Easy Korean with Yeoni Ssaem

Have you ever wondered why Koreans take off their shoes before entering a home?

In this episode, we explore the reasons behind this Korean custom, from traditional floor heating (ondol) to everyday habits and home etiquette. Do people take off their shoes at home in your country?

I hope this episode helps with your Korean learning!

💛 Thanks for listening!

✨ Follow @yeoni_korean on Instagram for more Korean learning tips, useful expressions, and podcast updates.

Have you ever heard a Korean say “깨를 볶다”? Literally, it means “to roast sesame seeds” — but Koreans also use it to talk about couples! 💕

In this episode, we’ll learn what 깨를 볶다 and 깨가 쏟아지다 mean, when Koreans use these expressions, and how to use them naturally in conversation.

I hope this episode helps with your Korean learning.

Yeoni ssaem Instagram: @yeoni_korean

A 3–4 metre shark recently appeared in a waterway at a park in Busan! 🦈🇰🇷

Instead of staying away, thousands of people went to see it, take photos, and even buy Jaws Bar (죠스바), a popular shark-shaped Korean ice cream. Sales of the ice cream actually increased after the shark appeared!

Would you go and see the shark... or stay far away? 👀🎧

I hope this episode helps with your Korean learning.

Yeoni ssaem Instagram: @yeoni_korean

What is Chuseok really like in Korea? 🇰🇷

In this episode, we explore one of Korea’s biggest traditional holidays, from 송편 (songpyeon) and travelling home to see family to holiday gift sets and the famous “holiday questions” from relatives.

We’ll also look at how Chuseok is changing, as more Koreans simplify traditional customs, eat out, or even use the long holiday to travel.

Listen in Korean and discover what Chuseok looks like in Korea today! 🎧

I hope this episode helps with your Korean learning.

If you love Korean skincare and makeup, you’ve probably heard of Olive Young (올리브영).

In this episode, we talk about Korea’s go-to destination for beauty shopping, what you can find there, and why it’s a great place to discover the latest Korean beauty trends. You can even shop online!

Planning a trip to Korea? You might want to leave some extra room in your suitcase. 🛍️

I hope this episode helps with your Korean learning.

Need something in Korea? There’s a good chance you’ll find it at Daiso!

In this episode, we explore why Daiso (다이소) is such a popular place to shop in Korea. Once known mainly for affordable household essentials, Daiso now sells everything from stationery and travel items to skincare and makeup.

If you’re planning a trip to Korea, this is one store you’ll definitely want to explore!

I hope this episode helps with your Korean learning.

What’s a song you love but feel a little embarrassed to admit? In Korea, there’s a word for that: 숨듣명, short for “a masterpiece you listen to in secret.”

In this episode, we explore what 숨듣명 means, some K-pop songs associated with the trend, and how old or forgotten songs can suddenly become popular again. What’s your 숨듣명?

I hope this episode helps with your Korean learning.

Would you walk across Korea with a heavy backpack? 🎒🇰🇷

In this episode, we explore 국토대장정 (Gukto Daejangjeong), a long-distance walking challenge especially popular among young Koreans during summer break.

We’ll also compare it with Spain’s Camino de Santiago and talk about why people choose to walk for days—or even weeks—when they could simply take a train!

Would you try it? 🚶

Reading is cool again in Korea! 📚

In this episode, we explore “Text Hip (텍스트힙)”—a Korean trend where reading, writing, and sharing books have become a way to express your taste and personality.

Is reading becoming trendy in your country too? And do you think reading is “hip”? ✨

I hope this episode helps with your Korean learning.

In this episode, I talk about the different images of iPhone and Galaxy in Korea, why younger generations are drawn to Apple, how Galaxy is changing its image with phones like the Z Flip, and my own experience using both brands.

You’ll also learn useful Korean expressions related to preferences, generations, lifestyle, and technology.

What about in your country? Is iPhone or Galaxy more popular? And does the phone someone uses affect how people see them?

I hope this episode helps with your Korean learning.