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The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

SCMP
Asia

The Korea Times

Opinion

Columnists

bernard Rowan

'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

Autumn in Korea

These days, I'm thinking of autumn in Korea. These days, I'm wishing I were there. Until then, I've fond memories to share. I've enjoyed strolls down the lanes away from Seoul's busy streets, mountain hikes, and visits to provincial temples. I've tasted the wonderful produce of Korea's harvest and spent times with friends and colleagues. Autumn in Korea is an invitation to discovery and renewal in international friendship.

2018-10-23 18:03

Enjoying Korean desserts

My experience of Korean desserts is minimal. I've decided Koreans don't focus on desserts, though there are some foods and drinks that need mention. Over time, multiplying bakeries and ice cream and frozen ice confectioneries has made this seem beside the point. However, I think Korean desserts form part of a healthy meal, when consumed with understanding.

2018-10-12 17:29

Gyeongju is for you!

When I visited Gyeongju, in North Gyeongsang Province, I was in the middle of my first visit to Korea. My best friend, about whom I've written, and a group of other Korean and American friends went with me for several days. We had a great time. As I recall, we stayed in a hotel built under the Korean Teachers Credit Union, which impressed me. We climbed Mt. Namsan. We enjoyed delicious seafood, including clams, in a nearby beach town, Gampo. We trekked to Seokguram and enjoyed the Bulguksa monastery.

2018-09-30 17:42

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