Yeh raatein, yeh mausam... plus K Pop and more…
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Updated: 10 hours ago
A country of dreams. In South Korea, it is the young who are showing the way.
By Chanchal Yadav in Delhi
A nation shines the brightest when it carries the wisdom of its past and the dreams of its future together.
It’s like cinema. A dream sequence embedded in my young, eclectic mind.
And one day, I will realise this dream.
The cool evening air moves gently through the streets of Seoul as colourful lanterns lit up the city. It’s yet another lovely night in a lovely city of warmth and friendship.
On one side of the road, young students are hurrying from their academies with books in their hands, while on the other side, a group of people wearing traditional hanbok dance happily in a cultural festival. Nearby, the smell of spicy Korean food fills the atmosphere, and soft Korean music plays from small, cosy cafés.
For a moment, it feels as if old traditions and the modern world are living together like best friends. That is the true beauty of South Korea — a nation that respects its past while racing toward the future.
For me, South Korea is one of the most fascinating countries in the world because of its vibrant and pulsating culture, its hardworking and friendly people, and the flourishing, creative, entertainment industry. It is a place where discipline and dreams walk side by side. It’s a remarkable synthesis.
It’s a synthesis of modernity and ancient narratives. The country is deeply connected to its traditions and festivals. One of the most important festivals is Chuseok, a celebration where families come together to thank their ancestors and enjoy traditional food. Another famous festival is Seollal, where people wear the beautiful hanbok, play folk games, and spend quality time with loved ones.
These celebrations show the importance of family bonding and mutual respect in Korean culture. Even in a fast-moving modern world, Koreans never forget their roots.
Korean food is another reason why people around the globe admire this country. Dishes like Kimchi, Bibimbap and Tteokbokki are not only delicious, they also represent Korean togetherness. Korean meals prove that food is more than just eating — it is a way of building relationships, sharing camaraderie, stories and joy.
Education in South Korea is highly respected and taken very seriously. Students study with great determination because education is seen as the key to success. Schools and universities are known for discipline and high standards. Many students attend extra classes late into the night to achieve their goals.
South Korea offers scholarships for international students through programmes like the Global Korea Scholarship, helping students from different countries study and experience Korean culture and the intricacies of its society.
In recent years, Korean entertainment has become popular worldwide. Gripping Korean dramas, known as K-dramas, have won millions of hearts because of their emotional content, strong characters, and excellent cinematography. Famous dramas like Crash Landing on You and Goblin have introduced many people across the world to Korean traditions, language, and lifestyle.
Along with K-dramas, K-pop groups like BTS have made Korean culture famous across the world. Their music and messages inspire young people to follow their dreams with hard work, rigour and confidence.
South Korea teaches us that true progress does not mean leaving traditions and our folk narratives behind.
Old ties are precious.
A country truly becomes beautiful when it protects its inherited culture and memories, both happy and sad, while welcoming new ideas. From its festivals and food, to its education and entertainment, South Korea continues to inspire the world with its balance of tradition and modern life.
And it is the young who are showing the way.
A country of dreams.
Chanchal Yadav is Class 12 student at the Dr BR Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence (SOSE), Andrews Ganj, Delhi.
“I am a curious and enthusiastic learner who enjoys exploring different ideas, cultures, and historical events,” she says. “My favourite subjects are History and Geography because they help me understand the world, civilizations, and the connection between people and places. I believe in continuously improving myself, whether it is through learning new skills, improving communication, or gaining knowledge from everyday experiences.
“Apart from academics, I have a strong interest in reading and self-learning. I usually enjoy reading books by Ritivik Singh, as they inspire me and help me think from different perspectives. I have read with great interest, The Little Prince, a novella written and illustrated by French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I have also read Arundhati Roy’s Booker Prize-winning novel: The God of Small Things.
“Music is an important part of my life. I love listening to English and K-pop songs because they motivate me and introduce me to different styles of creativity and expression. I also love old Hindi film songs. One of my favourites is an old song, Yeh raatein, yeh mausam, nadi ka kinara, yeh chanchal hawa, sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle with music by Ravi, lyrics by the great Shailendra, from the film, Dill ka Thug (1958). I love it more because my name ‘Chanchal’ is in the song….”