The Book of Korean Self-Care

There’s no doubt that creating a skincare routine can get overwhelming with so many different products available. When you start out, focus on the key basics: a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. When drying, pat, don’t rub.

They are usually open 24 hours, because rest and relaxation should not be bounded by time.

Koreans realize that outer beauty is more than just skincare and makeup—it’s a reflection of inner health.

healthy skin is one’s natural makeup.

what is now North Korea during the Japanese occupation, which occurred from 1910–1945. After World War II, Korea was split into two zones of occupation—the South under the U.S., and the North under the totalitarian communist leadership of the Soviets.

Generally, kimchi’s distinct flavor is a product of both fermentation and several key spices including garlic, ginger, and gochugaru (고춧가루), or chili pepper powder.

Kimchi is teeming with beneficial bacteria known as probiotics, which are a byproduct of the fermentation process involving lactic acid bacteria.

Of course, the topic of hansik and its accompanying recipes could fill up several books on their own, but here are the basic elements of hansik.

sake of brevity, I will be using “Korean” to mean “South Korean” in this book).

Korean, is referred to as um and yang), or the opposing forces of two extremes, thermal (heat/cold) contrast is known to produce sudden changes in the circulatory system to promote healing. This is important to Koreans who emphasize enhanced circulation and blood flow as essentia