Concern about Future,,,

This semester is almost over. It is going to summmer.(not exactly! still little cold!)
I feel so nervous about my future in these days. Because I'm not young any more compared with American student. I am a non-traditional student-!!
It is a common thing in Korea, but I changed my major when I came Ball state. As I changed my major, I have to take more courses than the other students to graduate.
I am taking sophomore class even if I am a senior cause I transferred lots of credits what I already earned in Korea.
I need three more semester to graduate. I already finished most of core curriculums, so I will attend just major courses. It will be hard time. However, there is an important thing. That is what I did not decide my major yet.
I am taking a pre-business courses, because my uncle recommened finance. I planned to choose a finance as a my major, but my advisor told me another choice. Actually, I have a plan to get master and doctor's degree in America. My advisor told me, "if you want to keep studying after graduate, how about choose information management or economic as your major. Cause you don't have to learn same major in the undergraduate and masters."
I am very confusing now and it is hard to make a choice because it will be a great influence on my life.
Anyway, I have to make a decision as soon as possible. What could be my best choice??

My blog and blogosphere

My blog is based on giving information about Korea. It was my first time for blogging, so I did not have any idea. I did not know what to do, what should I do and how could I make up and pick lay outs. First of all, I worried what I had to choose as a subject for my blog. I remembered that there was no international student except me in class and classmates could visit my blog. I decided to choose Korea as my blog subject. I thought it would be a great chance to give information about Korea to them. Because I always felt so sad they did not know Korea well, even if they were using Samsung cell phones and LG cell phones and riding on Hyundai cars. Sometimes, my American friends used to tell me Samsung is good Japanese company. I tried to make up the header to be more impressive than any others, so it took lots of time to pick some awesome pictures of Korea for my blog header.

First time, I focused on giving information about Korea when I posted on my blog. I gave information about location of Korea. After that, I introduced about Korea cultures, customs, and weather. I posted how could cook the typical Korean food and who is the most popular singer group in Korea. However, I decided to change line about my blog after had a conference with Rachel and visited the other classmates’ blog. They more focused on expressing their feelings and thoughts and Rachel told me to do practice writing through the posting on my blog. After that, I tried to more focus on expressing my feelings and thoughts than just giving information about something. I think the best post on my blog is posted on April 10. Of course, I could not decide easily, because I thought the post about spring break in the San Francisco was also good. However, there are some reasons why I chose that one. That time, I was very hard, so it was unbearable. Cares about my lack of ability, weighed heavily upon me. I did not have any one to talk about my concerns with me. I was going to crazy. I could not do anything by disappointment and worry. What was worse, I started to think about going back to Korea. I wanted to express my feelings on anywhere in anyway. I decided to express my feelings on my blog. It was my first time to express about my worries in English. Of course, I used to express my feelings such as happy, and what I saw in English. It made me felt relieved. That I had had my say, I felt much better.

I think the blogosphere makes us to be related each other. There are lots of people in the world and there could be so many different points of view about something. Through the blogs, I could put myself in another’s place and get knowledge. In these days, Internet is called as sea of information. It means lots of information is overflowing now. It could include good things but also bad or wrong information on someone’s blog. We have to be sensible and thoughtful.

The Internet regulation for who????

In Korea, the Internet regulation exists for indentifying the user is using his or her real name when they try to post something on website. This is proceeded by administrator of the site. This rule is applied to web site what has more than 100,000 users per day. The Internet regulation is included in Information Technology Act. In hrere, I am so doubtful and I have lots of questions. The Internet is free space to anyone. We can express our own feelings and thoughts freely. Why the government try to control our freedom? In addition, in Korea the people who want to join web site, he or she has to put in the special number.(This is a kind of social security number.)
I did not use any number at all when I tried to join American sites and the other countries' site. They just want me to fill out the minimum information such as birthday, e-mail address or name. That's all! However, in Korea, through this number(social security number), the government agency can grasp the people who posted abuse or swearword. The purpose of this regulation is very good, but the government is abusing their power to search people who criticize against policies. Korea is a democracy, but this is happening now!!!

I want to link news what is related to my topic. If you interested in my writing, please click the hyperlink and read the article. It is related with Google and Korean government. It is so absurd.

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/349078.html

Feel sorrow,,,

I had a great deal of sorrow yesterday. I went to blackboard to check my score. I found something was wrong. I got zero point for an assignment. I was confused because I submitted the assignment before the deadline and I thought that I followed the guideline completely.
So, I sent an e-mail to meet my lab instructer to talk about that.
Finally, I made an appointment and went to her office.
She told me why I got zero point. I did not put in the quotation mark before and after informative sentences from web site. I thought it would be ok if I wrote down the citation at the end of paragraph when I wrote the essay.
She told me, "you did plagiarism and if you do it again, you will get zero point for this class."
I wanted to explain about my situation, but I was too embarrassed to talk about that.
I could not refute at all, I quitted her office.
I did not familar with APA style because I usually used MLA style for the other classes. I tried to find how could I fit my essay to APA style well through some books and I did my best for that assignment. However, I got zero point because of the quotation marks at most even if I did my best. I was somewhat bitter.
Of course, it was my bad. However, I think she could consider my situation one more time.
If I intended to plagiarize I would not cite the web site.
I tried to accept it as an instruction, but I am still somewhat bitter.
I am so worried about remaining assingments and almost at the end of my will.

Thank you for reading my murmur... :'-(

Should the Music You Purchase Be Locked? - Part.2

I want to continue talking about DRM. I don't like DRM on the files. Of course, I could understand the side of opposite. I want to introduce why I don't like DRM.

Here are some more reasons.

First, DRM doesn’t prevent illegal use of files, it just makes it a bit more difficult to access them.

Second, all it takes is one person to crack the file and it can be made available to everyone. In other words, there is no reason for being.

Third, anyone selling content on CD is already selling unprotected files anyway. CDs are almost DRM free except Sony. After purchasing CD, we can make DRM free mp3 files easily using the ripping.

Fourth, DRM adds a lot of costs for content producers. They have to pay when they develop, update and apply the technologies. It is inefficiency on the side of cost.

Fifth, there is a huge hidden cost in trying to sell DRMed content. DRM files don’t have unification DRM. It means there are so many different kinds of DRM and devices are also different for each DRM. After all, even if the songs are same song, the one will be played only when we use the IPOD, and the other one will be played only when we use Zune. If content producers deal with specific DRM, people who do not have a support device will not purchase files. So, online store will suffer from huge hidden loss.

Sixth, often the costs of the DRM are passed along to the consumer as well. As I wrote before, development and use for DRM need cost. Usually, supplier will impose the development costs to the consumers.

Seventh, DRM-free content will play on your device of today. For this reason, it is not easy to change the device for consumers.Eighth, media devices of the future will be significantly different than media devices of the present. For example, IPOD will not be able to lead the top of the market continually. Many different forms of device could be released in the future but if the files what I have are DRM, I will not be able to use that files. Even if there are lots of files, there are DRM on that files, it will be a useless thing.

Finally, DRM fundamentally changes who is control of our media. It could be the most important reason. The moment someone purchase DRM file, he or she could be controlled by the other person. Even though we purchased the files by our choice and our own money, it is not free for using that DRM files. If we purchased the files from I-tunes, we have to use only IPOD.

In conclusion, I often use I-tunes to purchase music because of plentiful contents and easy procedure. However, look ahead into the future, purchasing the DRM-free music is profit. Because I will not use only IPOD forever…

Should the Music You Purchase Be Locked? - Part.1

These days, lots of people listen the music thorough IPODs, Zunes and different devices. If you are interested in download music files or movie files, you maybe have heard about “DRM.”DRM is an abbreviation for ‘Digital Rights Management.’ Digital rights management refers to access control technologies used by publishers, copyright holders, and hardware manufacturers to limit usage of digital media or devices. In contrast to copy protection, which only attempts to prohibit unauthorized copies of media or files, digital rights management enables the publisher to control what can and cannot be done with a single instance. For example, a publisher can limit the number of viewings, number of copies, or which devices the media can be transferred to. DRM is being used by companies such as Apple, Microsoft and so on. The use of DRM is controversial. Supporters for DRM argue the DRM protects copyrights. That is big reason why they support the DRM.However, there are lots of opposite opinions and I am also on the side of opposite. Actually, if we were not creator or supplier of contents, there is no wonder to be an opponent of DRM. The biggest reason is DRM files are restrictive. There is no compatibility and it is possible to play just using the specific devices or software. Some people used to say DRM is an abbreviation for ‘Digital Restrictive Management.’

I want to share my opinion and some reasons about this topic for next time.
Do you have any different point of view? Don't hesitate comment.
I want to know about your opinion.
See you next time-!

Awesome San Francisco-!

As I finished the macroeconomic midterm, I headed on to San Francisco with my junior on March 6.
We were so lucky, because the rain stopped before we arrived there and the good weather was continued while I stayed in San Francisco.
My friend live in Oakland(near the San Francisco), so we stayed at his house during the spring break.
The sunshine and all conditions were good.
First day, We went to UC. Berkeley. The campus was so big and beautiful. Above all, the library made my heart thump. I decided "I will get a master degree in UC. Berkeley after graduate." And there were lots of Korean restaurants, so we ate Korean food and Korean alcohol every night.
After that day, we went to back and forth such as Union square, Bay bridge, China Town, Japan Town, pier and Golden gate bridge.
Actually, It was my second time in San Francisco, but I couldn't remember those days at all, because it was 13 years ago. This time, everything was fresh in my memory.
I want to say now, "Awesome San Francisco-!!!"
I added some pictures of San Francisco-

In the Treasure Island with my friends

a night view of San Francisco from Treasure Island

a night view of San Francisco from Twin peaks

In front of Japan tower

Entrance of Golden gate Bridge

(I wanted to cross the bridge by walk, but the wind was so strong, so I couldn't.)

At the beach before go to the Golden gate bridge

The Famous pier, Pier 39

There are lots of sea lions and filled with fishy smell. :-(

A crab soup(It was so delicious-! :-D)

At the Union square with SFPD

The entrance of China Town

In front of Library of UC. Berkeley

The inside of Library

A view of the Berkeley

Who is the most popular group in Korea-? (Part.1)

I want to introduce about the most popular group in Korea. There are two groups, one is worder girls and SNSD(so nyu si dae)-Girl's generation. This time, I will introduce wonder girls.

Wonder Girls is a group of 5 young girls. They were carefully handpicked by renowned producer JYP.
The girls debuted in February 2007, showing off their ability to perform live with their much-hyped dancing and 'uniform' concept. Their first mini-album, 'The Wonder Begins', contains one of my favorite songs, 'Irony'. Their second album, 'The Wonder Years', contains the addictive 'Tell Me', which propelled the girls to greater fame.
At first I thought 'Tell Me' was a typical poppish song, but it added some 80s beat and feel to it. The song is so catchy and the 'Tell Me' dance is easy to learn. I was caught up in the craze myself. With all five members dressed like artistes in the 80s, it even caught the attention of those 'ahjumma'(an auntie) and 'ahjusshi'(an uncle) from that generation.
I am satisfied with their album as it wasn't too poppish as expected. It's more to the electronic and dance genre.
I didn't really like 'I Wanna' at first because it's so electronic-ish, but I found myself humming and liking the song when they performed it. It was a cool performance.
They promoted 'This Fool' as their second song. Though it is catchy, I didn't like the song.
Track 3 'Tell Me' deserves to be the title song. It is catchy and has an 80s disco flavor to it. I wasn't caught up in the 'Tell Me' craze, but this song really boosted the girls' popularity. They even won numerous awards for this. Many people believe that the girls' vocal skills aren't up to par, but when they perform on stage, they simply radiate charisma.
Track 4 'Friend' is one of my favorite ballads from the girls. It has a similar mid-tempo like their other ballads, but they pulled it off well with the song's melodic background and showed off their vocal capabilities, especially those of Sun Ye, Sun Mi and Ye Eun. So Hee even sounded good here, though I didn't hear yoo bin's voice.
Track 5 'Headache' is my least my favorite song in the album. Though many liked it, I didn't feel the song. It is just merely screaming at me. It's just another 80s disco song. Yoo Bin's rapping is a plus and the arrangement is all right, but that is about it.
Track 6 'So What' is nice and relaxing. You can hear Sun Mi, So Hee and Sun Ye rapping in this song, something you don't get to hear that often. Ye Eun's powerful voice blew me away.
At first I didn't like track 7, 'Wishing on a Star'. But it has grown on me after I saw their newly-released MV that was shot in New York. The lyrics and MV were touching and that made the song more meaningful. Definitely one of my favorite ballads.
Track 8: 'Move' is produced and composed by M. I felt the whole song was at a slow and lazy pace. It sounded like a 'lazy song'. They could have done better as the song doesn't do much justification to their vocals.
Track 9 'Take It All' is one of my personal favorites. I just love how Sun Mi sang the first part with such a low voice, and Yoo Bin's fast rapping was lovely. Ye Eun and Sun Ye once again proved people wrong about their singing skills.
At first, I thought track 10 'Goodbye' was a slow song, but it's not. It's my favorite song in the album after 'Take It All'. I love the beat to the song. It's very catchy and I definitely recommend it.
Track 11 'Bad Boy' is a cool song. Girl Power rules! The drum beats of this song are cool. The song has a sort of 'Red Indian' feel to it. Hyuna sang and Sun Ye did the rap, so it felt different. The song was fast-paced, as if everybody was rapping. I somehow prefer this song to 'Irony'.
Ever since I heard track 12 'Sorry Heart', I've loved it. I can't get enough of this song. Sun Mi, Sun Ye and Ye Eun shine in this song. Mid-tempo ballads are their forte.
And finally, how can I miss the girls' debut song, track 13 'Irony', It is catchy and the MV is so cute. I got to know the Wonder Girls through this song. Even the dance steps are good enough for you to watch their performance.

01 I Wanna 02 이 바보 (This Fool) 03 Tell Me (Sampling of “Two Of Hearts”) 04 Friend 05 Headache 06 뭐 어때 (Feat. David Kim) (So what) 07 Wishing on a star 08 Move (Feat. Lee Min Woo) 09 가져가 (Take it All) 10 Good Bye 11 Bad Boy 12 미안한 마음 (Sorry Heart) 13 Irony

I add "Tell me" MV. Enjoy yourself-!!

Next time, I will introduce SNSD(Girl's generation.) See ya- =)

Let's make Korean food-!

I read comment from Rachel. I think someone wants to know about recipes. So, I want to let you know how to cook the most typical Korean food.




Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that contains many ingredients mixed in a bowl with rice and hot pepper paste. It is also referred to as goldongban and is one of the most representative Korean dishes along with bulgogi and kimchi.
There was a longstanding tradition among our ancestors that any leftover food on New Year’s Eve was not to be kept into the New Year. For this reason, the practice of mixing various ingredients in a bowl with rice was started. Koreans are also known to cook many different dishes to pay respects to their ancestors on major holidays such as the Lunar New Year and Chuseok. Since there is a lot of food leftover on these occasions, people enjoy mixing them.
Although the recipe for bibimbap sounds rather simple, there are regional variations and one of the most well known is Jeonju bibimbap which contains bean sprouts. With a growing number of health conscious individuals, bibimbap containing fresh shoots, wild greens or mountain herbs is also gaining popularity. It’s not only the variation in ingredients that make a difference. Dolsot (stone pot) bibimbap, containing slow-cooked rice, has always been popular. Another interesting variation is yangpun (large brass bowl) bibimbap. As the Korean name suggests, the large brass bowl contains enough bibimbap to feed two to three.
The ingredients, an assortment of herbs and meats, all have their own distinct flavors and tastes, but a spoonful of hot pepper paste in the mix produces a surprisingly pleasant taste.
Bibimbap is not only delicious, it also contains a wealth of nutrients such as cellulose and vitamins while being low in cholesterol and fat. Such healthy dishes are ideal for all but especially so for busy students as well as hardworking individuals always on the go.
What better way to provide a simple yet nutritious meal than to prepare tasty bibimbap for your entire family.

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Ingredients
- Nonglutinous Rice (320g) = Soaked Nonglutinous- Rice (400g)- Water (600g)- Beef (150g)- Fernbrake (150g)- Seasoning for Beef & Fernbrake: Soy Sauce (51g), Sugar (19.5g), Green Onions, chopped (20g), Garlic, chopped (10g), Powdered Sesame mixed with Salt (9g), Ground Pepper (1g), Sesame Oil (12g)- Cucumber (200g)- Ballonflower (150g)- Seasoning for Cucumber & Ballonflower: Soy Sauce (11g), Green Onions, chopped (20g), Garlic, Chopped (10g), Powdered Sesame mixed with Salt (18g), Sesame Oil (24g)- Bean Sprouts (150g)- Seasoning for Bean Sprouts: Salt (1.6g), Sesame Oil (3g), Fish (Croaker, Cod or Frozen Pollack) (150g)- Seasoning for Fish: Salt (1.6g), Ground Pepper (1g), Flour (18g), Eggs (110g), Kelp (10g), Vegetable Oil (50g)- Hot Pepper Paste (80g)

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Cooking Instructions
1.Thoroughly wash rice and soak in water for 30~60 minutes and then cook.
2.Cut beef into 5cm long pieces and clean and cut fernbrakes into 4~5cm pieces. Using the seasoning ingredients listed above, mix into beef and fernbrakes. Remember to keep them separated. Next, panfry the beef and fernbrakes separately using vegetable oil.
3.The next step is to take the cucumber and to diagonally slice it into half. Then, slice into approximately 0.3cm thick pieces. When you have thinly sliced cucumbers, season with salt and then drain the liquid by squeezing with your hands. Rub salt into balloonflowers and then clean in water. Then diagonally rip them into thin slices. Use the ingredients listed above to season each ingredient and then panfry separately.
4.Bean sprouts should be cleaned and placed in a pot along with some water and salt and slightly cooked. Once cooked, use the seasoning instructions listed above to complete.
5.Take the fish meat and cut into 4cm by 5cm pieces and season with salt and pepper. Next, cover with a coat of flour and then drench it in a coat of eggs. Next, panfry the fish pieces and cut into 1cm wide pieces. Fry the leftover eggs to cook and slice them.Cook the kelp and panfry in oil until crispy. Break the crispy kelp into small pieces using your hands.
6.Using a bowl, place the ingredients nicely on top of rice. Serve a bit of the hot pepper paste separately.

The recipe looked so easy. I tried to cook with flowing this recipe, but it was not easy for me. Finally, I created my own food. :'-( If you guys want to try to cook this food, I am willing to give you some ingredients what are not easy for looking for.

How about customs of Korea-? (Part.2)

After I came here, what I missed a lot is food. American foods are so solty, fatty and oily. I think foods are big part of customs. Food is so closed to our life. We can't live without food. There are lots of types of Korean food. I want to introduce typical Korean food.

Korea was once a primarily agricultural nation, and since ancient times rice has been cultivated as Koreans' staple food. These days Korean cuisine also contains a large variety of meat and fish dishes along with wild greens and vegetables. Various preserved food, such as kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage), jeotgal (seafood fermented in salt) and doenjang (fermented soy bean paste) are particularly popular due to their distinctive flavor and high nutritional value. In Korean cuisine all the dishes are served at the same time. A typical meal normally includes rice, soup, and several side dishes, the number of which vary. Traditionally, lower classes had three side dishes, while royal families would have twelve.In Korea, like in neighboring China and Japan, people eat with chopsticks. However, a spoon is used more often in Korea, especially when soups are served. Formal rules have developed for table setting, which can vary depending on whether a noodle or meat dish is served. Food is a very important part of Korea culture, and Koreans pay great attention to the way in which food is served.

Different Kinds of Traditional Korean Food

1. Bap (steamed rice) and Juk (porridge)

Boiled rice is the staple food for Koreans, it is eaten with almost every meal. In Korea people eat short-grained rice, as apposed to the long- grained Indian rice. Korean rice is often sticky in texture, and sometimes it is combined with beans, chestnuts, sorghum, red beans, barley or other cereals for added flavor and nutrition. Juk (porridge) is a light meal, which is highly nutritious. Juk is often made with rice, to which abalone, ginseng, pine nuts, vegetables, chicken, or bean sprouts can be added. As well as rice porridge, red bean porridge and pumpkin porridge are also delicious.

2. Guk (soup)

Korean meals traditionally consist of a soup served with rice. The soup can be made from vegetables, meat, fish, shellfish, seaweed, or beef bones.

3. Jjigae (stew)

Jjigae is similar to guk but is thicker and has a stronger taste. The most famous jjigae (doenjang-jjigae )is made from preserved soy bean paste. Jjigae is usually spicy and served piping hot in a heated stone bowl.

4. Jjim and Jorim (simmered meat or fish)

Jjim and jorim are similar dishes. Meat and fish are prepared with vegetables and soaked in soy bean sauce. The ingredients are then slowly boiled over a low heat.

5. Namul (vegetables or wild greens)

Namul consists of vegetables of wild greens, which have been slightly boiled or fried, and mixed with salt, soy sauce, sesame salt, sesame oil, garlic, onions, and other spices.

6. Jeotgal (seafood fermented in salt)

Jeotgal is a very salty food made from naturally preserved fish, shellfish, shrimp, oysters, fish roe, intestines and other ingredients.

7. Gui (broiled/barbecued dishes)

Gui is when marinated fish or meat are barbecued over a charcoal fire. The most popular gui dishes are meats, such as bulgogi and galbi, however, there are also many fish dishes which are cooked this way.

8. Jeon (pan-fried dishes)

Jeon is a kind of Korean pancake. Mushrooms, pumpkin, slices of dried fish, oysters, unripened red peppers, meat, or other ingredients are mixed with salt and black pepper, dipped in flour and egg and then fried in oil.

9. Mandu (dumpling)

Mandu are Korean dumplings, which are stuffed with beef, mushrooms, stir-fried zucchini, and mungbean sprouts. Pork, chicken, fish or kimchi are sometimes used instead of beef.

As I searched some information about Korean food, it made me hungry and missing Korea so much. There are some Korean restaurant but I couldn't be satisfied with that. I'm looking forward to someday going back to Korea- :-)

(I think that to learn cooking is best way.)

Let's see- How about customs of Korea-? (Part.1)

Have you ever been heard about culture shock? I think custom is a part of culture. When I came here, I felt so confusing and felt like I became a stranger. As time goes by, I could adapt myself to american culture. However, sometimes I feel little confusing until now. To learn another country's culture is so hard. Then, Let's see about customs of Korea to understand Korea-!

Family Life

Traditionally in Korea, the typical family size is quite large, with three or four generations usually living together under the same roof. Because infant mortality was high and a big family was thought of as a blessing, having many children was the desired option. However, as the country underwent rapid industrialization and urbanization during the 1960s and 1970s the pattern was accompanied by an effective birth control drive, and the average number of children in a family dramatically decreased to two or less in the 1980s. Having a long Confucian tradition under which the eldest son takes over as head of the family, many Korean families preferred having a son. To tackle the problem of male preference, the government has completely rewritten family-related laws in a way that ensures equality for sons and daughters in terms of inheritance. Industrialization of the country has made life more hectic and complicated. Young married couples have begun to separate from their extended families and start their own homes. Now almost all families are couple-centered nuclear families.

Names

The majority of Koreans have family names within one of a small set: Kim (about 21% of all Koreans), Yi (or Lee or Rhee, 14%), Park (or Pak, 8%), Choi (or Choe), Jeong (or Chung), Jang (or Chang), Han, Lim, etc. A Korean name consists of a family name, in almost every case one syllable, plus a given name usually of two syllables. The family name comes first. A Korean woman does not take her husband's family name, but their children take their father's family name.

Marriage

Koreans think marriage is the most important passage in one's life and a divorce is regarded as a disgrace not only for the couple but also for their families ― still the divorce rate is growing rapidly these days. Today's typical wedding ceremony is somewhat different from what it was in old times: first a Western-style ceremony is usually held at a wedding hall or a church with the bride wearing a white dress and the groom wearing a tuxedo, then later in the day the bride and groom have a traditional ceremony at a different room in the venue, in colorful traditional costumes.

Body Language

When you beckon to a person, do so with your palm down, and then flutter your hand up and down with your fingers touching together. It is not polite to beckon with your palm up ― especially using only one finger, because Koreans do that only to dogs.

It is a just Part.1-!!

I will introduce about Korean food, Korean clothing, traditional Korean houese and so on.

Coming Soon-!!! Put your hopes on it- :-)

How about Korea's weather-?

I want to introduce about Korea's weather. During the winter, Korea is much warmer than Muncie, and during the summer, much hotter than Muncie. (Because of high humidity-)
Korea is very good place for living. ( Just my opinion-! :-) ) There is no big snow like muncie, and there is no big rain. Let's see-!

Current Korea Weather Conditions

Korea has four seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer in the middle of the year, and a cold winter from November to March. The island of Jeju off the southern coast is the warmest and wettest place in the country. The most ideal time to visit Korea is during the autumn months (September~November). During this time, the country experiences warm, sunny weather, skies that are cobalt blue and spectacular foliage that is perhaps the biggest draw. Winters are cold and dry and remain a good time if you are interested in winter sports as there are numerous ski resorts. Spring (April~May) is also beautiful with all the cherry blossoms in bloom. However, it is very busy and one needs to book in advance to ensure accommodation is available. The summer months are muggy and hot, and rather crowded. It is also when the monsoon begins so many activities are subject to the fluctuations of heavy rain.

Four Distinct Seasons

Korea's climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoonal climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.


Spring
Spring lasts from late March to May and is warm. Various flowers, including the picturesque cherry blossom, cover the nation's mountains and fields during this time.





Summer
The hot months of summer last from June to early September. Half of the annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon season from late June to early July. Mid-July through mid-August is the hottest,humid period and the most popular time for Koreans to go on vacation.


Fall
Lasting from September through November, the mild days of fall make it the most pleasant time of the year. The temperature varies greatly from day to night. The mountains, when blanketed with vivid golden and red autumnal leaves under the clear blue sky, are breathtaking. It is the best season for visiting Korea.


Winter
Winter lasts from December to mid-March. It can be bitterly cold during this time due to the influx of cold Siberian air. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea makes for favorable skiing conditions.



Are you interested in Korea-? Visit Korea-! Korea is so charming country-! :-)

About Korean Birthday Culture-

I think everyone has an own special memory about thieir birthday.

Actually, last thursday was my birthday, so on this occasion I want to

introduce about Korean Birthday culture.

In Korea, we have different system in age compared with America.

In Korea, when we were born, we got 1 year automatically but in America a new born baby is 0 year. Because of that, most Koreans belive they are older than Americans even if they were born in same year. (In my case, I was born in 1984, so the Korean age is 26 but American age is 25.)

There is a special food for birthday person in Korea. The food is seaweed soup.

Actually, seaweed soup was made for a woman delivered of a child cause seaweed is composed by lots of good components such as iron and etc. (Iron is good for pregnants.)

However, as time goes by, the custom was changed and it is considered as a special food for birthday person in these days.

Usually, when the first birthday of baby, parents open big party and pray for their baby to be grown well.

I posted some pictures. If you have any question, please ask me-!

PS> There was a big snow last night-! Are you guys OK?? :-)

Where is Korea-?

I think most americans(Including YOU!!) heard about SAMSUNG and LG.
These companies are from Korea, but most people don't know where they are from.
When I faced this situation, I felt so sad.( cause they knew about where is Japan or China! )
So, I want to introduce about Korea through my blog. :-)
I will post lots of informations step by step. (from location to culture and so on-!)
First, I will post location.
The Korean Peninsula is located in North-East Asia. It is bordered by the Amnok River (Yalu River) to the northwest, separating Korea from China, and the Duman River (Tumen River) to the northeast which separates Korea from both China and Russia. The country itself is flanked by the Yellow Sea to its west and the East Sea to the east. There are several notable islands that surround the country including Jeju-do, Ulleung-do and Dok-do (Liancourt Rocks).
The Korean peninsula is roughly 1,030 km (612 miles) long and 175 km (105 miles) wide at its narrowest point. The land area is 99,200 sq km (38,301 square miles), and it has a population of 48.9 million people (2006).
Because of its unique geographical location, Korea is a very viable piece of land and an international hub of Asia. Mountains cover 70% of Korea's land mass, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The lifting and folding of Korea’s granite and limestone base create a breathtaking landscape of scenic hills and valleys. The mountain range that stretches the length of the east coast falls steeply into the East Sea, while along the southern and western coasts, the mountains descend gradually to the coastal plains that produce the bulk of Korea’s agricultural crops, especially rice.

Division of the 38th Parallel

The Korean peninsula is divided just slightly north of the 38th parallel. The democratic Republic of Korea in the south and the communist government of North Korea are separated by a demilitarized zone. (What a poor situation-!! Even if we are racially homogeneous, we can't see each other-!)

Few days later, I will post about Korea's weather and General information.

Coming Soon~~~!!!!!!

PS> Today is my birthday-!!!! Congratulation! Happy birthday to me-! :-)