[HanCinema's Digest] Culture Corner

Published on 2015/10/11

Are Korean's particularly superstitious?, The Korea Herald talks about the real gangster problem, Kim Seong-kon struggles with Korea's icons, and is Guinness too dark for local palates?

"10 Unusual Superstitions Only Believed In South Korea"

Spend enough time in Korea and you'll soon discover a number of rather bizarre beliefs: Why is there sometimes no Level 4 marked in the elevators? Should I really, if I value my health, switch my fan off in a closed room before going to bed? But I like whistling at night? These and other superstitions are presented in a great little infographic created by Dom and Hyo.

…READ ON KOREA BOO

"[Kim Seong-kon] Struggling to identifying Korea's cultural icons"

Does Korea suffer "from a dearth of memorable symbolic images"? In this interesting piece, Kim Seong-kon (an English professor from Korea's prestigious Seoul National University) examines a surprisingly challenging question that was recently put to him by the Park Min-kwon (the vice minister of culture): what cultural icons does Korea have that it can call its own?

…READ ON THE KOREA HERALD

"Redemption Song"

KoreaAm features Steven Kim and discusses the challenges of counselling and reforming gang members and the formerly incarcerated. Kim is personally involved in this social project and has made it his mission to support struggling individuals and the communities in which they find themselves. Such conversations weren't always possible, however, and Kim's efforts come at a time where perceptions of gangs can actually damage his efforts to affect their lives positively, as well as how society treats and responds to this complex social issue.

…READ ON KOREAM

"Guinness Gets a Stylish Relaunch in Korea"

Koreans enjoy a nice cold beer, often with a shot of soju, and with friends over dinner, but how do they feel about the dark and strong taste of Guinness? Marketers tell us that Koreans have, for the most part, not embraced its "challenging taste", preferring instead their home-brewed beers that are lighter and less demanding.

…READ ON CREATIVITY ONLINE