coffee break

South Korea's Military Ranks 5th GloballyWhat’s Behind the Rise?October 1st is no ordinary day in South Korea. It’s Armed Forces Day, a moment to honor the dedication and sacrifice of those who protect the nation. Established in 1956 to commemorate the successful recapture of Seoul during the Korean War, this day celebrates the resilience and strength of the South Korean military. But this year,..

Asteroid 2024 RW1 Hits the Philippines: Are We Safe?In early September of this year, a small asteroid, 2024 RW1, plunged into the sea near the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It measured just about 1 meter across and burned up in a bright flash as it entered Earth’s atmosphere, like a spectacular light show in the sky. But here’s the thing: this asteroid was only detected 11 hours before it ..

I’ve been a huge fan of honey for over 10 years now. Back when work was super hectic, I’d grab a spoonful of honey every morning, right before rushing out the door. Later, I learned that honey contains prebiotics, which help probiotics reach your gut. So now, I always stir some into my yogurt. And whenever I feel like I’m coming down with a cold, honey is my go-to. Just last night, my throat was..

Imagine this: a gentle ocean breeze on your face, the rhythmic sound of waves, and a 4-year-old boy by your side, with his favorite book, “Ding-dong! Whale Encyclopedia,” tucked under his arm. He’s waiting, eyes wide with excitement, hoping to catch a glimpse of a whale appearing out of the blue. This is exactly what happened when my adorable nephew patiently waited by the sea with his book, hop..

Why the World Can’t Stop Dancing to the ‘Pikki Pikki’: A Global SensationThe 'Pikki Pikki Dance'! If you're a fan of Korean baseball, there's no way you haven't seen it. As someone who recently discovered it through a flurry of blogs and news articles, I was immediately intrigued. The quirky name caught my attention, and it turns out the dance has gotten so popular that The New York Times even d..

Interesting University Names in KoreaKorea is home to many universities, some with names that clearly give away their location or meaning, and others that are a bit more mysterious. Often, a university's name reflects a rich historical background or embodies the vision of its founder. Today, we're diving into some unique university names and the stories behind them. Let's explore the surprising ..

Lack of Sleep: The Price Our Brain Pays!How many hours do you sleep each night? Do you catch yourself thinking, "I’m busy, but 6 hours is enough, right?" Well, I used to think the same way, but now I want to shout, "Absolutely not!" Why? Recent studies are raising red flags about just how dangerous sleep deprivation can be, especially in its strong link to Alzheimer’s disease. So today, let’s ex..

How the Game Has ChangedI recently came across an article about the rise of 'App Dating' in South Korea, especially among young people, replacing the traditional 'Natural Dating' trend. It reminded me of my favorite American TV show, The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019), and the quirky couple, Sheldon and Amy. In the show, Sheldon, the socially awkward genius, gets set up with Amy through a dating ap..

I recently caught an interview with Jennifer Lee Ban, the owner of Rice Blossoms, during a Chuseok holiday feature on a Korean news channel. Curious about this unique dessert shop in New York, I decided to check out their website, and there it was: “Sorry, we are at full capacity and won’t be taking orders until 10/7.” The message spoke volumes about the growing popularity of Rice Blossoms. With..

Makgeolli ShakeThe Traditional Korean Drink Taking Over the WorldIf you're a fan of bold and unique flavors, there's a new craze sweeping across Korea and beyond—Makgeolli shakes! This refreshing fusion of the tangy, traditional Korean rice wine (makgeolli) and the creamy richness of milk is turning heads, especially among younger generations and those new to this iconic beverage. And it's not j..