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Korean, like Japanese, shares very few similarities with any other language. Some scholars have proposed that it belongs to the Altaic language family, alongside Mongolian and Turkic languages, however, the connection between the two only originates from a distant shared origin in and around Manchuria. Proto-Korean developed over hundreds of years alongside Proto-Japanese, and modern Korea actually shares some similarities with modern Japanese. Proto-Korean eventually gave way to Middle Korean with the establishment of the Goryeo kingdom (the namesake of modern Korea), and a resulting period of internal unity. Some sources place the development of the Korean language farther back in the kingdom of Silla which predates Goryeo and is more renowned for its contribution to Korean arts and culture. With the fall of Goryeo emerged the Joseon dynasty of Korea. This dynasty would rule Korea until Japanese colonization in the 20th century, and it’s neutrality and general isolation would give it the moniker “Hermit Kingdom.” Korea’s most famous king, Sejong the Great ruled from 10 August 1418 – 17 February 1450. Until this point Korea has had its own spoken language, but its writing was done using Chinese characters. Sejong created the 한글 (hangul) alphabet which for many years existed alongside Chinese characters. But in the 20th century as both South and North Korea emerged they transitioned completely to using the 한글 alphabet. 한글 as a very modern alphabet was constructed so that it could be taught easily, and the language is entirely phonetic as opposed to English. It uses a hybrid structure where individual letters are grouped into syllable blocks instead of individually strung together to form words. 

The topic I am interested in exploring is esports in Korea. Primarily the game League of Legends, but also Starcraft II and Valorant. This topic relates to Korea because in Starcraft I and II Koreans have dominated the competitive scene for decades. In League of Legends Korean teams are almost always the favorites, and Korean players are often superstars on other foreign teams. For Valorant, despite not dominating global events, Korean teams are still very competitive. Overall, Korea demonstrates dominance across three games in three different genres, and they have the most developed esports infrastructure in the world. In a presentation I would like to look at the history of Korean esports, and understand how the industry became so much larger than in the US, despite the games originating in the US. Along with this I would like to look at some of the most impressive Korean players and teams.

Starcraft may be the focus of the whole presentation simply because it has the most extensive history as an esport. Starcraft birthed the modern genre as competitive video games moved from being an arcade tournament to a televised product with sponsors, clubs, and salaried players. During my preliminary research I found a televised game from 2000, and some more interesting clips of classic Starcraft games with huge crowds and cash prizes back in the early 2000s. I would like to make a change over time presentation, that demonstrates who Korea has had a massive head start, and also demonstrates how large the scene is over there. 

As esports is an internet phenomenon, there is a long list of Korean slang and abbreviations used in games. 

The most important one for me in Korea was 한국어를 못해요 (I don’t speak Korean)

For the 5 roles in League of Legends these abbreviations are used

ㅌ - Top

ㅈㄱ - Jungle

ㅁㄷ - Mid

ㅇㄷ - AD Carry

ㅅㅍ - Support

For the most part the game specific language is actually just a Korean transcription of an English word.

I am super excited with what I am currently learning. I have asked my language tutor to teach me simple phrases so I can be able to communicate my day to other people. For example, I have learned: 

피곤해 : I am tired

추워 : It’s too cold

너 어디야 : Where are you

To be able to learn these phrases, I have begun conversing with my language tutor and my roommate. I realized that it was easier to remember these phrases if I kept saying them out loud in the right context. Usually, I would feel afraid or embarrassed trying to talk in another language. For example, with French, I barely talk in the language outside of class which has led me to not efficiently retain a lot of key grammar or phrases in my head. Therefore, learning from that mistake, I made to practice my Korean outside of these lessons and in order to become more comfortable talking and be able to memorize these key phrases. Which is why recently I have been able to keep expanding my vocabulary and actually have a small basic conversation with my roommate. 

What also helps is that since I am becoming more comfortable talking in Korean, I am able to better improve my pronunciation. I would try to say what I want to say and my language tutor and my roommate would correct me to make sure I am speaking correctly. This is another aspect that I believe has greatly helped me become a bit more fluent in my target language. By having people correct me, I am able to remember the pronunciation better, which helps me become more understandable and people are able to comprehend what I am trying to say.

Through these recent lessons, I realized that I wanted to keep learning this type of informal language to talk with my korean friends or to talk to others when I eventually visit Korea over the summer. I am able to build a better relationship since I am now able to playfully converse with my roommate which I believe added another layer to our friendship since I am able to kind of break down this language barrier. My language tutor would teach me the formal way to say the sentence then would also help me with how to say that phrase in a more informal way to talk with friends. It is interesting to be able to learn both sides of the language and how subtle changes help indicate whether it is formal or informal.

One thing that I still need to learn is how to write in hangul. While I am starting to get used to reading, I still have trouble trying to write the phrases that my tutor says. So I need to keep revising and keep revisiting youtube videos in order to do so. 

This past month, my language partner and I focused on improving my fluency in the business industry aspect. Every week, I read a business related article that my partner assigned to me. Each article had to do something with AI and marketing trends, such as the metaverse era and how the advertising strategies are adapting to that era, Samsung’s Galaxy Ring which is a new smart ring that they are planning on releasing along with a strong focus of Galaxy AI, and LG’s plan to release an XR Headset with rumors about working with Meta. Out of those three articles, common words across the three articles I learned were 인공지능 which means artificial intelligence, 사용자 경험 (user experience), and 예측 분석 (predictive analytics). I also learned a lot of new marketing vocabulary through these phrases, such as 딥러닝 기술을 활용한 마케팅 전략 (marketing strategy utilizing deep learning technology). Within that one phrase, I learned strategy, utilizing, and technology all in one. Out of these three articles, my partner and I talked in depth about the new Samsung Galaxy Ring, which will be unveiled later this week and officially launched in July. Samsung is Korea’s largest South Korean family owned conglomerate and the major contributor to their GDP. My partner and I were amazed at this new idea since not many companies have entered this field of smart fitness rings and how Samsung is able to stay ahead in the industry. Reflecting on these article assignments, I realized that deep diving into the Korean business language was definitely a challenge for me since this was my first time talking about business and the news in Korean. There were many new terms and more higher level words used in the article that made it harder for me to understand. Especially with the first article, it was hard to constantly translate but as I continued with these assignments, I began to recognize the terms slowly and noticed I had to translate less every week. Since this month was very focused on business, my partner assigned me clips and videos to watch of this Korean show called “Marry My Husband.” The show’s main character is a marketing manager of a food company. The other main character also works at the same company, so we were able to see the life of a Korean business worker from both perspectives and analyze how the language changes. On Youtube, we were able to find videos of when he was working in the show and I took notes down of the marketing related words that he used and other phrases that he said to talk about the food business itself. For example, I learned 과장님, which means manager and there are three positions that are under 과장님 which would be 대리 (assistant manager or associate manager), 주임 (associate) , and 사원 (staff, clerk, member, or analyst). There are a lot of other positions that are above the manager (과장님), so I’m excited to figure out how the hierarchical positions affect the work style and language as I continue watching. Throughout the next couple of weeks, my partner and I will continue to focus on the business topic, but learn a lot more about 회식, which is Korean company dinners. 

Lately, in our meetings, Jason and I have been exploring auxiliary verbs and the nuances between them. Although I’ve had previous exposure and a solid grasp on most of them, there are several that are novel to me/I haven’t used as much in my own speaking. Additionally, the challenge comes from the fact that Korean’s auxiliary verbs surpass English’s in terms of volume, so keeping all of them in order for myself has been difficult. Regarding our in class activities, we have continued to look at new words/phrases/grammatical structures and have made sentences using them––I find this to be a tremendous help in actually incorporating what I’ve learned immediately––so I try to continue to use them throughout the week when I’m studying. The main goal of learning these things is to sound more natural and increase my level of Korean beyond the intermediate level to communicate more complex thoughts. We’ve primarily focused on speaking, so we continue to primarily communicate in Korean for the full two (or more) hours per week rather than explicitly looking into reading/writing. The logic behind this is that, because of my current level and what I hope to accomplish, reading and writing should eventually become natural especially since I already have previous experience albeit at a more rudimentary level. So for the short term, I would say the purpose of our meetings and my studying is to add nuance to my sentences and, of course, verbs since auxiliary verbs are extremely colloquial.

Additionally, we have focused on prepositions and time expressions more recently. I was recently apprised of native Korean expressions (not Hanja) for time, and this has been a bit of a learning curve for me since this is akin to English ways of telling the time, such as, “a quarter till noon” if you will. It has been challenging keeping this in my mind as they rely on the different number systems in Korean, and also have a different sentence structure. This has been a slow progression, so I suppose just incorporating them into my own speaking while having Jason ensure that I am using them correctly would be a worthy ~30 minutes to spend each meeting. 

Personally, I have found these meetings to be quite enjoyable, and although Korean has been frustrating at times due to, and this may be conjecture, the fact that I have a solid understanding of what “proper” Korean should sound like at the level of thought that I’m hoping to convey, but I am not always able to reach that level. In essence, my input is greater than my aptitude for my output. However, speaking more and more with a completely native speaker in Jason has been thoroughly beneficial, and overall I feel positive about my language learning journey and am just working on creating more confidence in my speaking abilities. This has included speaking to my parents in Korean much more often than I already do, or texting some friends in Korea more openly and freely rather than relying on already known expressions. It’s also been salubrious to connect with modern slang and trends, since I will be likely attending Yonsei in the fall, being able to connect with other college-aged students colloquially is something I am eager to dive into.

My studies have been going amazingly well so far, we are slowly but surely chipping away at my learning goals. One area we have been focusing on is the Hangul alphabet, we have been actively learning and reinforcing the letters and their sounds, and also when those sounds change depending on the location of the letter within the word. Along with this some of the letters have very distinct sounds that are not natural in the English language, Isaac and I have been working on using what we have learned in SDLC 105 in order to form these sounds with the different mechanisms of sound formation. One example is the last letter in the word “water” 물 It is almost a mix between an M and L but we worked on when to adapt it to L vs M and how to form the sound. What has really helped me is thinking about the sound on a mechanical level, actively thinking about putting my tongue to the roof of my mouth, and forming the sound. I also have been pushing my comfort zone and using what I've learned so far to read words (when Isaac and I go shopping at the Korean market) and also I have been using phrases and words with some of my close friends who also speak Korean. While this can be daunting because of my lack of expertise, there is no way to build excellence without a bit of stumbling.  We also have been trying to force me into situations where I need to speak a bit of the language, as a group we all went to Korean Garden (KBBQ) and Isaac had me read the menu and pick from the selection in Korean which was awesome to see how much I have developed in this short period of time. I have been really happy with my progress and my language instructor, Isaac has made learning Korean extremely enjoyable along with the high level of professionalism he brings. One thing we are looking forward to in the coming weeks is mastering my mechanical skills like pronunciation and reading, while this is a large goal we are chipping away at it through our meetings but also our real-life activities. For example, instead of asking Isaac for water in the dining hall in English, he prompts me to practice what I've learned and use my Korean to become more comfortable with speaking. Looking forward we will continue on the current track we are on highlighting the steps of my three-semester plan. What has been working for me is the aspect of immersion which we will keep in full effect, along with this we are planning more trips to real cultural places in which I will be prompted to get out of my comfort zone and speak the language in a naturalistic setting.

   In my learning journal #2 I want to reflect a little bit more on my Hungarian grammar learning progress and reflect a little bit on the topics that me and my community partner covered in the first two chapters of the MagyarOK A1-A2 grammar book. There was definitely some repetition in the first couple of chapters such as topics of past tense, nouns, articles, prepositions of place, time, and others. However, there was one particular, very interesting and challenging topic that I would like to write about in this journal. 

   “Érdekel” is the Hungarian verb which translates to English as  “to interest”. Instead of saying “I am interested in it”, Hungarians use this verb to say “it interests me”, “it interests you”, and other forms depending on the subject. In order to use the verb correctly, one needs to know how to form the direct-object pronouns (who does the object interests). In addition to that, one also needs to know which suffixes should be added to the verb, and whether these should be definite or indefinite. I think it is a little bit tough to understand this concept, so let me give you some examples:

First, let’s look at the personal pronouns in both nominative and accusative cases. 

Second, let’s look at the conjugation of the verb “érdekel” (both definitive and indefinite).

Now let’s try to create a sentence.

1. Ő érdekli Polinát. -Polina is interested in him/her/it. 

Even though the sentence starts with the object (him/her/it), the main focus is still on Polina - subject who is interested. 

1. Polina érdekli őt. -He/she/it is interested in Polina. 

The sentence again starts with the object (Polina in this case), however, the focus is still on the subject - he/she/it. 

*If you notice, there is an extra consonant ‘-t’ at the end of ‘Polina’ and ‘ő’in order to objectify the word. 

   This is such a minor detail in Hungarian grammar, however, it is a very challenging concept to understand especially if there is nothing similar in your native language. I hope you enjoyed learning about the Hungarian verb “érdekel”:)

Just recently, there was a wave of news regarding an altercation amongst the Korea national football team. There were many allegations and the issue was resolved, but the altercation occurred as some of the younger members on the team wanted to leave their team dinner early, contrast to the older members’ approval. This difference in opinion was clearly seen as disrespectful, as a conflict broke out. While there was much more to the context, this conflict was a clear example of the importance of seniority in Korean culture.

In Korea, seniority is of great significance because of its deep-rooted cultural values and hierarchical social structure. Confucian principles have long influenced Korean society, emphasizing respect for elders and hierarchical relationships. This cultural heritage has spread to various aspects of Korean life, including the workplace. In companies, organisations, and especially sports-teams, seniority is a basic principle governing the processes of interaction and decision-making. Seniority reflects not only age but also experience and wisdom, which are highly valued qualities. Respect for elders and those with more experience is deeply rooted in Korean culture, and seniority is a tangible expression of that respect. In addition, seniority is seen to promote stability and order in organizations by providing a clear framework for authority and decision-making. It assumably ensures that those who have invested time and effort in their duties are properly recognized and rewarded, which contributes to a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees. In addition, seniority-based systems promote continuity and longevity within organisations, as individuals are motivated to remain with their employer for a long time in order to advance their positions and status. Overall, seniority is the cornerstone of Korean culture, fostering harmony, stability and respect in the workplace and society at large.

As to whether or not this practice is maintainable or even practical, that is a whole another conversation. A lot of traditions/beliefs, including those of Confucian principles, are fading away each generation, and often times the concept of seniority can hamper progression and innovation. After all, one’s position should be determined majorly by their competency, but there are many gives and takes to this approach.

This month has been an immersive journey into the field of Korean media, focusing mainly on dramas, movies, and YouTube content to improve my language skills with my language partner. I've carefully selected a diverse selection of Korean dramas, from romantic comedies to gripping thrillers, each offering unique linguistic nuances and cultural/thematic insights. By spending time watching dramas every week with my partner and in my own time, I immersed myself in the languag and absorbed new vocabulary, phrases, and familiar expressions. I aimed to slowly stave off from reading the subtitles, as that often didn’t help my learning. 

In addition to drama, I explored a large number of Korean films on my own time, from timeless classics to current hits. These films not only provided entertainment, but also served as linguistic and cultural tools for teaching, offering authentic dialogue and rich storytelling. Additionally, I immersed myself in the dynamic world of Korean content on YouTube, from language learning channels to lifestyle vlogs and cooking shows. Immersing myself in these videos allows me to observe natural speech patterns, gestures, and cultural practices and has deepened my understanding of the Korean language and way of life.

This practice has made me feel more confident in my ability to understand and communicate in the language, and has brought me linguistic growth, but also a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural tapestry woven into every narrative and conversation.

            Throughout this month, I’ve spent a lot of time learning how to talk with fluidity in conversations. I’ve always had trouble with staying consistent with the flow of my speech whenever I spoke Korean. It is because my vocabulary inventory isn’t the greatest especially when having very advanced conversations. I always catch myself stopping to think on what to say next or using English instead to complete my sentence. To work on my fluidity, I spent a good amount of my time doing day to day activities with my language partner and just talking in Korean so that we can go over a wide variety of difficult conversations. I was able to realize that there are so many words I could use just to convey a single idea which allowed me to realize that I have a lot of room to learn new advanced words. I also spent a lot of time talking to my language partner about formal and informal speech and writing. Knowing from how people text and talk depending on who the recipient is and understanding why I have to use formal and informal language in certain circumstances helped me expand my knowledge of Korean language and culture. I think that this month really increased my proficiency and fluidity of speaking Korean.

Sound is about the oral expression and pronunciation of words, spelling is about their written representation. This distinction is significant because it complicates the language learning process when a language’s spelling and pronunciation do not match. It can been seen easily in English with the professor’s Ghoti/fish example. Korean is phonetically spelled as far as I know and there are little to no words that are spelled one way and pronounced another way. Although certain sounds are often cut from words to make the pronunciation easier or quicker. Korean has a simple set of vowels that reflect the English vowel sounds fairly closely; however, Korea does have a set of diphthongs which act like a second set of vowels in Korean. Korean consonants also have plain versions, and then aspirated and tensed versions of those consonants which are written similarly to their plain counterparts. The Korean consonants are often difficult to pronounce and distinguish because they appear to be between sounds we use in english. Such as ㄱ being between a g and k sound. In order to distinguish between the two I am trying to hear the sounds more often through consuming media. I am also practicing with words that are common and I have heard a lot before because I can relate how I sound to how I am used to hearing the word or phrase pronounced.

              Buddhism emerged in Korean during the fourth century CE after arriving from

China. Buddhism itself originated centuries earlier in the Indian subcontinent. Buddhism quickly spread in Korea and was the state religion of all three kingdoms of the Three Kingdoms Period. Goguryeo adopted Buddhism in 372 CE, Silla adopted Buddhism in 528 CE, and Baekje adopted Buddhism in 552 CE. Buddhism remained a state religion during the unified Goryeo period (918 - 1392 CE).

Haedon Yonggungsa Temple, Busan, SK

Buddhism was heavily repressed during by the Neo-Confucianist Joseon dynasty (1392 – 1897 CE). However, early repressive policies were repealed following the crucial role Buddhist monk guerilla units played during the Japanese invasions of Korea of the 16^th century. Buddhism regained social acceptance. However, it did not reclaim its prominent position from centuries prior.

Boseoksa Temple, SK

Buddhism’s position in Korean society was further strengthened during the Japanese colonial period and following World War II. In 2005, a South Korean government survey revealed that a quarter of the country identified as Buddhist. A much larger portion of the population however is believed to adhere to Buddhist teachings and tradition due to Buddhism’s important historical role in Korean society.

There are multiple Buddhist temples throughout the Korean peninsula. Many Korean temples have names than end in -sa (사, 寺), meaning monastery in Hanja. The following describes the typical layout of a Korean temple.

A typical Korean temple consists of the following elements:^[2]

1. Iljumun(일주문, 一柱門) – One pillar gate found at the entrance to temple grounds
2. Sacheonwangmun(사천왕문, 四天王門), also Cheonwangmun - Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings, to mark the entrance of the temple's boundaries
3. Beopdang(법당, 法堂) – Dharma hall, used for lectures and sermons
4. Monastic quarters
5. Jonggo(종고, 鐘鼓) – bell tower
6. Daeungjeon(대웅전, 大雄殿) – main shrine hall housing the temple's main Buddha images
7. Pagoda
8. Myeongbujeon(명부전, 冥府殿) – judgment hall, housing an image of the bodhisattva Kshitigarbha (지장, 地藏) and depictions of the Buddhist hell
9. Nahanjeon(나한전, 羅漢殿) – Hall of the Arhats
10. Sansingak(산신각, 山神閣) – a shamanic shrine dedicated to the mountain god Sansin (산신, 山神), who can be depicted as both a male or a female.^[3] Sometimes called chilseong-gak (칠성각, 七星閣) or samseong-gak (삼성각, 三星閣), this shrine is usually found behind the main shrine hall.
11. Hermitage

 Sacheonwangmun

Daeungjeon

Jonggak

Korean Buddhism - Wikipedia

Buddhist temples in Korea - Wikipedia

Discover Seoul's seven most unforgettable Buddhist temples (bbc.com)

Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea - UNESCO World Heritage Centre

I decided to choose the korean hanbok as my second cultural artifact. I remember seeing it for the first time when my class visited the Korean embassy and were able to try on the different hanboks it had in the cultural center. They were these long robes that reached the ground in a flowy manner and were very elegant, therefore I want to learn more about it through this research.

I found an article from the New York Times that discusses the evolution and importance of the hanbok. The article states, "With its clean, elongated lines and expansive shapes creating a voluminous silhouette, the traditional Korean hanbok is both aesthetically pleasing and functional," (One Garment’s Journey Through History, Kwun).

The term "hanbok," translating to "Korean clothes," reflects the garment's historical significance as everyday wear before the introduction of Western fashion to Korea. Throughout the garment’s 2,000-year history, the hanbok has undergone various transformations in style, yet it continues to get inspiration from its roots in the Joseon era. The hanbok was created to symbolize the love for nature and blessings from the Confucian dress code which emphasized property and primary colors. 

The article also highlights the important role of women in preserving the hanbok tradition, from its historical production to its thriving industry that can be seen today. Personal statements from individuals like Jillian Choi provide insights into the hanbok's cultural significance, which helps create a tangible link to Korea's culture.

Especially as the modern world is being heavily influenced by the Western world, the hanbok still remains a key symbol of national pride. The piece is mostly worn during significant life events and celebrations.

The article also further explores the symbolism behind the white hanbok, which represents purity and resilience throughout Korea's rough history. In the Culture Trip website, I learned more about the colors of the hanbok and what they represent. It can be categorized into everyday, ceremonial and special dress, and then further differentiated by gender, age and season. The colors would also help figure out the social position and marital status of a person. For example, bright colored hanboks were mostly worn by the children. As for middle-aged men and women, they usually wore muted hues. Then for unmarried women, they would wear yellow jeogori (jacket) and red chima (skirt) while matrons would wear green and red. The lower class would be required to wear white while the upper class would wear a variety of colors. Not only did color help differentiate the status but also by the material of the hanbok with the rich having better quality.

The New York Times article also goes into detail into the impact of external influences, such as Japan's annexation of Korea, on the hanbok's evolution and cultural significance.

Not only does the hanbok represent the past, but it also represents the future and the resilience of today’s generations, especially in the face of anti-Asian sentiments. Artists like Seonna Hong and cultural figures like Nam June Paik used the hanbok as a means of expressing identity and confronting historical traumas.

Korea has its own age system, where a person is considered one year old at birth and gains a year during the New Year. They called it the Korean age (한국나이) while the international age was known as 만나이. Although the global standard age was applied to medical and legal documents since the 1960s, other official forms continuously used the traditional method. 

There are several reasons for why they have a different age system than the western world. In the Confucian culture, a person is considered to be one year old at birth because the time spent in the womb is seen as part of their life, beginning their first year of life at birth. The system also emphasizes community and harmony over individuality because they are able to group individuals of the same age together, creating a sense of social unity. This explains why sometimes in Korea, they ask you what year you are born in rather than your age itself. This age system also explains the impact that confucianism has had on Korean culture, as there is a strong emphasis on respecting those who are older. There are a lot of different Korean words on how to call someone who is older than you, and you generally have to follow that “rule” in order to not seem rude. 

The age system made things easier to determine when Korean men should enlist for their conscription requirement, calculating the legal age to drink alcohol and smoke, and school entrance. Everything culturally was matched to this traditional age system, as they were able to drink and smoke after their high school graduation, a passage rite that Korean teens go through turning 20 years old and starting a new chapter in their lives. The new school year would then start in March, after gaining a year during the Korean New Year. However, in December 2022, talks of South Korea passing laws to scrap the traditional method began. In June 2023, South Korea implemented a new law that took effect, replacing the country’s traditional method and requiring only using the international method of counting age. Since this would affect the school entrance, conscription, and etc. a new system will exist where a person’s age is calculated from zero at birth and a year is added on Jan. 1. They decided to keep it this way because it is easier to manage these on a yearly basis than by birthdays. They decided to change the system because it has confused and inconvenienced South Koreans in different situations such as health recommendations, labor disputes, and social hierarchy. The government wants to minimize unnecessary confusion and conflicts related to age and establish social practices that conform to the international standards. Because the change is still relatively new, Koreans tend to use both. When you ask for someone’s age, they will say their 만나이 (international age) is 22 but their 한국나이 is 24. It would definitely take some time for South Koreans to adjust to this new change especially in informal and social settings. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/south-korea-year-younger-traditional-way-counting-age-scrapped-rcna91609 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/28/south-koreans-become-a-year-or-two-younger-as-country-changes-system-for-counting-ages

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/28/world/asia/south-korea-age.html 

Among the cultural dimensions of Korean, the concept of “Jeong” (정) stands out as a perfect example to the depth of Korean interpersonal relationships and communal values. This concept has grown quite popular in recent years––even in America, I’ve noticed various paraphernalia with “Jeong” written on them which I suppose is just a testament to the richness of the word. Also, and more acutely, I recently watched the movie Past Lives, which, thematically and plot-wise, revolves around the concept of another concept called “Inyeon” (인연), and this reminded me of Jeong due to their shared ineffable qualities. Hearing Jeong my whole life never left me exactly ravenous to explore the depths of the word, I know its connotative qualities, but never bothered to dive deeper into the word itself and its history, so this was an exciting survey of the word. 

Jeong is a concept that is deeply embedded in the fabric of Korean society. It is a form of affection, a bond that ties individuals together through shared experiences and mutual understanding, transcending mere friendship or love. Jeong is what makes a community tightly knit, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty that is profound and enduring––and having heard this variously throughout my life from family members, the word is almost imbued with some emotional potion that makes me reflect. It is not just an emotion but a cultural ethos that influences social interactions, business dealings, and even the media landscape in Korea.

The etymological roots of the word Jeong in Korean trace back to the shared character of 정in Hanja, used in both Chinese and Korean. The character carries meanings of affection, attachment, and emotion, indicating the term's deep-seated connection to human relationships and feelings. Historically, Korea's collectivist culture, which emphasizes the welfare of the community over the individual, has played a significant role in the development of Jeong. This cultural backdrop facilitated the evolution of Jeong into a concept that transcends mere emotion or affection, embodying instead a profound, almost ineffable bond that forms between people through shared experiences, empathy, and mutual care. 

Academically, Jeong has been a subject of interest among scholars who attempt to decode its complexities and its influence on Korean collectivism and social harmony. I found two scholars who looked into this, and Chung and Cho (2014) describe Jeong as "an unconditional commitment to a relationship, where the welfare of the relationship takes precedence over the individual's needs." This definition highlights the selflessness and the depth of commitment that Jeong embodies, setting it apart from Western concepts of individualism and personal space. In the academic realm, understanding Jeong has enhanced my grasp of the Korean language’s very sociological uses. Language learning is not just about memorizing vocabulary or mastering grammar; it's about understanding the context in which words and phrases are used, the emotions they convey, and the cultural nuances they embody––in (American) English, this sort of reminded me of words like “democracy” or “liberty,” words laden with deep cultural understanding. Jeong is a concept that permeates through the Korean language, from casual conversations to formal speeches, reflecting the collective consciousness and values of Korean society. 

When most people think of traditional Korean foods, they probably think of Bulgogi, Galbi, Kimchi, and Korean fried chicken. But behind these popular dishes, there lies an entire world of food items and ingredients that are used very often in Korean foods. One of these is Insam (인삼) or more commonly known as ginseng (진생). 

Let’s start with a brief history lesson. Insam's usage in Korea can be traced back over 2,000 years. The first written records of Insam cultivation and consumption in Korea date back to the early 1st century AD, during the Three Kingdoms period. Initially, it was revered for its rarity and perceived health benefits, leading to its use in traditional medicine. The name was given because the beginning syllable (인, In-), which refers to a human, denotes the humanoid shape the root has. As a medicine, Insam is believed to possess numerous health benefits, ranging from boosting energy and improving cognitive function to enhancing the immune system and reducing stress. Korean traditional medicine often incorporates Insam into herbal remedies and tonics to promote overall well-being. It can also be used in creating alcohols which must be left to ferment over years and years before it’s ready to be consumed, making it a very rare and expensive product.

In fact, there is a specific word for Insam that grows naturally in the wild: Sansam. It’s very rare and is found in the mountains of Korea. Sansam is prized for its rarity and perceived potency, believed to be higher due to its natural growth and unique environmental conditions. Insam is often associated with vitality and prosperity, while Sansam holds a special significance as a symbol of purity and connection to nature. It embodies a connection to nature and the mountains, symbolizing purity, resilience, and vitality in Korean culture. Korea's climate and soil are well-suited for Insam cultivation, particularly in the mountainous regions of the Korean peninsula. Cultivating Insam is a labor-intensive process that requires specific environmental conditions and careful cultivation techniques. The best-quality Insam typically grows in shady, forested areas with well-drained soil. Harvesting Insam requires patience, as it can take several years for the roots to reach maturity. 

Over the years, Insam has become a sort of symbol of the country. It has been a valuable export product, loved by neighboring countries like China and Japan. Korean Insam's reputation for superior quality and potency has made it highly sought after in international markets, contributing significantly to Korea's trade and commerce. In the modern world, it’s now found and exported across the world in countries such as America. Insam continues to hold a special place in Korean culture and society. It is widely consumed in various forms, including teas, supplements, and health tonics. The demand for Korean Insam remains high both domestically and internationally, with the Korean government implementing strict regulations to protect its quality and authenticity.

Insam or ginseng is not merely an herb in Korean culture; it is a symbol of tradition, health, and prosperity deeply ingrained in the nation's history and identity. From its origins in ancient times to its modern-day significance, Insam remains a cherished and revered part of Korean heritage, embodying the country's rich cultural and medicinal legacy.

In my cultural post #2 I would like to talk about the Hungarian Parliament which is located in Budapest, on the Danube river. Without any exaggeration I can say that the building of the Hungarian parliament ranks among the World’s most uniquely designed and built parliaments in the World. It is my favorite building in Budapest by far, and whenever I go on a walk in the city center I always make sure that my route goes through the Parliament square. By the way, the picture that I am going to attach to this post was taken by me on one of these walks. 

Here is a brief but very important history of the Hungarian Parliament and its development from one of the official websites. “The Hungarian parliamentary assemblies had no permanent home for centuries and so a competition was held in the 1880s to find an architect to design the building of the  Parliament. The winner was Imre Steindl who designed the massive, neo-Gothic building of the Hungarian Parliament. Construction works began in 1885 and with the involvement of about 1000 people the building was inaugurated in 1896 when Hungary celebrated its 1000th anniversary. The building of the Parliament was fully completed in 1902 and sadly before the date its designer Imre Steindl became blind and died a little after.” (from https://dynamictours.hu/the-hungarian-parliament/)

The Hungarian Parliament is one of the largest parliamentary buildings in the world. Some other important technical details about the building worth keeping in mind are the dimensions. It has a length of 268 meters (879 feet), a width of 118 meters (387 feet), and its dome reaches a height of 96 meters (315 feet). Also, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the Danube embankments and the Buda Castle. The design of the Parliament mixes together various symbols and historical references, reflecting Hungary’s rich history and cultural heritage which, in my opinion, is one of the most significant parts about it. The building is adorned with statues of historical figures and mythical creatures, contributing to its symbolic importance. The Hungarian Parliament is not only a symbol of national identity and democracy but also serves as the legislative center for Hungary. It houses the offices of the National Assembly, the President of the Republic, and various parliamentary committees. Overall, the Hungarian Parliament Building is not only a political institution but also a cultural and architectural masterpiece that attracts visitors from around the world. That is one of the reasons when one thinks about Budapest, the Parliament’s image comes up… Well, to be honest, same for me!

Something I've encountered during my dive into Korean culture is their conscription policy. I've heard about countries requiring men to serve in the military but I did not realize that in many Asian countries, it is still a requirement. Conscription in South Korea has been around since 1957 and it requires  men who are aged 18 to 35 to perform at least 2 years of military service. although there are times when people get exempt from it;  typically anyone who is a male living in Korea would have to go through this process. An interesting note is that women are not required to serve, but they are allowed to if they want to voluntarily. One very interesting point to this is that even men who hold dual  Citizenship technically have to serve, which is why it is typical of younger Korean males to revoke their dual citizenship between the ages of 18 to 35 in order to avoid having to serve. A particular group of people, athletes typically who have either won  or have been runner-up in the Olympics or any type of Asian games are exempted from duty, but if they lose they typically still have to serve. When I first learned this I thought it was extremely harsh and I didn't really understand the purpose of it, although the more I read about it I started to understand the roots and ties behind these ideas. There is obvious concern between North Korea and South Korea so for National Security it makes complete sense for South Korea to support conscription. In addition to its value in keeping the country safe, There are also cultural values that are developed and moral values that are developed in these training years, even if you do not go to war you still learn a lot about life and about the culture of your country by serving. These are solid points that need to be taken into consideration when judging this requirement. To an American, it is very foreign to us in the current times to have a conscription of sorts but taking a step back and thinking about it from a different perspective allows you to understand why Korean conscriptions have been in effect for such a long time. Learning about this deepened my respect for military service, especially for international students who come to the United States after they serve their country. While there is support for conscription there are also a lot of people advocating for reforms and requesting changes within the system. The debate is so complex and it is an ongoing topic with in government and citizen relationships. I've enjoyed reading and learning about South Korean conscription because it deepens my understanding of the culture along with my understanding of Korean citizens. In my opinion, I definitely would agree to end the requirement although I am in support of keeping a strong defense, so even though I don't think it is moral to force people to serve I also understand where the concern and rationale is coming from behind these policies.

In my exploration of Korean culture, one of the most fascinating artifacts I've encountered is related to traditional Korean medicine. Rooted in centuries-old practices and influenced by Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, Korean medicine offers a holistic approach to healing that considers the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

One authentic artifact that embodies the essence of Korean medicine is the "Hanyak" (한약), or herbal medicine. These medicinal herbs, meticulously selected and combined according to ancient recipes and principles, have been used for generations to treat a wide range of ailments and promote overall well-being. From ginseng and licorice root to cinnamon and ginger, each herb serves a specific purpose in restoring balance and harmony within the body.

One particular herb that stands out is "Hongsam" (홍삼), or Korean red ginseng. Revered for its potent medicinal properties, Korean red ginseng is believed to boost immunity, improve stamina, and enhance cognitive function. It is often consumed in various forms, including teas, supplements, and extracts, and is considered a symbol of vitality and longevity in Korean culture.

Another fascinating aspect of Korean medicine is the practice of "Sasang Constitutional Medicine" (사상의학), which categorizes individuals into four distinct body types based on their inherent physical and psychological traits. By understanding one's constitutional type, practitioners of Sasang medicine can tailor treatments and therapies to address specific imbalances and promote optimal health.

Beyond herbal remedies, Korean medicine encompasses various therapeutic modalities such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping therapy, which are believed to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and restore equilibrium. These ancient techniques passed down through generations, continue to play a vital role in modern healthcare in Korea, complementing Western medicine and offering alternative treatment options for those seeking holistic care.

A couple days ago, I went out to eat at a Korean-Chinese restaurant called Ye-won. The Korean word for Chinese food is 중식 (jungsig). The fascinating part about this specific visit is that learned something new. That is, Korean-Chinese restaurants only sell Korean food. I was confused at first since I grew up thinking that Korean-Chinese restaurants were Korean restaurants that sell Chinese food, hence is the reason why you call it jungsig. Turns out that the food being sold is Korean but utilizes Chinese ingredients and style when making the food. My mind was blown after learning this as I lived my whole life thinking some of my most favorite dishes were Chinese.

            This discovery is actually a captivating part of Korean culinary history. I learned that Chinese immigrants would settle in Korean a couple hundred years ago, also bringing their culinary expertise with them. This led to the Korean-Chinese culinary tradition that exists today in many restaurants. Many Korean dishes nowadays have adopted Chinese ingredients and style. One prime example is jjajjangmyeon, which is actually one of my childhood favorite dishes (although many restaurants don’t make it as tasty anymore). Jjajjangmyeon has Chinese origins, but Korean has adopted it into its own culture and “Koreanized” it to make it one of the most famous comfort foods in Korea and America for Koreans.

            So essentially, you can consider it to be Korean-Chinese infused cuisine, but Koreans like to take credit for it because it is Koreans who transformed the cuisine into their own style and taste. This phenomenon has been my recent discovery that has rocked my understanding of Korean cuisine, culture, and history. I am looking forward to learning more about Korean culinary history.