South Korea’s population is aging rapidly and is facing significant challenges. In 2023, it had the second-highest life expectancy globally, yet it also recorded the lowest fertility rate in the world, at just 0.72 births per woman. This trend is expected to persist and worsen in the years ahead. By 2025, South Korea is projected […]
Aging population in Korea Read More »
The Dano Festival, a vibrant celebration that unites the past with the present, is nested in the heart of Korean cultural heritage. This festival, also known as the Surit-nal, is held yearly on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and provides a vivid window into Korea’s rich heritage, folklore, and sense of community.
Exploring the Dano Festival Read More »
Traditional attire is one way to convey a country’s social identity, and the Korean hanbok is no exception. As a type of costume that is much more than a beautiful garment, it not only symbolizes cultural beauty but also reveals the depth of Korean history. And these intriguing facets of hanbok might surprise you. I
Korea expats sometimes use Korea as a launching pad to living in other countries. One such country that has seen a fair share of former Korea expat English teachers is Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, has many veteran expats who once called Korea their home. Rooftop on the Hanok recently interview Rob
Life in Asia: Expat Life in Vietnam
An Interview with Rob Gee Read More »
A Guide for Ethnic Koreans and Foreigners One ritual approach to non-human ancestors Special to Rooftop on the Hanok, via Mad Sage Astrology Harvest moon festivals were a common activity amongst many cultures, and in South Korea the tradition persists today. South Koreans call their harvest moon festival Chuseok, and it’s a
Worshipping Ancestors on Korean Chuseok Read More »
Yeongjeongdo, or Yeongjeong island as it is called in English, is a part artificial island that is home to one of the world’s top international airports, Incheon International Airport. The island has rugged expanses, vast marshes and grasslands, secluded beaches, and spectacular views of the daily container ship traffic to the world’s busiest port.
Interview with John Cowie
Yeongjeong Island's Longtime Veteran Expat Read More »
A European friend had spent three months visiting Seoul a few years back. She had been to ancient palaces, historic districts, mountain peaks, and temples. She had even gotten a good tour of the city’s hipster meetups and youthful nightlife. She had a good feel for Korea and its cultural sites. But there was something
Namsan has long been a refuge from north Seoul’s crowded urban neighborhoods, offering Seoul residents and visitors forests, greenery, gardens, parks, and open space. Namsan is home to Namsan Park, a vast area that encompasses much of the small mountain. It is the largest civic park in Seoul and is divided into four districts:
Things to Do in Seoul: Namsan Park
5 Activities for Any Namsan Visitor Read More »
In a January 2020 post called Things You Probably Didn’t Know or Misunderstood about the Korean War, Christopher Burton wrote about the less known aspects of the Korean War. At the time, he had yet to complete the second article in the series. During summer of 2020, Burton wrote the final article. In September of
Things You Probably Didn’t Know or Misunderstood about the Korean War: Part 2 Read More »
Seosan is a small city in Chuncheongnamdo, a province south of Seoul. It is located near the coast of the Yellow Sea on the western side of the Korean peninsula. As a city with a population of about 175,000 people, it has a rural feel to it. The old city center has many old buildings,
Six Things to Do in Seosan Read More »
