Read the article here: Stories that shook Korea in 2010
*Korea-US Reach Deal on FTA
*North Korea Shells Yeonpyeong Island
*North Korea Unveils Uranium Enrichment Facility
*Seoul Hosts G20 Summit
*N.Korea Makes 3rd-Generation Succession Official
*46 Sailors Dead in N.Korean Torpedo Attack
*Kim Yu-na Rewrites Figure Skating History
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Update 2
I have accepted a position with Pagoda Junior in Eungam-dong, Eunpyeong-gu. I'll be living in Eungam-dong again about a block from where I used to live.
I will start on March 1st.
I will start on March 1st.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
South Korea schools get robot English teachers
Read the article here: Robot English Teachers
The robots show a picture of a Caucasion woman. They are controlled remotely by English teachers in the Philippines. The teachers in the Philippines can see and hear the children through a remote control system.The cameras detect the Flipino teacher's facial expressions and they show up on the computer's face.
They are using Flipino teachers because they are cheaper than other teachers.
The robots are in the testing mode right now. They might consider hiring them full time if they are upgraded and less expensive. The robots currently lost 10 million won each. The pilot lasts 4 months and the government invested 1.58 billion won (1.37 million dollars).
They aren't going to replace human teachers. They are using the robots as an extra resource because they think that children won't be as nervous with the robots as they would be talking to a foreigner.
I loved this quote: "Plus, they won't complain about health insurance, sick leave and severance package, or leave in three months for a better-paying job in Japan... all you need is a repair and upgrade every once in a while."
**(And they won't give your child AIDS)
***I think it would be interesting to actually see how they work in person.I'd like to see how it works and how the kids interact with them. I asked my students last year what they thought of robot teachers and they all thought it was a cool idea.
About 30 English teaching robots have been teaching children in South Korea. They are part of a pilot program to test how well robots will work in English education.
The robot named Engkey, a white, egg shaped robot, is being used at 21 elementary schools in Daegu. The robots are about 3.3 feet high with a TV display for a face. They are wheeled around the classroom speaking to students, reading books, and dancing by moving their head and arms.
They are using Flipino teachers because they are cheaper than other teachers.
The robots are in the testing mode right now. They might consider hiring them full time if they are upgraded and less expensive. The robots currently lost 10 million won each. The pilot lasts 4 months and the government invested 1.58 billion won (1.37 million dollars).
They aren't going to replace human teachers. They are using the robots as an extra resource because they think that children won't be as nervous with the robots as they would be talking to a foreigner.
I loved this quote: "Plus, they won't complain about health insurance, sick leave and severance package, or leave in three months for a better-paying job in Japan... all you need is a repair and upgrade every once in a while."
**(And they won't give your child AIDS)
***I think it would be interesting to actually see how they work in person.I'd like to see how it works and how the kids interact with them. I asked my students last year what they thought of robot teachers and they all thought it was a cool idea.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
South Korea: Should Foreign Teachers Be Tested for HIV?
This was an article in TIME magazine about mandatory HIV testing for foreign English teachers.
I personally think its crazy, but I didn't protest it when I had to do it twice. Why is it only for foreigners? And why are "Entertainment" Visas and migrant workers exempt? Are English teachers the only ones who spread around HIV/AIDS?
In 2007 a former English teacher was charged with sex crimes with children in other countries. Parents got upset and demanded that English teachers be screened more carefully. Then HIV testing and criminal background checks were required for English teachers.
Most people think the practice is ineffective and discriminatory. There have been no known cases of a Teacher-Student infection.
A health official said that "We've decided to ease the rules as HIV is not transmitted through air or water but through human contact most of the time." (regarding why E6 visas don't have to get tested)
Another official from the Ministry of Education also gave a reason for keeping the teacher tests: Mandatory HIV/AIDS testing for foreign English teachers "does not mean the government regards foreign teachers to be HIV positive or have the potential of transmission," he said. "It is just intended to assure the parents."
**Who are all these teachers who are sleeping with students??? Shouldn't there be a stricter system to make sure child molesters don't gain entry into Korea? And why aren't Koreans who teach tested? There's no possible way they could have HIV? Do only foreigners have AIDS? Koreans can't have it?
Here's the link to the article: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2039281,00.html
I personally think its crazy, but I didn't protest it when I had to do it twice. Why is it only for foreigners? And why are "Entertainment" Visas and migrant workers exempt? Are English teachers the only ones who spread around HIV/AIDS?
In 2007 a former English teacher was charged with sex crimes with children in other countries. Parents got upset and demanded that English teachers be screened more carefully. Then HIV testing and criminal background checks were required for English teachers.
Most people think the practice is ineffective and discriminatory. There have been no known cases of a Teacher-Student infection.
A health official said that "We've decided to ease the rules as HIV is not transmitted through air or water but through human contact most of the time." (regarding why E6 visas don't have to get tested)
Another official from the Ministry of Education also gave a reason for keeping the teacher tests: Mandatory HIV/AIDS testing for foreign English teachers "does not mean the government regards foreign teachers to be HIV positive or have the potential of transmission," he said. "It is just intended to assure the parents."
**Who are all these teachers who are sleeping with students??? Shouldn't there be a stricter system to make sure child molesters don't gain entry into Korea? And why aren't Koreans who teach tested? There's no possible way they could have HIV? Do only foreigners have AIDS? Koreans can't have it?
Here's the link to the article: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2039281,00.html
Friday, December 24, 2010
update 1
I'm planning on arriving in Seoul on or before March 1st. Only 68 days till March 1st!!! I have been counting down the whole year and I finally feel like its getting close!
I regret coming home, but I did have some good experiences while I was back at home. I had my share of bad experiences also. I'm so glad that I have the opportunity to come back to Korea.
Right now Im currently getting my documents together. I just got my FBI background check back last week. This week I sent off a copy of my diploma and FBI background check to get an apostille.
Today I applied to a hagwon in Eunpyeong-gu. I'll give more information after I actually get the job. A friend referred me there so she said I have first dibs on the job. She had nothing but great things to say about the school. I read over the contract and asked her tons of questions before applying. I think its going to be a great experience for round 2.
I get a raise which will be nice. It will be about an extra 100 dollars a month. My housing would be smaller than my last place. My old hagwon spoiled me with an awesome apartment. I asked my friend's boss if I could live in that place again but he said the security deposit was twice as much as the school was paying on the current place they give to students.
update: Dec 25----I have a phone interview on Monday!!
I regret coming home, but I did have some good experiences while I was back at home. I had my share of bad experiences also. I'm so glad that I have the opportunity to come back to Korea.
Right now Im currently getting my documents together. I just got my FBI background check back last week. This week I sent off a copy of my diploma and FBI background check to get an apostille.
Today I applied to a hagwon in Eunpyeong-gu. I'll give more information after I actually get the job. A friend referred me there so she said I have first dibs on the job. She had nothing but great things to say about the school. I read over the contract and asked her tons of questions before applying. I think its going to be a great experience for round 2.
I get a raise which will be nice. It will be about an extra 100 dollars a month. My housing would be smaller than my last place. My old hagwon spoiled me with an awesome apartment. I asked my friend's boss if I could live in that place again but he said the security deposit was twice as much as the school was paying on the current place they give to students.
update: Dec 25----I have a phone interview on Monday!!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Korean Lullaby
Here's the youtube link (embedding disabled): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOV2TcmgEns
멍멍개야 짖지마라 (mong mong geya jitjimara) (Hey doggie, don’t bark)
우리아기 잘도잔다 (uri agi jaldo janda) (Our baby sleeps so well)
꼬꼬닭아 울지마라 (ggoggo dakah ulgimara) (Hey chickie, don’t bark)
우리아기 단잠 깬다 (uri agi danjam ggenda) (You’ll wake our child’s sweet sleep)
자장자장 우리 아가 (jajang jajang uri aga) (Hush hush our baby)
잘도 잔다 우리 아가 (jaldo janda uri aga) (Our baby sleeps so well)
Verse 1
달보다도 고운 아가 (dalbodado goun aga) (A baby more beautiful than the moon)
별보다도 빛난 아가 (byul bodado bitnan aga) (A baby more beautiful than the stars )
자장자장 우리 아가 (jajang jajang uri aga) (Hush hush our baby)
잘도 잔다 우리 아가 (jaldo janda uri aga) (Our baby sleeps so well)
Chorus (look above)
Verse 2
곷보다도 예쁜 아가 (kotbodado yebbun aga) (A baby more beautiful than flowers)
금보다도 귀한 아가 (gumbodado guihan aga) (A baby more precious than gold)
자장자장 우리 아가 (jajang jajang our baby) (Hush hush our baby)
잘도 잔다 우리 아가 (jaldo janda uri aga) (jaldo janda uri aga) (Our baby sleeps so well)
멍멍개야 짖지마라 (mong mong geya jitjimara) (Hey doggie, don’t bark)
우리아기 잘도잔다 (uri agi jaldo janda) (Our baby sleeps so well)
꼬꼬닭아 울지마라 (ggoggo dakah ulgimara) (Hey chickie, don’t bark)
우리아기 단잠 깬다 (uri agi danjam ggenda) (You’ll wake our child’s sweet sleep)
자장자장 우리 아가 (jajang jajang uri aga) (Hush hush our baby)
잘도 잔다 우리 아가 (jaldo janda uri aga) (Our baby sleeps so well)
Verse 1
달보다도 고운 아가 (dalbodado goun aga) (A baby more beautiful than the moon)
별보다도 빛난 아가 (byul bodado bitnan aga) (A baby more beautiful than the stars )
자장자장 우리 아가 (jajang jajang uri aga) (Hush hush our baby)
잘도 잔다 우리 아가 (jaldo janda uri aga) (Our baby sleeps so well)
Chorus (look above)
Verse 2
곷보다도 예쁜 아가 (kotbodado yebbun aga) (A baby more beautiful than flowers)
금보다도 귀한 아가 (gumbodado guihan aga) (A baby more precious than gold)
자장자장 우리 아가 (jajang jajang our baby) (Hush hush our baby)
잘도 잔다 우리 아가 (jaldo janda uri aga) (jaldo janda uri aga) (Our baby sleeps so well)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
South Korean artist creates wearable food collection
An article from Yahoo: Dresses Good Enough To Eat
In the yahoo article you can see pictures from her collection.
Yeonju's website : http://www.yeonju.me/
Yeonju Sung lives and works in Seoul, South Korea.
Yeonju Sung has been creating clothing using food items for the past 2 years. The clothing is part of her 'wearable food' series.
Yeonju's work will be shown in an upcoming Korean Contemporary Art exhibition in January of 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
In the yahoo article you can see pictures from her collection.
Yeonju's website : http://www.yeonju.me/
Yeonju Sung lives and works in Seoul, South Korea.
Yeonju Sung has been creating clothing using food items for the past 2 years. The clothing is part of her 'wearable food' series.
Yeonju's work will be shown in an upcoming Korean Contemporary Art exhibition in January of 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Why You Shouldn't Teach English In Korea
this is hilarious! Just click on the picture to start the video.
Friday, November 26, 2010
I'm still excited to come back even after what happened
The news has been filled with stories about North and South Korea after they exchanged fire this week. Everyone at work knows that I plan to return to South Korea. Now they are trying to talk me out of it. They are all scared that something is going to happen to me. They are so worried, but I don't think there is a reason to worry.
I'm not worried yet. I keep telling them that these kinds of things have been happening for a while.
So I am coming back unless something major happens, but I think thats highly unlikely!
I'm not worried yet. I keep telling them that these kinds of things have been happening for a while.
So I am coming back unless something major happens, but I think thats highly unlikely!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
North and South Korea exchange fire, 2 marines killed
Read the article here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101123/ap_on_re_as/as_koreas_clash
more articles: North Korea's Belligerent bombing of South rebuked
Attack is North Korea's bid for attention
U.S condemns North Korean attack, but military strike unlikely
News footage (Korean):
more articles: North Korea's Belligerent bombing of South rebuked
Attack is North Korea's bid for attention
U.S condemns North Korean attack, but military strike unlikely
News footage (Korean):
Saturday, November 20, 2010
update...a change in plans
I've had a big change in plans, but I am coming back! I just don't know when and where yet! I'm hoping its still around March of 2011.
In February my contract ended. I told my school that I was interested in coming back after a year when my replacement's contract was over. After months of waiting to hear my fate, the unexpected happen. I emailed my recruiter to check up on what documents I needed. He asked me if I had found a job yet. I told him I was hopefully going to go back to my old school. He said he would meet with the person in charge at my school to see if that was still possible. I was shocked and worried. After the meeting I found out that my replacement quit in October. Now my recruiter says that the person in charge will see if she can fit me in. I'm not exactly sure what that means but I'm waiting to see what happens. I survived one year at the school, but going back kinda worries me because of what happened after I left. One teacher was fired because he complained about the curriculum being too easy for his students. Then, the teacher at my school quit. Would I survive another year? Would things be different for me?
I do have other options. One of my friends told me about an opening at her school. Its in the same neighborhood that I used to live in. She only has great things to say about her school. She gave my email to her boss so I'm waiting on him to contact me. I'm going to ask a lot of questions to see if I feel like it will be a good fit for me.
If those two plans don't work out I still have a third option. My recruiter says he will place me at another school.
So right now my plans are unknown, but I am definitely coming back! (I'm impatiently waiting! I've missed Korea so much!)
I'll be glad when I can post the official countdown!! Right now it stands at 102 days till March 1st.
In February my contract ended. I told my school that I was interested in coming back after a year when my replacement's contract was over. After months of waiting to hear my fate, the unexpected happen. I emailed my recruiter to check up on what documents I needed. He asked me if I had found a job yet. I told him I was hopefully going to go back to my old school. He said he would meet with the person in charge at my school to see if that was still possible. I was shocked and worried. After the meeting I found out that my replacement quit in October. Now my recruiter says that the person in charge will see if she can fit me in. I'm not exactly sure what that means but I'm waiting to see what happens. I survived one year at the school, but going back kinda worries me because of what happened after I left. One teacher was fired because he complained about the curriculum being too easy for his students. Then, the teacher at my school quit. Would I survive another year? Would things be different for me?
I do have other options. One of my friends told me about an opening at her school. Its in the same neighborhood that I used to live in. She only has great things to say about her school. She gave my email to her boss so I'm waiting on him to contact me. I'm going to ask a lot of questions to see if I feel like it will be a good fit for me.
If those two plans don't work out I still have a third option. My recruiter says he will place me at another school.
So right now my plans are unknown, but I am definitely coming back! (I'm impatiently waiting! I've missed Korea so much!)
I'll be glad when I can post the official countdown!! Right now it stands at 102 days till March 1st.
Friday, November 12, 2010
2 year blog anniversary!
Yes I have been writing in this blog for 2 years! I hope I continue to write here for a long time!
I have had such a fun time writing about everything related to South Korea. There has been a lot of high points and I've had my share of low points, but overall it was a great experience.
My family says it seemed like I hated Korea and I was constantly mentioning how much I wanted to come home. I complained a lot, but I think that was due to adjusting to a new culture. Its a lot different from America.
Now that I look back I realize how much I miss it! The 2nd round will be even better because I understand the culture and I know my way around.
Countdown to round 2: @109 days...Im not sure of the actual date yet! And the actual details are actually still up in the air at this moment.
My next milestone for my blog: 1000 posts....I still have a while to go before that happens!
I have had such a fun time writing about everything related to South Korea. There has been a lot of high points and I've had my share of low points, but overall it was a great experience.
My family says it seemed like I hated Korea and I was constantly mentioning how much I wanted to come home. I complained a lot, but I think that was due to adjusting to a new culture. Its a lot different from America.
Now that I look back I realize how much I miss it! The 2nd round will be even better because I understand the culture and I know my way around.
Countdown to round 2: @109 days...Im not sure of the actual date yet! And the actual details are actually still up in the air at this moment.
My next milestone for my blog: 1000 posts....I still have a while to go before that happens!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
12 Fascinating Korean Festivals
read about each festival in more detail: 12 Fascinating Korean Festivals
Looks like I have a lot of things to check out while I am in South Korea. I haven't been to any of these! I'll have to visit them and post my experiences and lots of pictures!
1. Mountain Trout Ice Festival (화천 산천어축제)-January-Hwacheon, Gangwon Province.
http://www.narafestival.com/01_icenara
2. Jindo Sea parting Festival (진도 신비의 바닷길축제)-next festival:March 19-South Jeolla Province
http://miraclesea.jindo.go.kr/
3. Hampyeong Butterfly Festival (함평나비축제)-April-Hampyeong, South Jeolla Province
http://inabi.or.kr/2008_hpm/hpm01/m1index.php
4. Damyang Bamboo Festival (담양대나무축제)-May-Damyang-gun in South Jeolla Province
http://www.bamboofestival.co.kr/
5. Muju Firefly Festival (무주반딧불축제)-June-Muju, North Jeolla Province
http://firefly.or.kr/main.html
6. Boryeong Mud Festival (보령머드축제)-July-Daecheon beach
http://mudfestival.or.kr/
7. Andong International Mask dance Festival (안동탈춤축제)-September-Andong, North Gyeongsang Province
http://www.maskdance.com/
8. Jinju Lantern Festival (진주남강유등축제)-October-Nam River
http://www.yudeung.com/index.php
9. Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival (청도 소싸움축제)
http://www.청도소싸움.kr/
10. Bongpyeong Cultural Festival (봉평 메밀꽃축제)-September-Bongpyeong, Gangwon-do province
http://www.hyoseok.com/html/index.asp
11. Boseong Green Tea Festival (보성 녹차축제)-May
http://dahyang.boseong.go.kr/dahyang2005/
12. Icheon Ceramic Festival (이천 도자기축제)-May-June
http://www.ceramic.or.kr/
Looks like I have a lot of things to check out while I am in South Korea. I haven't been to any of these! I'll have to visit them and post my experiences and lots of pictures!
1. Mountain Trout Ice Festival (화천 산천어축제)-January-Hwacheon, Gangwon Province.
http://www.narafestival.com/01_icenara
2. Jindo Sea parting Festival (진도 신비의 바닷길축제)-next festival:March 19-South Jeolla Province
http://miraclesea.jindo.go.kr/
3. Hampyeong Butterfly Festival (함평나비축제)-April-Hampyeong, South Jeolla Province
http://inabi.or.kr/2008_hpm/hpm01/m1index.php
4. Damyang Bamboo Festival (담양대나무축제)-May-Damyang-gun in South Jeolla Province
http://www.bamboofestival.co.kr/
5. Muju Firefly Festival (무주반딧불축제)-June-Muju, North Jeolla Province
http://firefly.or.kr/main.html
6. Boryeong Mud Festival (보령머드축제)-July-Daecheon beach
http://mudfestival.or.kr/
7. Andong International Mask dance Festival (안동탈춤축제)-September-Andong, North Gyeongsang Province
http://www.maskdance.com/
8. Jinju Lantern Festival (진주남강유등축제)-October-Nam River
http://www.yudeung.com/index.php
9. Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival (청도 소싸움축제)
http://www.청도소싸움.kr/
10. Bongpyeong Cultural Festival (봉평 메밀꽃축제)-September-Bongpyeong, Gangwon-do province
http://www.hyoseok.com/html/index.asp
11. Boseong Green Tea Festival (보성 녹차축제)-May
http://dahyang.boseong.go.kr/dahyang2005/
12. Icheon Ceramic Festival (이천 도자기축제)-May-June
http://www.ceramic.or.kr/
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The biggest boy band in the world? JYJ
(click on the name of the post to be redirected to the original Yahoo.com article)
Official JYJ website: http://www.tinsel-pr.com/JYJ/index.html
JYJ consists of Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun, and Kim Junsu. They were in the Guiness book of world records in 2008 and 2009 for having the biggest fan club. They had more than 800,000 members in South Korea.They are also known for being the most photographed celebrities on the planet (they've been snapped professionally approximately 500 million times).
(Actually, TVXQ holds those records, not JYJ)
JYJ is now a global boy band. The just released their first English album titled The Beginning on Atlantic Records.2 songs on the album, "Empty" and "Be My Girl", were produced by Rodney Jerkins. Rodney has worked with popular American artists such as Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Mary J. Blige. The single "Ayyy Girl" was produced by Kayne West.
The members of JYJ started performing together in Korea in 2003 as part of TVXQ. TVXQ was also known as DBSK in Korea. While they were in TVXQ they sued their record label, SM Entertainment, to get out of a 13 year "slave" contract.
JYJ has become very popular.They were on a recent cover of Billboard magazine which sold out in 24 hours. The record company had to stop pre orders for the new album because there was too much demand.
(I didn't even know that DBSK(TVXQ) wasn't together anymore! I liked DBSK. I really liked their song "Wrong Number".)
Official JYJ website: http://www.tinsel-pr.com/JYJ/index.html
JYJ consists of Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun, and Kim Junsu. They were in the Guiness book of world records in 2008 and 2009 for having the biggest fan club. They had more than 800,000 members in South Korea.They are also known for being the most photographed celebrities on the planet (they've been snapped professionally approximately 500 million times).
(Actually, TVXQ holds those records, not JYJ)
JYJ is now a global boy band. The just released their first English album titled The Beginning on Atlantic Records.2 songs on the album, "Empty" and "Be My Girl", were produced by Rodney Jerkins. Rodney has worked with popular American artists such as Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Mary J. Blige. The single "Ayyy Girl" was produced by Kayne West.
The members of JYJ started performing together in Korea in 2003 as part of TVXQ. TVXQ was also known as DBSK in Korea. While they were in TVXQ they sued their record label, SM Entertainment, to get out of a 13 year "slave" contract.
JYJ has become very popular.They were on a recent cover of Billboard magazine which sold out in 24 hours. The record company had to stop pre orders for the new album because there was too much demand.
(I didn't even know that DBSK(TVXQ) wasn't together anymore! I liked DBSK. I really liked their song "Wrong Number".)
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Music Videos: 2AM "Like Crazy" and "You wouldn't answer my calls"
2AM's new album "Saint O'Clock" has finally been released. 2 new music videos were also released.
"Like Crazy"
The melody is very similar to "I can't let you go even if I die"
"You wouldn't answer my calls"
"Like Crazy"
The melody is very similar to "I can't let you go even if I die"
"You wouldn't answer my calls"
Saturday, October 23, 2010
John Park is runner up on Superstar K2
John Park is a 23(korean age) year old Korean American from Illinois. He attended Northwestern where he performed in a group called Purple Haze.
here's a clip:
I first started following John Park on American Idol in 2010. I thought he was really handsome and had a great voice. I was disappointed that he didn't get much screentime on AI until the finals. He advanced to the top 24 and was eliminated on March 4, 2010.
His audition for American Idol:
Then I was browsing news articles and I saw that he was competing on Superstar K2. Superstar K2 is the Korean verson of American Idol.I haven't watched any of the shows since I'm in the USA, but I have been reading articles to see how far he continues to progress in the competition.
His audition in LA for Superstar K2: (embedding disabled)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUriUeSP-D0
The winner (허각-Huh Gak) receives 200 million won ($177,000) and a chance to release and album.
Huh Gak-26 from Incheon-winner of Superstar K2
here's a clip:
I first started following John Park on American Idol in 2010. I thought he was really handsome and had a great voice. I was disappointed that he didn't get much screentime on AI until the finals. He advanced to the top 24 and was eliminated on March 4, 2010.
His audition for American Idol:
Then I was browsing news articles and I saw that he was competing on Superstar K2. Superstar K2 is the Korean verson of American Idol.I haven't watched any of the shows since I'm in the USA, but I have been reading articles to see how far he continues to progress in the competition.
His audition in LA for Superstar K2: (embedding disabled)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUriUeSP-D0
The winner (허각-Huh Gak) receives 200 million won ($177,000) and a chance to release and album.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Children's songs: 산토끼
On Twitter I keep seeing references to 산토끼(especially among Rain fans) He even tweeted something about it this week-.우리 식구들 싼토끼!
I had no clue what it was. So I left a tweet on my feed that said "What is 산토끼?". Today I got a response from a Korean. Its a mountian rabbit.
In Korea there is a popular children's song called San Toki. I thought I would look it up and post it on my site.
First Verse:
산토끼 토끼야 어디를 가느냐
깡총깡총 뛰면서 어디를 가느냐
Second Verse:
산고개 고개를 나혼자 넘어서
토실토실 알밤을 주워서 올테야
First Verse:
Mountain bunny, bunny
Where are you going?
Bouncing, bouncing as you're running.
Where are you going?
Second Verse:
Over the mountain peaks, peaks
I will climb them on my own
Plump, plump chestnuts
I will find and bring
Here's a video clip of some women singing the song:
I had no clue what it was. So I left a tweet on my feed that said "What is 산토끼?". Today I got a response from a Korean. Its a mountian rabbit.
In Korea there is a popular children's song called San Toki. I thought I would look it up and post it on my site.
First Verse:
산토끼 토끼야 어디를 가느냐
깡총깡총 뛰면서 어디를 가느냐
Second Verse:
산고개 고개를 나혼자 넘어서
토실토실 알밤을 주워서 올테야
First Verse:
Mountain bunny, bunny
Where are you going?
Bouncing, bouncing as you're running.
Where are you going?
Second Verse:
Over the mountain peaks, peaks
I will climb them on my own
Plump, plump chestnuts
I will find and bring
Here's a video clip of some women singing the song:
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Seoul Subway fight video spreads across the Internet
EDIT (October 6) The video has been removed from youtube due to terms of violation.
What started the fight? The young girl crossed her legs and got mud on the older woman's pants. The girl apologized, but in an informal way. (In Korea respect for elders is really important and you must use different speech levels for people who are older. Then the fight breaks out.
I personally think that the old woman was out of line. The girl accidentally got mud on the woman's pants. Sure it was wrong for her to speak in an informal way, but that doesn't give the woman the right to torture that girl like that. Getting physical with her wasn't necessary.
Everyone watches, but no one tries to stop the fight. One man says she should stop, but she argues with him also.
The recorded tussle has caused a huge stir among Korean netizens. According to a netizen this woman is constantly bullying younger people to give up their seat for her.
(I understand respecting your elders, being older doesn't give you the right to push younger people around)
The video was filmed on a cell phone. The girl saw the person recording and told them to upload it to youtube. Some netizens are saying that it is an invasion of their privacy.
What started the fight? The young girl crossed her legs and got mud on the older woman's pants. The girl apologized, but in an informal way. (In Korea respect for elders is really important and you must use different speech levels for people who are older. Then the fight breaks out.
I personally think that the old woman was out of line. The girl accidentally got mud on the woman's pants. Sure it was wrong for her to speak in an informal way, but that doesn't give the woman the right to torture that girl like that. Getting physical with her wasn't necessary.
Everyone watches, but no one tries to stop the fight. One man says she should stop, but she argues with him also.
The recorded tussle has caused a huge stir among Korean netizens. According to a netizen this woman is constantly bullying younger people to give up their seat for her.
(I understand respecting your elders, being older doesn't give you the right to push younger people around)
The video was filmed on a cell phone. The girl saw the person recording and told them to upload it to youtube. Some netizens are saying that it is an invasion of their privacy.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Korean Drama: 봄의 왈츠 -Spring Waltz
Watch it here with English subtitles: http://www.mysoju.com/spring-waltz/
Here's a video with clips from the drama:
Korean dramas are addicting! I start watching them and I don't want to stop! I just finished watching this drama. I really liked it. It's very sad in some parts. I kept wondering how it would end and I was happy about the ending. I liked most of the characters except Su-ho's dad, Lee-na, and Jae ha's mom. The music was nice in the drama. I loved the scenery from Chungsan-do. Now thats on my to-do list when I go back to Korea. I plan on visiting places where dramas were filmed.
March 6, 2006 – May 16, 2006
20 episodes
I like this quote from the drama: "If you truly love and miss that person, Then, love will come again when you meet that person again. Just like playing a game of hide and seek, No matter where he/she hides or even if you can't see him/her, He/she must be waiting at some place for you. Amid the countless chaos, Just like the sincere prayers of love. The people in love will surely meet again."- Park Eun-young
My favorite song from the OST: One Love - Loveholic(러브홀릭)
Plot:
Will the tragedy of spring be repeated years later? To escape debt, Lee Su Ho’s father escaped to a remote island where his friend has a young daughter Eun Young, who is the same age as Su Ho. After being abandoned by his father, Su Ho sought to leave, but his mind changed after being touched by Eun Young’s pure heart. A series of unfortunate events ensue, and Su Ho disappears, while Eun Young is sick in the hospital. Years later, while traveling in Austria, Eun Young meets the talented pianist Jae Ha, a man with a cold exterior with a few words, who bores a resemblance to Su Ho. As their love start to develop, the truth unfolds… Can their love endure the harsh spring tragedy many years ago?
Cast:
서도영 as Lee Su-ho/Yoon Jae-ha
한효주 as Seo/Park Eun-young
Daniel Henney as Phillip
이소연 as Song Lee-na
최자혜 Eun-young's friend
Kim Hae Sook as Eun-young's adoptive mom, also her aunt
최시원 as Eun-young's brother, also her cousin
Eun Won Jae as young Jae-Ha
Han So Hee as young Eun-young
Here's a video with clips from the drama:
Korean dramas are addicting! I start watching them and I don't want to stop! I just finished watching this drama. I really liked it. It's very sad in some parts. I kept wondering how it would end and I was happy about the ending. I liked most of the characters except Su-ho's dad, Lee-na, and Jae ha's mom. The music was nice in the drama. I loved the scenery from Chungsan-do. Now thats on my to-do list when I go back to Korea. I plan on visiting places where dramas were filmed.
March 6, 2006 – May 16, 2006
20 episodes
I like this quote from the drama: "If you truly love and miss that person, Then, love will come again when you meet that person again. Just like playing a game of hide and seek, No matter where he/she hides or even if you can't see him/her, He/she must be waiting at some place for you. Amid the countless chaos, Just like the sincere prayers of love. The people in love will surely meet again."- Park Eun-young
My favorite song from the OST: One Love - Loveholic(러브홀릭)
Plot:
Will the tragedy of spring be repeated years later? To escape debt, Lee Su Ho’s father escaped to a remote island where his friend has a young daughter Eun Young, who is the same age as Su Ho. After being abandoned by his father, Su Ho sought to leave, but his mind changed after being touched by Eun Young’s pure heart. A series of unfortunate events ensue, and Su Ho disappears, while Eun Young is sick in the hospital. Years later, while traveling in Austria, Eun Young meets the talented pianist Jae Ha, a man with a cold exterior with a few words, who bores a resemblance to Su Ho. As their love start to develop, the truth unfolds… Can their love endure the harsh spring tragedy many years ago?
Cast:
서도영 as Lee Su-ho/Yoon Jae-ha
한효주 as Seo/Park Eun-young
Daniel Henney as Phillip
이소연 as Song Lee-na
최자혜 Eun-young's friend
Kim Hae Sook as Eun-young's adoptive mom, also her aunt
최시원 as Eun-young's brother, also her cousin
Eun Won Jae as young Jae-Ha
Han So Hee as young Eun-young
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Korean Drama: 도망자 Plan B
This drama has not aired yet. Currently it is scheduled to air at the end of September on KBS in South Korea on Wednesday and Thursday at 21:55.
Also known as: The Fugitive, Runaway
Teaser videos:
Also known as: The Fugitive, Runaway
Teaser videos:
Cast:
Rain (Jung Jihoon)
Daniel Henney
Lee Na-young
Lee Jeong-jin
Yoon Jin-seo
Yoon Son-ha
Plot:
During the Korean War, a vast amount of money disappeared. Now, some 60 years later, the money has reappeared, leading to a frantic chase across the globe. Jin Yi (Lee Na Young) is a seemingly innocent woman who has hidden motives for approaching Ji Woo (Bi). Her plans are complicated by an unexpected romance developing between them, as well as the numerous pursuers hot on their trail. Kieko (Uehara Takako) is a famous Japanese singer who also gets tangled up in a relationship with this man. Little do they know that her father Hiroki (Takenaka Naoto), apart from being a business man, is a powerful Yakuza. In this love triangle, who will finally win the love of Ji Woo
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Foreigners to be fingerprinted and photographed on arrival in Korea
Foreigners entering South Korea will be subject to tougher background checks in an effort to weed out terrorists and drug smugglers. The Ministry of Justice announced that fingerprints and facial images of foreigners will be collected at airports and ports.
The prints and images will be compared to a database which contains 230,000 foreigners with criminal records. Foreigners with criminal backgrounds or on an Interpol criminal watch list will be deported.
From the second half of next year the fingerprint screening will be required for all foreigners entering the country. Diplomats will not be included. Fingerprints are already required in the US and Japan. Most of the OECD states are adopting similar policies.
The country is starting the program earlier than planned to be prepared for the G20 Summit in Seoul in November.
The prints and images will be compared to a database which contains 230,000 foreigners with criminal records. Foreigners with criminal backgrounds or on an Interpol criminal watch list will be deported.
From the second half of next year the fingerprint screening will be required for all foreigners entering the country. Diplomats will not be included. Fingerprints are already required in the US and Japan. Most of the OECD states are adopting similar policies.
The country is starting the program earlier than planned to be prepared for the G20 Summit in Seoul in November.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Korean Movie: 싸이보그지만 괜찮아 (I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK)
You can watch it here with English subtitles: I'm a Cyborg, but that's OK
I only watched this movie because Rain was in it. It's an okay movie, but it's kinda weird. (Rain plays the role of a guy in a mental hospital).The movie came out in December of 2006. It was the number one movie on opening weekend. The movie fell by 76% the 2nd weekend and was pulled from most screens shortly after.
Rain was nominated for and won Best New Actor at the 43rd Baeksang Awards.I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK won the Alfred Bauer Award at the 57th Berlin International Film Festival
Plot:
Convinced that she is not entirely human but in fact part android, Young-goon's health begins to deteriorate as she gives up eating food and instead decides to "charge her batteries" by administering electric shocks to herself via a small transistor radio. As her mental state continues to deteriorate, the troubled young woman takes to donning her grandmother's dentures and carrying on extended conversations with various machines around the mental health facility. Of course Young-goon isn't the only person suffering from a mental malady in this hospital, and it's not long before Il-soon, a young man with a penchant for wearing masks and a reputation for being anti-social, is admitted as well. A good-looking young man who sets about convincing his fellow patients that he has the power to absorb their personality traits, Il-soon gradually begins to develop a tender romance with the troubled Young-goon. Later, when hospital officials determine that the only way to save Young-goon is to administer electro-shock therapy, the treatment has the unusual side-effect of convincing the would-be android that she has been fully recharged and possesses the ability to fire bullets from her fingers. In reality, Young-goon's physical deterioration has become truly alarming. With little time to lose before the love of his life slides beyond the point of no return, Il-soon enlists the aid of his concerned fellow patients in getting Young-goon back on the path to good health
Cast:
Im Su-jeong as Cha Young-goon
Rain as Park Il-soon
Choi Hie-jin as Choi Seul-gi
Lee Yong-nyeo as Young-goon's mother
Yu Ho-jeong as Il-soon's mother
Kim Byeong-ok as Judge
I only watched this movie because Rain was in it. It's an okay movie, but it's kinda weird. (Rain plays the role of a guy in a mental hospital).The movie came out in December of 2006. It was the number one movie on opening weekend. The movie fell by 76% the 2nd weekend and was pulled from most screens shortly after.
Rain was nominated for and won Best New Actor at the 43rd Baeksang Awards.I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK won the Alfred Bauer Award at the 57th Berlin International Film Festival
Plot:
Convinced that she is not entirely human but in fact part android, Young-goon's health begins to deteriorate as she gives up eating food and instead decides to "charge her batteries" by administering electric shocks to herself via a small transistor radio. As her mental state continues to deteriorate, the troubled young woman takes to donning her grandmother's dentures and carrying on extended conversations with various machines around the mental health facility. Of course Young-goon isn't the only person suffering from a mental malady in this hospital, and it's not long before Il-soon, a young man with a penchant for wearing masks and a reputation for being anti-social, is admitted as well. A good-looking young man who sets about convincing his fellow patients that he has the power to absorb their personality traits, Il-soon gradually begins to develop a tender romance with the troubled Young-goon. Later, when hospital officials determine that the only way to save Young-goon is to administer electro-shock therapy, the treatment has the unusual side-effect of convincing the would-be android that she has been fully recharged and possesses the ability to fire bullets from her fingers. In reality, Young-goon's physical deterioration has become truly alarming. With little time to lose before the love of his life slides beyond the point of no return, Il-soon enlists the aid of his concerned fellow patients in getting Young-goon back on the path to good health
Cast:
Im Su-jeong as Cha Young-goon
Rain as Park Il-soon
Choi Hie-jin as Choi Seul-gi
Lee Yong-nyeo as Young-goon's mother
Yu Ho-jeong as Il-soon's mother
Kim Byeong-ok as Judge
Friday, August 27, 2010
Korean Movie: 1번가의 기적 (Miracle on First Street)
You can watch the movie here with English subtitles: Miracle on First Street
I liked this movie. I wanted to see it because I met one of the actors, but I'd never seen anything that he acted in. I was curious about his acting ability. Its funny when you meet a celebrity but you don't have a clue who they are!!
The movie was released in 2007. It was the 2nd most popular movie in the 1st quarter of 2007.
I liked this movie. I wanted to see it because I met one of the actors, but I'd never seen anything that he acted in. I was curious about his acting ability. Its funny when you meet a celebrity but you don't have a clue who they are!!
The movie was released in 2007. It was the 2nd most popular movie in the 1st quarter of 2007.
Plot Summary:
Pil-je (Lim Chang-jung) is a gangster who is sent to evict residents from a poor neighborhood so that luxury apartments can be built. He has a change of heart after he befriends some of the locals.
Cast:
Lim Chang-jung as Pil-je
Ha Ji-won as Myung-ran
Joo Hyun
Jeong Doo-hong
Lee Hoon<-----I met him
Kang Ye-won
Park Chang-ik
Park Yoo-seon
Ko Tae-ho
Seo Ji-hee
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
‘Yield to ambulances’ campaign kicks off
I hope this campaign works better than the "walk on the right" campaign in the subway which was a complete failure (while I was there in 2009).
In the USA its a LAW to move over for any emergency vehicle. This includes police, fire trucks and ambulances that have their sirens and lights on. If you fail to yield you could be fined.
________________________
A campaign urging motorists to yield to ambulances kicked off in Seoul on Tuesday.
In an emergency the first few minutes are crucial as to whether the person has a chance to survive. Only 32.3 percent of ambulances make it within 5 minutes. The average time to reach the patient is 8 minutes according to studies.
There was a survey named "etiquette regarding ambulances" in which 74.5 percent of 1000 respondents said that there is not enough space to yield. 12.5 percent said they do not know the right way to yield. 74.6 percent said they never had a chance to learn about the etiquette.
(Shouldn't etiquette be mentioned in a driver's manual? Maybe that is something they should consider. In the USA we have driver's manuals that we can read to be able to pass our driver's license test. I looked at the SC driver's manual and it tells you how to yield to emergency vehicles.)
The campaign will run through November in Seoul.
In the USA its a LAW to move over for any emergency vehicle. This includes police, fire trucks and ambulances that have their sirens and lights on. If you fail to yield you could be fined.
________________________
A campaign urging motorists to yield to ambulances kicked off in Seoul on Tuesday.
In an emergency the first few minutes are crucial as to whether the person has a chance to survive. Only 32.3 percent of ambulances make it within 5 minutes. The average time to reach the patient is 8 minutes according to studies.
There was a survey named "etiquette regarding ambulances" in which 74.5 percent of 1000 respondents said that there is not enough space to yield. 12.5 percent said they do not know the right way to yield. 74.6 percent said they never had a chance to learn about the etiquette.
(Shouldn't etiquette be mentioned in a driver's manual? Maybe that is something they should consider. In the USA we have driver's manuals that we can read to be able to pass our driver's license test. I looked at the SC driver's manual and it tells you how to yield to emergency vehicles.)
The campaign will run through November in Seoul.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
69 year old who failed driving test 960 times gets free car
Cha Sa-sun, 69, was given a free Soul vehicle from Hyundai-Kia Motors group in a campaign to give away cars to people in need. Cha is known for failing her driver's license test over 950 times.
Cha finally passed her driver's license test earlier this year after trying over 950 times since 2005. Her story drew a lot of attention even in the foreign media.I rememeber talking about this story with my kids in class.
Netizens had to post over 100 messages to root for her in the campaign in order for her to be considered to win. Netizens ended up posting over 1,000 messages a day in support of Cha.
Cha finally passed her driver's license test earlier this year after trying over 950 times since 2005. Her story drew a lot of attention even in the foreign media.I rememeber talking about this story with my kids in class.
Netizens had to post over 100 messages to root for her in the campaign in order for her to be considered to win. Netizens ended up posting over 1,000 messages a day in support of Cha.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Top 20 experiences in Seoul picked by foreigners
http://www.miceseoul.com/tour/recommended-places.html The website has a lot of information about all of the places.
Last week I wrote an article about the top 20 experiences in Seoul. The list hadn't been released yet, but now I have the top 20 list. (I put a star by the ones that I experienced)
Gyeongbokgung*
N Seoul Tower*
Hangang River Cruise
Makgeolli
National Museum of Korea
Hongkik University
Digital Media Center
Namdaemun market*
Jjimjilbang
Lotte World*
galbi-gui / Grilled Spareribs
Jogyesa Temple*
Fitting Hanbok
Insadong*
Itaewon Street*
Baseball*
Samcheongdong
Myeong-dong*
Bukhansan National Park
Samcheongdong Gallery
If you've visited Seoul or lived in Seoul as a foreigner what were your top experiences? (my top experiences are listed in the July 30th article)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Foreigners pick the best aspects of Seoul life
Recently a survey was taken by Seoul city and Seoul Tourism organization to find out what foreigners liked most about Seoul. 500 foreign residents were chosen to pick the city's top 20 experiences.
Namsan, Hongdae Streets and makgeolli were chosen as the favorite things in the city.
Seoul published a mini English guidebook which lists the top 20 experiences along with contact numbers.
The number one choice was Namsan (a mountain and the city’s largest park). Foreigners highly recommend hiking to the peak of Namsan mountain or riding the cable car.The view of the city from North Seoul tower was also on the list.
***I agree with riding the cable car and the view from N. Seoul tower. The view of the city is great from the top of the tower. I've never hiked the mountain.
Many foreign visitors recommend the streets near Hongik University in Hongdae which are known for their nightlife.
**I never visited Hongdae for the nightlife. I'm just not into the nightlife culture and partying.
Shopping districts such as Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun, Yongsan electronic center, COEX mall and Cheongdam-dong streets are also popular.
**I never bought anything from these places. I don't shop that often. I also didn't want to have more things to stuff into my suitcase although I could have shipped them home for a low rate.
Tourists also have an interest in Korean food. The most popular choices are galbi, samgyetang, and makgeolli.
***I love galbi! My favorite Korean food is samgyeopsal. I've never tried samgyetang or makgeolli.
Seoul Tourism Organization will introduce the top 20 spots on their website http://www.miceseoul.com/ from August 3rd. Visitors can also find information about the top 200 destinations.
My favorite experiences and places in Seoul (in no particular order):
1. Han River
2. Cheonggyecheon
3. Seoul Tower
4. Palaces
5. Yeouido Park
6. Lotte World
7. Samgyeopsal
8. Seoul Subway
9. Kimbap Heaven
10. Gwanghwamun
11. E-Mart
12. Insadong
Namsan, Hongdae Streets and makgeolli were chosen as the favorite things in the city.
Seoul published a mini English guidebook which lists the top 20 experiences along with contact numbers.
The number one choice was Namsan (a mountain and the city’s largest park). Foreigners highly recommend hiking to the peak of Namsan mountain or riding the cable car.The view of the city from North Seoul tower was also on the list.
***I agree with riding the cable car and the view from N. Seoul tower. The view of the city is great from the top of the tower. I've never hiked the mountain.
 |
| riding the cable car |
Foreign visitors also liked visits to palaces, Han River Parks, and mountains.
**The Han River Park is nice. I also like visiting palaces. I visited 4 of the palaces while I was in Seoul.
**The Han River Park is nice. I also like visiting palaces. I visited 4 of the palaces while I was in Seoul.
The list also included things outside of the typical tourist spots.
Many foreign visitors recommend the streets near Hongik University in Hongdae which are known for their nightlife.
**I never visited Hongdae for the nightlife. I'm just not into the nightlife culture and partying.
Shopping districts such as Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun, Yongsan electronic center, COEX mall and Cheongdam-dong streets are also popular.
**I never bought anything from these places. I don't shop that often. I also didn't want to have more things to stuff into my suitcase although I could have shipped them home for a low rate.
Tourists also have an interest in Korean food. The most popular choices are galbi, samgyetang, and makgeolli.
***I love galbi! My favorite Korean food is samgyeopsal. I've never tried samgyetang or makgeolli.
Seoul Tourism Organization will introduce the top 20 spots on their website http://www.miceseoul.com/ from August 3rd. Visitors can also find information about the top 200 destinations.
My favorite experiences and places in Seoul (in no particular order):
1. Han River
2. Cheonggyecheon
3. Seoul Tower
4. Palaces
5. Yeouido Park
6. Lotte World
7. Samgyeopsal
8. Seoul Subway
9. Kimbap Heaven
10. Gwanghwamun
11. E-Mart
12. Insadong
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Jay Park Resumes Music Career in Seoul
Jay Park, also known as Park Jae beom, is resuming his music career in Seoul. Last week, the 23-year-old signed a contract with Sidus HQ.
Park was the former leader of the boyband 2PM. He left South Korea after he was dropped by 2PM for making unfavorable remarks about South Korea.
He released a single album entitled "Will You Believe Me" on July 13.
Here's a video of the Korean Version of "Nothing on You":
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Action Urged to Stop Han River Jumpers
Read the article here: http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20100712000774
The bridges along the Han River attract a lot of people who want to attempt suicide.
232 people have jumped into the Han River this year. 47 of them died.
Over the past 3 years 1,301 people have attempted suicide by jumping off the bridges on the Han River. 254 people died.
No efforts have been made to stop jumpers.
There have been plans to install CCTV, a safety system and a 2 meter fence, but no progress has been made.
The city plans to install an emergency phone booth that will connect to the emergency number 119 and the center for suicide prevention.
The bridges along the Han River attract a lot of people who want to attempt suicide.
232 people have jumped into the Han River this year. 47 of them died.
Over the past 3 years 1,301 people have attempted suicide by jumping off the bridges on the Han River. 254 people died.
No efforts have been made to stop jumpers.
There have been plans to install CCTV, a safety system and a 2 meter fence, but no progress has been made.
The city plans to install an emergency phone booth that will connect to the emergency number 119 and the center for suicide prevention.
Friday, July 9, 2010
G.NA and Rain's duet "What I want to do once I have a lover"
I like the song.
I'd love for Rain to be my lover. He seems to be such a sweet person, a genuine nice guy. I can't find anything bad about him. I'm a singer so I love men who can sing! (I need someone to introduce us to each other)
I'd love for Rain to be my lover. He seems to be such a sweet person, a genuine nice guy. I can't find anything bad about him. I'm a singer so I love men who can sing! (I need someone to introduce us to each other)
Here's an audio clip :
남자친구가 생기면 하고 싶던 일 너무나 많아 난 늘 꿈을 꾸었어
남자친구가 생기면 하고 싶던 일 너무나 많아 난 늘 꿈을 꾸었어
첫 번째 길거리에서 키스해 보기 두 번짼 말야 춘천행 새벽 기차
세 번째 소풍 가기 네 번째 등에 업히기 다섯 번째 커플링은 기본
boo boo boo 정말 달콤할 거야
왜 이렇게 두근 두근 두근 뛰니 생각만 해도
한 가지씩 매일 매일 매일 너와 다 해 볼 거야
난 네가 있어 하루가 즐거워 이제는 둘이라는 게
내 소중한 너 baby baby baby baby boo~
여자친구가 생기면 하고 싶던 일 내게도 많아 항상 부러워 했어
여섯 째 심야영화 일곱 째 놀이동산도 여덟 번째 깜짝 이벤트도
boo boo boo 정말 행복할 거야
왜 이렇게 두근 두근 두근 뛰니 생각만 해도
한 가지씩 매일 매일 매일 너와 다 해 볼 거야
난 네가 있어 하루가 즐거워 이제는 둘이라는 게
내 소중한 너 baby baby baby baby boo~
혼자였던 생일이 할 일 없던 주말이
이름 붙은 날들이 이젠 기다려져
둘이라서 좋아 함께라서 좋아
어디에 있든지 또 무얼 하든지 너와
나 그 중에 제일 제일 제일 하고 싶던 한 가지
널 사랑해 그 말 그 말 그 말 한 번 말해 보는 일
널 사랑해 그 말 그 말 그 말 한 번 들어 보는 일
내게 와 줘서 너무나 고마워 내 곁에 네가 있는 게
나만의 사랑 baby baby baby baby boo~
baby baby baby baby boo~
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Seoul Tourism Videos
Check out the Seoul page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hiseoul
This video will be shown in Japan to promote tourism in Seoul. The video features Lee Byung Hun (from IRIS) and a Japanese actress.
This video will be shown in China and features the Wonder Girls.
This video will also be shown in China. This commericial is aimed towards families.
This video will be shown in Japan to promote tourism in Seoul. The video features Lee Byung Hun (from IRIS) and a Japanese actress.
This video will be shown in China and features the Wonder Girls.
This video will also be shown in China. This commericial is aimed towards families.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
South Korea's 20 hottest male celebs
Here's the link: 20 hottest male celebs in South Korea
These were chosen by the staff at CNNgo. I wasn't familiar with all these celebs. If you click on the link they have a youtube link with a short video clip of each person.
1. Jang Dong-Gun
2. Won Bin
3. Bae Yong-joon
4. Ju Jin-mo
5. Jo In-Sung
6. Lee Jun-ki
7. Daniel Henney
8. Dennis Oh
9. So Ji-sub
10. Rain
11. Yoon Sang-hyun
12. Lee Min-ho
13. Kim Hyun-joong
14. Kim Bum
15. Jang Geun Suk
16. Lee Seung-ki
17. Choi Min-shik
18. Song Seung-heon
19. Kwon Sang-woo
20. Ha Jung-woo
Are these ranked in order of hotness with 1 being the hottest? or are they in some random order?
If they are ranked then why is rain number 10? He should be number one!!! He's the whole package-beautiful inside and out.
My favorites are: Rain, Daniel Henney, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Bum
These were chosen by the staff at CNNgo. I wasn't familiar with all these celebs. If you click on the link they have a youtube link with a short video clip of each person.
1. Jang Dong-Gun
2. Won Bin
3. Bae Yong-joon
4. Ju Jin-mo
5. Jo In-Sung
6. Lee Jun-ki
7. Daniel Henney
8. Dennis Oh
9. So Ji-sub
10. Rain
11. Yoon Sang-hyun
12. Lee Min-ho
13. Kim Hyun-joong
14. Kim Bum
15. Jang Geun Suk
16. Lee Seung-ki
17. Choi Min-shik
18. Song Seung-heon
19. Kwon Sang-woo
20. Ha Jung-woo
Are these ranked in order of hotness with 1 being the hottest? or are they in some random order?
If they are ranked then why is rain number 10? He should be number one!!! He's the whole package-beautiful inside and out.
My favorites are: Rain, Daniel Henney, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Bum
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Seoul 14th in cost of living for expats
| 1 | LUANDA | ANGOLA |
| 2 | TOKYO | JAPAN |
| 3 | NDJAMENA | CHAD |
| 4 | MOSCOW | RUSSIA |
| 5 | GENEVA | SWITZERLAND |
| 6 | OSAKA | JAPAN |
| 7 | LIBREVILLE | GABON |
| 8 | ZURICH | SWITZERLAND |
| 8 | HONG KONG | HONG KONG |
| 10 | COPENHAGEN | DENMARK |
According to Mercer, a global consulting firm, Seoul is the 14th most expensive city for expats to live in.
Mercer conducted a "Cost of Living Survey" in which they compared the costs of 200 items in 214 cities worldwide. Luanda in Angola was the most expensive city while Karachi in Pakistan was the cheapest.
Some items that were considered were housing, transportation, food clothing and household necessities.
They conducted the survey in March of 2010 using the exchange rate for February.
Last year Seoul ranked 51 on the list because the won's value against the dollar dropped. The fall in the rankings was mainly due to the weakening of the dollar and the strengthening of the Korean won.
3 Asian cities were in the top 10. Tokyo was the 2nd, Osaka was 6th and Hong Kong was 8th.
____________________
When I was in Seoul I didn't think it was that expensive. My housing was provided so I didn't have to worry about that. I didn't do much shopping either. I thought the food was pretty cheap. Imported items are very expensive! Transportation is amazing and very cheap!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Actor Park Yong-ha found dead at home
Actor Park Yong-ha was found dead at his home on Wednesday.
According to the police, his mom found him in his room hanging by the cord of a phone charger.
Park Yong-ha was an actor and singer in South Korea. He was 33 years old. He starred in the drama "Winter Sonata" in 2002.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Uruaguay beats South Korea 2 to 1
Today Uruaguay beat South Korea with a score of 2 to 1 in the first round of the top 16 teams.
I wanted to see them win, but they did a good job to make it to the top 16.
I wanted to see them win, but they did a good job to make it to the top 16.
Friday, June 25, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RAIN!
Today a lot of his fans got together on the web and tried to trend HappyBirthdayRain on Twitter. They sent messages to @29rain (Rain's twitter). There were tons of messages sent to him for his birthday.
생일축하합니다 생일축하합니다 사랑하는 정지훈 생일축하합니다
<--love this picture..his hair is great and I like the glasses!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
South Korea vs Nigeria ends in tie
**I watched the game!! It was the first time I've watched a World Cup match! Soccer isn't that popular in America. My love for soccer began after attending my first FC Seoul game. I love South Korea's passion for soccer!
Around 400,000 fans gathered to cheer in South Korea at 3:30 AM.
Today the game between Nigeria and South Korea ended in a tie. The score was 2-2.
South Korea advances into the top 16! Argentina won Group B and South Korea came in 2nd place.
This is the 2nd time South Korea will enter the top 16. Its the first time on foreign soil. They entered the second round in 2002 during the World Cup in South Korea.
South Korea will play Uruguay at 10:00 AM ET, June 26, 2010 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
대하민국! 화이팅!
Around 400,000 fans gathered to cheer in South Korea at 3:30 AM.
Today the game between Nigeria and South Korea ended in a tie. The score was 2-2.
South Korea advances into the top 16! Argentina won Group B and South Korea came in 2nd place.
This is the 2nd time South Korea will enter the top 16. Its the first time on foreign soil. They entered the second round in 2002 during the World Cup in South Korea.
South Korea will play Uruguay at 10:00 AM ET, June 26, 2010 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
대하민국! 화이팅!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Daniel Henney will join the cast of 도망자
Daniel Henney will be joining the cast of 도망자 (Runaway / Fugitive).
Daniel will play a shipping tycoon who falls in love with Jinny, played by Lee Na-young.
The drama will be filmed in Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The plot centers around chasing a fugitive.
The drama will air in September on KBS in Korea.
Daniel Henney is a Korean-American actor who has starred in "Seducing Mr. Perfect","Spring Waltz", "My Lovely Sam Soon", "My Father" , "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and "Three Rivers".
Monday, June 21, 2010
Korean Practice
Here's some of my Korean practice. I'm trying to write sentences from my Korean lessons on www.talktomeinkorean.com.
제 취미는 노래하는 것 이에요.=My hobby is singing.
저는 한국어 공부하는 중 이에요=I am studying Korean.
저는 노래를 잘 해요=I can sing well.
저는 요리를 잘 해요=I can cook well.
저는 매운 거 못 먹어요=I can't eat spicy food.
운전 할 수 있어요?= Can you drive?
저는 운전 할 수 있어요.= I can drive.
노래를 할 수 있어요?=Can you sing?
저는 노래를 수 있어요.= I can sing.
중국어 할 수 있어요?= Can you speak Chinese?
중국어 못 해요.=I can't speak Chinese.
제 취미는 노래하는 것 이에요.=My hobby is singing.
저는 한국어 공부하는 중 이에요=I am studying Korean.
저는 노래를 잘 해요=I can sing well.
저는 요리를 잘 해요=I can cook well.
저는 매운 거 못 먹어요=I can't eat spicy food.
운전 할 수 있어요?= Can you drive?
저는 운전 할 수 있어요.= I can drive.
노래를 할 수 있어요?=Can you sing?
저는 노래를 수 있어요.= I can sing.
중국어 할 수 있어요?= Can you speak Chinese?
중국어 못 해요.=I can't speak Chinese.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Sales of condoms rise as S.Korea celebrates World Cup win (against Greece)
I thought this was funny.
Read about it here: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/sales-of-condoms-rise-as-skorea-celebrates-world-cup-win-2000531.html
Condom sales rose five-fold after South Korea's win over Greece last week.
Fans who were celebrating bought 5 times more condoms than they did during the 2006 World cup.
Convenience stores and Fried Chicken restaurants also profited from the win.
Read about it here: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/sales-of-condoms-rise-as-skorea-celebrates-world-cup-win-2000531.html
Condom sales rose five-fold after South Korea's win over Greece last week.
Fans who were celebrating bought 5 times more condoms than they did during the 2006 World cup.
Convenience stores and Fried Chicken restaurants also profited from the win.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Argentina beats South Korea 4-1
**I can't believe that I am missing all the excitement. Soccer isn't popular in America so we don't have all these giant "street cheering" events. I wish I could have been in Korea to experience it. South Koreans love soccer! Maybe I'll just have to go back to South Korea in 2014 for the next World Cup. I'm going back to South Korea in 2011 to teach English. Maybe I'll still be there in 2014! Maybe I'll just find a Korean man to marry and move to South Korea.
_________________________________________
Argentina won the first round match against South Korea with a score of 4-1. South Koreans are hopeful that the Korean team can still make it to the second round.
The team has never made it to the round of 16 while playing in a foreign country. They did make it to the semifinals in 2002 when the World cup was held in South Korea.
Nearly 2 million people gathered in various places for "street cheering" wearing red shirts to support the team.
Seoul Plaza is one of the most popular "street cheering" sites. It is estimated that 300,000 people gathered there. 200,000 people gathered at Yeongdong Blvd. Hundreds of thousands gathered at COEX.
Korea plays Nigeria on June 23. This game will determine if they are able to advance to the second round.
This picture was in the Korea Herald. Wow! Look at all those people in the streets!:
_________________________________________
Argentina won the first round match against South Korea with a score of 4-1. South Koreans are hopeful that the Korean team can still make it to the second round.
The team has never made it to the round of 16 while playing in a foreign country. They did make it to the semifinals in 2002 when the World cup was held in South Korea.
Nearly 2 million people gathered in various places for "street cheering" wearing red shirts to support the team.
Seoul Plaza is one of the most popular "street cheering" sites. It is estimated that 300,000 people gathered there. 200,000 people gathered at Yeongdong Blvd. Hundreds of thousands gathered at COEX.
Korea plays Nigeria on June 23. This game will determine if they are able to advance to the second round.
This picture was in the Korea Herald. Wow! Look at all those people in the streets!:
Monday, June 14, 2010
South Korean Songs for World Cup
A lot of the K-pop groups made songs and music videos for World Cup.
My favorite is 2AM.
2AM (투에이엠) - No.1 (넘버원) [World Cup Song]
Super Junior (슈퍼주니어) - Victory Korea [World Cup Song]
Big Bang & Kim Yuna - The Shouts Of Red (Part. 2)
My favorite is 2AM.
2AM (투에이엠) - No.1 (넘버원) [World Cup Song]
Super Junior (슈퍼주니어) - Victory Korea [World Cup Song]
Big Bang & Kim Yuna - The Shouts Of Red (Part. 2)
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Girl Bands to Assist in 'Psychological Warfare'
oh South Korea, what are you doing?
__________________
South Korea's Defense Ministry wants to use songs and music videos by girl bands such as Girl's Generation, Wonder Girls, After School, Kara and 4minute as psychological warfare against North Korea.
They haven't made an official decision yet. They say it will take months to set up screens to use for the psycholocial warfare. The propaganda brodcasts won't only be limited to girl bands.
They are unsure of how effective the girl bands will be.They think the revealing outfits and provocative dance moves could have an effect on North Korean soldiers.
__________________
South Korea's Defense Ministry wants to use songs and music videos by girl bands such as Girl's Generation, Wonder Girls, After School, Kara and 4minute as psychological warfare against North Korea.
They haven't made an official decision yet. They say it will take months to set up screens to use for the psycholocial warfare. The propaganda brodcasts won't only be limited to girl bands.
They are unsure of how effective the girl bands will be.They think the revealing outfits and provocative dance moves could have an effect on North Korean soldiers.
World Cup 2010--Korea beats Greece 2-0
South Korea was the first team to acheive a victory at the World cup in South Africa. They were playing against Greece.
FIFA ranked South Korea 47th in the world while Greece was ranked at number 13.
More than 700,000 people gathered to watch the game at various places in Seoul and other cities in Korea.
Korea beat Greece with a score of 2 to 0.
South Korea plays Argentina on Thursday.
FIFA ranked South Korea 47th in the world while Greece was ranked at number 13.
More than 700,000 people gathered to watch the game at various places in Seoul and other cities in Korea.
Korea beat Greece with a score of 2 to 0.
South Korea plays Argentina on Thursday.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Rain wins his first MTV movie award!
Rain is awesome!!
Tonight Rain, a popular South Korean singer and actor, won his first MTV award! He's the first native Korean to win an MTV award!
I don't normally watch award shows, but I watched just to see if he won! I wanted him to beat all the American actors!
He beat out American actors such as Angelina Jolie, Sam Worthington, Channing Tatum, and Chris Pine.
He won the award for "Biggest Badass" for his role in "Ninja Assassin". "Ninja Assassin" was his first leading role in an American movie.
The ceremony was held in California and aired on MTV at 8pm. It was also aired live in South Korea because he was nominated.
Congrats Rain!축하해 ! 난 니가 자랑스러워 !!
He was so cute and told a joke.
Ninja Assassin trailer:
Tonight Rain, a popular South Korean singer and actor, won his first MTV award! He's the first native Korean to win an MTV award!
I don't normally watch award shows, but I watched just to see if he won! I wanted him to beat all the American actors!
He beat out American actors such as Angelina Jolie, Sam Worthington, Channing Tatum, and Chris Pine.
He won the award for "Biggest Badass" for his role in "Ninja Assassin". "Ninja Assassin" was his first leading role in an American movie.
The ceremony was held in California and aired on MTV at 8pm. It was also aired live in South Korea because he was nominated.
Congrats Rain!축하해 ! 난 니가 자랑스러워 !!
He was so cute and told a joke.
Ninja Assassin trailer:
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Extravagant Wedding Customs Are Becoming a National Embarrassment
**I think people spend way too much money on weddings these days. I watch TV shows where people spend over $10,000 just on a dress. I can't see spending that much money on something that only lasts a day. It's an important ceremony, but mine will be done on a budget (IF there ever is one. Doesn't look too favorable right now). I'll be paying for it on my own and there won't be people lining up to give me extravagant cash gifts. .
_____________________________
Read the article here: http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/11/25/2009112500607.html
Last week the New York Times wrote an article about the Korean tradition of collecting cash gifts at weddings. They described how some families send out a lot of invitations to weddings and guest line up to hand their cash to a cashier. Some invitations include bank account numbers so that guests who are unable to attend can still send in their money.
Korean couples spend an average of $13,000-$17,000 on weddings. If the wedding is held in a hotel it can be around $40,000. The wedding is usually covered by the cash gifts.
Recipients view many invitations like tax bills. When bank numbers are included it sends out the message of "repay us for all the money we have given out".
Rich families fill up expensive venues with wreaths and spend tens of millions of won on banquets to feed lots of guests and on decorations that will be gone by the next day. This tradition has spread through Korean society. Parents send out invitations so their children can collect an amount of money that is equal to their social status. Invitations are even sent to business acquaintances like IOUs.
At some weddings there are only a few people who actually know the couple getting married. Many guests drop off their money and leave.
Recently a high ranking government official tried to set an example by not sending out invitations and declining cash gifts. If the country wants to quit being mocked for this lavish tradition the leading officials must set an example. When smaller weddings become common then the couple can invite only those people who they actually want to be there.
_____________________________
Read the article here: http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/11/25/2009112500607.html
Last week the New York Times wrote an article about the Korean tradition of collecting cash gifts at weddings. They described how some families send out a lot of invitations to weddings and guest line up to hand their cash to a cashier. Some invitations include bank account numbers so that guests who are unable to attend can still send in their money.
Korean couples spend an average of $13,000-$17,000 on weddings. If the wedding is held in a hotel it can be around $40,000. The wedding is usually covered by the cash gifts.
Recipients view many invitations like tax bills. When bank numbers are included it sends out the message of "repay us for all the money we have given out".
Rich families fill up expensive venues with wreaths and spend tens of millions of won on banquets to feed lots of guests and on decorations that will be gone by the next day. This tradition has spread through Korean society. Parents send out invitations so their children can collect an amount of money that is equal to their social status. Invitations are even sent to business acquaintances like IOUs.
At some weddings there are only a few people who actually know the couple getting married. Many guests drop off their money and leave.
Recently a high ranking government official tried to set an example by not sending out invitations and declining cash gifts. If the country wants to quit being mocked for this lavish tradition the leading officials must set an example. When smaller weddings become common then the couple can invite only those people who they actually want to be there.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
40 people commit suicide every day in South Korea
Read the article here: http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/06/03/2010060301389.html
In 2009, 14,579 people in South Korea committed suicide. That's an average of 40 people a day which is an 18.8% increase from 2008.
The largest group of suicides, 31.6%, were committed by people aged 61 and older due to disease and stress brought on by economic hardship.
19% (2,770) of the suicides were people in their 40's. 16.6% (2,427) were people in their 50's. 17.2% (2,508) were in their 30's. 1,793 were in their 20's. 452 people under 20 killed themselves.
9,395 men and 5,167 women took their lives.
The biggest reason for suicide was mental problems which accounted for 28.3%. The other problems were physical disease (21.9), economic hardship (16.2), domestic conflict (12.6), relationship problems (7.1) and trouble at work (6.6).
Korea has the top suicide rate among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
In 2009, 14,579 people in South Korea committed suicide. That's an average of 40 people a day which is an 18.8% increase from 2008.
The largest group of suicides, 31.6%, were committed by people aged 61 and older due to disease and stress brought on by economic hardship.
19% (2,770) of the suicides were people in their 40's. 16.6% (2,427) were people in their 50's. 17.2% (2,508) were in their 30's. 1,793 were in their 20's. 452 people under 20 killed themselves.
9,395 men and 5,167 women took their lives.
The biggest reason for suicide was mental problems which accounted for 28.3%. The other problems were physical disease (21.9), economic hardship (16.2), domestic conflict (12.6), relationship problems (7.1) and trouble at work (6.6).
Korea has the top suicide rate among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
10 Magazine “Korea Awaits!” Video Contest
10 Magazine is having a video contest to promote tourism to South Korea.
Online voting from June 2nd to June 8th will determine the top 10 videos. The judges will rank the top 10. The winner will be announced on June 12. The winner will receive a trip to Tokyo, Japan.
I've watched all of the videos. There are a lot of good videos. Some look really professional while others aren't. I saw some entries from people I follow on blogger and youtube.
Voting is open to anyone in the world. No registration required. You can vote on the top video on each page. You can also vote for your top 3 videos.
UPDATE: http://www.10mag.com/2010/06/video-winners/
Winning Video:
Online voting from June 2nd to June 8th will determine the top 10 videos. The judges will rank the top 10. The winner will be announced on June 12. The winner will receive a trip to Tokyo, Japan.
I've watched all of the videos. There are a lot of good videos. Some look really professional while others aren't. I saw some entries from people I follow on blogger and youtube.
Voting is open to anyone in the world. No registration required. You can vote on the top video on each page. You can also vote for your top 3 videos.
UPDATE: http://www.10mag.com/2010/06/video-winners/
Winning Video:
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Foreign tourists offered free bus trips
**I hope this is still in place when I go back in March...I'll use it (if I can). But if I am a registered foreigner, will I be considered a tourist?
____________________________________
Read the article here: http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20100601000576
A free shuttle bus for foreign tourists will run from Seoul to Gyeongju and Jeonju.
The Visit Korea Committee will run the shuttle bus.The Visit Korea committee is promoting tourism in South Korea from 2010 to 2012. Most tourists come to Seoul, but they want tourists to see other cities also.
The buses will be available at 8 a.m. every day except Mondays. The two buses leave from the Gwanghwamun area in downtown Seoul. Each bus is limited to 28 people The free bus program will leave from Busan also starting in July.
All users must be of non-Korean nationality. Passengers must sign up in advance through the Visit Korea Committee official home page at www.visitkoreayear.com.
The buses will have Internet connection, a DVD system and personal ear phones, and various tourist paraphernalia.
Gyeongju, in the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang Province, is celebrated for its rich historical sites going back to the Shilla Kingdom (B.C. 57 to A.D. 935). It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea and is recorded as one of the longest-lasting dynasties in Asian history.
Jeonju, the capital city of North Jeolla Province, is known for its cuisine, particularly teh bibimbap, a dish featuring rice with mixed vegetables and meat. The city also boasts of housing historic architectural sites, ancient relics, and traditional festivals.
____________________________________
Read the article here: http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20100601000576
A free shuttle bus for foreign tourists will run from Seoul to Gyeongju and Jeonju.
The Visit Korea Committee will run the shuttle bus.The Visit Korea committee is promoting tourism in South Korea from 2010 to 2012. Most tourists come to Seoul, but they want tourists to see other cities also.
The buses will be available at 8 a.m. every day except Mondays. The two buses leave from the Gwanghwamun area in downtown Seoul. Each bus is limited to 28 people The free bus program will leave from Busan also starting in July.
All users must be of non-Korean nationality. Passengers must sign up in advance through the Visit Korea Committee official home page at www.visitkoreayear.com.
The buses will have Internet connection, a DVD system and personal ear phones, and various tourist paraphernalia.
Gyeongju, in the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang Province, is celebrated for its rich historical sites going back to the Shilla Kingdom (B.C. 57 to A.D. 935). It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea and is recorded as one of the longest-lasting dynasties in Asian history.
Jeonju, the capital city of North Jeolla Province, is known for its cuisine, particularly teh bibimbap, a dish featuring rice with mixed vegetables and meat. The city also boasts of housing historic architectural sites, ancient relics, and traditional festivals.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
'Makgeolli' gains nickname 'Drunken Rice'
Read the article here: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2010/05/123_66565.html
**I've never tried Makgeolli so I can't describe it. I don't drink alcohol.
_____________________________
Makgeolli is a rice wine in Korea. It has been given the name "drunken rice". The event was launched to promote sales of Makgeolli.
Other names in the running were Koju, Kori, Soolsool, McKorea,Makcohol and Rainydaywine but they failed to beat Drunken Rice.
They were looking for an English nickname because Makgeolli is hard to pronounce for expatriates.
"Both consumption and exports of makgeolli are expected to rise down the road. Based on the easy-to-pronounce names, it will be able to gain more attractiveness among foreigners," Park said.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
NK threatens to cut all relations with South
read the article here: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/05/120_66513.html
N. Korea wants to cut all relations with S. Korea during the remaining term of President Lee Myung-bak.
They want to cut off all communication and remove all South Korean workers from Kaesong, an inter-Korean industrial complex.
They will also ban South Korean ships and airliners from passing through North Korean waters and air.
North Korea, which has strongly denied any involvement in the sinking, has threatened to wage an "all-out war" if there are any attempts to punish the North.
On Monday, President Lee and his ministers announced a slew of punitive measures against the North, including halting trade with the impoverished neighbor, banning commercial North Korean ships from passing through southern waters, resuming anti-Pyongyang broadcasts, and staging military and anti-proliferation drills.
The president then indicated Tuesday that South Korea will re-designate North Korea as its main enemy
N. Korea wants to cut all relations with S. Korea during the remaining term of President Lee Myung-bak.
They want to cut off all communication and remove all South Korean workers from Kaesong, an inter-Korean industrial complex.
They will also ban South Korean ships and airliners from passing through North Korean waters and air.
North Korea, which has strongly denied any involvement in the sinking, has threatened to wage an "all-out war" if there are any attempts to punish the North.
On Monday, President Lee and his ministers announced a slew of punitive measures against the North, including halting trade with the impoverished neighbor, banning commercial North Korean ships from passing through southern waters, resuming anti-Pyongyang broadcasts, and staging military and anti-proliferation drills.
The president then indicated Tuesday that South Korea will re-designate North Korea as its main enemy
China Tells N.Korea to Restrain Itself
read the article here: http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/05/26/2010052600551.html
China has asked N.Korea to restrain itself over sactions from S. Korea.
China "reiterated the importance of stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula and delivered the same message to the North".
"The request could be a warning that Beijing may turn its back on Pyongyang if it should launch further provocations," a diplomatic source said.
China has asked N.Korea to restrain itself over sactions from S. Korea.
China "reiterated the importance of stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula and delivered the same message to the North".
"The request could be a warning that Beijing may turn its back on Pyongyang if it should launch further provocations," a diplomatic source said.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Seoul confirms North Korean topedo sank warship..North Korea denies, threatens war
Article from Korea Times: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/05/205_66225.html
Investigators announced on Thursday that a North Korean sub attacked the South Korean ship, the Cheonan, with a torpedo on March 26. 46 sailors were killed because of the incident.
North Korea claims that investigators fabricated the findings. They are sending investigators to check the validity of the investigation.
The Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group provided evidence that shows that North Korea was involved in the sinking. They displayed parts of the torpedo that matched blueprints of a North Korean torpedo. Invesigators found markings in hanguel that said "No. 1" in English on the parts. The font was similar to another North Korean torpedo that was found 7 years ago by the South.
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Pyongyang denies sinking Cheonan, threatens war
Full article in Korea Times: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/05/120_66231.html
North Korea denies sinking the Cheonan on March 26 and is threatening war.
They promised a "merciless strong physical blow," if South Korea responds with even a minor act of aggression on its territory.
The attack on the Cheonan is speculated to be retaliation for a naval skirmish that occurred last November.
Investigators announced on Thursday that a North Korean sub attacked the South Korean ship, the Cheonan, with a torpedo on March 26. 46 sailors were killed because of the incident.
North Korea claims that investigators fabricated the findings. They are sending investigators to check the validity of the investigation.
The Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group provided evidence that shows that North Korea was involved in the sinking. They displayed parts of the torpedo that matched blueprints of a North Korean torpedo. Invesigators found markings in hanguel that said "No. 1" in English on the parts. The font was similar to another North Korean torpedo that was found 7 years ago by the South.
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Pyongyang denies sinking Cheonan, threatens war
Full article in Korea Times: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/05/120_66231.html
North Korea denies sinking the Cheonan on March 26 and is threatening war.
They promised a "merciless strong physical blow," if South Korea responds with even a minor act of aggression on its territory.
The attack on the Cheonan is speculated to be retaliation for a naval skirmish that occurred last November.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Youtube star keeps it real with his music....David Choi
His brand new music video:
You can read the full article at: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/05/201_66076.html
David Choi, a 24 year old Gyopo from California, became famous on Youtube. He is an unsigned musical artist. His 2nd album will be released soon in South Korea.
Choi will perform at the Welcomm Theater from May 20 to 22. Tickets cost from 35,000 to 40,000 won.
Choi didn't always dream of being a singer/songwriter. He heard someone in his high school class play an electronica song they wrote. Then he wondered if he could do the same. Then he composed his first piece.
Choi continued to compose music and entered contests. He won most of them including the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for Teens and the David Bowie Mash-Up Contest in 2004.
He got his big break when he entered into a 2 year contract with Warner Chappell Music. He was suppose to write 10 songs each year, but ended up writing 100.
Then he turned to Youtube. He wrote a song entitled "YouTube Love Song". It was featured on the main page and received over 1 million views in the first week. He just posted the video for fun and didn't know it would be such a big hit.
He posts videos where he sings, performs and travels. He is the 10th most subscribed musician on YouTube and the 69th most subscribed overall. He has over 300,000 subscribers. He has more subscribers than Beyonce, Usher and Madonna.
Links:
His website: David Choi Music
YouTube channel: David Choi Music
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Kim Yu-na to debut as a singer
Kim Yu-na is a popular figure skater in South Korea. She won a gold medal in the 2010Winter olympics. Now she is preparing to debut as a singer. She is preparing for a duet with K-pop singer Lee Seung-gi.
Kim has already proven that she has singing ability on many TV shows.
Here's a commercial where she sings:
skating video:
Kim has already proven that she has singing ability on many TV shows.
Here's a commercial where she sings:
skating video:
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
’Most foreign tourists happy with visit to Seoul’
Here's the full article from the Korea Herald: http://www.koreaherald.com/entertainment/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20100511000725
Seoul City and Nielsen Korea conducted a survey on 2,000 tourists in major airports.91% of foreign tourists were satisfied with their visit to Seoul.There was an increase in satisfaction from previous years-79.1 percent in 2007 and 84.6 percent last year.88% of tourists were positive about revisiting in the future.The most popular tourist spot was Myeong-dong. The next most popular places were Dongdaemun and Namdaemun. All 3 spots are known for their shopping districts.
Seoul City and Nielsen Korea conducted a survey on 2,000 tourists in major airports.91% of foreign tourists were satisfied with their visit to Seoul.There was an increase in satisfaction from previous years-79.1 percent in 2007 and 84.6 percent last year.88% of tourists were positive about revisiting in the future.The most popular tourist spot was Myeong-dong. The next most popular places were Dongdaemun and Namdaemun. All 3 spots are known for their shopping districts.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Lindsay and 2PM have similar song titles...
Here's the link to the article in the Korea Times:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/05/135_65561.html
2PM has a lyric that says "Don't Stop, Can't Stop". Lindsay Lohan's new song is titled "Can't Stop, Won't Stop".
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린제이도 "Don't Stop Can't Stop"
린제이 로한이 공교롭게도 한국의 아이돌그룹 2PM과 유사한 제목의 노래를 발표한다.
2PM의 신곡은 "Don't Stop Can't Stop"이지만 린제이 노래의 제목은 "Can't Stop, Won't Stop"이다.
린제이 로한은 최근 최악의 상황에서 아이러니컬한 제목의 "멈추지 않겠다"는 신곡을 내놓아 눈길을 끌었다.
네티즌들은 그녀의 신곡에 대해 대체로 우호적이다.
"린제이가 이런 재능이 있는지 몰랐다. 의외다", "이런 재능을 갖고 있는 그녀가 안타깝다", "이 곡을 계기로 재기하면 좋겠다"는 응원의 댓글이 쏟아지기도 했다.
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/05/135_65561.html
2PM has a lyric that says "Don't Stop, Can't Stop". Lindsay Lohan's new song is titled "Can't Stop, Won't Stop".
---------------------------
린제이도 "Don't Stop Can't Stop"
린제이 로한이 공교롭게도 한국의 아이돌그룹 2PM과 유사한 제목의 노래를 발표한다.
2PM의 신곡은 "Don't Stop Can't Stop"이지만 린제이 노래의 제목은 "Can't Stop, Won't Stop"이다.
린제이 로한은 최근 최악의 상황에서 아이러니컬한 제목의 "멈추지 않겠다"는 신곡을 내놓아 눈길을 끌었다.
네티즌들은 그녀의 신곡에 대해 대체로 우호적이다.
"린제이가 이런 재능이 있는지 몰랐다. 의외다", "이런 재능을 갖고 있는 그녀가 안타깝다", "이 곡을 계기로 재기하면 좋겠다"는 응원의 댓글이 쏟아지기도 했다.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Voluntary exit program launched for illegal aliens
**If you want to go to another country why don't you just go legally? I've lived in South Korea before. Getting a Visa isn't a hard or long process if you are an upstanding citizen in your country. You have to send in a few documents. You need a valid reason for coming. I was teaching English so I got an E2 which is the visa for Foreign English Instructors. It was a very short process. I think I started applying in November of 2008 and I got my Visa on December 15 and I was in the country on December 18, 2008. I left before my visa expired.
Maybe the USA should do this. Tell illegal aliens that they have a window of time where they can exit without fines. After this window of time there will be consequences. Would it work in America? probably not. Nothing works like it should in America.
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The government will launch an incentive program aimed at encouraging foreign workers who overstayed their visa to leave the country "voluntarily," the Ministry of Justice said Monday.
Under the program, those who exit will be exempt from fines and will not be regulated on a possible revisit to the country.
The authorities are aiming to reduce the number of illegal sojourners here ― estimated at 180,000 ― before the G-20 Summit slated for November.
The program will run from May 6 to September 31.
Employers who come clean with such workers will also be granted exemptions from fines and be given priority in recruiting substitute workers.
The workers will have to report to immigration offices at airports with their employer, passport and flight ticket to confirm departure.
Apart from this campaign, immigration officers and police will conduct a joint crackdown on illegal foreign workers, who have mostly entered Korea on an E-9 visa and stayed after authorization expired. Those caught will be fined and deported. Employers will be fined up to 20 million won and be restricted from hiring a replacement for three years.
According to the ministry, there are 178,163 foreigners staying here without valid visas, about 15.1 percent of the total 1,180,598 foreign residents. About half of them are Chinese, including ethnic Koreans, followed by Vietnamese, Thais, Mongolians and Filipinos among others. As of March, only 5,226 have turned themselves into the authorities, while 4,826 were caught and deported.
Maybe the USA should do this. Tell illegal aliens that they have a window of time where they can exit without fines. After this window of time there will be consequences. Would it work in America? probably not. Nothing works like it should in America.
___________________________________
The government will launch an incentive program aimed at encouraging foreign workers who overstayed their visa to leave the country "voluntarily," the Ministry of Justice said Monday.
Under the program, those who exit will be exempt from fines and will not be regulated on a possible revisit to the country.
The authorities are aiming to reduce the number of illegal sojourners here ― estimated at 180,000 ― before the G-20 Summit slated for November.
The program will run from May 6 to September 31.
Employers who come clean with such workers will also be granted exemptions from fines and be given priority in recruiting substitute workers.
The workers will have to report to immigration offices at airports with their employer, passport and flight ticket to confirm departure.
Apart from this campaign, immigration officers and police will conduct a joint crackdown on illegal foreign workers, who have mostly entered Korea on an E-9 visa and stayed after authorization expired. Those caught will be fined and deported. Employers will be fined up to 20 million won and be restricted from hiring a replacement for three years.
According to the ministry, there are 178,163 foreigners staying here without valid visas, about 15.1 percent of the total 1,180,598 foreign residents. About half of them are Chinese, including ethnic Koreans, followed by Vietnamese, Thais, Mongolians and Filipinos among others. As of March, only 5,226 have turned themselves into the authorities, while 4,826 were caught and deported.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
English Deciding Factor in Success of Office Workers
English-language skills have become the determining factor for the success of office workers, with many companies considering English test scores an important criterion for promotion and favoring conversation skills over standardized tests like the TOEIC and TOEFL.
More and more firms use English for their intranet boards, meetings and reports. One 35-year-old deputy director at an IT company said, "The reality is that even divisions where English is not needed for work have to speak it. When there are restructuring plans, rumors spread that those who can't speak English are most likely to get laid off."
According to a survey by job portal Job Korea in January of 2,042 salaried workers about their regrets in the recession, 27.2 percent picked poor English skills, 25.1 percent chose lack of professional skills or licenses, and 15.3 percent answered lacking a degree from prestigious university.
Among students at English-language schools around the business district in Gangnam, Seoul, office workers have a significant presence. "The English component in reviews for promotion was changed from a TOEIC score to conversation skills. I score fairly well on the TOEIC thanks to the vocabulary I learned at university, but there is no better option to improve my English conversation skill. That's why I come here early in the morning," one said.
Lunchtime classes at a school are packed with office workers. A staffer said, "Unlike university students who tend to give up one or two months after taking classes, more than half of these employee students take classes for more than a year. That shows how desperate they are."
The English divide deepens when it comes to recruitment of fresh graduates. Average English proficiency is not enough in a generation where many have been educated abroad or gone through intensive courses from an early age, a human resources manager at Shinsegae Group said.
A 27-year-old jobseeker added, "It seems that Korea is going the same way as India, where totally different jobs are available for those who can speak English and those who can't."
More and more firms use English for their intranet boards, meetings and reports. One 35-year-old deputy director at an IT company said, "The reality is that even divisions where English is not needed for work have to speak it. When there are restructuring plans, rumors spread that those who can't speak English are most likely to get laid off."
According to a survey by job portal Job Korea in January of 2,042 salaried workers about their regrets in the recession, 27.2 percent picked poor English skills, 25.1 percent chose lack of professional skills or licenses, and 15.3 percent answered lacking a degree from prestigious university.
Among students at English-language schools around the business district in Gangnam, Seoul, office workers have a significant presence. "The English component in reviews for promotion was changed from a TOEIC score to conversation skills. I score fairly well on the TOEIC thanks to the vocabulary I learned at university, but there is no better option to improve my English conversation skill. That's why I come here early in the morning," one said.
Lunchtime classes at a school are packed with office workers. A staffer said, "Unlike university students who tend to give up one or two months after taking classes, more than half of these employee students take classes for more than a year. That shows how desperate they are."
The English divide deepens when it comes to recruitment of fresh graduates. Average English proficiency is not enough in a generation where many have been educated abroad or gone through intensive courses from an early age, a human resources manager at Shinsegae Group said.
A 27-year-old jobseeker added, "It seems that Korea is going the same way as India, where totally different jobs are available for those who can speak English and those who can't."
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