Care is the act of mindfully tending to something. It applies to anything within our responsibility—our body, our mind, or even a beloved plant or cherished object. Just like plants quickly wither without attention, our body and mind do the same. If neglected, they fade and grow distant. That’s why they need proper care. But what does it really mean to care well? And what are the unique ways each of us practice it?
I’ve always used busyness as an excuse to neglect my body, but now I realize it’s time to truly take care of it. I can’t put it off any longer. I need to eat healthier and move my muscles properly. 🧘🏻♀️ It’s not just about caring for the mind—my body deserves the same attention.
-From Minjung |
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📃 today's grds paper
1. music
2. how we stay healthy?
3. Shoe Care: 4 Essential Tips!
4. walking course #18 Namsan Seoul Tower
5. mental health check
6. grds on feet
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🎧 BADBADNOTGOOD - Eyes On Me
A perfect track for organizing your schedule and focusing at work.👀 BADBADNOTGOOD is a Toronto-based band known for blending jazz, soul, and hip-hop into a unique sound. With no lyrics, their melodies and rhythms alone captivate the listener. Start your day strong with this tune—Friday, let’s go!
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how we stay healthy?
What’s one thing you never skip when it comes to self-care?
Here are some of our personal health routines. |
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Gilyong’s Morning Stretch Routine (w. Music)
*view on YouTube
Spending long hours sitting has taken a toll on my posture and neck. On top of that, playing soccer and boxing often leaves me sore. To combat this, I’ve developed a dedicated morning stretching routine.☀️
I start by opening the window to welcome the crisp morning air, then play some soothing jazz. My stretches focus on the neck and joints, lasting 10 to 15 minutes. I follow along with a favorite YouTube instructor, loosening up stiff muscles while taking deep, steady breaths. This ritual fills me with refreshing energy to start the day right. |
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Changhyun's Hand Cream
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Hands are one of the most frequently used parts of our body.🖐🏻 Since starting my workout routine, my hands have developed calluses and scars, making them rougher. Without proper care, I can really feel the drop in my quality of life.
I keep multiple hand creams in my office and home, so I can apply them whenever I think of it. After trying several brands, I’ve settled on L’Occitane’s Shea Butter hand cream. Strong fragrances aren’t my style, as they can affect the atmosphere I aim for. This cream has a mild scent, isn’t overly thick, and harmonizes well with me.🧴 |
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Woobin’s Skincare Routine
Glutathione Collagen Glow & Gua Sha Massage
Since I prefer minimal makeup, maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion is key. To achieve this, I stick to a simple yet effective skincare routine.
Each morning, I start with a glass of lukewarm water and a dose of collagen.💊 In the evening, after cleansing, I apply an ampoule and use a gua sha tool for a muscle-relaxing facial massage. I gently glide a translucent heart-shaped gua sha over my jawline, nose bridge, cheekbones, and down my neck to my trapezius. Then, I use a wooden gua sha for a scalp massage.💆🏻♀️ This helps stimulate circulation, brightening my complexion and enhancing skin elasticity.
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Shoe Care: 4 Essential Tips!
Taking a few minutes before and after wearing your shoes can significantly extend their lifespan.
Here are four simple shoe care tips: |
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⇢ Use a horsehair brush to remove dust.
Dust buildup can attract mold and bacteria, depriving leather of its natural nutrients. Brushing your shoes after each wear not only removes debris but also enhances their natural sheen through friction with the bristles. |
⇢ Store with wooden shoe trees.
Inserting shoe trees helps maintain shape, smooth out creases, and prevent sole warping. They also absorb moisture, aiding ventilation and preventing bacterial growth.
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⇢ Rotate your shoes. Don’t wear the same pair every day!
Loafers absorb sweat while worn. Moist leather is prone to deformation, bacteria, and odor. Let your shoes air out for a day or two with shoe trees inserted before wearing them again. |
⇢ Apply shoe cream monthly for maintenance.
Shoe cream helps repair scuffs, remove stains, and nourish the leather. Different leathers require specific care, so check out the 'Shoe Care' category on the GRDS blog for more details. |
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37, Sowol-ro 2-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Nestled on a hillside in Huam-dong, this small cafe is always buzzing with coffee and pastry lovers, even on weekday mornings. True to its name, the cafe roasts its own beans and even sources dishware from Japan. The coffee was excellent, but the real star was the cardamom bun—spicy yet sweet, pairing perfectly with a warm drip coffee. If this cafe were near my office, it would definitely be my go-to spot! ☕️ |
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70, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
A serene, minimalist gallery that allows full immersion in art. Currently showcasing artist Ha Jungyeon’s solo exhibition, If Peace Could Be Bought, the space features artificial grass sculptures that explore the relationship between humans and nature. Take a closer look at the intricate textures and colors, and reflect on what brings you peace. The gallery also has a cozy library and rooftop. Free admission until December 8.
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105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
For a scenic workout, Namsan Park is the ideal destination. The foliage isn’t fully autumnal yet, blending greens and browns beautifully. Leaves drift down like cherry blossoms.🍂 After living in Seoul for over six years, I finally visited Namsan Tower—it was surreal to see the famous movie and drama views in person. Families, couples, and solo visitors alike were soaking up the fall ambiance. Standing atop Namsan, gazing over Seoul’s vast skyline, is an instant mood booster.
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38, Hangang-daero 104-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
A proper meal is the best way to conclude a day of walking! Located at the foot of Namsan, Chungmu Kalguksu feels like a true hidden gem with its old-school signage. Their tender, savory bossam paired with freshly mixed kimchi was incredibly satisfying. The mild, anchovy-based kalguksu broth was perfect for the chilly weather. We arrived at 2 PM and managed to grab the last serving of bossam—come earlier if you don’t want to miss out!🥄 |
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mental health check
Solo trips, binge-watching dramas and etc...
how do you recharge when you feel drained?😌
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Minjung | Solo Adventures
Sometimes, my mind feels unsettled, and worries about the future swirl around. When that happens, I spend the day completely on my own, avoiding social interactions and energy drains. I plan a solo itinerary and head out—visiting a library or bookstore, stopping by a café for my favorite coffee, and then picking up delicious takeout around 5 or 6 PM. By the end of the day, I feel grounded again, thinking, *I’m doing pretty well for myself.*😎 |
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Junho | Writing Poetry
I usually have a strong mentality, but when I do feel overwhelmed, I turn to my routine—walking around my favorite neighborhood, then settling into a café to write poetry.✍🏻 Seeing happy people while walking lifts my mood, and often inspires my writing. As I sip coffee and quietly brainstorm, my mind finds clarity. When I finish a poem, the sense of accomplishment recharges me! |
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grds on feet
A stylish outfit is never complete without the right shoes!
Here’s how grds products are styled.
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TOP : ENDS and MEANS
BOTTOM : ENDS and MEANS
SHOES : grds / blucher 15 leather black
📍The product featured in this episode of grds on feet is the blucher 15 leather black, a pair that pairs effortlessly with business casual looks. This design was born from the growing demand for dress shoes suitable for formal occasions. But rather than creating something to be worn only on special days, we focused on making a pair that feels just as fitting in everyday life. We recommend styling them with tapered or straight-fit trousers.
As the end of the year approaches, we hope the blucher 15 will be your trusted companion for all your upcoming occasions. 😉 |
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Waiting is not just a part of life, it is life.
They may seem to be waiting for a certain kind of life, but in truth, it is the waiting itself that becomes life.
We spend our entire lives in waiting.
⎯ Seungwoo Lee 『The Stillness of Reading』
기다림이 삶의 일부가 아니라, 기다림이 곧 삶이다.
그들은 어떤 삶을 기다리지만, 실은 어떤 삶을 기다리는, 그것이 곧 삶이다.
기다리면서 일생을 산다.
⎯ 이승우, 『고요한 읽기』
*This sentence is an English translation based on a Korean book.
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grds paper is a members-only newsletter
that explores and shares everyday inspirations through walking.
Join the grds membership and receive an email every three weeks!
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grds
info@grds.com
52, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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