Autumn colors: when the skies turn blue and the hillsides crimson, Korea is at its best Any expat that has lived in Korea for more than a month has undoubtedly been treated to one or more short lectures on the country’s four distinct seasons. Along with Korean food, the weather and seasons are…
Joseon white porcelain found underwater off west coast Some 111 pieces of white porcelain have been discovered underwater off the west coast near Taean County, Chungcheongnam-do (South Chungcheong Province). The collection of white porcelain is believed to be from late Joseon times (1392-1910), produced sometime between the late 18th century and the early…
Korea 5th in World Bank’s Doing Business Report Korea came in fifth place in the Doing Business 2015 report published by the World Bank Group on October 29. The country’s rank climbed two notches over last year’s report, achieving its highest marks since the World Bank started its yearly evaluation of 189 nations…
Korea via stamps: ‘Arirang,’ the first movie ‘Arirang’ (1926) is directed by Na Un-gyu and funded by Choson Cinema Productions Modern visual records, like photographs and motion pictures, were first introduced to Korea during late Joseon times. Even the reigning King Gojong (r. 1863-1907) took frequent photographs. Many portraits of the king and…
The King Has Donkey Ears!: Even bamboo trees can’t keep secrets Once upon a time in ancient Silla, there lived King Gyeongmun (r. 861—875), the kingdom’s 48th king. On top of living in tumultuous times, full of turmoil and rebellion, King Gyeongmun had another vexing problem. According to legend, he had hideously large…
Here comes the sun With 2011 now more than a month old, it’s time to ring in the New Year — the Lunar New Year, that is. From February 3, Koreans will be celebrating what they call “seollal” with three days of rest, family reunions and a celebration of Korea’s wonderful traditions. And…
The labors of love The course of true love, as they say, never runs smooth. And when the partners come from countries that are practically cultural opposites, that course becomes even more treacherous. Several friends of Ann-Cherise Simmons discovered that lesson for themselves when they dated Korean men. But while the obstacles they…
Countryside offers bounty of organic produce, cultural immersion Interested in organic farming and/or getting your hands dirty while exploring rural Korea? Ever want to practice your Korean far from the curious ears and eyes of urbanites? World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms Korea (wwoofkorea.org/) offers 64 such chances through farms, temples and guesthouses…
National Museum of Korea shows Asian relics at special exhibition The National Museum of Korea owns not only relics and artifacts from Korea. The museum also owns more than 1,600 heirlooms from across Asia. Most of these were collected from the museums of the old Government-General Museum of Korea, the Yi Royal Family…
Awakening at the seven palaces Ritual participants show respect during the Chilgungje held on October 27. With the sprit and body ready, ritual organizers entered the grounds of the shrine complex early in the morning and changed into their formal, traditional attire. As the shrine compound filled with the warmth of people, they…
