What I learned from doing 'Korea Week'

Korean 1 to 10! It was interesting to watch my friends try to say numbers in Korean

One of my friends was writing someone named Danny in Korean. This was really popular and many people even teachers liked to see their English names in Korean.

Korean Snacks Exhibition.


My french teacher and I made this wall with stuff that I've got from VANK. Thanks VANK!

Okay, so the pictures above basically show how the Korea week ran through in my school (located in London, Ontario, Canada).
We had 3 events organized: Korean snack exhibition, teaching Korean and watching the movie 'Host' (Gwoemul). The first two events were quite successful. Many Canadian friends enjoyed learning Korean and eating various and delicious Korean snacks. However, the movie did not work out as expected. Only few people showed up to watch it and due to lack in time, we could not finish the movie.

Despite this, I believe these Korea week events went through better than I expected, considering it was the first time I've organized something huge. After all, a lot of people in my school got to know at least something about Korea and its culture.

There were a few sad things that I've learned from Korea Week.
First of all, a considerable number of students did not know the difference between North Korea and South Korea.
Next, many of them thought Samsung, LG and Hyundai were Japanese companies.
Finally, majority of them did not have any clue where Korea was located.

As a Korean, I was shocked by these FACTS. But, I am glad I found out that Canadians knew very little about Korea. Now, I have a mission to make every Canadian know about Korea. It may take a very long time to be achieved, but if no one starts, it will never be done. I need to start this mission.

Great YouTube Channel & Blog for Foreigners in Korea

If you are thinking of teaching in Korea, or even living for a while, but you have no background, you should definitely check out this YouTube channel.

LINK: Simon and Martina's Channel

This channel is run by a Canadian couple teaching English in Bucheon, Korea.
They even have a blog called 'Eat Your Kimchi'.
On this blog, they answer questions about working in Korea and others. They also have some teaching material to share with other English teachers in Korea.

Simon and Martina created this channel & blog to show what daily life is like in Korea. They have created over 90 videos and this is one of my favorites.

How to Dance K-Pop Style


This was created in 2008, so the songs are a little outdated, but it is still awesome!

Other than this video, they have uploaded videos that they find funny or interesting (such as transportation system, or crazy karaoke culture).

If you want to know about Korea by the real foreigners who are living there, these Youtube channel and blog are probably the best source that you can get.

[Experience in Korea #2] Naksansa

Last summer, I went to Naksansa with my family.
Naksansa is a korean Buddhist temple which is located in Yangyang, Gawngwon Province.

Unfortunately, most of the temple has been burned out in April, 2005. The construction to restore the temple buildings is still in process, and it looks like 1 more year would be needed to complete it.

Beside the sad mishap, the temple is located near the East Sea (not Sea of Japan!), which creates a composure of wind, and a beautiful view.

Here are some of the pictures that I have take from the trip.


Image of the burned Naksansa site (depressing)


Great place to see the fantastic sea!


Buddhist statue of Haesugwaneumsang : goddess Gwanseum-Bosal.


I am proud of this picture (personally of course! :))



Pictures of Temple


a temple that's being reconstructed...


This picture shows how the restoration has been going on


Beautiful and mysterious pattern & design

What is Korea Sparkling?

Korea Sparkling.

Some may know, but many people have no clue what Korea Sparkling is about (other than the fact it is related to Korea).

According to the 'Official Site of Korea Tourism'
Korea Sparkling was chosen as a slogan which symbolizes the lively energy that Korean people and culture have.

While Dynamic Korea will act as a national brand, Korea Sparkling will focus on the tourism purposes only.

If you go to Korea Sparkling Website, this page will show up.



You'll be amazed by how much information this site holds: sightseeing, transportation, food, entertainment, accommodation, events, shopping, etc.

This is a promotion video for Korea, Sparkling.
Watch this video

Personally, I think Korea Sparkling is doing a great job. In 2009 June, I went to Korean Festival in Toronto, Canada. There were lots of people and booths. I was walking by and saw Korea Sparkling booth (at the time, I did not know about it). Being curious, I went to the booth and when I got out, I had a bunch of Korean information brochures, a taekwondo poster and a buchae.

Pictures are below



Taekwondo Poster







I love this buchae!

Happy Gwangbokjeol (Liberation Day)! [8/15]

Today is 64th Liberation Day / Gwangbokjeol in Korea.
It celebrates the independence of Korea from Japan's authority since August 15, 1945. This day is the same day as the Victory over Japan Day(V-J).

On this day, many Korean families put Korean flag up high to express their thankfulness for those who suffered their life to free Korea, and also happiness for the independence of Korea. Many ceremonies are held in various places to celebrate this holiday.

Happy Gwangbokjeol!

[Experience in Korea] #1. Insadong

Insandong is an area where one can buy souvenirs and experience unique Korean cultures (mostly traditional).
Geogrphically, Insandong is located in the Jongno-gu district in Seoul.

Last year, I visited this place with my mom to take a look how it was organized.
It was more like a long street with many pathways along.
At the time of the visit, I saw many Japanese people due to currency fluctuation and some other various races.

There were many traditional restaurants and souvenir shops.
Starbucks and other foreign stores were located there as well.

Here are some pictures that I have taken from the visit.










Overall: I think Insandong could be improved in conformity with its fame. What I meant to say is that the street was rather dirty and empty. I can see a little disappointment in foreigner's eyes when he/she arrives there with huge expectations.
In addition, there could be more events to attract visitors.

Nonetheless, it is an awesome place to experience Korean culture!

If you want to know more about Insandong, check these links out!

VirtualTourist

Official Korea Tourism Guide Site

Hanok - Korean Traditional House

Hanok is Korean traditional house or architecture. It is nature-friendly. There are different Hanoks.


1. a tile-roofed house

2. a thatched cottage

3. a shingle-roofed house

4. a log cabin

And there are many more types.

The most interesting and best part of Han Ok is Ondol. Ondol is a Korean heating system, which it was originated from the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo (37 B.C. ~ A.D. 668). It works bascially like this: a large stone under a living space. So, smoke from a fire is trapped under the stone and goes to the other side.

Ondol system has a distinct advantage, which is that even if you remove the direct source of heat, there still remains the heat for a quite long time.

However, one pretty dangerous disadvantage is that if an underfloor cracks so there is a gap, the smoke can rise up and cause 'carbon monoxide poisoning'. In addition, it takes a long time to heat up the floor to stay up a night.

Nontheless, this Ondol system is proven to has high thermal efficiency and therefore an economical way to heat the house. Nowadays, this system has been modified to modern housing by spreading pipes under floors and circulating heated water through the pipes reducing dangerous essences that could happen in the past.

(Help from www.prkorea.com - Be a Friend of Korea!)