Harutip Korean recipes, local tips, and culture

  AI Does the Work, But I Make the Decisions – On the Boundaries Between Human and Machine As conversations with AI become more routine, more and more people are starting to see it not just as a tool, but as a colleague , a counselor , or even a somewhat person-like presence . I sometimes find myself saying things like, "Could you try this?" or "Please help me with this," instead of giving direct commands. It makes me laugh—I'm showing courtesy to a machine. But then I wonder: If I'm being so polite, am I also slowly letting AI make decisions for me ? Why Do We Rely on AI So Easily? AI is fast, accurate, tireless, and always ready. It organizes information beautifully and responds politely. In many ways, it feels more reliable than an actual human colleague. So naturally, we start asking it more and more—not just for facts, but for judgments . “Is this the right choice?” “Should I go this way?” And that’s when the real question arises: Even though we know A...

  Barefoot on the Red Clay Trail – and a Surprising Meal in Uiwang Last Tuesday, during the final burst of summer heat, three college friends and I met up to walk the red clay trail on Mt. Surisan—barefoot. The temperature hit 33°C that day (and 35°C the next!), making it the peak of the lingering summer. Starting from Apt. Complex 8, the trail was wonderfully accessible. The slope was gentle, and there was even a library along the way! The fresh air, the scenic views, and the unexpected bonus of a library made it a treat for the nose, eyes, mind, and heart. Despite the heat, the layered canopy above shaded us, and the breeze kept us cool enough to enjoy an hour-long walk without discomfort. We only realized how hungry we were after we came down. My friend drove us about 20 minutes away. When I asked, “Where are we going that's so far?” she just smiled and said, “Trust me.” We passed Gunpo and arrived in Uiwang—at a restaurant called Dungji Totbap (meaning “Nest Hijiki Rice...

  Eunice’s Garden in Ansan: A Hidden Botanical Café Near Seoul After enjoying lunch at Dungji Totbap in Uiwang , we got back in the car and drove past Baegun Lake, winding our way through narrow farm roads. Our destination? A place called Eunice’s Garden . When we arrived, we were surrounded by what looked like a forest. But it wasn't a natural one — it was clearly cultivated, full of trees and flowering plants. Was this a nursery? A private arboretum? Just down from the entrance stood a striking red building. This, we learned, was the restaurant. Walking through the middle entrance, we were reminded of places like Herb Nara in Bongpyeong or Jade Garden in Chuncheon — a peaceful, themed garden getaway. On the path, we saw a sign that read “I:PUL GARDEN.” Was this the garden’s previous name? Despite the heat of the day, walking under the trees felt cool and pleasant — nothing like the scorching asphalt roads outside. As we strolled, we discovered quirky and fun sculptures scattere...