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bernard Rowan

Korean regard for English

I am a student of Korea. Thanks to my friendship with a fellow graduate student from South Korea, I began a journey to Korea in 1998 that has meant everything for my lifelong learning, professional development and personal fulfillment.

2019-03-13 17:34

Marriage and the times

Advancing human society isn't a story of monotony or constancy about marriage and the family. As societies advance, at least many of them, family size decreases, marriage occurs later or not, and there are fewer children. This reflects what's going on in South Korea today, and in other places, including the United States. How does marriage in Korea change with the times?

2019-03-08 18:16

Korean soups and stews

It's winter in much of the Northern Hemisphere, and despite the growing effects of global climate change, it's cold. In Chicago, we experienced a polar vortex with some of the coldest temperatures on record last week. I also traveled through parts of South Dakota and Iowa that had even colder temperatures and blizzard conditions. Amid all this, I found myself wanting to take some wonderful Korean bowls of soup, and I did so. Let's discuss delicious Korean soups and stews.

2019-02-15 17:23

'Binyeo' or hairpin

I've understood women's clothing and accessories for their beauty, variety, style and utility. My grandmother and great-aunts, mother, sisters, wife and daughter all are reasons for doing so. Korean clothes and accessories also interest me as a student of Korean culture, customs, and society. Among many parts of this vast topic, I'm writing this column about “binyeo” or hairpins. They're a less noticed but intriguing subject to think about.

2019-01-29 17:46

Shujia and Korean Wave

The Korean wave is a lot older than we think. Recently, I've enjoyed several Chinese historical dramas, including the “Story of Yanxi Palace.” With Ruyi's “Royal Love in the Palace,” both discuss the storied and long-lived Emperor Qianlong. He presided over an expansion of Manchu influence during the Qing dynasty. He also had many wives, consorts and concubines. Among them was Shujia or Jia.

2019-01-14 17:36

Korea's maple and 2019

Korea's maple, the Acer pseudosieboldianum, is a gorgeous tree that brightens the forests and parks of so many places in Korea and elsewhere. The nutritious sap heralds the coming of spring and makes a tonic for many Koreans, known as “gorosoe” or sap of the tree “good for the bones.” Lovely maple wood features in many fine products and warms our hearths and homes in cold weather. To me, the maple represents the value of a life lived in understanding and renewal.

2019-01-02 17:06

Dongdongju: King of drinks

This year I've read stories about makgeolli, one of the more popular traditional Korean drinks. A controversy brewed about makgeolli expertise. Makgeolli receives praise for its rusticity. The drink has many inexpensive varieties. Its humble origins associate with the every man (and woman). It's likely many visitors to Korea enjoy this wonderful alcoholic drink. However, I'm going to offer a column on its less celebrated but superior cousin - dongdongju. It's a better drink. What's dongdongju? Why's it the king of drinks for me?

2018-12-18 17:26

Korea's anger-suicide crisis

I am alarmed by the spate of recent stories about incidents of anger and related crimes or antisocial acts by young adults in South Korea. I want to discuss this already widely-discussed matter again. Young South Korean adults, not unlike other nations' citizens, face unprecedented pressures and strains. To some extent, generational pressure arises from Korea's success. Second, particular to Korean anger is “han.” Third, Korean leaders must face the complete underdevelopment of the country's society in addressing anger and depression as mental illness. I say it's an undeclared national crisi...

2018-12-04 17:26

The bounty of pine

The national tree of Korea is the pine, and it's a wonderful choice. Wikipedia states the North chooses the pinus, while for the South it's the pinus densiflora or red pine. There are several species of pines in Korea, including the Korean pine or pinus koraiensis.

2018-11-20 18:02

Korea's beauty in lacquerware

Lacquerware, “najeonjang” or “najeon chilgi,” is Intangible Cultural Property No. 10 for Korea. Made with abalone inlay, precious materials, and lacquer (“ottchil”), these wood and metal works are a beautiful adornment for any home. One of my favorite memories of a first visit to Korea was walking through Insa-dong and buying several modest boxes for my mother and sisters. Their variety and beautiful colors were so appealing. I remember another that now adorns my wife's dresser and is beautiful to see each day. Any piece of lacquerware makes a special gift or possession for use and appreciat...

2018-11-06 17:02

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