|
|
|
 |
|
   |
 |
Happy Seol!
Seoul Selection Wishes You a Happy Lunar New Year
Sunday is the Lunar New Year, or Seol, one of the biggest celebrations of the Korean year. There's a lot going on this long weekend (Sat---Mon). In Gwanghwamun Square, the city will host a cultural festival from 2pm to 9pm on Sunday featuring honor guard performances, a US military band, Korean traditional and fusion music, drum performances and folk games. For a safer festival environment, traffic will be closed off in Gwanghwamun for the duration of the festival.
From Saturday to Monday, Namsangol Hanok Village on Mt. Namsan will let visitors experience and appreciate a number of Korean holiday traditions, including New Year's talismans and rice cake cutting, from 11am to 5pm. The Seoul Museum of History will host Korean traditional performances on Sunday, while Samcheonggak will host performances by Korean traditional singer Ahn Suk-seon on Sunday and Monday.
The NCKTPA, meanwhile, is putting on a performance of its "Huimang Binari" Family Recital to welcome in the Year of the Tiger with music by young Korean traditional musicians Sunday (4pm). Admission: A: 10,000 won, B: 8,000 won. T. (02) 580-3300.
As always, too, you can stop by one of Seoul's stately royal palaces to try your hand at Korean traditional holiday games. And as an added bonus, Seoul's 120 Dasan Call Center will be operating a special service throughout the long weekend to provide you info on transportation, performances and emergency medical services.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
- Good tours of the DMZ are conducted by the USO (795-3028) and TOURDMZ (755-0073). For more information on their tours, click here (USO) and here (TOURDMZ). - The Seoul City Bus Tour is a great way to explore the city of Seoul, especially if you're new to town. For more information, click here or call 777-6090. - The Royal Asiatic Society conducts entertaining and informative tours to some of Korea's most historic sites. Click here for more information, including schedule. - For self-starters, the Seoul City Tourism website has several walking tours and self-directed tours. You can also give them a ring at 2171-2461. - The Korea Tourism Organization website is another great place to get information. If you're on the road, just call 1330 for up-to-date tourist information.
|
|
 
|
 |
Mad for Makgeolli
Some of you might recall a commercial for a breakfast cereal called Cocoa Puffs. A mascot, a cuckoo bird, liked it so much that he went, literally, cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Given the number of recent newspaper articles about makgeolli, one might think that a good advertizing slogan would be "Mad for Makgeolli." Makgeolli is a kind of beer made from rice.* In Korea's agrarian past, it was a staple of Korean farmers as, like other kinds of beers, it gives the calories and nutrients that a labourer needs. (The ancient Egyptians gave beer to the workers who built those pyramids that you may have heard about.) As Korea became affluent, exotic imported alcohols, such as wine, became more popular. However, with the recent global economic downturn, cheaper, domestic liquors such as makgeolli have experienced a resurgence. Another reason for makgeolli's recent prominence is the fact that Koreans are eating less rice. Nowadays, more and more Koreans are eating easy-to-prepare breakfast items such as toast and breakfast cereals. **Also, certain western foods such as hamburgers, pizza, sandwiches, and pasta continue to increase in popularity. So, in order to maintain demand for rice, there have been efforts to promote rice-based foods (such as tteok) and beverages (such as makgeolli). To me, compared to beer, makgeolli seems less watery, more hearty, and, of course, it tastes somewhat like rice. Like any alcoholic beverage, it goes well with some foods and less well with others. If you've never tried it, I would encourage you to. Just don't go mad. * Beers are made from grains like wheat and rice. Wines are made from fruit juices. ** I'm not sure if Cocoa Puffs are among them. Written by Richard Stansfield (smaug1004@hotmail.com). The writer has been living and teaching English in Korea since 1996. The views of the writer do not necessarily reflect the views of Seoul Selection.
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
   |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Have you checked out the National Museum of Korea's "Great Myth and Mystery of the Inca Civilization" exhibit yet? Well, if you haven't, here's more reason to go: the museum will be giving out 25 free tickets (two tickets per person) on a first-come, first-serve basis --- send an email to ehong@korea.kr to get yours. This latest display of the mysterious Peruvian culture will feature 351 artifacts sfrom major Peruvian museums, with 41 of them making their debut in Korea. For those fascinated by the medieval Andean civilization, this exhibit will be the perfect introduction to Peru's cultural heritage and history.
VENUE: National Museum of Korea
PERIOD: Thu March 28
ADMISSION: Adults: 10,000 won, Youths: 9,000 won,
Children: 8,000 won, Kindergartners: 6,000 won, Seniors: 5,000 won
MORE INFORMATION: 1588-8067, www.incakorea.co.kr
GETTING THERE: Ichon Station, Lines 1 (Jungang Line) & 4, Exit 2.
Walk 150m toward Yongsan Family Park 3
|
|
The musical "Yodeok Story" will be playing at the National Theater of Korea. "Yodeok Story" is a love story set in the notorious North Korean prison camp of Yodeok between a dancer, imprisoned with her family after her father is accused of being a spy, and a prison guard. Despite the sensitive subject matter, the show has had successful runs in both South Korea and the United States.
VENUE: National Theater of Korea
PERIOD: Thru Feb 28
ADMISSION: VIP: 100,000 won, R: 80,000 won, S: 60,000 won, A: 40,000 won
MORE INFORMATION: 1600-6366
GETTING THERE: Take shuttle bus at Dongguk Univ. Station, Line 3, Exit 2 or yellow bus No. 2 at Exit 6.
|
|
Dr. Daniel J. Adams will be lecturing on "Won Buddhism in Korea: A New Religious Movement Comes of Age" for the Royal Asiatic Society. On August 23, 2009 many observers were surprised to find that four Korean religious groups were invited to participate in the state funeral for former president Kim Dae-Jung. Three were familiar--Catholicism (Kim was a member of the Catholic Church), Protestantism, and Buddhism. The fourth, Won Buddhism, was relatively unknown to most of the representatives of the international community who were present at the service. It was founded in 1916 by Park Chung-Bin (1891-1943), also known as Sotaesan, with only forty members and eight fervent disciples. Originally known as the Research Society for the Buddha Dharma it was given the name Won Buddhism in 1947 and has since grown into a major religious movement with centers located around the world. The headquarters and Wonkwang University, the movement's major educational institution, are located in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do in the southwestern part of the country. Unlike many new religious movements in Korea, Won Buddhism has prospered and has become firmly established in Korean society. As a reform movement within Buddhism it has attracted many women, young adults, and youth. This evening we shall introduce the movement's history, consider some of its major doctrines, and examine its influence in the modern world, both in Korea and abroad.
VENUE: Somerset Palace, Seoul
DATE: Feb 9 (7:30pm)
ADMISSION: 5,000 for non-members
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.raskb.com/
GETTING THERE: Exit 6, Anguk Station, Line 3
|
|
The Korea Foundation is hosting Italian Style --- Dressing Home as its first exhibition in 2010. In collaboration with the Sartirana Art Foundation, Cultural Institute of Italy, and Embassy of Italy, the special exhibition will feature more than 180 pieces of representative Italian design works that are utilized in our daily living, such as silverware, furniture and lamps. Viewers will identify the distinct "Italian Style" from the exhibited works of well-known manufacturers and studios that are deeply rooted in the traditional Italian craftsmanship.
VENUE: KF Cultural Center
PERIOD: Thru Feb 20, (10:00~18:00 Mon~Sat, 10:00~21:00 Wed)
ADMISSION: Free
MORE INFORMATION: 02-2151-6514,
www.kfcenter.or.kr
GETTING THERE: City Hall Station, Lines 1 & 2, Exit 9. Walk 5 minutes
|
|
| These are just some of the diverse events taking place in and around Seoul. SEOUL Magazine's ever-expanding events section is colorfully designed and jam-packed with the latest information. For the complete round-up pick up a copy of SEOUL Magazine at any of the quality bookstores in the city and you'll never have to spend another month in the dark. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Big Buddha
Worshipers bow before a Buddha statue at Bongeunsa Temple near COEX.
Photo by Ryu Seunghoo.
|
|
|
 
|
|
|
 |
|
Hankyoreh Marathon - The Hankyoreh Shinmun will be sponsoring a March 1 marathon from World Cup Park on March 1. Several races are available, including the 5km, 10km and full 31km marathon. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb 12. Call 785-0582/3 or visit www.31marathon.com for more information.
Learn Korean Traditional Dance - Chumsae Dance School is offering lessons on Korean traditional dance. Morning (10:00---11:30, Tue Thu), afternoon (4:00---5:30, Mon Wed) and evening classes (7:30---9:00 Tue Thu) available. Classes are limited to 10 persons each. Tuition is 200,000 won a month. For more information, call (02- 762-7731).
KFCC Films - The Korea Foundation Cultural Center runs regular screenings of both Korean and foreign films, with subtitles. In February, the KFCC will be screening "Shedding Light on the Lives of Real People," including "La Vie en Rose," "A Beautiful Mind" and "My Father." Click here for more information. Korean Language Classes - The Korea Foundation Cultural Center Offers free Korean language classes for foreigners residing in Korea. The classes, led by Korea Foundation volunteer teachers, are held at 7:00-9:00 pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (two classes at 4:00 and 7:00 on Wednesdays). Anyone interested in learning Korean language and willing to participate in the language class is welcome to join. For more information, click here. Calling all photographers - SEOUL WEEKLY could use your help with our Everyday Koreans photo section. If you have a camera and enjoy snapping shots capturing everyday scenes in the Republic of Korea, send your photos in along with captions and a brief, one- line bio. Send Your Event Info - If you would like to advertise any upcoming events you are organizing, please send us the press release material to reporter@seoulselection.com by the preceding Friday in order to appear in the following Tuesday's issue. Freelance Contributors Wanted - SEOUL magazine needs writers who are fluent in both Korean and English. Writers should be able to interview Koreans and also have a strong interest in Korean culture. Send your resume and writing samples to reporter@seoulselection.com. We Buy & Sell Used Books - Seoul Selection buys and sells used books in English. Unlike our regular selection of publications that specialize in Korea-related topics, our Used Book Section carries books on all subjects. It's all part of our effort to make life easier for the English-speaking community.
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Publisher: Hank Kim /
Editor: Robert Koehler /
Designer: Jun Shinwook / Website Manager: Ray Hong
|
|
Seoul Selection reserves all intellectual property rights on information provided in this newsletter. Some event information has been provided by the Korea Foundation. The IPRs are protected by pertinent laws.
|
|
Seoul Selection Web Site: http://www.seoulselection.com e-mail: hank@seoulselection.com tel: 734-9567 fax: 734-9563 |
|
|
