. But do you know why these pairings are so special? And have you ever heard about Hoesik (회식), the Korean work dinner culture ? Well, sit back, grab a drink (preferably soju 😉), and let me introduce you to the delicious world of Korean food culture! 🍖 Korean BBQ & Soju: The Classic Power Duo Picture this: You walk into a Korean BBQ joint, and the smell of sizzling pork belly (삼겹살, samgyeopsal) fills the air. Your friend hands you a small green bottle of soju , and someone starts grilling the meat right in front of you. Congratulations! You’re experiencing peak Korean culture. 🔹 Why is BBQ always paired with soju? The smoky, juicy pork belly and the clean, sharp taste of soju are a match made in heaven. Trust me, it just works. Soju is also perfect for Korean-style toasts (“짠! - Chan!") ,...

If you’re visiting Korea, one of the best things you can do is dive into the world of Korean street food ! From spicy tteokbokki to crispy twigim, the flavors are incredible, and the experience itself is so much fun. Let’s explore some must-try treats! 1. Tteokbokki (떡볶이) This spicy, chewy rice cake dish is an absolute classic. The red sauce is made with gochujang (Korean chili paste), giving it a sweet and spicy kick. It’s usually served in a cup or a small tray—perfect for eating on the go!  2. Kimbap (김밥) Kimbap might look like sushi, but it has its own unique flavors. Made with rice, seaweed, and a variety of fillings like fish cake, egg, and pickled radish, this roll is a convenient and delicious snack. Many Koreans grew up grabbing a roll of kimbap from a school snack shop before heading to class or playing with friends. 3. Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers) Savory and satisfying, eomuk is a warm and comforting snack, especially during cold weather. These fish cakes are skewered and ...

Hey there, fellow travelers! If you’re planning a trip to Korea, there’s one big cultural difference you should know about— tipping doesn’t exist here!   Yep, you read that right. No tipping at restaurants, hotels, taxis, or even for tour guides. Really? No Tipping in Korea? I was born and raised in Korea, and when I traveled to nearly 20 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas in my twenties, tipping was one of the most awkward things for me. Since we don’t do it in Korea, I never knew how much to give or when! But here in Korea, people provide great service because they genuinely want you to have a good experience—not because they expect extra money. How to Pay at a Restaurant Since tipping isn’t a thing, the way you handle the bill at restaurants is also a bit different. When you're done eating, don’t sit around waiting for the waiter to bring the bill —because they won’t! Instead, just head to the counter to pay . Also, if you need a menu, want to order, or need someth...

Hey travel buddies! Remember my last post about taking the KTX to Busan ? Today, I'm excited to share another awesome way to reach Korea's beach paradise - by premium express bus! While it might take a bit longer than the KTX, you can travel in amazing comfort (think airplane business class vibes 😎). How to Book Your Bus Ticket Head to the KOBUS website ( https://www.kobus.co.kr/main.do ) or use their app. Here are some crucial tips: Choosing Your Terminal: Departure: Select "Seoul Gyeongbu" (recommended) or "Dongseoul" Pro tip: Don't choose "Central City" - it doesn't offer Busan routes! Arrival: Click "Busan" under the "Busan/Gyeongnam" tab Choosing Your Seat Class: Let me break down the options: Premium: The crème de la crème! Think business class seats that recline flat, with footrests and touch screens. Bonus perks include: Emergency stop button for extra rest stops(which is not provided in the oth...

Hey there, fellow travelers! Planning a trip to Busan? I've got you covered with this detailed guide on how to get from Seoul to Busan, specifically focusing on the KTX (Korea's high-speed rail) option today. Why Choose KTX?  The KTX is the fastest way to reach Busan, taking only about 2 hours and 30 minutes for direct routes. The standard fare is 59,800 KRW , but here's a money-saving tip: if you're flexible with time, you can find tickets in the 40,000 KRW range, and occasionally even around 30,000 KRW (though these super-budget options might take up to 6 hours). Stay tuned for my next post about the budget-friendly express bus option, which costs about half the price of KTX! How to Get Your KTX Tickets You have two options: buying at Seoul Station or booking online (recommended) . While you can purchase tickets at Seoul Station's 2nd floor ticket office, I strongly recommend booking through the Korail website or app to avoid the disappointment of sold-out tick...

Hey there! So you've finally landed in Korea - how exciting! I know that first day in a new country can feel a bit overwhelming, but don't worry. I'm here to walk you through everything you need to know to get your Korean adventure started on the right foot. First Things First: Getting Your Bearings You've just landed at Incheon International Airport, and you might be wondering, "Wait, isn't this supposed to be Seoul?" Well, here's the thing - Incheon Airport is actually on an island about 1-2 hours from central Seoul. I know, it sounds far, but trust me, getting to the city is easier than you might think! Korea has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, and experiencing it is part of the fun. Let's Get You Connected! Before anything else, let's get you connected to the internet and ready to navigate. Here's a little secret: forget Google Maps ! While in Korea, you'll want to use either Naver Maps or Kakao Map...