King Gongmin and the challenges of reform

tombs, I thought about politics today. Reform requires capable people, sufficient authority, effective checks and public trust. Perhaps that is one of King Gongmin's oldest lessons. By Hyungwon Kang

2026.10.15 09:07

The three treasures of Kaesong: A waterfall, an artist and a sage

, hurried world, her question still resonates: Why rush past the life you are trying so hard to live? By Hyungwon Kang Hyungwon Kang is a Korean American photojournalist, columnist, author and two-time

2026.10.07 16:29

Taebong: The forgotten kingdom inside the DMZ

division. By Hyungwon Kang Hyungwon Kang is a Korean American photojournalist, columnist, author and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. He reported from North Korea in 1995, 1997 and 2026. Kang is the author of

2026.09.30 16:51

Koreans: A tradition of learning, rewired for technology

Pacific. It may be across the Korean Peninsula itself. By Hyungwon Kang Hyungwon Kang is a Korean American photojournalist, columnist, author, lecturer of “Visual Literacy A to Z” at Dongguk University, and

2026.09.23 12:36

The spirit of hoetong in Korean Buddhism: Buddhist temples rebuilt after the ravages of war

or prayers brought those visitors to Buddhist temples in the North Korea, no one can truly know. Perhaps only the Buddha knows. By Hyungwon Kang Hyungwon Kang is a Korean American photojournalist

2026.09.16 12:46

America’s first clash with Korea, 160 years ago in Pyongyang

: When diplomacy refuses to recognize reality, the cost can become much higher. By Hyungwon Kang Hyungwon Kang is a Korean American photojournalist, columnist, author and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. He

2026.08.26 15:47

The dragon heads of Kaesong: Where an empire ended and learning endured

more than six centuries ago. The Korean belief in learning did not. The dragons survived the fall of an empire. So did the classroom. By Hyungwon Kang Hyungwon Kang is a Korean American photojournalist

2026.08.19 15:43

Goryeo seonbi Poeun Jong Mong-ju revered on both sides

systems have changed, and the peninsula has been divided, but Poeun’s jijo and gigae still belong to Koreans on both sides — holding firmly to principle even when the price is one’s life. By Hyungwon Kang

2026.08.12 12:30

The Forgotten Kingdom of Rangnang

fresh patch. The horses were, in effect, the museum’s lawn mowers — economical, environmentally friendly and highly photogenic. By Hyungwon Kang Hyungwon Kang is a Korean American photojournalist

2026.08.05 14:47

The imperial capital of Goryeo: Walking through Kaegyong

of medieval East Asia. By Hyungwon Kang Hyungwon Kang is a Korean American photojournalist, columnist, author and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. He reported on North Korea in 1995, 1997 and 2026. Kang

2026.07.31 16:32