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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...

Seorae Village, Seoul’s Little France: The Most European-Style Travel Destination in the City

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Until the early 2000s, it was widely believed that one had to travel to France to truly enjoy authentic French bread. However, as French bakeries began to open in Seorae Village, it became possible to experience a small part of everyday French life right here in Seoul. Freshly baked baguettes and croissants clearly show why this neighborhood is often called “a little France in the heart of Seoul.” Seorae Village, a Little France in Seoul: A Hidden Neighborhood Every Foreign Traveler Should Visit Discover Seorae Village, a charming neighborhood in the heart of Seoul where French culture meets Korean daily life. Explore authentic cuisine, quiet streets, cultural diversity, and relaxing walks in Seoul’s most European-style district. Introduction: Why Seorae Village Deserves Your Attention Today Hello, dear readers. Today, I would like to introduce a very special neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea —  Seorae Village . Some of you may already be familiar with this area, but for those w...

The Art Where Natural Lacquer and Mother-of-Pearl Meet: The Story of Korean Najeonchilgi Shaped by 2,000 Years of Craftsmanship

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Shells of clams and abalone that may appear, at first glance, to be nothing more than discarded remnants. Yet, when they meet the hands of a master artisan and a refined artistic sensibility, these humble materials are transformed into Najeonchilgi—an art of light that carries two thousand years of history. Korean Najeonchilgi: The Art of Light Shaped by 2,000 Years of Craftsmanship Korean Najeonchilgi is a traditional craft that utilizes natural lacquer and mother-of-pearl. It reached its artistic peak during the Goryeo Dynasty and has been passed down to the present day as a uniquely refined cultural heritage. This article aims to provide readers with an in-depth introduction to the history, production process, aesthetic value, and contemporary significance of Korean Najeonchilgi. Introduction: The Essence of Korean Traditional Crafts, Najeonchilgi Dear readers, hello. Today, I would like to introduce you to Najeonchilgi, one of Korea’s most representative traditional crafts. Let ...

Essential Concepts for Filing Korea’s Real Estate Capital Gains Tax: Single-Household Rules, Residency, Partial Ownership, and High-Value Homes

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When you turn off the lights in a familiar living room and carry out the last box, it’s easy to feel that the move is finally complete. But leaving a home always comes with one final, unseen step — reviewing the capital gains tax that arises when transferring a property. Before settling into a new space, it’s important to take a moment to close this quiet yet essential chapter as well. Basic Concepts of Korea’s Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate: Unders tanding Single-Household Ownership, Residency Status, and Partial Ownership Description: To accurately file capital gains tax on real estate in Korea, it is essential to understand the concepts of a single-household one-home rule, residency vs. non-residency, partial ownership of a property, temporary two-home situations, and high-value properties. This post provides a clear overview of these key ideas. Introduction: Hello, dear readers. Today, I would like to briefly introduce one of Korea’s major tax systems—the capital gains tax. This ...

Korean Traditional Bangjja Yugi and Yugi: A Complete Look at Their Production and Features

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This is a traditional Korean bangjja yugi set. The golden-hued vessels, created through thousands of hammer strikes and meticulous handcrafting, carry the very spirit of the master artisans who have preserved Korean culinary culture for generations. Korean Yugi and Bangjja Bronze Ware: The Essence of a Thousand Years of Metal Craftsmanship A Comprehensive Introduction to Korean Yugi and Bangjja Bronze Ware Korean yugi (鍮器) refers to copper-alloy metalware that has developed over thousands of years. Among these, bangjja yugi is particularly renowned for its unique Korean forging technique, in which pure copper and tin are precisely alloyed and hand-hammered into shape. With its exceptional antibacterial and heat-retention properties, bangjja has gained global attention for its practicality and craftsmanship. This article offers readers a detailed and natural explanation of the history of yugi, the production process and characteristics of bangjja yugi, and the scient...

What Makes a Hanok Special? Exploring Korea’s Traditional Eco-Friendly Homes

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This image captures the graceful harmony of the rooflines and stone walls of a traditional Korean house, or Hanok. The tiled roof, wooden pillars, stone masonry, and carefully tended garden tree come together to highlight the Hanok’s nature-friendly and understated aesthetics. It visually conveys the unique architectural philosophy of Hanok, which developed in response to Korea’s climate and landscape. Korean Hanok: The Depth of a Traditional Housing Culture in Harmony with Nature A Korean hanok is a unique form of housing optimized for nature, spatial flow, and climate. Compared to Western-style homes, hanok differ fundamentally in material selection, architectural philosophy, and spatial layout. This article offers an in-depth introduction to the meaning of Korean traditional architecture, focusing on the history, structure, regional characteristics, lifestyle philosophy, and differences between hanok and Western housing. Introduction: The Essence of Korean Life Embedded in the Hano...