If you walk through downtown Yeonggwang in South Korea, you may notice something unusual beside the road. A narrow lane painted bright blue runs along the street. White arrows point forward, and a symbol on the pavement shows a person standing on a small electric mobility device. Nearby, a blue road sign makes its purpose … 더 읽기
In Part 1, I introduced a rural harvest festival held among the rice fields of Myoryang, a small countryside community in Yeonggwang, South Korea. But the landscape, the pungmul music, and the tractors were only part of the story. What made this festival special was the people. Elementary school children, parents, local residents, and elderly … 더 읽기
Autumn is one of the most important seasons in rural Korea. Rice fields that were green throughout the summer gradually turn golden, harvesting machines begin appearing beside country roads, and farming villages prepare for the rice harvest. But harvest season is not only about work. On September 19, 2026, an autumn harvest festival was held … 더 읽기
When people imagine rural Korea, they usually picture rice fields, mountains, old houses, and quiet village roads. Those are certainly part of the countryside. But rural life is not only about the landscape. People also need places where they can meet, learn, organize activities, and stay connected with their community. In Myoryang-myeon, a rural area … 더 읽기
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
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
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