Sambok, Dog Days, and Bok-darim
By Chung Hyunhwa In English, the hottest days of the year are called the “dog days,” which is the translation from Latin caniculares dies. The ancient Romans and Greeks thought … Read More
Category: Korean Culture
Buddha Statues on a Cliff Face: The Korean Maae-bul – May 2025
By Kang Hyunsuk (Jennis) In this issue of the Gwangju News, I would like to introduce Rock Buddha Statues on a Cliff Face: The Korean Maae-bul, a work by one … Read More
Dano Day: The Sun’s Energy Peaks – May 2025
By Park Yeonju These chewy rice cakes are so delicious! But the rice cakes are shaped like a wheel. When do you eat rice cakes like this?” “Today is the … Read More
Feeling Lost in Translation?
Helpful Apps for International Residents in Korea By Daniel Sanchez South Korea, with its bustling cities, stunning landscapes, educational and working opportunities, and culture, has become a preferred destination for … Read More
Gwangju Kimchi Festival 2023
By Olivia Laurel Kimchi (김치) has gained popularity all over the world, and millions of people are celebrating it. But what makes kimchi so great? Let us take a look… … Read More
The Soil Has Brought Us Up: The Artist Couple of the Baegun Kiln
By Kang “Jennis” Hyunsuk In Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do, there is a high mountain named Baegun. It is facing Jiri Mountain across the Seomjin River. At the foot of Baegun Mountain, you … Read More
Valentine’s Day: All You Need Is Love
The 14th of each month marks a romantic celebration between couples in Korea, such as Green Day in August, Wine Day in October, and Hug Day in December, with February 14 being the most important date on the calendar for people in relationships. Unfortunately, the meaning of the day is somewhat lost to consumerism, with many choosing to lavish one another with extravagant gifts.
The Brave New World of 2023
Twenty-twenty-two’s legacy for 2023 is a sentimental walk down memory lane. For one thing, we’re already beginning to wax nostalgically about Christmas Eve. We’re also feeling nostalgic for the winter solstice, with its trademark red-bean porridge, and about Lunar New Year’s Eve with a white night, either attempted or attained. Per folklore, the porridge here is a sturdy fence against winter weather.