Grandma's Koreapunk

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My grandmother's house is such a mysterious place--what I call Koreapunk.

As I enter, I'm greeted by a captivating blend of Korean folk religion and Buddhism. Artifacts for worshipping the Jowangshin (조왕신, Kitchen God) stand proudly in one corner, while sacred spaces dedicated to Buddha occupy another.

The enigmatic Jangseung (장승, totem poles) keep watch over the house, a testament to the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs that have shaped my family's history.

But what truly sets my grandmother's house apart is the seamless integration of technology amidst these traditional elements.

My grandfather was a businessperson, who luckily had regular chances to fly to Japan (we're talking circa 1970 when Korean GDP was about 1/6 of Japan)

In the 1970s, he naturally became an avid electronics collector and has amassed an impressive array of devices, from the iconic Walkman series to the latest smart TVs and mobile phones.

My grandfather had already passed away, but my grandmother's digital literacy has stood strong even at her octogenarian age!

Watching my grandmother effortlessly navigate her smart TV and smartphone, connected through the Google ecosystem, is a sight to behold. She wears her AirPods with the same ease as traditional Korean accessories.

But it is my grandmother's remarkable software comprehension that truly astounds me. As the family's designated IT support, I am often called upon to troubleshoot and fix various devices.

Unlike many of her contemporaries, my grandmother approaches these issues with a keen eye and an analytical mind.

She articulates her needs and queries with clarity that would put many younger tech users to shame, leaving me in awe of her adaptability and willingness to learn.