Back in 2020, I decided to embark on a language learning journey, and little did I know that picking up Korean would lead me to discover the history and culture of Korea and the enchanting world of Eastern Philosophy.

The South Korea Flag & I-Ching:

Let's talk about the mesmerizing South Korean flag, the taegeukgi! This beautiful flag represents the very essence of a nation - the land, the people, and the government, all harmoniously blended into one captivating symbol. The red and blue circle, or taegeuk, in the middle is a profound representation of the dual forces of nature - the mighty yang and the gentle yin, constantly flowing and changing just like life itself. The trigrams on the flag also remind us of the cosmic balance and the cyclical nature of the universe.

Eastern Philosophy & Hangul:

Hangul, the Korean writing system, was developed by the ingenious Great King Sejong. Hangul beautifully reflects the core principles of Eastern Philosophy, specifically the yin-yang cosmology. The vowels were ingeniously designed based on the three fundamental components of the universe - Heaven ( ㅇ ), Earth (ㅡ), and Man (ㅣ). 天地人. These vowels encompass the circular shape of heaven, the flatness of the earth, and the standing position of a human being, showcasing the harmony between the macrocosm and microcosm.

Embracing Korean Culture:

On top of all this profound wisdom, the Korean dramas and reality shows played a role in igniting my love for the language. The captivating stories, heartfelt emotions, and rich cultural experiences depicted in these shows have made learning Korean an absolute joy! It's incredible how entertainment can be a gateway to learning about a whole new world.

In a nutshell, my journey into learning the Korean language has been an enlightening and uplifting experience. The profound symbolism of the Korean flag, the ancient wisdom of the I-Ching, the harmony of Eastern Philosophy in Hangul, and the delightful Korean entertainment have all woven together into a beautiful tapestry of growth and knowledge.

So I encourage you to explore new languages and cultures, for they have the power to expand our horizons and deepen our understanding of the world around us.

윤니 Yunnie