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bernard Rowan

I don't know about you, but I still struggle with chopsticks. They fall between my fingers. I can't pick up an egg. I've improved over the years, but I still drop food on occasion. And I think Korean chopsticks are the hardest to use. Let's talk about chopsticks and Korea a bit.

2020-02-25 17:16

Wuhan coronavirus panic

The Chinese people and the world remain gripped by panic about the Wuhan virus. A virulent strain of coronavirus, referring to the shape of the virus' molecules, the Wuhan virus has stricken tens of thousands and killed nearly a thousand so far. The overreaction outside China concerns me.

2020-02-11 18:07

China's influence on S. Korea

It's hardly an easy matter. South Korea's position as a middle power between China and the United States I mean. It's not easy to navigate a nation and society between two powerful rivals. I want to talk about the influence of China on South Korea in the present context. It's a presence that poses challenges and opportunities.

2020-01-28 17:34

I'd like to discuss Korean ceremonies held during the winter months: Seollal, Daeboreum and what I'll call the new gwageo (study for civil service exams). The first two represent the lunar calendar and Korea's family and agricultural traditions. I'm sure the latter will surprise. However, winter is a time of hunkering down for academic and other pursuits. Let's explore Korean New Year's customs and the civil service exams.

2020-01-14 17:50

Durumi and the elders

The words of the song, “Auld Lang Syne,” written by the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, tell me something atypical this year. I'm thinking of the elders' return to self-sufficiency, a goal worthy of invigorated national efforts in 2020, including in South Korea. I'm thinking Korea's elders represent the beautiful red-capped crane or durumi.

2019-12-31 17:38

When I played the clarinet in high school, the concert band often performed a Korean folk song. This was long before I thought anything about Korea, made lifelong Korean friends, understood the Korean struggle for democracy, or visited Korea. But the song remained with me, as it's a different form of harmony imprinted on my memory. I later learned the song's proper title.

2019-12-17 17:48

Korean textiles

Korean textiles are beautiful and special keepsakes for me. Of many forms and varieties, I'd like to share a few thoughts about my experience of fabrics and patterns. Arguably an important part of any culture, Korean textiles also tell us a lot about Korea and her society. When I visit Korea, I marvel at vivid colors that decorate so many Korean palaces, buildings, artworks, and designs. Beautiful colors, bright and subdued hues, and interesting patterns mark Korean textiles. These days, many depictions of bojagi or wrapping clothes appear online, in Insadong and other art haunts of Seoul an...

2019-12-03 17:23

Korean military service

Recently, I read The Korea Times and took note of an article about two famous performers from Big Bang finishing their military service. I enjoyed and thought apt the story of Taeyang and Daesung's completion ceremony. Many adoring fans showed up, and the two pop idols paid their proper respects. They appear as fine examples of young Korean gentlemen serving their nation in defense and vigilant security readiness. Security and freedom need nothing less.

2019-11-19 17:40

Respect for parents

By Bernard RowanRooted in many cultural bases, including Confucianism, respect for parents ranks high among Korean values. Hyodo in Korean and xiao shun in Chinese, it forms one pillar of society and conditions all relations indirectly. Similar relations bind “juniors” and “seniors,” students and teachers, and subordinates and supervisors. We should show respect and regard for those who come before us and whom we succeed.One should respect one's elders, both in childhood and adulthood. Children should extend piety in recognizing parental views on important subjects, f...

2019-11-05 16:45

Korean chestnuts

I don't know about you, but I find myself missing Korea in autumn. When I lived there, my favorite season was this time of year. The environment cools, the trees show such radiant colors, and all the harvest festivals, grand and pastoral, captivate residents and visitors alike. Among my cherished memories is when I stood huddled on a cold night in Seoul near a street vendor selling chestnuts. I bought some chestnuts in a paper container and ate them on the spot. The smell and taste remain to carry me forward to another taste in the future!

2019-10-22 17:27

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