With Covid-19 travel restrictions, a carefree getaway to South Korea isn’t in the cards just yet – though there are talks about a travel corridor. Like anyone else who has had the pleasure of tucking into street food in the historic Kwangchang market or spending an afternoon shopping at the vibrant Myeong-dong district, I miss it.
Thankfully, there are ways to instantly transport yourself to the Land of the Morning Calm — even if just for a short moment.
Singapore has some fantastic Korean grocery stores and supermarkets. These markets aren’t just a place to pick up fruits and vegetables; they also offer ingredients such as kimchi, gochujang and tteokbokki for dishes that will rival those at the most renowned Korean restaurants. The best part? Most are available online too! These Korean supermarkets import ingredients directly from South Korea, from frozen meats to fresh fruits and vegetables.
For most of us, food is a rewarding part of going on vacay. Whether you’re looking for authentic army stew, a sizzling BBQ or your bibimbap fix, there are plenty of great Korean restaurants to check out in Singapore.
South Korea is an epicentre for beauty trends around the world. It comes as no surprise, given the global appeal of K-pop and K-drama. If you’ve always wanted to get a K-style haircut, colour or treatment, here’s a list of highly-regarded Korean hair salons in Singapore. Need some style inspiration? Check out the biggest Korean hair trends.
You’ve got the 10-step Korean skincare routine down pat, but caring for your complexion is so much more than just applying a nourishing serum and throwing on a face mask. Here are five places for Korean facials in Singapore to get your face glowing like a K-pop star.
Escape into another culture and world altogether with K-dramas. Korean series are gaining international popularity with their swoon-worthy casts, addictive storylines and captivating characters. From hilarious webtoon-inspired dramas to tear-jerking rom-coms, take your pick from these binge-worthy K-dramas and press play!
Overseas travel might be out of the picture for now, but you can go on a K-drama pilgrimage right here in Singapore, such as a photoshoot at Korea Artiz Studio. The studio is reminiscent of stepping into a Korean drama set, with more than 25 exquisite designer-landscaped backdrops to choose from. Whether you are looking for something flashy and glamorous like a scene out of Hotel Del Luna, or drawing inspiration from the romantic nature scenes in Goblin, it can all be recreated at Korea Artiz Studio’s photo studio in Bras Basah.
Whether it is big-name departmental stores or independent boutiques, many businesses in Singapore are carrying more Korean brands to meet the growing demand. Here are some places you have to visit to get your hands on the latest K-idol-inspired fits.
In the past decade, the K-beauty industry has inspired some of the most popular skincare trends and innovations. Think BB creams, cushion foundations, ampoules and sheet masks. Fancy dipping your toes into the wonderful world of K-beauty? Here are some of the cult-favourite Korean beauty products you need to try.