Mysterious Maiden

Deep in the mountains, there once lived an old bachelor. Every day, he would go digging for herbs and then sell them in the market. Nearly thirty, and quite poor, it seemed unlikely he would ever find a wife. One day he went deeper in the woods than usual, looking for herbs, and struck such a rich vein that he lost track of time. Before he knew it, the sun had set, stranding him in the dark. Eager to get home, he only got more lost in the forest. He had no other recourse but to keep wandering. At last, he saw a faint light flickering in the distance. He ran over to see who it might be. What he found was a straw-thatched house with a fenced-in garden. Hearing his footsteps, a young woman came out to greet him.

Tale of the Mighty Four

“No matter its weight or size, he could lift any rock. For that, he was given the name ‘Rock.’”

The Revered and the Feared: Korea’s Mountain Spirits and Hobgoblins

With Halloween just behind us, this is as apropos a time as any to talk about spirits and the supernatural.

The Heavens Open: Korea Is Created

Every year, October 3 is a national holiday, Gaecheon-jeol (개천절, 開天節), often rendered as “Korea Foundation Day” in English but literally actually means “opening of heavens celebration.”

The Secrets of Jeju

Everyone on the peninsula is familiar with Jeju-do – Korea’s largest island but smallest province. But what far fewer people are aware of is the story of its founding or how great a place Jeju is to visit in the wintertime.

Behind the Myth: The Three Founders of Jeju

Explore the myth around the demi-gods that were said to reside on Jeju before the island was inhabited.

Sister Cities: Sendai, Japan

A bus line named Gwangju in Japan? Find out why!

Why are Universiades at the center of world attention?

Gwangju’s 2015 Universiades are getting worldwide attention. Will these games produce future leaders and star athletes?