Gat, traditional headgear in Korea The world of hanbok is broad and deep. Like any collection of fashions, it has its variations, but a dapper Joseon-era man would always take care to wear his gat. Take a look at some Joseon Dynasty paintings. They show us the street scenes of the time: what people…
DetailsAlcohol in Korean life 1 Sul, the general purpose Korean word for all types of alcohol, is a much more romantic and culturally meaningful word than its English language equivalent, alcohol. Sul implies a culture, a sharing between friends, whereas the English “alcohol” can be somewhat scientific or cold, or even damning. “A pint,” in the…
DetailsTimeless beauty of Goryeo celadon wows visitors “Blue as jasper, bright as crystal.” So said Yi Gyu-bo (1168-1241), a renowned literary servant and scholar from the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), when he praised the beauty of Goryeo celadon in one of his writings. Goryeo celadon seems to hold a mysterious beauty thanks to its…
DetailsKorean folk belief Korean folk belief Korean folk belief Between the Old and New Singugan (Kor. 신구간, Chin. 新舊間, lit. between the old and new) is the approximately one-week long period from the fifth day after the solar term Daehan (Kor. 대한, Chin. 大寒, Great Cold) to the third day before the solar term Ipchun (Kor.…
DetailsBuddhist Instruments and Symbols in Korean Buddhism Korean Temples generally have a two-story tower, which visitors can see upon entering the gate. There are four major Buddhist instruments to announce the time for monks to practice their daily rites. The four instruments are the dharma drum, the wooden fish, the cloud-shaped gong, and…
DetailsPostal serivce Any visitor to a foreign country may naturally want to send postcards or letters to friends and family back home. Ten years ago, it was easy for travelers to find the red mailboxes on the street and in buildings. Finding a mailbox today is a bit difficult because of the Internet…
DetailsKorea has four distinct seasons Korea has four distinct seasons: spring (March-May), summer (June-August), fall (September-November), and winter (December-February). The changing of seasons also means changing of attires. With temperatures varying greatly by season, it is important to dress for the weather. Here are the essential items for each season.] Spring (March…
DetailsEconomic Situation On the basis of Korea’s recovery from the global financial crisis, the government has been continuously making efforts to strengthen the groundwork for long-term growth and boost the real economy. Miracle on the Hangang River ‘Miracle on the Hangang River’ refers to the miraculous economic growth that has transformed South Korea…
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