Minjung

Minjung Seo is a Korean language and culture expert who has been featured as an authority on MSN and LA Progressive. As a writer for Lingua Asia, she covers Korean language, culture, food, travel, trends, and beauty. She grew up in South Korea and attended Inha University where she majored in Journalism. After working as a translator in California, she started a translation business in 2013.

16 Must-Try Korean Fruits and Why They Make a Great Gift

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Lingua Asia_Korean Fruits You Need To Try
Lingua Asia_Korean Fruits You Need To Try

Fruit is a big part of daily life in Korea.

You might notice families eating neatly sliced giant pears after meals on K-dramas. The traditional reward for giving up your seat on a bus to an older lady is a tangerine.

The reasons for this are many. Most of all, they’re a great source of vitamins, making a yummy natural dessert after meals.

Put some nature’s candy in a basket and you’ve got the perfect gift guaranteed to please Koreans over 40.

Here are Korean fruits you must try, categorized by each season and region!

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7 Surprising Meanings of Oppa (오빠): Explained by a Korean Girl

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Lingua Asia Surprising Meanings of Oppa Explained by a Korean Girl
Lingua Asia Surprising Meanings of Oppa Explained by a Korean Girl

You’ve heard women scream “oppa” in K-dramas and Psy repeat it in Gangnam Style.

Oppa is the chameleon of Korean words. You can call the same guy oppa and the meaning changes based on your relationship.

This guide explains what oppa means in each situation and how to use it.

After reading this post, you’ll be able to use oppa properly, and also have a deeper understanding of Korean culture.

We also cover:

  • what oppa does for you
  • what church oppa style is
  • how to tell if a girl has an “oppa oppa” or just an oppa
  • and more!

When I teach Korean, the meaning of oppa is one of my favorite subjects. I grew up with an actual oppa and met many throughout my life which helps me understand the deeper meaning of the word.

Let’s get started!

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How to Throw a Doljanchi (돌잔치) to Remember and What to Do as a Guest

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Lingua Asia How to Throw a Doljanchi to Remember and What to Do as a Guest

Getting ready for your first doljanchi?

In a culture with fun celebrations for babies, doljanchi is the big one.

Whether in the US, UK, Canada or Korea, make the most out of the special day with tips from a doljanchi veteran!

This post includes:

  • what a doljanchi is
  • reason for doljanchi ceremonies
  • doljabi
  • dolsang
  • what to wear and bring as a gift
  • and more!
Lingua Asia How to Throw a Doljanchi to Remember and What to Do as a Guest
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

I’m a Korean female in my 30s so I’ve been going to my share of doljanchi lately.

Find out how to do it right!

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21 Korean American Actresses Who’ve Got it Going on

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Lingua Asia_Korean American Actresses in Hollywood
Lingua Asia_Korean American Actresses in Hollywood

Want to know which Korean American actresses are big in Hollywood?

These ladies are just as comfortable throwing high kicks as they are strutting the catwalk.

On top of acting, you can add Broadway musicals, rapping, standup comedy, directing and activism to their list of talents. (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)

Here are some actresses you might not know were Korean!

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4 Meanings of Dongsaeng (동생) and How to Use Them Right

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Lingua Asia Meanings of Dongsaeng and How to Use Them Right

Dongsaeng are the proverbial “low man on the totem pole”. This can be good or bad depending on who’s above them.

This post explains the word dongsaeng from a Korean perspective.

It covers:

  • definition of dongsaeng
  • how to use it in different situations
  • pros and cons of being dongsaeng
  • pros and cons of having dongsaeng
  • and more

I have a lot of experience being dongsaeng since I’m the youngest in my family.

Let’s get started!

Lingua Asia Meanings of Dongsaeng and How to Use Them Right

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The Funniest Animal Sounds and More in Korean Onomatopoeia

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Funniest-Animal-Sounds-and-More-in-Korean-Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia are tons of fun. You can find them in children’s stories, comic books and in everyday conversation. As any parent knows, kids really love them.

You just have to be young at heart to enjoy them.

Korean onomatopoeia (의성어) are even more fun for English speakers. It’s hilarious to compare what a cow sounds like in the USA vs Korea.

Here are a list of Korean onomatopoeia and animals sounds that are sure to brighten up your day.

Funniest Animal Sounds and More in Korean Onomatopoeia

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What You Need to Know About Korean Melons (Chamoe)

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Lingua Asia_Interesting Facts About Korean Melon (Chamoe)
Lingua Asia_Interesting Facts About Korean Melon (Chamoe)

Imagine a fruit that’s somewhere in between melon and cucumber!

Wait… It’s BETTER than it sounds. Korean melon or chamoe tastes like cantaloupe and honeydew, but crunchier. \(^0^)/

It’s also pretty cute too with its yellow striped, oval shape.

If you see one at a Korean grocery store nearby, it’s definitely worth trying!

Read on to find out all the interesting facts about Korean melons including whether your dog and/or cat can eat them.

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9 Coffee Shops in Koreatown to Give You a Taste of the Motherland

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Lingua Asia_9 Coffee Shops in Koreatown to Give You a Taste of the Motherland

CAFFEINE and SUGAR are what Korean cafes are all about!

There’s a coffee shop on every corner in Korea.

Many of the bigger chains have made their way to the shores of New York, Los Angeles and beyond.

Here are some of the best coffee shops in Koreatown in no particular order.

Lingua Asia_9 Coffee Shops in Koreatown to Give You a Taste of the Motherland

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