Bücher zur Soziologie Koreas
Enertopia is a word that combines the nouns “energy” and “utopia.” Enertopia is a country that generates over 50 percent of its own power needs and does much to encourage the use and the support of energy generation and efficiency. This book, Enertopia: An Affluent Society with Energy, is an autobiographic management essay on the basis of the author’s experience as CEO of the KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation). In this book Park describes the process of achieving “energy utopia” with his outstanding leadership and managerial style for the purpose of constructing a society with no shortage of energy. Contents CHAPTER 1 Codes of Conduct Communication …… 14 The Scent of a Human …… 18 Let’s Walk Energetically! …… 22 So Yes, I Had a Drink with the CEO …… 26 Jirisan Mountain …… 29 How Much Money Did You Receive from the Korean CIA? …… 33 CHAPTER 2 All Employees Promoted by One Rank One Is 1. Five-fifths Is Still 1. …… 42 CHAPTER 3 Executive Secretary Lim Chang-geon Bitter to the Mouth, Better for Your Health …… 50 CHAPTER 4 Hanil General Hospital Vice Premier Shin Byeong-hyun …… 64 Noh Tae-il, Chief of the Department …… 69 CHAPTER 5 Number One in Management Assessment Hanil General Hospital in Ssangmun-dong …… 76 The Apartment Business …… 79 The Kyunghyang Shinmun’s Grand Prize in Energy …… 85 Employees’ Vacation Resorts …… 88 CHAPTER 6 Wolseong Espionage Incident “Jindogae One” Launch …… 92 Chinese Civilian Aircraft Flies over Restricted Air Space …… 98 CHAPTER 7 Cultivating Talent Gongneung-dong Training Institute …… 102 Kori Nuclear Power Plant Training Center …… 107 Electric Power Research Institute in Daedeok …… 111 Securing (and Retaining) Talent …… 114 Sponsoring Youth Football Teams …… 119 CHAPTER 8 The Ninth Famous Spot in Eastern Korea Gwandong Gukyung, the Gangneung Branch of KEPCO …… 124 CHAPTER 9 Settle Your Debts “I’m Still Alive and Kicking.” …… 134 “Qìzhǎnmǎsù”(泣斬馬謖, Punishing the Favorite to Restore Order) …… 138 There Are No Secrets …… 143 CHAPTER 10 The 10th Asian Games The CEO Must Run …… 150 Why Worry When You Can Pray? …… 155 CHAPTER 11 An Exciting Place to Work, A Life Worth Living for: KEPCO Corporate Philosophy …… 166 What Is the Problem? …… 171 An Exciting Workplace …… 174 Time Waits for No One …… 183 Heaven and Nature, and the Laws That Bind Them …… 188 The Pursuit of the Beauty …… 192 CHAPTER 12 Enertopia Restoring Vision …… 202 Lim Han-que, Chief of the Division …… 206 The Loser’s Bitter Cup of Defeat …… 210 Crossing the Bridge of No Return …… 219 Three-Party Contracts …… 229 The Favored Son …… 239 To Continue, or Not, with Nuclear Power …… 246 To Resign, or To Not …… 253 Two Hundred Employees Parrot the Same Thing …… 257 The Grand Finale …… 260 APPENDIX Photos ………… 263
"A moving exploration of how Koreans understand death not as an end, but as a continuation of life."Death as Continuation, Not an EndingIn many cultures, death marks a definitive end. In Korean tradition, however, death is understood as a continuation-a passage within a much larger cycle of life. INSEPARABLE explores this distinctive worldview through Korea’s rituals, beliefs, and emotional practices surrounding death, revealing how the living and the departed remain deeply connected.Accompanying the DepartedRather than approaching death with finality or fear, Korean culture treats it as a transition that must be carefully prepared for, guided, and accompanied. This book introduces readers to traditional funeral rites such as chohon (summoning the spirit), ssitgimgut (purification rituals), banham (placing rice in the deceased’s mouth), kkotsangyeo (flower-adorned biers), and sasipgujae (the forty-ninth-day memorial rites). Each ritual reflects a profound desire to ensure that the departed do not walk alone on their final journey.Consoling the Spirit, Healing the LivingCentral to the Korean view of death is the belief that the soul does not vanish abruptly. It lingers, hesitates, and requires comfort and guidance. Funeral rituals therefore serve a dual purpose: they lead the spirit safely to the afterlife while also consoling those left behind. The wailing cry (goksori), for example, is not merely an expression of grief but a sound believed to illuminate the path for the deceased, preventing them from losing their way. In this sense, mourning becomes an act of care, and sorrow becomes a form of companionship.Where Life Begins and EndsThe book also examines Korea’s unique understanding of life’s origins through the tradition of taemudeom, the placental chamber. By honoring the placenta-the very beginning of life-with burial rites as significant as those for the body, Korean culture reveals a worldview in which birth and death are inseparably linked. Life does not begin solely at birth, nor does it end at death; both exist along an unbroken continuum connecting ancestors and descendants.Rituals of Beauty and DignityBlending shamanistic, Buddhist, and Confucian influences, Korean funeral culture does not seek to hide death but to face it with beauty, dignity, and communal presence. Food, clothing, song, and ceremony are offered to the departed as acts of generosity-much like preparing a loved one for a long journey. These rituals express respect not only for the dead but also for the relationships that persist beyond separation.An Invitation to UnderstandingWritten with empathy and clarity, INSEPARABLE avoids technical abstraction in favor of human stories, poetic reflections, and visual documentation. It welcomes readers unfamiliar with Korean culture, encouraging understanding and emotional resonance rather than detached explanation. In doing so, the book speaks to a universal longing-to believe that parting does not mean disappearance, and that love continues beyond death.Images Bridging the Dreamlike and the RealEach chapter of the book is accompanied by works by visual artist Park Chanho, who has long explored Korea’s ritual traditions and the profound question of death. His photographs carry a dreamlike atmosphere rich in mythic and shamanistic symbolism, while remaining deeply grounded in tangible reality. Placed alongside the literary text, Park’s images visually expand the emotional landscape and ritual sensibilities surrounding death in Korean culture, guiding readers toward deeper reflection.Forever InseparableUltimately, INSEPARABLE invites readers to reconsider death not as an ending, but as an invitation: an invitation to remember, to accompany, and to accept the inevitable with tenderness. Through the Korean perspective, death becomes something that binds the living and the departed together-forever inseparable. Table of ContentsAUTHORS' NOTE: As with life today, May tomorrow's death be a beautiful blessing - 008PART 1: AN INVITATION TO ETERNAL TIMEChohon (Summoning the Deceased's Spirit): Calling the Spirit of the Departed from This World - 014Jeoseung Saja (Grim Reaper): A Guide Who Leads the Way to the Afterlife - 022Ssitgimgut (Purification Ritual): Washing the Spirit of the Dead and Leading It to a Good Place - 030Suui (Shroud): The Last Clothes in This World - 040Goksori (Wailing Cry): A Lament Expressing Deep Grief - 050Taemudeom (Placental Chamber): The Cord That Connects Me to My Ancestors - 060PART 2: JOURNEY TO A PLACE OF NO RETURNBanham (Placing Rice in the Deceased's Mouth): Seed Money for the Afterlife - 072Kkotsangyeo (Flower-Adorned Bier): Walking the Flower Path to a Place Beyond the Sky - 080Pungsujiri & Myotjari (Feng Shui & Grave Sites): Dreaming of Wealth and Honor for Generations to Come - 092Sasipgujae (49th Day Memorial Service): Seven Seven-Day Rites, Wishing for a Better Rebirth - 104Hwansaeng (Reincarnation): Endless Journey from Karma to Karma - 114PART 3: FESTIVAL FOR THE DEPARTED AND THE LIVINGSamiljang (Three-Day Funeral Service): Parting Together, Doing Your Best - 124Sangyeosori (Funeral Procession Song): Epic of Life and Death - 134Jangryenori (Funeral Play): Crying and Laughing, Leaving and Sending - 146Noje (Road Rites): Greetings on the Way Out - 156PART 4: MEMORIES ENGRAVED IN THE MIND AND HEARTSinju (Ancestral Tablet): House of the Spirit of the Dead - 166Samnyeonsang (Three-Year Mourning Period): Returning Grace and Completing Three Years of Mourning - 178Sabugok (Song of a Widow Missing Her Husband): Tragic Love That Transcends Death - 188Bujangpoom (Tomb Furnishings): Connecting Past and Present - 198Gijesa & Charye (Death Anniversary Customs & Ancestral Rites on Holidays): Gathering Every Year to Remember - 206
This is an English edition of the bestseller comic book Far Countries, Neighboring Countries 9 - Korea (Sae Mon Nara Iun Nara 9 - Uri Nara). The book is to introduce real aspects of Korea that are sometimes misunderstood and unknown to foreigners. Through skillfully chosen subjects - e.g., spicy food, education fever, conglomerates, the tension between North and South Korea - Won-bok Rhie explores the unique manifestations of Korean attitudes that are often misunderstood by foreigners. It is a fascinating exploration of the Korean mindset that weaves together history, sociology and cultural anthropology. The insightful discussions on Korea's place between China and Japan, its more well-known neighbors, also clear the fog away as to who the Korean people are.About the authorWon-bok Rhie is one of Korea's most famous cartoonists. After obtaining a bachelor's degree in architecture at Seoul National University, he studied graphic design at Müster University in Germany, where he obtained the degree of Dipl. Designer. He is the author of numerous comic books that focus on introducing historical, cultural and economic issues to the layman. He also has run many comic strip series in Korea's most prestigious daily newspapers and magazines. Korea Unmasked is part of a 9-volume series of comic books on several European countries and Japan and Korea, all of which became bestsellers in Korea. Rhie is also a professor of graphic design at Duksung Women's University in Seoul, Korea. In 1993, he was awarded the prestigious Noonsol Award in recognition of his contributions to the development of the Korean cartoon industry. From 1998 to 2000, he also served as the president of the Korean Society of Cartoon and Animation Studies.Table of contentsForewordIntroduction1 Neighbors but Strangers : Korea, China and Japan2 The Korean People3 The Successes and Tribulations of the Koreans4 The Long and Treacherous Road to ReunificationTranslators' Notes : Jung Un, Louis Choi
The Korean economy is a model of extensive economic development in a short period of time. Korean success, however, has not been free of problems, and the recent financial crisis in particular can be interpreted as an example of failure in economic management. Too simplistic an interpretation of the Korean economy, whether positive or negative, should be cautioned against. In order to better grasp the contemporary Korean economy in all its complexity, it is necessary to understand the political and economic terrain as well as the time-space context in which the Korean economy is located. This volume attempts to provide readers abroad with a short but balanced introduction to economic issues in modern Korea by presenting a wide range of topics from a diverse group of contributors. Part I introduces earlier efforts at economic development and discusses their achievements and failures. In Part II, several contributors examine the meaning and effects of rapid economic growth in relation to the country¹s social and economic development. The 1997 financial crisis and subsequent responses by the government and corporate sector are the focus of Part III. Since the adjustment process is still continuing, a comprehensive evaluation must wait a few more years. Part IV discusses the role of the government, which was essential for the rapid growth of the Korean economy in a changing environment. Since this volume is a collection of articles published in the Korea Journal, it intends to offer readers a variety of topics and views rather than an in-depth analysis of a single topic.
This volume, Korean Literature: Its Classical Heritage and Modern Breakthroughs, consists of 24 articles that are still considered valuable in the field as academic articles or critical essays that have appeared in the Korea Journal over the past 40 years. The articles were carefully selected under the guidance of Professor Hwang Jong-yon. The present volume is divided into five major themes. Part I includes an explanation of the historical and critical bases for understanding modernity as expressed in Korean literature. Part II consists of major reviews of representative writers and their works over the past 100 years of Korean modern literature. Part III is a compilation of explanatory writings that facilitate readers' comprehension of traditional literary genres--from pansori to Korean poetry in Chinese--and their aesthetics and ideology, which have influenced both the creation and critique of contemporary Korean literature. Part IV critically evaluates the literatures of both North and South Korea after the Korean War. The final section approaches Korean literature from an international perspective in examining the literature of Korean immigrants living abroad. In recent days, both researchers and general readers outside Korea have taken an increasing interest in Korean literature. Accordingly, translations of and writings about Korean literature have been increasingly produced. We hope this volume can serve as a textbook and reference manual for scholars, students, and anyone else interested in Korean literature.
Practitioners of Korean traditional medicine say the ultimate cause of disease is not so much the invasion of external elements but rather malfunctions in inherent bodily function. Since disease is considered to result from the weakening of vital energy, the emphasis is placed on boosting the body’s ability to defend against disease. Illness may be attributed to emotional states like joy or sorrow or to other internal causes such as overwork and fluctuations in the function of internal organs. Even diseases that appear to have external causes are ultimately seen as the products of internal factors. If one’s ability to fend off sickness is strong enough, then one will not get sick even if pathogens do enter the body. Thus, treatment focuses mainly on bolstering the body’s vital energy. Contents Introduction 6 Chapter 1What Is Korean Traditional Medicine? 10Origins and History | Differences from Western Medicine |Korean, Chinese and Japanese Traditions in Medicine Chapter 2Basic Principles and Philosophies 26Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements | The ‘Whole Body’ Concept |Meridians, Energy, and Blood | Internal Organs: The Five Viscera and Six Bowels Chapter 3Diagnosis: The Four Methods 40Visual Examination | Listening/Smelling | Inquiry | Palpation Chapter 4Methods of Treatment 48Acupuncture | Moxibustion | Herbal Medicine | Other Treatments Chapter 5Remedies for Common Conditions 68Cold | Menopausal Syndrome | Headaches | Melancholy and Rage |Chronic Fatigue | Conditions Related to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum Treatment | Hair Loss Chapter 6Korean Medicine Today and Tomorrow 80New Trends | Modern Diagnostic Equipment | Globalizing Korean Traditional Medicine AppendixInformation 94
About the BookKorea has become cool. While long seen as a bastion of traditions and customs that go back millennia, the country has now emerged as a playground of hip, trendsetting movements. At the heart of this coolness is, of course, Hallyu, the “Korean Wave” that seems to have penetrated every corner of the planet by now. From K-pop and K-dramas to Korean culinary delights and head-turning fashion statements, the world has taken notice of Korea for something other than the cars and electronics that brought it to the world stage in decades past. And the latest development in this evolution of cool is Korean newtro.Discovering the Past AnewIn Korean Newtro: Where Youth Meets Tradition, Seoul-based essayist, broadcaster, and public speaker Colin Marshall takes readers on a trip through everything in Korea that is both new and retro, or as the cool kids say, newtro. This unique phenomenon is all about appealing to those who are too young today to have experienced the products, styles, and media that were once deemed cool twenty or even a hundred years ago, and so find themselves discovering-and not rediscovering-all these things for the first time. For those not in the know, this will also mean learning some of the latest lingo, from cohort monikers like the “1020 generation” and “MZers” to a cornucopia of new terms that cover everything under the sun, including food, fashion, and fun.A New Take on the OldWhether it is the bars and pojangmacha of Seoul’s “Hipji-ro” (Eulji-ro) neighborhood, where you can feast on grilled mackerel, sundae, pork belly, and chicken feet while enjoying some good old-fashioned beer and soju, or the country’s many Starbucks cafés and dabang, where you can try reimagined classic beverages like ssanghwa-cha (complete with egg yolk) or indulge in a makgeolli-flavored cream cold brew, readers will have their senses inundated by so many things they are at once familiar with yet presented in a completely fresh and unforgettable way.A Reimagined Memory LaneThis journey down a Korean-style yellow brick road continues into the arts (film cameras and minhwa artworks) and architecture (traditional Korean homes and paper), to the TV shows and movies that have revived bygone portable music players and fashion brands, to the latest styles in hanbok worn by K-pop superstars like BTS and Blackpink. Along the way, readers will also be introduced to the newtro world of paintings, folding screens, fashion, beauty, haendeupon (cellphones), and the once ubiquitous PC bang (internet café).Where Youth Meets Tradition Meets the WorldKorea has raced into the 21st century at breakneck speed, both looking back and not looking back at the past. Contradiction though that may seem, it encapsulates so much of what sets the country apart today. Or as some have commented, Korea can now be viewed as something of a jjamppong: a seafood noodle stew that is a staple of Korean Chinese cuisine, but also a byword for a mixture of diverse and sometimes improbably combined elements. For those who have never been to Korea-or even those not familiar with much about Korea outside of Hallyu-Korean Newtro: Where Youth Meets Tradition is the perfect guide to all that is hip once again in a country redefining itself as the new bastion of cool.ContentsIntroduction: From chonseureopda to meotjida 01 The Emergence of Newtro 02 Newtro Neighborhoods 03 Visual Art 04 Design 05 Fashion and Beauty 06 Television, Film, and Music 07 Architecture and Interior Design 08 Food and Drink 09 The Digital Age Epilogue: Can everything old in Korea stay new again?
서문 / 4 일러두기 / 6 차례 / 10 Ⅰ 상징물 Embl?mes de la Cor?e 001 한글 Le hangeul -------------14 002 태극기 Le Taegeukgi -------------16 003 애국가 Aegukga , hymne national de Coree-------------18 004 무궁화 L’hibiscus-------------20 005 아리랑 Arirang ------------- 22 006 고려청자 Le celadon Goryeo -------------24 007 김치 Le kimchi-------------26 008 비빔밥 Le bibimbap -------------8 009 태권도 Le taekwondo-------------30 010 첨단 과학 기술 -------------32 La technologie scientifique de pointe Ⅱ 의식주 V?tements, cuisine, habitation 001 한복 Le hanbok , costume traditionnel coreen ------------- 36 002 불고기 Le bulgogi , barbecue coreen -------------38 003 인삼 Le ginseng ------------- 40 004 한국의 술 Les alcools coreens -------------42 005 젓갈/젓 Le jeotgal , ou jeot , saumurage -------------44 006 김장 Le gimjang , preparation du kimch -------------46 007 장독대 -------------48 Les jangdogkdae , la ou sont les jarres de pates fermentees 008 다례 Le darye , ceremonie du the -------------50 009 한옥 Le hanok , maison traditionnelle -------------52 010 온돌 L’ondol , chauffage par le sol -------------54 011 마당 Le madang, cour -------------56 012 전통 정원의 아름다움 -------------58 La beaute du jardin traditionnel Ⅲ 지리와 관광 G?ographie et tourisme 001 한반도 La peninsule coreenne -------------62 002 극동 아시아 속의 한국 ------------- 64 La situation geographique de la Coree dans l’Extreme Orient 003 계절과 날씨 Les saisons et le climat -------------66 004 한강 Le fleuve Hangang -------------68 005 서울의 고궁 Les palais anciens de Seoul -------------70 006 서울 남산 Namsan a Seoul -------------72 007 남대문과 남대문시장 -------------74 Namdaemun et son marche 008 동대문과 근처 시장들 -------------76 Dongdaemun et les marches dans les environs 009 인사동 Insadong -------------78 010 북촌한옥마을 ------------- 80 Bukchon, village de maisons traditionnelles coreennes 011 홍대 앞 거리 Quartier de l’Universite Hongik -------------82 012 강남 Gangnam -------------84 013 서울 지하철 Le metro de Seoul -------------86 014 제주도와 한라산 L’ile Jejudo et le mont Hallasan -------------88 015 경주와 경주 남산 Gyeongju et le mont Namsan -------------90 016 하회마을 Le village de Hahoe -------------92 017 부여와 백제 유적 -------------94 Buyeo et les vestiges du royaume de Baekje 018 부산과 자갈치시장 -------------96 Busan et le marche aux poissons Jagalchi 019 동해안과 설악산 국립 공원 -------------98 La cote de la mer de l’Est et le parc national du mont Seoraksan 020 다도해와 해상 국립 공원 -------------100 Dadohae et le parc national maritime 021 보성 차밭 Les champs de the de Boseong -------------102 Ⅵ 사회와 일상생활 Soci?t? et vie quotidienne 001 한국어 La langue coreenne -------------106 002 인구 La population -------------108 003 성과 이름 Le nom et le prenom -------------110 004 호칭 L’appellation -------------112 005 숫자 Les nombres -------------114 006 나이 L’age -------------116 007 결혼식 La ceremonie de mariage -------------118 008 교육 제도 Le systeme d’enseignement ------------- 120 009 대학 입학 시험 L’examen d’entree a l’universite -------------122 010 병역 의무 Le service militaire obligatoire -------------124 011 설날 Seollal, jour de l’An -------------126 012 추석 Chuseok, fete de la moisson ------------- 128 013 한의학 La medecine traditionnelle -------------130 014 노래방 Le noraebang -------------132 015 찜질방 Le jjimjilbang -------------134 016 단풍놀이 -------------136 L’excursion pour admirer les feuilles d’automne flamboyantes 017 등산 La randonnee en montagne -------------138 018 집들이 La pendaison de cremaillere -------------140 019 비상 시 긴급 전화 Les numeros d’urgence -------------142 Ⅴ 역사와 종교 Histoire et religions 001 단군 신화 Le mythe de Dangun -------------146 002 원효대사 Le grand moine Wonhyo -------------148 003 세종대왕 Sejong le Grand -------------150 004 이순신 장군과 거북선 -------------152 L’amiral Yi Sun-sin et Geobukseon , bateau en forme de tortue 005 신사임당 Sin Saimdang -------------154 006 이황 Yi Hwang -------------156 007 한국의 종교 Religions en Coree -------------158 008 고인돌 Les dolmens -------------160 009 무속 신앙 Les croyances chamaniques -------------162 010 점과 사주 La divination et les ≪quatre piliers≫ ------------- 164 011 선 Le seon (zen) ------------- 166 012 절 Les temples bouddhiques (Jeol ) ------------- 168 013 불국사와 석굴암 -------------170 Le temple Bulguksa et la grotte Seokguram 014 팔만대장경 Tripitaka Koreana -------------172 015 템플 스테이 Le temple stay ------------- 174 016 서원 L’ecole confuceenne privee (seowon ) -------------176 017 장례식, 제사, 차례 -------------178 Les ceremonies de funerailles, les rites pour les ancetres 018 천주교와 개신교 -------------180 Le catholicisme et le protestantisme 019 판문점 Le Panmunjeom -------------182 020 이산가족 Les familles separees -------------184 Ⅵ 예술과 문화 Art et culture 001 한지 Le hanji , papier coreen -------------188 002 택견 Le taekkyon -------------190 003 인쇄술 L’imprimerie -------------192 004 종묘 제례 Jongmyojerye -------------194 005 춘향전 -------------196 Chunhyangjeon , l’histoire de Chunhyang 006 판소리 Le pansori -------------198 007 시조 Le sijo ------------- 200 008 탈춤 Le talchum , danse masquee -------------202 009 풍속화와 민화 -------------204 Le pungsokhwa , peinture de moeurs et le minhwa , peinture populaire 010 전통 악기 -------------206 Les instruments de musique traditionnels 011 민속촌 Le Village folklorique -------------208 012 벚꽃놀이 La fete des cerisiers en fleurs ------------- 210 013 부산 국제 영화제 -------------212 Le Festival international du film de Busan 014 전주와 전주 축제들 Jeonju et ses festivals-------------214 015 세종문화회관, 국립 극장, 예술의 전당 ------------- 216 Le Centre culturel Sejong, le Theatre national, le Centre d’art 016 한류 Le Hallyu -------------218 017 K-드라마 K-drama ------------- 220 018 K-팝 K-pop -------------222 부록 정답 Corriges / 226 색인 Index / 234 사진 출처 Source des photos / 270
mit Stempel "Review copy" am Beschnitt This book is an introduction in English to the labor laws of the Republic of Korea. It is to help non-Korean-speaking people and foreign corporations understand how Korean labor law is interpreted and applied in practice.
A record of healing, shaping one's true self beyond societal expectations. “While shaping the clay, I learned how to comfort myself.” Instead of striving for the perfection defined by the world,I decided to live in the shape that feels most "true to myself."A record of the most honest and resilient self-discovery by ceramic artist Lee kyunghwan,embracing even my anxiety and wounds as an integral part of who I am. We live every day pretending to be okay. The obsession with living in the "normal person’s mold" that the world has set for us, without a single flaw, slowly wears us down. We feel that only perfection will make us worthy of love, and that if we fall apart, it’ll be irreversible. So, we keep pushing forward, always looking ahead. But at some point, we suddenly realize: When did I become so distant from myself?Shaping Time is a record of life written by Lee kyeonghwan, a ceramic artist, model, and influencer who actively engaged with the world. In this work, he confronts clay, a medium that doesn’t lie. If handled in haste, it twists easily, and anxious hands leave marks. The more he strived for perfection, the more it crumbled. But when he stopped, calmed his mind, and allowed himself to breathe, the clay slowly found its own form.Through pottery, he discovered truths about life: that clay hardens not because it avoids fire, but because it faces it; and that in moments of anxiety and trials we, too, find our own unique texture. This book is a record of his realization. Though the phrase "It's okay to not be perfect" may sound cliché, within his words, it transforms from mere comfort to lived experience. Just as he gazes at a dented cup and says, "This shape is better," here is a way of living where even flaws become part of the process. Like the surface of pottery, it might not shine, but each time you hold it, there’s warmth that touches the heart.Reading this book will not be about peeking into someone else's success story. Instead, it will be a time to quietly examine the anxieties within you. It will be an opportunity to step out of the molds set by society and practice breathing at your own pace. Just as he comforted himself by shaping clay, you, too, will find yourself quietly saying, “Ah, I get it now,” as you follow his words."What shape are you living in right now? Have you become too rigid, with no space for your heart to breathe? Just like clay needs water to come to life, you too can soften again. Enter the time of shaping yourself, just as you would shape clay. Your anxious days will slowly warm up, and you will eventually be shaped firmly into your true self."
This book shares poignant life lessons and words of wisdom as a cherished legacy passed down through generations. In this heartfelt narrative, the grandfather gently guides his beloved grandchildren on a journey of self-discovery and growth, revealing the profound values of fraternity, the joys of learning, the power of love, and the essence of a rich social life.Within these pages, a treasure trove of Korean tradition and culture awaits, delicately preserved by the author's unwavering dedication and desire to pass on his own hard-earned life lessons. As the world evolves, Grandfather's stories serve as a beacon, illuminating the path toward embracing heritage in a rapidly changing world.A tribute to the beauty of tradition and the enduring lessons of the past, this book resonates deeply with readers seeking connection, understanding, and the timeless wisdom that binds us all. Discover the richness of life's journey, beautifully crafted in the tender words of a loving grandfather for his cherished grandchildren and others in their generation. About the Translator Park is a freelance translator and former journalist who has worked at The Korea Herald and Arirang Radio. A graduate of the Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., she earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees in Journalism in 2008 and 2010, respectively. She has interned at Women’s Health magazine and the United Nations headquarters in New York. She is the granddaughter of the author of this book. Table of Contents ForewordChapter 1 What Defines HumanityChapter 2 Honesty Becomes YouChapter 3 On ScholarshipChapter 4 On Training Your BodyChapter 5 Giving Back to SocietyChapter 6 Love and MarriageChapter 7 The Children's EducationChapter 8 MannersChapter 9 Home EconomicsChapter 10 Let's Live a Happy Life
About the Book The New Book Seonbi Country Korea: Seeking Sagehood Explores the Philosophical Foundation of Korean Culture Through Stunning Visual Storytelling “Discipline, Courage, Inclusion, Wisdom, and Honor—virtues long cultivated by Korea’s seonbi scholar-gentry—stand at the heart of the nation’s moral ethos, a living tradition remembered today as Seonbi Thought.” Award-winning photojournalist and author Hyungwon Kang announces the release of his most ambitious work to date: Seonbi Country Korea, Seeking Sagehood, a sweeping exploration of the uniquely Korean value system that shaped the nation’s moral and intellectual leadership for centuries. Through exquisite photography and deeply researched visual storytelling, Kang brings to life the enduring legacy of the seonbi—Korea’s scholar-gentry whose steadfast commitment to virtue forged the ethical backbone of Korean society. For more than five millennia, Korea’s seonbi leaders cultivated five universal pillars—Discipline, Courage, Inclusion, Wisdom, and Honor—values that guided statesmen, educators, philosophers, and warrior-intellectuals who shaped the country’s history. Kang’s work reveals how these same principles continue to influence Korea’s contemporary norms, institutions, civic culture, and collective identity. In this landmark volume, readers experience Kang’s finest visual storytelling. Each chapter illuminates one of the five seonbi virtues through powerful photography and compelling narrative. These stories highlight the scholar-officials and sage-leaders who lived out these ideals and steered pivotal moments—from governance and diplomacy to scholarship, ethics, and national defense. Kang also demonstrates how this philosophical heritage permeates modern Korean society, explaining its educational zeal, social cohesion, public-mindedness, and resilience. Seonbi Country Korea, Seeking Sagehood is both a cultural testament and an immersive visual journey—offering an unprecedented window into the traditions, values, and leadership philosophy that continue to define Korea today. What Is Seonbi? The seonbi were Confucian and Neo-Confucian scholar-gentry of Korea—from antiquity through the end of the Joseon Kingdom in 1910—who dedicated their lives to the pursuit of sagehood through disciplined moral practice. Far more than government functionaries, they were educators, advisors, and exemplars of ethical leadership, striving to embody the highest virtues in both thought and action. “What a great world it would be if humans could perfect society by training people to be dignified, mature egalitarians and free-thinking, responsible individuals,” Kang writes. “In Korean history, enlightened intellectuals pursued exactly this calling, seeking to become sages through a lifetime devoted to virtuous living.” Five Pillars of Seonbi Character In this book, journalist Hyungwon Kang presents a modern reinterpretation of Korea’s intellectual philosophy and spirit by outlining five core values and attitudes for cultivation. Centered on the five virtues of “Discipline (仁), Courage (義), Inclusion (禮), Wisdom (智), and Honor (信),” each chapter vividly documents one of the five seonbi values with stunning photos and insightful prose. 1. Discipline (仁) and Training: Emphasizes perpetual discipline, love—the fundamental building block of all relationships—and lifelong learning with an aptitude of consistent ethical behavior based on honesty, integrity and respect for others, fostering a decent moral character. 2. Courage (義) and Practice: The power of the unity of knowledge and action, meaning the intellectual courage to act on what one believes is right without fear of practical gains and losses or criticism. 3. Inclusion (禮) and Respect: Beyond mere tolerance that endures others’ differences, it is the fundamental attitude of respecting and including others as dignified individuals, and working together with them. 4. Wisdom (智) and Humility: True wisdom lies not in focusing on what one knows, but in knowing what one does not know; it is the virtue of humility in the pursuit of life-long learning. 5. Honor (信) and Credibility: The value of good citizenship and trust that is built on the longevity of spoken words and actions, consistent with trustworthiness. From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Success Kang traces how seonbi character and principles have fueled Korea’s remarkable resilience and its recent rise as a global cultural force. He argues that Korea’s success is rooted in deep cultural reserves shaped by Seonbi Thought—reserves that enabled the nation to endure the traumas of Japanese colonization and the Korean War, and later to emerge as a powerhouse in arts, technology, and commerce. Seonbi Country Korea: Seeking Sagehood offers essential reading not only for those seeking deeper insight into Korean identity, but also for global readers who wish to understand the philosophical foundations behind the K-culture and its enduring appeal. All the photographs in Seonbi Country Korea were taken personally by photojournalist Hyungwon Kang, who documents Korea with the perspective of an outsider looking inward, yet rooted in Korean heritage. Each image carries its own story. Among the uniquely revealing photographs captured through this objective lens are: ● A little-known 18th-century Hangeul memorial booklet titled “Seulpuda,” which illustrates the everyday use of Hangeul among seonbi scholars. ● The carved-out name (pamyung) of a seonbi at Museongseowon, where political activity was strictly forbidden, extracted as punishment for violating the rules. ● A royal talismanic sword (saingeom) once bestowed by Joseon kings upon their ministers, believed to possess protective spiritual power. ● A photograph of a pair of cranes in flight, offering a visual analogy to Admiral Yi Sunsin’s famed Crane Wing Formation (hakikjin). ● A storm-battered seowon—a scene of wind and rain—symbolizing the political bloodshed and purges of sahwa, when the seonbi class suffered persecution under rival factions. ● A pair of crows stealing strands of horsehair, echoing an old saying that warns white egrets to beware of crows. Presented through the universal language of photography, this work of visual storytelling offers deep insight into Korean identity for readers in Korea, while also serving as an essential guide for global audiences seeking to understand the cultural foundations behind the worldwide appeal of K-culture.About the Author Hyungwon Kang Hyungwon Kang is an award-winning photojournalist and columnist whose career has taken him across the globe. He has worked with Los Angeles Times, The Associated Press, and Thomson Reuters, documenting world events with a distinctive visual and narrative voice. As both a columnist and a photojournalist, Kang is a keen observer of culture, history, and human character, capturing stories through his camera lens and his writing with equal depth and clarity. Educated in the United States and fluent in multiple languages, Kang brings a rare, multilateral perspective—bridging Eastern philosophy with Western modes of communication. His work makes complex cultural ideas accessible to diverse global audiences, offering insights grounded in lived experience, rigorous observation, and a lifelong commitment to storytelling.
Join the author on a captivating journey through the heart of South Korea, where personal experiences blend seamlessly with cultural insights and workplace adventures. Seoul Searching offers a unique perspective on Korean culture, life, and work, providing valuable information for Western expats looking to relocate to Korea and an engaging read for anyone curious about this dynamic nation and its people.In this enthralling narrative, the author shares how the idea for this book was born during an arduous twenty-six-mile hike along the Han River, a team-building event of the local firm he worked for that turned into an endurance test under unexpected snowfall. These moments of challenge and camaraderie were just one aspect of the author’s deep exploration of Korean society.Drawing from over twenty years of experience in the asset management industry, including work in a Korean corporation, the author provides a rare insider’s view of the intricacies of Korean corporate culture, hierarchy, and protocols. Unlike many other books about Korea, this author’s firsthand knowledge of the corporate world sets this volume apart.This book, however, is not limited to the workplace; it delves into the rich tapestry of Korean culture and politics. Amongst other events and insights, the author’s visits to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) and North Korea offer gripping accounts of encounters with history and geopolitics.Seoul Searching is an informative and entertaining resource that combines personal stories with facts and figures about Korea. This book is your passport to understanding the diverse facets of Korea, making it an invaluable guide for those considering relocation and a delightful read for anyone interested in Korean culture. About the AuthorUrs Raebsamen, the author of this captivating book, which delves into the heart of Korean culture and corporate life, was born and raised in a Swiss village. But his journey of exploration and discovery took him to various countries and settings, including Switzerland, Malaysia, Korea, and Hong Kong.This author, with a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, has over two decades of experience in asset management. His career includes roles as an equity portfolio manager, client relationship manager, and investment specialist. Yet, beyond the office, he finds joy in travelling, skiing, and martial arts.A significant milestone in the author’s journey was serving on the Executive Committee at his employer’s asset management joint venture in Korea. This role provided unique insights into both Korean corporate life and culture, enriching his experiences and broadening his horizons.As a seasoned expert in financial markets and an avid traveller, the author offers readers an enthralling blend of practical insights, intriguing facts, and personal anecdotes in this book. This journey through Korean culture is bound to be both enlightening and inspiring. So, join the author as he takes you on an entertaining and informative journey through Korea’s vibrant tapestry. Contents PREFACE 10 CHAPTER 1 ARRIVINGThe First Very Temporary Arrival in 2002 / 13Of Aggression and Friendliness / 14Cats Are Trouble / 20How Not to End Up in an Expat Bubble / 21Flamenco in the Wee Hours / 23 CHAPTER 2 BBALLI BBALLI (QUICK QUICK)Weddings / 29At the Hospital-Common Sense Is Not So Common / 31Technology Supports Speed / 34Reverse Culture Shock / 37Counterculture / 38 CHAPTER 3 AMERICA’S INFLUENCE AND DEMOCRACY IN KOREANot in Kansas Anymore-Or Rather Not in Europe Anymore / 44‘Be Careful Out There’ / 48East Meets West-Sometimes with Bewilderment / 49Baseball-Crazy, But No Craze Displayed When Cheering / 50The Fight for Democracy / 51Fairness Versus Negotiation / 56 CHAPTER 4 THE WAY TO A MAN’S HEART IS THROUGH HIS STOMACHHumble Culinary Beginnings / 59Na Zdarovye-Korean Drinking Etiquette / 62How Not to Die / 64The Creative Side of Drinking / 66Hoesik-What Koreans Do When They Don’t Work Long Hours / 68Letting One’s Hair Down / 70A Wealth of Culinary Surprises / 73Where’s the Tea? / 78Prove Your Chopstick Skills! / 81 CHAPTER 5 HOW TO SURVIVE AT WORKLooooong Working Hours and Few Holidays / 87It Starts at a Very Early Age / 95Morning Gymnastics at Work and Other Health Programmes / 98Fun and Games / 102The Importance of Hierarchy / 103How to Tell? / 105‘You’ve Got the Wrong Rank! Or the Wrong Age!’ / 109Authority Works Better Than Sympathy / 110When Respect Is Expected, But Not Deserved / 112The General! / 116A Befitting Set of Wheels / 117Envy Culture / 121Today’s Youth… / 122 CHAPTER 6 OF FRIENDS AND DAILY LIFEMaking Local Friends / 127The Third Gender and the Conservative Side of Society / 130Hot Quickly, Cold Quickly / 135National Pride / 136Cleanliness and Recycling / 138Winter and Heating / 140Fans, the Silent Killers? / 147Making International Friends / 149 CHAPTER 7 THE LANGUAGE CHALLENGEObjectively Difficult to Learn / 153There Is Hope-the Ingenious Writing System / 157Educated Guessing Gone Wrong / 161English-English Translation / 163 CHAPTER 8 THE NORTHFrom the DMZ / 167The North in the Media and in the Public Perception -Western Media vs Korea / 169Experiencing the Real North / 170 POST KOREA / 187NOTES / 190
Though there are many books that introduce Korea to foreigners, not many people really know Korea and even less, the Korean people. In many ways, Korea is overshadowed by its two neighbors in size by China in economy by Japan and therefore relatively unknown. So, this book looks at Korea through the perspective of foreigner and gives the reader a true understanding of Korean psyche with the various contents, from the basic facts about Korea to the sections detailing Korean culture and its routine. Also, It explains Korea in a reader friendly way, if your Korean friend were explaining to you what Korea is really like��warts and all! It would be an ideal gift for both the traveler and the working expat in this country. Plus, for anybody who wants to know about TRUE Korea. Über die Autoren CHOI Jung-wha Professor at the Graduate School of Interpretation and Translation, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Korea, she was the first Korean to receive a conference interpretation diploma(Korean, French, English). Currently as president of the Corea Image Communication Institute, she manages the Korea CQ forum which aims to promote a positive image of Korea. She is also a member of the National Image Promotion Board. She received major awards including the Palme Academique and Legion d'Honneur from the French government for her contribution to education, communication and cultural exchange as well as the Prix Danica Seleskovitch from Association of Danica. She also authored numerous books including Interpretation, Translation and Foreign Languages, Dare to Become an Interpreter, Teaching Foreign Languages to Children, English Expressions Most Misunderstood by Koreans. LIM Hyang-ok Currently professor at the Graduate School of Interpretation and Translation, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Korea, she also has interpreted for innumerable conferences including summit meetings such as APEC, ASEAN+3 and UN General Assembly meetings. She is a member of AIIC (Association Internationale des Interpretes de Conference) since 1995. She also acts as a communications consultant providing tailor-made English communication and English language programs. She has also written English for International Conferences and Use the Right Word.
A moving and distressing first-hand account of the terrible massacre that occurred over several days in May 1980 that was to signal the birth of democracy in South Korea and the end of successive military-backed authoritarian governments. After returning to Korea in 2019 for the first time since the 1980 Uprising, the author was shocked to discover that many people he talked to were not aware of the truth of these horrendous events. Some thought it was a Communist insurrection fomented by North Korea; to others it was a student riot; others doubted it ever happened Paul Courtright was there. He saw what happened. He felt duty-bound to reveal the truth. This book is his account. Young Peace Corps volunteer, Paul Courtright was helping leprosy patients in the countryside of South Korea 1980. He enjoyed cooking eggs and listening to music. On his way back home from his medical checkup, he got caught in the middle of Gwangju massacre. Between Peace Corps policy and frustration, he decided to act. He escaped Gwangju to tell the US embassy what was going on there. He couldn't stop writing notes about what he was witnessing. It was the only way he could process what he was seeing. is based on his massive amount of notes. This memoir is not only the record of Gwangju uprising but also a great story of how the incident changed a young man's life in a very short period of time. "We have no voice. You have to be our voice. You have to tell people outside what they’re doing to us.” She glanced around the street, then returned her fearless gaze to me. I was rooted to the spot. I was to be the “witness” and she had given me a clear task. I failed the halmeoni. I was given a responsibility that now, forty years later, I can finally face. I hope I’m not too late. -From the Prologue- About the Author Paul Courtright was a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Jeonnam Province of Korea from 1979-81. He completed his Masters and Doctorate in Public Health focusing on eye diseases and neglected tropical diseases. For 20 years he lived and worked in Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Tanzania establishing, with his wife, the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology in Moshi, Tanzania. He has published over 250 scientific articles and has received awards from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Premio Vision Mundi de Lucha Contra la Cuguera, and the Antonio Champalimaud Vision Award. He is a professor (adjunct) at the University of Cape Town and currently he is the Trachoma Technical Lead, consulting for Sightsavers, a UK based non-governmental organization. He is married with two sons and currently lives in San Diego. Since 1981 he had continued his relationship with Korea conducting research there with Korean colleagues and a summer epidemiology course at Yonsei University with his wife. His work in Africa has been recognized by the Queen and got invited to England. Contents Dedication 2 Author’s note 3 Prologue 4 Day 1 (Wednesday, May 14): Demonstration curiosity for the uninitiated 6 Day 2 (Thursday, May 15): Demos are neither won nor lost 12 Day 3 (Friday, May 16): Good to be heading home 19 Day 4 (Saturday, May 17): Getting back to normal 27 Day 5 (Sunday, May 18): Disturbing rumors streak across the sky 33 Day 6 (Monday, May 19): Something awful happened here 38 Day 7 (Tuesday, May 20): Getting marching orders and the last bus home 47 Day 8 (Wednesday, May 21): You can push people only so far 54 Day 9 (Thursday, May 22): The mundane and the crazy can easily coexist in the middle of an uprising 67 Day 10 (Friday, May 23): We are all “impure elements” 82 Day 11 (Saturday, May 24): Translating in a mortuary 100 Day 12 (Sunday, May 25): Is there peace to be found heading over the mountain? 119 Day 13 (Monday, May 26): Losing my temper and heading to Seoul 129 Epilogue 139 Acknowledgments 142