Seoulful Urbanist's Selective Lens

When I was a child, people often described me as a 'good kid.' I did whatever my mom told me, which was mostly related to studying. Once I started something, I'd stick to it as if it were second nature. Most of the time, that meant finishing my weekly workbook (눈높이 수학) or watching EBS English classes at the scheduled time. I also remember briefly taking home-visit English lessons (윤선생 영어교실). For a kid like me, the animated TV series that aired on public TV around 5 or 6 PM couldn’t be a top priority—but they still brought a small, sweet joy I didn’t want to miss. 어린 시절 나는 착한 아이였다. 시키는 것은 그대로 하고, 일단 한 번 시작한 것은 습관이 되어 다음에는 누가 시키지 않아도 알아서 잘 하는 아이였다. 엄마가 시키는 것은 대부분 공부 관련된 것이어서 주간 학습 교재 (눈높이 수학)를 풀거나 정해진 시간에 EBS 영어 강의 방송을 보는 것이었다. 유치원이나 초등학교 저학년 즈음에는 윤선생 영어 교실을 잠깐 했던 것 같다. Yet I always felt a twinge of guilt whenever I tried to watch animated TV series without finishing my worksheets first. Even if I was home alone, I couldn't watch comfortably. I kept switching between doin...

 The forecast called for several days of heavy snow during this long holiday season. Snow started falling on Monday morning and continued steadily until Tuesday. Since it was a holiday, the streets and parks were blanketed in white, untouched and eerily quiet. Seeing the thick layers of snow, people probably couldn’t even imagine going outside. Snow clearing for most areas seemed to be on hold until after the holidays, though essential public infrastructure like driveways and sidewalks had already been cleared. 이 긴 연휴 동안 며칠간 폭설이 내릴 거라는 예보가 있었다. 눈은 월요일 아침에 내리기 시작해 화요일까지 꾸준히 이어졌다. 연휴라 그런지 거리와 공원은 새하얗게 덮였고, 발길이 닿지 않아 적막한 분위기를 풍겼다. 두터운 눈이 쌓인 걸 본 사람들은 아마도 밖에 나갈 엄두조차 내지 못했을 거다. 대부분의 지역에서 제설 작업은 연휴가 끝난 후에나 진행될 것 같았지만, 도로와 보도 같은 필수 공공시설은 이미 치워져 있었다. Watching the snow through the window, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia for my childhood. Even though I grew up in an urban area, there were small hills scattered between the apartment buildings where I lived. My friends and I would gather scr...

There was a time when I felt incredibly proud of myself. Back then, I thought I was on track for success. My self-worth was closely tied to the envy I sensed from others. Starting from scratch, I pushed my boundaries, worked on self-improvement, and eventually landed a well-paid, respected job. I felt like I was evolving into a better, more perfect version of myself as time went on. 한때 나는 나 자신에 대해 굉장히 자랑스러워했던 적이 있었다. 그때 나는 내가 성공의 길로 접어들었다고 생각했었다. 내 자존감은 다른 사람들이 나를 부러워하는 것과 깊이 연결되어 있었다. 아무것도 없는 상태에서 시작해 나의 한계를 뛰어넘고, 자기계발에 힘썼고, 결국 잘 벌고 존경받는 직업을 가지게 되었다. 시간이 지날수록 더 나은, 더 "완벽한" 나 자신으로 변해가고 있다는 느낌이었다. ​This image was generated by DALL·E However, this pride was fleeting. Whenever I got sick, felt unmotivated, or just stayed the same, I felt further from perfection—and no longer special. This dissatisfaction often led to anxiety, embarrassment, depression, and, ultimately, lethargy. 하지만 이런 자부심은 오래가지 않았다. 아플 때나, 의욕이 없을 때, 혹은 그냥 제자리걸음을 할 때마다 나는 완벽함에서 점점 멀어진 느낌이 들었고, 더 이상 특별하지 않게 느껴졌다....

 It was late at night, and I was in my hotel room, winding down after the first day of my conference. Just as I was about to put my phone away and get ready for sleep, a notification popped up—a purchase of 300 euros. 밤늦은 시간이었고, 나는 호텔 방에서 컨퍼런스 첫날을 마치고 쉬고 있었다. 막 휴대폰을 내려놓고 잠자리에 들 준비를 하려던 순간, 알림이 떴다—300유로가 결제되었다는 내용이었다. What?? I haven’t spent that kind of money today. What is going on? Before I had time to process it, my phone started ringing. The call was from an unknown number. Hesitantly, I answered, and the man on the other end asked for my name and mentioned the purchase I’d just been alerted about. I immediately thought, Is this some kind of scam? 뭐라고?? 오늘 그런 돈을 쓴 적이 없었는데. 대체 무슨 일이 벌어진 거지? 그걸 이해할 틈도 없이, 휴대폰이 울리기 시작했다. 발신자는 모르는 번호였다. 망설이다가 전화를 받았는데, 상대방 남자가 내 이름을 확인하고 방금 알림에 뜬 결제 건에 대해 말했다. 나는 바로 생각했다. ‘이거 혹시 사기인가?’ ​This image was generated by DALL·E To my surprise, the man turned out to be from my credit card company. He explained that their fraud detection system had flagged ...

 The other night, my wife and I felt like stepping out for some fresh air. In winter, we usually prefer indoor activities like shopping or walking around large malls, but this time, it was already late. Despite the hour, we decided to go on a spontaneous trip to the countryside, hoping to see some stars in the clear night sky. ​며칠 전 밤, 아내와 나는 신선한 공기를 쐬고 싶어 밖으로 나가기로 했다. 겨울엔 보통 대형 쇼핑몰에서 쇼핑하거나 산책하는 등 실내 활동을 선호하는데, 이번에는 이미 늦은 시간이었다. 그럼에도 불구하고 우리는 맑은 밤하늘의 별을 보기 위해 즉흥적으로 시골로 떠나기로 했다. A quick online search led us to a stargazing spot about an hour’s drive away—a small, vacant lot near a quiet road. It didn’t sound like much, but we were excited for the adventure. 빠르게 인터넷 검색을 해보니 차로 한 시간 정도 떨어진 별구경 명소가 나왔다. 조용한 도로 근처의 작은 빈터였다. 별로 특별해 보이진 않았지만, 모험에 대한 기대감으로 설렜다. This image was generated by DALL·E On our way there, we started looking for a place to stay for the night, thinking it would be fun to extend the trip into the next day. However, it was already 2 AM, and finding a room seemed unlike...

 A few days ago, I wasn’t feeling well, so I decided to leave work a little early. However, even after resting at home, my condition continued to worsen. My headache grew more intense, and my whole body began to ache. Before long, I started feeling chills, despite being indoors. Thinking it might just be because I hadn’t slept well the previous night, I turned on the electric blanket and lay down. By the time evening rolled around, though, my head was pounding, my nose was running, and I felt lightheaded. ​ 며칠 전, 몸이 좋지 않아서 조금 일찍 퇴근하기로 했다. 하지만 집에서 쉬고 나서도 상태가 점점 더 나빠졌다. 두통은 점점 심해지고 온몸이 아프기 시작했다. 얼마 지나지 않아 집안에 있음에도 불구하고 오한이 느껴졌다. 전날 잠을 잘 못 자서 그런가 싶어 전기장판을 켜고 누웠다. 하지만 저녁 무렵이 되자 머리가 깨질 듯이 아프고, 콧물이 나며 어지러움을 느끼기 시작했다. I kept asking myself, How can a cold hit this hard? I tried to convince myself it wasn’t anything serious, but the worry lingered. Having had pneumonia before, I couldn’t ignore how the sudden chills and body aches felt uncomfortably familiar. The idea that it might be pneu...

 갤럭시에서 아이폰으로 넘어온 지가 어언 3년, 이어폰은 여전히 갤럭시 버즈를 쓰고 있었다. 그런데 그것도 꽤 예전에 산 것이고 이래저래 새 이어폰이 필요해졌는데, 에어팟 4세대가 오픈형이라서 관심을 가지고 있다가 결국 내 손에 들어왔다. 오늘은 새 이어폰으로 음악을 듣다가 든 생각들을 정리하며 영어공부를 해 본다. Today, while listening to Japanese city pop through my new AirPods, a few thoughts came to mind. 오늘, 새로 산 에어팟으로 일본 시티팝을 듣다가 몇 가지 생각이 떠올랐다. First, I felt genuinely excited to own such premium earbuds. I’ve always preferred open earbuds over in-ear ones because in-ear models make my ears sore after long use. These AirPods, despite being open earbuds, have noise-cancelling performance that exceeds my expectations. I was amazed by how advanced technology has become. Flagship models like AirPods or Galaxy Buds are much more expensive than budget-friendly options. I hesitated to buy them because of the price, but my wife surprised me by getting them for me. I was deeply touched by her thoughtful gesture. ​ 먼저, 프리미엄 이어폰을 쓰게 되어 정말 설레는 기분이 들었다. 나는 항상 인이어 이어폰보다는 오픈형을 선호했는데, 인이어 타입은 오래 사용하면 귀가 아프기 때문이다. 이 에어팟은 오픈형 이어폰...

 In the past, beer was my drink of choice. Recently, however, I've found myself indulging more in wine rather than beer. Several factors may have influenced this shift, such as emotional changes, aging, and shifts in societal preferences. About four years ago, I began finding solace in sipping wines. It was a time when I felt overwhelmed by the everyday grind, so I decided to take a spontaneous solo trip to a hotel. I sought to overcome burnout and recharge.  One night, feeling a bit adventurous, I grabbed a half bottle of wine from a nearby store and savored it while looking down the urban night view from my hotel room. That experience proved to be a soothing remedy for my burnout. Even after I returned home, I found myself craving that feeling of relaxation. Subsequently, whenever I needed a mental getaway but lacked the time, I turned to wine. Just a few glasses served as a reminder of my rejuvenating vacation. While I still appreciate beers, they are mostly for quenching m...

In my life, I hold dear two pieces of advice from my mother: 1. Share things with others, and 2. Maintain a neat and clean appearance all the time. These simple yet powerful principles have brought elegance into my life. When I receive a large amount of food as a gesture of gratitude, I usually share it with those around me. Likewise, if I stumble upon a delightful dessert during the weekends, I buy extras and bring them to work to share with my colleagues. Additionally, whenever I come across small but useful items, I purchase several and give them as thoughtful gifts to my friends. This act of caring for others is very natural to me. Not only have I brought joy to those around me but also to myself. Moreover, I'm often remembered as a generous and compassionate person. Although I may not consider myself conventionally good-looking, I believe in the importance of presenting oneself in the best possible way. For this reason, I follow a regular self-care routine, making sure to shav...

In my current work position, which has an academic aspect, I'm required to stay updated with the latest knowledge and contribute through research papers. However, the only time I have available for writing these papers is after work. It can be challenging to motivate myself to do research after a long day because I often feel the need to rest more than my desire to pursue research. To overcome this challenge, I have established a routine over the past few years. Firstly, I make an effort to save my energy and set aside time specifically for paper writing. On work days, I try to finish my tasks earlier than usual so that I can dedicate time to my research without feeling physically drained. Secondly, I understand the importance of finding a comfortable environment for writing. If I'm in an uncomfortable place, I struggle to generate ideas for my manuscript. Typically, I choose a café where I feel at ease, or I create a distraction-free study space at home. I ensure that all the ...

My friends often wonder how I manage household chores so well in my busy schedule. To me, there are three main things: laundry, cooking, and housecleaning. Many busy people tend to neglect one of these aspects or seek assistance from others. For instance, some opt for laundry services, especially for dress shirts that require ironing. Others choose to eat out instead of cooking at home. There are also those who rely on robotic vacuum cleaners or clean the house less frequently. Somehow, I've learned to handle all three chores, squeezing them in between my busy schedule. Laundry is a breeze. Toss the clothes in the washing machine, press a button, and you're done. While hanging clothes might take a little time, it's still manageable. But some clothes require special care, like linen or knitted garments. They need hand washing and delicate drying on a flat surface. So, I set aside a specific day to wash these items, often combining it with my shower time. It saves time and en...

A few days ago, I embarked on a spontaneous trip, which was quite unusual for me since I'm typically a meticulous planner. Usually, I meticulously plan my trips, taking into account every detail. However, this time, I decided to do things differently. I simply chose a destination, purchased a last-minute train ticket through a mobile app, and set off on an adventure. The ticket-buying process itself turned into a small adventure, as there were limited options available at the desired time. After refreshing the app countless times, I finally managed to snag a ticket that someone had just canceled. During the train journey, I took the opportunity to search for excellent local restaurants and places to visit, something I had never done before. As someone who typically likes to have everything planned out, this spontaneous approach was quite new to me. I usually analyze various options to ensure maximum happiness and minimum chaos when preparing for a trip. However, sometimes the plann...

I have been using my Garmin smartwatch for over 2 years, but now I no longer see the need for it. Instead, it has become an obsolete electronic gadget that requires frequent charging. Initially, I was fascinated by the metrics that a smartwatch could provide: oxygen saturation, VO2 max, and heart rate variability. After each run, I would eagerly review a detailed report, which provided insights into my performance according to my smartwatch. However, I soon realized that when I skipped a run, the device became irrelevant. I did not need a performance report filled with statistics on my daily activities. The only useful function in my daily life was step counting. Even when I achieved a new personal record during a long run, I lost interest in sharing it on my social media. Additionally, it became a hassle to remember to charge the watch regularly. I attempted to incorporate my smartwatch as a fashion accessory, but it simply did not complement my everyday outfit. Instead, it looked out...

A growing number of people around me started wearing smartwatches. Even those who did not use to wear a wristwatch now seem to be mesmerized by smartwatches. I agree that smartwatches have many great features. You can get notifications for your calendar and social media. The latest models enable you to take calls directly from the watch, monitor your heart rate, and even measure blood oxygen saturation levels. Assuming that you want to enjoy all these features, the expected price for a smartwatch starts from about 0.4 million won (about 360 US dollars). Is it worth buying? For any of those tasks, I have a smartphone. I am also already bombarded by unnecessary notifications all day long: personal emails, work emails, spam texts, and spam calls. Why bother to strap on an additional smartphone to cause a real-time distraction? Well then, don't I have a smartwatch? Yes, I have one. Contrary to my first impressions of smartwatches, I saw a need for one. After several runs, I craved a co...

I recently started running. Back then, it was the middle of autumn in Korea. All I needed to run outside was a shirt, shorts, and running shoes. I didn't think much about running clothes. After a few months, the outside temperature began to drop as winter approached. Only then did I feel the need for extra layers to keep me warm while running in the cold. The key to layering is to trap my body heat and avoid overheating while allowing for a full range of motion. Through trial and error, I developed my personal know-how to choose what I should wear. Now, I am ready to crush my outdoor runs all winter long. In moderately cold conditions (around 0℃) Light base layer I prefer to wear a comfortable long-sleeve shirt with moisture-wicking fabric that stretches well. Vest While looking for another layer upon a light long-sleeve, I realized a vest is the perfect solution. It keeps my core warm but my arms free. An insulation vest is the most versatile among the items I have. Zippered windp...

I recently started running, and I am falling in love with it. Those first runs were hard and slow, but after a few runs, I could run longer and faster. I normally run in the evening after work. Running has become a little gift that I give to myself at the end of a long day. It has changed me mentally and physically, and I realized that it has many benefits. Here are six reasons why you should start running. 1. It is the best calorie-burning exercise. Do you have trouble maintaining a healthy weight? Do you plan to start exercising in the hope of slimming down? Running is a great solution. It is a solid way to crush calories in a short time. A 120-pound (54-kg) person burns about 114 kcal during a 10-minute run. (Heavier people burn more calories). Being busy is no excuse for neglecting your body. Run anytime you can and see the result. 2. Anyone can do it. There are no barriers to run. Even if you are a beginner, you can run right now. Special training sessions are not necessarily requ...

I used to be a regular gym-goer. I was a workout enthusiast and loved the endorphin rush after a set of exercises. When the gym was closed, I worked out in a park or ran along the stream. When it was raining, I worked out at home with a yoga mat and dumbbells. I always found a way to exercise anywhere, anytime. However, I have not exercised for a long time for several reasons. As a result, I gained weight, and now I'm getting a potbelly. More than that, I have developed back pain. Perhaps my core muscles have weakened, and they cannot support my back properly any longer. That's why I restarted my workout routine after a long break. I've learned some insights along the way about how to make exercise a habit. Start small The habit of working out cannot be built in a day. Your mind and body need time to get accustomed to extra activities. Just keep yourself moving. Use stairs instead of an elevator, or take a 10-minute extra walk a day on your way home. After some time, you wi...

From Unsplash.com I am a physician in a university hospital, and I often take my work home. It's sad, but it's better than working late in the office alone. At first, I had difficulty maintaining my full focus in my room. When I was ready to work, I became bothered by the inconvenient work environment. My room was not set up for working. It was a suboptimal work environment for me to increase productivity. Work efficiency is vital to achieving a work-life balance. Even though I chose to work at home, I wanted to get things done as quickly as possible and enjoy my free time, which is why I've been trying to upgrade my home office for years. After many trials and errors, I have successfully improved my work experience at home. Nowadays, many office workers are forced to quarantine and work from home because of the coronavirus outbreak. It became the new normal, and I believe many people seek to set up a productive and convenient home office. I'd like to share my experienc...

Nowadays, we spend a whole bunch of time in front of our computers. Whether we are working, communicating with friends, writing a paper, or playing a game, the computer keyboard is an indispensable tool. However, people generally tend to neglect their keyboards. When people buy a new computer, a keyboard comes along. This keyboard is rarely replaced and likely to last long because most users don't care much about their keyboards even when they upgrade their computers. I was one of them. However, I felt the need for a new keyboard at some point, and now I have seven different computer keyboards. The reason I first bought a new keyboard was hygiene. Back then, I was a trainee doctor, and I had a rotation schedule. I had to move to a different division every month and use a desk where another trainee doctor had worked the previous month. It meant that I had to use a shared computer. One day, I was confused while typing because the pressed enter key didn't spring up, leaving endles...