I've not blogged much about Korea these days. It's been over two years now since we left, but I still have fond memories of the year we spent there. The launch of Windows 7 tomorrow reminds me of how I covered the launch of Windows Vista in Seoul. I won't be covering the launch of it's replacement in Tokyo. All I can say is, I hope the latest version works with the Korean websites.
So while Korea is a distant memory I still notice news items about the country. [And of course I can hardly forget North Korea which dominates the news at least once a week with some sort of crazy or interesting antics. Here is just one of the two examples in today's paper alone.]
So I was intrigued by the advert on the back page of the Economist this week : "Business Round table with the Government of South Korea". Restructuring South Korea's economy for a post-crisis world. Register now at www.economistconferences.com/kr09. Turns out it's only 1,990 USD and no onerous requirements. Sounds like a bargain to me. Go and heckle some of the ministers at the grand Hyatt Seoul on Nov 4th? Sadly I won't be able to make it. Perhaps we could put together some suggestions for those that do. What do you think?
Showing posts with label Korea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Korea. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Blogging for Perks and Pleasure
Yesterday's item in the Japan Times titled "Bloggers gain perks to pitch tourist spots" reminds me, in a round about way, of why I started this blog almost exactly three years ago.
At the time I was living and working in London, but my wife and I had had enough of living in the UK and were keen to go out to Asia. So, the plan was hatched that she would get a job teaching English in Seoul, I would have a year off from work and become a house husband, we'd spend a year there, then I'd get a job in Japan and we'd move across the Japan Sea. Which is exactly what we did.
When I first told friends and family we were moving to South Korea most people knew very little about the country and the people. I had been following a number of blogs at the time and had been casting around for a good subject for a blog. I realised that a blog on what life offers in Korea might make a good topic. My aim was not only to inform friends and family of our life in Korea, but also to provide detailed information for other expats and tourists coming to Korea.
I soon discovered a healthy Korean Blogosphere with a wide range of bloggers from those fresh off the plane excited to taste their first Kimchi to the seasoned long termers like Robert at the Marmot's Hole and Mike the Metropolitician.
I enjoyed blogging about the interesting and varied places and events we visited. From the peace and quiet of Samcheonggak to the fun of the Hi Seoul Festival
Other useful information I blogged about ranged from The Best Bread in Seoul , Discount Cards to the first day of the Arex Airport Railway.
Since we moved to Japan my blogging frequency and volume has been reduced but I still try to post two to three times a month on something topical. I've done my best to promote regional attractions. I provided a link direct to Shizuoka Tourism's site promoting the new airport that opened at the beginning of this month. I documented our summer trip to Hokkaido last summer.
This blog has always been a hobby and I never attempted to make any money by trying to commercialise it, I got as far as signing up for AdSense, but because the blog is still on the old format blogger template (long story) I have not bothered to incorporate the adverts. I have always been open to reviewing products or services in return for an honest write up, but have sadly never been offered anything.
Strangely the Japan Times does not include any links to the bloggers depicted. I spent a few minutes searching to see if I could find any of their sponsored blog posts but I couldn't find anything obvious. Instead, I found another blogger ( Kimonobox) also commenting on the same story and looking for the same thing! She's done a bit more research and come up with nothing either. She is waiting (I fear in vain) for a reply back from the Japan Times to her request for more details. My guess is they are blogging in Japanese which is why the Japan Times did not include any links.
So if the Wakkanai tourism association is interested I would be more than happy to accept a trip up to the northern tip of Hokkaido to see more of the spectacular scenery.
This was intended to be an entry for this month's Japan blogs Matsuri which is hosted by Billy at Tune-in-Tokyo on the subject of Living on a budget in Japan. But, I am not sure after all that rambling, it counts on the subject of how to save money? What are your thoughts on bloggers posting for perks and could you save money from it if you have a blog?
At the time I was living and working in London, but my wife and I had had enough of living in the UK and were keen to go out to Asia. So, the plan was hatched that she would get a job teaching English in Seoul, I would have a year off from work and become a house husband, we'd spend a year there, then I'd get a job in Japan and we'd move across the Japan Sea. Which is exactly what we did.
When I first told friends and family we were moving to South Korea most people knew very little about the country and the people. I had been following a number of blogs at the time and had been casting around for a good subject for a blog. I realised that a blog on what life offers in Korea might make a good topic. My aim was not only to inform friends and family of our life in Korea, but also to provide detailed information for other expats and tourists coming to Korea.
I soon discovered a healthy Korean Blogosphere with a wide range of bloggers from those fresh off the plane excited to taste their first Kimchi to the seasoned long termers like Robert at the Marmot's Hole and Mike the Metropolitician.
I enjoyed blogging about the interesting and varied places and events we visited. From the peace and quiet of Samcheonggak to the fun of the Hi Seoul Festival
Other useful information I blogged about ranged from The Best Bread in Seoul , Discount Cards to the first day of the Arex Airport Railway.
Since we moved to Japan my blogging frequency and volume has been reduced but I still try to post two to three times a month on something topical. I've done my best to promote regional attractions. I provided a link direct to Shizuoka Tourism's site promoting the new airport that opened at the beginning of this month. I documented our summer trip to Hokkaido last summer.
This blog has always been a hobby and I never attempted to make any money by trying to commercialise it, I got as far as signing up for AdSense, but because the blog is still on the old format blogger template (long story) I have not bothered to incorporate the adverts. I have always been open to reviewing products or services in return for an honest write up, but have sadly never been offered anything.
Strangely the Japan Times does not include any links to the bloggers depicted. I spent a few minutes searching to see if I could find any of their sponsored blog posts but I couldn't find anything obvious. Instead, I found another blogger ( Kimonobox) also commenting on the same story and looking for the same thing! She's done a bit more research and come up with nothing either. She is waiting (I fear in vain) for a reply back from the Japan Times to her request for more details. My guess is they are blogging in Japanese which is why the Japan Times did not include any links.
So if the Wakkanai tourism association is interested I would be more than happy to accept a trip up to the northern tip of Hokkaido to see more of the spectacular scenery.
This was intended to be an entry for this month's Japan blogs Matsuri which is hosted by Billy at Tune-in-Tokyo on the subject of Living on a budget in Japan. But, I am not sure after all that rambling, it counts on the subject of how to save money? What are your thoughts on bloggers posting for perks and could you save money from it if you have a blog?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Dear Leader picks a Jong Un
This was what I meant to post, just before I went on holiday on 16 Jan, but I ran out of time to publish it.
Today's front page news in the Japan Times was the story the Kim Jong Il has named a successor: his son Kim Jong Un. I hope the newspapers in Switzerland can find some pictures of the young man from his days at the International School in Bern because no one else seems to know what the potential Darling Leader looks like.
My first and last blog post for January 2009 I'm afraid. I'm off on holiday for a couple of weeks. I hope to see some wild tigers in the national park of Kanha in northern India.
I came back to Tokyo this morning to find Dear Leader still in the Japan Times, but relegated to page 4 with news that NK are threatening to scrap all accords with South Korea. Huh? I didn't think they had any worth scrapping. The 'Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea' said "...inter Korean relations have reached the brink of war". Err hold on, every single news item I read about NK, always ends with the reminder that actually the two countries are still technically at war? How much closer are you to war really? Anyway, it doesn't sound very peaceful to me.
I agree with Mr Rhoo from Hyundai Securities who was quoted as saying "Market participants are sick and tired of the North's rah rah.. investors remain pretty much unmoved now".
On page 13 The Korea Times's leading article from Jan 29th is also reproduced. It seems Mr Kim has been saying something different to the Chinese about his plans for peace. It also include "Pyongyang should put what it says into action while Seoul ought to show some magnanimity and tolerance toward what it thinks as its inferior rival in both political and economic terms." harsh but true words, but isn't that what South Korea are already doing?
It sounds like Mr Kim's health has improved significantly recently, so I expect to see a lot more NK stories in the future.
To make up for the lack of posts this month, next month will include a number of items on my recent holiday including : The Taj Mahal, and Bengal tigers.
Today's front page news in the Japan Times was the story the Kim Jong Il has named a successor: his son Kim Jong Un. I hope the newspapers in Switzerland can find some pictures of the young man from his days at the International School in Bern because no one else seems to know what the potential Darling Leader looks like.
My first and last blog post for January 2009 I'm afraid. I'm off on holiday for a couple of weeks. I hope to see some wild tigers in the national park of Kanha in northern India.
I came back to Tokyo this morning to find Dear Leader still in the Japan Times, but relegated to page 4 with news that NK are threatening to scrap all accords with South Korea. Huh? I didn't think they had any worth scrapping. The 'Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea' said "...inter Korean relations have reached the brink of war". Err hold on, every single news item I read about NK, always ends with the reminder that actually the two countries are still technically at war? How much closer are you to war really? Anyway, it doesn't sound very peaceful to me.
I agree with Mr Rhoo from Hyundai Securities who was quoted as saying "Market participants are sick and tired of the North's rah rah.. investors remain pretty much unmoved now".
On page 13 The Korea Times's leading article from Jan 29th is also reproduced. It seems Mr Kim has been saying something different to the Chinese about his plans for peace. It also include "Pyongyang should put what it says into action while Seoul ought to show some magnanimity and tolerance toward what it thinks as its inferior rival in both political and economic terms." harsh but true words, but isn't that what South Korea are already doing?
It sounds like Mr Kim's health has improved significantly recently, so I expect to see a lot more NK stories in the future.
To make up for the lack of posts this month, next month will include a number of items on my recent holiday including : The Taj Mahal, and Bengal tigers.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Feet Man Seoul in Japan Times
A quick shout out for Mike Hurt AKA The Metropolitician AKA Feet Man Seoul. Not only is he appearing on Arirang TV these days, but I was delighted to see his fashion photos this morning in the Japan Times.
On my way to work I spotted the half page spread by Shawn Despres entitled "Spicy Food, sexy idols and now fashion." including no less than five photos all from FeetManSeoul.com. Some quotes include:
On my way to work I spotted the half page spread by Shawn Despres entitled "Spicy Food, sexy idols and now fashion." including no less than five photos all from FeetManSeoul.com. Some quotes include:
"A few years ago, any self-respecting Japanese young woman would have died of shame rather than be caught in the same outfit her Korean cousin was flaunting in Myeongdong. Now, vacationing Japanese populate those shopping corridors on clothing hunts."
"Until very recently, suits or other formal wear were requirements for men, as were dresses, high heels and makeup for women," explains Michael Hurt, the editor in chief of Feet Man Seoul, South Korea's first street-fashion magazine.
"As any Korean knows, a man walking the streets in the '90s in shorts and sandals would be stared at, or a woman without makeup in an office situation would be thought of as rude or lazy."
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Korean Olympic Athletes had Secret Weapon
South Korea won a very respectable 13 gold medals in the recent Olympics. But did they partake in any special performance enhancing chemicals? Was Kimchi perhaps the secret of their success or did Bosingtang give them the stamina to last the race? No the truth behind their strong performance is unveiled:
The state-run Korea Ginseng Corp admitted to AFP that Archers and weightlifters received a regular supply of Korean red ginseng.
The herb known as "the root of life" has been cultivated in Korea for 1,500 years and is steadily adding to its fan club overseas.
While it is especially popular among athletes, Koreans in general attribute a variety of powers including stress relief, anti-ageing and even better sexual performance to its light yellow-coloured fleshy roots.
I leave you to draw your own conclusions. Should the Koreans be stripped of their medals? or left to their own delusions.
The state-run Korea Ginseng Corp admitted to AFP that Archers and weightlifters received a regular supply of Korean red ginseng.
The herb known as "the root of life" has been cultivated in Korea for 1,500 years and is steadily adding to its fan club overseas.
While it is especially popular among athletes, Koreans in general attribute a variety of powers including stress relief, anti-ageing and even better sexual performance to its light yellow-coloured fleshy roots.
I leave you to draw your own conclusions. Should the Koreans be stripped of their medals? or left to their own delusions.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Seoul Ranks 9th in Centres of Commerce Index
I've just got back from holiday and I've read that MasterCard have rated Seoul 9th in their index of Worldwide Centres of Commerce published earlier this month.
London, New York and Tokyo take the top three slots, Singapore Chicago and Hong Kong follow them and Seoul rates just behind Frankfurt and Paris. The survey, prepared by a panel of experts, rates 75 cities on seven categories: Legal and political framework, Economic stability, Ease of doing business, Financial flow, Business centre, Knowledge creation and information flow, Livability.
Surprisingly Seoul ranks 4th in the Financial flow category, ahead of Tokyo, based on the number of transactions in Banking, Insurance, Financial services, Equity, Derivatives and Commodities. That could be related to the fact that Seoul is the major city in South Korea, while in Japan, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuoka have stock exchanges which were counted separately from Tokyo.
One thing they do not seem to have taken into account are the laws relating to the location of computers for processing banking transactions. These must be physically located in South Korea, which for a multinational bank can be a bit of a hindrance. Switzerland used to have similar laws, but these were relaxed about five years ago. It's another reason Seoul will continue to rank behind the main three centres in Asia and struggle to stay ahead of the burgeoning cities of China and India.
London, New York and Tokyo take the top three slots, Singapore Chicago and Hong Kong follow them and Seoul rates just behind Frankfurt and Paris. The survey, prepared by a panel of experts, rates 75 cities on seven categories: Legal and political framework, Economic stability, Ease of doing business, Financial flow, Business centre, Knowledge creation and information flow, Livability.
Surprisingly Seoul ranks 4th in the Financial flow category, ahead of Tokyo, based on the number of transactions in Banking, Insurance, Financial services, Equity, Derivatives and Commodities. That could be related to the fact that Seoul is the major city in South Korea, while in Japan, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuoka have stock exchanges which were counted separately from Tokyo.
One thing they do not seem to have taken into account are the laws relating to the location of computers for processing banking transactions. These must be physically located in South Korea, which for a multinational bank can be a bit of a hindrance. Switzerland used to have similar laws, but these were relaxed about five years ago. It's another reason Seoul will continue to rank behind the main three centres in Asia and struggle to stay ahead of the burgeoning cities of China and India.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Videos from Japan
There's been a couple of videos of life in Japan on other blogs that I feel worth a mention.
One from Stafford which shows what I'm like in the morning on a Japanese train trying to read my newspaper. It turns out to be from an improv comedy group in Osaka called Pirates of the Dotombori. I look forward to seeing them in Tokyo some time.
Another one from Annie at Going Underground on how crowded trains used to be back in 1991. I'd like to point out that, while it does get very busy on the trains here, I have never seen it that bad.
And finally, one of Yi So-yeon on her return to earth after a rather hard landing. (H/T RokDrop)
One from Stafford which shows what I'm like in the morning on a Japanese train trying to read my newspaper. It turns out to be from an improv comedy group in Osaka called Pirates of the Dotombori. I look forward to seeing them in Tokyo some time.
Another one from Annie at Going Underground on how crowded trains used to be back in 1991. I'd like to point out that, while it does get very busy on the trains here, I have never seen it that bad.
And finally, one of Yi So-yeon on her return to earth after a rather hard landing. (H/T RokDrop)
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
First Korean in Space
Since Mike hasn't blogged about it yet, I thought I would get the word out that his favourite astronaut Yi So-yeon blasted off from the Baikonur space centre in Kazakhstan at 11:16 GMT.
I like the way the BBC comment how South Korea paid $20m for the mission.
Update at 12:15 AM:
CNN has the most detailed coverage and notes that she is also the youngest female astronaut.
Yonhap makes Korea the 36th Country to send an astronaut into space and KBS agrees with that count while Korea Times make it the 37th country.
Arirang mentions her plans to introduce her country's traditional food and beverages such as kimchi specially developed and packaged for space to the crew aboard the ISS.
The Joong Ang has not confirmed the launch yet.
The Korea Herald has the story, but it's not easy to give a direct links to the page.
The Chosun Ilbo just has her photo.
The Hankyoreh has a column from a Professor of Sogang University about the subject.
The Dong-A-Ilbo has an editorial proclaiming "Korea needs strong policies to catch up with space powers".
I like the way the BBC comment how South Korea paid $20m for the mission.
Update at 12:15 AM:
CNN has the most detailed coverage and notes that she is also the youngest female astronaut.
Yonhap makes Korea the 36th Country to send an astronaut into space and KBS agrees with that count while Korea Times make it the 37th country.
Arirang mentions her plans to introduce her country's traditional food and beverages such as kimchi specially developed and packaged for space to the crew aboard the ISS.
The Joong Ang has not confirmed the launch yet.
The Korea Herald has the story, but it's not easy to give a direct links to the page.
The Chosun Ilbo just has her photo.
The Hankyoreh has a column from a Professor of Sogang University about the subject.
The Dong-A-Ilbo has an editorial proclaiming "Korea needs strong policies to catch up with space powers".
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
New features at the Korean Blog List
As long time readers will know, I am a big fan of Alan's Korean Blog List. Alan lives in Tokyo these days, but he still maintains the list very diligently. I went out for drinks with him, not that long ago, and he mentioned that he hoped to put some improvements in place on his site.
I got an email from him yesterday to let me know that he has implemented the first of the new features on his website. If you have a blog on his list you can now go to the site and change your blog listing. You can also declare your nationality and location. In the future, when enough bloggers have updated their details, this will become a searchable attribute. He promises other features are coming soon.
I took a quick look at some of the new blogs on the list and there are, as always, plenty of new and interesting blogs on Korea out there. The total number listed stands at 399 this evening.
These are some I liked, in no particular order :
Your Daily Shot of Soju An ESL teacher in Seoul with some amusing observations on life.
That One Moment Some high quality pictures from a lady photographer based in Seoul.
The Constant Crafter Becky has some amusing photos and stories of life in Suwon.
Lemon Soju Alan's own blog. Lots of advice on losing weight.
Mr. Glenn, Memoirs of a Geezer tag line : "0 hours : 0 mins : 0 secs until now". Glenn has just completed six months of Life in "The EnglishZone" in Incheon and seems to be surviving OK. (excellent photo there.)
Seen in Jeonju Dedicated to Korean Movies.
Gyopo Wife A recently married gyopo, who has moved to Seoul from LA, shares her tales.
Egg Bop "Exchanging thoughts about Korean food, craft, art, and culture".
Any many, many more.
I got an email from him yesterday to let me know that he has implemented the first of the new features on his website. If you have a blog on his list you can now go to the site and change your blog listing. You can also declare your nationality and location. In the future, when enough bloggers have updated their details, this will become a searchable attribute. He promises other features are coming soon.
I took a quick look at some of the new blogs on the list and there are, as always, plenty of new and interesting blogs on Korea out there. The total number listed stands at 399 this evening.
These are some I liked, in no particular order :
Your Daily Shot of Soju An ESL teacher in Seoul with some amusing observations on life.
That One Moment Some high quality pictures from a lady photographer based in Seoul.
The Constant Crafter Becky has some amusing photos and stories of life in Suwon.
Lemon Soju Alan's own blog. Lots of advice on losing weight.
Mr. Glenn, Memoirs of a Geezer tag line : "0 hours : 0 mins : 0 secs until now". Glenn has just completed six months of Life in "The EnglishZone" in Incheon and seems to be surviving OK. (excellent photo there.)
Seen in Jeonju Dedicated to Korean Movies.
Gyopo Wife A recently married gyopo, who has moved to Seoul from LA, shares her tales.
Egg Bop "Exchanging thoughts about Korean food, craft, art, and culture".
Any many, many more.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Get Seoul into The Monopoly World Edition
Quick, tell all the Koreans you know. They can get Seoul on to the forthcoming board game "Monopoly Here and Now World Edition", just by voting for it.
Just go to Hasbro's Monopoly Here and Now World Edition site, register your email address and vote for your favourite city.
The 20 pre-selected cities with the highest worldwide votes will make it onto the board. Plus, you will have from February 29 to March 9 2008 to vote on the most nominated Wildcard cities. Only the top two will make it on the board.
Hurry folks, voting ends 28th Feb. They have disabled the leader board, so you are running blind until the results are announced.
Just go to Hasbro's Monopoly Here and Now World Edition site, register your email address and vote for your favourite city.
The 20 pre-selected cities with the highest worldwide votes will make it onto the board. Plus, you will have from February 29 to March 9 2008 to vote on the most nominated Wildcard cities. Only the top two will make it on the board.
Hurry folks, voting ends 28th Feb. They have disabled the leader board, so you are running blind until the results are announced.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Tokyo Players: NY Style Comedy
I just got back from the Punchline comedy night at Pizza Express that I mentioned before. It was an excellent night of stand-up comedy at its best. Mandy Night was wickedly abusive to many members of the audience. The lawyer in the front row certainly got a lot of attention from her and I wish I could have seen the expression on the young lad who was with his parents when she was trying to embarass him with her desire for young men. Tommy Campbell had me spilling my drink with his story about the dog and a condom. Carey (from the Dairy) Marx, with his teddy bear named Parsnip, told some cracking jokes and stories of a seriously non PC nature.
It's only now, after I revisited their website, that I notice that it is run in association with The Comedy Store London which explains why it felt so much like being back in England. That, and the fact that 99% of the audience were expats.
The Japan Times this morning was advertising some more comedy, this time with more of an American flavour. The Tokyo Players are presenting a comedy play entitled "The Plaza Suite" which sounds very good. The newspaper is running a lottery to win a pair of tickets. Just go to this page and use the password "comedy" before Feb 22nd. The shows are on Feb 29th, March 1st and March 2nd at the Akasaka V Theater which is a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Station on the Chiyoda Line. Tickets are ¥4,000 for adults. For more information and bookings, go to www.tokyoplayers.org.
Meanwhile in Korea, not comedy but music, I spotted Mark Russell of Korea Pop Wars has started the Korea Gig Guide so that you can find out what's going on in the Korean live music scene. Well done Mark, it looks as if it's off to a great start with plenty of gigs on the calendar.
He's based the idea on the Tokyo Gig Guide which I had not heard of until now. Another two links to add to the blogroll.
It's only now, after I revisited their website, that I notice that it is run in association with The Comedy Store London which explains why it felt so much like being back in England. That, and the fact that 99% of the audience were expats.
The Japan Times this morning was advertising some more comedy, this time with more of an American flavour. The Tokyo Players are presenting a comedy play entitled "The Plaza Suite" which sounds very good. The newspaper is running a lottery to win a pair of tickets. Just go to this page and use the password "comedy" before Feb 22nd. The shows are on Feb 29th, March 1st and March 2nd at the Akasaka V Theater which is a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Station on the Chiyoda Line. Tickets are ¥4,000 for adults. For more information and bookings, go to www.tokyoplayers.org.
Meanwhile in Korea, not comedy but music, I spotted Mark Russell of Korea Pop Wars has started the Korea Gig Guide so that you can find out what's going on in the Korean live music scene. Well done Mark, it looks as if it's off to a great start with plenty of gigs on the calendar.
He's based the idea on the Tokyo Gig Guide which I had not heard of until now. Another two links to add to the blogroll.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Everyday Koreans
Stafford at the Chosun Bimbo was delighted to have one of his many photos from the Changing of the Guard ceremony accepted by Seoul Selection for inclusion in the 'Everyday Koreans' photo section of their regular newsletter.
Last year I tried for several months taking photos everywhere I could to try to get a great shot for Everyday Koreans. I was happy with this one I took in Yeouido park one lunchtime:
but I was disappointed it was not selected.
Seoul Selection are always looking for new photos, so why not submit you favourite photo of everyday scenes in Korea. Send them to Hank Kim at Seoul Selection with a caption and a brief, one line bio.
Last year I tried for several months taking photos everywhere I could to try to get a great shot for Everyday Koreans. I was happy with this one I took in Yeouido park one lunchtime:
but I was disappointed it was not selected.
Seoul Selection are always looking for new photos, so why not submit you favourite photo of everyday scenes in Korea. Send them to Hank Kim at Seoul Selection with a caption and a brief, one line bio.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Romanization of Hanguel
Thanks to a comment on Gdogs Daily Kimchi I found Jin Park's blog. The Winter Sunlight. He is doing research into the Romanization of the Korean alphabet (Hanguel). It's a subject I'm sure a lot of westerners are interested in, so if you'd like to help Mr Park out, check out his blog.
My comment was that one thing the government should do is focus on getting everyone to use the same romanization system everywhere.
It's no good the Korea Herald writing Pusan, while everyone else is calling it Busan.
I understand it took a while to change over to the "new system" released a few years ago, but now you have a system please stick with just the one. Any debate about changing it will just confuse everyone.
Korean is difficult to pronounce because westerners are not familiar with it. The romanization is not the problem, because however we say "Bang" or "Pang" (as in "PC Bang") it never sounds correct to Koreans because the sound of the first syllabale is somewhere between the two.
Go over to his blog more discussion on Romanization.
My comment was that one thing the government should do is focus on getting everyone to use the same romanization system everywhere.
It's no good the Korea Herald writing Pusan, while everyone else is calling it Busan.
I understand it took a while to change over to the "new system" released a few years ago, but now you have a system please stick with just the one. Any debate about changing it will just confuse everyone.
Korean is difficult to pronounce because westerners are not familiar with it. The romanization is not the problem, because however we say "Bang" or "Pang" (as in "PC Bang") it never sounds correct to Koreans because the sound of the first syllabale is somewhere between the two.
Go over to his blog more discussion on Romanization.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Travel Journalist required to go to Korea
I just got this in a newsletter from Seoul Selection which may be of interest:
The Magazine Seoul Selection is looking for reporters and writers who can contribute pieces on Seoul's travel and culture scene to major global media.
Seoul Selection is currently bidding for a Seoul Metropolitan Government program to help foreign media cover the city, and we welcome any story suggestions from foreign journalists, regardless of nationality and language.
Selected journalists will come to Seoul for a one-week stay, and be provided with any and all support they require, including airfare, accommodation and interpreters.
Please send your story idea, name of your media company, resume and a story sample to hank < at > seoulselection.com, preferably by Jan 21. Even if we fail to win the bid, we will convey your ideas to the city. If you'd like some assistance with story ideas, please ask by email.
I wish them luck in their presentation.
The Magazine Seoul Selection is looking for reporters and writers who can contribute pieces on Seoul's travel and culture scene to major global media.
Seoul Selection is currently bidding for a Seoul Metropolitan Government program to help foreign media cover the city, and we welcome any story suggestions from foreign journalists, regardless of nationality and language.
Selected journalists will come to Seoul for a one-week stay, and be provided with any and all support they require, including airfare, accommodation and interpreters.
Please send your story idea, name of your media company, resume and a story sample to hank < at > seoulselection.com, preferably by Jan 21. Even if we fail to win the bid, we will convey your ideas to the city. If you'd like some assistance with story ideas, please ask by email.
I wish them luck in their presentation.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
IT Job with Top Investment Bank in Seoul
I work for a prestigious investment bank that is recruiting IT support staff for the equities trading floor in the heart of Seoul's business district. There are two positions open, they require hands-on support of a wide range of business-critical applications and leading-edge technologies. The roles are varied and dynamic, with the opportunity to manage projects and to be directly involved in IT procurement.
Both roles require good technical skills in a Windows desktop environment. Knowledge of Market Data Systems and Linux experience would be an advantage.
The candidates are also expected to be fluent in English and Korean and to have a good education to at least university degree level.
Please submit your resume here. I guarantee a response within 48 hours.
All applications will be treated with complete confidentiality.
Update: These positions are still available.
Both roles require good technical skills in a Windows desktop environment. Knowledge of Market Data Systems and Linux experience would be an advantage.
The candidates are also expected to be fluent in English and Korean and to have a good education to at least university degree level.
Please submit your resume here. I guarantee a response within 48 hours.
All applications will be treated with complete confidentiality.
Update: These positions are still available.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Dating and Dating for Dollars in Daegu Nov 24
Another forum on which I often give travel advice about South Korea is Trip Advisor.
Whilst sifting through the hoards of "what should I do in Seoul for 8 hours" questions I noticed an event that may be of interest to anyone in Daegu on Nov 24 2007.
A Canadian lady called Mel is organising a "Dining for Dollars and Wooing for Won" evening at the Moon Hwa Wedding Hall near MBC juction in downtown Daegu. The theme of the evening is speed dating and gambling. The proceeeds go to charity projects in both Korea and Kenya.
She's already raised $600 in her previous fund raising effort for a orphanage.
More details on her website MelsProjects
Whilst sifting through the hoards of "what should I do in Seoul for 8 hours" questions I noticed an event that may be of interest to anyone in Daegu on Nov 24 2007.
A Canadian lady called Mel is organising a "Dining for Dollars and Wooing for Won" evening at the Moon Hwa Wedding Hall near MBC juction in downtown Daegu. The theme of the evening is speed dating and gambling. The proceeeds go to charity projects in both Korea and Kenya.
She's already raised $600 in her previous fund raising effort for a orphanage.
More details on her website MelsProjects
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Standup Comedy in Seoul : Nov 11.
A few months ago we enjoyed the first of BH Production's 'Standup Comedy nights'. Thanks to being on their mailing list I can tell you that in November they are presenting another night of comedy at the B1 Lounge in Itaewon.
Don't miss Bryan Erwin and Nathan Timmel for an outstanding night of comedy. Bryan Erwin and Nathan Timmel, two professional comedians in the United States, are being brought over to Korea for a one night only show in Itaewon.
Bryan Erwin's comedic appeal is universally apparent: audiences everywhere can identify with his take on life, or as he puts it, "an ongoing series of awkward, uncomfortable moments." His satirical style has been featured at legendary comedy clubs such as the Comedy Store, the Improv, and the Laugh Factory.
Nathan Timmel is known for his edgy, observational humour unmercifully directed at contemporary culture and politics. Nathan has entertained audiences at numerous comedy clubs around the world, and looks forward to unleashing his act on a Seoul audience for the first time.
Venue: the B1 Lounge, Itaewon, line 6, exit 1. Go out exit 1, turn right at KFC, walk up about 20 meters. The B1 Lounge is on your left.
Time: Doors open at 5pm. Show starts at 6pm. General seating.
Tickets: 35,000 won, includes one free drink.
Here's a clip of Bryan on child birth, he sounds pretty funny.
Bryan Erwin "Me, marriage and birth"
Bryan Erwin | Cild birth
I must find some Comedy clubs in Tokyo!
Don't miss Bryan Erwin and Nathan Timmel for an outstanding night of comedy. Bryan Erwin and Nathan Timmel, two professional comedians in the United States, are being brought over to Korea for a one night only show in Itaewon.
Bryan Erwin's comedic appeal is universally apparent: audiences everywhere can identify with his take on life, or as he puts it, "an ongoing series of awkward, uncomfortable moments." His satirical style has been featured at legendary comedy clubs such as the Comedy Store, the Improv, and the Laugh Factory.
Nathan Timmel is known for his edgy, observational humour unmercifully directed at contemporary culture and politics. Nathan has entertained audiences at numerous comedy clubs around the world, and looks forward to unleashing his act on a Seoul audience for the first time.
Venue: the B1 Lounge, Itaewon, line 6, exit 1. Go out exit 1, turn right at KFC, walk up about 20 meters. The B1 Lounge is on your left.
Time: Doors open at 5pm. Show starts at 6pm. General seating.
Tickets: 35,000 won, includes one free drink.
Here's a clip of Bryan on child birth, he sounds pretty funny.
Bryan Erwin "Me, marriage and birth"
Bryan Erwin | Cild birth
I must find some Comedy clubs in Tokyo!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Seoul City Hall construction site hoarding
These are some photos I took, before I left Seoul, of the hoardings around the construction site beside City Hall. As I have mentioned before, the Koreans build very high quality hoardings around the building sites and put a lot of effort into making them look attractive. The hoardings beside City Hall are particulary impressive.
From a distance it looks just like a normal picture.
As you approach you realise it might be some sort of mosaic
As you get closer you see it is made up of small photos.
Once you stand beside it you realise how cleverly it has been put together.
The artist has used thousands and thousands of different photos, some of them going back to the 1980's of all sorts of places, events and subjects. The photos do not appear to have been altered in any way, and yet they create the picture you see from a distance.
It's well worth taking a close up look if you've seen it from a distance. I haven't been able to find out anything about the artist or how they did it so if any knows or can find out I would be most interested.
Update: Thanks to Mark for the explanation. It's a Photographic Mosaic. Obvious really! There are at least ten programs available to download to create your own mosaic, and there are also online applications, here's one, so it's not as difficult as I first thought.
Update 2: Thanks to Mr Kim at the Delta Eagle's OC for letting me know it's from www.byplot.com. It's made up of 6 million images.
Update 3: Thanks to anonymous, the artist's name is Sylver Kang. He used Mazaika software. You may see some more information on his website http://www.mazaika.com/seoul2007.html
From a distance it looks just like a normal picture.
As you approach you realise it might be some sort of mosaic
As you get closer you see it is made up of small photos.
Once you stand beside it you realise how cleverly it has been put together.
The artist has used thousands and thousands of different photos, some of them going back to the 1980's of all sorts of places, events and subjects. The photos do not appear to have been altered in any way, and yet they create the picture you see from a distance.
It's well worth taking a close up look if you've seen it from a distance. I haven't been able to find out anything about the artist or how they did it so if any knows or can find out I would be most interested.
Update: Thanks to Mark for the explanation. It's a Photographic Mosaic. Obvious really! There are at least ten programs available to download to create your own mosaic, and there are also online applications, here's one, so it's not as difficult as I first thought.
Update 2: Thanks to Mr Kim at the Delta Eagle's OC for letting me know it's from www.byplot.com. It's made up of 6 million images.
Update 3: Thanks to anonymous, the artist's name is Sylver Kang. He used Mazaika software. You may see some more information on his website http://www.mazaika.com/seoul2007.html
Friday, October 19, 2007
Volunteer Tour Guides offered in Seoul
I often visit the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forum website and offer advice to travellers asking about Korea.
Today I saw a posting that I thought deserves a wider audience.
A group of Koreans have created a small organistion to offer Free guided tours of Seoul.
This is from Youngdae Kwon, the organiser's website :
Free Tour Guide in Seoul, non professional volunteer organization, was launched for helping overseas visitors experience Korean culture and customs.
Free Tour Guide in Seoul offers overseas visitors a free guided tour in and around Seoul, which has a myriad of exciting and appealing attractions.
Since we are volunteer guides, our members may not speak your native language perfectly. We can only offer visitors the services at weekends. However, we are full of energy, heart-warming hospitality, and cultural insights. Our latest information ensures that you will have a memorable experience in Seoul.
Even if you already live in Seoul, all overseas people are welcome. We may know about Seoul more than you do!
All you need to do is visit his website, complete the short request form and email it to him at the address on the site.
If anyone does take a tour with Mr Kwon, please let me know how you get on.
Today I saw a posting that I thought deserves a wider audience.
A group of Koreans have created a small organistion to offer Free guided tours of Seoul.
This is from Youngdae Kwon, the organiser's website :
Free Tour Guide in Seoul, non professional volunteer organization, was launched for helping overseas visitors experience Korean culture and customs.
Free Tour Guide in Seoul offers overseas visitors a free guided tour in and around Seoul, which has a myriad of exciting and appealing attractions.
Since we are volunteer guides, our members may not speak your native language perfectly. We can only offer visitors the services at weekends. However, we are full of energy, heart-warming hospitality, and cultural insights. Our latest information ensures that you will have a memorable experience in Seoul.
Even if you already live in Seoul, all overseas people are welcome. We may know about Seoul more than you do!
All you need to do is visit his website, complete the short request form and email it to him at the address on the site.
If anyone does take a tour with Mr Kwon, please let me know how you get on.
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