Is reunification happening in the Korean Peninsula? Posted by Flying Oyster on Nov 21, 2018
Is 통일(Tong-il: reunification) happening in 한반도(Han-ban-do: the Korean Peninsula)? When I was around 10 years old, I remember I got really scared after listening to the news. The news was about the immediate possibility of invasion by 북한 (Book-han: North Korea). The news showed people frantically stocking up on canned food and 라면(Rah-men: an instant…
Farewell: So Long for Now! Posted by Kyung-Hwa on Nov 8, 2018
It is time for me to say a fond farewell to everyone. It has been a great privilege to share my passion and knowledge about the Korean language and culture with you. I am sad to depart from this position, but I decided to focus on my academic journey for a while. It is time…
The Homogeneous Culture in South Korea is Evolving Posted by Flying Oyster on Nov 7, 2018
If I remember correctly, most people in Korea didn’t want to standout. I once thought this common desire to blend in could encourage people to think and behave similarly. However, I am not quite sure about this thought anymore. When I grew up in Korea, following the 유행( Yoo- Hang, trend) was something everybody did…
Two Koreas’ Demilitarization Efforts Posted by Kyung-Hwa on Oct 31, 2018
During the year 2018, North and South Korean leaders held multiple summits and have reshaped their relationship. Two Koreas are making great progress in reducing the tension and building a peaceful relationship between them. For over seven decades, 북한 (North Korea) and 남한 (South Korea) maintained the 휴전선 (armistice line), which also refers to the 군사분계선 (military demarcation line). Instead…
Striking Fall Foliage in South Korea Posted by Kyung-Hwa on Oct 24, 2018
Korea has four distinctive seasons, and fall is such a pleasant time to enjoy outdoor scenery throughout the country. Striking fall foliage contrasts with bright fall sky that is saturated with deep blue color. Along with gorgeous fall leaves and sky, cool and fresh air draw in countless people to outdoors to explore the fall…
A Possessive Particle in Korean Posted by Kyung-Hwa on Oct 17, 2018
Have you ever wondered how to express a possessive form of a noun in the Korean language? This post is about the function of “-의” in Korean. In the English language, adding an “apostrophe + s” or “apostrophe” to a 명사 (noun) is one of the frequently used ways to indicate 관계 (relation) or 소유 (ownership) of something…
Education System Reform in South Korea Posted by Kyung-Hwa on Oct 10, 2018
The South Korean government is trying to implement a new compulsory education system. This issue has been receiving a great deal of attention by South Korean People. In the United States, 어린이 (children) typically receive 무상교육 (free education) for 십이 년 (twelve years). In most states, children between the ages of six and eighteen receive their 정규교육 (formal…