Little Seoulster

Exploring Korean-American Heritage & Interculturalism

A Korean Christmas Movie – “The Tower”

A Korean Christmas Movie - _The Tower_

A Korean Christmas Movie - _The Tower_A Korean Christmas Movie – “The Tower”

Every Christmas I watch certain movies because it puts me in the season’s spirit. I usually watch the first “Harry Potter” and “A Christmas Carol,” just to name a couple. But I wanted to add some Korean movies to the mix this year.

So this year, I watched “The Tower.” Yes it came out back in 2012 but I’m only just finding it now. It stars Sol Kyung Gu, Kim Sang Kyung, and Son Yejin.

There may be spoilers in this post. So if you really want to be left in the dark, just know it’s a good movie and don’t read on. [Read more…]

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…]