Little Seoulster

Exploring Korean-American Heritage & Interculturalism

Korean Children’s Song – “Santoki” (“Mountain Bunny”)

Korean Children's Song - _Santoki_ (_Mountain Bunny_)

Korean Children's Song - _Santoki_ (_Mountain Bunny_)Korean Children’s Song – “Santoki” (“Mountain Bunny”)

“Santoki” is one of the most popular Korean children’s songs. I was born and raised in the States and even I know it well.

I find it strangely culturally significant because of what the lyrics reference. It’s about a mountain bunny that hops over a mountain pass to collect chestnuts to bring home. However, Korea is a mountainous country, and at least hilly in parts. So when I think of this song, I can’t help but think of the land of my ancestral heritage.

Not to mention, the hiking culture in South Korea is still going strong!

It’s one of the first songs I ever sang to my own child.

That’s more so because I didn’t really know any lullabies or nursery songs. But even still, I’d still be singing this song to him.  [Read more…]

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood – Piano Lessons

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood - Piano Lessons

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood - Piano LessonsA Memory from a Korean-American Childhood – Piano Lessons

When I was about 10 years old, my parents started me on piano lessons. Every Sunday morning (that was the only day they could drive me) to have my lesson.

And if you are of Korean-American heritage, then I’m sure you were also subjected to taking piano lessons on the weekends instead of doing normal fun things other kids get to do.

Of course there are non-Korean-American kids who were and are shuffled to piano lessons weekly. However, piano lessons for Asian kids just seem to be an integral part of childhood. Just as much as Saturday morning cartoons (at least they were when I was growing up) or leaving vegetables on the plate! Music lessons were mandatory! [Read more…]

The Olympics – Unity through Competition

The Olympics - Unity Through Competition

The Olympics - Unity Through CompetitionThe Olympics – Unity through Competition

The 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea finish up this Sunday. I can’t say that I’ve been following along every day, but I’ve enjoyed watching at the gym while I exercise. There’s nothing more inspirational while working out, than watching athletes do what they do best! (I can’t wait for the Tour de France for this reason!)

But you know what I found really inspirational was what happened after Lee Sang Hwa, speed skater for South Korea, lost out on the gold medal to Japan in the 500 meter race. [Read more…]