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
Drive through the Korean countryside, and you may notice something unusual at the entrance to a small village. Beside the road, there is often a large stone. A few Korean characters are carved into it. At first, a foreign visitor might wonder what it is. Is it a monument? Does it mark a historical site? … 더 읽기
When people think of traditional markets in South Korea, they may imagine famous markets in Seoul filled with street food, tourists, and busy crowds. But traditional markets are not only tourist attractions. In smaller towns across Korea, markets are still part of everyday life. I live in Yeonggwang, a rural county in Jeollanam-do in southwestern … 더 읽기
When many people think of South Korea, they imagine Seoul, K-pop, busy shopping streets, modern skyscrapers, and crowded tourist attractions. That is certainly one side of Korea. But it is not the whole country. Travel away from the major cities, and Korea begins to look very different. Roads become quieter, buildings become fewer, and rice … 더 읽기