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Best Ways to Spend Your Korean Won This December

My husband, his sister, my mother-in-law, and I are ready to brave the chilly winter weather as we embark on our holiday adventure in South Korea this December! We are ready to experience the local culture with every bite of delicious Korean food, put my Hangul skills to the test, and indulge in the world-renowned K-beauty products.

With a limited budget but an abundance of things to explore, I did my research to discover the best ways to spend our Korean won.

#1: BEAUTY OF JOSEON PROPOLIS SERUM

I’ve always been intrigued by honey in skincare, and the Beauty of Joseon Propolis Serum is exactly what my skin needs this winter. This honey-like serum is packed with propolis and niacinamide to balance oil production, minimize pores, and even out skin tone. It’s hydrating without feeling greasy. For about 21,000 KRW, this serum can provide what we need for the dry winter air.

#2: COSRX LOW PH GOOD MORNING GEL CLEANSER

As a longtime fan of COSRX, this gel cleanser never disappoints. It gently cleanses without stripping your skin, thanks to its pH-balanced formula. With BHA to unclog pores and tea tree oil to zap zits, this daily face wash keeps me feeling fresh without worrying about breakouts or dryness. It retails for as low as 10,000 KRW.

#3: SAEM ICELAND HYDRATING EYE STICK

For those days when I’ve hit the snooze button one too many times, The Saem’s Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick is a lifesaver. Infused with Icelandic glacier water, it delivers an instant hydration boost, giving my eyes the freshness they need to start the day right. It’s priced at 8,500 KRW.

#4: MIXSOON BEAN CREAM

Finding the perfect moisturizer can feel impossible until I discovered Mixsoon Bean Cream, selling for about 30,000 KRW. This thick yet light cream is a game-changer, leaving my skin plump, hydrated, and dewy. It’s truly the kind of cream I can see myself using for years to come.

#5: ROM&ND JUICY LASTING TINT

This lip tint is a cult favorite for a reason. Known for its long-lasting formula, the Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint offers beautifully soft shades. It’s perfect for achieving a natural, lasting lip look with minimal touch-ups throughout the day. Tint is priced at 13,000 KRW.

Image Credits: romand.us/products/rom-nd-juicy-lasting-tint

#6: AOU GLOWY TINT BALM

AOU has become one of my favorite K-beauty brands, especially their Glowy Tint Balm. Popular among K-pop idols, this balm works double duty as both a lip and cheek tint. For a flesh glow, you can get it for 18,000 KRW.

#7: TEAZEN KOMBUCHA

If you’re looking for a refreshing, healthy drink, Teazen Kombucha is a must-try. Loved by BTS’s Jungkook, this low-calorie, sugar-free kombucha comes in flavors like Shine Muscat and Peach. It retails for about 2,000 KRW.

#8: DELIGHT PROJECT BAGEL CHIPS

You haven’t truly tasted Korea until you’ve tried DELIGHT PROJECT’s bagel chips. Available in savory flavors like “Corn Soup” and “Real Pizza,” these crispy treats are a perfect snack while shopping or exploring. They’re addictive and definitely worth the purchase (i.e., 5,000 KRW each), even if the portions are a bit small.

#9: MEDIHEAL SHEET MASKS

As an avid fan of Korean skincare, I swear by sheet masks for instant hydration. MEDIHEAL offers a range of options, including their Watermide and Tea Tree masks, which are perfect for soothing dry or acne-prone skin. These masks (i.e., 2,000 KRW per mask) leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after just one use.

#10: OMORI KIMCHI STEW RAMYUN

Warm up with a bowl of Omori Kimchi Stew Ramyun for about 2,500 KRW. The soft noodles and flavorful broth strike the perfect balance between spicy and tangy, with just the right amount of kimchi. It’s a comfort food that’s perfect for a chilly day in Seoul.

#11: K-FISH FISH CAKES

For a taste of traditional Korean street food, try K-fish fish cakes. These are often used in dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and budae-jjigae (army stew). They’re chewy, savory, and packed with flavor. It retails in the grocery for about 3,500 KRW.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#12: HAIO SEAWEED

Haio Seaweed (i.e., about 1,500 KRW each) is a simple yet delightful treat. Fresh, lightly toasted with sesame oil, it’s perfect for snacking or pairing with a bowl of rice. It’s the kind of snack you’ll want to stock up on!

#13: CHOCO PIE

No trip to Korea is complete without trying a Choco Pie. This chocolate-coated marshmallow cake, which costs approximately 1,500 KRW, is a beloved Korean snack. With unique flavors constantly being released, it’s always fun to try something new.

#14: AUTHENTIC GINSENG

Looking for an uncommon souvenir? Visit the ginseng market in Jegi-dong for high-quality ginseng products. From raw ginseng to extracts, you’ll find something for every budget, with most tourists spending around 50,000 to 80,000 KRW.

#15: KOREAN SOCKS

One of the best souvenirs you can buy in Korea are their famous socks. Whether you’re looking for something cozy or quirky, you can find a wide variety at affordable prices usually ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 KRW.

#16: FACE CARICATURES

Finally, capture the fun and whimsy of Korea with a face caricature. This entertaining experience allows you to transform your features into a playful work of art. This is perfect for a memorable souvenir or a gift for a loved one. Experience it for about 30,000 to 50,000 KRW via Klook app.

With so much to explore and so little time, these are just a few of the things I can’t wait to try. Which ones will you purchase? Feel free to comment below.

Image Credits: facebook.com/ittsfarahh

Sources: 1 ,2, 3, & 4

4 K-beauty products from Olive Young’s ‘Super Rookie Brands’ to try at 50% off before 2024 ends

Olive Young has recently launched products from its ‘Super Rookie Brands’ and it’s a wonderful time of the year to explore some fresh(er) K-beauty products for your skincare routine.

There’s a full list but we’ve picked out some standout products that you must try before the year wraps up.

Here they are:

tooq Piece of Cake Pen Glitter 0.5g

Price: $19.24

Gleam, glitz, and glow with this formula from tooq.

Their Piece of Cake Pen instantly creates that coveted ‘aegyosal’ effect with a luminous sheen.

Yet despite all the shimmer, it’s shockingly easy to use.

Even makeup novices can master the perfect glitzy line thanks to its creamy texture.

That celestial sparkle stays put all day without a single smudge or fade and the quick 10-second dry time also means you can swipe and go without a worry.

Comes in these four shades: famous rose, sunset glow, cozy beige, and rare pink.

self beauty Uniconic Cool Fixer 100ml

Price: $29.38

Look like your flawless self all day with self beauty’s Uniconic Cool Fixer setting spray.

Not just a refresher, this 100ml bottle is packed with skincare benefits to keep makeup fresh while pampering your complexion.

The ultra-fine 1.8mm mist envelops your face in an even veil, locking in your look without disturbing makeup.

Meanwhile, temperature control technology and a refreshingly light scent help keep you cool under the infamous SG summer heat.

Infused with soothing Althaea rosea flower extract and moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, this mist hydrates and strengthens skin while controlling sweat and shine.

Mist it on after makeup for revitalizing coolness.

shaishaishai Positive Sun Tanning Watery Cream 110mL SPF22

Price: $32.41

Korea’s #1 tanning cream is your new summer essential for a sun-kissed glow.

This lightweight, take-anywhere formula absorbs quickly, hydrating with a bouquet of botanical extracts.

Olive oil enhances elasticity while cacao’s polyphenols inhibit moisture loss and smooth fine lines.

Adenosine promotes collagen synthesis for firmer skin, while sunflower seed and jojoba oils saturate with long-lasting hydration.

No more dull, dry skin after catching those rays.

This bestselling cream is your secret to faking a week in Bali… minus the airfare or wrinkles 😉

HEVEBLUE Salmon Caring Centella Light Cleansing Oil 250ML

Price: $48.73

Struggling to find a cleansing oil that banishes every last trace of makeup without stripping your skin or clogging pores?

The search is done, officially, with this secret “sauce”: HEVEBLUE’s Salmon Caring Centella Light Cleansing Oil.

This gentle formula sweeps away dead skin cells and prevents blackheads.

Vitamin C and antioxidant apple seed oil nourish while you cleanse, leaving skin glowing.

Simply massage the lightweight oil onto your skin, add water if needed, and boom—makeup, impurities, and excess sebum are dissolved.

No scrubbing required.

For more ‘Super Rookie Brands’ products, head here: global.oliveyoung.com/event.

And yes, don’t forget to download your 50% off coupon before you checkout! ⬇⬇⬇

Latest WFH internships posted from 25 to 28 November 2024

It’s the last week of November before we head to the final month of 2024.

If you’ve yet to secure yourself a WFH internship, now’s the time to start searching and sending your applications.

This week we’ve got opportunities in marketing, project management, and more so have a look!

#1: Play Beyond Pte Ltd – Marketing Intern

Website: playbeyond.co

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Curious, fast-learning, and resourceful
Strong communication and presentation skills
Self-motivated and with a self-starter mindset
Knowledge/experience working with Canva, CapCut, Adobe Creative Suite (Indesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Photoshop), and/or other illustration tools
Strong illustration skills are a plus

Key Responsibilities

Play a role throughout the marketing cycle in positioning, messaging, and storytelling
Contribute to marketing campaigns and events that further the company’s strategic goals
Monitor consumer trends, feedback, and satisfaction levels
Apply marketing concepts to solve organizational challenges
Provide support for virtual and in-person events
Contribute fresh ideas that can enhance the brand’s standing Responsibilities – Support team to plan, develop, and execute marketing initiatives and events (virtual & in-person)
Complete projects related to branding, content creation, and social media marketing
Assist management with the preparation of campaigns and reports
Liaise with vendors, partners, and customers
Perform competitive market analysis to identify areas of opportunity
Collect performance metrics on social media, direct mail, and web performance to measure progress
Students only need to work on weekends when there is an event; students can take an off-in-lieu on a weekday when that happens.

How to apply?

View the job post here and please apply via [email protected].

#2: Clearwater Communications Pte Ltd – Project Intern

Website: cw-comms.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications

Degree/tertiary education
Ability and willingness to take responsibility and accountability in projects/clients assigned.
Fluent in English. Good writing skills.
Great interpersonal skills are a must.
Keen interest in marketing activities such as creative, print, digital, video production, and events management
Strong commercial sense, good financial management skills, and understanding of how agencies make money.
Flexible and adaptable to challenges and requirements. Thrives in an enterprising and start-up environment.
Good knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Overseas traveling may be required.

Key Responsibilities

Work closely with Account / Project leads to provide counsel to clients.
Take an active role in the entire pitch/project cycle including onsite execution.
Manage events and campaign deliverables and coordinate with all relevant parties and suppliers to implement them on time, on budget, and standards. Suppliers range from providers of technical equipment, venues, designers, web developers, video production houses, printing houses, PR, media and digital agencies. Clients include senior-level executives to marketing managers etc.
Manage registrations and RSVP for projects where required
Develop timelines, and proposals and prepare all clients’ correspondence such as contact reports, agendas, etc.
Involved in new business pitching including participation in brainstorming sessions, briefing…
Manage all aspects of assigned project execution within established budgets and timeframe
Assist with the upkeeping of client and supplier databases.
Handles other paperwork such as but not limited to invoices, contracts, final expenditures, timelines, timesheets, etc.
Responsible for performing other agency-related tasks as assigned

How to apply?

View the job post here and send your CV to [email protected].

#3: Perx Technologies – Video Content Creation & Research Intern

Website: perxtech.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Current student or recent graduate in Media, Communications, Marketing, Digital Media, Design, or a related field.
Strong interest in video production, digital marketing, and content creation.
Proficiency with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or other similar tools).
Experience with video shooting and basic lighting setups.
Basic design skills and experience with design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Photoshop, PowerPoint).
Familiarity with social media platforms, particularly YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
Knowledge of SEO, YouTube algorithms, and trends in video content is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

Video Production & Editing:

Assist in shooting videos for content creation (product videos, promotional videos, behind-the-scenes footage, etc.)
Edit raw video footage into engaging and high-quality content for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Create YouTube Shorts and social media clips optimized for engagement and sharing.
Support in maintaining video content libraries, ensuring videos are well-organized and easy to access.

Content Creation & Design:

Create compelling PowerPoint presentations focusing on design, clarity, and audience engagement.
Help conceptualize and produce video thumbnails, graphics, and social media assets for content promotion.
Assist with copywriting for video descriptions, titles, and other creative content.

Research:

Conduct secondary research to support lead generation activities, including identifying potential contacts and business opportunities.
Assist with competitor analysis, market research, and finding new trends in video content and digital marketing.
Research relevant topics for content creation, ensuring videos are aligned with audience interests and current trends.

How to apply?

View the job post here and write to Larissa Valabhji via this link.

#4: ST Engineering – Software Engineering Intern (Backend)

Website: stengg.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,400 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Technologies You’ll Work With:

Programming Language: Java
Framework: Spring (Spring Boot, Spring MVC)
Version Control: Git

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain production-quality back-end systems using Java and Spring.
Collaborate with product managers and front-end engineers to build scalable, efficient solutions that meet business needs.
Write clean, maintainable code and implement new features for existing applications, focusing on performance, scalability, and security.
Conduct unit and integration testing to ensure software stability and reliability.
Use version control systems to manage code and collaborate effectively with the team.
Maintain documentation for designs, APIs, and development processes for knowledge sharing and onboarding.
Gain hands-on experience deploying software to cloud environments, ensuring production readiness, including monitoring and optimization.

How to apply?

View the job post here and fill up the form here: https://forms.gle/GASSFtP4M91snWyAA.

#5: Fayth – Graphic Designer

Website: fayth.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,600 monthly

Job Qualifications

Proficiency and extensive experience in Adobe Photoshop and related programs
Basic photography skills
Ability to work in a team or independently, and meet tight deadlines

Key Responsibilities

Conceptualizing and designing unique and fresh collaterals for online/offline content including but not limited to website landing pages, EDMs, editorial features, blogs, social media content
Ensuring that all visual collaterals are in line with the company’s creative vision
Ensuring that all parties have the necessary visual assets to execute content and campaigns simultaneously
Assisting with in-house photoshoots and post-processing of catalog photos

How to apply?

View the job post here and write to [email protected] with your CV, a recent photo of yourself, and availability with the appropriate subject headers.

Editor’s note: These positions are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more details, contact the employer directly.

45 newly launched foodstuffs from Korea’s convenience store to try before November 2024 ends

Let’s cut to the chase.

Here’s a list of newly launched foodstuffs this month from CU, a well-known Korean convenience store chain located almost at every corner you turn in kimchi land.

Have fun searching!

#1a: 405 Bakehouse’s Potato Cheese Steamed Bagel (3,400 KRW; approx. 3.28 SGD)

#1b: 405 Bakehouse’s Sweet Potato Cheese Steamed Bagel (3,400 KRW; approx. 3.28 SGD)

#1c: Rilakkuma’s DIY Face Cookie (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.41 SGD)

#2a: Zeroweet’s Zero Sugar Vanilla Bar (3,300 KRW; approx. 3.18 SGD)

#2b: Zeroweet’s Zero Sugar Chocolate Bar (3,300 KRW; approx. 3.18 SGD)

#2c: Rilakkuma Stick Bar Caramel (Ice Cream) (2,800 KRW; approx. 2.70 SGD)

#3a: Chinese-style Dosirak (6,200 KRW; approx. 5.98 SGD)

#3b: Fried Squid Kimbab (Long Size) (4,000 KRW; approx. 3.86 SGD)

#3c: Gamjatang (Triangle) Fried Rice Ball (1,600 KRW; approx. 1.54 SGD)

#4a: Cheese Meat Sauce Pasta (5,500 KRW; approx. 5.30 SGD)

#4b: Meat Croquette Burger (3,400 KRW; approx. 3.28 SGD)

#4c: Fish Cake Bar (Hot Jalapeno) (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.37 SGD)

#5a: Jib-bab’s Fried Anchovies Chili Pepper Triangle Rice Ball (1,200 KRW; approx. 1.16 SGD)

#5b: Jib-bab’s Jangjorim Triangle Rice Ball (1,300 KRW; approx. 1.25 SGD)

#5c: Jib-bab’s Seasoned Shredded Squid Triangle Rice Ball (1,200 KRW; approx. 1.16 SGD)

#6a: Geum-mi-ok’s Rice Cakes (3,700 KRW; approx. 3.57 SGD)

#6b: Seafood Flavored Peanuts (2,800 KRW; approx. 2.70 SGD)

#6c: HEYROO’s Rice Syrup Conch Shaped Snack (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.45 SGD)

#7a: S’more Beef Burger (3,600 KRW; approx. 3.47 SGD)

#7b: Deep Cheese Beef Burger (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.37 SGD)

#7c: Teriyaki Chicken Burger (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.37 SGD)

#8a: Chicken Breast Garlic Bar (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#8b: Chicken Breast Cheese Bar (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#8c: Coffee Milk (South Korean Shooter Kim Ye-ji’s Pick) (1,800 KRW; approx. 1.73 SGD)

#9a: Rilakkuma Jelly (Tangerine) (1,600 KRW; approx. 1.54 SGD)

#9b: Digimon Apple Mango Iced Tea (2,600 KRW; approx. 2.51 SGD)

#9c: Peach Iced Tea (2,600 KRW; approx. 2.51 SGD)

#10a: Egg Salad with Strawberry Jam Sandwich (South Korean Table Tennis Player Shin Yu-bin’s Pick) (3,300 KRW; approx. 3.18 SGD)

#10b: Giant Ricotta Tuna Sandwich (4,000 KRW; approx. 3.86 SGD)

#10c: Giant Ham Potato Tuna Sandwich (4,000 KRW; approx. 3.86 SGD)

#11a: LOL Ekko Sausage Bread (2,400 KRW; approx. 2.31 SGD)

#11b: LOL Jayce Choco Bread (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.12 SGD)

#11c: Lalasweet’s Low Sugar Red Bean Steamed Bun (2,300 KRW; approx. 2.22 SGD)

#12a: Sweet Coffee Original (South Korean Shooter Kim Ye-ji’s Pick) (2,600 KRW; approx. 2.51 SGD)

#12b: Sweet Coffee Hazelnut (South Korean Shooter Kim Ye-ji’s Pick) (2,600 KRW; approx. 2.51 SGD)

#12c: Honey Pear Syrup (1,200 KRW; approx. 1.16 SGD)

#13a: Knotted Earl Grey Cream Donut (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.37 SGD)

#13b: Strawberry Yogurt Roll (Cake) (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.76 SGD)

#13c: Steamed Corn Mini Sand(wich) (2,300 KRW; approx. 2.22 SGD)

#14a: Grilled Onion Hotdog (Bun) (3,700 KRW; approx. 3.57 SGD)

#14b: Buldak Corn Cheese Steamed Hotdog (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.76 SGD)

#14c: Bulgogi Flavored Flank (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.12 SGD)

#15a: PIG’s Granola Salad (4,500 KRW; approx. 4.34 SGD)

#15b: PIG’s Chicken Tender Salad (4,500 KRW; approx. 4.34 SGD)

#15c: POP! Cup Butter Whole Potatoes (4,500 KRW; approx. 4.34 SGD)

All image credits to CU.

Does Work-Life Balance Exist in Singapore?

Did you know that Singapore ranked 26th in Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024? While this reflects progress, many Singaporeans continue to struggle with maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life.

According to a 2022 study by recruitment agency Randstad, seven out of 10 Singaporeans reported poor work-life balance, primarily due to overwhelming workloads. By 2023, 41% of employees expressed intentions to leave their jobs in search of better work-life harmony.

Among these employees, burnout remains a pervasive issue. A 2022 study by NTUC’s U Women and Family Unit revealed that 78% of respondents felt burnt out at work, largely due to the normalization of hybrid and remote work setups during the pandemic. This could stem from blurred boundaries between work and home or the lack of a conducive workspace.

Interestingly, some experts argue that the concept of work-life balance is evolving. Instead of compartmentalizing work and personal life, a growing perspective views them as fluidly interconnected, blending into a single holistic experience.

SNAPSHOT OF SINGAPORE’S WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Based on the Manpower Research and Statistics Department’s survey, the Prevalence of Work-Life Harmony Initiatives in Singapore 2022 report highlights these key findings:

1. Rising Demand for Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs)

Flexible work is no longer a perk but a priority. The proportion of employees requiring FWAs rose from 39.5% in 2012 to 53.6% in 2022. Employers have made significant strides, with 84.1% of employees requiring FWAs receiving them in 2022, compared to 58.6% in 2012. Furthermore, employees are increasingly willing to decline or leave roles if FWAs are unavailable.

2. Accessibility of Non-Statutory Leave (NSL) Benefits

NSLs remain widely accessible. In 2022, 93.6% of employees requiring at least one type of NSL received it, maintaining consistency with previous years.

3. Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlements

Generous leave entitlements have become a norm, especially in competitive industries. 64.7% of full-time resident employees enjoyed 15 or more days of annual leave in 2022, exceeding statutory requirements.

ACHIEVING BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Reclaiming the balance in your life is possible by following these actionable strategies:

a. Set Boundaries: Establish clear work hours and communicate them to coworkers, family, and supervisors. Personally, I do not encourage answering work calls beyond work hours.

b. Take Breaks: Incorporate regular pauses to sustain focus and avoid burnout.

c. Prioritize Well-Being: Dedicate time to self-care practices like yoga, exercise, or meditation.

d. Delegate Tasks: Lighten your workload by assigning responsibilities where possible.

e. Say No: Be firm when declining tasks that compromise your balance.

f. Take Vacations: Use your leave to unplug and to try new things. This is my favorite way to recharge.

g. Open Communication: Discuss workload concerns openly with your employer or manager.

h. Encourage a Help-Seeking Culture: Foster an environment where seeking assistance is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

Work-life balance is more than a buzzword…it’s essential for sustaining mental and emotional health in today’s demanding professional landscape. So, don’t feel guilty about taking a well-deserved break before the year ends.

Sources: 1,2, & 3