MetaCity Story

  Why Korea’s Memorial Day Feels Familiar Yet So Different From America’s Every country has a day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. For countries that have endured colonial rule, war, or national tragedy, these days carry an especially deep emotional weight. South Korea is one of those countries. Korea emerged from 36 years of Japanese colonial rule, only to face the devastating Korean War just a few years later. It was not simply a war between two armies. It was a brutal conflict between people who shared the same language, history, and blood. The war left millions dead, wounded, displaced, or separated from their families. Cities were destroyed. Homes disappeared. Entire families were broken. Thanks to the military support of the United States and other UN allies, South Korea survived communist aggression. From the ashes of war, Korea eventually became the developed nation it is today. That is why Memorial Day in Korea is not just a holiday. It is a...

 Why Do Koreans Look 10 Years Younger Than Americans Their Age? A 91-Year-Old Korean Mother Who Still Looks Young Take a look at this photo. How old do you think she looks? The woman in this story is my 91-year-old mother. After graduating from college, she worked as a middle school teacher for 16 years before becoming a homemaker in Seoul. Later, after my father retired, they moved to the countryside and managed a huge apple orchard together. Even now, at 91, my mother spends her days actively socializing at a local senior community center. She dances, exercises, laughs with friends, and enjoys playing Hwatu, a traditional Korean card game filled with colorful flower illustrations. Most importantly, she still has a bright, youthful spirit and a sharp mind. Watching my mother age has taught me something important: Aging is not controlled by genetics alone. The way people age is deeply connected to their lifestyle, diet, healthcare, stress levels, exercise habits, sleep, and daily s...