KOREAN PROJECTS
I created this section to share some of my experiences, observations, and reflections from my life in South Korea. What began as a collection of personal stories has gradually grown into something broader—a record of the country I have lived and worked in for many years and have come to regard as another home.
Despite the title Korean Projects, however, the articles in this section are not written in Korean. My proficiency in the language has not yet reached the level at which I would feel confident writing extended prose—and certainly not poetry—in Korean. Most of the pieces are therefore written in English, while some were originally written in Filipino and later translated or adapted into English.
The pieces range from personal adventures and encounters with Korean food to reflections on Korean society, culture, education, and other aspects of life in the country. Some are lighthearted accounts of places I have visited and things I have tried; others are more reflective or academic in nature.
Most of the articles are written in English. Kwentong Kimchi, however, consists mainly of essays originally written in Filipino about my Korean experiences. Rather than translating them word for word, I try to preserve their essence and spirit when presenting some of them in English.
This section is divided into several parts:
Perspective/Academic Articles About Korea
The sections Korean Dishes/Foods I Tried and Gastronomic Chronicles are related—they both contain articles chronicling my gastronomic journey in South Korea.
Kwentong Kimchi, meanwhile, is a collection of stories and reflections on my Korean experiences originally written for Filipino readers.
Someday, I hope to write a book about my experiences in Korea. Perhaps some of the essays gathered here will eventually find their way into its pages.
My Korean adventure is still an ongoing journey—and, quite honestly, I don’t want it to end just yet. This country has become my second home. I love it here, and I have a thousand and one reasons to love it.
Many of those reasons are found in these pages.
Indeed, Korea is “the land of the morning calm.” It has tamed me and calmed my spirit.
