Tying the knot in Korea: paperwork and visas

A growing number of South Koreans are getting married with people of various countries. Each year, around 20,000 international marriages occur throughout the country — 20,759 in 2024 — and this article aims to provide guidelines about issues one should be mindful in a wedding that involves two people of different nationalities. Those with foreign roots can also reach out to the government for assistance through various programs to adjust to the life in Korea, namely on the obvious language barri

Sept. 20, 2025

'Keep it on': Shirtless joggers are frowned upon in Korea, but some push back

At Seoul’s Yeouido Hangang Park, the mecca for the city's running crews, four new taboos are shifting the vibe of the jogging trail. A banner, posted along the walkway, outlines the four guidelines which prohibit: 1) shirtless running, 2) clapping or cheering, 3) running in large groups and 4) shouting “make way” at other pedestrians. It also features messages urging group joggers to be mindful of others, with messages like “Run safely in two lines” and “This park is for everyone.” The banner co

Sept. 18, 2025

Why Perplexity built a low-key coffee shop in Seoul’s most upscale district

There's almost nothing about Cafe Curious that suggests it was created by a Silicon Valley AI startup. Located in Cheongdam-dong, one of Seoul’s most upscale neighborhoods, the space opened on Sept. 3. From the outside, it looks like just another sleek coffee shop with glass doors, dark stone walls and a small sidewalk sign. The name Curious appears modestly on the corner of the building. But this is not a typical cafe. It's the first physical location operated by Perplexity, the generative AI c

Sept. 16, 2025