5
Tongch’imi: a pickled radish side dish that is stored and served in its own juices.
6
Makkŏlli: a thick, unrefined rice wine.
7
Hanbok: the traditional Korean costume consisting of a blouselike top, vest, pants, and coat for men and a top, skirt, and coat for women;although only worn now on special occasions, hanbok was once worn daily.
8
Paji: pants.
9
Magoja: vest, part of the full hanbok costume.
10
Durumagi: coat, part of the full hanbok costume.
11
Mongdang chi’ma: a short, traditional skirt that falls just below the knees.
12
Tojang: a small, cylindrical personal stamp used to sign or authorize official documents.
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Changsŭng pŏpsu: an iconic representation of a local deity.
14
Ri: a Korean unit of distance equal to 393 meters.
15
Mal: unit of measurement for grains and liquid; two mal equals about ten gallons.
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Soju: distilled grain-based Korean liquor known for its potency.
17
Maru: a raised wooden floor; the main communal space in a traditional Korean house, sometimes opening onto the yard.
18
Sŏrabŏl: another name for the Silla period (57 B.C.-A.D.935), which was located in a southern region of the Korean peninsula.
19
Pubyŏngnu: a well-known pavillion in Pyongyang that overlooks the Taedong River.
20
Moranbong: a mountain situated slightly to the north of Pyongyang and famed for its beauty.
21
Koryŏ:the Three Kingdoms were united at the beginning of the Koryŏdynasty (918-1392).
22
Toenjang tchigae: a stew made from toenjang, a soybean paste.
23
Nakchi pokkŭm: sautéed octopus.
24
Chugyŏp ch’ŏngju: bamboo-leaf wine.
25
Ch’ŏlima: this brand name translates to “horse capable of traveling one thousand ri.”
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Omija: fruit of the Chinese magnolia vine, often used in Korea to brew tea.
27
Han’gŭl: the Korean alphabet.
28
Komusin: traditional Korean shoes made of rubber.
29
P’yŏng: a unit of measurement equal to about 3.3 square meters.
30
Ten thousand p’yŏng: approximately eight acres.
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Fifteen thousand p’yŏng: approximately twelve acres.
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One hundred ri: approximately twenty-four miles.
33
Yangban: formerly the upper class of Korean society; the nobility or aristocrats.
34
Koch’ujang: spicy Korean staple seasoning and side dish made of thick soy paste mixed with cayenne pepper.
35
Chesa: traditional Korean ceremony performed in honor of one’s ancestors.
36
Koch’u: a commonly used colloquial word for “penis,”—it also means “pepper.”
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Fifteen ri: approximately four miles.
38
Changgi: Korean chess.
39
Hangari: an often large earthenware pot used to store food.
40
Sŭngri: a brand name; in this case, sŭngri is actually the word for “victory.”
41
Tano Festivaclass="underline" traditional Korean festival held on the fifth day of the fifth month according to the lunar calendar.