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Why Do Koreans Eat Pajeon and Makgeolli When It Rains? – The Story Behind Korea's Rainy-Day Tradition

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Pajeon and Makgeolli on Rainy Days Rain once gave farmers a natural break from working in the fields. Jeon could be made easily with grain flour and vegetables already available at home. Makgeolli was a familiar traditional drink closely connected to farming life. The crisp, savory taste of pajeon pairs well with cold, lightly tangy makgeolli. The sizzling sound of jeon is often compared to the sound of falling rain. Freshly cooked Korean pajeon served with makgeolli, a classic pairing many Koreans enjoy on rainy days. Whenever it rains, the smell of Korean pancakes cooking in oil drifts through our quiet neighborhood of detached houses. I can never tell which home it is coming from, but on rainy days, the savory aroma of jeon somehow seems to travel between the houses. As soon as raindrops begin tapping against the window, you may hear someone in Korea say: “Should we have pajeon today?” For many Koreans, rainy weather naturally brings pajeon and m...
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What Is Jangma? – Understanding Korea's Summer Rainy Season

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Korean Jangma at a Glance Jangma (Korea's summer rainy season) is Korea's seasonal rainy period that arrives in early summer. It usually begins between late June and July and lasts for several weeks. Many first-time visitors imagine constant rain throughout the season, but that's not actually how Jangma works. Some days bring heavy rainfall, while others are surprisingly sunny, and sudden downpours can quickly give way to clear skies. As summer approaches, it's common to hear Koreans ask, "When will Jangma begin?" People start checking the weather forecast more often, carrying umbrellas, and making indoor plans whenever rain is expected. Jangma is more than just a period of frequent rain. It shapes everyday life, influences travel plans, and marks the beginning of Korea's hot and humid summer. Raindrops on a window during Korea's Jangma season. What Is Jangma? Jangma (Korea's summer rainy season) is a seaso...
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Why Are Korean Parents So Careful When Choosing a Daycare? – A Child's First Step into Society

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Korean Daycare at a Glance Korean parents see daycare as much more than a place for childcare. Children spend their first days away from home and begin learning social skills there. Many daycare centers offer forest programs, music, art, sports, and hands-on activities. Parents often value caring teachers and communication more than impressive facilities. Daycare in Korea has also been changing as the country's birth rate continues to decline. A child's first day at a Korean daycare is often filled with excitement, hope, and a few nervous feelings—for both the child and the parents. The first day a child goes to daycare may be even more nerve-racking for the parents than for the child. I still remember the day my oldest son went to daycare for the very first time. It was the first time he would spend an entire day away from our family, and I couldn't stop wondering whether he would be happy, make friends, or feel safe. Like many Korean parents,...
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Why Do Koreans Wear Red for Soccer? – Inside Korea's Unique Soccer Cheering Culture

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Korean soccer cheering culture at a glance People wear red to support the national team. Street cheering became iconic after the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Even those who rarely watch soccer join the celebration. Anyone can participate by shouting "Dae-han-min-guk!" Korean soccer cheering culture is much more than simply watching a soccer match. On days when our national team plays, you’ll see streets and plazas filled with people wearing bright red shirts, all chanting "Dae-han-min-guk!" in unison. This vibrant culture really took off during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and it has since become one of Korea’s most iconic traditions. Why Are National Team Matches So Special in Korea? When the national team plays, the vibe in Korea completely shifts. You’ll see friends hanging out at pubs, and chicken delivery shops become the busiest places in the country! Honestly, you have to order your fried chicken hours in advance or just pick it up yourself—otherwise, ...
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Why Do Koreans Celebrate Boknal? Korean Summer Traditions, Samgyetang, and Health

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Boknal (복날) is a traditional Korean summer custom centered around the three hottest days of the year. Known collectively as Sambok (삼복, 三伏) , these days have long been associated with eating nourishing foods such as samgyetang , chicken soup, eel, and loach soup to restore energy during the hottest part of summer. Although Boknal is not a public holiday, it remains a familiar seasonal tradition that can still be seen in Korean restaurants, supermarkets, workplaces, and family gatherings every summer. What Is Boknal? Understanding Korea's Three Hottest Days If you visit Korea in the middle of summer, you'll probably hear people say, "Today is Chobok." For Koreans, it's a familiar phrase that signals the arrival of the hottest season. For many visitors, however, it raises an interesting question: Why do the hottest days of the year have special names, and why does everyone suddenly start talking about food? Boknal (복날) refers to three specific summer...
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What Jobs Do Korean Parents Want for Their Children? – From Doctors to YouTubers

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For many years, Korean parents have tended to admire careers that offer expertise, public trust, and long-term stability, such as doctors, teachers, and civil servants. However, career expectations in Korea are gradually changing. Today, jobs like software developer, researcher, creator, and athlete are gaining attention alongside more traditional professions. These changing views reflect both Korea's long-standing emphasis on education and the experiences of parents who grew up during times of economic uncertainty. From Doljabi to Career Dreams In my previous post, I introduced doljabi , one of the most famous traditions in a Korean first-birthday celebration. During a doljabi ceremony, various objects are placed in front of a one-year-old child, and family members watch to see which one the baby picks up. Traditionally, the objects included things like thread, a writing brush, rice, or money. Today, many families also add modern items such as a stethoscope, a judge...
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Why Do Koreans Celebrate a Baby’s First Birthday? Inside a Traditional Doljanchi

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Doljanchi (돌잔치) is a traditional Korean celebration held on a baby's first birthday. In the past, many children did not survive infancy, so reaching the age of one was considered a major blessing. Today, Korean families still celebrate this milestone with traditions such as a decorated birthday table, the famous Doljabi ceremony, and gatherings filled with hopes for a child's healthy future. What Is Doljanchi? In Korea, a baby's first birthday is called dol , and the celebration held on that day is known as Doljanchi . According to historical records, a child's first birthday was not viewed as just another birthday. It marked an important turning point in life—a moment when a child had safely passed the most fragile stage of infancy. In many ways, it symbolized a child's first step into society. Doljanchi celebrates a baby's healthy growth during the first year and expresses hopes for a bright future. Today, celebrations may take place in ho...
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