If you were asked what the most beautiful palace in the world was, what would you answer? Would it be the spacious Palace of Versailles, the stately Buckingham Palace, or even the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace? All sorts of palaces exist all over the world, and they each represent the culture and heritage of their countries.…
When moving into a new home or apartment, it’s pretty common to host a housewarming party. It’s a chance to show off the new home to friends and family, as well as a way to get settled. People all around the world have their own style of housewarming parties, but Korea’s is unique. Korean…
There is a high chance that you’ve come across Taekwondo at least once, whether it was during a random TV channel switch during the Olympics season or the news of a new Taekwondo kwan (training center) built near your residence. Maybe, you are a Taekwondo trainee yourself. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that…
In Korea, several holidays commemorate the passage of time and events that led to present-day South Korea. These days celebrate many different things like the Korean kingdom’s establishment, the Korean language writing system (Hangul), and the invention of several historical items throughout Korean history. The March 1st Movement was…
How is Korean culture and history celebrated overseas? (Korean holidays overseas) In Korea, several holidays commemorate the passage of time and events that led up to the current day, Republic of Korea . Some days celebrate the establishment of the Korean kingdom, the invention of the Korean language writing system (Hangeul),…
In Korea, there are a lot of places to stop and rest when traveling throughout the country. These rest stops are another aspect of Korea that many people find attractive. When I first heard of the rest stops in Korea, I didn’t think much of them because, in America, a rest stop is usually a…
If you know anything about the Republic of Korea, you would know that it is a country where the modern and the traditional co-exist in almost every aspect of life. From traditional foods that are given a modern twist, to modern pop music being infused with the traditional sounds of folk music, it seems like…
In order to really learn a foreign language, you need to travel to the country where it is spoken and truly immerse yourself in it. You need to surround yourself with the language and make it a part of your everyday life. Only then can you truly understand and master the language. If you’ve…
As a college student, the opportunities to travel are few and far between. A never-ending mountain of assignments to complete, internship work, and the constant anxiety and dread that comes along with thinking about your future that is always just sort of lurking in the background…well that’s enough to keep your mind busy enough to…
Hanbok and flowers When the icy streets and snow-covered landscapes finally melt away with the first breath of the West Wind. When, amongst the browns of dead leaves and withered grass, there can be found just the tiniest burst of vibrant green. When the heavy darkness finally gives way to the first warm rays of…
From an outside perspective, Director Bong Joon Ho’s historic win at the 2020 Oscars signaled a critical shift in the Republic of Korea’s film industry. Bong, winning Korea’s first four Oscars that night, was seen as a hero of Korean cinema, bringing it to the global spotlight and opening the door for dozens of Korean…
Even if you are not an expert on Korean history or culture, I am almost positive that you have heard of K-Pop, Korea’s popular music. I am sure you have at least caught a glimpse of the flashy costumes and hair dyed in every shade of the rainbow, have watched the sharp and precise dance…
Bunsik (분식, 粉食) A variety of Bunsik(s) I am aware this may sound incredibly stereotypical, as an American, but I miss fast food. Or rather, I miss the meaning that fast food held in my life. Fast food restaurants are not known for their high quality cuisine, excellent customer service, and consistently satisfying dining…
If you are a fan of the hit drama “Squid Game,” I am sure that you already have some knowledge about Korean traditional games. Of course, the games seen on screen were much more…dramatic, for lack of a better word, but they still gave us a look into the games that constitute many Koreans’ childhoods.…
The name BTS (방탄소년단) has, over the last few years, essentially become a household name not just in Korea, but in countries all over the world. As Hallyu (한류), or the Korean Wave, continues to gain momentum, Korean culture and history has begun to spread to all corners of the world not just within the…
When you think of the Republic of Korea, it is almost guaranteed that Seoul will be one of the places that first comes to mind. With a population of around 9.7 million people (almost a fifth of the entire country’s population) occupying just about 234 square miles(606 square kilometers), Seoul is packed to the brim…
Korean traditional baby’s first birthday. Baby wearing hanbok and gold ring. Do you happen to know how old you are in “Korean age”? Just in reading that one sentence, I imagine there are plenty of questions running through your head. For starters, “What’s Korean age?” and “Does everyone not calculate age the same way?” Korean…
The Heartless, published by Minumsa Co., Ltd There are many Korean historical novels and novel writers throughout Korean history. There are those who have created pieces of literature that allow us to have a view of the historical period while also still being important topics that affect us today. Na Hye-sok was a poet and…
Hanbok stickers made by VANK Hanbok(한복), Korean clothing is a form of clothing that is worn for traditional holidays or special occasions such as weddings and child’s first birthday. Hanbok can be traced back to the time of the three kingdoms. This is when Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje were ruling over the peninsula. There have…
Honggildongjeon, published by Minumsa Co., Ltd Many people know of the story of Robin Hood, the English folk hero who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. But, did you know that Korea also has a similar tale? This story is about Hong Gil Dong and is the first story written in Hangeul.…
In 2020, Korean idol group BTS made an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and took to the stage, framed by the night view of Gyeongbokgung, to perform their 2018 hit song Idol. A Korean group performing on the most popular talk show in America is a feat in itself, however, even more…
Introduction Cafes are a staple in modern Korean society. The busy streets of Seoul are dotted with small oases offering americanos, smoothies, lattes, and cakes. Even pastries and cakes renowned for their difficulty and the expertise needed to make, such as macarons, croissants, and mille-crepe, are available as an everyday snack for a simple…
Getbol is widely situated on the western and southern coast of the Korean peninsula. Getbol is a flat area along the coast that is submerged at the flow and exposed at the ebb of each tide, which is a depositional landform created by fine soil carried by the tidal current for a long time. …
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes show the geological history of the planet. Formed by volcanic eruptions, Jeju Island is full of a number of unique volcanic topography and beautiful scenery. Hallasan Mountain is a typical example, which is 1,950m high and a volcanic mountain in the center of Jeju Island. A crater lake,…
Changdeokgung is a palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) located in Seoul. Out of five palaces of the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul, Changdeokgung Palace was secondly constructed in 1405 following Gyeongbokgung Palace. Although originally built as a secondary palace to the main palace of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung Palace had accommodated the kings for the longest period…
Jongmyo Shrine enshrines the spirit tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The Joseon Dynasty held memorial ceremonies for the ancestors of the royal family, by taking Confucianism as its ruling ideology and adopting the Jongmyo system. The most important buildings within Jonhmyo Shirne are the Jeongjeon Hall and Yeongnyeongjeon…
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple are Buddhist relics built in the 8th century during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC-AD 935) of Korea. Seokguram is a grotto that enshrines a monumental statue of Buddha and Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple. As situated in Mt. Tohamsan in Gyeongju which was the capital of the Silla, both relics…
Korea is a ‘country of dolmens.’ A dolmen is a type of tomb constructed of large stones. While found all over the world, dolmens are mostly discovered in Korea, China and Japan. In particular, more than 40 percent of all dolmens in the world are located in the Korean peninsula, with the number of around…
Pansori is a Korean traditional folk music. One ‘Sorikkun’ (means a vocalist in Korean), weaves a story by using songs, words, and gestures along with the beat of a ‘Gosu’ (means a drummer in Korean). Audiences actively join the performance by adding exclamatory words like ‘Eolssigu (means Yippee)’ and ‘Jota(means good).’ While not exactly…
Arirang is a representative folk song in Korea. Even though nobody knows exactly who, when, and where it started, it has become a representative song of Korea. Arirang contains various emotions such as joy, anger, sorrow and pleasure that can be felt in the ordinary life. During the painful and harsh period of Japanese…
Ssireum is a unique sport in Korea. It is a traditional folk game and a sport competition that two people compete their strength and technique by gripping the Satba. Ssireum has been a folk game and a martial art that has been loved for a long time. It has developed into a modern athletic game…
For Korean, Kimjang means to make a great amount of Kimchi in order to prepare for a long and cold winter. Kimchi is a fermented food made with various vegetables, such as radish, cabbage and cucumber, which is salted and seasoned. It is essential for Koreans’ meals. It takes a year to prepare for…
<Hunminjeongeum> was published in 1446 to announce the creation of a Korean unique script, ‘Hangeul’, and describe it. Meaning ‘the right sound to teach people’, Hunminjeongeum is not only the name of book, but also the initial name of Hangeul when it was created. Created by King Sejong (1397-1450) in 1443, Hangeul is a scientific,…
Jikji is the oldest extant book printed with movable metal type in the world. It was published at Heungdeoksa Temple in 1377 during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). It was not long that Jikji got known in the world. It became known when Dr. Park Byeong-seon (1929-2011), a Korean who was working at the National Library…
Both Korea and Spanish-speaking countries have amazing varieties of street food. They all are slightly different depending upon where you are. Although Korea and Spanish-speaking countries have separate cultures, but their street food are not as different as you might think they are, morcilla sundae Morcilla or what is commonly known as blood sausage…
Parasite poster Parasite is an Oscar winning movie that came out in 2019. Director Bong Joon-ho is the one who produced the film and has produced many other films earlier. Actors such as Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Jang Hye-jin, and Lee Jung-eun are all-stars in this film. It follows…
Squid Game Poster Netflix had released its new Netflix Original Series called Squid Game and it has taken the world by storm. You can see the references to the show on all social media channels such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, TV shows, and so on. The show although has its moments of gore touched upon…
King Sejong Statue in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul. Take a moment to think about the various holidays your country celebrates. There are independence days, holidays to celebrate workers, religious holidays, holidays dedicated to notable historical figures, and probably hundreds more. But does your country have a national holiday declared just for its writing system? …
Imagine walking down the street and finding a figure that is welcoming you inside. This figure looks like an older man with bulbous eyes, a long nose, a tight smile, and his hands resting on his protruding belly. What kind of statue is this? a typical Dol hareubang in Jeju island This statue is…
Seoul’s largest department store, The Hyundai Seoul (더현대서울)’s website makes a bold claim: “Sound of the Future.” Visiting the building, one would find it difficult to challenge this statement. The shopping center, having only opened this past February, is a vision of futurism, with glacier white interiors, smooth curves that call back to designs from…
To many, the Republic of Korea is a country renowned for its advanced standard of living and numerous technological innovations. With one of the world’s fastest internet connection speeds, the densest high-speed railway network, and a culture of one-day-delivery not only for packages, but also food and other life essentials, the Republic of Korea’s society…
추석 or Chuseok is known as Korean Thanksgiving. It is one of the major three holidays celebrated in Korea. It is said that Chuseok dates back to the Silla dynasty of Korean history. The third king, Yuri, held a weaving competition where the prize was a large feast. It is also called as Hangawi, the…
For many, the word “makgeolli” might seem quite unfamiliar, and that is fine since I am here to let you know what exactly this unique and “flavory” drink is. Until late 1980s, makgeolli was one of the most popular drinks in South Korea, especially among farmers and workers. However, nowadays it has been making…
While making a visit to Korea, if you want to enjoy some place new other than Seoul and its metropolitan area, why not head southwards to savour and relish beautiful getbols also known as Korean tidal flats? Korea features a rias(heavily indented) coast on its south-western area due to the geological features provided by the…
In Republic of Korea, the city of Gyeongju―the modern-day location of what used to be the capital of Silla Kingdom―was anciently referred to as the City of Gold (or Geumseong in Korean). The ancient kingdom gained this reputation for the renown five golden crowns which were excavated from different royal tombs in the region. These…
On Cold days what food do you usually lean towards? Something warm, something that can sooth your body? Warm soup is a perfect example of not only a food that can make you feel warm, but can be a comfort food for many. Many cultures have different types of traditional soup however, some soups have…
미스터 션샤인 or Mr. Sunshine is a Korean historical romance TV series that premiered in 2018. It was written by Eun-sook Kim and directed by Eung-bok Lee. The story is based in the early 1900s in Hanseong during the ending of the Joseon Dynasty. Although this show is a mere TV series, it brought to…
Baekje was one of the ancient three kingdoms located in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula, including Gyeonggi-do, Chungcheong-do, and Jeolla-do. It was also the first country among the three kingdoms to have its prime days, and its geographical characteristics are indispensable. The Yellow Sea(West Sea of Korea), which was directly adjacent to China,…
Seollal (Lunar New Year or Korean New Year) is one of the major holidays in Korea. Seollal is the first day of a new year and is based on the lunar calendar. The reason why Seollal is calculated using the lunar calendar is because the lunar calendar sets a date for the moon to circle…
When learning about Korean culture, one of the holes many people fall into is learning about history. Many people refer to historical dramas when trying to learn about history. It is no doubt that there are many that enjoy historical dramas and believe it or not, the palaces you see in those dramas are real…
Beloved by Koreans all around the globe, the song known as “Arirang” is widely regarded as Korea’s unofficial national anthem. In addition, it is also found a home in the hearts of many artists from other countries and their audiences. Having been passed down through the generations, it is notable for its simple composition that…
Have you heard about the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO)? The KBO league consists of 10 teams: NC DINOS, DOOSAN BEARS, KT WIZ, LG TWINS, KIWOOM HEROES, KIA TIGERS, LOTTE GIANTS, SAMSUNG LIONS, SSG LANDERS, and the HANWHA EAGLES. As of 2020, the KBO league has been gaining popularity in America due to ESPN home broadcasts.…
Have you heard about South Korean Pop Music? These days it is becoming well known all across the world. It’s a culmination of bright colors, interesting concepts, catchy tunes, exciting choreography, and beautiful people. Unlike other minimalistic styles, K-pop offers a steady flow of constant stimulation. The term K-pop is more of a geographic designation…
The English and Korean alphabet differs greatly in terms of origin, phonetics, letters, usage, and more. The comparison between the English and Korean alphabet is important because of their remarkable values and global recognition. English remains the most common second language in the world while the Korean alphabet is considered the most scientific writing system…
Imagine having a world of talent in your just the tip of your finger — calligraphy, writing, painting, and every form of fine-art under the sun. One of the figures in Korean history that is a perfect representation of this description is Shin Saimdang. Today, many know Shin Saimdang simply as the mother of…
Amongst all the Korean Holidays, the only one that is widely known is Chuseok. However in Korea, there are many other holidays that are just as important yet less recognized. In Korea, the Lunar calendar is used for the holidays and to know when the next season will begin so they can start to…
Proverbs are characterized as concrete and traditional sayings that emerged from common sense or a shared understanding of something. Proverbs exist in most if not all languages for the ease of expression and are transmitted from culture to culture. Korean proverbs are, in some ways, like English proverbs, or even the same in terms of…
Imagine sitting on the porch of a house — the gentle breeze passes through a sea of bamboo trees and caresses your checks on a blistering summer day. In the winter, the familiar sound of crackling fire amongst the bed of rocks beneath you brings joy to your ears — and the warmth from their…
On December 16, 2020, the Cultural Heritage Association declared Yeondeunghoe (lantern lighting festival) as an intangible cultural heritage in the fifteenth session of the committee. Yeondeunghoe, also known as the Lotus Lantern Festival dates back to the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. – A.D. 935) and is held annually on the 8th day of the…
Hanbok’s literal translation is ‘Korean clothing’ and is referring to a traditional two-piece clothing worn in Korea. Historically, it used to be worn daily. However nowadays it is only worn during special occasions such as first birthdays, weddings, funerals, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving 추석), and Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day 설날). Most Koreans always have a…
“Oh, you mean Korean sushi?” One of my top three Korean foods is no doubt Gimbap. One of the most common misconceptions about Gimbap is that it’s Korea’s version of sushi. Although I understand the thought process, Gimbap is not “Korean sushi”. Sushi originates from Japan back when fermented rice was used to prevent…
For over 75 years, the National Museum of Korea (NMK) has sought to educate its visitors about Korea’s long history and rich culture through a variety of mediums. Temporary and permanent exhibitions and educational workshops help museum visitors experience thousands of years of Korea’s history through a variety of artifacts including, but not limited to,…
The tou, or Silla clay dolls, are one of the most highly regarded cultural heritages of Korea that reveal the lifestyles of the ancient Korean people. The word tou literally translates to ”clay dolls” or ”dolls made from clay.” In a broader sense, not only do these dolls take on the human form, but they…
Located in the city of Gyeongju of Gyeongsangbukdo Province, South Korea, Cheomseongdae is the oldest living observatory in the world. It stands as one of the most monumental sites that reveal the importance of astronomy and astrology on the ancient Korean civilization. Roughly translates to the ”star-gazing tower (Atlas Obscura)” or the ”reverently regarding the…
Recently, K-pop and the Korean Wave has been becoming popular around the world and a lot of people have been taking an interest in the culture and also to learn the language. Korea has its own writing system “Hangeul.” The Korean alphabet, also known as Hangeul was created in 1443 by King Sejong the…
On September 8, 1945, a lost treasure was found in a storage at Seoul Station. It was the manuscript of Joseonmal Keunsajeon (The Comprehensive Korean Language Dictionary) that had been lost since its confiscation by police during the Japanese Occupation Period (1910-1945). The manuscript consisted of 26,500 pages. After two years of sorting and editing,…
“Looking at my painting of Mt. Geumgang will give a better sense of the mountain than hiking it on your own feet.” – From Geumgang Jeondo by Jeong Seon Jeong Seon (1676-1759), one of the most respected painters during Joseon, expressed his confidence in his painting. Geumgang Jeondo, a Korean-brush painting of Mt. Geumgang on…
Every day, the King and crown prince discussed a native calendar system with Jeong Cho and other officials at the Ganuidae royal observatory – A record of August 11, 1433, from the Sejong Sillok Chiljeongsan is the Korean native calendar system created in 1443, the 15th year of King Sejong’s reign, during Joseon. Chiljeong in…
Korea has the world’s second-oldest existing astronomical chart. In 1395 during early Joseon (1392-1910), Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido (star map) was created. The map was carved on a flat black stone of 122cm width and 211cm height. A total of 1,467 stars are engraved on it. Nearly all the constellations visible to the naked eye in…
How did Goryeo become the first to produce movable metal type print? In 1967, Dr. Park Byeongseon, then a librarian at the National Library of France, found the second volume of Jikji in the library’s collection. Jikji consists of two volumes that contain the essence of Zen teachings, compiled by Goryeo’s Monk Baekunhwasang. It was…
When was the world’s first naval gun battle? Naval artillery battles have a significant meaning in history because the emergence of naval power shifted power from Asia to Europe. European naval fleets armed with powerful artillery dominated the sea, enabling European countries to take power. Many believe that the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 between…
Seokguram is an artificial Buddhist grotto on the slopes of Mount Toham in Gyeongju. Its construction was started in 751 under the supervision of Silla’s prime minister Kim Daeseong and completed in 774. It was originally called Seokbulsa temple. Unlike the natural cave temples commonly found in China and India, Seokguram is an artificial cave…
“This bell is the best bell in the world. If Germany had a bell like this, it would suffice to build a museum.” – Dr. Otto Kümmel, German archeologist The Divine Bell of King Seongdeok is a large bronze bell made to honor King Seongdeok of Silla (57 BC – AD 935). It is the…
What is the world’s oldest surviving printed document? In October, 1966, the world’s oldest woodblock print was found in the Seokgatap pagoda of the Bulguksa temple in the Korean southern city of Gyeongju. It was the Mugujeonggwang Daedaranigyeong, a Buddhist scripture printed in the early 8th century in the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla (57…
In July 1971, there was an astonishing discovery in the town of Songsanri in Gongju of Chungcheongnamdo Province. During repair work on another tomb’ drainage system, the tomb of Baekje’s King Muryeong (reign 501 ~ 523) was found. Memorial tablets at the entrance indicated that the tomb was built for King Muryeong and his queen.…
Have you heard of the Gaema Musa? Goguryeo (37 BC – AD 668) is an ancient Korean kingdom. It was a power in East Asia that won many victories against China and controlled the vast territory of northern Korea and southern Manchuria. What was the secret behind its remarkable victories? Among many reasons, the key…
Did you know that a discovery in Korea rewrote the history of the Old Stone Age? One day in April, 1978, Greg Bowen, a U.S. solider stationed in Korea, and his Korean girlfriend were walking around the Hantan River Resort in the town of Jeongokri, Gyeonggido. He noticed a uniquely-shaped stone and found a few…
Did you know the Korean alphabet was created by a king for the people? The king is King Sejong of Joseon(1392-1910). King Sejong felt sorry for commoners who were suffering due to illiteracy. Despite the objection of the noble class, he decided to create an alphabet that anyone can learn in a day. The…
Did you know Korea has one of the oldest extant world maps? HonilGangniYeokdaeGukdoJido (Gangnido for short) is a world map that was drawn in the early 15th century. Its name means “the map of the world to know.” It was created in 1402, ten years after the establishment of Joseon(1392-1910), by deputy prime ministers.…
Did you know Korea made an invention that changed the world? Life Magazine’s millennium special issue, published by Time, listed the invention of the printing press in the top 100 events that changed the world in the last millennium. And many world history books published in North America and Europe devote major coverage to…
Did you know Korea has the highest quality pottery from the 10th century? Celadon, jade green pottery, was first made by China. However, even the Chinese coveted Goryeo celadons. In his book, Xiuzhongjin, Song Dynasty writer Taiping Laoren listed Goryeo celadons as the most-desired items in China. An envoy from Song’s emperor wrote in…
Did you know Korea has an ancient incense burner made with world-class technology? In the New Testament, there is a story about the Wise Men who gave Jesus the gift of incense. Korea has a 1400-yearold incense burner. A gilt-bronze incense burner was excavated in the town of Buyeo in Chungcheongnamdo Province in December…
Did you know Korea has the largest number of ancient gold crowns in the world? Among the 13 ancient gold crowns found around the world, seven are from the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla(57 B.C.–A.D. 935). For this reason, Silla is also known as the kingdom of gold crowns. Silla is considered the ancient…
Did you know Korea has one of the most comprehensive collections of Buddhist canons in the world? A country’s cultural level is indicated in its printing technology and books because literature delivers the knowledge of the time. MugujeonggwangDaedaranigyeong (The Great Dharani Sutra) from Silla is the world’s oldest surviving book printed with wood blocks.…
Did you know the PyeongChang Olympics made a mythical creature from Goguryeo a global star? The creature was painted on a wall of a tomb that was created in 408. It was recreated for the Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, drawing international attention. The talk of the town was a human-faced bird, Inmyeonjo in…
For the Korean people, Dokdo symbolizes full independence and freedom. Dokdo was the first Korean territory taken by Imperial Japan in the early 20th century. It was returned to Korea in 1945, along with Korea’s independence from Japan. Dokdo became a symbol of our independence and freedom. Did you know Korea led one of…
Did you know Korea has an ancient bronze mirror with incredibly precise patterns? Korea is one of the leading providers of semiconductors in the world and is leading the global semiconductor technology in the 21st century. Samsung Electronics, the global semiconductor leader, found an ancient mold for bronze casting during its ground preparation for…
Did you know Korea has world-class ancient gold artifacts? An ornate gold dagger was excavated from a small tomb on Gyerim Street in the city of Gyeongju, Korea. The dagger appeared to be crafted by a master goldsmith in Rome around 6 A.D. Designated as Korean Treasure #635, this dagger is considered one of…
Did you know Korea has the largest concentration of dolmens (stone tombs shaped similarly to tables) in the world? UNESCO designated the Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa dolmen sites in Korea as World Heritage Sites in December of 2000. Korea is called a country of dolmens because it accounts for 40% of the world’s dolmens.…
Arirang- a song which has no other parallel in Korea itself- perhaps hasn’t even a parallel in any other country as well. The song is often dubbed the “unofficial Korean national anthem”- and it isn’t just a beloved song in South Korea but in North Korea as well as its history predates the division at…
When the Korean War ended in 1953, both Koreas had to rebuild themselves from the rubble left behind. In South Korea, businesses had to be started from the ground up and whole cities that had been levelled had to be rebuilt. In this period of fast rebuilding, style and visual architecture was the last thing…
China v Japan v Korea: Examining the Differences: Part 1 In the West, when you sit down to eat, you will be guaranteed to see a fork and a knife as the given utensils. This trend goes for any Western country- the United States, England, Italy, Germany, France, and this list goes on. Since the…
The English Language is something of a spelling nightmare, even to native speakers themselves. It is a culmination of multiple languages- primarily with West Germanic origins as well as has roots in romance languages (languages deriving from Latin) such as French. The English spelling system itself came from Latin which ultimately came from the Phoenician…
Who first comes to mind when you think of American civil rights activist? Most likely, it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Many of you remember the speech he delivered at the Lincoln Memorial before the March on Washington on August 28, 1963: “I have a dream.” “I have a dream that one day on…
In the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 list, South Korea ranked no.2 on the Top Countries list for the site. Originally called Lonely Planet Publications, the Lonely Planet is now the largest travel guide book publisher in the world and although has their headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, United States, it has locations all around…
Some of you may have heard about the U.S. GI who found prehistoric hand axes in Korea. His name is Greg Bowen, the man whose discovery rewrote the history of the Old Stone Age. In the spring of 1977, then a 25-year-old U.S. Air Force sergeant, Bowen, and his Korean girlfriend went to the Hantan…
Dolmen Dolmens, relics of the prehistoric megalithic culture, are being unearthed worldwide. Among the well-known megalithic relics are Stone Henge in England and Moai stone statues on Chile’s Easter Island. Although dolmens are scattered around the world, few places have the large numbers clustered in relatively small areas that Korea does. Furthermore, according to some…