Little Seoulster

Exploring Korean-American Heritage & Interculturalism

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…]

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood – Itchy Hanboks

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood - Itchy Hanboks

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood - Itchy HanboksA Memory from a Korean-American Childhood – Itchy Hanboks

For those who may not know, a hanbok is a traditional South Korean assemble. And with Seollal (Korean New Year) having just passed, many people would’ve donned one for the celebration. It reminded me of those days long past when I had to wear an itchy hanbok this time of year, in addition to any other celebration during the year.

It was the equivalent of wearing uncomfortable Sunday church attire, which I had to do as well. There’s multiple parts to the outfit and you’d be in big trouble if you got it dirty! So it’s basically a straight jacket for any fun-loving kid! [Read more…]

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood – Seollal (Korean New Year)

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood - Seollal (Korean New Year)

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood - Seollal (Korean New Year)A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood – Seollal (Korean New Year)

In case you didn’t know, Seollal (sometimes known as Seolnal) is Korean New Year. It spans three days and this year it’s February 15th through the 17th.

It’s a major holiday in South Korea and it’s typically celebrated by getting together with relatives (even the extended family!). Roads and airports will be jam packed with travelers just as the grocery shelves will be packed with fruit gift sets. It’s a lot like what Christmas is here in good old U.S. of A. So it appears holiday travel traffic is pretty much universal. 😣 [Read more…]

Notable Korean-American – Colonel Young Oak Kim

Notable Korean-American Hero_ Colonel Young Oak Kim

Notable Korean-American Hero_ Colonel Young Oak KimNotable Korean-American – Colonel Young Oak Kim

In an effort to teach my kid about the Korean-American experience, I’ve had to learn more about the Korean-American experience. Makes sense, right?

Well, it turns out that there are many notable Koreans and Korean-Americans who helped shape the landscape of what it means to be Korean-American and to have a Korean heritage as a whole.

Today, I’m putting the spotlight on Colonel Young Oak Kim because January 29th is his birthday. [Read more…]