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Gang Gam-chan and the Battle of Gwiju: A Historic Victory That Preserved the Dignity of Goryeo

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It is unclear whether the Khitan cavalry actually looked exactly like this. However, in ancient warfare, resisting an assault by such a mounted force would have been extraordinarily difficult—much like modern infantry attempting to defend against armored vehicles and tanks. By successfully repelling the attack of 100,000 northern cavalrymen, Goryeo ultimately compelled the Liao dynasty to abandon further invasions for the next hundred years. Gang Gam-chan and the Battle of Gwiju: A Victory That Preserved Goryeo’s Dignity and Reshaped the East Asian Order The Battle of Gwiju was a decisive confrontation in which the Goryeo army, led by General Gang Gam-chan, defeated the Khitan cavalry—the most powerful mounted force of its time. This victory elevated the international standing of Goryeo, founded by Wang Geon, and marked a historic turning point in the East Asian geopolitical order. Introduction: Why the Battle of Gwiju Is Still Remembered Today Dear readers, welcome. In a previous post...

The Unique Korean Jangdokdae: A Tradition of Beauty and Wisdom

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A scene where the jangdokdae of a traditional Korean hanok blends beautifully with spring flowers, highlighting the harmony between Korea’s unique fermentation culture and nature. Korean Onggi Jar Stand (Jangdokdae): A Unique Symbol of Fermentation Culture Found Nowhere Else in the World A Traditional Fermentation Space Filled with the Wisdom of Korean Nature, Family, and Daily Life A jangdokdae—the outdoor platform where onggi jars are placed—is a traditional Korean space for storing fermented foods such as soy sauce, doenjang, and gochujang. It is a uniquely Korean cultural heritage that even China and Japan do not possess in the same form. This article introduces the jangdokdae to international readers by explaining its structure, history, regional characteristics, daily-life culture, fermentation science, and cultural value in a clear and comprehensive way. Introduction: Jangdokdae, the Heart of Korean Flavor and Emotion Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to introduce you to ...

Exploring Korean Tofu and Tofu Cuisine: A Traditional Food Story Through Its Origins, Nutrition, and Culinary Culture

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Sliced warm tofu served on a white plate with kimchi on the side — a simple yet classic Korean pairing that highlights the clean and mild flavor of fresh tofu. Korean Tofu and Tofu Cuisine: History, Tradition, Nutrition, and Modern Value Introduction: Korean tofu is more than a simple ingredient; it is a core element of East Asian culinary culture that has endured for thousands of years and remains deeply rooted in Korean daily life. This article explores the origins and history of tofu, its development in Korea, its varieties and production methods, uniquely Korean tofu dishes, as well as its nutritional, cultural, and contemporary significance—presented with expert-level clarity for a global audience. 1. History and Origins of Tofu Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to talk about tofu and tofu dishes—foods Koreans enjoy as part of their everyday diet. Let’s begin. Korea’s tofu culture emerged within broader East Asian traditions and spread across China, Korea, Japan, and eventu...

Korea’s Iconic Street Snack: A Complete Guide to the History and Varieties of Pullbbang

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This photo features bungeoppang , one of the most beloved winter street snacks in Korea. Its golden, freshly baked appearance and charming fish shape are well captured, showcasing the simple yet delightful appeal of this Korean pullbbang filled with sweet red bean paste. A Story of Korea’s Nostalgic Street Snack, Pullbbang This article introduces pullbbang, one of Korea’s most iconic street foods, by exploring its origins, development, varieties, cooking methods, and cultural background. It is designed to help foreign visitors understand pullbbang more intimately from the perspectives of Korean history, society, and food culture. 1. What Is Pullbbang? Hello, dear readers! Today, I would like to introduce pullbbang, a nostalgic Korean street snack beloved by people of all ages. Let’s begin. Pullbbang is a popular Korean street food made by pouring a thin wheat-flour batter into a metal mold, filling it with sweet red bean paste or cream, and grilling it until golden brown. Whe...

A Complete Guide to Korean Kimchi and Kimjang: Why Kimjang Is a Symbol of Korean Identity

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  The photo above shows Chonggak Kimchi , a type of kimchi made from young radishes known in Korea as altari-mu . It is a popular kimchi enjoyed during the kimjang season, valued for its crisp texture and richly seasoned flavor. This dish is a wonderful example of the diversity and charm of Korean kimchi culture. Korean Kimchi and Kimjang Culture: An In-Depth Guide for Foreign Readers This article is designed to help foreign readers gain a structured understanding of the history, traditions, philosophy, regional characteristics, and contemporary significance of Korea’s kimchi and kimjang culture. It explains in detail why kimchi and kimjang have become cultural symbols of Korean identity and why “Kimjang” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. Introduction: Why Do Koreans Express Their Culture Through Kimchi? Dear readers, hello! Today, I would like to introduce kimchi and kimjang, two essential components when discu...