This is south Korea (이것이 한국이다)

  Goryeo Ginseng Hello Readers — Have You Heard of Ginseng? Greetings! Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of Korea’s most ancient and precious natural resources — Korean ginseng , also known as Goryeo Ginseng . This remarkable root, which is said to resemble the shape of the human body, has been valued for centuries as a natural health remedy. Even if you're unfamiliar with it, ginseng grows wild or is cultivated in countries such as the United States, Canada, China, Japan, and Russia. But if so many nations produce ginseng, you may wonder — what makes Korean ginseng so special? The answer lies in its history, proven benefits, and the deep-rooted cultural reverence surrounding it. Let’s dive into why Korean ginseng — often referred to by its historical name, Goryeo Ginseng — remains a globally respected superfood and what its future holds. The History of Goryeo Ginseng: A Legacy of Quality and Prestige The name Goryeo Ginseng doesn’t simply refer to its place of orig...

  Evening skyline of Yeouido, Seoul, the heart of Korea's financial industry Introduction: Dear readers, Welcome. Today, I’d like to take you on a journey through the South Korean stock market—its history, current dynamics, and where it may be headed. For those familiar with capital markets in the U.S. and other developed countries, the Korean market might seem unfamiliar. Yet, its development and distinct characteristics offer important insights within the broader global economy. A Late Start, But Rapid Growth The Korean stock market officially began in 1956 with the establishment of the Korea Stock Exchange. This is considerably later than the New York Stock Exchange, which opened in 1792. Despite the late start, the Korean market has seen rapid development over the past several decades. The “Box Range” Dilemma However, the market still faces several structural challenges. One of the most notable issues is the so-called “box range” phenomenon. For years, the KOSPI (Korea ...

  Hands of a digital creator working on a laptop keyboard Hello, dear readers! Today, I’d like to share some insights into how Koreans—especially office workers—spend their time after work. The hours after leaving the workplace aren't just for rest or entertainment; for many, this time plays a vital role in shaping the quality of life. That’s why many Korean office workers tend to make the most out of their post-work hours. A Look Back: How Korean Office Workers Spent Evenings in the Past Let’s rewind a bit. Around 30 to 40 years ago, it was almost a rite of passage for new employees starting their first jobs to enroll in computer or English classes after work. Whether or not they studied hard didn’t matter much— "everyone did it" was simply how things were. Back then, personal computers weren’t yet common in households, and most companies didn’t use computers for daily tasks either. Yet, young office workers eagerly signed up for computer academies, anticipating th...

Dongdongju served in a small traditional jar Introduction: Hello, dear readers!    Today, I’d like to introduce you to two of Korea’s most beloved traditional alcoholic beverages: Makgeolli and Dongdongju . Let’s begin with makgeolli . Interestingly, the name itself carries two meanings in Korean: “freshly made” and “roughly made.” You might be wondering, Why would someone introduce a drink that’s hastily or roughly made? That’s a fair question—so let me explain right away. Both makgeolli and dongdongju pair beautifully with traditional Korean dishes , creating combinations that are beloved by many. In fact, even though I’m not usually much of a drinker, I do enjoy makgeolli and dongdongju from time to time. What exactly is Makgeolli? Makgeolli is a milky, unfiltered rice wine made by fermenting grains—typically rice—with a natural fermentation starter called nuruk . Once the fermentation is complete, water is added to the remaining mash, and the mixture is filtered. T...

Cute little white Jindo puppy                                                               The Jindo Dog: Korea's Loyal and Legendary Native Breed Hello, dear readers. Do you happen to like dogs as well? Today, I’d like to talk with you about Korea’s native dog breeds. Korea is home to four native dog breeds that the nation takes great pride in: the  Jindo ,  Pungsan ,  Sapsali , and  Donggyeongi . These dogs have been raised and preserved over generations, deeply woven into the fabric of Korean culture. Among them, the Jindo dog stands out as the most iconic and widely recognized breed, symbolizing loyalty, intelligence, and strength. A Wolf's Bloodline: Jindos and Pungsans Both the Jindo and Pungsan breeds are known to be genetically close to wolves. This connection gives them heightened hunting instincts, ind...

UNESCO Suwon Hwaseong and the adjacent fortress village                                                                           Introduction: Exploring the Inner Structure, Fortress Trekking Routes, Photo Spots, and Seasonal Highlights Hello, dear readers! Today, I’d like to continue our story of Suwon Hwaseong from where we left off last time.In the previous post, we took a spontaneous trip to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and experienced the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site through first impressions. At the end of that story, I promised to introduce the fortress in more detail—including its internal structure, scenic trekking routes, top photo spots, and the best times to visit by season. Today, I'm keeping that promise. This article will take a deeper dive into Suwon Hwaseong, offering practical ...

  Korean summer fruit, chamoe (Korean melon)                                                    Introduction: The Most Energetic Season in a Country of Four Seasons Hello, dear readers! Today, I'd like to talk about how to experience summer in Korea. Korea is well known for having four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Among them, summer is arguably the most dynamic. It not only changes the landscape and clothing styles but also transforms people’s routines, food, and travel habits. Many foreign visitors assume Korea’s summer would be similar to that of Southeast Asian countries—hot and humid. Interestingly, that’s not always the case. I once recorded the daily temperatures of Guam, which is located in the western Pacific Ocean, for a full year and was surprised to find that its average summer temperature was actually lower than ...