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Inspire Me Korea April “Cafe” Subscription Box Review
As we mentioned in our previous article, Inspire Me Korea kept their promise and sent one of their subscription boxes to MCM Buzz to review for our readers. Brimming full of Korean goodies the box arrived in quick time straight to my door. One of the big bonuses of ordering a subscription box is that you get to experience many different things that you usually wouldn’t pick for yourself.
Inspire Me Korea can boast a personalised package, and really do care for their customer’s wants and needs. Their customer service is beyond that of a regular subscription service, and with the inclusion of their “Inspired By Korea Series” on their website, there is a real sense of community with other customers and possible new customers of the box.
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“I’m Fresh” Real berries in fresh cream cake
Reminiscent of the Japanese Dorayaki (ice-cream in a buttermilk pancake). There is a soft pancake which is sweet and fluffy that surrounds the most delicious berry flavoured cream filling. As someone with a sweet tooth and a love for cream cakes, this was a definite 10/10 on the scale.
Tako Chips “Seafood” flavour
Wheat crisps which have more of a seafood smell rather than a seafood taste. Savoury to the taste buds these air filled crunchy fish shaped Wheaties are subtle enough in flavour to have with a dip but slightly bland to the palette.
Korean Hi-Chew “Apple” flavour & Ace crackers
Just like their Japanese counterpart, these chewy sweets are bursting at the seams with that apple flavouring which is known to make people salivate beyond their control. They remind me of the UK sweets Chewits or Fruittella. These are extremely more-ish and I dare anyone to open the packet and only eat one – it’s impossible! As for the Ace crackers, they are slightly salted with a subtle flavour which are light, crispy yet fluffy. They are great with some jam or even on their own as a small snack.
SCINIC advanced snail mask sheet & Etude House green tea face mask
Featuring the members of K-pop girl group Girls Day, these masks work wonders on anyone’s skin. In true Korean beauty style, these face masks come in a sachet full of the slightly fragrant snail goo (or if you’re using the Tea Tree mask, then it’s full of fragrant green tea goodness). The masks are disposable – so when you are done using them you can throw them away. The mask leaves your skin feeling tight, fresh and as plump as a peach.
Soloman’s Seal Tea
As a British person it’s not that rare that we are called “tea snobs” when it comes to tasting tea. Unlike many others I’m not a tea snob. In fact I rarely drink tea at all. But there is something about this tea that leaves me wanting more. When left black and mixed with two sugars the flavour is beautiful. This specific type of tea is known to relieve irritation of the digestive system as well as aiding recovery of the human body – it’s also a great tea to fight away colds, flu and to rebuild your strength.
Inspire Me Korea magazine
Something that is unique to the Inspire Me Korea box is the inclusion of a small magazine which is full of information about Korea, such as the culture, history, food recipes, language, tourist attractions, interviews and a sneak peek section of what’s in your box. This provides you with a light read whilst you eat your snacks as well as educating you about Korea on a wide range of subjects.
EXO: D.O K-pop socks
Do you have all the merchandise of your favourite bands? Are you looking to support them no matter where you are? Want to low-key support your favourite groups? Then this is the must-have piece of merchandise for any K-pop fan. Before I received my box I was emailed a link to a questionnaire where I could choose five idols I liked. Then by random the person who picks the items for your box knows which idol you would prefer and can customise it to your needs (in my case it was the founder, Diana Chan).
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Overall the box itself is really well curated, covering a huge area of everything needed to educate those who are new to Korea. It also offers lots of little bits that those of us who are slightly more Korea-savvy might have never seen before. The inclusion of food, K-pop and culture are essential in having a successful box, and with the added beauty elements it opens the doors to other potential newcomers.
With the fast delivery, really secure packaging, cute personalised and cared for gifts, I highly recommend this subscription box. There has been a very positive buzz (no pun intended) about subscription boxes going around the UK K-pop and Korean culture scene, and it seems that Inspire Me Korea is one of the top ones. Although there have only been three boxes so far, the steady build of fans and subscribers is definitely warranted and I can only hope that more people will support the Inspire Me Korea team.
For more information about any upcoming boxes, or to join in with the fun be sure to check out Inspire Me Korea’s website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates and details about the UK’s first Korean subscription box.
Be inspired with an "Inspire Me Korea" subscription box
Subscription boxes have gathered a huge following thanks to the wide variety at hand and how easy it is to get your favourite beauty products, foods or even to try something a little different from another country. Previously on MCM Buzz we have covered the likes of Retro Game Box, Beauty Bi, and Japan Crate who have all offered something amazing and entertaining. This time we are looking at a Korean and UK based subscription box by the name of “Inspire Me Korea”.
When asked about Inspire Me Korea, the founder and CEO Diana Chan stated, “I just graduated, and decided to take a graduation trip on my own to South Korea. I stayed for one month in Incheon and Seoul and it was the most memorable experience of my life, and definitely life changing! I had such a great time there that when I came back to the UK for my graduation ceremony I couldn’t stop thinking about how to go back to South Korea. I came up with many ideas, like finding a job in the UK that will send me to South Korea or finding an English speaking job in Korea. Instead, I settled with bringing South Korea to the UK!”
Diana wanted to share the vibrant culture that she experienced in South Korea and show that there is a lot more to South Korea than just K-pop or Korean dramas. “There is a rich history, culture, traditions and amazing people who are respectful and caring towards everyone,” said Diana. “I wanted to portray this multi dimensional culture and share it with people I care about – people who love Korea or could love Korea through Inspire Me Korea! That is why I have chosen an array of items to go into our boxes each month, so people can learn about Korea and have a taste of the diverse culture.”
The main goal of Inspire Me Korea is the hope that the subscription box service will cover all the aspects of Korea in one small package, especially for those who cannot travel, giving them the opportunity to experience and be inspired by Korea.
“The whole idea is to create a community of Korea lovers in the UK, to share our stories with one another and just feel comfortable to be in love with Korean culture,” explained Diana. “I definitely remember being in love with K-pop five years ago, but had no one to talk to and no one to share this with, and I wish that no one has to feel that way any more!”
In terms of creating a community, Inspire Me Korea have an “Inspired By Korea Blog” series where stories can be shared and inspiration can be passed on from person to person about everything from traditions, culture, music, movies and entertainment, right down to the best places to eat when visiting Korea.
So what about these boxes? Well, the boxes are sent out on the 5th of every month and each one will have a different theme. For example, April’s one will be “Cafe” which we have been told could feature some fun, cute and amazing Easter themed gifts. Each box is filled with surprises, but we are guaranteed something to cover history and culture within a magazine, snacks, K-pop and Korean entertainment items, as well as some beauty products for those of you who opt in for them. All the products are hand-picked and carefully curated to the monthly theme. The items are then hand packed in a special box, and delivered straight to your door.
At £13.33 per month the subscription box is a steal for the quality of items you can receive. Should you get impatient of waiting for your box you could always head over to the Inspire Me Korea shop where they house some really cute items for sale.
MCM Buzz readers are really lucky, for we have been given an exclusive discount code where you can get free shipping on the first box you order. All you have to do is use the code ‘MCMBUZZ’ when paying for your box, and Inspire Me Korea will sort it out from there. For a sneak preview of what to expect be sure to check out the video below, and check out Inspire Me Korea’s website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates and details about the UK’s first Korean subscription box.
Be inspired with an “Inspire Me Korea” subscription box
Subscription boxes have gathered a huge following thanks to the wide variety at hand and how easy it is to get your favourite beauty products, foods or even to try something a little different from another country. Previously on MCM Buzz we have covered the likes of Retro Game Box, Beauty Bi, and Japan Crate who have all offered something amazing and entertaining. This time we are looking at a Korean and UK based subscription box by the name of “Inspire Me Korea”.
When asked about Inspire Me Korea, the founder and CEO Diana Chan stated, “I just graduated, and decided to take a graduation trip on my own to South Korea. I stayed for one month in Incheon and Seoul and it was the most memorable experience of my life, and definitely life changing! I had such a great time there that when I came back to the UK for my graduation ceremony I couldn’t stop thinking about how to go back to South Korea. I came up with many ideas, like finding a job in the UK that will send me to South Korea or finding an English speaking job in Korea. Instead, I settled with bringing South Korea to the UK!”
Diana wanted to share the vibrant culture that she experienced in South Korea and show that there is a lot more to South Korea than just K-pop or Korean dramas. “There is a rich history, culture, traditions and amazing people who are respectful and caring towards everyone,” said Diana. “I wanted to portray this multi dimensional culture and share it with people I care about – people who love Korea or could love Korea through Inspire Me Korea! That is why I have chosen an array of items to go into our boxes each month, so people can learn about Korea and have a taste of the diverse culture.”
The main goal of Inspire Me Korea is the hope that the subscription box service will cover all the aspects of Korea in one small package, especially for those who cannot travel, giving them the opportunity to experience and be inspired by Korea.
“The whole idea is to create a community of Korea lovers in the UK, to share our stories with one another and just feel comfortable to be in love with Korean culture,” explained Diana. “I definitely remember being in love with K-pop five years ago, but had no one to talk to and no one to share this with, and I wish that no one has to feel that way any more!”
In terms of creating a community, Inspire Me Korea have an “Inspired By Korea Blog” series where stories can be shared and inspiration can be passed on from person to person about everything from traditions, culture, music, movies and entertainment, right down to the best places to eat when visiting Korea.
So what about these boxes? Well, the boxes are sent out on the 5th of every month and each one will have a different theme. For example, April’s one will be “Cafe” which we have been told could feature some fun, cute and amazing Easter themed gifts. Each box is filled with surprises, but we are guaranteed something to cover history and culture within a magazine, snacks, K-pop and Korean entertainment items, as well as some beauty products for those of you who opt in for them. All the products are hand-picked and carefully curated to the monthly theme. The items are then hand packed in a special box, and delivered straight to your door.
At £13.33 per month the subscription box is a steal for the quality of items you can receive. Should you get impatient of waiting for your box you could always head over to the Inspire Me Korea shop where they house some really cute items for sale.
MCM Buzz readers are really lucky, for we have been given an exclusive discount code where you can get free shipping on the first box you order. All you have to do is use the code ‘MCMBUZZ’ when paying for your box, and Inspire Me Korea will sort it out from there. For a sneak preview of what to expect be sure to check out the video below, and check out Inspire Me Korea’s website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates and details about the UK’s first Korean subscription box.
Goodies galore in Japan Crate's latest box
It may be a given, but the MCM Buzz team are pretty partial to some of the weirdest and most wonderful food from around the world. We were recently sent the August edition of Japan Crate and was surprised to see the amount of sweets and geeky products within the adorable and cleverly designed ‘Premium’ box.
This is a Japanese candy subscription box that comes in three different sizes and prices. There is the ‘Mini’ box for $12 (roughly £8), which contains 4-6 items; an ‘Original’ box for $25 (roughly £16), which contains 8-10 items and a DIY candy box; and the ‘Premium’ box for $30 (roughly £20), which contains a whopping 10-12 items, a DIY candy kit and a drink.
What’s unique about this subscription box compared to others of its kind is the community that supports it. Japan Crate have a great connection to their niche market and feature many of their subscribers on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Website.
They also have a special package known as the Sugoi Crate in which one lucky subscriber will be randomly chosen to win a box full of giant candies, Japanese gadgets, toys and gaming systems. For August’s Sugoi Crate the winner recieved a WiiU – Super Mario World 3D Deluxe Set, Giant Pocky, Kaminarimon Nanoblock set, Panda Darake Chopsticks game, Totoro Plushie, Popin’ Cookin’ Sushi and Bento DIY Kits, Kumamon Itazura Bank, Mr. Knocky Drum toy, Wasabi – Rum & Raisin – Strawberry Cheesecake Kit Kats, Giant Bag of Galbee chips, Pocky & Peanuts Snoopy Almond Crush, and lastly Mentaiko Umaibo Sticks.
Because the box is coming from the US I recieved an email that said to allow 4 -6 weeks for delivery, but to my surprise it was delivered a mere eight days after it had been posted. The box is your standard subscription box in style, but bright red with their logo on the top. The inside is really cute with different scenery with each box.
Upon opening the box you will be greeted with their information booklet. A lot of time and effort has gone into the 13-page mini magazines. It includes a small 2-page comic, information on the contents of your Japan Crate box, some in-depth information about their featured candy, details about the Sugoi Crate, and a step-by-step tutorial on how to assemble your DIY candy kit.
Near the back of the magazine (which is read in the manga style from the top right to the bottom left) there is a small section which teaches you something cultural about Japan. In this edition it was about the Obon Festival and included some Japanese words at the bottom of the page for subscribers to learn. Finally there are two pages about the Japan Crate community where images and letters are sent in to be featured.
Shuwa Shuwa Soda Candy
Apparently “Shuwa Shuwa” is the sound of the fizz in soda; you have to wait till you get to the centre of the candy before you find out why it has that name. These hard boiled candies are really sweet, full of sugar and seem like your typical British boiled sweet, until you get to the centre and are greeted with a mouthful of fine powdered sherbet which foams as soon as it touches the wetness of your mouth. They come in three flavours, which I determined as Grape, Cola and Strawberry.
Soy Sauce Pretz
Crunchy biscuit sticks with a tangy soy sauce glaze. These are like your normal Pretz stick, flat, crunchy, but with a subtle sweetness to the biscuit. The soy glaze gives a hint of saltiness, but they are completely addictive and very more-ish. I would say these are both sweet and savoury and work well as a snack for someone who isn’t sure what they fancy.
Mario Kart Gum
Put on your diving gloves, buckle up, and grab a few of these bubble gums. Ten individual gums with a “gotta catch em’ all” vibe of having individual characters and karts on each one. For the Mario Kart gamers out there the packaging is really bright and cute. Though what they showcase on the outside isn’t always what’s on the inside. The gum is tangy at first but turns mushy and tasteless within seconds of getting the hard candy into a chewable state – think of chewing paper, that’s exactly what your getting.
Wow! Such Banana?!
A chocolate cream filled marshmallow banana with a hilarious name. This was one of the top items in the box for me. If you like banana flavoured things (milkshakes, cakes, bread), you will LOVE this sweet. It reminds me of the foam bananas you get in the UK, but softer, as it’s made from marshmallow. Yet it has a creamy chocolate centre and a banana flavoured chocolate around the outside of the marshmallow. After letting others have a try, the decision was unanimous that it was one of the better sweets of the package.
Crayon Shin Chan Candy
Crayon coloured ramune flavoured hard candies. Shin-Chan has his own manga and anime (which has been dubbed in over 23 languages) and follows five year old Shin-Chan as he makes mistakes and creates chaos for his parents, school and friends. These sweets remind me of the cheap sweets you get in the 20p gachapon machines, like a boiled sweet, but with a compressed powdered centre. They are fruity but not to my taste. The packaging on the other hand is hilarious and I really like the fact you can pull Shin-Chan’s shorts off.
Soda Mixing Jelly Beans
Five tasty soda flavours in jellybean form; mix and match flavours to create your own soda flavours. Being a bit of a jellybean fanatic I was really excited to try these. Eating them on their own they were really fruity, but the real fun begins when mixing them together. I was devastated when I realised I had finished the packet just minutes after opening it, but can guarantee they are well worth trying if you get the chance.
Japanese BBQ Scones
Like Cheetos but better; the BBQ flavour that gives American flavourings a run for its money. This was a huge packet of Nik-Nak shaped corn chips, covered in a sticky and sweet BBQ sauce which left me craving more. There was a hint of BBQ ribs in the taste and is definitely one of my favourite items from the box.
Crackling Cotton
Fluffy grape cotton candy with an explosive pop rocks kick, a truly unique candy. Please heed my warning, do not put all of this in your mouth due to its luscious smell. Although the taste is really strong and really delicious, eating the candy as a whole means you will endure deafening cracking and popping with the candy hidden inside. It feels as though Japanese popping candy is a thousand times stranger than the ones you get in the US and the UK. Really tasty and a fun experience, especially if you give it to someone unexpectedly.
Chocolate Pucca
Crispy pretzel biscuit shells filled with creamy chocolate goodness. If you have tried the Hello Panda chocolate then you’ll have an idea as to what you will be experiencing here, though there is a complete difference with the biscuits used. The chocolate is also different here, a little richer in texture and taste.
Pokémon Puzzle Game
Enjoy some gum whilst you piece this puzzle together. For you Pokémon fans out there this product is possibly a treat, though there is the reappearance of some dreadful bubblegum that tastes like you’re chewing soggy paper. This can be excused with the fact that you get a sticker puzzle game inside as well.
Puzzle & Dragons X Bikkuriman Wafer
Fans of P&D or Bikkuriman will recognise the characters on the cover. Inside is a tasty wafer with collectable playing cards and stickers. There is something about Japanese chocolate that keeps me really happy and the kind here is creamy and really high end, which accompanies the wafer extremely well. The packaging is super cute too.
Creamy Melon Soda
Delicious and creamy soda with a nice melon flavour. While I like my fruit I have never been a big fan of melon, nor a fan of melon flavouring. But things have changed and Japan has proved that should a melon find its way to my mouth, it will be through flavoured cream soda. It’s really light on bubbles, extremely creamy, and reminds me of a fizzy version of the melon milk that is available.
DIY Choco-shrooms
A popular snack that has turned into a DIY kit. Choco-shrooms are one of the Japanese sweets that most westerners are given to introduce them slowly into the world of Japanese candies, and rightly so, they are really tasty. But actually making the items by hand makes it just that little bit more special. Directions are given in English in the booklet and on the back of the box, but I feel it’s pretty simple and self explanatory. The outcomes were really pretty and extremely tasty.
It was very surprising seeing the amount of products and goodies received in the box. I thoroughly enjoyed trying each and every item as it opened my eyes to what’s available from Japan. It’s not all just Hi-Chews and Pocky! With the personal touches of the information booklet as well as the inclusion of anime, manga and game characters within the box, there is something there that will capture your attention.
For the price of the box it is definitely worth it. With its fast delivery, high quality products and an exploration of culture within a monthly subscription box, you couldn’t ask for more.
Thank you to Japan Crate for sending MCM Buzz a box to review.
Goodies galore in Japan Crate’s latest box
It may be a given, but the MCM Buzz team are pretty partial to some of the weirdest and most wonderful food from around the world. We were recently sent the August edition of Japan Crate and was surprised to see the amount of sweets and geeky products within the adorable and cleverly designed ‘Premium’ box.
This is a Japanese candy subscription box that comes in three different sizes and prices. There is the ‘Mini’ box for $12 (roughly £8), which contains 4-6 items; an ‘Original’ box for $25 (roughly £16), which contains 8-10 items and a DIY candy box; and the ‘Premium’ box for $30 (roughly £20), which contains a whopping 10-12 items, a DIY candy kit and a drink.
What’s unique about this subscription box compared to others of its kind is the community that supports it. Japan Crate have a great connection to their niche market and feature many of their subscribers on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Website.
They also have a special package known as the Sugoi Crate in which one lucky subscriber will be randomly chosen to win a box full of giant candies, Japanese gadgets, toys and gaming systems. For August’s Sugoi Crate the winner recieved a WiiU – Super Mario World 3D Deluxe Set, Giant Pocky, Kaminarimon Nanoblock set, Panda Darake Chopsticks game, Totoro Plushie, Popin’ Cookin’ Sushi and Bento DIY Kits, Kumamon Itazura Bank, Mr. Knocky Drum toy, Wasabi – Rum & Raisin – Strawberry Cheesecake Kit Kats, Giant Bag of Galbee chips, Pocky & Peanuts Snoopy Almond Crush, and lastly Mentaiko Umaibo Sticks.
Because the box is coming from the US I recieved an email that said to allow 4 -6 weeks for delivery, but to my surprise it was delivered a mere eight days after it had been posted. The box is your standard subscription box in style, but bright red with their logo on the top. The inside is really cute with different scenery with each box.
Upon opening the box you will be greeted with their information booklet. A lot of time and effort has gone into the 13-page mini magazines. It includes a small 2-page comic, information on the contents of your Japan Crate box, some in-depth information about their featured candy, details about the Sugoi Crate, and a step-by-step tutorial on how to assemble your DIY candy kit.
Near the back of the magazine (which is read in the manga style from the top right to the bottom left) there is a small section which teaches you something cultural about Japan. In this edition it was about the Obon Festival and included some Japanese words at the bottom of the page for subscribers to learn. Finally there are two pages about the Japan Crate community where images and letters are sent in to be featured.
Shuwa Shuwa Soda Candy
Apparently “Shuwa Shuwa” is the sound of the fizz in soda; you have to wait till you get to the centre of the candy before you find out why it has that name. These hard boiled candies are really sweet, full of sugar and seem like your typical British boiled sweet, until you get to the centre and are greeted with a mouthful of fine powdered sherbet which foams as soon as it touches the wetness of your mouth. They come in three flavours, which I determined as Grape, Cola and Strawberry.
Soy Sauce Pretz
Crunchy biscuit sticks with a tangy soy sauce glaze. These are like your normal Pretz stick, flat, crunchy, but with a subtle sweetness to the biscuit. The soy glaze gives a hint of saltiness, but they are completely addictive and very more-ish. I would say these are both sweet and savoury and work well as a snack for someone who isn’t sure what they fancy.
Mario Kart Gum
Put on your diving gloves, buckle up, and grab a few of these bubble gums. Ten individual gums with a “gotta catch em’ all” vibe of having individual characters and karts on each one. For the Mario Kart gamers out there the packaging is really bright and cute. Though what they showcase on the outside isn’t always what’s on the inside. The gum is tangy at first but turns mushy and tasteless within seconds of getting the hard candy into a chewable state – think of chewing paper, that’s exactly what your getting.
Wow! Such Banana?!
A chocolate cream filled marshmallow banana with a hilarious name. This was one of the top items in the box for me. If you like banana flavoured things (milkshakes, cakes, bread), you will LOVE this sweet. It reminds me of the foam bananas you get in the UK, but softer, as it’s made from marshmallow. Yet it has a creamy chocolate centre and a banana flavoured chocolate around the outside of the marshmallow. After letting others have a try, the decision was unanimous that it was one of the better sweets of the package.
Crayon Shin Chan Candy
Crayon coloured ramune flavoured hard candies. Shin-Chan has his own manga and anime (which has been dubbed in over 23 languages) and follows five year old Shin-Chan as he makes mistakes and creates chaos for his parents, school and friends. These sweets remind me of the cheap sweets you get in the 20p gachapon machines, like a boiled sweet, but with a compressed powdered centre. They are fruity but not to my taste. The packaging on the other hand is hilarious and I really like the fact you can pull Shin-Chan’s shorts off.
Soda Mixing Jelly Beans
Five tasty soda flavours in jellybean form; mix and match flavours to create your own soda flavours. Being a bit of a jellybean fanatic I was really excited to try these. Eating them on their own they were really fruity, but the real fun begins when mixing them together. I was devastated when I realised I had finished the packet just minutes after opening it, but can guarantee they are well worth trying if you get the chance.
Japanese BBQ Scones
Like Cheetos but better; the BBQ flavour that gives American flavourings a run for its money. This was a huge packet of Nik-Nak shaped corn chips, covered in a sticky and sweet BBQ sauce which left me craving more. There was a hint of BBQ ribs in the taste and is definitely one of my favourite items from the box.
Crackling Cotton
Fluffy grape cotton candy with an explosive pop rocks kick, a truly unique candy. Please heed my warning, do not put all of this in your mouth due to its luscious smell. Although the taste is really strong and really delicious, eating the candy as a whole means you will endure deafening cracking and popping with the candy hidden inside. It feels as though Japanese popping candy is a thousand times stranger than the ones you get in the US and the UK. Really tasty and a fun experience, especially if you give it to someone unexpectedly.
Chocolate Pucca
Crispy pretzel biscuit shells filled with creamy chocolate goodness. If you have tried the Hello Panda chocolate then you’ll have an idea as to what you will be experiencing here, though there is a complete difference with the biscuits used. The chocolate is also different here, a little richer in texture and taste.
Pokémon Puzzle Game
Enjoy some gum whilst you piece this puzzle together. For you Pokémon fans out there this product is possibly a treat, though there is the reappearance of some dreadful bubblegum that tastes like you’re chewing soggy paper. This can be excused with the fact that you get a sticker puzzle game inside as well.
Puzzle & Dragons X Bikkuriman Wafer
Fans of P&D or Bikkuriman will recognise the characters on the cover. Inside is a tasty wafer with collectable playing cards and stickers. There is something about Japanese chocolate that keeps me really happy and the kind here is creamy and really high end, which accompanies the wafer extremely well. The packaging is super cute too.
Creamy Melon Soda
Delicious and creamy soda with a nice melon flavour. While I like my fruit I have never been a big fan of melon, nor a fan of melon flavouring. But things have changed and Japan has proved that should a melon find its way to my mouth, it will be through flavoured cream soda. It’s really light on bubbles, extremely creamy, and reminds me of a fizzy version of the melon milk that is available.
DIY Choco-shrooms
A popular snack that has turned into a DIY kit. Choco-shrooms are one of the Japanese sweets that most westerners are given to introduce them slowly into the world of Japanese candies, and rightly so, they are really tasty. But actually making the items by hand makes it just that little bit more special. Directions are given in English in the booklet and on the back of the box, but I feel it’s pretty simple and self explanatory. The outcomes were really pretty and extremely tasty.
It was very surprising seeing the amount of products and goodies received in the box. I thoroughly enjoyed trying each and every item as it opened my eyes to what’s available from Japan. It’s not all just Hi-Chews and Pocky! With the personal touches of the information booklet as well as the inclusion of anime, manga and game characters within the box, there is something there that will capture your attention.
For the price of the box it is definitely worth it. With its fast delivery, high quality products and an exploration of culture within a monthly subscription box, you couldn’t ask for more.
Thank you to Japan Crate for sending MCM Buzz a box to review.
F(X), Guckkasten and Jinjo Crew headline at The London Korean Festival
We previously reported that South Korea would be making an appearance in Trafalgar Square on August 9th 2015 with the announcement of The London Korean Festival, which is being held by the Korean Tourism Organisation. The FREE one day event brings together an exciting mix of modern and traditional Korean culture. It has recently been announced that the five piece female super group F(x) will be headlining at Trafalgar Square’s first K-pop concert.
F(x) are one of Korea’s leading K-pop groups, leading the Korean wave with their catchy electro-pop melodies and daring fashion. They are also an internet sensation on YouTube, with views in excess of 30 million for their eye catching videos and are part of the much loved SMEntertainment.
Korean rock fans will also be catered to as popular Korean psychedelic rockers Guckkasten are set to get you dancing with their performance as a live band. A firm favourite to many interested in the Korean music industry, it is going to be great to hear Guckkasten performing live!
World Champion B-boy group Jinjo Crew will be making an appearance, showing off their winning break dancing moves in a dance battle against the UK’s dance group Soul Mavericks.
If you are after something a little more traditional there will be a wonderful collection of hanboks, traditional South Korean dresses, on display as well as a Hanbok Fashion Show presenting the latest creations of the traditional, vibrantly coloured design. Whilst walking around be sure to pop into the The K-Fashion Pavilion, which will feature a selection of pop up stores with clothing lines and accessories from Korean designers featured in London Fashion Week.
Fans of traditional Korean performing arts will be treated to a range of instrumental music from the renowned National Gugak Centre, playing homage to thousands of years of tradition and history with their creative dances of peace, folk music, and introducing ganggangsullae, a 5,000 year old Korean dance that was first used to bring about a bountiful harvest.
Korean food is well loved in the capital, and is one of the tastiest, trendiest and healthiest cuisines in the world. Its growth in popularity with the help from food lovers allowed the Korean Tourism Organisation an area just for food. And boy are you in for a treat, with a live cooking demonstration from the Food Channel’s celebrity chef Judy Joo and her top cooking tips, there will also be a range of delicious meals and drinks on offer in the ‘Food Zone’ which will include stalls from the best of London’s Korean restaurants.
Korea is one of the leading countries in the gaming and technology world, and the Square’s ‘K-Contents Zone’ will host a selection of online games, including an E-Sports area where visitors can compete in a range of virtual activities. Younger children can enjoy the K-character pavilion with soft play, arts, toys and a sticker wall. There will also be webtoons (online comics) to read as well as new animation screenings to watch and enjoy. Before computers there was only traditional folk games, such as Yut-nori (a stick-throwing board game), Tuho (arrow throwing) and Jegi-chagi (tassel kicking), all of which will be available for attendees to try out. If you have ever wanted to write your name in Korean calligraphy, then you can also have a go at the artistic tradition of artistic writing in Hangul.
In the ‘Cultural Tourism Experience Zone’ attendees can get creative by making traditional crafts or trying on Korea’s traditional ‘Hanbok’ dress, as well as enjoying a series of family workshops. Anyone wanting to try playing a traditional musical instrument, like a Gayageum or Janggu (the most widely used drum) or a Buk will be taught how to use them during a free ‘hands on’ music workshop.
The ‘Brand Zone’ will include two ambassadors of the Korean manufacturing and technology world from Hyundai Motors and LG Electronics, both of whom who will be showcasing their latest products, innovations and great offers.
The event is organised by the Korean Cultural Centre UK, Korea Tourism Organisation, Korea Creative Content Agency and supported by the Mayor of London. Throughout the event there will be a PSY inspired ‘Gangnam Style’ flash mob that will be encouraging everyone to join in and have a go at the popular fun dance craze that captured the world. The same flash mob will also be hitting the streets of London on a special themed bus the week before the event, encouraging everyone to get dancing and show off their moves at the festival.
The London Korean Festival
Date: Sunday 9 August 2015
Time: 12pm-8pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square
Entry: FREE-ALL WELCOME
Information: www.kccuk.org.uk – www.gokorea.co.kr