Forget-me-not

Korean Traditional Marriage Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:51:00 +0000

If you are looking for a special wedding ceremony that you have never seen before, how about Korean traditional wedding ceremony? :)

DJ Okawari - Flower Dance

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:22:00 +0000

Love this :)

DJ Okawari - Flower Dance

"They serve the purpose of changing hydrogen into breathable oxygen. And they're necessary here as the air is on Earth."
"But I still say... they're flowers."
"If you like."
"Do you sell them?"
"I'm afraid not."
"But, maybe we could make a deal.”

What is Economic Welfare?

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:32:00 +0000

1) Definition of Economic Welfare

Economic welfare is a general concept which doesn't lend to easy definition. Some says it is a branch of economics that focuses on the optimal allocation of resources and goods and how this affects social welfare.

Basically, this relates to the study of income distribution and how it affects the common good.

Economic welfare is also considered as the level of prosperity and quality of living standards in an economy by focusing on the optimal allocation of resources and goods and how this affects social welfare. It is based on that economy can be measured through a variety of factors such as GDP and other indicators which reflect welfare of the population such as literacy, number of doctors, levels of pollution, etc but it is usually measured in terms of Real Income, real GDP. An increase in Real Output and real incomes suggests people are better off and therefore there is an increase in economic welfare.

However, economic welfare will be concerned with more than just levels of income.
For example, people's living standards are also influenced by factors such as levels of congestion and pollution. These quality of life factors are important in determining economic welfare.

2) Two Approaches: The early Neoclassical approach, The New Welfare Economics approach

There are two mainstream approaches to welfare economics: the early Neoclassical approach and the New welfare economics approach.

2-1) The early Neoclassical approach (the first approach)

‘The greatest meliorator of the world is selfish, huckstering trade.’(R.W. Emerson, Work and Days)
To establish the first approach, we need to sketch a general equilibrium model of an economy.

Assume all individuals and firms in the economy are price takers: none is big enough, or motivated enough, to act like a monopolist. Assume each individual chooses his consumption bundle to maximize his utility subject to his budget constraint. Assume each firm chooses its production vector, or input–output vector, to maximize its profits subject to some production constraint. Note that we assume self-interest, or the absence of externalities: An individual cares only about his own utility, which depends only on his own consumption. A firm cares only about its own profits, which depend only on its own production vector.

The invisible hand of competition acts through prices; they contain the information about desire and scarcity that coordinate actions of self-interested agents. In the general equilibrium model, prices adjust to bring about equilibrium in the market for each and every good. That is, prices adjust until supply equals demand. When that has occurred, and all individuals and firms are maximizing utilities and profits, respectively, we have a competitive equilibrium.

The first approach establishes that a competitive equilibrium is for the common good. But how is the common good defined? The traditional definition looks to a measure of total value of goods and services produced in the economy. In Smith, the ‘annual revenue of the society’ is maximized. In Pigou (1920), following Smith, the ‘free play of self-interest’ leads to the greatest ‘national dividend’. The modern interpretation of ‘common good’ typically involves Pareto optimality, rather than maximized gross national product.

This approach says that all perfectly competitive equilibria with complete markets to deal with externalities and uncertainty are Pareto efficient*.

2-2) The New Welfare Economics approach(the second approach)

The New Welfare Economics approach is based on the work of Pareto, Hicks, and Kaldor. It explicitly recognizes the differences between the efficiency aspect of the discipline and the distribution aspect and treats them differently. Questions of efficiency are assessed with criteria such as Pareto efficiency and the Kaldor-Hicks compensation tests, while questions of income distribution are covered in social welfare function specification. Further, efficiency dispenses with cardinal measures of utility, replacing it with ordinal utility, which merely ranks commodity bundles (with an indifference-curve map, for example).

The second approach establishes that the market mechanism, modified by the addition of lump-sum transfers, can achieve virtually any desired optimal distribution. Under more stringent conditions than are necessary for the first approach, including assumptions regarding quasi-concavity of utility functions and convexity of production possibility sets, the second approach gives the following:

The second approach of Welfare Economics. Assumes that all individuals and producers are self-interested price takers. Then almost any Pareto optimal equilibrium can be achieved via the competitive mechanism, provided appropriate lump-sum taxes and transfers are imposed on individuals and firms.

Source
Allan M. Feldman, Welfare Economics 2006, http://newmonetarism.blogspot.com/2011/07/economic-welfare.html, http://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/welfare_economics.asp#axzz1dxuSDV1L, http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/1041/economics/economic-welfare/, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare_economics

The wonders of Jeju Island :D

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:18:00 +0000

The wonders of Jeju Island

Do you know where such a beautiful island is?

This is Jeju Island, a volcanic island that was formed five millions years ago and located southwest of the Korean peninsula. As Korea’s most southern region, the weather of Jeju Island remains significantly warmer than the mainland even during the cold winter months. Wind from the ocean blows steadily throughout the year and past volcanic activity has littered the island with an assortment of beautiful and unusually-shaped black rocks. For that reason, this island is beloved by scientists and tourists for its stunning natural features.

Let's have a look at the such a beautiful scenery!

As you can see, Jeju Island incorporates beautiful scenery, island, volcano, coastline, cave, waterfall, and forest and is the place where people, nature, culture, and prehistoric heritages harmoniously coexist in a single location. Even what man made, such as a Chogajib, which is a straw-roofed house, and man itself are just part of nature in Jeju Island!

a Biosphere Reserve in 2002

a World Natural Heritage in 2007

a Global Geopark in 2010

Moreover, it is the only place in the world with three UNESCO certifications. Over the past decade, Jeju Island became the world's first and only place to be awarded a triple crown in the natural science field by UNESCO, a Biosphere Reserve in 2002, a World Natural Heritage in 2007 and a Global Geopark in 2010.

For those reasons, it's chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature last year.

Are you looking for your next destination to travel to? Then come to Jeju Island :)
Jeju Island is waiting for you!

Hans Rosling's 200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes!

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:27:00 +0000

How the income and life expectancy has changed in 200 countries for 200 years

Hans Rosling's famous lectures combine enormous quantities of public data with a sport's commentator's style to reveal the story of the world's past, present and future development.

Now he explores stats in a way he has never done before - using augmented reality animation. In this spectacular section of 'The Joy of Stats' he tells the story of the world in 200 countries over 200 years using 120,000 numbers - in just four minutes.

Plotting life expectancy against income for every country since 1810, Hans shows how the world we live in is radically different from the world most of us imagine.

Example of a letter of reference

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:14:00 +0000

This is one of homework that I did a year ago :)

Example of a letter of reference

Dear Sir/Madam

This is a letter of reference for Jane who is applying for the position of an activities supervisor at the children’s sports camp.

I met Jane 10 years ago in middle school. She gave me a good first impression by talking to me first with her sense of humor in a friendly way so that we got close soon and become the best friends since then. She was our class president and the leader of a volunteer club, and succeeded in leading the groups with her charismatic leadership and great abilities to entertain people. She also has a younger brother and a sister so she is accustomed to dealing with children without any trouble.

She is excellent at almost all kinds of sports, especially swimming, cycling, and volleyball, and has been in school team as a volleyball player for 3 years. In addition, she regularly participates in marathons and won the Boston Marathon last year. She also goes running every morning, so needless to say, she is extremely fit.

She has been studying Physical education at university and wants to become a sports teacher in the future. Therefore, this job would be very useful for her. Moreover, all these skills and interests she has would be helpful in making the sports camp more fun and better.

All in all, she would be the most suitable person for the position and I am really pleased to recommend Jane to you.

Korean Family Titles - Oppa/Unni/Hyung/Nuna

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:27:00 +0000

I would like to tell you a story that I experienced a few days ago.

I have a Malaysian friend who has got interest in Korean dramas these days and one day, he called me 'Hyung'. The moment he called me in that way, I was really embarrassed but I knew that he had no intention of teasing me and just misunderstood Korean culture so I just laughed at the awkward situation.

Then what is wrong with 'Hyung'?

There are several kinds of family titles in Korea, which play a very important role in building up as close relations as family relationships.

I am going to introduce four Korean family titles, Oppa/Unni/Hyung/Nuna. These titles will be useful if you want to get close to a Korean friend.

*

This part which deals with Oppa and Unni(or Onni) is especially for girls.

*

1. 오빠 [oppa]

OK, let us start with 'Oppa'. 'Oppa' is what girls call their older brother and what girls call their older male friend who is close to them or who they want to get close to. Korean guys like a cute girl who acts like a little sister so 'Oppa' is always ranked as the first word which guys want to hear from girls.

Here is Rain. He was born in 1982 and he is definitely older than me - I was born in 1987 - so there is no doubt that I have to call him 'Rain Oppa' if I meet him in person.

*

2. 언니 [unni or onni]

There is another word, 'Unni(or Onni)', which is what girls call their older sister and an older female friend who is close to them or who they want to get close to.

She is one of my favorite Korean actresses, Han Yeseul, who was born in 1981. She is older than me, so what do you think I will call her? Yes, the answer is 'Yeseul Unni(or Onni)'.

*

Now, it is time for boys. If you are male and use 'Oppa' or 'Unni', your Korean friend would be so confused whether you are female or male. The words you must use are 'Hyung' and 'Nuna'.

*

3. 형 [hyung]

It is also simple. 'Hyung' literally means older brother which boys call and it is also used for boys to call their older male friend.

How about these guys? You may recognize that it is a picture of a popular Korean idol group, Super Junior. Let us suppose that you are male and younger than them, then what should you call them? Yes, you should call them 'Hyung'.

*

4. 누나 [nuna]

This is the last one, 'Nuna', which is what boys call their older sister and older female friend.

For example, I prepare a picture of Girl's Generation, also a popular Korean idol group. Supposing you are male and younger than them, you would call them 'Nuna'.

*

5. Name or 동생 [dongseng]

Then what if you are older than them or the same age? Then you can call them their name. Dongseng is also used to call younger friends.

*

You would remember the story that I was called 'Hyung' by my Malaysian friend and now I think you can correct this. How did he have to call me? Yes, I am his 'Nuna', not 'Hyung'.

In short, just do not forget 'Oppa' and 'Unni' to call your older siblings or older friends if you are female. And if you are male, call your older siblings or older friends 'Hyung' and 'Nuna'.

It is not so difficult that I want you guys to remember these and use them to your Korean friends. Thanks :)

Example of a Birthday Speech

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:05:00 +0000

I got an assignment about a birthday speech in Public Speaking class a few weeks ago but it was quite hard to find any example on the Internet. So I'd like to share my speech example with those who are looking for any sample or example of a birthday speech :)

Oh, I referred to several samples but I lost the list of the web sites that I got them from. I'll upload the list soon!

Birthday Speech

Firstly, I would like to say thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate my boyfriend Tom's 30th birthday, hope you are all having a good time.

It is hard to believe that time has flown so fast like an arrow since I celebrated his 29th birthday together. Since then, a year has already passed and today is his birthday again so I would like to raise my glass and propose a toast for who he truly is:

Tom he is a man who looks at life positively in spite of the struggles and obstacles he faces, who strongly believes in true love and practices what he believes, and who always follows his dream.

Tom loves his friends, he loves contemporary art and music, he loves strong espresso coffee, he loves having an apple with a cup of tea at night, he loves cooking and feeding me, he loves bothering me affectionately.

So on this day, on his birthday, Tom, I, as your girlfriend, just want you to know how happy I am to have you. You are a wonderful, beautiful person, and you make a real shining difference in every life you touch.

Thank you for being you Tom and I wish your health and happiness. I love you, Tom, and happy birthday. Cheers.

Information Disclosure in Islamic banks

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:28:00 +0000

1) Information disclosure in general

A bank discloses their financial and other information, aimed at providing a broad and reasonably up-to-date view of the bank through annual reports. Major groups of the reports users are ⒜ Shareholders; ⒝ Account holders and depositors (clients of the bank); ⒞ Borrowers and others who transact with the bank; and ⒟ Regulatory bodies.

Information disclosure leads to transparency and supervision and regulation of the banking sector. Moreover, it gives banks stability in consequence, despite the fact that almost all banks’ activities face a variety of risks. For that reason, major global financial institutions such as the World Bank and IMF’s Financial Sound Indicators system have emphasized the importance of transparency and disclosure as one of the core components of bank stability because transparency which arises from greater disclosure by banks will further benefit the financial system as a whole, by reducing the doubts and it provides an essential foundation to a more stable and efficient financial system.

2) Information disclosure in Islamic banks

Not only in conventional banks but also in Islamic banks, truthful and relevant disclosure of information is necessary and Islamic banks, which avoid Gharar and follow Mudarabah principle, are encouraged to make more extensive disclosure since it shows banks’ strategies and relevant risks and also assists depositors and other investors to make well-informed decisions on where to put their money.

Islamic banks apply a Shariah and legal framework which ensures effective risk management practices, adequate financial disclosure and governance to their information disclosure. This leads them to have a strong financial system by including these components as follow: ⒜ Performance Overview; ⒝ Statement of Corporate Governance; ⒞ Directors’ Report; ⒟ Statement by Directors; ⒠ Statutory Declaration by Director or person responsible for reparation of financial statements of the reporting institution; ⒡ Auditors’ Report; ⒢ Shariah Committee’s Report; ⒣ Balance Sheet; ⒤ Income Statement; ⒥ Statement of Changes in Equity showing either all changes in equity or changes in equity other than those arising from capital transactions with owners and distributions to owners; ⒦ Cash Flow Statement; and ⒧ Accounting Policies and Explanatory Notes.

This form of information disclosure based on a Shariah and legal framework has increased the reliability of the Islamic financial system and strengthened the incentives for banks to maintain sound banking practices. Besides, it provides both the supervisory authorities and the public with better information of a bank's strategies and risks including Islamic banks’ special risks.

Sources
1) Reserve Bank of New Zealand, “Your bank's disclosure statement: what's in it for you?”
2) Nafis Alam & Prof. Bala Shanmugam, “Promoting Transparency in Islamic Banks”, THJ Jan/Feb 2007 edition
3) Luca Errico & Mitra Farahbaksh, “Islamic Banking: Issues in Prudential Regulation and Supervision”, IMF Working Paper, March 1998
4) Islamic Banking and Takaful Department of Bank Negara Malaysia, “Guidelines of Financial Reporting for Licensed Islamic Banks”
5) Mohamed Abdelhamid, “Islamic Banking”, Department of Economics in Carleton University, September 2005

What is Riba?

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:19:00 +0000

Although Islamic finance is playing a more and more important role in the world, I even didn't know what is different between conventional and Islamic banks. I thought it was not my business as I'd never seen any Islamic bank in Korea.

Things are always changing though. I happened to come to Malaysia and this country is closely connected with Islamic banks. It's time I needed to know at least what it is!

I asked my Thai friend if she knew anything about it and she said there's something different in their interest system. I found out later that it was about riba, which is one of the most crucial concepts in Islamic finance.

Then what is Riba?

Literally, riba means ‘excess’ or ‘increase’ in the Arabic language, which is also thought to be ‘effortless profit’ in the Islamic terminology and translated into ‘interest’ in English. However, riba is so much more than what I mentioned above in fact. There are a number of opinions about the definition of riba, depending on scholars, and the meaning seems to be too general and indefinable, so we are going to have a look at it from the different angle in order to get a better understanding of what riba is by explaining 1) why riba is prohibited in Quran and 2) why a profit in the Islamic banking is not riba.

1) why riba is prohibited in Quran

In the conventional economics, a loan is considered a means to make greater economic benefits. That is why the lender returns to the borrower more and better than the quantity borrowed in compensation for the time value of their money.

However, it is assumed that those who are in difficulties borrow a loan to get out of the situation in the Islamic economics. In other words, what Quran prohibits is not ‘riba’ itself but the worse result which can be happened to the borrower not being able to pay back. This is the reason why riba is not accepted in Quran.

2) why a profit in the Islamic banking is not riba

Nevertheless, a profit called interest in the western banking still exists in the Islamic banking and it is one of the vital sources which allow the Islamic bank to run the business smoothly. Then why is the profit in the Islamic banking not riba?

While the borrower has to take the risk of the lender by paying them the interest in the conventional economics, the borrower and lender share not only the profit but also the risk as a partner in the Islamic economics. Moreover, either a product or a service must be delivered in Islamic banking transactions so that the profit is not riba anymore, but just a profit from their investment in the partnership.

It is true that the definition of riba has similarities to interest in some ways but we can find the certain differences between them and when the reasons, why riba is prohibited in Quran and why a profit in the Islamic banking is not riba, are taken into account, we can get a better understanding of the definition of riba.

Example of an Award Acceptance Speech

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:50:00 +0000

I got an assignment about an award acceptance speech in Public Speaking class a few weeks ago but it was quite hard to find any example on the Internet. So I'd like to share my speech example with those who are looking for any sample or example of an award acceptance speech :)

Award Acceptance Speech

Let me begin by saying I am simply speechless now and this is just amazing! I am overwhelmed with this honor. Thank you, thank you and thank you.

Ever since I started the business school here, to win the ABC Business Plan Competition has been always my biggest dream as it is a well-known prize among business students. That is why I cannot believe that I am awarded. I think the idea-market website, the topic that I dealt with, was original and interesting and that made me stand up here in the first place. Otherwise, I do not think I can get this prize since I know I am no better than others and all competitors did absolutely fantastic job.

I remember that all the professors I visited to ask for a piece of advice said my idea about the idea-market website was impossible to realize in the real business world. That night, I cried a lot and almost gave up carrying out the project. Then I got an answer from Prof. Kim the following day and he said it would be perfect if I modified some parts of my project. He was the only person who saw the possibility of my project for this competition and led me to develop my idea more logically and realistically. Without his support, I would not have been able to do this.

Thank Prof. Kim for giving me such useful and helpful advice all the time and helped me to apply possible real business models to this project. Also, thank my family who always encouraged me to think of a better idea in a creative way and all of my friends who stood by me especially during tough time and thank you for recognizing my project with this reward. And I would like to say thank you to all people here. Thank you again.

Spring, Flower, Lake, and the Goyang Korea Flower Show!

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:39:00 +0000

Spring, Flower, Lake, and the Goyang Korea Flower Show!

The Goyang Korea Flower Show, which features new flower species and flower painting technology, takes place in my neck of the woods every spring. Basically, this show started in order to advertise advanced Korean floricultural industry widely and promote relevant trade and investment. Now, it is one of the biggest events in my city, Goyang. I’m going to introduce 3 things to do there.

Firstly, enjoy Korean colorful spring, fragrant flowers, and the sparkling lake.
A number of kinds of fabulous flowers decorate the whole Lake Park, where the show is held, and they are formed into interesting objects such as a castle, a mermaid, or whatever you can imagine as if you are in a fairytale, which harmonize perfectly well with the warm and breezy Korean spring. For this reason, there are always tons of people taking photos of the scenery.

Secondly, see how flowers themselves become fantastic art work through a variety of contests.
Actually, this is my favorite part since it is a good opportunity to see how flowers can be used in real life and how participants deal with the same topic in a different way. Many contests are held such as the Traditional Flower Arrangement Contest, the Drawing Flowers Contest and so on.

Thirdly, join any event and make your own floral piece.
The Goyang Korea Flower Show is full of events. For example, I have a friend who got a flowery hand mirror from her boyfriend who made it himself with traditional Korean paper and flowers for her. She says it is the most adorable present ever as not only is it pretty but it also reminds her of the pleasant memory.

It is no exaggeration to say that Goyang is called the City of Flowers and the Lake thanks to the Goyang Korea Flower Show. It is very special to residents and a must for tourists – you will understand why it is said so when you join the show. Why don’t you come and enjoy lovely Korean spring with the beautiful lake and scented flowers in full bloom?

Our past, too important to lose!

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sat, 21 May 2011 20:35:00 +0000

CAE writing practice :)

I was given this specific topic to write an article in my writing class and it should be done in 40 minutes. That's why I can't deny this article isn't well-written, but I want to share this with those who are learning English like me. I think it'd be quite helpful for CAE students in particular.

You have had a class discussion on why it is important to preserve the past. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your opinions on the following statement: 'We should spend more money on preserving our past - it is too important to lose.

Write your essay in 200-260 words.

Our past, too important to lose

It is said that knowing our history is so important that we should make more efforts to preserve our past. But is it really necessary to do so?

On the one hand, there are some people who insist that we have already spent enough money and would rather invest in more practical fields such as education or medical services. Supposing we had developed new technology with the money, we would have improved our lives more. Or it may have been better to give away that money to charities since we can immediately see how wisely the money is spent. Moreover, we have not got any useful result from preserving out past, although a great deal of money and time were used. We are living in the present and going to the future, not the past. That is why they say it is a complete waste.

On the other hand, it is widely thought that the past reflects us who are living in the present and shows the future as history has repeated all the time. For this reason, if we are aware of our past well, we can get a better understanding of the way we live and think, and prepare for what will happen in the future in order not to make mistakes again which caused problems before. Furthermore, our past is not only ours, but also our future generation’s. Just because it does not seem important for us at this moment does not mean that they will not need to know about the past. It would be a vital resource for them.

It seems to me that it is absolutely necessary for us to preserve our past, because there are more things in life than simply being practical. Therefore, I agree with the statement that we should spend more money on preserving our past – it is too important to lose.

Happiness is a state of mind!

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Fri, 06 May 2011 20:17:00 +0000

CAE writing practice :)

I was given this specific topic to write an article in my writing class and it should be done in 40 minutes. That's why I can't deny this article isn't well-written, but I want to share this with those who are learning English like me. I think it'd be quite helpful for CAE students in particular.

The people producing your college magazine want to make it more interesting for everyone, and have asked students to submit an article for the next edition with the following title: Happiness is a state of mind!

You decide to write an article, explaining what you think makes people happy and how they can achieve this.

Write your article in 220-260 words.

Happiness is a state of mind!

Are you happy? It's quite a difficult question to answer straightaway in deed. How about this one?: 'Do you think you would be happy if you were the richest, the most good-looking, and the most popular person in the world?' According to an article I read, money, beauty, and popularity have little to do with happiness which you wouldn't expect.

However, there are some things happy people tend to have in common. Those things are not 'wealth' to allow them to buy whatever they want, 'appearances' to attract people, nor 'fame' to make others look up to them. In fact, happy people consider an expression of their appreciation and positive outlook as the crucial keys to their happiness, which means it's not from the outside, but from the inside.

Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates what they possess and sees things around them in a positive way as happy people do. Then, how can we be happy if we're not that sort of person? It's said that the way we think and act can change when we make an effort.

It's no exaggeration to say that we are all finding our happiness. Then, here's the answer: happiness is up to how you think and feel, because it's just a state of mind.

Where are the Korean Royal Family?

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Mon, 02 May 2011 01:57:00 +0000

The biggest issue here is the UK Royal Wedding these days. I turn on the TV whenever I'm in the kitchen, and I've already watched the same wedding ceremony nth times.

Then, I got to wonder what had actually happened to the Korean Royal Family. My history teachers used to say they'd all died.

Is it true?
The answer is NO.

I searched all the sites for the truth and what I found out was most of descendants of the Joseon Dynasty ruler had lived unfortunate, unhappy, and miserable lives since the Joseon Dynasty had perished, just because they had royal blood.

> Yi Seok, Prince of the Joseon Dynasty

> Yi Won, the formal head of the Korean Imperial household

> Yi Jin, Princess of the Joseon Dynasty

Nevertheless, there are still some descendants as you can see the pictures uploaded above, trying to preserve the Korean royal culture in their own ways. That doesn't mean that they have an ambition to recover their power again, though! They insist that this is one of the ways to preserve the Korean heritage and it'd be more meaningful and persuasive if one of the descendants of Emperor Gojong, the last King of Korea, explains the history in Gyeongbokgung, the royal palace of the Joseon period, for example.

As long as what they do plays a symbolical role, I'd agree. Moreover, I believe there's something only they can do as royal descendants but it should be limited to something relevant to Joseon history.

Anyway, I feel like I get to know about Korea more thanks to this :)

Yuna Kim - World Champs 2011 FS 'Homage to Korea'

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 21:45:00 +0000

Yuna Kim's 'Homage to Korea' in World Champs 2011 FS!

Am I the only person who thinks this performance is deeply moving? Is this just because I'm a Korean? It's very impressive that she performed to the Korean traditional folk song 'Arirang' as an expression of her appreciation to all Koreans, who cheer for her all the time! That's why the title of this music is 'Homage to Korea'.

She's always stunning and beautiful, but especially in this performance, she's more gorgeous. I can't help being proud of her. Thanks, Yuna♥

Homage to Yuna Kim!

Should Koreans maintain the Cherry blossom festival?

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 21:09:00 +0000

Watching of cherry blossom was introduced to Korea during Japanese rule. The festivals continued even after the Japanese surrendered in WWII, but have been contentious, and many cherry trees have been destroyed because they were seen as symbols of the occupation. However, there has been considerable confusion about the origin of the cultivated Japanese cherry trees and the differences between them and native Korean trees. Certain trees at Seoul's Gyeongbok Palace were cut down to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Japanese surrender in World War II. Although Cherry blossoms are already indigenous to Korea, Japan had planted trees on sacred and offensive locations in the Palace. Once the offending trees were cut down the festival continued with the indigenous trees. The cherry blossom festival at Gyeongbok Palace is one of a number of such festivals across Korea and is prominently advertised to tourists.

In 1933, the Japanese botanist Koizumi Genichi reported that the Japanese Sakura (Somei Yoshino) originated on Jeju-do island (Quelpaert). In 1916, Ernest Henry Wilson had thought that "Japanese Sakura (Somei Yoshino)" was a crossbreed of the wild species of Japanese Sakura ("Edo higan" and "Oshima zakura"). In 1991, Professor of Tsukuba University Iwasaki Fumio reported that "Japanese Sakura (Somei Yoshino) originated around 1720-1735 by the artificial crossing in Edo (Tokyo)." Recent studies conducted on the comparison of Korean and Japanese cherry blossoms concluded that the two trees can be categorized as distinct species, but the Korean species apparently has not yet been given a scientific name.

- Wikipedia

Recently, I happened to think about the Korean cherry blossom festivals.

Not only do Koreans enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom, but we also like to take part in lots of events, watch many performances, feel the lively atmosphere in the festivals, I presume, as my friends and I do. Oh, I miss having typical Korean street food in snack stalls..! And I still have a portrait which was painted 15 years ago by a street painter in the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival. I mean the festival is now more than just a festival - it's very important culture that we enjoy as it is. We think that it's natural to visit a cherry blossom festival in spring - it's kind of a way we celebrate spring coming!

I won't deny that there are some arguments about whether we should maintain these festivals which are considered as the vestige of Japanese colonial rule and it's true that the Japanese government made cherry blossom tree-lined streets in Yeouido and Jinhae. On the other hand, it's also said that there's no problem at all that we're enjoying OUR flowers. Many species of the cherry blossom that are now very popular in Japan originated from Korea unlike it's thought all kinds of them are from Japan. Traditionally, we used the cherry blossom as timber, not as decoration, though.

In my opinion, we should preserve the festivals as we've done. Although they were started not by ourselves, it's already become a part of Korean cultures now. I just hope that it's maintained in the Korean way, not following how Japanese do. To be honest, I have no idea about how the Japanese cherry blossom festivals are, but I assume that they aren't that different from Koreans do since it first began in Japan.

I left Korea just before cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and regretted not having been in Korea at that time. If I'd known that I wouldn't be back to Korea for a few years, I'd have put off going abroad.

I miss Korean cherry blossoms! T_T

Korea Sparkling!

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:20:00 +0000

Suddenly, I feel like everything in Korea. Things that I usually considered as nothing special when I was in Korea came to my mind and that reminded me of my family, friends, food, all the places where I used to go, the way people do and things I would do.

I searched Youtube for some videos with a keyword 'Korea' and I found out these ones. I saw where I usually went, what I usually did, and what I usually eat in those videos :)

It's time to play computer games!

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 22:53:00 +0000

CAE writing practice :)

I was given this specific topic to write an article in my writing class and it should be done in 40 minutes. That's why I can't deny this article isn't well-written, but I want to share this with those who are learning English like me. I think it'd be quite helpful for CAE students in particular.

An international magazine for young people has asked readers to send in articles on the topic of 'Computer - a complete waste of time and money'. Write an article supporting or disagreeing with the statement, and give your reasons.

Write your article in 220-260 words.

It's time to play computer games!

It's hardly surprising that our parents tend to consider computer games as a complete waste of time and money. However, I would say this is a very narrow view. Everything has pros and cons, and the computer games are no exception. We need to see what are good things about computer games as well!

Firstly, it's fun to play computer games.
We are not slaves to study or work all the time, and there's no denying that it's necessary to enjoy ourselves. Computer games can be a means for us to have a good time. In other words, we can relieve our stress which is from study and work by playing interesting games.

Secondly, computer games improve our abilities to understand abstract things better.
According to an article I read a few days ago, people nowadays are more capable of comprehending notions than our ancestors were. Playing computer games increases the size of specific parts of our brain, and it makes us smarter in terms of perceiving something abstract.

Thirdly, computer games can be used as great study materials.
For instance, I learned how to calculate quickly by playing a calculating games at school. All my classmates were excellent at mental arithmetic thanks to the game. it's also possible to use games so as to learn history, a language, or any other subject in an enjoyable way.

Computer games can be useful and helpful, depending on how we deal with them. That's why I disagree with the statement that computer games are a complete waste of time and money.

Adam Lambert > Whataya Want From Me

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 23:24:00 +0000

This song brings back my memories - I have little to do with the lyrics though! I would listen to the radio every morning when I was in Vancouver, and it was played very often.

Plus, I've just known that he'd taken part in American Idol, but how come wasn't he the winner?! Can't believe that ;( I checked all his performances on the show, and I found Adam Lambert as the best contestant ever in all reality television singing competitions I've watched such as American Idol, X-Factor, Superstar K, or something like that.

I feel that he has an extraordinary voice and an incredible ability to interpret all the songs in his unique way. He's not only a singer who sings well, but a great artist to create his music! :D

Adam Lambert > Whataya Want From Me

Hey, slow it down
Whataya want from me
Whataya want from me

Yeah I'm afraid
Whataya want from me
Whataya want from me

There might have been a time when I would give myself away
Oooh once upon a time I didn't give a damn
But now, here we are
So whataya want from me
Whataya want from me

Just don't give up
I'm workin it out
Please don't give in
I won't let you down
It messed me up
Need a second to breathe
Just keep coming around
Hey, whataya want from me
Whataya want from me
Whataya want from me

Yeah, it's plain to see that baby you're beautiful
And there's nothing wrong with you
It's me, I'm a freak
But thanks for lovin' me
Cause you're doing it perfectly

There might have been a time when I would let you slip away
I wouldn't even try
But I think you could save my life

Just don't give up
I'm workin' it out
Please don't give in
I won't let you down
It messed me up
Need a second to breathe
Just keep comin' around
Hey, whataya want from me
Whataya want from me
Whataya want from me

Just don't give up on me
I won't let you down
No, I won't let you down

So hey just don't give up
Please don't give in,
I won't let you down
It messed me up
Need a second to breathe
Just keep coming around
Hey, whataya want from me
whataya want from me
whataya want from me
whataya want from me
whataya want from me
whataya want from me

Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations - Korea

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 23:22:00 +0000

I came across these videos on Gisela's facebook.

Actually, what I really want to introduce through these videos is Korean food as there are lots of amazing dishes in Korea which aren't well-known in other countries.

Check these out :)
You may want to travel to Korea after watching them XDDDD

"Anthony Bourdain, No Resevations - Korea"

9 useful websites for FCE students

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 20:13:00 +0000

I would like to introduce useful websites for FCE students.

I searched the Internet for good materials for FCE exam, but frankly, I didn't take any advantage of the sites very much. I was lazy ㅡ I know it can't be a nice excuse in every way =(

Anyway, I'll be so happy if these sites are helpful for you :)

1. FCE Official Website (http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/general-english/fce.html)
If you're an FCE student, you must know all this information on this site such as the exam format, the result, and somthing like that. You can also get useful materials.

2. FCE Candidate Support (http://www.candidates.cambridgeesol.org/cs/Help_with_exams/General_English/FCE)
This is also made by Cambridge ESOL in order to help you prepare for FCE well. Visit and get free FCE sample papers!

3. Flo-Joe (http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/index.htm)
It's a well-organized site that I want to highly recommend! Don't forget to take free FCE practice tests on this site.

4. Exam English (http://www.examenglish.com/FCE/index.php)
There are free FCE practice tests.

5. Objective: First Certificate(FCE) (http://firstcertificate.wordpress.com/)
This is a blog that specializes in only FCE, and personally, I think there are lots of good quality materials :)

6. The FCE Blog (http://fceblog.blogspot.com/)
This blog also focuses on only FCE exam and offers a lot of FCE materials.

7. UKstudentLife (http://www.ukstudentlife.com/English/Exams/Oral.htm)
You can get a whole script for the FCE speaking test. Check the link out and see what the speaking test is like.

8. AutoEnglish.org (http://www.autoenglish.org/)
Not only FCE excercises, but you can also get video lessons on this site.

9. Breaking News English (http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/)
This site doesn't spcialize in FCE, but there are a number of useful listening MP3 files and exercises to improve your listening skills. It's one of my favorite sites :D

Friends make our lives happier

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 17:05:00 +0000

I was given this specific topic to write a 180-word-article in my writing class and it should be done in 35 minutes. That's why I can't deny this article isn't well-written, but I want to share this with those who are learning English like me. I think it'd be quite helpful for FCE students in particular.

Friends make our lives happier

Can you imagine that there's no friend around you to talk with about your happiness and sadness? You must feel very lonely! We all need good friends.

Then, how can we make friends? Is there any answer?
Yes, the answer is actually very simple. If you want to be someone's friend, be their friend first! I mean you can talk to them first and find out what both of you have the same interest in. Then, you'll see that you're already been their friend.

However, we sometimes have different opinions from your friends'. Don't worry about that! As we are all different, it's more natural to think differently. Indeed, it can be a good opportunity to see things in other people's view and learn why they think like that. We don't need to agree on everything just because we are friends.

Nobody can deny that friendship is one the the most important values in our lives, because our friends make our lives a lot happier. For that reason, we love to make new friends and listen to their different opinions!

The best way to study!

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:48:00 +0000

I was given this specific topic to write a 180-word-article in my writing class and it should be done in 35 minutes. That's why I can't deny this article isn't well-written, but I want to share this with those who are learning English like me. I think it'd be quite helpful for FCE students in particular.

The best way to study!

As a student, what would you like to know the most? It may well be how to learn best. That's why I'm going to tell you the secret, the best way to study.

I find I can remember things well if I've experienced them myself. Not only experiencing, but revising is also necessary to remember things longer.

For example, if you want to brush up on your English, what should you do? If I were in the situation, I'd have a chat with English speakers and email my friends in English. Experience 'English' by speaking and writing in an enjoyable way! It's my favorite way to study, because that's more practical and fun.

Just because you experience something doesn't mean that you can remember it forever. As a human being, we always get to forget most things as time goes by. However, here's a tip to help you to remember well: "Make your own notes to revise for it" Then, look over it again!

Do you want to be a good student? Experience what you want to learn yourself and revise for it over and over again. That will make you good at studying and help you remember what you learn for good.

The personal computer, the greatest invention in the 20th century!

noreply@blogger.com (K JIN) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:27:00 +0000

I was given this specific topic to write a 180-word-article in my writing class and it should be done in 35 minutes. That's why I can't deny this article isn't well-written, but I want to share this with those who are learning English like me. I think it'd be quite helpful for FCE students in particular.

The personal computer, one of the greatest inventions in the 20th century

Who can live without a personal computer in the 21th century? The invention of the personal computer has completely changed our lives.

Firstly, we have got more freedom as the computer does some jobs instead of us. We don't need to spend our time calculating or recording by hand any more.

Secondly, we can access lots of information easily and quickly at home. For instance, if you want to know about Ireland, then just search the Internet and click a website related to Ireland. You can find a number of beautiful pictures and videos uploaded by Irish people.

Thirdly, the personal computer provides an important means of interactive communication. Whenever you want, you can discuss global issues with Internet users who are from all over the world.

In fact, it is said that the personal computer is the most important invention in the 20th century, because we live totally different lives from the lives of those who lived before the invention of the personal computer.