What Are My Experiences Discovering My Korean Heritage in Seoul?

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    Greetings Roots
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a personal journey of rediscovering Korean heritage in Seoul, specifically highlighting the author's experiences while visiting with their father, a former missionary. The author expresses joy in reconnecting with their roots and engaging with local culture, including meeting a "YangBan," a traditional Korean scholar. The trip also includes a visit to Busan, the author's birthplace, and emphasizes the significance of family and cultural heritage during this holiday.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Korean cultural heritage
  • Familiarity with the role of missionaries in Korea
  • Knowledge of traditional Korean social classes, such as YangBan
  • Basic conversational Korean language skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the history and significance of the YangBan class in Korea
  • Explore the impact of missionary work in Korean society
  • Learn about the cultural sites in Busan, including historical landmarks
  • Investigate the role of family heritage in personal identity
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for individuals interested in Korean culture, those exploring their own heritage, and anyone studying the historical context of missionaries in Korea.

sylas
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I'm currently in Seoul, Korea. My last blog here warned I might be gone for a bit, but I have internet at my current accommodation, so here's a hi!

You can find out more about why I might be in Korea from my very first blog entry: https://www.physicsforums.com/blog.php?b=1316 . I've come home to the land of my birth -- despite being a thoroughbred WASP (White Anglo Saxon Protestant). It has been a wonderful visit so far, and shows all indications of continuing that way. It's a holiday, but more than a holiday, because I am with my Dad who has been invited back and is guest of honour at all kinds of church groups, since he was a missionary here many years ago. I kind of trail along, carry bags, smile and nod when Dad speaks quite competent conversational Korean. Off to Busan tomorrow, where I was born.

And to make you all jealous; here's a photo. I love scholarship of all kinds, and we met this "YangBan" at a folk village. He is the genuine article; a real old school Korean gentleman and scholar of aristocratic lineage and high standing, generously giving time to share some of his knowledge at the village, where a home of his family ancestors is one of those restored (the backdrop). I am in the red T-shirt, with the YangBan on the left and my father on the right.

K5220074-496x372-WithKoreanGentlemanOfLeadingFamilyAtFolkVillage.JPG


Cheers -- 서형일 -- who is not likely to be posting all that much for another month or so.
 
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sylas said:
I'm currently in Seoul, Korea. My last blog here warned I might be gone for a bit, but I have internet at my current accommodation, so here's a hi!

You can find out more about why I might be in Korea from my very first blog entry: https://www.physicsforums.com/blog.php?b=1316 . I've come home to the land of my birth -- despite being a thoroughbred WASP (White Anglo Saxon Protestant). It has been a wonderful visit so far, and shows all indications of continuing that way. It's a holiday, but more than a holiday, because I am with my Dad who has been invited back and is guest of honour at all kinds of church groups, since he was a missionary here many years ago. I kind of trail along, carry bags, smile and nod when Dad speaks quite competent conversational Korean. Off to Busan tomorrow, where I was born.

And to make you all jealous; here's a photo. I love scholarship of all kinds, and we met this "YangBan" at a folk village. He is the genuine article; a real old school Korean gentleman and scholar of aristocratic lineage and high standing, generously giving time to share some of his knowledge at the village, where a home of his family ancestors is one of those restored (the backdrop). I am in the red T-shirt, with the YangBan on the left and my father on the right.

View attachment 25940

Cheers -- 서형일 -- who is not likely to be posting all that much for another month or so.


hey Sylas,

Enjoy your trip , man. And share your experiences with us when you come back !
 
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Whoo! Someone that's in my time zone.