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Wed, October 18, 2017 | 05:33

Opinion > Columnists > Bernard Rowan >

Have you ever visited Insa-dong? This district in Jongno-gu, Seoul, not far from the traditional villages of Namsangol, is a mecca for fans of Korean culture. Among the many places to visit in South Korea’s capital, I’d highly recommend Insa-dong.

Bernard Rowan | 2014-10-28 17:11

The charm offense

So, dear friends of Korea, North Korea's latest charm offensive is distinctly lacking in charm. The recent surprise visit by three high-ranking Pyongyang officials at the end of the Incheon Asian Games was mostly insincere. This ploy was a test simply to see South Korea and its allies' willingness to engage diplomatically. Let this call for talks fade into the archives of fake overtures.

Bernard Rowan | 2014-10-14 17:08

Thinking of Mt. Seorak

Autumn has arrived. Now we see the beautiful changing of seasons. Fading green leaves reveal beautiful, glowing colors. There is a cold nip in the air. Fall 2014 makes me think of Mt. Seorak. I hope many of us can climb it one day, if we haven’t already done so. Autumn also calls to mind the wonderful few times I climbed mountains in Korea with friends and the Korean practice of mountain-climbing.

Bernard Rowan | 2014-09-30 17:05

An advanced bullying machine?

The Korean military is an advanced force defending the South Korean people and sharing in the regional and global advance of democracy. Its members carry forward a tradition of excellence for the Korean people. In an era of regional instability with emerging flash points and the failed brother in Pyongyang, its mission is robust and ever important. The pivot to Asia means Korea’s military is growing in importance and responsibility.

Bernard Rowan | 2014-09-16 17:10

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.

Bernard Rowan | 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...

Bernard Rowan | 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.

Bernard Rowan | 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)...

Bernard Rowan | 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...

Bernard Rowan | 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.

Bernard Rowan | 2014-06-10 17:08

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Lunch with Navy sailors