If you're tempted to dive into Korean culture, don't do it!
You're probably familiar with the "escape game" phenomenon—those rooms where you're locked in and can only get out after collecting countless clues and codes that lead to your escape.
South Korea is kind of the same thing: everyone has heard about it at one point or another, whether through sports news or a cultural event (Ban Ki-moon, BTS, K-pop, K-beauty, K-dramas, K-foot, K-rock, K-rap, and of course, the timeless hit Gangnam Style by Psy).
No matter what first connected you to the Land of the Morning Calm, that connection is unbreakable.
To explain, let's go back to the escape game: clues and answers allow you to move from one room to another until you reach the exit—except in this case… you won't want to leave.
ROOM 1
Once you step into the world of Korea, even if you have the clues to get out, you simply won’t be able to:
Do you casually say gamsahabnida to a salesperson who kindly helped you?
Does exotic Thai food suddenly seem bland ever since you discovered kimchi?
Is your playlist now exclusively filled with insanely talented idols?
Are you binge-watching K-dramas, wondering where beauty, elegance, and charm truly reside?
It's time to stop and find a solution to your addiction!
ROOM 2
But wait! In the meantime, you've signed up for a Hangul class (the most scientifically advanced alphabet, according to experts), and you've even gone as far as taking higher-level courses. The teachers are incredibly patient, and after just two classes, you can already introduce yourself in Korean.
No, this won’t be the reason you turn back and return to your old life.
ROOM 3
Indeed, it’s not looking good for your escape! The Korean Cultural Center in Brussels invites you to conferences, exhibitions, screenings of classic films, classical music concerts, and introduces you to pansori (the 18th-century Korean art of storytelling through song). They even host theater performances by renowned artists and cooking classes.
And the best part? Most of these events are free and perfectly organized.
You're sinking deeper!
ROOM 4
About thirty years ago, the term Hallyu (한류) emerged, describing how Korea expanded its culture worldwide through soft power. Cutting-edge smartphone technology, an automotive industry that needs no introduction, internationally acclaimed cinema—including Parasite, the first South Korean film to win the Palme d'Or…
Even serious topics are tackled with charm and finesse.
Do you know BTS? This boy band’s leader delivered a powerful message to the youth of the world during a United Nations conference in the post-COVID-19 era. Here’s what former South Korean president Moon Jae-in had to say about them:
"They are clearly the biggest artists… the greatest artists of our time, and they have conveyed a message of unity and hope through their music. Even to the youngest generations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic."
EXIT
So, the ultimate solution? Fight fire with fire! Go to Korea; they say not everything is as rosy as it seems in K-dramas.
I went to see for myself what’s real and what’s not, and I’ll tell you all about it here.
Until then, let yourself slip and dive into the Hallyu wave (which I’d personally call a tsunami).
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South Korea or the escape game with no way out
(and we wouldn’t have it any other way!)
