Fabulous Hanji (Korean Traditional Paper)

Hanji, the Korean traditional paper, is an integral part of Korean traditional culture. For more than 1,600 years, it has played a central role in the lives of Koreans, who learned to use it in a dizzying number of ways. From books to walls, to windows and floors of houses to coffins, hanji was practically an everyday necessity for Koreans, from the day they were born to the day they died. Let’s take a closer look at this fantastic paper, which captures so well the essence and soul of Korean people. What Exactly is Hanji?  Hanji is the name of the Korean traditional paper. It is made from the bark of mulberry trees called chomok. There are three slightly different kinds of mulberry trees in Korea, depending on the climatic conditions in which they grow. Each kind of mulberry tree produces a specific type of hanji with a specific use. Mayopjong for example, which is mainly found in the center of the country, has a tough but thin bark with relatively few fibers. It is chiefly used as wall and floor paper. On the other hand, Yojojong has a thick bark with smooth and long fibers, which makes it ideal for calligraphy paper.  The Origins of Hanji  Ts’ai Lun, a Chinese eunuch, is said to have invented this paper in 105 A.D.  In Korea, the origins of hanji are somewhat mysterious because it is not clearly documented. However, ancient Japanese chronicles mention a certain monk named Tamjing bringing with him to Japan in 605 paper, ink, an ink stone and a grinding stone. From Korea, the art of making paper was quickly introduced in Japan.  [ Characteristics of Hanji ]  Hanji has many qualities which make it an exceptional product:  It is durable, it can indeed last for well over a thousand years, it is smooth to the touch, it ventilates well, it isolates well and finally it is sheen and translucent.  Compared to the fibers of the Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino mulberry trees, the fibers of the Korean mulberry tree are longer, stronger, and is quite sheen, which gives a higher quality to the paper. The Many Uses of Hanji  Hanji Dolls With its fine texture and smooth surface, hanji has been popular among scholars and painters for centuries. Hanji was also used for official government records due to its remarkable durability. The earliest example of mobile type printing in the world, the Pulcho Chickchi Shimch’e Yojol, printed in 1377 can be admired at the French National Library in Paris.  Few countries have used paper in such a diverse way as Koreans. Hanji is or was used in making handicrafts, ropes, shrouds, and everywhere in the house as coverings on doors, windows, and floors. Hanji really was an integral part of Koreans’ lifestyle. Hanji People (한지와 사람들)  Lecturer, Kim In-Suk There are hundreds and hundreds of hanji articles for sale in Seoul. While any one of them would surely make a great souvenir or present, what about making your own hanji object? This is what the shop "Hanji People (한지와 사람들)" offers located in the Insadong traditional area, a tempting proposition, isn’t it?  This charming little boutique, located on the second floor of the Dong-il (동일) building on Insa-dong’s main street, offers hanji handicraft-making courses for everyone from beginners to experts. So how does it work? It’s simple! Choose the object you wish to make from the boutique’s catalogue according to your taste, the time you wish to spend on it, and your budget and voilà! All that’s left to do is to roll up your sleeves and begin but don’t fret, you’ll be assisted by an experienced hanji experts, the joyful Kim In-Suk or one of the regular workers at the workshop. The boutique is divided into two parts: one is the actual shop where you’ll find the superb works of the talented Kim In-Suk and the other is the workshop area.  If you have a few hours to spare I warmly recommend you go try your hand at making your own hanji piece. Seeing your own object slowly take life to finally take it home is a particularly nice feeling indeed. Moreover, the ambience is very relaxed and even though Mrs. Kim doesn’t speak english, there will always be someone to help you and advise you.  Hanji people proposes an original and refreshing experience that we highly recommend during your next visit to Insa-dong ! → Link to the Insa-dong Art Street → Link to the Traditional Culture Hands-on Programs  [ Further Detailed Information ]  Getting there : The shop is located on the main street of Insadong, the traditional district, close to the front of the Starbucks Coffee Shop (스타벅스 커피), on the second floor of the Dong-il (동일) building. Keep an eye open for the sign that says "한지와 사람들 (Hanji People)".  Insadong is accessible by using subway line No.3 (orange), Anguk station.  Business Hours : 10:00 – 18:00 from Monday to Friday                   10:00-16:00 Saturdays  Address : 2F Dongil B/D, #170 Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul  Tel : +82-2-725-9979  Fax : +82-2732-9979  Website : www.hanjipeople.co.kr (Korean) [ Photo Gallery ] Source:Korea tourism Organisation

Korean language institute opens in UAE

Korea’s Chungnam National University recently opened a branch of the King Sejong Institute in the United Arab Emirates. The institute will be housed at Zayed University's Abu Dhabi campus.

Zayed University's Vice President, Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Korean Ambassador to the UAE, Kwon Tae Kyun, and Lee Sang-cheol of Chungnam National University's Language Education Center attended the opening ceremony on October 18 at the university.

Named after King Sejong the Great (1397-1450), who created the Korean Hangeul alphabet, the King Sejong Institute is a Korean language school operated and commissioned by Korean education organizations and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the International Korean Language Foundation.

This is the first such institute to open in the Middle East, and it is hoped that the King Sejong Institute will play a key role in promoting Korean culture by teaching the Korean language.

(From left to right) Lee Sang-cheol of Chungnam National University's Language Education Center, Associate Professor of Zayed University Christopher Brown and Zayed University's Vice President Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim attend the opening ceremony of the King Sejong Institute on October 18 at the university in Abu Dhabi

More than 100 students, including officials who will be dispatched to Korea, enrolled the institute, and instruction will be provided by a teacher from Chungnam National University. 

The Vice President of Zayed University, Dr. Al Jassim, said the institute will help strengthen Korea-UAE ties and expressed his thanks for the Korean government’s support.

Chungnam National University hopes the institute will serve as a bridge between the two countries by introducing the Korean language and culture to the Middle East.

Chungnam National University Language Education Center also plans to open a King Sejong Institute in Turkey.

A foreigner's battle to preserve South Korea's hanokhouses

British-born David Kilburn is battling the systematic destruction of the traditional dwellings, which are disappearing despite the creation of a preservation zon 

David Kilburn remembers the first time he wandered Kahoi Dong, a hilly enclave in the heart of the Seoul where clusters of traditional buildings known as hanokhouses dot winding, It was 22 years ago, but the British-born Kilburn can't forget the serenity he felt when he set foot inside one of the historic one-story homes. It was like stepping back in time, to a quainter Seoul of a century ago. He marveled at the aged pine ceiling beams, the graceful curve of the black-tiled roof, the high walls that encircled the courtyard like a cocoon, the wooden doorway that seemed designed to protect inhabitants from the sterile high-rise apartments that loomed in the near distance.

• • Reporting from Seoul — He's known as the feisty foreigner, the outsider waging a one-man fight for "the district where beauty gathers."

"It was a place of magical beauty," Kilburn said. "I wanted to live in one of these homes. I wanted to own one."

A former journalist, Kilburn was in Seoul to cover the 1988 Olympics but fell so much in love with the traditional architecture that he decided to stay. He and his Korean wife, Jade, soon bought a hanokhouse.

But life there has been anything but serene.

For six years, Kilburn has been battling city officials over what he calls the systematic destruction ofhanok homes in the area. Despite the creation of a preservation zone there decades ago, hundreds ofhanoks have been demolished by developers and speculators who use loopholes to cash in on rising land values, he says.

The battle has shaped the 67-year-old tea merchant into an unlikely activist: a foreigner who insists that South Korea is not doing enough to halt the demise of its own heritage.

He's called the "Guardian of Hanok Housing," waging a passionate one-man campaign to protect the architecture he loves. With his graying hair, he's a grandfatherly figure who enjoys reading in the quiet of his home office. But mention the fate of the hanoks, and a spark of mischief lights his eyes.

City officials acknowledge that not all preservation efforts have worked. "We're trying to preserve thehanoks," said Han Hyo-dong, director of the city's Hanok Culture Division. "But we have no legal power. We cannot stop [the destruction]. We're trying to pass laws to enforce our protection efforts."

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F1 Grand Prix comes to Korea

As the 17th round of the 2010 season, Korea’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix event got off to a roaring start, despite problems with the weather and organizational issues. The newly completed track in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, opened, just in time to welcome visitors from around the world for the races, which started on October 24.

Despite being well known internationally for its car exports and brands like Hyundai-Kia, Korea has relatively little experience with automobile racing and motor sports.  Despite this, the construction of the circut at Yeongam is seen as a step towards raising Korea’s international sporting profile, and an important development project for Korea’s southern-most regions.

                             (Photo: Yonhap News)
The track was designed by German architect Herman Tilke, at a cost of some 250 billion won. The 5.62 kilometer circuit is the result of a deal between British sports entrepreneur Bernie Ecclestone and the Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO), a joint venture between M-Bridge Holdings and Jeollanam-do regional government.

The newly-laid Korea International Circuit track received praise from drivers, who lauded its demanding nature.  There were also a few suggestions for future races, and the track will be altered to accommodate these and improve overall safety and enjoyment.

Despite initial fears that the races would be poorly attended, fans turned out to fill the bleachers and cheer on their favorites, bringing the stands to near capacity.  

                                    (Photo: Yonhap News)

Nearly 170,000 spectators attended, with 25,000 showing up for the first day of the three-day event.  On the second and third days, attendance jumped significantly, with 80,000 people coming on the final day, despite a deluge of rain that nearly caused some cancellations.  Formula 1’s global television audience is estimated to be almost 600 million people worldwide.

Because of the rain, the race started with safety cars, which lead the racers around the circuit until conditions are determined to be safe enough to permit the race to continue.  Even with delays, however, spectators were treated to a thrilling race, with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso taking first place, putting him within reach of his third title.  Second place went to McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton and third to Ferarri’s Felipe Massa. 

                                     (Photo: Yonhap News)

Michael Spavor, a Canadian living in Korea who attended the races, enthused about the experience, saying, "I'm a big fan of Formula 1, and went to races back in Canada. It was really exciting to see all these cars going through the rain, with the spray and the sound.  I sat in the main grandstand, and it was exhilarating, with gorgeous views not only of the track but of the sea beyond. It’s a great course."

                                     (Photo: Yonhap News)

Following the F1 events, South Jeolla’s new racing venue will play host to the Korea Formula Three Superprix from November 26-28.

Say Kimchi! World Kimchi Culture Festival wraps up on Wednesday

The 17th World Kimchi Culture Festival in Gwangju wraps up today, ending a five-day showcase of the best of Korea’s favorite condiment. This year’s theme, "The Taste of a Millennium Spreading into the World," reflects how the festival seeks wider recognition of kimchi among global citizens, while creating an opportunity for visitors to learn more about this uniquely Korean food.

Kimchi is a fermented food that can trace its roots on the peninsula back more than a thousand years. To Koreans, it is more than just an everyday foodstuff, but an important part of the eating experience. The organizing committee of the festival wants visitors to learn about the historical and cultural context of kimchi while enjoying the taste.

The festival took place in Gwangju's Jung-oe Park from October 23 to 27, and included a wide variety of programs and cultural activities, such as the Kimchi Experience Zone, where visitors were able to try their hand at making kimchi.

For more information about the festival, please visit http://kimchi.gwangju.go.kr/ (Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese)

Agenda for G-20 Seoul Summit,Korea

 In the short term, the G20 will try to build on this less-than-robust recovery and further enhance international           cooperation to generate strong, sustainable and balanced growth. Toward that end, the G20 Seoul Summit will focus first on following up on previous G20 commitments within the established timeframe.

Those commitments include: safeguarding the ongoing recovery and
restoring fiscal sustainability; ensuring strong, sustainable, and 
balanced global growth; building a stronger international financial
regulatory system; and modernizing international financial institutions. 

The world economy continues to recover faster than anticipated, but significant challenges remain. The recovery is uneven and fragile and unemployment in many countries remains at unacceptable levels.Moreover, recent events highlight the importance of sustainable public finances.

In June, at the Toronto Summit, the leaders of the G20 agreed on the importance of safeguarding and strengthening the recovery while laying the foundation for strong, sustainable and balanced growth, and strengthening our financial systems. They committed to working together toward those ends.

At the Pittsburgh Summit, the G20 leaders launched the Framework for Strong, Sustainable, and Balanced Growth to strengthen international cooperation in the interest of future economic growth and stability.

The leaders of the G20 tasked the IMF to support a mutual assessment process for the Framework, in conjunction with other relevant international organizations with expertise on development, finance, labor market, and trade.

At the Toronto Summit, the leaders reviewed the results and agreed on a set of policy options which, if implemented, would bring the world economy closer to the G20's shared objectives.

At the Seoul Summit, the leaders will agree on a comprehensive policy action plan designed to lead the world toward strong, sustainable and balanced growth. It will include policy commitments made by each country, based on the basket of policy options agreed to at the Toronto Summit.

The G20 leaders have committed to strengthening the financial regulatory system both to sustain global growth and to prevent future crises. These efforts toward financial sector reform are largely geared toward restoring the industry’s integrity, transparency and accountability, thereby allowing it to regain the confidence of the general public.

According to the timeline created at the Pittsburgh Summit, more stringent international rules regarding bank capital and liquidity requirements will be created by the end of 2010. They will then be phased in as financial conditions improve and economic recovery is assured, with the aim of implementation by end-2012. In addition, the G20 tasked the Financial Stability Board (FSB) to develop capital and liquidity standards for systemically important financial institutions (SIFI) in order to prevent excessive risk taking. The G20 leaders also asked the FSB to suggest appropriate resolution tools to address the potential failures of SIFIs.

At the Toronto Summit, the G20 Leaders (i) affirmed their intention to reach agreement on a new capital framework by the Seoul Summit and (ii) called on the FSB to consider and develop concrete policy recommendations to deal with SIFIs by the Seoul Summit. In addition, the Leaders called on the FSB, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS)and other relevant organizations to report on the progress made, and new reforms required, in the areas of supervision, hedge funds, credit rating agencies and over-the-counter derivatives to the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors at their October meeting.

"We called for an acceleration of the substantial work still needed for the IMF to complete the quota reform by the Seoul Summit and in parallel deliver on other governance reforms, in line with commitments made in Pittsburgh." G20 Communique, June 26-27, 2010

For the G20, the crisis has called into question the effectiveness of existing international financial institutions. In Toronto, the G20 Leaders reaffirmed the urgency of IMF reform and called for the reform to be completed by the Seoul Summit.

Those reforms entail a shift in quota share to dynamic emerging market and developing countries of at least 5% from over-represented to under-represented countries. In addition, the Leaders committed to addressing the issue of the size of any increase in quotas, size and composition of the Executive Board, ways of enhancing the Board’s effectiveness, the Fund Governor’s involvement in the strategic oversight of the IMF, staff diversity, and a merit-based selection of heads and senior leadership of all IFIs.

Going forward, the IMF is expected to strengthen its ability to provide even-handed, candid and independent surveillance of the risks facing the global economy and the international financial system. Moreover, in collaboration with the FSB, it is expected to provide advance warning of macroeconomic and financial risks, and offer appropriate recommendations to head them off.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has already reached agreement on shifting 3.13% of voting power to developing and transition countries, delivering on its commitment to reach the agreement by April of this year.

Preparation for G20 Seoul Summit Gaining Speed

Preparation for next month’s G20 summit in Seoul is picking up pace with the event just four weeks away. To feature high-level talks with EU President Herman Van Rompuy and leaders from five non-member countries that have been invited and seven international organizations, the summit is expected to be one of the largest diplomatic events hosted by Korea. ○ Struggle over seats Along with 25 heads of state and 33 leading global figures including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn will attend the summit. The Presidential Committee for the G20 Summit will not unveil the seating plan until right before the event because countries lobby for the order of protocol and seating. The seats will be assigned depending on each event considering the schedule of bilateral and multilateral talks, though the international order of protocol is applied in general. In the end, the chair country has the right to form the seating arrangement. The protocol follows the order of heads of state, heads of government, and representatives from international organizations. Within each group, the order of inauguration and year of an organization’s foundation will be considered. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was inaugurated in January 2003, will be first followed by Chinese President Hu Jintao (March 2003), and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (July 2004). The first among leaders from international organizations is the U.N. chief. The committee for the G20 Summit reported a few options centered around President Lee Myung-bak: strictly following the order of protocol; giving seats beside President Lee to the U.K., previous chair country, France, and the next chair country; giving U.S. President Barack Obama a seat next to President Lee; or giving the seats to leaders that failed to hold bilateral talks with Seoul. The presidential office will have the final say on the seating arrangement. Seoul is also reportedly mulling holding a separate meeting with leaders from the six-party nuclear talks. ○ Humble opportunity to promote Korea. The government decided on a “frugal but practical meeting” as the protocol concept of the summit. This is because if Seoul tries too hard to prepare an event to impress the world, this could prevent the formulation of measures to prevent another global financial crisis. Korea is also considering recycling 90 percent of equipment used in the summit, including LED lighting, audio components and tables, given the event’s purpose of overcoming the economic crisis. The equipment could be reused at the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit that Korea will also host. A diplomatic source said, “Since most luncheons and dinners at the summit also serve as meetings, there will be no toast suggestions.” As many as 50 private jets for heads of state are expected, and allocating more landings at Incheon, Gimpo and Seoul airports will be considered. Instead of government officials, delegation liaison officers (DLO) will greet the visitors. The government will also strive to keep the flow of events by the second. The reception and dinner on the opening day will be held at the National Museum of Korea. The government said that without special decoration, this architecture with outstanding beauty will be enough to let the world know about Korea. After dinner, leaders will see the Seoul nightscape while riding the luxury sedan Hyundai Equus back to their hotels. The Seoul COEX conference room, where the summit will take place, will be a circle with a circular table. The design was made in a way that leaders can come and go between the meeting and luncheon rooms and restrooms in a short time. For security and smooth flow of the meeting, heads of state, finance ministers, and sherpas will use the Red Zone, representative delegations the Blue Zone, and journalists the Yellow Zone.

Indian Movie was suited in Korea

My Dear Friends!! This is a video clip of an Indian Movie.This Movie was suited in Korea.Actually In Korea there are a no. of places with having wonderful sceneries too.In this Movie only the city life was shown.But I personally have noticed that the real beauty of Korea resides in the Other Provinces and Especially the islands like Jeju-do,Ullung do etc.Some places which are having traditional houses also can be a great place for suiting Indian films in Korea.

Korea and India : Two giants in Asia reaching new heights in Diplomacy

  Korea and  India shares many cultural ties from the very past, but I feel everyday being in Korea as a Student living here much more similarities not only in terms of the culture but even the mindset of the people too.Despite of similarities in terms of Buddhism , Colonial Experience,These too Peninsular countries are getting too closer diplomatically.  In this era of Globalisation where Economic Interests plays a major role in Diplomacy,Korea and India can undersatnd each other and can have an examplary Diplomacy not only to the Asian Nations but to the other countries across the World too.Especially for Asia, I see Korea-India as a responsible partners for the Peace and Developement in the  Asian Continent.But at the same time I  want to emphasis  that Academic contact  between the people of these countries is really needed to be increased.It makes me so unhappy as a Student studying in Korea that in most of the parts in a Country like India people are not aware of Korea's long History,its Unique Culture etc. Korean brand Products  like Samsung cellphones and Televisions,LG televisions,cellphones and Washing Machines and Hyundai Motor cars.Indian houses  are full of  Korea's LG,Samsung appliances ,roads are full of Hyundai motor cars but at the same time I would like to add here that many of its users are not aware of this fact that they are Korean Companies.People trust these products and buy them.But they don't know that the  product is a Korean Brand.Being an Indian I  can understand why many people in India still cant recognize North and South Korea well  but when it comes to Korean brands, it  inspires me to study Korea well and after returning to India disseminate this Knowledge  to the Indians too.


Anyways,this was all about a view.Lets have a look of  some of the memorable  and wonderful memories through this pictures which shows the Diplomatic closeness of these two countries not  only headed by   Economy.

                                              

                                                   India and Korea: a Long way to  go...

             

                 

                        Finance Ministers of Korea and India joining hands to reach new heights 

                         

Korean Chief of Naval Operations  shakes hands with India’s Vice Admiral:a new way to the  Korea-India Naval   Cooperation    

                       

                       South Korean President and his wife receiving the bust of Mahatma Gandhi

The Hindu             South Korean President Lee Myung bak on a visit to the Hyundai India plant at Irungattukotta

                                  

Indian President Pratibha Patil suggests choice of snacks to South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak during a Republic Day reception at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi.

            

                    

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, foreground second from right, accompanied by his wife Kim Yoon-ok, second from left, speaks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, left, as India's President Pratibha Patil, right, looks on before the ceremonial guard of honor at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, or Presidential Palace, in New Delhi, India

                        

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, center, walks after inspecting the ceremonial guard of honor at the Rashtrapati Bhawan or Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India,

                       

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak with his wife Kim Yoon-ok, pay their tributes at the Mahatama Gandhi memorial, in New Delhi, India. Lee,

                       

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, center, inspects the ceremonial guard of honor at the Rashtrapati Bhawan or Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India

                                                

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, second right, with his wife Kim Yoon-ok, second left, pay their tributes at the Mahatama Gandhi memorial, in New Delhi, India

                        

                            

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, right, gestures as he and wife Kim Yoon-ok speak with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, left, before the ceremonial guard of honor at the Rashtrapati Bhawan or Presidential Palace in New Delhi.

Goryeo dynasty's Celadon

 First time I got the opportunity to see making of Goryeo Dynasty's  wonderful piece of art called Goryeo Celadon during Kangjin Festival in Jeolla Nam do province(Korea).I had been there to participate in a Korean Singing Competition for foreign students in Korea.I won 3rd Prize in the Singing Contest and had been awarded Goryeo dynasty's designed  Celadon .After getting that award it made me so interested to know more about celadon during Goryeo dynasty.The celadon wares of the Goryeo dynasty have been deemed among the finest ever crafted in any period of Korean history. Their Elaborate and intricate designs grace the celadon, glazed in a variety of colors. Bottles, bowls, cosmetic boxes, cups, vases with lotus motifs and lotus flower heads present a marvel to the artistic eye.Hope this video will help you to know more about it!

South Korea sends aid to North as mood improves

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea sent its first shipment of rice aid to rival North Korea in more than two years on Monday and said it would consider holding monthly talks with Pyongyang if it was committed to denuclearization.

North Korea has expressed renewed willingness to rejoin international disarmament talks after a two-year boycott, which analysts said was an indication it was hurting badly under harsh U.N.sanctions imposed last year in response to its nuclear test.

South Korea and the United States have rejected the idea of resuming the negotiations for now, saying the North must first admit responsibility for sinking a South Korean navy ship in March that killed 46 sailors.

Pyongyang denies any involvement.

Tension has started to thaw in the last two months with the South sending food aid and construction materials to its impoverished neighbor. The two states have also held military-level talks and agreed to restart family reunions.

On Monday, a cargo ship carrying 5,000 tons of government-financed rice was scheduled to leave the port of Gunsan for the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong on the border with North Korea.

Another ship was also set to head from the port of Incheon to the Chinese city, carrying 3 million packs of instant noodles.

Last month, privately funded shipments of rice aid were trucked to the North after severe flooding hit food production in the destitute state that even in a good year falls a million tons short of what is needed to feed its 23 million people.

Foreign ministry spokesman Kim Young-sun said Seoul was willing to consider holding six-party talks on a regular basis if Pyongyang showed denuclearization commitments through action and the stalled negotiating process resumes.

He made the comment after a report said that China's chief nuclear negotiator, Wu Dawei, had proposed during trips to Japan and the United States in August and September that the six-party talks be held every month.

Washington says a resumption depends on the neighbors improving ties, and says the North must show "concrete indications" it will implement a 2005 nuclear disarmament deal.

North Korea's main newspaper Rodong Sinmun said on Monday Seoul "should refrain from deliberately laying obstacles and difficulties in the way of improving the inter-Korean relations and vitiating the atmosphere of the dialogue."

"The inter-Korean relations can never improve, should they stage madcap joint military exercises with foreign forces, block visits and contacts of pro-reunification figures and pursue the dialogue for confrontation."

South Korean media reported on Monday that the U.S. and South Korean militaries had postponed their latest drill, involving an aircraft carrier in the Yellow Sea, to avoid creating problems with China and North Korea ahead of the G20 summit on November 11-12.

The United States and South Korea have staged a series of exercises since the sinking of theCheonan corvette, saying the drills are aimed at warning North Korea.

Beijing says the drills threaten its security and regional stability, while Pyongyang has retaliated with war-like rhetoric and by firing off a barrage of artillery rounds.

source:Reuters.com