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VIDEO Inside Korea’s baseball craze: A party of cheering, grilling and fun

When you think of baseball stadium food, what comes to mind? Hot dogs? Nachos? Maybe a plastic cup of beer and some peanuts? Forget all that. In Korea, a baseball game is as much about the food as it is about the sport — and maybe even more. To see what makes Korean stadium culture so special, Howdy Korea host Yasmin headed to Incheon’s SSG Landers Field with In-soo, a longtime fan of the Landers baseball team. What unfolded was a full-blown cultural festival, complete with sizzling grills, overflowing platters, team chants and the kind of culinary surprises that have to be seen — and tasted — to be believed. Welcome to the baseball BBQ zone The adventure begins with disbelief. “Wait … people are grilling meat here?” Yasmin exclaims, stunned by the sight of fans huddled around actual barbecues in the stands. This isn’t just a snack stand situation. Korean baseball stadiums have designated “BBQ Zones,” where fans can rent gas stoves, pans and tongs to grill their own dakgalbi (spicy chicken), samgyeopsal (pork belly) and more — all while cheering on their team. “It

May 27, 2025By RO EUNCHAN
[VIDEO] Inside Korea’s baseball craze: A party of cheering, grilling and fun

VIDEO What can a Korean face reader see in a foreigner’s face?

Interest in Eastern face reading has surged among Korea’s younger generation, fueled by a growing sense of uncertainty about the future. To explore this cultural phenomenon, Howdy Korea host Yasmin visited Kim Min-jung, a face-reading expert with 35 years of experience. Face reading, known in Korean as gwansang, is an ancient East Asian belief that one’s destiny can be revealed through facial features and expressions. In Korea, the practice dates back to ancient times. It remains relevant in popular culture and everyday conversations. For the first part of the session, Kim did a blind reading of a photo featuring an American man, Luigi Mangione. Mangione made global headlines in late 2024 after being charged with fatally shooting former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the United States. Describing the health care system as “parasitic,” Mangione framed the act as a symbolic protest. While some viewed him as a rebel challenging medical capitalism, others condemned him as a criminal. He now faces federal and state-level charges, with a potential death sentence if convicted. B

May 16, 2025By RO EUNCHAN
[VIDEO] What can a Korean face reader see in a foreigner’s face?

VIDEO Why travelers to Korea shouldn’t skip a trip to Daiso

In Korea, $100 can go a long way, especially if you spend it at Daiso. The Howdy Korea team recently took on a $100 beauty shopping challenge at Daiso, the country’s beloved ultra-budget chain. The goal? To see just how many beauty items could be bought at what is essentially Korea’s version of a dollar store. The result: a staggering 42 items for just $105. Daiso operates under a six-tier fixed-price model, offering over 30,000 items ranging from stationery and household goods to cosmetics and tools. Every product falls into one of six price categories: 500 won, 1,000 won, 1,500 won, 2,000 won, 3,000 won, or 5,000 won — making the store a one-stop shop for bargain hunters. The brand proudly positions itself as the “nation's store,” and many Koreans would agree. And it’s not just a cultural fixture — it’s also a commercial powerhouse. In 2024, Daiso surpassed 4 trillion won in annual revenue, up from 3.46 trillion won the previous year. Its rise in popularity can be traced to three key factors: ownership identity, favorable timing (amid Korea’s sluggish economy) and pr

May 9, 2025By Seungeun Yu
[VIDEO] Why travelers to Korea shouldn’t skip a trip to Daiso

VIDEO A day with a K-pop star's makeup artist

"I feel like an idol!" Howdy Korea's host, Yasmin, exclaims her voice expressing disbelief as she catches her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks are flushed with a soft cream blush, her lips shine with gloss and highlighter, and her hair is styled in polished twin braids — a look she hasn’t worn since childhood. It’s a moment of surprise and delight, captured during her visit to Soonsoo, one of Seoul’s most sought-after makeup salons. The salon in the middle of Chungdam-dong isn’t just any neighborhood beauty parlor. It’s a high-profile destination known to have served K-pop stars like Apink, IVE and Red Velvet’s Joy, as well as actors like Byun Yohan and rappers like Zico. At the helm is Jung-an, a seasoned makeup artist who has long worked behind the scenes for some of Korea’s biggest celebrities. When Yasmin requested a look inspired by BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Jung-an not only agreed but thoughtfully broke down Rosé’s signature aesthetic to tailor it to Yasmin’s features. Yasmin is not an anomaly: Her visit reflects a broader shift. An increasing number of foreig

Apr 16, 2025By Seungeun Yu
[VIDEO] A day with a K-pop star's makeup artist

VIDEO The real reason foreigners can't leave Korea

Why do some foreigners not just visit, but stay in Korea for years, even for life? In this episode of HASHTALK, long-term residents reveal why, despite the challenges, they now call Korea home. Meet the panel: Janine, a Ph.D. student from the Philippines who’s been here eight years; Yasmin, an Egyptian content creator living in Korea for 10; Terris, an American actor with 13 years of experience; and Anna, a Korean beauty creator who spent time in London and sees the country with a fresh lens. For Janine and Terris, Korea was where adulthood began, a place to live independently, build a career and grow. Yasmin emphasizes the everyday safety she feels as a woman. Anna reflects on the deep-rooted societal norms she came back to, including strict age hierarchy. What keeps them here? Safety, convenience and efficiency. From next-day delivery and 24/7 services to accessible health care and top-tier public transport, Korea runs fast and smooth. “Once you’ve lived here, it’s hard to adjust elsewhere,” Janine says. Anna agrees, noting how infrastructure and skin care services in Korea ou

Apr 3, 2025By Do Hien Thaovideo
[VIDEO] The real reason foreigners can't leave Korea

VIDEO Why matchmaking agencies are thriving in Korea

"They say we're the Sam-po Generation/ Some even say O-po Generation/ But since I like beef jerky (Yukpo)/ I'll be the Yuk-po Generation." These playful lyrics from BTS' 2015 hit "Dope" capture a growing sentiment among young Koreans: the increasing distance from traditional life milestones like dating, marriage and homeownership. The so-called “Sam-po Generation”— Sampo meaning "three give-ups," referring to those who have given up on dating, marriage and childbirth — has evolved into even more resigned labels like “O-po” (five give-ups) and “N-po” (giving up on a yet-to-be determined number of things) reflecting deepening disillusionment with the current societal landscape. With economic pressures mounting and personal priorities shifting, Korea’s marriage rate has steadily declined. According to Statistics Korea, the marriage rate fell from 5.9 per 1,000 people in 2015 to 4.4 in 2024, a sign that marriage is no longer the societal norm it once was. Given this shift, one might expect the matchmaking industry to struggle. Yet, the opposite is happening. Matchmaking ag

Mar 21, 2025By Seungeun Yu
[VIDEO] Why matchmaking agencies are thriving in Korea

VIDEO Are tourists still being scammed in Korea? We went to find out

Korea, renowned for its vibrant culture, technology and bustling urban life, has become a popular destination for international travelers. However, like any tourist hotspot, it faces its fair share of issues. Some visitors report being scammed almost immediately upon arrival, with taxi drivers charging exorbitant fares to those unfamiliar with local rates. Others recount experiences in popular tourist areas and markets, such as Hongdae, Gwangjang Market or Dongdaemun, where vendors frequently inflate prices for non-Korean speakers. To put these claims to the test, the Howdy Korea team conducted an experiment: What would happen if a foreigner, pretending not to speak any Korean, navigated certain everyday interactions? Our first stop was Incheon International Airport, often hailed as the pride of Korea. Ranked as the third-best airport in the world by SKYTRAX, it boasts world-class amenities and efficient services. However, some travelers claim that getting from the airport to Seoul can be a scam-ridden ordeal, particularly when dealing with taxi drivers. To investigate, Howdy Korea host

Mar 6, 2025By Seungeun Yu
[VIDEO] Are tourists still being scammed in Korea? We went to find out

VIDEO A day spent with a Korean shaman

In recent years, the demand for fortune-telling services has surged. According to Shinhan Bank, Koreans’ spending on fortune readings has increased by 13 percent in the past year. This rise suggests that in uncertain times, more people are turning to spiritual guidance for reassurance. Shamanism in Korea dates back to the earliest days of the peninsula’s history. The roots of Mu can be traced to Gojoseon, Korea’s first recorded dynasty. Its legendary founder, Dangun, is believed to have been the first shaman. While not all Koreans actively practice shamanism, its influence is deeply ingrained in the culture. Many seek guidance from shamans, also known as manshin or mudang, for major life decisions — from business ventures to relationships. Even corporate leaders, including those from Korea’s powerful chaebol conglomerates, have been known to consult shamans before making critical moves. Individuals visit them to ask whether they should move abroad, how their exam results will turn out or even if a romantic partner is the right match. Curious about the enduring relevance of thi

Feb 11, 2025By Seungeun Yu
[VIDEO] A day spent with a Korean shaman
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