Little Seoulster

Exploring Korean-American Heritage & Interculturalism

A Story from a Korean-American Childhood – Brew Master Plus a Holiday Potpourri Recipe

A Story from a Korean-American Childhood - Brew Master Plus Holiday Potpourri Recipe

A Story from a Korean-American Childhood - Brew Master Plus Holiday Potpourri RecipeA Story from a Korean-American Childhood – Brew Master

Here’s a story about something that you may have long forgotten about, but that your nose could never forget.

So growing up in a Korean household meant lots of things…kimchi was ever present (even on pizza night), kids were largely unsupervised because parents were out working, and there was usually some funny smell in the house. And by “funny,” I definitely don’t mean haha funny. I mean, what died in here kind-of funny. [Read more…]

Korean 100th Day celebration

Korean 100 Days Celebration

Korean 100 Days CelebrationThe Korean 100th Day Celebration

In Korean culture, 100 days is a big deal. Although there are various ways 100 days is celebrated, the most popular, and obvious, is celebrating 100 days after birth.

Baek-Il – The 100th Day After Birth Celebration

It’s been traditionally a important milestone when a baby makes it to 100 days. This is because historically many babies didn’t make it to 100 days due to illness and disease and the lack of medical knowledge and resources to treat these conditions.

It was an auspicious occasion for a baby to live to be 100 days old because it meant that they kind-of beat the odds and would likely make it to their one year birthday (i.e. Doljanchi). [Read more…]

Gift Guide for Kids (with a Korean spin)

Gift Guide for Kids (with a Korean spin)

Gift Guide for Kids (with a Korean spin)

I know it’s probably hard to believe but I’m actually not all that Korea centric. Believe me, my kid has his fair share of Legos and Fisher-Price toys. But I like to sprinkle in things that kids in Korea might have so that there’s a sense of shared experience. It’s just another way for me to help my kid, and myself for that matter, connect with people who have the same heritage. Does that make sense?

However, I don’t mean for these gifts to only be for Korean kids. They’re just cool toys that are great for any kid, no matter what their heritage. Goodness knows, my kid is not going to realize the significance of these things being Korean! He’s going to be more like, “Ooh shiny!”

So without further ado…. [Read more…]

Top 5 Korean Scary Movies

Top 5 Korean Scary Movies

Top 5 Korean Scary MoviesKorea – Land of the Twisted Imagination

If you didn’t already know, Halloween is not as big a deal in Korea as it is here in the States. However, it is gaining in popularity with pub crawls and zombie runs.

But I’m kind of amazed that Halloween didn’t hit it big in Korea earlier because they have some seriously scary movies. I mean, that’s where the internationally famous psychological thriller Old Boy came from! I wouldn’t call it classic Halloween movie gore but it definitely showcases a twisted imagination. That kind of creativity can really let loose for Halloween, you know what I mean?

So along those lines, I thought I’d share my top choices for Korean scary movies to get into the Halloween spirit! [Read more…]