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Showing posts from June, 2025

🏺 What is a Deumu? (드므)

Have you ever noticed large, round stone basins placed near the entrances of these palaces? These are called  "Deumu" (드므) , and they are more than just decorative water containers. 🏺 What is a Deumu? (드므) A  Deumu  is a large, round stone or ceramic water basin traditionally placed at the entrances of Korean palaces and noble residences. At first glance, it might seem like a simple water container, but its purpose is deeply rooted in Korean beliefs and practices. 🔥 Fire Prevention and Symbolism In ancient Korea, where buildings were primarily constructed of wood, fire was a constant threat. The Deumu served a practical purpose: it was filled with water to be readily available in case of fire. However, beyond its practical use, the Deumu held symbolic meaning. Water, in Korean culture, is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. By placing a Deumu filled with water at the entrance, it was thought to protect the building from both physical fires and male...

Master List of Korean Seafood — Explained Simply

Ever walked past a seafood section and thought, "What is all this?" If you've been to a Korean market or restaurant, chances are you've come across unfamiliar seafood names like gajami , gaebul , or seop . Don't worry — in this post, you'll get a complete and simple breakdown of Korean seafood names, their English translations, and how they’re commonly used. Whether you’re a curious foodie or just want to know what you’re ordering, this guide is for you. 🐟 Fish (생선류) Korean Name English Name Description 가자미 (Gajami) Flounder Flat, delicate flesh, great grilled or in stews 넙치 (Neobchi) Halibut Large flatfish, firm white meat 광어 (Gwang-eo) Olive Flounder Most common sashimi fish in Korea 고등어 (Godeungeo) Mackerel Oily and rich flavor, usually grilled 갈치 (Galchi) Hairtail Long and shiny, often braised 연어 (Yeoneo) Salmon Fatty and bold, eaten raw or grilled 참치 (Chamchi) Tuna Served raw or cooked, versatile 명태 (Myeongtae) Alaska Pollock Used fresh, dried, or ferm...

Why Do Couples Break Up After Walking the Deoksugung Stone Wall Road?

 If you ever visit Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, you might come across a beautiful path lined with an old stone wall. It's quiet, peaceful, and romantic — the perfect place for a couple’s stroll, right? Well... not exactly. There’s a famous Korean superstition that says: "Couples who walk along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Road will break up." Surprising, right? This belief didn’t come from thin air. Back in the day, the Seoul Family Court was located along this road. Many couples on their way to get divorced would walk down this exact path. Over time, people began to associate the road with breakups, and the legend was born. Today, even though the court is no longer there, the superstition still lingers. Some couples avoid the road entirely, just to be safe. Others walk it on purpose — almost as a test of their love! But let’s be honest: when autumn comes and the leaves start to fall, it’s hard to resist this stunning walkway. The crunch of the leaves under your feet, the...