From the horizon of secluded Jeju Island rise the twin 38-story towers of the Dream Tower Resort. This "foreigner-only" casino and resort has dramatically altered the island's skyline, standing as a monument to the dangers of foreign capital investment. As a UNESCO site that bears the “triple crown” status of Biosphere Reserve, a World Natural Heritage Site, and a certified Global Geopark, Jeju Island is one of the most ecologically unique locations in the world. Yet, as emeritus geography professor Gregory Chu points out, this delicate ecosystem and local culture have been the target of a rap ..read more

Amidst the powerful waves in the Sea of Japan, two solitary islets lie in between Japan and Korea. Teeming with marine life and valuable fishing grounds, the Dokdo Islands, or Takeshima Islands (depending on which country is asked), have been the center of a longstanding dispute between Korea and Japan.  On October 25th, 1900, Emperor Gojong decreed Dokdo as territory under the jurisdiction of the Korean Empire; however, in 1905, the islands were annexed by Japan when they took siege of the Korean peninsula. After World War II and Korea’s liberation from Japan in 1945, a map issued by the ..read more

Most Koreans know about the revered Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, a prominent Korean Independence leader during the Japanese occupation period from 1910 to 1945. He frequently traveled all over the world to garner support for Korean independence, including the Philippines, Hawaii, and Mexico. Dosan Ahn Chang-ho also worked hard to improve the lives of Korean American migrants during his visits to the United States. Through his efforts, the first ever Korean American organization was formed in San Francisco to help Korean immigrants. Today, his memorial stands in downtown Riverside, California to honor h ..read more

Last time we left off, the Japanese have been preparing for their invasion of the Korean peninsula, and Joseon is is no way prepared for war. How will this conflict play out? Will Korea’s 200 year era of peace ultimately end in its demise? Let’s dive into part 2! The year is 1592. Joseon is defenseless, as no preparations have been made for the past year. On April 13, 1592, Japanese forces landed at the southern coast city of Busan. The entire Korean army was sent by the government to push back the Japanese invasion. In what became known as the Battle of Chungju, the 10,000-strong Korean force ..read more

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 surr ..read more

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. THE BEGINNING Prior to 918, the fight for domination of the Korean peninsula persisted between three kingdoms, a time known as the Later Three Kingdoms Period. Once the ruler of the Goguryeo Kingdom perished, his first minister Wang Geon assumed rule ..read more

Introduction 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.  History Initially produced in China, celadon increased in demand and popularity, reaching Korea in the 9th century CE. During the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), celadon was the most prolific ceramic produced in the Korean peninsula. Korean ceramic vessels (maebyeong) were highly sought after by elites ..read more

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.   STATISTICS To prove South Korea’s status as the Plastic Surgery Capital of the World, let’s explore some key statistics: South Korea performs 25% of the world’s plastic surgeries Ages 18-40 is the most common range f ..read more

Korean history is probably one of my favorite things to learn and talk about. 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! There’s a book called Jingbirok (懲毖錄), which literally translates to “The Book of Correction.” It’s a first hand account of the events leading up to and during the Imjin War. Ryu Seong-ryong (柳成龍), the Chief State Councillor of Joseon (the modern equivalent of Korea’s prime minister) wrote this book as ..read more

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. Dokkaebi (도깨비), or goblins, are the most prolific imuldam creatures and first appeared in the folktale Lady Dohwa and Bachelor Bihyeong. Described ..read more