This is south Korea

  A peaceful view of Donhwamun, the main gate of Changdeokgung Palace. Changdeokgung Palace: The Art of Harmony Between Nature and Royal Architecture (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to introduce Changdeokgung Palace , one of Korea’s most beautiful and historically significant royal palaces. Located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the aesthetics of the Joseon Dynasty and its deep harmony with nature. Together, we’ll explore its cultural treasures such as Donhwamun Gate, Injeongjeon Hall, and the Rear Garden (Huwon), while uncovering the history and meaning behind them. Many visitors are familiar with Gyeongbokgung Palace, yet some may be hearing about Changdeokgung for the first time. From Incheon International Airport, you can conveniently reach Changdeokgung in about one hour and fifteen minutes by taking bus No. 6011. Let us now begin our journey into the heart of this timeless palace. ...

  This is the statue of King Sejong the Great, the creator of Hangul, located at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Hangul: The Most Scientific and Beautiful Alphabet in the World Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to introduce Hangul, the unique writing system used by the Korean people. Coincidentally, October 9 on the solar calendar is  Hangeul Day , the national holiday that commemorates the creation of this remarkable alphabet. Many foreigners have praised Hangul as  one of the easiest writing systems in the world to learn . Although the Korean language itself may seem challenging, learners are often amazed by how  surprisingly simple it is to master Hangul . I am delighted to share with you today  the reasons that make such an experience possible . Now then, shall we begin? Meta Description: Hangul is the Korean writing system created by King Sejong in 1443 and promulgated in 1446. Recognized by UNESCO as one of the most scientific alphabets in human h...

One of the soybeans most loved by Koreans, Green flesh black bean (a variety of black soybean) Introduction: Why Is the Soybean Important? Hello, dear readers! Today, I would like to share with you a story about soybeans — a key ingredient in Korean cuisine and a food enjoyed by people all around the world. Since I am not an expert on soybeans, I will simply introduce some well-known facts in a concise manner. So then, let us begin! Today, no matter where you go in the world, you can easily find foods made from soybeans. From Asian staples such as tofu, soy sauce, and doenjang to Western uses like soybean oil, soy protein–based meat substitutes, and soy milk, soybeans appear widely across cuisines. For this reason, the soybean is a food ingredient shared by people around the globe. Yet there is a fact many do not know: the soybean’s place of origin is the Korean Peninsula and southern Manchuria. In other words, the roots of the soybeans people enjoy today trace back to Korean lands. ...

Traditional Hanji, Versatile Enough to Be Used for the Windows of Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanji: The Traditional Korean Paper Gaining Recognition in French and Italian Museums   Dear readers, greetings! Today, I would like to share with you the story of Hanji , the traditional Korean paper. Not only has the Louvre Museum in France begun using Hanji for the restoration of cultural heritage, but Italy’s ICPAL (Istituto Centrale per la Patologia degli Archivi e del Libro) has also successfully restored five cultural artifacts using Hanji. Until recently, many countries primarily used Washi , the traditional Japanese paper, for such work. However, it seems that nations around the world are now beginning to recognize the remarkable durability of Hanji, which can last for over a thousand years. Let us now begin this fascinating story. The Invention of Paper and the Birth of Korean Hanji According to historical records, paper was invented by Cai Lun of the Han Dynasty in China . Later,...

Just as a withered tree that seemed lifeless in the harsh winter blooms back gloriously in spring, so too does the resilience of Koreans shine. Introduction: A Global Surprise at Korea’s Historical Movements Dear readers, warm greetings. Today, I would like to share a story about how the Korean people respond and come together when their nation faces a crisis. Many people around the world are often astonished by two significant grassroots movements in Korean history—the Gold Collection Movement during the late 1990s and the National Debt Repayment Movement under Japanese colonial rule. Of course, these observations usually come from individuals who are at least somewhat familiar with Korean history. But these examples are more than just isolated events—they are emblematic of how Koreans respond when their nation is faced with existential threats. The Gold Collection Movement of 1998: Gold for National Survival In the aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis , Korea was struck by a ...

A Siberian tiger with a 100% genetic match to the Korean tiger                                   Introduction: A Land Without Tigers, Yet Defined by Them Dear readers, greetings! Today, I’d like to share a story about the tiger — the animal that best represents Korea and its people South Korea no longer has wild tigers roaming its mountains. Yet, the tiger remains one of the country's most iconic national symbols. From Olympic mascots to folk tales, the tiger is deeply embedded in Korean identity. This enduring presence raises a compelling question: Why does a nation without tigers continue to revere them as a central cultural emblem? To understand this, we must delve into Korea's geography, ecology, history, and cultural consciousness. The Korean Peninsula: Once a Tiger’s Paradise Historically, the Korean Peninsula was a prime habitat for tigers. Its mountainous terrain, rich biodiversity, an...