# thehomeworkbench

> Coffee gear, freelance finance, and home baking — tried, tested, written down


## Posts

- [Musinsa Beauty Seongsu Opens Nov 11: 700 Brands, 2F Pharmacy and What's New](https://thehomeworkbench.com/musinsa-beauty-seongsu-opening/): Musinsa Beauty Seongsu opens Nov 11, 2026 at 87 Yeonmujang-gil: about 700 brands, 99 new offline, and a pharmacist-staffed 2F pharmacy. How it compares with Hongdae.
- [AMPERS&ONE PATHFINDER Release Nov 17, 6 p.m. KST: Time in Your Country and What We Know](https://thehomeworkbench.com/ampersone-pathfinder-release-time/): AMPERS&ONE releases first full album PATHFINDER on Nov 17, 2026 at 6 p.m. KST. Release time in your time zone, members and the group's 2026 timeline.
- [Changdeokgung's Donhwamun Gate Under Repair Until 2028: New Entrance and Site Tours From Nov 25](https://thehomeworkbench.com/changdeokgung-donhwamun-repair-entrance/): Donhwamun, Changdeokgung's main gate, is being dismantled for repairs until about Oct 2028. Enter via Geumhomun, exit via Sobangmun; site tours from Nov 25.
- [Korean Pharmacy Skincare Shopping 2026: OTC Medicine vs Cosmetics, What to Buy](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korean-pharmacy-skincare-shopping-guide/): Pharmacies now take 13.88% of foreign visitors' medical spending in Korea. What is OTC medicine vs pharmacy cosmetic, what shoppers buy, and how to shop safely.
- [Seoul Lantern Festival 2026: Dec 11 – Jan 31 Dates, Hours and Route](https://thehomeworkbench.com/seoul-lantern-festival-2026-dates/): The 2026 Seoul Lantern Festival runs Dec 11, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 on Cheonggyecheon, 6–11 p.m. Dates, route, crowd tips and what else runs in Seoul Winter Festival.
- [Korea Smart Entry Service 2026: 42 Countries, Age 17+ and How the E-Gate Works](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korea-smart-entry-service-42-countries/): Since Mar 16, 2026, visitors from 42 countries and regions can use Korea's Smart Entry e-gates. Age 17+, first trip at a counter, departure rules and arrival card.
- [Blue Dragon Film Awards 2026: Full Nominee List, Nov 25 Date and How to Vote](https://thehomeworkbench.com/blue-dragon-film-awards-2026-nominees/): The 47th Blue Dragon Film Awards take place Nov 25, 2026 at KBS Hall. HOPE leads with 10 nominations. Full nominee list, voting and watch guide.
- [AAA 2026 Kaohsiung Lineup: All 40 Acts, Dec 5–6 Dates and Hosts](https://thehomeworkbench.com/aaa-2026-kaohsiung-lineup/): AAA 2026 takes place Dec 5–6 at Kaohsiung National Stadium with hosts Ji Chang-wook and Jang Won-young. All 40 announced singer acts and a trip checklist.
- [Kunsthaus Zurich at the National Museum of Korea: Dates, Tickets and 85 Works from Nov 27](https://thehomeworkbench.com/kunsthaus-zurich-national-museum-of-korea-nov-27/): 85 works from the Kunsthaus Zurich open at the National Museum of Korea on Nov 27 and run to Apr 18. Early bird tickets are 12,000 won.
- [Medicube at Costco: Where APR's Skincare Brand Is Sold in the US and What Its Q3 Numbers Show](https://thehomeworkbench.com/medicube-costco-apr-q3-2026/): Medicube reached about 400 US Costco stores in October. APR's Q3 revenue hit a record 773.1 billion won. Retail footprint and peer results.
- [Sword & Silence (Munmu) Premieres Nov 14 on KBS2: Cast, Schedule and Time Zones](https://thehomeworkbench.com/sword-and-silence-munmu-kbs2-premiere-nov-14/): Sword & Silence, known as Munmu in Korean reports, premieres Nov 14 at 9:20 p.m. KST on KBS2 with 28 episodes. Cast, credits and local times.
- [K-Beauty Exports 2026: Where the Record Growth Is, From Latin America to the US](https://thehomeworkbench.com/k-beauty-exports-first-half-2026-where-growth-is/): Korean small exporters sold 5.07 billion dollars of cosmetics in the first half of 2026, up 30.7 percent, with Latin America up 131.9 percent.
- [RESCENE PULSE Nov 3 and KEYVITUP NA-GARI Nov 9: Release Times in Your Time Zone](https://thehomeworkbench.com/rescene-pulse-keyvitup-na-gari-november-comebacks/): RESCENE returns on Nov 3 with PULSE and KEYVITUP on Nov 9 with NA-GARI, both at 6 p.m. KST. Teaser schedules and local times.
- [Do Ho Suh at MMCA Seoul: Tickets, Key Works and Dates Through Feb 9, 2027](https://thehomeworkbench.com/do-ho-suh-mmca-seoul-exhibition-2026/): Do Ho Suh's large solo exhibition at MMCA Seoul runs through Feb 9, 2027, with more than 500 works, timed tickets and a Seoul Box part from Dec 18.
- [Incheon Airport Sky Festival 2026: Lineup, Tickets and Free Programs for Nov 7 and 8](https://thehomeworkbench.com/incheon-airport-sky-festival-nov-7-8-2026/): The 21st Incheon Airport Sky Festival runs Nov 7 and 8 at Inspire Arena with Epik High, PSY and more, plus about 20 free culture booths.
- [Namsan Park in November 2026: Night Festival, Silent Disco and Archery Dates](https://thehomeworkbench.com/namsan-park-november-2026-night-festival-picnic/): Namsan Park hosts the Night Festival on Friday and Saturday evenings and the Dulle-gil Autumn Picnic all November, with archery and a silent disco on Nov 14.
- [The Great Escape: Urban Legends Premieres Dec 2: Cast, Time Zones and What to Know](https://thehomeworkbench.com/great-escape-urban-legends-dec-2/): The Great Escape: Urban Legends premieres on TVING on Dec 2 at 6 p.m. KST with six escapers. Cast roles, concept and local premiere times.
- [ENHYPEN THE SIN : PARALLEL WORLD: Release Time in Your Time Zone (Nov 20)](https://thehomeworkbench.com/enhypen-the-sin-parallel-world-nov-20/): ENHYPEN's spinoff single THE SIN : PARALLEL WORLD arrives on Nov 20 at 2 p.m. KST, with the physical album on Nov 23. Local times for a dozen cities.
- [Kimjang Season 2026: Up to 40% Off Cabbage, Radish and Kimchi Ingredients Until Dec 2](https://thehomeworkbench.com/kimjang-discount-season-2026/): Kimjang ingredients are up to 40 percent off from Oct 29 to Dec 2 at more than 300 retailers. Dates, items and what kimjang is.
- [Go Local 2026: Get Up to 12,000 Won Back With WOWPASS Outside Seoul (Oct 7 to Dec 13)](https://thehomeworkbench.com/unlock-your-korea-go-local-wowpass-cashback/): Go Local runs from Oct 7 to Dec 13 with WOWPASS cashback of 2,000 won per purchase of 10,000 won or more, up to 12,000 won.
- [Can You Tap a Foreign Credit Card on a Seoul Bus? What Is Planned for 2027](https://thehomeworkbench.com/foreign-credit-cards-seoul-buses-2027/): Tapping a foreign credit card on a Seoul city bus is planned for 2027, with testing through the end of 2026. What has been reported and what to do now.
- [K-Tour Pass in Busan: Price, Versions and How to Buy (Pilot Started Oct 1)](https://thehomeworkbench.com/k-tour-pass-busan-pilot-guide/): The K-Tour Pass pilot started in Busan on Oct 1 at 15,000 won per version, with one free attraction and 50 partner merchants.
- [Free Palace Entry During the Korea Grand Festival: A Visitor's Guide (Oct 29 to Nov 15)](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korea-grand-festival-free-palaces-visitor-guide/): Four palaces, Jongmyo and the royal tombs are free for foreign visitors from Oct 29 to Nov 15, with an Andong opening on Oct 31 and a free concert on Nov 14.
- [Counterfeit K-Beauty in 2026: What Korean Authorities Have Reported](https://thehomeworkbench.com/counterfeit-k-beauty-crackdown-2026/): Korea seized more than 140,000 counterfeit items in 2025 and a new council met on Oct 2. What has been reported and what shoppers can do.
- [Korea Grand Festival 2026 for K-Beauty Shoppers: Duty-Free, Online Deals and Welcome Week](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korea-grand-festival-k-beauty-shopping-guide/): The Korea Grand Festival runs Oct 29 to Nov 15 with up to 25 percent off cosmetics at 25 duty-free shops and an online week for overseas shoppers.
- [How the Olive Young Sale Works: Quarterly Dates, Deal Types and Coupon Times](https://thehomeworkbench.com/olive-young-sale-how-it-works-quarterly/): Olive Young holds its big sale in March, June, September and December. Here is how a sale week is built, how the coupons work and how visitors use it.
- [Beyond Olive Young: Musinsa Beauty Hongdae and Daiso's New K-Beauty Stores](https://thehomeworkbench.com/musinsa-beauty-daiso-k-beauty-shopping-2026/): Musinsa opened a four-floor beauty store in Hongdae, and Daiso opened a store that is 80 percent beauty. Here is what each offers and what shoppers want.
- [Olive Young's Tourist-Focused Stores: A Guide to Seven Design-Specialized Locations](https://thehomeworkbench.com/olive-young-tourist-stores-guide-2026/): Foreigners make up 33 percent of Olive Young's in-store sales. Here are seven design-specialized stores, from Gwangjang Market to a hanok in Gyeongju.
- [Nayeon NA-sty Release Time: Nov 20 at 2 p.m. KST in Every Time Zone](https://thehomeworkbench.com/nayeon-na-sty-release-time-nov-20/): Nayeon's solo single NA-sty comes out Nov 20 at 2 p.m. Korea time. Here is the release time in 12 cities, what the title means and what is known.
- [Tantara Premieres Dec 11 on Netflix: Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo and the Story So Far](https://thehomeworkbench.com/tantara-netflix-dec-11-song-hye-kyo-gong-yoo/): Tantara, starring Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo, arrives on Netflix on Dec 11. Here are the date, the cast, the writer and the story.
- [The Devil's Plan: Dead Again Premieres Nov 10: All 16 Players and the New Rules](https://thehomeworkbench.com/devils-plan-dead-again-netflix-nov-10/): The Devil's Plan: Dead Again reaches Netflix on Nov 10 with sixteen players and a changed pieces rule. Here are the players, the format and the teasers.
- [Next Seat, Francesca Premieres Nov 6 on Wavve: Release Dates and Cast](https://thehomeworkbench.com/next-seat-francesca-wavve-nov-6/): Next Seat, Francesca arrives on Wavve on Nov 6 with four episodes released two at a time on two Fridays. Dates, cast and story.
- [Nine to Six Premieres Nov 25: Time Zones, Cast and Where to Watch](https://thehomeworkbench.com/nine-to-six-sbs-premiere-nov-25/): Nine to Six premieres Wed, Nov 25 at 9 p.m. Korea time and airs Wednesdays and Thursdays. Here are the time zones, the cast and the story.
- [Olive Young for US Shoppers Before Black Friday: US Site, Sephora Edit or Global Site](https://thehomeworkbench.com/olive-young-us-vs-sephora-vs-global/): Olive Young Global no longer ships to the US. Compare the Olive Young US site, Sephora's 19-brand K-beauty edit and the Global site before Black Friday on Nov 27.
- [Pepero Day 2026 on Nov 11: Stray Kids Packs, the November 11 Single and Events Abroad](https://thehomeworkbench.com/pepero-day-2026-stray-kids-nov-11/): Pepero Day is Nov 11, and Lotte Wellfood has Stray Kids packs, a 30,000 won gift, a new single and ads in Times Square. Here is everything announced so far.
- [The Remarried Empress Release Schedule: Four Episodes Nov 4, Then Two Every Wednesday](https://thehomeworkbench.com/remarried-empress-release-schedule-disney-plus/): The Remarried Empress opens with four episodes on Nov 4, then two every Wednesday until the Nov 25 finale. Here are the dates, the cast and where to watch.
- [TXT's PERFECT STORM Arrives Nov 16, One Day After Three Nights at KSPO Dome](https://thehomeworkbench.com/txt-perfect-storm-nov-16-kspo-dome/): TXT opens its STEAL THE WIND world tour at KSPO Dome on Nov 13 to 15 and releases the six-track PERFECT STORM on Nov 16. Here is the full calendar and what overlaps that week.
- [BTS ARIRANG in Asia: All 15 Dates From Kaohsiung to Jakarta, With Venues](https://thehomeworkbench.com/bts-arirang-asia-dates-kaohsiung-jakarta/): BTS plays 15 ARIRANG shows in five Asian cities between Nov 19 and Dec 29. Here are the dates, stadiums, the gaps between runs and which shows are sold out.
- [Korea's CSAT Day on Nov 19, 2026: Flights, Offices, Banks and Subways](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korea-csat-day-nov-19-2026-flights-offices/): South Korea's CSAT takes place on Nov 19, 2026. Planes pause for 35 minutes, offices and banks open late and extra trains run. Here is what that meant in 2024 and 2025.
- [Seoul's 30-Day Climate Card Has Ended: What Tourists Can Still Use](https://thehomeworkbench.com/seoul-climate-card-tourist-pass-2026/): Seoul ended the 30-day Climate Card on Oct 1, 2026, but the 1 to 7 day passes for visitors continue. Here is where they work, what they cost, and how to buy one.
- [Blue Road on Netflix: Release Time in Your Time Zone, Cast and Plot](https://thehomeworkbench.com/blue-road-netflix-release-time-cast/): Blue Road streams on Netflix on Nov 20 with eight episodes. Release time in your time zone, the cast, the premise and who made it.
- [Korea Autumn Foliage 2026: Official Peak Forecast by Mountain and Tree Type](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korea-autumn-foliage-2026-2/): The Korea Forest Service forecasts peak foliage in Seoraksan on October 20 and Naejangsan on November 4. Get the full 2026 schedule by mountain, tree type and region, plus a simple trip plan.
- [Korea K-ETA Exemption 2026: What the Official Notice Says and What to Do](https://thehomeworkbench.com/k-eta-exemption-2026-2/): Korea’s temporary K-ETA exemption runs through December 31, 2026. See what the embassy notices say, how the e-Arrival Card still applies, and whether a voluntary K-ETA is worth the fee.
- [Korea K-ETA Exemption Ends December 31, 2026: What Is Confirmed and What Is Not](https://thehomeworkbench.com/k-eta-exemption-2026/): South Korea's temporary K-ETA exemption runs through December 31, 2026. Here is what the official notices confirm, what is still unknown, and how it differs from the e-Arrival Card.
- [Korea Autumn Foliage 2026: Official Peak Forecast by Mountain](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korea-autumn-foliage-2026/): The Korea Forest Service's 2026 forecast puts Seoraksan's foliage peak on October 20 and Naejangsan's on November 4. Here is the schedule and how to use it.
- [DDP Sunset Rooftop Tour in Seoul: Dates, Price and How to Book](https://thehomeworkbench.com/ddp-sunset-rooftop-tour/): DDP's sunset rooftop tour runs Fridays and Saturdays from Oct 16 to Nov 21. See dates, times, the 50,000 won price, performers and how to book.
- [BABYMONSTER Comeback Release Time in Your Time Zone, Plus Tour Dates](https://thehomeworkbench.com/babymonster-comeback-release-time/): BABYMONSTER releases new music on October 23 at 1 PM KST. See the release time in ten cities, what YG has announced, and the CHOOM tour dates.
- [K-Beauty Advent Calendars 2026: Four Options Compared by Price and Contents](https://thehomeworkbench.com/k-beauty-advent-calendar-comparison/): Four 2026 K-beauty advent calendars compared by price, item count, full-size products and availability, with a cost-per-item table and buying tips.
- [Olive Young Global First Order Coupons: What You Get and What Is Excluded](https://thehomeworkbench.com/olive-young-global-first-order-coupons/): New Olive Young Global members get three 30% coupons capped at US$7 until October 14, 2026. See excluded brands, shipping and where the offer works.
- [BTS ARIRANG Latin America Tour: Remaining October Shows, Venues and Tickets](https://thehomeworkbench.com/bts-arirang-latin-america-tour-dates/): BTS plays 14 October shows across Latin America. See the nine remaining dates, the La Plata venue, official ticket sellers and São Paulo showtimes.
- [Korea Autumn Foliage 2026: Official Peak Dates by Region and Where to Go in Seoul](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korea-autumn-foliage-2026-peak-dates-seoul/): Korea's official 2026 Autumn Leaves Map lists 36 spots. Peak colors reach Seoul and Gangwon in late October and the south in November.
- [Korea Entry Requirements: The K-ETA Exemption Ends December 31, 2026](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korea-entry-requirements-k-eta-exemption-ends-2026/): The K-ETA exemption runs through December 31, 2026. See who is covered, the e-Arrival Card rule, the 10,000 won fee and what to do for 2027 trips.
- [Dead-End Job on Netflix: October 30 Release Date, Cast and What to Expect](https://thehomeworkbench.com/dead-end-job-netflix-release-date-cast/): Netflix's Dead-End Job premieres October 30. See the cast, plot, eight-episode count and the creators behind the horror-fantasy series.
- [Netflix Korean Drama Schedule This Weekend: Take Charge of My Heart vs Doctor X vs 100 Days of Deception](https://thehomeworkbench.com/netflix-korean-drama-schedule-october-2026/): Three Korean series start on Netflix on October 9 and 10. Compare Take Charge of My Heart, Doctor X and 100 Days of Deception by release pattern, episode count and viewing time.
- [LISA PRESS PLAY EP Arrives October 23: Six Tracks, SaWaDiKa and What Is Still Unannounced](https://thehomeworkbench.com/lisa-press-play-ep-october-23/): LISA's PRESS PLAY EP is due October 23 with six tracks. See what is confirmed about SaWaDiKa, the release date and the Las Vegas residency, and what is still unknown.
- [October 12 Comebacks: NCT WISH, PLAVE, Xdinary Heroes, MEOVV and Sung Han-bin Release Times by Country](https://thehomeworkbench.com/october-12-comebacks-k-pop-release-times/): Five K-pop releases arrive at 6 p.m. KST on October 12. Tracklists, title tracks and local release times for NCT WISH, PLAVE, Xdinary Heroes, MEOVV and Sung Han-bin.
- [Korean Age Explained: The Three Age Systems and the June 2023 Change](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korean-age-system-2023/): Korean age explained: the three systems, the June 28, 2023 legal change, formulas for 2026, and the uses that did not change.
- [Korean Dramas October 2026: Netflix Release Dates, Formats, and Time Zones](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korean-dramas-october-2026/): Korean dramas October 2026: four premieres between Oct 9 and Oct 30, with release formats, episode counts, and time zone conversions.
- [How K-Pop Comebacks Are Planned Months in Advance](https://thehomeworkbench.com/k-pop-comeback-planning-timeline/): A K-pop comeback looks sudden but is planned months ahead. Here's the real timeline, from concept to teaser rollout to release week.
- [Korean Convenience Store Culture: Why It's Different](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korean-convenience-store-culture/): Korean convenience stores do far more than sell snacks — meals, bill payment, ATMs, and seating are all part of the daily routine.
- [Korean Toner vs Western Toner: What's Actually Different](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korean-toner-vs-western-toner/): Korean toner and Western toner solve different problems. Here's the real difference, how to use each correctly, and which one fits your skin.
- [Second-Lead Syndrome: Why It Keeps Happening in K-Drama](https://thehomeworkbench.com/second-lead-syndrome-explained/): What second-lead syndrome is, why K-drama writers build it on purpose, and why fans keep rooting for the character who was never going to win.
- [Essential Jjimjilbang Etiquette for First-Time Visitors](https://thehomeworkbench.com/jjimjilbang-etiquette/): Learning basic jjimjilbang etiquette before your first visit saves you from a few awkward moments. A Korean jjimjilbang is part […]
- [Korean Sunscreen for Humid Climate: What Actually Works](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korean-sunscreen-for-humid-climate/): Why Korean sunscreen formulas feel different in hot, humid weather, and how to pick and layer one so it actually stays on your skin.
- [Tipping in Korea: Why You Don't (And When You Might Be Expected To)](https://thehomeworkbench.com/tipping-in-korea-is-not-expected-at-restaurants-taxis-or-hotels-heres-why-the-rare-exceptions-and-what-to-do-instead/): Tipping in Korea is not expected almost anywhere. Here's why, the rare exceptions, and what to do instead to show appreciation for good service.
- [Best K-Dramas of 2026 So Far: A Genre-by-Genre Guide](https://thehomeworkbench.com/best-k-dramas-of-2026-so-far/): The best K-dramas of 2026 so far, organized by genre — mystery, fantasy-romance, workplace, action, comedy, and horror — with where to watch each one.
- [Korean Skincare Routine for Oily Skin: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://thehomeworkbench.com/korean-skincare-routine-for-oily-skin/): A step-by-step Korean skincare routine for oily skin: the 6 steps, the ingredients that actually regulate sebum, and the mistakes that make oily skin worse.
- [Steel vs Ceramic Burrs: Which Grinder Burr Wins?](https://thehomeworkbench.com/steel-vs-ceramic-burrs/): Steel vs ceramic burrs compared on sharpness, heat, durability, noise, and cost, with a short checklist for choosing your next grinder.
- [How to Price Your Freelance Work Without Underselling Yourself](https://thehomeworkbench.com/how-to-price-your-freelance-work-without-underselling-yourself/): Most freelancers set their first rate by guessing, then spend years underpriced because they never revisit the number. Pricing isn’t […]
- [How to Set Aside Money for Taxes as a Freelancer: A Simple System That Actually Works](https://thehomeworkbench.com/how-to-set-aside-money-for-taxes-as-a-freelancer-a-simple-system-that-actually-works/): Freelancers don’t get taxes withheld automatically from every payment the way employees do. That single difference is why so many […]
- [Burr Grinder vs. Blade Grinder: What Actually Changes in Your Cup](https://thehomeworkbench.com/burr-grinder-vs-blade-grinder-what-actually-changes-in-your-cup/): If you’ve upgraded your beans, your brewer, and even your water, but your coffee still tastes flat or inconsistent, the […]
- [How to Start a Sourdough Starter From Scratch: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide](https://thehomeworkbench.com/how-to-start-a-sourdough-starter-from-scratch-a-beginners-step-by-step-guide/): If you’ve ever looked at a jar of bubbling flour-and-water paste and wondered how it turns into bread, you’re not […]
- [Hello world!](https://thehomeworkbench.com/hello-world/): Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

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