Korea, as told by a Korean
I grew up with these stories — the history, the myths, the places most people never find. This is my way of sharing them
What I Write About
History, myths, language, and the places in between. Told by someone who actually grew up in Korea
There’s a side of Korea that doesn’t make it into guidebooks. That’s what this is about
Admiral Yi Sun-sin: The Hero Betrayed by His Own Country
Western naval historians have called him the equal of Nelson — some have said he was greater. What almost none of them mention is this: the war that nearly broke Admiral Yi Sun-sin wasn’t fought only against Japan. It was fought against his own government. Every Korean kid learns the same version of this story…
What Does Gungnyul Mean? Korea’s Unwritten National Rule, Explained
What does gungnyul mean? It’s the kind of word you pick up fast if you spend any time around Koreans, usually somewhere between someone shouting “beer is gungnyul!” over fried chicken and you nodding along without fully understanding why that’s a rule at all. My friends still say it constantly. Order chicken, and someone will…
Why Are There So Many Kims in Korea? A Korean Explains a Very Literal Proverb
Why are there so many Kims in Korea? It’s one of those questions that people notice long before they ever look up the answer — usually somewhere between watching a K-drama and wondering how three different characters ended up with the same last name. Ask someone who grew up here, though, and you’ll probably get…
See what catches your eye
Begin with what draws you in: a forgotten story, a local saying, a hidden place, or a piece of Korean history.
