John Park vs Hur Gak
A Korean-American vs A homeboy
A student from a privileged school vs a TV repairman
A member of the American Idol alumni vs A high school dropout who had to support his family
According to the JoongAng Daily, "Huh’s win was based on a compilation of the judges’ evaluation, real-time votes through text messages and online votes prior to the broadcast. Three superstar judges - singers Lee Seung-chul, Yoon Jong-shin and Eom Jeong-hwa - participated in the event."
Nature has its own sense of humour - "How about a two-in-one? ", it seems to be saying. You can BOTH enjoy fall foliage while you practise your snowboarding moves on the slopes in Phoenix Park this October, thanks to plunging sub-zero temperatures earlier this week.
The ski resort in Gangwon-do has opened for business half a month earlier than last year. It's not clear, though, how much of the snow in the picture is artificially produced by snow machines or what percentage is Mother Nature's handiwork.
So what will the on-line papers show next? Kim Yu-na skating on a frozen lake under the maple leaves?
Caption from the KBS website: Hoarfrost forms on trees at Mt. Halla in Jeju Island as morning lows dip to minus 5 degrees Celsius Tuesday
The autumn foliage in Hallasan on Jeju-do was supposed to peak around the 9th of November but guess what? Winter seems to have out-paced autumn, from the looks of this photo featured in the KBS World Radio website.
Pardon my ignorance as one who lives on the equator but can anyone out there reassure me that hoarfrost doesn't automatically spell the onset of winter? Even so, I'd like my seasons to be clearly demarcated and it's disconcerting to see autumn behave like a different season.
This is just a short record so that I have some basis for comparison for next year. My suspicion that autumn is getting shorter seems to be confirmed but let's see what next week is like.
Update: Thankfully my suspicion was ungrounded. Those in Korea enjoyed quite a long autumn in 2010.
Maples leaves have already turned red in Namsam in Seoul.
Golden gingko leaves are starting to fall in Gangwon-do.
Is it autumn or winter in Korea already?
Temperatures plunged to sub-zero levels this week.
Although the main event was the 2010 Chuncheon Marathon in Gangwon-do, I'm cutting and pasting this photo from the Chosun Ilbo on account of the arresting backdrop to the sports event. Forget about the participants running along the bridge. Just look at the tapestry of colours on the cliff in the background. What a sight. Wonder if any of the runners were distracted enough by the beauty to stop and stare?
Just wishing I was there.
From On the Nine Beautiful Sights in a Mountain by Yi Yi
The seventh is maples and rocks where autumn's reflected
They are clad with silken cloth of thin clear frost.
Sitting on a cold crag I forget where my house is.
칠곡은 어디메고 풍암楓巖에 추색이 좋다
청상淸霜이 엷게 치니 절벽이 금수이로다
한암寒巖에 혼자 앉아서 집을 잊고 있노라
First learnt about this portrait from the TV drama series, Painter of the Wind, starring Moon Geum-yong and Park Shin-yang. In the fictionalised account of Joseon dynasty painters, Shin Yun-bok is an apprentice to Kim Hong-do who teaches the former a thing or two about portrait painting in one of my favourite scenes.
It's fascinating to study the contrasts between the original and the modern versions. English teachers may want to set this as an exercise on describing differences. ( Partially jesting.)
Caption from the JoongAng Daily:
"This self-portrait of the Joseon painter and scholar Yun Du-seo (1668-1715), left, known as one of the masterpieces of Korean art, is now being exhibited at the Yun Seon-do Museum, which opened in Haenam, South Jeolla, last Friday. Du-seo was the great grandson of Seon-do, one of the most important writers of the Joseon period. Coincidentally, contemporary artist Kang Hyung-koo, known for his fresh interpretations of portraits of historic figures based on existing paintings or photos, is showing his version of the Yun Du-seo self-portrait, right, as part of his solo exhibition, which runs to Dec. 12 at the Youngeun Museum of Contemporary Art in Gyeonggi."
Have to confess that the idea of vegetarian food appeals to my head and heart more than to my tongue and stomach. It would be nice to have a clear conscience and be environmentally-friendly by abstaining from meat but I’m not ready to give up my “go-gi” ( meat) as yet.
During my visits to Korea, my stay at any temple never lasted more than two nights – partly perhaps because my faint-hearted stomach couldn’t stand a vegetarian diet for so long. Moreover, I’ve never participated in any formal templestay program so I have yet to experience “balu-gong-yang” ( the traditional dining etiquette in Korean Buddhist temples). However, from what has been gathered from the web, I should start adopting some of the practices for a more healthy lifestyle.
The term according to meaning “Four Bowls Containing Food” OR ‘Balugongyang’ means people gathering together and eating a proper amount of food served in one bowl. “Gongyang” refers to the “serving of food to monastics but can also be used when presenting them with clothing or other materials useful for their monastic life.” One source declares the word ‘bal-woo’ means a bowl while another source maintains it literally means “the four bowls containing food”, a reference to the Four Heavenly Guardian Kings who offered meals in stone bowls to Sakyamuni. Whatever the number, “Balugongyang” now refers to the formal meal in Korean Buddhist temples particularly for the Jogye Order.
Aside from the four matching bowls ( for rice, soup, side dishes and water) spoon and pair of chopsticks, here are the other things used during “balu-gong-yang”:
a. Bal-geon- the covering towel: it covers the bowls and is also a kind of dish towel.
b. Mu-reup-su-geon- the knee towel: it protects your clothes from stains when you eat and is also a kind of napkin.
c. Si-jeo-dae- the pocket: it contains the spoon and chopsticks.
d. Bal-u-tu-geong- the cap: it is the lid of the biggest bowl.
e. Bal-u-dan- the cloth mat: at the beginning of each meal, you put bowls on top of it.
f. Bal-u-bo- the covering cloth: it wraps the bowl containing other small bowls.
There’s a sequence of actions but I won’t go into that. Suffice to say that at the end of the meal, you wash all the utensils, wipe them clean and tie them together in the cloths before returning them to the cupboard.
The following are some of the principles and practices of “balu-gong-yang” are:
1. Frugality – “ out of respect for the gifts of nature”; take only what you need within the allotted time for meals so “not even a grain of rice or scrap of kimchi should remain in the bowls”
My comment – Clearly a very environmentally-friendly and healthy practice to curb wastage and pigging out. Trouble is, how do they determine the portions when one person may be bigger and used to larger portions while another monk may eat like a bird? Or are all portions standardized in the name of communality and fairness of allocation with no regard for individual appetites?
2. Communal dining – chant together to focus on the notion of living in harmony but no chatting; wait for others before and after eating.
My question – are the non-Korean participants given translations so that they know what they are chanting?
3. Meditative – eating in silence as you sit in the lotus position; no slurping etc. Treat the meal as a daily opportunity for “expanding and deepening our awareness” of the energy or gifts of nature that we take into ourselves for instance. At the very least, while eating, we should consider the effort of the farmers, the financial contributions of those who sponsored the meal and the skills of those in the kitchens.
A reminder to myself – It’s not about counting calories but one’s blessings!
Guess these people have every reason to look self-congratulatory. I would, too, if I had also walked up the entire staircase to reach the top of the 249 meter or 817- feet high 63 Building ( 63 빌딩 or 육삼 빌딩). In addition to the great views of Yeouido island and the Han River in Seoul, they also could claim the privilege of being in an exclusive group of sportspersons who have taken part in a vertical marathon.
Interestingly another vertical marathon is also organised for Singaporeans who can also run up the full 63 floors of the One Raffles Place Building. Congratulations to all those who made it to the top - ajumma salutes you!
Caption from Chosun Ilbo: Participants in a stair walk pose after reaching the 63rd floor
of the 63 Building in Yeouido, Seoul on Sunday. /Newsis
There's no doubt that Datuk Michelle Yeoh is the main character in the new John Woo movie, Reign of Assassins. At least, that's the way the posters in Malaysian cinemas are telling the story for Malaysian audiences.
But if one attended a screening of the same movie in a cinema in South Korea, one might be forgiven for assuming that Jeong Woo-sung is the protagonist instead. Michelle Yeoh simply looks like one of two female sidekicks in this Korean poster. ( The one on the left is Barbie Hsu from Taiwan).
Anyway, those in movie marketing figure they gotta do whatever it takes to sell tickets, right? Let's just hope the screen chemistry between the two leads ( sorry, that doesn't include you, Miss Hsu) is convincing despite the age gap. Am looking forward to seeing Ms Yeoh kick ass again even though it may be Mr Jeong's. Since her great performance opposite Chow Yun-Fatt in Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, haven't really seen her in any meaty role.
Devotees of Personal Taste who were hoping to make a pilgrimage to the non-existant Sanggojae may opt instead to stay at Rakkojae which is also in the Bukchon Hanok Village. Those who fell more in love with the house than with Lee Min-ho may find consolation in the fact that a lot of effort has been put into achieving a harmonious balance between tradition and modern comforts in the former home of aristocrats (yangban) which has been turned into a guesthouse since 2003.
The name “Rakkojae” means “the place where one can enjoy the traditions of times past and rest one's soul” and judging from the photos of this 130 year-old house, it certainly looks like an inviting oasis of peace amid the concrete sprawl of Seoul. Its founder, Ahn Young-hwan, a former computer programmer, shared his philosophy on the website of his guesthouse: “Korea cannot be seen. It must be felt…. Korea’s recent past shows a struggle against poverty and devastation, and the dawn of growth-oriented development. But, in the process, a great deal of cultural properties were destroyed within the four gates. The time has come to restore our heritage, to enjoy life. I hope cultural spaces will be developed by other like-minded individuals in the future, because Rakkojae is only the beginning.”
Ahn enlisted the help of hanok architext, Jeong-Yeong-jin to convert the nobleman’s house into a luxurious guesthouse which could play host to not more than twelve guests at a time. It employs the traditional ondol system but at same time, you have modern plumbing in private bsthrooms, even a Japanese-style bath to soak fully in, and Net access.
Here then is my fantasy program of my stay in Rakkojae ( an ajumma can indulge in some day-dreaming, can’t she?)
I’d pack a light bag and take the subway line No 3 to Anguk Station. Walking instead of taking the cab helps to build up the anticipation. After coming out from Exit No 2, I’d walk for about 300 m until I reach Gahae-dong Office. Then as I turn into the sideline opposite the office, I’d mentally prepare myself to enter a more genteel and slow-paced world. Sounds as if I’m preparing for templestay except I don’t have to get up at 4 am and worry if I can handle 108 prostrations!
As I head up the alley towards Rakkojae, I’d pause to admire the frontage of its neighbours though the high walls may convey an air of inaccessibility. When I reach the pinewood entrance of Rakkojae, I’d take a picture of the wooden tablet bearing its name in Chinese characters to check out the pronunciation in Mandarin later.
The beauty of the Daecheong, the open-floor courtyard warrants a mini-photo taking session before I head towards my sleeping quarters and remove my shoes on the didimdol ( stepping stone). Looking into the immaculate and empty floor, I wonder if I’m expected to lay out the bed mattress myself as there is no Western-style bed here.
But then other questions follow rapidly – What should I do first? Shall I take advantage of Rakkojae’s proximity to two important palaces and do some sightseeing at Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung? Indulge in the complimentary wood-fire sauna made from natural mud? Or sign up for a tea ceremony session, a cooking lesson on how to make kimchi or try my hand at calligraphy? Or do I simply explore the grounds and buildings after unpacking?
Whatever my choice is, I find myself sitting down in the evening to a feast. For starters, abalone porridge is served and this is followed by sashimi ( to cater to the many Japanese guests curious about the Korean version of their ryokan), Korean-style roast beef, japchae, bulgogi amongst other dishes. While we finish our meal with a light dessert and sip cups of soju or rice wine, we’re treated to a musical performance by a pansori singer.
That night, I exchange travel notes with other guests as we admire the stars and moon from our vantage point in the open courtyard. My sleep is deep and relaxing on the comforting warmth of bed linen nicely toasted by the ondol-heated floor and I dream of Lee Min-ho or better still, the owner of Rakkojae offering me free board and lodging for the rest of my life. ….
Seriously though, Rakkojae is not simply a place to play out your Personal Taste fantasies but a microcosm of the elegance and refinement of old Korea where you might find yourself falling in love with an aesthetic and a way of life instead of just a Hallyu star.
Sorry to both the Koreans and Indonesians but I couldn't resist playing around with the names in the title for this posting. Just like the cross between the lion and tiger to get... was it the liger?... , two fashion designers were given the challenge of coming up with hybrid designs which would incorporate elements of the hanbok and batik.
Shin Sook-young, a designer associated with Sookhyun Hanbok said in an interview, ''I was asked to design six different pieces of the Korean traditional costume Hanbok with fabric used for making Indonesia's Batik.''
One wonders if that was really all she had to say or if she was being diplomatic and refrained from making any subjective comments.
I'd also like to know what the Indonesian designer, Oscar Lawalata, felt about seeing his beloved batiks used as part of the skirt or chima in the hanbok. This young man, who has taken part in many fashion shows around the region, is keen to promote Indonesian textiles but was he happy seeing them used for hanboks? How did the Koreans feel about their national dress made of batik appearing on the runway?
Hanbok with batik skirts worn by models on the right side
Some lucky Indonesians in Jakarta enjoyed the privilege of deciding such questions for themselves when they saw first-hand the results of that collaboration in a Hanbok-Batik fashion show. The opening event for the South Korea-Indonesia Week celebrations was hosted by the Council of Nation Branding at the Ritz-Carlton ballroom on Monday 11th October.
One of Oscar Lawalata's creations has some Chinese influence as well
In addition to tranditional Hanbok and Lawalata's own designs, hanbok made from batik, and costumes from Korean TV dramas like Daejanggeum were also featured on the runway. Have tried to look for reviews of the show but have not found anything as yet. Personally, I'm not comfortable with the results - the earthiness of batik doesn't quite suit the hanbok which has to convey a sense of lightness and ethereal delicacy given its already puffed-up outlines. But then again, I shouldn't comment on the basis of two pictures. If anyone out there did take pics of the show please post them somewhere on the Net and send me the links so that I can get a closer look and make a more informed decision.
Check out Oscar Lawalata's website. I'd do the same for Ms Shin except that I couldn't find on her on the Net, believe it or not!
For another posting on another Korean designer, click here.
Started out posting photos of what I thought were the quintessential images of winter in Korea. It soon developed into a mini-series of sorts on this blog with two other postings on spring and summer. To complete this set, here are some pictures of my favourite autumnal colours in Korea in no particular order.
1. The cosmos is one of the earliest heralds of autumn altlhough it actually starts to bloom in late summer. This wild flower comes in various colours and it also provides inspiration for poets like Ko-Un. Thanks to Bro. Anthony for this translation.
Autumn from Young People's Songs for the Four Seasons
Descending from a train, at every rural station
banks of cosmos were blossoming amidst the coughing
and from the heavens your eyelids were drooping.
As night grew deeper, the stars gave birth.
On an empty table heaped with your death
I happened to receive a brief letter.
A letter is always a death, and a life.
Insects in autumn meadows die splendidly only if leaves are
blown from the trees, not simply falling,
and likewise falls the leaf of your fingerprint voice
Click here for where you can admire cosmos a.k.a. 코스모스 or koseumoseu in Korea.
2. The cluster amaryllis or kkotmureut blooms around Chuseok in September. A powder extracted from the dried bulbs of thee crimsom flowers has been used to preserve Buddhist paintings so you can expect to see these on temple grounds such as Seonamsa.
3. The ghostly beauty of the graceful silver grass will be celebrated throughout October in the Mindungsan Mountain Silvergrass Festival in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do.
4. The size of this photo doesn't do justice to the striking view of persimmons hanging like tiny orange lanterns on bare boughs. The appearance of birds must have been an added bonus for the photographer, Robert.
5. Once read that little compares to the ethereal beauty of a field of buckwheat flowers in the evening light. Apparently its scent is also another autumnal pleasure to savour. The 12th Hyoseok Cultural Festival was held recently in Bongpyeong, the birthplace of author, Lee Hyoseok who gained fame for his short story, "When the Buckwheat Flowers Bloom". I've read one version of it and don't really understand why it resonates so strongly with Koreans. Perhaps one has to be Korean to appreciate fully the story but fortunately one doesn't need to be of any particular nationality to enjoy these flowers.
6. A pity that I could never place white chrysanthemums to decorate the home as my culture has the same practice as the Koreans in using them for funeral wreaths. According to one source, Koreans began to use them for mourning rites at the end of Joseon Kingdom in the late 19th century. While I love the austere purity of the white blooms, the flowers traditionally stood for ``nobility'' and ``solemnity'' and the white variety is in keeping with the Korean tradition of wearing mourning clothes made of white hemp. Still, Koreans are free to celebrate with chrysanthemums in other colours in festivals such as the Masan Chrysanthemum Festival.
7. Don't bother asking me which is my favourite autumn tree as I would always be torn between the gingko tree ( eunhaeng namu ) and the maple tree. I've heard of people cursing the stink emanating from gingko nuts when they are accidentally stepped on but I just love the lovely gold and fan-shape of the gingko leaves. For some fancilful stories about this tree which proved hardy enough to survive the Hiroshima blasts, click here.
8. There's good reason why KNTO promotes Maple Korea but I've said it before and I'll say it again here. I worry how about global warming is playing havoc with the carotenoids and anthocyanins ( part of the chemistry and metabolic system of the trees that explain the change of colour). Just hope my feat that autumn is getting shorter and shorter in Korea is unfounded.
9. The mellow browns of metasequoias such as those flanking a road in Damyang or a lane in Nami-seon have a regal air about them. Click here for an earlier posting on these impressive trees which look even more awesome in autumn.
10. Was wondering how to conclude this list - should I focus on the jujube or red date plant or ginseng? But I stumbled upon a website with these pretty yellow-white flowers of the green tea bushes which apparently bloom between September and November. Had never seen these before but I like drinking green tea more than ginseng so the debate ended there.
Working on yesterday's post has put me in the mood for more music from Whale ( with and without W i.e. the trio of band members who actually call themselves Where The Story Ends). Whale's real name is Park Eun-kyung but it can be confusing because there's another person, a sexy racing queen with the same name. Our Park Eun-kyung, who is as cute as a button, perhaps to avoid confusion, has taken on the stagename "Whale". The reason for that choice eludes me. Funny as well that she has Dolphin as her nickname.
Well, what's in a name? The important thing is this girl CAN SING! She can play the guitar as well as compose lovely ballads such as this one here. BTW, it's not a paen to the largest of sea mammals; instead it seems to be autobiographical. In the second video clip, it really sounds like she's sharing her life story in a performance just for you at home. Love the simplicity, the sense of intimacy and the laid-back quality. Enjoy. ( But if you want something more uptempo, click here for RPG Shine.)
WHALE SONG
어린 날, 포근한 엄마의 멜로디 Eo-rin nal, po-geun-han eo-ma-eui mel-lo-di
언제나 품속에 담아두고 싶어.Eon-je-na pum-sok-e dam-a-du-go ship-eo.
까맣게 깊은 밤, 하얗게 피어있는 Gga-mah-ge gip-eun bam, ha-yah-ge pi-eo-itt-neun
별에게 얘기했지 수없이 많은 바램. Byeol-e-ge ye-gi-haett-ji su-eobs-i manh-eun ba-raem
in the young days, mum’s soft melody
always wanted to lay at her chest
deep black night, blooming white,
the stars, told them, my countless wishes
언제나 꿈꾸는 길에 서있는 내가 좋아.Eon-je-na ggum-ggu-neun gil-e seo-itt-neun nae-ga joh-a.
바보 같아 보여도 웃는 모습 참 좋아.Ba-bo gat-a bo-yeo-do ut-neun mo-seub cham joh-a
상처받고 여린 마음이지만 용서하고 사랑만 하고 싶어.Sang-cheo-bad-go yeo-rin ma-eum-i-ji-man yong-seo-ha-go sa-rang-man ha-go ship-eo
I like to always dream, staying on the street
even when I look like an idiot, I like the laughing me
my heart is weak and gets hurt, but I just want to forgive and love
Radiohead의 음악을 느끼며 Radiohead eui eum-ag-eul neu-ggi-myeo
이슬이 스며든 런던을 꿈꾸지.I-seul-i seu-myeo-deun leon-deon-eul ggum-ggu-ji.
기타를 튕기는 내 손이 너무 좋아.Gi-ta-reul twing-gi-neun nae son-i neo-mu joh-a.
굳은 살 투성이지, 나는 Rock and Roll Star. Gud-eun sal tu-seong-i-ji, na neun Rock and Roll Star
feeling the music of Radiohead
dreaming of London with sinking dewdrops
I like my hand a lot that rebounds from the guitar
it’s full of hardened skin, I am a Rock& Roll Star
언제나 꿈꾸는 길에 서있는 내가 좋아.Eon-je-na ggum-ggu-neun gil-e seo-itt-neun nae-ga joh-a.
바보 같아 보여도 웃는 모습 참 좋아.Ba-bo gat-a bo-yeo-do ut-neun mo-seub cham joh-a
상처받고 여린 마음이지만 용서하고 사랑만 하고 싶어.Sang-cheo-bad-go yeo-rin ma-eum-i-ji-man yong-seo-ha-go sa-rang-man ha-go ship-eo
I like to always dream, staying on the street
even when I look like an idiot, I like the laughing me
my heart is weak and gets hurt, but I just want to forgive and love
어쩌면 다시 흘러간 시간 속에서 힘이 드는지도 Eo-jjeo-myeon da-shi heul-reo-gan shi-gan sok-e-seo him-i deul-neun-ji-do
이제는 내게 감미로운 멜로디 그 속에 힘을 싣고I-je-neun nae-ge gam-mi-ro-un mel-lo-di geu sok-e him-eul sid-go
maybe in the time that flew away again, I am putting my strength
now, for me a sweet melody, getting strength in it
언제나 꿈꾸는 길에 서있는 내가 좋아.Eon-je-na ggum-ggu-neun gil-e seo-itt-neun nae-ga joh-a.
바보 같아 보여도 웃는 모습 참 좋아.Ba-bo gat-a bo-yeo-do ut-neun mo-seub cham joh-a
상처받고 여린 마음이지만 용서하고 사랑만 하고 싶어.Sang-cheo-bad-go yeo-rin ma-eum-i-ji-man yong-seo-ha-go sa-rang-man ha-go ship-eo
I like to always dream, staying on the street
even when I look like an idiot, I like the laughing me
my heart is weak and gets hurt, but I just want to forgive and love
translated by wassereis.livejournal.com + lyrical movement Hangeul lyrics: cyworld
Those in South Korea have a few days left to catch the Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival. It started on Friday, the first of October and will end on Tuesday, October 12th. Head for NamgangRiver in Chilam-dong, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-doProvince to enjoy sights such as these.
Unlike the Loy Krathong Festival when tiny decorated rafts are released onto the river as a kind of prayer to the Goddess of Water, the Jinju Lantern Festival has its roots in turbulent times when the Japanese invaded Korea in 1592. The invasion known as Imjinwaeran tested the resilience and creativity of the besieged Koreans in the fortress who managed to outwit the Japs by communicating with support through lighted floats sent along the river.
Last year many festivals were cancelled on account of the H1N1 flu but thankfully this isn't the case this year.
So if you're not headed down to Busan this weekend for the international film festival ( more on this in next posting), head down south to Jinju to practise your night photography skills, or try your hand at making your own lanterns or just soak in the ambience.
