A jongga is a family that can trace its line of progenitors back to a single distinguished ancestor. The eldest living son of this main lineage is the jongson, and his wife is the jongbu. This couple
Since time immemorial, Korea has developed an outstanding craft culture. Its superior quality can be seen in everything from the beautiful and elaborate golden crowns of the Three Kingdoms era (57 B.C
Koreans have been producing—and drinking—alcohol for centuries. Along with song and dance, alcohol has always been an essential part of the Korean joie de vivre. Koreans drink a lot, but they don't dr
A temple stay is a short sojourn at a temple where one goes to follow monastic rules of life. For this reason, many seek out temples for the explicit purpose of having a rest. It is for this reason th
Literary Nonfiction. Northeast Asia Studies. Korea is a remarkable case study in religious coexistence. Even though only about half the country identifies as religious, the half that does displays a r
Literary Nonfiction. Northeast Asia Studies. For those living in Seoul, it's easy to conclude that the urban swath of concrete grays and muddy browns is all there is to see in Korea. Yet those who loo
Literary Nonfiction. Northeast Asia Studies. Art. The history of Korean museums goes back more than 100 years, to the opening of the Jesil Bangmulgwan in 1909. There are now 11 national museums in pro
Literary Nonfiction. Northeast Asia Studies. The Joseon dynasty was a time of great cultural development for the Korean nation, ruling Korea for over half a millennium. It was during this dynasty that
Literary Nonfiction. Northeast Asia Studies. Music has played and continues to play a vital role in Korean society, providing a rich vein of material as a dynamic part of the nation's culture. Korean
Nonfiction. Korean Language Reference. Writing Systems. Southeast Asia Studies. Hangeul, the indigenous writing system of Korea, was promulgated in 1446. It is an ingenious system that utilizes modern
