Korea is a global phenomenon. K-pop tops the charts, kimchi spices up meals and K-drama dominates TV screens. Now, it's time to discover more of the country and culture that's captivated the world.
It might be a powerhouse of popular culture, but South Korea is so much more than BTS and bibimbap - and with this audiobook, it's yours to explore. Dive deeper into the country behind Hallyu and discover why it was long known as the Hermit Kingdom, who the incredible haenyeo divers of Jeju Island are and how age was once calculated in three different ways.
Along the way, you'll get to know the people who've shaped the country and its customs, uncover the makings of the Hallyu and, of course, explore the global exports we all know and love. How many varieties of kimchi are there? Why did Squid Game receive mixed reactions in Korea? And what, exactly, is the 'glass skin' beauty effect? Find out all this and more in this must-have audiobook: the perfect introduction to this wonderfully varied country.
A fascinating journey through the wisdom and wonders of Japan
In love with all things Japan or looking to absorb a little Japanese wisdom into your daily life? From the philosophies of ikigai and wabi sabi to kitsch karaoke nights and futuristic robot restaurants; traditional tea ceremonies and tranquil onsen dwellings to cosplay culture and J-Pop megastars; Japan is full of intriguing contradictions.
Though renowned for its ultramodern capital Tokyo - a sprawling neon-lit metropolis straight from the pages of a science fiction novel - Japan is still deeply rooted in ancient tradition. And while the country runs with clockwork precision, the cultural life of its inhabitants is transformed with the changing of the seasons, a testament to the enduring power of nature's rhythms.
Revised and updated, and with each page alive with facts, history and inspiration, Be More Japan unlocks the secrets behind modern Japanese living - whether you're eating sushi in London or enjoying the cherry blossoms in San Francisco. And if you're dreaming of a future trip to Japan, this book will get you closer to your destination before you've even departed.
