Little Seoulster

Exploring Korean-American Heritage & Interculturalism

Which is More Correct – South Korea, Republic of Korea, or Korea?

Which is More Correct - South Korea, Republic of Korea, or Korea_

Which is More Correct - South Korea, Republic of Korea or Korea_Clearing Up Korean Confusion

So I had a friend ask me what was more proper to say, South Korea, Republic of Korea, or Korea?

In short, the official term is Republic of Korea (R.O.K.).

However, most people outside of the R.O.K. refer to South Korea as “Korea” and North Korea as “North Korea.”

Since I’m one of those people living outside of the R.O.K., in my ignorance, I refer to it as “Korea.” But I really should refer to it as South Korea or the Republic of Korea. There’s weight and meaning behind calling it “South Korea” or the “Republic of Korea.” [Read more…]

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood – English the Korean Way

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood - English the Korean Way (1)

A Memory from a Korean-American Childhood - English the Korean WayA Memory from a Korean-American Childhood – English the Korean Way

This story isn’t actually mine. It’s my older sister’s. But I thought I should share it (with permission from my sis) because many of you will probably relate to it.

Many years ago in Kindergarten, Eonni (Korean for older sis to a girl) was learning the English alphabet. The teacher assigned a letter to each kid in the class. (I guess there were 26 kids in the class?)

And they were told to go home and learn how to pronounce the letter for the next day.

So the next day comes and Eonni goes to school. She did her assignment and was ready.

Each kid was told to stand up to say and pronounce their letter clearly.

“A!” Shouted the kid with the first letter. “A for apple!” [Read more…]

Christmas Dinner with a Korean Twist

Christmas Dinner with a Korean TwistChristmas Dinner with a Korean Twist

I know Thanksgiving feels like it was just yesterday! Hopefully all the turkey leftovers are long gone!

Because Christmas is right around the corner! Eek, I know!

I bet your social calendar is just as booked as mine. Between holidays parties for work and holiday get-togethers with friends and family, there’s hardly a moment to take a breath!

There’s still so much to do! Shopping, decorating, finding holiday outfits….Ack!

It’s going to be okay!

I’ve made Christmas dinner easy for you so you can at least get that out of the way!  [Read more…]

Gift Guide for Pucca Fans

Gift Guide for Pucca Fans

Gift Guide for Pucca FansGift Guide for Pucca Fans

Pucca is a South Korean animated cartoon little girl. (Just in case you landed here out of sheer curiosity.)

She’s tough and sweet and even has a ninja boyfriend, albeit he’s reluctantly so.

I first found out about Pucca because she was on some colored pens. It appears that’s how many people find out about her. Because she’s on everything from pens to sunscreen!

Pucca’s life is action packed, as most cartoons are, and is animated adorably.

And even though Pucca never hit it big, she’s made a lasting impression on many, including myself!

If you know someone who’s a Pucca fan, they’re going to flip over these gifts! [Read more…]