2012 Korea Grand Sale to Begin in January
 Korea Grand Sale, the premier shopping event for international visitors, is set to take place from January 9th through February 29th, 2012. During the Sale period, visitors will be able to enjoy discounts up to 50% on shopping, dining, accommodation and entertainment in Seoul, Busan, Jeju and other major cities across the country. Approximately 21,100 shops representing 72 different businesses are expected to participate in the event. Moreover, the City of Seoul will be providing free shuttle bus services to such popular tourist and shopping sites as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Cheongdam-dong and Apgujeong. | |
Seoul Bridge Culture Space to Host Mini-Concerts
A series of exciting performances and exhibitions have been scheduled to take place at Riverview 8th Avenue, an arts and culture space built under Gwangjingyo Bridge, on the last weekend of October.
Together with her students, Korean vocalist Lee Seung-Eun will be singing famous Italian arias such as ‘Nella Fantasia’ and ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ on the evening of October 28th, followed by an outstanding jazz performance by Jazz Mania the next evening. Then, on the evening of the 30th, members of Yongsan Maeari will present several popular tunes from the 70’s and 80’s in their old school uniforms. Moreover, an exhibition of Bamseom Island photos is set to run until November 5th.
Meanwhile, Riverview 8th Avenue continues to host diverse music performances every weekend, while offering an amazing night view of Seoul. Participation in any of the programs is free of charge for the first 60 online reservations.
Source : KTO
'news Y' aims to become Asia's leading news
"news Y," an all-news cable channel that Yonhap News Agency plans to launch later this year, announced on Thursday its future vision of becoming Asia's leading news outlet offering original programming.
In a media explanation meeting held at a Seoul hotel for major local advertisers, news Y pledged to become a "friendly and warm-hearted" broadcaster based on differentiated news programs produced with the help of Yonhap News Agency's 600 reporters worldwide, including 62 overseas correspondents in 35 countries.
"news Y's competitive edge comes from its capacity to provide differentiated content," Kim Seok-jin, managing director of the channel, said in the media explanation meeting attended by some 400 people, including chief advertising officials of the nation's leading advertisers, including Samsung, Hyundai Motor, SK, LG, Lotte, POSCO and GS.
"Abundant news content provided by Yonhap News, which has the largest media coverage network in the country, would be the driving force behind the channel's competitiveness," he stressed.
In a media explanation meeting held at a Seoul hotel for major local advertisers, news Y pledged to become a "friendly and warm-hearted" broadcaster based on differentiated news programs produced with the help of Yonhap News Agency's 600 reporters worldwide, including 62 overseas correspondents in 35 countries.
"news Y's competitive edge comes from its capacity to provide differentiated content," Kim Seok-jin, managing director of the channel, said in the media explanation meeting attended by some 400 people, including chief advertising officials of the nation's leading advertisers, including Samsung, Hyundai Motor, SK, LG, Lotte, POSCO and GS.
"Abundant news content provided by Yonhap News, which has the largest media coverage network in the country, would be the driving force behind the channel's competitiveness," he stressed.
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| Park Jung-chan, president and CEO of Yonhap News Agency and its affiliate Yonhap News TV, speaks during a media explanation meeting held at Seoul's Lotte Hotel on Oct. 27 to unveil vision and programming strategies of "news Y," the 24-hour cable news channel to be launched by the media company later this year. (Yonhap) |
Yonhap News Agency has been preparing for the channel's launch for nearly one year since it was chosen to run a new 24-hour cable news channel last December.
news Y adopted three I's -- "Informative, International and Innovative" -- as its motto.
The channel said it will provide informative news based on the output of the newswire service, which distributes some 3,000 news articles produced daily by a staff of about 600 reporters. In terms of its international coverage, the company said it will deliver comprehensive world news through Yonhap's 62 correspondents in 46 major cities across 35 countries. The company hopes to use innovative methods to present news in creative formats, news Y stressed.
news Y's main news programs will air three times a day -- from 5 to 8 a.m., at 4 p.m. and at 10 p.m., company officials said, noting that broadcasts would include anchors on the move, independent weather forecasts and interviews with newsmakers.
In addition, news Y will also offer English-language news for foreigners in and out of the country, North Korea news based on the communist country's state media and financial news from Yonhap Infomax, the financial news and information arm of Yonhap News Agency.
Audiences will also be able to watch news content from Al Jazeera Satellite Network; Russia Today, a Moscow-based 24-hour news-only channel; and various news media for overseas Korean communities in about 130 countries around the world, news Y said.
"Various media are now engaged in intense competition in the country, but there is no broadcaster delivering international news to local watchers from Korea's points of view and sending news on the Korean Peninsula to the outside world with our own hands," Park Jung-chan, president and CEO of Yonhap News and its affiliate Yonhap News TV, said during the meeting.
"news Y will become Asia's leading news outlet, playing the same role as Al Jazeera does in the Middle East, in the intensifying global information war," he said.
Source : Yonhap News
The 3rd Bravo! Asean in Korea Final Contenders
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Foreigners pick 'samgyeopsal' as favorite Korean food
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- Foreign visitors to South Korea chose "samgyeopsal," or grilled pork belly, as their favorite Korean food, a survey showed Monday.
According to the online survey of 1,984 foreigners who have visited the country, 558 respondents, or 28.1 percent, said they prefer samgyeopsal the most. Grilled at the table, it can be wrapped in lettuce with a mixture of sesame oil and salt or red soy paste dip.
Involving 952 people from English-speaking countries, 870 from Chinese-speaking countries and 162 Japanese, the survey was conducted for five weeks from Sept. 13 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
According to the online survey of 1,984 foreigners who have visited the country, 558 respondents, or 28.1 percent, said they prefer samgyeopsal the most. Grilled at the table, it can be wrapped in lettuce with a mixture of sesame oil and salt or red soy paste dip.
Involving 952 people from English-speaking countries, 870 from Chinese-speaking countries and 162 Japanese, the survey was conducted for five weeks from Sept. 13 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
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| "Samgyeopsal," or Korean grilled pork belly, is cooked at the customers' table. (Yonhap file photo) |
Kimchi, a spicy fermented side dish, and kimchi-based dishes came second with 16.7 percent, followed by "topokki," one of the most famous street snacks here, where rice cake is broiled in hot pepper paste, with 15.8 percent, and bibimbap, a casserole of rice, vegetables, meat and hot pepper paste, with 11.6 percent, according to the survey.
Also on the list were "samgyetang," a whole young chicken stuffed with ginseng, sticky rice and garlic, which is widely recognized in the country as an energy-boosting meal during the summer, and "so-galbi," Korean barbecued beef and short ribs often marinated in a seasoned soy sauce, the survey showed.
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| Foreigners visiting Seoul learn how to make kimchi, Korea's spicy fermented staple side dish. (Yonhap file photo) |
"We will take the survey result as a basis for creating diverse online contents to promote Korean food and tourism more," Shin Myun-ho from the city government said.
In an earlier survey conducted in August by the government on the city's attractions, diverse and delicious foods earned the highest mark from foreign visitors. Those who gave top marks to Korean food said they were fascinated by the abundance of side dishes, which outnumber the main dish of a meal, and especially enjoyed so-galbi.
Top Tourism Photo Exhibition to Open
 The exhibition will showcase the Presidential Prize-winning “Noeul” (Twilight) by Kim Jin-Cheol of Incheon-si, the Gold Prize-winning “Autumn Leaves” by Kim Kyu-Hwan of Uiwang-si, two Silver Prize-winning and three Bronze Prize-winning photos, and 80 other original photos deemed to best convey the mesmerizing beauty of Korea. Also, owners of the top seven photos will receive cash prizes during the opening ceremony of the exhibition. Meanwhile, the annual Korea Tourism Photo Contest, organized by KTO, is a great opportunity for citizens to not only show off their photography skills, but also promote tourism in Korea. Photos are individually submitted via KTO website, and judged on originality, artistry and applicability. This year, KTO received over 5,000 entries for the contest. Source : KTO | |
the chameleon-like Lee jang-woo changes into a cynical guy
| We're at the press conference of the drama 'Glory Jane,' and we could meet Lee Jang-woo, who changed into an autumn guy. He played a bad guy in the drama 'Smile, Dong-hae', and now, he's greeting the viewers with an irritable character. The drama 'Glory Jane' shows the bitters of life of the young generation of this era. In this drama, Lee Jang-woo plays a cynical and irritable straight-forward guy 'Seo In-woo', a very promising fourth batter in a large baseball team. The writer and producer of the hit drama 'Bread, Loves, and Dreams' are working together in this production, which has become the most-anticipated drama in the latter half of 2011. It's in the spotlight all the more as veteran actors are working with rookie actors. Lee Jang-woo started his acting career through the drama '90 Days, Time to Love.' Since then, he starred in the sitcom 'Tae-hee, Hye-kyo, Ji-hyun'as well as 'Three Brothers.' Through these works, he broadened his acting spectrum and started maturing into a true actor. 'Smile Dong-hae'had a high viewers' rating and was chosen as a national drama. This production was one of the works which made Lee Jang-woowho he is now. He played 'Kim Do-jin', the successor of a hotel, and was in the spotlight for perfectly pulling off the role. Since then, he was chosen as the main actor for the drama special 'Human Casino.' He played Jae-sung, who goes to rescue his bride-to-be from gangsters at a human casino, where they gamble on people. His excellent acting left a deep impression on the viewers. Lee Jang-woo has become the trend, and he's busy working in dramas and variety programs. He's even become the new blue-chip of the commercial world, and is receiving endless offers. We can look forward to his bright future. Q. Is there anything else which you want to try out, besides acting? Honestly, I've tried everything. I've been a singer, did musicals and many things. I want to continue being active in various fields. I don't want to limit myself to just dramas or movies, but want to try everything, including variety, I think it will be fun if I do everything. Through the imaginary marriage program titled 'We're Married,' Lee Jang-woo is showing a lovely married life with T-ara member Eun-jung. He's showing a totally different side of himself, and we could check out a new side of this actor. Lee Jang-woo and Hahm Eun-jung starred in the music video of Zia's new title track 'The Way I am.' Once the teaser was released, it caused a huge sensation. The back hug and shy kiss became the talk of town. Lee Jang-woo is known to be a maternal cousin of singer / actor Hwan Hee. He played the lead role in Hwan Hee's title track 'Love Pain,' and showed off their tight friendship. We can look forward to a bright future ahead of actor Lee Jang-woo. He has the endless potential to play various roles, and that makes everyone have high anticipation for his works. Showbiz Korea will root for his flight to the top as Korea's representative actor. Q. Future goals and last words I didn't feel this in the past, but now, I want to receive an award. I may be too greedy, but I will work harder and receive an award as an actor. Showbiz Korea viewers, Winter is just around the corner. Dress warmly and watch out for the flu. Please love 'Glory Jane' a lot, and also love me, Lee Jang-woo as well. I ask that from you! | |
| Source : http://www.arirang.co.kr/TV2/Star_Focus.asp?code=Ki3&F_KEY=884&sys_lang=Eng |
The mission! Find Autumn Festival and Revitalize Yourself
This summer was truly hot. The steamy heat and discomfortness were stronger than ever. But now, fall is back. Not only the newly harvested crops and fruits satisfy our taste, but also the exhilarating air and infinitely deep sky give us refreshingness. We can’t miss this moment. A variety of festivals of many regions are waiting for us. Let’s enjoy the autumn festival!
Autumn-Day Eats, Gizzard Shad vs Shrimp
Gizzard shad gets more delicious especially in autumn. Most of them have more unsaturated fatty acid in fall season. Also the gizzard shad is often referred in many proverbs and sayings, which shows that it is close to our lives. For example, “There are a lot of roasting sesame seeds in gizzard shad’s head in autumn”, which means it is the most delicious in autumn, and the other one is, “Your runaway daughter-in-law comes back when she smell the smoked gizzard shad in autumn”, which is pretty famous. They all tell us how delicious it is.
< Grilled fish in port of Hongwon> (Source: Korea Tourism Organization)
There are many styles of its cooking, such as sashimi style, salad style with chili sauce, and so on. The grilled shad is also delicious. With one bite, you will see. There will be many shad festivals with various events in port of Secheon-gun, Bosung-gun and Gwangyang city from the end of September to early October. Refresh yourself with gizzard shed in these festivals.
Well, shrimp is another delicious eats of autumn. It is very chewy and tasty during the fall season. The king prawn is a kind of kuruma shrimp, but it is much superior in size, flexibility and sweetness.
< Fresh shrimp with low price during the festival> (Source: Korea Tourism Organization)
The prawn festivals are held from mid-September to mid-October in Anmyundo beach, Namdang port in Hongseong and Muchangpo in Boryung, Chungcheongnam-do. Fried shrimp is just perfect for children’s snack. But above all, the best recipe is grilled shrimp cooked with natural salt. You will taste good flavor in it. You can also set a rich table with seasonal shrimp you buy with a low price in each festival. It would be healthy cuisine for your family back from the summer heat.
Marathon and Walking Festival to Refresh Your Body
It is a time for walking shoes. The advertisements on walking shoes are becoming common these days. It shows that walking for exercise is along with a boom. Sport shoes and walking shoes were useless due to heavy rain and heat, however the time has come. Walking stimulates feet and helps blood flow and metabolism. It is an aerobic exercise that helps weight loss. More interest in athletics than the past was shown during IAAF World Championship in Daegu. In particular, marathon is amazing because the runners challenge to their limit.
< Citizens participating in walking festival> (Source: Yonhap News)
Thanks to this trend, many regions are preparing a variety of festivals such as the 4thGapyeong Marathon Contest, Gyeonggi Marathon for Peaceful Unification, Sunday Marathon 2011 for Success of Pyeongchang Olympics and Seoul History Trail Walking Contest 2011. These festivals have various race courses. You can participate by choosing one of the courses, full and half course, 10 km and 5 km. Why don’t you take some time and run a marathon over the weekend? It would be tough for your legs. However, your brisk arms and breezing air will make you feel refreshed. Your stress and fatigue will disappear with sweats falling on your forehead.
Internatinal Jass Festival in Jara Island for Romantic Autumn
The 8th international jazz festival, loved by in and out of Korea, will be held this year in Jara island. The performance played by local and international musicians will make you feel exciting. Jara island has a magnificent scenery that gives a joy through ears as well as whole body. Particularly, the island located in Northern Han river provides a full comfort of rest for city residents. Once the musical performance is added, you will see a paradise.
< Romantic stage of jazz musicians> (Source : Korea Tourism Organization)
Volunteering that Makes Us Smile
It is said that taking care of teeth from your childhood is very important. A recent study shows that taking proper care of teeth prevents the heart disease. The basic is to brush teeth in a proper way and scale teeth on a regular basis. But there are many people who cannot afford it. A charity group has been doing a service for those since long ago.
The joy in Volunteer Work
< Annual meeting for better volunteering> (Source: Yollin Dental Society)
Yollin Dental Society was established in 1999 to volunteer for poor neighbors. It is blowing a fresh breeze into many dentist groups in Korea. The targets are those who abandoned, seniors who live alone, and Korean-Chinese. Well, the Yollin Dental Society is busy enough to go to different places everyday that needs their help.
Then, how do they volunteer? Once the dentist license holder becomes a member of Yollin Dental Society, he gets a volunteer-schedule on a regular basis. Considering his/her schedule, the next step is to apply in advance. It is also good for building friendship among volunteers.
Kim Seong Moon, the newly elected president of Yollin Dental Society, said that the progress of the volunteer group cannot be made by just one or two persons’ efforts. He emphasized that passion and devotion from each person are the keys to achieve the progress and strengthen the friendship among members.
To Abroad!
Yeolin dentist group went abroad for a volunteer work for the first time this year. Kim prepared for international volunteer with passion. The original plan was to set up clinics abroad in order to provide Korean medical services for people in developing countries. They are planning another overseas volunteering project on a regular basis in the near future.
The first destination was Indonesia. As it is a first international project, they already conducted a field trip, and did a lot of research. Finally, 25 dentists flew to Indonesia for a volunteer work from 29th of July to the 3rd of August. They treated factory workers and neighbors at factory of Dada Korea in Laya 76 km away from Jakarta. 309 patients were treated through the volunteer work.
Arrived very late, the dentist group set up the equipments until dawn and started to treat patients from the next morning. The situation was not so good. Mostly, they extracted and scaled teeth for local people, which continued for six days. In addition, they did a skin care and nail care for female workers and opened flee market with Korean items they brought from Korea. Of course, it was very popular.
The president of the group said,
“More than 700 people wanted to be treated but only 300 people had opportunities due to the schedule. But I’m very glad to get things done without any accident.”
Yollin Dental Society marked 11th anniversary. Two hundred volunteers have treated seven thousand people so far. They have grown up as one of the most famous volunteer groups with six clinics in Korea.
Dental care is very important but it costs a lot of money. Until now, dental care was not affordable to low income class. However, we have Yollin Dental Society, and it seems that they will be the strong supporters.
2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit Preparatory Secretariat
Media Support Staff Recruitment Announcement
2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit will be held in Korea from
March 26 to 27, 2012 with more that 50 heads of state participating.
2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit Preparatory Secretariat is currently
recruiting support staff to facilitate the preparation and implementation
process of the Summit for its successful outcome.
The PR Department of the Preparatory Secretariat is especially looking
for media support staff to assist the participation of delegations and
media representatives and to support the media coverage of the event.
Among the media support staff, Media Liaison Officers and Media Center
Supporting Officers will play a crucial role in the preparation stage of the
Summit, which will undoubtedly help build their careers in media or
international events.
1. Media Liaison Officer (MLO): January through March, 2012
2. Media Center Supporting Officer: February through March, 2012
Individuals not at liberty to participate for months at a time can apply
for other positions which require only short-term involvement before
or during the Summit.
For more details, please visit the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security
Summit official website, www.seoulnss.go.kr.
Seoul Festival to Celebrate Silvery Autumn
 Autumn foliage in Korea comes in many different colors. While shades of red and yellow are the most prominent, one shimmers especially brilliantly. Waves of silver, rendered by lush Eulalia (a type of rice plant), can be found rolling on hillsides throughout the country. In celebration of such beautiful autumn scenery, the World Cup Park in Seoul will be holding the 10th annual Eulalia festival from October 14th to 23rd. During the festival period, diverse performances featuring a youth chorus, an orchestra, opera, contemporary rock, percussion and jazz music, as well as various hands-on experience programs will be held at Haneul and Noeul subsidiary parks. Moreover, visitors will have a chance to participate in an evening hike along Eulalia trails, or in golf tournaments. | |
1330 TT Call Center Event!
In celebration of the success of its multilingual travel/tourism hotline, 1330 tt call center, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is giving away gifts and souvenirs to callers every day from October 1st through December 31st.
Participation in the 1330 tt call center event is open to visitors to Korea with access to a landline or mobile phone. Simply call the hotline, and leave your name and nationality at the end of the call. Every day, ten callers are chosen randomly to win either a K-Pop CD (2PM/miss A) or Korea Pass, a prepaid travel card, while all participants receive a souvenir. Winners are announced via hotline the following day after 2 p.m., and the gifts can be picked up at Tourist Information Centers on the basement level of the KTO headquarters or at Incheon International Airport.
Meanwhile, 1330 tt call center is open 24 hours a day, and offers services in English, Japanese and Chinese. Participation in the 1330 tt call center event is open to visitors to Korea with access to a landline or mobile phone. Simply call the hotline, and leave your name and nationality at the end of the call. Every day, ten callers are chosen randomly to win either a K-Pop CD (2PM/miss A) or Korea Pass, a prepaid travel card, while all participants receive a souvenir. Winners are announced via hotline the following day after 2 p.m., and the gifts can be picked up at Tourist Information Centers on the basement level of the KTO headquarters or at Incheon International Airport.
Source : http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?nCategoryID=1&SearchType=&keyword=&gotoPage=1&cid=1399487&cCode=&nCategoryID=&searchType=&searchKeyword=
Top Asian Pop Stars to Gather in Daegu
 The biggest annual celebration of Asian pop music, Asia Song Festival, is set to take place on October 15th at Daegu Stadium, where 2011 IAAF World Championships was recently held. The 2011 Asia Song Festival artist line-up is nothing short of stellar. It includes top Hallyu K-pop stars such as Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, miss A, BEAST, U-KISS, G.NA, and Lee Seung Gi, leading Japanese pop groups, Perfume and AAA, Zhou Bichang of China, Leo Ku of Hong Kong, Peter Ho of Taiwan, and, last but not least, Tata Young of Thailand. Also, the festival will showcase six new and emerging K-pop groups, including X-5, RaNia, ChoColat, APRIL KISS, HITT, and LeeSA. Meanwhile, APRIL KISS, a six-member girl band, has been touted as the female counterpart of 2PM for their powerful stage presence. Free exchange coupons for admission tickets to the 2011 Asia Song Festival are currently available for download from the 2011 Asia Song Festival website. More info 2011 Asia Song Festival ☞ Date, time & venue: October 15, 2011 / 18:00 / Daegu Stadium☞ Admission * Exchange coupons - Download: Asia Song Festival website - Period: October 12 (Starting at 13:00) * Admission tickets - Present the exchange coupon at the Gate 2 Ticket Office, Daegu Stadium (Please bring a valid photo ID) - Period: October 15 (12:00-17:00) ☞ Homepage: www.asf.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) source : http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1400323 | |
S. Korea, EU agree on close economic cooperation
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the European Union (EU) agreed Wednesday to closely cooperate in economic policies amid uncertainties over the European debt crisis, Seoul's trade ministry said.
Both sides will also utilize the so-called Trade Committee as a consultation body for bilateral cooperation, according to the ministry.
The results came after South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon and his EU counterpart Karel De Gucht held their first round of the Trade Committee meeting in Seoul earlier in the day.
The committee, co-chaired by the trade chiefs from both sides, is assigned to supervise and facilitate the implementation and application of the free trade accord that took effect in July this year, and consider ways to further enhance trade relations between the two sides.
Under the deal, Seoul and Brussels will eliminate or phase out tariffs on 96 percent of EU goods and 99 percent of South Korean goods within three years after the accord takes effect. They have also agreed to abolish tariffs on most industrial goods within five years of the deal taking effect.
Overall, the deal is expected to boost bilateral trade between South Korea and the EU by as much as 20 percent in the long term, according to earlier estimates by the state-run Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP).
The KIEP said the free trade accord with the world's largest economic bloc will help boost South Korea's exports by US$11 billion and its economic growth by 5.6 percent while creating up to 253,000 jobs over the long haul.
Both sides will also utilize the so-called Trade Committee as a consultation body for bilateral cooperation, according to the ministry.
The results came after South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon and his EU counterpart Karel De Gucht held their first round of the Trade Committee meeting in Seoul earlier in the day.
The committee, co-chaired by the trade chiefs from both sides, is assigned to supervise and facilitate the implementation and application of the free trade accord that took effect in July this year, and consider ways to further enhance trade relations between the two sides.
Under the deal, Seoul and Brussels will eliminate or phase out tariffs on 96 percent of EU goods and 99 percent of South Korean goods within three years after the accord takes effect. They have also agreed to abolish tariffs on most industrial goods within five years of the deal taking effect.
Overall, the deal is expected to boost bilateral trade between South Korea and the EU by as much as 20 percent in the long term, according to earlier estimates by the state-run Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP).
The KIEP said the free trade accord with the world's largest economic bloc will help boost South Korea's exports by US$11 billion and its economic growth by 5.6 percent while creating up to 253,000 jobs over the long haul.
Souce : http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/
Fall Foliage Trip to the South
Starting from the North to the South, whole place is changing its color as it gets closer to the end of autumn. Autumn leaves turn red when the weather gets cold, so mountainous Gangwon-do become the first place of autumn leaves. When you look down from the sky, leaves descend to the South and finally stop at Jeju island.
Shall we move on to the South?
Foliage Trip to Mt.Palgong
Mt.Palgong, which is located in Daegu, is always popular among many people. You don’t need to spend much time and money to enjoy the autumn leaves. The mountain is said to be the most beautiful in late October.
Trip to autumn leaves starts at the entry to the Mt.Palgong. 1,300 gingko trees are lined up along six kilometer long road between Gongsan tunnel and School, which is very popular car driving course. Going down the road after tunnel, you will be amazed at gingko trees. It is fantastic to see golden wave of gingko trees.
When you turn to Dongwha temple at Baekan intersection, you’ll meet the line of gingko trees. After passing by school, you’ll meet maple trees. It is simply beautiful.
Plus, Mt.Palgong belt way is very popular among drivers for the beauty of its maple trees. The whole mountain is full of red color when the fall reaches its peak. You’ll definitely be amazed.
Hiking is the best way to enjoy the autumn of Mt.Palgong. There are many hike ways in the mountain such as Buin temple road, Gatbawi road and Dongwha temple road. Some buddhists pray toward Buddha statue at Gatbawi. This buddha statue was made in Shilla dynasty and became known as praying site for education, health, occupation, and baby boys. Many people come to this site to pray for their own wish every day.
Trekking to the Autumn of Mt.Jiri
Mt.Jiri is the second highest after Mt.Halla of Jeju island. This mountain is huge. There are so many famous and beautiful sites in the mountain. Autumn leaves of this mountain are as beautiful as other mountains.
Foliage of Mt.Jiri will start in 5th of October at Cheonwang peak, about 15th at main line, between 20th and 25th at Pia valley and three or four days later than Pia valley at Baemsa valley. If you want to get the most beautiful scenery, you should go up to Cheonwang peak. The most beautiful hike way is between Sesok and Chunwang Peak.
Foliage in Baemsa valley is as beautiful as Pia valley. Pia valley is famous for foliage whereas Baemsa valley is famous for valley itself. Baemsa valley is nine kilometer long and colorful leaves harmonize with that valley. Foliage spreading from Banseon complex to Ganjangso is regarded as the most beautiful scenery in Baemsa valley.
There are some other foliage sites to see in Mt.Jiri. Various hike ways have been developed since long time ago. Shall we take a trip to Mt.Jiri?
Mt.Dyuryun, the Harmony of a thousand years history and the beauty of the Mountain
Duryun mountain is well known for camelia and foliage. The valley is two kilometers long from the group facilities complex to the temple. The latest foliage, regarded as one of the most beautiful autumn scenery, can be seen there.
The best scenery of this mountain is a maple tree forest of the way to Daehung temple. Take a walk through the temple gate. You’ll refresh yourself. Maple forests and camellia can be seen. Trees are like tunnel. When you cross a bridge, there is tunnel of maple trees.
Let’s walk through the yellow and red gingko trees and maple forest and keep going up along the car road. Mountain is covered up with yellow and red wave. Crossing valley and bridge, you’ll meet Youseondang and backdrop of foliage which are the highlight of the journey. The last of the journey is the road up to Daehung temple.
Maple Leaves of Mt.Halla, the Southernmost of Korea
Foliage of Mt.Halla in Jeju island is not as well known as other sites. The famous sites are Wanggwanneung, Mansae hill, road between Youngsil rest area and Byeongpung rock area, road 1100 and 516. In particular, uniquely shaped 500 rock pillars stand at Youngsil rest area and Byeongpung rock area. The area is probably the most beautiful site.
Youngsil of Mt.Hallan is easy to access for all walks of life. Youngsil course starts at pavilion. Road to Youngsil is flat, however, the pine trees and maple forests along the road will lead you to the unique landscape. Walking a little further up, you can have good scenery of foliage. Maple forest starting under the Byeongpung rocks continues to gate of the hike way. It is magnificent.
Another joy of Jeju trip. If you have a plan to go to Mt.Halla, do not miss autumn foliage in Youngsil.
How was the journey? Autumn is right at the corner. Shall we take a walk and breathe in the forest of autumn foliage?
Learning Strong Wisdom of Sea Women in Jeju Island
Ocean of Jeju island has Mt.Halla and hundreds of parasitic volcanoes. In addition, the ocean has sea women who represent strength. Sea women are the past and future of Jeju island. Ocean is their life and they have struggled over hundreds of years. Let’s learn who they are.
Catch A Glimpse of History and Footstep of Sea Women
Sea women may be only in Korea and Japan. Most of Korean sea women live in Jeju island, estimated about 20,000. We assume that the origin of sea women started at prehistoric era when human sought their food in the sea, considering that the shrine for fishermen and sea women existed from ancient times. But most of all, Jeju island is believed to be a birthplace of sea women.
Jeju women have been destined to swim in the sea unless they did not farm in the field. Girls started to swim at the age of seven and eight. When they were seventeen and eighteen they became sea women. Their prime time last until 40.
They usually work five meters under the sea for 30 seconds but if necessary, they dive 20 meters and endure for two minutes under the sea. Whenever they come up to the surface, they breathe out deeply. In addition, they join community gathering and organizing sea women’s club or diver’s club. By these activities they decide diving time, diving manner and joint collection and carry out on their own. They contribute to prosperity of villages by joint raise and joint collection of sea food.
They dive 20 meters under the sea and endure two minutes long and swim in the cold winter. They have extraordinary skill and spirit. They dive even after giving a birth. There is a folk song, ‘Song of Sea women’, showing determination of sea women of Jeju island.
Meet Sea Women in a Variety of Way
It’s not easy to see them even though we often heard that they have strong spirit and wisdom. Fortunately, the Jeju city government hosts a festival and opens a museum to promote sea women. The festival started first at 2002 world cup season. There are a variety of programs showing a myth of Jeju, life of sea women and life of fishing village. During the festival, many events are presented such as photo gallery painting contest, food court, and fireworks in order to promote sea women.
Sea women museum displays the history and work of sea women and the tools of collecting sea food. Four story museums have three exhibit rooms, video room, observatory, and children hall. The first exhibit room reproduces sea women’s house, fishing village, shamanism and seasonal customs. The second exhibit room is made of workplace of sea women. The third exhibit room has fishery of ancient times, sea of hope for better understanding of fishing village and culture. Museum is the place for children education.
Movement to Preserve Sea Woman
Sea women would disappear if the seniors stop diving. Jeju University and other Korean research centers claim that sea women should be designated as the living culture heritage. Central government and local government need to work hard on the matter.
Jeju sea women are very rare so city government is trying to list them as the world cultural heritage. Because they are the only one who collects the sea food without any tools. Sea women can be world class culture asset if we preserve them well.
(Source: Seoul Shinmun>
Sea women became the representative brand of Jeju island. Their frontier spirit and diligence became known outside the world. Their image swimming in the sea is a present to modern people. They awaken frontier spirit and wisdom. They could disappear as they get older in the future. We hope that their spirits continue to be preserved. Through the centuries of history, sea women have struggled to survive in the ocean. It is necessary to preserve their spirit and promote sea women as world brand.
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