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

Audrey's Question About the Weather

Audrey e-mailed to ask about the weather in early November for various places in Korea. Here's what I found from the KNTO website.

Seoul :   6.9 degrees Centigrade,  44.42 degrees Fahrenheit, 64.6% humidity,   53 mm rainfall
Busan: 11.3 degrees Centigrade, 52.34 degrees Fahrenheit, 59.5 % humidity,   60.1mm rainfall
Daegu: 8.6 degrees Centigrade,  47.48 degrees Fahrenheit,  63.8% humidity, 37.1 mm rainfall
Jeju:  13.7 degrees Centigrade,  56.66 degrees Fahrenheit, 65.6% humidity,  68.4 mm rainfall

Early winter in Gangwon-do, 2 November 2009.

As you can see, it can get prettty chilly so here are some tips:

• You definitely need winter woollies. I'd suggest you layer and layer instead of packing  heavy-duty winter jackets. For other tips, click here.
• Find an ondol-style room. The warmth emanating from the floors is very comforting and sometimes so cosy that you may not want to leave the room!
• You need a good strong umbrella especially for Jeju where it's been known to rain a lot.
• Shop for naeboks! Could be a nice and unusual souvenir from Korea which you can use again in other cold places.

Gold from gingko trees in Jamsil, 10 November, 2009

Click here for more information about other places in South Korea.
Check out this posting from last year about the unpredictability of the weather these days.

source:
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/AK/AK_EN_1_1_2.jsp
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_photo_detail.htm?No=13822¤t_page=15
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_photo_detail.htm?No=13878¤t_page=15

Morning Call by Ibadi

Horan of Clazziquai fame has such an enviably effortless style. Whenever my nerves feel frayed, I turn to Ibadi's music. The best kind of  soothing balm for the spirit.



Check out Secret Waltz also by Ibadi.

source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLPTIqQSDrQ&feature=related

Moonlight Tour and Medical Check-Up At Changdeokgung

September and October are great months to visit Changdeokgung in Seoul - generally, the palace is at its best at this season with the autumn foliage but now there are TWO other reasons to make a date with this UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site:

1. Free Medical Check-up

Tourists can enjoy free check-ups by doctors affiliated with the “Association of Korean Oriental Medicine” at Nae-ui-won  in the palace every Thursday from Sep. 2 to Oct. 28 (13:30 - 17:00; except for the Thursday of the Chuseok holiday, September 23rd).

An extract from the KNTO website explains the significance of Naeuiwon (내의원). It "was one of the three hospitals of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and was the place where medical practitioners mixed medicine and provided medical services for the king and the rest of the royal family. It is said that the renowned court physician Heo Jun worked in Naeuiwon for 44 years."

Experience first-hand: 

• 
  
   how doctors trained in Oriental medicine form a  diagnosis by checking your pulse (“jinmaek”).
• 
  
   ( depending on the diagnosis) acupuncture (“chim”) or  moxibustion (“tteum”). Both forms of treatment  focus on acupuncture points to improve circulation.
• 
  
  how to grind traditional herbs etc. for the prescription
• 
  
  how the traditional medicine is wrapped and take home the yakcheop as a momento
• 
  
  copying medical diagrams out of the Donguibogam (동의보감, Korean medical book).
• 
  
  a cup of traditional ssanghwacha tea as a calming conclusion to your visit.

2. Moonlight Tour of Changdeokgung

The KTO and Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea are co-hosting special evening tours of Changdeokgung between 20:00 and 22: 00 on the following dates: September 23, 24, October 20, 21, 23, 24 and November 19, 20, 21.

For 30,000 won, your tour starts at Donhwamun,, the front gate of the palace,  where you're given a portable guide device. Practise your night photography  skills in front of Injeongjeon ( where ministers and dignitaries used to have audience with the Joseon kings) .

Let your imagination run wild as you half expect a royal ghost to step out from behind one of these pillars in the dark to say "Annyeong".

 It would be interesting how the palace would be lit up at night.

You'll be invited by your portable guide to rest a while at Buyongji like the Joseon kings used to do. You may not have the privilege of admiring the view of the pavilion here but you can study how the round islet and square-shaped pond here harmonise to reflect the principles of yin and yang.

Next, make your way to Youngyeongdang where foreign ambassadors used to be received and entertained. A traditional music ensemble awaits you there to treat you to music in the moonlight. The geomungo may create a special vibe amid the shadows and form a deep impression as you take the forest path back to the entrance.

So go ahead, make me green with envy and send me your photos of Changdeokgung in the moonlight. Please note though: places are limited for each night so go early.

More on Changdeokgung in a future posting.

Sources:

 http://www.koreaherald.com/lifestyle/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20100825000574

http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?nCategoryID=&searchType=&keyword=&gotoPage=1&cid=1030680&cCode=&nCategoryID=&searchType=&searchKeyword=
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=312966
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=312966
http://eng.cdg.go.kr/main/main.htm
http://www.sal2009.com/index.php?key=geomungo

On Velcro Parents and Garbled Google Translations

Just saw an article from the JoongAng Daily about Velcro parents. Former Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan has had to step down after a nepotism scandal broke out. The article concluded with an extract from a  poem by Jeong Chae-bong:

“The child you send into the wilderness becomes a bean tree,
but the child you keep in the greenhouse becomes a bean sprout.”

광야로
내보낸 자식은
콩나무가 되었고
온실로/들여보낸 자식은
콩나물이 되었고

(정채봉, ‘콩씨네 자녀교육’)

Out of curiosity, I tried out the Google translator on this piece of verse and got this garbled version:

"Into the wilderness / exported child is / was a samurai kongna / conservatory / sent in the child is / has become overcrowded "

I guess this could be paraphrased as:  " The text you translate  with a dictionary and your own common sense/ becomes a bean tree / but the text you send to Google Translator/ becomes a bean sprout."

My apologies to Google Translator, but I can't resist the dig. Human translators, rest easy - your day job is still intact. BTW,  what IS a " samurai kongna"?


sources:
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2925640
http://picsicio.us/keyword/bean%20sprouting/

Houses in Korea I Fell In Love With, Part 1

Been watching the TV drama Personal Taste with Son Ye-jin and Lee Min-ho. Their characters live in a hanok-style house which is a  real beauty. Alas, the reality is the house known as "Sanggojae"  meaning “A place for mutual love”  in the drama  is actually made up of two locations. The exterior scenes were shot outside No 31 Beon-ji, Gahoe-dong, in the Bukchon Hanok Village while the indoor scenes were filmed in a set located in Yangju MBC Culture Valley.

So I am keeping my fingers crossed that the same isn't true of my first love which was and still is the beach house featured in Il Mare , a 2000 production directed by  Lee Hyeon-Seung. The romance  featured Lee Jeong-Jae and  Jeon Ji-Hyeon, two very attractive leads but really the house was the thing that had me hooked. The setting was sublime, the profile of the house was unassuming, even austere and it conveyed a sense of intimacy amid an stark and exposed landscape. Admittedly it's not a house for a family, let alone a couple; it strikes me as a home for a solitary soul who enjoys the solitude.

The Il Mare house was small; read: not many rooms to clean unlike the overwrought mansion featured in Full House, the 2004 KBS drama with Song Hye-gyo and Rain. ( More on the Full House house below.)

The interior and exterior facade were simple, exuding a Zen-like atmosphere and the cabin was projected out into the open sea - idyllic, provided it's never in the path of any typhoon such as the Kompasu Typhoon which has just hit parts of Korea.

What's been frustrating is that I've not been able to find out if this house really exists or was simply a temporary structure just put up for the shooting of this drama.  All I've been able to dig up so far is that scenes of the movie were shot in Ganghwa Island's Sukmodo, and Jeju Island's U-do. If any kind and knowledgeable soul out there has the answer and links, could you please share the location of the house with me?

More about the house used in the 2004 KBS drama, Full House, starring Song Hye-gyo and Rain, taken  from the KNTO website:

It was " filmed in the Gwangyeok-si area of Incheon. Located near Incheon International Airport, the place may be reached in a ten-minute boat ride from Sammok Harbor to this quiet, seashore getaway.

Unlike other filming locations in Korea, this is an actual house. Made mostly of wood, this house, which is a private-owned vacation house, cost approximately the equivalent of one million USD to be built. The beach front property looks out onto open waters, with elegant views that could be used on any postcard. Many fans of the miniseries make a pilgrimage to this now famous home. Nearby sightseeing locations include Jogak (sculpture) Park on Modo Island; a bridge connects these two islands."

sources:
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/content/cms_view_301253.jsp?gotoPage=1&genre=7320

http://leeminho.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/on-the-set-of-mbc-tv-series-personal-taste/
http://seoulgirl015.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/going-to-sanggojae/
http://english.seoul.go.kr/cav/ena/hallyu_view.php?pidx=2&idx=10177
http://www.trendir.com/house-design/korea-modern-architecture-pixel-house.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_House_(2004_TV_series)
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/CU/CU_EN_8_5_1_5.jsp
http://www.crunchyroll.com/forumtopic-436046/k-movie-il-mare/
http://www.cgpinoy.org/architectural-f3/il-mare-series-stills-and-sample-clips-t9982-60.htm?change_temp=
http://www.cuteworld.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Personal-Taste-Ep-02-22.jpg
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/CU/CU_EN_8_5_1_67.jsp

Danwon's Portrait of Threshers and Landowner

Threshing ( Tajak - 타작 )

Landowner's Sijo

It's dull work but someone has to do it or they will dawdle in the shade.
Still, I'd rather sit at home with a brush in my hand  instead of this pipe,
working on a portrait of the king. Why am I reduced to a watch-dog?

One Thresher's Sijo

I guess he did good in his former life for him to loaf like this now,

But it's little comfort to me hatless and pipeless under the summer sun,

Could I be reborn instead as a bird or fly, free from envy and bitterness?

Another Thresher's Sijo

The sun's a harsh landlord to us but it's kind to the rice; this harvest
means I can carry home rice for the children tonight. But is there enough
to put on the altar for the child who starved and died the year before?

For earlier postings with sijo inspired by Danwon:

Portrait of a Family
Danwon's Classroom

sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Danwon-Byeo.tajak.jpg
http://article.joins.com/article/article.asp?Total_ID=3319781
http://everything.explained.at/Danwon/
http://thewordshop.tripod.com/Sijo/sijo-index.htm
http://sejongculturalsociety.org/writing/current/sijo_guide.html

Signs of Summer's End - Cheoseo

Cheoseo , or 처서 (處暑) which means " the limit of heat", is one of the 24 seasonal divisions in the lunar calendar. It marks the beginning of the end of summer and while it may not mean much to city-slickers, you may spot signs of the turn of the seasons in the Korean countryside.

For instance, this would be the time when farmers start to dry their red peppers out in the sun.

Apparently, this is the best time to savour peaches in Korea.

Cosmos blooms such as these ones near Jungryangcheon, in Sageun-dong, in Seoul are another sign that autumn is on its way.

Rice harvesting takes place around this time as well. Farmers like the people here from Deokpo Village near Busan, keep their fingers crossed ( or whatever is the Korean equivalent of that) for dry days leading up to Cheoseo as they need the sun for the rice to ripen quickly.

Also, don't be surprised to see more people than usual cooling off under the Cheonjeyon Falls in Jeju-do  around the 23rd of August. One legend has it that you can recover from any illness if you stand under the falls  which means "the pond of God" on Cheoseo Day.

According to one Korean proverb, "mosquito mouths are shut when Cheoseo comes". Unfortunately, with global warming a sad and more apparent reality, autumn mosquitoes are likely to be a thing of the present and future.

Here's a solemn poem by Heo Hyung Man and translated by Rodney E. Tyson and Hong Eun-Taek. While it's inspired by the shift from summer heat to autumn cool, the sobering sense of our days being numbered is all too apparent in this lyric.

"Cheoseo"

A winged insect flies low low

In a brief instant it's cloudy

A pine tree halfway up the mountain

Is imprisoned in a black cloud

Fluttering, the sound of

The birds of the earth flying up all at once

Began to accompany the strong wind

More than the days I've lived

The days I'll live have become much shorter

All of heaven's living things

Are hurrying back to the earth

from The Quarterly Review: Poetry & Criticism, 3(1), 225-226. Spring 2000.

souces:
http://ausharjah.tripod.com/cv/poem6.html
http://www.sdals.com/Translation-Club/20070825-TC-SS-Notes.pdf
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/08/24/2010082400614.html
http://www.korea.net/news.do?mode=detail&guid=49296
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_term
http://nlpweb.kaist.ac.kr/gwc/excursion.html
http://rki.kbs.co.kr/english/culturenlife/culturenlife_seoultoday_detail.htm?No=1012
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/04/115_8891.html
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2000082262680&path_dir=20000822
http://www.ivynews.kr/news/_news_main.html?code=photo§ion=view&page=7&number=196
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=1918966
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/05/143_8876.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peach
Korea's Pastimes and Customs: A Social History by Yi I-Hwa

Beware Of Chuseok Crowds!

Chuseok or the Korean Thanksgiving  ( or the Harvest Moon Festival ) falls on the 22nd of September this year and it looks like the race for train tickets back to the hometown has started once again. This is a reminder then for tourists planning to travel around the third week to make their reservations a.s.a.p. and for those staying in Seoul to brace themselves for many closed shops and restaurants during this period.

This photo was taken at Seoul Station on Wednesday. These people in the queue lines are certainly taking no chances as they are booking seats one month ahead of one of the most important festivals in the country.

To see other pics of Chuseok crowds and jams of yesteryear, click here.
For what to do in Seoul during Chuseok, click here.
For what goes on during Chuseok, click here.
For Chuseok - The Worst of Times, click here.
For Chuseok - The Best of Times, click here.
sources:
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/08/19/2010081900368.html

Sorry, Sorry to the Thai Tourist Police

Sorry, sorry to you, oh so sporting officers of the Tourist Police 4th Sub-Division from Chiang,Mai in Thailand, but I was disappointed by your dancing. After reading the AP news snippet that you have become the hottest thing in Thailand since the street feuds between the Red Shirts and government forces in Bangkok, I really expected you guys to let rip and show us some moves that would rival SuJu's.



Your performance, which was originally for a local talent show at Rayong on  5th of August 2010 and then reproduced for a home-made video, may have enjoyed an enviable 280,000 ( and still mounting) hits since it appeared on YouTube but I wouldn't agree that your  moves "set the dance floor on fire".

Don't get me wrong - I'm not a fan of SuJu nor am I comparing you with the professionals and I understand that you were doing a spoof of the Super Junior hit after being inspired by their popularity in Thailand when they performed there. I just wished you hammed it up more and really gave it more energy. But then, I have to bear in mind that you had only a few hours of practice before the actual recording.

Hang on... that would mean for the most part, you HAVE been doing your job. If your dancing and co-ordination weren't as sharp and spot on as those pretty boys from Korea, that means you didn't spend hours as they would have done in front of the mirror in the rehearsal room.

So while I don't think that you were hot or cute or even convinced that "everyone was really into it" as one of you claimed, I've got to give it to you that at least you were great sports and helped to create some positive international publicity for Thailand. My apologies for my earlier and unfair implication that you looked stiff and amateurish. How's that for sweet and sour grapes?

For two versions by the original group, click here.

sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGAseOSIp3c
http://asiancorrespondent.com/breakingnews/dancing-thai-police-star-in-new-you.htm
http://superjunior.smtown.com/

Andre Kim's Lessons On Personal Branding

Call him  weird-looking, eccentric or that odd man obsessed with "white spacesuits" or as Le Figaro put it, "the magician from fairyland"; call his clothes over-the top flights of fantasy or  romantic expressions of the Korean aesthetic- however you choose to label the late Andre Kim and his creations, there's one thing you gotta give the man.

R.I.P. Andre Kim ( 12th August, 2010)

He knew how to brand himself. He cut an indelible, if somewhat ridiculous figure,  on the runway with his mascara-lined scalp and white clothes; apparently Korean comedians love to mimic his dramatic flourishes and he knew how to leverage on his social network.



There's not much info on his own "rags to riches" story or in his case, how he rose from obscurity and  transformed himself from Kim Bong Nam, son of a farmer to become Andre Kim, Korea's first male designer.

Andre Kim in the 1960s - before he redesigned his own image.

His brand name soon became associated with " luxury and romanticism" and he was the first designer to have a fashion show in front of the pyramids of Egypt and the man who turned down Michael Jackson's invitation to be his personal designer.  ( For a list of other 'firsts' and feathers in his cap, click here)



He was open to the suggestion of a diplomat from the French Embassy to adopt  an “easy foreign name” as the first step towards becoming a world-class designer. He seemed to have done a fair bit of networking with the expat community and the diplomatic corps, learning more about the world through his contacts as well as taking the opportunity to share with foreigners his pride in his own culture.

For Hallyuwood stars, like Choi Ji-woo and Lee Young-ae, invitations to appear in his fashion shows became a yardstick of their own popularity. His commercial savvy prompted him to let his name be linked to other products like Samsung washing machines, Hankook Chinaware and wallpaper. It would be interesting to know how well his company has been doing actually, in terms of domestic and international sales,  who his main customers are and more importantly, what direction his company will take after his demise.



Here's what Andre Kim once said in an interview with the Chosun Ilbo:

" During the Japanese colonization and right after the Korean War, my village in the countryside was very poor. Yet a new bride wore new clothes for a year. Though it was economically difficult, people were always clean, neat and beautiful. The kitchen was gleaming, and my mother always wiped the floor clean. When I see today's well-off people with their dirty houses, I get really annoyed. Even when we were poor, our food, clothes, and houses were clean and aesthetic. We are people with a high taste for culture."


I very much doubt I'll ever wear any of his creations but here's what I will remember the man for:

• his incredible work ethic - did you know he taught himself English and took pride in his ability to use Queen's English? He woke up at 5:30 a.m. every day and read 17 newspapers to keep himself updated and in touch with events.
• He personally made Christmas trees and had them delivered in style to his  friends. That puts me to shame when I'm so bad at even sending out Christmas cards.

sources:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hEawusZ9yZM_kQZS8okDk6odMkrA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9_Kim
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/08/113_71362.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VydypYHRtRE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZanqu27kWI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlk2SRcoqvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAHV6VzOj4M&feature=related
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/08/113_71362.html
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/08/13/2010081300532.html
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?sec=8&id=4459
http://en.akihabaranews.com/9568/misc/samsung-does-tuning-for-washing-machines
http://www.korea4expats.com/news-Andre-Kim.html
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/07/13/2007071361019.html
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/11/20/2009112000316.html

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

Keeping Cool, K-style

How do Koreans keep cool in summertime? Here are TEN ways ( not in any particular order of effectiveness.)

1. You could join the beachgoers   who have opted to don their swimsuits and head for the sea at places such as  Haeundae, Busan but you're more likely to suffer heat-stroke or sun-burn and feel stifled as you compete with 700,000 others for your tiny bit of space on the sand. As temperatures rise, tempers are more likely to flare with long queues for ice-creams, beach brollies and public toilets. IMHO, it might be better to head for the beach at the tail-end of summer once the students head back home to get ready for school.

2. Those stuck in the capital will probably gravitate towards Cheonggyecheon in the heart of Seoul. Go early to book prime spots under the bridges for more shade.

3. Traditional wisdom dictates that you "fight fire with fire" and so older Koreans prefer to deal with the dog days of summer by indulging in samgyetang ( chicken stuffed with rice, dates and ginseng in  soup) Chobok, one of the hottest days on the Korean calendar,  is a good time as any to have this dish. (NEWSIS)

4. These children from Daegu may enjoy a water gun fight but how cool can you get while perspiring under raincoats? Isn't the point to get wet? Over-protective ajummas, take note.

5. It seems paradoxical but it makes sense to don winter clothes and  sign up for indoor ski lessons to escape the summer heat. (Taken  in Bucheon - Yonhap News)

6. Not just sand, sea, surf and sunblock at the Busan Sea Festival at Haeundae Beach. You're less likely to wilt from the summer heat if you get lost happily in this ice maze.

7. Cool off by soaking your feet in foot baths while sitting still in the shade, complete with the coolest sunglasses and summer hat. (Taken in Boseong, South Jeolla Province - Newsis)

8. Take shelter under gourd vines  at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. If gourds aren't available, head for any bower or tree with widespread branches.

9. Decorate your own summer cooling devices -Visitors pose with their own hand-painted fans at the Seoul Museum of History  (Yonhap). See earlier posting on hand-made fans. My guess is they're keeping cool because of the air-conditioning so head for museums, art galleries or cinemas which provide better, though not green,  relief from soaring temperatures.

10. This Korean at a commando unit camp in Damyang, puts the army helmet to good use.

 sources:

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/08/06/2010080600306.html

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/08/06/2010080600304.html
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/08/03/2010080300287.html
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/08/03/2010080300286.html
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/07/30/2010073000355.html
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/07/23/2010072300273.html
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2923704
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2923417
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_photo_detail.htm?No=15225

What's Happening to the Osaek Springs?

Enjoying the spring waters is one of the simple pleasures I always look forward to during my visits to Korea. ( See the earlier posting on the spring waters of Osaek in Soraksan and at  Naeso-sa. )

One approaches a zen-like moment when one partakes of the cool waters straight from the ground. Well, OK - visitors at Osaek spring No 2  usually had to use the plastic scoops instead of using their hands so it's not totally a primeval and rustic experience and those who wanted to taste the waters at Spring No 1 had to queue up in front of a stone tortoise which spouted out the spring waters. Still, it's a lot more fun than turning on the tap or opening up a plastic bottle of Perrier.

Koreans  may extol the virtues of this spring or that, citing its mineral contents being good for one ailment or another but personally, the appeal lies in getting up close and personal with nature while running the minimal risk of getting the runs.

So I was VERY sorry to read this recent report from the JoongAng Daily:


"At Osek Yaksu, which has been famous for its medicine water for 500 years, we found not the refreshing gusher we expected but a tiny trickle. Seven elderly ladies who had come from across the country to fill up on the yaksu were also disappointed. After an hourlong bus ride, each of them had to spend 40 minutes to fill one 1.8-liter bottle. According to the locals, the yaksu began to dry up after a large construction project started nearby."

James Hadley noted some construction going on in Osaek Creek when he visited the place in June 2007. The previous year, heavy rains had damaged Highway 44 and the work he observed was intended to create steep banks flanking Osaek Creek and to "grade the creek bed to a gradual profile with a flat cross section. In other words, either the creek was being largely converted into a canal, or previous canalization was being extensively repaired."

Hadley raised some important questions about the impact of the construction and I wonder if this particular project has anything to do with the spring waters or if another construction project is responsible for turning the Osaek spring into a sad trickle. Either way, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the isutation is a temporary problem or if not, I really hope the locals can do something to ensure that the springs of Osaek will continue to refresh present and future generations of visitors. The best things in life used to be free but these days with nature under siege on so many fronts, we need to pay the price in terms of greater vigilance.

sources: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=255513
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2923178
http://pr.korean.net/eng/koview/koview_10.jsp
http://www.factplusfancy.com/pbw/kr/11/Osaek_Creek_Construction_Work_2007_06_23

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