If this actually happens, I'll be so happy.
(end)
27 December 2012
18 December 2012
Interesting Article
Interesting yahoo article about young Koreans. Kind of a similar situation going on in America. The Korea presidential election is tomorrow.
SEOUL (Reuters) - Living on $2 bowls of rice in rows of tiny rooms, thousands of young South Koreans are voting early ahead of Wednesday's presidential election as they cram for exams that they hope will lead to a government job for life.
There are 30,000 residents of a drab neighbourhood of the South Korean capital known as Exam Village, where people preparing for tests for low-level civil service jobs have gravitated for years. There is a growing sense of frustration among the young in a country where there are simply not enough jobs to go round, especially for graduates of less prestigious universities whose options are largely limited to the public sector.
That frustration might translate into votes for the leftist candidate, Moon Jae-in, who has promised more welfare, better education and taxes for the super-wealthy. Moon is competing against Park Geun-hye from the ruling conservatives, who has pledged a continuation of current policies. Opinion polls show the race is too close to call, with Park, the 60-year-old daughter of South Korean dictator Park Chung-hee, relying on older voters who tend to turn out in force, while Moon's chances might depend on more fickle younger voters. They often can't be bothered to vote but that might be different this time. In Exam Village, or Goshichon in Korean, there were so many young people who wanted to cast early ballots last week that extra polling booths had to be brought in.
"I want to see regime change. Everything is so stuck," said Kim Sa-myeong, 27, in his tiny room in one of the many private dorms that house students in the neighbourhood.
In the past four decades, South Korea has transformed itself from one of the world's poorest countries into an industrial powerhouse where top companies like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor make telephones and cars for global markets. Gross domestic product per capita is more than $30,000 a year, the world's 29th highest, and South Korean television dramas and pop stars are taking the world by storm.
But reality for many young South Koreans is a world away from glitzy showbiz and corporate triumph.
The 27-year old Kim moved from his rural town outside Seoul to his cubicle with a desk, chair and tiny fridge to try again to pass the civil service exam. He has failed once already. He borrows money from his family to get by and studies until midnight. The drab walls of his room are plastered with lists of English words he's trying to learn.
"Even if I become a public servant, I don't think it will be much fun if this continues," said Kim, referring to the conservative government of President Lee Myung-bak, whose single mandatory five year term is coming to an end.
Kim speaks in a hushed voice, wary of disturbing fellow students immersed in books in their rooms all around.
PROMISES
South Korean students consistently outperform their counterparts in reading and maths. University enrolment rates are 80 percent, the highest in the world, and tuition costs are ranked the third highest among rich nations. While graduates of top universities can aim for jobs with Samsung or Hyundai, those from lower-ranked universities set their sights on a state job, with 28.7 percent of graduates wanting to get government work.
Exam Village, the real name of which is Noryangjin, is packed with cram schools and study rooms. Students trudge along narrow alleys, backpacks full of books slung over their shoulders. No one was willing to say they were supporting Park.
"My parents are saying that now is much more difficult than the IMF crisis," Christine Kang, 24, told Reuters after she cast her vote.
The 1997-98 Asian financial crisis is known in South Korea as the IMF crisis. Kang has been living and studying in Exam Village for a year in the hope of passing exams to become a police officer. She said she voted for Moon and tweeted a picture of herself carrying a sign reading "12.19 Vote!" to encourage her friends.
Moon came to the neighbourhood to campaign and stood with students at a street stall to eat one of their staple $2 rice meals from a plastic container. He promised job quotas for young people and an increase in the number of civil service job opportunities. But he's got his work cut out, if he wins.
The percentage of people between 15 and 29 who are not in employment, education or training stood at 36.8 percent, the highest level among OECD countries in 2008, according to Korea Labor Institute. Of a total of about 300,000 people taking the civil service exams, only about 10,000 will pass.
"No matter who becomes president, the job problem isn't going to be solved quickly," said Oh Eun-a, a 25 year-old woman also hoping to pass the police exam. "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer and it's is getting worse."
"Becoming a public servant is the only dream that the have-nots can pursue," Oh said.
(Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by David Chance and Robert Birsel)
SEOUL (Reuters) - Living on $2 bowls of rice in rows of tiny rooms, thousands of young South Koreans are voting early ahead of Wednesday's presidential election as they cram for exams that they hope will lead to a government job for life.
There are 30,000 residents of a drab neighbourhood of the South Korean capital known as Exam Village, where people preparing for tests for low-level civil service jobs have gravitated for years. There is a growing sense of frustration among the young in a country where there are simply not enough jobs to go round, especially for graduates of less prestigious universities whose options are largely limited to the public sector.
That frustration might translate into votes for the leftist candidate, Moon Jae-in, who has promised more welfare, better education and taxes for the super-wealthy. Moon is competing against Park Geun-hye from the ruling conservatives, who has pledged a continuation of current policies. Opinion polls show the race is too close to call, with Park, the 60-year-old daughter of South Korean dictator Park Chung-hee, relying on older voters who tend to turn out in force, while Moon's chances might depend on more fickle younger voters. They often can't be bothered to vote but that might be different this time. In Exam Village, or Goshichon in Korean, there were so many young people who wanted to cast early ballots last week that extra polling booths had to be brought in.
"I want to see regime change. Everything is so stuck," said Kim Sa-myeong, 27, in his tiny room in one of the many private dorms that house students in the neighbourhood.
In the past four decades, South Korea has transformed itself from one of the world's poorest countries into an industrial powerhouse where top companies like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor make telephones and cars for global markets. Gross domestic product per capita is more than $30,000 a year, the world's 29th highest, and South Korean television dramas and pop stars are taking the world by storm.
But reality for many young South Koreans is a world away from glitzy showbiz and corporate triumph.
The 27-year old Kim moved from his rural town outside Seoul to his cubicle with a desk, chair and tiny fridge to try again to pass the civil service exam. He has failed once already. He borrows money from his family to get by and studies until midnight. The drab walls of his room are plastered with lists of English words he's trying to learn.
"Even if I become a public servant, I don't think it will be much fun if this continues," said Kim, referring to the conservative government of President Lee Myung-bak, whose single mandatory five year term is coming to an end.
Kim speaks in a hushed voice, wary of disturbing fellow students immersed in books in their rooms all around.
PROMISES
South Korean students consistently outperform their counterparts in reading and maths. University enrolment rates are 80 percent, the highest in the world, and tuition costs are ranked the third highest among rich nations. While graduates of top universities can aim for jobs with Samsung or Hyundai, those from lower-ranked universities set their sights on a state job, with 28.7 percent of graduates wanting to get government work.
Exam Village, the real name of which is Noryangjin, is packed with cram schools and study rooms. Students trudge along narrow alleys, backpacks full of books slung over their shoulders. No one was willing to say they were supporting Park.
"My parents are saying that now is much more difficult than the IMF crisis," Christine Kang, 24, told Reuters after she cast her vote.
The 1997-98 Asian financial crisis is known in South Korea as the IMF crisis. Kang has been living and studying in Exam Village for a year in the hope of passing exams to become a police officer. She said she voted for Moon and tweeted a picture of herself carrying a sign reading "12.19 Vote!" to encourage her friends.
Moon came to the neighbourhood to campaign and stood with students at a street stall to eat one of their staple $2 rice meals from a plastic container. He promised job quotas for young people and an increase in the number of civil service job opportunities. But he's got his work cut out, if he wins.
The percentage of people between 15 and 29 who are not in employment, education or training stood at 36.8 percent, the highest level among OECD countries in 2008, according to Korea Labor Institute. Of a total of about 300,000 people taking the civil service exams, only about 10,000 will pass.
"No matter who becomes president, the job problem isn't going to be solved quickly," said Oh Eun-a, a 25 year-old woman also hoping to pass the police exam. "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer and it's is getting worse."
"Becoming a public servant is the only dream that the have-nots can pursue," Oh said.
(Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by David Chance and Robert Birsel)
17 December 2012
.JPG)
14 December 2012
North Korea's "Satellite"
North Korea supposedly put a satellite into space a few days ago. From the reports I've been reading, the satellite is "tumbling out of control." This website allows you to track where "Kwang Myongo So" is in real time.
I figure this will give you some warning if some strange North Korean technology crashes through your roof while you're taking a poop.
You're welcome, folks.
(end)
I figure this will give you some warning if some strange North Korean technology crashes through your roof while you're taking a poop.
You're welcome, folks.
(end)
12 December 2012
Korea Develops Simple Spice-o-Meter for Chili Powder
From the Chilsun Ilbo:
The Rural Development Administration on Wednesday unveiled a new simple device that can measure how spicy chili powder is in just five seconds without any chemical processes. Until now, the only way to measure the spiciness of chilies was a time-consuming chemical process gauging the amount of capsaicin. But the new device uses light. RDA official Yoon Hong-sun said, "If we shoot visible light and near infrared rays at chili powder, the capsaicin absorbs only certain waves. By finding out how much of these waves are absorbed, we can measure how spicy the chili powder is." The method has so far been used mostly with fruit to determine sweetness. The device is not for laymen but for factories making chili powder. Spiciness indicators used in the past have been unsystematic and unreliable, and as a result chili powders of different flavors and spiciness have ended up mixed in the same bag. The RDA says the new gadget solves that problem.
(end)
11 December 2012
Korean Education
I found the following article on the Chosun Ilbo newspaper website. I bolded what I thought was the most important part. Enjoy.
Korea ranks second after Finland in a survey of the world's education "superpowers" conducted by education service company Pearson, the BBC reported Tuesday.
In a "global league table" of primary and secondary school education systems around the world, Pearson combined test results in subjects like maths, science and literacy with data such as graduation rates, how many people go on to university, the size of the education budget, and teachers' and parents' views of education between 2006 and 2010.
Hong Kong came third, followed by Japan and Singapore. Four of the top five rankings went to Asian countries. "Successful countries give teachers a high status and have a 'culture' of education," Michael Barber, Pearson's chief education advisor, told the BBC. The report adds that while there are many big differences between the two top-ranked countries, Finland and Korea, they share "social belief in the importance of education and its underlying moral purpose."
There was a significant correlation between educational costs and students' attainment. But monetary incentives for teachers were not in direct proportion to student achievement, Pearson claimed.
englishnews@chosun.com / Nov. 28, 2012 09:25 KST
(end)
Korea ranks second after Finland in a survey of the world's education "superpowers" conducted by education service company Pearson, the BBC reported Tuesday.
In a "global league table" of primary and secondary school education systems around the world, Pearson combined test results in subjects like maths, science and literacy with data such as graduation rates, how many people go on to university, the size of the education budget, and teachers' and parents' views of education between 2006 and 2010.
Hong Kong came third, followed by Japan and Singapore. Four of the top five rankings went to Asian countries. "Successful countries give teachers a high status and have a 'culture' of education," Michael Barber, Pearson's chief education advisor, told the BBC. The report adds that while there are many big differences between the two top-ranked countries, Finland and Korea, they share "social belief in the importance of education and its underlying moral purpose."
There was a significant correlation between educational costs and students' attainment. But monetary incentives for teachers were not in direct proportion to student achievement, Pearson claimed.
englishnews@chosun.com / Nov. 28, 2012 09:25 KST
(end)
10 December 2012
Good Night, Sweet Prince.
It's a sad day in Korea. Chan-ho Park has retired.
So long, Chan-ho.
(end)
07 December 2012
Snow in Korea!
It snowed today in southern South Korea. Snow itself isn't rare in Korea. However, it is rare for snow to accumulate. The students at my school went crazy. Watching them watch the snow was one of the most heart-meltingly cool things I've seen in a while.
These pictures are from my friend Steve Robinson. He teaches in Jinju and is an incredible photographer:
(end)
These pictures are from my friend Steve Robinson. He teaches in Jinju and is an incredible photographer:
(end)
06 December 2012
Tip of the Day
Every day, I read an English language version of The Chosun Ilbo, a Korean newspaper.
My favorite segment is called "Tip of the Day." Here are some examples:
Cleaning coffee stains from mugs:
 |
| To clean coffee and tea stains from mugs, rub them with a kitchen towel wetted with vinegar water or lemon juice. |
To clear a blocked nose:
 |
| To clear a blocked nose, stuff a strip of mugwort up your nostrils. |
To improve the taste of leftover curry:
 |
| To improve the taste of leftover curry, add some milk or yogurt when warming it up. |
 |
| Brush teeth with warm water. |
To clean under the bed:
 |
| To clean under the bed, wipe the space with old nylon stockings or socks pulled over a coat hanger. |
(end)
05 December 2012
I'll Be Home Soon
My school's winter vacation begins in about three weeks. It lasts for about six weeks. During the first two weeks, I will be teaching an English camp. Basically, the camp is for students who are especially interested in improving their English language skills. The camp is run & planned by yours truly. Sign-up has already begun. I seem to have quite the group of 5th grade female admirers, so it isn't surprising that not one male student has signed up yet. I'll be teaching the camp from December 31st through January 9th.
On January 10th I leave for Chicago. My flight departs Busan and has layovers in a few cities. Busan to Beijing. Beijing to New York. New York to Chicago. The trip to Chicago will last just under 24 hours. It will be interesting. Anyone have any tips for such an intense day of travel?
When I first came to Korea, I did nothing to prepare for the jet lag. However, I want this trip to be different; I'm only home for three weeks and I don't want to spend the first 2 in bed. So, a week before I go, I am going to attempt to alter my sleep schedule a bit and hopefully offset the jet-lag. I'll be doing some deep research on the subject in the beginning of January.
I am very excited to get home and see all of my friends and family. However, I'm trying my darnedest not to think about it too much because it's still weeks away.
A few people have asked me what I want to do most when I get home. The truth is, I don't really have or want to have many plans. Just kind of go with the flow.
I do plan on drinking a lot of Coors Light and eating many buffalo wings.
See you soon.
(end)
On January 10th I leave for Chicago. My flight departs Busan and has layovers in a few cities. Busan to Beijing. Beijing to New York. New York to Chicago. The trip to Chicago will last just under 24 hours. It will be interesting. Anyone have any tips for such an intense day of travel?
When I first came to Korea, I did nothing to prepare for the jet lag. However, I want this trip to be different; I'm only home for three weeks and I don't want to spend the first 2 in bed. So, a week before I go, I am going to attempt to alter my sleep schedule a bit and hopefully offset the jet-lag. I'll be doing some deep research on the subject in the beginning of January.
I am very excited to get home and see all of my friends and family. However, I'm trying my darnedest not to think about it too much because it's still weeks away.
A few people have asked me what I want to do most when I get home. The truth is, I don't really have or want to have many plans. Just kind of go with the flow.
I do plan on drinking a lot of Coors Light and eating many buffalo wings.
See you soon.
(end)
04 December 2012
North Korean Has Unicorns
North Korea has claimed to have discovered a unicorn lair. This from MSNBC, not from The Onion:
North Korean archaeologists “have recently reconfirmed a lair of the unicorn rode by King Tongmyong,” reports the state news outlet, Korean Central News Agency.“A rectangular rock carved with words ‘Unicorn Lair’ stands in front of the lair. The carved words are believed to date back to the period of Koryo King.
North Korean archaeologists “have recently reconfirmed a lair of the unicorn rode by King Tongmyong,” reports the state news outlet, Korean Central News Agency.“A rectangular rock carved with words ‘Unicorn Lair’ stands in front of the lair. The carved words are believed to date back to the period of Koryo King.
Amazing.
(end)
03 December 2012
27 November 2012
Ddong Chim
Remember when I told a student gave me the "Ddong Chim" (poop needle)? Here's what it looks like:
(end)
26 November 2012
23 November 2012
Milk
This what the fridge looks like at most Korean convenience stores. Lots of milk. And, as you can see, flavored milk is popular here. Milk is "ooo-yu" in Korean.
(end)
(end)
22 November 2012
19 November 2012
K-Pop Monday: Hyuna
"Bubble Pop"
Starts off K-Pop, then a D-Rose jersey makes an appearance, then the song jumps to dubstep (2:37) for 20 seconds! What more can we ask for people?!
(end)
Starts off K-Pop, then a D-Rose jersey makes an appearance, then the song jumps to dubstep (2:37) for 20 seconds! What more can we ask for people?!
17 November 2012
Popular Korean Shirt
I see the this shirt all over the place. I laugh every time.
Have you seen this shirt in America?
(end)
16 November 2012
Weekly 10 (11/12-11/16)
1. My flight for Chicago is booked for January 10th. (Thank you Michael for those miles!)
2. 1 USD = 1,092 KRW
3. My students are obsessed with the size of my nose. "Brian-sam, your nose is so high!"
4. I tasted a persimmon for the first time this week.
5. I was sick again this week. Double digits now. But remember, Koreans go to work no matter what.
6. The lunch ladies at school went on strike for one day. Hopefully they got what they wanted; they make the best lunches.
7. "내일 봅시다" means "See you tomorrow." (Nay-eel boap-shee-da)
8. Dr. Dre canceled his November concert in Busan. Surprised to hear there are not a lot of Korean Dr. Dre fans.
9. Native Korean speakers pronounce the English "Z" as a "J." Pijja. Joo.
10. The Korean presidential election is December 19th. No work that day.
(end)
2. 1 USD = 1,092 KRW
3. My students are obsessed with the size of my nose. "Brian-sam, your nose is so high!"
4. I tasted a persimmon for the first time this week.
 |
| Apparently this fruit is only grown in a few parts of the world. Strange tasting but delicious. |
.JPG) |
| My neighbors have a persimmon tree in their front yard. |
6. The lunch ladies at school went on strike for one day. Hopefully they got what they wanted; they make the best lunches.
7. "내일 봅시다" means "See you tomorrow." (Nay-eel boap-shee-da)
8. Dr. Dre canceled his November concert in Busan. Surprised to hear there are not a lot of Korean Dr. Dre fans.
9. Native Korean speakers pronounce the English "Z" as a "J." Pijja. Joo.
10. The Korean presidential election is December 19th. No work that day.
(end)
15 November 2012
Poop Game
I didn't mean to talk about poop so much this week. It just turned out that way. You're welcome if you like hearing about poop.
My students love talking about poop. The Korean word for "poop" is "똥" or "dong." At the end of every chapter, we do a review for the test. The reviews can get kind of boring, so we like to lighten things up and make it fun for the kids.
This week, we used the "Dong" game. The students loved it.
Here are some screenshots from the game:
My students love talking about poop. The Korean word for "poop" is "똥" or "dong." At the end of every chapter, we do a review for the test. The reviews can get kind of boring, so we like to lighten things up and make it fun for the kids.
This week, we used the "Dong" game. The students loved it.
Here are some screenshots from the game:
 |
| One of the questions. |
 |
| "Poops" are points. This means the team has to change points with another team. |
 |
| The most points you can get per question. |
Just another day teaching in Korea.
(end)
14 November 2012
Poop Needle
Korean students play this game called "ddong chim." It roughly translates to "poop needle" in English. Basically, someone sneaks up behind you and drives two pointer fingers up your butthole.
It's a funny game until it happens to you. There is one 6th grade boy who is constantly trying to give me the poop needle. He's a little guy so it's difficult to see him coming.
My coworker says, that next time he gives me the poop needle, smack him in the head.
(end)
13 November 2012
아르고 (Argo)
I went and saw Argo last weekend. Really enjoyed it. Here's the movie poster I got:
.JPG)
You see it yet?
(end)
.JPG)
You see it yet?
(end)
12 November 2012
11 November 2012
09 November 2012
Election
 |
South Koreans watch an election board in Seoul, South Korea, on November 7, 2012. South Koreans and Americans have been paying close attention to the U.S. presidential race between U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.  |
(end)
08 November 2012
Barack Obama
I bought today's newspapers as a keepsake.
Headline translation: "Obama 4 More Years."
Headline translation: "Again a New Challenge for Obama."
(end)
 |
(end)
07 November 2012
My Second Attempt at Kimbap
Last winter, I attempted to make kimbap. This is a popular very popular Korean food. It looks like sushi but it doesn't have the raw fish.
My attempt last year was a complete failure. Here's a picture:
The rolls are too skinny and dry. I had a terrible time trying to slice them.
Last Friday, I sat down with a coworker to learn how to make the perfect kimbap. Her directions were great; she even printed off pictures of so I could buy the right ingredients at the grocery store. This time, my kimbap was perfect. Take a look:
(end)
My attempt last year was a complete failure. Here's a picture:
The rolls are too skinny and dry. I had a terrible time trying to slice them.
Last Friday, I sat down with a coworker to learn how to make the perfect kimbap. Her directions were great; she even printed off pictures of so I could buy the right ingredients at the grocery store. This time, my kimbap was perfect. Take a look:
Doesn't it look a lot better? It tasted better, too.
(end)
06 November 2012
05 November 2012
31 October 2012
First Year Is Over.
Tomorrow will be the first day of my new contract. I can't believe how quickly the first year has passed. A year ago today, I was jet-lagged and depressed laying in a hotel bed in Changwon.
Today, I hiked Daeun Mountain with some of the teachers at my school. It was really nice. The leaves are changing color and the weather is perfect for hooded sweatshirts. My kind of day.
After the hike, we ate dinner at a traditional Korean restaurant. The main dish was duck, but, as always, the meal came with two dozen side dishes. It was pretty delicious. Even after a year, it is still difficult for me to sit indian-style at a tiny table for an hour. Korea just isn't made for inflexible people like me. I always feel like Manute Bol trying to drive a Prius. Rest in Peace, Manute.
Anyways, I am excited to start another year. And, in just a few short months, I will be seeing all of you in Chicago.
Can't wait.
(end)
Today, I hiked Daeun Mountain with some of the teachers at my school. It was really nice. The leaves are changing color and the weather is perfect for hooded sweatshirts. My kind of day.
After the hike, we ate dinner at a traditional Korean restaurant. The main dish was duck, but, as always, the meal came with two dozen side dishes. It was pretty delicious. Even after a year, it is still difficult for me to sit indian-style at a tiny table for an hour. Korea just isn't made for inflexible people like me. I always feel like Manute Bol trying to drive a Prius. Rest in Peace, Manute.
Anyways, I am excited to start another year. And, in just a few short months, I will be seeing all of you in Chicago.
Can't wait.
(end)
29 October 2012
26 October 2012
Weekly 10 (10/22-10/26)
1. "부구 싶어요" is Korean for "I miss you." Bogo shipawyo.
2. I left Chicago one year ago this coming Monday.
3. This is Kimchi. It is Korea's national food. It's served with every meal:
 |
| You should try it. |
4. "Kakao Story" is Korea's version of Facebook.
5. $1 = 1,098 KRW
6. This weekend is the Busan Firework Festival. I'm not going.
7. It's my turn to buy pizza for the office next week.
8. This is my name-tag for work:
.JPG) |
| Translated: Buh-ra-eee-uhn Buh-rang-ka |
9. Beach House comes to Korea in January.
10. English generally follows the rule: Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). Korean structure follows the SOV pattern.
(end)
25 October 2012
Looking for a flight?
I've been looking for a flight home in January and I stumbled across an article about North Korea's only airline. It seems as though Air Koryo has just begun online booking. Prices look good.
A quick googling of "AirKoryo" will tell you that it has been ranked the worst airline in the world. But, if it gets you from A to B and it's cheap...why not give it a shot? I think I'll book a ticket this week.
Maybe I'll see you in January.
(end)
 |
| "What the hell did I do?" |
 |
| The website. |
 |
| Some cute North Korean flight attendants. |
 |
| The modern looking North Korean airport. |
 |
| "Fuck yea the planes work." |
 |
| You guys see the plane? |
Maybe I'll see you in January.
(end)
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