TourKorea365

  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...

South Korea is one of the only countries where people have three different ways of calculating age . Most countries follow the idea that life begins at birth, but in traditional East Asian cultures , life was considered to start in the womb. This led to a unique age-counting system where a baby is already one year old at birth . While China and Japan abolished this system long ago, South Korea officially adopted the international (Western) age system in 2023 . 1️⃣ International Age (만 나이, "Man Age") – Legal Standard A baby is 0 years old at birth and gains a year on their birthday . This system follows global standards and has been South Korea’s official legal age system since June 28, 2023 . 2️⃣ Korean Age (세는 나이, "Counting Age") – Traditional Method A baby is considered 1 year old at birth . Every person gains a year on January 1st , regardless of their actual birth date. For example, a baby born on December 31st is already 2 years old the next day (J...