At first glance, there is nothing unusual about these rice fields. A narrow farm road runs between the paddies. Rice stretches toward the mountains, utility poles follow the road, and small villages can be seen in the distance. It looks like an ordinary farming landscape in rural Korea. But this particular area near my home … 더 읽기
Drive along a small road through the Korean countryside and you may notice something that seems slightly unusual. In the middle of wide rice fields, beside a narrow farm road, there may be a small wooden pavilion with a roof but no walls. Sometimes there is only one. In other places, two may stand side … 더 읽기
Not everything worth noticing in Korea is a famous tourist attraction. Sometimes, it is something as simple as a row of old rain boots. While walking around a rural area in Korea, I came across these boots sitting beneath a wooden structure. They were no longer being worn. Instead of being thrown away, they had … 더 읽기
Barefoot walking has become a familiar sight in many parts of Korea. People take off their shoes and walk on soil, forest paths, and specially prepared red clay trails. Some do it for exercise, some enjoy the feeling of the ground beneath their feet, and others believe it is good for their health. In Yeonggwang … 더 읽기
When people imagine traveling in Korea, they often picture the busy streets of Seoul, famous palaces, beaches, or crowded tourist attractions. But there is another side of Korea that is much quieter. In Yeonggwang County, where I live, there is a low mountain called Mulmusan. Around it is Mulmusan Happy Forest, a place where local … 더 읽기
South Korea has four distinct seasons, and each one changes the landscape in a different way. Spring brings warmer weather and new growth. Summer turns the countryside deep green under hot and humid conditions. Winter can be cold and dry, leaving fields quiet until another farming season begins. But in rural Korea, autumn feels different. … 더 읽기
When people first notice a traditional Korean house, or hanok, their eyes usually go to the roof. The dark gray tiles, curved rooflines, wooden columns, and wide eaves are some of the most recognizable features of traditional Korean architecture. But when I walk through rural areas of Korea, there is another feature that often catches … 더 읽기
When people imagine cafes in South Korea, they may picture modern buildings in Seoul, crowded streets, and stylish interiors. But travel into the Korean countryside, and you can find something very different. In Beopseong-myeon, Yeonggwang, there is a small area where hanok-style buildings sit together along a quiet rural road. Some are used as accommodations, … 더 읽기
When people imagine public transportation in South Korea, they often picture Seoul. There are crowded subway stations, buses arriving every few minutes, digital information screens, and busy stops filled with commuters. But travel far enough into the Korean countryside, and public transportation begins to look very different. In small villages, you may find a simple … 더 읽기
When people think about places to visit in South Korea, a public library probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Seoul has palaces, skyscrapers, and busy shopping districts. Other parts of Korea are known for mountains, temples, beaches, and traditional villages. But in Gochang, a rural county in Jeonbuk State, there is a … 더 읽기