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Showing posts with the label korean identity

Sanggang (霜降): Korea’s Seasonal Wisdom Linking Nature and People in Late Autumn

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  At Hyangwonjeong Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace — Where Autumn Foliage in Full Glory Reflects the Season’s Philosophy Sanggang (霜降): The Frost’s Arrival  that  Colors Korea’s Autumn Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to introduce Sanggang (霜降) , one of Korea’s traditional 24 seasonal divisions known as jeolgi (절기) . Sanggang marks the time when frost first begins to form, and in Korea, it coincides with the peak of autumn foliage. Let us begin!. Introduction: Standing at the Threshold of Frost The concept of jeolgi (seasonal divisions) originated in ancient China as part of an agricultural calendar that divided the year into 24 equal parts to mark the subtle shifts of the seasons. This system later spread to neighboring countries such as Korea and Japan, where it was adapted to local climates and agricultural traditions. Among these divisions, Sanggang literally means “descent of frost.” It usually falls around October 23 on the solar calendar. At thi...

Features and Global Impact of Korean Democracy: A Citizen-Led Model of Democratization

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Gwanghwamun remains clean even after protests, thanks to the voluntary cleaning by citizens, and it stands as a symbolic place showing that no authoritarian rule can overcome a mature civic consciousness. Introduction: Understanding Korean Democracy Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to briefly introduce how the distinctive features of Korean democracy were demonstrated throughout the recent resolution of a remarkable political situation in Korea (an attempted loyalist coup). Please note that for details about the political event itself, I kindly refer you to your trusted news sources. In this article, the focus will be on explaining how the characteristics of Korean democracy could play a role in addressing such major political incidents, including the relevant historical context. Thank you for your understanding. Let us begin South Korea’s modern democracy is not merely a matter of institutional transition; it is a political culture shaped by collective memory, ethics, and civ...

Korea's Collective Resilience: Lessons from History in Times of Crisis

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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 ...