The Many-Splendoured Delights of Maehwa and Maesil

The plum blossom is not only pretty to look at but also pretty good for the body in more ways than one.

Koreans use the flowers ( maehwa)  to make apricot flower tea while the dried fruits ( maesil) are used to make Japanese apricot tea. The fruits have high levels of citric acid which help to boost your energy levels.

The Chinese and Koreans have been tapping on the medicinal properties of the maesil for more than 3,000 years. They've found that it's useful for dealing with stomach ailments and digestive problems. It's also been claimed that it can fight sterility, cancer, epilepsy and haliotosis.

Maesil is reputed to have four times the amount of calcium which can be found in an apple. Its iron content is also much higher, besides being rich in magnesium and zinc.  

Maesil-cha is a popular drink especially during summer while Maesil juice is sold as a health tonic.   You can buy the concentrated syrup from supermarkets - just mix a few spoonfuls into water to enjoy a glass of Maesil juice at your own convenience. 

If that's too tame for you, there's also Maesil ju (매실주). Some of the more well-known  names for the plum wine are  Mae Hwa Su, Mae Chui Soon, and Seol Joong Mae.  The whole fruits are also included in the liquor  bottles.  

 Apparently there's also chopped maesil mixed with gochujang (hot pepper sauce). Couldn't find a picture or Korean name for that dish but found on the KNTO website a picture of tteok shaped like maehwa.

sources:
http://discoverkorea.co.kr/bbs/zboard.php?id=gallery&page=2&category=&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&keyword=&prev_no=&sn1=&divpage=1
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/03/115_20399.html
http://www.invil.org/english/speciality/fruit/others/contents.jsp?con_no=841962&page_no=1
http://www.foodinkorea.org/eng_food/korfood/korfood9_2.jsp
http://www.momoy.com/2007/03/15/japanese-apricot-flower-festival/
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=969529
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/images/wallpaper/0811/paper0811_01_1024.jpg
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/culturenlife/culturenlife_tour_detail.htm?No=1351
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=292955
http://www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20090223002
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/include/print.asp?newsIdx=41577
http://www.joonsfamily.com/lofiversion/index.php/t20373.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtFvdNZ1jwg
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/10/203_20685.html
http://www.goldeneagletrading.com/korea/korea.html
http://english.bohae.co.kr/main.php?act=MATCHSOON&PG=A07
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/10/123_26078.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prun_mume

Maehwa With Many A.K.A.s

What’s in a name? A lot of confusion when it comes to maehwa or maesil (hangul: 매실; hanja: 梅實) from the Rosaceae family.

Also known as prunus mume, Chinese plum, Japanese apricot, Japanese plum,  and winter plum, it comes in a variety of colours as well, from pure white to red though the white ones seem more common in South Korea.

Flowers from this tree emerge in late winter ( end of January – early March) so they are regarded both as winter blossoms and harbingers of spring. 

Traditionally, the maesil / maehwa is one of the “Three Friends in the Cold Season, “Sehansamu”; the other two are the pine tree and bamboo and it also appears as one of the “Four Noble Men” or “Sagunja”, alongside the orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo.

Plum Blossom Fan, Ink on paper fan, Late 19th century, Joseon Dynasty by Chong Tae-gyu (active ca. 1870), Korean Founders Society Purchase, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence P. Fisher.

Its delicate beauty which belies its hardy character is probably why it’s a popular subject in Korean art and literature.

 

Mother-of-pearl plum blossoms appear on the cover of a Gu-jeol-pan tray.

Just saw this photo featured in the JoongAng Daily - a timely reminder again of how the maehwa is a symbol of fortitude and endurance. Next posting: Food and drinks from the maehwa/ maesil.

Sources:

http://discoverkorea.co.kr/bbs/zboard.php?id=gallery&page=2&category=&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&keyword=&prev_no=&sn1=&divpage=1
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/03/115_20399.html
http://www.invil.org/english/speciality/fruit/others/contents.jsp?con_no=841962&page_no=1
http://www.foodinkorea.org/eng_food/korfood/korfood9_2.jsp
http://www.momoy.com/2007/03/15/japanese-apricot-flower-festival/
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=969529
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/images/wallpaper/0811/paper0811_01_1024.jpg
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/culturenlife/culturenlife_tour_detail.htm?No=1351
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=292955
http://www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20090223002
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/include/print.asp?newsIdx=41577
http://www.joonsfamily.com/lofiversion/index.php/t20373.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtFvdNZ1jwg
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/10/203_20685.html
http://www.goldeneagletrading.com/korea/korea.html
http://english.bohae.co.kr/main.php?act=MATCHSOON&PG=A07
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/10/123_26078.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_mume

http://www.korean-arts.com/paintings/plum_blossoms/plum_blossoms_3.htm
http://www.korean-arts.com/bowls_plates/Trays%20and%20Coasters/plum_blossoms_gu-jeol-pan.htm

In the Mood for Maehwa

Thinking of spring flowers reminds me of Iljimae - the TV drama series that features Lee Jun-ki in a Robin Hood type role and Park Hyo Shin's lovely ballad. I thought the main character used the branch of apricot blossom or Japanese apricot ( maehwa) as his signature simply because it reminded him of the apricot blossoms in his childhood home.

But I've just learnt that the mae-hwa is one of the few trees that can withstand the freezing temperatures in winter and so has become a symbol of fortitude and endurance. The elegant profile of the blossoms on the branches is also associated with the virtues of the nobility.

More on maehwa in the next posting but in the meantime, enjoy the theme song from this popular drama. Thanks to lolgalygal for putting it up on youtube.


source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtFvdNZ1jwg

The Yin and Yang of Snow

Weather forecasters in Korea have issued warnings about another heavy snowfall that's already affected Gangwon-do and will soon affect other parts like Seoul. The photos here from Yonhap News, remind me again about how life can be so breath-takingly beautiful and so back-breakingly bitchy at the same time.

Winter wonderland brings out the alliteration in me

Someone forgot to list shovelling snow off cars in this salesman's job description

Gyeokpo in Byeonsanbando

Spent the second last night of my 2007 trip to Korea in a small seaside town called Gyeokpo. It was easy enough to board the bus from Naeso-sa on the southern side of  Byeonsanbando on the west coast of Korea and only slightly more challenging to find a yeogwan that suited my taste  ( sea view, of course!) and budget ( under 30,000 won).

photo credit: Kim Byung-joon

The weather was good for a leisurely stroll around the small port-town which has a small supermarket, a small amusement park which has been better days, and many small seafood restaurants. It was more interesting walking down to the small lighthouse and back again, passing a long line of pojang-macha lookalikes except these were plying all kinds of fresh seafood.

photo credit: Kim Byung-joon

Actually I'd come here out of curiosity about Chaeseokgang, the cliff with slabs of rock that resembled a pile of books. Have to admit my curiosity was satisfied too quickly within five minutes. But I did spend more time in the seafood stalls,  poring over the variety of sea creatures available for one's gustatory pleasure or adventure. Click here for a video on autumn in Buan ( production of KBS World Radio); the video has some footage of Chaeseokgang amongst other things.

Getting to Gyeokpo: You can take an express bus to Buan from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal ( bus service available 15 times a day; approximately 3 & 1/2 hours). There're also the same number of buses from Jeonju Bus Terminal. From Buan Bus Terminal, you can board regular or deluxe buses to reach Gyeokpo.

Grave of Yi Hyang-geum a.k.a Mae-chang

Footnote: Came across a poet who's a local of Buan, the main town that connects Byeonsanbando with Seoul. Yi Hyang-geum or Maechang ( 1573- 1610) was a well-known ginyeo. That's a highly-educated female entertainer from the lower classes who performed for the nobility. Here's one of her poems:

All the world loves to fish yet I choose the harp,

Only today do I realise the hardships of life

Three times ashamed for missing my chance with two feet severed

In Hyeongsan I weep with jade rock in my arms.

The missing feet suggest the traditional punishment for a criminal while the story of the jade rock refers to a real person who, unfortunately, received such a sentence when the king refused to believe his claim that he was carrying a piece of jade. What I find interesting is the ambiguous tone of the poem - does the poet regret her choices in life or is she patting herself on the back for her noble values?

sources:

http://www.waymarking.com/gallery/image.aspx?f=1&guid=58f3e460-0f18-4db2-8ae9-8c3926e19cb8&lat=35.726683&lon=126.736733&t=4&id=Bus%20Station%20Car%20Wash%20%20-%20%20Buan,%20Korea

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_Maechang
http://www.seoulselection.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1549&category_id=66&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53
http://books.google.com.my/books?id=K17mLqrKA40C&dq=Yi+Maechang&source=gbs_navlinks_s
http://www.ocp.go.kr:9000/ne_pro_search/content_view.cgi?AC=00007128&mode=1&v_db=2&v_disp_type=4
http://www.ocp.go.kr:9000/ne_dasencgi/full.cgi?v_kw_str=&v_db_query=A4%3A35&v_db=2&v_doc_no=00007128&v_dblist=2&v_start_num=451&v_disp_type=4saeng
http://www.ocp.go.kr:9000/ne_dasencgi/full.cgi?v_kw_str=&v_db_query=A4%3A35&v_db=2&v_doc_no=00007128&v_dblist=2&v_start_num=451&v_disp_type=4
http://wiki.galbijim.com/Ki

The Poetic World of Classic Korean Women Writers by Lee Hai-soon ( Ewha Womens University Press, 2005)

Not Much To Do In Buan Cine Theme Park

While the Buan Cine Theme Park is intended primarily as a movie studio for historic dramas and isn't meant as an amusement park like Universal Studios, it has also opened its doors to tourists, assuming there are many who'd want to check out the shooting locations for movies like "The King and The Clown" and "Hwangjinyi" ( not to be confused with the TV drama series starring Ha Ji-won).

I was one of the suckers who thought that the place was worth a look-see. The only good thing I dare say was that I burnt a few calories walking from Gyeokpo to find the Buan Cine Theme Park. It was a fine spring day and I thought I'd save bus or cab fare. I should've saved my time and visited the Monkey School instead ( no, not that either as I dislike seeing most animals perform silly tricks).

Reason I was disappointed? There wasn't anything going on. Just the reproductions of a Joseon dynasty palace, yangban's mansions, craftsmen's shops and farmers' quarters etc. standing there in the mid-day heat. I guess I was naively hoping against hope that I could see a movie or drama in the process of being shot. No such luck. A ghost-town would have more personality compared to the BCTP.   Ok to be fair to the place, perhaps I didn't go under the best of circumstances. Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of your visit there if you insist on going there.

1. Go in a group. This isn't the place for solo travellers. It only accentuates the empty solitude with only the video of "The King and the Clown" playing continuously for company. Better still, go with friends who've seen the movie umpteenth times and reenact your fav scenes from the movie.

2. Rent a costume ( take your pick of king, clown, eunuch or palace maidservant) and digicam yourself or each other in different sort of ridiculous poses all over the open-air studio.

3. Invite other tourists to watch your impromptu street performance and ask them to rate your acting or mime skills. ( Mask not obligatory but useful to mask your blushes if you're only capable of ham acting!)

4. You probably wouldn't be allowed on the high wire but you could draw an imaginary line in the sand and test your ability to tippy-toe across while pretending to be an old-time acrobat.

5. Try your hand at archery, horse-riding or simply strutting your stuff around the fake village while keeping your fingers crossed for any KBS talent-spotter who might just happen to be around. Who knows, this might just  get you your big break in Hallyuwood OR, better still, rent the DVD and stay indoors to salivate over the performances of Gam Woo Seong, Lee Jun Ki and Jeong Jin Yeong for the sixteenth time.

About other shooting locations:

MBC TV drama series, Queen Seondoek

sources:

http://www.korea.net/News/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20071214022&part=108&SearchDay=

http://www.koreanwiz.org/at/tripC58.html
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=647808
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_and_the_Clown
http://www.asiatorrents.com/details.php?id=23d4dbc711feee785a1f15fb5f398d45d8bd5698
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=260486
http://www.korea.net/kois/magazine/pictorialKoreaView.asp?Html_no=386
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/OO/OO_EN_13_1_2.jsp?cid=347386
http://www.knto.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264521&nearBy=accom&
http://www.wang-ui-namja.com/behind_philosophy.htm
http://english.tour2korea.com/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309586

Tricoloured Manduguk Evokes Spring Colours

This pretty dish caught my eye recently. It's another example of how creativity can turn an ordinary Korean household into something that delights the eye as well as the palate. Mandu is usually beige but the lucky 800 guests who attended "Korean Night" on Jan. 28, 2010 during the Davos World Economic Forum got a chance to sample tricoloured manduguk ( Samsaek manduguk or three-color dumpling soup).

The dumplings were stuffed with kimchi, tofu and meat and  served as one of the appetizers prepared by the Korean chefs led by Park Hyo-nam, executive chef from the Millennium Seoul Hilton. I'm guessing the chefs used the juice from tomatoes and spinach to transform the pale mandu skins into a beautiful bouquet that evoked the cherry blossoms and pale green shoots of spring.

Wished the JoongAng Daily had featured more of Chef Park's creations. Would've been interesting to see what else he had done to make the Korean dishes aesthetically and appealing, taste-wise to non-Koreans.

source:

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2917337

Which Flower ALMOST Became The National Flower of Korea?

Turns out the azalea, another spring flower, lost out to the Rose of Sharon when it came to deciding which flower should have pride of place as the national symbol. Never mind. It has at least claim to be part of the national psyche as one of Korea's most famous and beloved poems, Azaleas, by the poet, Kim So-wol (1902-1934),  For a fascinating article by Brother Anthony  or An Sonjae  on how the poem can be translated and interpreted in different ways, click here.

Meanwhile, here are two versions. The first is by Kim Jai-hiun.

If you go away,

sick of the sight of me,

I'll let you go without a word.
But I'll also gather by the armful
the azaleas flaming in Yaksan, Yongbyon
and scatter them in your path.
Tread gently
and lightly
as you pass.
If you go away,
sick of the sight of me,
I will weep no tears, though I die without you.
 

And here's the second by David McGunn:

When you turn away from seeing me
and go,
gently, without a word, I shall send you away.
From Mount Yak in Yôngbyôn,
Azaleas
I shall gather an armful and scatter them on your way.
Step after step away
on those flowers placed
before you, press deep, step lightly, and go.
When you turn away from seeing me
and go,
though I die, no, not a single tear shall fall.

Click here to hear the lyric set to music.

Probably the best way to enjoy these flowers is to head for the hills but if your ankles don't permit, then stick to the city parks as this plant can be seen in many parts of the country.

Or check out some of the springtime festivals in Korea which are dedicated to this flower.

 

Foreigners who are taught how to make Jindallae hwajeon (진달래 화전) a.k.a. azalea pancakes, should also be taught how to distinguish the edible common azalea ( Chamggot or true flower) from the poisonous royal azaleas which are named Gaeggot or dog flower.

These pretty Korean pancakes are made from kneaded glutinous rice flour and sugar, decorated with Rhododendron mucronulatum and pan-fried. No idea of they taste as good as they look. Hwajeon is usually served on Samjinal, the third day of the third lunar month. There's also a  traditional alcoholic beverage using azalea blossoms, called Tugyonju. Has anyone out there tried the stuff?

  

Sources:

http://www.korea.net/News/issues/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20070429005&part=106&SearchDay=
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azalea
http://www.foreston.go.kr/english/info/43jeam.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2010/02/169_12227.html
http://www.korea.net/kois/eng_vns_read.asp?movie_no=246
http://www.rhodyman.net/rarhodytox.html
http://english.seoul.go.kr/gtk/news/reports_view.php?idx=1104&cPage=41
http://english.tour2korea.com/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=530701
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Azalea
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/culturenlife/culturenlife_tour_detail.htm?No=1311
http://www.koreana.or.kr/months/news_view.asp?b_idx=533&lang=en&page_type=list
http://www.mcst.go.kr/english/issue/issueView.jsp?pSeq=1082
http://fulltilt.ncu.edu.tw/Content.asp?I_No=44&Period=4
http://www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20080408023&part=109&SearchDay=
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/AK/AK_EN_1_6_6_1.jsp?sel=1&num=10&no=9
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Korean_pancake-Jindallae_hwajeon-02.jpg

BMK's When Flowers Bloom

Her voice's been described as having "viscosity and tension like a balloon just before blowing up". Not quite sure if that sounds complimentary and somehow "viscosity and tension" sounds like an oxymoron. No matter, Kim Hyun-jeong, a.k.a. Big Mama King ( not to be confused with the great vocal group, Big Mama) has been one of my favourite Kpop artistes but sadly she has not appeared on the music charts of late. My last two postings on spring reminded me of this song of hers which appeared back in 2005, "When Flowers Bloom".




BMK became known as one of the best jazz female vocalists in the country after she graduated from the Seoul Jazz Academy. There's an interesting anedote about how she once sneaked out of hospital with a plaster cast for the audition to enter the academy. These days, passion and talent may not be enough for musicians in Korea. From the way the girlie groups seem to be dominating the pop charts with their dance tunes and long legs, what chance does BMK have of enjoying a comeback?

for other postings on my fav Kpop musicians:

Lee Horan of Clazziquai fame but here she's with Ibadi
the smooth vocals of Bobby Kim
the late great Kim Kwang-suk
Lucid Fall
these guys sent the standard for boy bands in my book - g.o.d.
another lady with a great voice - Insooni
King of Ballads - Lee Seung-chul


sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH3-Wa6LAZE
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_words_detail.htm?No=15#
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_artists_detail.htm?No=10315

Make A Date With Forsythia

Call me a botanical snob, but I'm not crazy about forsythia. Its particular yellow hue doesn't really get me excited but obviously it's got a special place in the hearts of Seoulites who have adopted it as one of its city symbols.

Forsythias, 개나리(Gae Na Ri) , native flowers of Korea, have also become associated with the rejuvenation of love, thanks to a local legend about a poet. He was inspired to write the verse below when he found his faithful wife patiently waiting for him on his return from a long journey.

"In the late spring, the canaries come,

The forsythia fades and the apricots fall,

And in the bamboo shade of my mountain home,

Forever abides, my love, my all."

There are even some festivals dedicated to this spring flower -Yudalsan in Mokpo,Jeollanam-do ( for instance, has  a Forsythia Festival. Eungbong-san, in Seoul also celebrates spring with its own forsythia festival in Seongdong-gu. For more information on spring festivals for 2010, click here.

What's interesting is that the flowers are one rare natural source of lactose ( milk sugar) which you usually only get from milk. Not sure if that discovery has led to any commercial application but apparently the fruit of the plant  with its antibiotic properties, has been used traditionally to reduce fevers, swelling and eczema. Trust the Koreans to have developed a way to make liquor out of forsythia as well.

Koreans have found another use for the forsythia - the sticks are used to play a Korean string instrument called ajaeng. Some musicians these days, though, may prefer to use a horsehair bow instead of the stick as they think it produces a more mellow vibe.

If you are or plan to be in Korea this month, check out this chart below to plan your date with the forsythia.

For other articles on spring flowers, please click below:
posting on magnolias
posting on cherry blossoms

source:
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=966240
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/03/115_20322.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/11/153_42923.html
http://www.korea.net/News/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20080502018&part=109&SearchDay=
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forsythia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajaeng
http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/outdoorliving/article/414774--forsythia-triumphs-over-snobbery
http://www.korea.net/korea/e_movie.asp?code=W0701&id=791&kdepth2=Festivals&Movies&page=21
http://www.mcst.go.kr/english/issue/issueView.jsp?pSeq=1082
http://www.ecplaza.net/news/13/11230/koreas_prime_springtime.html
http://books.google.com.my/books?id=n3MgSchHBjYC&pg=PA146&lpg=PA146&dq=forsythia+%2B+korean+legend&source=bl&ots=RvYWt_PMx1&sig=7SABOj8a6-X9uM4EuShHbrsVrPo&hl=en&ei=YRSPS7ffCIy_rAe8zaSLCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=forsythia%20%2B%20korean%20legend&f=false

Much Ado About Magnolias

During my first visit to Korea during spring ( my very first  and only experience of spring in 2007), my mind was on cherry blossoms. But the first thing that caught my eye on the first day of that visit was a leafless tree just outside the main temple of Donghak-sa with elegant white blooms. Didn't know it at that time but I soon learnt I had just seen my first magnolias.

 목련꽃 "Mongnan - kkot" a.k.a. magnolias have started appearing in places like Jeju

- a sign that spring's just around the corner.

Here are some interesting things which I've just learnt about these "aristocrats of ancient lineage" as described by E.H. 'Chinese' Wilson. It's hard to believe but these trees existed even before the bees ( 20 -95 million years ago) so the flowers developed pretty hardy petals so that beetles could crawl into them to aid in pollination. The ancestors of these trees have survived ice ages  and continental drifts and now their progeny are scattered all over parts of Asia as far south as Sulawesi and as far west as Cuba.

 Who's lucky enough to live in an apartment next to a magnolia tree?

Magnolias also have a great track record as hardy trees which can deal effectively with air pollution so it’s not surprising to see them in town gardens. They have the enviable distinction of looking even more resplendent as they get older. Hmmm, maybe I should be reincarnated as a magnolia tree with creamy white or yellow or magenta blooms in my next life. ( just kidding).

Found this other comment by Orson S. Card which gave me pause for thought: .".. magnolias shed worse than cats. And not delicate little brown pine needles. These are big sloppy brown leaves, thick as cardboard and about the size of a brochure. On top of that, they drop ugly cones that are big enough you can sprain your ankle if you step on one in the dark." The Japs wouldn't agree with Mr. Card as they use the leaves of the magnolia obovata to wrap food and as cooking dishes in certain parts of the country.

Aside from looking extremely decorative, magnolia trees have proven rather useful. The Chinese have used the fragrant bark of M.officinalis ( hou po  OR 厚朴) as part of their traditional medicine as it's believed to have anti-anxiety properties and may help to  reduce allergic and asthmatic reactions. Buddhist monks in Haeinsa have turned the wood of silver magnolias into printing blocks for their sutras.

They've also been adopted as symbols - the white magnolia of Daejeon represents friendship while Siebold's Magnolia is the national flower of North Korea. The flowers stand for grace and elegance in the hearts and minds of most Koreans but for many Budhhists, the magnolias symbolize the attainment of nirvana after long and painful suffering.

  

Unfortunately my few pics of the magnolias didn't turn out so great with the overcast sky and the poor timing in the evening. So I'm grateful to those who've posted these lovely pics on the Net - thanks for sharing these magnolias with the rest of us!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT5wCejDrPU
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/gardening/full-of-eastern-promise-magnolias-are-a-magnificent-harbinger-of-summer-anna-pavord-takes-great-pleasure-in-finding-the-right-plant-to-suit-her-dorset-garden-744573.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2009/12/162_41949.html
http://www.lifeinkorea.com/travel/skyongsang/tripitaka.htm
http://www.mortonarb.org/tree-collections/taxonomic-groups/flowering-trees/magnolia.html
http://www.hatrack.com/osc/reviews/everything/2009-06-14.shtml
http://www.gaok.or.kr/eng/e03_infor/infor060.jsp

Letter to Ajummas Who Want Their Daughters To Be Like Kim Yuna

Dear ajummas,
From the youtube clip here, there seems to be a growing trend in which some parents may be pushing their children onto the ice-rinks in the hopes that their children can copy the phenomenal sporting cum commercial success of Kim Yuna.
This is an appeal to ajummas harbouring such ambitions, please don't kill your child's interest in the sport. Take a closer look at her ankles and medical records and ask yourself if that's what you want for your child.
Don't want to take anything away from Queen Yuna's achievement but I'd be more assured if little girls in Korea want to be the best that they can be in whatever they're good at and in whatever they enjoy instead of copies of 2010's Olympic gold medallist in skating for women.
Sincerely,
ajumma

Happy Sam-il to Koreans!

Found these pictures - photos and paintings related to the Sam-il Movement, the Declaration of Independence which started on the 1st of March, 1919. Has ROK made any movie on this important page in its history? Would be interesting to see it done from the woman's point of view -whether it would be the wife, mother or daughter of one of the thirty-three nationalists who signed this declaration to oppose the Japanese annexation of Korea or one of the women seen here in the public demonstrations which, tragically led to bloody reprisals by the Japanese.

Would like to do some research into the subject but am strapped for time these days so this short posting will have to serve as a reminder to me to dig deeper into this tumultuous time in the history of Korea.

sources:
http://www.tparents.org/Library/Religion/Cta/Korea-J/jp-hist1.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_1st_Movement
http://theseoulite.com/?p=2143
http://blog.cripchick.com/archives/1433

When NOT To Take The Road Taken, Naesosa Part 5

From an email sent in 2007:

Went for a walk up the hill behind Naeso-sa. Made the mistake of straying from the main path to follow what I thought was a short cut trail - it looked promising as there was a paper trail like the ones left for Hash House runners except these were tied to the branches of trees, so I thought very naively that it was an even more promising sign.

It  turned out to be a steeper trail than I thought and a few times I thought of turning back but it was so steep that I preferred to forge ahead toward the unknown in the hope of finding the main trail down again. No such luck, it was uphill all the way till I reached a low peak and spent a few minutes on the windy ridge.

Was tempted to wait for rescue party or other climbers to show me an easier route down at first but cold wind made me decide not to wait for any knight in shining armour and rely instead on my trusty improvised walking stick. Luckily along the ridge, I found another slightly easier on the knees trail and  found my way back to the temple safe and sound. 

I like to take minor risks but I could’ve kicked myself for venturing off the beaten path because the experience was more pain than pleasure. Moral of this pathetic story: Never assume paper trails are meant for me!

An Informal Temple Stay, Naesosa Part 4

Love the way the ancient pine tree frames the main temple of Naesosa  ( Dae-Ungbojeon ).

What's distinctive about this building is that it was originally built without a single nail.

I love informal temple stays - first of all, most of the temples are usually situated away from the noise and pollution of cities and well-preserved in well-maintained national or provincial parks.  I can stay on the temple grounds, partake of healthy vegetarian meals, soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the temple as well as the wider surroundings which are usually pristine pieces of nature without having to follow a regimented schedule of marathon meditation sessions. Of course, I'm obliged to wake up before dawn to pay my respects to Buddha but I don't mind because it forces me to sleep earlier.

Fine  example of wooden carvings of lotus and chrysanthemum flowers on the flower Salmun ( doors).There are eight such doors on the front facade of the Dae-ung-bojeon.

Another plus of staying in the temple is that one can admire  the craftsmanship of temple architecture at a leisurely pace - something one can't do if one were to join a tour group or visit the temple as a rushed day trip. Moreover, you can admire the beauty of the temple surroundings in its different moods throughout the day - what's it like in the darkness before dawn? How does it look under the mid-day sun? Does it have the same atmosphere at twilight?

Die-hards of course may elect to stay longer to witness the changing of the seasons. In spring, Naesosa may not have that  many cherry trees but the ones that I saw were very pretty indeed. Perhaps they were even more attractive because there weren't too many of them on the temple grounds.

If you prefer to visit in autumn, the maple trees on this avenue leading to the temple are a charming sight as well. Winter is another evocative season when the snow-clad temple looks like the perfect setting for  inspiring Zen poems.

Another thing I like to check out in the temples in Korea is the water. There's something primeval whenever one sits around a bonfire and there's a similar feeling each time I quench my thirst with the spring waters of each temple. To drink, see and hear the cool waters trickling down the stone basins is a simple soothing pleasure one can never tire of during temple stays.

Was mentally rubbing my hands in glee when I first saw the sizeable pavilion housing the Dharma musical instruments as I thought I had the chance to listen to the monks doing their fabulous thing on the drums. But I was disappointed to find a watered-down version in Naesosa - not the same magical sounds that I'd heard in Baekdam-sa or Gap-sa or even Songgwang-sa. Maybe my timing was off for that night. I've found that different temples seem to have different approaches to the Dharma instruments.

The bronze bell, in Beomjonggakwas made during the Goryeo period. Three images of Buddha, called Samjonsang are engraved on it.

The original name of Naeso-sa was Sorae -sa , meaning "a place which one revisits to be reborn". It was enough for me to be rejuvenated during my brief temple sojourn. Check  into a temple without being in a group and even if ( or perhaps because ) you may not spend too much chatting with others, the peace and solitude may prove to be the perfect antidote to the stresses of city life. Try it and discover it for yourself.

sources:

http://www.cha.go.kr/servlet/Download?fid=TWpBPQ==&tname=Y2hndWlkZQ==

http://search.korea.net:8080/intro_korea2008/travel/pdf/01_19.pdf