Copyright infringement. Intellectual property rights. In a sentence? They don't exist. Koreans have historically done an exceptional job at innovation. Throughout the well-documented portion of Korea's ancient history lies a common theme: Koreans can do it, and they can do it better than you. Let's take a look at the first portion of that theme. This train of thought can be likened to America's "inalienable rights" creed. We feel that things like religion and self-expression are rights that no one entity owns - therefore we take personal ownership of our own religion and thoughts. I feel that it is one aspect that makes Americans so individualistic. This "nobody owns that right" thought can be applied to innovation for Koreans.... Show more

Korean Dramas. They're here. Get used to them. These television shows are comparable to primetime television programming in America (think Grey's Anatomy or Heroes). These Korean series bear little resemblance to what we refer to as "daytime" television. The production format is closer to a "miniseries" (think Band of Brothers or Lonesome Dove). However, when westerners hear the term "K-drama" or "soap opera" we instantly think of cheesy dialogue, unnecessarily long pauses, overacting, unrealistically overdone characters, and untimely bizarre deaths (think General Hospital or The Young and the Restless or your dramatic cousin on your dad's side). While the Korean equivalents certainly share some of the surface level similarities,... Show more

Swimming Safety. Koreans have had a long affair with swimming. Korea is a peninsular country surrounded by water so naturally, Koreans have been swimming for recreation for some time. However, danger lurks in those calming waters...but I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's set the stage. In America, typically we teach our children to do three things as soon as possible: feed themselves, ride a bike, and swim. Don't get me wrong - we don't throw kids in the pool and hope they resurface eventually. Traditionally though, whenever a family goes swimming the toddler goes in the pool while the adult teaches the child how to swim. Little by little, once the child gains confidence, we typically encourage him or her to swim relatively unassisted... Show more

AC voltage differences. Physics101. Alternating current (AC) is what is in the wall while direct current (DC) is like what is in your car's cigarette lighter socket. Today, let's go over some important things to consider about AC power when traveling to South Korea. We must consider two things 1) Voltage and 2) Plug shape. You'll find that plugs that come with two flat pins usually are built for 110-120V and plugs with two round pins  are built for 220-240V. Let's address the most pressing difference first: current (measured in volts). Korea most generally runs a current of 220-240 volts so that must be taken care of first. But before you go out and buy a new travel razor or cell phone charger, check the backside of your device. If you... Show more

Hi. 현우 here : )  Haha. You do see these pictures?  Yes, that's me in my military suit. Haha. So why am I wearing my military suit (=군복) again? Well I had to attend the annual reserved army training (예비군 훈련) this past Thursday, and I took a couple of photos before taking the uniform off. I'm sure many of you already have some knowledge about the Korean military system, but to briefly mention what it works like, every *healthy* man in this country has to serve the army for roughly 2 years (now it's getting shorter and shorter), and after the service is over, they have to attend the annual trainings for the next 5~6 years. It's *very* difficult to find somone who doesn't have any sweet memory at all from his military service, and... Show more