Korean History Time: The Imjin War (part 2)
Today, we’re going to be looking at one of Korea’s darkest times in history: the Imjin War. It lasted seven years, from 1592 to 1598, so we have a lot to uncover. Grab your favorite Korean snack, kick back, and enjoy!
Dogs: Food or Friends?
For years, dog-eating has led to global protests, legal action, prejudice, and extensive media coverage. Due to their history of eating dogs, many Asian ethnic groups such as Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese have been targeted by this ongoing controversy. However, behind the eye-catching news articles and criticisms on the subject, there exist many complex layers to the issue that many people may be unaware of. So, this blog aims to explore the many components, specifically in South Korea, that make up the past and current situation, domestic and international attitudes, and misconceptions surrounding the controversial practice.
Korean History Time: The Kimchi Babies
Learn about the miraculous Ship of Miracles and the hope given during a period of tragedy!
Plastic Surgery: South Korea’s Booming Phenomenon
Plastic surgery: a term that sparks a plethora of different connotations when mentioned. In South Korea, especially in the past few decades, plastic surgery has integrated itself into everyday life to the point where the nation is known as the “Plastic Surgery Capital of the World”. In this blog, learn about the various aspects of this prominent practice in South Korea.
Korean History Time: The Imjin War (part 1)
Today, we’re going to be looking at one of Korea’s darkest times in history: the Imjin War. It lasted seven years, from 1592 to 1598, so we have a lot to uncover. Grab your favorite Korean snack, kick back, and enjoy!
The Art of Korean Drumming
Korean culture can be appreciated through different senses, like taste, smell, and sight, but one of the most important is through sound. Korean music is an integral part of the culture, with its distinct style creating a unique music culture. Essential to music is its rhythm, which is what Korean drums are for. Here is a guide to Korean drums with its rich history, components, and characteristics.
The Goryeo Dynasty: A Time Still Felt Today
Celebrated as one of the most influential and innovative periods of Korea, the Goryeo Dynasty, dating from 918-1392, certainly hosts a rich history that even today people are discovering more about. Among the vast array of characteristics of the Goryeo Dynasty are its beginnings, social structures, literature, art, attire, and eventually, its end.
A Paper Trail: Exploring Hanji Paper
What shielded ancient soldiers from arrows and provided monks a medium to record religious messages? Hanji (한지), or traditional hand-crafted Korean paper, consists of the inner bark of mulberry trees and involves an arduous, ancient process to create a material integral to Korean culture and life.
Molding Korean Craftsmanship: Goryeo Celadon
Smooth and graceful bottles, jugs, ewers, and vessels glazed in cool gray-green hues gleam elegantly. Etched with intricate motifs of bamboo, peonies, chrysanthemums, cranes, and clouds, this verdant ceramic earthenware, called celadon, holds a rich history of Korean craftsmanship.
Chopsticks: A Personal Narrative about Korean-American Identity
It’s lunchtime. Great. As a fourth grader, I walk through the lunch line, rolling my eyes at the lame excuse for “Asian” food. The lunch lady waits impatiently and asks, “Well, what do you want? How about some lo mein and orange chicken?” Ignoring my hesitation, the lady smacks the food down on the tray, obviously displeased with my distaste for fake Chinese food. After grabbing my lunch, I walk to the utensil station and pause—my hand in midair. In the corner of my eye, I spot them: chopsticks.
Hwang Jini: A Woman Ahead of Her Time
A blossoming, flower-like beauty. A skilled poet and artist. A personality of unflinching boldness. Across the Korean peninsula, rumors flew about an extraordinary woman who remains a legendary figure today: Hwang Jini.
Imuldam: Korean Folklore with Supernatural Creatures
A cackling dokkaebi races across a green field with a furious farmer on his heels. A bewildered man stares in horror as a gumiho greets him with a blood-stained grin, her nine tails waving in the wind. A cheonyeo gwishin floats around a shrine, her white hanbok and black hair swirling. These types of Korean folktales, called imuldam (이물담), feature supernatural beings whose interactions with humans reflect life’s arbitrary moments of joy and misery.
Arirang: Korea’s Most Important Folksong
Arirang (아리랑) is one of, if not the most, culturally significant folksong in Korea’s history. Over the past few hundred years, Arirang has evolved to include hundreds of different versions and variations that reflect the sufferings and triumphs of the Korean people of their respective times.
The Importance of Tea in Asia: A Mirror of the Past and Present
Second only to water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world, surpassing even coffee! Although tea is often perceived only as “boiled leaf water,” to many Asian cultures, tea has served as a symbol of their rich histories and cultures, evolving into something more precious and important than a simple beverage.
From Sea to Shining Sea: The Third Wave of Korean American Immigration
March 1984. A small airplane labeled “Korea Air” lands on the tarmac of Los Angeles International Airport. Among the passengers is a young girl eager to reunite with her father, a family searching for a fresh start, and a young man seeking odd jobs to bring his wife and children to America.
The March 1st Movement (삼일 운동)
Today marks the anniversary of the March First Movement, or Sam-il (3-1) Independence Movement (삼일 운동), a series of protests from Korean civilians and students calling for Korean independence from Japanese oppression and forced assimilation.
From Sea to Shining Sea: The Second Wave of Korean American Immigration (1950-1964)
From Sea to Shining Sea is a KAYAT blog series that follows the three major waves of Korean American immigration.