Let’s dive into all facets of Korean culture!
Title: How to Live Korean
Author: Soo Kim
Published: November 2020
Pages: 224
Publisher: Terra (I read this book in Dutch, review copy)
Rating: 9/10
First posted in Dutch on March 29 2021 and updated on December 24 2025.
How to Live Korean takes a deep-dive into Korean culture, unpacking what it means to be Korean in all its forms and uncovering the way the locals think, what they enjoy getting up to and who they do it with.
Whether it’s Korean movie Parasite sweeping the Oscars , the explosion of interest in K-pop , Blackpink becoming the world’s biggest girl band, the dominance of the global smartphone market, foodies going crazy for bibimbap and kimchi or the incredible hype around K-beauty products – Korea is having a moment. But how much do you know about the real Korea; the locals’ take on their amazing country?
That’s where this illuminating culture guide comes in, shining a light on Korea’s compelling history and stunning geography , its unique customs and the quirks of daily life. The mainstays of Korea’s vibrant cultural life and style are covered in detail, giving you the lowdown on the country’s burgeoning film industry , Korean’s unique take on fandom , the quirky fashion scene and the innovative hubs for art and design.
If you ever have wanted to learn how to date like a Korean, know where the locals hang out in Seoul, honeymoon like Korean newlyweds, discover the correct way to eat Korean food or use the art of nunchi to improve your emotional intelligence, this insider’s guide to the heart and soul of Korea is not to be missed.
[Please be aware this post was originally written when I just started learning about Korea’s culture, language and more.]
Because of my love for K-pop and K-drama, I wanted to learn more about Korea. In preparation for watching my first K-drama, I had already researched some things to better understand the drama. That helped, but to be honest, I would have much preferred to read this book, How to Live Korean, before watching my first K-drama. Experienced travel journalist Soo Kim describes all facets of Korean culture: food, history, architecture, art, family life, traditions, philosophy, music, geography, and technology.
The book starts with an overview of Korea’s ancient history and later provides an overview of the Japanese occupation, the North-South divide, national uprisings, and economic growth. The book’s focus is quite broad, allowing me, as a reader, to get a good impression of the country. I admire how the author covers a lot of history while keeping it to the point and lighthearted. The book certainly doesn’t feel heavy-handed, but instead makes me eager to learn even more about Korean history.
The author certainly doesn’t just cover history. She discusses many topics, from relationships to family ties and from culture to lifestyle.
Although this book is light on etiquette, it does contain some excellent tips about drinking around your elders and how to behave around them. I would even have preferred more attention to this topic, especially when you’re a tourist. As a traveler, I find it very important to adapt to the country I’m in.
It may sound strange, considering all things I mentioned, but the many topics the author covers in her book never becomes overwhelming. This is definitely due to her lighthearted writing style. The only thing I do criticise about her writing style is that I sometimes hear her opinion a little too much. It doesn’t add to the story. Besides, the ending felt a bit abrupt to me. I would have preferred a clearer ending, which would have made the book feel “finished”.
Other than that, I can honestly say that I learned a great deal from this book. The information came in handy immediately when I was watching a K-drama. I also understand things better now when I read about K-pop or Korea in general. I’m also very happy that the author has written about various locations in Korea and the background of those areas, rather than just the capital, Seoul. It has definitely made me want to explore the whole country when I travel to South Korea.
This book is perfect for travelers as a coffee table book. The large photos, illustrations, and graphs are beautifully done. The rest of the book’s content is nicely interspersed. For example, it includes a few lighthearted lists, such as “10 Things You Never Knew About South Korea” (It Has 3,000 Islands!) and “10 Fascinating Koreans”. I also really appreciate that the author has included common phrases, slang, and proverbs.How to Live Korean is a beautifully presented guide to the history, customs, and culture of Korea. Therefore, it’s an ideal gift for travelers and K-pop enthusiasts. With its helpful summaries of art, hobbies, film, and music, it’s a good starting point for exploring other areas of Korean culture.
Love,
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