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bernard Rowan

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

S. Korea as regional leader

This column concerns South Korea's status and efforts as a regional leader. I think Korea has the interests and abilities to serve as a critical force in preserving peace within the region. I also think doing so advances Korea's interests as a nation, economy and society. However, doing so implies certain of the present administration's stances are counterproductive.

2019-10-08 17:18

Customer service in S. Korea

Good customer service is disappearing. I think democracies would rank among those places. We just can't get past ourselves to imagine we'd serve someone. It isn't about servility or servitude, groveling or self-humiliation. It's extending active and considerate regard for customers as people. Among the countries I've visited, South Korea has displayed good customer service to me. I'd like to share some of my experiences and related observations in this column.

2019-09-24 18:06

Japan isn't the devil

I'm worried by the current, growing division between Japan and Korea. I don't think it furthers the South Korean national interest. It reduces regional peace, commerce and security. I'm a foreigner and American - and a friend of Korea. The following are sincere concerns.

2019-09-10 17:02

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