What I've Been Missing This Summer

Here's a selection of photo stories from the JoongAng Daily from the past two months. This posting is  a reminder to myself of what I've missed while I was unable to blog this summer.

Ajumma's version of Nanta

1.Women from Wanju, North Jeolla, present a performance based on the old practice of ironing out wrinkled clothes by pounding with wooden clubs. The performance was held at the 2011 Seongbuk District’s Day of Social Enterprises at the Seongbuk District. [JoongAng Ilbo]

Magical Mystery Tour by Moonlight

2. Greeters welcome visitors to the Moonlight Tour at Changdeok Palace, hosted by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation. The event included an evening tour of the palace and performances of traditional Korean music and dance. The tour will resume in September. [NEWSIS]

Were the gods listening when Gangnam was flooded?

3.The National Folk Museum holds a traditional ritual to pray for clear skies, peace and the well-being of the nation. During the folk ceremony, called Gicheongje, museum-goers participated in prayers to the ancient mountain and river gods in the east, west, south and north to stop the deluge by offering drinks and food. By Kim Sang-seon

Would budget travellers be turned away from these cafeterias?

4. Dozens of Seoul citizens eat lunch yesterday at a police station cafeteria. With high inflation, many have resorted to eating in places like police stations and district offices, which offer inexpensive meals. [YONHAP]

Welcome Home, Uigwe, Even Though The French Say It's Just a Loan

5. Hyojang Seja Chaekrye Dogam Uigwe, above, an illustrated guide to the inauguration of the crown prince, will be displayed at the National Museum of Korea from July 19 to Sept. 18 in a special exhibition commemorating the return of the documents from France. It is one of 297 volumes of the Oegyujanggak Uigwe, which were returned to Korea from France in four difference batches from April to May this year. [YONHAP]

Hurray for the Dulle - How long will it take to walk around Bukhansan?

6. Climbers check a section of the Dulle walkway course that circles the entire circumference of Mount Bukhan, which was opened to the public yesterday after nine months of construction. [YONHAP]

How many different ways can you cook tuna?

7. Chefs yesterday lift a giant bluefin tuna to divide into pieces at a tuna restaurant in Jonggak, central Seoul. The tuna, which weighed 350 kilograms (772 pounds) and measured 270 centimeters (8 feet 10 inches) long, was caught off the shores of Jeju Island. [YONHAP]


 

Did Mr Gere do the 300 bows?

 8. U.S. actor Richard Gere signs a guestbook at Jogye Temple in central Seoul  as monk Sung Jin  watches. Gere, was in Korea for six days to promote his photo exhibition “Pilgrim,” which features photographs of Tibet, and to experience Korean Buddhism. “Pilgrim" runs until July 24. Gere will also visit Tongdo Temple in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang, and Donghwa Temple in Daegu. [AP/YONHAP]

Remind me to look out for a paddy field next time I visit Changdeokgung.

9. Tourists join officials of the Rural Development Administration and the Cultural Heritage Administration to plant rice in a paddy at Changdeok Palace in Seoul. Joseon Dynasty kings used to show their support of agriculture by planting rice themselves. By Kim Sang-seon

Sorry, smokers but my lungs and nostrils are celebrating this bit of news.

10. Seoul Metropolitan Government officials patrol Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul as a new ordinance designating the plaza as a nonsmoking zone took effect. Smokers caught breaking the rule will be fined 100,000 won ($93.06). By Kim Do-hoon

Sources:

1. http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2938374

2. http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2937755

3. http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2939776

4. http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2939775

5. http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2938962

6. http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2938308

7. http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2938186

8. http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2937857

9. http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2936985

10. http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2937041

New Life For Old Pipes

What a nice idea. The neighbours could even cultivate together their own herb garden. Next time you need some fresh basil or rosemary, just pop outside to pluck what you need.

Caption from KBS World: The Korea Land and Housing Corporation on Monday held a ceremony in Seoul to mark the completion of a project on remodeling worn-out living spaces into eco-friendly areas. (Yonhap News)

source:
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_photo.htm?No=16527

Wanna Hang Out...New Hanji At A Korean Palace?

Oh to be in Korea now that spring is here. I'd make a beeline tomorrow  ( 23rd April, 2 pm) for the Tongmyeongjeon Hall  at Changgyeong-gung ( palace)  to volunteer for the  ‘Royal Palace Maintenance Reenactment and Participatory Program’. You may have already missed the demonstration of the cleaning of the Jegi ( wooden bowls used in the Jongmyo ancenstral rites which will be conducted on the first Sunday of May) - this was held on the 16th of April but it's not too late to take part in other palace maintainence traditions.

Be prepared to get your fingers sticky as you help to rip off the year old hanji from palace windows and doors and replace them with fresh sheets of Korean traditional mulberry paper. You may also observe the palace housekeeping staff cleaned the floors the good old-fashioned way without benefit of domestic robots. All you need to pay is the normal admission charge for this privilege sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes palace life.

And if you miss the event tomorrow, the third part of the program will be at the Seongjeonggak Pavilion of Changdeokgung Palace on April 30th (2:00 pm).

Tourists at Changdeokgung can now admire spring  blossoms on palace grounds as well.
Click here for the comprehensive list of activities at the different palaces.

Click here for an earlier posting on the Quintessential Spring Pictures

source:
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1259075
http://www.korea.net/detail.do?guid=46044
http://ajummasjournal.blogspot.com/2009/09/andong-hanji-andong-part-6.html
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/04/15/2011041500362.html

Spring Cleaning For Trees?

Can't decide which is more impressive - the sight of an 872-year-old juniper  near Seocho Station in the southern part of Seoul OR the sight of an employee of the municipal council giving it some serious TLC?

Wish people in my corner of the cosmos had half the regard these people here have for trees. We prefer to chop down branches so that they don't smash our windowscreens during a thunderstorm. We'd even sooner chop down all the trees to convert the land into prime real estate or plantations or golf courses. Instead of admiring a tree-lined avenue, we'd opt for the space to be cleared for extra parking space.

 

What puzzles me is the exact treatment the trees are getting here - pardon my ignorance but why on earth would they need washing?

Korea Times photo by Won You-hon

sources:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/03/115_83791.html
http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/slideshow-photo/these-women-were-cleaning-the-trees-by-travelpod-member-bee7bea-kyongju-south-korea.html?sid=12304232&fid=tp-15
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_photo_detail.htm?No=16237&current_page=

One Person's Winter Wonderland Is Another's Dull And Dreary Work

Head out to Jongmyo Shrine to snap winter at its pristine best before the snow melts.

Then spare a thought for those who have to bear the outdoor chill for hours to clear snow and create a path for walkers like this employee of the Seoul Metropolitan Government working hard at Seoul Plaza.

For more postings on winter:

Quintessential Winter In Korea photos

Winter Wonderland or Winter of Our Discontent

sources:
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_photo_detail.htm?No=15836¤t_page=
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_photo_detail.htm?No=15846¤t_page=

Night Photography Enthusiasts, Hurry Down To Gyeongbokgung!

Those in Seoul who enjoy night photography, you have a narrow window of opportunity to snap National Treasure No 224, that is: Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung in all its moonlit splendour. Actually according to the JoongAng Daily, it's the "first time in its 615-year history" that it will be lit up and it's also a rare opportunity to enjoy a late evening stroll on palace grounds.

The Cultural Heritage of Administration of Korea is extending opening hours for  the palace for a short period to allow the participants and visitors for the G20 Summit to appreciate the elegance of traditional Korean architecture.

In fact, much of Seoul has been lit up as never before to showcase the landmarks of the city. So if you're into taking photos of the urban landscape at night. this is the best time to do so.

Another piece of good news is that the Seoul Lantern Festival down at Cheonggyecheon has also been extended. Check out the traditional lanterns which come from 24 countries. Light up happens daily from 5 pm to 11 pm until November the 21st.


source:
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2928273

Good News And Bad For Seoul Sweepers

First the good news for Seoul sweepers - you can take a break and not bother about raking the leaves on 74 streets in Seoul. According to the Korea Times, the Seoul City council has decreed that you must leave the leaves alone for the viewing pleasure of tourists and avid photographers and the tactile delight of curious children who love to romp among and scatter the piles of autumn leaves.

And now the bad news: you can start sweeping them up again by mid-November. Goodness knows if you'll be knee-deep in gingko or maple leaves by then. Let's also hope there won't be rain for the next two weeks as it's no fun sweeping soggy, rotting leaves.

Check out: One Man's Photo Opportunity is Another's Dreaded Labour

sources:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/11/203_75753.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/11/153_75775.html

Not Much Fun In Seoul With “Level 3” Alert.

It’s not going to be much fun for ordinary tourists planning to visit Seoul in the weeks leading up to the 11th and 12th of November. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of the ROK have already declared the highest state of alert i.e. Level Three, for the country in preparation for the fifth G20 Summit. In fact, a travel alert has been issued by the US State Department for its citizens for this period.

 Heightened security measures are already in place as the capital braces itself to play protective and gracious host to 10,00 participants including 32 heads of state ( including Presidents Obama and Hu Jintao ) or of international organizations ( such as Ban Ki Moon but Bill Gates has declined an invitation to this prominent power party).






So why won’t it be fun?

1. You’d probably be stuck in longer, slower-moving queues as immigration officials scrutinize very carefully your passports and visas before they admit you into the country at the international airports, international sea terminals and even small harbours.

2. Getting out of the country will also be a tedious process as travelers have been warned to arrive three hours before departure for international flights.

3. Expect disruptions to your travel plans as historically, G 20 Summits have been plagued with demonstrators clashing with anti-riot police.

4. If not, you may find yourself stuck in a bus or worse, a taxi ( with the meter ticking) behind a barricade while the VIPs whizz past in their official limousines under heavy police protection.

5. Even if you opt for the subway, you can expect them to be more crowded as Seoulites have been encouraged to leave their cars at home.

6. Forget about getting near the COEX Convention Hall, the venue for the G20 Summit. For that matter, avoid getting within a 2.2 km-radius of the COEX unless you fancy being quizzed by security personnel. Plan your route well so that you don’t get caught between a group of unruly demonstrators and water cannons.

7. As for the tourist attractions, please note that a special 3-day tour, starting on the 9th of November, has been arranged for around 2000 international reporters. Don’t be surprised if Seoul attractions seem more crowded than usual at that time. Seoul will also take the G20 participants on weeknight tours around the city so don’t hold your breath for lighter traffic in the evenings.

So, here's the best time to explore other parts of the country if you're not on the G20 guest list.
Head south for Suncheon, Gyeongju or Andong, for instance. Better still, book your airticket for Incheon after the 12th of this month.

Sources:
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76865&id=Dm
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76819&id=Dm
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76820&id=Dm
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76773&id=Dm
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76759&id=Dm
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76713&id=Dm
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76622&id=Dm
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76546&id=Dm
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76303&id=Dm
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76303&id=Dm
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/11/02/2010110200969.html
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/10/19/2010101900348.html
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/10/28/2010102800984.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_G-20_Seoul_summit
http://hello.news352.lu/edito-69808-skorea-to-set-up-security-fences-at-g20-summit.html

A Chat with CheongGyeCheon

Q: First of all, congratulations on your upcoming 5th anniversary though it’s not exactly your birthdate. Is it easier to say where exactly you came from?

A: I was born somewhere on the southern ridge of Inwangsan and Bugaksan ( or if you prefer, the northern ridge of Namsan.) My behaviour in my early days was erratic – I was placid to the point of being inactive during the spring and autumn seasons but during the rainy summer days, I was a wild child. My floods even destroyed houses and bridges.

Q: You were first known by another name – simply Gacheon meaning “The Stream”. When was that?

A: That was during the Joseon Dynasty. That was my heyday – fourteen tributaries connected with me and eighty-six bridges were built across me. I was really in the centre of things then as the dividing line between the rich and poor. The wealthy aristocrats lived on my northern side while the ordinary folk were found on my southern banks. People gathered on the bridges that straddled me on the first full moon of the year to fly kites and take part in “daribapgi” ( stepping on the bridge)

Q: I thought your main significance then was to collect the sewage and channel it towards the Hangang?

A: Why are you dredging up the more sordid aspects of my past? Truth be told, I hadn’t much choice in the matter. But dredging, literally, became a vital part of my life. That and fortification of my banks to stop me from overflowing at times.

Q: I understand you were given your present name during the Japanese colonial period?

A: Yes, that was a humiliating time. Oh the shameful irony of being named “Cheonggyecheon” meaning “Clean or Clear Stream” while I was suffering under their rule. By this time, I was reduced to a drain, a squalid stream amongst squatters’ squalor. Did you know the Japs wanted to fill me completely and kill me off? Luckily they didn’t have enough yen to do it.

Q: But I suppose the Korean War was a more trying time?

A: It was but it was the post-war period that finished me off with the overpopulation and pollution. I died in 1958 but it wasn’t a natural death, mind you. Death by choking from household trash and human waste, sand and earth from the mountains and then by concrete.

Q: You were entombed in a road overpass in the 1970s…

A: They didn’t call it a tomb. Instead they called it a symbol of the modernization of the country!

Q: But you were like the phoenix reborn when the mayor of Seoul proposed a restoration project in 2003.

A: Ah yes – Lee Myung –bak…people are calling him names like “The Bulldozer” over the Four Rivers Project but I can’t say anything negative about the man who helped to give me a new lease on life, can I?

Q: There were many who opposed him; they said it’d cost too much to bring you back to life…

A: How can you put a price tag on me?

Q: I heard that you even needed a daily injection of 120,000 tons of water from the Hangang because past construction had left you almost fully dry…

A:That’s not true. As I mentioned before, even in my youth, I was erratic- dry during some seasons and then prone to floods in summer. Hey, that water from the Hangang’s my lifeblood if you want to me to be a focal point of the city throughout the year. It ain’t Botox. Besides, now that I’m looking fresh and young again, I’m attracting so many visitors, local and tourists that the businesses will thrive.

Q: You’re also attracting more fishes, birds and insects.

A: See, I’m going to be instrumental in making this city a much better place to live and work in. You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours…

Q: Isn’t that stretching things a bit? After all, you’re just a 5.8 –km stream, a tributary that leads to the Hangang.

A: Size isn’t everything…You ask the Seoulites what I mean to them. Even my detractors have shut up since they’ve seen what I’ve achieved for the people of this city.

Q: Ok –so how would you prefer to be remembered? As a picnic spot for office workers on their lunch break? A rendezvous for couples? A photographer’s haven? A tourist attraction? A hub for cultural activities? An overpriced symbol of urban renewal? A cliché-spouting creek?

A: What cheek. Haven’t your parents taught you to respect your elders? I think this interview is over, don't you?

See previous posting on Cheonggyecheon.

Sources:
http://english.sisul.or.kr/grobal/cheonggye/eng/WebContent/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Korea-Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-2008-01.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-01.jpg
http://lacreekfreak.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/daylighting-in-the-heart-of-seoul-the-cheong-gye-cheon-project/
http://www.koreaherald.com/lifestyle/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20090710000074
http://travel01.seoulselection.com/index.php/articles/exploring-seoul/192-cheonggyecheon-four-years-on
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2010/07/291_68399.html
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/07/remove-highways-to-fix-traffic.php
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_zoom_detail.htm?No=1034
http://e-seoul.org/?tag=seoul-pristine-stream-cheonggyecheon-history
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=846778&page=5

Cheonggyecheon, The Elongated Oasis In Downtown Seoul

I'm not crazy about big cities, hence the very limited references to Seoul in this blog. But Cheonggyecheon, the 5.8-km restored creek which flows from west to east, is one reason to return again and again to Seoul. While I have yet to find some emotional connection to the Hangang, the main river which bisects the capital, I liked this modest-sized stream straightaway - the pedestrian walkways below the level of the traffic, the murals, the variety of bridges, the stepping stones, the fountains, the signs of flora and fauna all along this stream.

It is easy to envy Seoulites who work downtown in Jongno-gu; they can enjoy packed lunches near the cool and animated waters and relax while being inspired by various cultural events that often take  place along the stream. It's also a great place for photographers - whether they're taking daytime or nighttime shots. Hard to imagine that there were people who opposed this urban renewal project on grounds of expense and impact on the neighbouring shops but I think the benefits can't simply be measured in won.

I didn't have enough time to walk the entire length of Cheonggyecheon though that's something on my long list of to-do's when in Korea. Managed to cover only Course 1 ( see below). I suggest you visit it at different times of the day just to soak in its changing faces - early morning before the rush hour, during the lunch hour, and in the evening when the spotlights create a pretty setting for shooting TV dramas such as Lovers in Prague.

Getting There By Subway:

Line 1: City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, Jongno 5-ga Station, Dongdaemun Station, Sinseoldong Station

Line 2: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Euljiro 3-ga Station, Euljiro 4-ga Station, Sindang Station, Sangwangsibni Station

Line 3: Jongno 3-ga Station

Line 4: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station

Line 5: Gwanghwamun Station

Exit towards Cheonggyecheon Stream

Course 1 starts from Cheonggye Plaza and ends at Ogansu Bridge; the walk takes about 3 hours

Course 2 starts from Cheonggye Cultural Center and ends at Ogansu Bridge; this walk takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.

sources:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheonggyecheon

http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264625
http://english.sisul.or.kr/grobal/cheonggye/eng/WebContent/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Korea-Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-2008-01.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-01.jpg

Humanizing the City Landscape?

 It may not be an original idea but the fact that this is an undertaking by the Seoul Metropolitan Government suggests that some civil servants at least aren't being complacent. It's a good way to involve the urban community and instead of passing by empty walls around the construction site for a section of City Hall, pedestrians can now enjoy looking out familiar faces as many Seoulites have contributed photos of themselves by Twitter or the Internet.

Wish more of our city councils could be as creative with our tax money! The unveiling of the finished work of art which take place on Independence Day ( 15th August, 2010).

However, does the marketing gimmick below ie. a model dispensing drinks in place of the usual vending machines count as another instance of creativity or exploitation?

 

sources:

http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_photo_detail.htm?No=15261

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2923694

Fly From Kuala Lumpur to Seoul for ONLY RM 99!

I can hear the Hallyu fans cheering already. The date's been set for Air Asia's  inaugural flight to South Korea. If you want to be among the first to fly out of  Kuala Lumpur to Seoul this November 1st, relive your World Cup sleepless nights TONIGHT. On-line booking for seats on board the Airbus 330 bound for Seoul starts from midnight onwards.

Would you believe it? The promotional fare from KL to Incheon is ONLY RM 99 while it'll only set you back by RM 156 to fly back to KL.

Air Asia explains the discrepancy this way: "Our fare is RM74. LCCT tax ( the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal in Malaysia)  is RM25 = MR99. Incheon Airport is one of the busiest airports with expensive tax @ RM82. Hence it is RM156 from ICN - KUL."

The Korea Herald gives the vital  info in other  currencies:

"To mark the launch of its latest route, the Malaysian company introduced a promotional round-trip fare of 120,000 won (US$102.30) including all taxes and fees, for the travel period from November 1 to August 11, 2011, for those who book tickets on its website between August 4 and August 8. After the promotional period, travelers will be able to purchase tickets for 25 to 30 per cent lower than traditional airlines charge, depending on their purchase date, for the daily operation."


Other relevant details as follows:
Booking Period: 4 - 8 August 2010 (starting 0000hrs, GMT+8:00hrs)
Travel from: 1 November 2010 and onwards
Flight Schedule:
KUL - ICN (Daily flight) Depart: 13:55hrs Arrive: 21:15hrs
ICN - KUL (Daily flight) Depart: 23:20hrs  Arrival: 05:05hrs (+1 Day)
Reservations can be made via www.airasia.com or mobile.airasia.com.

As part of its promotional campaign, Air Asia X held a competition through Facebook, the "Korean Secret Box Challenge" and lucky winners were those who could guess from given clues what the six items were in the box AND who could write appealing reasons for going to Korea.

Just for fun ( because the contest is over), can you guess what the items are?

1st Hint  "This item is often regarded as a Miracle, Magical, Magnificent and Amazing. It seems to be able to do wonders for women. Many love it and more are tempted to try it."

2nd Hint Baechu, ggakdugi, perilla, Kkaennip, oisobag

3rd Hint It causes insomnia. It is one of the most important agricultural export of South Korea. There are many types but the “Red” one is regarded as the best.
 
4th Hint  13ELF
 
5th Hint Time slips through our fingers like sand,but the flow remains uninterrupted as this item has stood against the test of time in Korea's music culture.
 
6th Hint Watch this carefully. An item will appear 8 times on the same person. Hint: “Meet again…” You need to go to Air Asia's Facebook page to view the video clip for this one.



Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X, AirAsia’s long-haul affiliate gets in the mood with a hanbok as he announces the good news on youTube.


See my earlier posting on why I'd prefer Air Asia to fly to Yangyang Airport.

sources:
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2924083

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6769720&id=18801397386&comments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDKBjQo83uU
http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=13433&sec=2
http://ajummasjournal.blogspot.com/2010/04/airasia-x-gets-green-light-for-seoul.html