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Archive for the 'Korean Culture' Category

Korean Stuff in Texas – Part One – Denton

Listeners Unite! direct link p.1 p.2 I want to take some time out from writing to share with you part one of a four part part series of Korean Stuff in Texas. These videos are to highlight four places in Texas where you can expect something Korean-related. I should mention that these videos are from my own personal opinions and viewpoints. Having said that, I hope that if you living or visiting any of these cities, you find the videos helpful. Okay, let's talk about Denton. It's located north of Dallas. It's the home of two universities: UNT and TWU. Although UNT currently doesn't have any formal Korean language classes, it does have a whole mess of other language classes. Including one for non-native speakers. It's an... Show more

Korean Culture – (Hyeonchung-il) Korean Memorial Day

The Independence movement of Korea and experiences of the war mark the beginning of Memorial Day as a public holiday to commemorate the loss of lives that Koreans underwent. On Memorial Day, the Korean flag is flown at half staff as a reminder of the tragedy and death of both men and women who died while they served in the military. This momentous occasion is celebrated every year on June 6th and is in memory of those who died in the Korean War. A memorial service is held on that day in the National cemetery of Seoul. The emotional and physical scars left behind tell the tale of sadness as South Koreans try to give credence to those who suffered and died for their country. The President of Korea usually speaks during the lavish... Show more

Outsider – Korean Rapper Famous for Ultrafast Rapping

After way too long, 아웃사이더 or Outsider is back! He debuted in 2004 with the EP Come Outside, releasing the Speed Star single in 2006, and then his first album Soliloquist in October of 2007. It's been a long wait since then, but now he's back, with his second album MAESTRO. Outsider is a hiphop artist, and one of the things he's best known for is his ultrafast speed rapping. I love it. I have no idea how anyone can possibly rap that fast. His first album featured other hiphop artists such as my personal favourites MC Sniper, 배치기 and Simon Dominic, as well as Mr.room9, BK and 샛별. His second album was a little different from his first, a bit less nittygritty hiphop and with slightly more pop and dance influence. I love pure hiphop but I... Show more

Money, Cash, Paper, 돈, 금전, 원 (Korean Money)

South Korean money. Who doesn't like a little green in their wallets? How about some yellow? Yeah, some cold. hard. yellow. That's what the inside of Korean wallets will look like come late June. Plenty of people are happy about this. Of course, some were concerned over the choice of the historical figure that will appear on the face on the bill. Yet, no one seems to mind these bills... A 100 000 원 bill was almost approved, too (to replace those goofy "money order" notes). I guess it was too much to ask, right? Hey I'm not complaining, though. I'm happy that we have the 50 000 원 bill  at least. Before that, the largest bill commonly available was the 10 000 원. Not exactly convenient in large quantities. Yet the 10 000... Show more

You’ve got a friend (for life), 마이 친구 (Korean Friendship)

Friendship. Man I'm getting deep. Friendship is no joke with Koreans. Actually, that brings up a good point. Take a moment and analyze what the term means to you. Seriously. What is a friend to you? Someone you can tell everything? Someone you can spend time with? Someone you can drink with? Someone you love? Even the term '친구' has different connotations in Korean. It involves so much more than just a smile and a commonality. Friendship takes a commitment. Friendship takes regular upkeep. Friendship is hardcore. But first let's take a look at friendship in an American context. In the English language, the term "friend" is used quite lightly. I'm meeting some friends for lunch can mean any number of things. You're a good friend... Show more