tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42254434937716609782024-03-21T10:48:13.717-07:00All AbouT KoreanAll AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225443493771660978.post-73584691637083937502011-01-18T09:05:00.001-08:002011-01-18T09:05:38.193-08:00Dolsot bibimbap, Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan, SeoulBibimbap, literally <em>mixed rice</em>, is an iconic <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/korean-food-restaurants/">Korean dish</a> with white rice topped with various ingredients (vege, egg, meat etc.) and chili paste. <strong>Dolsot bibimbap</strong> is the version where the bibimbap is served in a hot stone bowl.<br />
Had this last week at a famous restaurant in <a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/myeong-dong-seoul-ladies-shopping-heaven/">Myeong-dong</a>, the <strong>Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan</strong> (전주 중앙 회관, lit. Jeonju Central Clan House) which specialised in this dish. The meal cost 9000 won (~US$8), great stuff…<br />
<img alt="Dolsot bibimbap at Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-038-dolsot-bibimbap.jpg" /><br />
<span id="more-30838"></span>As usual we’ll have to mix all the toppings with the rice, thoroughly, so that we can taste all ingredients in every single bite. And the advantage of dolsot bibimbap is that the dish would still be warm till the end, perfect for winter…<br />
<img alt="Dolsot bibimbap in Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-039-dolsot-bibimbap.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-040-kimchi.jpg" title="Kimchi and bibimbap in Seoul" /><br />
<img alt="Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan restaurant in Myeong-dong, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-041-bibimbap-restaurant.jpg" />All AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225443493771660978.post-76345239639263487092011-01-18T09:04:00.001-08:002011-01-18T09:04:11.018-08:00Myeong-dong, Seoul’s ladies shopping heavenMyeong-dong, arguably Seoul’s trendiest shopping district, is the place to hunt for mid-level <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/korean-fashion-style/">fashion</a> and beauty items, especially for the ladies. Visited the area on Sunday (Jan 17), it’s so crowded that there’s barely any spaces to stroll on.<br />
<img alt="SPAO in Myeongdong, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-027-myeongdong.jpg" /><br />
<span id="more-30604"></span>Most of the branded stuff in Korea are endorsed by popular <a href="http://yeinjee.com/star/celeb/korean-celebrity/">celebrities</a>; and the star power is showcased heavily by the fashion-beauty outlets in Myeong-dong.<br />
Top pic is SNSD’s Yoona for <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/spao-fashion/">SPAO</a>; in sequence below… Lee Byung-hun (Misha), Kwon Sang-woo (Tears), Rain (Nature Republic), and Song Hye-kyo (Laneige)…<br />
<img alt="Misha in Myeongdong, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-025-myeongdong.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Tears in Myeongdong, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-026-myeongdong.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Nature Republic in Myeongdong, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-028-myeongdong.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Laneige in Myeongdong, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-029-myeongdong.jpg" /><br />
Myeong-dong also houses some famous traditional restaurants as well as fast food franchises. There’s also some street food and fashion accessories stalls in the outer area; and plenty of happenings around during the weekend…<br />
<img alt="Street food in Myeongdong, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-031-myeongdong.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Cute hats in Myeongdong, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-030-cute-hats.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Stormtroopers in Myeongdong, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/travel-korea-032-stormtroopers.jpg" />All AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225443493771660978.post-10079433865740080662011-01-18T08:58:00.001-08:002011-01-18T08:58:40.287-08:00SNSD @ Daum Life on AwardsKorean girl group <a href="http://yeinjee.com/star/girls-generation-snsd-group-profile/">SNSD</a> at Daum Life on Awards on January 13. Organised by web portal Daum, the event acknowledged people who have contributed to the online society with their entertainment and community works.<br />
<img alt="SNSD Taeyeon at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-1.jpg" /><br />
<span id="more-38458"></span>The girls won the music of the year award with <a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/girls-generation-oh-music-video/"><strong>Oh!</strong></a>. Though they were probably performing <a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/girls-generation-hoot-music-video-new-pics/"><strong>Hoot!</strong></a> instead as <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/daum-web-portal/">Daum’s</a> spokeswomen. Image by <a href="http://spdstudio.tistory.com/1947" icon="out">Spdstudio</a>.<br />
<img alt="SNSD Yoona at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-3.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="SNSD Yuri at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-2.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="SNSD Seohyun at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-4.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="SNSD Tiffany at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-5.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="SNSD Hyoyeon at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-6.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="SNSD Sooyoung at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-7.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="SNSD Sunny at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-8.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="SNSD Jessica at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-9.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="SNSD Yoona at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-10.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="SNSD Taeyeon at Daum Life on Awards" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/snsd-daum-life-on-11.jpg" />All AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225443493771660978.post-60682541000474028652010-11-25T04:50:00.001-08:002010-11-25T04:50:56.545-08:00Korean Folk Village, Yongin, South Korea<div class="posttitle"> <h2><a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/korean-folk-village-yongin-south-korea/">Korean Folk Village, Yongin, South Korea</a></h2></div><div class="postmeta"><br />
<a href="http://yeinjee.com/topic/discovery/heritage/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Traditions and Heritages"></a> </div>The Korean Folk Village in <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/yongin-city/">Yongin City</a> is the largest of its kind in <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/republic-of-korea/">South Korea</a>. It has reproduced over 260 traditional houses reminiscent of the late Chosun Dynasty and has recreated the life of Korean people through the exhibition of various household goods and workshop items.<br />
<img alt="Korean Folk Village, Yongin, South Korea" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-suwon-folk-village-1.jpg" /><br />
<span id="more-35321"></span>There should be daily <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/korean-culture-tradition/">cultural</a> performance in most of the months, except during winters. The exhibits were amusing enough though; and the place was pretty scenic itself.<br />
<img alt="Korean Folk Village, Yongin, South Korea" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-suwon-folk-village-2.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Carpenter house at Korean Folk Village in Yongin" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-suwon-folk-village-3.jpg" /><br />
<div class="captionp"><img alt="Torture tools at Korean Folk Village in Yongin" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-suwon-folk-village-5.jpg" /><br />
Torture-tools which are often seen in Korean historical dramas</div><img alt="Frozen water wheel at Korean Folk Village in Yongin" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-suwon-folk-village-6.jpg" /><br />
The village is also a popular place for shooting historical dramas/movies. Previously filmed here include popular <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/korean-drama-series/">dramas</a> <strong>Iljimae</strong>, <strong>Painter of The Wind</strong>, and <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/korean-films-movies/">movie</a> <strong>Hwang Jini</strong> etc.<br />
<img alt="Magistrate office at Korean Folk Village in Yongin" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-suwon-folk-village-7.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Korean Folk Village, Yongin, South Korea" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-suwon-folk-village-8.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Korean Folk Village, Yongin, South Korea" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-suwon-folk-village-9.jpg" />All AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225443493771660978.post-44924876830571599562010-11-25T04:46:00.000-08:002010-11-25T04:46:27.452-08:00Namsan locks of love, Seoul, South Korea<div class="posttitle"> <h2><a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/namsan-locks-of-love-seoul-south-korea/">Namsan locks of love, Seoul, South Korea</a></h2></div><div class="postmeta"><br />
<a href="http://yeinjee.com/topic/lifestyle/travelling/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Travel and Living"></a> </div>At Seoul’s <a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/namsan-snow-seoul-south-korea/">Mt Namsan</a>, thousands of <strong>love padlocks</strong> can be seen hanging on the fences around the base level of N Seoul Tower. Locks of love is a custom in some cultures where <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/love-romance/">love birds</a> would lock their padlocks at public areas and throw away the key to symbolise that their love will be <em>locked forever</em>.<br />
<img alt="Namsan locks of love, Seoul, South Korea" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-seoul-namsan-love-lock-1.jpg" /><br />
<span id="more-37515"></span>The practise – <a href="http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1176401" icon="out" rel="nofollow">suggested</a> to be originated from China – is pretty popular in East Asia and some European countries. Technically the lovers can leave their locks wherever they want, but normally there’s one or two hotspots in each of the cities where local authorities would approved the custom.<br />
Namsan is the one for <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/seoul-special-city/">Seoul</a>.<br />
<img alt="Namsan locks of love, Seoul, South Korea" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-seoul-namsan-love-lock-5.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="N Seoul Tower locks, South Korea" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-seoul-namsan-love-lock-2.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Locks of love in Namsan, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-seoul-namsan-love-lock-4.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Namsan love padlocks, Seoul, South Korea" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-seoul-namsan-love-lock-3.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Smile friend lock at Namsan Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/travel-seoul-namsan-love-lock-6.jpg" />All AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225443493771660978.post-82930320379800475262010-11-25T04:43:00.000-08:002010-11-25T04:43:00.887-08:00More Food xDD~<div class="post" id="post-35292"> <div class="posttitle"> <h2><a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/sindang-dong-tteokbokki-seoul-south-korea/">Sindang-dong Tteokbokki, Seoul, South Korea</a></h2></div><div class="postentry"> Sindang-dong, Seoul’s famous place to have Korean tteokbokki (rice-cakes in red-pepper sauce). There’s dozen of restaurants selling the Korean dish at one particular street; we dined at the <strong>Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki</strong> restaurant (in February) which is one of the earliest to open its biz in the area in 1953.<br />
<img alt="Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki, Sindang-dong, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/travel-korea-142-tteokbokki.jpg" /><br />
</div></div><div class="post" id="post-35115"> <div class="posttitle"> <h2><a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/myeongdong-gyoja-seoul-south-korea/">Myeongdong Gyoja restaurant, Seoul, South Korea</a></h2></div><div class="postmeta"><br />
<a href="http://yeinjee.com/topic/life/travel/seoul-2010/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Seoul Trip 2010"></a> </div><div class="postentry"> Seoul story from Feb 2010. Lunch at Myeongdong Gyoja restaurant, famous for its <em>kalguksu</em> (knife cut noodles) and <em>gyoja</em> (dumplings).<br />
<img alt="Kalguksu noodle at Myeongdong Gyoja restaurant, Seoul" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/travel-korea-132-gyoja.jpg" /><br />
</div></div><div class="post" id="post-34231"> <div class="posttitle"> <h2><a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/tosokchon-samgyetang-ginseng-chicken-seoul/">Tosokchon Samgyetang (ginseng chicken), Seoul</a></h2></div><div class="postmeta"><br />
<a href="http://yeinjee.com/topic/life/travel/seoul-2010/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Seoul Trip 2010"></a> </div><div class="postentry"> Samgyetang – literally ginseng chicken soup – is an iconic Korean dish which consists of a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice plus Korean ginseng and boiled with some other oriental herbs.<br />
One of the most famous restaurants to have this is <strong>Tosokchon</strong> (토속촌) which is located nearby the Gyeongbukgung Palace in Seoul…<br />
<img alt="Samgyetang, Korean ginseng chicken soup at Tosokchon" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/travel-korea-097-tosokchon.jpg" /><br />
</div></div><div class="post" id="post-33635"> <div class="posttitle"> <h2><a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/korean-pig-trotter-jokbal-jangchungdong-seoul/">Korean pig trotter (Jokbal), Jangchungdong, Seoul</a></h2></div><div class="postmeta"><br />
<a href="http://yeinjee.com/topic/life/travel/seoul-2010/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Seoul Trip 2010"></a> </div><div class="postentry"> Jokbal – Korean pig’s trotter or pork knuckle, another popular food here. Dined at the <strong>Original Jangchungdong Grandmother’s Place</strong> a couple of weeks ago – finally a restaurant that I can name in English lol. It’s one of the first jokbal restaurants at the famous Jangchungdong jokbal street in Seoul…<br />
<img alt="" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/travel-korea-090-jokbal.jpg" /><br />
</div></div><div class="posttitle"> <h2><a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/korea-cotton-candy-cup/">Korea’s cotton candy in a cup</a></h2></div><div class="postmeta"><br />
<a href="http://yeinjee.com/topic/life/travel/seoul-2010/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Seoul Trip 2010"></a> </div>Pardon me if it’s common elsewhere, but I’ve never seen cotton candy sold in a cup prior to this Korean trip; and you’re supposed to eat this with a fork? Hmmm…<br />
<img alt="Cotton candy in a cup, South Korea" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/travel-korea-079-cotton-candy.jpg" />All AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225443493771660978.post-52218430044395698342010-11-25T04:39:00.001-08:002010-11-25T04:39:05.169-08:00Snack's and Food xDD Yummy~<div class="posttitle"> <h2><a href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/bulgogi-beef-stew-seoul/">Bulgogi beef stew</a></h2></div><div class="postmeta"> August 12, 2010 | <a class="commentslink" href="http://yeinjee.com/2010/bulgogi-beef-stew-seoul/#comments" title="Comment on Bulgogi beef stew">Comments (10)</a> | Topics: <a href="http://yeinjee.com/topic/life/food/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in My Food Journal">My Food Journal</a>, <a href="http://yeinjee.com/topic/life/travel/seoul-2010/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Seoul Trip 2010">Seoul Trip 2010</a> </div>Bulgogi (lit. meat fire) stew is one of the common dishes in Korean restaurants around the world, with marinated meat slices (most often beef) cooked on a hot pan with other ingredients like veges, mushrooms and glass noodles etc.<br />
<img alt="Bulgogi beef stew in Seoul, South Korea" src="http://yeinjee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/travel-seoul-bulgogi-beef.jpg" /><br />
Had this a few times in various spots in <a href="http://yeinjee.com/tag/seoul-special-city/">Seoul</a>; the photo above was taken while dining out with some hostel friends near Sinseol-dong Station. Actually you can hardly find any place which cook this badly… the marination might be a bit time consuming but it’s basically a simple dish. Goes well with rice wine too lol.All AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225443493771660978.post-72255753480852165272010-11-25T00:06:00.000-08:002010-11-25T00:06:54.339-08:00Photo's<div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignz3i0D1jvTFNwUM4iMJqi6ocmDXTDNUBRHs4h10nUYVspsnewzEkXo9Zkbr1cTOfdjuPPQCLyUVSmxIpdVziQEOJDnfVVQ49Z6wAVEStW6QGfUTVLE9VtdFEu4X0lJqdXgaBwfmkVio/s1600-h/qsdtour_shilla1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432086679997998834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignz3i0D1jvTFNwUM4iMJqi6ocmDXTDNUBRHs4h10nUYVspsnewzEkXo9Zkbr1cTOfdjuPPQCLyUVSmxIpdVziQEOJDnfVVQ49Z6wAVEStW6QGfUTVLE9VtdFEu4X0lJqdXgaBwfmkVio/s400/qsdtour_shilla1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 170px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0roarTAl12gemj6BE_C2OhuBkbScSijwj7S3_EFdzbGz-c-we-fSEgn_Ha3tl_zumSyYt5pwtz8eetHYty5jva0mJHF3TzUQB4FIoYqblGxez-oesixdcd0-BuA0SwY9BO_gwctLMGH8/s1600-h/tourqsd_shilla5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432086426128245138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0roarTAl12gemj6BE_C2OhuBkbScSijwj7S3_EFdzbGz-c-we-fSEgn_Ha3tl_zumSyYt5pwtz8eetHYty5jva0mJHF3TzUQB4FIoYqblGxez-oesixdcd0-BuA0SwY9BO_gwctLMGH8/s400/tourqsd_shilla5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbHjlGzjCzTS92GV95T82lmiBtPDL3EAcRzFaCbRDFbZ4XrXIDuGG33xoodREfgO7XLTzlr2iX7ThNwJ7FIVGV1zXvC66eeY4hTomaqFwlLVyTo7xcDXvgE3-_gUGYW6_7BEQXooSrUM/s1600-h/tourqsd_shilla4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432086239212794210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbHjlGzjCzTS92GV95T82lmiBtPDL3EAcRzFaCbRDFbZ4XrXIDuGG33xoodREfgO7XLTzlr2iX7ThNwJ7FIVGV1zXvC66eeY4hTomaqFwlLVyTo7xcDXvgE3-_gUGYW6_7BEQXooSrUM/s400/tourqsd_shilla4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 132px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFd6wHbTirOpTpiZjoB4MPMXpk9x2Lffh0aaJ8_nhlMt-OL-mVzkHg_GgXl3AslpcJB8beivPc1Pnxv1yCBk12mjUNiJU9xSSfwPeI6nJk76toRdLh-3ItayX6xl2zxXzT8qc2R5SDjQ/s1600-h/tourqsd_shilla3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432086115073817138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFd6wHbTirOpTpiZjoB4MPMXpk9x2Lffh0aaJ8_nhlMt-OL-mVzkHg_GgXl3AslpcJB8beivPc1Pnxv1yCBk12mjUNiJU9xSSfwPeI6nJk76toRdLh-3ItayX6xl2zxXzT8qc2R5SDjQ/s400/tourqsd_shilla3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 132px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hwarang's Spirit theather show</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFO6rzXh7CjrocykumysHuEPpwwBtvNrGsAloTy4SxsvwOBo-gRcHRgJJPXWTgmQq1yNcTnVhZ1FQoZ3Am5aYPManMr-BT7rVCGzugm-fNR8Kqq6YlZoqM4JeLhaG1s2g0jEvJgm4zLrs/s1600-h/tourqsd_shilla-millennium-park_gyeongsangbuk-do_shilla-millennium-park_86.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432085823915203426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFO6rzXh7CjrocykumysHuEPpwwBtvNrGsAloTy4SxsvwOBo-gRcHRgJJPXWTgmQq1yNcTnVhZ1FQoZ3Am5aYPManMr-BT7rVCGzugm-fNR8Kqq6YlZoqM4JeLhaG1s2g0jEvJgm4zLrs/s400/tourqsd_shilla-millennium-park_gyeongsangbuk-do_shilla-millennium-park_86.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 219px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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</span>All AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225443493771660978.post-78982103276253341932010-11-05T20:20:00.000-07:002010-11-05T20:20:36.440-07:00South Korea - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette<h1>South Korea - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette </h1><div class="rc-container-bottom" style="background-color: white; height: 10px;"><span class="rc-inner rc-level-0" style="background-color: #003399; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-1" style="background-color: #003399; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-2" style="background-color: #003399; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-3" style="background-color: #003399; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-4" style="background-color: #003399; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 1px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-5" style="background-color: #003399; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 1px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-6" style="background-color: #003399; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 2px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-7" style="background-color: #003399; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 3px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-8" style="background-color: #003399; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 4px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-9" style="background-color: #003399; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 6px; overflow: hidden;"></span></div><br />
<div class="rc-container-top" style="background-color: white; height: 15px;"><span class="rc-inner rc-level-14" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 10px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-13" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 8px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-12" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 6px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-11" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 5px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-10" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 4px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-9" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 3px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-8" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 2px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-7" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 2px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-6" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 1px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-5" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 1px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-4" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 1px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-3" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-2" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-1" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span class="rc-inner rc-level-0" style="background-color: #eeeeee; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0pt 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span></div><img align="right" alt="Korean Flag" border="0" hspace="2" src="http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/images/etiquette/korea.png" vspace="2" /> <strong><u>Facts and Statistics</u></strong><br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the East Sea and the Yellow Sea<br />
<strong>Capital:</strong> Seoul<br />
<strong>Climate:</strong> temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter<br />
<strong>Population:</strong> 48,598,175 (July 2004 est.)<br />
<strong>Ethnic Make-up:</strong> homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)<br />
<strong>Religions:</strong> no affiliation 46%, Christian 26%, <a href="http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/religion/buddhism.html">Buddhist</a> 26%, Confucianist 1%, other 1%<br />
<strong>Government:</strong> republic<br />
<strong><u>The Korean Language</u></strong><br />
The Koreans are one ethnic family speaking one language. They share certain distinct physical characteristics which differentiate them from other Asian people including the Chinese and the Japanese, and have a strong cultural identity as one ethnic family.<br />
The <a href="http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/language/korean-phrases.html"><u>Korean </u></a>language is spoken by more than 65 million people living on the peninsula and its outlying islands as well as 5.5 million Koreans living in other parts of the world. The fact that all Koreans speak and write the same language has been a crucial factor in their strong national identity. Modern Korea has several different dialects including the standard one used in Seoul and central areas, but they are similar enough that speakers/listeners do not have trouble understanding each other.<br />
Why not learn some useful <a href="http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/language/korean-phrases.html"><u>Korean phrases</u></a><u>?</u><br />
<strong><u>Korean Society & Culture</u></strong><br />
<strong>Korean Family Values</strong><br />
. The family is the most important part of Korean life. <br />
. In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the marriages of family members. <br />
. The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his brothers from older to younger, then to his sons, then to his wife, and lastly to his daughters. <br />
. Family welfare is much more important than the needs of the individual. <br />
. Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family member reflect on the rest of the family. <br />
. In many cases the family register can trace a family's history, through male ancestors, for over 500 years.<br />
<strong>Confucianism<img align="right" alt="Map of South Korea" border="0" hspace="2" src="http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/images/country/skorea-map.jpg" vspace="2" /></strong><br />
. The teachings of Confucius describe the position of the individual in Korean society. <br />
. It is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship. <br />
. The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships: 1) ruler and subject, 2) husband and wife, 3) parents and children, 4)brothers and sisters and 5) friend and friend<br />
. Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.<br />
<strong>Korean Ancestors</strong> <br />
. Ancestors are based on the male family line. <br />
. Children are raised to believe they can never repay their debt to their parents, hence the popularity of ancestor worship. <br />
. They hold ancestral ceremonies for the previous three generations (parents, grandparents, and great grandparents) several times a year, particularly on Chusok and New Year's Day. <br />
. On Chusok, people cook and set out food to celebrate their ancestors. <br />
<strong>The Concept of Kibun</strong><br />
. Kibun is a word with no literal English translation; the closest terms are pride, face, mood, feelings, or state of mind. <br />
. If you hurt someone's kibun you hurt their pride, cause them to lose dignity, and lose face. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of harmony. <br />
. It is important to maintain a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere at all times, even if it means telling a "white lie". <br />
. Kibun enters into every facet of Korean life. <br />
. It is important to know how to judge the state of someone else's kibun, how to avoid hurting it, and how to keep your own kibun at the same time. <br />
. In business, a manager's kibun is damaged if his subordinates do not show proper respect. A subordinate's kibun is damaged if his manager criticizes him in public.<br />
. Nunchi is the ability to determine another person's kibun by using the eye. <br />
. Since this is a culture where social harmony is crucial, being able to judge another person's state of mind is critical to maintain the person's kibun. <br />
. Nunchi is accomplished by watching body language and listening to the tone of voice as well as what is said. <br />
<h2 class="replace">Etiquette & Customs in South Korea</h2><strong>Meeting Etiquette</strong><br />
. Greetings follow strict rules of protocol. <br />
. Many South Koreans shake hands with expatriates after the bow, thereby blending both cultural styles.<br />
. The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status, yet it is the most senior person who initiates the handshake. <br />
. The person who initiates the bow says, "man-na-suh pan-gop-sumnida", which means "pleased to meet you." <br />
. Information about the other person will be given to the person they are being introduced to in advance of the actual meeting. <br />
. Wait to be introduced at a social gathering. <br />
. When you leave a social gathering, say good-bye and bow to each person individually. <br />
<strong>Gift Giving Etiquette<img align="right" alt="Etiquette in Korea" border="0" hspace="2" src="http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/images/country/skorea-pic.jpg" style="height: 290px; width: 391px;" vspace="2" /></strong><br />
. Gifts express a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated. <br />
. It is inconsiderate to give someone an expensive gift if you know that they cannot afford to reciprocate accordingly. <br />
. Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home. <br />
. Gifts should be wrapped nicely. <br />
. The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4. <br />
. Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky. <br />
. Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours. Alternatively, use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness. <br />
. Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper. <br />
. Do not sign a card in red ink.<br />
. Use both hands when offering a gift. <br />
. Gifts are not opened when received.<br />
<strong>Dining Etiquette</strong><br />
If you are invited to a South Korean's house: <br />
. It is common for guests to meet at a common spot and travel together. <br />
. You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without giving offence. <br />
. Remove your shoes before entering the house. <br />
. The hosts greet each guest individually. <br />
. The host pours drinks for the guests in their presence. The hostess does not pour drinks. <br />
. The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car because they believe that it is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors. <br />
. Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.<br />
<strong>Table manners</strong><br />
. Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a strict protocol to be followed. <br />
. The eldest are served first. <br />
. The oldest or most senior person is the one who starts the eating process. <br />
. Never point your chopsticks. <br />
. Do not pierce your food with chopsticks. <br />
. Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak. <br />
. Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest. <br />
. Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick. <br />
. Bones and shells should be put on the table or an extra plate. <br />
. Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is. <br />
. Refuse the first offer of second helpings. <br />
. Finish everything on your plate. <br />
. Indicate you are finished eating by placing your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table. Never place them parallel across your rice bowl. <br />
<h2 class="replace">Business Etiquette and Protocol</h2><strong>Relationships & Communication</strong><br />
. South Koreans prefer to do business with people with whom they have a personal connection. <br />
. It is therefore crucial to be introduced by a third-party. <br />
. Relationships are developed through informal social gatherings that often involve a considerable amount of drinking and eating. <br />
. Individuals who have established mutual trust and respect will work hard to make each other successful.<br />
. South Koreans treat legal documents as memorandums of understanding. <br />
. They view contracts as loosely structured consensus statements that broadly define agreement and leave room for flexibility and adjustment as needed. <br />
. Under no circumstances insult or to criticize in front of others. <br />
. Sensitive matters may often be raised indirectly through the intermediary that first made the introductions.<br />
. South Koreans are extremely direct communicators. They are not averse to asking questions if they do not understand what has been said or need additional clarification. <br />
. This is a culture where "less is more" when communicating. Respond to questions directly and concisely. <br />
. Since there is a tendency to say "yes" to questions so that you do not lose face, the way you phrase a question is crucial. It is better to ask, "When can we expect shipment?" than "Can we expect shipment in 3 weeks?", since this question requires a direct response.<br />
<strong>Business Meeting Etiquette</strong><br />
. Appointments are required and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance.<br />
. You should arrive on time for meetings as this demonstrates respect for the person you are meeting. <br />
. The most senior South Korean generally enters the room first. <br />
. It is a good idea to send both an agenda and back-up material including information about your company and client testimonials prior to the meeting. <br />
. The main purpose of the first meeting is to get to know each other.<br />
. Meetings are used to understand a client's needs and challenges. They lay the foundation for building the relationship. <br />
. Do not remove your jacket unless the most senior South Korean does so. <br />
. Have all written materials available in both English and Korean. <br />
<u><strong>Dress Etiquette</strong></u><br />
. Business attire is conservative. <br />
. Men should wear dark- coloured, conservative business suits with white shirts. <br />
. Women should dress conservatively and wear subdued colours. <br />
. Men should avoid wearing jewellery other than a watch or a wedding ring.<br />
<strong>Business Cards</strong><br />
. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions in a highly ritualized manner. <br />
. The way you treat someone's business card is indicative of the way you will treat the person. <br />
. Have one side of your business card translated into Korean. <br />
. Using both hands, present your business card with the Korean side facing up so that it is readable by the recipient. <br />
. Examine any business card you receive carefully. <br />
. Put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio. <br />
. Never write on someone's business card in their presence. <br />
<ins style="border: medium none; display: inline-table; height: 90px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 728px;"><ins id="google_ads_frame1_anchor" style="border: medium none; display: block; height: 90px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 728px;"></ins></ins>All AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225443493771660978.post-6889063570933506102010-10-17T03:25:00.000-07:002010-10-17T03:25:31.177-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.learnkoreanlanguage.com/images/South-Korean-flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.learnkoreanlanguage.com/images/South-Korean-flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.learnkoreanlanguage.com/images/North-Korean-Flag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://www.learnkoreanlanguage.com/images/North-Korean-Flag.gif" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h3><a href="" name="Geography"> Geography </a> <img alt="geography" src="http://www.learnkoreanlanguage.com/images/geography.jpg" /> </h3>Korea is a small penninsula on the far East side of Asia. It is between China and Japan. It is connected to mainland Asia in the North. It is separated from China and Russia by the Yalu River and the Tuman River. Between Korea and Japan is the East Sea. To the West between Korea and China is the Yellow Sea. The size of Korea is roughly 1,000 kilometers in length. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Korea is a divided country. At the End of World War II in 1948, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel. This resulted in North Korea and South Korea. North Korea became communist, while South Korea did not. (This was based on the deal at the end of the War, dividing the country in two just as Germany had been). North Korea is also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and South Korea is also known as the Republic of Korea. South Korea, or the Republic of North Korea is slightly larger in physical size, while South Korea's population size is about twice as large as North Korea's population size. The fact that this division occurred has left both North and South Korea on the <a href="http://www.learnkoreanlanguage.com/korean-war.html" target="_blank">bridge of war</a>.All AbouT Koreanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10455746733573607014noreply@blogger.com0