K-Life A to Z podcast artwork

PODCAST · society

K-Life A to Z

Real Stories from Korea Told by New Yorker Columnist Colin Marshall.

  1. 40

    Education in Korea

    Today, we will take a look at 'Education', something that Korean people hold in very high regard.Let's examine the differences between the Korean school system and foreign school systems, and look into the unique characteristics and history of the Korean curriculum~

  2. 39

    Korean Buddhism

    Today, we will learn about 'Buddhism', a religion that has deeply influenced the lives and culture of Korean people for a very long time.Let's explore the characteristics and history of Korean Buddhism, and find out about some of the most famous temples~

  3. 38

    Marriage in Korea

    Today, we’re diving into the topic of marriage in Korea!We’ll explore the diverse landscape of Korean wedding culture—from the first meeting to the big day—and discuss how it differs from traditions in other countries.

  4. 37

    Trends in Korea

    Today, we’re taking a look at Korea’s fast-evolving trends!We’ll explore how fads have changed through the ages—from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day—and discuss the unique characteristics of what makes something a hit in Korea.

  5. 36

    Han·Jeong·Heung

    Today, we’re exploring the three fundamental sentiments at the heart of the Korean psyche: Han(恨), Jeong(情), and Heung(興).We’ll be breaking down the unique meanings and characteristics of each one, while looking at the various ways these emotions come to life in everyday situations.

  6. 35

    Hanja

    Today, we’re exploring 'Hanja'—the Sino-Korean characters that are absolutely essential for a deep understanding of Korean history, culture, and language. We’ll be diving into everything from the controversies surrounding their use to the history of Hanja in Korea and the current state of education.

  7. 34

    Common Korean mistakes made by foreigners

    Today, we’re looking at common Korean mistakes made by foreigners. Let’s dive into some of those confusing grammar points like "보다 vs. 보이다," "은/는 vs. 이/가," and "안 vs. 속," and learn the right way to say them!

  8. 33

    Painter Kim Whanki

    Today, we’re diving into the world of painter Kim Whanki, the artist who currently sweeps the top three spots for the highest auction prices in Korean modern art. Let’s explore the remarkable career of this pioneer of Korean abstraction and defining icon of 20th-century Korean art!

  9. 32

    Korean superstitions

    Today, we are going to learn about 'superstitions'—the kind that makes you feel a bit uneasy for no reason if you don't follow them. Let's explore various Korean superstitions that have been passed down for a long time, ranging from everyday taboos to popular myths about exams, health, and romance!

  10. 31

    Korea's Skyscraper

    Today, we are going to learn about 'skyscrapers' (macheonru in Korean), which means 'extremely tall buildings soaring as if to pierce the sky.' Let's take a look at Korea's high-rise buildings—from the Namsan Tower Hotel, which opened in 1969, to the 63 Building, which held the title of the tallest building for the longest time, all the way to the Lotte World Tower, which is currently the tallest skyscraper in South Korea!

  11. 30

    Confucianism

    Today, we’re going to explore Confucianism, which has had a major influence on Korea.We’ll look at the core principles of Confucian thought, and examine the characteristics and challenges of Korean-style Confucianism.

  12. 29

    Gaming in Korea

    Today, we’re going to explore 'games,' something people of all ages can enjoy.We’ll look at the major issues and milestones in the Korean gaming industry across different eras, and also take a closer look at the kinds of games Koreans enjoy these days. 🎮

  13. 28

    English

    Today, we’re taking a look at English, the global language.We’ll explore how its influence in Korea has evolved over time, and examine Korea’s English education industry and culture.

  14. 27

    Dansaekhwa

    Today, we’re taking a look at Dansaekhwa, which represents Korean contemporary art of the 1970s.Let’s find out who the key Dansaekhwa artists are, and explore the movement’s essential elements and history.

  15. 26

    Lunar calendar

    Today, we explore the lunar calendar, which is based on the moon’s cycle of revolution.We’ll look at the differences between the lunar calendar, the solar calendar, and the lunisolar calendar—and discuss why the lunar calendar still holds cultural significance in Korea today.

  16. 25

    Sinchon

    Today, we explore 'Sinchon,' located in the southern part of Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. We’ll uncover the meaning behind the name 'Sinchon' and take a look at its major history and unique characteristics.

  17. 24

    Seoul Metropolitan Subway

    Today, we turn our attention to the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, the backbone of daily life for Seoul’s residents.We’ll trace its history, examine its defining features, and compare it with subway systems in other countries.

  18. 23

    Newtro

    Today, we explore “Newtro,” a trend that reinterprets nostalgia with a modern sensibility.From art, fashion, and beauty to film, drama, music, architecture, interior design, and food,let’s take a closer look at how the Newtro trend is being embraced across a wide range of fields.

  19. 22

    Hotel Staycation

    Today, we explore a unique travel culture called 'Hocance (Hotel Staycation).' We’ll learn about the concept and the origin of the word, and find out why these hotel staycations are so popular in Korea.

  20. 21

    Ondol

    Today, we’re going to learn about 'Ondol,' Korea’s traditional floor heating method. We'll take a look at the history of Ondol through the ages, starting from its very origins, and explore just how important and convenient it is.

  21. 20

    Korea’s overseas travel culture

    Today, we’re taking a deep dive into Korea’s overseas travel culture. We’ll be tracing the history of travel abroad through the decades and checking out the most popular holiday destinations for Korean travellers in 2025.

  22. 19

    How Korea rings in the New Year

    With 2026 just a day away, today we’re diving into how Korea rings in the New Year! We’ll be breaking down the difference between the Lunar and Solar New Year, and checking out what Koreans usually get up to, along with their go-to New Year’s resolutions.

  23. 18

    Christmas in Korea

    Today, on Christmas Eve, we’re diving into 'Christmas in Korea.' We’ll compare the holiday scenes from around the world and take a look back at the history of Christmas in Korea!

  24. 17

    Gat & Gannil

    Today, we’re exploring the 'Gat,' the traditional Korean hat. We'll take a look at the different types and key components of the Gat, and dive into 'Gannil,' the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Gat-making~

  25. 16

    Korea's Space Programs

    Today, we’re diving into Korea’s journey toward becoming a space powerhouse. We’ll explore the development of Korea’s satellites and rockets, as well as the key milestones and issues across different eras.

  26. 15

    Seoul’s official city slogans

    Today, we’re exploring Seoul’s official city slogans that capture the charm of the capital. We’ll look into the history and meaning of Seoul’s slogans, along with some of the world’s most famous city slogans.

  27. 14

    Korea’s room culture

    Today, we’re exploring Korea’s unique 'room (방/bang) culture,' which began with the gibang and sarangbang of the past. We’ll take a look at various 'rooms' that became popular across different eras—comic book cafés (manhwabang), singing rooms (noraebang), PC rooms, jjimjilbang, multi-rooms, and more—and learn why this room-based culture developed so strongly in Korea.

  28. 13

    MBTI craze in Korea

    Today, we’re learning about the MBTI craze in Korea.Let’s explore why MBTI has become so popular — not just as a way to understand one’s personality, but also as a tool used in dating, job interviews, and many other areas!

  29. 12

    Constitution of Korea

    Today, we’re learning about the Constitution of Korea.We’ll compare it with the constitutions of the United States and the United Kingdom, and explore its key articles to understand what makes Korea’s Constitution unique!

  30. 11

    Korea’s delivery culture

    Today, we’ll explore Korea’s delivery culture — comparing it with the delivery systems in the U.S. and the U.K., and tracing the history and development of delivery from the Joseon Dynasty to the modern day!

  31. 10

    Korea’s drinking culture

    Today we’re exploring Korea’s drinking culture—from types of Korean alcohol, to group company dinners (hoesik), popular drinking games, and the etiquette to observe when drinking.

  32. 9

    Hangeul Typography

    Today we’re learning about Hangeul, the uniquely Korean script whose letters were modeled on the shapes of the speech organs. Let’s explore how Hangeul has evolved — from its creation to the ways different Hangeul typefaces were used across each era, along with the development of printing technology.

  33. 8

    Dialects

    Today, we’ll explore dialects with their warm and charming flavor. Let’s compare standard Korean with regional dialects and discover the unique appeal each one carries!

  34. 7

    Korean etiquette culture

    Today we’ll explore Korean etiquette culture. We’ll look at the basics such as titles, honorific speech, and greetings, as well as different manners for various situations — like being invited to someone’s home, dining, and giving gifts.

  35. 6

    International marriage

    Today, we’ll learn about the ever-increasing phenomenon of international marriage. From Korea’s very first international marriage between King Suro and Heo Hwang-ok, to the trends across different eras, as well as the pros and cons of international marriage, we’ll take a closer look!

  36. 5

    Korea’s convenience stores

    Today we’ll take a look at Korea’s convenience stores, where you can find just about everything. We’ll compare them with convenience stores in other countries, and also explore the wide range of products and services available in Korean ones — from ATMs and parcel delivery to transportation card recharging.

  37. 4

    Jjimjilbang

    Today, we’ll take a look at the ‘jjimjilbang,’ which has been gaining attention after appearing in [K-pop Demon Hunters]. We’ll explore the different types and features of jjimjilbangs, as well as the foods you can enjoy there!

  38. 3

    Korean street food

    Today, we’ll take a look at ‘Korean street food.’ From gimbap, tteokbokki, chicken skewers, tornado potatoes, hot dogs, cupbap, hoddeok, to bungeoppang—let’s explore the wide variety and delicious flavors of Korea’s most popular street foods!

  39. 2

    Korean Names and Surnames

    Today, we explore “Korean Names and Surnames.” Learn about the history and characteristics of Korean surnames, the generational naming syllables that distinguish family lines, and the most popular names by generation.

  40. 1

    Books written by foreigners living in Korea

    Today, we take a look at books written by foreigners living in Korea. Discover different aspects of Korea—its traditions, history, culture, and daily life—through the eyes of foreign authors.

  41. 0

    Postpartum care centers

    Today, we’re going to learn about the sanhu joriwon (postpartum care centers) that take care of a new mother’s recovery and healing after childbirth.We’ll look at how to choose a care center, what parents need to do while staying there, and the meals and educational programs provided.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Real Stories from Korea Told by New Yorker Columnist Colin Marshall.

HOSTED BY

Arirang Radio

CATEGORIES

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K-Life A to Z currently has 41 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

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Real Stories from Korea Told by New Yorker Columnist Colin Marshall.

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K-Life A to Z has 41 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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K-Life A to Z is created and hosted by Arirang Radio.
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