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Tue, August 21, 2018 | 04:14

Opinion > Columnists > Bernard Rowan >

State of Korean traditional music

These days, gugak, Korean traditional music, has experienced something of a renaissance. There are several prominent artists. Consumers of Korean culture can enjoy various performances, recordings, and online videos. We can savor a taste of Korea's ancient past and keep it alive today!

Bernard Rowan | 2018-08-14 18:04

Preserving forestland

Encyclopedia Britannica says Korea is home to about 4,500 species of trees. Oddly, this mighty publication states South Korea's “original forest has disappeared.” Probably this statement is true for much of the industrialized world, but it doesn't tell the full story of South Korea's forests today.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-07-31 17:19

Make human rights a priority

Before the historic Kim-Trump summit, human rights figured to be on its agenda. Various mentions in the media and officials' statements highlighted the issue of returning soldiers' remains to the United States and to Japan. But it didn't happen. Human rights pale by comparison with the hard power of weapons and sanctions. This silence speaks volumes about the talks and their context. Let's take a look at human rights and the Korean Peninsula.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-07-17 17:36

More people today know Korea as a place of pop bands that drive the Korean wave. Fewer recognize Korea as a place to cultivate jazz. This form of music, celebrated by American scholar Cornel West as the music of freedom and democracy, has devotees worldwide, but has emerged in Korea's major cities only over the last 50 years or so. Today, the enthusiast can enjoy jazz in Seoul, Busan and other places. There are also several major festivals and well-known Korean jazz musicians.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-07-06 17:55

How to beat summer heat

We'll soon be on the three dog days of the Korean summer, known by the words “sambok” or “boknal.” They are July 17, July 27 and Aug. 16. Chobok, joongbok, and malbok recall the cycle of Korean agriculture and respect for the seasons.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-06-19 17:07

Endangered animals and peace

This week, I'm writing about some of the animals on South Korea's endangered species list to consider how South Korea might further its excellence as an advanced nation around environmental development. I read the DMZ, a site of much recent interest (and long-standing), is itself an excellent habitat for endangered species. I want to say something about why animals matter more than humans think they do.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-06-06 18:30

Remembering Pungnap 2-dong

I lived in Seoul for six months or so some years ago, and my memories of my time there remain vivid and fond. Living in a neighborhood was an educational and enjoyable experience for me, however brief. Neighborhood life buzzed and teemed most hours of the day, and the density of businesses and signs of economic and social life impressed me.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-05-22 17:20

The Korean rose

Spring is a time when I think of Korea's national flower, the mugunghwa, or the Korean rose, even though the shrub doesn't yet bloom. The wonderful flowers remind me of Korea's beauty. Common today outside of Asia, this national flower's history and life say a lot about Korea. Let's talk a bit about the Korean rose.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-05-08 17:46

Going to the birds!

South Korea is a beautiful country, and citizens take pride in the environment. Nevertheless, advancement compromises the health of Korea's bird species _ among others. The effects of the country's development and advancement miracle need new miracles. Or perhaps changed habits. South Korea now ranks high among polluting countries, even if much of the pollution amounts to dust. It's not all from China, and it's harming man and nature, including Korea's birds.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-05-02 16:42

Summit world and Korea

It's spring in the Northern Hemisphere, or at least getting to be spring! A scan of news articles shows it's also summit world with Trump on parade. U.S. President Donald Trump may have or will have or won't have summits with, variously, Arab League nations, other American nations including Cuba, faith leaders in Washington, and Vladimir Putin. There's little like summits to raise public awareness of issues and promote a leader's diplomatic goals and personal style. The same goes for a planned summit in May with Kim Jong-un.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-04-10 17:33

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