Archive for December, 2011
The Importance of Being a Tiger— Tiger Motifs in Korean Art Posted by Linda on Dec 23, 2011
A tiger 호랑이, or the transliteration “ho-rang-i”, is a significant motif in Korean culture, especially in the realm of folklore and folk paintings. 호랑이들 represent courage and pride; they are also a good luck symbol. Korean folk paintings, known collectively as 민화, or the transliteration, “minhwa” were the common people’s art formin the late Joseon…
Korean Persimmons Posted by Linda on Dec 10, 2011
It’s harvest time in Korea, and autumn (October to early December) is the only season persimmons are plentiful. If you live in Korea, you will see them being sold everywhere—from outdoor markets, grocery stores, to subway stations. For about 1,000 won, you can buy four to five persimmons. An affordable and healthy treat, persimmons…
A Beginner’s Mind Posted by Linda on Dec 1, 2011
“Why are you learning Korean? You.” This question haunts me. As a second generation Korean-American who learned how to speak Korean by osmosis from my Korean mother’s small conversations and language leaks amongst her family and friends, I am insecure about my “Korean-ness”. Our stereotypical society expects me to know about Korean culture, food, and…