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Why Tigers Never Disappeared from Korean Culture

After disappearing from the Dangun myth, what role did the tiger come to play in Korean culture? This essay explores how the tiger survived not in legend, but in everyday language—through proverbs—revealing how Korean ways of thinking and cultural memory have been preserved over time. If the previous article examined the story of the bear and the tiger in the Dangun myth, this piece takes us to what comes next. In the myth, the bear becomes human, while the tiger ultimately fails and vanishes from the story. Yet intriguingly, the tiger never disappears from Korean culture. Instead, in the centuries following the myth, the tiger lives on in proverbs—embedded in everyday language as a way of explaining how the world works. This essay is written to explore precisely that transformation. Where Did the Tiger Go After Being Excluded from the Myth? In the Dangun myth, the tiger is a being that fails to become part of civilization. Unable to endure the taboo, it is excluded fr...
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Korea’s Founding Story: The Myth of Dangun, the Bear and the Tiger

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A Brief Overview of the Dangun Myth Often regarded as Korea’s founding narrative, the Dangun myth explains the origins of the Korean people and the birth of Gojoseon, the earliest Korean kingdom. It was not written as a historical record, but passed down orally through generations before being recorded during the Goryeo period. Within this story appear Hwanung, who descends from heaven, a bear and a tiger seeking to become human, and Dangun, the founder of the first Korean state. The contrasting choices made by the bear and the tiger are commonly interpreted as symbols of patience and self-discipline. Because of this, the Dangun myth is considered a key cultural foundation for understanding Korean identity and worldview. Today, it is generally read not as literal history, but as a symbolic account of national origins. Personally, I find the founding ideal within this story especially meaningful, as it encourages reflection on becoming a better person. The Dangu...
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Korean Chili Peppers – Types, Spice Levels, and Hidden Health Benefits

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Last spring, we planted 12 chili pepper seedlings on our rooftop garden. It was fascinating to watch how the spice and texture changed depending on the weather. Today, let’s explore five popular types of Korean peppers you can easily find in stores, along with their surprising health benefits. 🔎 Korean Chili Peppers at a Glance Main types: green chili peppers (putgochu), Cheongyang peppers, crunchy cucumber peppers, shishito peppers, and red chili peppers Spice levels: Cheongyang peppers are the spiciest. Green chilies and shishito peppers can sometimes be mildly spicy, while cucumber peppers are generally not hot. Red chili peppers vary in heat depending on the variety. Nutrition highlights: rich in vitamin C, contain antioxidants, and include capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat Calories: generally low in calories at around 30 kcal per 100 g, making them easy to enjoy without much bur...
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Korean Names – Name Structure, Meaning, and Trends

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Korean names reflect the structure of family and given names, the meanings of Hanja characters, and the influence of different time periods. This post explains how Korean names are formed, what meanings the characters carry, and how naming trends have changed across generations. Korean Name Summary Korean names usually consist of a one-syllable family name and a two-syllable given name, and in many cases, Hanja characters are used to convey meaning. Parents often choose Hanja by considering the meanings and wishes they want the name to carry. Naming trends have changed over time, with softer-sounding names becoming more popular in recent years. 1. Structure – Family Name, Given Name, and Generational Tradition A typical Korean name has one syllable for the family name and two or sometimes three syllables for the given name. Although simple at first glance, these few characters carry deeper meanings. In many families, names include a generatio...
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Hangul – Why King Sejong Created It, How It Works, and How It Survived History

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King Sejong created Hangul so that ordinary people could easily read and write. This post explains why Hangul was created, the scientific principles behind its design, and how it developed into the writing system used today. Creator: King Sejong (created in 1443, published in 1446) Principles: consonants mimic speech organs; vowels reflect heaven, earth, and human History: limited early use → revival in the 1900s → suppression under Japanese rule → official script after 1945 The Creator of Hangul – King Sejong Hangul was created by King Sejong, the fourth ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. Before Hangul, Chinese characters were mainly used in Joseon, a system that was difficult for ordinary people to learn. King Sejong was deeply concerned that common people could not express their thoughts through writing, and in response, he designed a new writing system in 1443. It was officially proclaimed in 1446 under the name Hunminjeongeum . Hunminjeongeum me...
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Why Koreans Eat Samgyetang in Summer – Meaning, Recipe, and Calories

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This post explores the meaning of Boknal, the origins of samgyetang, and how to make it at home. A bowl of samgyetang, prepared for a sick child, carried both care for recovery and the quiet wisdom of enduring the hottest days. Here, I introduce one of Korea’s most beloved summer health foods. Samgyetang – A Bowl for Getting Through Korea’s Hottest Days 🍲 Samgyetang at a Glance Why Koreans eat it in summer: Based on Yi-yeol-chi-yeol —fighting heat with heat What is Boknal? The three hottest days of the year: Chobok, Jungbok, and Malbok Benefits: High in protein, boosts energy, supports immunity, gentle on digestion Samgyetang vs Baeksuk: With ginseng it’s samgyetang; without it, baeksuk Cooking basics: Clean the chicken, stuff the ingredients, simmer for over an hour Calories: About 700–900 kcal per bowl (half portion recommended on low-activity days) Note: Ginseng is not recommended for children under 36 months J...
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Why Koreans Say “Dogs Don’t Catch Summer Colds” – Meaning, Samgyetang, and Tips

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Summer colds often occur when immunity drops due to excessive air conditioning and sudden temperature changes. When my child unexpectedly caught a summer cold, my day also unfolded differently than planned. In this post, I take a closer look at the meaning behind a Korean proverb about summer colds, why samgyetang is loved as a nourishing summer dish, and simple preventive habits that can be practiced in everyday life. ⭐ Summer Colds at a Glance (FAST-ANSWER) What is a summer cold? A type of cold that often occurs when immunity drops due to excessive air conditioning, sudden temperature changes, or dehydration. Meaning of the proverb The saying “Dogs don’t catch summer colds” does not mean people cannot get sick in summer. It is a humorous warning that colds caught during hot weather should be taken more seriously. Key idea – Iyeol Chiyeol A traditional Korean concept meaning “fight heat with he...
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