Korean Culture
Korea's August Academic Awakening
Korean families transform August into the world’s most intensive academic preparation season, combining ancient Confucian traditions with modern technology. More than 4 out of 5 students attend hagwons during this critical period as families invest over $20 billion annually in supplementary education, creating an educational mobilization unmatched globally.Understanding Jangma: Korea's Monsoon Season and Its Cultural Significance
When the first heavy raindrops begin to fall across the Korean Peninsula in late June, they signal more than just a change in weather. The arrival of jangma (장마), Korea’s monsoon season, represents a profound cultural phenomenon that has shaped Korean civilization for millennia. Far beyond its meteorological impact, jangma influences everything from artistic expression and culinary traditions to social behaviors and spiritual practices, making it an essential part of Korean cultural identity.