Glamour & Grace

  South Korea presents different faces throughout the seasons. Soon, the upcoming winter in Korea will offer a unique experience compared to other seasons. For travelers who enjoy active journeys, winter might seem like a time to take it easy, but there are plenty of activities in Korea during this season that can create wonderful memories. Instead of the typical museum or art gallery visits, here are some activities that are more active and will allow you to cherish the memories of a Korean winter for a long time. First, let's talk about Temple Stay. Temples in Korea are often nestled in the mountains, and many of them offer Temple Stay programs where civilians can spend a day or two living like monks. During your stay, you can participate in chanting ceremonies, experience daily routine of Monks by participating in their rituals, and share meals with the monks. Additionally, you can learn about the traditional temple architecture and its history. While during the pandemic, one-on...

As Autumn arrives at our doorstep, you'll find bustling merchants selling vegetables, marking one of the busiest months of the year. It's the season of Kimchi-making, leading up to the Chuseok family holiday. This is when farmers' hard work bears fruit, and it's time to prepare fresh Kimchi, ensuring the family is well-prepared for the upcoming, enduringly cold winter.   Traditionally, families needed large volumes of Kimchi, often requiring hundreds of cabbages, around 50 to 100 lots, for this annual ritual. However, recently, with a declining birth rate, many have opted for the convenience of buying pre-made Kimchi from traditional markets or even ordering it online. Kimchi, a quintessential element of Korean cuisine, Kimchi is more than just a dish made from fermented vegetables. It's a cultural icon deeply ingrained in Korean tradition. It connects people through the yearly tradition of Kimchi-making known as "김장" (gimjang).     For those seeking a fir...

길상사 의 꽃무릇, 9월 중하순에 만개하는 꽃 무릇은 마치 한 무리의 플라맹고가 원을 지어 서 있는 것처럼 아름답게 어우러져있고, 그 길다란 속눈썹이 곱게 휘어 올라간듯, 튀지 않으면서 그 존재감을 확실하게 보여주는 꽃, 꽃무릇, 이 꽃을 보러 우리는 길상사에 왔다. 오늘도 변함없이 대문은 활짝 열려 있고 방문객들이 자유롭게 드나들수 있게 해 주셨다.  길상사에는 유독 꽃무릇이 많아 유명해져 이 때 쯤의 길상사는 좀 더 특별하다. 바람이 시원해지는 9월 마지막 둘째 주에 방문했는데, 시기 적절하게 잘 찾아온 것 같다. 이미 진 꽃도 있고, 활짝 개화된 꽃도 있고, 준비 중인 꽃도 있었다.  절 안에 핀 꽃무릇은 특별한 의미가 있다. 절 주변에 이 꽃을 많이 심어 놓는다고 한다.  그 이유는 원래 꽃무릇이 사찰의 불경이나 탱화의 보전을 위해 사용되었고, 뿌리 쪽에 있는 알칼로이드 성분 때문에 방부효과가 있다고 하니,  참으로 사찰과 천생 연분인 꽃이 아닐 수 없다.  한의학에서는 기관지 치료에도 한 몫 한다고 하니, 보기에는 가냘퍼 보이는데 엄청난 내공을 갖고 있는 꽃임에 틀림없다.  해는 눈이 부시도록 밝고, 바람은 선선한 전형적인 가을 날씨에 친한 친구들과 길상사로의 발걸음이 마냥 기분 좋았다.  길상사는 포근함을 담고 있으며, 그 포근함 속에는 법정 스님 도 계신다. 길상사에 오르는 길에  있는 하우스들의  외부 구조를 구경하는 것이 즐거웠다.  요즘 아파트만 즐비해 건물에 가려져 하늘을 보기 힘든 곳이 많아졌는데 아직 까지도 이렇게 탁 트인 하늘을 눈높이에서도 볼 수 있고, 집들과 어우러진 자연을 볼 수 있어 다행이다.   변함없는 주변 환경도 성북동을 다시 찾게 되는 이유인 것 같다.  성북동에는 40년 이상 된 음식점들이 참 많다  짧게는 5년, 길게는 10년 단위로 사라지는 음식점들이 너무 많은데 여기는 40년 이상 된 음식점이...

  It was during my junior year of high school in a moral education class. As we worked on our assignments, our teacher suddenly settled into an empty desk near us. A mysterious grin crept across her face, and in a sudden transformation, the teacher adopted the demeanour of a carefree schoolgirl. "Ah, I wish I could study here too," she exclaimed, slipping into a whimsical, almost childlike mode. In that fleeting moment, the classroom seemed to transcend its usual monotony, and I, like my classmates, was left bewildered by this unusual display. The seats were filled with longing and envy as she showed, without us truly understanding why at that time. However, now that several decades have passed, and my high school days are distant memories, her words and impressions resonate deeply with me. I realized I did not fully appreciate the beauty of those moments back then. It's a common human folly, isn't it? To only truly appreciate the beauty of moments in retrospect, regr...

In early March 2023, we had the privilege of welcoming an extraordinary Indian couple to our clinic. Their visit marked a significant moment as they sought to confirm their pregnancy, having endured the heartbreak of a miscarriage just one year earlier, in September 2022. However, what truly set this couple apart was their unique background—they were entrepreneurs in the digital content industry, and their journey had taken them from India to South Korea. In their relationship, it was evident that the mother played a prominent role as a leader, while her husband stood out for his nurturing and caring nature, providing unwavering support every step of the way. This dynamic was a testament to the strength of their partnership and the love that bound them together. During their visits to our clinic, we conducted routine checks for the expectant mother. In total, they would be visiting us around 9 to 10 times before the due date. This included 5 visits for various blood tests and 2 major u...

Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is one of the most important and celebrated holidays in South Korea. It typically falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which usually corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, the Chuseok holidays will begin on September 28th and end on September 30th. Chuseok is a fascinating holiday with many interesting aspects that I would like to introduce. Harvest Festival  Chuseok is primarily a harvest festival where Koreans give thanks for the bountiful harvest of the year. It's a time to appreciate the fruits of hard work and nature's blessings. Ancestral Rituals  Families pay respect to their ancestors during Chuseok by holding a Charye (차례) ceremony. This involves setting up an ancestral memorial table with food offerings and performing rituals to honour deceased family members. Traditional Food Chuseok is famous for its traditional Korean dishes, with Songpyeon (rice cakes) being ...

Laundry detergent is a common household product used frequently over a lifetime. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential health and environmental impacts associated with its long-term use, primarily due to the harmful ingredients it may contain. These ingredients can often lead to skin irritation and other health concerns with extended exposure. Moreover, detergent residue can persist on clothing fabrics. Given that many households, especially those with children, perform multiple laundry cycles daily, it becomes crucial to consider options with fewer chemical ingredients. In today's commercialized society, finding products with entirely pure ingredients can be challenging. Nevertheless, detergent products are available that address these concerns by minimizing the use of harmful chemicals. Environmental Impact It's worth noting that some of these harmful detergent ingredients can also have a significant environmental impact. For instance, phosphates, often use...

Southern Korea is often referred to as a treasure trove, and there's a saying that goes, there may be those who have yet to visit Namhae, but there are no one-timers. As you explore Namhae in southern Korea, you might be charmed by its uniquely beautiful landscapes and warm-hearted people. On the map, southern Korea can appear quite complex due to its heavenly collection of numerous islands. It may leave you wondering whether these islands are inhabited or how well the transportation network connects them all.  In the southern region of South Korea, there are several islands, but it's rare for an entire island to constitute a city. Most islands in the region consist of small villages or rural areas. The major cities in the southern region of South Korea include Yeosu and Tongyeong, while many islands in the vicinity are known for their beautiful landscapes and natural beauty, making them popular destinations for tourists.   Among the many islands in southern Korea, one stands ...

As I was searching for a quick and healthy snack that could satisfy my hunger instantly without spending too much time cooking, I decided to skip the various restaurant options that crossed my mind and instead made my way to an open street market near my place to see what I could find there. Although I'm not a vegetarian, I try to eat fresh food as much as possible and enjoy most of it. I could imagine how challenging it might be for those with different dietary preferences, such as strict vegetarians. Korea's cuisine often revolves around meat, and the concept of strict vegetarianism needs to be more widely understood among the locals, making it a bit tricky to find vegetarian-friendly options. Feeling inspired, I decided to share my quick, healthy, and simple vegetarian dish idea, which is not only delicious but also easy to make with ingredients readily available in any nearby supermarket. I especially recommend checking out open markets, which often offer fresh and vibrant ...

South Korea is a land of diverse landscapes and hidden treasures, and One such gem has long been on my bucket list: Sinan's Purple Island. Recently recognized as one of the world's top tourist villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, this picturesque island promises a unique and authentic travel experience. In this blog, I'll guide you on how to get there from Seoul, where to stay, what to eat, and what exciting activities await my parents and me. September is known for one of South Korea's major holidays, Chuseok, which provides a wonderful opportunity for a family getaway. With six official holidays this year (Sep 28~Oct 3), it's an ideal time to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and fulfil my dream of visiting this serene destination with my parents. It's a place where we can create unforgettable family memories. Getting to Sinan's Purple Island from Seoul From Seoul, the plan is to take a domestic flight to Muan International A...

 This is the story of John Edward William Stoner, a novel first published in 1965. It gained renewed recognition in the 2000s when readers began to appreciate its value. It's a tale that commences in everyday life, exuding an autobiographical essence throughout. Stoner was born into a humble farming family during an era when inheriting the family trade was the expected course. However, he boldly diverged from his parents' path and embarked on a journey as an educator. His passion for English literature steered him toward an academic career, ultimately leading him to become a professor. Fate intervened when he serendipitously encountered a woman at a gathering, and he fell head over heels in love with her at first sight as if struck by a sudden spark. They tied the knot and welcomed a daughter into their lives. Yet, his wife was marked by selfishness, personality quirks, and unconventional desires. In circumstances where many might have chosen divorce, Stoner's unwavering se...

As a resident of South Korea, the issue of high suicide rates in this economically advanced nation has captured my attention. Unfortunately, this trend is not unique to Korea but is a shared challenge among developed countries. This worrying observation has weighed heavily on my mind, prompting me to ponder a more profound question: Are there countries where the majority of people live without the burden of depression and thoughts of self-harm? I've often wondered what it would be like to reside in a nation where happiness and contentment are the norm rather than the exception. Do such places even exist? In the world of nations, Bhutan emerges as a singular and inspiring example. While most countries assess their success by economic wealth and material gains, this Himalayan kingdom follows a path that no other nation has ventured to tread. Bhutan's unique approach to well-being sets it apart, making it a beacon of distinctive achievement in a world often preoccupied with the pu...