What has changed over 30 years of democracy in Korea?
30 years ago this week, on January 14th 1987, a Seoul University Student Park Jong Cheol died in police custody
Read More30 years ago this week, on January 14th 1987, a Seoul University Student Park Jong Cheol died in police custody
Read MoreThe tomb of Yeonsangun (r.1494-1506), the most infamous king of the Joseon period, is modest and low key. His father King
Read MoreThis month we visited Namwon in North Jeolla province. Namwon’s claim to fame is that it is the hometown of
Read MoreThis year is the Year of the red monkey (Fire Monkey), the 9th animal in the zodiac. And people born
Read MoreGanghwado is the island where, according to Korean myth, the country was founded way back in 2333 BC. So the
Read MoreI was in Kyobo Bookstore and saw this greeting card nuzzled in amongst the Christmas cards. On the front is
Read MoreWe stayed for one night and I was determined to experience all the things that Andong is famous for. The hanok house experience, jimddak (chicken cooked in a soy-based soup) and Andong soju.
Read MoreThe first English translation of the records from the reign of the founder of Joseon. So it’s a fantastic opportunity to really get a sense of the first few years of the new dynasty in the late 14th century.
Read MoreKing Yeongjo was the longest reigning monarch in the Joseon period (r.1724 -1776) but his rise to the throne was controversial.
Read MoreIn this second post on Joseon kings in historical drama we start with the tyrannical Yeonsangun who appears in the first episodes of Jewel in the Palace.
Read Morewho are the court ladies in Jewel in the Palace and what is their role and status in the Joseon Court? And how does Jang Geum break all these rules?!
Read MoreIn this post I find out more about the reign of King Jungjong and the historical events that are dramatised in Jewel in the Palace
Read MoreIt’s a rocky start to the Joseon period with nine kings in just over 100 years! And THREE of them
Read MoreFrom warriors, bookworms, and ladies men, to tyrants, usurpers, and cowards. In this guide to the kings of Joseon find
Read MoreToday is Independence Movement Day. It commemorates the declaration of independence from Japanese colonial rule that took place on March
Read MoreThe modern buildings in Gangnam encroach on the Royal Tombs of the Joseon world. But for me, the juxtaposition of old and
Read MoreWednesday June 6 is Memorial Day 현충일 (顯忠日 hyeonchung-il) in Korea and a national holiday. Bukaksan, the mountain behind the Blue House (the
Read MoreThis is the memorial day service for all the Joseon kings held at Jongmyo , the Royal Ancestral Shrine for the Joseon
Read Moreupdated Aug 2018 The tomb of King Sejong the Great (Yoengneung) is in Yeoju, about an hour away from Seoul
Read MoreAdd to the growing list of Korean historical dramas and Joseon Kings
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