TourKorea365

Have you ever noticed large, round stone basins placed near the entrances of these palaces? These are called  "Deumu" (드므) , and they are more than just decorative water containers. 🏺 What is a Deumu? (드므) A  Deumu  is a large, round stone or ceramic water basin traditionally placed at the entrances of Korean palaces and noble residences. At first glance, it might seem like a simple water container, but its purpose is deeply rooted in Korean beliefs and practices. 🔥 Fire Prevention and Symbolism In ancient Korea, where buildings were primarily constructed of wood, fire was a constant threat. The Deumu served a practical purpose: it was filled with water to be readily available in case of fire. However, beyond its practical use, the Deumu held symbolic meaning. Water, in Korean culture, is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. By placing a Deumu filled with water at the entrance, it was thought to protect the building from both physical fires and male...

Ever walked past a seafood section and thought, "What is all this?" If you've been to a Korean market or restaurant, chances are you've come across unfamiliar seafood names like gajami , gaebul , or seop . Don't worry — in this post, you'll get a complete and simple breakdown of Korean seafood names, their English translations, and how they’re commonly used. Whether you’re a curious foodie or just want to know what you’re ordering, this guide is for you. 🐟 Fish (생선류) Korean Name English Name Description 가자미 (Gajami) Flounder Flat, delicate flesh, great grilled or in stews 넙치 (Neobchi) Halibut Large flatfish, firm white meat 광어 (Gwang-eo) Olive Flounder Most common sashimi fish in Korea 고등어 (Godeungeo) Mackerel Oily and rich flavor, usually grilled 갈치 (Galchi) Hairtail Long and shiny, often braised 연어 (Yeoneo) Salmon Fatty and bold, eaten raw or grilled 참치 (Chamchi) Tuna Served raw or cooked, versatile 명태 (Myeongtae) Alaska Pollock Used fresh, dried, or ferm...

 If you ever visit Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, you might come across a beautiful path lined with an old stone wall. It's quiet, peaceful, and romantic — the perfect place for a couple’s stroll, right? Well... not exactly. There’s a famous Korean superstition that says: "Couples who walk along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Road will break up." Surprising, right? This belief didn’t come from thin air. Back in the day, the Seoul Family Court was located along this road. Many couples on their way to get divorced would walk down this exact path. Over time, people began to associate the road with breakups, and the legend was born. Today, even though the court is no longer there, the superstition still lingers. Some couples avoid the road entirely, just to be safe. Others walk it on purpose — almost as a test of their love! But let’s be honest: when autumn comes and the leaves start to fall, it’s hard to resist this stunning walkway. The crunch of the leaves under your feet, the...

Let me tell you where the phrase “Heungcheong Mangcheong” (흥청망청) comes from. This expression was born during the reign of Yeonsan-gun , the 10th king of the Joseon Dynasty, who ruled from 1494 to 1506 . He was one of the most famous tyrants in Korean history. Yeonsan-gun loved pleasure more than politics. He often held huge parties at places like Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace. For these parties, he brought in over 1,000 entertainers , especially a group of women known as “Heungcheong” . They were singers, dancers, and performers whose only job was to entertain the king. He spent a crazy amount of money on these events—food, music, wine, clothes, decorations. There were more than 80 kinds of royal dishes on the table, including rare meats and exotic foods. These feasts sometimes went on for days . Now, here’s the important part: The name “Heungcheong” (흥청) comes from the entertainers he invited. The word “Mangcheong” (망청) was added later to rhyme with it, and i...

🚖 Taxi Fares and Surcharges Seoul Base Fare : ₩4,800 for the first 1.6 km. Distance Fare : ₩100 per 131 meters. Time Fare : ₩100 per 30 seconds when moving below 15.72 km/h. Night Surcharge : 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM & 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM: 20% increase. 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM: 40% increase. Out-of-City Surcharge : 20% for trips beyond city limits. Maximum Combined Surcharge : Up to 60% when multiple surcharges apply. Busan Base Fare : ₩4,800 for the first 2 km. Distance Fare : ₩100 per 132 meters. Time Fare : ₩100 per 33 seconds. Night Surcharge : 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM & 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM: 20% increase. 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM: 30% increase. Out-of-City Surcharge : 30% for trips beyond city limits. Maximum Combined Surcharge : Up to 40% when multiple surcharges apply. Note : Night surcharges are implemented to compensate drivers for working during less desirable hours and to ensure availability during peak night times. 🚇 Subway Fare...

You might think elections are boring, but trust me— in Korea, elections are intense, dramatic, and deeply meaningful . Every vote here feels like a fight for the future, and given Korea’s past with dictatorship and martial law, people really treasure their right to vote. 🗳️ Who can vote? Who can run? Let’s start with the basics. Every Korean citizen age 18 and over can vote. For most elections, anyone age 25 or older can run for office. Korean citizens living abroad can also vote in major elections at embassies! Voting is not compulsory in Korea, but turnout is often high, especially in presidential elections—people care deeply about leadership here. 🧭 Types of Elections in Korea There are four main types of elections: Presidential Elections (대통령 선거) Held every 5 years The president is elected directly by the people No re-election allowed. One term only! This is the biggest political event in Korea, like the Super Bowl of politics! National ...