Welcome to "MaruKan" – the comprehensive Korean information site where you can understand all things Korea!

We will help you to make Korea feel closer and to have a safe and secure trip to Korea.

South Korea Travel Tips

2026: Here's What Will Change!! Korean Travel ~Arrivals & Departures~

What are the transport options from the airport? ~ Incheon International Airport ↔ Seoul Station ~

Knowing it is incredibly useful!! Seoul Station pre-boarding check-in, what is it??

Korean cuisine

[Seoul Trip] Fluffy Eel Specialty Shop near Samgakji Station

A saviour in minus 11-degree weather! Enjoying exquisite Samgyetang at the "Nutrition Center" in Nowon

[Seoul Trip] A Culinary City: Seoul, South Korea - A Michelin-Recommended Eatery in Samgakji ~Seaweed Soup~

Learning Korean

잠이 얕다・깊다

The Japanese meaning of the Korean phrase "아픈 손가락" (apeun son-garak) is "a sore finger" or "a painful finger". In a realistic usage, it refers to something or someone that causes a person pain or worry, often due to a past mistake, regret, or a difficult situation that is hard to let go of. It's like a persistent ache that you can't quite ignore. Here are some examples of how it might be used: * **Referring to a past mistake:** "That investment I made years ago was a real 'apeun son-garak' for me. I still feel the sting when I think about how much I lost." (That investment still causes me pain and regret.) * **Referring to a difficult relationship:** "My relationship with my estranged sibling is an 'apeun son-garak'. I wish things were different, but it's a painful part of my life." (The relationship is a source of ongoing pain and concern.) * **Referring to a child or family member who is causing trouble:** "My son's addiction is my 'apeun son-garak'. It breaks my heart every day, and there's not much I can do to help him." (The son's addiction is a constant source of pain and worry for the parent.) * **Referring to a sensitive or unresolved issue:** "That old legal dispute is still an 'apeun son-garak' for the company. It keeps popping up and causing problems." (The dispute is a sensitive and troublesome issue that won't go away.) Essentially, "아픈 손가락" signifies something that is a persistent source of emotional pain, discomfort, or concern, often something you cannot easily fix or forget.

Korean birthday greetings for friends and superiors: A summary!