1. OLD BOY
Imagine being imprisoned for 15 years – no, not in a real prison, but in a hotel room, held there by someone you don’t know, and for something you can’t remember. This is the situation Oh Dae-Su finds himself in, going slowly mad for a decade and a half until he is suddenly and inexplicably released. Director Park Chan-Wook based this movie on a Japanese manga, but took it totally in a new direction. The movie succeeds in being thrilling, entertaining and unexpected, and most of that is due to the intensity with which actor Choi Min-Sik tackles the role of Dae-su. The twists and turns are seemingly endless – and often shocking – yet Choi holds it all together. You just can’t take your eyes off him.
2. A MOMENT TO REMEMBER
No one can do romance like the Koreans. If you want to be swept up in a love story that leaves you breathless, don’t watch Love Story again, watch this. Starring current South Korean box office magnet Woo-Sung Jung as Cheol-Su, and the lovely Ye-Jin Son as Su-Jin, the movie is about two people whose love survives even the tragedy of Su-Jin developing Alzheimer’s disease at a young age. Together they are building beautiful memories as they meet, and marry, but all those memories are soon to be lost to Su-Jin’s rare illness. Woo-Sung gives a mesmerising performance as the man who goes from a loner with a chip on his shoulder to a loving husband who has to face the fact that his wife doesn’t recognise him any more. Have the tissues ready, because director John H. Lee and his hand picked cast sure know how to get those tears flowing.
3. MY SASSY GIRL
Run, don’t walk, away from the American remake of 2008 and watch the 2001 South Korean original instead. It is based on the real-life blog of Kim Ho-Sik, writing about his relationship with an unnamed girl. She’s a terror, abusing him, testing him, embarrassing him in public, and generally making his life hell. Why does he put up with it? Because she is suffering and he believes he can help her. On one level, this is one of the funniest movies ever made – Char tae-Hyun plays the hapless hero, rescuer and victim, while Jun Ji-Hyun (now known as Gianna Jun from Blood: The Last Vampire) plays the girl. From their first meeting, when the drunk girl vomits on the bald head of an elderly train passenger, to the meeting with another old man that awakens her to the realisation that she knew real love, this movie couple will steal your heart.
4. A TALE OF TWO SISTERS
South Korean cinema is not all about murder mysteries and love stories. When it comes to psychological horror, this 2003 movie is guaranteed to creep out even the most hardened fan. Two sisters, Soo-Mi and Soo-Yeon, return to their home after a stay in hospital. What follows, when the elder sister believes her step-mother is abusing the younger sister, mounts in spine chilling horror and tension until the shocking truth is revealed. Director Kim Ji-Woon extracted consummate performances from his young stars, Lim Su-Jeong and Moon Gyung-Young, using a well known folk tale as the basis for this movie. A remake called The Uninvited in 2009 simply failed to catch the atmospheric essence of the original
5. THE CHASER
Joong-Ho used to be on the right side of the law as a detective. Now he is a pimp, facing financial ruin because his girls are disappearing mysteriously, and he isn’t making any money. The police don’t seem to care, so Joong-Ho calls on his own former skills to find out what has happened to the girls. What he finds is horrifying in the extreme, and it takes a strong stomach to sit through all of it, but those who have to – namely, critics – have acclaimed the movie. It is a stunning movie, taking the audience in unexpected directions as Joong-Ho desperately tries to track down one of the girls, called Mi-Jin, before the worst happens. Directed by Ha Hong-Jin, The Chaser doesn’t let up until you fall off the edge of your chair.
happy watching guys!! >,<
Senin, 28 Februari 2011
Top 15 Universities in Korea
According to Asia Week here are their top fifteen universities in Korea. The information is a little outdated, but I thought I would share it with you anyway.
| Rank | University | Speciality |
| 1 | Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology | Science and Technology |
| 2 | Pohang University of Science & Technology | Science and Technology |
| 3 | Seoul National University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 4 | Korea University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 5 | Yonsei University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 6 | Sogang University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 7 | Ewha Woman’s University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 8 | Sungkyunkwan University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 9 | Chonnam National University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 10 | Kyungpook National University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 11 | Kyung Hee University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 12 | Hanyang University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 13 | Pusan National University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 14 | Chonbuk National University | Multi-Disciplinary |
| 15 | Chungnam National University | Multi-Disciplinary |
Kamis, 24 Februari 2011
Business Etiquette and Protocol
. South Koreans prefer to do business with people with whom they have a personal connection.
. It is therefore crucial to be introduced by a third-party.
. Relationships are developed through informal social gatherings that often involve a considerable amount of drinking and eating.
. This is a culture where "less is more" when communicating. Respond to questions directly and concisely.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are required and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
. You should arrive on time for meetings as this demonstrates respect for the person you are meeting.
. The most senior South Korean generally enters the room first.
. Do not remove your jacket unless the most senior South Korean does so.
. Have all written materials available in both English and Korean.
Dress Etiquette
. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear dark- coloured, conservative business suits with white shirts.
. Women should dress conservatively and wear subdued colours.
. Men should avoid wearing jewellery other than a watch or a wedding ring.
Business Cards
. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions in a highly ritualized manner.
. The way you treat someone's business card is indicative of the way you will treat the person.
. Have one side of your business card translated into Korean.
. Using both hands, present your business card with the Korean side facing up so that it is readable by the recipient.
. Put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.
. Never write on someone's business card in their presence.
Rabu, 23 Februari 2011
Asking Questions in Korean
What is this? / What is that?이게 뭐예요? / 저게 뭐예요?(Yi geh muo ye yo? / Juh geh muo ye yo?)
This is an apple. / That is a banana.
이건 사과예요. / 저건 바나나예요.(Yi gon sa gua ye yo. / Juh gon Banana ye yo.)
What’s your name?
이름이 뭐예요?(Yi rum yi muo ye yo?)
My name is Kim Min Su./ I am Kim Min Su
김 민수라고 합니다. / 김 민수입니다.(Kim min su ra go hahm ni da. / Kim min su yim ni da.)
Where are you from?
어디에서 왔어요?(Oh di eh suh wa ssuh yo?)
I’m from Singapore.
싱가폴에서 왔어요.(Singapore eh suh wa ssuh yo.)
How old are you?
나이가 어떻게 되세요?(Na ee ga eo ddeo ke dwae se yo?)
I’m twenty years old.
스물입니다.(Seu mul im nida.)
Where do you live?
어디에 사세요?(Eo di eh sa se yo?)
I live at joong-gu in Seoul.
서울시 중구에 삽니다.(Seoul si joong-gu eh sam ni da.)
Source: Kozine Magazine, February 2009
인사 (Greetings)
Perhaps what we all know is only Annyeong Haseyo and Thank you, i.e. 감사합니다 (gam sa ham ni da) or "gomab sumnida"
Here is a list of additional greetings in Korean.
Your welcome! /Don’t mention it!
아니에요. (a ni yeh yo)
It’s Ok
괜찮아요.(goaen cha nah yo)
I am sorry.
미안합니다. (mi an ham ni da).
Good night! / Sweet dreams!
Adult & Elderly
안녕히 주무세요. (an nyeong hi ju mu seh yo)
The answer is the same.
Friends & Kids
잘 자.(jal ja)
The answer is 너도 잘 자 (neo do jal ja)
Nice to meet you.
만나서 반갑습니다. (man na seo ban gap seum ni da)
Nice to meet you, too.
네, 반갑습니다. (ne, ban gap seum ni da)
Have a nice weekend.
주말 잘 보내세요. (ju mal jal bo nae seh yo)
Thanks, have a nice weekend, too.
네, 주말 잘 보내세요. (ne, ju mal jal bo ne seh yo)
Source: Kozine Magazine, January 2009
Selasa, 22 Februari 2011
Korean Food
Kinds of Traditional Korean Food
1. Bap (steamed rice) and Juk (porridge)
Boiled rice is the staple of Korean cuisine. Most people use sticky rice, which sometimes has beans, chestnuts, sorghum, red beans, barley or other cereals added for flavor and nutrition. Juk is thought of as highly nutritious and light. Many varieties of juk exist, for example, juk made of rice, red beans, pumpkin, abalone, ginseng, pine nuts, vegetables, chicken, mushrooms and bean sprouts.
2. Guk (soup)Soup is an essential dish when rice is served. Ingredients of different soups include vegetables, meat, fish, shellfish, seaweed, and beef bones.
3. Jjigae (stew)
Jjigae is similar to guk but is thicker and hardier. The most famous jjigae is made from fermented soy bean paste. Jjigae is usually spicy and served piping hot in a heated stone bowl.
4. Dubu Jeongol (casserole)
Jeongol is often eaten in the evening. It is cooked in a steaming pot and contains noodles, mushrooms, small octopuses, cow intestines, vegetables, and other ingredients. The dubu (tofu) is sliced, coated with starch and pan-fried. Seasoned ground beef is then stuffed inside the dubu and it is tied with watercress. In a casserole pan, vegetables and dubu are arranged and boiled with soy sauce flavored broth.
5. Jjim and Jorim (simmered meat or fish)
Jjim and jorim are similar dishes which are prepared with vegetables and soaked in soy bean sauce, then slowly boiled together over a low flame.
6. Namul (vegetables or wild greens)
Namul is made from slightly boiled or fried vegetables and wild greens mixed with salt, soy sauce, sesame salt, sesame oil, garlic, onions, and other spices.
7. Jeotgal (matured salted seafood)
Jeotgal is a very salty food made of naturally fermented fish, shellfish, shrimp, oysters, fish roe, intestines and other ingredients.
8. Gui (broiled/barbecued dishes)
When cooking gui, marinated meats are barbecued over a charcoal fire. The most popular meats of this type are bulgogi and galbi. There are also many fish dishes which are cooked this way.
9. Jeon (pan-fried dishes)
Jeon is a kind of pancake made from mushrooms, pumpkin, slices of dried fish, oysters, unripe red peppers, meat or other ingredients which are mixed with salt and black pepper, dipped in flour and egg and fried in oil.
10. Mandu (dumpling)
Mandu is dumplings stuffed with beef, mushrooms, stir-fried zucchini, and mungbean sprouts. Pork, chicken, or fish is sometimes used instead of beef.
1. Bap (steamed rice) and Juk (porridge)Boiled rice is the staple of Korean cuisine. Most people use sticky rice, which sometimes has beans, chestnuts, sorghum, red beans, barley or other cereals added for flavor and nutrition. Juk is thought of as highly nutritious and light. Many varieties of juk exist, for example, juk made of rice, red beans, pumpkin, abalone, ginseng, pine nuts, vegetables, chicken, mushrooms and bean sprouts.
2. Guk (soup)Soup is an essential dish when rice is served. Ingredients of different soups include vegetables, meat, fish, shellfish, seaweed, and beef bones.3. Jjigae (stew)Jjigae is similar to guk but is thicker and hardier. The most famous jjigae is made from fermented soy bean paste. Jjigae is usually spicy and served piping hot in a heated stone bowl.
4. Dubu Jeongol (casserole)Jeongol is often eaten in the evening. It is cooked in a steaming pot and contains noodles, mushrooms, small octopuses, cow intestines, vegetables, and other ingredients. The dubu (tofu) is sliced, coated with starch and pan-fried. Seasoned ground beef is then stuffed inside the dubu and it is tied with watercress. In a casserole pan, vegetables and dubu are arranged and boiled with soy sauce flavored broth.
5. Jjim and Jorim (simmered meat or fish)Jjim and jorim are similar dishes which are prepared with vegetables and soaked in soy bean sauce, then slowly boiled together over a low flame.
6. Namul (vegetables or wild greens)Namul is made from slightly boiled or fried vegetables and wild greens mixed with salt, soy sauce, sesame salt, sesame oil, garlic, onions, and other spices.
7. Jeotgal (matured salted seafood)Jeotgal is a very salty food made of naturally fermented fish, shellfish, shrimp, oysters, fish roe, intestines and other ingredients.
8. Gui (broiled/barbecued dishes)When cooking gui, marinated meats are barbecued over a charcoal fire. The most popular meats of this type are bulgogi and galbi. There are also many fish dishes which are cooked this way.
9. Jeon (pan-fried dishes)Jeon is a kind of pancake made from mushrooms, pumpkin, slices of dried fish, oysters, unripe red peppers, meat or other ingredients which are mixed with salt and black pepper, dipped in flour and egg and fried in oil.10. Mandu (dumpling)
Mandu is dumplings stuffed with beef, mushrooms, stir-fried zucchini, and mungbean sprouts. Pork, chicken, or fish is sometimes used instead of beef.
Hmmm...I'm so hungry right now ! fiuhhh !! ckck...0.0
Traditional Houses
Hanok
The 2 major types of hanok are giwajip (houses with tiled roofs) occupied by the nobility and chogajip (houses with straw-thatched roofs) inhabited by the peasantry. The most distinctive difference between these two types of houses is the roof. As suggested by their names, the giwajip is covered with tiles called giwa . Such houses were expensive and not considered affordable by the common people. A chogajiphas a straw-thatched roof, which was a bountiful by-product of rice cultivation. Although thechogajip is a rare sight today, some Koreans still live in giwajip.
In order to build hanok, wooden pillars and frames are set up. Then, bricks made of earth and grass are used to fill in the frames. Floors are made of stone and earth. Hanji(traditional Korean paper) is pasted on the wooden window frames and doorframes. Walls are also finished with hanji. For the flooring, oil-coated hanji is plastered. Hanok constitute an important part of Han style because of their unique, yet very scientific heating system called ondol.
The ondol system includes a firebox below and flues that heat the entire floor from below. To accommodate the ondol system, the floor of the hanok was elevated above the ground, and rooms were made relatively small to maximize warmth. Since floors were heated and warm, people did not use beds or chairs and liked to sit or lie down directly on the floors, as is still commonly done today.
Today, in modern Korea , many use beds and chairs in Western-style apartments and buildings, but the floor-heating ondol system is still used in all residential buildings. Because people generally sit on floors, you must take off your shoes when entering a Korean home.
Many people in Korea have recently begun to suffer from modern skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. Ever since the release of scientific findings that the environment-friendlyhanok (or yellow soil house) is good for atopic dermatitis and has various other health benefits, many retirees or those building new homes in provincial areas have built hanok.
Hanok, traditional Korean houses are environment-friendly establishments as they are built with materials readily available in nature such as wood, earth, stone, straw, clay (for ceramic roof tiles), and paper.
The 2 major types of hanok are giwajip (houses with tiled roofs) occupied by the nobility and chogajip (houses with straw-thatched roofs) inhabited by the peasantry. The most distinctive difference between these two types of houses is the roof. As suggested by their names, the giwajip is covered with tiles called giwa . Such houses were expensive and not considered affordable by the common people. A chogajiphas a straw-thatched roof, which was a bountiful by-product of rice cultivation. Although thechogajip is a rare sight today, some Koreans still live in giwajip.In order to build hanok, wooden pillars and frames are set up. Then, bricks made of earth and grass are used to fill in the frames. Floors are made of stone and earth. Hanji(traditional Korean paper) is pasted on the wooden window frames and doorframes. Walls are also finished with hanji. For the flooring, oil-coated hanji is plastered. Hanok constitute an important part of Han style because of their unique, yet very scientific heating system called ondol.
The ondol system includes a firebox below and flues that heat the entire floor from below. To accommodate the ondol system, the floor of the hanok was elevated above the ground, and rooms were made relatively small to maximize warmth. Since floors were heated and warm, people did not use beds or chairs and liked to sit or lie down directly on the floors, as is still commonly done today.
Today, in modern Korea , many use beds and chairs in Western-style apartments and buildings, but the floor-heating ondol system is still used in all residential buildings. Because people generally sit on floors, you must take off your shoes when entering a Korean home.
Many people in Korea have recently begun to suffer from modern skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. Ever since the release of scientific findings that the environment-friendlyhanok (or yellow soil house) is good for atopic dermatitis and has various other health benefits, many retirees or those building new homes in provincial areas have built hanok.
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