Heading east from Jamsil Station in Seoul, you’ll discover Bangi-dong Food Alley. Situated east of Seokchon Lake, this street offers a variety of restaurants, with a particular abundance of excellent barbecue places. On a day when a satisfying lunch for a group of around 20 people was in order near Jamsil Station, exploring Bangi-dong Food Alley led us to a ...

When reading books written by Buddhist monks, there is often a sense of lightness that comes over the reader, as if the heavy heart has been lifted. It might be because the books authored by those leading a contemplative and simple life convey messages that are more concise, mindful of whitespace, and bring a sense of lightness compared to books ...

Robert Burton, the author in question, is a Renaissance-era writer who lived approximately 400-500 years ago. Given this historical context, it’s quite rare to encounter the works of such an author in the present day. “Renaissance-era Writer, Robert Burton” Robert Burton lived from 1577 to 1640, placing him 13 years after the renowned playwright Shakespeare, but he outlived Shakespeare by ...

Jo Se-hee’s novel “The Small Ball Launched by the Slingshot” can be introduced as a significant work in the history of Korean literature. It is frequently mentioned in textbooks, and readers often encounter it when exploring literature. Personally, I believe I have come across this book at least three times. I encountered it in high school or earlier, naturally coming ...

As I entered the second semester of my senior year in college, there was something unavoidable – the pressure of “employment.” Eventually, facing graduation, I ended up submitting job applications to various companies. Whether it was because my major was in humanities rather than business, or the job market conditions were unfavorable, or my skills were lacking, I received more ...

As I approached the second semester of my senior year in college, there was an inevitable pressure – the impending reality of “employment.” Eventually, as graduation loomed, I found myself submitting job applications to various companies. Whether it was due to my major not being in business, the challenging job market, or my own skills being lacking, I received more ...

During the last semester before graduation, I had the opportunity to explore various works by different authors through a course called “Understanding Ecological Literature” at Sungkyunkwan University’s Department of English Literature. While I wished to read all the books in their original language, time constraints due to both coursework and job preparation led me to frequently rely on translated versions. ...

Originally, the term “specs (Spec)” was. used for objects rather than people. It is. an abbreviation for “Specification,” referring to a detailed technical description of an object or product. The concept of “specs” related to individuals gained popularity, and it became a common term in the job market atmosphere of the early 2010s. “The prevalent use of the term ‘specs’ ...

The original title of the book written by Mark Haddon is “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.” Although it is written in English, the book is not too thick, and most of the words used are commonly encountered, making it a light and enjoyable read. I came across this book during my time as a student in ...

One of Seoul’s most renowned tourist destinations, especially well-known internationally, is the vibrant neighborhood of Insadong. It attracts artists who make sure to stop by and purchase souvenirs when they come to Seoul for concerts. Insadong exudes a distinctly Korean atmosphere, adorned with diverse Korean signs throughout the streets and shops selling unique and antique items. It’s a place where ...

Henry David Thoreau’s book “Walden,” written by the author Henry David Thoreau, is considered a must-read and is often listed as essential reading, especially for college students. Personally, I first encountered this book during my college years. There was a course at Sungkyunkwan University’s Department of English Literature called “Understanding Ecological Literature,” and it was through that course that I ...

While Jeonju is renowned for its hanok villages, you can also explore various hanok villages in Seoul. Notable examples include the iconic Bukchon Hanok Village, and there’s also the charming Namsangol Hanok Village. Additionally, you can discover other places like Seochon Hanok Village and Ikseondong Hanok Village. Each is referred to as a hanok village, yet each exudes a different ...