[HanCinema's Digest] Culture Corner

The Korea Times shines the light on the "hidden promoters" of Korean literature, Julie Ricevuto explores body shaming and beauty culture in Korea, Help Go Abroad has some useful tips for expats to avoid any serious culture shock, and "American Ninja Warrior" to challenge locals later this year.

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"Hidden promoters of Korean literature"

Han Kang won the Man Booker International Prize for her novel "Vegetarian" and in so doing helped to shine the light on the country's literary wealth. Expect more news of great Korean authors as their ideas and stories get translated for a global audience. The process of orchestrating publishing deals and producing excellent translations, however, requires behind-the-scenes excellence that often remains unseen and unsung. (Also see the recent Korea Times feature on Darcy Paquet: "Translating subtitles is like translating poetry")

...READ ON THE KOREA TIMES

"What Body-Shaming Is Like in South Korea"

Julie Ricevuto takes a critical look at the dark side of Korea's beauty culture, particularly body shaming: "These varying degrees of self-perception found in the survey aren't just a fluke - they're a reflection of how cultures around the world treat certain body types. As it turns out, where you live has a major effect on whether or not your body is perceived as beautiful..."

...READ ON YAHOO STYLE

"Overcoming Cultural Differences While Living In South Korea"

Michael Hodson highlights some potential cultural barriers Western expats might face when traveling to South Korea in this concise and informative article. Whether it's learning about the country's food and dining etiquette, or the demands of the work culture, "It is definitely worth researching the challenges and differences you are likely to encounter before moving to South Korea", Michael writes, "then you can plan on how you will adapt to deal with these changes".

...READ ON HELP GO ABROAD

"South Korea will get its first 'American Ninja Warrior' recreation park this year"

Are Koreans ready for 'American Ninja Warrior'? According to Mashable, South Korea's capital city, Seoul, is getting its own arena that will be up and running at the end of the year: "Following the success of its first Asian trampoline park in Hong Kong in 2014, organiser CircusTrix announced on their Ryze park extension plans to Seoul on Wednesday". The American show is actually itself a spin-off of the Japanese show Sasuke ("Ninja Warrior"), so I'm sure Koreans will be more than ready and up for the challenge!

...READ ON MASHABLE