Real Korean - For Travel

Rachel has found the perfect boutique in the mall, but will it fit? And does it come in another colour ? In our season finale,  Lucy  joins  Rachel  as she navigates a trendy Korean clothing store. From the struggle of "Free Size" to the hunt for a  pi-ting-rum  (fitting room), this episode covers the essential vocabulary for any fashion-forward traveler. Rachel learns how to handle the...

Rachel’s reservation was just the beginning. Now she’s face-to-face with a complex menu and a desire to get some work done. Can she get her drink exactly how she likes it? In this episode,  Lucy  walks  Rachel  through the specific vocabulary of the Korean cafe scene. From the "Ice vs. Hot" debate (even in winter!) to the technicalities of "less sweet," Rachel learns how to be a particular but pol...

Rachel is in a race against time. Her reservation at a trendy 'Instagrammable' cafe is in 15 minutes, and she’s still in Sinsa. It’s time to hail a taxi! In this episode,  Lucy  guides  Rachel  through the nuances of the Korean taxi experience. From spotting the "Vacant" ( Bin-cha ) light to handling the inevitable "Where are you from?" questions, Rachel learns how to communicate her destination a...

Dinner is done, the grill is cooling, and now comes the moment of truth: Who pays, and how? In this episode,  Lucy  watches as  Rachel  and her new friend  James  finish their feast. They’ve had a great time, but now they need to handle the bill at the front counter. Should they split it? Does one person pay? How do you even ask for the check in a busy Korean restaurant? While 'Dutch Pay'...

No kiosks, no tablets, and a very busy server. Rachel is at a famous Sinsa-dong BBQ spot, and it’s time to order. Can she navigate the menu without just pointing and nodding? In this episode,  Lucy  guides  Rachel  through the lively, smoky atmosphere of a traditional Korean restaurant. This isn't a quiet cafe; it’s a place where you need to be clear, polite, and confident. Rachel learns that...

The subway was a success, but now Rachel is standing at a complex bus transfer center with three different buses approaching. Which one leads to the galbi? In this episode,  Lucy  coaches  Rachel  through the high-stakes world of Seoul buses. From flagging down the right number to the dreaded moment the bus doors close before you can hop off, we cover the essential phrases for bus survival. Rachel...

In this episode,  Lucy  breaks down the "Subway Code." We follow  Rachel  as she navigates the rhythmic (and sometimes musical) announcements of the Seoul Metro. Instead of waiting for the English translation—which often comes too late when doors are closing—Lucy teaches Rachel how to spot the "anchor words" that signal her arrival. Listen for the music! In Seoul, transfer stations play a specific...

In this episode, our host  Lucy  follows  Rachel  as she steps out of her comfort zone and onto the busy streets of Seoul. Rachel needs to find the nearest subway station, but she quickly realizes that just pointing at a map isn't enough. Lucy explains the "magic words" Rachel uses to soften her approach and ensure she gets a friendly response. Think of cushion words like a social shock absorber....

In our series premiere, we are introduced to Rachel—a first-time traveler who just landed in Seoul, SouthKorea. Rachel's first mission? Finding a late-night snack without getting flustered at the register. While these shops are a traveler's paradise for spicy ramen and banana milk, the rapid-fire questions from the cashier can be intimidating for newcomers.