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Fri, April 27, 2018 | 03:59

Opinion > Columnists > Kim Ji-myung >

Changing traditions

During Korea’s Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), women of decent families would spend most of their adult lives in the service of others ― entertaining guests and overseeing ancestral rituals called ``jesa.” These two vocations were a housewife’s most visible roles, on top of cooking and caring for one’s husband and children.

Kim Ji-myung | 2012-01-20 16:10

Talking with a rich Muslim

Three weeks ago I had an opportunity to meet and chat with an Egyptian businessman at a conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali.

Kim Ji-myung | 2011-12-23 17:24

An unknown hallyu ― ’homi’

Recently, I was surprised to find that “homi” are sold on Amazon.com. Not surprisingly, the online shopping site doesn’t call it homi, opting instead for ``Korean-style hand plow” or the ``EZ-digger.” What is surprising, however, is the effusive praise from the homi’s many satisfied customers from around the world.

Kim Ji-myung | 2011-11-25 17:10

Many layers of cultural heritage

Sometimes it’s surprising what you can see with fresh eyes. Upon arriving at Incheon International Airport after a trip abroad, I’ve noticed that Seoul can look different, new and even exotic.

Kim Ji-myung | 2011-10-28 18:05

As an organic farming villager

Almost 30 years ago I started cultivating some land in a small farming village called Joan-myeon, about 35 kilometers northeast of Seoul. Some 13 years ago, I settled there. While I don’t claim to be a farmer, I spend an average of three hours per week seeding, watering and weeding. Perhaps I could classify myself an amateur farmer.

Kim Ji-myung | 2011-09-30 17:15

A country within a country

With luck, as one of the 28 final candidates Jeju could be selected as one of the New7Wonders of Nature in November. UNESCO already designated Jeju as a Biosphere Reserve in 2002, a World Natural Heritage site in 2007 and a Global Geopark in 2010. Obviously, Jeju has exceptional and unique natural conditions.

Kim Ji-myung | 2011-09-02 17:30

Serene cities and safe homes

It is like meeting an old lover again when a tourist revisits places like Paris, Rome or Interlaken after many years. People usually have vivid memories of their first visits ― the serene streets bathed in sunshine, the brisk early morning air of that season, the warm aroma of fresh bread and coffee, the murmuring noises of the market, the mixed sounds from local peoples’ daily living. Almost without exception, these places are now somewhat disappointing, flooded by people from all over the world.

Kim Ji-myung | 2011-08-05 16:53

Rediscovering Jeong-dong

Few people know that central Seoul’s Jeong-dong neighborhood was called the “Foreign Settlement” or “European Settlement” in the late 1880s by its English-speaking residents. Today, this charming area is garnering attention as the public rediscovers its political and cultural significance.

Kim Ji-myung | 2011-07-08 16:59

A village of 100 museums

By Kim Ji-myung The small town of Yeongwol in Gangwon Province held an unusual international meeting of more than 130 scholars and experts from 20 countries on Korean studies, environment, design and museums in May. The former coal mining town hopes to change its identity. The county government renamed the town to “Young World” in English, so it is similar sounding to its original Korean name. Its dream is to become a cultural place with a clean environment and many spots to visit, full of stories, historic sites, and mainly museums. To most Koreans, the region reminds them of the...

Kim Ji-myung | 2011-06-10 17:53

Owner of cultural heritage

Until 1995 diplomatic corps stationed in Seoul sat through national ceremonies without understanding much of what was going on around them.

Kim Ji-myung | 2011-05-13 18:30

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Missile attack on Syria