Korea Through My Eyes

Korean Ancient House

2012-02-24T01:30:00.003+09:00

When you visit to foreign countries of old history, you will be amazed at old castles they have. At first, we are surprised at the beautiful castle which looks just cut-and pasted from a fairy tale, and amazed again by the fact that it has been coming down for over the hundreds of years. Tourists will continue to visit there, appreciating that how this beautiful castle still remains.

However, Korea also has many traditional buildings coming down through a few hundred. The best one is a Korean-style old house. Although it is not as high as other foreign castles, the whole structure and the view of the house is a piece of the artwork. It is a harmony of Korean style building placement and the composition of natural garden. It is said to be admirable even to the modern architects. From now on, let's go to see the grandeur and beautiful ancient houses representing Korea.

Sunkyeojang in Gangneung

The scenery of Sunkyeojang in winter

(Photo: Korea Tourism Organization)

An ancient house Sunkyeojang, located at Gangneung, was originally built by the 11th descendants of Prince Hyo-nyeong, the older brother of King Sejong, and has come down to the present going through the work of enlargement for 10 generations. This is a typical house for the gentry which comprises 99 units of area, and has higher value on its prototype which was preserved almost perfectly for a long period of 300 years. In 2000, the Korea Broadcasting Cooperation chose Sunkyojang as the best traditional house of Korea of 20 century. This place has been drawing people's attention as a film location for various dramas and movies including “Man of the Princess” which recently drew a large popularity. In addition, this place is often shown as a background in many programs on TV, and also became a visiting place for the ministers of tourism of Korea, China and Japan.

At this point, there is something which should be clarified. Koreans are familiar with the term, ‘a tile-roofed house with 99 units’. Then, why didn’t they build 100 units, adding one more unit? This was associated with the taboos of the past. Due to the fact that only the palace for a king's residence was allowed to be built more than 100 units of area, so the civilian house was restricted to 99 units utmost since no one could not live in a larger house than King's, as thought to be a general truth of the reason. This is proved by the story that Leem Sang-ok, a wealthy merchant of the latter period of Joseon Dynasty, got all sorts of sufferings from the accusation of building more than 100 units. Reaching to the end of the former Korea, with the regulation becoming disturbed, the cases of building over 100 units of houses gradually increased. However, on the whole, the limit of 99 units has been well kept. By the way the ‘unit’ means the land size not a room.

Sunkyeojang is located in front of the Maewalldang memorial place where you can see after the Gyeongpo intersection and turning left on the Unjung intersection. It opens for public from 9 am to 6 pm in summer, from 9 am and to 5 pm moved up by one hour in winter, and admission fee is 3000 won for an adult. If you come earlier, you can enjoy the place more comfortably with introduction by commentator. Smoking is prohibited all over the area as the whole buildings were made of wood.

A lodging experience is a representative and practical use of this place. With a large site and many buildings, 9 choices for lodging, from a tile-roofed house for the group to a thatched house for the elegant residence, are prepared without missing anything. Although cooking is not allowed for safety of the building, lower prices and cozy facility is attractive enough.

Yulwhadang library beloved by all visitors (Photo: Yonhap News)

Besides, the cultural experience is also very plentiful. Traditional food, folk play, courtesy, and a public performance experience are made ready basically, and a finishing school and calligraphy school are opened on not-permanent standing. And in 2009, a library, holding above 2000 copies, will be made in Yulwhadang, a gusting room in Sunkyeojang, which will introduce visitors to the joy of reading. Moreover, surroundings are full of famous attractions such as Gyungpodae, Jungdongjin, Ojukheon, Odae Mountain., Seorak Mountain, etc. The number of tourists visiting Gangneung continuously increases.

130 Years of History, Songso Ancient House

Before looking into the history of Songso ancient house, we need to look over the history of the Shims of Cheongsong area.

The Shims, started by the originator Shim Hong-bu during the reign of King Choong-yul of Goryeo dynasty, settled in Cheongsong area which became a place of their origin. Their power reached the highest during the reign of King Gong-min and a King Yu. The two prominent figures from the Shims then were brothers, Shim Duk-bu and Shim Uen-bu. The older brother, Shim Duk-bu had served the ministry as a meritorious retainer for the foundation of a country, and the daughter of his fifth son Shim On became an Empress Sohyeon, a wife of the King Sejong in Joseon Dynasty.

On the other hand, the younger brother Shim Uen-bu, unlike his older brother, opposed to the dynasty revolution and went into the Dumundong confining himself at home, and the rest of his descendents also stepped down from the government and came back to their hometown, Cheongsong, following the will of an ancestor. They worked together in cooperation and brought the wealth enough to be one of two richest families with the Choi's of Gyeongju, the southeast region of Korea. The myth of a person who owns fields yielding as much as 10,000 seok of rice over 9 generations, were born from them. Among them, Songso Shim Ho-teak, a 7th generation descendant, built the Songso ancient house in 1880, naming it under his pseudonym.

Songso ancient house has a typical upper-class house configuration of 7 sections and 99 units of area, and with being recognized of the almost perfectly preserved value, was designated as an Nationally Important Folk Material No.250. Having been neglected for 20 years since the descendants left, it was reborn as a hands-on experiencing place of Korean-style house after repaired in July 2010. The change proved to be successful by receiving the best award called, the Star of Korea Tourism, in lodging.

An awe-inspiring tall gate proving the dignified appearance of the 99 units of area (Photo: Yonhap News)

The look of a tall front gate made of 7 units, standing in the entrance, overwhelms the visitors. Entering the gate, there appears a garden where maple trees and pine trees were planted. Sarangche, men’s space appears on the right side of it. Looking at the view from high above, you will learn that entire place is divided each into spaces for living, working, and welcoming guests. Besides, each building has its own independent yard, so the total is 9.

In Songso ancient house, you can find many interesting details everywhere.

Beautiful looks of the flower wall (Photo: Yonhap News)

First of all, entering into the tall gate, ‘ㄱ’ shaped-wall, called heotdam, separating wall. It was used to prevent children and women of inside from encountering the male guests visiting sarangche. In addition, when you take a closer look at the Kkotdam, a flower wall, you can find the hole in line with eye-level, which is said to be a hole used for the children and women inside of the house to see the outside. Who knows it could be used vice-versa?

Also, when you see the roof, a little bit scary picture is painted at the edge. This is said to be the purpose to expel the evil spirit. If you see the upper part, you can see the two holes which were made for the birds to build a nest easily, and recognize the warm heart of ancestors.

Lastly, we will take a look at the byeolche, women’s space, sticking out of the side of Songso ancient house. This place was a space for the unmarried women in Songso ancient house, and the girls over seven years old should move to byeolche and live locked in the place until she gets married. This place was indeed a space for raising the women of a boudoir who hadn’t experienced the outside. However, at present, this place turns to be the most expensive accommodation because of its uniqueness and a harmony with surrounding landscape. How about staying one night here and feeling the mood of the lady who dreamt of a dear future husband? :)

The Scar Left by Japanese Imperialism, Imcheonggak

Imcheonggak is a unusual Korean-style house in a sense that the present appearance is quite different from the one in the past. In the early days, Imcheonggak stood with a proud of its dignified appearance of 99 units of area. However, since it was found that 9 pro-independence fighters were born in this house, Japanese demolished almost half of the house by putting down the central railroad in the front of the house. In addition, as the descendants refused to add themselves to Japanese family register, Japanese confiscate their house and sold to others. Since then, the descendants had to wander around orphanages.

Imcheonggak passed through by the railroad (Photo: Yonhap News)

Imcheonggak is one of the oldest ancient houses, and used to be outstanding in its scale until 19 century. Built in 1519, its scale has become huge by continuous expansion. It has the board written by Lee Hyun-bo and Lee Hang-bok, the prominent civil ministers in the mid Joseon Dynasty, so we can imagine their high social reputation was.

Imcheonggak returning to original appearance little by little (Photo: Korea Tourism Organization)

The full figure of Imcheonggak has a flat formation which looks like a Chinese letter, ‘用 (lyong)’’. It tells that it separated each place by gender and social status. Also, Gunjajeong, located at the center of Imcheonggak and later designated as National Treasure, is for welcoming guests, which looks like a letter, ‘丁(jeong)’. This is the best spot to take a view of Nakdong River flowing over the front and the Yeunnam Mountain surrounding the building.

Ancient houses were not built with 99 units of area from the beginning. They got bigger and bigger for a long period of time. It was for practical use rather than ostentation. When the house was crowded with people, it needed a lot of rooms for many literary guests and travelers from all over the country as well as for the family, relatives, and the servants to take their own space. Distinguished family always emphasized to welcome their guests. With this, we can see the fact that what they concerned about is a human being rather than property.

The biggest lesson, which the ancient house is giving to us, seems that we should live together, harmonized with others.

ⓒKoreabrand

Two Year Old Baby Eats Spicy Kimchi with Chopsticks

2011-12-28T18:30:00.000+09:00

For those who don't know, kimchi is a very popular Korean side dish, which is eaten with every dish in Korea. It's very much spicy, so many foreigners can't eat kimchi at all, some of them even hate it. But, this two year old girl enjoys eating kimchi so much, she loves it. I'm completely stunned and shocked :D This video recently has been so popular in Korea, so it was even played in subway, and many articles were written about it :D

By the way, I have experience cooking kimchi, you may read my posts about it here:
Hanok Stay Experience: Making Kimchi
Jeonju Hanok Village: Kimchi

The Average Asian Aging Process

2011-11-08T23:01:00.000+09:00

I am just very curious why all Korean middle-aged women, ajumas look the same?

same hair style, same body shape, same clothing style, same behavior...

have found this in the internet, very true and funny! :D

Baekyangsa, Baegamsan

2011-11-07T02:33:00.001+09:00

Recently, I, Michael and some our friends had an awesome trip together to one of the most beautiful places in South Korea, Baekyangsa. Baekyangsa or Baegyangsa is a very old temple, and it's said it's also a head temple of Korean Buddhism. Baekyangsa in Korean means white sheep and refers to a legend from the Goryeo period in which a white sheep came down from the mountain to listen to a sermon, and was sufficiently enlightened that it was able to ascend into Paradise.
Baekyangsa was built in 632 during the reign of Baekje kingdom. As it's located in Jangseong area, province Jollado, it took two hours to get there from Daejeon. Baekyangsa is very beautiful in all seasons, but especially in fall it's very colorful. As it lies on the slopes of Mt. Baegam in Naejangsan National Park we went hiking there. For the last six months it was my second hiking and I felt like I should go hiking more, because it's very relaxing, good exercising and it's pleasant pastime in harmony with nature.

By the way, large amounts of Torreya nucifera grow around Baekyang temple. This area is one of the northern most areas where Torreya nucifera can grow in the Korean peninsula.

Enjoying nature and hiking I couldn't take more pictures, but one friend did. You should see his pictures, they're beautiful! |watch pics|

Let’s Go for Some Apples!

2011-11-05T09:00:00.000+09:00

(Picture: FlickrⓒMuffet)

Red apple is very luscious enough to make everyone eager to have one bite. Perhaps it might be natural that the witch of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs chose the apple to fascinate the snow white.

Well, thanks to the technological development, we can see apples at any season of the year. There are some people who don’t even remember which is the apple season. What do you think it is the season? The answer is “Autumn” that sunshine paints all the fields gold and apples red. Shall we go for some apples with family? Pick out the apples and enjoy the local attractions.

(Picture: Flickrⓒedenpictures)

By the way, did you know there is an event that let you pick those delicious apples? You can have hands on experience from the end of October near Mt.Sobaeck, Yeongju. You can buy the apples you pick at a discount, too. All the apples will be harvested by the early November, which means it’s better to reserve the event as soon as possible. If you bring your children, they will learn the value of labor.

Moreover, Yeongju has more wonderful attractions to visit other than the apples. It has many cultural legacies around Mt.Sobaek such as Buseok temple, Sosu shrine, Seonbi village and Jukryoung old road. There are many things for families to do in Yeongju.

Especially, Buseok temple is one of ten greatest Buddhist temples in Korea. It has five national treasures and six national valuables including Murayangsujeon. You may want to lean on the pillar of Murayangsujeon. There is another attraction called Sosu Seowon which is the first Confucius educational institutes named by the King. Many leaders of Joseon were the students of this Seowon. It has a lot of precious materials and documents as well.

Now, let’s take a walk along the national treasures. It is the old road of Jukryoung which is 696 meters high from the sea level located between the second Younhwa peak and Dosol peak. The road was used for 2000 years but it was abandoned for tens of years because of the advancement of transportation system. However, the Yeongju city government restored the road of 2.5 kilometers from Hibangsastation to Jukryoung jumak in 1999. Take a walk along the old road and take a breath of forest with your family, looking at autumn foliage. Are you ready?

Pick Munkyoung Apples and Enjoy festival!

(Picture: FlickrⓒWxMom)

Munkyung is one of the best places for planting apples because the location and the climate are just perfect. Grown in the limestone soil of Mt.Sobaek, apples become very hard and sweet. Although the very wide daily temperature range, and the low temperature at night, plants control their own nutrients, so that they are very sweet, juicy, colorful and aromatic. In addition, Munkyeong apples are very popular for its wonderful climate, rich soil and clean natural environment.

There will be an apple festival around Munkyeong provincial park until the end of month. The title of the event is “Munkyeong apple festival beloved by Snow White”. It sounds like they already have all the delicious and pretty apples to fascinate us.

Once you enjoyed the Picking Apples program and festival, we strongly recommend you the trip to Munkyoung Sae Jae.

Munkyoung Sae Jae is Jo Ryoung mountain ridge used for TV drama shooting spot. It is so steep that there is a word saying “Even birds cannot fly over the mountain”. There are electric cars specially made for children and seniors, which shows the efforts of Munkyoung city government to clean the Mother Nature. Munkyoung Sae Jae Park provides tourists with various things to see. It’s good to walk along the road of old time’s national examination which was chosen as one of 100 beautiful roads in Korea. You can enjoy hiking barefoot there because yellow soil starts from entrance gate to the peak. Children are likely to smile with tickling the soles of their feet. Moreover, there are many other things to enjoy such as a tower of wish, old tavern, and waterfalls. Munkyoung has something that your family would love.

Pick Yesan Apples and Enjoy Festival!

(Picture: FlickrⓒBryan Maleszyk)

Grown first in 1923, Yesan apples have been well known for hardness and juice produced by the fall sunshine and daily temperature range in rich soil. A variety of apples such as Shinano sweet and Fujiare grown in Yesan. Apple pick-out is available from late September to middle of November. Yesanapple pick-out program attracts many people because it is major producer and located near Seoul metropolitan area.

Plus, the Apple Wine festival is held in early November every year. Can you imagine the taste of apple wine? I’ll tell you one thing. Yesan apples are very fresh. You can make it on your own and taste it, too.

Why don’t you refresh yourself in nature forest and pick out some apples in Yesan? Opened in 2007, Bongsusan natural forest has a variety of accommodation for rest. Natural and artificial forests are harmonizing together and many wild life species are existing. Besides, beautiful scenery with Yedangresevior will attracts your mind.

The Hiking course in forest is various from one hour to three-hour course. Hiking course is not tough so it is easy to walk on. You can smell the pine trees with the forest bathing. There are many amusement sites such as houses, children’s park, square and the hand-on hall. These are the rest places for families and group tourists. In addition, tourist can travel Deoksan spa, Sudeok temple, Chungeui temple and a house of Kim Jeong Hee near the forest. What a travel!

(Picture: FlickrⓒAdam E. Cole)

Take a fresh air, have a delicious food and experience a variety of culture on this coming weekend.

ⓒKoreabrand

Kpop News and Kakao Talk

2011-11-04T03:22:00.001+09:00

It's been a month since I got a new smart phone,Vega Racer, and I love it so much!

As a big fan of Kpop now it's very easy to get news through Kakao Talk.

Here, what I got knew today about Shinee... :D

3 days ago Minho was in NY Time Square.

Today he is in London! :D

ПМС и советы мужчинам

2011-11-03T09:00:00.000+09:00

Валялась по столом, большое спасибо anyazhduperemen , откровенно написано и правильно всё подмечено! Кстати, прогуглите ПМС в картинках, посмеётесь... :D

Самый лучший совет: соберите вещи и уйдите из дома. На несколько дней. В тайгу. Телефон держите включённым. Парадокс в том, что вас будут ненавидеть, но при этом будут искать. Не спрашивайте, просто поверьте.

Если ПМС застал вас неожиданно и из дома уйти всё же не удалось… Займите оборонительную позицию. Забаррикадируйтесь где-нибудь в тихом, укромном, месте. Оккупируйте как можно меньше пространства. Например, за батареей. Или на антресолях. Оттуда вас будет труднее выковыривать длинным твердым предметом.

В разговоры не вступайте. На вопросы отвечайте коротко, чётко, быстро. “Да”, “нет”. Лучше “да”. Избегайте намёков. Ваши слова не должны иметь второго смысла. А желательно и первого. Вообще.

В глаза не смотрите. Следите за своей мимикой. («Я не умею!» – не оправдание. У вас был месяц потренироваться.) Помните, ваша поднятая бровь – диверсия. Две поднятые брови – теракт. Кривая усмешка – объявление войны.

На вопрос “Это платье меня полнит?” не отвечайте, а сразу бегите по направлению к балкону и бросайтесь вниз. Это не самоубийство. Вы просто увеличиваете свои шансы выжить.

Помните: сиденье унитаза должно быть всегда опущено. И при этом сухое. (“Как это?” – не аргумент. У вас был месяц потренироваться.)

Важно! Других женщин не существует. Буквально. Совсем. Нет, вам показалось. В минуты сомнения вспоминайте о длинном твёрдом предмете.

Запомните следующие фразы. Не спрашивайте – что они означают, просто заучите: “Да, люблю”, “Нет, не забыл“, “Конечно помою”, “Ни о чём не думаю”. Произносите их когда другие слова закончились. Или когда поблизости нет балкона.

Когда первый кризис пройдет, сделайте ей приятное. Утром, пока она спит, приготовьте ей завтрак. Желательно что-нибудь лёгкое, успокаивающее. Например, кусок сырого мяса и стакан свежевыжатой крови. И обратно на антресоли.

И помните – когда-нибудь это обязательно закончится. Совсем-совсем скоро. Вот увидите. И тогда у вас будет еще месяц потренироваться.

World Leader in Research of Stem Cells

2011-11-02T02:20:00.000+09:00

Recently, the International Stem Cell symposium was held in Korea. The stem cell research of Korea has drawn the attention worldwide. If the stem cell treatment can be developed successfully, we human can overcome a lot of diseases.

World’s First Stem Cell Treatment will be Released within the Year

The prominent “Stars” of the stem cell area visited Seoul last month. The third international stem cell symposium was held on September 29 in Seoul for two days. The world famous 25 researchers participated at the symposium including Dr. Nishigawa Shinichi who developed IPS for the first time in the world. The recent news on the stem cell development by the life engineering company in Korea and its world’s 4th approval of medical test drew a big attention in the academic world.

Stem cells with microscope (Source: Donga Ilbo)

The experts expect that the 'mesenchymal stem cells' treatment would be available first for commercial use. The mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells obtained by bone marrow, fat and so on. A leader of business application group of cord blood stem cells in Seoul National University says that mesenchymal stem cells are safe because the immune rejection response, which attacks organs or cells that transplanted, is less and also it can be made into the cells we want. A company in Korea developed the medicine for arthritis and acute myocardial infarction and completed the third clinical trials for human last January and July. The medicine would be the first stem cell treatment in the world if it passes Korea food & drug administration’s assessment and be released within this year.

Kim Dong Uk, the business application research group leader, said that the first generation treatment was adult stem cells and the second generation treatment would be the stem cells divided into various tissues. He expected that more research would be done for the second generation treatment. Embryonic stem cell and iPS are regarded as the second generation treatments. The embryonic stem cell is derived from the embryo formed by combination of sperm and egg. IPS, which is reverted from somatic cells, is a stem cell quite similar to embryonic stem cell. Embryonic stem cell and IPS can be divided and formed into a variety of organs.

Researchers in the 3rd international stem cell symposium (Source: Donga Ilbo)

Kim said that Zeron, US life engineering company, started a trial using embryonic stem cells for the first time in the world and within five to ten years embryonic stem cell treatment would come out. However, there would be controversy for the time being because the treatment has ethical issues.

Healing process with stem cell treatment (Source: MoneyToday)

Tasks Still Remained

Meanwhile, IPS found in 2006 doesn’t have ethical issues but the research is insufficient. Natalie Dewit, director of Korea Pateur research center, expected that IPS would go into clinical trial phase late 2010s. The thing that IPS is randomly divided has to be solved in order to get the cells we want. Kim Gwang Su, a director of stem cell research center, said that the technology dividing IPS into brain cell has a big progress but for some other cells, there is still a long way to go. “The research is in progress.” He added.

Experts expect that IPS would be firstly applied to the experimental animals. The findings, which measure the medical efficiency converting iPS of the schizophrene into the nerve cells, were reported in Nature last 14th. Stem cells, which are developed from IPS obtained by patients, have the same conditions as human cells so they can be measured more accurately for new medicine.

Many people will be free of diseases once the stem cell treatment is developed. There are still many patients waiting for the positive results. Let’s hope for the success of stem cell research.

ⓒKoreabrand

Volunteering that Makes Us Smile

2011-10-21T23:07:00.001+09:00

It is said that taking care of teeth from your childhood is very important. A recent study shows that taking proper care of teeth prevents the heart disease. The basic is to brush teeth in a proper way and scale teeth on a regular basis. But there are many people who cannot afford it. A charity group has been doing a service for those since long ago.

Annual meeting for better volunteering

(Source: Yollin Dental Society)

The joy in Volunteer Work

Yollin Dental Society was established in 1999 to volunteer for poor neighbors. It is blowing a fresh breeze into many dentist groups in Korea. The targets are those who abandoned, seniors who live alone, and Korean-Chinese. Well, the Yollin Dental Society is busy enough to go to different places everyday that needs their help.

Then, how do they volunteer? Once the dentist license holder becomes a member of Yollin Dental Society, he gets a volunteer-schedule on a regular basis. Considering his/her schedule, the next step is to apply in advance. It is also good for building friendship among volunteers.

Kim Seong Moon, the newly elected president of Yollin Dental Society, said that the progress of the volunteer group cannot be made by just one or two persons’ efforts. He emphasized that passion and devotion from each person are the keys to achieve the progress and strengthen the friendship among members.

A volunteer working in Indonesia

(Source: Health Korea)

To Abroad!

Yeolin dentist group went abroad for a volunteer work for the first time this year. Kim prepared for international volunteer with passion. The original plan was to set up clinics abroad in order to provide Korean medical services for people in developing countries. They are planning another overseas volunteering project on a regular basis in the near future.

The first destination was Indonesia. As it is a first international project, they already conducted a field trip, and did a lot of research. Finally, 25 dentists flew to Indonesia for a volunteer work from 29th of July to the 3rd of August. They treated factory workers and neighbors at factory of Dada Korea in Laya 76 km away from Jakarta. 309 patients were treated through the volunteer work.

Arrived very late, the dentist group set up the equipment until dawn and started to treat patients from the next morning. The situation was not so good. Mostly, they extracted and scaled teeth for local people, which continued for six days. In addition, they did a skin care and nail care for female workers and opened flee market with Korean items they brought from Korea. Of course, it was very popular.

Take a pose after the first international volunteer service (Source: Asia Economy)

The president of the group said, “More than 700 people wanted to be treated but only 300 people had opportunities due to the schedule. But I’m very glad to get things done without any accident.”

Yollin Dental Society marked 11th anniversary. Two hundred volunteers have treated seven thousand people so far. They have grown up as one of the most famous volunteer groups with six clinics in Korea.

Dental care is very important but it costs a lot of money. Until now, dental care was not affordable to low income class. However, we have Yollin Dental Society, and it seems that they will be the strong supporters.

ⓒKoreabrand

SNSD Girls Generation - The Boys

2011-10-19T02:28:00.000+09:00

Love this video, love their dresses, love their make-up, love their hairstyles and love this song... @.@

The mission! Find Autumn Festival and Revitalize Yourself

2011-10-18T01:42:00.001+09:00

This summer was truly hot. The steamy heat and discomfortness were stronger than ever. But now, fall is back. Not only the newly harvested crops and fruits satisfy our taste, but also the exhilarating air and infinitely deep sky give us refreshingness. We can’t miss this moment. A variety of festivals of many regions are waiting for us. Let’s enjoy the autumn festival!

Grilled fish in port of Hongwon
(Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Autumn-Day Eats, Gizzard Shad vs Shrimp

Gizzard shad gets more delicious especially in autumn. Most of them have more unsaturated fatty acid in fall season. Also the gizzard shad is often referred in many proverbs and sayings, which shows that it is close to our lives. For example, “There are a lot of roasting sesame seeds in gizzard shad’s head in autumn”, which means it is the most delicious in autumn, and the other one is, “Your runaway daughter-in-law comes back when she smell the smoked gizzard shad in autumn”, which is pretty famous. They all tell us how delicious it is.

There are many styles of its cooking, such as sashimi style, salad style with chili sauce, and so on. The grilled shad is also delicious. With one bite, you will see. There will be many shad festivals with various events in port of Secheon-gun, Bosung-gun and Gwangyang city from the end of September to early October. Refresh yourself with gizzard shed in these festivals.
Well, shrimp is another delicious eats of autumn. It is very chewy and tasty during the fall season. The king prawn is a kind of kuruma shrimp, but it is much superior in size, flexibility and sweetness.

Fresh shrimp with low price during the festival (Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

The prawn festivals are held from mid-September to mid-October in Anmyundo beach, Namdang port in Hongseong and Muchangpo in Boryung, Chungcheongnam-do. Fried shrimp is just perfect for children’s snack. But above all, the best recipe is grilled shrimp cooked with natural salt. You will taste good flavor in it. You can also set a rich table with seasonal shrimp you buy with a low price in each festival. It would be healthy cuisine for your family back from the summer heat.

Marathon and Walking Festival to Refresh Your Body

It is a time for walking shoes. The advertisements on walking shoes are becoming common these days. It shows that walking for exercise is along with a boom. Sport shoes and walking shoes were useless due to heavy rain and heat, however the time has come. Walking stimulates feet and helps blood flow and metabolism. It is an aerobic exercise that helps weight loss. More interest in athletics than the past was shown during IAAF World Championship in Daegu. In particular, marathon is amazing because the runners challenge to their limit.

Citizens participating in walking festival (Source: Yonhap News

Thanks to this trend, many regions are preparing a variety of festivals such as the 4thGapyeong Marathon Contest, Gyeonggi Marathon for Peaceful Unification, Sunday Marathon 2011 for Success of Pyeongchang Olympics and Seoul History Trail Walking Contest 2011. These festivals have various race courses. You can participate by choosing one of the courses, full and half course, 10 km and 5 km. Why don’t you take some time and run a marathon over the weekend? It would be tough for your legs. However, your brisk arms and breezing air will make you feel refreshed. Your stress and fatigue will disappear with sweats falling on your forehead.

Internatinal Jass Festival in Jara Island for Romantic Autumn

The 8th international jazz festival, loved by in and out of Korea, will be held this year in Jara island. The performance played by local and international musicians will make you feel exciting. Jara island has a magnificent scenery that gives a joy through ears as well as whole body. Particularly, the island located in Northern Han river provides a full comfort of rest for city residents. Once the musical performance is added, you will see a paradise.

Romantic stage of jazz musicians (Source : Korea Tourism Organization)

Jazz festival is held in Jara island of Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do. You can take a day trip by Gyeongchun metro line at Sangbong station, Seoul. Take a journey to jazz festival with your friends or lover, you will have a wonderful memory of autumn into your heart.

ⓒKoreabrand

It's Chuseok

2011-09-12T23:42:00.005+09:00

Chuseok (Korean: 추석), originally known as Hangawi (한가위, from archaic Korean for "the ides of August"), is a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in Korea celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. As a celebration of the good harvest, Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food such as songpyeon and rice wines such as sindoju and dongdongju.

Happy Korean Thanksgiving Day to Everybody :)

Советские корейцы, покоряющие мир!

2011-09-07T18:25:00.009+09:00

Некоторые могут назвать меня слишком патриотичной, но меня просто переполняет гордость за наших русско-язычных корейцев. Во всём мире не многие знают о "русских корейцах". В последние 10 лет на телевидении появилось много южно-корейских сериалов, например в Узбекистане (откуда я родом) в конце 90-х гг бразильские и португальские сериалы плавно уступили место корейским, ставшими очень даже популярными. Корейская волна затопила наши края, да и весь мир уже :) Я стала одной из многочисленных фанатов и я стала гордиться, что я кореянка (пусть даже и не южная:)). Но, в последнее время я была приятно удивленна увидев советских корейцев на иностранном телевидении:

Денис Тен – казахский фигурист, получивший уже множество медалей на различных соревнованиях, что даже сама Ким Ю-на (знаменитая южно-корейская фигуристка) написала в своём блоге, что Денис очень талантливый :)

Денис Тен и Ким Ю-на после 7 зимних азиатских игр 2011

Александра Ли – вошла в шоу-бизнес ещё будучи ребёнком в Узбекистане, а недавно появилась и на южно-корейском телевидении в компании с популярными к-поп группами: Shinee, 2PM и другими звёздами. "У Сашеньки очень хороший голос и она отлично танцует", - так мне говорил каждый кореец в универ-е :)

Сашенька и Никун 2PM (справа)

Никун (2PM) и Минхо (Shinee) в ожидании кого же предпочтёт Саша :)

Евгения Ли – Евгения в данное время звезда на корейских сайтах. Она одна из многих участниц в корейском реалити-шоу Korea's Next Top Model Season 2, но также и одна из немногих прошедших в Топ 5-ку. В первых двух миссиях она заняла 1-ое место и на протяжении всей программы не прекращает удивлять жюри своей профессиональностью.

Лучший снимок Жени, занявший 1-ое место

Я очень рада за наших корейцев и вся в ожидании следующей звезды! :D

Long Time No See

2011-09-06T22:05:00.002+09:00

The summer is gone and my blog's background turned dark purple and I love it :)

It's been a while since my last update, and I have both bad and good news. The bad news is that I completed my activity at the World Students in Korea (WSK) program and I miss it very much. But, the good news is that, as one of the best program's bloggers, I got the second prize - a new digital camera Samsung Ex1. I was very surprised to receive such an award, because a high-end camera was exactly the thing that I needed :)

Sincerely yours, Yelena Lim

Make a better life! Wave of Saemaeul Movement in Africa

2011-09-05T23:46:00.000+09:00

Korea is the first country which has transitioned from an aid recipient to a donor to join OECD. Especially in Southeast Asia and Africa, many countries want to learn the experience, and Saemaeul Movement is considered a good example.

Saemaeul Movement which contributed to the rapid economic growth and rural development of Korea in 1970s, is now adapted by Asian and African countries. It was initiated by Gyeongsangbuk-do. As a move of globalization, it increased the range of activity by building Saemaeul halls, schools, wells and even moral education. Let’s take a look.

Saemaeul Movement spreading to Southeast Asia and Africa (Source: Hankkook Ilbo)

Song of Hope

Saemaeul Movement had its first anniversary last 22nd of April. Saemaeul movement, the nation developing project, became so successful that leaders from Asia and Africa came to visit Saemaeul Movement center in Bundang, Seongnam city. Fifty thousand of civil servants and local leaders from 84 countries have already visited so far. Saemaeul Movement is becoming globalized.

Saemaeul globalizing project fist started in 2004. Saemaeul hall in Vietnam and Jakarta Indonesia, health center in Cambodia, and Wells in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are the outcomes of the project. 254 college students have participated in Saemaeul international volunteer project since 2007 and this summer again, 100 students are volunteering in Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Philippines. In addition, Gyeongsangbuk-do and KOICA co-conducted a medical project, an environmental project and a profitable project. Environmental program is to improve kitchens, washrooms, pavements, village roads. Profitable program is to teach how to farm and make reservoirs.

Saemaeul Movement growing as a national brand spreading all over the world (Source: Chosun Ilbo)

Global Saemaeul forum was held in Gyeongju from 19th to 20th April. There were a lot of discussions on direction for globalization of Saemaeul movement and also Hallyu. It became more responsible for helping the underdeveloped countries to develop themselves.

In addition, Cambodia which is hot every season increased the income per person five times higher than usual, rising from eighty to 400 dollars since they learned vinyl greenhouse technology of Korea, which is convenient to control the temperature and humidity. The key point of Saemaeul Movement is to bring up sense of independence. It is not only supporting the skills and resources but also helping them develop their capability to increase income by growing crops.

Saemaeul Movement Emerging as National Brand

More than 90 percent of poor people of underdeveloped countries live in rural area. Saemaeul Movement is successful in countries that need help most. The most important project of Saemaeul Movement in Africa is dispatching leaders of Saemaeul Movement. Gyeongsangbuk-do sent volunteers to Africa for ODA project since Korea became a member of DAC under OECD in 2009.

Ethiopians making reservoir (Source: Segye Ilbo)

The Saemaeul leader volunteering group consists of six members in each of five teams, and 30 of them are working to eliminate the poverty in Rwanda for nearly a year. Struggling against the heat, they plant Saemaeul spirits which are described as diligence, self-reliance and cooperation into the local people. Unlike the other countries which used to leave after building one or two village halls, Korea planted confidence and belief in their mind like “We can do it” with its own project, Saemaeul.

Korean government decided to start Saemaeul Movement in Rwanda and Laos as ODA (Official Development Assistance) to get rid of poverty and support self-growth. The Rwandan official said that Gyeongsangbuk-do will be in charge of Rwanda, and Saemaeul Center will be in charged of Laos to make a synergy like a complete product.

Review of the History of Saemaeul Movement

In Congo, it is easy to find people wearing shirts with a logo, “Saemaeul Movement”. The pronunciation ‘Saemaeul Movement’ is familiar with locals. Some villages have flags of it in every house. Saemaeul Movement started in 1970s for a better life in Korea and 30 years later it’s bring new hopes to Africa.

Congo is the most successful example of the localization of Saemaeul Movement (Source: Segye Ilbo)

However, it is important to change the mind and attitude of people and eventually help them develop the whole village, not by simply increasing the income. In other words, it is more important to encourage them to achieve the economic development on their own by building up software such as policies and systems away from one-sided aid. But the task is how to get rid of the old image that Saemaeul Movement is a low level standard project driven by the government. Also the careful consideration on how to properly localize the Saemaeul Movement to each country is very essential. Once again, we hope that Korea would play a major role in poverty elimination and enhancing the nation’s prestige.

ⓒKoreabrand

Asia Exchange Association, the Cradle of Global Leader

2011-09-04T23:30:00.000+09:00

Asia is becoming the leader of 21st century. But barriers caused by different languages, religions and also the controversial issues in history still remain, making it hard to draw cooperation among countries. So we need young leaders to bring them all together. Where and how can we find them? Asia Exchange Association may have an answer to that matter.

The Youth Opening the Future

AEA (Asia Exchange Association), registered in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a nonprofit organization. It was established in March 2005 to build the Asian network through education volunteer, and academic and cultural interchange by young people. Since it's establishment, AEA has cooperated with government organizations, institutions and schools for better future on a variety of interchange programs in economy, society, culture and academy.

Volunteers helping homework in Laos (Source: AEA)

To start with dispatching volunteers to Cambodia, AEA sends out short-term volunteers every twice a year. AEA provides useful and novel education programs such as building libraries, making shoe closets, teaching languages, globalization and sanitization, and lastly art, sports and culture exchange so that young Asian people can understand each other and have awareness of how to behave as world citizens.

Volunteers helping build up houses in Laos (Source: AEA)

Every school vacation, from January to February and from July to August, AEA dispatches students under 24 for volunteering for 11 days. Each team is made of 16 members and any Korean students under 24 can join.

The dispatched volunteers should have a sense of humanity and passion rather than the fluent English as they go to the isolated villages for computer and reading class, introducting Korean culture and history, cultural performance. After reviewing applications and interview, AEA sorts out volunteers and train them for one month. After they complete the mission and come back to Korea, they have to go through a briefing session. Finally, AEA grants the certificates to every one of them.

What is International Legislation Support Program?

AEA puts an effort to get Asian countries more cooperative to each other. International Legislation Support program was made through the efforts. The Legal disputes happen very often as Korean companies go abroad more often than ever and their investment increases as well. That's why we need the firm and stable legal system.

AEA tries to improve the informationalized legal level of developing countries by exporting legal systems and culture, and supporting them to build the trial regulation, legislation, and manual. In other words, International Legislation Support program will go beyond the export of Korean legal system and exchange among lawers from both sides, and finally promote mutual friendship each other...

Volunteers practicing Taekwondo in Vietnam (Source:AEA)

There are four effects which are expected in International Legislation Support program. The export of Korean legal system will begin with more exchanges of international lawyers. Eventually, it will promote partnership among countries and help Korean companies and people to do a business.

Many Korean children dreams of being a global leader like UN Secretary General Ban ki moon. Isn't it because he gives the whole Asian children confidence that they can do it whatever they want. Let's be prepared for the dream to become a world leader beyond Asia.

ⓒKoreabrand

Korean El Sistema, Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra

2011-08-08T21:16:00.001+09:00

Do you know about “El Sistema”? “El Sistema”, originally meaning “a system” in Spanish, is now widely used as a name of a free musical education program for poor children in Venezuela.

El Sistema, organized in 1975 by Jose Antonio Abreu, an economist, was started as an orchestra with 11 poor children in Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela. Now, it has grown up to become a large-scale organization with 260,000 people in about 190 centers in Venezuela. The excellence of this program has been recognized in whole world since it turned out that many of great musicians such as Gustavo Adolfo Dudamel Ramírez, the permanent conductor of LA Philharmonic, and Edicson Ruiz, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s double bass player were from this orchestra.

Venezuela’s Orchestra Born out of the El Sistema Program (Photo: AsiaToday)

Among all the positive outcomes, the best one was that it acknowledged poor children that they have responsibility as a society member, and gave them hope and dream about their future, preventing crime by teaching music to those children exposed in danger such as drug, violence, and weapons. With this result, El Sistema is now settled as a global musical education system for preschoolers and teenagers.

Even in Korea, more and more people are interested in the system of El Sistema. There is a band, which dreams of becoming Korean “El Sistema”. Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra. It consists of 100% young students. They haven’t even touched the musical instruments before entering this orchestra, but now each of them plays very well. What changed them like this? Let’s have a look.

Hopeful Harmony Created by Small Hands

‘Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra’ was made to provide opportunities to make the hopes and dreams come true for the neglected class of children and teenagers by giving them musical education and helping them find their talent. By running the show as one of the activities of “Hope-Sharing” project in Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, this orchestra is receiving attention as a model of Korean “El Sistema”.

This orchestra chose its members among students who are learning instruments at Seoul Metropolitan Area Children’s Center, community centers, study rooms and many other places by the open call auditions or the recommendations from these groups. On September 10th, 2010, the orchestra had the welcoming ceremony and stepped their first feet. The targets are the children who are interested in music, and aged between 4th and 8th grade.

Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra, dreaming of Korean “El Sistema” (Source: MoonhwaJournal21)

These children receive lessons from the members of Eurasian Philharmonic or SeoulPhil every Wednesday. Even though it was hard to gather young children from elementary to middle school at the first time, now it is hard to find the absence. As a first step, they have opportunities to learn the instruments they are interested in. However, if they lose interest in the instruments and music, teachers change the instruments to keep their interests alive. Also, the members of ‘Sejong Naneum Ensemble’ chose to become mentors for these children and volunteer to teach them.

‘Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra’ had their first concert as a guest appearance at the concert of ‘Sejong Naneum Ensemble’ on December 25th, 2010. Then, they had a successful inauguration concert with ‘Rafael Chorus’, the blind choir at Sejong Chamber Hall on May 7th. Starting from this concert, ‘Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra’ is planning to have variety of activities to share culture and arts at Free Musical Concerts for the citizens or those in neglected class like themselves.

Dream and Hope to Isolated Children

‘Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra’ is screaming of joy these days due to a lot of help from people interested in this project. Even though this orchestra has started for less than a year, and even they didn’t learn music professionally, these students with passion and hope have reliable supporters. Domestic musical instrument companies decided to provide instruments used in the orchestra for free, and the maintenance management of these instruments are held by Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Additionally, except for four coaches who majored in music and teach the children, all people are volunteers.

There was a pleasant guest last January. Mark Churchill, the director of USA El Sistema, and Nicholas Real, a flute player grown thanks to the program of “El Sistema”, visited these children and shared their experiences and hope.

After the inauguration concert, H group decided to support ‘Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra’ and made it public that they had an informal cooperation Cultural Divide at Sejong Arts Academy in Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. As a support, H group donated personal instruments to each member of “Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra” and provided a uniform for each member in the orchestra. Additionally, the group is planning to support these children with management of the program by providing volunteers for one-to-one music lesson for each orchestra member.

More and More People are giving Hands to the Children Dreaming of ‘Korean El Sistema’ (Source: MoneyToday)

When people asked about how the orchestra will be managed, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts addressed that “To open the door wide for children in neglected class, we are planning to replace all members every two years. Also, we are not planning to receive any participation fee”. Even though they are not “professional”, the dreams of these passionate children, wanting to become the best musician in the world in the future are growing as time goes by.

To Settle the System of ‘Korean El Sistema’

Ministry of culture and Korea culture and Arts Education Agency are pushing ahead with an orchestra program starting from 8 parts of South Korea with the name of “Dream Orchestra”. Cheong Myeong-Hoon, the conductor, Cheong Myeong-Hwa, the cellist, Chang Han-Na, the cellist and conductor, Paek Joo-Young, the violinist and more musicians are taking part in this program and planning to be the mentors for the children. El Sistema is receiving attention in Korean educational world as an aid project to reduce the cultural gap of multicultural families and low-income children.

However, the most important part of this project is durability. Since this project started, it gained a lot of attention and supports. However, if the support decreases as time goes by, it means that the project might come to an end. The company official who made it official to support ‘Sejong Youth Orchestra’ said at the interview that it is true that the support for the culturally underprivileged was limited to providing the opportunity to see the concert. And the official showed the reason why the company decided to support the project by referring to the necessity of the support for the culturally underprivileged.

Korean El Sistema is now at the starting point. (Source: Yonhap News)

Also, the truth that in the reality where a serious concern of sustainable culture sharing and the active participation of the beneficiaries is necessary, ‘Sejong Youth harmony Orchestra’ can be a solution, means that it includes a concern regarding the durability and the outcome of the program of Korean El Sistema. Even though there is a bright future of El Sistema by continuous activities, it seems like it has a long way to go to successfully settle this program with children.

If we consider the time and effort given to make this system settle down at Venezuela, this kind of movement should not be considered as a short-term project, but has to be able to provide an environment for low-income children and multi-cultural families to grow up through music. We sincerely hope that through Korean “El Sistema” program like ‘Sejong Youth Harmony Orchestra’, those children who have a stereotype that music costs a lot of money, can have a chance to enjoy the music and find the possibility and their talents.

ⓒKoreabrand

When Samulnori Meets Digital

2011-08-07T21:10:00.001+09:00

Samulnori, which was created from Korean traditional music, Pungmul, is one of the most beloved genres of music among many Koreans and considered to harmonize the East and West and Old and New. It is one of the most dynamic music in the world and makes us thrilled with powerful sound and dynamics. Now shall we learn about Samulnori?

Sound of Korean, Samulnori is trying to be changed

Samulnori makes everyone’s heart beat faster with only four musical instruments. Kkwaengguari(small gong) symbolizes thunder, Janggu( traditional double-headed drum) symbolizes rain, Buk(drum) symbolizes cloud, and Jing(gong) symbolizes wind.

Exciting Performance of Samulnori (Source: Seoul Shinmun)

Kim Duk-Soo with His Friends Touching all over the World

Samulnori is a compound word of 'Samul-percussion instruments' and 'Nori-play'. Samul refers to Kkwaengguari, Jing, Janggu and Buk. Now, we have many Samulnori performance teams, however, Samulnori was first created in 1978 by Kim Deok-Soo with His Friends- Kim Deok-Soo, Lee Kwang-Soo, Choi Jong-Sil, and Kim Yong-Bae, who started playing music since they were little. Later, they grew up as very talented performers. Kim Yong-Bae who studied at Korean Traditional Music high school is the one who contributed a lot to the first step of Samulnori.

That’s why Kim Deok-Soo and His Friends comes to our minds when speaking Samulnori. Well, they attended the World Contest of Percussion Instrument Players in 1982, World Drum Festival in Vancouver, Canada in 1984, and held a celebrating performance for the Olympic Torch in Seoul Olympics in 1988. Kim Deok-Soo and His Friends enhanced the national prestige by performing Samulnori in Japan, U.S. and so on. Last year they performed ‘Digilogue Samulnori-Blooming the Dead Tree’ scripted by Lee O-Young, the former minister of the ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Sport.

Performance of ’Digilogue Samulnori-Blooming the Dead Tree’ (Source: Hankook Ilbo)

They performed Digilogue Samulnori with four musical instruments. These four instruments symbolize the four directions- East, West, North and South and four seasons- Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. It shows us how deserted real world blooms, returning to Winter and again sprouts. It mixed digital and analogue, online and offline and put into one performance. They combined virtual reality and real world together and adopted four- dimensional (4D) technology, which became a turning point that traditional Korean performance can be universal. As seen the possibility of digital-Samulnori performance, Samulnori proved its rhythm compatible with any kind of genre, such as Jazz and Blues as well.

In addition, Kim Deok-Soo dramatized Arirang (Korean traditional folk music) that we can look into the past and future of Korea. It is composed of 7 chapters and played with Samulnori instruments, traditional musical instruments including Kayageum, Haegeum and so on. They also used western instruments like violin, piano and saxophone. It shocking because they mixed music instruments from Asia and the West and dramatized traditional music. It contributed a lot for Arirang becomes worldwide music.

Samulnori Tempted World with Rhythm

Noreummachi Performing in Overseas
(Source : Maeil Business Newspaper)

There are a few percussion instrument groups in Korea excluding Kim Deok-Soo and His Friends. 'Noreummachi' is one of them. It is a compound word of ' Noreum-play' and 'Machim-finish'. Noreummachi is a fusion music group that mixes Samulnori and rap music.Noreummachi had their first concert abroad last year. Kim Deok-Soo tried hard to introduce Samulnori to the world but Noreummachi tried to popularize Samulnori. Noreummachi will have concerts in four European countries until Aug 25th this year.

Other fusion group called 'Deulsori' will have concerts in Italy, U.S. and South America from this August. Sebastian Wang is a Korean-American and he was born and grew up in the U.S. He was captivated by Samulnori and tried to popularize Samulnori in the world. He hopes Samulnori become the national brand of Korea like Samsung, LG and Taekwondo.

Let's Enjoy Samulnori

Samulnori has become popular in Korea. There is an application we can play Samulnori in the smart phone. Intangible cultural treasure students record all rhythms they play with Samul and computer musician transforms it into digital and put them in the application. It is very easy to improvise Samulnori like them.

Last December Korean movie star Jang Dong-Geon was on the Hollywood action blockbuster movie 'Warrior's Way' and this movie inserted Samulnori in it. Samulnori sounds was applied into the major action scenes and ending credit. Samulnori performance was inserted in the action scenes in the hall and it was well harmonized with gun shooting sounds. It caught attentions from all over the world and it enhanced the beauty of the image in the movie.

Samulnori Goes Beyond the Generation (Source : Kyunghyang Shinmun)

Regardless of the past and present, performers and audience, Koreans and foreigners, Samulnori keeps making progress with new interpretation and recreation of the music. We hope Korean traditional music spread into the world and become the representative brand of Korea.

ⓒKoreabrand

Mnet Global Looking for Mnet Global Supporters

2011-07-28T01:38:00.001+09:00

Mnet is a music & entertainment channel in Korea. M countdown, 2NE1 TV, Superstar K, MAMA Award, and 20's Choice Award are Mnet’s famous programs.

Mnet looking for:

- People who are into K-POP and Korean culture.

- People who are interested in Mnet, Asia’s number one music channel.

- Non english speakers are also welcome (Chinese, French, Thai, Vietnamese, Russian…)

- People who stay in Korea / Be fluent in Korean or English

Mission:

Mainly uploading K-POP video and the news on web sites of your countries.

Working Period:

2011.08.16~2011.12.31 (The time period can be fixed according to individual circumstances.)

Benefits:

- Opportunities for attending public shootings and lives of Mnet shows twice every month.

- If you were chosen as the best supporter of the month, you will be able to get gift certificate of CJ Products.

Apply until August 5th, 2011 by emailing to hyeeunpark@cj.net including your name, nationality, age, period of stay in Korea, favorite Korean celebrity, your SNS - twitter or Facebook).

So Cute Korean Child

2011-07-22T23:57:00.000+09:00

So cute and adorable Korean child :) OMG I want to become a mom... lol

New Wave of IT World Rushing In

2011-07-20T18:05:00.002+09:00

‘Cloud Meets Big Data’ was the hot issue in IT Forum which was recently held in COEX Convention Center. Cloud Computing has been the main stream of Korean Internet services since last year. It sounds little far from your daily life, but over 10 millions are using the Cloud service. Let’s take a look before it’s too late.

Hot Issue in IT World, Elusive Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is defined as a computing environment providing services through internet servers such as a data storage, network, and contents at the same time according to Naver dictionary (http://100.naver.com). In short, we put all data together into servers of data center so we could use them whenever we need. Just like the clouds intangible, the space doesn’t exist in computer, but we can handle them freely.

The concept of the Cloud Service (Source: EBN Industry News)

Let’s take an example with an email. Whenever you log in, you’ll receive emails or data. Your computer actually doesn’t have the storage for data but you can take them out from the internet server. This is a basic concept of it.

Cloud computing is a technology that you can use the Operating Systems(OS) such as Windows, and Mac, and Word processor, Office, Photoshop, Games and all kinds of application programs and the saved data with certain payment. Many of Korean corporations and government organizations already adopted the service or moving to adopt it. IT service companies are providing a large webhard-type of cloud service for individuals as well.

Faster, Easier and Cheaper

The advantage of the Cloud Computing is that you can save the space and costs. All you need are a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse and the network function, and you just have to pay as much as you use. The other advantage is that you can use the data anytime with a variety of IT devices such as computers, tablet PCs, and smart phones.

There seems to be a long way to go, as it is at an early stage
(Source: NewsPim)

For its cost effectiveness, the Cloud computing system is much more attractive to businesses than to individuals. With the Cloud Computing system, employees just need internet-accessible computer instead of expensive PC and software. In terms of security, the authentication process prevents the security breaches and information leaks.

Firstly, the server stability and the security must be guaranteed for Cloud computing. In fact, a cloud computing service in the US was down for two hours with a huge loss. In this case, users’ loss must be tremendous. In terms of security, like DDoS, servers can be the target for hacking or attack. Strict security solution should be prepared to prevent such a horrible damage to data center.

Seize the Growth Engine of Future Korea

The scale of the world Cloud Computing market is expected to grow from 31 billion dollars in 2011 to 60 billion dollars in 2014. It is the trend that world class IT businesses and venture companies consider the Cloud Computing a key industry in the future. Global competition for Cloud Computing among business and individual market is already underway

In response to global competition, Korean government announced the strategy last month that they will increase the Cloud Computing adoption rate up to 15%. The official said that they will improve the legal system in order to promote the growth of Cloud Computing market. In addition to encouraging government agencies build up Cloud Computing infrastructure in a certain percentage, Korean government support small businesses so that they can be a global competitor through combining data center with Cloud Computing.

Korean companies are set to Cloud Computing service. IT companies sell their services such as large scale Cloud Computing and virtualization solutions. They move ahead with international companies to be the leader in the world market of Cloud Computing market.

Global competition is underway to be the IT business leader for the next generation (Source: Digital Times)

Korean mobile service company K on June 30th made an agreement of joint venture together with Japanese company S. K has a plan to build up data center in Kimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do so that they could provide data service for not only Japanese companies but also for Asian companies within a radius of 2,000 km. Global e-bay company E announced last 13th they will build up data center in Busan to support Korea, China, Japan, Singapore and Australia branches. Prior to it, US IT company opened a data center in cooperation with Korean Insurance Company K in Songdo, Incheon city last November. It appears that more companies will open data centers in Korea

The key reasons for these trends are geological conditions, less natural disasters, stable and low cost electric service and reliable internet service. In particular, IT infrastructure is the most highly graded. With these strength and advantages, we are looking forward to being a leader in data center hub through Asia and global competitor in the world cloud computing service market.

ⓒKoreabrand

Yeosu, the Host City of Expo

2011-07-20T17:57:00.001+09:00

With one year left before the opening of the Yeosu Expo, the Organizing Committee is very busy in preparing the world event, drawing attentions from many countries. Focusing on one specific subject, “The Living Ocean and the Coast- Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities”, Yeosu will present something different.

It is very meaningful that the Expo focuses on specific topic and shows the future of the human activities.

Shall we take a look at Yeosu Expo?

Mosageum beach, a taste of Yeoso Ocean

Mosageum beach (Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Lonesome and silent, the scenery of Yeosu Ocean is considered the best. Even people living near the ocean visit Yeosu to feel the cleanness and calmness. If you want to feel the Yeosu Ocean, Mosageum beach is the exact place.

Soft sand of Mosageum beach
(Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Mosaguem beach is not as big as other beaches in Korea. However, the surrounding scenery is very beautiful and two naturally-created beaches make Mosaguem more special.

Both beaches are made up of small pebbles and soft sand. The sand is so soft that your feet will be deeply submerged in. In addition, it is good for parents to play with their kids around. Well, we also recommend you to take photos of the pebbles, which is nature itself, or to go fishing by the rocks on the seashore.

Mosageum, the treasure of Yeosu, has been well known for beautiful sand. Why not come down here for family vacation?

Enjoying Strange Rocks and Bizarre Stones of Baekdo Island

Various strange rocks and bizarre stones of Baekdo island (Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Now, you would understand why Yeosu Expo focuses on ‘Marine World’ and how that attracts so many people.

On the other hand, there is another island which has been recognized by many well-known people around the world. Baekdo-island. It has 99 peaks, including small rocky islands.

You can get around the island with a boat. It is interesting to see very unique styles of each island. For an example, you will find the large rock with a naturally carved hole that has become the shelter of the sea birds. Like this, Yeosu Ocean has an unlimited potential with a magnificent landscape of a variety of rocks and Geomundo Island floating on the ocean which is an hour distance by a boat. Clear blue sea will tell that Yeosu will be the perfect host city for the Great Marine Expo.

Do not miss it!

Marine Science Museum in Jeollanam-do
(Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Children’s favorite, Marine Science Museum, Jeollanam-do

Both Yeosu city and Yeosu Expo are not for the adults, but also for children. Children can also enjoy the both. The Marine Science Museum in Jeollanam-do will satisfy the curiosity of children.

Opened in 1998 and renovated in 2005, this museum introduces the beauty of National Marine Park of Dadohae and contributes to promoting tourism of Yeosu city.

You can see the native aquarium fish in the biggest cylinder-shaped water tank, the turtles living in the largest aquarium in Korea, and the mud flat aquarium which just look like a real one.

The ‘touch and feel’ aquarium is the most favorite for children. All visitors can touch the top shells, craps and other marine creatures. For more details, check the website http://해양수산과학관.kr

The 2nd Meeting of Participating Countries of Yeosu Expo 2012
(Source: New Media Team,Yeosu Expo 2012)

Wishing for Success of Yeosu Expo

Since the Daejeon Expo, Yeosu Expo will gather the worldwide attention. They have a huge ambition of decorating the whole ocean as the fairground for the Expo for the first time ever in 150 year-old history of World Expo.

From small beaches to dark blue ocean with strange rocks and bizarre stones, and the space for the firsthand experience of the ocean, Yeosu is just perfect enough for ocean city. Shall we take fresh air in Yeosu this summer with the expectation for the coming Expo?

ⓒKoreabrand

New Thinking New Korea

2011-07-10T19:37:00.002+09:00

Application period for the new program "New Thinking New Korea", organized by Korea Brand and Hyundai Motor Group, is opened from July 5th~31st, 2011. Every foreigner in Korea can apply for this program. To apply go to the Korea Brand's official website: koreabrand.go.kr, download the application form and submit it to ntnk@korebrand.go.kr untill deadline - July 31st. The successful applicants of the first round will have an interview in August. To get more information about the program go to the Korea Brand's official website: koreabrand.go.kr.

Sincerely yours, Yelena Lim

Major Events of July, 2011

2011-07-06T22:17:00.002+09:00

Asia’s largest licensing exhibition, the Seoul Character & Licensing Fair! The licensing exhibition deals with all kinds of items for licensing including characters, animations, comics, games, broadcasting, entertainment, fashion, publication and etc.

Period: 20~24 July, 2011 * The exhibition is open to public from 22 July.

Place: COEX, Seoul

Website: http://characterfair.kr

”Handmade Korea Fair” is the only one and unique art fair that artists exhibit and sell their products who perform, paint and create in design, craft and fine art by hands. Check this out!

Period: 14 ~17 July, 2010

Place: COEX, Seoul
Website: http://handmadekorea.co.kr

Road Trip in Jeju

2011-07-05T21:34:00.001+09:00

Jeju beach with emerald tints and peculiar living rocks are very beautiful like the fine paintings. You can have beautiful scenery by just pressing a button on your camera. In addition, driving the offshore will make you refresh your mind.

You will realize that time flies so fast when dropping by some attractive places while driving the offshore road. Now we will introduce you the must-go places in Jeju island.

The lush greenness of the 516 Forest Road Tunnel
(Source : Asia Today)

Dive along the Green Forest!

The road which will be now introduced is 516 Forest Road Tunnel that was built for the first in this island. It is a shortcut from Jeju city on the South to Seogwipo city on the North of the island, crossing Mt. Halla. It definitely reduced the travelling time and is quite faster than the other ways. The road is rather zigzag, however, once you pass the Sungpan Rest Area, you will meet the trees that just look like a tunnel. While passing the tunnel we will feel as if the trees were greeting you.

On your diving, you will see the Sancheon-dan altar for Mt. Halla and Sungpanak, the tracking course. Suak vallley is made of clear water from Baeknok-dam, the lake located on the top of the Mt. Halla. It ia connected by thick forest and azure sky.it's virgin forest and it's changed by the season. The road is lined up with Jeju typical trees and there are grazing ponies, too. 516 Forest Road Tunnel is thickly wooded and keeps the cool temperature even in summer. When you pass the tunnel, turn off the air-conditioner and open the car window to feel the beauty of nature.

Sagye Coastal Road

Sagye (four seasons) Coastal Road is an absolutely wonderful road which will surround you by the sea breeze and wind. As the Mt. Sanbang and Mt. Songak are located at each of the end of the seashore, the driving course is even peaceful and comfortable. Drivers can get the full view of the sea as well. Everyday many visitors are passing this beautiful coastal road to see the harmonized seashore, mountain and roads and all the beautiful sceneries around with its breath-taking sunset.

The road of the harmonized seashore, mountain and road (Source: Korean Tourism Organization)

We can see not only the Sagye seashore not only the Brothers islands guarding the South Sea, and away from here, we can also see the Gapa island and southernmost island, Mara island. Recently, the Sagye Coastal Road was designated as "One of the most beautiful 100 roads in Korea" by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation. After 50 minutes of driving along the No.95 local road from Jeju city, you will reach at a town which is the entrance of the Sagye-ri harbor. Then, go toward the beach about 5 minutes, and you will be dazzled by the coolest sea in front of you.

This area is also famous for the Asian-first human’s footprints fossil of the Old Stone Age. There are other footprints of the elephants, dears and birds as well. Archeologists said this geographical strata was created in the fourth stages of the Cenozoic era 50,000 years ago. Since it was reported on the news, a number of tourists are continuously visiting here to see the fossils by themselves. However, since the Cultural Heritage Administration designated this area as one of the state-designated natural monuments, it has been impossible to enter the area.

Some people leave their car and take a walk around the area to see the Mt. Sanbang, Brothers islands, Gapa island , Mara island, and Mt. Songak. We hope you enjoy the road trip on Sagye Coastal Road.

Huge Cedars are lining up along the street
(Source: Munhwa Ilbo)

Cedar Forest

Well, driving along the coast would be so good, but there is other driving course you would also be excited. It is the 27.3 km-long Rd. No.1112, which connects Gujwa-eup Pyongdae-ri and the Rd. No.516. The way ahead is full of cedar.

This road was awarded a grand prize by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation in 2002. It's very exotic as if you were in somewhere in north-American forests. Actually, this place appeared in many of CFs, movies and TV dramas. About 2,570 typical Jeju trees are growing wild here and make us feel refreshed when driving through or walking through the road.

Jeju driveways are full of blue water, beautiful estuary, cedars and secondary volcanoes. Why don't we leave for Jeju this Summer?

ⓒKoreabrand

We are Civil Diplomats!

2011-07-05T21:04:00.002+09:00

COPION members digging the ground for the base of house.
The recent trend of volunteer is changed to educate
people to be independent rather than giving material aid.
(Source: COPION)

Generally, diplomat is a representative of a country, and mainly works for his own country. But do we call those who only pursue the national profit 'Diplomats'? No. Diplomats could be those who care and help others to make them happy. Reputation of the person would be coming after. In Korea, many volunteer organizations have been very active in overseas for a long time.

Civil Volunteer Organizations

The word, "Relief Organization" first appeared after the Korean War. A relief organization, World Vision was born in the war-torn Korea 60 years ago. World Vision which grew up with the Korean economy, witnessed that Korea turned into giving nation from receiving nation. World Vision Korea is the first and only official cooperation organization which belongs to WEP(World Food Programme) among other domestic NGOs, being recognized its professionalism.

Its business varies on area, field, international business, etc. Domestic ministry is helping the community to live on their own, which is their ultimate goal.

At present, World Vision Korea became one of the members of World Vision International, which is one of the largest civil international organization in the world and has about 40,000 staff members in nearly 100 countries. Accordingly, World Vision International obtained the consultative status from UN-ECOSOC(Economic and Social Council).

INCOPION, the overseas volunteer organization, mainly dispatches Korean volunteers abroad. Since its establishment in 1999, many youth from Korea have been dispatched to about 143 local NGOs and non-profit organizations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America twice a year. Especially, COPION has removed age and education limit from 2003, which has broadened more opportunities for not only youth but also over 36 year-old senior volunteers.

Good People, the volunteer organization, is favored by many local communities
through building schools and providing a free education. (Source: Good People)

COPION is also recruiting the short and long term volunteers with a background knowledge, such as in computer, music, Korean martial arts to teach the poor family and children.

Good People is a volunteer medical organization which cares about neighbors around the world who are mostly vulnerable to poverty, disaster, and disease due to the social isolation, and also provide health care to them. They started to give a professional help and make their hope come true with every single help from all over the world. Good People engages in various activities to develop the isolated regions, such as poverty eradication, child protection, education, prevention and treatment of disease, and emergency relief, which are especially conducted in distant and less favored areas heavily populated by ethnic minorities with no government protection or civilization.

Lastly, Good News Corps is a very young organization. Like the slogan, "Boys are our future and hope.", they try to communicate with the children in the world and provide education and exchange each culture. The members learn leadership, humble mind, and a new culture. They are quite confident at learning the new language naturally within four months during their activities.

To Raise the National Value

Volunteers learn a new culture, leadership,
and humble mind which is essential
o become a true leader. (Source: Good News Corps)

Many would agree that lots of overseas volunteer organizations contribute to raising the national brand. Based on the understanding, the Korean government last 2009 integrated all overseas volunteer projects of each government ministry into WFK (World Friends Korea).

Three volunteer groups, KOICA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), IT Volunteer Group(Ministry of Public Administration and Security), College Students for Volunteering(Ministry of Education, Science and Technology) were firstly integrated in 2010, and mid and long term advisors (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), Retired Professionals (Ministry of Knowledge Economy) and the World Taekwondo Peace Corps (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) started to work under the name of WFK.

Please give a big applause of encouragement to those who deliver the world peace and love even at this moments.

ⓒKoreabrand

Youth Keepers of UNESCO World Heritage

2011-07-04T21:49:00.000+09:00

July 4th, 100 keepers of the Youth World Heritage had a ceremony in Changdeok Palace :) I've made so many beautiful pictures and I gonna upload them here later ^^**

F(x) - Hot Summer

2011-06-30T17:55:00.000+09:00

Korean girls' group F(x) with their new summer song "Hot Summer". I'm going to hum this song everyday, because it is really hot here in Korea, even it's raining now...

~ Hot Summer Ah Hot Hot Summer Hot Summer Ah Hot Hot 너무 더워, ~ Hot Summer Ah Hot Hot Summer Hot Summer Ah Hot Hot 너무 더워 , ~ Hot Summer Ah Hot Hot Summer Hot Summer Ah Hot Hot 너무 더워 @.@;;

Vogue Korea - Culture and Modernity of Hanok

2011-06-29T02:06:00.001+09:00

Do you remember my last post about Vogue Korea: Wedding Hanbok? It was so popular at my blog, so here comes another line of amazing Vogue Korea. Enjoy watching pictures and remember that all pictures are enlargeable ;D
www.vogue.co.kr | Pictures of January, 2011 | Models: Han Hye-Jin, Shin Jae-Yi

BBB International Friends Day

2011-06-23T16:18:00.001+09:00

Hallyu Tour Train

This is the 5th International Friends Day. The event is opened to all foreigners in Korea. The program includes the hallyu tour train, making mak-guksu (a traditional buckwheat noodle) and visiting the literary village of Kim You-Jeong.

Place: destination: Nami Island. We will go from Seoul Station.

Date: 10 July, 2011 (Sunday)

Time: 07:30 ~ 19:00

Cost: 10,000￦ (including travel expenses, lunch, gifts)

You can pay by July 1st to KB Bank (Kookmin Bank) / Account # 026401-04-150654 (BBB)

But before that you have to make a reservation by email to event@bbbkorea.org.

Space limited to 300 people on a first-come-first-served basis. When you register please include your full name, nationality, contact number and email address.

Nami Island is very famous also for the Korean drama "Winter Sonata" ^^!

Major Events of July 2011

2011-06-21T23:08:00.000+09:00

Boryeong Mud Festival

Boryeong City has abundant resources and beautiful scenery with mountains and beaches. It is a blessed place that has been called world in Boryeong cause the citizens have lived in splendor from generation to generation at the place of the great scenic beauty.

Period: 16 July(Sat), 2011 ~ 24 July(Sun), 9 days

Place: Daecheon Beach and downtown, Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do

Website: http://www.mudfestival.or.kr

Special Exhibitions: The Return of the Oegyujanggak Uigwe from France, Records of the State Rites of the Joseon Dynasty.
This exhibition celebrates the homecoming of the Uigwe (Book of State Rites), which were looted from their rightful place, Oegyujanggak (the Ganghwa-do Branch of Gyujanggak Library), towards the end of the Joseon Dynasty. This event aims to enhance the public's appreciation of the historic significance of this valuable heritage as well as the great tradition of keeping records during the Joseon period.

Period: 19 July(Tue), 2011 ~ 18 September(Sun)

Place: Special Exhibition Room, National Museum of Korea, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Website: http://www.museum.go.kr

Blow Away the Heat in Caves!

2011-06-17T12:41:00.005+09:00

It was unusual that temperature in May recorded 28 degree in Celsius. It made us really worried about the coming summer. Well, it was right. Why don’t we go on a trip to a cool place? Where can be a better place rather than the ocean or a mountain that has many things to see and even has the freshness of early autumn?

Today we would like to proudly introduce the Korea’s beauty, Caves. There have been a lot geographical changes in this peninsula, which formed many magnificent sites in Korea. It might be a privilege for all of us in Korea to be able to enjoy it.

There are several kinds of caves. Limestone caves are formed by the rainwater which dissolves the limestone layer. Sea caves are formed by abrasion of the ocean wave. Lava caves are formed by lava flow. Artificial caves are formed on a specific purpose. There are more limestone caves and sea caves in Korea. Stalagmites, stalactites and stone pillars are so beautiful that more and more people keep visiting the caves. And this will guide you to explore the caves which are the gifts from the Mother Nature. Let’s take a look.

Korea’s Only Theme Cave, Hwaam

Gold-colored Stalactite, Hwaam Cave
(Source: Kookmin Ilbo)

Hwaam Cave located in Jeongsun, Gangwon-do is recognized as one of the great caves in Korea. It was listed in 1980 as the monument No. 33. Most of all, it is highly recognized for its beauty and it is also one of the eight beauties in Jeongsun, Gangwon-do. It is the only themed cave. The theme presents the ‘Meeting of the Gold and the Nature’. What makes it unique is that, Hwaam Cave has both coal mine and natural cave. To get to the starting point of the cave, you should take a shuttle train. You will truly feel the theme of the ‘Meeting of Gold and Nature’.

The tour length of Hwaam Cave is 1,803 meters and the tour takes approximately one and half hour. You can see some chapters in the cave. The chapters consist of ‘History’, ‘365 along with Gold Line’, ‘Wonderland’, ‘Gold world’, ‘Nature Wonder’. The cave was discovered while mining the gold, so there are many displays and exhibits inside are connected with Gold mine. You can see the times of mining gold and a gold vein. It is quite interesting to see gold bars. In addition, there are some displays showing various kinds of gold mines, the use of gold and the history of gold. It is already beyond the museum. For the children who easily get bored, there is a chapter of ‘Gold Ghost and Silver Ghost in Wonderland’ which are mascots of this cave. The Wonderland shows how to mine gold and make gold products from the children’s perspective. Actually, there are more family visitors in a cave tour.

You can also enjoy a geological beauty. Hundreds of stalactites hanging on the ceiling are spectacular. It looks like a curtain hung over the cave. It is not fair just to say “beautiful”, but it is natural to say “beyond the expression”.

Mystic Geologic Cave, Gosu

Statue of ‘Virgin Mary’ in Gosu Cave
(Source: Newsis)

Many people said this Gosu Cave, located in Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do, is genuinely the best of all. Because there are many beautiful rocks, stalagmites, stalactites and stone pillars.

Gosu cave made of limestone layers is listed No. 256 as a natural monument. There are various creatures by the cave, which has high academic value. It is 1,200 meters long. However travelers have an access only to 600 meters inside for environmental conservation.

However, once you enter, you will definitely be amazed. It is so beautiful that you won’t be disappointed at not seeing the whole cave. Stalactites and stalagmites which grown up and down for a long period of time finally has become the limestone pillars. With that, you will feel the eternity of time.

The ‘Gom Bawi (Bear rock)’ that looks like a roaring bear is a mystic nature itself which makes you keep looking at it. ‘Cheondang SeongByeok (the Wall of the Castle of Heaven)’ has beautiful stalactites, which are very popular among many travelers who want to take a picture of them. In fact, it is very amazing to know that it takes 5 years and even 10 years for stalactites to grow up to 1 cm. Gosu Cave is made 5.4 million years ago. Once again, you can feel the eternity of time. During the journey, you will see a rock called a statue of the Virgin Mary. The rock looks like the Virgin Mary holding hands, kneeling and praying.

Before you go to Gosu Cave, there are several things you should remember. As the entrance road is very narrow, you have to be careful. A pathway inside of the cave is very narrow and steep. It is also very humid, so you might feel as if you were in the rain. It has 95 percent to 97 percent humidity, so that you’d better prepare the raincoat.

Hwanseon Cave, the Undiscovered Jewel in Asia

Monorail in Hwanseon cave, Samcheok (Source: Yonhap News Agency)

“The largest limestones cave in Asia”. With this one sentence, we can recognize the magnificent status of Hwanseon Cave.

Hwanseon cave is located in Dei-ri, Samcheok, Gwangwon-do. Dei-ri means big ears. There are six caves in Dei-ri region. Only two caves, Daegeum Cave and Hwanseon cave, are open to travelers.

It takes long time to get to Hwanseon Cave. For this, they equipped mono rail for visitors, which used to take 30~ 40 minutes on foot. If you want to take a breath of mountain, walking is also recommended.

Hwanseon Cave is much bigger than any other caves. It has many valleys like small falls here and there uplifting a very unique atmosphere. Cave coral is the most popular place. It is hard to find anywhere in the world, so that many foreigners visit the Cave. There is an English information sign. Cave coral grows up on the wall where water comes out. Cave coral is also called Cave Popcorn since it has a similar look. Many people capture the splendid scenery that looks like a King’s throne. We hope you to take a close look at this throne.

The cave is good for travel in both summer and winter. Cool in summer, warm in winter. How about watching magnificent view and relaxing your mind in cave tour during the summer that made us tired and stressed?

ⓒKoreabrand

Convenient Traffic System of Korea

2011-06-17T00:25:00.002+09:00

Almost all foreigners say that Korea has an excellent public transportation system. In Korea, you can reach everywhere by bus or subway. It is considered a superb system in terms of its access and cleanness.

Korea’s transportation system is now recognized as one of the finest example among other countries. In the past, however, many Koreans complained of ineffective subway and complicated road systems. But after it adopted the transit discount system and better equipped subway systems, situation got much better than ever.

Comfortable Public Transportation System

Korea’s transportation system is considered a role model among other countries
(Source: Yonhap News Agency)

There has been so much improvement in traffic system, and now Korea’s traffic system is regarded excellent all over the world. Most importantly, the subway and bus companies do not compete with each other for passengers, which became a win-win situation.

It is considered cleaner than any other subway in the world
(Source: Yonhap News Agency)

For example, the transit discount system helps passengers save their money, which is found only in Korea. For this reason, many policy makers from other countries visit Korea to learn more about Korea’s traffic system. It is common for Korean to pay with digital card when taking a bus, but still in many countries, people are paying cash.

Moreover, a variety of bus and subway line also considered remarkable. Since all buses were divided into four colors- blue, green, red and yellow- according to the routes, it became much convenient to take buses even in rush hour.

Stretching to the World

Korean subway is also well-known for its cleanness in the world. In addition, the screen door is highly recognized as it prevents passengers from harmful air and unexpected hazardous circumstances.

Finally, Korea got to recently export its bus traffic system to Philippines. The official said that Gyeonggi-do made an agreement for mutual cooperation with MMDA(Metro Manila Development Agency) on 27th last month with the attendance of Kim Moon-Soo, the Governor of Gyeonggi-do and Francis Tolentino, the chairman of MMDA, Philippines. Followed by this agreement, Gyeonggi-do will share the policies on Metro traffic systems such as BMS (Bus Management System) and BIS (Bus Information System) and will cooperate on building the infrastructure of Manila.

Gyeonggi-do will share the information on how to adopt CNG bus, traffic card system, and transit discount system and how to build Bus terminal complex.

Kim Moon-Soo, Governor of Gyeonggi-do and Francis Tolentino, Chairman of MMDA signed the agreement
(Source: Chosun Ilbo)

Korean companies will cover the technical matters. Manila development agency of Philippines Metro announced that they will integrate four major traffic systems such as Metro, Bus, Jeepney, and Tricycle. For this, the chairman Tolentino asked cooperation during his visit to Gyeonggi Province last February. Kim Moon-Su, the governor of Gyeonggi-do said that this agreement will help Philippines build more efficient traffic system. Furthermore it will definitely be the innovative traffic system in Philippines as well.

It seems that Korea’s transportation system is moving ahead to the World along with ‘Korean Wave, Hallyu’. However, generosity comes first than institutions and systems. Let’s make the world that human is always comes before the cars.

ⓒKoreabrand

Открытый урок - Фотосессия

2011-06-15T00:24:00.005+09:00

Я очень давно не писала в блог и очень очень давно не писала на русском языке. Многие блоггеры наверное поймут меня, вот например как бы я не любила вести блог, у меня не всегда есть желание его даже открывать. Поэтому и получаются такие перерывы, а у меня же они очень длинные, так как помимо лени и не желания создавать новые записи, есть учёба, работа и другие житейские дела, которые мешают заходить в интернет. Хотя это и к лучшему :) Вот например, сколько времени вы проводите в интернете в день? Я уверенна на 100%, что многие скажут не менее 5 или 6 часов... Я даже боюсь и подумать о том к чему придёт наше общество :)

Ну ладно, а теперь о теме сегодняшнего дня. Сегодня мы с детишками устроили фото-сессию. Я на время сказала им представить, что они фото-модели. Им было тяжело придумать интересные позы, поэтому они стали изображать разных персонажей. Было очень весело. И вот что у нас получилось:

1. Гарри Поттер 2. Красная шапочками (с ушами :D) 3. Бейсболист 4. Пират

Наша фото-сессия – это не работа, а одно из методов вызвать у детей желание учиться. На прошлой неделе мы сделали календарь: через каждый урок - открытый урок. На открытом уроке, мы будем смотреть фильмы, петь песни, играть в игры и заниматься спортом. После каждого открытого урока у нас будет study-урок, на котором мы будем изучать новую тему, тему относящуюся к открытому уроку. Им это идея очень понравилась и я вижу с каждым днём, что у них появляется желание учиться! А это самое главное! :D

Sorry, this post is in Russian. Sometimes I need to relax :)

Sincerely yours, Yelena Lim

Seoul Summer Sale Supporters Recruitment 2011

2011-06-10T04:17:00.003+09:00

Click on the poster to enlarge it.

Lifehacker Korea: Housing in Korea Payment Methods

2011-06-06T00:10:00.004+09:00

For the last two weeks I have been too busy to update my blog, I had lots of papers to submit, because it's my final year at university and I'll graduate this summer, Yay! But I'll write about my graduation next time.

The most difficult deal these days was moving to another house. It wasn't my first experience to move, but it was really hard, because we decided to do some renovations in our new house (picture will be published a bit later). Last time I wrote about types of housing in Korea, but now I'm going to tell you about how to pay for your house. As I know there are three types of payment:

1. Wolse (월세) – You give a deposit (보증금) and pay monthly fee for a house. Deposit and monthly fee may vary depending on the type of housing. Deposit will be returned to you at the end of the contract, when you move out. Deposit is needed in case if you incur some debts related to the house (utilities fees, damaged equipment): the landlord will use the money in case of a problem.

2. The second method is when you pay without deposit, but in this case you have to pay a lump sum amount for the whole period of a contract. For example, if your house cost 300,000 Korean won per month and your contract is one year, you may pay (300,000x12 months) 3,600,000 Korean won at once without a deposit.

3. Jeonse (전세) – Instead of paying monthly rent, you give a big amount, usually it's more than 20 million Korean won in Daejeon. At the end of the contract, usually one or two years, the landlord returns the amount entirety to you. During the contract period the homeowner is free to invest the deposit as s/he wants.

The first and the second methods are commonly used by students and foreigners in Korea, but the third method is good for a family and I think it's a good method, since your money will be returned entirely to you and you don't have to pay rent fee for your house.

A little advice for a renter:

There are many renting house advertisement in the streets in Korea. So, when you see for example these ads

it means:

200/30 – deposit: 2 million Korean won + monthly rent fee: 300,000 Korean won.

2000 – deposit 20,000,000 Korean won.

Full-option means that all furniture and some important things for living, such as washer, air-conditioner, gas-stove are included in the house.

Sincerely yours, Yelena Lim

Korea Ballet, Fly High to the World

2011-06-04T15:30:00.001+09:00

(Source: Kyunghyang Sinmun)

Korean ballet is on focus nowadays. Two main ballet companies of Korea, 'Korea National Ballet (KNB)', and 'Universal Ballet (UB)', are now internationally acknowledged for their artistic latent energy, being compared to world-class ballet companies. In fact, Korea ballet was out of B30 (Ballet Ranking Top 30) ten years ago. But now its reputation has been prominently enhanced, as Korean ballet troupes are being invited to foreign countries, surely raising the pride of Korea’s dance world.

The World’s Eye on Korean Ballet

KNB has been leading the popularization of ballet, performing 81 times in 2009, 123 times last year throughout the country including its capital city, Seoul. Last year KNB performed in Bolshoi Theater (Bolshoi Teatr) and Mariinskii Theater (Mariinskii Teatr), creating a better reputation of Korean ballet. Recently, KNB was invited to theaters of Italy and France and currently further schedules in details are under discussion. A specific plan for a performance at San Carlo Theater (Teatro San Carlo) in Napoli, Italy will be carried out by this October. This theater is one of the most prominent theaters comparable to La Scala Theater in Milan (Teatro alla Scala di Milano) or Rome Opera House of Italy. Stressing the fact this historic stage was founded 39 years before the globally honored La Scala Theater in Milan, the invitation is much more meaningful.

KNB is also invited to 'Les etes de la danse', a dance festival held in Paris and further schedules for the 2014 performance are as well under discussion. In addition, KNB is planning to perform in Caracalla Theater (Terme di Caracalla) and Rome Opera House next year. Especially this performance will be a very historical occasion for Korea, as Italy is a birthplace of ballet, and France is meaningful home of ballet where it became an independent art genre.

UB is also planning to have a tour in 40 countries within the next 3 years. 'Shim Chung' and 'Giselle' is already scheduled to perform in 8 cities of 6 countries including Taiwan (April), Singapore (May), U.S.A. and Canada (July), Japan (September), and Oman (November) this year. Most of these concerts were attained by UB directly contacting the local theaters who happened to respond with great enthusiasm.

Shim Chung’ an original ballet of Universal Ballet staged in Taipei, Taiwan
(Source: Asia Today)

Last year UB staged an original ballet ‘Shim Chung’ in Taipei. The 1,500 seats of the National Theater of Taiwan were full with audiences and after the performance enthusiastic response and applause has continued for over ten minutes; there were some people who did not leave the hall even after the three curtain calls, proving how successful the show was. Not actually the Western ballet but the music, costumes, and stage effects that well featured Korean characteristic was what captured the eyes of the Taiwanese audiences. It is worth to note that the National Theater of Taiwan is very selective about the quality of the performance to put on stage while little chances are open to foreign organizations. The fact UB of Korea has won such opportunity, especially with sponsored stage facilities charges and stay expenses, indicates the notably enhanced reputation of Korean ballet.

The Rise of Korean Ballet Masterpieces

With many rising young talented ballet dancers, the future of Korean ballet is more than positive. The number of ballet audiences is growing as well as that of ballet lovers who search for shows of their favorite dancer to send wholehearted support. Korean ballet companies are now being invited to renowned ballet theater overseas. What has made such transition?

First, Korean ballet companies who has been collaborating with foreign staffs now are being recognized for their talent. ‘Giselle’ recently staged by KNB was possible with the positive feedbacks of the foreign staffs who worked with the troupes in Korea before. Such feedbacks shared with other professionals in the overseas dance field led opportunities for Korean ballet troupes to prove their talent and stage performances in front of the world audience.

Besides, Korean ballet dancers who successively take main roles on international ballet stages, join world-class ballet companies and win international ballet competition awards has been another significant factor that helped Korean ballet to win favorable attention from the world. Now these dancers from Korea have good physique as a ballet dancer equivalent to fellow Westerners and exceptional talent receiving great compliments. Hyo-Jung Kang, who studied in Sunhwa arts school of Korea and now a ballet soloist of Stuttgart Ballet, Germany has been selected to take the Juliet role of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Sang-Eun Lee, former member of UB and who recently joined Dresden Semperoper Ballet has won a role of La bayadere. These young dancers, both having experiences performing classic and modern repertories, have proved the high standard of Korean ballet with skills and physique comparable to any other world dancers. Even in Russia, a ballet power, Korean dancers are taking their roles and joining classic programs such as ‘Swan Lake’ of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

Prince HoDong’ an original ballet of Korea National Ballet (Source: Asia Today)

The high standard quality of Korean ballet programs is one other contribution. Korean ballet companies are creating and staging original ballet performance such as ‘Prine HoDong’ or ‘Sim Chung’ that features the aesthetic of Korea, while foreign choreographers has been invited to teach ballet techniques upgrading the skills of Korean ballet dancers. The beautiful combination of traditional Korean melody and classic ballet movements are what captures the eyes and hearts of foreign audiences. The powerful and futuristic Korea ballet performance was enough to give a strong impression to the overseas audience of e.g. Poland and Russia; it was no doubt ballet, a Western dance genre, but beautifully performed by dancers from the Eastern land, Korea.

From Ballet to Classic Art

Since the new millennium, the reputation and fame of Korean ballet has been remarkably enhanced, thanks to frequent exchanges with foreign ballet troupes and performing arts professionals.

(Source: Munhwa Ilbo)

Yet it is true in Korea, classic art including ballet has been still trapped in the image of an aristocratic art genre. Even in contemporary times with its long tradition and expensive ticket prices it has been considered as a culture to be enjoyed by the privileged. Also the exclusiveness of ballet is a problem to solve. In Korea, people still think of romantic ballet or classic ballet as its typical type, which in fact consists of most of all performances that are shown on stage these days. In overseas, the percentage of classic and contemporary ballet is half and half. Korea should now put more effort to promote contemporary ballet and overcome the stereotypical image of the genre so that more people can enjoy ballet as a popular cultural activity.

A national prestige cannot be mentioned without its cultural status. With continuous efforts of performing arts professionals to promote classical art besides ballet supported with interests of the general public, we can expect a brighter future of Korean ballet glittering on world stage.

ⓒKoreabrand

Gochang Appeared in Michelin Guide

2011-06-03T15:13:00.004+09:00

Michelin guide
Source: Joongang Ilbo

Have you heard the Michelin guide? It is the most well known guidebook which is published by Tire company Michelin in 1900. Actually the Michelin is the renowned magazine that grades restaurants, which of the grading system is called 'Red Guide'. It hasn't been a long since it adopted the 'Green Guide' system which now grades the tourists' attraction. Well, it became sensational that Michelin Co. will publish a 450 page of 'Michelin guide-Green'.

The number of places in Korea mentioned in Michelin guide are 23. There, we can find a rather unexpected name among other familia names, Dolmen Museum, which is located in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do. There are few people know where the Dolmen museum is actually located. In addition, not many people know that the dolmen is such an attractive place to visit. Isn't it good enough to visit this place? You will be surprised to know that it recorded the highest score, three stars. Gochang has the old heritage but it doesn't mean that it stuck in the past. Let's travel to Gochang.

Gochang Dolmen Museum

Dolmen is more than an tomb in the dim past. But before we begin, we need to learn the history of dolmen.

It first appeared at around the time when the Stone Age was shifting to the Bronze Age. Various tools and weapons used to be made of stone before the era, however, the number of people who got an access to bronze and copper increased, they became more powerful than the others who didn't have those tools. As the bronze and copper enabled them to have power to control the others, the concept of hierarchy, ruler, state were born in their society.

Gochang Dolmen Museum (Source : Korea Tourism Organization)

Dolmen was made to visualize the death of rulers. Goindol, Korean name of Dolmen, was originated from the word 'Goida' that means 'support (something heavy on it)'.

In December 2000, Gochang Dolmen was listed in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. Since then, as part of an effort to preserve and maintain the dolmens, the government built the dolmen park and museum. You can't have the experience anywhere else but in Gochang.

There are so many attractions in the Dolmen museum. Dolmen museum provides not only an overall introduction of dolmen, but also the glimpse of the life of those days. You'll see the old ancestors' life in the hut, and also learn how they buried the dead, how they cremated, and how dolmen was created. There are the prehistoric village, yard and dolmen model for experience next to the museum. You can try dragging a real size stone for building up the dolmen, putting the logs on the bottom.

It is 30 minutes distance between the museum and the dolmen sites. You can take a sightseeing train if you want. There are 30,000 dolmens in Korea and 2,000, which is 10% of the total number, are in Gochang. When you stand up on the dolmen field, you'll be amazed at their existence over 3,000 years.

A beautiful temple of Goryeo dynasty, Seonun Temple and Dosolam

Seonun Temple (Source : Korea Tourism Organization)

There is a poetry 'Seonun-sa(temple) East' written by Seo Jeong-Ju born in Gochang. Here is his poetry:

"I went to see camellia of Seonun-sa but it was too early to see. I just saw camellia of last year that remained in the song by the bar hostess in her Yukjabaegi rhythm", - he wrote it with sorrow for unseen Camellia. There is a song 'Seonun-sa' sung by Song Chang-Sik. He praised the beauty of Camellia. Like this, Seonun-sa is a beautiful but hidden attraction of Gochang.

As it appeared in literature and songs, Seonun temple has a unique beauty with beautiful nature. In particular, Seonun temple is famous for the beauty of camellias. Camellia wasn't planted for beauty, but for preventing the temple from fire. But they soon reached up to 2000 and have changed the forest into a beautiful hills. The Camellia forest represents the beauty of Seonun temple which is filled with red flowers in spring.

In addition, the scenery of the temple including the main building and Sumakjae will make you feel good, even carrying the scent of the temple. Also temple bell is enlisted as tangible cultural heritage of Chungcheonbuk-do. When you go up for half an hour after looking around Seonun temple, you will meet the magnificent beaut, Dosol-am. There you will understand why ancestors considered Mt. Seonun as another Mt. Geumgang, which is the most beautiful mountains in Korea. You will be fascinated at its rocks and trees. Do not miss the landscape in summe as well!

Maaebul in Seonun temple
(Source: Yonhap News)

Maaebul, a carved buddha in mountain rocks, is the finest in Dosol-am enlisted as a national treasure No. 1200. It is overwhelming to see it which is embossed and engraved in harmony. 15.6 meters high and 8.48 meters wide of massive Maaebul is one of three carved buddha in size in Korea. There is a shrine in the pit of its stomach. In general, a shrine is used to store buddha statue or holy things. However, people believed that there was a secret book telling the kingdom's destiny in shrine. One day, an officer of Dong-Hak, Son Wha-Jung took it out. We still don't know whereabouts. It would be quite interesting to see Maaebul, imagining the event. After looking around Dosol-am, you will see a 600 year old pine tree which is a natural heritage No. 354. This is the end of journey to Seonun temple. There is a saying that there could be someone who has never been to Seonun temple, but no one visits only once, which means you would come again anyway.

Living Together with Past and Present. Gochang's Fortress and Festival

Gochang fortress (Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Did you know three old fortresses in Korea? Haemi-fortress, Nakan-fortress, Gochang-fortress. Haemi- fortess is well-known for history that many christians sacrificed their life. Nakan- fortress is well known for cool staying over place. However Gochang gives you a different image from the history. Actually, Gochang fortress was built by commoners to defend Korea from Japan. After the era, Gochang fortress was abandoned so many years but fortunately restored in 1976.

When it was repaired, the stone from nature was used in order to bring in the nature itself. It's not completely restored but a guest house, jail and several buildings were built, which is quite breezing to travellers' mind.

When you walk along fortress of the Mt. Seonun, you will feel the fragrance of mountains and the magnificent huge landscape of mountains.

There are some nice roads. We can enjoy flowers and trees such as pine trees and bamboo trees. Gochang has a festival every year. Gochang has a big festival of Bokbunja in June. It also has a big festival of Watermelon in July. There is a saying that if you have Gochang- watermelon, you can't try any watermelon. Gochang watermelon is better than any others. Why don't you come over to the festival?

Gochang the 'Hometown of Nature, Culture and Happiness' where History Stays Alive

Home town of nature, culture and happiness' is the slogan of Gochang. You will finally understand why the Michelin Guide included the dolmens of the Bronze Age, and the Seonun temple and Dosolam of Buddhism culture in the Goryeo dynasty.

Indulging in a variety of attractions of the Joseon Dynasty of Gochang is attraction itself. Gochang has the history and big event everyday. From the prehistoric Dolmen to modern day festival, Gochang has so many attractions.

ⓒKoreabrand

Kpop Playlist

2011-05-31T23:55:00.000+09:00

I've created a page with a playlist of Korean popular music, I listen to. If you know any Korean popular songs tell me and I'll put them in the list, too ;D Here, some tips how to use my playlist:

Sincerely yours, Yelena Lim

Major Events of May ~ June 2011

2011-05-27T01:30:00.004+09:00

The Gangnueng Danoje Festival

Date: 2011. 05.07 ~ 06.09

Place: Danojang, Gangeung City, Gangwon-do

Website: www.danojefestival.or.kr

The Gangnueng Danoje Festival was designed as Korean Intangible Cultural Property No.13 in 1967 and as a UNESCO "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" in 2005. According to a chronicle of Gangnueng, the Danoje Festival has a 1000 year history and is the oldest and largest traditional festival in Korea. This year, the "Asia Dano Festival" will feature performances and exhibits for the exchange of Dano cultures from different Asian nations.

My 24th Birthday

2011-05-25T13:36:00.003+09:00

Happy Birthday to Me

****

Today's my 24th birthday. I was so happy to receive so many warm congratulations from my friends, thank you very much♥. But, I am still a little bit sad... do you know why? Because, when I was with my family, my mom always made for me a huge chocolate cake with lots of candles on it. I miss that time. I hope next birthday I'll celebrate with all my friends and my mom and we'll have a huge party! :D

****

Cirque du Soleil Varekai in Korea

2011-05-24T04:11:00.006+09:00

A very famous circus "Cirque du Soleil" came to Korea and it is a great chance to enjoy the amazing show, Varekai.

About Varekai:

Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai.

The sky lets go a solitary young man, and the story of Varekai begins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures, a young man takes flight in an adventure both absurd and extraordinary.

The word Varekai (pronounced veraykie) means wherever in the Romany language of the gypsies-the universal wanderers. Varekai emerges from an explosive fusion of drama and acrobatics. The impossible becomes possible in stunning displays of skill and power set against innovative music and otherworldly sets, interwoven with vivid choreography that speaks to all in the universal language of movement. The pendulum of time sweeps backward, paying tribute to the ancient and rare circus traditions of Icarian games, watermeteors and Georgian dance. Varekai then catapults to the future with revolutionary twists on such acts as Russian swings, slippery surface and triple trapeze.

Date/Time: Apr 06, 2011 ~ May 29, 2011

Venue: Big Top Theater in Jamsil Sports Complex, Seoul
Website and booking info: http://www.varekai.co.kr/

Kazakhstan-Korea Week

2011-05-22T16:48:00.004+09:00

A Korea Week Festival was held from May 4 to 9 in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, and Almaty, the largest city in the country, to mark 2011 as the “Year of Korea."

More than 4,000 people, including local residents and high-profile government officials from both countries, participated in the festival, which was organized by the Presidential Council on National Branding.

There were also representatives from five Korean government ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Knowledge Economy, and seven public organizations, including the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).

The festival began with a “Night of Korea” event in Almaty on May 4. The AT&D KOREA Road Show was hosted by KOTRA and a showcase event for broadcasting contents organized by the Korea Communications Commission was also held on the same day.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held an opening ceremony of “Night of Korea” on May 5 in Astana, where a Korean film festival and photo exhibition on Korean tourism started the next day.

Business people and opinion leaders from six of Kazakhstan’s neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan and the Azerbaijani Republic, participated in the AT&D KOREA Road Show forums, exhibitions and consulting services, focusing on the theme of smart technology, and KOTRA introduced state-of-the art technology and designs.

The Korea Communications Commission promoted Korean broadcasting contents their export by screening Korean TV programs at the showcase event, a TV broadcasting showcase and business consulting meeting.

More than 200 people, including government officials from both countries, business leaders, journalists and Korean residents in Kazakhstan, attended the “Night of Korea” event with Korean and local folk performances in Almaty on May 4.

Among the expected 3,000 attendees at the opening ceremony are Korean Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Mo Chul-min and his Kazakhstani counterpart, Chairwoman of the Presidential Council on National Branding Lee Bae-Yong and KOTRA CEO Cho Hwan-Eik. Some popular Hallyu stars, including actor Song Il-Gook and the band Tmax, performed at the event. Chongdong Theater put on a performance of its well-known musical, “Miso,” which was shown on Kazakhstani TV.

By Yoon Sojung

Korea.net Staff Writer

Korean Wave Supporters Recruitment

2011-05-21T14:47:00.002+09:00

Click to enlarge the poster!

PaiChai University, WooSong University, HanNam University, KAIST and Agency of Advanced Cultural Technologies & Service recruit international students those who love Korean culture and can promote Korean Pop culture through Korean culture experience and education.

Overview

○ A volume of recruitment: 100 students

○ Period: June, 2011 - February, 2012

○ Recruit target: PaiChai University, WooSong University, HanNam University, KAIST international students

○ Main Activities

- Korean Wave experiences(Drama, Movie, Game, Traditional Food, etc.)

- Korean Wave special lecture(talking with directors and pop culture specialists)

- Social activities(participation in local festival and experiences of tourist attractions)

- Online activities(SNS, Blog, Cafe, etc.)

Application

○ Deadline: May 27th(Fri.), 2011

○ Requirement: Application Form

○ How to Apply: Submit Application Form(with personal photo) to the Department for International Students Service.

Korean Medical Care that Impressed Kazakhstan

2011-05-21T00:40:00.003+09:00

At the end of last November, the medical team from the Korea University Anam Hospital flew over to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, and carried out the kidney transplant as officially invited by the National Medical Emergency Center of Kazakhstan. The surgery was successful, and the news on the medical techniques of the Korean medical team was aired throughout the country. Not like in Korea, the success rate of the kidney surgery in Kazakhstan is pretty low. However, the organ transplanting was the only way to save Aigerim Kumasheva suffering from the chronic renal insufficiency, so the medical team operated the surgery with her brother’s kidney, which took 8 hours in total. Dr. Kasimov, the head of the medical emergency center of Kazakhstan, appreciated at Korean medical team, saying “Our hospital deeply appreciates at Korean medical team that added a new page to the medical history of Kazakhstan. I was very impressed at their sense of duty as a doctor as well as their medical technology.” This is not the end of successful stories of Korean medical treatment. A number of tourists looking for the medical tourism are continuously visiting Korea. Let’s take a look at what is in Korean medical treatment!

Sitting aside with the robot called da Vinci,
the doctor operates surgery with 3-D screen.
The robotic arm is located inside the patient’s body
(Source : Donga News)

Kazakhstan President’s doctor visited Korea

On April 26, one patient visited the Severance hospital in Korea and received a medical surgery. In fact, he was a lifetime doctor of Kazakhstan president Nursultan Nazarbaev and also a notable specialist in rehabilitative medicine, who was running a huge hospital in Kazakhstan. He first found the successful story of robotic surgery by the Severance hospital from the article among the data of medically advanced countries such as U.S. and European countries. He decided to visit Korea right after counseled by one of his co-workers and met an acquaintance who recovered from the surgery by the Severance hospital.

He chose Dr. Na, who is well-known to have performed the greatest number of robotic surgeries on prostate cancer in Korea. You will find the reason from the fact that he is the first doctor in Korea who succeeded the robotic surgery in 2005, and also performed about 1,200 surgeries so far. Of course, the result was successful. Dr. Oraz left the hospital with a healthy appearance. Like this, the technology of robotic surgery has achieved recognition throughout the world. You will be surprised to know that many doctors around the world such as U.S., Singapore, Italy, and France visited Korea to learn how to perform the robotic surgery, even paying tuition.

What is da Vinci Robotic Surgery?

Beyond the limit of hands, da Vinci Robot
(Source : The Center of da Vinci Robot Surgery, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital)

The robotic surgery was first brought in Korea in 2005 by the Severance Hospital, and since then, it was applied in an operation room. What is the procedure of the surgery? The patient gets general anesthesia like the other surgeries. And then, the robot’s arm is inserted into the abdominal cavity of the patient after injecting the gas and inserting the port into the patients’ abdominal cavity. After then, the doctor pricks several holes for putting robotic arm and camera into his patients. Next, he controls the robot with the exactly same hand movements like he did in the real surgery, watching the 3-D screen that helps doctors take a closer look at the affected area of patient, which is absolutely beyond the human hands.

In particular, the da Vinci robotic surgery is useful to cure some cancer that might bring about a severe side effect and complications when its surrounding nerves and blood vessel are damaged, such as the prostate cancer, rectal cancer, esophageal cancer, and bladder cancer. It is indeed an effective surgery.

Medical Services by Korean Medicine Service Team Abroad
(KOMSTA), Kazakhstan (Source : Akomnews)

Oriental medicine to the world

Korea International Cooperation Agency(KOICA) and the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan made an agreement to establish the Korea-Kazakhstan friendship hospital in 2000. At that time, KOICA used to send doctors and volunteers to the department of internal medicine, dentist, clinical pathology, oriental medicine, and other various fields. Now, the city of Almaty is running the entire hospital according to the further agreement.

Well, there is more. The Korean Medicine Service Team Abroad (KOMSTA) also performed the medical services to 1,000 residents and Korean-Kazakhstan who live in poor medical surroundings. Through the wonderful Korean traditional medical treatment such as acupuncture, moxa cautery, cupping, and oriental medicine in Kazakhstan where 100,000 Korean-Kazakhstan live, we hope that we delivered a pride to Korean-Kazakhstan, and health to those residents. Also we believe that people in Kazakhstan would have more expectations and demands to Korean traditional treatment in the future.

Recently, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine hosted the training program on ‘Modernization of Korean traditional medicine’ from April 15 to 29 for two weeks targeting the world health care experts. The program is one of the training programs that Korea International Cooperation Agency(KOICA) offered, and in this program, total 14 foreign health care experts from 11 countries of Asia, Central and South America, and Africa, such as Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Laos, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and etc. It will be a great opportunity for the world health care experts to get handful of experience on the Korean traditional medical treatment.

ⓒKoreabrand

Into the Love Story of Chunhyang and Mongryong

2011-05-20T00:24:00.002+09:00

We see many ‘Couples of the Century’ through numerous media. Whether they are real couples or the fake ones, the range of couple are limitless. For example, world famous football star David Beckham and the member of the world pop girl group ‘Spice Girls’, Victoria Beckham became the couple of the century since their marriage. There are also fictional couples beloved by many in the world. In Jane Eyre, the famous and influential western novel, the love between Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester has been remembered among readers until now. Then, is there any ‘Couple of the Century’ in Korean classical literature? Absolutely, yes! Chunhyang and Mongryong, they are the familiar names to Korean. The novel was adapted for pansori, book, film and even drama, beloved by many fans. The main character, Chunhyang, built an image of active woman in Joseon Dynasty, and now she became the representative image of Korean woman through the various performances carried overseas. They are truly a couple of the century that presents Korea.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t any place to remind us of their love story. Every story was supposed to be alive in the reader’s imagination, however, if the readers can see and look around the virtual place that helps understanding of the full story of ‘Chunhyang-jeon’, visitors would definitely enjoy the story with the scenery. Well, from the idea and demands, ‘Namwon Chunhyang Theme Park’ finally opened on May 2004. Theme park is the place for entertainment attractions that has landscaping, buildings, and attractions that are based on one or more specific themes. The ‘Namwon Chunhyang Theme Park’ is ready for couples with the gist, ‘We invite those of you who have someone in love with!’.

We have everything in Namwon Chunhyang Theme Park!

Pic 1. The Night view of Namwon Chunhyang | Pic 2. Theme Park Investigation Office

‘Namwon Chunhyang Theme Park’ is comprised of mainly 5 places - ‘Meeting Place’, ‘Pledge Place’, ‘Love and parting Place’, ‘Hardship Place’, and ‘Festival Place’. When you enter the theme park, you will see the facilities and structures that are well-matched to each place. At ‘Meeting Place’, you will see swings where Chunhyang and Mongryong first met, a fountain, and a cultural museum. At ‘Pledge Place’, you will meet a stone tower over the ring-shaped bridge ’Okjihwan’ which means a declaration of love. You might also find some couples in front of the tower, piling a stone on it and tying a small piece of wishing paper. In addition, ‘Pledge Place’ is quite a famous place to couples among other theme places. When a couple put their hands inside the ‘Pot of Pledge’, the love song ‘Sarang-ga’ comes out of it. At ‘Love and Parting Place’, you will see the ‘Buyong-dang’ where Chunhyang and Mongryong spent their wedding night, and the house of gisaeng ‘Wolmae’, Chunhyang’s mother. Also there is a workshop that you can experience the ‘seonbi’s style and arts, and even commoners’ culture in the middle era of Joseon Dynasty. ‘Hardship Place’ is also a place that attracts tourists. There is a rebuilt jail that Chunhyang was imprisoned, and the investigation office which has a stick for flogging criminals. The stick is remade for visitors to try and have fun, so you can try it, too. Finally, at ‘Festival Place’, there are many places to relax for visitors, and private theme school for writing letters with a brush. Once you use the brush, you will feel as if you were a writer going back to Joseon Dynasty.

The whole view of Namwon Chunhyang Theme Park
(Source : Korea Tourism Organization)

Enjoy the whole Namwon!

The introduction of the ‘Namwon Chunhyang Theme Park’ is all over. However, there are more reasons why Namwon is getting attractive. If you look are the other museums and entertainment attractions will give us satisfaction more than ever.

In ‘Chunhyang Cutural Arts Center’ which is located in the theme park, the performance of the intangible cultural asset that was designated by the province holds on regular basis. You can also lend the hall in advance. Please take a look at the performance schedule posted on the homepage of Namwon City Hall.

Besides, you can participate in making a pottery in the traditional cultural center in the theme park. It will be a wonderful memory for you to bring, considering it is neither a plastic, nor a porcelain dish that we see commonly in our daily life. The theme park will give you a meaningful experience on Korean traditional culture as well as Chunhyang’s love story.

This is not the end. Since last fall, the newly started festival of Namwon will give fresh opportunity to visitors. The marching parade which starts from every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 5pm is named the ‘Newly-appointed governor’s arrival’. As the parade marches from Gwanhan-ru to Theme Park, which is 2Km long, it will be a ‘must visit’ for those of you who love traveling.

For those of you who want to experience Chunhyang’s love and passion, we recommend you to visit Gwanghan-ru, and Chunhyang shrine. Gwanhan-ru which is famous for the place where Chunhyang and Mongryong first met each other provides splendid scenery in any season. Chunhyang shrine is the place that was built to honor the Chunhyang’s sincere love toward Mongryong. The bamboos planted around the shrine are standing strong and straight as if it showed Chunhyang’s nobel beliefs and principles. The letter ‘Dansim’ which means sincerity that presents Chunhyang’s character will touch the bottom of every single visitor.

In 2012, Yeosu will host the Expo, the world cultural festival. As the festival is expected to draw public attention to Jeolla province, most of the area is spurring the preparation for Expo. Of course, Namwon is not an exception. Namwon already selected several restaurants to recommend during the Expo and is now working on the promotion. In addition, Namwon Chunhyang Theme Park planned last February to provide more entertainment for visitors, overall which shows how Namwon is trying so hard and put a lot of efforts on it.

‘Namwon Chunhyang Them Park’ stands still as it is the first theme park that targeting the classical literature in Korea. Although the novel was written a half century, the love between Chunhyang and Mongryong would have something special that transcend the flow of era. We hope that you can experience the amazing and beautiful power that makes their love and even the entire Namwon as a one cultural heritage over half a century. Do you have someone you love? Then, move your step to the ‘Namwon Chunhyang Them Park’.

ⓒKoreabrand

22nd World Congress of Dermatology

2011-05-17T11:39:00.002+09:00

May 24-29 2011 COEX, SEOUL

22nd World Congress of Dermatology 2011 will be held from May 24-29 in COEX, Seoul. It is one of the TOP 10 International Forums, so called "Skin Olympics."

More than 12,000 MDs, Dermatologiests, scientists & related skin care experts will be participating. 320 seminars with more than 1,200 lecturerers including Novel Medical Prize Winner Dr. Herald Z. Hausen are scheduled. Exhibitions of newly invented razor therapy machines, High-Tech smart phone user therapies, world famous cosmestics launching shows and all category of skin care of health & beauty events will be proceeded in whole building of COEX. You may get more details from the site.

World Students in Korea Recruiting the 5th Batch

2011-05-16T19:54:00.018+09:00

Do you know when I began to write my blog? From that moment when I became a member of World Students in Korea program. I really enjoy this program and I recommend it to everyone! The admission period for the 5th Batch is opened, so don't lose your chance! :D

The Presidential Council on Nation Branding (PCNB) is recruiting the 5th batch of members for the program “World Students in Korea.” This program aims to provide international students in Korea with opportunities to experience Korea in a more organized, diverse, and involved manner and to promote cultural exchanges between Korea and the students’ home countries through the blogs (web logs) run by the member students.

The 1st batch was launched in July 2009. Members participate in a variety of activities including camps, field trips, workshops, performances and other events.

1. Number of members sought: Fifty (50)

2. Application Period: May 16 (Mon) – May 29 (Sun) 2011

3. Eligibility:

- International students (i.e. those who are currently enrolled in an educational institution(s) in Korea)

- Those who own and run a blog (*Those who do not have a blog are requested to open one prior to applying)

- Those who are interested in Korea’s industries and culture

- Priority for selection will be given to those who speak Korean

4. Tenure: Jun 2011 – December 2011 (6 months)

5. Tasks:

- Open and run an individual blog upon which students are to post contents (articles, photos, videos, etc.) related to Korea

- Attend various workshops, field trips, and events hosted by the Council

6. Benefits:

- Upon evaluation by the Council at the end of the tenure, students who have shown distinguished on- and offline activities will receive awards (e.g. A round trip flight ticket to home country for Grand Prize winner)

- A small gift will be provided for the students who have shown excellent activities upon evaluation by the Council at the end of the month.

- Opportunities to attend diverse cultural events and performances related to Korea, or those hosted by the Council

- Media coverage (TV programs, interviews with newspapers, magazines etc.) regarding WSK activities and Korea

7. How to Apply: Via the Council’s official web site. Click the following link:

http://www.koreabrand.net/html/en/embeddedform_5.html

8. Inquiries:

Ms. Jung-A Lee

Culture, Tourism & Global Citizenship Bureau

Presidential Council on Nation Branding

brand@koreabrand.go.kr

Ms. Jin-Sook Lee

International Cooperation Bureau

Presidential Council on Nation Branding

milkyway@koreabrand.go.kr

*For further information on the Presidential Council on Nation Branding, visit www.koreabrand.net

Barefoot Masai Marathon 2011

2011-05-15T23:30:00.057+09:00

My friend Igor's bare feet :)

Today me and my friends from PaiChai university and KAIST were together participating in the Barefoot Masai Marathon (read my article from the last year). And because I am an awesome owl, who doesn't like to go to bed early, I slept only two hours and then went to the marathon. At the end I was too tired, but now I don't regret participating in the event at all! To be honest, I am not kind of person who enjoys sports activities, so I chose to run only 7km, not 13km. All of my friends were already far away when I began my slow walk :) So, what adventures did I have today walking the Mt. Gyejok alone?

1. I started the marathon and I was wearing slippers because last year it was too painful for my feet to walk barefoot. At first, when I just started, I noticed a lot of new changes in the place comparing to the last year. For example, now there were many attractive installations just like these butterflies, an elephant in pink shoes or stone tortoises everywhere!

2. I have also enjoyed the Barefoot Masai marathon very much, because of the beautiful nature and landscapes seen from the Mt. Gyejok in Daejeon. I will definitely go there again and again to relax and spend time alone in nature.

3. And of course, people. Koreans just surprise me with their energy and love to outside activities. Before beginning of the marathon people were asked to raise their hands according to their age, and surprisingly there were so many people over 60s! Furthermore, there were children, families and so many foreigners! The marathon was the epic win and I look forward for the event next year, will you go with me? :D

Sincerely yours, Yelena Lim

Hanok Stay Experience: Dance Musical Sachoom

2011-05-14T00:07:00.019+09:00

While participating in the Hanok Stay Experience program we have watched one of the greatest performances I have ever seen in my life – Sachoom. It is a Korean dance musical and its name 'sachoom' is an abbreviation from Korean phrase "saranghamyen choomuel chwora", which means "If you are in love dance". Dance musical Sachoom tells story about three friends coming-of-age: Jun, Sun, Bin. You could see and feel their life in various stages.

this photo made by other participant in the "Hanok stay experience" program, Rodrigo Peralta

this photo from the official sachoom website, lovedance.co.kr

The language that performers use is the universal language – dance and here are what we have seen and experienced there:

Life in the body – witty physical expressions of birth combined with brilliant visual images.

Lantern dance – precise timing creates a flying lantern experience.

Sensuality and temptation – puts the everybody into breathless intensity.

Hero – makes everybody identify with the heroic characters with themselves, swinging arms in the air.

Contest – talent and technique is shown in the highlight of the show.

Let's dance – after the conflict is solved, the vibrant music and dancing makes the audience stand up and jive the music.

This is a heart stopping show. These Koreans really know how to entertain. It's a show that never gets monotonous and it is so addictive in its vibrancy making you want to get up and dance.

Sincerely yours, Yelena Lim

Video of the Week: 5Dolls - Like This or That

2011-05-13T01:29:00.003+09:00

New music video of Korean girls' group 5Dolls has been released on May 11.

"Like This or That"

이러쿵 저러쿵

Buddha's Birthday

2011-05-10T20:54:00.006+09:00

Today I didn't go to school, because today all people in Korea celebrate birthday of Buddha according to the lunar calendar. This day is called 석가탄신일 (Seokga tansinil) and it means "the day of Buddha's birthday" or 부처님 오신 날 (Bucheonim osin nal) meaning "Welcome Buddha Day".
Lotus lanterns cover the entire temple throughout the month which are often flooded down the street. On the day of Buddha's birth, many temples provide free meals and tea to all visitors. On the breakfast and lunch people usually eat sanchae bibimbap.
This day is marked as a red day in the lunar calendar, so it is holiday for all people *^^*

Date of Buddha's Birthday:

2010: May 21, 2011: May 10, 2012: May 28, 2013: May 17, 2014: May 6, 2015: May 25.

Buddha's Temple next to Gwanghwamun

Sincerely yours, Yelena Lim

In Memory of My Friend - Christopher Surridge

2011-05-08T22:54:00.004+09:00

On May 4th the world lost one good man, a wife lost a brilliant husband, students lost a generous professor and his friends lost a role-model friend. Christopher Surridge we will miss you so much and you will be always in our hearts... I have created this video in memory of Chris~♥

«According to KAIST on the 6th, at approximately 4 pm on the 4th 46-year old Canadian professor of sociology Christopher Surridge suddenly had pains in his chest as he stepped onto a train in Yongsan Station and collapsed, and died after being taken to a hospital. Police have begun an investigation into the cause of death which includes interviewing his family about any chronic illnesses he may have had.

Prof. Surridge began teaching English at KAIST in February of 2008. As soon as the news was announced, the KAIST community website put up a photo of him in remembrance and many messages of condolence were left.

A KAIST official said that “Prof. Surridge used online teaching methods very creatively and was much-liked by his students, nobody was more passionate than him, and we are all very saddened and heartbroken.”

The 4th was just ahead of Prof. Surridge’s birthday, KAIST said, making his death even more tragic. KAIST plans to hold a remembrance ceremony for Prof. Surridge on the 11th and will invite his family from Canada.»

The Characteristics of Korean Mask Plays

2011-05-08T18:27:00.003+09:00

The stories about Korean folk mask are continued and at this post we will take a good look at characteristics of Korean Mask Plays. Korean masks were used in exorcism and funerals, but mainly in mask plays. A mask play was a ground of merry and cheer for both performers and spectators through exciting dances, rhythms and songs. Particularly in the society under the strict class system during the mid and late Chosun Dynasty, mask plays played the role of relieving common people's suppressed feelings and complaints with the ruling class's tacit approval.

Mask plays as common people's art can be divided largely into two lines. One is indigenous and spontaneous mask plays in the form of Seonang gut originating from village exorcism called Seonangje or Dongje, and this type of mask plays include Hahoe Byeolsin gut mask play, Gwangro mask drama in the Gangreung Dano festival, Yeonggam Noreum of Ipchun gut in Jeju-do, and Byeolsin mask play in the east coast. Until the mid Chosun Dynasty, Sandae Dogam was installed within the palace and Sangdaehee was performed actively. As Sangdaehee was abolished during the reign of King Yeongjo and Jeongjo, the performers left the palace and performed in the streets for income and as a result Sangdae Nori was established. Sangdae Nori in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, mask dances in Hwanghae-do and Yaryu and Ogwangdae in Gyeongsangnam.

Hahoe Byeolsin-gut mask play: Baekjeong

Hahoe Byeolsin-gut mask play: Halmi

Hahoe Byeolsin-gut mask play: Bune and depraved Buddhist monk

Hahoe Byeolsin-gut mask play: Imae

Hahoe Byeolsin-gut mask play: Seonbi, Yangban and Bune

Sincerely yours, Yelena Lim

Masks for Communication Between God and Man

2011-05-07T23:30:00.008+09:00

Won Yangban (Chief aristocrat)

While visiting Andong Hohoe village we went to the Hahoedong Mask Museum and enjoyed different masks from all over the world.

Why do people use masks in some occasions and what's the meaning of a mask?

A mask is an article worn on the face and in the shape of a human or animal face. Masks are distributed not only in Korea, but also widely throughout the world, but they can not be used in some regions under the influence of Islam forbid masks because Koran forbids any image in the form of man or animals. As a mask has marvelous power, it guarantees the anonymity of the wearer, and allows him to speak in his inner voice and find his real self that has been suppressed inside. In addition, a masked performer is transformed into the person or god embodied by the mask, and empowered to resolve absurdities and troubled situations.

Jedae Gaksi (Yangban's concubine)
Material: Gourd, Dongrae Yarue

In this context, masks have been used widely in rituals praying for good harvest, exorcism and Narye, shamanic ceremonies for healing the sick, coming of age celebration, funerals, festivals, mask balls, plays, dances, etc., and their meanings and functions are also diverse. The use of masks has been usually more ritual and magical in uncivilized societies, and more artistic as a means of expression through mask dances or mask dramas in civilized societies. Particularly in the East Asian region including Korea, China and Japan, masks are often used in so called mask dramas with the plot of story, but in other areas, masks are used more for dances in festivals and rituals.

*More masks pictures are coming soon, check my blog frequently :)

Hahoedong mask museum

Gasan Ogwandae

Funny masks made of paper

Sincerely yours, Yelena Lim