Han Asia Times

Two kinds of traditional Korean liquor from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) have recently been revived. Under the project “Bring Back Joseon-Era Traditional Alcohol,” the Rural Development Administration (RDA) brought back to life two kinds of traditional Korean alcohol: jaju (liquor produced by boiling clear liquor, or yakju, with medicinal herbs) and jinsangju (clear rice liquor that used to be presented to Joseon-era kings as tribute from the country). Both were recreated using the recipe from Sangayorok , an agricultural manual written by medical officer Jeon Sun-eui during the reign of King Sejong (1418-1450). Jaju can be produced after six to twelve hours of heating with medicinal herbs including beeswax, black pepper, cinnamon bark, and dried orange peels in the clear alcohol “yakju.” Jinsangju is an alcohol fermented with rice crude liquor mixed with steamed glutinous rice. This fermented alcohol is known to have won the Joseon-era royal family’s favor with its uni...

It is generally believed that Paleolithic man began to inhabit the Korean Peninsula about 40,000 to 50,000 years ago. Neolithic man appeared in Korea around 4,000 B.C., with signs of their active presence around 3,000 B.C. being found across the peninsula. It is believed that these Neolithic people formed the ethnic stock of the Korean people. Neolithic people dwelled near the seashore and riverbanks before advancing into inland areas. The sea was their main source of food. They used nets, hooks and fishing lines to catch fish and gather shellfish. Hunting was another way to procure food. Arrowheads and spear points have been found at Neolithic sites. Later, they began to engage in farming using stone hoes, sickles and millstones. Rice cultivation started during the Bronze Age, which lasted in Korea until around 400 B.C. People also lived in thatch-covered pits, while dolmen and stone cist tombs were used predominantly for burials during the period.As agriculture became a princip...

President Park Geun-hye met with well-known figures in the culture and the humanities arena on August 7 at Cheong Wa Dae. A total of 13 people, including including Yonsei University Professor Yoo Jong-ho, Ewha Womans University Professor Kim U-Chang, and novelists Yi In-hwa and Park Bum-shin, attended the meeting. President Park Geun-hye (center) stresses the importance of the humanities at a meeting with influential figures in the culture, humanities, and arts arena at Cheong Wa Dae on August 7 (photo: Cheong Wa Dae). President Park Geun-hye (left) shakes hands with one of the attendees of the meeting at Cheong Wa Dae on August 7 (photo: Cheong Wa Dae). President Park listened to insightful opinions from the meeting participants who expressed their views on a wide range of issues, including ways to boost humanities studies and to realize the goal of cultural prosperity. President Park repeatedly emphasized the importance of the humanities as the foundation for cultural en...

Ocean, islands, and a train. Take your time meditating while enjoying a tea inside a train where you can also enjoy fresh seafood. Tourists can enjoy a quality train trip starting this November, as Korail will introduce the new S-train tourism program which will guide passengers through the southern part of Korea. The name “S-train” originates from “south” and the curvy shape of the South Sea of Korea. Korail will roll out the S-train this November (image courtesy of Korail). Under the program, new turtle-themed trains will travel two routes -- from Busan to Yeosu and from Gwangju to Masan -- once a day with five cars which can accommodate up to 218 passengers. The train which departs from Busan will travel a total of 250.7 kilometers to the venue of the Yeosu Expo via Gupo, Jinyeong, Masan, Jinju, Hadong, Suncheon, and Yeocheon. The other train which will depart from Gwangju will travel more than 260 kilometers to Masan via Nampyeong, Boseong, Deungnyang, Beolgyo, Suncheon, Buk...

Objectives of TOPIK To propagate and set a standard framework for learning Korean for non-native speakers of Korean and overseas Koreans alike. To measure and evaluate their Korean language skills and utilize the results for entrance to Korean Educational institutes and for job-seeking purposes  Exam Levels and Difficulties (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)  Exam Levels and Difficulties (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) Difficulty Beginner Intermediate Advanced Level Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level decision Level will be decided upon depending on the score in each level Composition by Area : 4 sections (Vocabulary, Grammar, Writing, Listening and Reading) Score : Each section 100, Total 400 Test result use For the purpose of submitting score reports to institutions such as colleges or companies, and for visa issuance. Source:NIIED TOPIK Schedule in 2013 Exam Korea The Americas, Europe, Africa Asia.Central A...