My Korean-American Life

 My First Maedeup Presentation and Mini-Workshop with the Fairfax ASG Chapter October 3rd is  Gaecheonjeol, Korea’s National Foundation Day, which commemorates the legendary founding of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, by Dangun Wanggeom in 2333 BCE. October 3, 2025 was the 4358th year since this mythical origin, based on the traditional Dangi calendar (Gregorian year + 2333). It also marked a small but meaningful milestone personally— my very first presentation and mini-workshop introducing Maedeup, the traditional Korean art of decorative knotting, to an American audience. The event took place at the Fairfax Chapter’s monthly meeting of the American Sewing Guild (ASG), where about 25 enthusiastic members gathered with warm curiosity. I began by sharing a brief history of Korean traditional clothing, textiles, and Maedeup — how this intricate craft, once practiced by women in royal courts and ordinary homes alike, adorned traditional garments, accessories, and ho...

  ✨ A Day of Making at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival ✨ This past Saturday, September 27, 2025, I had the privilege of teaching two crochet classes at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival — a gathering that celebrates all things fiber, from hand-dyed yarns to spinning wheels, weaving looms, and the timeless craft traditions that connect generations. Those crochet classes turned into more than just lessons in making. They became moments of connection, laughter, and even quiet philosophy. 🌸 Morning Session: Crochet Brooch Making My small group of students was a perfect snapshot of the festival’s spirit: a warm mix of curiosity, creativity, and community. Among them was a blond, long-haired middle-aged woman who clearly loved handmade crafts, and a striking pair — a dark-haired, slender mom and her tall, handsome teenage son, both absolute beginners in crochet. For the mom and son, this was their very first time picking up a crochet hook. Teaching them how to hold the...

This August, I had the unique opportunity to participate in Maryland’s Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, one of the largest and most beloved 4-H agricultural fairs in Maryland. Though I’ve visited county fairs before, this was my first time stepping into the fair as an exhibitor—and the experience was exhilarating and rewarding.  A Fair with a Rich History The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair first opened its gates in 1949, born out of the vision of local farmers and 4-H leaders who wanted to create a place to celebrate agriculture, education, and community. What began as a modest gathering has grown into Maryland’s largest county fair, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Despite its size, the fair has retained its heart: showcasing the work of farmers, gardeners, bakers, crafters, and young 4-H participants. Walking through the grounds, I felt a sense of history woven into the laughter, the rides, and the exhibits. Generations of families have gathered here...

 While reading T.S. Eliot's Essays , I asked Gemini to explain the distinguished literature styles and eras, such as Elizabethan, in literature history and list most famous English writers per each era. And then, I asked to write poems about Coconut, a female Maltese dog, according to each distinctive literary style listed above with the following information: My dog, Coconut, a white Maltese born on Aug. 6, 2006, live with us till Mar. 24, 2012. Coconut, named by my daughter as she just looked like the dog from the American Doll, died young because of her favorite snack produced in China, imported by Nestle and sold at Costco as the product included melamine. She was the first dog to me as an adult and to my kids. Below are Gemini's answers, some of which are astonishing. Experimental Poems through Literary History by Gemini: 1. Old English Style (c. 450 - 1066): White hound was she, hight Coconut, Of Maltese kin, in world brought forth On sixth of Sunmonth, six and two thous...