Top 5 Best South Korean Movies

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!! >,<

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

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Relationships & Communication
. 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.

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

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.

Hmmm...I'm so hungry right now ! fiuhhh !! ckck...0.0

Traditional Houses

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.

Korean Traditional Clothing

Hmmm..... This time I'll let you know about Korean Traditional Clothing. s:)

Women's Hanbok is comprised of a wrap around skirt and a jacket. It is often called "Chima-Jeogori". "chima" is korean word for skirt and "jeogori" is korean word for jacket.

Men's Hanbok consists of a short jacket and pants, called "Baji", that are roomy and bound at the ankles. Both ensembles may be topped by a long coat of similar cut called "Durumagi".

Hanbok worn today are patterned after those worn during the Confucian-oriented Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Today Hanbok is worn as semi formal or formal wear during tradition festivals and celebration.

10 Things You May Not Know about Korea

Learn about 10 things you may not know about KOREA. By reading through this article you will get a sense of the culture and a greater appreciation for this country. It is "my hope" you can walk away after reading this and learn something new. ''(o_o)''

1. Crazy education

In Korea, you can pretty much say that Koreans are obsessed with education. Education is really pushed down students' throats like crazy. How hard do these students study? During their high school years and sometimes even during their junior high years,students go to school from 8 am until past midnight. This is because after their normal schooling, they attend special academies to try to boost their academic performance. They all prepare to take a very rigorous college entrance exam, which pretty much will solidify their future. In Korea, if you enter a prestigious university, you will have a good chance of landing a good job. A child entering a good University is not only economic security for the individual but it also reflects on the child's parents reputation. In Korean culture, the most important consideration for an employer is not so much the personality or working experience, but rather what University the person went to. Korea has a high school graduation rate of 97%, this is the highest recorded in developed countries. It is interesting to note that corporal punishment is allowed in 80% of schools in Korea.

2. 100 day (baek-il) and 1 year (tol) old birthday celebrations

For new parents there is great celebration when a baby becomes 100 days old and 1 year old. In both of these cases, there is a joyous celebration where friends and family are invited to a great party.
The 100 day milestone is celebrated as being a period where the baby has passed a critical period of survival. During the baek-il celebration, thanks are given to the Samsin, who are supposedly Gods who will take care of the baby while it grows up. While these were the origins of this celebration, most Korean parents now just celebrate it as a custom and as a symbol for others to rejoice with the family.
The 1 year celebration (tol) is much more involved. There is a great birthday party for the child complete with different types of rice cakes and fruits ornately decorated on a large table. The child (and often parents too) are dressed in traditional Korean clothing (hanbok). Just like a wedding, a banquet hall is usually rented and many guests are invited. These days there is also pictures shown in the background while lunch or dinner is given to the guests.The best and most fun part of this celebration is when the child is put in front of many different items such as a pencil, money, rice, thread, or even a computer mouse. The first item that the child crawls to and picks up will supposedly determine the outcome of his future. The following is a list of items and their symbolism:

• Pencil - scholar
• Money - Rich
• Cake/food - Government related.
• Thread - Long life
• Mouse - Computer related.

You can pretty much put anything else you want but the above are some of the basic ones.

3. The Unique Korean Language

The Korean language is unique being spoken only in South Korea, North Korea, and a part of China called. The origins of this language date back to the era of the fourth king of the Joseon dynasty, king Sejong the Great. The project was completed in January 1444. Prior to this Korean language being used, Chinese characters were used. King Sejong noted the difficulty for the common people in learning these characters, and therefore created this language. A quote from one of the early learning manuscripts states "A wise man can acquaint himself with them before the morning is over; a stupid man can learn them in the space of ten days." This is very true, the Korean language is easy to learn once you know the rules. Many linguists have praised the language because it is well designed from shapes of consonants based on shapes of the mouth and vowels having vertical or horizontal lines that distinguish it from consonants. 

4. Kimchi

Every country has their popular food, in Korea it's Kimchi (or kim-chee). Kimchi is not a main dish but rather a side dish. Just like some Americans can't eat sandwiches without a pickle, most koreans can't have their main meal without a side of Kimchi. You can think of it as fermented spicy pickled cabbage. Today there are many varieties of Kimchi with different vegetables being used, but the original is still my favorite. 

Here is a recipe for Kimchi if you are interested.

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sea salt
2 heads Napa cabbage, cut into quarters or 2-inch wedges, depending on size of cabbage
1 garlic - separate it and mash it
2 inch piece of ginger root
1/4 cup Korean salted shrimp sauce
1 Asian radish, peeled and grated
1 bunch of green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 cup Korean chili powder
1 teaspoon sugar
Sesame oil

1. Put salt in half a gallon of water, add cabbage.
2. In blender put in ginger, garlic, salted shrimp sauce and blend it.
3. In separate container put in green oninons, garlic mix from above, radish, chili powder and mix.
4. Drain cabbage from salt water, rinse. Take out as much water as bossible and stuff the radish mixture in between the leaves of the cabbage. Put in large jar squeezing out all the bubbles.
5. Let it ferment for 3 days in a cool place.
6. Refrigerate after opening.

Making Kimchi Video

5. Respect

In Korea, respect is a part of culture. If someone is even a little bit older than you, you need to respect the person. This makes it a hassle in school when someone who is in the same grade level yet older demands respect. Definitely respect must be shown to elders. Among some shows of respect are:

1. Must bow when greeting someone older.
2. when given something by an elder, you must accept it with two hands.
3. If an elder is speaking to you, you should listen, not make direct eye contact.
4. When someone older offers you a drink (alcoholic), you must accept it (you can put it on the table and take a small sip).
5. When you drink the alcoholic drink you must turn your face to the side and drink it. Never drink facing the elder.


6. Jejudo, a place where Koreans travel on their Honeymoon

Did you ever wonder where South Koreans travel for their Honeymoon? If they can afford it they would go to Hawaii, but there is a paradise within South Korea called Jejudo Island, which is the most common destination where Koreans would go vacationing. There are many scenic beaches, beatiful waterfalls, and lava caves making this a paradise destination for many. The island is a volcanic island, much like Hawaii, it's main mountain is Halla Mountain, the highest mountain in South Korea at 1,950 meters high. Among some highlights of places to visit are the follows:

Hallim Park and "Yeomiji". - botanical gardens with caves. Yeomji has 2000 species of rare plants and is considered one of the best botanical gardens in all of Asia. There are also 10 endemic species.

Hiking in Mount Halla - lots of trails both easy and challenging.

Iho Beach - with its unique dark gray sand and yellow sand.

Folklore and National History Museum - focused on the island's history and wildlife.


7. Norebang (Karaoke rooms)

If you could summarize Korean night life, it would be two words: drinking and singing. This will be clear to you once travel around any city. In every street corner, you will see a drinking bar and a norebang. A norebang is a place comprised of private rooms where a group of people can get together to sing karaoke. After a hard day's work, many come here with coworkers or friends to sing away their burdens. In these little rooms, you can sing along to your favorite title as well as order some food and alcohol. It's a grand fun time where everyone can pretend to be the next great singer.


8. Korean TV Dramas

Koreans love their TV dramas. These are short miniseries that always seem to have a feel good ending. These dramas have become so popular with fans in many Asian and Latin American countries (many dub them in their own languages). Some of the more popular TV dramas of all time include "Autumn Fairy Tale", "All About Eve", "Full House", "My Girl", and "Winter Sonata". There always seem to be some love story involved and definitely some conflict. As I've watched a few of these myself, I can tell you that there is conflict, some type of accident and then a feel good ending. They are really feel good stories, and they are very entertaining. These dramas have contributed to the hallyu movement, which is a popularity of Korean cultural things in the 21st century. Korean male celebrities are the highest paid outside of Hollywood. Some Korean stars: Bae Yong Joon, Rain, Boa.


9. Korean DMZ (demilitarized zone)

Korean DMZ zone from South Korean side. The light green soldiers are from South Korea, while the dark green soldiers are from North Korea. In between is the line which they are not allowed to pass or they will be killed by the other side 

A buffer zone 4 miles (2.5 km) that divides North Korea 9 (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and South Korea (Republic of Korea). It is the world's most fortified border, with soldiers on both sides patroling the area. Between this short buffer zone, is the Military Demarcation Line (DML). If any person or soldier crosses this line from either South or North Korea to the other side without permission, they will be dead. THis was created in an armistice in July 27, 1953. Since there was no real peace treaty established,  the two sides are still technically "at war". There have been several attempts by North Korea to create tunnels into the South. These were all found by the South eventually.


10. Christianity and South Korea

Christianity in Korea has taken a large foothold and now it comprises 33% of the population. Korean churches have the largest congregations than anywhere else in the world. Some people go to churches as a social gathering place and a potential place to meet a wife/husband. (In the process they end up being converted). The Christian movement became stronger in South Korea from 1905 through 1945 when Japan occupied the country and persecuted Christians. Today, Korea sends more missionaries than any other country other than the United States. Yoido Full Gospel Church, the largest in Korea, had 780,000 members in 2003.


I hope u enjoy my posting !! ^o^