Tag: lifestyle

  • Helinox & Nanro unveil ‘Jeolliptu & Stove One’ camping cookware on Wadiz.

    Global outdoor brand Helinox and Korean barbecue science community Nanro have jointly launched their first camping cookware set, “Jeolliptu & Stove One,” exclusively through a crowdfunding campaign on Wadiz. | Photo provided by Helinox

    Helinox, a leading outdoor brand, unveiled its first collaborative camping cookware set with Nanro—a Korean community focused on the science of barbecue—via a limited-time campaign on the crowdfunding platform Wadiz.

    The set, which allows simultaneous grilling and stew cooking to enhance flavor, gained widespread attention even before its launch, with over 5,000 early notifications. The product surpassed its funding goal shortly after the campaign began, which will run exclusively on Wadiz until July 30.

    Sulwho Yayun (Outdoor Feast after a Snow) by Kim Hong-do

    ◇ A collaboration inspired by a historic painting

    The project began in late 2023 when Nanro Chairman Choi Jung-yoon showed Helinox CEO Young La a painting from the late Joseon Dynasty titled “Sulwho Yayun (Outdoor Feast after a Snow)” by artist Kim Hong-do. The idea was to reimagine the festive scene from the 18th century with a modern, stylish twist.

    The result is the Jeolliptu & Stove One set, which draws inspiration from historical scenes of people from various social classes gathered around a brazier to grill meat and enjoy camaraderie, now brought to life through a contemporary lens.

    Nanro contributed over two years of research and experimentation focused on barbecue flavor, while Helinox applied its design and functionality expertise to adapt the concept for camping. After a year and a half of joint development, the final product was completed with a central goal of fostering shared culinary experiences.

    Jeolliptu & Stove One captures the essence of Korea’s traditional grilling culture in a modern format. | Photo provided by Helinox

    ◇ Functional innovation rooted in tradition

    The Jeolliptu griddle features a scientific structure that enhances meat flavor and incorporates an “Oil Road” system that channels drippings into the stew compartment, embodying the harmony of grill and soup inherent in traditional Korean barbecue culture.

    Constructed from full three-layer clad metal for superior heat conductivity and retention, the cookware is finished without nonstick coating to preserve the natural taste of ingredients.

    The companion Stove One features a dual-burner system for simultaneous or independent cooking of grill and stew, and is the first in Korea to include a built-in check valve for enhanced safety and usability.

    Its design draws from traditional Korean braziers and paper sliding doors, blending classic aesthetics with modern sensibilities.

    ◇ Gourmet experiences beyond camping

    From planning and design to material selection and cooking tests, this project combines the full expertise of Nanro and Helinox. The set is also ideal for home dining, catering to both culinary novices and gourmet enthusiasts.

    The cookware is available exclusively through Wadiz as a set with portable, easy-to-store accessories. The product is also on display at the Helinox Creative Center (HCC Seoul) in Yongsan, Seoul.

    Helinox, known for its refined design and strong branding, is a globally recognized outdoor brand with a motto of “We’ll elevate your experience.” It creates lightweight, portable outdoor furniture and has expanded into cosmetics, character branding, and cross-industry collaborations with artists, fashion labels, and tech companies. Its flagship products include the Chair One, Table One, Chair Zero, and Cot Tent.

  • Samsung launches 2025 ‘Bespoke AI One Body’ washer-dryer in Korea with upgraded AI features

    Samsung launches 2025 ‘Bespoke AI One Body’ washer-dryer in Korea with upgraded AI features

    Samsung Electronics began sales in Korea on July 4 of the 2025 model ‘Bespoke AI One Body’ washer-dryer, equipped with a 7-inch ‘AI Home’ touchscreen and enhanced AI capabilities.

    With this upgraded combination washer-dryer model, Samsung aims to expand consumer choice while reinforcing the idea that “AI appliances = Samsung.”

    The 2025 Bespoke AI One Body combines a 25kg-capacity washer on the bottom and a 22kg-capacity dryer on top—making it an optimal solution for consumers who do large loads or prefer separating laundry.

    Smarter connectivity through ‘AI Home’ screen and ‘Bixby’

    The appliance features a 7-inch AI Home touchscreen that allows users to easily check and control washing and drying courses and settings.

    Conveniently positioned at eye level for users standing upright, the screen supports a more natural user experience.

    It includes a ‘3D Map View’ that displays a 3D layout of the home and shows the location and status of connected appliances, enabling seamless control of SmartThings-connected devices.

    It also supports Samsung’s AI voice assistant Bixby, allowing users to control the machine naturally through conversation. It understands unfamiliar or complex commands and remembers previous interactions.

    For example, if a user asks, “Bixby, what’s the detergent-free tub clean cycle?” Bixby will provide an explanation. If the user then says, “Start it,” Bixby remembers the previous question and launches the corresponding cycle.

    AI provides optimal solutions for a more convenient laundry experience

    The 2025 Bespoke AI One Body includes upgraded AI features such as AI Custom Wash+, AI Custom Dry+, AI Vibration and Noise Reduction System, and AI Auto Detergent Dispenser.

    AI Custom Wash+ analyzes the type, weight, and dirt level of the laundry to select the optimal course. It identifies fabric types and adjusts the washing, rinsing, and spinning process accordingly. It even adjusts detergent levels and wash duration based on dirt level during the wash.

    AI can now recognize five fabric types—delicate, towel, normal, denim, and outdoor—up from the previous three.

    AI Custom Dry+ distinguishes between normal, denim, towel, and delicate items. It ensures thick clothes are dried thoroughly and towels come out soft and fluffy by using optimized algorithms for each fabric type.

    Special features also support bedding. AI Bedding Wash and AI Bedding Dry detect the bulk and type of bedding—quickly washing and drying thinner blankets to save water and energy, while providing thorough cleaning and drying for thicker ones to prevent tangling and ensure a fluffy finish.

    The new model includes an upgraded AI Vibration and Noise Reduction System. It detects the washer’s vibration pattern based on the floor it’s installed on to minimize movement. A dual damper absorbs vibrations, reducing spin cycle noise to 51.7dB(A).
    ※ dB(A): A-weighted decibel, representing perceived loudness

    Other convenient features include AI Auto Detergent Dispenser, which automatically adds the right amount of detergent for each load, and Auto Open Door, which automatically opens the door after washing or drying finishes.
    ※ Based on in-house testing; actual results may vary depending on usage environment

    The new model also includes the ‘Direct Water Jet Auto Clean’ feature introduced in the Bespoke AI Combo. It uses high water pressure to clean dust from the heat exchanger automatically, with manual cleaning also available when needed.

    The 2025 Bespoke AI One Body consumes 22.2Wh of electricity per kilogram of laundry—45% lower than the 45.8Wh/kg minimum required for 1st-grade drum washers by the Korea Energy Agency as of July 2025.

    Moon Jong-seung, Executive Vice President of Samsung’s Digital Appliances Business Division, said, “Samsung provides all-in-one, stacked, and separate washer and dryer options so consumers can choose what fits their lifestyle. We will continue to deliver laundry solutions that make daily life more convenient by integrating diverse platforms with personalized AI technology.”

    The new model comes in four colors: Dark Steel, Silver Steel, Greige, and White. Retail prices range from KRW 3,698,000 to KRW 4,348,000 (USD 2,715 to 3,192), depending on specifications.

  • VINI COFFEE opens flagship café at Yangjae Highbrand on June 26: Launches hybrid wine-and-coffee space model

    VINI COFFEE, a hybrid café brand combining premium wine and coffee, officially opened its first flagship store at Yangjae Highbrand in Seocho-gu, Seoul on June 26.

    This launch marks the beginning of the brand’s expansion strategy, drawing attention as it introduces a new trend to the food and beverage industry. VINI COFFEE differentiates itself from conventional coffee chains through a compact and lightweight store structure that enables one-person operation, as well as a simplified kitchen system based on meal kits for efficient store management.

    The Yangjae Highbrand store offers a curated selection of premium coffee and a wide range of wines directly imported from more than 10 countries, including nations in Europe and South America. This multi-functional offering sets it apart from existing café concepts.

    The grand opening event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and attracted brand representatives, including executives from operator 1879MG (CEO Minji Lee), as well as prospective franchise owners. Attendees participated in wine and coffee tasting sessions and brand experience programs, drawing strong interest from visitors.

    VINI COFFEE stated that its concept was designed as a relaxing cultural space where guests can enjoy wine and coffee in the heart of the city. Following the launch of the Yangjae location, the brand plans to open directly managed stores in Pangyo, Busan, and other key business districts across the country.

    The company currently operates an in-house R&D center to strengthen its brand expertise through seasonal menu development, cupping tests, and barista training programs. It is also building the foundation for a nationwide franchise rollout, offering tailored design systems, operational manuals, and integrated solutions to aspiring business owners.

    VINI COFFEE aims to lead the next generation of the F&B market by optimizing its small-format stores and reinforcing its specialization in the wine-and-coffee hybrid café model.