Exploring Korean-American Heritage & Interculturalism
Gyopo, Dongpo, and other labelsI don’t even remember how I came to know this term (probably from a Korean culture chat forum). But I’ve come to dislike it due to its divisional connotations. [Read more…]
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!
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 LessonsWhen 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…]
How to Make a Meal of RamenYou’d be hard pressed to find someone who has never had ramen noodles. They’re cheap and easy and did I mention that they’re CHEAP! I can’t say that they’re all that delicious…I’d say it depends on how hungry you are!
However, did you know you don’t have to settle for just what came in the package? Yes, you can have more than the freeze dried veggies and flavor dust! [Read more…]
The Olympics – Unity through CompetitionThe 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…]
