This is south Korea (이것이 한국이다)

Dongdongju served in a small traditional jar Introduction: Hello, dear readers!    Today, I’d like to introduce you to two of Korea’s most beloved traditional alcoholic beverages: Makgeolli and Dongdongju . Let’s begin with makgeolli . Interestingly, the name itself carries two meanings in Korean: “freshly made” and “roughly made.” You might be wondering, Why would someone introduce a drink that’s hastily or roughly made? That’s a fair question—so let me explain right away. Both makgeolli and dongdongju pair beautifully with traditional Korean dishes , creating combinations that are beloved by many. In fact, even though I’m not usually much of a drinker, I do enjoy makgeolli and dongdongju from time to time. What exactly is Makgeolli? Makgeolli is a milky, unfiltered rice wine made by fermenting grains—typically rice—with a natural fermentation starter called nuruk . Once the fermentation is complete, water is added to the remaining mash, and the mixture is filtered. T...

Cute little white Jindo puppy                                                               The Jindo Dog: Korea's Loyal and Legendary Native Breed Hello, dear readers. Do you happen to like dogs as well? Today, I’d like to talk with you about Korea’s native dog breeds. Korea is home to four native dog breeds that the nation takes great pride in: the  Jindo ,  Pungsan ,  Sapsali , and  Donggyeongi . These dogs have been raised and preserved over generations, deeply woven into the fabric of Korean culture. Among them, the Jindo dog stands out as the most iconic and widely recognized breed, symbolizing loyalty, intelligence, and strength. A Wolf's Bloodline: Jindos and Pungsans Both the Jindo and Pungsan breeds are known to be genetically close to wolves. This connection gives them heightened hunting instincts, ind...

UNESCO Suwon Hwaseong and the adjacent fortress village                                                                           Introduction: Exploring the Inner Structure, Fortress Trekking Routes, Photo Spots, and Seasonal Highlights Hello, dear readers! Today, I’d like to continue our story of Suwon Hwaseong from where we left off last time.In the previous post, we took a spontaneous trip to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and experienced the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site through first impressions. At the end of that story, I promised to introduce the fortress in more detail—including its internal structure, scenic trekking routes, top photo spots, and the best times to visit by season. Today, I'm keeping that promise. This article will take a deeper dive into Suwon Hwaseong, offering practical ...

  Korean summer fruit, chamoe (Korean melon)                                                    Introduction: The Most Energetic Season in a Country of Four Seasons Hello, dear readers! Today, I'd like to talk about how to experience summer in Korea. Korea is well known for having four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Among them, summer is arguably the most dynamic. It not only changes the landscape and clothing styles but also transforms people’s routines, food, and travel habits. Many foreign visitors assume Korea’s summer would be similar to that of Southeast Asian countries—hot and humid. Interestingly, that’s not always the case. I once recorded the daily temperatures of Guam, which is located in the western Pacific Ocean, for a full year and was surprised to find that its average summer temperature was actually lower than ...

 A Nighttime Scene Along Cheonggyecheon, Seoul                                                 Introduction: Hello, dear readers! Today, I'd like to talk about the pros and cons of doing business in Korea as a foreigner. In today’s globalized world, it is no longer unusual for foreigners to start businesses in Korea. From Seoul to Busan, and from Daegu to Gwangju, you can find entrepreneurs from diverse countries running restaurants, online shops, IT services, education centers, and more. Korea has become an attractive market for foreign investors thanks to its stable legal system , high level of technological development , strong digital infrastructure , and consumer purchasing power . However, from a foreigner’s point of view, starting a business in Korea may not be as simple as it appears. Despite Korea’s reputation for efficiency and structure, cultural...

 A variety of spicy Korean kimchi                                                       introduction: Hello, readers! Today, let's explore an intriguing cultural question: Why do Koreans love spicy food so much? It’s a topic that fascinates both locals and foreigners alike. If you’ve ever visited Korea or tried Korean cuisine, chances are you’ve noticed the bold use of chili pepper in everything—from soups and stews to side dishes and even snacks. But the answer goes far beyond just taste preferences. To understand Korea’s spicy food culture, we need to dive into its history, culinary evolution, emotional associations, and even the physiological effects of spice. So grab a warm drink and let’s dive into this flavorful journey! 🌶️ A Bit of History: Chili Peppers Were Not Always Korean Contrary to what many people assume, chili peppers are not ...

The Northwestern Watchtower (Seobuk Gongsimdon) and the Hwahseomun Barbican of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress"                                          introduction: For many first-time visitors to Korea, one of the biggest worries is arriving without a fixed itinerary. But in today’s travel culture, spontaneity is no longer a drawback—it’s a trend. There’s a saying: “The best travel plans are the ones you didn’t make.” So let’s explore a stress-free journey that begins the moment a solo traveler from an English-speaking country lands at Incheon International Airport with no prior plans. Rather than heading straight to Seoul, Gangnam, or the popular Itaewon district, we’ll set our sights on a unique destination: Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon —a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and culture. And before diving into this historic attraction, we’ll enjoy a comforting meal at a multicul...