Thursday, June 30, 2011

The 5th World Taekwondo Culture Expo Kicks Off in Muju


The 5th World Taekwondo Culture Expo will take place in Jeollabuk-do Muju-gun from July 8th to July 13th. This year, about 2,000 athletes from 31 countries worldwide are expected to participate in the Expo under the theme of ‘Youth, Dream, Friendship and Coexistence.’

Following the athletes’ arrival and registration on the first day, the Expo will kick off on July 9th at Muju Dome Stadium with an opening ceremony and congratulatory performances. Subsequently, various programs including seminars on Taekwondo-related topics such as Taekwondo aerobics and self-defense, as well as Poomsae (a set of movements of offense and defense set for self-training), Gyeorugi (sparring) and Gyeokpa (board smashing) competitions will be held. Finally, the visiting athletes will compete in a friendly tournament on July 12th before departing on the last day of the Expo.

More info
2011 World Taekwondo Culture Expo
☞ Period & Venue: July 8–July 13 / Jeollabuk-do Muju-gun
☞ Admission: Free
☞ Homepage: www.wtcexpo.net (Korean, English)
☞ Related InformationTaekwondo
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-63-1330 (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1321703

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

KBS Music Bank Invites 100 Global K-pop Fans


In celebration of its 8th Founding Anniversary, Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) World is inviting 100 K-pop fans from around the world to the popular Korean live music show, Music Bank, for its ‘2011 Half-yearly Wrap-up & KBS World the 8th Founding Anniversary Special Event’ on July 1st. Starting at 18:00, the Special Event will feature K-pop stars, including 2PM, CN.BLUE, IU, 4MINUTE, G.NA and Kim Taewoo, who have ranked 1st and 2nd in the weekly Music Bank chart during the first half of the year.

International K-pop fans who wish to attend the Special Event must submit a congratulatory letter on the KBS World Founding Anniversary, their photo, a copy of their identification and a statement of intent for participation in the ‘K-pop Dance & Singing Contest’ via email by June 23rd at midnight. Applicants willing to participate in the contest will have priority in obtaining the admission ticket to the show. Furthermore, the winner of the contest will receive an iPad, autographed CDs, 1-month free activation coupon for KBS World I, as well as a chance to take photos with the K-pop stars.

Meanwhile, starting in July, Music Bank will be broadcast live through KBS World in 72 countries worldwide.

[Application for Admission to Music Bank]
☞ Eligibility
Must be a non-Korean national.
Must be at least 15 years of age (i.e. born before 1997) for residents in Korea.
Must be at least 18 years of age (i.e. born before 1994) or be accompanied by a parent for residents outside Korea.
☞ Application Materials
1 Congratulatory letter on the KBS World Founding Anniversary (Letter of intent)
1 Photo
1 Copy of Identification
1 Statement of intent for participation in the ‘K-pop Dance & Singing Contest’ (Please include a song title & number of participants)
☞ Application Submission: kbsworldevent@gmail.com
☞ Application Period: June 14th-June 23rd
☞ Winners Announcement: June 24th-June 25th
* Winners will be contacted via e-mail.
* Winners are expected to be present in the lobby of KBS IBC Building (KBS Shin-gwan, 신관) at 14:00 on July 1st.
☞ KBS WORLD Homepage: http://kbsworld.kbs.co.kr (Korean, English)
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1313351

Monday, June 20, 2011

ក្រុមហ៊ុន​អាកាសចរណ៍​អាស៊ី​ធ្វើ "ស្តេច" នៅ​ពិព័រណ៍​យន្តហោះ​ប៉ារីស

បើ​សិន​ជា​ដូច​ពាក្យ​គេថា “អតិថិជន​ជាស្តេច” មែន ក្រុមហ៊ុន​អាកាសចរណ៍​មក​ពី​អាស៊ី គឺ​​ជា​ស្តេច នៅ​ក្នុង​ពិព័រណ៍​យន្តហោះ​ប៉ារីស នៅ​ឆ្នាំ​២០១១​នេះ។ យន្តហោះ​រាប់រយ​គ្រឿង​ គិតជាទឹកប្រាក់​រាប់​សិបពាន់លាន​ដុល្លារ នឹង​ត្រូវ​បញ្ជាទិញ​ដោយ​ក្រុមហ៊ុន​អាកាសចរណ៍​មកពី​​អាស៊ី ជាពិសេស​ មកពី​ម៉ាឡេស៊ី និង​ឥណ្ឌា។
ពិព័រណ៍​យន្តហោះ​ប៉ារីស (ឬ​ពិព័រណ៍ Bourget) បានចាប់ផ្តើម​បើកទ្វារ​ជាផ្លូវការ នៅ​ព្រឹកថ្ងៃ​ចន្ទ ២០​ មិថុនា ២០១១​នេះ សម្រាប់​រយៈពេល ៧ថ្ងៃ។ នេះ​គឺ​ជា​ពិព័រណ៍​យន្តហោះ​ដ៏ធំបំផុត នៅលើពិភពលោក ដែល​គេ​តែងតែ​រៀបចំ​ធ្វើ​ជារៀងរាល់ពីរឆ្នាំម្តង។ ក្រៅពី​ការ​ដាក់តាំង និង​ការ​ហោះហើរ​បង្ហាញ​យន្តហោះ​ថ្មីៗ ទំនើបៗ ពិព័រណ៍​យន្តហោះ Bourget ក៏​ជា​ឱកាស​​ដ៏ល្អមួយដែរ ការ​ទិញ-លក់​យន្តហោះ។

ពិព័រណ៍​យន្តហោះ​ឆ្នាំ​នេះ បាន​ចាប់ផ្តើម​បើកទ្វារឡើង ជាមួយ​នឹង​ក្តីសង្ឃឹមថា ទីផ្សារ​អាកាសចរណ៍​នឹង​ចាប់ផ្តើម​ងើបឡើងវិញ បន្ទាប់​ពី​បាន​ឆ្លងកាត់​វិបត្តិ​សេដ្ឋកិច្ច ពី​ឆ្នាំ​២០០៨​មក។ យន្តហោះ​រាប់រយគ្រឿង ជាពិសេស យន្តហោះ​របស់​ក្រុមហ៊ុន Airbus ​នឹង​ត្រូវ​បញ្ជាទិញ​ដោយ​ក្រុមហ៊ុន​អាកាសចរណ៍​មកពី​អាស៊ី។

ក្រុមហ៊ុន​អាកាសចរណ៍​​មួយ​​របស់​ម៉ាឡេស៊ី ឈ្មោះ Air Asia (ទើប​នឹង​បង្កើតឡើង​បាន ៩ឆ្នាំ) នឹង​បញ្ជាទិញ​យន្តហោះធុន A320 របស់​ក្រុមហ៊ុន​ Airbus ចំនួន ២០០​គ្រឿង គិតជាទឹកប្រាក់ ១៧ពាន់លាន​ដុល្លារ។ នេះ​គឺ​ជា​ការ​បញ្ជាទិញ​ដ៏ច្រើន​សន្ធឹកសន្ធាប់​មិនធ្លាប់​មាន​ក្នុង​ប្រវត្តិ​ទីផ្សារ​អាកាសចរណ៍។

ការបញ្ជាទិញ​ដ៏​ធំ​ពីរទៀត គឺ​មក​ពី​​ក្រុមហ៊ុន​ឥណ្ឌា (​​ក្រុមហ៊ុន Indigo និង Go Air)។ Indigo នឹង​បញ្ជាទិញ​យន្តហោះ​ Airbus ចំនួន ១៨០​គ្រឿង ចំណែក Go Air ទិញ ៧២​គ្រឿង។​ ក្រុមហ៊ុន​អាកាសចរណ៍​ផ្សេងទៀត​មកពី​អាស៊ី ដូចជា ហ្វ៊ីលីពីន និង​ថៃ ជាដើម ក៏​នឹង​បញ្ជាទិញ​យន្តហោះ​ជាច្រើន​គ្រឿង​ដែរ ក្នុង​ឱកាស​ពិព័រណ៍​នេះ។

ការ​បញ្ជាទិញ​យន្តហោះ​ដ៏ច្រើន​សន្ធឹកសន្ធាប់​ដោយ​ក្រុមហ៊ុន​អាកាសចរណ៍​​អាស៊ីនេះ គឺ​ជា​ការ​បញ្ជាក់​ថា អាស៊ី​ពិត​ជា​បាន​ងើបចេញ​ពី​វិបត្តិ​សេដ្ឋកិច្ច​បាន​លឿន​ជាង​តំបន់​ផ្សេងទៀត​មែន។ ព្រមជាមួយ​នឹង​សក្តានុពល​ដ៏ធំធេង​នៃ​​ទីផ្សារ​ដឹកជញ្ជូន​តាម​អាកាស​ផង​នោះ អាស៊ី​​គឺ​ជាមុខសញ្ញា​ទីមួយ​របស់​ក្រុមហ៊ុន​ផលិតយន្តហោះ ដូចជា Boeing និង Airbus ។

អាស៊ី​គឺ​ជា​តំបន់​ដែល​មាន​ប្រជាជន​ច្រើន​ជាង​គេបំផុត នៅលើពិភពលោក ក្នុង​នោះ ចិន និង​ឥណ្ឌា សុទ្ធសឹង​ជា​ប្រទេស​ដែល​មាន​ប្រជាជន​ច្រើន​ជាងគេ​លំដាប់​លេខ១ និង​លេខ២ (ប្រជាជន​ចិន​មាន​ប្រមាណ ១ពាន់ ៣រយ​លាន​នាក់ ចំណែក​ឥណ្ឌា មាន​ប្រមាណ ១ពាន់ ២រយលាន​នាក់)។ គិតជាសរុប ប្រជាជន​នៅអាស៊ី​មាន​រហូតដល់ទៅ​ជាង ៤ពាន់​លាន​នាក់ (ជាង ៦០% នៃ​ប្រជាជន​ពិភពលោក)។ ក៏ប៉ុន្តែ រហូតមកទល់ពេលនេះ សេវាកម្ម​ដឹកជញ្ជូន​តាមផ្លូវអាកាស នៅមាន​កម្រិត​ទាប​នៅឡើយ បើ​ធៀប​នឹង​ចំនួន​ប្រជាជន។

តាមរយៈ​កំណើន​សេដ្ឋកិច្ច ដែល​មាន​អត្រា​​ខ្ពស់​ជារៀងរាល់​ឆ្នាំ គេរំពឹង​ថា ប្រជាជន​នៅអាស៊ី ដែល​មាន​ចំណូល​មធ្យម​នឹង​មានការ​កើនឡើង​ខ្ពស់។ តម្រូវការ​នៃសេវាកម្ម​ដឹកជញ្ជូន​តាម​ផ្លូវអាកាស​ក៏​នឹង​មាន​ការ​កើនឡើង​យ៉ាងខ្លាំង​ដែរ នៅ​ពេល​ឆាប់ៗ​ខាងមុខ​នេះ។ ក្រុមហ៊ុន Boeing និង Airbus រំពឹង​ថា ដល់ពេលនោះ ក្រុមហ៊ុន​អាកាសចរណ៍​នៅអាស៊ី​ប្រាកដ​ជា​ត្រូវ​ការ​យន្តហោះ​ច្រើន ដើម្បី​​បំពេញ​តម្រូវការទីផ្សារ។

ក៏ប៉ុន្តែ ក្នុងពេលជាមួយ​គ្នា​នេះ ចិន​ក៏​កំពុង​ចាប់ផ្តើម​បោះជំហាន​ចូល​ក្នុង​ឧស្សាហកម្ម​ផលិតយន្តហោះ​ដែរ នៅពេលនេះ។ នៅ​ឆ្នាំ​នេះ ចិន​បាន​យក​យន្តហោះ​របស់ខ្លួន​មក​ដាក់តាំង​បង្ហាញ​ជាលើក​ទីមួយ នៅក្នុង​ពិព័រណ៍​យន្តហោះ​ Bourget ។ ទៅថ្ងៃ​អនាគត ចិន​​អាច​នឹង​ក្លាយ​ទៅជា​គូប្រជែង​​មួយ​របស់​ Boeing និង Airbus ជាពិសេស សម្រាប់​ទីផ្សារ នៅ​អាស៊ី៕

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Biography of 'Ice Queen' Kim Available in Korean


The Korean version of a book about figure-skating queen Kim Yu-na that chronicles her rise to the pinnacle of the sport is now available at bookstores in the country.

The translation is a product of two famous children's book authors. American Christine Dzidrums wrote the original text of "Yuna Kim: Ice Queen," and Korea's Roh Kyung-sil broadened the book's access to Korea's non-English speakers. It is being distributed in Korea by Creative Media Publishing.

Dzidrums, who established her credentials in the realm of winter sports by writing a popular biography of Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette, pieces together a gripping narrative in her latest opus. It begins with how Kim fell in love with figure skating when visiting an ice rink with her parents at the age of seven. After watching a performance by American star Michelle Kwan on TV, she then began cradling her dream of winning an Olympic gold medal in the sport.

Kim realized her ambition at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver by seeing off Japanese rival Asada Mao to seize a gold medal despite harboring a number of injuries. As such, the biography focuses on the theme of overcoming adversity and never giving up on your dreams.
Link:http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/06/09/2011060900784.html

Saturday, June 18, 2011

ភាព​តានតឹង​​រវាង​កូរ៉េ​ទាំង​ពីរ​នៅ​លើ​ជោគ​វាសនា​នៃ​ជន​ភៀសខ្លួន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ជើង​៩​នាក់​


សេអ៊ូល​ឆ្លើយ​”ទេ”​ជាមួយ​ព្យុងយ៉ាង។ នៅ​ថ្ងៃ​សុក្រ​១៧​មិថុនា​នេះ សេអ៊ូល បាន​​ច្រាន​ចោល​សំណើ​ព្យុងយ៉ាង ស្តីពី​ មាតុភូមិនិវត្តន៍​ជន​ភៀសខ្លួន​កូរ៉េខាង​ជើង​មួយ​គ្រួរ​ដែល​មាន​គ្នា​៩​នាក់គឺ​បុរស​​៣​​នាក់​ ស្រ្តី​​២​​នាក់​ និង​​ក្មេងៗ​​​៤​​នាក់​។

ជនកូរ៉េខាងជើង៩នាក់នេះ បាន​រត់​​ភៀសខ្លួន​ពី​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​​​ជើង​​​​​ដោយ​​បាន​​​ឆ្លង​​កាត់​​​ព្រំដែន​​សមុទ្រ​​លឿង ​កាលពី​​ថ្ងៃ​សៅរ៍​ទី​១១ មិថុនា​មុន​តាម​កាណូត​​តូច​មួយ​គ្រឿង។​ព្យុងយ៉ាង បាន​ទាមទារ​នៅ​ថ្ងៃ​ព្រហស្ប​តិ៍​១៦​មិថុនា​ម្សិលមិញ ឲ្យ​សេអ៊ូល ធ្វើ​មាតុភូមិនិវត្តន៍​ជន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ជើងទំាងអស់ ដោយ​គូស​បញ្ជាក់​ថា ទំនាក់ទំនង​រវាង​ប្រទេស​ទាំង​ពីរនឹង​កាន់តែ​តានតឹង​ខ្លាំងថែមទៀត​​ប្រសិន​បើ​កូរ៉េខាង​ត្បូង​បដិសេធ​សំណើ​កូរ៉េ​ខាងជើង។
“ជន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ជើង​៩​នាក់​នោះ ​បានទទូចសុំ​សិទ្ធិ​ជា​ជន​ភៀស​ខ្លួន- ​ដូច្នេះ​យើង​នឹងត្រូវ​ដោះ ស្រាយ ​ទៅ​តាម​ឆន្ទៈរបស់ពួកគេ”។ នេះ​ជាសេចក្តីថ្លែង​របស់​អង្គការ​កាកបាទក្រហម​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​នៅក្នុង​សារមួយជូន​ចំពោះ​អង្គការ​កាក​បាទ​ក្រហម​កូរ៉េខាងជើង។

គួររំលឹកថា ចាប់តាំងពី​សង្គ្រាមនៅឧបទ្វីបកូរ៉េ​ បានបិទ​បញ្ចប់​នៅឆ្នាំ ១៩៥៣ គេ​ប៉ាន់​ស្មាន​ថា ​មានជនភៀសខ្លួនកូរ៉េខាងជើង​ចំនួន ២ ម៉ឺន​១ពាន់នាក់​ហើយ ដែល​បាន​រត់​ភៀស​ខ្លួន​មក​ដល់​កូរ៉េខាងត្បូងដោយជោគជ័យ។ ចំណែក​ កូរ៉េ​ខាងត្បូង មាននយោបាយ​អនុគ្រោះ​ដល់ជនជាតិ​កូរ៉េ​ខាងជើងណាស់! មិនថា​ជនជាតិ​កូរ៉េខាងជើង មានចេតនា​ឬ គិត​ទុកជាមុន​ឬ​ក៏​ដោយហេតុ​ចៃដន្យ​​ទេ កូរ៉េខាងត្បូង សុខចិត្ត​ទទួល​ឲ្យពួកគេ​ជ្រកកោនទាំងអស់ លើកលែងតែ​ពួកគេ​ស្ម័គ្រ​ចិត្ត ត្រឡប់ទៅ​​កាន់ស្រុកកំណើត​វិញ ទើប​កូរ៉េ​ខាងត្បូង​យល់ព្រម​ធ្វើមាតុភូមិនិវត្តន៍។

កាលពីខែកុម្ភៈមុន កប៉ាល់កូរ៉េខាងជើងមួយគ្រឿង ដឹកអ្នកដំណើរ​​ចំនួន៣១ នាក់ បាន​វង្វេ​ង​ទិសដៅ និងបានឆ្លង​ព្រំដែនចូលដល់កូរ៉េខាងត្បូងដោយចៃដន្យ។ បន្ទាប់ពី​ទីក្រុងព្យុងយ៉ាង​និង​សេអ៊ូល​ ធ្វើ​ការ​ចរចា​គ្នា​យ៉ាង​តឹង​សរសៃក​ដាក់គ្នា អស់​​២​ខែ​កន្លងមក ទីបំផុត សេអ៊ូល បាន​​បញ្ជូន​អ្នកដំណើរ​កូរ៉េ​ខាងជើង ​២៧​នាក់​​ទៅកាន់កូរ៉េខាងជើងវិញ។ ក៏ប៉ុន្តែ សេអ៊ូល បដិសេធ​មិន​ព្រម​បញ្ជូន​ខ្លួន​ជនកូរ៉េខាងជើង​៤នាក់ផ្សេងទៀតទេ ពីព្រោះអ្នក​​ទាំង​បួន​នាក់​នោះ បាន​សម្រេចចិត្ត​រស់នៅលើទឹកដីកូរ៉េខាងត្បូង ​ទោះបីជាក្រុម​គ្រួសារ​របស់​គេ​បាន​និយាយ​​អង្វរករ​​យ៉ាងណាក្តី ការអង្វរករ ដែលត្រូវបានគេចាក់ផ្សាយតាម vidéo។

ការប្រឈមមុខគ្នាដោយពាក្យសំដី ស្តីពី​ជន​ភៀសខ្លួន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ជើង​រត់​ចូល​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​នេះ ត្រូវ​​បាន​ប្រព្រឹត្ត​ទៅ ​ខណៈពេល​ដែល​កូរ៉េ​ទាំង​ពីរ ​មាន​ភាព​តានតឹង​ជាមួយគ្នា រួច​​ស្រេច​ទៅ​ហើយ​ ​ចាប់តាំងពី​ដើមឆ្នាំ២០១០មក និង បន្ទាប់ពី​ការវាយប្រហារ​របស់​កងទ័ពជើង​​ប្រឆាំង​នាវា​ចម្បាំង​​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​មួយ​គ្រឿង ដែល​ជាហេតុបណ្តាល​ឲ្យ​ស្លាប់​កងទ័ព​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​៤៦ នាក់។ មិនតែប៉ុណ្ណោះ កាលពីខែវិច្ឆិកា ២០១០ ការ​បាញ់​ផ្លោង​គ្រាប់បែក​របស់​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ជើង​ប្រឆាំង​កោះ​កូរ៉េខាងត្បូង ដែលបណ្តាល​ឲ្យ​​ស្លាប់​មនុស្ស​ចំនួន​៤នាក់ទៀត បាន​ជំរុញ​​ឲ្យ​​អធិករណ៍​រវាង​កូរ៉េទាំងពីរ ​ក្លាយទៅជាវិបត្តិ​អន្តរជាតិ។

យោង​តាមសាព័ត៌មានកូរ៉េខាងត្បូង នៅ​ថ្ងៃសុក្រ១៧មិថុនានេះ ទីក្រុងសេអ៊ូល បាន​ដាក់​ពង្រាយ​​​កាំជ្រួចមីស្ស៊ីល sol-sol ដែលអាចបាញ់ទៅដល់រដ្ឋធានីព្យុងយ៉ាង។ ព័ត៌មាននេះ ត្រូ​វ​បាន​ក្រសួងការពារជាតិកូរ៉េខាងត្បូងបដិសេធ ក៏ប៉ុន្តែ ទីភ្នាក់ងារព័ត៌មាន​yonhap និង Dong-A llbo​ អះអាង ថា ការដាក់ពង្រាយកាំជ្រួចមីស្ស៊ីលនេះ គឺ​ដោយហេតុ តែមាន​ភាព​តាន​​តឹង​​ខ្លាំង​នៅក្នុង​ឧបទ្វីបកូរ៉េ​នាពេលបច្ចុប្បន្ននេះ៕
Link:http://www.khmer.rfi.fr/S%C3%A9oul%20refuse%20the%20%20Nord%20Korean%20deman%20%20to%20repatriate%20the%20refugees%20%27sNorth%20Korea%20

ទាហាន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​ច្រឡំ​បាញ់​យន្តហោះ​ដឹកអ្នកដំណើរ​ស៊ីវិល


ទាហាន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​បាន​បាញ់​ទៅលើ​យន្តហោះ​​ដឹកអ្នកដំណើរ​មួយ​គ្រឿង ដោយ​ច្រឡំ​ស្មាន​តែ​ជា​យន្តហោះ​យោធា​របស់​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ជើង។ នេះ​បើ​យោងតាម​​​មន្រ្តី​ក្រុមហ៊ុន​អាកាសចរណ៍ និង​បណ្តាញ​ព័ត៌មាន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង Yunhap ។ ហេតុការណ៍​នេះ​មិន​​បាន​បណ្តាល​ឲ្យ​​​អ្នកដំណើរ​បាត់បង់​ជីវិត ឬ​របួស​​នោះទេ។
បើ​​យោងតាម​ទីភ្នាក់ងារ​ព័ត៌មាន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង ឈ្មោះ Yunhap ហេតុការណ៍​នេះ​បានកើត​ឡើង​នៅ​ព្រឹកព្រលឹម​ថ្ងៃ​សុក្រ ១៧ មិថុនា ២០១១។ យន្តហោះ​​ដែល​ទាហាន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​បាញ់​​នោះ គឺ​ជា​យន្តហោះ​ដឹកអ្នកដំណើរ​របស់​ក្រុមហ៊ុន​អាកាសចរណ៍​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​ខ្លួនឯង ឈ្មោះ Asiana Airlines។ នៅលើ​យន្តហោះ​នោះ មាន​ផ្ទុក​អ្នកដំណើរ​ចំនួន ១១៩​នាក់ ធ្វើ​ដំណើរ​មក​ពី​ប្រទេស​ចិន ឆ្ពោះ​ទៅកាន់​ព្រលាន​យន្តហោះ​អន្តរជាតិ​ក្រុង​សេអ៊ូល (កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង)។

អ្នកនាំពាក្យ​របស់​កងម៉ារីន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​បាន​ឲ្យដឹង​ថា នៅ​ពេល​ដែល​យន្តហោះ​ក្រុមហ៊ុន​ Asiana កំពុង​បន្ទាប​ខ្លួន​​ ដើម្បី​ចុះចត​នៅ​ព្រលាន​យន្តហោះ​សេអ៊ូល ទាហាន​​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​២រូប ដែល​កំពុង​យាម​នៅ​​លើ​កោះ​ក្បែរ​ព្រំដែន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ជើង ក៏​បាន​ធ្វើការ​បាញ់​ប្រហារ​ ​ ដោយ​ស្មានតែ​ជា​យន្តហោះ​យោធា​របស់​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ជើង។ ការបាញ់​ប្រហារ​នេះ​បាន​ធ្វើឡើង​ប្រមាណ​ជា ១០​នាទី ក៏ប៉ុន្តែ ប្រើ​សុទ្ធតែ​កាំភ្លើង​ដៃ​ប៉ុណ្ណោះ មិន​បាន​ប្រើ​កាំភ្លើង​សម្រាប់​បាញ់​យន្តហោះ​នោះទេ។ ហេតុដូច្នេះ​ហើយ​បានជា​​មិនបណ្តាល​ឲ្យ​មាន​ការ​ខូចខាត​លើ​តួ​​យន្តហោះ​ ហើយ​ក៏​មិន​បណ្តាល​ឲ្យ​មាន​អ្នកដំណើរ​ណា​ម្នាក់​ស្លាប់ ឬ​របួស​ដែរ។

កងម៉ារីន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​បាន​អះអាង​ថា ហេតុការណ៍​នេះ​កើតឡើង​ដោយសារ​តែ​យន្តហោះ​ដឹកអ្នកដំណើរនេះ​ហោះ​ខុស​ផ្លូវ ក៏ប៉ុន្តែ មន្រ្តី​ក្រុមហ៊ុន Asiana បាន​​អះអាងថា យន្តហោះ​នេះ​ហោះហើរ​តាម​គន្លង​ផ្លូវអាកាស​ជា​ធម្មតា​។

គួរ​បញ្ជាក់ថា ព្រលាន​យន្តហោះ​អន្តរជាតិ​​ក្រុង​សេអ៊ូល ស្ថិត​នៅ​ចម្ងាយ​ប្រមាណ​តែ ៤០​គីឡូម៉ែត្រ​ប៉ុណ្ណោះ ពី​ព្រំដែន​រវាង​កូរ៉េ​ទាំងពីរ។ កាល​ពី​ឆ្នាំ​ទៅមិញ​នេះ កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​បាន​ទទួលរងការ​វាយប្រហារ​ដល់​ទៅ​ពីរលើក បណ្តាល​ឲ្យ​បាត់បង់​ជីវិត​មនុស្ស​ប្រមាណ ៥០​នាក់ ក្នុងនោះ​ ក៏​មាន​ជនស៊ីវិល​ផងដែរ។

ហេតុការណ៍​បាញ់​ច្រឡំ​លើ​យន្តហោះ​ស៊ីវិល​​នៅពេលនេះ បង្ហាញកាន់តែ​ច្បាស់​ថែមទៀត​អំពី​សភាព​តានតឹង​រវាង​កូរ៉េ​ទាំងពីរ។ ទាហាន​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​​ទំនងជា​កំពុង​ស្ថិត​ក្នុង​ភាព​ប្រុងប្រយ័ត្ន​ រំពៃ​មើល​ជាប់ជានិច្ច​ខ្លាច​មាន​ការ​វាយឆ្មក់​ណាមួយ​ពី​​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ជើង៕
Link:http://www.khmer.rfi.fr/south-korea-soldiers-mistakenly-fired-at-civilian-jet

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Blow Away the Heat in Caves!

It was unusual that temperature in May recorded 28 degree in Celsius. It made us really worried about the coming summer. Well, it was right. Why don’t we go on a trip to a cool place? Where can be a better place rather than the ocean or a mountain that has many things to see and even has the freshness of early autumn?
Today we would like to proudly introduce the Korea’s beauty, Caves. There have been a lot geographical changes in this peninsula, which formed many magnificent sites in Korea. It might be a privilege for all of us in Korea to be able to enjoy it.
There are several kinds of caves. Limestone caves are formed by the rainwater which dissolves the limestone layer. Sea caves are formed by abrasion of the ocean wave. Lava caves are formed by lava flow. Artificial caves are formed on a specific purpose. There are more limestone caves and sea caves in Korea. Stalagmites, stalactites and stone pillars are so beautiful that more and more people keep visiting the caves. And this will guide you to explore the caves which are the gifts from the Mother Nature. Let’s take a look.

Korea’s only theme cave, Hwaam

(Source: Kookmin Ilbo)

Hwaam Cave located in Jeongsun, Gangwon-do is recognized as one of the great caves in Korea. It was listed in 1980 as the monument No. 33. Most of all, it is highly recognized for its beauty and it is also one of the eight beauties in Jeongsun, Gangwon-do. It is the only themed cave. The theme presents the ‘Meeting of the Gold and the Nature’. What makes it unique is that, Hwaam Cave has both coal mine and natural cave. To get to the starting point of the cave, you should take a shuttle train. You will truly feel the theme of the ‘Meeting of Gold and Nature’.
The tour length of Hwaam Cave is 1,803 meters and the tour takes approximately one and half hour. You can see some chapters in the cave. The chapters consist of ‘History’, ‘365 along with Gold Line’, ‘Wonderland’, ‘Gold world’, ‘Nature Wonder’. The cave was discovered while mining the gold, so there are many displays and exhibits inside are connected with Gold mine. You can see the times of mining gold and a gold vein. It is quite interesting to see gold bars. In addition, there are some displays showing various kinds of gold mines, the use of gold and the history of gold. It is already beyond the museum. For the children who easily get bored, there is a chapter of ‘Gold Ghost and Silver Ghost in Wonderland’ which are mascots of this cave. The Wonderland shows how to mine gold and make gold products from the children’s perspective. Actually, there are more family visitors in a cave tour.
You can also enjoy a geological beauty. Hundreds of stalactites hanging on the ceiling are spectacular. It looks like a curtain hung over the cave. It is not fair just to say “beautiful”, but it is natural to say “beyond the expression”.

Mystic geologic cave, Gosu

(Source: Newsis)

Many people said this Gosu Cave, located in Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do, is genuinely the best of all. Because there are many beautiful rocks, stalagmites, stalactites and stone pillars.
Gosu cave made of limestone layers is listed No. 256 as a natural monument. There are various creatures by the cave, which has high academic value. It is 1,200 meters long. However travelers have an access only to 600 meters inside for environmental conservation.
However, once you enter, you will definitely be amazed. It is so beautiful that you won’t be disappointed at not seeing the whole cave. Stalactites and stalagmites which grown up and down for a long period of time finally has become the limestone pillars. With that, you will feel the eternity of time.
The ‘Gom Bawi (Bear rock)’ that looks like a roaring bear is a mystic nature itself which makes you keep looking at it. ‘Cheondang SeongByeok (the Wall of the Castle of Heaven)’ has beautiful stalactites, which are very popular among many travelers who want to take a picture of them. In fact, it is very amazing to know that it takes 5 years and even 10 years for stalactites to grow up to 1 cm. Gosu Cave is made 5.4 million years ago. Once again, you can feel the eternity of time. During the journey, you will see a rock called a statue of the Virgin Mary. The rock looks like the Virgin Mary holding hands, kneeling and praying.
Before you go to Gosu Cave, there are several things you should remember. As the entrance road is very narrow, you have to be careful. A pathway inside of the cave is very narrow and steep. It is also very humid, so you might feel as if you were in the rain. It has 95 percent to 97 percent humidity, so that you’d better prepare the raincoat.

Hwanseon Cave, the undiscovered jewel in Asia

(Source: Yonhap News Agency)

“The largest limestones cave in Asia”. With this one sentence, we can recognize the magnificent status of Hwanseon Cave.
Hwanseon cave is located in Dei-ri, Samcheok, Gwangwon-do. Dei-ri means big ears. There are six caves in Dei-ri region. Only two caves, Daegeum Cave and Hwanseon cave, are open to travelers.
It takes long time to get to Hwanseon Cave. For this, they equipped mono rail for visitors, which used to take 30~ 40 minutes on foot. If you want to take a breath of mountain, walking is also recommended.
Hwanseon Cave is much bigger than any other caves. It has many valleys like small falls here and there uplifting a very unique atmosphere. Cave coral is the most popular place. It is hard to find anywhere in the world, so that many foreigners visit the Cave. There is an English information sign. Cave coral grows up on the wall where water comes out. Cave coral is also called Cave Popcorn since it has a similar look. Many people capture the splendid scenery that looks like a King’s throne. We hope you to take a close look at this throne.
The cave is good for travel in both summer and winter. Cool in summer, warm in winter. How about watching magnificent view and relaxing your mind in cave tour during the summer that made us tired and stressed?
Link:http://blog.naver.com/korea_brand/10111330284

Convenient Traffic System of Korea

Almost all foreigners say that Korea has an excellent public transportation system. In Korea, you can reach everywhere by bus or subway. It is considered a superb system in terms of its access and cleanness.
Korea’s transportation system is now recognized as one of the finest example among other countries. In the past, however, many Koreans complained of ineffective subway and complicated road systems. But after it adopted the transit discount system and better equipped subway systems, situation got much better than ever.
Comfortable Public Transportation System


(Source: Yonhap News Agency)

There has been so much improvement in traffic system, and now Korea’s traffic system is regarded excellent all over the world. Most importantly, the subway and bus companies do not compete with each other for passengers, which became a win-win situation.


(Source: Yonhap News Agency)

For example, the transit discount system helps passengers save their money, which is found only in Korea. For this reason, many policy makers from other countries visit Korea to learn more about Korea’s traffic system. It is common for Korean to pay with digital card when taking a bus, but still in many countries, people are paying cash.
Moreover, a variety of bus and subway line also considered remarkable. Since all buses were divided into four colors- blue, green, red and yellow- according to the routes, it became much convenient to take buses even in rush hour.

Stretching to the world

Korean subway is also well-known for its cleanness in the world. In addition, the screen door is highly recognized as it prevents passengers from harmful air and unexpected hazardous circumstances.

Finally, Korea got to recently export its bus traffic system to Philippines. The official said that Gyeonggi-do made an agreement for mutual cooperation with MMDA(Metro Manila Development Agency) on 27th last month with the attendance of Kim Moon-Soo, the Governor of Gyeonggi-do and Francis Tolentino, the chairman of MMDA, Philippines. Followed by this agreement, Gyeonggi-do will share the policies on Metro traffic systems such as BMS (Bus Management System) and BIS (Bus Information System) and will cooperate on building the infrastructure of Manila.
Gyeonggi-do will share the information on how to adopt CNG bus, traffic card system, and transit discount system and how to build Bus terminal complex.

(Source: Chosun Ilbo)

Korean companies will cover the technical matters. Manila development agency of Philippines Metro announced that they will integrate four major traffic systems such as Metro, Bus, Jeepney, and Tricycle. For this, the chairman Tolentino asked cooperation during his visit to Gyeonggi Province last February. Kim Moon Su, the governor of Gyeonggi-do said that this agreement will help Philippines build more efficient traffic system. Furthermore it will definitely be the innovative traffic system in Philippines as well.

It seems that Korea’s transportation system is moving ahead to the World along with ‘Korean Wave, Hallyu’. However, generosity comes first than institutions and systems. Let’s make the world that human is always comes before the cars.
Link:http://blog.naver.com/korea_brand/10111307413

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

'Please Look After Mom' Goes Global


Following its success in the United States, Korean author Shin Kyung-sook’s bestselling novel, ‘Please Look After Mom,’ is gaining recognition in other parts of the world. In Italy, the novel has already become a bestseller.

Moreover, ‘Please Look After Mom’ has recently been translated into French, marking the third novel by Shin, after ‘A Lone Room’ and ‘Li Chin,’ to be translated into French. With 20,000 copies in print, four times the typical amount for first editions, the novel’s first edition in French is looking to inspire the French readers.

Meanwhile, in addition to 18 countries that initially requested translation and publication of ‘Please Look After Mom,’ nine more countries including Serbia, Greece, Russia and Finland have requested translation of the novel into their respective languages, further bolstering the novel’s international acclaim.
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1306855

Korean Scientists Give Hope to Gastric Cancer Patients

A newly developed treatment for gastric cancer by a group of Korean researchers has been attracting international attention after proving that the procedure can reduce the likelihood of tumors recurring in the wake of a gastrectomy, or the partial or full surgical removal of the stomach.

Patients who follow-up on surgery by injecting the XELOX regimen, a combination of the two chemotherapeutic agents capecitabine and oxaliplatin, have a greater chance of recovering from operable gastric cancer, according to the new study by Dr. Bang Yung-jue of Seoul National University.

The findings of the study were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting on Tuesday. The study randomly administered the XELOX regimen to cancer patients from a pool of more than 1,000 people. It then compared the progress of those who received the treatment with those who did not.
Link:http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/06/09/2011060901141.html

백지영(Baek Ji Young) _ 보통(BoTong) MV

Park Ji-Sung Tells Vietnamese Kids to Dare to Dream


Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung overcame stunted growth as a child and lived on a diet of frog stew to become one of Asia's most respected athletes. Now he hopes to encourage young Vietnamese children to follow their dreams by hosting the inaugural Doosan Asian Dream Cup on Wednesday in Ho Chi Minh City.

"I would like to give inspiration to all of those children of Vietnam who dream of becoming a soccer player, and to let them know that they too can become great players," Park said when asked about the maiden project of his charity-based JS Foundation.

Vietnam's divided history is one of the reasons why he chose it to host the event, which will feature world-class soccer players from the continent, the former captain of Korea's national side said during a press conference at Incheon International Airport on Monday.
"I have heard that soccer is very popular in Vietnam. One of the reasons why we chose Vietnam as the site of our first charity project is because of the way in which the country has also had this tragic experience in its history of being torn in two," he said before boarding a plane for Ho Chi Minh. The game will kick off in the city's Thong Nhat Stadium at 8 p.m. (Korean time).

The JS Friends' team is made up of Park and former or current national teammates Park Chu-young, Lee Chung-yong, Ki Sung-Yueng, Lee Young-pyo and Jung Jo-gook. Hidetoshi Nakata and Daisuke Matsui of Japan and Li Weifeng of China also join the side, which will be coached by Yoo Sang-chul, a bulwark of the Korean national team from 1994 to 2005. They will face Navibank Saigon FC in Vietnam's first league.

Park said he was originally hoping to be joined by one of his Manchester teammates, but that national duty got in the way. "Unfortunately my friend and teammate Patrice Evra cannot participate due to the schedule of the French national team," he said.

United coach Sir Alex Ferguson sent words of support and encouragement through a video message. "I would like to say that Ji-sung is a fantastic professional. He has a real caring heart. Whatever he is going to achieve out there, I hope he finds he enjoys it," he said, before praising his attacking midfielder's "fantastic contribution to the welfare of others."

"You [Park] are fantastic that way. Have a good day, all the success," Ferguson added.
Link:http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/06/14/2011061400923.html

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

The rise of Korean contemporary art


As the art market sees gradual recovery after years of recession, Korean artists on the international art scene are matching their talents with major art institutions across the globe. Exhibits dedicated to showcasing contemporary Korean art and artists are opening in cities filled with art and culture like Venice and Basel.

Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale (June 4 – November 27, 2011)

The Korean Pavilion (www.korean-pavilion.or.kr) at the Venice Biennale held a preview on June 2. Promoted by the Arts Council Korea and conceived by Yun Cheagab, an independent curator, the exhibit features 14 works by media artist Lee Yongbaek under the theme “The Love is gone, but the Scar will heal.”
Lee, who is known for addressing social issues with religious and political themes, uses a variety of technologies in his work, from video installations to robotic sculptures. Currently on display at the Korean Pavilion is “Pieta,” two modern reinterpretations of the Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo, and “Angel Soldier,” a series of video performances of describing the march of a soldier disguised in flowers. “Broken Mirror,” is about the complex relationship between reality and illusion, inviting self-reassessment and reflection.

Lee Hyerim is featured at Glasstress 2011 (www.glasstress.org), a collateral event of the Venice Biennale, which focuses on the glass arts, while Lee Ufan is taking part in the group exhibition “The World Belongs to You” at Palazzo Grassi, organized by François Pinault Foundation. (left): Lee Hye Rim, Strawberry Garden, 2011, 3D animation (Courtesy of the artist and Kukje Gallery)

The 54th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale will be open to the public from June 4 to November 27, under the theme “ILLUMInazioni (Illumination)." Under the direction of the Swiss curator and critic Bice Curiger, this year’s “Olympics of contemporary art” welcomes artists from 89 countries, marking it the biggest Biennale in its history. For more information, please visit the official website at: www.labiennale.org (English and Italian)

Haegue Yang solo exhibition at Modern Art Oxford (June 11 – September 4, 2011)

Haegue Yang, who represented Korea at the Venice Biennale two years ago, has continued to participate in group and solo exhibitions at some of the world’s most recognized art museums. Following her participation in “Your Bright Future: 12 Artists From Korea (2009)” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Yang held several solo exhibitions including “Voice and Wind (2010-11)” at New York’s New Museum and “Arrivals (2011)” at Kunsthaus Bregenz (www.kunsthaus-bregenz.at).


(left) Haegue Yang © 2009 Museum Associates/LACMA – Los Angeles County Museum of Art (right) Haegue Yang, Can Cosies – Brechbohnen 400g, 2011, cans with knitted covers, each 400g, knitting yarn Height: 11 cm, diameter: 10 cm, Installation variable, Photo © Nicolas Pelzer

Her first solo exhibit in the United Kingdom, “Teacher of Dance,” will take place at Modern Art Oxford. The exhibition presents a collection of abstract but harmonious constructions juxtaposed in a synthetic manner. For more information, please visit the official website at: www.modernartoxford.org.uk (English).

Art 42 Basel (June 15 – 19, 2011)

Every June, the small Swiss city of Basel welcomes art lovers and buyers from across the globe to Europe’s biggest contemporary art fair. Art Basel features nearly 300 leading galleries in 37 different countries. The Kukje Gallery (www.kukjegallery.com) is participating for the 13th time this year, including artworks by Rhee Kibong, Lee Ufan, Park Seobo and Haegue Yang.


Rhee Kibong, Edge of Sensorium, 2011, acrylic, plexiglas and mixed media on canvas, 162 x 172 cm; Façade of None, 2011, acrylic, plexiglas and mixed media on canvas, 109 x 103 cm, © Tina Kim Gallery, New York (Courtesy of Kukje Gallery)

Rhee Kibong, who is currently having a solo exhibition entitled “There is No Place” at the New York-based Tina Kim Gallery (www.tinakimgallery.com), has been particularly strong at art fairs, selling out several years in a row, leading to high expectations for this year.

Along with the retrospective “Lee Ufan: Marking Infinity,” starting on June 24 at the Guggenheim (www.guggenheim.org), a series of the artist’s meditative paintings will be on display at the Kukje Gallery’s booth.

A selection of artworks by an international cadre of renowned Korean artists, including Kimsooja and Lee Bul, will be also on view during this year’s Art Basel. For more information, please visit the official website at: www.artbasel.com (English).

Weekend Leisure & Sports Events Held in Jeju


Various leisure and sports events are scheduled to take place in Jeju on the first weekend of June. On June 4th, the 5th National Hallasan Mountain Hiking Event will be held from 09:00 to 16:00. Over 800 hikers are expected to participate in individual and group (5 people or more) races to finish the designated Hallasan Mountain hiking course within a limited time (4hrs 30min). On June 4th and 5th, the 22nd National Underwater Photo-taking Competition will be held in Seogwipo Beach. Around 300 amateur photographers, who are also certified divers, will try to take the best underwater pictures off the coasts of Munseom, Supseom and Beomseom Islands. Finally, on June 5th, the 9th Jeju Superman Triathlon will take place on the coastal road from Seogwipo Seongsanpo to Sehwa. Over 200 triathletes from across the country are expected to compete in the 173km-race combining swimming, cycling and marathon.
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1301883

Namsan Million Person Walking Festival’ to Host the Final Walk


The last of the three-part ‘Namsan Million Person Walking Festival’ walking event series will take off from Namsan Fountain Square at 10:00 on June 11th. Anyone is welcome to join the event for free, and choose to walk either a 7.5km full course or a 3.0km half course. Several performances including Samulnori (farmers’ percussion quartet) and Russian Tango will be held before the walking begins. All participants will be provided with complimentary beverages and milk, while lucky draw prize of backpacks and walking-shoes will be given away. Participants may register online prior to the festival.
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1301884

Monday, June 6, 2011

Fendi Fashion Show to Go Ahead Despite Protests


Luxury goods brand Fendi will go ahead with a fashion show at the Floating Island on the Han River in Seoul despite strong opposition from anti-fur activists.

The company said on Monday that it reached a deal with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to hold the event on June 2 as scheduled and that it will feature fur products as planned.

When the plan for the show was first revealed, animal rights groups voiced outrage that it would feature fur items, and the city government reconsidered its approval and said it would not allow it without Fendi dropping the fur products.
However, the city government changed its position again, saying, "It is virtually impossible to cancel the show since a worldwide broadcast has been scheduled. As the plan was modified to include the whole range of Fendi's fall-winter collection, we hope people do not focus only on the fur products."

Animal rights groups were angered by the latest decision, and said they will organize a protest of some 300 people at the venue on the day of show.
Link:http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/05/24/2011052400790.html

Seoul Metropolitan Government and Nike Jointly Hold the 2011 Nike Women’s Race Seoul 7K



The Seoul Metropolitan Government will team up with Nike to jointly hold the 2011 Women's Race Seoul 7K (http://www.nikewomensrace.co.kr), a seven-km race in which the participants will run from the Peace Plaza in World Cup Park to the turning point in Seoul Citizens’ Park and back to the plaza, from 2 pm on June 4. Some 6,000 women in their 20s will run in the race, which will serve as an opportunity to promote Seoul’s beauty to the world.
The 2011 Women's Race Seoul 7K is an international running event aimed at encouraging women to pay attention to their health and develop their self-confidence. It is known as a global festival for women.

Amid the general lack of events or competitions designed for women, and with few activities available for women in their 20s to enjoy, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has organized this race to raise their awareness of health issues, and to generate the momentum for a new paradigm of festival for the younger generations.
Participants will take part in the race clad in orange T-shirts, which are designed symbolize happiness, high expectations, and good fun. As such, an orange-colored human belt interlinking the Peace Plaza, Haneul Park, Hangang Park and Gureumdari will be formed. The seven-km race will be followed by a “commemorative concert,” which will be held to enable the runners to stretch, relax and recover properly from fatigue amid a beautiful music performance.

The Commemorative Concert, to be held at the Peace Plaza in World Cup Park, is open not only to the race participants but also to the general public. The concert will feature a visual art performance, song performances by singer Kim Tae-woo, and a powerful hip-hop performance by Tiger jk - Yoon Mi-rae.
Link:http://english.seoul.go.kr/gtk/news/news_view.php?idx=15130

Sunday, June 5, 2011

CNNGo Lists 50 Reasons Why Seoul Is a Great City


Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yu-na performs at the KCC Switzen 2011 All That Skate Spring ice show at Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul on May 6. /Newsis

CNNGo, the 24-hour news channel’s Asian culture website, on Wednesday offered "50 reasons why Seoul is the world's greatest city." It also describes Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yu-na as "the pride of every Korean's heart."

Besides Kim, which it calls "an ice princess you actually like," CNNGo also lists Korean food including galbi (grilled beef ribs), kimchi, bibimbap (rice with mixed vegetables and meat) and live squid, actresses who lead the Korean Wave, G-Dragon of the popular boy band Big Bang, Incheon International Airport, COEX, and Korean sauna or jjimjilbang.

Seoul also boasts the "wildest celebrity scandal" involving the divorce of Korea's "cultural president" Seo Tai-ji and actress Lee Ji-ah, according to the site.

Seoul Venues Host Dano Celebrations


Various festivals and events are taking place in the run-up to Dano, one of the three major holidays in Korea together with Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) and Chuseok (Thanksgiving Day). The 2011 Dano Korean Traditional Music is scheduled to take place on June 4th at Dream Forest. It will feature 30 different types of cultural experience programs including making Dano fans and washing hair in Changpo (iris) water during the day, while staging various types of traditional and folk music as well as trot music (oldest Korean pop genre) in the evening. Meanwhile, Dano Family Event will be held on the same day at Bukchon Cultural Center. The event will offer such cultural experience programs as making traditional rice cakes and folding fans and learning tea etiquette. Visitors may reserve their spots for the cultural programs over the phone or sign up on the spot.
More info
<2011 Dano Korean Traditional Music Concert>
☞ Time & Location
13:00–21:30 / Grass Square at Dream Forest
☞ Homepage: www.seoulgugakfestival.org (Korean)
☞ Free admission


☞ Time & Location
10:00–16:00 / Bukchon Cultural Center
☞ Program fees: 10,000 won per person
☞ Reservations: +82-2-3707-8388 (Korean, English)
* Please provide your name, contact information, number of people joining the event, and desired time slots
☞ Homepage: bukchon.seoul.go.kr (Korean)

☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Korea ballet, Fly high to the world!

Korean ballet is on focus nowadays. Two main ballet companies of Korea, 'Korea National Ballet (KNB)', and 'Universal Ballet (UB)', are now internationally acknowledged for their artistic latent energy, being compared to world-class ballet companies. In fact, Korea ballet was out of B30 (Ballet Ranking Top 30) ten years ago. But now its reputation has been prominently enhanced, as Korean ballet troupes are being invited to foreign countries, surely raising the pride of Korea’s dance world.

Image : Kyunghyang Sinmun

The world’s eye on Korea ballet
KNB has been leading the popularization of ballet, performing 81 times in 2009, 123 times last year throughout the country including its capital city, Seoul. Last year KNB performed in Bolshoi Theater (Bolshoi Teatr) and Mariinskii Theater (Mariinskii Teatr), creating a better reputation of Korean ballet. Recently, KNB was invited to theaters of Italy and France and currently further schedules in details are under discussion. A specific plan for a performance at San Carlo Theater (Teatro San Carlo) in Napoli, Italy will be carried out by this October. This theater is one of the most prominent theaters comparable to La Scala Theater in Milan (Teatro alla Scala di Milano) or Rome Opera House of Italy. Stressing the fact this historic stage was founded 39 years before the globally honored La Scala Theater in Milan, the invitation is much more meaningful.

KNB is also invited to 'Les etes de la danse', a dance festival held in Paris and further schedules for the 2014 performance are as well under discussion. In addition, KNB is planning to perform in Caracalla Theater (Terme di Caracalla) and Rome Opera House next year. Especially this performance will be a very historical occasion for Korea, as Italy is a birthplace of ballet, and France is meaningful home of ballet where it became an independent art genre.

UB is also planning to have a tour in 40 countries within the next 3 years. 'Shim Chung' and 'Giselle' is already scheduled to perform in 8 cities of 6 countries including Taiwan (April), Singapore (May), U.S.A. and Canada (July), Japan (September), and Oman (November) this year. Most of these concerts were attained by UB directly contacting the local theaters who happened to respond with great enthusiasm.

Shim Chung’ an original ballet of Universal Ballet staged in Taipei, Taiwan

Last year UB staged an original ballet ‘Shim Chung’ in Taipei. The 1,500 seats of the National Theater of Taiwan were full with audiences and after the performance enthusiastic response and applause has continued for over ten minutes; there were some people who did not leave the hall even after the three curtain calls, proving how successful the show was. Not actually the Western ballet but the music, costumes, and stage effects that well featured Korean characteristic was what captured the eyes of the Taiwanese audiences. It is worth to note that the National Theater of Taiwan is very selective about the quality of the performance to put on stage while little chances are open to foreign organizations. The fact UB of Korea has won such opportunity, especially with sponsored stage facilities charges and stay expenses, indicates the notably enhanced reputation of Korean ballet.


The rise of Korean ballet masterpieces

With many rising young talented ballet dancers, the future of Korean ballet is more than positive. The number of ballet audiences is growing as well as that of ballet lovers who search for shows of their favorite dancer to send wholehearted support. Korean ballet companies are now being invited to renowned ballet theater overseas. What has made such transition?

First, Korean ballet companies who has been collaborating with foreign staffs now are being recognized for their talent. ‘Giselle’ recently staged by KNB was possible with the positive feedbacks of the foreign staffs who worked with the troupes in Korea before. Such feedbacks shared with other professionals in the overseas dance field led opportunities for Korean ballet troupes to prove their talent and stage performances in front of the world audience.

Besides, Korean ballet dancers who successively take main roles on international ballet stages, join world-class ballet companies and win international ballet competition awards has been another significant factor that helped Korean ballet to win favorable attention from the world. Now these dancers from Korea have good physique as a ballet dancer equivalent to fellow Westerners and exceptional talent receiving great compliments. Hyo-Jung Kang, who studied in Sunhwa arts school of Korea and now a ballet soloist of Stuttgart Ballet, Germany has been selected to take the Juliet role of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Sang-Eun Lee, former member of UB and who recently joined Dresden Semperoper Ballet has won a role of La bayadere. These young dancers, both having experiences performing classic and modern repertories, have proved the high standard of Korean ballet with skills and physique comparable to any other world dancers. Even in Russia, a ballet power, Korean dancers are taking their roles and joining classic programs such as ‘Swan Lake’ of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

Prince HoDong’ an original ballet of Korea National Ballet

The high standard quality of Korean ballet programs is one other contribution. Korean ballet companies are creating and staging original ballet performance such as ‘Prine HoDong’ or ‘Sim Chung’ that features the aesthetic of Korea, while foreign choreographers has been invited to teach ballet techniques upgrading the skills of Korean ballet dancers. The beautiful combination of traditional Korean melody and classic ballet movements are what captures the eyes and hearts of foreign audiences. The powerful and futuristic Korea ballet performance was enough to give a strong impression to the overseas audience of e.g. Poland and Russia; it was no doubt ballet, a Western dance genre, but beautifully performed by dancers from the Eastern land, Korea.


From ballet to classic art

Since the new millennium, the reputation and fame of Korean ballet has been remarkably enhanced, thanks to frequent exchanges with foreign ballet troupes and performing arts professionals.

Yet it is true in Korea, classic art including ballet has been still trapped in the image of an aristocratic art genre. Even in contemporary times with its long tradition and expensive ticket prices it has been considered as a culture to be enjoyed by the privileged. Also the exclusiveness of ballet is a problem to solve. In Korea, people still think of romantic ballet or classic ballet as its typical type, which in fact consists of most of all performances that are shown on stage these days. In overseas, the percentage of classic and contemporary ballet is half and half. Korea should now put more effort to promote contemporary ballet and overcome the stereotypical image of the genre so that more people can enjoy ballet as a popular cultural activity.

Image : Munhwa Ilbo

A national prestige cannot be mentioned without its cultural status. With continuous efforts of performing arts professionals to promote classical art besides ballet supported with interests of the general public, we can expect a brighter future of Korean ballet glittering on world stage.
Link:http://blog.daum.net/korea_brand/1197

Gochang appeared in Mischelin guide!


(Source: Joongang Ilbo)

Have you heard the Mischelin guide? It is the most well known guidebook which is published by Tire company Mischelin in 1900. Actually the Mischelin is the renowned magazine that grades restaurants, which of the grading system is called 'Red Guide'. It hasn't been a long since it adopted the 'Green Guide' system which now grades the tourists' attraction. Well, it became sensational that Mischelin Co. will publish a 450 page of 'Mischelin guide-Green'.

The number of places in Korea mentioned in Mischelin guide are 23. There, we can find a rather unexpected name among other familia names, Dolmen Museum, which is located in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do. There are few people know where the Dolmen museum is actually located. In addition, not many people know that the dolmen is such an attractive place to visit. Isn't it good enough to visit this place? You will be surprised to know that it recorded the highest score, three stars. Gochang has the old heritage but it doesn't mean that it stuck in the past. Let's travel to Gochang.

Gochang Dolmen Museum

(Source : Korea Tourism Organization)

Dolmen is more than an tomb in the dim past. But before we begin, we need to learn the history of dolmen.

It first appeared at around the time when the Stone Age was shifting to the Bronze Age. Various tools and weapons used to be made of stone before the era, however, the number of people who got an access to bronze and copper increased, they became more powerful than the others who didn't have those tools. As the bronze and copper enabled them to have power to control the others, the concept of hierarchy, ruler, state were born in their society.

Dolmen was made to visualize the death of rulers. Goindol, Korean name of Dolmen, was originated from the word 'Goida' that means 'support(something heavy on it)'.

In December 2000, Gochang Dolmen was listed in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. Since then, as part of an effort to preserve and maintain the dolmens, the government built the dolmen park and museum. You can't have the experience anywhere else but in Gochang.

There are so many attractions in the Dolmen museum. Dolmen museum provides not only an overall introduction of dolmen, but also the glimpse of the life of those days. You'll see the old ancestors' life in the hut, and also learn how they buried the dead, how they cremated, and how dolmen was created. There are the prehistoric village, yard and dolmen model for experience next to the museum. You can try dragging a real size stone for building up the dolmen, putting the logs on the bottom.

It is 30 minutes distance between the museum and the dolmen sites. You can take a sightseeing train if you want. There are 30,000 dolmens in Korea and 2,000, which is 10% of the total number, are in Gochang. When you stand up on the dolmen field, you'll be amazed at their existence over 3,000 years.

A beautiful temple of Goryeo dynasty, Seonun Temple and Dosolam

(Source : Korea Tourism Organization)

There is a poetry 'Seonun-sa(temple) East' written by Seo Jeong-ju born in Gochang. Here is his poetry.

"I went to see camellia of Seonun-sa but it was too early to see. I just saw camellia of last year that remained in the song by the bar hostess in her Yukjabaegi rhythm" He wrote it with sorrow for unseen camellia. There is a song 'Seonun-sa' sung by Song Chang-sik. He praised the beauty of camellia. Like this, Seonun-sa is a beautiful but hidden attraction of Gochang.
As it appeared in literature and songs, Seonun temple has a unique beauty with beautiful nature. In particular, Seonun temple is famous for the beauty of camellias. Camellia wasn't planted for beauty, but for preventing the temple from fire. But they soon reached up to 2000 and have changed the forest into a beautiful hills. The Camellia forest represents the beauty of Seonun temple which is filled with red flowers in spring.

In addition, the scenery of the temple including the main building and Sumakjae will make you feel good, even carrying the scent of the temple. Also temple bell is enlisted as tangible cultural heritage of Chungcheonbuk-do. When you go up for half an hour after looking around Seonun temple, you will meet the magnificent beaut, Dosol-am. There you will understand why ancestors considered Mt. Seonun as another Mt. Geumgang, which is the most beautiful mountains in Korea. You will be fascinated at its rocks and trees. Do not miss the landscape in summe as well!

(Source: Yonhap News)

Maaebul, a carved buddha in mountain rocks, is the finest in Dosol-am enlisted as a national treasure No. 1200. It is overwhelming to see it which is embossed and engraved in harmony. 15.6 meters high and 8.48 meters wide of massive Maaebul is one of three carved buddha in size in Korea. There is a shrine in the pit of its stomach. In general, a shrine is used to store buddha statue or holy things. However, people believed that there was a secret book telling the kingdom's destiny in shrine. One day, an officer of Dong-hak, Son Wha-jung took it out. We still don't know whereabouts. It would be quite interesting to see Maaebul, imagining the event. After looking around Dosol-am, you will see a 600 year old pine tree which is a natural heritage No. 354. This is the end of journey to Seonun temple. There is a saying that there could be someone who has never been to Seonun temple, but no one visits only once, which means you would come again anyway.

Living together with past and present. Gochang's fortress and festival

(Source:: Korea Tourism Organization)

Did you know three old fortresses in Korea? Haemi- fortress, Nakan- fortress, Gochang- fortress. Haemi- fortess is well-known for history that many christians sacrificed their life. Nakan- fortress is well known for cool staying over place. However Gochang gives you a different image from the history. Actually, Gochang fortress was built by commoners to defend Korea from Japan. After the era, Gochang fortress was abandoned so many years but fortunately restored in 1976.

When it was repaired, the stone from nature was used in order to bring in the nature itself. It's not completely restored but a guest house, jail and several buildings were built, which is quite breezing to travellers' mind.

When you walk along fortress of the Mt. Seonun, you will feel the fragrance of mountains and the magnificent huge landscape of mountains.

There are some nice roads. We can enjoy flowers and trees such as pine trees and bamboo trees. Gochang has a festival every year. Gochang has a big festival of Bokbunja in June. It also has a big festival of Watermelon in July. There is a saying that if you have Gochang- watermelon, you can't try any watermelon. Gochang watermelon is better than any others. Why don't you come over to the festival?


Gochang the 'hometown of nature, culture and happiness' where history stays alive
'Home town of nature, culture and happiness' is the slogan of Gochang. You will finally understand why the Michelin Guide included the dolmens of the Bronze Age, and the Seonun temple and Dosolam of Buddhism culture in the Goryeo dynasty.

Indulging in a variety of attractions of the Joseon Dynasty of Gochang is attraction itself. Gochang has the history and big event everyday. From the prehistoric Dolmen to modern day festival, Gochang has so many attractions.
Link: http://blog.naver.com/korea_brand/10110345703

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

2011 Summer Festivals (June – August)


June Festivals
In June, as spring comes to an end but summer has not yet kicked into full swing, towns throughout Korea are celebrating the season with festivals. A visit to one of the nation’s festivals is the perfect chance to get outside and enjoy the scenery, experience the culture of Korea, and meet the locals. Before the weather gets too warm, take a trip to the beach festival, flower festival, firefly festival, or any other of the exciting festival’s happening in Korea this month!
Haeundae Sand Festival
When: June 03, 2011 - June 06, 2011
Where: Haeundae White Sand Beach, Busan
Description: An eco-friendly celebration running under the theme of ‘Sand,’ the festival features beach-related events like sand walking paths, a Ssireum (씨름, Korean wrestling) competition, beach soccer, and beach volleyball. Hands-on experience programs are available including a ‘sandboard festival’ and making sandcastles. On the seashore, take pictures of the large sand sculptures created by the winners of the World Sand Sculpture Competition.
Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival
When: June 04, 2011 - June 06, 2011
Where: Chungcheongnam-do Seocheon-gun Hansan Mosi (Ramie Fabric) Museum area
Description: Hansan Mosi (한산모시, Ramie Fabric) is one of the world’s oldest fabric crops. On display at this unique festival are hundreds of beautiful clothes made from this humble plant. Skilled artisans guide visitors in the processing of the famed Hansan Ramie, demonstrating all the parts of the process: from how the plant is grown to how it’s spun into thread and used to make clothing.
Muju Firefly Festival
When: June 03, 2011 - June 11, 2011
Where: Jeollabuk-do Muju-gun region
(Hanpungnu Park, Namdaecheon Stream, Banditbul Stadium, Bandiland)
Description: The Namdaecheon Stream in the Muju region is a very special part of Korea; it’s a clean environment that provides the perfect habitat for fireflies. Visitors to the Firefly Festival are greeted by an unforgettable sight: tens of thousands of fireflies lighting up the warm summer night.
Gangneung Danoje Festival
When: June 02, 2011 - June 09, 2011
Where: Gangwon-do Gangneung-si Danojang
Description: The Gangneung Danoje Festival is an international celebration that has been designated as an ‘Intangible Cultural Asset’ by UNESCO. During the festival, visitors may enjoy traditional folk games played on Dano (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month) while sampling traditional Dano cuisine. Two of the main festival events are the cultural performances: ‘Danogut,’ a ritual performed to ask spirits for the good health and happiness of people; and the ‘Gwanno’ masked dance, a traditional masked dance where the ‘nobles’ and ‘commoners’ of society mingle together, their identities hidden by their masks.
July Festivals
July has a variety of refreshing, exciting festivals that will help you beat the summer heat. There’s no need to stay indoors this summer when you can visit a film festival and watch movies under the stars, roll around in the mud at the famous Boryeong Mud Festival, or enjoy a massive taekwondo demonstration. Keep reading to learn more about this month’s exciting events!
World Taekwondo Culture Expo
When: July 08, 2011 - July 13, 2011
Where: Jeollabuk-do Muju-gun Area (Muju Banditbul Stadium and Muju Resort)
Description: The World Taekwondo Expo, a representative Taekwondo festival, takes place in Muju and Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do Province. In addition to taekwondo competitions (Pumsae-movement, Gyeorugi-sparring, and Taekwondo aerobics) there will be various side programs including Taekwondo performances, cultural activities, and sightseeing tours of Muju, Buan and Jeonju.


Boryeong Mud Festival
When: July 16, 2011 - July 24, 2011
Where: Chungcheongnam-do Boryeong-si Daecheon Beach
Description: At the Boryeong Mud Festival (one of Korea’s most famous festivals) visitors slather themselves with mud for fun and to soak in the mud’s many nutrients. This zany, action-packed festival offers mud wrestling, mud slides, and a giant mud bath. To take a break from the festival mayhem, head on over to the mud massage zone for a little R&R.


Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival
When: July 21, 2011 – July 24, 2011
Where: Chungcheongnam-do Buyeo-gun Buyeo-eup Gungnamji Pond (Seodong Park)
Description: One of the major draws of this festival is the Gungnamji artificial pond, which dates back to the Baekje Period (19 BC – 600 AD). During the festival period, the surface of the pond is covered with more than 50 different kinds of beautiful lotus flowers all in full bloom. Events on the festival program include a Korean traditional music concert, a performance entitled ‘Love story in Gungnamji,’ and a lotus flower drawing program.

Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
When: July 14, 2011 - July 24, 2011
Where: Gyeonggi-do Bucheon-si Wonmi-gu Boksalgol Cultural Center, Citizens’ Hall and City Hall
Description: Movies are shown throughout the entire festival and audiences can attend discussions with film directors. This unique film festival screens movies from all over the world, including horror, mystery, thrillers, and sci-fi.


Gangjin Celadon Festival
When: July 30, 2011 - August 07, 2011
Where: Jeollanam-do Gangjin-gun Daegu-myeon Pottery Kiln Site of Goryeo Cheongja
Description: The festival is held at Gangjin, the largest production site of celadon in Korea from the 8th to the 14th century. Visitors can not only gain a deeper appreciation of Korean celadon’s impact on the global art community, but also have a chance to make their own pottery.
August Festivals
There’s no better way to cool off in the hot hot heat then by heading seaside! This month’s schedule has something for everyone; thrill-seekers can head to the Busan Sea Festival to try their hand at water sports and history buffs can check out the Great Battle of Hansan Festival to watch a reenactment of Korea’s greatest naval victory. If the heat is really getting to you, then escape into the cool of the air-conditioned cinemas and enjoy films and music at the festival in Jecheon. Keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite summer shindigs.

Busan Sea Festival
When: August 01, 2011 - August 09, 2011
Where: Busan-si Haeundae-gu Haeundae Beach, other 6 Beaches and Yacht Stadium
Description: The Busan Sea Festival is a huge event that combines several other events and festivals, such as a rock music festival, a beach dance festival, and a number of water sports. Having trouble deciding which thing to try first? Take some time to relax and sunbathe on the beach while you make up your mind.


Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival
When: August 05, 2011 – August 07, 2011
Where: Incheon-si Seo-gu Haekseok-dong Dream Park
Description: Over 60 bands will be playing at this major outdoor rock festival, including several famous international groups. Past guests have included Travis, Muse, Feeder, and Gossip (formerly, The Gossip). Hot summer nights and rocking beats make for a great music festival. The festival is held in Incheon city, meaning that there are a variety of cultural activity programs and city tours readily available.


The Great Battle of Hansan Festival
When: August 10, 2011 - August 14, 2011
Where: Gyeongsangnam-do Tongyeong-si Yi Sun-Sin Park and Culture Place
Description: In 1592, the great Admiral Lee Sun Shin led Korea to victory at the naval battle of Hansan. This is one of the proudest moments in Korean history and is celebrated every year at this festival. Events on the festival’s program include a reenactment of the battle, a parade, and many hands-on activities.


Jecheon International Music & Film Festival
When: August 11, 2011 - August 16, 2011
Where: Chungcheongbuk-do Jecheon-si Jecheon Media Center and Multiplex Theater TTC Cinema
Description: Visitors to this festival can enjoy various genres of movies such as music videos, fiction films, and documentaries, as well as enjoy concerts by well-known musicians from Korea and abroad.