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Mon, October 15, 2018 | 22:17

Opinion > Columnists > Bernard Rowan >

Enjoying Korean desserts

My experience of Korean desserts is minimal. I've decided Koreans don't focus on desserts, though there are some foods and drinks that need mention. Over time, multiplying bakeries and ice cream and frozen ice confectioneries has made this seem beside the point. However, I think Korean desserts form part of a healthy meal, when consumed with understanding.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-10-12 17:29

Gyeongju is for you!

When I visited Gyeongju, in North Gyeongsang Province, I was in the middle of my first visit to Korea. My best friend, about whom I've written, and a group of other Korean and American friends went with me for several days. We had a great time. As I recall, we stayed in a hotel built under the Korean Teachers Credit Union, which impressed me. We climbed Mt. Namsan. We enjoyed delicious seafood, including clams, in a nearby beach town, Gampo. We trekked to Seokguram and enjoyed the Bulguksa monastery.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-09-30 17:42

Enjoy Korea's national parks!

South Korea is home to many outstanding public parks. Each provides a wonderful springboard to discovering the wonders of nature, mountain climbing, and enjoying local and regional cultures. They also reflect the Korean people's dedication to preserving protected lands for generations to come.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-09-12 16:37

Eating out in Korea

Dining in Korea has many shapes, forms, and fashions. I'm sharing my experience about eating out as an education. I'm not a “foodie,” and art nouveau and other kinds of dining experiences have doubtlessly entered the scene. What I'm sure of is that Korean dining shows us a way to better health and happiness through friendship.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-08-28 17:50

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

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