(한국의 어제와 오늘을 제 시각에서 바라봅니다, A personal perspective on Korea’s past and present)

The Transformation of Korea – A Personal Story of Change

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1. How Korea Has Changed – Through My Eyes

In this post, I’d like to share how Korea has changed—not through statistics or textbook facts, but through my own experiences and reflections. I hope my story will help you understand Korea and Korean people just a little better.

When I was a child, Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world, having just come out of the devastating Korean War. Many of us often skipped meals, and some students couldn’t even bring lunch to school. At the time, Korea’s GDP per capita was under $100—poorer than the Congo. We relied heavily on international aid, and I still remember eating donated milk and bread as a child. Education was difficult for many kids back then.

(1960년대 산에 나무를 심는 모습, 그때는 산에 나무가 없어서 민둥산으로 불렸답니다. Planting trees on barren hills in the 1960s—when mountains in Korea had no trees)

If you want a vivid picture of that time, the current drama "Thank You for Coming" (폭싹 속았수다) captures that era with remarkable accuracy.

(드라마 '폭싹 속았수다'는 어려웠던 시절 부모가 자식을 위해 헌신하는 내용으로 많은 사람들을 울게 만들었습니다. 물론 저도 부모님 생각이 많이 나서 울었습니다.  The drama “Thank You for Coming” moved many with its story of parental sacrifice—reminding me of my own parents and bringing me to tears)

But what about now?

Today, Korea is among the top 10 economies in the world. Our lives are richer in ways that would have been unimaginable back then. Of course, many countries are still wealthier, but I believe Koreans live well today. Having lived through these changes, I’m excited to share Korea from my perspective with you. It still amazes me how far we’ve come.

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2. What Kind of Country Is Korea?

Korea is a small country—about the size of Hungary or Portugal if you look at South Korea alone. But in this small land lies over 5,000 years of history and a unique culture.

(유럽 국가들에 비교해본 한국, 인구는 5천만이지만 면적은 작은 국가 입니다.  Compared to European countries, Korea is small in size but home to 50 million people)

Despite facing countless invasions from powerful neighbors like China and Japan, Korea survived. Some say Korea has been invaded dozens or even hundreds of times, but it never lost its identity. The Korean people endured and preserved their culture, language, and national spirit.

This isn’t unique to Korea—other nations in Europe and Asia have faced similar histories. But Korea’s resilience helped shape a strong, persistent national character.

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✅ The Spirit of Resilience

A great example is the 1997 IMF financial crisis. The entire nation participated in a gold donation campaign—people gave up personal treasures like wedding rings to help pay the country’s debt. This spirit of unity and sacrifice is deeply rooted in Korean society.

(IMF 외환 위기 극복을 위해 전 국민이 참여한 금 모으기, 사진의 구호는 '금모아 외채상환, 뜻모아 경제회복' During the IMF crisis, all Koreans united to donate gold to repay national debt—the slogan read “Gold for debt, unity for recovery”)

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✅ Division and War

Korea is the only divided country in the world. After 35 years of Japanese colonization, Korea was liberated in 1945 but soon split into North and South under the influence of global powers. Then came the Korean War (1950–1953), which cost millions of lives and left deep scars.

                           
(일본이 한국을 점령한 35년은 오늘날까지 양국에 어두운 그림자가 짙게 드리워져 있습니다  The 35-year Japanese occupation still casts a long shadow over Korea–Japan relations today)

(일본 압제를 벗어난 지 5년 후 1950년 미국과 소련의 대리전으로 치러진 3년간의 한국전쟁은 전 국토를 완전 폐허로 만들었습니다.  Just five years after liberation from Japan, Korea was devastated again by the Korean War—a proxy war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union)

The Impact of Division

Division is not just a political issue—it profoundly affects how Koreans think and feel.
We know that “we could have been like North Korea,” and that thought drives our determination to succeed.

(우리 민족은 원치 않았던 남북 분단으로 섬이 된 한국, 아직까지 지구 유일한 분단국으로 남아 있습니다.  A nation divided against its will—Korea remains the only divided country in the world today)

It shaped our survival instincts and created a collective drive for progress.
It also limited political diversity in South Korea, where anti-communism became a foundational principle, leading to a more uniform political landscape.

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3. The Driving Forces Behind Korea’s Growth

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🔸 Education

Education has always been a top priority in Korean families. Our parents often sacrificed everything to give their children a better future. I’m deeply grateful to my own parents for this. In my school days, it was common to study late into the night. There was even a saying:
“Sleep four hours and pass, sleep five hours and fail.”

This obsession with education helped Korea develop rapidly. Even President Obama once said the U.S. should learn from Korea’s education system. While things have changed today, education remains a core value in our society.

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🔸 Perseverance and Grit

Many foreigners say, “Koreans never give up.” I didn’t realize it myself until I heard it from non-Koreans. During the 1997 IMF crisis, people didn’t just complain—they acted. This determination is one of the reasons behind Korea’s remarkable growth.

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🔸 Adaptability

Korea is constantly changing. We adapt quickly to new technologies and trends. Why?
Because we had nothing to lose. Poverty forced us to embrace change and innovation.
Countries that once thrived often resist change to preserve the past—but Korea had to move forward.

(한국 모든 식당에서 볼 수 있는 탁자에 붙어 있는 숫가락 통, 식사하는데 필요한 물품들이 비치되어 있어서 아주 편리합니다. 20여년 전부터 생기기 시작해서 순식간에 전국 모든 식당에 보급되었어요  Chopstick holders attached to tables—now a staple of Korean restaurants for over 20 years, offering self-serve convenience)

                          

(식당 호출 벨, 식당에서 필요한 일이 생길때 웨이터를 기다리지 않고 벨을 눌러서 웨이터를 호출합니다. 20여년 전부터 생기기 시작한 대표적인 실용적 조치입니다. Call bells in restaurants allow diners to summon staff directly—a uniquely practical Korean innovation from 20 years ago)

That’s why I believe other developing countries can grow just as fast, if they take advantage of being latecomers with a clear goal in mind.
What do you think?

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4. Korean Spirit and Emotion

If I were to describe Koreans in one phrase, I’d say:
“Warm-hearted people with strong spirit.”

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🔹 Jeong (정) and Han (한)

Jeong is the deep emotional bond and affection we feel for others.
Han is a uniquely Korean concept—it's not just sorrow, but a mix of frustration, longing, and a will to overcome hardship.

You can find Han in Korean traditional music like pansori, and even in K-dramas and K-pop—where stories often show hope rising from despair.

(한국의 대표적인 전통문화인 탈춤, 현대의 K POP의 뿌리 입니다  Korea’s traditional mask dance (Talchum)—the cultural root of modern K-POP)

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🔹 The “Hungry Spirit”

Korea lacks natural resources, so we had to rely on ourselves. That hunger built resilience.

• After the war, our country was in ruins.

• In the 1960s and 70s, people worked day and night to overcome poverty.

• In 1997, we bounced back again from economic collapse.

This spirit of “we must survive no matter what” still lives on in Korean hearts.

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5. Confucian Roots and Resistance Spirit

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🔸 Filial Piety and Military Service

Loyalty to one’s country and respect for parents are central to Korean values.
All men serve in the military, and this is seen as a natural duty. Even global superstars like BTS have completed their service.

(BTS 제이홉 입대, K POP 아티스트가 머리를 빡빡 깍고 입대하는 모습이 외국인 팬들에게는 낮설고 안타까운 모습일 것입니다  BTS’s J-Hope entering the military—his shaved head may appear unfamiliar and emotional to overseas fans)

(2025.6월 BTS 지민, 정국 제대로 전 세계 아미들이 열광하고 있네요 In June 2025, BTS’s Jimin and Jungkook are captivating global ARMYs like never before)

Our language reflects this value system too—honorifics in Korean show deep respect based on age and status. That’s why Korean is often challenging for foreign learners.

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🔸 The Scholar’s Spirit

Traditionally, scholars (Seonbi) were respected more than warriors. They believed in truth and justice, even at the risk of death.
This legacy lives on in Korean society today:

• Leaders are expected to be ethical.

• Whistleblowers are respected.

• Citizens admire those who fight for what’s right.

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🔸 Spirit of Protest

Koreans don’t stay silent in the face of injustice.

• 1919 March 1st Movement and the Provisional Government during colonial rule

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  (1919년 3월 1일 독립만세 운동, 전국적인 비폭력 독립운동으로 카이로회담(1942년 미국, 영국, 중국)에서 한국의 독립을 논의하는 중요한 계기를 만들었고, 지금도 3.1일은 국경일로 기념하고 있습니다  Korea’s March 1st Movement of 1919 was a peaceful uprising that laid the foundation for international recognition of Korean independence—it remains a national holiday today)

• Democracy movements in the 1960s–80s

  
  (군사독재에 항거하여 민주화를 위한 끊임없는 투쟁으로 1987년 민주화를 이루었습니다 Through years of resistance against military dictatorship, Koreans achieved democratization in 1987)

• The Candlelight Protests of 2016–2017, which peacefully changed a corrupt government

  
  (민주주의는 완성체가 아니라 발전하는 과정을 보여준 촛불 시위 Korea’s candlelight protests showed that democracy is not static—but an evolving journey)

• Even during the 1992 LA Riots, Korean shop owners protected their communities with courage and unity

Koreans have a deep-rooted resistance spirit that values justice over fear.

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💬 In Conclusion – What Defines the Korean Spirit?

The Korean soul is a tapestry of:

• deep emotion (jeong)

• sorrow-turned-hope (han)

• resilience from poverty (hungry spirit)

• and the courage to stand up for what’s right.

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What kind of Koreans have you seen?
Are there similar values or emotions in your country’s culture?
Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

(2025년 6월의 서울 도심속 청계천의 평화, 짧은 기간동안 많은 변화를 겪어낸 세월을 보냈습니다. 앞으로도 할일, 갈길이 멀겠죠? Cheonggyecheon stream in downtown Seoul, June 2025—a symbol of how far Korea has come, and how far it still has to go)

Watch the full video here 👇
Click the thumbnail below to see the story come to life on YouTube.

 

(서울 한복판, 빌딩과 시냇물을 한 컷에

Cheonggyecheon flows through the heart of Seoul, framed by modern skyscrapers)

(산책하기 좋은 11km 청계천

*Cheonggyecheon stretches 11km—a peaceful path for a relaxing walk.*)

Cheonggyecheon: Where Seoul’s Dark Past Meets a Bright Present

— A Clear Stream in the Heart of the City

Cheonggyecheon is a stream that flows right through the heart of Seoul.
In June 2025, I revisited this place, and I’m delighted to share it with my international friends.
“If you come to Seoul, make sure to stop by Cheonggyecheon.”
There are also many great local restaurants nearby!

Cheonggyecheon is more than just a walking path.
It’s a rare place where the past and present, nature and urban life, beautifully coexist.

(한여름 밤의 청계천 야경

*Cheonggyecheon at night in midsummer—magical and breathtaking.*)

What Does "Cheonggyecheon" Mean?

The name Cheonggye (淸溪) literally means “clear stream.”
True to its name, Cheonggyecheon today flows with crystal-clear water.
You can spot small fish swimming underfoot, and even see herons walking quietly along the stones.

It’s hard to believe that such harmony between nature and the city exists in the very center of Seoul. 

(돌다리를 건너는 재미도 있어요

*Stepping stones let you cross the stream—fun and photo-worthy!*)

A Brief History of Cheonggyecheon

Although peaceful today, Cheonggyecheon was once home to one of Seoul’s poorest neighborhoods.
Families who had migrated from rural areas built makeshift houses along the stream.

(1950년대 청계천, 한국전쟁 무렵

*A glimpse of Cheonggyecheon during the Korean War in the 1950s.*)

(판자촌 시절, 열악한 주거환경
*Families lived in poor shacks along the stream—but still raised children and built lives. One child even became a presidential candidate!*)

In the 1970s, during South Korea’s rapid industrialization, the stream was covered over and turned into an elevated highway.
I myself drove over that highway countless times.

(복개도로 위로 차량이 오가던 시절

*The stream was once covered by a highway to hide pollution and manage traffic.*)

That era gave Cheonggyecheon a gloomy atmosphere.

(1990년대, 위는 고가도로, 아래는 청계천

*Until the 1990s, Cheonggyecheon flowed under an elevated expressway.*)

In fact, director Bong Joon-ho’s movie The Host imagined a monster being born beneath the old highway — a fitting symbol of the place’s dark and eerie past.

(영화 ‘괴물’ 속 괴물이 등장한 복개천

*In the film *The Host*, a monster lives beneath the old overpass—echoing the space’s eerie past.*)

But in the early 2000s, everything changed.
The city launched a massive restoration project that transformed this area into a vibrant, eco-friendly urban space.

Highway demolished → stream restored → nature and culture revived.
I’ll share step-by-step photos showing this transformation.

(복개도로 철거 중

*Demolition of the concrete cover began in the early 2000s.*)

( 하늘이 다시 열린 청계천

*Once the overpass was gone, sunlight returned and so did life.*)

(다시 흐르기 시작한 냇물

*Step by step, the streambed was restored to its natural state.*)

I’ve read that other cities are now showing great interest in river restoration.
Mexico City, for instance, has reportedly taken inspiration from Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon in planning its own urban stream project.
If you're from a big city struggling with waterway pollution, I hope Cheonggyecheon offers some ideas.

Cheonggyecheon in June 2025

As I walked along Cheonggyecheon yesterday, I was met with beautiful scenes:

• Sparkling water under the warm June sun

  
  (왜가리의 사냥 장면
• *A heron catches and swallows a fish—a rare and fascinating sight.*)

• Fish swimming peacefully near my feet

  
  (잉어처럼 큰 물고기도 있어요
• *Large fish like carp swim gently in the clear water.*)

• A heron walking over the stones—and I even saw it catch and swallow a fish!

  
  (여기저기 보이는 왜가리들
• *Herons are common here—you’ll see them throughout the stream.*)

• Families and foreign visitors sitting on benches, reading books

  
  (맨발로 책을 읽는 시민들
• *People dip their feet in the water while reading—it’s so popular, seats are hard to find!*)

• Especially at the “Clear Stream Reading Spot”, people dipped their feet in the stream and read books provided freely for anyone to enjoy

  
  (‘책 읽는 맑은 냇가’, 누구나 책을 읽을 수 있어요
• *At the “Clear Stream Reading Spot,” free books—including English ones—are available for anyone.*)

• 
  
  

I’ve captured all these moments in photos, so please enjoy them as well.
Cheonggyecheon isn’t just a walking path—it’s a sanctuary of nature right in the middle of the city.

A Prime Location Connected to Seoul’s Top Attractions

Cheonggyecheon is a must-see destination on its own, but also connects easily to other popular spots:

• Just a 5-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Square

• Very close to Myeongdong Shopping District

• Linked directly to Gwangjang Market, a famous traditional market

Even if your trip to Seoul is short, I highly recommend including Cheonggyecheon in your itinerary.
Whether you go in the morning, afternoon, or evening, each time of day offers its own charm.

(또 다른 왜가리의 사냥 순간

*Another heron on the hunt. At first, they’re fascinating—then they become part of the scene.*)

(하류 쪽의 한적한 청계천 풍경

*Further downstream, the stream offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere.*)

In Closing…

In the midst of this bustling capital city,
Cheonggyecheon is a place where you can walk by the sound of water, read a book, and feel life itself.

If you ever visit Seoul, don’t miss this beautiful place.
Let’s share the inspiration through these photos and stories.

(청계천 옆 골목 맛집 거리

*Explore the alleys around Cheonggyecheon—great food for just $10 (₩14,000) per meal.*)

(도심에서 저녁 식사 후 즐기는 야경 산책
*After dinner in central Seoul, enjoy a night walk along Cheonggyecheon like this.*)

📺 Experience Cheonggyecheon in motion!
👉 This video captures both the present beauty and hidden history of the stream.

🎬 영상 보러가기 / Watch the video:

The March 1st Movement: Korea’s Fight for Independence

 

The March 1st Movement: Korea’s Historic Struggle for Independence

Today marks the first day of March, the beginning of spring. For Koreans, March 1st is a significant day as it commemorates the nationwide peaceful protests against Japan’s occupation of Korea. The March 1st Movement (Samil Undong, 삼일운동) was one of the most pivotal independence movements in Korean history. On March 1, 1919, thousands of Koreans protested against Japanese colonial rule, demanding independence. Though the movement was brutally suppressed, it ignited a spirit of resistance that eventually led to the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.

                           ("Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons")

1. The Meaning of the March 1st Movement (Non-violent Resistance)

The March 1st Movement was a large-scale national resistance against Japanese rule, reflecting the Korean people's deep desire for independence. Following the death of Emperor Gojong and amid the global rise of self-determination, intellectuals, students, and citizens came together to organize peaceful protests.

A key document from this movement, the Korean Declaration of Independence, was publicly read, asserting Korea’s right to self-governance and freedom. The movement was based on the principles of non-violent resistance, aiming to gain international support for Korea’s sovereignty.

2. Japan’s Colonization of Korea

From 1910 to 1945, Korea was under Japanese colonial rule. During this period, the Japanese government imposed harsh policies, including:

• Forcing Koreans to adopt Japanese names

• Banning the Korean language in schools and public life

• Seizing land and natural resources

• Forcibly mobilizing Koreans for labor and military service

Despite these oppressive policies, the Korean people's longing for independence only grew stronger.

3. The Impact of the March 1st Movement

Although the Japanese authorities violently suppressed the demonstrations, resulting in thousands of arrests and casualties, the March 1st Movement had long-term consequences:

• Inspired independence movements both within Korea and abroad

• Led to the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in April 1919

• Raised global awareness of Korea’s independence struggle

• Strengthened Korean national unity and resistance

• 
                              ("Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons")

4. The Significance of the March 1st Movement in Modern Korea

Today, March 1st is a national holiday in South Korea known as Independence Movement Day (Samiljeol, 삼일절). Koreans commemorate this day through various events:

• Raising the South Korean flag (Taegeukgi, 태극기) on homes and public buildings

• Official ceremonies at historic sites like Tapgol Park and Seodaemun Prison

• Educational programs and documentaries on the independence movement

The spirit of the March 1st Movement continues to influence modern Korea’s values of democracy and national pride. The fight against injustice, as seen in Korea’s journey to democracy, is deeply rooted in the legacy of the March 1st Movement.

5. Raising the Taegeukgi – A Symbol of Independence

On March 1st, many Koreans display the Taegeukgi (태극기), the national flag of South Korea, to honor those who fought for independence. The flag symbolizes:

• Balance (Yin-Yang) in the universe

• Harmony and unity among people

• The enduring strength and independence of the Korean people

Across the country, the sight of the Taegeukgi waving in the wind serves as a solemn reminder of Korea’s struggle for freedom.

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Despite the passage of a century, Japan has yet to fully acknowledge and apologize for its historical actions, including its occupation of Korea for 36 years. This remains a subject of unresolved historical disputes between the two nations.

The March 1st Movement was not just a protest; it was the beginning of a national awakening that ultimately led to Korea’s liberation in 1945 (Liberation of Korea). Today, Koreans continue to honor this movement, remembering the sacrifices made for their country's freedom and independence.

This morning, I raised the Taegeukgi at my home. Below is a photo of the flag displayed outside my apartment.

                               ("Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons")