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Showing posts from March, 2025

Why are there so many homeless people around Seoul Station?

 You may notice quite a few homeless people around Seoul Station. A lot of visitors ask me, “Why are there so many homeless people here?” One of the biggest reasons goes back to 1997, during the Asian Financial Crisis. In Korea, we usually call it the IMF Crisis . A lot of companies went bankrupt, unemployment rose very quickly, and many people suddenly lost their jobs and income. Some people eventually lost their homes as well. And many of them came to Seoul Station . Why here? Because this was one of the main places to find day labor and temporary jobs , and it was also the main railway station if they wanted to go back to their hometowns. But some had no money left and nowhere else to go, so they stayed around the station. That is one reason Seoul Station became one of the main gathering places for homeless people after the 1997 crisis. Then another thing happened. Once many homeless people were here, churches, charities, NGOs, and the government started providing help here. Th...
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Golgulsa Temple: Experience Sunmudo & Templestay Best Templestay in Korea

 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 ...
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Incheon Bridge – Korea’s Longest Bridge and a Modern Landmark

  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...
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Why is Christianity so Popular in Korea?

🇰🇷 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...
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Bokjori: The Traditional Korean Lucky Charm

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...
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Eating tteokguk in Lunar New year's Day

✨ 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...
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📌 South Korea's Unique Three Age Systems 한국 나이 계산법

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...
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