It’s freezing in #Seoul, but at least I can toast my bottom like a marshmallow on this bus stop bench.

These days, I see more and more unmanned vape shops appearing on the streets.

It’s disturbing how they’re making these products so easily accessible, clearly targeting younger generations under the guise of convenience.

Wishing a happy Lunar New Year to all who are celebrating.

새해를 맞아 가정에 평안과 행복이 가득하시길 기원합니다. 올 한 해도 건강하시길 바랍니다. 새해 복 많이 받으세요!!

One of my nephews, Siyoon, was working on his #학습지. He had to pick someone to explain our traditional ways of enduring the winter. He said there was no one to explain it to, so I told him to write as if he had to explain it to my husband, Jack.

Artificial light shields my fear of darkness in Seoul. Tonight, countless stars pierce the night, shining as brightly as they dare.

Today, I had the opportunity to translate professor emerita Margo Okazawa-Rey‘s speech at the Candle Culture Tent at Soyosan. It was my first time interpreting in front of a large crowd, from English to Korean, and occasionally vice versa.

Yoon suddenly declaring martial law reminds me of my little nephew flipping the Yutnori board when he was losing, and screaming "I don't want to play anymore!!"

More soldiers, tanks, and helicopters deployed to silence the public. But I shall not be afraid of the sun rising on tomorrow.

The President, Yoon Seok-yeol, made a surprise announcement on television this p.m. to declare martial law. This suspends democratic rights in ROK for the 1st time since military dictatorship ended in 1987. Entry/exit to Nat’l Assembly blocked per Yonhap. Ruling & oppo party leaders oppose the move.

Was ultimately 12 hours delayed in getting home yesterday, but took the train down to Yeongcheon early this morning. Started preparing the cabbages for Kimjang tomorrow. Also collected radishes from the field and hung siraegi to dry.

Last Thursday, the Seoul Metropolitan Area was blanketed by heavy snowfall. The city, usually bustling with energy, transformed into a serene, white wonderland.

Every rooftop is blanked in White - #Seoul’s first #snow in 2024

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been learning to let go. Morning journaling became my way to pour out everything weighing me down. It felt as though I was opening the windows in a stuffy room. Suddenly, I could breathe again. This simple practice changed how I saw the world around me.

Last Friday night, I joined a volunteer outreach program to Uijeongbu-si. The autumn chill had swept through the streets, leaving them eerily quiet. Fear accompanied me—a quiet, persistent fear of whatever risks might lie ahead.

When I was younger, my legs were a canvas of wounds. I'd pick at my skin, watching scabs bleed, creating marks that seemed to map my inner pain. Back then, I didn't know how to care for myself.