A New Code of Conduct In Korean Restaurants?

The photo above  was obviously not taken this year - 2010 has been a nasty year for those who love Korean food in Korea. A combination of factors such as Typhoon Kompasu and unexpected heavy rains in September have conspired to wreak havoc with the cabbages and have turned the vegetables to soggy, stinky mush in recent months.

Earlier in the year, there were already signs that all was not right with Mother Nature.  Watermelons had to condemned to the rubbish heap as unexpected frosts made them unfit for consumption. Fingers are mostly  pointing at global warming though there have also been some who have identified the Four Rivers Project as another culprit as it led to a reduction in the area of land available for cultivation.

Housewives already struggling to balance their home budgets are experiencing new headaches as prices soar. 

 - Do I buy cabbages from China even though I think they may not be as good as our local produce?

- Would it be such a sin to compromise and buy pre-packed kimchi as it's too expensive to buy cabbages and make my own kimchi?

- How seriously can I take Lee Myung -bak's suggestion to opt for the round, short-leaved cabbages from the West instead?

- Can I afford to buy any vegetables, raw or pre-packed, this season?

- Should I start growing my own vegetables for next year?

The winter ritual of kimjang ( making kimchi season) this year may not require that many hands as the number of cabbages has been drastically curtailed. However, you'd need a lot more won to buy your main ingredients to make your kimchi.

As consumers and restaurant owners brace themselves for a sharp spike in the prices of pre-packed kimchi as well, here then are SEVEN suggestions for a new code of conduct in Korean restaurants in Korea:


1. Don’t be surprised if the banchan doesn’t include baechu kimchi ( made from Napa cabbage);

2. Don't complain if your banchan looks smaller and less varied than usual or if substitutes like ‘ yeolmu kimchi’are used;


2. Don’t even ask for kimchi;

3. Don’t kick a fuss if the cabbage isn’t the Napa variety, if it comes from China or if it is the prepacked version;

4. Don’t ask for refills;

5. Don't waste any kimchi served to you;

6. Even if the restaurant owner invites you politely to help yourself and eat as much as you like, don’t take that offer too literally. Instead decline politely and be gratified by the look of relief on her face;

7. Expect to be charged for kimchi served as a side dish.

sources:
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=76082

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2926763
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/10/05/2010100500320.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2010/10/123_73896.html
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2482567
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2010/10/202_73702.html
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2926625
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2010/1004/South-Korea-s-kimchi-crisis
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2010/10/123_73896.html
http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/441960.html
http://blog.thestar.com.my/permalink.asp?id=31453
http://www.orientalmart.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=983&osCsid=13f5db20e5ca08117ad96227412a6398
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/southkorea/7609285/South-Korea-in-midst-of-pickled-cabbage-crisis.html
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FO/FO_EN_6_1_2_3.jsp
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/myeyes.kto?cmd=view&md=ena&lang_se=ENA&bbs_sn=1608127

How To Take Part in Hangul Day 2010

Here's your chance to take part in an international celebration of Hangul Day 2010. It's easy, it's fun and it's prizeless. So you'd be making a sincere salute to King Sejong's achievement. Check out the video below.

Around Korea By Bus In Two Weeks, Part 3

Here is the third and final part of my travel itinerary for my 2005 visit. For more information on buses, click here.

2 Nov – Wednesday
In Gwangju but it's all business - sent off emails and changed travellers’ cheques in bank; then walked to the Gwangju bus terminal to head towards Naejangsan. Would you believe it? Traffic jams in the provinces. Long stream of tour buses and cars all clogging up narrow countryside lane leading to entrance of Naejangsan Park. But non-drivers could get busy with their cameras even before reaching the park as the maple trees flanking the lane were already looking very photogenic in their autumn finery.

Very noisy though with all the honking of tour buses and excited chatter of groups of walkers who were about to start their walks or who had just finished their walks and were celebrating in the various restaurants. Found a place to stay in the Happy Days minbak near the main tourist village here, far from the hustle and bustle.

3 Nov – Thursday
Full day of walking in the Naejangsan National Park. Mountains, a cable car ride, trees, temples, streams, waterfalls, pavilions - what more could I ask for? There's even a "bridge of love"! For more on Naejangsan,  click here.

4 Nov – Friday
Boarded a bus to Jongeup and then changed buses for Seonunsan; lucky to be allowed an informal temple stay at Dosolam, about an hour's walk away from Seonunsan's main temple. Stunning autumn foliage here. Though there aren't as many maple trees as in Naejangsan, the colours are really rich and the fallen leaves have created a Persian carpet of sorts on the ground.

5 Nov – Saturday
Explored area around Dosolam at Seonunsan Provincial Park; surprised to stumble upon two spots used for the outdoor shooting of scenes for the popular MBC drama, Jewel in the Palace or Daejanggeum.

The first was a cave and the second,  a cliff - both related to death scenes in the drama series.
Also had the privilege of having tea with some seonims in a nearby hermitage.

6 Nov – Sunday
Seonim persuaded the driver of a private chartered bus of local tourists to let me join them as it was bound for Seoul. But there were a few unexpected stopovers.
First, the bus carrying Buddhist devotees stopped by the beautiful temple at Geumsansa. The three-tiered temple is particularly stunning in winter but I was glad to see Geumsan-sa in autumn anyway.

Next, surprise - I got to revisit Naejangsan but sadly the overnight rain had turned the maple trees into sodden dismal damsels in distress unlike the splendid show-offs from a few days earlier. What a difference a few days make - timing is everything.

On the way back to Seoul, we were entertained with karaoke on board. Even the driver took part.
Spent my last night in a Silloam Sauna, a jjimjilbang or public bathhouse with sauna and other facilities near Seoul Station.

7 Nov – Monday
Boarded bus near Seoul Station to get to the Incheon International Airport and spend a fair bit of time shopping in the supermarket in the basement and checking out the Cultural Experience Corner before my flight home.

Earlier Postings:
Around Korea By Bus in Two Weeks, Part 1
Around Korea By Bus in Two Weeks, Part 2

sources:
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=824869&nearBy=food&
http://saunasinkorea.blogspot.com/2010/03/seoul-ktx-station-silloam-sauna-jjimjil.html
http://www.silloamsauna.com/site_en/main/main.asp
http://www.silloamsauna.com/site_en/sub1/sub1_05.asp
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=626600

Four Steps To Get Kim Beom's Autograph

How badly do you want Kim Beom's autograph?

Warning : The pic above is merely an illustration -

 I've no clue which poster, photo or pic KBS plans to use as prizes for this event.

Well, not just his signature but also
EITHER a "Luxury Edition' of the ‘Boys Over Flowers’ OST
OR a poster of the hugely popular drama series.

If you do covet these prizes, you can take part in the second installment of the "Twitter Follower Giveaway", a competition organised by KBS World Twitter to increase its following which currently stands at around 30,000 people.

Here are the four steps to get you closer to Kim Beom's signature:

Step One
Record your own short video clip with a personal message to KBS World. Keep it warm and glowing or make your criticism constructive. The video should not be less than 30 seconds and not exceed one minute.

Include a brief description of yourself ( name, country, job, etc)  in the message. You may include any relevant drama poster or placard related to KBS World in your recording. Choose wisely - check that your drama poster doesn't feature some production by SBS or MBC!

Step Two
Upload the video file on a video-sharing website such as YouTube.


Step Three
Send an email with information about your video's URL to cater2u@kbs.co.kr

IMPORTANT! The deadline is Friday October 15th 2010 (24hr, UTC+9)

Make sure the video clip is still in your account after the closing date to give time for the selection panel to view the entries and select the winners.Winning videos can be used for KBS World promotions in the future.

Step Four
Pray, keep your fingers crossed,lose sleep, haunt the message board for KBS World etc. etc.

BTW, don't ask me why KBS isn't offering Lee Min-ho's autograph instead.


sources:
http://kbsworld.kbs.co.kr/notice_event/notice_event_view.html?no=106

http://batangkpoplover.wordpress.com/2009/03/16/isplus-kim-beom%E2%80%99s-interview/

Around Korea By Bus In Two Weeks, Part 2

Here's the second part of my itinerary for my 2005 solo visit to Korea. For more information on buses, click here.

29 Oct – Saturday
Joined the free Suncheon City Tour by bus. Just ask at the Tourist Information booth just outside the train station. ( NOTE: Outside, not inside the train station!)

Beautiful sunny day in Nagan-eupseong Folk Village; a patch of eulalia and a stunning maple tree in the Dolmen Park were distractions from the main attractions i.e. prehistoric burial grounds.

The size of Songgwangsa was as impressive as the variety of autumnal colours on the temple grounds.With the bird flu scare, it was reassuring to see that precautions were even taken outdoors at Suncheon Bay.

30 Oct – Sunday
Got greedy and signed up for another tour on the Suncheon City Tour bus as I didn't want to pass up the chance to see Seonamsa.

31 Oct – Monday
Took bus near my yeogwan to Gurye and then changed for a local bus to Piagol Valley. A great walk would've been greater if I had the presence of mind to wear the right shoes. The result: I missed the chance to see the famous blood-red maples of Piagol.

The disappointment was off-set by the entertaining company of three kind gentlemen of Gurye. Their leader gave me a ride to Hwaomsa and showed me where I could find a place to stay outside this major temple in Jirisan National Park. Beautiful sunset.

1 Nov – Tuesday
Revisited Hwaom-sa in the early morning and saw the monks sweeping the lane leading up to the temple. An ancient pine tree, stone sculptures and stone lantern created the deepest impressions.

Around mid-day, I boarded a bus from the bus stop near my minbak to head for Gwangju. Changed to bus No 311 for Damyang. Enjoyed an unexpected tour of Damyang, courtesy of the local police!

Around Korea By Bus In Two Weeks, Part 1

Here's how I spent two weeks in Korea chasing the fall foliage way back in 2005. Hopefully this will be useful to  independent travellers when they plan their own trips to catch the autumn leaves this year. By no means am I suggesting that the leaves will be in the same condition around those dates - you need to check the latest fall foliage schedule for that!

For more information on buses, click here.

21 Oct - Friday
Bought and boarded from outside the Incheon International Airport, a direct bus to Daejeon. Be careful not to buy the more expensive deluxe bus as the ordinary bus is sufficiently comfortable. BTW, Daejeon is quite attractive with its gingko-tree-lined avenues and promising sculptures in the public parks. Nice to see the leaves of the gingko trees have turned yellow already.

Had a smooth changeover at the bus terminal at Daejeon and got on another bus bound for Gongju.
Found a yeogwan  or inn near the marketplace; most stalls were closed already but still some were still selling enticing piles of recently harvested mushrooms, persimmons and mandarin oranges.  Eateries within the market are usually open till the evening so I could enjoy my first meal of jjajangmyeon in a sikdang within the market.


22 Oct – Saturday
Caught  bus No 2 to Gapsa from the Gongju bus terminal near the marketplace. Too early for autumn foliage here but the rice fields are already golden and ready for harvesting.

Witnessed part of the celebrations for one of Gapsa’s patron monks were underway.

Short walk to waterfall.

Returned to Gongju to ask about Sunday city tour at the Tourist Information Centre. Staff there kindly let me join tour though I hadn’t made a booking. Stumbled upon the city mascot, i.e. a sculpture of bear beyond the TIC.

23 Oct – Sunday
Joined the free Gongju City Tour. It was conducted in Korean only though the tour guide was able to give me very brief commentaries in English.

Morning stops  of this tour included the Songsan-ri Tombs and the Gongju National Museum; admission to the latter was at an incredible deal of 400 won per person. Great weather - blue skies, sunny but cool.  In the afternoon, the bus crossed river towards Gyeryeongsan Pottery Village – Natural History Museum was the last stop.

Remember: advance bookings are strongly recommended. Note - on other days, the tour may cover places like the Pansori Centre and the Folk Museum. Unfortunately the guard changing ceremony at the fortress is not conducted in late autumn and winter.


24 Oct – Monday
Did a morning exploration of Gong-sanseong ( Fortress) near TIC before I boarded the bus for Daejeon Bus Terminal and changed to a bus for Andong. Met the head and host of Jirye Art Village in Andong.  He took all his guests to view  the  house of Yi clan in Andong and also its brick pagoda  before we were driven to JAV.

Passed orchards full of trees laden with apples. Trees with quinces and persimmons on the grounds of the JAV. Enjoyed great dinner and evening entertainment before turning in for the night in ondol-heated rooms. Beautiful starry night with crisp evening air.

25 Oct – Tuesday
Full day tour of Andong by car driven by the host of JAV. Visited Confucian Academy,  Hahoe Village, Mask Museum ( 1500 won) and a Hanji factory; 2nd night at JAV.

Red ivy on walls complimented red doors of the traditional school, while the gold of the gingko trees in Hahoe was impressive.

Eulalia waved gracefully on the banks of the river hugging Hahoe  village. 

Although it was cold, I opted for a naengmyeon lunch and though the taste was refreshing, I regretted not ordering a warm bowl of kimchi stew instead.


26 Oct – Wednesday
Got a ride from my JAV hostess to bus-stop bound for Juwangsan National Park; 20,000 won minbak opposite bus terminal and TIC; bus and then 45 minute walk to Jusanji ( pond); stunning views of autumnal tints of trees on the banks of the pond reflected in the waters.

Had to  hitch a ride back;  spent rest of evening gawking at the season’s goodies on sale outside shops leading up to park entrance – red bean in fish-shaped cakes, roasted chestnuts and eomuk. Grandmas were selling wild herbs, roasted rice or barley, dried persimmons at roadside stalls.

27 Oct – Thursday
Great walks at Juwangsan Park. As the morning mists lifted, the array of rock formations played with my imagination.

Unfortunately autumn isn't the season to appreciate waterfalls - while Juwangsan has more than its fair share of pokpos, the volume of water by this time had been reduced to undramatic proportions

But the beautiful autumn scenery in Juwangsan was ample compensation. Saw two ajummas enjoying a plate of acorn jelly while I was digging into my kalguksu after a long morning's walk.

28 Oct – Friday ( another full day of travelling)
Bought my bus ticket at the automated machine at the Juwangsan bus terminal for Daegu. Hopped onto a taxi to change from one bus terminal in Daegu to another on the other side of the city to get to Suncheon, thanks to a tip from a friendly bus driver.

ETA for Autumn Leaves 2010 - Latest Update

Here's the latest info copied from the KNTO website:
"We all might have to wait just a little bit longer this year to be dazzled by Korea’s brilliant fall foliage. The Korea Meteorological Administration recently announced that the autumnal tint will be making its appearance 1~11 days later than it has in previous years. Leaves on Jirisan and the central regions of Korea are expected to start changing from October 3rd to 18th, while the southern regions will start experiencing the seasonal bursts of color around October 17th to the 30th.

The first foliage of Seoraksan Mountain is predicted to start around October 3rd and will reach its peak around October 20th.* On Mt. Naejangsan, the peak time will be around the 6th of November. In the middle regions and Mt. Jirisan, the autumnal tint will peak around late October; in the southern regions, early November.
*First foliage = 20% of a given area’s foliage has changed colors
*Peak foliage = 80% or more of a given area’s foliage has changed colors

Mountains 2010 Autumn Foliage Schedule


Place  - First Foliage Date  / Peak Time Date

Seoraksan (설악산) - 10.3   /  10.20
Odaesan (오대산)   - 10.6   / 10.28
Bukhansan (북한산) -10.22 / 11.1
Chiaksan (치악산) - 10.15  /  10.31
Woraksan (월악산)- 10.19  /10.27
Songnisan (속리산)- 10.18 / 10.26
Gyeryongsan (계룡산)-10.18 /  10.30
Palgongsan (팔공산) - 10.24  / 11.1
Gayasan (가야산) - 10.18  / 11.3
Naejangsan (내장산) - 10.28 /  11.6
Jirisan (지리산) - 10.17 /  10.29
Mudeungsan (무등산) - 10.27  / 11.12
Duryunsan (두륜산) - 10.30  / 11.11
Hallasan (한라산) - 10.22 / 11.9

The information above comes from the Korea Meteorological Administration and it can be found on the KNTO website.

At the same time, bear in mind, that the weather has been playing mind games with the KMA in recent years. It's getting harder and harder to predict what Mother Nature is going to do, especially when we've not been showing her enough respect. Expect her to behave more capriciously.
 
For instance, just today, the nation is experiencing its first frost this year - temperatures in Gangwon-do have dipped to around zero degrees Celcius.Farmers already badly affected by heavy rains and typhoons are bracing themselves for another attack on their crops because of this unanticipated frost.
 
According to KBS, the "Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast that afternoon highs will hover around 20 degrees Celsius, with strong winds expected to subside later in the afternoon. But the weather agency added that the cold weather is expected to continue through Friday before autumn rains hit the nation on the weekend."

Goodness knows what effect the early frost will have on the autumn leaves.
Please also check out this posting. ( from 2009 as an indication of things to come)

Much Ado About Mushrooms, Part 2

YangYang Song-I Mushroom Festival

One more day to catch this year’s Mushroom Festival in Yangyang, Gangwon-do which runs from 24th to 28th September this year although the field harvesting continues to the 14th of October. But two words of warning: Don’t get too excited about harvesting hoards of mushrooms – the songi or pine mushroom is so rare and hard to come by that you’re only allowed to harvest ONE mushroom provided:
a. You have officially registered with the authorities and you’re accompanied by a certified harvester
b. You are actually fortunate enough to find one.
*** Remember: DON'T EAT ANY MUSHROOM WHICH HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED BY EXPERTS!!!

You’d probably have better luck finding the mushrooms in dishes available in the restaurants around Yangyang. This is the best time to savour dishes such as Songi-beoseot jeongol, Songi-bulgogi or Songi-dolsobap. Just to give you an idea of the amount of won you need to cough up for such dishes, here’s an extract:

“The Korean restaurant Mugunghwa offers natural pine mushroom set menus, such as stone pot rice with natural pine mushrooms and grilled natural pine mushrooms, which are priced at 47,000 to 100,000 won.

 

Apparently, there's also a home stay program at pine mushroom farms, a half marathon along the Namdaecheon stream and a traditional folkplay of the region entitled "Taksangsadoegi".

Safer to claim that you can expect the usual staples like food-tasting sessions, exhibitions, and traditional dances.

sources:

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=697207

http://www.worknplay.co.kr/view.php?id=enter01&p=1&keyfield=&keyword=&no=1326&bd_id1=&keyword_top=&gally=7&sort2=
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/7/27/lifeliving/6406310&sec=lifeliving
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=697207
http://eng.yangyang.go.kr/page/foreign/eng/index.jsp
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/06/144_65111.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/05/146_53193.html
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=293158
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsutake
http://10magazine.asia/7124/a-taste-of-korea-songi-beoseot/
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/05/144_51633.html
http://www.sporelab.com/pine.html
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?gotoPage=1&cid=861566
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2092853
www.korea.net/news/news/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20071005009...
http://teachmekorea.blogspot.com/2007/09/mushrooms-and-trekking.html

Much Ado About Mushrooms, Part 1

As Chuseok is actually a harvest rather than a thanksgiving festival, I thought I’d mark the occasion with a posting on Songi or Songyi beoseot a.k.a. the pine mushroom a.k.a. (Tricholoma matsutake or matsutake mushroom, Tricholoma nauseosum, 松茸).  See warning at the end of this posting.

Beogre you go all gung-ho and head out for the hills to go mushroom hunting, bear these figures in mind. Although there are apparently over 2000 varieties of mushrooms in the Korean peninsular, most are inedible or poisonous. Fewer than 20 kinds are cultivated commercially. More disquieting is the fact that, there has been a 60% decline in mushroom harvests over the last decade. In 2009, only 100 tonnes of songi mushrooms were collected.

Their increasing rarity has ensured that their nicknames such as “golden mushrooms” and “diamonds of the forest” are well-deserved. Once plucked, the mushroom doesn’t grow again; it can’t be cultivated and it’s particularly sensitive to environmental changes. Among South Korea’s most expensive natural products, songi mushrooms have almost become so endangered that you need to be certified to harvest them and even then, each harvester may only be allowed to remove one mushroom.

The best quality pine mushrooms can fetch princely prices of 800,000 won per kilogram ( about $670). Hence Kim Jong-il’s gift of 4 tons of songi beoseot to Roh Moo-hyun during one summit visit in the past was not something to be sniffed at metaphorically. In Japan, these mushrooms known there as matsutake were the exclusive privilege of the royalty until the 17th century. These days, they are still coveted corporate gifts during Chuseok celebrations.

But certainly, the whole point of enjoying songi mushrooms is to relish its wonderful scent. Its aroma has been described as a “distinctive cinnamony pine smell” and people have praised its “delicate woodsy taste”. It also contains less moisture compared to other species so it can be stored much longer.

But that’s just the least of its virtues. Pine mushrooms have more vitamin B2 than other species; they make excellent low-calorie foods and they are rich in fibre and minerals. According to the Korean Donguibogam (Treasure Book Of Eastern Medicine), wild pine mushrooms “are known to be the greatest among all mushrooms because it has the pine tree’s vigours and delicious fragrances with no content of poisons”.

More recently, researchers have found that the pine mushrooms can lower cholestrol, and help to improve blood circulation. They can also be used to treat hypertension, colitis and even cancer. “In 1996, researchers at the National Cancer Center Research Institute of Japan found that polysaccharide extracts of matsutake drastically slow down tumor growth in guinea pigs.” It’s also been touted as an aphrodisiac but I’m more interested in the claim that it can help to tighten wrinkles and get rid of facial spots caused by exposure to the sun.

WARNING:
NEVER go mushroom hunting without a expert to guide you on what's OK to eat. It's not so easy to differentiate edible fungi from the poisonous ones!
More on songi mushrooms in the next posting.

sources:
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/7/27/lifeliving/6406310&sec=lifeliving

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=697207
http://eng.yangyang.go.kr/page/foreign/eng/index.jsp
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/06/144_65111.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/05/146_53193.html
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=293158
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsutake
http://10magazine.asia/7124/a-taste-of-korea-songi-beoseot/
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/05/144_51633.html
http://www.sporelab.com/pine.html
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?gotoPage=1&cid=861566
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2092853
www.korea.net/news/news/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20071005009...
http://teachmekorea.blogspot.com/2007/09/mushrooms-and-trekking.html
http://www.ecplaza.net/ecmarket/imageview.asp?imageUrl=http://image.ecplaza.com/offer/c/chunho211/5216705.jpg
http://www.tradekorea.com/product-detail/P00156398/Two_Way_Cake.html

Happy Chuseok 2010!

Wishing all a Happy Chuseok!

To the halmeonis and halbeojis, may your children and grandchildren keep in touch not just for this annual celebration...

To the ajummas working hard in the kitchen, I hope the preparations for the family feasting won't be too stressful...

To the husbands of the ajummas - Please spare a thought or two for your wives, mothers and sisters...

To the children - may you find pleasure in the communal traditional games before they die out completely...

To the Koreans travelling abroad, have a great holiday spending your won overseas...

To those opting to take advatange of the long break  under the plastic surgeon's scalpel - a speedy recovery...

To those commuting from the city to the hometowns or villages - hope you won't get stuck in the traffic...

to  Koreans working and studying outside Korea - may the social media keep the family ties strong despite the physical distance....

to those in Seoul during the Chuseok period, enjoy the emptiness, quiet and uncrowded streets while you can!

Earlier postings on Chuseok, click below:

Chuseok - The Worst of Times
Chuseok - The Best of Times
What Really Goes On During Chuseok?
Songpyeon On My Pillow
A Korean Mother's Memory of Chuseok
Ganggangsullae- Not Simply Going Around In Circles


source:
http://moorimchem.co.kr/eng/notice/notice.htm?boardpage=/eng/notice/notice.htm&boardMode=view&b_id=enotice&g_id=&boardpage=/eng/notice/notice.htm&boardUseStyle=insert&lastcktime=MTI3ODY1MDM3MA==&boardUrl=&returnUrl=moorimchem.co.kr&searchtitle=&searchcon=&page=3&gid=1999994000&gno=%B0%F8%C1%F6

Lee Byung Heon or Lee Byung Hun Pitches For California

Is this the first time a Korean has been invited to help promote tourism of another country? Lee Byung-hun ( or is it Lee Byung-heon? Can never get the name right!) may claim this honour as he was appointed the official tourism ambassador for the State of California on the 15th of September. The Governor of California a.k.a. The Terminator a.k.a. Arnold Schwarzenegger was on hand at the JW Marriott Hotel to present LBH with a special certificate to mark this modest milestone in the latter's career.

I was amused to read this comment by Caroline Beteta, CEO of the California Travel and Tourism Commission: "California looks forward to welcoming more Korean tourists eager to experience the California life style....Recently, Lee embraced his inner California, inspiring his fellow South Koreans to do the same.”


What on earth does that mean - "embrace his inner California?"

Other questions spring to mind:

1. Does this mean that we'll see less of LBH in K-dramas such as Iris, Part 3 and 4 and so on... as he'll be appearing in more TV commercials, pitching for Lake Tahoe or Santa Barbara?

2. How well will Koreans respond to his toothy smile splashed across local newspapers as he invites his fellow countrymen to take advantage of the visa waiver program for Koreans ( since 2008)  and  discover the joys of California's vineyards and walking trails?

3. Will LBH be able to capitalise on his time in the US to impress Hollywood moguls so that they can see beyond casting him in roles like the two-dimensional character in GI Joe?

For earlier postings on LBH, click here  and here.

sources:
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/09/16/2010091600305.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/09/117_73134.html
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/CU/CU_EN_8_5_1_63.jsp

ETA for Autumn Leaves 2010

Here's some vital news from KBS for those chasing the fall folliage:

"Autumn foliage is expected to be visible at the nation’s major mountain areas starting in the early part of next month, or a week later compared to previous years.The Korea Meteorological Administration said Wednesday that autumn leaves at Mount Seorak will be visible around October third, while Mount Jiri and Mount Songni will see their leaves turn red starting around October 20th. Autumn foliage is expected to be at its most colorful at Mount Seorak around October 20th and at Mount Naejang around November sixth."

Keep your fingers crossed, folks that the weatherman has got it right.
Click here  for the latest update.
Check out this 2009 posting also for a little more perspective.
 
source:
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Dm_detail.htm?No=75695
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_4_13_3.jsp

What IS the Rocket Punch Generation? - W & Whale's RPG Shine

For some inexplicable reason, the song by indie group, W and Whale entitled RPG Shine keeps running through my mind lately.




Here's a snipper of info from a website:

W and Whale (korean: 더블유앤웨일) is a collaboration between W (Where The Story Ends) and female vocalist Whale (웨일).They released their full-length project album on September 24, 2008, entitled “Hardboiled”, making some head way with the title track “R.P.G Shine”. They’re a new alternative/indie movement, and their styles include indie, alternative-pop, rock, jazz and even disco.

Haven't been able to find a translation for the lyrics below but the part that bugs me most is the reference to Rocket Punch Generation. Maybe my age is showing or the rock that I'm under is even bigger than I'd thought so can somebody please put me out of my misery and tell me what that phrase refers to?? I can only infer that Rocket Punch has something to do with Japanese anime and so can only conclude that this ajumma is definitely not part of the RPG!



건조한 눈빛, 쓰디 쓴 그대의 혀

항상 말만 앞서고 행동하진 못해.

나는 좀처럼 스스로 판단할 수 없어

필요한 건 Rocket punch.

때론 나대신 싸워주는 로봇

그건 말도 안 되는 만화 속 이야기

너의 어깨가 부셔져라 부딪혀야 해.



1 & 2 & 3 & 4걱정하는 것을 걱정하지 마.

Rocket Punch Generation지루하게 선명하기보다는 흐릿해도 흥미롭게

You have to cha, cha, cha, change yourself.

대체 왜 그래 뭐가 부끄럽다고

딱딱해지는 몸짓 빨개지는 얼굴

삶은 언제나 그렇듯 오르막 내리막

Tricky, Freaky, Break it my heart.누가 뭐래도 무거운 신념 하나

너의 가슴 속 깊이 못을 밖아 두고

결국 뱃머리 돌리는 건 바로 나 캡틴 Whale



5 & 6 & 7 & 8 걱정하는 것을 걱정하지 마.

Rocket Punch Generation 지루하게 선명하기보다는 흐릿해도 흥미롭게

You have to cha, cha, cha, change yourself.Oh~! Love me & love you이보다 더 좋을 순 없으니

Hold me & I`ll hold you또 이보다 더 나빠진다 해도 우리.



이미 지난 일은 후회하지 마.

Rocket Punch Generation. 불안할 것 없어 다가올 일도 중요한 건 바로 지금

I have to cha, cha, cha, change my, You have to cha, cha, cha, change your, We have to cha, cha, cha, change ourselves.

걱정하는 것을 걱정하지 마.

Rocket Punch Generation지루하게 선명하기보다는 흐릿해도 흥미롭게

You have to cha, cha, cha, change yourself

sources: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juA0Hw5EgaA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N4bQhNuehw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y2uqJm4Kcg