Real Touch Korea Season 1. Seoul Tour !

It’s another awesome tour. “The Real Touch Korea Season 1. Seoul Tour” was organized by Buzz Korea in order to give a chance for I buzz members to experience Korea. Buzz Korea is an online community site where bloggers share vivid stories of first-hand experience in Korea. “The Real Touch Korea Season 1. Seoul Tour” is basically divided into 3 parts – experiencing Samulnori, tasting Ssam and visiting Bukchon Hanok Village.

All of us in front of KTO

Samulnori – the world’s most dynamic music

After meeting up and got some instructions for the tour in the conference hall at KTO building, we were first driven to KwangHwaMun cultural center to learn and experience Samulnori. Everyone seemed to be new to Samulnori including me. Actually, I have been seen Samulnori a few times when I am in Korea but I haven’t had a chance to practice playing Samulnori by my own hands until that day.  First we were taught how to hold the instruments and how to use those instruments. Then, we were taught the basic rhythm of Korea and started to follow our Samulnori teacher. It’s very interesting to experience Samulnori. I really enjoyed so much. After that we were taught to perform the mask dance. First we were asked to see our teacher’s dance and follow. It looked quite funny. Anyway, I was really satisfied with this part. 

Samulnori

What’s Samulnori?

Samulnori is the world’s most dynamic music created by the kkwaenggwari (small flat gong), the janggu (traditional drum with hourglass-shaped body), the buk(barrel drm) and the jing(large gong).  Korea overflows with samulnori, with its ever-changing and cheerful beat, exciting performances, and nori(play) culture.

Mask Dance

Ssam- a taste of Korean cuisine

After having an exciting experience with Samulnori, we were driven to Koean restaurant serving the famous food called Ssam. It was my first time to try Ssam. I did like it so much. While eating, we also played some games. Fortunately enough, my team got some gifts from the program since we were winner for the competition. I did have a lot of fun there.

In local Korean restaurant 

What’s Ssam?

Ssam is rice and condiments wrapped in leaves of lettuce, cabbage, sesame, or other greens. The harmonious taste of several layers of fresh, delicious ingredients is the best. 

Ssam

-         How to eat Ssam

1.     Spread a leaf of your choice wide on your palm.

2.     Put a small scoop of rice on top with Ssamjang sauce.

3.     Choose condiments you would like and them on the leaf as well.

4.     Wrap the Ssam and indulge in the beautiful taste of Korea.

    

Wow ! So delicious ! :)

Bukchon Hanok Village - recommended Seoul dating course

After having a great lunch with Ssam, everyone looked so energetic. And now it’s time to explore Bukchon Hanok Village. Unfortunately, it’s raining and everyone used umbrellas and raincoats to walk outside. Anyway, we still could manage to have a good trip there and take a lot of great pictures. It’s also my first time to be there. First we followed the guide to one high school which one of the senses shot in the very famous drama “Winter Sonata”.  And then we walked around in the village to see Korean traditional house and nice view of the village. 

In Hanok Village

What’s Bukchon Hanok Village?

Bukchon Hanok Village is a unique historical part of Seoul, where traditional houses from Joseon dynasty and modern art galleries and cafes are clustered around the winding alleyways. The name “Bukchon,” which means “northern village,” comes from the village’s location north to Cheonggyecheon and jongno. Surrounding Bukchon are the palaces Gyeongbokgung and Changdoekgung and the royal shrine of Jongmyo.    

What’s Hanok?

Hanok is the Korean traditional house, characterized by beautifully curving tiled roofs and “ondol.” Ondol is the Korean traditional heating system, where heated aire from the stove flows through an empty space beneath the floors before heading out through the chimney. Because both the continental and oceanic climates exist in Kroea, Hanok was constructed to accommodate both the cold and heat that alternately visit the land.

Hanok, where the scene of "Personal Taste" was shot ! 

Korean Style

After walking around the Hanok village about 2 hours, we were driven to the KTO Building where we met up from the beginning of the tour. Now the tour finished but everyone still keep in touch via their own blogs. I met a lot of nice people there. We did have a lot of fun time during this tour and really enjoyed so much. I hope to be part of the tour again, maybe Season 2. :)

My Passport ^^

Finally, completed my passport ! :)

Wanna see more photos of this awesome tour ! Real Touch Korea Season 1. Seoul Tour

Suwon Camping

It’s a very first camping after becoming a member of World Students in Korea. It’s a one night camping to Suwon city nearby Seoul. There were a lot of friends who are also member of World Students in Korea 5th batch. They are very nice people. We departed from Seoul at about 9 am and arrived there about 9:30 am. It took only 2 hours to reach our destination. After arriving Suwon, we went to many places and involved in many interesting activities. I really enjoyed it so much. Hope to have such a camping again in the near future. Here are some pictures !

 one kind of plant which is used to make blue color

 Hanbuk Trying

 Kimchi Making

Toilet House

ICISTS-KAIST 2011

Since 2005, ICISTS-KAIST conferences have brought together hundreds of students and professionals from around the world to examine socioeconomic issues related to rapid developments in science and technology, and to discuss how science is changing or has the potential to change human society. Gathering individuals from various academic disciplines each year, ICISTS-KAIST has developed into an international and interdisciplinary forum for exchange.

By participating in our 7th annual ICISTS-KAIST conference, delegates will gain a better understanding of the interrelation of science, technology, and society in the Information Age, and their roles and responsibilities as future leaders in a rapidly changing world. Through our unique and engaging program, we hope to inspire delegates by opening their eyes to a new world filled with opportunities that only recent advances in science and technology have made possible, and provide them with the knowledge required to thrive in a rapidly changing society. Prepare for the future through ICISTS-KAIST 2011.

Korea Grand Sale Free Shuttle Bus Service

During the 2012 Korea Grand Sale period, the Visit Korea Committee is operating a free shuttle bus service connecting major shopping and cultural destinations in Seoul three times a day, three days a week. The shuttle bus departs from Lotte Hotel (Sogong-dong), and goes through Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, before crossing over Hangang River to the Gangnam area to make stops at Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil road, Hyundai Department Store (Apgujeong Main Store), Cheongdam-dong Fashion Street, Bongeunsa Temple and COEX .

Honeymoon in Jeju Island, South Korea !

Seoul Bike Show to Begin on February 24

The 2012 Seoul Bike Show, an exhibition of the latest bicycles from around the world, is set to run from February 24 through 26 at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Ilsan, Gyeonggi-do.

The Show will feature various types of bicycles like mountain bikes, electric bikes, toddler and children bikes, as well as bicycle gear and accessories including parts, clothing, etc. Moreover, visitors may try riding any of the bicycles representing 40 different brands after registering onsite.

ASEAN-KOREA Blogger

ASEAN-Korea Centre s are looking for writers who are the citizens of the 10 ASEAN countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietname for their english blogs. Please read further if interested.
http://www.aseankorea.org/program/board/detail.jsp?boardTypeID=86&searchSelect=BOARDTITLE&keyWord&boardCategory&currentPage=1&menuID=002003002&startDate&endDate&boardLines=10&boardID=42380

Application for 2012 Government Scholarship Program

Application for 2012 Government Scholarship Program The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is recruiting '2012 Government Scholarship Students'. For more details, please refer to the following information. 1. Qualification : Applicants must meet all the following conditions: a. Inha undergraduate students who are 2nd or 3rd or 4th year. b. GPA for the last and whole semester must be over 80 out of 100. c. Applicants must pass a minium fourth level in the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). ※ Students who have already received scholarships from the Government of Korea or other institutions are NOT allowed to apply. (ex. Students who have received over 300,000won(per month) scholarships from Korean and foreign governments or Il-Woo Foundation or Inha University are NOT allowed to apply) 2. Quota : Total 200 international students from all universities in Korea 3. Scholarship a. Amount : Annually KRW 6 million per student (KRW 0.5 million X 12 months) b. Winners of the Scholarhip will receive the money over an year. 4. Application a. where to apply : International Center, Inha University b. Application Deadline : 17:00 Feb. 27 (Mon) 2012 c. Application Documents : 1) Application Document : 1 original document and 3 copies 2) Copy of Passport : 3) Certificate of Enrollment 4) Official Tran : 1 Korean version and 1 English ※ Tran must be officially issued by Inha University. GPA should be converted into the percentage in the tran. Transfer students must also submit trans of all universities attended. 5) a Proof of Proficiency of Korean (TOPIK) / It should be issue after Mar. 1 2010 6) a letter of self-introduction and study plan 7) a letter of recommendation ※ A letter of recommendation must include personal information of both recommender and recommendee and a signature of the recommender. It should be sealed by the recommender. 8) Other Documents (ex. proof of English proficiency, proof of other achievements or awards) 5. Important Things a. Applicant's English name must be identical to the one shown in the passport b. All the application documents must be A4 size c. tran must be officially issued by Inha University. d. application documents must be properly sorted out and submitted. e. If the application documents are false, the applicant is NOT eligible. f. If an student wins the scholarship but later drop out of school, the scholarship is stripped off. g. Application documents will NOT be returned

FREE Concert Event(1.27~28)!!

KINSA provides Rock Concert tickets(1day pass=88,000won) as free for 100 foreigners(1 day)!

First comes first served.

How to Join

E-mail to KINSA(koreakinsa@gmail.com) with your information by 1. 26

-Desired date_Name_Univ._Phone no._E-mail address

*We will send e-mail with the information about place, time and how to get a ticket etc.

Everland to Hold Seollal Holiday Folk Festival

Celebrating Seollal (Lunar New Year), Everland, one of the most popular amusements parks in Korea, will hold a special holiday festival from January 21st through the 24th

During the four-day festival period, visitors will have a chance to play different traditional folk games, or take photos with Everland mascots at the Carnival Square. Then, on the day of Seollal (January 23), the Dongchun Circus Team will present a special performance of traditional dance and acrobatics at the Everland Performance Hall.

Meanwhile, Everland has been showcasing over 50 animals that represent 12 zodiac signs or guardian deities known as Sibijisin since January 1st.

Korean New Year !

Korean New Year, commonly known as Seollal (Hangul: 설날; RR: Seollal; MR: Sŏllal), is the first day of the lunar calendar. It is the most important of the traditional Korean holidays. It consists of a period of celebrations, starting on New Year's Day. Koreans also celebrate solar New Year's Day on January 1 each year, following the Gregorian Calendar. The Korean New Year holiday lasts three days, and is considered a more important holiday than the solar New Year's Day.^[1]

The term "Seollal" generally does not refer to Eumnyeokak Seollal (음력 설날, lunar new year), also known as Gujeong (Hangul: 구정; Hanja: 舊正). Less commonly, "Seollal" also refers to Yangnyeok Seollal (양력 설날, solar new year), also known as Sinjeong (Hangul: 신정; Hanja: 新正).

Korean New Year generally falls on the day of the second new moon after winter solstice, unless there is a very rare intercalary eleventh or twelfth month in the lead-up to the New Year. In such a case, the New Year falls on the day of the third new moon after the solstice (next occurrence will be 2033).

Korean New Year is typically a family holiday. The three-day holiday is used by many to return to their hometowns to visit their parents and other relatives where they perform an ancestral ritual. Many Koreans dress up in colorful traditional Korean clothing called hanbok. But nowadays, small families tend to become less formal and wear other formal clothing instead of hanbok. Many Koreans greet the New Year by visiting East-coast locations such as Gangneung and Donghae in Gangwon province, where they are most likely to see the first rays of the New Year's sun.^[2]

NEW YEAR's (Seoul) PARTY

You are cordially invited to NEW YEAR's (Seoul) PARTY l Host: (사) International Student Fellowship(ISF) l Date: January 21, 2012 (Sat) 11:00AM. – 15:00PM. l Place: Aeil Church (☎02)926-4941; http://aeil.or.kr/) l ☞250m from the exit number 6, Jeigidong station(No.125) in Subway 1 line, We are waiting for you in front of the exit #6) l Program: Lunch Buffet, Performances, Seol game, Raffle prizes etc. l Participation: 5,000Won (Including the lunch and souvenir) l How to register: Send an e-mail to Ms. Helen, isfkorea@empal.com; 010—2701-4688, including your name, gender, nationality, university, phone number, e-mail address

2010 Business Plan Competition