Xiwei Gu

"What strikes me the most is how these Confucian values still play a role in everyday life, from family dynamics to attitudes towards education. It’s a beautiful reminder of how tradition and modern life can blend together. Reflecting on these…"

"The Seokguram Grotto is truly a remarkable piece of history! It's fascinating how it reflects the cultural exchange between Korea and India, showcasing the artistry and architectural skills of the time. The attention to detail in the sculptures,…"

"It sounds like you’ve been doing some amazing work in your Korean studies! Your upcoming presentation on the influence of Buddhism in Korea sounds fascinating. It’s great that you’re starting with the origins and spreading of Buddhism and…"

Episodes 10 through 13 felt like the culmination of the season, combining technical skill with everyday Korean food culture. Even as the competition reached its peak, the chefs continued to rely on familiar concepts and ingredients.One new term was 포계 (pogye), referring to poultry classification or grading. Learning this word helped me understand how precise Korean culinary language can be, especially regarding ingredient quality.Another important concept was 분식 (bunsik), which refers to casual foods like tteokbokki and kimbap. Seeing 분식 respected in a high-level competition showed that Korean cuisine values accessibility and nostalgia alongside refinement.The cooking method 조림 (jorim) appeared frequently, emphasizing patience and deep flavor absorption. I also noticed frequent use of 당근 (danggeun), or carrots, which are often used for color and balance rather than prominence.Dishes like 깨두부 (kkae-dubu) and 순대국 (sundae-guk) highlighted Korean comfort food. 깨두부 represented simplicity…

The film Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, left a strong impression on me because of how it portrays class differences in a subtle but powerful way. At first, I thought it would simply be a story about two families from different economic backgrounds. However, the deeper I watched, the more complex and unsettling it became.My initial reaction was curiosity about how the poor Kim family gradually integrates themselves into the wealthy Park family’s household. At first, their actions seemed clever and even humorous. But as the story progressed, the tone became darker, revealing the underlying tension between the two classes. This shift made the film more impactful because it forced me to reconsider my initial interpretation.What impressed me most was the use of space and setting. The contrast between the Kim family’s semi-basement home and the Park family’s modern house visually represents inequality. The physical separation between “above” and “below” reinforces the idea that social…

Xiwei Gu

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Language Learning Journal #4

Cultural Artifact #4 - Esports (이스포츠)

Cultural Artifact #3 - Parasite (기생충)

Cultural Artifact #2 - Squid Game (오징어 게임)

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