Dear Corea, Love Korea

Unlock the Secret to Silky Sweet Red Bean Paste: A Fuss-Free Homemade Recipe Ever wondered how those perfectly smooth, subtly sweet red bean pastes in your favorite mochi or pastries are made? Tired of store-bought versions that are just too sugary? Hey everyone! Today, I’m diving into one of my absolute favorite ingredients for Asian desserts: sweet red bean paste, or as we call it in Korea, pat anggeum (팥앙금). If you’ve ever had a delicious red bean bun, a perfectly chewy mochi, or a refreshing bowl of patbingsu (shaved ice with red beans), then you know the magic I'm talking about. For years, I just bought it from the store, but honestly, it was never quite right—too sweet, too gritty, or just lacking that homemade touch. That's why I decided to master my own version, and I'm so excited to share my fuss-free, no-sieving recipe with you! Table of Contents The Allure of Pat Anggeum: More Than Just a Sweet Treat Why Homemade Red Bean Paste? T...

An Exciting New Chapter: Welcome to Ethel's Culture Notes Ever feel like your world, once so beautifully defined, suddenly yearns for something more? Well, that's exactly how I've been feeling lately. Dear beloved readers, it’s Ethel here, and honestly, it’s with a mix of happy tears and buzzing excitement that I’m writing to you today. For years, this blog has been our cherished space, a vibrant community celebrating the wonders of Korean culture. Sharing my passion with each of you, watching our discussions bloom, it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, you know? Your enthusiasm, your insightful comments, and your sheer joy in exploring culture alongside me—it’s truly ignited a new spark. And that spark, my friends, has inspired me to expand my horizons beyond what I ever imagined. That's why I'm so thrilled to announce the birth of my new blog: Ethel’s Culture Notes! Description: "A smiling woman in her 40s, Ethel, sitting at a rustic wooden desk, ...

IOPE PDRN Caffeine Shot Serum: The Viral 'Filler in a Bottle' Everyone's Talking About Are you constantly scrolling through TikTok, wishing you could achieve that lifted, firm skin without having to book an appointment for injectables? What if I told you there’s a serum dubbed 'Botox in a bottle' that could be your answer? Let me tell you, when a skincare product goes truly viral on social media, especially in the K-beauty world, my ears perk up. And lately, it’s been impossible to ignore the buzz around IOPE’s PDRN Caffeine Shot Serum. From beauty influencers to everyday skincare enthusiasts, everyone is raving about its anti-aging benefits, claiming it delivers noticeable lifting and firming effects. I've been skeptical about 'miracle in a bottle' claims, but this one has genuinely caught my attention. Today, we're diving deep into what makes this serum a phenomenon and whether it truly lives up to the hype. 목차 What Makes...

Unveiling Korean Buddhism: Meditation, Monasteries, and Paths to Enlightenment Ever wondered about the profound wisdom hidden within Korea's ancient temples and the transformative power of its unique meditation practices? What if I told you there's a world of spiritual awakening waiting to be discovered? Hello, fellow seekers! It's me, your long-time guide through the fascinating landscapes of culture and spirituality. Today, we're embarking on a truly special journey—a deep dive into Korean Buddhism, its rich history, the power of its meditation, and the stories of enlightenment that continue to inspire. We'll be drawing insights from the captivating discussions between Joseph Bengivenni, an artist and photographer who has spent two decades exploring Korea's spiritual heart, and David A. Tizzard, a PhD in Korean Studies and a insightful commentator. Seriously, their perspectives are just invaluable, you know? Table of Contents Introdu...

Glow Like Gelato: My Honest WHIPPED K-Beauty Bestsellers Review Ever felt like your skincare routine was missing a spark? A little bit of fun, perhaps, or a texture so delightful you almost want to eat it? Korean skincare is always buzzing with innovation, but every now and then, a brand truly pops up that feels genuinely fresh and exciting, something a bit different from the usual. For me, that’s WHIPPED. With their signature airy, whipped textures—inspired by homemade recipes, mind you—their vegan products feel incredibly indulgent while still delivering some serious results. I mean, from creamy cleansers that feel like clouds to soufflé-like moisturizers, every single product feels decadent. And honestly, their descriptions might even make you think they’re edible... but let's be clear, don't eat them, okay? 😉 After a delightful visit to the WHIPPED House in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, I happily walked away with a few of WHIPPED’s bestsellers: the Vegan Pack Cleanser, the Mu...