Korean Headlines
Seoul regrets Tokyo's claims over Dokdo
Korea Herald
Lee Chung-yong At Bolton Wanderers
Soccerphile
Forced Laborers Seek Due Compensation
Korea Times
How to Make the Most of Hot Spring Baths
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Korea Headlines December 27 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Korea Headlines December 20 2009
Korean Headlines
North Korea and South Korea engage in swine flu diplomacy
BBC
Drunk driving on the increase in South Korea
Korea Herald
Pohang Steelers lose to Estudiantes at FIFA World Club Cup
Soccerphile
K-Pop Girls Generation live on sparse diet of water and cucumber
Korea Times
One in every five men is likely to have trouble finding a spouse by 2014
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Soju & Makgeolli
Soju & Makgeolli
The traditional Korean drinks of soju and makgeolli are both enjoying a renaissance amongst drinkers in Seoul.
Makgeolli is a milky-colored rice wine with a taste somewhere between Japanese sake and beer. Baekseju Village (1317-11 Seocho-Dong, Seocho-Gu near Gangnam subway station Tel: +82 2 595 1003) offers a range of specially prepared Korean traditional wines from the company's own brewery, together with some delicious side dishes. The roasted pork slices (bossam) braised with red pepper paste (gochujang) come highly recommended.
Soju is a distilled liquor similar to Japanese shochu and packs a real kick. Chungdam Ann Sojubang (118-19 Chungdam-Dong, Gagnam-Gu / +82 2 541 6381) offers excellent king ribs and pan-broiled octopus with your deceptively alcoholic fruit soju cocktails.
Cheers!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Korea Headlines December 13 2009
Korean Headlines
North Korea agrees nuclear 'co-operation' with US
BBC
Ozawa apologizes for Japanese wartime atrocities
Korea Herald
Pohang Steelers win first game in FIFA World Club Cup
Soccerphile
Sejong City Project to Be Completed by 2020
Korea Times
Lee Offers to Help North Korea with H1N1 Flu
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Choral Singing In Pyongyang
Choral Singing In Pyongyang
Female voices raised in revolutionary fervor are a Pyongyang favorite, always propaganda, always praising the leadership.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Bulguksa Temple Guardians
Bulguksa Temple Guardians
.jpg "Bulguksa Temple Guardian") |
| Bulguksa Temple Guardian |
Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju is a Korean national icon. Bulguksa was completed in 774 in the Silla dynasty but was unfortunately destroyed by an invading Japanese army in the early 17th century.
These huge temple guardians are a common feature in temples in China, Korea and Japan and are related to ancient Hindu demi-gods or devas (cheon in Korean). Their job is to prevent evil spirits from entering the sacred grounds of the temple's inner sanctum.
Image © Daniel Allen
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Korea Headlines December 6 2009
Korean Headlines
North Korea currency change sparks panic
BBC
2010 no fun as weekends eat up public holidays
Korea Herald
Pohang Steelers in FIFA World Club Cup
Soccerphile
Transsexual Model Fights Prejudice
Korea Times
Skepticism Lingers Over Honam KTX Line
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Korea Headlines November 29 2009
Korean Headlines
South Korean fined in first racial insult case
BBC
More Koreans seek foreign spouse for second marriage
Korea Herald
Senol Gunes Leaves FC Seoul
Soccerphile
Transsexual Model Fights Prejudice
Korea Times
Korea's Brand Power 10th Largest in World
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Korea Headlines November 22 2009
Korean Headlines
Scepticism over North Korea's talks offer
BBC
Anticipation rising for U.S.-North Korea talks
Korea Herald
Chunnam Dragons Upset FC Seoul in K. League Playoffs
Korea Times
Plastic Surgery Boom Reaches Alarming Proportions
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Hwangnam Bread
Hwangnam Bread (Hwangnam bbang)
Hwangnam Bread is a specialty of Gyeongju..jpg)
Hwangnam bbang (Hwangnam Bread) is a delicious sweet red bean paste pastry and makes for a delicious snack with coffee or tea. Each bun is stamped with a distinctive sunburst motif.
The Hwangnam Bakery, where you can watch the bakers hard at work, is the mecca of Hwangnam Bread. The bakery is just across the street from Cheonmacheong, and bread is available to take away in various sized boxes.
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Korea images © Daniel Allen
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Korea Headlines November 15 2009
Korean Headlines
N Korean and S Korean ships clash at sea
BBC
Most South Koreans use cell phones
Korea Herald
Free Agent Kim Tae-kyun Joins Chiba Marines
Korea Times
Dual Nationality to Become Legal
Chosun Ilbo
Fire in South Korea shooting range kills 10 including 8 Japanese tourists
Reuters
Previous Korea news
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Korea Headlines November 8 2009
Korean Headlines
N Korea 'has extracted plutonium'
BBC
U.S. Army headquarters to stay
Korea Herald
Kim Hye-ja Named Best Actress in China Festival
Korea Times
Fewer Korean Children Go Abroad to Learn
Chosun Ilbo
South Koreans Struggle With Race
New York Times
Previous Korea news
Monday, November 2, 2009
Anapji Pond
Anapji Pond 안압지
Anapji in Gyeongju is a beautiful pleasure garden and lake built by King Munmu in 674 as part of his palace.
The Anapji Pond is said to mirror the shape of King Munmu's kingdom at the time and the beautiful lotus pond and surrounding trees are illuminated at night.
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When the area was restored in the mid-1970s the lake was dredged to reveal thousands of relics fom the Silla dynasty which are now exhibited in the National Museum in Gyeongju.
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Korea images © Daniel Allen
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Korea Headlines November 1 2009
Korean Headlines
South Korea plans non-combat Afghan deployment
BBC
Major parties differ over ruling on media laws
Korea Herald
Korea to Build Eco-Friendly Houses
Korea Times
Kim Yu-na Boosts Global Celebrity Status
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Cheomsongdae Observatory
Cheomsongdae Observatory
Cheomsongdae Observatory in Gyeongju is the oldest observatory in East Asia.
The building dates back to the 7th century and the rule of Queen Seondeok (632-647) in the Silla dynasty. The 12 stones at the base of the building may represent the 12 months of the year or the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. The number of stones in the construction equals the number of days in a lunar year - 362.
The structure is illuminated at night and a favorite place for lovers' snaps.
Korea images © Daniel Allen
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Korea Headlines October 25 2009
Korean Headlines
North Koreans meet US envoys in New York
BBC
Fears grow about roaming wild boars
Korea Herald
Calvin Klein’s Sexy Billboard to Be Taken Down
Korea Times
Seoul to Host Snowboarding Contest
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Arirang Festival 2009 Ends
Arirang Festival 2009
The Arirang Festival 2009 officially ended on Tuesday in North Korea. The world's largest choreographed display attracted 1.4 million spectators according to the authorities in Pyongyang.
The Arirang Festival began at May Day Stadium in mid-August. Guests included Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who watched the festival with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il on October 5.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Seoul By Night
Seoul Illuminated
As well as the Banpo Bridge many areas of Seoul are now lit at night and have colored water displays.
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Korea images © Daniel Allen
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Korea Headlines October 18 2009
Korean Headlines
North Korean diplomat to visit US
BBC
Drunk defense under scrutiny
Korea Herald
Koreans Detained in Foreign Countries Top 1,000
Korea Times
Construction of Asia's Tallest Building Starts
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Monday, October 12, 2009
North Korea Map
North Korea Map
New "cartograms" from Worldmapper graphically show the population density of North Korea.
The estimated total population of North Korea in 2008 was 23,479,088, less than half the population of South Korea.
Click on the map to enlarge it.
© Copyright 2009 SASI Group (University of Sheffield)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Korea Headlines October 11 2009
Korean Headlines
North Korean 'may return to talks'
BBC
More Korean women in 20s, 30s remain single
Korea Herald
President Lee’s Bicycle Sold for 310,000 Won
Korea Times
'Sarang' Named Loveliest Korean Word
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Monday, October 5, 2009
Banpo Bridge Seoul
Banpo Bridge Seoul
In 2008 the 1.4 km-long Banpo Bridge in Seoul got a major facelift with the installation of a 9,380-jet fountain that runs along both sides of the bridge that crosses the Han River.
The nozzles spray 190 tons of water per minute pumped from the river below. The fountain is illuminated at night, set to music and makes for a dramatic sight.
Korea images © Daniel Allen
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Korea Headlines October 4 2009
Korean Headlines
Chinese premier meets North Korean leader Kim Jong-il BBC
"Comfort Women" victims pin hopes on Japan PM Hatoyama Korea Herald
Chuseok holiday-travelers' traffic clogs highways Korea Times
Korean Economy 'to Grow 3.6% Next Year' Chosun Ilbo
Saturday, October 3, 2009
South Korea Map
South Korea Map
New style "cartograms" from Worldmapper graphically show the very high population density of South Korea.
The main population density areas are Seoul and neighboring Incheon. The gray areas represent areas of low population density, with only the south west and eastern coasts having a relatively sparse population.
The estimated total population of South Korea in 2008 was 48,379,392.
Click on the map to enlarge it.
© Copyright 2009 SASI Group (University of Sheffield)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Korean Sashimi
Korean Sashimi
Thick cut and delicious Korean sashimi (raw fish) is a gastronomic delight.
Eat at Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan or at numerous specialist fish restaurants in Seoul, Korean raw seafood is a culinary adventure.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
KTX Trains Korea
KTX Trains Korea 서울
The KTX is one of our favorite trains. It has a very elegant shape - sleek and refined.
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Sunday, September 27, 2009
Korea Headlines September 27 2009
Korean News
Korean families in rare reunion
BBC
Japan PM Hatoyama to visit Seoul October 9
Korea Herald
After School Girl Band Harassed by Rowdy Bikers
Korea Times
Korea 'to Host Next Year's G20 Summit'
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Pusan International Film Festival
Pusan International Film Festival
Pusan International Film Festival in Busan will take place this year from October 8-18 on Haeundae Beach in the southern port city of Busan.
PIFF is Asia's largest film festival and began life in 1996. Cinemas for screenings are MegaBox Haeundae 5 and Busan Yatching Center Outdoor Theater.
2009 PIFF
Annex 2-1, Yachting Center
1393 Woo1-Dong
Haeundae-Gu
Busan 612-797
Korea
Tel: 82 51 747 2684
Fax: 82 51 747 2694
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Korea Headlines September 20 2009
Korean Headlines
North Korea ready for nuclear talks.
BBC
Charges pressed over Imjin flood deaths
Korea Herald
Koreans Fighting Obesity
Korea Times
Three Men Arrested for Illegally Uploading 'Haeundae'
Chosun Ilbo
A Succession Saga Goes Silent
Washington Post
Previous Korea news
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Dongdaemun Gate
Dongdaemun Gate 동대문
The Dongdaemun or "Great East Gate" has stood on its present spot in Seoul since 1396 though the present structure dates from 1869.
Dongdaemun Market is the major tourist attraction in the vicinity.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Eating Korean: from barbecue to kimchi, recipes from my home
Eating Korean
Eating Korean: from barbecue to kimchi, recipes from my home
by Cecilia Hae Jin Lee
John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0-7645-4078-5
272 pp
This book is an excellent introduction of the delights of Korean cooking. Written by a first-generation Korean-American and award-winning chef, the book covers the standard favorites of Korean cuisine such as bulgogi, bibimbap and kimchi as well as offering recipes that may not be so well-known to a Western audience.
Among the one hundred plus recipes presented are plenty of hot soups, vegetable dishes, noodles, and those saucy, hot Korean dips.
The author interweaves the recipes with personal stories about her large extended Korean family as well as interesting cultural insights into Korean food and culture. Highly recommended for those wanting to try Korean food at home with a useful list of US suppliers of Korean ingredients listed by state.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Korea Headlines September 13 2009
Korean Headlines
Ruse or reality in North Korea's uranium admission? BBC
Exhibition showcases Korean medicine Korea Herald
Book Highlights Essence of Korean Temples Korea Times
More Foreigners Take Korean Proficiency Test Chosun Ilbo
South Korea says supports U.S. talks with North Washington Post
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Seoul Puns
Seoul Puns
The fact that the word "Seoul" has the same pronunciation as the English words "soul" and "sole" is a punner's and headline writer's dream.
In English "soul" can mean spirit or individual, sole is the bottom of your shoe, a type of fish or can have the meaning of only as in 'the one and only'. Then there is the soul music genre.
Here's a list of our favorite Seoul puns - add yours in the comments section below.
Soul Seoul - spirit, individual
Seoul Brother(s), Seoul Sister(s), Heart and Seoul, Lonely Seoul, Wandering Seoul, Lost Seoul, Seoul Food, Seoul Searching, All Seoul's Day, Rest His/Her Seoul, Seoul Mate, Set My Seoul On Fire, Seoul To Seoul, Seoul Eater, Seoul Dust, Seoul Kitchen, Body and Seoul
Sole Seoul - as in instrinsic, one and only
Seoul Trader, Seoul Survivor, Seoul Application, Seoul Purpose
Soul Seoul - the music and, of course, Northern Seoul
Seoul Classics, 1960s Seoul, Black Seoul, Seoul Man, Soul Lyrics, Seoul Train, Seoul Asylum, Seoul Singers, Seoul Hits, Seoul Music, Seoul Kitchen
Sole Seoul - as in the shoe
Rubber Seoul, Leather Seoul, Double Seoul
Or how about Dover Seoul, Seould Out?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Japan Korea Flights
Japan Korea Flights
Flights to Korea from Japan have become much cheaper over the years and with the present exchange rate making the Won good value against the Japanese Yen, there is no better time to fly over the East Sea (Sea of Japan) and enjoy a visit to the Land of Morning Calm.
As well as a number of daily services from the big airports such as Narita, Haneda, Osaka, Fukuoka and Chubu International, there are regular flights to both Incheon International Airport and Busan from smaller, provincial airports in Japan, including Hiroshima.
English language newspapers or your travel agent are a good place to find cheap flights and good value package trips on tours. These will include airfare, hotel and usually a bus tour and last usually for 3 or 4 days. Recent prices quoted include 17,000 yen from Tokyo, 18,800 yen from Osaka (KIX).
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Korea Headlines September 6 2009
Korean Headlines
North Korea enters final phase of uranium enrichment
BBC
Korea beat Australia 3-1 in football friendly
Korea Herald
Foreign Investors Flocking to Kosdaq
Korea Times
Report Predicts Older, Multicultural Korea on Stilts
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
Saturday, September 5, 2009
South Korean Provinces
South Korean Provinces
For administrative purposes, South Korea is divided into 8 provinces (도,道,do), 1, Special self-governing Province, 1 Special City and 6 Metropolitan Cities.
The 8 provinces are: Chungcheongbuk, Chungcheongnam, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, Gyeongsangbuk, Gyeongsangnam, Jeollabuk and Jeollanam. The 1 Special self-governing Province is Jeju. The 1 Special City is the capital Seoul and the 6 Metropolitan Cities are Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwanju, Incheon and Ulsan.
Gyeonggi is the largest province in terms of population with Busan the largest Metropolitan City, though, of course, smaller than Seoul - the Special City.
Gyeonggi-do Province includes the capital Seoul, though Seoul has its own administration. The provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do is Suwon. Other provincial capitals are Chuncheon (Gangwon), Cheongju (Chungcheongnam), Daejeon (Chungcheongnam), Jeonju (Jeollabuk), Muan (Jeollanam), Daegu (Gyeongsangbuk) and Changwon (Gyeongsangnam).
Municipal level divisions are slightly similar to those in Japan: Si (city), Gun (county), Gu (district), Eup (town), Myeon (township), Dong (neighborhood), Ri (village).
Friday, September 4, 2009
Moon Handbooks South Korea
Moon Handbooks
Moon Handbooks South Korea
by Robert Nilsen
Moon Handbooks
ISBN: 1-5669-1418-3
860 pp
If you are considering a stay of a few weeks or more in Korea, then Robert Nilsen's excellent Moon Handbooks South Korea, should be one of the first things you pack. Full of detailed travel, historical and cultural information on Korea's main cities and often hidden places of interest, this book takes you well off the normal traveler's well-beaten track.
The clean black and white design and decent maps are a bonus, as are the well-penned and informative history and language sections. A great background resource for the long-term traveler or resident, but in need of a sharper edit on more precise travel information for the hungry or lost, casual Seoul-searching tourist.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Korea Headlines August 30 2009
Korea Headlines
Koreas to resume family reunions BBC
Government to introduce anklets for criminals Korea Herald
N. Korea Frees 4 S. Korean Fishermen Korea Times
One-stop Service Centers Open for Medical Tourists Chosun Ilbo
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Internet Cafes in Korea
Internet Cafes in Korea
As befits the most wired nation on earth, internet cafes are everywhere.
Look out for the "PC" sign on buildings and in the street.
Mainly popular with gamers rather than surfers, cybercafés or PC bangs are comfortable and cheap and most seem to be open 24/7.
Expect to pay around 1 USD an hour to get online in any of the major Korean cities.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Busan Weather
Busan Weather
 |
| Fish market in Busan |
The climate in Busan is less extreme than the weather in Seoul to the north. The sea acts to cool temperatures in the Korea Peninsula's very hot summers and helps to moderate the harsh cold of the Korean winter. Busan can be 4 or 5 degrees Centigrade warmer than the capital in winter and a couple of degrees cooler in summer.
BUSAN WEATHERAugust is the hottest month on the south coast with July the wettest with an average of around 300mm of rainfall expected in the month. November through March are the driest months with average precipitation less than 70 mm.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Gwangalli Beach & Gwangan Bridge
Gwangalli Beach & Gwangan Bridge
Gwangan Bridge is a huge bridge in Busan on the southern coast of South Korea. Gwangan Bridge carries National Highway 66 and crosses the bay west of Haeundae to Daeyeon-san-dong.
Gwangan Bridge, which is 6.5km long is the largest bridge in Korea and is illuminated at night.
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Gwangalli Beach looks out on to the bridge and is a popular spot for water sports or to try one of the many seafood restaurants or trendy cafes and shops in the area.
image © Daniel Allen
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Jagalchi Fish Market Pusan
Jagalchi Fish Market Pusan 자갈치시장
Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan is the largest marine products market in Korea, and like Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, is an ideal place to sample raw fish and the Korean version of sushi or gimbap (steamed white rice - bap - with seafood rolled in dried seaweed - gim).
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Jagalchi is located in the Nanpo-dong area of Busan and the market itself is both indoors and outdoors. Fried tuna or chamchi is a popular dish here.
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Korean sashimi - hoe - is usually cut thicker than in Japan and served on a bed of lettuce.
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Images © Daniel Allen
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Korea Headlines August 23 2009
Korean Headlines
South Korea's champion of democracy Kim Dae-jung
BBC
Rocket launch hopes for lucky number 8
Korea Herald
Foreigners’ Crimes Outgrow Interpreters
Korea Times
Korea Bids to Host 2022 World Cup
Chosun Ilbo
Previous Korea news
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