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How Koreans’ Culture of Respect Creates Exceptional Public Safety

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If someone left their tablet and phone and went to the restroom, what are the chances that they would still be there when they return? Introduction: Why Is Korea Considered a Safe Country? Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to share some insights about public safety and law enforcement in South Korea. Let's get started. For anyone planning a trip, the very first thing to check is public safety . Of course, breathtaking tourist attractions, delicious food, and diverse cultural experiences are important. But the foundation of all these joys is safety . Especially for Korean travelers preparing for trips to Europe or South America, one of the biggest concerns is the prevalence of pickpocketing and theft. Indeed, countless travel videos filmed by Korean YouTubers abroad often capture such incidents unintentionally, showing how common they are in daily life in some countries. In contrast, public spaces in Korea provide foreign visitors with a truly unique experience. The idea t...

All About Korean Tteok (Rice Cakes): Tradition and Modernity in a Chewy Delight

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Rice cakes such as Gyeongdan, Baekseolgi, and Honey Tteok arranged on a platter look delicious. Introduction — Korean tteok: a cultural symbol beyond a simple dessert Dear readers, greetings! Today, I would like to introduce you in detail to a traditional Korean food, tteok. This article will cover the origins, characteristics, varieties, and modern transformations of tteok, with the hope that it will help you, dear readers, gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture. Korean tteok (tteok) is not simply a food made primarily from rice. It is a cultural symbol that embodies the lives, history, and sentiments of the Korean people, and a traditional food handed down through generations. Often called “rice cake,” Korean tteok actually carries meanings and an identity that are quite distinct from Western rice cakes. Its chewy texture, delicate colors, and nutty or sweet flavors are distinctive charms unique to Korean tteok. Moreover, tteok is not merely something to eat; it also funct...

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 Taekwondo: Kicking Toward the World — A Martial Art Where Tradition and Modernity Coexist

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  Korean Taekwondo: A Moment of Power and Precision in Mid-Air! Introduction: Greetings, dear readers! I hope this message finds you well. Today, I would like to offer a brief introduction to Taekwondo of Korea. I am also curious to see what differences you may notice compared to the Taekwondo you already know. So, let us begin Taekwondo is more than a set of fighting techniques; it is a representative traditional martial art of Korea and a path of mental cultivation. Today, approximately 80 million people in over 200 countries practice it, and it has secured its place as an official Olympic sport. Yet the true value of Taekwondo lies not in its spectacular kicks alone, but in its philosophy of courtesy, perseverance, self-restraint, and peace. This article offers an in-depth look at the historical roots of Taekwondo, its technical features, the process by which it spread across the globe, and its cultural significance in contemporary society. 1. Historical Origins and Developm...

Working Teens in Korea: Minimum Wage, Legal Protections, and Popular Part-Time Jobs

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A café part-timer brewing coffee Introduction: Hello, readers. Today, we’ll take a close look at how teenagers in Korea earn spending money, what kinds of part-time jobs they do, and which laws and systems are in place to protect them. Korea guarantees young people the right to work while also setting rules to ensure that study and safety are not compromised. For international readers, Korea’s part-time job culture and youth labor protections are an insightful topic. 1. Legal Standards for Youth Part-Time Work 1-1. Minimum Age to Work Part-Time In Korea, teens 15 years and older may hold part-time jobs. However, those under 18 must have parental (legal guardian) consent. In practice, most teen workers are first-year high school students or older. 1-2. Employment Permit (“Chwijik Inheo-jeung”) Under age 13 : Employment is, in principle, prohibited. As a limited exception, minors may participate in artistic or cultural performances only with an employment permit issued b...

Discover Yeosu: Korea's Coastal Gem of History and Beauty

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View of Odongdo Island from the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car Introduction: Dear readers, hello. Today, I would like to introduce you to Yeosu , a coastal city in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, beloved by both locals and travelers alike. In the past, Yeosu was considered a somewhat distant destination due to its limited accessibility from Seoul and the metropolitan area. However, with the recent expansion of transportation options, it has become a far more convenient place to visit. Most notably, the opening of Yeosu Airport now allows travelers to fly directly to the city. This means Yeosu is no longer a destination to postpone simply because of distance; it has become a must-visit travel spot. For many Koreans, including myself, Yeosu is a place that immediately brings to mind one of our most revered historical figures— Admiral Yi Sun-sin . For readers who may not be familiar with him, he is undoubtedly regarded as one of the two most respected figures in Korean histo...