Thanks, Remi, for sharing this! =)
Korean Stereotypes
I asked a group of nine students what they want to say to the rest of the world about South Korea, or more generally, about Asia. They address a variety of topics, such as being good at math, being asked if they are Japanese or Chinese, and also cosmetic surgery.
I’ve been helping these students prepare for their journey abroad to the USA this winter, and we thought making a video would be a great way to make a memory of the time that we’ve spent together comparing cultures, thoughts, and opinions. I’m really proud of what these students have achieved already, and I know they will all be wonderful broad-minded teachers in the future.
I was inspired to make this film after watching Lena Khan’s video “A Land Called Paradise”.
Please feel free to comment, ask questions, and leave your opinions.
The song is “Traveler” by Korean indie musician Soul Park. Download Soul Park’s latest album here: http://itunes.apple.com/jp/artist/soul-park/id465895058?l=en
안녕! Since there hasn’t been much culturally about Korea, I thought I’d make a post reminding you all that Friday, 11.11.11, is the millennial Pepero Day!!!
For those of you who don’t know what Pepero is, Pepero is a Korean snack similar to Pocky (I’m assuming everyone knows what Pocky is :x). On this day, people exchange Pepero sticks with those that they love. It’s more of a day celebrated by couples, but who cares! Give one to your friends, parents, brothers, sisters, anyone really as long as they mean something to you!
In sixty short years, South Korea went from being one of the poorest countries in Asia to having the world’s 13th largest economy. Korean students have some of the highest test scores in the world, and a higher rate of acceptance into American Ivy Leagues than any other foreign country. But Korea also leads the world in two not quite so stunning ways- the highest rate of plastic surgery per capita, and a higher suicide rate than any other developed nation.
So. What’s life like for a Korean student? In one of the most competitive societies in the world, how does one find their place? What does it take to achieve your aspirations and goals? Our documentary will take a look at the lives of five Korean teenagers on the verge of either reaching- or losing- their dreams. The film will follow the students during the most stressful time of their lives- their last year of high school. After studying for roughly sixteen hours each day, their futures boil down to one last exam. On November 10th, 2011, thousands of high school seniors will take a nine hour test that for many, will determine their economic and social status for the rest of their lives.They have already reached the goal amount of fundraising and the film is scheduled to be finished on August 2012. visit their site for more info http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1877491487/documentary-on-korean-education
If you’ve ever heard one half of a Korean phone conversation, you will know they pretty much ALL sound like this. I have never understood it…
응… 응…. 응응…
AnonymousThank you for the very kind words! =D It’s always nice to hear positive words.
I actually really like this question a lot. Like, if you were to ask me that personally, I’d have enjoyed talking with you about all of it. Unfortunately, I can’t answer it as fully as I want to. Because unlike basic language, culture of any foreign country is a lot harder to get used to. Not because of the nuances of it all, but because there’s just so much to remember. History is also a little hard for me to explain here. The first things that I thought of when I got to history was, I swear to God: Turtle Ship, King Sejong, Three Kingdoms. That’s about it.
I tried digging through Google for some places to help you, (I do this a lot for these questions actually) and I found a couple good ones. I guess it’s all about what to search for.
The first site I found is etiquette. Koreans are pretty big on that; never insult a Korean from Korea unless you hate the guy. Anyway, the first one I’ve found is from a site called Aisarooms.com. It has a bullet point format of just basic rules to observe when out and about in the country. As for history, I found this interesting Google timeline. Somewhat cumbersome, but if you want to skim some history, then I’d say it’s the best bet.
I’m gonna cop out and say that ultimately, your best source for Korean history and culture won’t be online. Culture maybe, and if you search for the right things, you’ll find sites similar to the Asiarooms site I gave earlier (which I found to be surprisingly comprehensive). I say visit your local library and, no matter how embarrassing it is, find children’s books on Korean Culture and Folk Tales. Those are very telling of values and all that. Also, I say start from this article and just work from there (i.e. footnotes at the bottom). As for history, unless you want to read a lot, your best best is Wikipedia. Otherwise, while you’re checking out kid’s books, find a book or two on Korean History. They will probably focus on the Silla Period or the Three Kingdoms Period, but better than nothing, I hope.
I’m very sorry if this doesn’t answer your question at all, but I hope you find the sites/advice I gave to be helpful. Hope you ace the test!
To say that I’ve been neglectful is putting it very very lightly. I haven’t been the best of hosts on this site. I admit it. So I’m offering this blog’s admin position up for grabs. If you think you can impart more knowledge about the language than I already have, or just want to take this in an entirely new direction, don’t hesitate to nominate yourself. Hell, if you know someone who might want to do something similar to what I’ve done, ask them too!
Until we find someone to take this site over, I have opened submissions. If you want to share anything about Korea or it’s culture please submit something so that this blog isn’t just sitting here. Note that I won’t be taking K-Pop submissions, since there are so many other places that do that. But if it’s something about the food, the people, the language, even the immigrants, send it in to share with everyone else.
The Gwangju Democratization Movement (Hangul: 광주 민주화운동) refers to a popular uprising in the city of Gwangju, South Korea from May 18 to May 27, 1980. During this period, citizens rose up against Chun Doo-hwan’s military dictatorship and took control of the city. During the later phase of the uprising, citizens took on arms to defend themselves, but were crushed by the South Korean army. It is simply called 5.18 by South Koreans to avoid politicizing the event. (Those who condemn it call it “5.18 Incident” and those who support it call it “5.18 Uprising”)
For the period of Chun Doo-hwan’s reign, the incident was denounced as a rebellion inspired by Communist sympathisers. But after civil rule was reinstated, the incident received recognition as an effort to restore democracy from military rule. The government made a formal apology for the incident, and a national cemetery was established for the victims.
Went to Gwangju last November to the site of the uprising. My friend wanted to go before he left because he was moved by a movie (documentary?) about it in a class. Here’s a picture of I took of the site.
A little more than sobering for a Monday, but I think it’s worth a reblog.
I know a lot of you guys like K-Pop, K-Dramas, Korean movies, et cetera. So I was wondering, what’s your favorite? Nothing’s going to happen from these answers, I’d just like to know you guys better. If you do answer, please include title and what it is.
Just released from Ongno Communications.
PEOPLE. Do you live in Korea? Are you confused by Korean food? YOU NEED THIS. Seriously. Check it out. I’m downloading it as soon as I get home.
This looks AWESOME. I am so downloading this tonight. Thanks!
Thought you guys might be interested in this. Hell, I might download it.
