Fo many Koreans, one of the most comforting parts of life is the ondol, the heated floor system that warms homes from the ground up. In winter, nothing feels better than sitting on a warm floor with a blanket and a cup of tea. Many visitors are surprised by how even and gentle the warmth feels compared to radiators or blow heaters.
Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., and it always reminds me of how much it feels like Chuseok, Korea’s major harvest holiday. Both traditions center on family gatherings, sharing food, and expressing gratitude. Even the atmosphere is similar—busy kitchens, traveling to see loved ones, and favorite comfort dishes that only taste right on this day.
South Korea is increasingly focusing on 문화 (munhwa – culture) as a new driver of growth. In 2024, cultural exports—including 웹툰 (webtoon), 문학 (munhak – literature), 미용 (miyong – beauty), and food products—generated over $10 billion.
Update 7/13/2013 Follow-up article to the OZ 214 crash.
An interesting article about Korea’s hierarchical culture and what role that could have played in the crash of Asiana Flight 214. The article presents several different opinions on the topic and is worth a read.
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