S1/E27: #Ssukgat & Self-Care - The Korean Art of Wellness and Longevity with Michelle Jungmin Bang

Show notes

Korean wellness traditions have been passed down through generations, focusing on harmony between mind, body, and nature. Ssukgat embodies this philosophy, integrating herbal wisdom, mindful rituals, and nourishment from natural ingredients. In today’s fast-paced world, these ancient practices offer a refreshing approach to self-care, emphasizing longevity, resilience, and holistic well-being. By learning from these traditions, we can cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and our surroundings.

Culture Chat In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine welcome Michelle Jungmin Bang, the author of "Sun and Ssukgat - The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness & Longevity", a book that unveils the time-honored wisdom of Korean wellness practices. Rooted in holistic healing, mindfulness, and nature-based self-care, Ssukgat offers a guide to living a balanced and healthier life.

Michelle's journey into these traditions became deeply personal when she felt the toll of modern life on her well-being. Seeking change, she reconnected with her Korean heritage, uncovering centuries-old wellness practices. From Buddhist nuns mastering fermentation for gut health to haenyeo (female free divers) using breathwork for healing, she explored holistic longevity secrets-including the daily habits of centenarians and the communal rituals of Korean bathhouses.

From the power of nutritious food to the importance of ritualistic wellness, we discuss how you can incorporate these practices into your daily routine for long-term health and vitality. Tune in to discover how these Korean well-being traditions can inspire a more balanced, intentional life.

Episode Highlights

Introduction to Ssukgat: Understanding the meaning and philosophy behind Korean self-care.
Food as Medicine: How traditional Korean cuisine supports holistic health and longevity.
Applying Ssukgat in Modern Life: Practical tips for integrating Korean wellness principles into a busy lifestyle.

Join the Conversation Have you tried any Korean self-care rituals? Share your experiences with us on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

Our Guest Michelle Jungmin Bang: Michelle is an award-winning eco-entrepreneur and Harvard Business School graduate who spent 16 years living in Asia as a Korean-American from New York City. She is the author of Sun & Ssukgat, a wellness guide covering her research, interviews, and personal eco-conscious journey in uncovering centuries-old well-being traditions from her time in Asia and Korea, where scientists project its people will top longevity charts in 2030. Michelle is the co-founder and founding CEO of The R Collective (formerly BYT), a sustainable fashion brand that creates affordable luxury pieces out of high-end materials that would otherwise have been disposed of in a landfill. She is passionate about driving social impact and serves as a board director and founding member of various mission-driven organizations, most recently GrowNYC, an environmental non-profit focused on food access, agriculture, and green spaces.

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063341522?

Connect with Michelle https://www.instagram.com/michelle.jungmin.bang/

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