Korean

I am Joo Yang, a North Korean defector. AMA. : IAmA. What Frugal tips do you have for living in Korea? : korea. The Complex Calculus of a North Korean Collapse. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea remains a sui generis communist monarchy wrapped in mystery, prone to sporadic brinkmanship and violent spasms.

The young leader’s surprise execution of his uncle suggests regime instability, which might spark new international provocations for domestic political purposes. The latest events have rekindled predictions of a possible North Korean collapse. The greatest danger is that the US would get drawn into the resulting chaos and conflict. Warned the Rand Corporation’s Bruce W. Bennett: “Inadequately prepared, the ROK and the United States could suffer many serious consequences, including a failed or aborted intervention, a destabilization of the region, and possibly broader warfare.” The Korean peninsula became a U.S. security concern when the US and Soviet Union divided the former Japanese colony after Tokyo’s World War II surrender. More likely is a North Korean collapse. Nevertheless, the system is under increasing stress. Alcohol in Korean life [6] This is the sixth part in our series, "Alcohol in Korean life".

Click here to see previous posts. Danwondo (Picture by Danwon; Personal Collection) by Kim Hong-do Sul in art and customs Artists The Korean people's love for drinking being punctuated by singing and dancing has deep roots, reaching back to the nation's earliest beginnings. The writer Lee Gyu-bo (1168–1241) from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) never composed poems without alcohol. A talent for writing poems was considered a fundamental qualification for scholars during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Yun Seon-do (1587–1671) and Jeong Cheol (1536–1593) were two great rival poets from Joseon times, and both loved to drink.

Jeong Cheol composed a poem regretting his excessive drinking, but never abandoned his love of alcohol. Portrait of Yi Hyeon-bo by Okjun Sangin (Personal Collection). Some famous painters were addressed by nicknames meaning "booze lover". Kim Myeong-guk (1600–?) Someone told me to ask here. [X-Post, Link in Text] : AskHistorians. Korean spicy recipes from Cooking Korean food with Maangchi. The Photos North Korea doesn't want you to see. This is a long one. The “good part” starts about... - D.O.G. Kisaeng. Kisaeng (also spelled gisaeng), sometimes called ginyeo (기녀), were officially sanctioned Korean female entertainers or sometimes prostitutes.[1] Kisaeng are artists who work to entertain others, such as the yangbans and kings.

First appearing in the Goryeo Dynasty, kisaeng were legally entertainers of the government, required to perform various functions for the state. Many were employed at court, but they were also spread throughout the country. They were carefully trained, and frequently accomplished in the fine arts, poetry, and prose, although their talents were often ignored due to their inferior social status. Women of the kisaeng class performed various roles, although they were all of the same low status in the eyes of yangban society. Aside from entertainment, these roles included medical care and needlework. Kisaengs play an important role in Korean conceptions of the traditional culture of the Joseon Dynasty.

Social position[edit] Career[edit] Becoming a kisaeng[edit] Social Strata of Joseon Dynasty. Well..I’ve been indulging myself into watching dramas and as always, sageuk has their own charms on me.

I don’t know why, but watching them always poke my curiosity button, sending me into endless nights of reading and understanding the history of Korea. It’s not too much to say that I might know Korea’s history a little bit more than my own country’s history. Am I a bad citizen? Hehe. Hopefully not. So..are you ready for the lecture? Basically, Joseon’s social strata traced back to Silla’s bone rank system. There were various aspects that can distinguish the noble from the commoners. Lineage: Social status of Joseon’s subject was hereditary, hence one of the ways to differentiate between the classes was based on birthright. Another reason why lineage was important in determining one’s status was because of jobok, or genealogy charts (in simpler terms, family tree). The examination was only for male candidates from families with clean records. Kings and the Royal Family Yangban (양반)