Hahna Yoon

TBH, as much as we love Korea, long holidays during the summer usually mean vacationing outside of it. After all, the country's small enough that you can explore most places over long weekend breaks. Another TBH? As much as we love Seoul, we need to get out of here every once in a while too—even if it's just for a day or two. In our October issue, in light of the beautiful weather, that's exactly what we did. We drank beer all day long, listened to music in a 1,100-year-old forest, watched the sunrise from the west coast, traveled on trains for hours and had everything but bibimbap in Jeonju. Here are all our secrets to all our secret places, so go on and escape!

To really test your cab driver’s knowledge of downtown Seoul, ask to be taken to its newest hotspot: Naeja-dong. Located only minutes away from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building, this unassuming neighbourhood of hanoks (traditional Korean houses) is filled with government workers improving diplomatic relations with foreign guests over some of the Korean capital’s best food and cocktails. Naeja-dong is split in two by the large Sajik-ro main street, and its northern border is a busy strip called the Sejong Food Village Street that’s made for for big reunion dinners and eating until your jeans rip. The southern half – Naeja-dong’s more becoming side – remains a secret reserved for coffee snobs, whisky connoisseurs and lovers of a hongeo (fermented skate). For an intimate evening that spills over into the next morning, take a picturesque stroll through the neighborhood’s small alleyways and feast on the seafood appetizers at Seochon Gyedan-jip, before bar-hopping your way from one breathtaking whisky spot to another. Get cultured Hwanghakjeong archery range, Naeja-dong. Photograph: Korearoadtour / CC BY Although Naeja-dong is mostly about eating and drinking well, there are a handful of insightful cultural attractions in the area that often get overshadowed by the tourist giants in nearby neighbourhoods. Check out Sajikdan, a Joseon Dynasty altar built for good harvest prayers, then head over the road to Hwanghakjeong Archery Range. The institution was founded in 1392 a

Irena Marce (founder of Kids Fun in Seoul) gives us her expertise on the best spots to have kid-friendly fun this family month.

翻訳：小山 瑠美 インドネシア出身のジャカ・パーカー（Jaka Parker）は、北朝鮮在住（2018年6月現在は既に北朝鮮から移住している）のフリーランスフォトグラファー。ピョンヤン（平壌）に家族と暮らし、彼の2番目と3番目の子どもは現地で生まれた。都市の写真を撮影し、Everyday DPRK（@everydaydprk）のメンバーとして『Instagram』で写真を公開している。彼個人のアカウントは、@jakaparkerでチェックできる。 ※タイムアウトソウルの記事を転載

비건(Vegan)은 육류와 생선은 물론 동물에게서 얻은 재료(우유나 계란)도 전혀 먹지 않는 완벽한 채식의 단계를 말한다. 이 엄격한 채식주의자들을 위한 서울의 비건 레스토랑을 소개한다

Looking for an honest crust? Genuine connoisseur loafers can only take so much of the grocery store, square, pre-sliced kind before they have to break out and find a decent bakery. For the freshest and most filling baked products in town, head to our pick of Seoul’s best bread and best places for bread-heads…

Even those who haven’t been to NYC have heard of the famous Greenwich Village—Bohemian capital of the world. Far fewer recognize that this district would not even exist today had it not been for the activism of sociologist Jane Jacobs who argued: “Old ideas can sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old buildings.” This concept struck a bell as we walked in and out of the recent venues set up in the old hanok-heaven neighborhood of Ikseon-dong. Built during the Joseon Dynasty, this area has the largest concentration of hanoks outside Bukchon Village. It is a place where salt-and-pepper haired grandpas in their pajamas peer curiously at you from their slightly open wooden doors smudged with fingerprints dating back more than 40 years. Grandmas and their daughters, now old women too, tend to small flowerspeckled jungles climbing the front walls of their low-roofed, brick wall buildings. Looking up, the newer, taller edifices that now shroud Ikseon-dong hover above. More so than any other hot spot, venue owners were passionate about the location’s history. “You have to tell the story of the land,” they pleaded. Some of them have taken great pains (financial and physical) to adapt the hanoks to the modernity of Seoul—even to the complaints of longtime residents. Not all land-owners in this town hold a deep affection for their spaces as many of them bought the land with the intention to sell it for a higher property value in the future, not realizing that a highly controv

Ten years ago, finding a taco in Seoul - no matter the quality, was a big deal. Now with the explosion of Mexican restaurants that have happened over the past few years, we can afford to get a little picky when it comes to la comida. Which places have just the right amount of zest? Where can you get that lime tang? Those tacos where grease will stain your fingers afterwards? Time Out Seoul investigates. 

翻訳：小山 瑠美 オランダの切手販売者ウィレム・ファン・デル・ベル（Willem van der Bijl）は、プロパガンダのポスターや切手を探すため、1998年に初めて北朝鮮を訪れて以来、合計24回も訪朝した。彼が集めた貴重なポスターや切手は、2015年にソウル市立美術館にて『NKプロジェクト』の一環として展示された。彼は「アートには何でも興味がある。切手もそうだが、北朝鮮の政治的な作品は、単純化された方法で描かれている。その絵に込められた『メッセージ』を理解するためには、アートの知識は必要ない。すべての人はいつも幸せそうで、常に満面の笑顔を見せている」と説明する。2013年に北朝鮮を訪れた際に彼は逮捕され、2週間にわたって収監された。それ以来、彼は友人や切手の交易所が待つ北朝鮮には戻ることができなくなってしまった。「友人とまったく話せず、とても寂しい。北朝鮮を訪ねて友人たちと再会したいと強く思うが、現在の状況では不可能だろう」。 ※タイムアウトソウルの記事を転載

For those who vow to never hang out south of the river, Cheongdam can be the epitome of everything that is dislikeable about the Gangnam area. Expensive, exclusive and elite; Cheongdam’s the meanest of the Mean Girls. All the buildings become a blur with one lavish, luxurious exterior after another, and unlike central Seoul spots where it’s easy to walk from one place to another, the blocks are long and arduous, making Cheongdam somewhat of an intimidating space to explore. A name that’s long been in the know amongst trendsetters, the neighborhood is making a comeback and it’s not uncommon to hear the phrase, “Cheongdam is rising again.” For many a K-pop lover, the Hallyu streets, which are becoming more and more tourist-friendly, smell of their favorite celebrities with the JYP building and the K-Star Road right in center of the neighborhood. But the neighborhood is making other developments as well—becoming slightly more affordable and mixing in some down-to-earthness without losing its upscale feeling. Put on your nicest shoes and hold your head high because this is your exclusive invite to the most elite Gangnam party. 

Confession: The thought of a New York bagel can bring me to tears. Sure, it has more to do with general homesickness than just remembering “the hard on the outside but chewy and moist  on the inside” texture of Ess-a-Bagel on 3rd Ave, but I literally dream about their toasted garlic bagel with vegetable cream cheese at least once a year. And no one is a greater skeptic than I am when I hear “decent bagels have come to Seoul.” With this in mind, my expectations are low as I head over to Bageloo near Wonhyo Bridge and I think: “Even if these are okay, why would I come all the way here?” Reluctantly, I try a sample of their cinnamon-raisin bagel and it’s so good that I’m reluctant to believe it. It’s not dry on the outside with crumbling bits of bread on the inside like so many imitations I’ve tried outside of the Big Apple. Their selection of bagels—everything from plain to whole wheat, blueberry, garlic and more—are impressive. Bagels are offered with a variety of cream cheeses (nutella, honey walnut and jalapeño being some of the more interesting options), as well as your pick of classic bagel sandwiches. Manager Phillip Oh and his parents, who run the place as a family business, greet us in flawless English. My order of a toasted garlic bagel with vegetable cream cheese comes out and I have to ask, “Wait, how did this happen?” The Ohs aren't even from New York! They’re from California! Hardcore New Yorkers often believe that both pizza and bagels are New York specialties bec

Yeonnam-dong’s VERS Garden uses flowers and plants as the main ingredients for their unique and stylish interior. Upon entering, you will see around 30 types of unique plants and flowers on display all around you, even in the water dispenser. It is a café and a flower shop, which transforms into a wine bar for the evenings. Customers are welcome to bring in their furry friends here, and considering the quality time with your best buddy, surrounded by beautiful flowers, the price of drinks (most herb teas are 7,000 – 7,500 won) here are not bad at all (their Choco Shake with floral scents is a specialty). Don’t forget to bring potty pads if you’re accompanied by your dog, as the café itself doesn’t offer any. Oh, and it’s a great place to take selfies with your dog!

Just when you thought you’ve done everything you can by the Han River, Tubester is here to give you an opportunity to do something on the Han River. A large tube-boat fully capable of seating 6 and equipped with a parasol to protect you from the sun, riding the Tubester is one of the most trending things to do in Seoul right now. You can bring your own food to picnic on the river during the day or a few drinks for a quiet party surrounded by the Seoul’s beautiful nightline. Give them a call and make a reservation in advance for the weekday or bear the lines during the weekend. 

On the 5th floor of Dior’s flagship store sits a peaceful yet glamorous café. Once the doors of the space open, it can be slightly intimidating as one is ushered towards the elevator located near the back of the first floor. The café is known for serving up-scale desserts crafted by world famous pâtissierPierre Hermé, the Picasso of pastry. Notable on the menu is the Glacee Ispahan, which is served in a wine glass ornately filled with a mixture of red, pink, and white creams and sorbets.

The Vault Steakhouse has a great interior and ambience, but it’s the steak that really makes the place shine. The restaurant’s secret is that it orders its delicacies from Master Purveryors, Inc., where renowned New York restaurants Wolfgang’s and Peter Luger Steakhouse also order from, so you’re already assured quality meat. After the meat arrives it goes through an in-house wet and aging process. Their sides of tomatoes, onions and creamed spinach add a nice touch to the main. With the juicy meat melting in your mouth you can’t deny that this restaurant serves up a proper steak. The lunch menu is reasonably priced as well. 

Since opening its doors in 1999, this local venue continues to receive lots of love from the public. Back then, it was the first of its kind to offer a good brunch as they served up everything from eggs benedict to waffles. The restaurant continues to create new dishes to satisfy the changing times. And when the sun sets, the bar is at hand. Grab a cocktail and head out to the terrace and enjoy the nice breeze and creaking of bamboos.

One of Cheongdam’s hottest new spots, this basement cocktail bar looks like it could have been in a scene from a ‘90s Hollywood movie. With large leather couches and mirrors on the ceiling, the décor and dim lighting is impeccably cinematic. To add to the dynamism of the place, there are crafting classes that are held in a leather studio in the side-room and one-day classes have become a specialty of the bar, which is owned by three different bartenders. Each bartender has his own specialty: world-renowned Kim Bong-ha, classic cocktail specialist Kim Hyun and Kim Jun-hee, one of Korea’s leading ice carvers and creative drink makers. Try Jun-hee’s jasmine-infused Meditation, one of our new favorite drinks in town. 

Behind a rusty yellow door, you'll find Mr.children—a single malt and cocktail bar with many different layers to say the least. Opened just this past May, the bar, which is for “those who are children at heart,” is divided into three consecutive sections—each more decadent than the next. The first section, decorated with street lamps, is the bar's most casual setting and has an indoor-outdoor concept. Through a door in the first section, you can get to the more lavishly decorated second section filled with overstuffed dark leather sofas, and through another door you'll see large crystal chandeliers and a glamorous golden mirror. The cocktails are as thoughtfully crafted as the interior, so sit back and enjoy a drink (or two).

The restaurant’s name means “Sky of Monet” in French. And unlike most bars with dim lighting, this venue offers a more uplifting atmosphere. Operating as a café on the first floor and a bar in the basement, food items like crepes and quiches can be served to those sitting downstairs at the bar (last orders at 9pm). When you enter the premises, you are greeted with a glass of 30-year-old Ballantine’s and the fragrances of the numerous candles. Once seated, a bottle of San Pellegrino and a small platter of cheese and fruits are presented.

The perfect place for those looking for fine dining at a reasonable price, this restaurant offers a unique three-course dinner that comes with an amuse-bouche. The owner-chef Choi Jong-mun calls it a "fairy tale course," as the meal was inspired by children's stories. The course includes an amuse-bouche made with beets and balsamic vinegar, an appetizer made with carrots and orange puree and steak with sauce served in a glass slipper. Since the courses are seasonal, those who enjoy Gothic fiction can try the "Dracula Course" to be released later this summer.

Branded as a “kind restaurant,” this chicken eatery got famous after a TV program showed how meticulously clean they are in the kitchen. Similarly, their delicious, spicy marinated fried chicken called Red Hot Chili Pepper is about as light as marinated fried chicken can get. While the portions are quite large, the dim lights and warm colors of this restaurant make it a great place to go with a significant other. 

What do the calming waves of Hyeopjae have in common with the delicate cherry blossoms of Gyerongsan? Trash and  litter. Take a look at Haeundae Beach during the summer and you may find more soju bottles in the blue waters than in the convenience stores nearby. Didn’t we all attend kindergarten where our teachers told us that trash goes inside the trash cans? Most of us don’t even treat our rooms the way some people treat major tourist attractions. Isn’t it common  knowledge that putting plastic into the ocean can choke and kill marine animals? That leaving trash on the street can be dangerous for people walking or those driving with their cars? Sure, people can argue that we need more trash cans,  but c’mon, will it really hurt you to keep your trash in a plastic bag until you’re at a rest stop?

Between my friends, the question of “How’s your boyfriend?” has become synonymous with “How’s work?” After all, I spend more time on my computer than I do on my boyfriend. Sometimes, stumbling home at 2am, I “drunkenly”  ramble the words “I need a vacation,” as if I had been out partying instead of in the office staring at the abyss of words and numbers. In a country full of workers that The Financial Times coins “workaholics,” the average Korean works the second longest hours in the OECD (2,124 hours a year in 2014) and is, according to Expedia’s 2015  Vacation Deprivation Study, “the world’s most vacation deprived.” According to the study, Koreans are offered a total of 15 days but only take six (a stark contrast to the 11 days off that’s the average in the States), and 57% of all Koreans feel that they are “vacation deprived.” However, as many Koreans will empathize—“having a day off” on paper doesn’t necessarily equate to “being able to go on vacation.” Although bigger companies like Samsung,  Shinhan and Doosan go out of their way to encourage their employees to take a vacation, the rest of us who illustraion: lee dami work for smaller companies have many other determinants to consider. Will my boss get the impression that I don’t care about my job? Will my coworkers have to work more while I’m away? Will I get emails and phone calls that’ll eat up my entire day? Will I have work piled up after I return? For those that work based onhourly rates, the question is more a ma

협재 해변의 잔잔한 파도와 계룡산의 아름다운 벚꽃 사이의 공통점은? 이런 말 하기 미안하지만, 바로 쓰레기다. 여름에 해운대 해수욕장에 가보면 근처 편의점보다 많은 소주병이 해안가에 널브러져 있다. 다들 유치원에서 선생님한테 쓰레기는 쓰레기통에 버리는 거라고 배우지 않았나? 그리고 바다에 플라스틱을 버리면 해양 동물이 그것 때문에 질식해 죽을 수도 있다는 건 상식 아닌가? 길에 쓰레기를 버리는 행동이 길 위의 행인들과 운전자 또한 위험에 빠트릴 수 있다는 것 또한 우리는 모두 알고 있다. 심지어 아저씨들이 반쯤 탄 담배를 산에 버리는 것도 보았다! 생색 내려고 말하는 건 아니지만, 그걸 주워서 들고 온 건 나였다. 덜 꺼진 담배꽁초를 주웠을 때는 정말이지 그 아저씨 얼굴에 비벼 끄고 싶었다. 그래, 물론 더 많은 쓰레기통이 필요하다고 주장하는 사람들도 있다. 하지만 적어도 산에 오를 때나 공공 휴가지에서 놀고 난 후, 쓰레기통이 눈에 띌 때까지 쓰레기 봉지를 들고 다니는 게 그리도 어려운 일인가?!

          1. According to the OECD, we work the second longest hours among the OECD nations - coming in at 2,124 hours a year in 2014. (Sorry, Mexico.)     Kate Ter Haar         2. Although the Korean Labor Law constitutes that if you work over 40 hours a week, you should be getting overtime... Let's get real. That never happens.              3. But we must get a lot done, right? Because of all the hours we work? Nope, we actually have the lowest productivity in all of the OECD (as of 2014).        4. Think working in Korea sucks? Working in Korea as a woman really sucks. Korea's gender gap is the widest among the OECD countries coming in at a whopping 36.7%.                     5. Oh, we also have the thickest glass ceiling among the OECD nations. According to 2014 numbers, only 0.4 of our board members are female. (Japan comes in at second thickest at 0.7%).    BB News       6. Is safety too much to ask for in an office place? Apparently. According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, 8 out of 10 workers said that they've experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Less than 1% of the workers officially reported the crimes. (And, how many do you think actually saw a result from that?)     Shawshank Redemption         7. According to the 2014 Vacation Deprivation Study conducted by Expedia, most people are given 15 vacation days but actually only take 7. Dying for a break? Unfortunately, 61% of workers in Korea are unable to take all of thei

지난 5월 10일, AP통신은 펜실베이니아 대학의 벤자민 교수의 기고문을 통해  1975년부터 1987 까지 부산에서 운영된 강제수용소 ‘형제복지원’에서 수천 명이 살해, 강간, 학대당한 사건에 정부가 개입했다는 사실을 공개했다. 형제복지원은 정부가 부랑인을 선도한다는 명목으로, 좀도둑, 정치범, 고아, 장애인 등을 수용한 시설 중 가장 큰 수용소였다. 수용 인원은 3000명이 넘었으며 1988년 서울올림픽을 준비하는 과정에서 수용되어 10년 가까이 학대받다가 이곳에서 사망한 사람은 적어도 513명으로 발표됐다. 한 신입검사가 우연히 이곳을 발견한 후 1988년에 폐쇄되었다. 중요한 것은 한국정부가 부산 형제복지원 사건에 대한 수사를 지속적으로 방해해 결국 중단시켰다는 것. 이 사건 자체로도 우리 모두는 충분히 분노할 만한 일이지만, 우리를 더욱 공분케 하는 것은 한국에서 강간과 관련된 법이 너무 오랫동안 제대로 적용되지 못하고 있다는 사실이다. 과거 2008년, 8살 여아를 강간하고 폭행한 조두순 사건이 전국을 뒤흔들었지만, 범인은 겨우 12년 형을 선고받았다. 조두순 사건에 비해 덜 알려졌지만 악명 높은 밀양 집단 성폭행 사건(2004년)도 최근에 다시 회자되었다. (그것이 이라는 드라마 때문이었다는 게 여전히 가슴 아픈 일이지만.) 밀양 성폭행 사건에서는 한 명의 여중생이 44명의 남학생에게 집단 강간을 당했으나 가해자 중 누구도 형사상의 유죄 판결을 받지 않았다. 그래서 우리는 또 한번 분노했다. 여기에 한국에 놀러왔다가 강간 당한 호주 여성 에어드리 매트너(Aidre Mattner)의 이야기를 덧붙일 수 있겠다. 한국에서 강간을 당하고 경찰을 찾았던 그녀는 경찰로부터 아무런 도움을 받지 못하고 오히려 한국 경찰의 소극적이고 여성에게 책임을 돌리는 듯한 태도에 대해 호주 방송에서 공개적으로 고발하고 나섰다. 한국에서 성폭행 피해자가 정의를 실현하기 위해서는 스스로 돕는 수밖에 없다고 말이다.만일 당신이 스스로 강간 사건의 생존자이거나 그런 사람을 알고 있다면 이런 분노로 숨이 막혀버릴지도 모른다. 대마초 소지죄에 대한 처벌이 강간에 대한 처벌보다 무거운 한국. 대체 정부는 어디에 우선순위를 두고 있는 것일까? 술에 취했다고 해서 오히려 형을 경감받고 있는 법적 사례들. 이런 솜방망이 처벌과 정의가 사라진 판결이 지속되는 한, 침묵하도록 강요당하는 수많은 여성과 아이들에게 대체 어떤 일이 일어날지 나는 상상조차 하지 못하겠다. 

여성들에게 ‘위험’이란 일상적인 대화의 주제가 되곤 한다. 밤 늦게 혼자 택시를 타는 일이 얼마나 두려운지, 혼자 여행하는 일이 얼마나 위험한지, 낯선 사람들과 대화하는 일이 얼마나 위험한지에 대해서 말이다. 하지만 헐벗은 차림의 여성이 워터파크의 광고로 등장하는 것이 ‘위험한’ 일이라고 생각하는 사람은 거의 없다. 실물 크기의 소주병 옆에 이효리의 가슴이 떡 하니 나와 있어도 사람들은 열심히 술병을 흔들어댈 뿐. 예쁘고 젊은 (포토샵의 흔적이 역력한) 여성이 엉덩이가 다 드러나도록 짧은 반바지를 입고 ‘끝없는 절정(the never ending climax)’을 느끼고 싶은지 묻는 광고가 얼마나 위험한 것인지 사람들은 주의 깊게 보지 않는다. 여름이 다가오면서 각종 광고는 더 열심히 비키니 입은 S-라인의 여성을 등장시키고 있다. 우리는 이런 이미지들을 무관심한 눈으로 바라보는 것을 멈추고, 이런 광고들이 과학적으로 여성들에게 심각한 위협을 정말 가하고 있다는 사실을 진지하게 고민해야 한다. 2009년 프린스턴 대학에서 진행한 연구에 따르면 “노출이 많은 차림의 여성을 볼 때 우리 뇌에서 다른 사람의 생각과 감정, 의도를 분석하는 부분은 비활성 상태가 된다”고 한다. 2013년 한 과학저널인 은 성차별적 광고가 ‘극도로 남성적인’ 가치, 즉 ‘여성과 섹스를 향해 표출되는 강인함, 폭력, 위험 및 냉담한 반응’들과 연결되어 있다고 밝혔다. 이 극도로 남성적인 이미지들은 젊은 세대가 따르도록 내세우는 역할 모델이나 여성의 자존감에도 영향을 미치고 있다. 미디어와 광고 속에서 여성이 성적 대상화되는 문제는 단순히 한국에 국한된 일은 아니지만, 이런 이미지들이 가져오게 될 결과(혹은 초래되는 행동)에 대한 담론이 유독 한국에서는 매우 부족한 실정이다. 거의 옷을 입지 않았다고 해도 좋을 여성들이 술이나 노화 방지 크림, 드럼 레슨 광고 등에 등장하는 일이 여성 의사, 여성 엔지니어, 혹은 여성 변호사가 미디어에 노출되는 일보다 많을 때, 이 사회에서는 어떤 일들이 일어날 것인가? 이제는 미디어와 광고 속 여성의 성적 대상화가 어떻게 여성들을 위협하는 데 일조하고 있는지를 고민해야 할 때다. 또한 그런 이미지들을 스스로 비판적으로 바라볼 수 있어야 한다. 아는 것이야말로 변화를 향한 첫걸음이기 때문이다.

As a woman, danger is a constant topic of discussion. How dangerous it is to take a taxi late at night. How dangerous it is to travel alone. How dangerous it is to talk to strangers. But rarely does one look at a scantily clad woman advertising a water park and think "danger." How distasteful can it be when Lee Hyori's breasts dangle next to a life-sized soju bottle? How harmful could it possibly be when a (very Photoshopped) pretty, young lady in booty shorts asks you to feel "the never ending climax"? (For those of you who don’t recall, this was a real Ocean World ad from 2011 to 2013.) As summer rolls in, advertisements peel off their winter coats to reveal S-line women in bikinis. We need to stop glancing at these images with indifference and start thinking seriously about the science that proves these images as serious threats. A 2009 study conducted at Princeton University showed “that the part of the brain associated with analyzing another person's thoughts, feelings and intentions [is] inactive while viewing scantily clad women." In 2013, the scientific journal Sex Roles linked sexist advertising to “hyper-masculine” qualities like “toughness, violence, dangerousness and calloused attitudes toward women and sex.” Not to mention the kinds of role models we are setting up for the younger generation or the effect on women’s self esteem. The objectification of women in media and advertising is not a problem unique to Korea, but here there does seem a to be a gaping lack o

Recently, it was uncovered that the government was involved in a massive cover-up of mass gang rapes and killing of thousands (yes, thousands) in Busan ahead of the 1988 Olympics. While this incident alone is anger enough for this column; what further enrages us is the lack of justice in terms of rape laws in Korea. Back in 2008, the Nayoung Case sparked a nationwide discussion when 57-year old Cho Doo-soon raped and beat an 8-year old girl and was only sentenced to 12 years in prison. Slightly lesser known is the infamous Miryang gang rape case in which 5 victims were gang raped by 41 male students—none of whom where criminally convicted. Add to that the story of Aidre Mattner, the Australian woman who was drugged and raped in Seoul, currently seeking justice on her own (since the police have yet to be of any help). If you are like me and you are a rape survivor or know someone who is, the kind of anger you feel can be suffocating. Where are the government’s priorities if the sentence for marijuana possession can exceed the sentence for rape? When men can be forgiven if intoxicated? What happens when so many women and children are threatened into silence?

AK Salling (Adoptee and owner of Mad og Hygge in Changjeon-dong). By Kim Thompson Please share a little bit about your background.I was adopted when I was about 1.5 years old and arrived in Denmark in 1974, where I grew up in a provincial town as the only adopted child out of three daughters. I moved to Korea in the summer of 2013, and the first year I lived here I assisted adoptees applying for visa or dual citizenship at an adoptee-run NGO.Since late 2014, Ivolunteer part time for Korea Adoption Services (KAS) and I also own and operate Mad og Hygge. How would you describe Mad og Hygge?I opened my cooking and baking studio (madoghygge.com) a year ago, and I teach how to bake and cook primarily Danish breads, cakes and food. My style is very casual and relaxed, as Danes tend to be very informal. I wanted to have the cooking studio because, in my opinion, having your own business is being independent. I wish to show the culture I grew up with as a consequence of being adopted. I find it important that Koreans understand that although adoptees may look Korean, our cultural upbringing has a significant impact on our values and mindset, which, in many cases, differ from the Korean way of thinking.  How does being an adoptee, small business owner here in Seoul impact Korean society and the adoptee community? I hope that Koreans realize [through this] that adoptees are independent adults who are able to establish ourselves here. I don’t speak Korean fluently, and I don’t fit into

                                    

A Day in Seoul from Scott Herder on Vimeo. To see more of Scott's videos follow him on instagram at @boboandchichi

If you didn’t grow up in Asia, you might have wondered what the hell was going on the first time you experienced Pepero Day. Did Valentine’s Day come a few months early or what? The original November 11th is a designated national holiday… but as Farmer’s Day and not Pepero Day. How did this company manage to get a day centered all around their snacks? Rumor has it that the origin of this day dates back to 1983 when middle school girls started giving it to each other with well-wishes to be “as thin as peperos.” Some speculate that it evolved into a romantic holiday from there on out—giving peperos to people you might have a crush on. Nowadays, there are all sorts of pepero. There’s the original “thin sticks” to variations on those that come covered in almonds and white chocolate to thicker ones and taller ones. In the past year or so, DIY pepero kits have been all the rage (allowing for more personalization). As the day became increasingly popular, the government tried to change the concept to Garae-tteok (tall-thin rice cake) Day to tie it in more closely with Farmer’s Day. (But who really knows about Garae-tteok Day?) Look around at all the convenience stores come early November and you’ll see Pepero Day’s unrelenting success, but we hope just as diversity in pepero grows so does the acceptance of different body sizes. We think you look delicious at any size!