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Newsletter September 2023

Hanbang in the Heart of Seoul: Your Essential Guide to Myeong-dong’s Beauty Scene

Discover the age-old beauty secrets of Hanbang in Seoul’s buzzing Myeong-dong district, where traditional skincare meets modern allure.

If you’ve got Seoul on your travel wishlist (and honestly, who doesn’t?), there’s one spot you absolutely can’t miss: Myeong-dong in Jung-gu. Let me break it down for you.

Why Myeong-dong, you ask?

This place is the hotspot. Imagine this: a lively district, buzzing every day with a million visitors, nestled amidst the city’s skyscrapers. And while it’s a must-visit for its iconic gothic cathedral and the myriad of trendy boutiques, there’s a deeper beauty secret hidden within its streets: the timeless tradition of Hanbang.

So, what’s Hanbang all about?

Hanbang is Korea’s traditional medicine, and it’s basically the OG of natural beauty. Think ancient herbal concoctions, a dash of philosophy, and a whole lot of skin-loving goodness. It’s holistic skincare, with roots tracing back centuries, emphasising balance, harmony, and well-being.

Why you need Hanbang in your life:

Tailored to You: Hanbang isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. It’s about understanding your skin’s unique needs and finding that perfect blend of herbs to address them.

Nature’s Best: From ginseng to green tea, Hanbang is packed with natural ingredients that your skin will absolutely adore.

Mind & Body Balance: Hanbang goes beyond just skincare. It’s about nurturing not just the outer beauty, but inner wellness too.

Exploring Myeong-dong:

Stroll through the district and you’ll spot several beauty stores showcasing Hanbang-inspired products. But it’s not just about slapping on a face mask. It’s a luxurious ritual – so take your time, explore, sample, and indulge.

Get Started with Hanbang:

Facial Oils: Look for oils infused with ingredients like ginseng or camellia. They’re a Hanbang staple and perfect for that radiant glow.

Herbal Teas: Dive deeper into the Hanbang tradition with teas that complement your skincare. Hydrate and rejuvenate from the inside out!

Treatments & Spas: While in Myeong-dong, treat yourself to a Hanbang-inspired spa session. Trust me; it’s an experience you won’t forget.

After a day of pampering and exploring, refuel with some local bites. And hey, while you’re at it, grab a bowl of gomtang – it’s not just delicious, but rich in collagen too!

So there you have it! Next time you’re in Seoul, make Myeong-dong your beauty playground. Dive deep into Hanbang, and trust me, your skin will thank you.

Hanbang in the Heart of Seoul: Your Essential Guide to Myeong-dong’s Beauty Scene

Discover the age-old beauty secrets of Hanbang in Seoul’s buzzing Myeong-dong district, where traditional skincare meets modern allure.

If you’ve got Seoul on your travel wishlist (and honestly, who doesn’t?), there’s one spot you absolutely can’t miss: Myeong-dong in Jung-gu. Let me break it down for you.

Why Myeong-dong, you ask?

This place is the hotspot. Imagine this: a lively district, buzzing every day with a million visitors, nestled amidst the city’s skyscrapers. And while it’s a must-visit for its iconic gothic cathedral and the myriad of trendy boutiques, there’s a deeper beauty secret hidden within its streets: the timeless tradition of Hanbang.

So, what’s Hanbang all about?

Hanbang is Korea’s traditional medicine, and it’s basically the OG of natural beauty. Think ancient herbal concoctions, a dash of philosophy, and a whole lot of skin-loving goodness. It’s holistic skincare, with roots tracing back centuries, emphasising balance, harmony, and well-being.

Why you need Hanbang in your life:

Tailored to You: Hanbang isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. It’s about understanding your skin’s unique needs and finding that perfect blend of herbs to address them.

Nature’s Best: From ginseng to green tea, Hanbang is packed with natural ingredients that your skin will absolutely adore.

Mind & Body Balance: Hanbang goes beyond just skincare. It’s about nurturing not just the outer beauty, but inner wellness too.

Exploring Myeong-dong:

Stroll through the district and you’ll spot several beauty stores showcasing Hanbang-inspired products. But it’s not just about slapping on a face mask. It’s a luxurious ritual – so take your time, explore, sample, and indulge.

Get Started with Hanbang:

Facial Oils: Look for oils infused with ingredients like ginseng or camellia. They’re a Hanbang staple and perfect for that radiant glow.

Herbal Teas: Dive deeper into the Hanbang tradition with teas that complement your skincare. Hydrate and rejuvenate from the inside out!

Treatments & Spas: While in Myeong-dong, treat yourself to a Hanbang-inspired spa session. Trust me; it’s an experience you won’t forget.

After a day of pampering and exploring, refuel with some local bites. And hey, while you’re at it, grab a bowl of gomtang – it’s not just delicious, but rich in collagen too!

So there you have it! Next time you’re in Seoul, make Myeong-dong your beauty playground. Dive deep into Hanbang, and trust me, your skin will thank you.

pexels-karolina-grabowska-4202325

What I discovered

I recently came across an article titled ‘Queen of the waves: Inna Braverman’ that highlights how Braverman started Eco Wave Power, a company that focuses on wave energy, especially its onshore potential, which could be a game changer.

Did you know that our oceans are believed to be capable of generating 2 Terawatt (TW) of energy per year globally by our scientists? Here’s another fact to chew on: 42.5% of global CO2 emissions stem from burning fossil fuels for electricity generation.

However, the real revelation is Ukrainian Inna Braverman, an unexpected champion in the wave energy revolution. She faced the negative consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, nearly missing death due to the effects. The incident instilled a sense of purpose and drive in her to make a difference. Relocating to Israel at the age of four, she started off with a career in political science which later changed after she encountered the renewable energy sector. Rather than wind or solar energy, what drew her attention was the untapped potential of wave energy.

Enter Eco Wave Power, a company under Braverman’s leadership, set out to solve what terms as the ‘five fear factors’ delaying wave energy development.

Here’s the Breakdown:

Challenge: Offshore wave energy methods are costly, storm-vulnerable, and ecologically disruptive.
Solution: Inna’s Eco Wave Power — a shift from offshore to onshore. Simple floating devices harness wave power, storing energy efficiently.
Benefits: Reduced installation costs, minimised weather vulnerabilities, and eco-friendly designs that align with existing man-made structures.

What impressed me most was the significant strides Eco Wave Power made under Braverman’s leadership. The company has made several choices in the right direction like choosing to attach floaters and generators to man-made coastal constructions rather than setting up wave energy stations deep offshore. It’s interesting to note that when scaled up, there are chances that wave energy could become as cost-effective as onshore wind power.

If you’re passionate about environmental well-being, also check out my last podcast season, ‘Keep it Green.’ It’s brimming with conversations and insights about our planet’s health. Give it a listen, and don’t forget to let me know what you think.

pexels-polina-kovaleva-8102128