TourKorea365

  Have you ever been to a baby’s first birthday party in Korea? If not, you’re in for a treat. Korean first birthdays are not your typical “cake and candles” kind of thing. It's a big, meaningful celebration with deep historical roots. Let me tell you why it’s so special. So, in the past — especially before modern medicine — infant mortality was really high. Babies often didn’t survive the first few months. That’s why when a baby made it to 100 days old, called "Baek-il" in Korean, it was already considered a miracle. Families would throw a small party to celebrate, inviting relatives, neighbors, and pretty much anyone who wanted to come. It was kind of like saying, “Hey! Our baby made it this far — let’s celebrate life!” But the even  bigger  celebration came at the baby’s  first birthday , which we call  "Dol"  or  "Doljanchi."  By that point, if the baby had reached one year, the family felt hopeful that the child would live a long life. So o...

 1. About Golgulsa Temple Nestled in the lush mountains of Gyeongju, Golgulsa Temple is Korea’s only cave temple and the home of Sunmudo (禪武道, Sunmudo) , a traditional Korean Buddhist martial art. This temple provides a rare opportunity to experience both the tranquility of monastic life and the discipline of martial arts in a breathtaking natural setting. Visitors can join Templestay programs and immerse themselves in authentic Korean Buddhist culture while enhancing both their mental and physical well-being.      2. Sunmudo: A Meditative Martial Art Sunmudo is a dynamic practice that integrates meditation, breathing techniques, yoga, and martial arts movements . It was originally developed by Buddhist monks to train both body and mind. Today, visitors of all experience levels are welcome to participate in this unique training at Golgulsa Temple. ✔ Sunmudo Training Highlights Breathing & Stretching Exercises : Learn deep breathing techniques to increase ...

  Incheon Bridge , stretching 21.38 kilometers (13.3 miles) across the sea. It’s the longest bridge in Korea and the 5th longest in the world .  This bridge connects Incheon International Airport on Yeongjong Island with Songdo International Business District , making travel between these two areas much faster and more convenient. Why Was Incheon Bridge Built? Before this bridge was completed in 2009 , traveling between Yeongjong Island and Songdo was a nightmare. Traffic congestion was severe, and the journey could take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours . Now? Thanks to Incheon Bridge, it takes only 15 to 20 minutes ! For international travelers arriving at Incheon Airport, this bridge is a lifesaver , making the journey to Seoul and the rest of the country much smoother. 🔹 Did you know? During the early construction phase, ancient Korean and Chinese ceramics from the Joseon Dynasty were discovered underwater. These artifacts, believed to be part of a historic trade route, ad...

🇰🇷 Why Did Christianity Take Root in Korea? Many people wonder, “Why is Christianity so popular in Korea, a country with deep Buddhist and Confucian traditions?” The answer lies in Korea’s unique historical and social context. Christianity wasn’t just a religious choice—it became a source of hope, modern education, social equality, and even national resistance . Let’s explore why Koreans embraced Christianity. 📚 Education & Social Advancement: A Path to a Better Future By the late 19th century , Korea was in crisis. The old Confucian system was failing, and modernization was urgently needed. Protestant missionaries arrived not just with the gospel but also with schools and hospitals —things Korea desperately lacked. Education for All : Traditional Confucian education was reserved for men of noble birth. Christian schools, however, accepted women and lower-class students , giving them opportunities they never had before. Women’s Empowerment : Ewha Hakdang (1886), Korea’s first...

Have you ever heard of  Bokjori (복조리) , the traditional Korean lucky charm? This woven bamboo strainer is not just a kitchen tool but a symbol of  good fortune and prosperity  in Korea. Especially around the Lunar New Year, Bokjori is hung on walls to invite luck and ward off misfortune. Let’s explore the fascinating tradition of Bokjori and its cultural significance. 🎍 What is Bokjori? Bokjori is a tool to sift dirt from rice traditionally used in Korean households. While it originally served as a tool for washing rice, its meaning has evolved over time. Today, it is a  symbol of luck and wealth , with many Koreans believing that hanging a Bokjori in their homes brings good fortune. ✅  Material : Bamboo ✅  Shape : Round, woven strainer ✅  Symbolism : Luck, prosperity, and protection from bad energy ✅  Best Time to Hang : Lunar New Year’s Eve 🎍 The Tradition of Buying Bokjori One of the most famous Bokjori markets is in Andong , a city kn...

✨ Why Do Koreans Eat Tteokguk on New Year's Day?  On New Year's Day, Koreans always eat tteokguk (rice cake soup) . It’s a tradition that seems so natural, but have you ever wondered why? Let’s explore the meaning behind tteokguk and how to make it delicious! 🎉 Why Do Koreans Eat Tteokguk? Tteokguk is more than just a meal—it carries deep cultural significance. ✅ A Symbol of a Fresh Start Eating tteokguk on New Year’s Day represents a clean and fresh beginning . The white color of the rice cakes symbolizes purity, while their long shape represents longevity. ✅ A Way to "Age" One Year In Korea, there’s a saying: "You become one year older when you eat tteokguk." This belief comes from the traditional Korean age system, where everyone ages together on the first day of the year. Children often joke, "If I eat two bowls, will I get two years older?" ✅ Bringing Good Fortune The garaetteok (long rice cake) used in tteokguk resembles old Korean coin...