A Cup of Korea

  Image source: Pixabay There’s something about kimbap that just feels like home. Some people call it "Korean sushi," but honestly, that doesn't feel right to most Koreans. Kimbap is its own thing—flavorful, comforting, and endlessly customizable. I’ve enjoyed kimbap in so many ways—at school picnics, on road trips, as a quick breakfast, or even just because I had leftover rice in the fridge. It’s one of those foods that feels both special and everyday.

  These days, it’s not so surprising to see Korean food on the shelves at Costco — but it still makes me smile every time. From frozen dumplings to banana milk, here’s a roundup of popular Korean products you can find at many Costco locations in the U.S.

  Image source: Pixabay Every summer, I find myself craving one particular dish— naengmyeon , or Korean cold noodles. There’s just something about slurping up icy noodles that makes the heat a little more bearable. 😅 Growing up, naengmyeon always meant two choices : ❄️ Mul-naengmyeon (물냉면) – the cold broth version 🔥 Bibim-naengmyeon (비빔냉면) – the spicy mixed version

🍧 Bingsu Memories: Making Korean Shaved Ice at Home As soon as the weather turns warm, I start thinking about bingsu — Korea’s answer to ice cream. I still remember hot summer days growing up, when we didn’t have fancy ice machines. My mom would wrap ice in a clean kitchen towel and smash it with a hammer. The ice wasn’t perfect, but the joy definitely was. Here’s a look at one of my favorite patbingsu styles — topped with sweet red beans, sliced almonds, chewy mochi, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a classic, and I never get tired of it.                                

No, it’s not pottery display.   This is how our grandmas stored kimchi—before  “Kimchi Fridge” became a thing. When my American friends hear the word kimchi , their reaction is almost always the same: “Oh, I tried that once. It was super spicy... and really red.” I usually smile and say, “Well, that’s just one kind of kimchi.” Kimchi isn’t one single dish—it’s a whole category of food. And the best part? Not all of it is spicy. Some are tangy, others are sweet, and many are just… comforting. As someone who grew up in a Korean home and now lives in the U.S., I keep kimchi in my fridge year-round. Actually, I have a fridge just for it—but I’ll get to that later.

 It’s hard to explain what Korea felt like when I was a student in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It wasn’t just a different time—it was a different world. Life moved slower. Days were simpler. And though I've lived most of my life in the U.S., those memories are still vivid.

  I remember watching a Korean drama with a friend here in the U.S. We laughed, teared up, paused every five minutes to talk about the characters… and by the end, my friend said, “That was different. But I really liked it.” They couldn’t exactly explain why it felt different, but I think I can. I’ve watched a lot of K-dramas over the years (some more than once!), and here’s what I’ve noticed—and why I think so many people here in the U.S. are loving them, too.

  🥣 Top Korean Comfort Foods — And Why They Matter So Much to Us Have you ever had a bite of something that instantly made you feel safe? For me, that’s what Korean comfort food does. It doesn’t just fill your stomach—it fills your heart. Growing up in a Korean household, comfort food wasn’t just “what we ate when we were hungry.” It was what came out when we were tired, sick, homesick, or just needed a little emotional hug. Let me take you through a few dishes that, to this day, bring me the most comfort—and share a little bit about what they mean in Korean culture.

  Have you ever bowed to someone? 🤔 When I first moved to the U.S., I noticed that while Americans shake hands or simply say “hi,” Koreans often bow — even when just passing by an older neighbor or a teacher. It’s so natural for us that we don’t even think twice. But when my American friends asked me, “Why do Koreans always bow?” I realized it’s actually a fascinating tradition worth sharing.

  Getting into K-Beauty can feel a little overwhelming at first—there are so many products, steps, and advice out there! But don’t worry. You really don’t need to know everything from day one. Here are some simple tips I’ve picked up that can help beginners start a skincare routine that actually works (without the stress!).

  K-Beauty is always evolving, and while I’m not a beauty expert, I’ve noticed some exciting trends that are really popular in Korea and among American shoppers this year. Here are the top 10 Korean beauty products that people are loving right now!

  “Would you like to come to my barbecue this weekend?” “Oh... that sounds great! I’ll try, but I might be busy.” If you’ve ever heard something like this from a Korean friend, you might have wondered why they didn’t just say no if they couldn’t come. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common cultural differences between Korean and American communication styles.

  Why Koreans Value Age and Hierarchy | Social Norms vs American Culture  In Korea, age isn’t just a number - it’s a roadmap for how people interact in almost every social setting. If you’ve ever visited Korea or watched a Korean drama, you might have noticed how often people ask, “How old are you?” It might seem unusual to Americans, but there’s a deep cultural reason behind it.

  Image source: Pexels Why Koreans Take Off Shoes Indoors (And Why Americans Find It Surprising) In many Korean homes, it’s second nature to remove shoes before stepping inside. This simple act is more than just a habit — it’s a reflection of deeper cultural values centered on cleanliness, respect, and the boundary between the outside world and personal space.

Image source: Pixabay As a Korean-American living in Michigan, my busy lifestyle often leaves little time for cooking elaborate meals. Still, I crave the comforting flavors of Korean food that remind me of home. Luckily, many beloved Korean dishes can be simplified without sacrificing their delicious taste. In this post, I’ll introduce three easy Korean recipes perfect for busy days. Plus, you’ll find step-by-step instructions that even beginners can follow!