KOREAN CULTURE DICTIONARY 어서와! 한국 문화는 처음이지?

강우성 작가는 뉴욕에서 활동하며 다양한 한국 문화 홍보 활동을 펼쳤고, 지난 2016년 '대박', '아재 개그'와 같이 외국인들이 이해하기 힘들어하는 신조어와 유행어를 모아 알기쉽게 설명한 '케이팝 딕셔너리'를 선보이며 외국인 독자들의 폭발적인 반응을 이끌어냈다. 그 후, '글로벌 한류 열풍'으로 인해 한국에 대한 관심에 급증하는 것에 비해 한국 문화를 올바르고 정확하게 소개하는 자료가 절대적으로 부족하다는 점에 문제의식을 느꼈고, 해결책 마련을 위해 고심한 끝에 오랜동안 매진한 이번 작품을 내놓게 되었다. 외국인 독자들의 이해를 돕기 위해 다양한 사진자료와 삽화는 물론, QR 코드를 통해 유튜브에서 곧바로 관련 영상을 시청 할 수 있도록 했고, 반드시 봐야 할 한국 드라마나 영화 리스트 또한 구석구석 집어넣은 것을 보면 한국 문화를 조금이나마 더 제대로 알리고자 하는 그의 열정을 느낄 수 있다. 이와 함께 외국인들이 한국에서 생활하며 겪었던 재밌는 에피소드를 소개하며 문화적 유사성과 차이점을 설명, 독자들의 고개를 끄덕이게 만든다. 기존의 '케이팝 딕셔너리'가 그러했듯, 이번 '코리안 컬쳐 딕셔너리'또한 기존에는 없었던 종류의 책으로서, 한국을 알고자 하는 많은 이들에게 도움을 주고 한국 문화를 세계에 알리는 역할을 충실히 해내리라 믿어 의심치 않는다.

Before reading this book, you've probably had moments of curiosity about Korean culture.

Why does the Korean flag look like it has a Pepsi logo? Why do so many Korean kids share the same last names-Kim, Lee, and Park? If you're a K-Drama fan who watches variety shows too, your fascination with Korea may have grown even deeper. What does Korea actually mean? Who are the people on Korean banknotes? Why do Koreans love kimchi so much-and why with everything?

Koreans also have their own way of figuring each other out. Forget small talk; they often ask your age or even blood type. (Yes, blood type! Some still believe it reveals personality-Type A perfectionists, Type O easygoing.) And now it's all about MBTI-from ENFP to ISTJ, it can even hint at workplace or dating compatibility. You might also wonder why you suddenly become a year (or two) older upon arriving in Korea. Why all the drama in street tent bars (pojangmacha)? How do Koreans drink so much soju from those infamous green bottles? And, of course, the 2020s question: Why is K-pop so insanely popular?
(Hint: it's not just BTS-NewJeans, Stray Kids, LE SSERAFIM, and a wave of global idols are leading the charge. And yes, what does "Gangnam Style" even mean?)

If you've seen Squid Game or Parasite, you know Korean entertainment is not just catchy-it's deep, emotional, and brutally honest. Even animation is joining the trend with shows like K-Pop Demon Hunters, blending Korean pop culture with global storytelling.

When you get lost in translation, a dictionary or app can help-but cultural gaps aren't that easy. You might guess right once, but miss the why behind Korea's customs and behaviors. No matter who you are-a K-Pop or K-Drama fan, an expat, a study-abroad student, or a second-generation gyopo-you no longer need to stay puzzled by the quirks that make Korea, well, Korea.

This book covers over 350 essential topics and FAQs, organized into 27 categories, exploring Korea through the Five Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and How. By the end, you'll understand Korea-from history and values to food, slang, and modern trends.

You'll also finally know why Koreans sit on the floor, why pouring with one hand is rude, and why K-Dramas' hidden cues make so much sense. After reading, dramas, movies, and K-Pop lyrics will feel completely different-and you'll spot the clich?s before they happen!

Next time you hang out with a Korean friend, you can casually impress them-like explaining why people tap the neck of a soju bottle or why to turn away when drinking with elders. And if someone says you have a "small face," you'll know to proudly reply: "Thank you!"

Now, let's start with a perfect first example of Korean culture-the famous "Ppali Ppali" (빨리빨리) mindset. Hurry up and start reading!

PREFACE
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
GET TO KNOW THE FLAG
UNDERSTANDING KOREAN NAMES
THE LANGUAGE
KIMCHI - THE KOREAN SOUL FOOD
YUGYO - THE IDEOLOGY OF THE KOREAN PEOPLE
WHAT DO KOREANS EAT?
DINING IN KOREA
DRINKING IN KOREA
WORKING IN KOREA
EDUCATION IN KOREA
FUN AND QUIRKY KOREAN SUPERSTITIONS AND BELIEFS
SPOOKY KOREAN SUPERSTITIONS AND BELIEFS
ODD QUESTIONS AND COMPLIMENTS
DEATH AND AFTERLIFE
KOREAN FUNERAL - HOW KOREANS SAY GOODBYE
JESA - REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE ANCESTORS
TYING THE KNOT - WEDDINGS IN KOREA
SPECIAL DAYS AND OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS IN KOREA
NEW YEARS DAY AND CHUSEOK
HANBOK - THE TRADITIONAL KOREAN CLOTHES
THE KOREAN LIFESTYLE
KOREAN HISTORY - HIGHLIGHTS AND TIMELINE
KOREAN WAR
LOST IN TRANSLATION
KOREA IN THE DIGITAL ERA
SPORTS
PLACES AND THINGS
HALLYU THE KOREAN WAVE

Woosung Kang