South Korea through my eyes!

Threats and Warning for Foreigners in South Korea

2013-04-09T00:47:00.002-07:00

By Christine Kim and Joyce Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea warned foreigners in South Korea on Tuesday to quit the country because they were at risk in the event of conflict, the latest threat of war from Pyongyang.

Soaring tensions on the peninsula have been fuelled by North Korean anger over the imposition of U.N. sanctions after its last nuclear arms test in February, creating one of the worst crises since the end of the Korean War in 1953.
"We do not wish harm on foreigners in South Korea should there be a war," said the KCNA news agency, citing its Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee.
Last week Pyongyang advised embassies there to consider pulling out in case of war. Earlier on Tuesday, North Korean laborers failed to turn up for work at a factory complex operated with South Korea, effectively shutting down the last major symbol of cooperation between the hostile neighbors.
Few embassies in Seoul have advised their citizens to quit. The United States, which has also been threatened by Pyongyang, has said there were no imminent signs of threats to American citizens.
Pyongyang has shown no sign of preparing its 1.2 million-strong army for war, indicating the threats could be partly intended for domestic purposes to bolster Kim jong-un, 30, the third in his family to lead the reclusive country.
South Korea's president said she was disappointed at North Korea's decision to halt operations at the Kaesong industrial park, which generates $2 billion in trade for the impoverished state.

News of the Kaesong closure diverted attention from speculation that the North was about to launch some sort of provocative act this week -- perhaps a missile launch or new nuclear test. However, residents of Seoul carried on with daily activities with no trace of anxiety.

A spokesman for textile company Taekwang Industrial and at least two other firms said North Koreans workers did not show up for work and that production had stopped.
"North Korean workers didn't come to work today, and production has halted in our Kaesong facilities," said a spokeswoman for Shinwon, a women's clothing maker.

About 475 South Korean workers and factory managers remain in Kaesong, a few km (miles) inside the border with North Korea. The South Korean government said 77 would return on Tuesday.

An executive at another South Korean apparel firm running a factory in Kaesong said late on Monday his employees had told him they would stay.
"I don't know what to do, honestly. I can't simply tell my workers to leave or stay," said the executive, who requested anonymity.
ANXIOUS WORKERS
Many South Koreans have been reluctant to leave, worried about the impact on their companies and jobs. Some bedded down in budget hotels at the South Korean border town of Paju in the hope that the zone would soon re-open.
"I have been feeling anxious now and then. Now it's really preposterous facing this," said Shing Dong-chul, 55, a South Korean worker who transports wire made in Kaesong.
"North Korean workers didn't talk a lot, but they appeared to have complaints about Kaesong being closed. They worried whether they would be working or not."
North Korean workers at the park have appeared increasingly agitated in recent days, refusing to talk to their colleagues.
Addressing a cabinet meeting, South Korean President Park Geun-hye described the suspension of Kaesong as "very disappointing" and said investors would now shun the North.
"Investment is all about being able to anticipate results and trust and when you have the North breaking international regulations and promises like this and suspending Kaesong while the world is watching, no country in the world will invest in the North," Park said.
More than 100 representatives from businesses operating at Kaesong held an emergency meeting at which they pleaded for the South Korean government to intervene to re-open the facility.
"Re-opening the gates to Kaesong would be the greatest step towards normalizing operations," Yoo Chang-keun, a senior representative of firms in the complex, told reporters.
South Korean markets, which until recently had taken little notice of the turmoil, took a battering on Tuesday.
Stocks slipped to another four-month low, having lost nearly 4 percent since last Wednesday, when North Korea first began restricting access to Kaesong. The won currency moved little, but stood at its lowest since last July.
The North's official KCNA news agency said on Monday that the complex was being suspended as Seoul was trying to "turn the zone into a hotbed of war" against the North. It said no decision had yet been made on shutting it for good.
Few experts had expected Pyongyang to jeopardize Kaesong, which employs more than 50,000 North Koreans making household goods for 123 South Korean firms.
"They're using this as shock therapy because, regardless of what they say, if they close Kaesong the damage they will sustain will not be small," said Moon Seong-mook, a retired South Korean brigadier general who took part in previous military talks with the North.
LAST VESTIGE OF RAPPROCHEMENT
The zone is practically the last vestige of the "Sunshine Policy" of rapprochement between the two Koreas and a powerful symbol that the divided country could one day reunify.

South Korean companies are estimated to have invested around $500 million in the park since 2004.

World leaders have expressed alarm at the crisis and the prospect of a conflict involving a country claiming to be developing nuclear weapons.
China, the North's sole diplomatic and financial ally, has shown increasing impatience with Pyongyang. Russian President Vladimir Putin said hostilities could create a cataclysm worse than the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
The North is also angry at weeks of joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises off the coast of the peninsula, with B-2 stealth bombers dispatched from their U.S. bases.
But the United States announced the postponement last weekend of a long-planned missile launch, a move officials said was aimed at easing tensions on the peninsula.
North Korean authorities told embassies in Pyongyang they could not guarantee their safety from Wednesday, after saying conflict was inevitable amid the joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises due to last until the end of the month. No diplomats appear to have left the North Korean capital.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visits Seoul this week and the North holds celebrations, and possibly military demonstrations, next Monday to mark the birth date of its founder, Kim Il-Sung - the current leader's grandfather.
In Washington, U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter urged China at a forum to use its influence with the North and said Moscow wanted similar action from Beijing.

"I think Russia, like others beholding this situation in North Korea, would like to see China exercise more of the influence that it evidently has with North Korea," Carter said.

But Chinese criticism of North Korea is unlikely to mean tough new action against Pyongyang because China would see any collapse of its troublesome neighbor as a disaster.
"I don't think we'll see dramatic shifts overnight and I don't think we'll see publicly announced shifts," said Paul Haenle, former China director on the U.S. National Secretary Council. "This is the kind of thing that will happen gradually and will happen behind the scenes."
(Additional reporting by Ju-min Park in PAJU; Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
This is the news which I read today. Just sharing what are your comments? Write below!
Regards,
Kojeblogger

Taj Mahal in Geoje, Busan, Gimhe, Changwan, South Korea

2013-03-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

The Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent architecture with white marble and an integrated complex structure which symbolizes love, romance and sacredness. World is aware of the magnanimity of the architecture and its history.

I being the biggest foodie so I am here to introduce the amazing food in Taj Mahal Restaurant. First time I encountered and explored Taj Mahal Restaurant near PNU, Busan.

I was surprised by the preparation. The food was simple yet amazing blends of spices. I have been visiting the restaurant since then.

I also heard the restaurant has several branches in Korea.

I saw the Tajmahal resturant is also located in Changwon.

I was surprised that the Taj Mahal restaurant was recently opened in Geoje in Okpo Area.

I specially love the samosas, Dal (lentil curry) is amazing, Butter chicken and grilled Tandoori chicken.

Now they also offer Lunch buffet in Okpo which is just amazing.

Though I feel the quantity is little small. I think the food is really amazing and worth a try.

Enjoy the Indian Food in South Korea,

Kojeblogger

Food for your skin in South Korea

2013-01-31T22:48:00.002-08:00

"Food that is good for your health is also good for your skin" its the motto of skin food company.

The skin food store opened in geoje. Though I was bit hesitant to try it out.

But once I entered it, I just got attracted to test their products. I liked their unique bottles of the product and was surprised that every product was made by some food.

I bought the Avocado hair serum as my first product. The store owner gave me free samples to try.

I started using the avocado hair serum and it gave amazing results for my hair.

The skin food products are made by natural food ingredients. They use special food which nourishes your hair & skin etc.

Also I love the egg white face foam which is another amazing product. The smell is also good.

Recently I am in love with their Pomegranate lipchip peach color lipstick.

I just love their products. I received the sample of gold cavier cream which is really unique and awesome product to use.

Also see their commercial:

I believe the quality of the products are just awesome, with lovely bottles and nice fragnance.

Website: http://eng.theskinfood.com/
regards,
Kojeblogger

International Penguin Festival in Geoje-do 2013

2013-01-07T22:48:00.000-08:00

INFORMATION SHARE Event : The 9th Geojedo International Penguin Swimming Festival website: http://geojedopenguin.co.kr/web-eng/home/?section=1

• Our Motto : Sharing Friendship and Love in the Sea of Enchantment

• Time : 11:00 pm Saturday, January 12, 2013

• Location : Dukpo Beach, Geoje City, Kyungnam Province, South Korea

• Hosted by : Geojedo International Penguin Swimming Festival Committee

• Sponsors :

• Reception (Invitation to the Sea of Enchantment) :

Farmers’ Concert (An Offering to Guardian Spirits) / Reception Performances / Opening Ceremony

• Reception (Invitation to the Sea of Enchantment) :

International Penguin Swimming Competition (50m Relay) Bare Handed Flatfish fishing / Golden Flatfish Fishing Competition

• Main Event (Experiencing the Sea of Enchantment) :

Fringe Performances / Korean & Expat Talent Contest

• Social Event (Memory of the Sea of Enchantment) :

• Other Events :

Beach Treasure Hunt / Penguin Race / Bear-footed Standing on the Ice Challenge / Bare Handed Sea Eel Passing Competition

• Complimentary Food Service :

Complimentary Fish Filleting Service / Rice Cake Soup and Fortune Egg kiosk / Coffee and Tea Stand / Western Snack Stand / Face Paintings / Local Food Corners / Writing Wish List Ritua

Regards,
Kojeblogger

Global Gathering ,Busan, South Korea, 2012

2012-11-05T02:51:00.001-08:00

I would call it a multi-cultural festival.
The experience was awesome with different Exhibition booths displaying their culture, food, dresses etc.
There were many luck draw prizes for the visitors.
I could taste Russain food, Iranian Food, Holland cheese, Turkish Kebab, Nigerian cookies, Nepal food,
I could buy Pashmina shawl from Indian booth, taste the Canada maple syrup chocolate etc. I als tried the American coffee and mexican food.
The visitors could try the Korean traditional dress and could take pictures.
It was so fun. I could meet so many foreigners from different countries.
There were also many cultural shows. I loved the Chinese traditional dance and Russian dance.
The whole atmosphere was fun-filled.
There was so much to learn from the booths about different countries.
I would highly recommend it.

PSY: Horse-riding signature step

2012-09-25T19:11:00.001-07:00

“Gangnam Style" goes viral!

PSY has stole the show from most of the KPOP singers. Especially his horse riding step has become his signature step.

PSY’s press conferences have gathered a number of foreign media outlets from the U.S., France, and Singapore and a few leading channels including NBC and BBC. The most popular step was the main attraction of his performance, the famous horse-riding dance.

PSY surely is reborn as a global star. The most famous is his cow-boy dance or the horse riding dance steps.

He said“I thought I had already achieved five or even ten times more success than I had expected in Korea before I left for the U.S., but now, I just can’t believe what’s happening in front of my eyes,” said PSY during a press conference following his return. “I express my gratitude for the love and enthusiasm for my song and my music video and I will work harder to let the world know the singer PSY.”

“I will perform the horse-riding dance topless among a dense crowd. Wouldn’t City Hall Plaza be the most potential spot?”

PSY expressed his interest in the colorful parodies of “Gangnam Style” being uploaded these days. He said he keeps watching them every day, and was struck this morning by a parody performed by the marching band of Ohio State University.

Now the PSY video is available in 3D also.

How to do Horse dance?

Learn the horse-riding dance steps:

I just love the song!
Enjoy
Kojeblogger

"Chuseok" a Wonderful festival, South Korea

2012-09-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Chuseok is a festival of colors and lot of good food. The flavor of certain Korean dishes are unique for this fetsival. Although there are many tasty treats or dishes during the harvest season, the one that stands out above all else is songpyeon, traditional Chuseok rice cakes.

Learn to make Songpyeon

The filling in rice cake is made by green soybeans and sesame are used as ingredients for
the filling. Specially the Songpyeon is then steamed in a layer of pine needles, leaving a pattern on
the finished songpyeon along with an appetizing scent. After all the necessary steps are taken,
rice cakes that have been filled and prepared are steamed in an earthenware steamer. The finished product will have a faint but fragrant scent, along with a deliciously chewy texture
that makes for a mixture of flavors and sublime tastes. Songpyeon is a tasty treat usually enjoyed during Chuseok, and there are many reasons for this.

Importance of Songpyeon in Chuseok

Songpyeon is stuffed with ingredients such as red beans and other kinds of beans, and they are meant to symbolize the fulfillment of one’s knowledge or studies.
The five cardinal colored songpyeon are supposed to represent vitality or energy, and the five basic elements that make up our universe. On the eve of Chuseok, all the family members gatheraround the table and make songpyeon.
They try to make pretty shapes because there is the belief that if you make pretty songpyeon, you will have a beautiful daughter.

Chuseok for Expats
See the link below:
http://kojeblogger.blogspot.kr/2012/08/chuseok-for-expats-in-south-korea.html

Wishing you all a very Happy Chuseok and happy Holidays!

Enjoy!

kojeblogger

Food that smells like a Sportman's feet: Cheonggukjang, South Korea

2012-09-06T00:48:00.001-07:00

Today my lunch was with one of my close friend who introduced a vegetable soup similar to Deonjang but is more fermented, called Cheong-guk-jang.
The Cheong-guk-jang is made up of potato, soya bean and tofu, is well fermented. It really has a very strong smell which might be unbearable to many people.
The smell is like some rotten food or foot smell or dead body smell. Some people also say the ultimate stinky ass food.
Though I couldn't bear the smell and so didn't eat it.

Cheong-guk-jang

But the food is considered very healthy and nutritious. My Korean friend just loved eating it and enjoyed it.
It was a bad experience for me. Later, I grabbed a McD burger and enjoyed my meal.
Do share your good or bad experiences by writing a comment!
regards,
kojeblogger

A Korean Wife

2012-09-05T01:44:00.004-07:00

I am sharing somebody's experience which I received as a forwarded email:

Experiences are as follows:

You own two refrigerators, and one is just used for storing Kimchee.
She gets upset if you refer to the above as the Kimchee Box.
She gets upset if you put anything other than Kimchee in the Kimchee Box.
She lacks common sense, or for the politically correct: Faulty Logic.
You have more than one type of Kimchee.
She assures you that the meat bought in the open market is better, even if it still has the AAFES tag on it.
Believes that any product bought in the open market is better, even if it still has the AAFES tag on it.
She has 101 uses for Soju.
She uses Soju as a cleaning product.
She uses Soju for medical purposes. (Disinfectant.)
She will go to an American restaurant to eat Korean Food and insists that it tastes better than served in a Korean restaurant.
She believes wearing platform shoes is sexy.
She wears a mini skirt in the winter, then complains that it is cold.
The main ingredient in the food you eat at home is garlic.
She eats non-Korean food with Kimchee.
She won't eat spoiled food, but does not have a problem with Kimchee.
You own a dining room table that is less than 1 foot high.
You own more chopsticks than you do forks and spoons.
She doesn't drink tap water until after it's been boiled, but she'll make ice with it.
She thinks fish head soup is a delicacy.
You can not watch TV on Mondays because the puzzle show is on.
You can not watch TV on Sunday because Super Sunday is on.
You don't rent videos unless they are subtitled.
A meal is not complete without Kimchee.
She won't eat American food unless served with a side of Kimchee.
She believes that the floor is more comfortable to sleep on than the bed.
You have an electric blanket on 356 days a year.
You turn on a fan in the summer but still have the electric blanket on.
You burn your butt sitting on the floor.
You believe that controlled drugs can be bought over the counter.
You go to the pharmacy to buy an IV.
You do not own any chairs in your house.
You refuse to own any Japanese products in your house.
The only thing she knows how to do on your computer is play solitaire.
Everyone she introduces you to is either a brother or a sister.
Her immediate family moves into your house permanently.
Everything in your house either has the logo Samsung or LG.
She can't buy clothes unless they have a logo on them.
She owns a beeper/pager that has a gold chain attached to it.
She gets mad when you flush toilet paper down the toilet.
She won't buy clothes from a store that is going out of business because she believes there is something wrong with the clothes.
She believes that 1000 Won is enough money for lunch.
She believes going out to dinner is going down the street to the Soju tent.
You eat Ramen and kimchee for breakfast.
You go to the open market to buy one thing and leave with both arms full.
You own more than one type of Ramen in your house.
She believes that Ramen, Rice, Soju, and Kimchee are the 4 basic food groups.
You answer the phone in your house with "YOBO-SAY-O."
You heat a dried squid over an open flame.
You eat dried squid with mayonnaise.

May be you can share your positive or negative experiences below.
regards,
Kojeblogger

Robots of DSME at Yeoso Expo 2012, South Korea

2012-09-03T23:58:00.003-07:00

The Robots DSME pavillion at Yeouso Expo the most famous and much appreciated by the viewers. The pavilion was run by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. and it's clustered together with the other big Korean companies inside the expo.
There were 73 robots which were displayed at the Pavillion.

The most famous of them was the Humanoid Robot from America, named Charli. Charli Robot was also well versed in korean language. Hence it became really popular.

Other British robot Thespian, French robot NAO, Korean tallest robot Nabi, female warrior robot EveR were also displayed.

Special robots were displayed who play soccer and also dancing Robots were exhibited who danced on K-Pop songs.

The best were the Fish robot and snake Robot.regards,
Kojeblogger

Plastic beauties in South Korea

2012-09-02T21:37:00.002-07:00

The aesthetics (cosmetics) and reconstructive surgeries. Aesthetics surgery is focused on enhancing certain body features or changing a certain part to make it conform to the looks that we want to have which is called PLASTIC SURGERY.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

MARGARET HUNGERFORD, Molly Bawn

Beauty is the gift from God.

ARISTOTLE

Plastic surgery has become a biggest trend in South Korea. I am just amazed that many of my close friends have also undergone the plastic surgery. Sometimes I wonder! what is the need for it? My friend said that there is no harm in improving one's beauty. I still believe "Natural is always beautiful". Even though with plastic surgery one can look extra beautiful but its temporary and has many side effects.

On a lighter side just see below:

Joke

Most famous plastic Surgeries for Woman:

Eyelid surgery
Nose Correction surgery
Ear Correction
Facelift
Neck list
Chin Lift
Brow lift
Lip augmentation
Forehead surgery
Botox lift
Breast enhancement
Wrinkles correction
Tummy trimming
Cheek Implantation

The plastic surgeries are not only common among woman but man also getting conscious for their looks.
Most famous plastic Surgeries for Man:

Eyelid surgery
Male breast reduction
Tummy tuck
Ear correction
Nose surgery

Also there are several names for these surgeries like Liposuction, Rhinoplasty, Abdominal etching, Otoplasty, Septolasty etc.

These surgeries are damn expensive and requires several sittings and visits to the Hospital.
There have been mixed reactions on this topic. Plastic surgeons' business is booming up day by day. But every plastic surgeon is not skillful.
See some good and bad results of plastic surgery Good & bad results.
There are several articles on the growing interest in Plastic surgery Plastic Surgery in South Korea
See the statistics:

South Korea Tops in Plastic surgeries. The trend was started in USA and it grew drastically and captured the Korean markets.

The famous Korean celebrities reveal their stories of plastic surgery openly which attracts the major audiences.

Plastic surgery has become so common due to the image-obsessed society in Korea. Surprising part is the Korean mothers buy their daughters surgeries as gifts. Also the young women grow up thinking they’ll never find love or career success if they don’t fix their faces. I think the Korean society is extremely superstitious or not confident or insecure about their looks. The society around them plays an important role and slowly becomes a fashion or trend to fix their body.

The Plastic Surgeon propagate that these surgeries will increase the self-confidence, self-esteem, confidence of the person. The positivity increases, better socialization process and may even improve the interaction skills. Correcting certain malformations in the face and body can help the person function better and more comfortably.

I am not totally against it but I feel there are several ugly reflections of it. There are many risks, complication and side-effects of these surgeries. It can adversely affect the health of the person.

Some of the risks are as follows:

Allergies
Increased blood pressures
Excessive bleeding or swelling
Infections
Scarring
Blood clots
Loss of sensation
Implant ruptures
Inflammations
Implant leakages
Rippling or irregularities
Severe fluid loss
Nerve damage
Skin damage
Burns
Fat clots
Prolonged healing time

It depends on the person how they foresee their future.

But I am really surprised to see the growing plastic world around me.

Regards,

Kojeblogger

Comments and suggestions are always welcome!

5 unique things to do in Paradise of Leisure: Jeju-do

2012-09-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am back from the Jeju-do trip but I still remember the fun-filled time spent in Jeju-do.
Jeju-do has several unique things which we can do only n Jeju Island. So it is called the Paradise of leisure.
The fun things which I did in Jeju are follows:

ATV RIDING

DRIVING THE

CRUISE TRIP

HORSE RIDING

VISIT LOVE GARDEN

Jeju-do is a place to relax and popular spot for the honeymoon couples.

You can enjoy the special and unique sport and fun things which are available in Jeju-do only.

You must plan your trip to cover the fun spots in Jeju-do.

Regards,

Kojeblogger

Check list for expats leaving South Korea

2012-08-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

There are many things or issues which need to be taken care before your leave South Korea. The whole process might take at least two weeks or so. One should prepare in advance for getting the final clearance. I have made a checklist for the expats leaving Korea. Please see below:

Experience certificate
Reliving certificate from employer
Recommendation letter from the Senior
Residence proof of your stay and duration.
Police verification from the nearest police station that you have no criminal records there.
Keep copies of Korean ID, Driving ID, Gas Bills, Electricity Bills.
Translate all Korean documents to English and get attested from legal advisor.
Or get attested from govt officer preferably attested with seal.
Withdraw national pension from National pension office National Pension
Dispose off your car (if you have any)Scrap your car , Sell your car
Convert Korean won to USD or Euros Money conversion
Close your Korean Bank Account (after withdrawing / transferring all your money)
Take your tax clearance certificate in Korea from National Tax Dept.Tax Office
Collect your severance pay be leaving the bank account details of your home country Severance pay
Apartment Rental contracts with heavy fixed deposits should be terminated
Employment Insurance and Workers insurance may be collected which is a high amount of money. It is generally deducted every month from your salary and can be received at the end. But the rule may not be valid for all expats, it depends on your employment contract.Employment insurance
Terminate your NHIC, National Health Insurance Cooperation.Health Insurance
Clear all electricity, water etc bills.Electricity
Inform immigration office and submit your alien card
Cancel your credit card and mobile service
Claim your Air-ticket and extra baggage charges from your employer (if mentioned in your contract)

Give your comments or suggestions, if you want to add some more to do the list.

Good luck and Best Wishes!

Kojeblogger

Traditional dress of South Korea for Chuseok

2012-08-28T01:36:00.000-07:00

The traditional Korean dresses are beautiful with vibrant colors.

The dress is considered a formal wear which is worn on special days like weddings, festivals (like Chuseok) etc. It's beautiful to see the families in their traditional clothing.

The design of hanbok are generally inspired from their historical tombs and historical paintings. The hanbok was an influence of multiple invasions in Korea.

HANBOK(for woman) =Jeogori(Top part)+ Chima(sleeveless one piece)

Jeogori

Chima

HANBOK(for Man) =Jeogori/Coat(Top part)+ Paji(Pants)

Paji

Various accessories such as foot gear, jewelry, and head-dresses or hair pins completed the outfit.

The hanbok give a very elegant and decent look to Korean couples.

Also the Hanbok may be considered as the beautiful ceremonial robe.

The cultural dress is very comfortable with loose fittings. It is also called the costume of winds with the voluminous look, which retained air within. It depicts as the symbol of the Korean culture and the cultural heritage which generally mesmerizes the non-Koreans.

I love the elegance of the dress.

Best regards,

Kojeblogger

Save yourself from Typhoon, South Korea 2012

2012-08-26T23:55:00.001-07:00

The news and radio channels are announcing the residents and expats in Korea to cover the windows to avoid Typhoon damages.

SAVE YOURSELF BY COVERING THE WINDOWS

This will protect your glass windows and your home.
You might have the windows broken with the strong winds of the Typhoon.

Method I: Cover your windows with the newspaper

Take a Clean newspaper
Spray some water on the windows
Stick the newspaper on the window

Protection from Typhoon

Method II Cross tape your windows to protect from Typhoon

Use the scotch tape or any tape

Paste it on the window in cross shape

Safety first!

regards,

kojeblogger

Preparation and Warning for Typhoon in South Korea

2012-08-26T18:48:00.003-07:00

What is Typhoon? It is a type of Hurricane, Thunderstorm, Cyclone, powerful winds and abrupt strong rainfalls. The level of the Typhoon might vary. I have experienced different levels of Typhoon while living in South Korea but this time, it is expected to be a very strong one.
An intense Typhoon is with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. The winds have great velocity and as they move ashore they sweep the ocean inward giving birth to torrential rains and flooding.
Higher the Intensity of the Typhoon higher is the destructiveness!

Latest Update of the Typhoon from Japan

Present Situation: Typhoon is approaching South Korea!!!!A powerful typhoon lashed the southern Japanese island of Okinawa and surrounding areas Sunday, injuring four people and cutting off power to about 57,000 households.
Weather officials had warned that Typhoon Bolaven
The most powerful typhoon in a decade is set to hit the Korean Peninsula early this week, weather forecasters said Sunday, prompting authorities to brace for a worst-case scenario.

Predictions for the consequences in South Korea:

Tree might fall, small plants get damaged
Blackouts and no electricity for few days
No water supply
All grocery stores close down
No restaurants are open
Its a major close down
Blocked roads

Preparation for the Typhoon:

Keep your refrigerator to highest settings
Store Water and buy drinking water
Pack some food which does not need refrigeration
Buy some candles, prepare some battery torch or falshlights
Keep your first-aid kit ready
Throw away all garbage stuff from home
Find a safe place for your pets
Keep in track with the media through TV, radio etc for emergecy info
Keep plenty of food for infants
Fuel your vehicles
Fix the broken door or windows
Find the emergency evacuation places
Keep the important documents handy
Unplug the small appliance
Charge the mobile, ipad, notebooks in advance
Stay at home or any safe place

Just small preparations are needed. Hope things are fine and everyone is Safe.
May be the velocity of winds slow down while approaching South Korea.

Stay safe!!!!

love and prayers,
kojeblogger

Chuseok for expats in South Korea

2012-08-23T01:44:00.002-07:00

Chuseok holidays start from Last week of September,(September 29 - October 1, 2012)
Chuseok (추석), is the biggest festival of Korea.

It is called the Thanks giving day or also called the Harvest festival. The Koreans say prayers and thanks to their ancestors by offering food, or flowers to the ancestors graves.

The Korean families conduct ancestor's worships at their home and hometown.

In modern days, Korean family get-together and celebrate by cooking special foods and playing games at home. Some Koreans visit the temples and offer prayers.

You can eat a lot of sweet dak(rice cake) at this time and also songpyeon.

RICE CAKE OF SOUTH KOREA

Top 5 Korean customs and traditions in Chuseok Holidays:

Charye is the Ancestor memorial service which is performed by Korean families at homes.
Beolcho is cleaning the dust around the grave
Seongmyo is visiting ancestral graves
Ssireum is Korean wrestling
Chuseokbim is the Korean dress, special for the festival

All the family is well-dressed in Korean traditional clothing's and offer prayers.The festival is a totally family affair. Hence Korean friends get busy with the preparations and celebrations.

Being an expat, Chuseok holidays can be boring as they are long holidays. I miss my home in this festive season. Most of the expats prefer visiting their home country in these holidays.

If you are staying in Korea in the Chuseok holidays, it might get boring as most of the shops & restaurants are closed and trains, buses etc all are overbooked. There are many traffic jams on the road, as Koreans are travelling to their home town. Even homeplus, Emart etc are closed for few days.

Good thing about Chuseok is that the Korean Govt. organizes several events and activities for Chuseok Holidays especially at the National Parks, National Museums and Korean folk villages, in order to promote Korean culture. They offer discounts for the foreigners to visit the National museums and parks. Also there are many Folk games, programs, and performances held at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace.

Last year, I was in Seoul for Chuseok 2011 and I really enjoyed the Korean traditional parade at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The palace is really magnificent and magnanimous. In chuseok time it was very beautifully decorated. See some glimpses of my visit:

Chuseok 2011 at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Also you can get information about the Chuseok events on korea4expats website. I have found the site has many good information for expats in Korea.
See the link below for more information about the events:
http://www.korea4expats.com/article-things-to-do-chuseok.html

Happy Chuseok in advance!
Enjoy!
kojeblogger

Hawaii of South Korea, Jeju-do

2012-08-21T17:37:00.002-07:00

Jeju-do is the National pride for most of the Koreans. Jeju-do is the best tourist place in South Korea.There are many World Heritage tourist points in Jeju-do.
The Koreans consider it as the Hawaii of South Korea.
According to my view point, I cannot consider it totally Hawaiian style but Semi Hawaiian.
The points which make Jeju-do similar to Hawaii are as follows:

Jeju-do is located in Southwest side of South Korea. It Is the tropical region with strong sunshine similar to Hawaii

Jeju-do has many Beautiful, clean beaches with white sand and also have freash sea-food similar to hawaii

Udo

Jeju-do is a volcanic island similar to Hawaiian Islands. Hence Jeju also have the Lava tubes similar to Hawaii.

Volcanic mountain

Its famous fo hiking, horse riding, golfing,snorkling, scuba diving etc and has many sports activites like Hawaii. Jeju hot springs are also very famous.
Jeju has famous ports and harbours. It offers special cruise trips and submarine trip which are awesome.

Submarine trip

Some museums in Jeju-do are similar to Hawaiian museums
There are many beatiful waterfalls to similar Hawaii

Waterfall

Jeju -do is the biggest island in South Korea.

It has the resemblance to Hawaii Island.

Jeju-do is different from normal South Korean cities and also considered the best place for honeymoon couples.

So if you are in South Korea I strongly recommend to travel to Jeju-do.

Enjoy!

kojeblogger

http://kojeblogger.blogspot.kr

Top 8 Unknown facts about South Korea

2012-08-18T09:15:00.001-07:00

There are many facts and figures which are well known about South Korea but there
are some unknown facts. I have listed top 8 unknown facts on which I keep thinking and pondering:

Christianity was propagated in many Asian countries but it got well rooted in Korea.
It is one of the safest country in the world. The crime rate is very low. Though Koreans drink a lot of alcohol but they generally are disciplined. The Koreans are very honest and well behaved. There are very few cases of cheating or theft.
Korea was invaded several times. It is surprising how they fought and became the world's 11th wealthiest country in the world
Any foreigner for Koreans kids is Migu -Ki i.e American. The geographical knowledge about other countries of Korean kids is little poor. Korean teens have a lot of knowledge about USA.
Most of the restaurants in Korea are run by woman. Woman play a strong role in controlling money at home. Though in the past the Korean woman didn't have much say in the family issues.
Korean eat a lot and drink beer, soju etc but still they are considered the slimmest country. Most of the Koreans have flat tummy and maintain good body line.
Why most of the Korean men eat food so fast?
Korean woman are among the top cosmetic users. The Korean woman are very cautious about the make-up which they put daily and keep applying it in the public places.

These unknown facts are based on my experiences in South Korea.

If you have the answers to these unknown facts just let me know.

Regards,

Kojeblogger

http://kojeblogger.blogspot.kr

Teddy Bears in Jeju-do, South Korea

2012-08-18T02:54:00.000-07:00

My favourite in Jeju-do was the Teddy Bear Museum. The super cute Teddy bears were waiting to greet us.
The museum contains two galleries, a museum gift shop, and a museum cafe.

The museum had many Teddy bears which were moving and showing some cute situations.

There were teddy bears portraying Mona Lisa, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Munroe, Gandhi, Mother Teressa etc.

I just loved and cherished the amazing displays of the Teddy Bear in a unique style.

The cutest Teddy was of America's 26th president, Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt and NASA astronauts.

Wedding of Teddy's

I was really excited to see the Korean Teddy couple, it was very cute.

Korean bride and bride groom

I loved the Teddy Bear fashion models which displayed the scenes very well. It also showed the green room and the fashion show.

Teddy Fashion Models

The best one was the Mona Lisa teddy bear. It depicted her picture so well.

Teddy Mona Lisa

All the teddy bears were really cute and lovely. I was totally in Teddy's world.

I enjoyed it a lot. Hope to visit again someday.

For more information:
http://www.teddybearmuseum.com/Etc/English.asp

Refrigerating Ice Museum in Jeju-do, South Korea

2012-08-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

I visited Ice Museum in Jeju-do. The depictions were wonderful and fanciful. I was amazed to see the ice structures. The carvings on ice were beautiful.

At the entrance, an employee of the museum distributed the blankets to each person. The temperature inside the museum was -5deg. It was really freezing temperature. I was really impressed by the ice sculptures in the form of Teddy bear, Jeju Hallabeong, beautiful angels, ducks etc.

Jeju Hallabeong

Ice Teddy bear

The ice sculptures were impressive. There was a beautiful ice castle which had ice bed, ice sofa and ice table.

Ice sofa set

Ice sculpture

Ice castle

The ice depictions were beautiful. The best part was the Ice bar shop. It looked so real.

Though the ice museum was small but it had a lot to offer.

Also I was freezing in the refrigerating museum.

I just loved it.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, JEJU-DO, SOUTH KOREA

2012-08-15T06:57:00.001-07:00

I was shocked and surprised!

Add caption

Jeju Island is the largest Island in South Korea. Jeju Island has many tourist attraction points. One of the famous museum is titled " BELIEVE IT OR NOT". It is located in Seogwipo-si, in Jeju Island. Korea is the 11th country for the chain of such a museum. The museum is unique.

Perfect Couple of the Century

The concept was invented by Robert Ripley (1893-1949) who started a newspaper named " BELIEVE IT OR NOT".

The museum portrays the mysteries of the world and many astonishing facts.

Recently, I visited the museum, it features almost 700 astounding, one-of-a-kind items and facts from 198 different countries. I was awed and shocked by a large selection of hard-to-believe pieces.

The museum gives the details and the historical facts from the different countries.

I was really surprised.

See below some of the famous items of the museum:

House made of match-sticks

Elvis portrait made by m&ms

Incombustible man never got charred, stayed in oven for hours

Man who fought with the whale and survived

Tallest man on earth

Also on the second floor of the museum, there are some haunting facts which are hard to believe.
I will surely recommend you to visit the unique museum.
For more information:
http://www.ripleysjeju.com/

Wall of Sound to kill Dolphins

2012-08-10T01:30:00.003-07:00

Sad but true
Soon Dolphins will become extinct !

Technique to Kill the Dolphins:

Using a technique called drive fishing, hunters in a line of motorized boats create a “wall of sound” between the dolphins and the open ocean by banging on metal poles lowered into the water; the poles have bell-shaped devices at one end to amplify the sound. The dolphins, who rely on sonar to navigate, are immediately disoriented and terrified and swim frantically to shore to escape the noise. There they are corralled into a small cove and trapped overnight by nets; at sunrise the next morning they are herded into an adjacent “killing cove,” where they are stabbed to death by hunters using harpoons, fish hooks, and knives. The emerald waters of the cove literally turn red with the animals’ blood. Some injured or exhausted dolphins simply drown.

Dolphin meat is also a part of food. The dolphins are dragged by their tails and slaughtered.

I really hope we can save and protect the dolphins.

Save the dolphins:
http://www.bluevoice.org/

"SAY KIMCHEE" instead of saying cheese, South Korea

2012-08-08T21:12:00.002-07:00

The Health magazines have considered KIMCHI as one of the world's healthies food.

In general, Kimchi is spicy fermented cabbage. It is stored in large jars, it has a strong aroma and a sour & spicy in taste.

Kimchi Jar

It is available in endless variety. It might take few days to adapt to the taste of Kimchi but it has several benefits with high content of vitamin B-12 which keeps your immunity high. It has high content of Vitamin C especially from cabbage Kimchi and the special seasoning and kimchi has high content of Vitamin A and carotene which prevents lung cancer and breast cancer.

I think we need to re-frame the health statement in Korea.

"40 pounds of Kimchi a day, keeps the doctor away"

Kimchi has thiamine B1, riboflavin B2, calcium, and iron. It has bacteria lactobacilli which helps in better digestion. Recent studies also say that kimchi lowers the cholesterol. It helps to fight many diseases.

I love the animation created by Young Man Kang called

"Kimchi Warrior".

The Kimchi Warrior animation series is a unique blend of martial arts, comedy, and the promotion of good health. The Kimchi Warrior obtains supernatural strength by consuming the most prominent Korean dish, Kimchi to defend mankind from the world's most notorious diseases (i.e. The Swine Flu, Mad Cow Disease, Malaria, SARS etc.) Each episode a new "disease character" is summoned by Evil Lord of Disease to wipe out mankind. Under the tutelage of the clairvoyant Kimchi Master, the Kimchi Warrior is sent to fight and ultimately annihilate the disease with a different "ingredient weapon". It's very entertaining and educational for children. It is also advocates good nutrition to everyone, since Kimchi is deemed one of the healthiest foods in the world.

Animation is super cute
Gives a message about the benefits of eating Kimchi
Good graphics and good story
Describes the diseases

Watch the Animation " KIMCHI WARRIOR"

7 Golden rules to Survive in South Korea

2012-08-07T03:44:00.000-07:00

I have been living as an Expat in South Korea for a long time.
Korean culture, food and living was very different for me. Based on my experiences I wish to list up seven golden rules to survive in South Korea.

AGE :Respect the age and respect the seniors! Age is very important in Korea. You must respect the elder persons.

LANGUAGE PROBLEM: Learn Basic Korean words!Its better to learn some basic Korean for communication.

ALCOHOL: Enjoy Drinking alcohol! Koreans love to drink alcohol with their friends and mates. They drink a lot.

SPICY FOOD:Enjoy Spicy food! Kimchi is the famous side-dish and is spicy. Also there are many foods which are very spicy. You may adapt it otherwise the choices are limited.

CLOTHES & SHOES: Bring your own Clothes! difficult to find XXL or big size in many store. Other options are online shopping or visit Seoul to buy big size clothes and shoes.

ENGLISH:Speak English slowlyThere are different kinds of people with different backgrounds and experiences. Some Koreans are well versed with English. Mostly Koreans can read English well but cannot speak well. If you write and explain your problem they will understand, but you have to speak slowly to make them understand.

Don't be shocked: Koreans like the foreigners and love to talk to them. It is little unusual for them to see a foreigner on the street.Sometimes they give some strange gestures but don't get offended.

In general, living in Korea is not difficult, as Korean people are kind and very helpful.
“The weak die out and the strong will survive, and will live on forever”
― Anne Frank, The Diary of Anne Frank

Just enjoy your stay here!

Kojeblogger

http://kojeblogger.blogspot.kr