Korea, Curated is a subscription box based out of South Korea that sends out items from Korean indie brands, artists, and musicians, as well as Korea-related books, DVDs, and snacks. They offer a mini size or a discovery size. This is a review of the discovery box.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Korea, Curated
The Cost: $43.00 for the Mini Box, $74 for the Discovery Box, both say they have free worldwide shipping*
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first box!
CODE: NEWSUBSCRIBER
The Products: "A monthly selection of products from Korean indie brands, artists, and musicians, as well as Korea-related books, DVDs, and yummy things to munch on."
Ships to: Worldwide*
*In the FAQ section of the website it says "Korea Curated offers free shipping to most countries worldwide using the reliable small packet service." I am not sure if that refers to some countries they do not ship to, or some countries do not receive free shipping.
Check out all of the Lifestyle Subscription Box Directory and make sure to add Korea, Curated to your subscription list or wishlist!
Visit Korea Year Pororo Sticker
This is a bonus item that they threw in this month. They say "The visit Korea Committee has teamed up with the creators of Pororo, the children's character that also happens to be one of Korea's successful cultural exports." The little character, Pororo, is super cute and looks like Chicken Little!
L-Toy Shido
This is an additional bonus item that was thrown in. They said "This month, VM Pictures has provided another selection from Season 2 of their L-toy line, Shido. Enjoy writing on and making this cute, adorable puppy character." This is a little box that you assemble to make a box that looks like a puppy.
Mini Paper Lantern
This paper lantern is 13 cm. Korea, Curated included this paper lantern because in May, Korea celebrates Buddha's birthday. They say that you can decorate it using glue and pieces of paper or napkins. It is very cute but I'm not 100% sure what I will do with it yet.
Green Tea Milk Spread
This is really good. If you like the green tea frappucinos that Starbucks makes, you'll like this. I made a little chocolate cake and used this as frosting and it was quite good. They recommend eating it on bread or using it with chocolate in baking. They say that this is Korea's answer to Nutella, which I can definitely see being the case - it's very versatile, despite sounding odd.
Kelp Chips
I received a variety pack. Since I don't read Korean, I had to guess at the flavors based on the drawings on the individual packages. I think I received BBQ, Garlic, Pizza, Onion (maybe sour cream and onion?), and sea salt. I tried these. For you. (I hate seaweed.) I tried the (possibly sour cream and) onion flavor, and was shocked - these do not taste like your standard sea weed chips. I like these! Korea, Curated says that these are very high in iron and they sell them at Postpartum Care Centers because of their high iron content.
Choco Pie - Banana
This is pretty good - very similar to a banana flavored Moon Pie! You have all of the elements of the original Choco Pie here, chocolate coating, cookie, and marshmallow filling, just with the added flavor of Banana.
The Arari Show Claymation DVD
Korea, Curated describes this as "...a must watch for anyone considering, or even just dreaming of, visiting Korea. It is funny, quirky, and truly informative. It has won numerous awards, not to mention having been broadcast across 188 countries!" I don't watch TV or movies, and actually don't even think I have a way to play this on my computer, so I can't provide a full review of this one!
Mom is the Best card
This is a label that is also a card. You can write anything you want on the label and then attach it to "a bottle of wine, a healthy smoothie, or whatever you think will make her happy." This would have been a fun addition for Mother's Day if the box would have arrived before then. I understand why they included it in May's box, but because of the long shipping time (10-21 days) it arrived late.
Rolling Gim Bros Doll
This is a little toy that is inspired by Korean street food. Korea, Curated says "The Kimbap doll is made up of three Gim Brothers brought together by the help of fate and some magnetic forces." I am not in the know about Korean toys at all, but this one is cute!
With my Vegan Toothpaste
I really liked this toothpaste, surprisingly, because it tastes like lemonade. It's a really weird flavor to brush your teeth with, but it was very bright and fresh and the texture was nice.
Verdict: I thought this box was a fun box to introduce me a bit to the culture of Korea. The snacks were yummy, and the products were a fun collection of toys, food, a movie, and Korean products. With that said, $74.00 is a lot for this box. If you are obsessed with Korean products or if you are homesick for Korea, the price may be one you're willing to pay. In general, I think this is a great box, but the price point is probably going to keep some from signing up!
Have you tried Korea, Curated yet? What did you think?
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