Preserving the Past

These days, I’ve had a hard time putting down Peter Hessler’s Oracle Bones, a book that explores the recent rapid changes of China’s politics, economy, and culture. I just finished a chapter which investigates the Chinese government’s lack of effort to preserve traditional architecture, especially that of the hutong, water alleyways bordered by courtyard homes. …

Spring Has Sprung

It’s official. After a long, cold winter, spring has finally arrived in Seoul: old men gather around plastic furniture at local convenient stores to drink makeoli, cafes and restaurants spruce up their patios, and best of all, the flowers bloom. While the magnolias and azaleas are stunning, no flower can compare to that of the …

Scrumptious or Stran-gee? Korea’s Most Bizarre Foods

As a kid, I was probably one of the pickiest around. If it wasn’t pasta, pizza, or cheese, it wasn’t going on my dinner plate. There were a few exceptions like olives and artichokes and spinach. Come to think of it, I was probably Italian in a past life.   I was so picky, in fact, …

Sunshine and Shamanism

There’s a Korean expression that describes the latest cold snap: 꽃샘추위 or “Kkotsaemchuwi” literally meaning “the cold is jealous of the spring flowers.” Whenever the weather starts to get relatively pleasant here, there’s always a few cold snaps before spring can get the chance to really to set in. Despite winter’s jealousy issues, I’ve been …