14 Dec 2009, Posted by Matt in Historic Korea, Video, 6 Comments

Sampling Old Seoul in Bukchon

Here’s a video about the Seoul neighborhood of Bukchon (북촌), one of the last parts of Seoul where you can find a sizable number of traditional Korean homes, called hanok (한옥). The area is located between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Here’s a link to the original post on Seoul’s “north village.”

24 Nov 2008, Posted by Matt in Food & Drink, Historic Korea, Jeolla, 8 Comments

Jeonju’s Hanok Village (Part 2)

Although much of Jeonju’s Hanok Village (전주 한옥마을) is enjoying new construction, there are also rustic sections that retain significant charm.

(A version of this text aired on KBS World Radio on November 22, 2008.)

In Part 1, we explored some of the historic city of Jeonju’s favorite attractions. This time, we’ll taste some of its famous food.

Like most countries, Korea’s provinces tend to have some regional rivalries. But when it comes to food, people from Seoul down to Jeju Island agree that the nation’s best food is found in the Jeolla provinces. And it makes sense that Korea’s southwest corner, also known as the country’s rice-basket, would boast delicious cuisine.

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19 Nov 2008, Posted by Matt in Art & Culture, Best of DK.com, Historic Korea, Jeolla, 15 Comments

Jeonju’s Hanok Village (Part 1)

The Jeonju Hanok Village in North Jeolla Province is a great place to sample Korea’s traditional food, tea, paper-making and hanok architecture.

12 Nov 2008, Posted by Matt in Festivals & Holidays, Gyeongsang, Historic Korea, Nature, UNESCO Sites, 8 Comments

Andong’s Gorgeous Hahoe Village

Traditional-style homes like this one are preserved in Hahoe Maeul (하회마을), an historic clan village near the city of Andong in North Gyeongsang Province.

(A version of this text aired on KBS World Radio on November 1, 2008.)

As the Nakdong River winds its way through North Gyeongsang Province, nestled in one of its curves is a picturesque place called Hahoemaeul (하회마을), or Hahoe Village (pronounced: ha-hwae). Designated “Important Folklore Material No. 122” by the Korean government, Hahoe is where members of the Pungsan Ryu family have lived for many generations.

“Hahoe” means winding river, and the scenic combination of the river and Taebaek mountains mean the village is located in an auspicious location. Some say Hahoe is like a lotus floating on the water.

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28 Oct 2008, Posted by Matt in Historic Korea, Seoul, 17 Comments

Seoul’s North Village: Bukchon

A mom walks her brightly-clad, school-bound kids down an alley in Seoul’s historic Bukchon neighborhood. The modern Samseong Tower is in the distance.

(A version of this text aired on KBS World Radio on October 18, 2008.)

During the Joseon Dynasty, Seoul had both a north village and a south village. While the south village was home to lower ranking officials, the north village, called Bukchon (북촌), was built between Gyeongbuk and Changdeok palaces, and was historically home to high ranking palace officials.

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