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bernard Rowan

Land of apartment complexes

Apartment buildings are a widespread feature of present-day Korea, in particular within the major cities. These complexes, sometimes with dozens of floors, house most South Korean urban residents. They’re safe, inviting, convenient and designed to meet the preferences of today's Korean citizens. At the same time, they take on a humdrum, monotonous quality and excessively monopolize the skyline. Let's look at this part of Korean culture as an advanced nation.

2015-07-21 16:53

To our friendship!

The United States and South Korea uphold a strategic alliance that has many benefits for both nations, Asia and the world. These include military security, heightened international trade, exchange of expertise and two advanced global cultures. The U.S.-South Korea alliance gets much attention, but it’s not my topic today. The root of our Korean-American alliance is a history of international friendship. Arguably, it began with the Korean War, but it continues to grow. The proper basis for our alliance is friendship. Both arise from interest and from the common ideal of international humanity.

2015-07-07 16:55

For Korea's fathers

I'd like to write a column in tribute to Korean fathers. As a student and admirer of Korean society, I've spent much time learning about Korean ajumma, mature working women, and I've written several columns about them. Let's encourage similar thinking about Korea's many uncles and grandpas, the ajeossi and harabeoji.

2015-06-23 17:02

Explore Museums!

A great way to learn about South Korea is by visiting her museums. Korean museums are a technology for advancement. They record the path of this Tiger's ascent and lasting goals. They are living symbols of Korean history, society, culture and civilization. I've visited South Korea many times, but I always find a new museum to view. I'd like to share some of my favorites, in particular around Seoul.

2015-06-09 17:07

Korean syncretism

I'd argue that a central bane of civilization is an obsession with purity. Captivating the human imagination, purity grounds folly, death and misery. How much money have empires, kingdoms, kings, queens and nations spent? And how much invidious hatred has purity spawned? National, racial, religious and cultural purity drives prejudice, scapegoating and inhumane relations throughout our world and throughout history. Hitler built his monstrous state on delusions of purity, as did and do other fascist, totalitarian, religious and political fantasists. Still too many purists hawk their quackery ...

2015-05-26 17:04

Korea's gender dilemma

Several recent stories about women, marriage and inequality prompted me to write about Korea's gender problem. I want us to focus on what happens to women to gauge what isn't happening in marriage, family and society.

2015-05-12 17:05

Temples in Korea

Have you visited a Korean temple? You needn’t practice Buddhism or any other faith. Do so for an unforgettable experience! These places of religion, culture, nature and spirit embody the Korea of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Temples in Korea form a permanent memory for many people, including me.

2015-04-28 17:23

When I think of Korea

What do you think of when you hear the word ``Korea?” Do girl bands like Girls Generation or Bigbang come to mind? An actor or actress of “hallyu?” Popular Korean food such as bulgogi or galbi? I think many might say Kim Jong-un or one of the popular athletes like Kim Yu-na. Others think of the Korean War or a Samsung phone.

2015-04-14 17:41

Futuristic ties in NE Asia

Progress often occurs through two steps forward and one step back. At times, the number of steps forward does not keep pace with the steps back. Opinions matter and leaps can supersede prolonged periods of stasis.

2015-03-31 16:58

Lippert and democracy

The hubbub surrounding the knife attack on U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert has spawned controversy. After the incident, varying political forces in South Korea have used it to rebuke political dissent and to advance political and other interests. One Korea Times story referred to the atmosphere as representing a "masturbation nation" (March 10, 2015). I think the controversy reflects a young democracy unsure of democratic traditions.

2015-03-17 16:59

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