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bernard Rowan

Korea's boys of summer

A lot of American media attention was focused last week on the Little League World Series Championship in Williamsport, Pa. The eventual champions from South Korea weren't the subject. It was the U.S. team, the Jackie Robinson West All-Stars from the Southside of Chicago. Their success story shows the power of urban youth against the odds.

2014-09-02 17:13

Catholicism in Korea

Pope Francis has made a historic trip to Korea. His successful visit signals the growing importance of Korea to the church. It also symbolizes the importance of Catholicism in Korea and Asia today. Korean Catholicism has a history dating to the late 18th century. Today, more than 10 percent of Koreans are Catholics. The Korean Catholic Church is growing. North Korea also has Catholics. According to Wikipedia, there are three archdioceses in Korea (Seoul, Daegu and Gwangju) and 15 dioceses, with over 1,800 parishes. The church has grown by 70 percent over the last decade. I want to share with...

2014-08-19 17:35

Korea and China today

Recently, Park Geun-hye hosted a successful state visit of President Xi Jinping. The Chinese President made several positive steps for cooperation. These proposals saw a positive reaction by President Park and observers in Korea. We should analyze this meeting and its results for evolving Sino-Korean relations, as well as regional and global politics. Korea and China have every reason to cooperate. As major trading partners and two of the region and world's largest economies, both countries gain by further aligning trade, working through barriers to increased commerce, and related matters.

2014-07-22 17:08

Long live the Seoul subway!

A sabbatical I enjoyed in Seoul remains one of my life’s best memories. I lived in Songpa-gu and worked with Korean colleagues and university students for six months. I relied upon the Seoul subway system everyday. It’s a massive and impressive example of Korean technology and an example to the world. This year marks its 40th anniversary. I caught the train at Gandong-gu Office Station near my apartment in Pungnapdong. The ride to Korea or Hanyang Universities took only one or two transfers. The fares were cheap (and still are!). Clean, modern, and cool (so wonderful during the rainy season)...

2014-07-08 17:04

By Bernard Rowan South Korea’s national soccer team, the Taegeuk Warriors, is playing in the World Cup for the ninth time. There’s hope for progress in their play on many fronts. Amid the summer of 2014, we should all pause to congratulate South Korea for continuing to develop a national commitment to this world sport.I have read stories criticizing the lack of national interest in soccer and the focus on playing a game in the aftermath of the Sewol tragedy. Maybe soccer in Korea doesn’t have the same national reaction as soccer in England or Spain, b...

2014-06-24 17:07

Marriage means two people!

Marriage in South Korea endures despite present-day challenges. Each year, couples tie the knot in ceremonies marked by celebration, the exchange of gifts, and promises uniting two people to create a family. Increasingly though, traditional notions of Korean marriage have changed. And to continue Korea's development as an advanced nation, her people need to accept and work with these changes for the good of women, men, and their families.

2014-06-10 17:08

Keep innovating cars

Advanced nations have leading global industries. South Korea can safely state that several of its industries, including shipbuilding, digital technology, nuclear technology, and electronics, have attained this status. As detailed in the publication "Korea's Economic Miracle," by the Korea Institute for Public Administration, Korea’s citizens have created so many valuable products that contribute to bettering the lives of peoples worldwide. The ability to organize her economic and social contexts for industry explains the reasons for this ascent.

2014-05-27 17:13

Ferry safety and South Korea

The tragedy that unfolded last week near Jindo continues to dominate the media and news in many nations. I have written a poem to say how I feel to conclude this column. However, as "Mugunghwa" intimates, we must look forward. I cannot but think the innocent lives lost call us to action.

2014-04-29 17:14

Saunas for good living

By Bernard Rowan Have you ever enjoyed a sauna in Korea? One less-heralded reason for Korea’s advancement as a civilization is saunas. Let me tell you why.Every society depends on a robust population of working-aged men and women to create the goods and services, income, and wealth that help and drive human achievement. At least that’s one way to look at what we do, day-in and day-out. Also, people of all ages need relaxation, cleansing, healing, and rest to preserve health and contribute their best in all walks of life.For example, Korea stresses &ldq...

2014-02-04 17:07

Taking care of the nation

One marker of Korea as an advanced nation is her appreciation for and cultivation of national treasures and important intangible cultural properties.

2014-01-21 17:12

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