It is the 2nd anniversary of the group Lunafly. I like their music. I remember when they were a brand new group.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
40 Koreans Kill Themselves Every Day
Read the entire article here: http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/09/24/2014092401005.html
14,427 people killed themselves in 2013 which comes to an average of 40 people per day.
There are 28.5 suicides per 100,000 people.
Last year suicide was the leading cause of death among people in their teens, 20's, and 30's. The rate is higher among men.
Korea's suicide rate is the highest in the OECD.
A total of 266,257 people died in Korea in 2013. The leading cause of death was cancer causing 28% of deaths. The other most common causes of death were: cerebrovascular diseases, cardiac disease, suicide, and diabetes.
_____________________________________
It surprises me that diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death. You always hear how healthy Korean food is and how Koreans live more healthy lifestyles.
14,427 people killed themselves in 2013 which comes to an average of 40 people per day.
There are 28.5 suicides per 100,000 people.
Last year suicide was the leading cause of death among people in their teens, 20's, and 30's. The rate is higher among men.
Korea's suicide rate is the highest in the OECD.
A total of 266,257 people died in Korea in 2013. The leading cause of death was cancer causing 28% of deaths. The other most common causes of death were: cerebrovascular diseases, cardiac disease, suicide, and diabetes.
_____________________________________
It surprises me that diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death. You always hear how healthy Korean food is and how Koreans live more healthy lifestyles.
Foreign Population Reaches All Time High
Read the entire article here: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140923001048
The number of foreigners living in Korea has gone over 1.7 million which is a 10.6% increase from the same time period in 2013.
61.8% of foreigners are registered aliens who will be staying for 90 days or more. 22.2% were here on short term visas. Korean Americans accounted for 16% of the population.
The majority of the foreign population (866,000) are Chinese with 579,000 of those being ethnic Koreans. US citizens make up the 2nd highest group with 137,000 living in the country.
The number of illegals went up 3.5% to 189,000.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Insadong (Seoul, South Korea)
Insadong is a popular place to visit in Seoul. Its a very traditional area. There are lots of galleries, food vendors, merchants, small shops and restaurants in the area.
The Starbucks is the only location in the world where the sign name is not in English.
I visited on Saturday September 20, 2014. Insadong is usually crowded on the weekends and there was some kind of festival going on that day also.
The footage is very shaky. I was trying to navigate through the crowds. I filmed the video on my Nikon D5000.
How to get there: Seoul Subway line 3-Anguk station-exit 6. walk straight for about 100m and then turn left.
Media Facade at Gwanghwamun Gate (Seoul, South Korea)
On September 20-22, 2014 the city of Seoul showed a media facade at Gwanghwamun Gate. There were 3 shows a day from 8-10pm. I recorded the majority of the 8:30pm show. The show lasted approximately 20 minutes.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
You are Here Cafe (Hongdae area, Seoul, South Korea)
You are Here Cafe opened on August 9, 2014 . Opening day was crazy! So many people showed up. The cafe opened at 10am. I got there about 5 minutes after 10 and there was already a very long line which kept getting longer and longer! I waited in line for 2 hours to get into the cafe! I really wanted a milkshake, but when I got inside I found out that the blender was broken so there were no more milkshakes. I ordered a lemonade and a dark chocolate macaroon instead.
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| The line in front of me on opening day..there were a lot of people behind me also |
The cafe is ran by Eat Your Kimchi (popular Korean vloggers) and Talk to Me in Korean (they offer free Korean lessons online).
During the Chuseok holiday I decided to go back to the cafe. This time I wanted to try a brownie, but the brownies were sold out. I went with a strawberry milkshake and a dark chocolate macaroon. The milkshake was very good. It was very thick and hard to get through the straw, but it was delicious.
They have coffee, non coffee items, milkshakes, teas, and desserts.
I definitely recommend that you check out this cafe!!
Directions:
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Banpo Bridge FAIL #2
In 2009 I was going to go see the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain, but I got lost. I ended up going to the wrong bridge and seeing the Banpo Bridge show from a far distance.
So I decided to go again. I actually found it this time and I arrived in time for the show. It took me over an hour to get there. I had a 45 minute subway journey including one transfer and then I had to walk about 30 minutes to get to the bridge. The show was suppose to start at 8pm, but shortly after 8 there was an announcement.
The shows were stopped for the night because of a sudden change in wind direction and speed. The wind was barely blowing. There was a slight breeze.
FAIL #2
I stayed in the area for a little while. There were lots of people around. There were some fireworks shortly after 8pm. I think the fireworks are part of the Hangang night river cruise. There were a few food vendors under the bridge. I tried a Moroccan chicken wrap. I didn't really like it. There were too many onions on it. I still have the onion taste in my mouth 3 hours later. I should have went for the gourmet hamburger. I got a lemonade from another vendor. Some places in Korea make lemonade differently from what I'm used to back in the states. They add other stuff in like sprite or cider..its more like drinking carbonated lemon flavor drink.
Will I give up or go for try #3? Maybe I can fit it in somewhere.
I only have 9 more Saturdays and 2 holidays left. (I go to church on Sundays). I'm trying to pick places I want to go before I leave. (I chose this week to go to Banpo). At least 3 of those Saturdays have been taken up by events that only happen on 1 day. There are shows up to 10pm so I could do it on a day when I have something else planned during the daytime.
So I decided to go again. I actually found it this time and I arrived in time for the show. It took me over an hour to get there. I had a 45 minute subway journey including one transfer and then I had to walk about 30 minutes to get to the bridge. The show was suppose to start at 8pm, but shortly after 8 there was an announcement.
The shows were stopped for the night because of a sudden change in wind direction and speed. The wind was barely blowing. There was a slight breeze.
FAIL #2
I stayed in the area for a little while. There were lots of people around. There were some fireworks shortly after 8pm. I think the fireworks are part of the Hangang night river cruise. There were a few food vendors under the bridge. I tried a Moroccan chicken wrap. I didn't really like it. There were too many onions on it. I still have the onion taste in my mouth 3 hours later. I should have went for the gourmet hamburger. I got a lemonade from another vendor. Some places in Korea make lemonade differently from what I'm used to back in the states. They add other stuff in like sprite or cider..its more like drinking carbonated lemon flavor drink.
Will I give up or go for try #3? Maybe I can fit it in somewhere.
I only have 9 more Saturdays and 2 holidays left. (I go to church on Sundays). I'm trying to pick places I want to go before I leave. (I chose this week to go to Banpo). At least 3 of those Saturdays have been taken up by events that only happen on 1 day. There are shows up to 10pm so I could do it on a day when I have something else planned during the daytime.
D-70....10 weeks left
I only have 10 weeks left in Korea. I've completed 17 weeks so far.
70 days
48 work days
10 Saturdays
10 Sundays
2 holidays
I kinda want the time to pass quickly. I think the past 3 weeks have passed fairly quickly. When I started thinking about leaving I started at 92 days. 22 days have passed since then.
On Tuesday I spent the day with my ex. It was the most time we have spent together in one day. We went to a lot of different places. We visited 3 palaces, a bookstore, a cafe, and out to eat. I took him to one of my favorite burger joints in Itaewon. We had a good time together. I hadn't seen him in 2 months. It was good to see him again, but it does make me sad that things didn't work out between us. But I know how he feels. He says we should just think about the memories. I think it will be easier once I'm gone. Out of sight, out of mind. He apologized for not being able to meet me often while we were dating. He gave me a gift. He gave me a 1TB external hard drive full of movies and music. One of my friends said it was the 2014 equivalent of the mixtape. ha.
It was good to have some time off this week. I had Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off for Chuseok (a holiday similar to thanksgiving in the USA). I visited a lot of places and made some videos. I keep trying to think of places that I want to visit before I leave. There are so many and I'll only get around to a few of them in the time I have left. I always wanted to visit all 8 provinces, but I only got around to seeing 3 of them.
I only had to go to work on Thursday and Friday. I really liked having a short week. I only had to teach 9 classes this week!
Next week we are back to a full schedule. I think I have about 28 classes in all. This coming week and the next week shouldn't be too bad though. Next week I will be reviewing in all of my elementary classes. Then the next week I have to give them a semester test.
Today the boss was watching one of my classes. I was nervous and I think the kids were too. They were actually on their best behavior while she was in there.
70 days
48 work days
10 Saturdays
10 Sundays
2 holidays
I kinda want the time to pass quickly. I think the past 3 weeks have passed fairly quickly. When I started thinking about leaving I started at 92 days. 22 days have passed since then.
On Tuesday I spent the day with my ex. It was the most time we have spent together in one day. We went to a lot of different places. We visited 3 palaces, a bookstore, a cafe, and out to eat. I took him to one of my favorite burger joints in Itaewon. We had a good time together. I hadn't seen him in 2 months. It was good to see him again, but it does make me sad that things didn't work out between us. But I know how he feels. He says we should just think about the memories. I think it will be easier once I'm gone. Out of sight, out of mind. He apologized for not being able to meet me often while we were dating. He gave me a gift. He gave me a 1TB external hard drive full of movies and music. One of my friends said it was the 2014 equivalent of the mixtape. ha.
It was good to have some time off this week. I had Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off for Chuseok (a holiday similar to thanksgiving in the USA). I visited a lot of places and made some videos. I keep trying to think of places that I want to visit before I leave. There are so many and I'll only get around to a few of them in the time I have left. I always wanted to visit all 8 provinces, but I only got around to seeing 3 of them.
I only had to go to work on Thursday and Friday. I really liked having a short week. I only had to teach 9 classes this week!
Next week we are back to a full schedule. I think I have about 28 classes in all. This coming week and the next week shouldn't be too bad though. Next week I will be reviewing in all of my elementary classes. Then the next week I have to give them a semester test.
Today the boss was watching one of my classes. I was nervous and I think the kids were too. They were actually on their best behavior while she was in there.
Music Video: John Park "U"
I like this song. I like John Park's voice. I've been following his music ever since he was on American Idol back in the USA. Now he is having success in Korea.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Hongdae Mural Street
In Hongdae there are a few alleys where people have painted murals near Hongik University. I read about it when I was researching things to do in Hongdae so I decided to check it out. Its very interesting.
More Pictures:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106518880659515557565/albums/6056637727518384369
How to get there:
Line 2 at Hongdae station, exit #9. Go inside the street and turn right at the second alley. Walk straight and cross the street. Turn left and walk up the hills until you see the front gate of Hongik University. Cross the street.When you see the university sign go over to the right and there is a small alley. All of the murals are not in the same alley. There are 2-3 alleys that you can go down and see murals.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Royal Ancestral Rite Music at Jongmyo Shrine
On Saturday September 6th I went to Jongmyo Shrine to see the Royal Ancestral Rite Music at Jongmyo Shrine. The entire concert lasted about 45 minutes, but I only included a short clip from each song into my video.
The Royal Ancestral Rite is the ritual for serving former kings of the Joseon Dynasty.
The lyrics of the Royal Ancestral Rite Music, akjang, describes the purpose of rite, how former kings of the Joseon Dynasty devoted themselves to the protection and care of the Korean people, the kings' contribution to the peace of the nation, and the prayer for the prosperity of descendants in detail.
The Royal Ancestral Rite is the ritual for serving former kings of the Joseon Dynasty.
The lyrics of the Royal Ancestral Rite Music, akjang, describes the purpose of rite, how former kings of the Joseon Dynasty devoted themselves to the protection and care of the Korean people, the kings' contribution to the peace of the nation, and the prayer for the prosperity of descendants in detail.
Jongmyo Shrine (Seoul, South Korea)
Jongmyo Shrine is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Jongmyo Shrine is Historic Site Number 125
Jeongjeon (main hall) is National Treasure no 227. It is the location of the memorial tablets of 19 Joseon kings and queens. At 109 meters (357 feet) in length, the building is said be the longest single wooden structure in the world. The picture is below.
Yeongnyeongjeon is Treasure number 821
Jongmyo is a Confucian shrine dedicated to memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the Korean Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). Jongmyo Shrine was built by Lee Seong Gye (1335-1408), the first king and founding father of the Joseon Dynasty. It was a primary place of worship for kings throughout the Joseon Dynasty.
There is a 3-forked path of slightly raised roads that starts in front of the main gate. The middle path is in honor of kings of the past. The road leads to Jeongjeon where mortuary tablets of kings are preserved and memorial services are held. Jeongjeon has 19 rooms honoring 19 kings.
The east road is for the living king and the west is for the living prince. These paths connect to a room where the king and prince used to go for ceremonial cleansing and to prepare for memorial services. After they were prepared they moved into Jeonsacheong, a square shaped room with a yard where the food for the service was prepared.
Pictures:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106518880659515557565/albums/6056273409926863489
How to Get there: Jongno-3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 11
10-min walk from station.
Jongno-3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 3, 5), Exit 8.
10-min walk from station.
Closed on Tuesdays
Visitors may only enter on a guided tour (except Saturdays)
Admission: 1,000 won
Tour Schedule:
[General Tour]
Tour times vary according to interpretation services.
(* Available in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
[Free Tour]
Feb-May, Sep-Oct 09:00-18:00
Jun-Aug 09:00-18:30
Nov-Jan 09:00~17:30
(Free tours available on Saturdays only.)
Tour Length: 1 hour
Pictures:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106518880659515557565/albums/6056273409926863489
How to Get there: Jongno-3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 11
10-min walk from station.
Jongno-3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 3, 5), Exit 8.
10-min walk from station.
Closed on Tuesdays
Visitors may only enter on a guided tour (except Saturdays)
Admission: 1,000 won
Tour Schedule:
[General Tour]
Tour times vary according to interpretation services.
(* Available in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
[Free Tour]
Feb-May, Sep-Oct 09:00-18:00
Jun-Aug 09:00-18:30
Nov-Jan 09:00~17:30
(Free tours available on Saturdays only.)
Tour Length: 1 hour
Naksan Park (Seoul, South Korea)
The mountain is solid granite bedrock. During the Japanese Colonial Period urban planning resulted in the demolition of most of the mountain. In an effort to save the remaining green belts, Naksan was designated a park on June 10, 2002.
The park is sometimes referred to as Nakta park for its resemblance to a camel's hump. "Nakta" is the Korean word for camel. "San" is the Korean word for mountain.
The Seoul Fortress Wall (Seoul Seonggwak) was built during the Joseon Dynasty. The wall now passes through the park as it stretches for 2 kilometers
Getting to the top is quite a hike, but the views are great!!
Pictures:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106518880659515557565/albums/6014607037764215201
(the first 13 pictures were taken in May on my first day with my ex. The rest are from September 2014)
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 4 to Hyehwa (Exit 2).
Walk 70 meters and make the first left where there is the sculpture for Marronnier Park.
Continue on Daehak-ro 8ga-gil for 180 meters until it dead ends and make a right.
Continue for 50 meters and make at the second left on to Guldari-gil.
Continue uphill for 200 meters to reach the park on the left.
It is a moderate hike uphill!
Open 24 Hours
Admission: Free
The park is sometimes referred to as Nakta park for its resemblance to a camel's hump. "Nakta" is the Korean word for camel. "San" is the Korean word for mountain.
The Seoul Fortress Wall (Seoul Seonggwak) was built during the Joseon Dynasty. The wall now passes through the park as it stretches for 2 kilometers
Getting to the top is quite a hike, but the views are great!!
Pictures:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106518880659515557565/albums/6014607037764215201
(the first 13 pictures were taken in May on my first day with my ex. The rest are from September 2014)
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 4 to Hyehwa (Exit 2).
Walk 70 meters and make the first left where there is the sculpture for Marronnier Park.
Continue on Daehak-ro 8ga-gil for 180 meters until it dead ends and make a right.
Continue for 50 meters and make at the second left on to Guldari-gil.
Continue uphill for 200 meters to reach the park on the left.
It is a moderate hike uphill!
Open 24 Hours
Admission: Free
Bosingak Belfrey (Seoul, South Korea)
Bosingak is a bell pavilion in Seoul. It was originally built in 1396, but it was destroyed in a fire. The bell was rebuilt in 1468 and is now in the national museum. The bell in the belfrey was built in 1985 with funds raised by the public.
The bell was used to keep time during the Joseon Dynasty. There were 4 gates in Seoul where people could go in and out. At 4 a.m. the bell would ring 33 times and the gates would open. At 10 p.m. the bell would ring 28 times and the gates would close.
Bosingak Belfrey is Seoul-si Monument No. 10
I was lucky to get there for the bell ringing ceremony. There is a bell ringing ceremony held daily (except Mondays) at 11:30am. I got there a little bit late, but was able to see the whole ceremony. Clips from the ceremony are in my video.
Pictures:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106518880659515557565/albums/6056272808699168449
How to Get There: Seoul Metro Line 1-Jonggak Station Exit 4
Admission: Free
Open Year Round
Bell Tolling Ceremony: Daily (except Monday) 11:30 am-12:20 pm
Tapgol Park (Seoul, South Korea)
Tapgol park was the first modern park built in Seoul. It is also known as Pagoda park. The park was once the site of a Buddhist temple called Wongaksa. The 10 story Wongaksa Pagoda (National Treasure #2) is located in the park.
Tapgol Park was the site of the March 1st Movement in 1919. This was the first location where the Proclamation of Independence was read. There are some monuments in the park relating to that event. You can also read the Proclamation of Independence.
Tapgol Park is Historical site No.354.
Palgakjeong Pavilion: Seoul Tangible Cultural Property No.73
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| Palgakjeon Pavilion |
 |
| Wongaksa Pagoda (National Treasure #2) |
https://plus.google.com/photos/106518880659515557565/albums/6056272451615326097
How to get there: Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1, 3, 5), Exit 1
Open year round
Admission: Free
Hours: 6am-8pm
How to get there: Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1, 3, 5), Exit 1
Open year round
Admission: Free
Hours: 6am-8pm
Jongno Tower (Seoul, South Korea)
This is just a short video. This is an office building in Seoul with an interesting design. The building has 33 stories. T he top floor is a restaurant called Top Cloud. The restaurant has a great view of Seoul. The restaurant is pretty expensive. I've never eaten there, but I took photos from the bathroom a few years ago.
The tower is located right outside of Jonggak subway station (Line 1)
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
D-81...Returning to the USA
I have decided to leave Korea early. My contract was suppose to be finished in May of 2015, but I decided to leave early. I gave my notice to my employer yesterday. I will be leaving on November 21 which is right past the 6 month mark.
I've been having a hard time adjusting this time around. I really want to be back in the states. I miss my family (especially my nephew!). I also miss American life and being able to find things that I like to eat. My eating habits are not good, but I have lost at least 10 pounds in the past 3 months. Most days I only eat 2 meals. Some days I will only have 1 meal. I'm surprised that I've been losing weight when I don't exercise (intentionally) and I would eat fast food almost every day.
I will be helping to find my replacement soon. I only have good things to say about the school. They have treated me well and I've always received what was promised in my contract. I'm just leaving because I'm ready to go home and I don't really think teaching is the right career for me. I'd rather leave than to stay and be miserable.
I've had fun on my 3 trips to Korea. I've seen a lot of great sites. I've met a lot of cool people (Koreans and other foreigners). I'm going to miss all the friends I made here.
I'll miss my ex. He is a good guy. He was just too busy to put time into a relationship. Deep down I still like him and I know he still likes me. We still communicate on a regular basis through chat. We are getting together some time this month for dinner. I haven't seen him since July so it will be weird to see him again. Our relationship didn't have what it takes to make it in the real world. The circumstances weren't in our favor. Some things just aren't meant to work no matter how much you wish they would.
But all good things must come to an end. I think my 6 year love affair with Korea is finally over when I leave. Coming to Korea was a spontaneous decision and I enjoyed the experience. When I first came I didn't know anything and now I am very familiar with Korean culture.
I will not be returning to teach again. I've had a lot of good experiences and a few bad experiences, but its time to say goodbye.
What does that mean for this blog? I am going to leave it up for informational purposes. I will continue to share my life up till November. I think this 6 year project will finally come to an end. I will not be adding any new content about Korea. There may be an update on my life in the future.
I've had fun posting in the blog. I think Korea is a great country and I really enjoyed learning about a new culture. I've enjoyed sharing my experiences with the world. There are a lot of things I didn't get around to seeing, but I did see a lot while I was here. I still have a lot of content for the next 11 weeks. I'm going to try to visit a new site or revisit some places every weekend. I have to make the most of my time while I'm still here.
I started my journey to Korea in November of 2008. I will be ending my journey in November of 2014.
16.5 weeks down....11.5 more to go
52 more work days...
I've been having a hard time adjusting this time around. I really want to be back in the states. I miss my family (especially my nephew!). I also miss American life and being able to find things that I like to eat. My eating habits are not good, but I have lost at least 10 pounds in the past 3 months. Most days I only eat 2 meals. Some days I will only have 1 meal. I'm surprised that I've been losing weight when I don't exercise (intentionally) and I would eat fast food almost every day.
I will be helping to find my replacement soon. I only have good things to say about the school. They have treated me well and I've always received what was promised in my contract. I'm just leaving because I'm ready to go home and I don't really think teaching is the right career for me. I'd rather leave than to stay and be miserable.
I've had fun on my 3 trips to Korea. I've seen a lot of great sites. I've met a lot of cool people (Koreans and other foreigners). I'm going to miss all the friends I made here.
I'll miss my ex. He is a good guy. He was just too busy to put time into a relationship. Deep down I still like him and I know he still likes me. We still communicate on a regular basis through chat. We are getting together some time this month for dinner. I haven't seen him since July so it will be weird to see him again. Our relationship didn't have what it takes to make it in the real world. The circumstances weren't in our favor. Some things just aren't meant to work no matter how much you wish they would.
But all good things must come to an end. I think my 6 year love affair with Korea is finally over when I leave. Coming to Korea was a spontaneous decision and I enjoyed the experience. When I first came I didn't know anything and now I am very familiar with Korean culture.
I will not be returning to teach again. I've had a lot of good experiences and a few bad experiences, but its time to say goodbye.
What does that mean for this blog? I am going to leave it up for informational purposes. I will continue to share my life up till November. I think this 6 year project will finally come to an end. I will not be adding any new content about Korea. There may be an update on my life in the future.
I've had fun posting in the blog. I think Korea is a great country and I really enjoyed learning about a new culture. I've enjoyed sharing my experiences with the world. There are a lot of things I didn't get around to seeing, but I did see a lot while I was here. I still have a lot of content for the next 11 weeks. I'm going to try to visit a new site or revisit some places every weekend. I have to make the most of my time while I'm still here.
I started my journey to Korea in November of 2008. I will be ending my journey in November of 2014.
16.5 weeks down....11.5 more to go
52 more work days...
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