bookicooki

King Sejong created a writing system that anyone could easily learn. In this post, we explore the background, principles, and historical journey of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. The Creator of Hangul Hangul was created by King Sejong, the fourth ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. Before its invention, Koreans had to use Chinese characters, which were difficult to learn. King Sejong was deeply concerned that common people couldn’t express themselves in writing. So in 1443, he devised a new writing system, and in 1446, it was officially published under the name Hunminjeongeum . Hunminjeongeum means “the correct sounds for the instruction of the people.” The name itself shows that the writing system was designed with a practical purpose—to help the people. While King Sejong led its creation, scholars from the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon) helped organize and refine it. King Sejong is remembered as a ruler who pursued equality in language through his compassion for the people. The...

When my child fell ill, I cooked samgyetang to comfort her—and found comfort for myself too. More than just food, samgyetang is a bowl of warmth and care, especially during Korea’s hottest days. This post introduces Korea’s beloved summer health soup and how to make it at home. Samgyetang – Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup for the Hottest Days Just a few days ago, our younger child came down with a fever—39.5°C. She was coughing all night, throwing up, and too tired to eat even her favorite treats. She usually loves jelly and chocolate, but this time, she refused everything. I ended up making samgyetang to help bring back her appetite. Thankfully, she took a few bites, and that alone was comforting. While caring for her, I was also exhausted myself. I needed something nourishing too. Chicken is easy to get, reasonably priced, and something kids enjoy, so it felt like the right choice. Cooking didn’t feel like a chore this time—it felt like love. Why Do Koreans Eat Samgyetang in...

It was an unexpected day. My child caught a cold and couldn’t go to preschool, which turned my schedule upside down as well. But sometimes, an unplanned day reminds us of the things we’ve taken for granted—and gently gives us a moment to reflect and be thankful. But My Child Wasn't So Lucky Last night, my younger one was unusually fussy and kept coughing in their sleep. I hoped for a normal morning, but they ended up vomiting their breakfast. I had given them a fever reducer at dawn, but their temperature hadn’t dropped much. I knew I’d be spending the day at home with them. Days like this remind me how precious an ordinary routine is. On our way back from the clinic, I stopped by the market to get something for my child who had barely eaten. Despite feeling under the weather, the market’s sights and snacks lifted their spirits a bit. We shared a cold slushie, sweet hotteok, and freshly steamed corn—just enough to fill our tummies and our hearts. Old Sayings Still Speak...

On days when the heat feels suffocating and your appetite disappears, nothing beats a refreshing plate of Korean cucumber kimchi, Oi Sobagi. Crisp on the outside, flavorful on the inside—this is the summer dish that keeps your chopsticks moving! Crisp and Flavorful – The Charm of Oi Sobagi, a Korean Summer Kimchi It’s the height of summer in Korea. These days, it’s so, so, so—so hot that I don’t even want to step outside. You instantly understand the phrase “can’t breathe from the heat.” When it’s this hot, I lose my appetite and feel sluggish. That’s exactly when Oi Sobagi becomes the perfect side dish! There are a few kinds of kimchi that remind me of summer, but my absolute favorite is Oi Sobagi. The signature crunch of cucumber, the refreshing taste, and the gentle umami flavor—this dish has it all. I actually make it year-round, not just in summer… but let’s keep that between us. Hehe. It might feel like a lot of work—salting the cucumbers and making the stuffing—bu...

I wanted to share the beauty of hanok, so I’ve chosen three historical K-dramas to introduce. These shows feature not only traditional houses but also beautiful hanbok, Korean aesthetics, and unforgettable stories. I’m genuinely excited to recommend them, and I hope this post brings you joy as well! Discover the Essence of Korean Tradition through Historical Dramas Back in school, I didn’t do well in history or world history. It just felt so difficult at the time. But as an adult, historical stories have become fascinating. Now I really enjoy watching period dramas. Especially in historical K-dramas, hanok and hanbok are such a treat for the eyes. Seeing people live, eat, and fall in love under tiled roofs reminds me that human stories aren’t all that different through time. And in those scenes, I often notice the beauty of Korea’s past, so much more connected to nature. These days, it’s not easy to come across hanok even in Korea. Though most of what we see in dramas are...

There’s something about hanok that slows me down—in the best way. Last week, I read a book about traditional Korean houses, and it brought back memories of the hanok I’ve personally visited. Today, I’d love to share three places where I once sat on a wooden floor, felt the breeze, and let the world quiet down—Jeonju, Andong, and Damyang. How have you been? Life with two kids keeps me busy, but I’m grateful that my oldest and I have a weekly ritual of going to the library. That little pocket of quiet time has become something I look forward to. Last week, I picked up a picture book about hanok and was reminded of just how thoughtful and wise the structure of these homes is. And then, memories began to surface—places I’d been, marus I’d sat on, breezes I’d listened to in silence. So today, I want to share three hanok destinations that still live gently in my memory. Jeonju Hanok Village – The Streets I Still Remember Many people know Jeonju Hanok Village as a popula...