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Summer

[Seoulist] 9 Ways to Keep Your Cool in Seoul

Posted on 08 August 2012 by Seoulist

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Seoulist is a feature column by SeoulistMag.com, an English language online magazine curated to feature the best of Seoul affairs, characters and curiosities.

We’re thrilled to team up with Seoulist to bring you the latest, most exciting dispatches from Seoul. In their own words, here’s what Seoulist is about:


At Seoulist, we’re obsessed with culture and the wonderful melange that can only arise out of a beautiful, frustrating, and exciting city like Seoul. Our favorite pieces offer an unconventional take on something familiar, whether it’s the history of ssuk or subway secrets that every rider should know.

Uniquely Korean (and some unexpected) ways to stay cool this summer.


Be the life of the party with a soju-spiked watermelon. Photo by Yaeri Song for Seoulist

1) Freeze your favorite beverages in little paper soju cups


Photo by Yaeri Song for Seoulist

We recommend sweet, fruity drinks like aloe, orange or grape juice! Tip: Cover the cup with tin foil before putting in your popsicle stick so it stays centered and upright.

2) Make hwachae
This homemade iced punch is a great bingsoo alternative for those times when you can’t make it to the nearest cafe (or if lactose is not your thing). We like this recipe for omija hwachae. Peruse other varieties of hwachae here.

3) Treat heat with heat
Sweating like a pig? Don’t reach for that iced latte—drink a piping hot cup of ginger tea instead! Need a day to cool off? Forgo the air-con of COEX—head to the nearest sauna and get into the 40-degree hot tub. Contrary to our natural inclinations, i-yeol chi-yeol (이열치열 [以熱治熱]) tells us that you should treat heat with heat. “The concept of i-yeol chi-yeol is based on the belief that the human’s natural warmth [the “yang” force] leaves the body, leaving the stomach and insides colder in the summer,” says Dr. Lee Dong-wook of Faith, Hope and Charity Korean Medicine Clinic in Cheongnyangni. “Thus, it’s ideal to protect the body by substituting warm food for cold food.”

Photo by Sonja Swanson

So what can you do to combat heat with heat?

For one, try drinking lukewarm water at home. When you’re out, drink hot traditional Korean brews like ginseng tea or omija tea which will help protect your body in the heat. For something a little more immersive and indulgent, sweat it out, sauna-style: Hit the foreigner- and family-friendly Dragon Hill Spa in Yongsan-gu, the Thai-infused women-only Spa Lei in Sinsa-dong, or Dahwa-yeol (다화열), the luxurious spa near Dosan Park catering to men of discerning taste.

4) Eat samgyetang
On that note, before you reach for the naengmyeon, consider getting yourself a steaming bowl of samgyetang. Chobok (초복, July 18), Jungbok (중복, July 28) and Malbok (말복, August 7) are believed to be the three hottest days of 2012, according to the lunar calendar. On these days, Koreans eat this nutritious pot of chicken ginseng soup to reinvigorate the body and restore stamina.

5) Freeze rice in fabric bag


Photo by Meagan Mastriani for Seoulist

Fill a thin fabric bag (like those used to make anchovy broth, a cheese cloth, a small pillowcase or even a cotton sock) with rice, freeze it for several hours, then slip it under the covers. The rice absorbs heat more slowly than an ice pack would, keeping your sheets refreshingly cool for longer.

Photo by Yaeri Song for Seoulist

6) Refrigerate face mask sheets
Not only are cool face mask sheets super refreshing, they’ll give your skin that extra summer glow. On top of that, they’re cheap and easy to find. Find the 1,000 won packs (sometimes offered at a 1+1 deal!) at your local Olive Young or GS Watson. Note: If you’re face masking before bed, be sure to remove the mask before tucking yourself in for the night. A mask that dries up on your face will suck out precious moisture from your skin along with it.

7) Use and wear cool fabrics
Moshi (모시), or Korean ramie fabric, is an eco-friendly, gossamer-thin, absorbent fabric worn in Korea for the past 1500 years. While moshi is often compared to dragonfly wings, sambae (삼배), or hemp, is a less refined and more practical, everyday fabric that does the job, too. Department stores carry moshi and sambae blankets and underclothes, as do online retailers like Gmarket. Be sure to check out Gwangjang Market for moshi and sambae products as well. If the styles (or prices—moshi in particular can get expensive) aren’t your cup of tea, add myeon (cotton) and saengsa (silk) to your list of Korean shopping vocab when seeking out lighter summer outfits. (Bonus: Linen is pronounced “linen.”)

Photo by Yaeri Song for Seoulist

8) Turn on the overhead stove top fan
At night you can turn on your stove fan (on the ventilator hood). It will draw hot air out of the house and pull cooler evening air into the house. Tip: Most hoods have the option to toggle the light bulb on/off. Make sure you save energy by turning the light off while the ventilator is doing its job.

9) Spike your watermelon with soju
Cut a small hole into a fresh watermelon and stick a bottle of soju into it. Keep the watermelon upright and let it sit in the fridge for about two days or until most of the alcohol is absorbed. Tip: Keep the watermelon cut-out and plug it back into the hole for easy transportation. Keep out of reach of children!

 


Compiled and written by Meagan Mastrini, Alex Jung, Yaeri Song and Sonja Swanson. Cross-published from SeoulistMag.com with permission.

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Go for the Gold… and Bronzed Skin: Bronzers

Posted on 29 July 2010 by irene

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Summer is in full swing and Mr. Sun has definitely come out to play this summer.
I am definitely not an advocate of tanning in the sun and especially not of tanning beds, but there’s no denying that the Beach Bronze Goddess look is hot.
    A tan can make you look healthier, liven up your face, and make you look slimmer.
    Tanning is bad bad bad for you, but you can achieve the look without catching those harmful UVA/UVB rays: Sunless Self-Tanners and Bronzers.

      Now, I know that there are many Koreans that love pale complexions~ I used to be one of those Koreans.

      * I would go to heavy extremes to avoid getting tan: I would wear ginormous hats and cover myself in towels/clothes even on the beach.
      * A few years ago, I started to appreciate the tan look: I still slather myself in sunblock constantly, wear hats, and try to stay out of direct sunlight… but I do allow myself to get a little sun.
      Even with my diligent Sunscreen regimen, I still get a tan and freckles, so can you imagine how damaged your skin will be if you’re TRYING to get a tan.  It can take up to ten years for actual damage from the sun to show up and even one bad burn can cause irreversible damage.
       
      Soooo, to avoid all the unneccesary aging that the sun brings but still have a beautiful glow, try Bronzers.
      It’s Quick, Simple, and a No-Committment way of getting a gorgeous glow.
      Bronzers are simple enough- The look of the sun in just a few steps.
       
      Beauty Tip for Bronzers:
      * To make bronzer look natural, make sure to lightly apply right up to the hairline so that it blends in naturally.
      * Start with a light hand. You can always add more and you don’t want to look “dirty” or “orange”
      Powder:
      This is the easiest Bronzer formula to use. It works on all skin types and works best for Oily Skin.
       
      * A Matte shade is good to use for an all-over glow
       - Use a medium sized Powder brush to lightly dust across your T-Zone (Forehead, Nose, Chin) and on your cheekbones
      - Another way of applying bronzer is by creating a “3″ on your face. Apply bronzer over your eyebrow, create a curve onto your cheekbone, and another curve from your cheekbone to your chin
      * A Shimmer bronzer is good for highlighting.
       - Use a medium sized Powder brush to apply bronzer as you would blush for some color without using pinks or peaches.
       
      Cream:
      This formula works on all skin types but works best for Dry Skin
      - Use your fingers or a sponge to apply Cream bronzer.  Dab bronzer onto the apple of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your ears and on top of your cheekbones. Use the remaining bronzer (on fingers or sponge) on your T-Zone.
       
      Gel, Oil, and Mousse:
      These can be a bit trickier to use and is best used for an all-over darker “tan” look.
      - Use sparingly and apply a little at a time so it looks natural
      Pale skin can be beautiful, but I think you should always change up your look a little depending on the season:  Summer is a time to play with color and experiment.
      Stop looking like a vampire who hasn’t been outside in months and go for a little glow~ you may be surprised at how great you look.
       
      For those of you that love the sun and are slathering yourselves in oil to get a dark tan, you’re going to regret it in the future.  Get the look without the damage by using a bronzer.
       
      Remember kiddies~ SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN
      SUN DAMAGE= Bad
      Bronzer= Good
       
      * Have a Glowingly Beautiful Day! ~*

      Comments (2)

      Beauty From Within: Drink More Water

      Posted on 22 July 2010 by irene

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      I was in Kenya for 2 weeks in July on a mission trip with the Foundation For Peace.
      For me, one of the most important things I bring back from a mission trip is an understanding of how much I take for granted back home.
       
      One of the most basic things taken for granted is something everyone needs, but not everyone can easily get.
      WATER.
       
      In Kenya, many people cannot afford clean drinking water.
      * Many people (especially women and children) have to walk miles and miles to carry jugs of water that they use for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
      * These jugs can be extremely heavy and the water may not be very clean.
      - Take it from me… you’re very lucky to have such easy access to indoor plumbing, hot showers, and especially clean water.
       
      Now on a more beauty related note, here is my tip this week.
      Drink more water!
       
      Beauty comes from the inside out~ Literally and Figuratively.
      In this case, I’m talking specifically about how what you do for your body internally can affect your external appearance!
       
      There’s speculation as to how much water one should actually drink (8-11 glasses a day being a popular estimate).
      A simple way of “testing” if you’re drinking enough water is by going to the bathroom. 
      - If you’re urine is really yellow, you’re not drinking enough water.  (It should be clear or pale yellow)
      - If you’re not going to the bathroom a few times a day, you’re not drinking enough water.
       
      Now that summer is here (and there’s a huge heat wave on the East and West Coast), it is especially important that you are getting enough liquids in your system.
      * Dehydration is bad for your body, and bad for your looks.
      - Dehydrated skin can look sallow, worn, dry, and wrinkled.
      - Many people confuse thirst for hunger and end up eating more than necessary (thus gaining weight).
      Some of the benefits of drinking a lot of water are:
      * Enhanced health
      * Increased energy
      * Bright, clear eyes
      * A radiant complexion
      *Less bloating and puffiness
      - This is possible because water carries nutrients to every cell in your body, flushes out nasty toxins, improves circulation and blood flow, and lubricates your joints.
       
      Most people don’t drink as much water as they should.
      If you don’t already, try drinking 8 glasses of water a day for a week. (If you already drink that much, add  2 or 3 glasses).
      See if you notice any changes in your skin and energy levels.
       
      And the next time you take a long shower or easily grab a drink from a bottle of water, keep in mind how lucky you are to have clean water.  A little gratitude always makes you more beautiful~*
       
       

      Comments (2)

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