OONG
Oong comes from Ungnyeo (웅녀, 熊女), the bear-woman of Korea’s founding myth and mother of Dangun (단군, 檀君), the legendary founder and first ruler of Gojoseon, Korea’s first kingdom. She is of the earth, of our land. A connection to where we come from, no matter where life has taken us. According to legend, Dangun becomes Sansin (산신, 山神), the mountain spirit of a peninsula shaped by mountains.
Oong is also the deep, lingering ooooooong of a large, ancient bell, a sound that carries across distance and continues to resonate long after it is struck. It is a call to listen, remember, reconnect, and return, even if it’s your first time.
HOUSE
House is for home. But home isn’t always a simple place. For many of us, Korea can feel both familiar and unfamiliar, ours and not quite ours, home and somewhere far away.
Oong House exists to bridge the space in between.
A place to explore what connects us to Korea without needing to arrive with all the answers. To learn, ask questions, share stories, and experience Korea alongside others finding their own way home.
Our Mission
To connect people who care about Korea deeply (especially Koreans from everywhere) to each other, to their roots, and to the parts of Korea that deserve to be known through thoughtfully curated journeys and experiences.
Our Vision
A thriving global Korean diaspora — connected to each other, rooted in their heritage, and celebrated for what they’re building in the world.
What we believe in
Depth over highlights
We believe the best way to understand a place is to slow down. We don’t herd people from one famous spot to the next. Instead, we travel intentionally, making space for layered stories, context, and meaningful encounters that reveal a deeper Korea.
Connections that last
Travel is ultimately about relationships. Every experience we create is designed to foster lasting connections between people, places, culture, and the stories that bind them together long after the journey ends.
Preservation through presence
Where we choose to go matters. We seek out places, traditions, and communities that are at risk of disappearing, often due to population decline. Through thoughtful travel, we hope to direct time, attention, and support where it matters most.
Find your own relationship with Korea
There is no single right way to connect with Korea or to be Korean. Whether you are part of the diaspora, visiting for the first time, or returning with new questions, Oong House exists to create space for that relationship to unfold on your own terms.