A Traditional Gateway in a Small Korean Town: What Is Uidu Gate?

Uidu Gate illuminated at night at the entrance to Yeonggwang-eup in rural South Korea

Sometimes, an ordinary drive through a small Korean town reveals something unexpected. One evening, I was passing through Yeonggwang-eup in Jeollanam-do when I came across this large traditional-style gateway. At night, it is difficult to miss. The wooden structure is illuminated above the road, while cars simply drive underneath it on their way into and … 더 읽기

Why Do Traditional Korean Houses Have Walls Around Them?

Traditional Korean hanok house behind a stone wall and stone steps in rural Korea

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

Inside Hwang Yun-seok Library: A Beautiful Modern Library in Rural Korea

Gochang Hwang Yun-seok Library in South Korea

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