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
North Korea Language Law: Where Talking Like a South Korean Is a Crime
In August 2024, months before most Americans had ever heard of North Korea language law, its leader stood before flood victims and gave a speech. Nothing especially unusual there. What caught people’s attention, according to residents who later spoke to Radio Free Asia, was the language he used. He opened by addressing the flood victims…
Jangsan Tiger: The Korean Urban Legend That Mimics Your Voice
Here’s the rule, and it’s the only rule: if you’re hiking in the mountains around Busan and you hear a woman crying somewhere off the trail — don’t go help her. I know. It sounds heartless. But every Korean who’s spent time on the internet in the last fifteen years will tell you the same…
Dapjeongneo: The Korean Word for a Question That Was Never Really a Question
Let me reenact dapjeongneo — the conversation that happens somewhere in Korea approximately four million times a day. Me: “What do you want to eat?” My friend: “Anything’s fine.” Me: “Pork belly BBQ?” Friend: “Mmm… feels a little heavy today.” Me: “Galbi?” (marinated ribs — trust me, nobody turns down galbi) Friend: “Had that yesterday,…
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.
