Some stories don’t begin with love at first sight. When I first learned that I’d been placed in Pohang for my U.S. Fulbright Korea English Teaching grant year, my heart sank. While I knew Seoul was off the table for any first-year grantee, I had hoped to be placed at least somewhere nearby. Pohang felt…
A few weeks ago, The New York Times reported that a deadly plane crash near Muan was caused by bird strikes. The birds involved were among the species that rely on the Getbol to survive. Scientists had warned for years that building airports in these areas would be dangerous. No one listened and worse, plans…
“Seoul is the best place in the world to shop for clothes!” My cousin’s claim seemed like just another example of Korean hyper-patriotism. After having studied in London and toured Europe, I was convinced that Seoul couldn’t hold a candle to fashion capitals like London, Paris, or NYC, especially in the cutting edge world of…
I live in what Koreans call the jin-jja shi-gol (진짜 시골), or the deep countryside, so whenever I get the chance to visit Seoul, I’m always seeking out new experiences. Growing up in a time when K-culture wasn’t well-known or considered cool, I’m still surprised by how many tourists visit now. It’s been fascinating to…
The jar’s curves are full yet simple. Its white color is pure but not cold, and its glaze shines warmly without being flashy. The humble Korean moon jar has captivated the world and is experiencing a huge resurgence in popularity. The international craze for moon jars first started in the UK. It began in 2006,…
With our bags checked and having passed through security at Gimhae Airport, I felt a sigh of relief as we sat in the chairs waiting for our flight to take off. This was my first trip to Japan, and I don’t think the waves of excitement hit until that moment. It was at that moment…
Call me biased, but South Korea should be at the top of your travel wish list. Beyond the allure of kimchi, K-Pop idols, K-Dramas, and remarkable skincare, you’ll discover a country steeped in rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. As a Korean Adoptee, I didn’t grow up in a ‘typical’ Korean family. While I learned…
Walking into a Buddhist temple for the first time, I was blown away by the blanket of color hanging overhead. The sun bounced off endless rows of paper lanterns, creating an ethereal kaledioscope of color that swayed gently in the May breeze. With such a vibrant atmosphere, everyone’s spirits seemed to lift as they entered…
Most people associate cherry blossoms with springtime in Korea but you’d be remiss not to pay attention to the amazing Getbol that also comes to life around the same time. Getbol, or tidal mud flats of southwestern Korea, may not be high on your list of must-see places. However, this Unesco World Heritage site is…
On my first trip to Gyeongju, I remember being surprised to see such large mounds of earth protruding from the fields. Later, I learned that these mounds were more than just man-made hills but, in fact, the ancient burial chambers for Korea’s elite and royal. While such views have become more commonplace since living in…