Why Study with Boncho Friends?

Hi friends! We’re Bora and Isaac, the co-founders of Boncho Friends.

As a husband-and-wife team, we know firsthand how challenging it can be to learn TCM. We’ve been through the same struggles you’re facing right now—trying to wrap our heads around the intricacies of acupuncture points, herbal actions, and TCM terminology.

When I (Bora) was studying to become an TCM practitioner in the U.S., I often felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information. But what made it even tougher was the fact that learning TCM in English meant losing some of the deeper meanings that come with the original Chinese terms. The translations never seemed to fully capture the essence of the concepts, and that added another layer of confusion.

That’s why we created Boncho Friends.
We wanted to make TCM learning simpler, more accessible, and more connected to the original language. We started by designing Boncho study cards—with adorable characters and intuitive Boncho icons—to help bridge the gap. We know how hard it can be to memorize complex terminology, so we used simple, clear icons that act like a visual language. These icons make abstract concepts more concrete and easier to remember, helping to simplify even the most complicated ideas.

Along with these Boncho icons, we included cute hand-drawn characters created by Isaac himself. Every character was thoughtfully illustrated to bring a little fun and personality into your studies. These cards are meant to make your learning experience feel lighter, more enjoyable, and less overwhelming.

We didn’t just want to create study tools; we wanted to design something that would bring a smile to your face every time you picked them up. We believe learning should feel like an adventure, not a chore!

✨ Why Our Study Cards Matter
We created these cards because we understand how challenging TCM can be—especially when it feels like there’s an endless mountain of information to climb. But we also know that with the right tools, the journey can be much easier and even fun.

➤ Comprehensive Content: Our cards cover all the essentials—from acupuncture points to herbs and TCM terminology. We’ve worked hard to make sure every concept is clear, so you can focus on mastering the material without getting bogged down.

➤ Designed for Visual Learners: Learning TCM doesn’t have to be dry. We’ve designed Boncho icons to help simplify complex ideas and make them more memorable. By pairing these icons with the original Chinese characters, we aim to preserve the richness of TCM and make it more intuitive to understand.

➤ Portable: We know how hard it is to keep up with studying when you’re on the go. These cards are made to travel with you—whether you’re studying at home, in a café, or between classes. Sturdy, portable, and easy to carry, they’re perfect for on-the-go learning.

➤ Collectible & Fun: Inspired by Isaac’s love for Pokémon and card collecting, we made sure these study cards were not only practical but also a joy to own. Beautiful, colorful, and full of personality, our cards turn studying into something fun you’ll actually look forward to.

➤ Digital Access for Flexibility: To make studying even easier, we’ve included a digital version of our study cards. Now, you can access your cards anytime, anywhere—whether on your iOS or Android device, or on your desktop. Whether you’re commuting, studying in a café, or sitting at home, you can have your TCM study materials right at your fingertips.

🌸 The Heart of Boncho Friends
At Boncho Friends, our mission is to make TCM learning feel personal, approachable, and inspiring. We know how frustrating it can be to feel lost in translation, which is why we’re committed to keeping the Chinese characters and using visuals that make everything feel clearer and more meaningful. This is more than just about learning—it’s about truly understanding TCM in its purest form.

We’ve poured our hearts into these cards because we care about your success. Our inspiration comes not only from our own experiences as students but from my parents, who have over 35 years of experience in acupuncture and herbal medicine. They’ve been our mentors, and their wisdom continues to guide us as we create these tools to help you on your journey.

💛 We Believe in You
We know that the path to becoming a skilled practitioner is long and sometimes overwhelming. But with the right tools, support, and mindset, we believe you can succeed. Let us be part of your TCM journey—helping to make it not only effective but enjoyable.

If you’re ready to start or continue your TCM journey with a tool that combines creativity, substance, and fun, we’d love for you to join us at Boncho Friends.

Visit bonchofriends.com to explore our collection and find the perfect deck for you.

Let’s make learning TCM an inspiring adventure—together.

Warmly,
Bora Choi (Licensed Acupuncturist) & Isaac Lee (Art Director)
Co-Founders, Boncho Friends

Boncho Friends Review - Many people suggest textbooks to solidify the information in your brain, but the boncho study cards make it so much easier and less over-whelming to study! As someone with adhd, these cards are definitely an essential!
Boncho Friends Review - Herbs Deck is an amazing study tool for visual learners like me. The cards are concise and easy to understand, and the beautiful visuals help me to learn and remember the material. They have been a lifesaver as I prepare for my upcoming test, and I'm sure they'll help me pass. I'm so grateful to have this resource - Thank you!!!
Boncho Friends Review - Where have you been all this time? I wish I had discovered it sooner. It’s so lovingly designed, and I truly enjoy it—it’s such a joy to look at!
Boncho Friends Review - One can see a great deal of thought and passion is put into the development of the Bonchofriends study cards. The graphics, attention to detail of the characters and information and manner in which it is presented exceeds other study cards I have purchased. I highly recommend considering their products.
Boncho Friends Review - These cards were a lifesaver for my midterm and board exam! I had a difficult time trying to grasp the material from the textbook and reading materials, but with these cards, I was able to learn the information much faster and with greater ease. I would highly recommend these cards to anyone looking for a quick and easy way to study for their exams!
Boncho Friends Customer Review - As a first-year acupuncture student, I feel beyond grateful to have been introduced to Boncho Friends early on in my education. What initially enticed my eye was the adorable icons and characters. As a child, I grew up collecting Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, and these images immediately had an innate, nostalgic allure to them. The content is organized in a digestible and simple manner, which makes studying fun and intrinsically valuable.
Boncho Friends Review - As a first-year acupuncture student, I feel beyond grateful to have been introduced to Boncho Friends early on in my education. What initially enticed my eye was the adorable icons and characters. As a child, I grew up collecting Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, and these images immediately had an innate, nostalgic allure to them. The content is organized in a digestible and simple manner, which makes studying fun and intrinsically valuable.
Boncho Friends Customer Review - Wow!!! These are amazing. I may end up using the Digital Sets much more given the ease of accessing them from my laptop and phone without having to carry around the actual Cards. I still like having the actual Cards since I’m a little old-school, but I just wanted to drop a line and say “THANK YOU” for creating these. These will definitely increase my study time since they’re easy to access from anywhere, like gaps between classes, traveling, and any extra time I have away from my Card Sets. I can’t thank you enough.
Boncho Friends Owners