JOY's Life in KOREA
by JOY
Hi! I'm Joy! 👋My journey started with a love for K-pop, which led me all the way to Korea to study and explore! 🇰🇷✨ Now, I'm living the dream and sharing every bit of it with you.I'll be your guide to everything K-life. From the fun surprises of everyday life and I'm showing you the real Korea through my eyes! Let's explore Korea together with lots of curiosity and good vibes! 💛📍Youtubehttps://youtube.com/@JoyLifeinKorea
Episodes
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Our Special Day in the World’s Only Peace City: The UN Peace Festival in Busan
Join Joy on a deeply meaningful and vibrant journey to Busan, the world’s only UN Peace Zone! 🕊️✨ Every autumn from October 24th to November 11th, the city comes alive for Busan UN Weeks. In this special episode of Joy’s Life in KOREA, Joy teams up with her friends Sanaya from India and May from...
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A Perfect Autumn Day in Korea: Running Gangnam Without Traffic! 🍂🏃♀️
Autumn in Korea is truly something special—crisp air, blue skies, and the perfect running weather! 🍂🏃♀️ In this video, Jiyeon and I took on our very first 10K at the 23rd Gangnam International Peace Marathon! Imagine running right through the heart of Gangnam with zero traffic, starting from…
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Korea’s SpaceX Era Has Begun! Watching the Epic Rocket Launch Live⛺🚀✨
Korea just made history, and we were right there to see it with our own eyes! 🚀✨ Hi everyone, it’s Joy! Today, my friends and I woke up super early and took a road trip from Yeosu all the way to Goheung to watch the historic 5th launch of the Nuri rocket (KSLV-II) in person! Did you know this…
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Wild Otters in Seoul?! How the Han River Came Back to Life 🦦
Did you know that 27 wild otters—a Class 1 endangered species and Natural Monument—are now living right in the heart of Seoul? 🦦🌿 In today's video, I’m taking you along the Han River to uncover how this massive city brought nature back to life. From decades of dedicated water cleanup projects…
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More Than Lunch: The Power of Korean School Meals (And It’s FREE?!) 🍱✨😲
Living in Korea, I realized that meals here are about so much more than just filling your stomach. 🍚✨ They carry a whole culture of love, genuine warmth, and what Koreans call bapsim—the everyday strength you get from good food. 💪💛 And that exact spirit is right there in the school meals, too....
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We Celebrated the 100th Hangul Day in Seoul! 🇰🇷🎉
October in Korea is peak fall—crisp air, blue skies, and colorful leaves everywhere! But this year felt extra special because we celebrated the 100th anniversary of Hangul Day (October 9th)! 🇰🇷🎉 My friends and I decided to dive right into the festivities across Seoul: #HangulDay #KoreaVlog...
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Crazy Korean Holidays Foreigners Don’t Get (And the Holiday Korea Still Waits For) ✨🇰🇷
Did you know singles in Korea eat black noodles on April 14th? 🍜🖤 Or that November 11th isn’t just for chocolate-covered snacks, but also for traditional rice cakes? 🥢🍡 Living in Korea as an international student, I’ve come across so many fun, quirky, and meaningful holidays that completely...
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A Peaceful Camping & Biking Trip Along the Most Dangerous Border 🍂✨
Hey guys, it’s Joy! 🌸 Did you know that you can actually go camping and ride bicycles right along one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world? In this video, my friends and I head to Gangwon-do for an unforgettable autumn backpacking trip near the Korean DMZ. We spent the night under…
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How to Experience Chuseok Like a Local 🌕 at Korean Markets 🛍️ and Palaces
Hi everyone! Welcome back to Joy’s Life in KOREA! 🍁✨ Today, I’m taking you along for my very first Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) experience! Instead of spending the long holiday alone, my sweet friend Jiyeon and her family invited me into their home. From hunting down fresh harvest fruits and...
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Can Sports Bring Peace? North & South Korea on the World Stage ⚽🥋
Can sports really help build peace? 🕊️ In today’s episode, Joy dives into the incredible, touching moments where sports brought North and South Korea together on the world stage! From the historic 1991 World Table Tennis Championships in Chiba to the unforgettable 2018 PyeongChang Winter…
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Healing by the Border: Sunrise Yoga, Barbed Wire, and Untold Stories🍂
What is autumn in Korea really like? 🍂 As the crazy summer heat faded and crisp fall breezes rolled in, my friends and I headed out to Gyodong Island (교동도) on Korea’s west coast for an unforgettable wellness retreat. From climbing Mount Hwagaesan before dawn for a sunrise yoga session…
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From BBQ to Tech: Why the U.S. and Korea Need Each Other
From savory K-BBQ to high-tech semiconductor fabs in Texas and mega EV plants in Georgia—the partnership between the U.S. and Korea is closer and stronger than ever! 🤝🇺🇸🇰🇷 Why are American states competing so fiercely to welcome Korean companies? And why are top American graduates eager to...
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How “K” Became the Ultimate Global Flex 🇰🇷✨
Hi everyone, it’s Joy! Welcome back to Joy’s Life in KOREA! 💕 So, something crazy happened today. My mom called me to show off her brand-new EV, and when I looked closer… wait, it wasn’t a Tesla. It was an IONIQ from Hyundai! That got me thinking: the letter “K” is literally popping up…
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Living in Korea 101: The Easiest Way for Foreigners to Rent a Home (No Korean Needed!)
Hey everyone! Welcome back to Joy’s Life in KOREA! 🇰🇷✨ Finding a home in Korea as an international student or foreigner can feel super overwhelming, especially if you don't speak Korean. But don't worry—you don't have to do it alone! In today's video, we're sharing the best ways foreigners can...
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From best friends at age 8 to miracles between Korea and the US ✨
Hi everyone, it’s Joy! Welcome back to Joy’s Life in KOREA! 🇰🇷✨ Today, I’m sharing a super special story about how I met my Korean bestie, Jiyeon, when we were just 8 years old back in the US—and how our personal journey connects to an incredible history between Korea and the United States.…
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From Paradise Beaches to the 38th Parallel - My Summer Trip in Korea! 🌊✨
Join Joy on an unforgettable summer road trip to Gangwon-do, South Korea! 🌊✨ In this video, I’m taking you along as my friends and I explore Yangyang—Korea’s ultimate summer destination known for its stunning ocean views, surfing waves, and vibrant vibes! But our trip took a meaningful turn when...
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My Unbelievable Trip to Dokdo! (Full 30-Min Guide & Tips)🚢📸
In today’s video, I’m taking you on an incredible journey to Dokdo, one of the most beautiful and historic places in Korea! 🇰🇷✨ Since you only get about 30 minutes on the island, every second counts! I’ve packed this video with my ultimate 30-minute survival guide, travel tips (like how NOT to...
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K-Summer Survivor Guide! ☀️ From Chimaek Hotspot to Global AI Deals 🍗🤖
Summer in Korea is SERIOUSLY hot, but we know how to cool down in style! ☀️🔥 In this video, join Joy as she shares essential K-summer survival tips—from free city shade canopies to ice-cold subways! But the real secret to beating the heat? Chimaek (Chicken + Beer)! 🍗🍺 Today, I'm visiting the...
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Living in Korea: Experiencing History & Peace in Busan 🕊️✨
Hi everyone! It’s Joy from Joy’s Life in KOREA! 🌸 In today's vlog, I took a trip down to Busan for a super special reason! South Korea hosted the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the very first time, and the energy here was absolutely amazing. From the vibrant Obangsaek parade to meeting Alex...
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Everything is Prepared! How Korea Keeps the Peace 🕊️
Hey guys! Welcome back to Joy’s Life in KOREA! 🇰🇷✨ Have you ever noticed that Korea feels incredibly safe and peaceful, even though it's technically in a state of ceasefire? In today's video, I’m taking you on a quick trip to see my bestie Jiyeon, but along the way, I stumbled upon some amazing...
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How These US Brands Made It Huge in Korea (The Surprising Secret!)🤯
Hey guys, it’s Joy! 🎬✨ Have you ever wondered why so many American companies are absolutely CRUSHING it here in South Korea? 🇺🇸🤝🇰🇷 From our weekend Costco runs to binge-watching the latest K-dramas on Netflix, American brands are everywhere in Korea. But did you know that many of these…
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K-Pop is just the beginning... What is Korea REALLY shaking up the world with? 🌍
Hey guys, it’s Joy! 🎬✨ We all know K-pop and K-dramas are absolutely crushing it worldwide, but is that all? Nope, not even close! Today, my international friends from my TOPIK study group gathered together to talk about what really makes Korea so well-known around the world these days. 🌍🔥 It...
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Why Young Koreans are Obsessed with Mongolia Right Now! (with a Local Friend) ✈️
Hey everyone! It’s your girl Joy! 💖 Have you noticed that literally EVERYONE on Instagram is in Mongolia right now?! 🇲🇳✨ I was looking up where young Koreans love to travel for summer vacation, and Mongolia is officially the trendiest hotspot! From riding camels on endless green plains to...
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My Magical Trip to Jeju Island! 🌴 (Snorkeling, Mukbang, & Meeting Young Leaders!)
Hi everyone! It’s Joy from Joy’s Life in KOREA! 🌴✨ In this video, I’m taking you on my magical trip to Jeju Island with my friends! From snorkeling in the beautiful blue ocean and boat fishing to trying the famous Jeju black pork and even diving with the legendary Jeju Haenyeo ladies—we did it...
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How to Live Like a Local in Korea: Essential Apps You Need ✨
Hey guys! It’s Joy here from Joy’s Life in KOREA! 👋✨ Are you planning a trip to South Korea, or maybe thinking about moving here soon? If you want to navigate Korea like a total local, your smartphone is going to be your ultimate superpower. 📱💥 In today’s video, I’m breaking down the absolute...
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Renaissance to Global News: What My Global Friends Said About Korea Today ✨
Today, I’m hanging out at this super cozy Hanok cafe in the heart of Seoul, taking a little time-travel trip to the past! But the real highlight of my day? Catching up with my amazing global besties who are scattered all over the world right now! 🗺️💬 From Michael studying art in Florence, to...
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Why American Gen Z is Line up to Work for Korean Companies Right Now! 🇺🇸🇰🇷
Hi everyone! It’s Joy! 🎬✨ In today's video, I have a huge surprise! My childhood friend Jack, a top US engineering grad who studied AI, suddenly came to Korea. Out of all the major global companies scouting him, he chose to work for a Korean company! 🥳 Did you know that Samsung Electronics…
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A Trip with Dad Opened My Eyes to Korea 💙
Hey guys, it’s Joy! 🎬 How a trip with my dad completely opened my eyes to South Korea. Growing up with my dad—who is my absolute mentor and a veteran defense expert—always meant learning to see the world through a slightly different lens. In this video, I’m taking you along on a special journey...
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How to Master Seoul Life & Why the Whole World is Falling for Korea! 🌎✈️
Hey guys! It’s Joy! 💖 In today’s video, I’m bringing you along on my weekly global family Zoom call! Since I moved to Seoul, my family has been scattered across three different countries: I’m in Korea, Mom is back in the US, and Dad is currently in Canada for a massive business trip! 🌎✈️ We…
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Why This Church in the Middle of Seoul is the Ultimate Healing Spot 🇰🇷✨
Hey guys! Welcome back to Joy’s Life in KOREA! 🇰🇷✨ Today, I’m taking you to a place that completely stole my heart—Myeongdong Cathedral. Right in the busy, neon-lit heart of Seoul, there’s this magical, peaceful escape that feels like a little piece of Europe. But Myeongdong Cathedral is way…
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Why Do People Call the Korean Military "Angels without Wings"? 👼
Did you know that Korean soldiers are being called "Angels without Wings" all over the world? 🌏✨ In this video, I’m catching up with my friend, Hyeon-cheol, who is a real-deal Korean soldier! He just came out on military leave and told me about his new goal: joining the UN Peacekeeping Forces. I...
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How Seoul Stays So Lively and Safe Despite the Threats 🚨✨
What actually happens in Seoul when headlines talk about missiles and nuclear threats? 🤔 Hi everyone! It’s Joy here! 💕 Today, I’m sharing a special episode to answer one of the biggest questions I get from my listeners and family back home: "Is Korea actually safe to live in and visit?" As an...
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How Something Dangerous Became Korea's Most Beautiful Bell 🕊️🔔
What's the first sound that pops into your head when you think of Korea? K-pop? Dynamic crowd chanting? 🎵 While those are amazing, my absolute favorite is actually the sound of Korean bells! In this video, I’m taking you on a quick journey to discover two of the most fascinating bells in Korea....
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Why World Leaders Are Obsessed With This Hidden Korean Town 🌍✨
Hey everyone, it’s Joy! 🎬 Ready for a time travel? In this video, I’m taking you to Andong, the spiritual capital of South Korea, where I did something absolutely unforgettable—I spent the night in a 200-year-old traditional Korean house called a "Gotaek"! 🌟 Forget luxury hotels. Waking up to…
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How 11 Nations Created the Most Peaceful Park in Busan🇰🇷🕊️
Hi everyone! It’s Joy from Joy’s Life in KOREA! 😊 Today’s story starts with a fun dinner with my new friend Harry, who’s from the UK. We had a classic Korean "Samso" night (Samgyeopsal + Somaek!), but our conversation led to something much deeper and more moving than I ever expected. Did you…
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Why the World Calls Korea a "True Friend"🌏🤝
Hey guys! It’s Joy! 👋✨ Lately, I’ve been hitting the books hard for the TOPIK exam, but today’s discussion class really hit different. 🥺 We talked about the relationship between Korea and our home countries, and honestly? I was so moved by what my friends shared. From helping refugee children…
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Why this 'Squid Game' island is actually waiting for peace
You might know this island as a filming location for Squid Game. But there is a much deeper and more beautiful story hidden here. 🏝️✨ In this episode, I’m taking you to Gyodongdo, a small island where time seems to have stopped in the 1960s. 🕰️ We’ll walk through the retro streets of Daeryong...
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Why is there a "North Korean Village" in South Korea? 🇰🇷🛶
Hey guys! It’s Joy! 🇺🇸✨ Did you know there’s a village in South Korea that feels like a piece of the North? Today, I’m taking you to Abai Village in Sokcho. It looks like a peaceful fairy tale now, but it has a deep, heartbreaking history of families separated by the war. I got to pull my own...
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How we can all be pace makers for a peaceful world 🕊️🌍✨
Hey everyone! Welcome back to Joy’s Life in KOREA! 🇰🇷✨ I’m your host, Joy. Today, I’m taking you on a breath-taking run through one of my favorite spots in Seoul—Olympic Park! 🏃♀️💨 Running is such a huge vibe in Korea right now, and I’m so excited to share the amazing energy of running with…
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Why Peace in Korea is Everyone’s Business
What’s up, everyone! It’s your girl Joy! 🇺🇸✨ In today's episode, we’re going from yummy pumpkin pie to... world peace? Yep, we’re covering it all! 🕊️ I’m diving into my favorite US traditions—seriously, my dad's homemade pumpkin pie is actual heaven 🥧—and a mind-blowing fact about how many…
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How Korea and Vietnam 🇻🇳 became the ultimate win-win partners
Hey everyone, it’s Joy! Welcome back to Joy’s Life in KOREA. 🌟 In today’s episode, I’m diving into a special story that started with a beautiful 3D popup card from my Korean teacher. Have you ever wondered why Korea and Vietnam are such "besties"? It’s more than just business and trade—it’s a...
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How I entered the "Forbidden Zone" by train 🚂 (Unforgettable DMZ trip)
Welcome to Joy’s Life in KOREA! 🇰🇷✨ Today’s episode is extra, EXTRA special! I finally managed to survive the "ticketing war" and hopped on the DMZ 평화이음열차! 🚂💨 Can you believe this train is back for the first time in over 6 years? 😱 Come along with me as I travel deep into the "forbidden...
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Why India & Korea are a PERFECT Match (Joy's Breakdown)! 🧩
HEY GUYS! Welcome back to another episode of Joy’s Life in KOREA! 🎙️✨ In today's episode, I’m breaking down one of the CRAZIEST coincidences I’ve experienced since moving here. It all started when a new student joined my Korean class—Sanya, a stunning model from India! 🇮🇳🇰🇷 But wait... it…
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How to see 100 years of history and the most romantic view in one day! 💖🏛️🌊
Ever wondered if a place could be a total time machine and a romantic date spot all at once? 🕰️💖 In this episode, join me as I take you through Incheon Jayu Park—a place where legendary K-drama filming sites meet over a century of hidden history. 🎬📜 We’re talking 100-year-old "guardian" trees...
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How to enjoy Incheon Chinatown like a local! (Full Day Trip) 🚶♀️
Hey everyone! It’s Joy! 🌸 Welcome to Joy’s Life in KOREA. In this episode, we are heading to Incheon, the vibrant port city where one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods was born! 🍜 Join me as I walk through the red-colored streets of Incheon Chinatown. With over 140 years of history, this...
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How I’m Prepping for TOPIK Level 4 (Without Losing My Mind!)
I REALLY thought I was a genius when it came to Korean! 🧠✨ I grew up listening to K-POP and memorizing lines from my favorite K-DRAMAS, so I figured living in Korea and taking the TOPIK exam would be a BREEZE. But I was SO wrong... 😭💔 In this video, I’m sharing the REALITY of preparing for…
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Why This 120-Year Forbidden Zone is Now a Cherry Blossom Hotspot 🌸
Hey guys! It’s Joy! 👋Did you know there was a "secret American town" hidden in the heart of Seoul for 120 years? 🇺🇸🇰🇷 In today’s video, I’m taking you to the Yongsan Children’s Garden, a place that was off-limits to the public for over a century. From its history as a US military base to its...
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How I Met the 23-0 Naval Legend in Jinhae with Cherry Blossoms 🌸
Close your eyes and imagine a storm of pink petals falling over the sea. 🌸 In this episode, we’re traveling to Jinhae, the heart of the Korean Navy, where the magic of spring meets a legendary ghost from the past. We’re uncovering the incredible 23-0 legacy of Admiral Yi Sun-shin—the man who…
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My Friend is a Soldier? 🪖 Visiting a Korean Military Base for the First Time!
Ever wondered why South Korea is such a safe country? 🇰🇷 It’s because the person next to you might actually be a highly trained soldier! 🪖 Join me, Joy, as I head to a military base to see the reality of Korean service firsthand. 🛡️ From global stars like BTS to your everyday neighbor, find…
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Why the BTS Gwanghwamun Concert Shocked the World 😱💜✨
What happens when a massive crowd gathers in the heart of Seoul for a BTS concert? 🤔 You’d expect chaos and trash, right? But what I witnessed at Gwanghwamun was a total "K-Class" miracle! ✨ In this episode, I’m diving deep into the incredible BTS comeback concert and the "secret sauce" that…
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About this show
Hi! I'm Joy! 👋My journey started with a love for K-pop, which led me all the way to Korea to study and explore! 🇰🇷✨ Now, I'm living the dream and sharing every bit of it with you.I'll be your guide to everything K-life. From the fun surprises of everyday life and I'm showing you the real Korea through my eyes! Let's explore Korea together with lots of curiosity and good vibes! 💛📍Youtubehttps://youtube.com/@JoyLifeinKorea
Hosted by
JOY