Your Guide to Everyday Adventures in Korea
In the vast expanse of the East Sea, where the waves whisper stories of time, stands Dokdo—a cluster of rugged islets that symbolize more than just geography. To Korea, Dokdo is a beacon of sovereignty, a testament to resilience, and an emblem of independence. Its existence is not just a matter of territorial claim but […]
Dokdo: A Symbol of Korean Sovereignty, Resilience, and Independence Read More »
Why This Korean Lullaby Resonates Across Cultures Some emotions need no translation. A mother’s love is one of them. Whether in Korea or America, mothers share the same longing, the same gentle touch, and the same overwhelming joy when reunited with their children. This is why the beloved Korean lullaby “섬집아기” (Seomjip Aegi) carries a
A Mother’s Love in Every Language: Discovering “섬집아기(Island Baby)” Read More »
Think Tossing Trash is Simple? Think Again. Moving to Korea? You expect culture shock from spicy food, neon lights, or bowing etiquette. But nothing—nothing—prepares you for the trash system. Americans are used to chucking everything into one bin (maybe two if you’re fancy). In Korea? It’s a high-stakes puzzle. Color-coded bags, food waste paranoia, and
Trash Rules That’ll Trip You Up: Korea’s Recycling Obsession Explained Read More »
Introduction: What is Jeonse and Why Should You Care? If you’re moving to Korea, you’ll quickly realize that the rental system is very different from what you’re used to in the U.S. Instead of paying monthly rent, Korea offers Jeonse (전세)—a unique system where you put down a large deposit (amount varies depending on the
Jeonse: A Simple Guide for American Expats Renting in Korea Read More »
Why Seokguram Grotto Is More Than Just a Korean Landmark Most people see Seokguram as just another Buddhist site in Korea, but what if I told you it’s also a hidden bridge between East and West? A place where Greek sculptural influence meets Buddhist philosophy? I didn’t realize its true value either—until much later. For
Seokguram Grotto: A Hellenistic Buddhist Masterpiece You Must See Read More »
Introduction: A Personal Reflection on Writing Styles What if the way we tell stories shapes how we understand the world? When Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature, it was more than a win for Korean writers—it was an invitation for global readers to experience storytelling in a way that feels unfamiliar to many
Han Kang’s Nobel Prize and How Korean Literature Tells Stories Differently Read More »
Introduction If you’re an American living in Korea, you may have noticed that a Resident Registration Number (주민등록번호, RRN) is frequently required at banks, hospitals, and online services. This differs from the U.S. Social Security Number (SSN), which is mainly used for taxation and legal identification. For foreigners, Korea issues an Alien Registration Number (외국인등록번호,
Ross King, a professor of Korean language and literature at the University of British Columbia, once posed an intriguing question: Why should people from advanced countries—especially Americans—learn Korean? I came across this question on YouTube, and ever since, it has lingered in my mind. A Personal Awakening Did you know that Korean is the 13th
Why Learning Korean Could Change Your Perspective: A Guide for Americans Read More »
The first time I truly reflected on South Korea’s economic growth was during a visit to a friend’s house. My friend, an economist with a Ph.D. from Columbia University who now works at Emory University, casually asked me about Korea’s economy. At first, I was taken aback—this was not a question I had ever asked
The Growth of South Korea’s Economy: A National “Dream Come True” Read More »
The Korean War has always felt deeply personal to me. It’s not just a chapter in history—it’s the foundation of my very existence. Growing up, my mother often shared a story that shaped my perspective on life and gratitude. A Childhood Marked by War My mother was only eight years old during the Korean War,
A Debt of Gratitude: Reflecting on 125 Korean War Veterans Read More »