Friday, July 22, 2011

ការ​បើក​កិច្ច​​ចរចា​​រវាង​កូរ៉េ​​ទាំង​ពីរ​ស្តីពី​​កម្មវិធី​នុយក្លេអ៊ែរ​​នៅ​កោះបាលី​


អន្តរការីកូរ៉េខាងត្បូង លោក Wi Sung-lac (ស្តាំ)និងអន្តរការីកូរ៉េខាងជើង​​លោក Ri Yong-Ho ដែលជាអនុរដ្ឋមន្ត្រី​ក្រសួងការបរទេសកូរ៉េខាងជើង​ចាប់ដៃគ្នា​នាពេលជួបគ្នា​នៅសណ្ឋាគារ​នៅNusa Dua,Bali, ២២កក្កដា​២០១១។​

អន្តរការី​​​កូរ៉េ​ខាងត្បូង​​និង​​ខាង​ជើង ​បាន​​​ជួប​គ្នា​​នា​​ថ្ងៃ​​សុក្រ​​២២​​កក្កដា​​នេះ​នៅ​​លើ​កោះ​​បាលី​​​ប្រទេស​​​ឥណ្ឌូណេស៊ី។ គឺ​​​ជា​​កិច្ច​ចរចា​​ដ៏​សំខាន់​និង​លើក​ទី​មួយ​រវាង​​ភាគី​កូរ៉េ​ទាំង​ពីរ ស្តីពី ការរំសាយ​អាវុធនុយក្លេអ៊ែរ របស់កូរ៉េខាងជើង គិតចាប់តាំងពីឆ្នាំ ​២០០៨​​មក។​ ម្យ៉ាង​ទៀត ជំនួប​​​​​​នេះ ​គឺ​​ដើម្បី​រៀបចំ​នូវ​ជំនួប​ប្រាស្រ័យ​​មួយ​ថ្នាក់​រដ្ឋ​មន្ត្រី​​ក្រសួង​​ការបរទេស​​​​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​​លោក Kim Sung-Hwan ​និង​​សមភាគី​​កូរ៉េ​ខាងជើង​លោក Pak Ui-Chun នៅកោះបាលី​ ជា​ជាទី​ដែល​មាន​​សម័យ​​ប្រជុំ​​មួយ​របស់អាស៊ាន​ស្តីពី​សន្តិសុខ​ក្នុង​តំបន់ដែរ​។
គឺ​​ជា​ជំនួប​ប្រាស្រ័យ​លើក​ទី​មួយ​រវាង​អន្តរការីរបស់​កូរ៉េ​ទាំងពីរ ​ចាប់តាំងពី ពីរ​ឆ្នាំ​៧​ខែ​មក​ហើយ។ នេះ ជាការគូសបញ្ជាក់​របស់ អ្នក​នាំពាក្យ​ម្នាក់​នៃ​ក្រសួង​ការបរទេស​កូរ៉េខាងត្បូង​ដែលបាន​អះអាងទៀតថា ជំនួបនេះ​ បាន​ផ្តើមឡើង​នៅ​ម៉ោង ៧ ម៉ោងសកល​ រវាង អន្តរការី​កូរ៉េខាង​ត្បូង លោក Wi Sung-Lac និង​អន្តរការី​​កូរ៉េខាងជើង លោក Ri Yong-Ho។

ជាការចរចា​ប្រកប​ដោយ​លក្ខណៈស្ថាបនា ព្រោះ ភាគីទាំងពីរ សុទ្ធតែបាន​បង្ហាញ​ពីចេតនា វិល​ទៅកាន់​តុចរចា ៦ ភាគី ក្នុង​ពេល​ដ៏ខ្លី​ខាងមុខ តាមតែ​អាច​ធ្វើ​ទៅបាន។

គួររំលឹកថា កូរ៉េខាងជើង ធ្លាប់​បាន​ដើរ​ចេញ​ពី​តុ​ចរចា​រ៦​ភាគី( ​​កូរ៉េ​ទាំង​​​ពីរ សហរដ្ឋ​អាមេរិក​​ រុស្ស៊ី​ ​​ចិន​​និង​​ជប៉ុន) ​​ស្តីពីការរំសាយ​កម្មវិធី​នុយក្លេអ៊ែរ​កូរ៉េ​ខាងជើង​​កាលពី​ខែ​​ធ្នូ​​ឆ្នាំ​២០០៨។​ ដោយ​​ថែមទាំង​បាន​ផ្គើន សហគមន៍អន្តរជាតិតាមរយៈការបាញ់​សាកល្បង​កាំជ្រួច​នុយក្លេអ៊ែរ​ជាលើកទីពីរ។ តាំងពី​ពេល​នោះ​មក កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ជើង បាន​ច្រាន​ចោល​កិច្ច​ចរចា ​ជា​ឧភតោភាគី​ជាមួយ​កូរ៉េខាងត្បូង​​ស្តីពីកម្មវិធីអាវុធ​​នុយក្លេអ៊ែរ​​​របស់​​ខ្លួន​​​ទៀត​ដោយ​​​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​​ជើង​សំអាង​​ថា​ អាវុធនុយក្លេអ៊ែរ​​​នេះ​ ជា​​មធ្យោបាយ​តែ​មួយគត់​ ​សំរាប់​​ប្រឆាំង​តទល់​​​នឹង​​សហរដ្ឋអាមេរិក។

ប្រទេសចិនវិញ ​ដែលជាសម្ព័ន្ធមិត្តចាក់ទឹកមិនលិច​​របស់​កូរ៉េ​ខាងជើងតែងបានខិតខំ​និយាយ​បញ្ចុះ​បញ្ចូល​ដើម្បី​​​ជំរុញ​​កូរ៉េខាងជើង​ឲ្យសុខចិត្ត​ធ្វើកា​រ​ចរចា​ជាមួយ​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង​​ មុន​​នឹងចូល​​​​ចរចា​ ជាមួយ ​៦​ភាគី។

យ៉ាងណាមិញ កិច្ច​សន្ទនា​នៅ​ថ្ងៃ ​សុក្រ​ ២២​ កក្កដា​នេះ ត្រូវ​បាន​ប្រព្រឹត្ត​ទៅ បន្ទាប់ពី​ទំនាក់​ទំនង​​រវាង​កូរ៉េ​ទាំង​ពីរ បានធ្លាក់ចុះយ៉ាងដុនដាប​​ ​អស់រយៈពេល​ជាង​មួយ​ឆ្នាំ​កន្លង​មក​ហើយ។
កូរ៉េខាងត្បូង ទាមទារ​ឲ្យទីក្រុង​ព្យុងយ៉ាង សុំទោសខ្លួន បន្ទាប់ពីមាន​ឧប្បត្តិហេតុ​ដ៏​ធ្ងន់ធ្ងរ​ពីរ​កើតឡើង​នៅឆ្នាំ ២០១០ ។ គឺនៅខែមីនា កូរ៉េជាងជើង-បាន​បាញ់​ផ្លោង​គ្រាប់បែក​ប្រឆាំង​​ទល់​នឹង​នាវា​មុជទឹក​កូរ៉េ​ខាង​ត្បូង និង ម្តងទៀត​នៅខែវិច្ឆិកា​ បាន​បាញ់​គ្រាប់​បែក​ទៀតប្រឆាំង​ទៅ​​​លើកោះមួយ​របស់កូរ៉េខាងត្បូង។ ក៏​ប៉ុន្តែ​មក​ទល់​ពេល​នេះ កូរ៉េខាងជើង បាន​បដិសេធ​​ជានិច្ច ចំពោះ ការចោទប្រកាន់ទាំងពីរលើករបស់កូរ៉េខាងត្បូងនេះ៕
Link:http://www.khmer.rfi.fr/The%20nuclear%20envoys%20of%20Southe%20and%20North%20Korea%20meet%20%20on%20the%20sidelines%20of%20an%20Asian%20forum%20in%20Bali%20on%20Friday%20to%20talk%20about%20nuclear.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Korean Economic Growth



How well do you know Korea? Come and meet the charms of Korea at Touch Korea! You are warmly invited!


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Why 'Arirang' Isn't Listed Among Korea's Cultural Assets




The government has listed music performed during royal ancestral rites, pansori or traditional Korean narrative song, "Goseong Ogwangdae," a mask dance drama from Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, and royal cuisine as important intangible cultural assets of Korea. But the country failed to list the folk song "Arirang," widely considered Korea's unofficial national anthem, and the world-famous side dish kimchi.

The Cultural Heritage Administration this week announced it will now list the different styles of the folk song in Korea on the UNESCO World Heritage List next year, but the announcement only came after China listed "Arirang" as part of its own cultural heritage because it is sung by ethnic Koreans in Yanbian Province.

To be registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a cultural asset must first be part of a country's inventory of valuable heritage. But why has "Arirang" been left off the list of Korea's important cultural assets?
Technical Obstacles

The only version of "Arirang" that has been officially recognized is "Jeongseon Arirang," which was selected in 1971 as intangible cultural asset No. 1 of Gangwon Province. "The existing law protecting intangible cultural assets requires the designation of not only the item but also the individual or group that practices it, but this was not possible when it comes to 'Arirang,'" said Kim Sam-ki, the director of intangible cultural assets at the CHA. "'Arirang' is a folk song loved by all Koreans, so there is no particular individual who is the best at singing it."

Kimchi, too, is a Korean cultural icon, but it cannot be listed as an important cultural asset because pretty much everyone makes it, rather for example a specific group of local artisans.

Music performed during royal ancestral rites, folk songs of Gyeonggi Province, pansori and "Goseong Ogwangdae" were listed as important intangible cultural assets, because there are individuals who are masters of the craft or performance. Han Bok-ryeo (royal cuisine) and Chung Kil-ja (royal confectionery) have been officially recognized as masters of those skills.
Ironically, the regulations have made it possible for quite parochial items to be designated while those shared by everyone have been excluded, which is like leaving the Pyramids off the list because the architect is unknown.

Kim Yeon-kap, executive director of the Korean Arirang Association said, "There are problems when it comes to designating 'Arirang' as belonging to a particular individual, but one solution may be to select a group such as the Jindo Arirang Preservation Society and Miryang Arirang Preservation Society."

Another problem is the narrow definition of cultural assets. The law on preserving cultural assets stipulates that they must be theatrical plays, music, dance, forms of entertainment or ritual, martial arts, craftsmanship, food or other intangible cultural products of major historic, artistic or academic value. Seven criteria have been set for selection. Lunar New Year's Day or Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) celebrations do not meet these selection criteria. China, by contrast, has listed traditional Korean dress or hanbok, traditional wedding ceremonies, and ssireum or Korean wrestling as part of its own cultural heritage since they are worn or practiced by ethnic Koreans there.
Revisions

Some patriots fear that China's listing of "Arirang," and a Korean farmer's dance as part of its own intangible cultural assets is a precursor to registering them on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Korean laws need to be revised quickly.

"We are pushing to revise existing laws so that items that cannot be linked to a particular group or individual can be registered," Kim said. "We also plan to compile a new list of intangible cultural assets by the end of this year that will include 'Arirang,' ssireum, folk tales and customs observed during traditional holidays in line with the UNESCO World Heritage List and widen the scope of our intangible cultural assets."
Link:http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/06/24/2011062401056.html

Monday, July 18, 2011

Korea Ill-Prepared for Aging Population

Korea's population is aging faster than any other country, but a shortfall of state pensions and other factors mean that it is among one of the worst prepared nations to deal with the impact of this worrying trend.

According to a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a U.S. foreign policy think tank, Korea ranked 19th out of 20 countries surveyed in terms of its Income Adequacy Index, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance said on Sunday.

The survey used two indexes -- Income Adequacy and Fiscal Sustainability -- to try and gauge how well prepared each country is to deal with its aging population.

Korea finished almost bottom of the list, one spot behind China and one ahead of Mexico. It only fared slightly better in the fiscal sustainability index, where it placed 12th. This index "takes into account the differing fiscal room that countries have to accommodate their growing old-age dependency burdens," the CSIS said.

Korea now finds itself in the same position as France and Italy, which also ranked poorly in both categories. These countries are struggling with a need to tap into their state funds to aid senior citizens who are not earning enough to support themselves, but are hobbled at present by their respective fiscal limitations.

According to CSIS, Korea will have to rely on its state coffers to support 45.9 percent of its senior citizens' income by 2040. However despite of such state support, this amount will still only equate to 79 percent of the average wage earned by middle-aged men, the center calculated.

Meanwhile, senior citizens' private pension funds require a boost as they only account for 3.2 percent of all their income at present. This compares poorly with Australia, which CSIS identified as a role model for other countries to aspire to, where 41.2 percent of elderly people's revenue streams come in the form of state support, while 23.7 percent are drawn from their private pension funds.

The report predicted that by 2040, elderly Australians will be able to see through their twilight years in relative comfort, as their private funds together with state support give them 20 percent more income than the amount earned on average by middle-aged men.

CSIS has advised Korea to boost its pension fund savings and bolster its social safety net to support senior citizens with financial troubles, while increasing the birthrate and allowing more people to immigrate to the country.
Link:http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/07/18/2011071800943.html

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

IOC gets it right: Pyeongchang will host 2018 Winter Olympics


After two heartbreaking near-misses, Pyeongchang was named the host city of the 2018 Winter Games, winning in the first round of voting at the IOC bid meeting in South Africa. The South Korean city defeated Annecy, France, and Munich, Germany, in the vote.
Twice before, the South Korean city had come up short in bids to win the Olympics. Pyeongchang won the first two rounds of voting in 2010 and 2014 before being narrowly defeated on a second ballot by Vancover and Sochi, respectively. It entered Wednesday's vote as the favorite, a position which hardly guaranteed a victory given the IOC's penchant for surprises.
Those past votes, plus the fact that a win for France or Germany would have meant putting the Winter Games back in Europe for the fifth time in eight Olympics, gave Pyeongchang the status as a clear frontrunner. The power of the bid was confirmed when the city won on the initial vote, the first time that's happened since 2001. Pyeongchang earned 63 votes compared to 25 for Munich and seven for Annecy.
Given those circumstances, two European cities going up against an Asian country was like a Democrat challenging Barack Obama in next year's primaries. Not even the IOC could screw up this decision. Going to Pyeongchang was the easy call.
It's the first time a Winter Olympics will be held in South Korea. The 1988 Summer Games were held in the capital city of Seoul.
Japan has hosted two Olympics, in 1972 in Sapparo and in 1988 in Nagano. South Korea's victory is bad news for that country, which had been considered a favorite to win the 2020 Summer Games. It's unlikely the IOC would go back to Asia for back-to-back Olympics.
Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yu-Na was in Durban, South Africa, for the announcement. The greatest living figure skater will be 27 when the flame is lit in South Korea. She was a key component of Pyeongchang's bid, though it's unknown whether she'll still be competing at that time.
Link:http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/IOC-gets-it-right-Pyeongchang-will-host-2018-Wi?urn=oly-wp390

This July, Joy of 1,000 Won Presents ‘Shall We Dance’


As part of its culture recharge project ‘Joy of 1,000 Won,’ Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will present ‘Shall We Dance’ featuring the nation’s leading ballet company, Korea National Ballet, for the month of July. For just 1,000 won, anyone will be able to enjoy highlights from four of the most beloved numbers, ‘Don Quixote,’ ‘The Talisman,’ ‘Prince Hodong,’ and ‘Giselle,’ out of the company’s repertoire of 26 ballets.

‘Joy of 1,000 Won’ stages a performance every month for the whole year except December, and charges 1,000 won for admission. In order to secure a seat for the performance, visitors must sign up on the official event website from the 5th to 7th of each month. Winners are then randomly selected and announced on the 8th. Each winner may purchase up to 2 tickets by the 12th. Any remaining tickets go on sale for the general public from the 14th until the performance date. All tickets can be purchased online for 1,000 won.

More info
2011 Joy of 1,000 Won
“Shall We Dance”
☞ Performance Date & Time: July 16, 19:30
☞ Application Period: July 5-July 7
☞ Winners Announcement: July 8 (Each winner may purchase up to 2 tickets by July 12)
☞ Homepage: http://www.sejongpac.or.kr/happy1000/index.asp (Korean only)
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1325398

Monday, July 4, 2011

Road Trip in Jeju

Jeju beach with emerald tints and peculiar living rocks are very beautiful like the fine paintings. You can have beautiful scenery by just pressing a button on your camera. In addition, driving the offshore will make you refresh your mind.

You will realize that time flies so fast when dropping by some attractive places while driving the offshore road. Now we will introduce you the must-go places in Jeju island.


Dive along the Green Forest!

The road which will be now introduced is 516 Forest Road Tunnel that was built for the first in this island. It is a shortcut from Jeju city on the South to Seogwipo city on the North of the island, crossing Mt. Halla. It definitely reduced the travelling time and is quite faster than the other ways. The road is rather zigzag, however, once you pass the Sungpan Rest Area, you will meet the trees that just look like a tunnel. While passing the tunnel we will feel as if the trees were greeting you.

(Source : AsiaToday)

On your diving, you will see the Sancheon-dan altar for Mt. Halla and Sungpanak, the tracking course. Suak vallley is made of clear water from Baeknok-dam, the lake located on the top of the Mt. Halla. It ia connected by thick forest and azure sky.it's virgin forest and it's changed by the season. The road is lined up with Jeju typical trees and there are grazing ponies, too. 516 Forest Road Tunnel is thickly wooded and keeps the cool temperature even in summer. When you pass the tunnel, turn off the air-conditioner and open the car window to feel the beauty of nature.


Sagye Coastal Road

Sagye (four seasons) Coastal Road is an absolutely wonderful road which will surround you by the sea breeze and wind. As the Mt. Sanbang and Mt. Songak are located at each of the end of the seashore, the driving course is even peaceful and comfortable. Drivers can get the full view of the sea as well. Everyday many visitors are passing this beautiful coastal road to see the harmonized seashore, mountain and roads and all the beautiful sceneries around with its breath-taking sunset

(Source: Korean Tourism Organization)

We can see not only the Sagye seashore not only the Brothers islands guarding the South Sea, and away from here, we can also see the Gapa island and southernmost island, Mara island. Recently, the Sagye Coastal Road was designated as "One of the most beautiful 100 roads in Korea" by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation. After 50 minutes of driving along the No.95 local road from Jeju city, you will reach at a town which is the entrance of the Sagye-ri harbor. Then, go toward the beach about 5 minutes, and you will be dazzled by the coolest sea in front of you.

This area is also famous for the Asian-first human’s footprints fossil of the Old Stone Age. There are other footprints of the elephants, dears and birds as well. Archeologists said this geographical strata was created in the fourth stages of the Cenozoic era 50,000 years ago. Since it was reported on the news, a number of tourists are continuously visiting here to see the fossils by themselves. However, since the Cultural Heritage Administration designated this area as one of the state-designated natural monuments, it has been impossible to enter the area.
Some people leave their car and take a walk around the area to see the Mt. Sanbang, Brothers islands, Gapa island , Mara island, and Mt. Songak. We hope you enjoy the road trip on Sagye Coastal Road.


Cedar Forest

Well, driving along the coast would be so good, but there is other driving course you would also be excited. It is the 27.3 km-long Rd. No.1112, which connects Gujwa-eup Pyongdae-ri and the Rd. No.516. The way ahead is full of cedar.

(Source: Munhwa Ilbo)

This road was awarded a grand prize by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation in 2002. It's very exotic as if you were in somewhere in north-American forests. Actually, this place appeared in many of CFs, movies and TV dramas. About 2,570 typical Jeju trees are growing wild here and make us feel refreshed when driving through or walking through the road.

Jeju driveways are full of blue water, beautiful estuary, cedars and secondary volcanoes. Why don't we leave for Jeju this Summer?
Link:http://blog.daum.net/korea_brand/1257

We are Civil Diplomats!

Generally, diplomat is a representative of a country, and mainly works for his own country. But do we call those who only pursue the national profit 'Diplomats'? No. Diplomats could be those who care and help others to make them happy. Reputation of the person would be coming after.
In Korea, many volunteer organizations have been very active in overseas for a long time.

(Source: COPION)

Civil Volunteer Organizations
The word, "Relief Organization" first appeared after the Korean War. A relief organization, World Vision was born in the war-torn Korea 60 years ago. World Vision which grew up with the Korean economy, witnessed that Korea turned into giving nation from receiving nation. World Vision Korea is the first and only official cooperation organization which belongs to WEP(World Food Programme) among other domestic NGOs, being recognized its professionalism.

Its business varies on area, field, international business, etc. Domestic ministry is helping the community to live on their own, which is their ultimate goal.

At present, World Vision Korea became one of the members of World Vision International, which is one of the largest civil international organization in the world and has about 40,000 staff members in nearly 100 countries. Accordingly, World Vision International obtained the consultative status from UN-ECOSOC(Economic and Social Council).

INCOPION, the overseas volunteer organization, mainly dispatches Korean volunteers abroad. Since its establishment in 1999, many youth from Korea have been dispatched to about 143 local NGOs and non-profit organizations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America twice a year. Especially, COPION has removed age and education limit from 2003, which has broadened more opportunities for not only youth but also over 36 year-old senior volunteers.

(Source: Good People)

COPION is also recruiting the short and long term volunteers with a background knowledge, such as in computer, music, Korean martial arts to teach the poor family and children.

Good People is a volunteer medical organization which cares about neighbors around the world who are mostly vulnerable to poverty, disaster, and disease due to the social isolation, and also provide health care to them. They started to give a professional help and make their hope come true with every single help from all over the world. Good People engages in various activities to develop the isolated regions, such as poverty eradication, child protection, education, prevention and treatment of disease, and emergency relief, which are especially conducted in distant and less favored areas heavily populated by ethnic minorities with no government protection or civilization.

Lastly, Good News Corps is a very young organization. Like the slogan, "Boys are our future and hope.", they try to communicate with the children in the world and provide education and exchange each culture. The members learn leadership, humble mind, and a new culture. They are quite confident at learning the new language naturally within four months during their activities.


To Raise the National Value

Many would agree that lots of overseas volunteer organizations contribute to raising the national brand. Based on the understanding, the Korean government last 2009 integrated all overseas volunteer projects of each government ministry into WFK (World Friends Korea).

Three volunteer groups, KOICA(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), IT Volunteer Group(Ministry of Public Administration and Security), College Students for Volunteering(Ministry of Education, Science and Technology) were firstly integrated in 2010, and mid and long term advisors(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), Retired Professionals(Ministry of Knowledge Economy) and the World Taekwondo Peace Corps(Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) started to work under the name of WFK.

Please give a big applause of encouragement to those who deliver the world peace and love even at this moments.

(Source: Good News Corps)
Link:http://blog.naver.com/korea_brand/10112472906

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Three Best Summer Getaways in Gyeonggi-do


Gyeonggi-do, the most populous province in Korea, is home to numerous attractions and exciting programs that are opening up as the summer comes into full swing. Here are three recommended by Gyeonggi Tourism Organization.

1. Heyri Art Valley. As the largest village in Korea dedicated to the arts, Heyri Art Valley in the city of Paju regularly holds exhibitions and concerts while offering art and music classes. From now until July 3rd, visitors may enjoy paintings, photos, pottery, sculpture, handicraft and other pieces of original artwork by the Heyri resident artists at the ‘Heyri Artists Exhibition: Ye Nadeuri.’ Visitors may also enroll in various hands-on experience programs such as candle making, magic show and puppetry. Moreover, the cafes and restaurants throughout the village provide tasty treats and relaxation for the art enthusiasts.

2. Imjingak Resort. This northern Gyeonggi-do resort, which has been voted as the top tourist destination by international visitors, attracts about five million people every year. Now, visitors may go on a bike tour around the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the fourth Sunday of every month after submitting an online application (in Korean) via email. Participants may bring their own bike or rent one, and will each receive a local specialty product at the end of the tour.

3. Gamaksan Mountain. The name of ‘Gamak’ (large dark blue mountain) comes from the tale that the mountain rocks give off tinges of black and blue. This summer, visitors are welcome to enjoy absolute repose by the 20-meter-high Ungye Waterfall in the mountain valley. Also, such historical sites as the cave where the famous Joseon Dynasty outlaw, Im Kkeok-Jeong, took refuge from the authority and a Korean War battlefield can be found on Gamaksan Mountain.
More info

☞ Period: June 18-July 3
☞ Admission Fees: 4,000 won
☞ Homepage: http://www.heyri.net/blog (Korean, English)
☞ Inquiries: +82-32-946-8551 (Korean)

☞ Dates: Fourth Sundays of every month (Registration closed for June)
☞ Tour Course
Imjingak Tongmun Gate – Tongildaegyo Bridge (South gate) – Tongilchon Intersection – Gunnae Intersection - Tongildaegyo Bridge (North gate) – Chopyeongdo Island – 64T – Imjingak
☞ Online Application: ‘Imjingak: Pyeonghoa-Nuri’ Homepage (Korean)
☞ Participation Fee: 10,000 won
☞ Inquires: +82-31-953-4854 (Korean)

☞ Homepage: http://www.감악산정보.kr
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-31-1330 (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1319765

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Remembering the War For Korea


In the rainy pre-dawn hours of June 25, 1950, North Korean tanks crossed the 38th parallel to invade the South. Seven hours later the Communist forces issued an official declaration of war. The provocation was the most serious test to date for the nascent United Nations. Eager to prevent another World War, the Security Council quickly condemned the invasion. Two days later, UNSC Resolution 83 urged member states to repel the North by force in order to restore international peace.

Over three bloody years, a remarkable cadre of 16 nations—the United States, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Colombia and Thailand, among others—sent troops to South Korea’s aid. The unprecedented international support demonstrated that the Korean War wasn’t only Korea’s war. In remarks delivered at a Memorial Day ceremony last month, General Walter Sharp, Commander of United States Forces Korea and the United Nations Command, said, “It was here that forces from the Republic of Korea, the United States and the United Nations proved to the world that we would not stand idly by while a peaceful nation was invaded by an aggressor.”
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/myeyes.kto?cmd=view&md=enu&lang_se=ENG&bbs_sn=1626368