World Leisure Congress scientific program to provide global perspective on ‘leisure and identity

Culinary schools and star chefs lead food globalization

Korean dishes like bulgogi and bibimbap are slowly gaining popularity overseas as a health food. Early this month at the “Korean Barbecue Contest” held in Los Angeles, nearly 10,000 people crowded the stands for a sample. Last week, U.S. media also covered PGA champion golfer Yang Yong-eun’s dinner party of a multi-course Korean meal, including rice, galbi (beef ribs), and kimchi, for his fellow golfers.

Recently, the Korean food globalization team at the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MIFAFF) announced that Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will be the first university in the US to open a full lecture series dedicated to Korean cuisine. The prestigious east coast University enjoys vibrant exchanges with some of the top universities in Korea, including the Seoul National University, KAIST, Ewha Woman’s University, and Hanyang University.

According to the school, beginning this September, these lectures will “explore the fundamentals and philosophy of traditional South Korean cuisine,” with a “strong emphasis on cultural influences, the Korean aesthetic, knife work and terminology.” This course will be open to all students interested in Korean culture.

Lee Jee-hyun, an assistant professor at Drexel University played a major role in bringing the lectures to campus. Lee is currently pursuing ways to make Korean cuisine a part of the curriculum for the culinary arts program, and further planning to open a Korean cuisine course at Drexel’s Lifelong Education Center.

Students will also have the learn about Korean food through hands-on sessions where they learn how to cook rice, soup, condiments, and a wide variety of Korean foods using Korean produce. These sessions, led by Professor Adrienne Hall, will be restricted to students with majoring in culinary arts.

The lectures will last for 10 weeks, with a predicted class size of about 10 to 15 students. The students will learn to make four to five different Korean course meals, and around the eighth week, the school plans to invite managers of school restaurants and local businesspeople from Philadelphia and New Jersey’s the food industry to sample and evaluate the student’s food.

“Many of the students in Drexel’s culinary program go on to jobs in the restaurant business or food companies,” said Jang Myung-chul, an official from the Korean food globalization team. “This will not only help to promote Korean food to the locals, but also provide us a chance to collect feedback on our traditional food for future improvements.”

Korean cuisine has also made in-roads at Hattori Nutrition College, Japan’s top culinary school in May this year. The Tokyo-based culinary institute was established in 1939 and produces over 1,000 professional cooks every year.

A total of 1,300 students from four culinary departments will attend a 25-week long lecture series, which is divided into sections on theory, folklore, demonstrations, and cooking sessions. They made gujeolpan (nine-filling crepes), haemul kimchi-jjigae (kimchi stew with seafood), oiseon (stuffed cucumber) and ogok-bap (five-grain rice).

Last March, in order to provide better lectures on Korean food, MIFAFF and Korea Agro-Fisheries Trade Corporation invited a dozen Korean cuisine instructors living in Japan back for to Korea for extra training before the school starts again.

The Ministry is looking to expand Korean cooking programs to other cooking schools abroad, such as the Culinary Institute of America in the United States, Le Cordon Blue in France, and the Tsujicho Culinary Institute in Osaka.

The government is considering establishing official licenses for Hansik chefs, enacting a new law to promote restaurant business, and create a 50 billion won food industry investment fund by 2013.

Star chefs for Korean food

The government wants to help nurture star chefs working in Korean traditional food. Last May, MIFAFF designated Kyung Hee University, Sejong University’s Institute of Traditional Korean Food, Sookmyung Women’s University’s Korean Food Institute, and Woosung University as institutes for training future Hansik chefs.

Another nine universities and institutions, including Daelim and Hallym Colleges, were designated as professional training schools for producing experts on local cuisines. The students will go train for five months, from July to early December, with the government shouldering 70 percent of the expense.

Chef Lee Hyo-sam, who completed the course last year, stands as a successful example of this new Hansik training. His yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) with noodles is currently a big hit in his restaurant, attracting not only locals but quite a number of expats as well.

The government selected Woosung University, Jeonju University and Busan Tourism High school as schools cooking Korean cuisine. The three schools recognized for management and training of the students were chosen to receive extra government funds for the next few years. The two colleges will receive a combined 2.4 billion won for the next four years and the high school will receive 600 million won for next three years.

Woosung University is taking advantage of the opportunity by operating a culinary MBA course, the first of its kind in the world. The course is open to only top 10 percent of students, resulting in fierce competition among those who wish to build their culinary, business, and foreign language skills.

source:korea.net

A peculiar love song: Maestro Ahn Eak-tai’s 'Aegukga'

Maestro Ahn Eak-tai, composer of the Korean national anthem “Aegukga,” conducts the Vienna Symphony Orchestra during a rehearsal in 1942. Below is the score for “Aegukga.” /Korea Times file By Lee Hyo-won It’s impossible to forget Yoon Do-hyun’s infectious rock tune “Oh, Pilseung (victorious) Korea,” which took the entire country by storm during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, as red T-shirt-clad fans cheered for South Korea in perfect unison. “Where there is pressure, there is folk dance,” according to Danish artist Fos, and the same can be said of other art forms and traditions that take root when groups are bound by a unifying sentiment or goal, be it love of the game or political propaganda. The power of folk music can be said to have propelled the adoption of Ahn Eak-tai’s “Aegukga” as Korea’s national anthem. Cult activities translate most palpably into popular culture, and many countries have picked up widely loved tunes as its national song. Just as the French opted for “La Marseillaise,” Ahn’s melody deeply resonated with Koreans’ collective feelings of bitter loss — and undying hope — during Japanese colonial rule (1910-45), and continues to define the Korean identity to this day. “Aegukga” literally means “Song for Love for the Nation.” Last Sunday, the familiar tune resounded in the farthest corners of the country as it feted the 65th anniversary of Liberation Day when Korea was freed from Japanese rule on Aug. 15, 1945. The anthem is expected to resound even louder since this Sunday marks the centennial of the annexation of Korea by Japan on Aug. 22, 1910. The tribute to Ahn and his iconic legacy continues next month through a concert and photo exhibition organized by the Ahn Eak-tai Foundation. Ahn’s love song for Korea, and moreover, the dramatic life of Ahn himself, deserve special attention, and The Korea Times looks into his artistic merit and humanitarian spirit. A peculiar love song “Aegukga” today is known as a proper noun that refers to songs Koreans sing when the “taegeukgi” or national flag starts waving in the air. This remains true to the etymology of the word “anthem,” which derives from the Greek word “antiphony,” meaning a song one sings in response to something — like a Gregorian chant sung in a call-and-response style. In this case, it’s a musical call to patriotism or belonging of sorts. But in the past “aegukga” denoted a broad genre of songs aimed to inspire patriotism. In 1896 a variety of aegukga lyrics were published for the founding of Korea’s first modern daily Tongnip Sinmun (The Independent), and “The Korean Empire Aegukga” was commissioned by the emperor and was sung during major state ceremonies. Among these was a popular set of lyrics that is believed to be written by independence fighter An Chang-ho and/or Yun Chi-ho. During the colonial period, the lyrics gained popularity among Koreans, particularly during the March 1, 1919 independence movement. The words however were sung to the melody of “Auld Lang Syne”; while studying in the United States in the 1930s Ahn noticed his compatriates singing “Aegukga” to the tune of the Scottish folksong and was inspired to compose his most enduring legacy. “Aegukga,” now bearing an original melody, was first sung among Korean expatriates in San Francisco and then spread to Shanghai, where the Korean provisional government was based (1919-45). The anthem thus reached the Korean Peninsula last; even after liberation, the lyrics were often sung to the notes of “Auld Lang Syne.” Kim Gu, the sixth and last president of the provisional governing body, decided that “Aegukga” would be Korea’s national anthem until the two Koreas were reunified, true to this day. When the Republic of Korea was founded in 1948, “Aegukga” as it appears today was featured in official state ceremonies and school textbooks. Ahn’s legacy, however, was not just composing the Korean national anthem — he was the country’s first internationally renowned maestro. He was among the first Asians to become a core part of the Western classical music scene, as he mingled with composers like Zoltan Kodaly and Richard Strauss and conducted premier ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic. His love song for Korea, moreover, is manifest in his famous symphony “Korea Fantasy,” which features the melody of “Aegukga” as its main theme. The piece premiered in 1938 in Dublin, and won the hearts of the Irish audience who, like the Koreans, were under foreign rule. Throughout his conducting career he almost always showcased “Korea Fantasy,” and on one occasion he was barred from the Rome Philharmonic Orchestra for performing the symphony since Italy’s then-ally Japan found the piece politically offensive. The three-part symphony, however, remains incomplete to this day. A globe-trotting maestro It is difficult to discuss his work in depth without looking into the life of the maestro cellist, conductor and composer. Ahn was born in 1906 in Pyongyang, which is now the capital of North Korea. He exhibited a strong proclivity for music at an early age, and by junior high school he was playing the violin, trumpet and cello. In addition to musical pursuits, the teen-aged Ahn was also preoccupied with anti-Japanese activities. He faced possible imprisonment when the March 1, 1919 uprising broke out, but quite ironically a Japanese doctor helped him flee to Japan. After graduating from the Kunitachi Music School he moved to the United States in order to pursue music more freely. He studied at the University of Cincinnati and the Curtis Institute of Music, and in 1932 the cellist became the first ever Asian member of the presitigious Philadelphia Orchestra. It 1935 he composed “Aegukga.” Afterwards, Ahn continued his studies in Europe, where he forayed into conducting under renowned Maestro Bernhard Paumgartner. He then moved to Hungary, where he studied composition under the auspices of Kodaly. He became part of the exciting local music scene and it was during this time that he composed “Korea Fantasy.” While working in Spain he met his wife Lolita Talavera and the couple married in 1946. They resided in Majorca, where he founded the Palma de Mallorca Symphony Orchestra. Following Korea’s liberation, Ahn returned to his homeland for the first time in 25 years. He initiated various projects such as an international music festival and conducting what is now the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. He was also invited to give concerts in Japan, including one during the 1964 Summer Olympics. He received the Cultural Order of Merit from the Korean government in 1965. Dissension with local musicians, however, led to the halt of his music festival in Seoul, and before an envisioned amendment Ahn passed away suddenly from an illness in September 1965, while he was visiting Majorca. He was 59. His ashes were transferred from the Spanish island to the Korean National Cemetery in 1977. In 2009, a statue of Ahn was erected in Budapest. While Ahn is one of Korea’s most recognized composers he has also been subject to much controversy, including being labeled a Japanese sympathizer. As much as political and social issues with Japan remain heated, some argued the need to adopt a new national anthem, particularly since “Aegukga” was never legally adopted. “It’s up to historians to figure out the truth. In any case the fact remains clear that Ahn was Korea’s first maestro conductor who was highly respected overseas and that he left behind a legacy that means a great deal to Koreans to date. In paying our tribute to Ahn, we only deal with his life and work as a musician, as the composer of Korea’s national anthem,” Kim Yun-kyung, executive director of the Ahn Eak-tai Foundation and piano professor at the Soongsil University Conservatory, told The Korea Times. “Ahn has left behind 10 compositions but unfortunately some scores no longer exist. Historians and musicians are continuing their efforts to find the missing links in his life and career.” In the meantime, Ahn’s most enduring legacies speak for themselves through the universal language of music. Biographical information has been extracted from text provided by the Ahn Eak-tai Foundation and music critic Han Sang-wu’s work for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 1991 —ED. Tribute to Ahn The Ahn Eak-tai Foundation will host its annual concert commemorating Ahn’s musical achievements on Sept. 1 at Seoul Arts Center. This year’s performance will reenact the 1938 world premiere of “Korea Fantasy” by offering the same program that was staged in Dublin. The KBS Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Chung Chi-yong, will play Beethoven’s “Egmont” overture, Op. 84 and pianist Ian Young-wook Yoo will appear as the soloist for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491. Instead of Schubert’s Incomplete Symphony No. 8, three vocal pieces will be offered: Soprano Kim Hyang-ran and bass Im Cheol-min will sing Ahn’s “White Lily” as well as “Geu-jip-ap (In Front of That House)” and “Ga-go-pa (I Want to Go)” by Korean composers who attended the same school as Ahn in Pyongyang. “Korea Fantasy” will be the grand finale of the evening. In addition to the concert, an exhibition of Ahn’s private photographs will be open to the public for the first time at V-Gallery within Seoul Arts Center, from Sept. 1 to 10. Some 100 photos, selected from more than 1,600, will be displayed. Admission to both events is free. It is recommended that seats for the concert be reserved in advance by telephone before Aug. 25. Call (02) 821-8494 or visit www.ahneaktai.or.kr (Korean only) for more information.

source:Korea times

Azerbaijani musicians perform in Korea with classical music concert programs

Azerbaijani musicians performed in three cultural centers in Korea with concert programs of classical music, Korea's Embassy in Azerbaijan told Trend.

Four young Azerbaijani musicians - Baku Music Academy's students Kamran Mirzeyev, Kamran Sarkar, Nargis Aliyeva and Kanan Mayilov were in Korea from Aug. 3 to 18 in the orchestra, organized on the initiative of the Azerbaijani Embassy and the Korean Silkroad Foundation.

The final concert took place Aug. 17 in the largest cultural center of Seoul "Sejong Art Center". Along with a wide audience, the concert was attended by Chun Yung-woo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Korea, the Silkroad Foundation President Kang Duk-soo, the employees of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Korea, as well as representatives of other diplomatic missions in Seoul.

During the visit Azerbaijani representatives took part in joint rehearsals with musicians

from other countries of the Silk Road (Korea, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan).

Book gives keen insight into Korean history A Review of Korean History (English) Han Young-woo; Translated by Ham Chai-bong from Korean to English

“A Review of Korean History” written by Han Young-woo, professor emeritus at Seoul National University, explores the nation’s history from its birth to the present. The English version of the Korean history book published by Kyongsaewon Publishing translated by Hahm Chai-bong is divided into three volumes _ “Ancient/Goryeo Era,” “Joseon Era” and “Modern/Contemporary Era”_ along with detailed descriptions and some 700 photos and illustrations. Since the first edition of the book was published in 1997 with a revised edition in 2004, it has become a steady-seller in Korea with 39 editions until the end of 2009. The book was also translated into Japanese in 2003 by Akashi Shoten Publishing. The first volume of the English rendition illustrates the roots of Korean history, old Joseon and other ancient states along with the Three Kingdoms. The second volume focuses on the Joseon Kingdom from its foundation to the reform of the ruling system, economic development, culture, internal conflicts and foreign invasions. The third volume probes the birth and growth of modernism, dawning with the peasant uprisings and reforms to the rise and fall of the Korean Empire, the Japanese colonial rule and Korea`s independence movement. It also deals with the Korean War (1950-53) and reconstructions in the mid-1900s and political upheavals in the 20th century. The book puts more emphasis on the Joseon era _ the author described researching the Joseon Kingdom gave him the joy of discovering “hidden treasures” as he enhanced his understanding about the cultural values of the Confucian state during his four-year term as the head of the Kyujanggak Archives. Jung Ok-ja, chairwoman of the National Institute of Korean History, reviewed the book, saying that the author seems to suggest a new milestone for the 21st century through this book. “Cautious about both narrow-minded nationalism and globalism’s relative lack of identity, he pursues a humanitarian society centered on coexistence and co-prosperity. Such a view of history seems to be aligned with neo-nationalism, from among the various approaches of modern historiography. Rooted in a positivist historiography, a major approach in modern historiography, the author has built a basic academic foundation from which he conveys a neo-nationalist view of history,” wrote Jung. The book gives keen insights not only on historical incidents and perspectives but also cultural fields such as literature and music, commerce and international trade, and geomancy and Taoism. The publication is also helpful for foreigners who are interested in Korean history and culture. The 72-year-old author was former dean of the College of Humanities at Seoul National University and dean of Kyujanggak Archives and director of Korean Studies. For more information or inquiries, call (031) 955-7441-3, or visit http://www.kyongsaewon.co.kr.

Jirisan National Park

Boasting breathtaking views, Jirisan National Park was the first Korean park to be designated as a national park in 1967. Its glorious mountain range extends across three provinces and five cities. The magnificent mountains and exceptional scenery make this one of the most famous mountains in Korea. Roughly 1,915 meters above sea level, Cheonwangbong Peak, considered to be the pillar of heaven is the main peak. Jirisan also features Banyabong and Nogodan, and is home to over 10 famous temples. There are over twenty summits and valleys such as Baemsagol Valley, which are part of "Jirisan Ten [Sceneries]."

As this is the location of the most well-preserved virgin forests in Korea , the majestic and mystical mountain is highly revered. There are many species of animal and plant life, and as the first place to cultivate tea in Korea, herbal medicine cultivation still flourishes here.Mt. Jirisan was also where the Buddhist culture prospered, and there are also many cultural assets here, such as Silsangsa Temple (National Treasure No.7), Baekjangam and the Three-Story Stone Pagoda (National Treasure No. 26.). These regional cultural assets and the superb sceneries of nature give you a unique taste of local history and culture.

The weather is temperamental and only 80~100 days out of the year are clear and sunny, but the mist and fog create rare, unparalleled scenes not found anywhere else.

Tour Course Information

Mt. Jirisan's Piagol Maple Festival: Held at the last week of October. Many people come to enjoy the beautiful fall foilage, traditional performance, and exhibitions.

Facility Utilization Fees

Camping Sites - S size 3,000 won / M size 4,500 won / L size 6,000 won

Local Transportation

1. Hwaeumsa Temple: From Gurye, take Hwaeumsa Temple bound bus (runs 30 times a day / 30 min interval / 20 min ride).2.Yeongoksa Temple: From Gurye, take Yeongoksa Temple bound bus (runs 14 times a day / 1 hour interval / 50 min ride).3. Piagol Valley: From Gurye, take Piagol Valley bound bus (runs 9 times a day / 2 hrs interval / 40 min ride).4. Ssanggyesa Temple: From Gurye, take Ssanggyesa Temple bound bus (runs 5 times a day / 1 hour ride).

City tour train/bus for Chuncheon World Leisure Games and Chuncheon Dakgalbi & Makguksu Festiva

Posted Aug. 17, 2010 ShareThis

• Source : Korea Tourism Organization

The Chuncheon City Government announced that from August 28 (Saturday) to September 5 (Sunday), it will be operating train and bus tours running directly between Seoul and Chuncheon. There will also be a special bus package named “Chuncheon Mankkikho” targeting Japanese visitors. These tour packages are designed to proactively draw tourists to Chunchen during the period of the 2010 Chuncheon World Leisure Games and the Chuncheon Dakgalbi & Makguksu Festival.

Train tours depart from Namchuncheon Station and take passengers to the venue of the World Leisure Games, Soyang Dam, Uiamho Lake, Kim Yu-jeong House of Literature and finally arrive at Kim Yu-jeong Station, which has trains back to Seoul. Fees for this one-day tour are 19,000 won for adults and 15,000 won for children.

The bus tour departs from the Gwanghwamun area in central Seoul and takes visitors on a one-day bus tour course that includes Jamsil in Seoul, the venues of the festivals, Soyang Dam, Statue of Soyanggang Maid and Kim Yu-jeong House of Literature. Fees are 15,000 won.

“Chuncheon Mankkikho” is designed especially for Japanese tourists who visit Seoul and want to go to Chuncheon as well. Buses depart from the Seoul Lotte Hotel and go to Namiseon Island, Gongjicheon areas, the Drama Gallery, the venue of the World Leisure Games and to Chuncheon’s Myeongdong Street.

Period: August 28 (Saturday), 2010 - September 5 (Sunday), 2010 Venue: Songam Sports Town, downtown Chuncheon Official Website of Chuncheon Dakgalbi & Makguksu Festival www.mdfestival.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) For information about the train/bus city tour, contact 1600-7788 (Korean) or www.k7788.co.kr (Korean) Chuncheon Mankkikho 02) 778-0150 (Korean, Japanese) (A group of more than 4 people can make a reservation at the information desk of Lotte Hotel) Korea Travel Phone +82-33-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) Tourist Destinations: ☞ Soyangho Lake ☞ Namiseom Island ☞ Kim Yu-jeong House of Literature ☞ Chuncheon’s Myeongdong Street ☞ Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street Related Column: Chuncheon & Namiseom Tour - A Place of Romance

Ulsan City to install credit card reader in all taxis

The City of Ulsan is to install a credit card reader in all its taxis.

This will affect 4,196 taxis among the 5,796 taxis operating in Ulsan. The remaining 1,600 taxis already have a credit card reader. The installation of credit card readers will make things even more convenient for citizens.

All city taxis in Ulsan will carry a credit card reader by the end of this year, making it more convenient for Ulsan citizens.

The City of Ulsan plans to install a credit card reader in 4,196 taxis (2,838 privately owned taxis and 1,358 company taxis). This represents a significant portion of the total of 5,796 taxis operating in the city. To implement the changes the city will invest KRW 701 million (50% of the costs will be paid by the owners).

The remaining 1,600 taxis (Taehwagang Call: 800, Gorae Call: 800) already have credit card readers. Ulsan City plans to provide assistance to privately owned taxis and companies that want the credit card reader early.

An official from the municipal authority said, “Recently, many passengers are choosing to pay taxi fare using their credit card. That’s why we have decided to install credit card readers in all taxis.”

Meanwhile, since the introduction of ‘branded taxi (1,600 cars)’ last year, the number of credit card payments has greatly increased. In June, for example, 64,884 payments were made by credit card (KRW 390,806,000), a 180% increase from the previous year.

Source:Korea.net

Seoul Grand Sale 2010

Seoul Grand Sale 2010

http://www.seoulgrandsale.com/2010/en/seoulinfo/grandsale.asp

- Period : July 21 – September 12 (54 days)
- Venue : Various parts of Seoul
- Event description : Special discounts, free entries, premium giveaways etc.
- Open to domestic citizens, foreign visitors
- Hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization.

Intended to promote the image of Seoul as the shopping tourism destination, the event will be participated by some 600 retailers that will offer special discounts as well as a wide variety of events and promotions.

Two Korean Villages Become UNESCO Sites

Andong City’s Hahoe Village and Gyeongju City’s Yangdong Village, which are the two most representative historic villages in Korea, were registered on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list at the 34th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Brasilia, Brazil on August 1. With this designation, Korea now holds a total of 10 UNESCO World Heritage items.

It is extremely rare for historic villages to be in intact state due to modernization and development and such, and the assessment of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is accordingly extremely rigorous.

The Hahoe and Yangdong Village, too, had to go through a series of reviews, holdups, and postponements before they were granted the approval. ICOMOS recognized the two villages’ historic and cultural significance as early as last May and the legitimate ground in having them registered as one coupled-up item. However, due to the fact that there wasn’t a comprehensive administrative office that manages both of the villages together, ICOMOS sustained their approval.

To this, Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration with Gyeongsangbuk-do, Andong City and Gyeongju City, organized “The Council on Preservation of Historic Villages” that was going to collaboratively manage and preserve the two villages. And after submitting to 21 member countries of WHC thorough information and promotional materials on the Hahoe and Yangdong Village as well as dispatching a government delegation to the 34th Session of WHC, were they able to put the two villages on the list of UNECO World Cultural Heritage.

1995: Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple / Jongmyo Shrine / Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks
1997: Changdeokgung Palace Complex / Hwaseong Fortress
2000: Gyeongju Historic Areas / Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
2007: Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
2009: Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
2010: Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong

Founded in the 14th-15th centuries, Hahoe and Yangdong Village’s layout and location – sheltered by forested mountains and facing out onto a river and open agricultural fields – reflect the distinctive aristocratic Confucian culture of the early part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

The Hahoe Village contains Yangjindang Manor (Treasure No. 306), Pikchondaek House (Important Folklore Material No. 84), Chunghyodang Manor (Treasure No. 414), and Namchondaek House (Important Folklore Material No. 90) among others. It has also preserved the shamanist rite of Byeolsin-gut, Hahoe Mask Dance, and Jeulbul Nori.

The Yangdong Village contains Mucheomdang (Treasure No. 411), Hyangdan (Treasure No. 412), Gwangajeong (Treasure No. 442) as well as Tonggamsokpyeon, a book printed on movable metal type (National Treasure No. 283).

The two villages are the first of their kind in Korea to receive the honor in that they are places that are actually being inhabited by people. They are “living heritage.” Residents have well preserved not only traditional housings but the intangible culture of the two villages as well, which further increases the value of Hahoe and Yangdong.

Having relics registered on the UNESCO list is pointless if they don’t continue to be properly looked after. The two villages, Hahoe and Yangdong, now having become world-acknowledged historic assets, will likely trigger a surge of tourists both domestic and international. And accordingly, we will need to further reinforce maintenance system and strengthen tourism infrastructure so that those precious vestiges of the past can still be there for the next generation to appreciate as well.

Korean Song Gives Hope to Kenyan Children

Have you listened to the song “Dream of a Goose (거위의 꿈)” by the legendary Korean singer Insooni (인순이)? I bet most of you have.

“….Yes, I do have a dream. I believe in that dream. Wait and watch me….”

A song of catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful performance. But I personally would say that the charm of the song lies in its lyrics. It’s a monologue of a goose that is determined to soar up to the sky someday – despite all the callous ridicule of the world saying geese can never fly. The goose says it will achieve that dream of flying someday somehow. It’s such heart-wrenching lyrics.

And what’s more impressive, this Korean song is being sung by children in a far, far, far away country – Kenya.

Children of “Korogocho,” Kenya’s Largest Slum Town

In the region called Korogocho, one of the largest slum neighborhoods of Nairobi, Kenya, some 150,000 to 200,000 people live pressed shoulder to shoulder. The town is polluted beyond imagination – its sky is black with smoke coming from burning garbage and its ground wet with atrocious residual liquid.

In this seediest of the seediest towns on earth, people live on less than two dollars a day. Children scavenge through garbage for food and clothing – practically live amidst piles of trash – and going to school is a luxury only enjoyed by a mere one-third of the Korogocho children. The illiteracy rate and the seriousness of their ignorance is of such grave state that the kids won’t understand if they are told to “line up.” But what’s harder for them to bear than the hunger and the lack of education itself is the despair – the complete absence of hope and dream.

And in this most dire and glum situation, Good Neighbors – an international humanitarian and development organization from Seoul that originated as a non-profit NGO in 1991 – has been running the Jirani (meaning “good neighbor” in Swahili) school, vocational training center, and medical center since 1996.

A Song of Hope Budding out of Despair

Artistic activities offered to children in Kenya are almost non-existent. The only substantial one will be the choir run by the Good Neighbors Kenya, giving them a glimmer of hope and dream.

Under the instruction of a Korean music director, children started practicing the song “Dream of a Goose.”

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Director spared no time and energy in explaining the meaning of the song’s lyrics over and over to the children. For the second verse, they even composed their own version of lyrics in Swahili describing their sufferings and also their will to overcome them. The children sang with all of their hearts, hundreds of times, and soon they memorized all the melodies and lyrics.

And they were given the opportunity to participate in the music competition hosted by the Kenyan government on June 18. And miraculously, they came in 3rd place. The video of their performance was uploaded on YouTube and drew applause and encouragement from audiences worldwide. It moved numerous Korean web users as well as the Korean singer Juck Lee who is none other than the composer of the very song “Dream of a Goose.”

Children’s Voice and a Dream Come True

The story of Korogocho children and their choir eventually gave birth to the “Jirani Children’s Choir,” sponsored by Good Neighbors. Around 100 children were selected after extensive auditions, and they started to sing hope and dream to the world.

Children who have to dig though mountains of garbage to survive now spread something beautiful, something hopeful, to the world with their collaborative voice. It is, indeed, a dream come true.

After a series of performances in a number of countries including Korea, they were able to collect enough finance to support the children’s education.

It’s a real story that sounds so dramatic and touching it might as well be turned into a film. Tae-Jong Rim, one of the five board members of Good Neighbors and the president of the Jirani Cultural Project Foundation, commented, “The Jirani Children’s Choir wouldn’t have been possible without Koreans’ strength in culture. We should continue to expand these kinds of activities.” International exchange and support will keep expanding as well as the government ODA.

It’s impossible to help everyone in the world who is poor and is in need of help. But it’s possible to give them a glimpse of hope, just as the Kenyan children’s “Dream of a Goose” did.

Japan has offered another apology to South Korea for its war-time colonisation of the Korean peninsula.

Japan has offered several apologies but not the full compensation that some South Koreans want

It also promised to return cultural relics "in the near future", including records taken by Japan of an ancient Korean royal dynasty.

The apology, though not the first, is part of Japanese efforts to forge closer ties with South Korea.

Conservative politicians in Japan have resisted admitting Japanese atrocities throughout World War II.

In a statement, the Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan expressed "deep remorse" for the annexation, 100 years ago this month.

Imperial aggression

Mr Kan expressed his "feelings of deep remorse and heartfelt apology for the tremendous damage and suffering brought by the colonial rule".

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"We hope that through proper recognition and reflection of the unfortunate past, the close South Korea-Japan bilateral relations can further develop”

Kim Yong-SamKorean foreign ministry spokesman

"Through the colonial rule that was against their will... the people of Korea were deprived of their nation and culture and their ethnic pride was deeply hurt," Mr Kan said.

He said Japan wants to further improve relations with South Korea, which have often been overshadowed by the countries' shared history.

The statement was issued to coincide with the centenary of Japan's annexation of the Korean peninsular, and 15 August, when South Koreans will mark their liberation in 1945.

The BBC's Roland Buerk in Tokyo says that during Japan's rule, Koreans were forced to fight on the frontline, or work as slaves or in brothels set up by the military.

Successive Japanese prime ministers since 1995 have apologised for the country's imperial aggression.

But some conservative politicians in Japan have refused to acknowledge atrocities took place, our correspondent says.

'Unfortunate past'

In a separate gesture, Japan's Defence Minister Toshimi Kitazawa has announced that he will not be going to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of Japan's World War II defeat on Sunday.

Visits by prominent politicians have angered Japan's neighbours in the past because convicted war criminals are among the dead symbolically enshrined there.

South Korea's news agency Yonhap said Seoul "positively assessed" the Tokyo statement, and "paid attention" to the pledge to return the relics.

A foreign ministry spokesman, Kim Yong-sam, said: "We expect all Japanese people to share this view".

"We recognize Prime Minister Kan's statement as his and the Japanese government's willingness to overcome the unfortunate past between Korea and Japan and to develop bright bilateral relations in the future.

"We hope that through proper recognition and reflection of the unfortunate past, the close South Korea-Japan bilateral relations can further develop into a partnership for the future," Mr Kim said.

source:BBC News

Lets know about India and Korea relation in a nut Shell

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Korean President Lee Myung bak shaking hands to strengthen the Bilateral ties between India and Korea.

Relations between India and ROK have become more intense and broad based in the recent past and are devoid of any irritants. Rapidly expanding trade and investment flows lie at the core of the bilateral cooperation. The visit of President of ROK Mr. Roh Moo-hyun in October 2004 is an important milestone in expanding our bilateral relations. It elevated relations to "Long-term Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity." The State visit to ROK by Rashtrapatiji in February, 2006 has helped India-ROK relations to enter a new vibrant phase. The visit, inter alia, resulted in the launch of a Joint Task Force to conclude a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which was signed during the visit of Minister for Commerce and Industry to ROK in August 7, 2009.

1.Background

Historical and cultural contacts between the two peoples date back to ancient times. According to “Samguk- Yusa" or "The Heritage History of the Three Kingdoms" written in the 13th century, a Princess from Ayodhya came to Korea and married King Kim-Suro and became Queen Hur Hwang-ok in the year 48 AD [former President Kim Dae-jung, former President Kim Young-sam and former Prime Minister Kim Jong-pil trace this ancestry]. The enduring philosophy of the Buddha, which has influenced the lives and thoughts of the people of the two countries, has also provided a strong link. The rationale for a close relationship between India and ROK has been reinforced in modern times by political and economic imperatives.

Colonial rule in India and Korea, and the anti-colonial movements in both countries, revived interest in each other. Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore composed a short but evocative poem in 1929 about Korea's glorious past and bright future. He wrote:

"In the golden age of Asia Korea was one of its lamp bearers, And that lamp is waiting To be lighted once again For the illumination of the East."

India played an important role in Korea after the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945. India was the Chairman of the nine-member UN Commission set up to hold elections in Korea in 1947. The successful general elections held for the first time in the South in 1948, led to the establishment of the Republic of Korea on 15th August 1948. During the Korean War (1950-53), both the warring sides accepted a resolution sponsored by India and cease-fire was declared on 27 July 1953. India contributed a medical unit, 60 Para Field Ambulances, to the UN multinational force during the war. Also, India, in its capacity as the Chairman of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission [NNRC] contributed significantly to resolving the humanitarian issues arising out of the War, which received all round appreciation.

India and ROK established consular relations in 1962. In 1973, relations were upgraded to Ambassador-level. [At the same time, India established diplomatic relations with Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)].

In the post-cold war era, ROK's move to broad-base its political and economic relations, as well as political liberalization and democratization of its society have boosted India-ROK relations by creating a common ground with India's economic liberalization and 'Look East Policy'. Exchange of high-Ievel visits and consistent Indian support for peaceful reunification of the two Koreas has strengthened bilateral relations.

2. Bilateral visits of HOS/ HOG

From India, President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam paid a State Visit to the Republic of Korea from 06-09 February, 2006 at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Korea. This was the first ever visit by the President of India to the Republic of Korea. One of the major outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Joint Ministerial Statement on the Launching of a Joint Task Force to develop a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. Two other Agreements viz. Agreement on Cooperation in the fields of Science and Technology and Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters were also signed during the visit. An MOU on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Department of Science and Technology, India and Korea Industrial Technology Foundation (KOTEF) was also signed separately.

Earlier Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao visited ROK in September 1993 - the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister. During the visit, three agreements were signed viz., (i) Tourism Cooperation Agreement; (ii) MOU on Science and Technology; and (iii) Cultural Exchange Programme.

From the ROK, President Mr. Roh Moo-hyun paid a State Visit to India from 04-06 October 2004 at the invitation of President of India. He was accompanied by a high Ievel official delegation, apart from leading representatives of Korean business and industry. During this visit, the two countries resolved to take India-ROK relationship to a much higher level in the 21st century and decided to establish a "Long-term Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity." Regular ministerial-Ievel exchanges, including between Trade and Finance Ministers were agreed. India-ROK Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue was established to promote exchanges and interactions in the defense field including safety and security of international maritime traffic, cooperation between their navies, coast guard and related agencies. The two countries agreed to broaden and deepen economic and trade cooperation and set a target of US$ 10 billion for bilateral trade by 2008. This milestone has since been reached in November 2007. The Treaty on Extradition and the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters were signed which have since become operational.

President Kim Young-sam visited India on 24-27 February, 1996. During his visit, three documents viz., (i) Bilateral Investment Promotion/Protection Agreement [BIPA] - The agreement came into effect on 7 May, 1996, (ii) Agreement to set up Joint Commission at Foreign Ministers' level; and (iii) Cultural Exchange Programme for 1996-98 were signed.

ROK Prime Minister Kim Jong-pil visited India on 10-11 February, 1999. He inaugurated the India Engineering Trade Fair [IETF'99] in which ROK participated as a Partner Country.

3. Parliamentary Contacts

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha Shri P .A. Sangma visited Seoul in August 1997 at the invitation of the Speaker of the Korean National Assembly. A Parliamentary delegation from ROK led by Mr. Park Hee-tae, Vice Speaker of the ROK National Assembly visited India from Jan. 30- Feb. 2, 2005.

4. India-ROK Joint Commission

India-ROK Joint Commission for bilateral cooperation was established in February 1996, which is chaired by the External Affairs Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade from the Korean side. The first meeting of the Joint Commission was held in Seoul on April 3, 2002. So far, five meetings of the Joint Commission have been held, the last one held in Seoul in September 2007.

5. Tourism, Culture & Education

A Tourism Agreement was signed between India and ROK in 1993. During 2008, the Mission has issued over 62,000 visas to Korean nationals. Visa work is outsourced since August ’07 and has proved to be convenient and popular with the Korean visa seekers. We have agreed to facilitate the opening up of India Tourism Office in RoK and Korean Tourism Office in India.

(i).Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP)
The Cultural Exchange Programme forms the basis of cultural cooperation between India and Korea at the Government level. The latest CEP covering the years 2009-12 was signed in September 2009.

(ii) Cultural Festivals/Performances/Exhibitions in 2009
(a) ‘Amrita Revisited’ a painting exhibition sponsored by ICCR which is a tribute by 50 contemporary women artists to Amrita Shergill was hosted in RoK from April-June 2009. It was exhibited in Korea Foundation’s Areum Gallery and in Nami Island.

(b) National Museum of Contemporary Art in RoK hosted a two month long Contemporary Art exhibition –‘Open Your Third Eye’ from April to May 2009.

(c) Ministry of Culture, GoI organized a Festival of India in Sept. 2009 in RoK. Under this initiative, a 55 strong Indian contingent of performing arts participated in the 3rd Delphic Games from Sept 9-15 in Jeju Island and won bronze prize. Around 35 artists from this group presented an ensemble of folk instruments/folk dances and a few classical dances at Busan, Seoul and Nami Island. This was the first major Indian festival in RoK since many years.

(d) India Special Exhibition showcasing Indian contemporary art curated by internationally renowned curator and art critic, Ms. Gayatri Sinha took part in the annual Korea International Art Festival in Sept. 2009 held in Seoul.

(e) Kuchipudi Dance Group
An ICCR sponsored five member Kuchipudi Dance group led by Ms. Manju Hemamalini gave performances in Seoul, Nami Island and at the Gala Diwali function organized by Annapurna Women’s Club in Oct. 2009.

(ii). Non-Governmental Cultural Exchanges
The mission facilitates and supports Indian participation in film festivals, food festivals and community festivals. There are two major universities in ROK which have courses for study in Hindi. The ICCR has in the past, sent one Hindi Professor on deputation to the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

(iii). Sister-city Relationship
Gimhae, the city where an Indian princess from Ayodhya landed and married Prince Kim Suro, signed an MOU establishing a sister-city relationship with Faizabad- Ayodhya. A monument in memory of the Princess was erected in March 2001 at a site donated by the Ayodhya administration. Busan and Mumbai have signed an MOU on mutual cooperation in 1977. The Gyeonggi Province signed an MOU for Mutual Benefit with the State Government of Maharashtra in March 2007. “Twin City” relationship between Incheon & Kolkata cities was also signed in October, 2007. Seoul City has a sister city relationship with Mumbai and has expressed interest in establishing a sister-city relationship with Delhi. Twinning between Pocheon & Jaipur and Gwangju & Bengaluru cities is at an advanced stage. However, there is not active programme of interaction between these sister cities.

(iv). Non-Governmental Friendship Organizations
The Korea- India Society, Tagore Society of Korea and Indo-Korean Foundation are prominent. These institutions have made valuable contributions towards promoting India-Korea cultural exchanges, including translation of works by Rabindranath Tagore and other famous Indian writers.

(v). Education
The number of Indian students enrolled in ROK universities, mostly in scientific fields, is steadily increasing. There is also growing interest for education in India amongst the ROK students, including in English/Hindi language education, school and higher education at boarding schools and technical institutions like IITs. Jawaharlal Nehru University and Delhi University have opened Korea Studies and Korean Language Courses respectively. Similarly, two South Korean Universities have also been maintaining Indian Studies Departments. A Professor from ROK is stationed in New Delhi to teach Korean Language at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. Madras University has also opened a Department of Korean Studies.

(vi). Scholarships
ICCR offers two scholarships to South Korean students every year to study in various disciplines in Indian Universities, which are being fully utilized. ROK side had offered two scholarships from 1996 to 2001. The Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Agra, regularly provides scholarships to Korean students for studying Hindi at the Sansthan. Seven slots are available under TCS of Colombo Plan for short term courses which are availed by officials of the ROK Government. Courses for Diplomats run by Foreign Service Institute are being availed by MOFAT officials. In addition, prominent Institutes in Science and Technology field and others have been inviting Indian students and researchers for studies under KOSEF's Brain Pool Programme. ROK students have also been offered admission in Universities like Pune on self- financing basis. The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has been promoting Joint Research Exchange of Human Resources and Information.

6. Consular matters and Indian Community in ROK

(i). Treaties on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and Extradition
was signed in Oct ‘04 and is in force since June 2005.

(ii). Visa Exemption Agreement.
India and the Republic of Korea have, from October 03, 2005, been granting visa exemption to official and diplomatic passport holders for a period not exceeding ninety days.

(iii) Visa Simplification Talks.
The Second round of discussions on the text of the Draft MoU for the simplification of Visa Procedures between India and ROK were held at Seoul on 05 and 06 Oct 2009. It was agreed to expedite the finalization of the text in view of the recent signing of India – ROK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in August 2009. ROK has more stringent Visa Issuance Procedures than India and steps are being taken to sensitize the Korean Government of the same.

(iv). Indian Community in ROK is estimated to be about 6000.
The composition of the Indian community in Korea includes businessmen, IT professionals, scientists, research fellows, students and workers (legal and illegal). Out of the total number of Indians, there are about 150 businessmen dealing mainly in textiles. Over 1000 IT professionals/engineers have recently come to ROK and are working in various companies including large conglomerates. There are about six hundred scientists/post-doctoral research scholars in ROK working in prestigious institutions.

(v) Indian Community Associations.
The Indian Merchants Association (IMA), Shri Satya Sai Organization, Indian Association of Korea comprising mostly IT professionals , Indians in Korea ( IIK ), an organization comprising a mix of students and professionals and Annapurna Indian Women's Association (AIWA) are prominent. The AIWA, under the aegis of the Embassy, provides a forum for the Indian community to interact on a regular basis and holds gala events on occasions like Holi and Diwali. It also participates in various international cultural festivals, to promote Indian culture and art. The Sikh community in ROK is active and runs two Gurudwaras. Shri Satya Sai Organization is undertaking activities such as running an elementary school and helping to raise awareness about Indian values.