Way of Life in Korea
Rather than defining a new national identity, this column asks what already exists.
이 칼럼은 ‘한국이라는 국가 브랜드’를 새로 규정하는 대신, 이미 존재하는 한국적 삶의 방식이 무엇인지 질문한다.
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Two Neighbors, Two Narratives: Korea and Japan as Brands
Korea and Japan are neighbors with shared history, familiar aesthetics, and constant cultural exchange: yet their national branding paths evolved differently. This essay explores why.
한국과 일본은 가깝지만 서로 다른 브랜드 정체성을 가지고 있다. 음식, 언어, 산업 구조, 문화적 리듬이 그 차이를 어떻게 만들었는지 살펴본다.
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On Hahoe Village and the Depth of Stillness
하회 마을과 고즈넉함에 대하여 There’s a word in Korean—고즈넉함 (goznokahm)—that doesn’t quite translate into English. It’s a kind of peaceful stillness, one that feels full rather than empty. Quiet, but rich with meaning. It’s the kind of silence where time slows. A hanok’s wooden floors creaking in the afternoon sun. The distant sound of wind…
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The Most Korean Streetscape
When I think about the most authentic Korean streetscape, it’s not the sleek landmarks designed by world-renowned architects, nor the hanoks, which, while cherished, are few in number. It’s the villas—the low-rise, multi-family buildings that have shaped Seoul’s residential fabric since the 1970s. Unlike high-rise apartment complexes, which feel closed off from the streets, villas…
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The Evolution of Art Galleries in Korea: A Brief History
The history of art galleries in Korea is a fascinating journey that reflects the country’s cultural development and its complex relationship with both traditional and modern art forms. Early Beginnings Prior to the 20th century, Korea didn’t have formal art galleries as we know them today. Art was primarily displayed in palaces, temples, and the…
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Rethinking Korea’s Global Brand: What We’re Missing About Ourselves
An Anthropological Perspective on Culture, Identity, and Storytelling I recently came across an insightful interview with Pauline Brown, former North American Chairman at LVMH, in Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo. In it, she describes Korea’s explosive global popularity — through K-Pop, K-Dramas, and K-Beauty — as akin to “sweet candy,” beloved globally yet at risk of losing momentum unless…
