The Sounds of Korea: What I want to Hear

♩♬♫♪ opp-opp-opp-opp-oppan gangnam style~ ♪♫♬♩

While the whole world is fervently listening to Oppan Gangnam Style, I would like to take a moment and remove my earphones (and attempt to get rid of my current earworms of Oppan Gangnam Style and Korean drama OSTs) to listen to the rich sounds in Korea – because, after all, there’s more (so much more!) to Korea beyond K-pop and Hallyu.

Sounds.
I like how strong sounds are connected to one’s emotion. Hearing a song or someone’s voice or a familiar tune, rhythm or beat can instantly trigger an emotion and reminisce a memory. Sounds can capture some unique moments that cannot be seen or touched. I love the power of sounds that’s why I love listening to my surroundings.

The sounds of Korea.
From sounds that represents great traditions to the sounds of everyday lives; from the sounds of nature to the faintest sounds of one’s heart. Korea, being a diverse nation where rich culture and traditions meet modernity; a dynamic country where there’s harmony between nature and technology- is indeed a world of sounds!

Thus, I want to hear the different sounds of Korea… and store them in my heart forever.

I want to hear the sounds of Korea’s rich culture and tradition. I want to hear Korean music – from pansori to trots on rest stops; from samulnori to Kpop blasting from the speakers around downtowns. I also want to hear performances be it in theaters or on the streets.

I want to hear the language. With the Korean language being strikingly different from my own mother tongue I had always been curious about it and take it as an opportunity to learn more about Korean culture. After all, language and culture are tied together. I would like to explore as well the different dialects or satori in the different provinces and not to mention, the rich collection of onomatopoeias! I would love to attempt conversation with the friendly people – the strong and ever-helpful ahjummas, the warmhearted ahjussis, and the lovely little kids.

I want to hear the sounds of fun. From the thrilled screams of Gyro Drop riders in Lotte World to the late-night singing in noraebangs.

I want to hear technology. From the talking machines like the elevators announcing that the door is opening; or the T-money reloading machines; or the ATM machines; or the bus, subways and train announcements; or the T-money card readers that either thank you or nag you to swipe your T-money card again; to the different ringtones of smart phones and the 칙칙폭폭 (chikchikpokpok) of the Mugunhwa or KTX.

I want to hear nature. From the seagulls in Ganghwado to the 구구 (gugu) of the pigeons in the parks. From the sounds of water flowing in Cheonggyecheon stream to the cicadas at night. I want to hear the waves hitting the shores in Sokcho and Haeundae beaches.

I want to hear the sounds of Korean food. From the 부글부글 (bugeul-bugeul) of a hot sundae soup from an eatery to the faint 지글지글 (jireul-jireul) sizzle of dakgalbi in Chuncheon. From the sound of cracking a chestnut open, to the slight drizzling of oil while grilling samgyupsal.

I want to hear the sounds of everyday live. The call of the vegetable truck owner. The sounds from the markets. The sounds of the crowd in the shopping districts. The laughter of kids in the parks. The rustle of leaves. The 멍멍 (mongmong) of a street dog. And the 추록추록 of falling rain.

Given a chance to be in Korea again, I would love to hear all of them and keep them all in the musicbox of my heart.

But for now, what I am really dreaming to hear the most is the cheerful music of the Seoul Metro… and… hopefully it will go like this:

♫ Tan-ta-ran-ta-tan… ta-ran-ta-tan-ta-tan… ta-ran-ta-ran-ta-ran… tarararantan… ta-ra-ran-tan ♫

이번 역은 한국, 한국 역입니다. 내리실 문은 오른쪽입니디.
(ibeon yeokeun hanguk, hangukimnida. nerishin muneun oreunjjokimnida)

This stop is Korea. The doors are on your right.

==============================================

The post above is my official application to the Asian On Air Program brought to us by Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), together with Korean Air.

Photos on this post are from the personal file of the blogger. All photos are used with no intention of piracy or commercial intent.

Whew! I’ve finally submitted my entry. Have you sent yours?

More Info

< Asian on Air Program >
☞ Application Period: September 10 – 23, 2012
☞ Eligibility: Bloggers living in Asia
☞ Application Method: Buzz Korea Event Page
☞ Number of Winners: 20
☞ Winners Announcement: September 28, 2012 on Buzz Korea Homepage
☞ Homepage: www.ibuzzkorea.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

SOURCE: Official Site of Korea Tourism Org

[Announcement] buzzKOREA calls Korean Culture Bloggers! Last day of submission today!

You’ve all heard of the Asian On Air Program of KTO and Korean Air, right?

If you haven’t submitted an entry yet, today’s your last chance! Don’t miss this opportunity to share what you want to do, see or hear in Korea. Who knows, this may be your chance to experience it first hand!

 

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), together with Korean Air, is now accepting applications from bloggers in Asia for participation in the Asian On Air Program.

The Asian On Air Program is a special offer for bloggers from the region to experience and write about Korean culture. Successful applicants will be invited to visit Korea for 5 days (October 22-26, 2012), and attend a K-pop dance class, visit a traditional market, go rail-biking in Yangpyeong, etc.

In order to apply for the program, simply produce a blog entry or video clip telling what you want to do, see, or listen to in Korea, and post it on the Buzz Korea Event page by September 23rd. Winners will be selected by the KTO after a thorough evaluation of applications. Furthermore, applicants who promote the Asian On Air Program online via social networking sites and other communication platforms may receive bonus points.

More Info 

< Asian on Air Program >
☞ Application Period: September 10 – 23, 2012
☞ Eligibility: Bloggers living in Asia
☞ Application Method: Buzz Korea Event Page
☞ Number of Winners: 20
☞ Winners Announcement: September 28, 2012 on Buzz Korea Homepage
☞ Homepage: www.ibuzzkorea.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

SOURCE: Official Site of Korea Tourism Org

 

My Highs and Lows in Learning Korean

There are times when I feel so happy and “fulfilled” with my Korean. Like when I was able to successfully organize an event using only Korean. Or when I managed to have a decent, spontaneous and continuous conversation with Korean friends. Or when I can translate the things I read. Or when I can understand big chunks of my dramas or movies without realizing that my subtitles were turned off. Or even the simple things like recognizing a word I recently learned from something I read or heard. Just like a few days ago. I was watching a Korean movie in a cinema (during the Korean Film Fest) and I picked up 자세한 from the dialogue. 자세하다! 자세! I know that word! I just learned that from the TOPIK paper I was answering. I want to shout out loud that I know that freakin’ word!

But there are also times when I feel so frustrated it feels like (1) my efforts are going nowhere OR (2) that I will never ever improve OR (3) BOTH! And it’s usually something that will surface after a good “high”. Like last summer, just when I thought I was improving big time, I sat down in a drinking session with Korean friends and I ended up not understanding a thing they were saying. I barely talked that evening and just munched on the 안주 and drink all night but I was so tired afterwards because of my failed attempts of understanding the conversation. When will I be able to understand such kind of “free-conversation”?

And today, I am at my lowest perhaps. I spent hours each day for the past couple of weeks untangling TOPIK papers – learning new words and grammar points every day. Yet when I sat on our TOPIK review class today I barely understood anything from the 26th TOPIK paper! I highlighted words that I do not know and underlined all grammar points that are not familiar with me. Unknown words appeared one after the other until I almost highlighted the entire paragraph. As expected, I can’t understand anything. Our professor explains to us difficult words and grammar points but the thing is there are more words and grammar points on the material that I do not know so I still end up not understanding anything. I am also overwhelmed with the so many words I don’t know yet that even if words I have learned already appears, I can’t recognize them any longer. The fact that most of the members of the review class were really good since most of them have studied and stayed in Korea for at least a year doesn’t make it any better. It makes me feel all the more frustrated because they can understand more than what I can and they can express their thoughts verbally. I feel exasperated looking at my TOPIK papers. Will I’ll be able to learn all these things?

Times like this, I’d like to remind myself that a few years ago I can’t even read Hangeul; that a couple of years ago I can’t even introduce myself properly; that  last year I can’t even get more than 50 points in the vocabulary & grammar section of TOPIK.

Nonetheless, being lost in our review class and seeing my TOPIK papers almost covered in pink highlights makes me frustrated. I know I must work hard. Harder. But first, I need to get myself out of this 한국어 depression.

[Announcement] Calling for Korean Culture Bloggers!

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), together with Korean Air, is now accepting applications from bloggers in Asia for participation in the Asian On Air Program.

The Asian On Air Program is a special offer for bloggers from the region to experience and write about Korean culture. Successful applicants will be invited to visit Korea for 5 days (October 22-26, 2012), and attend a K-pop dance class, visit a traditional market, go rail-biking in Yangpyeong, etc.

In order to apply for the program, simply produce a blog entry or video clip telling what you want to do, see, or listen to in Korea, and post it on the Buzz Korea Event page by September 23rd. Winners will be selected by the KTO after a thorough evaluation of applications. Furthermore, applicants who promote the Asian On Air Program online via social networking sites and other communication platforms may receive bonus points.

More Info

< Asian on Air Program >
☞ Application Period: September 10 – 23, 2012
☞ Eligibility: Bloggers living in Asia
☞ Application Method: Buzz Korea Event Page
☞ Number of Winners: 20
☞ Winners Announcement: September 28, 2012 on Buzz Korea Homepage
☞ Homepage: www.ibuzzkorea.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

SOURCE: Official Site of Korea Tourism Org

[Announcement] 2012 Korean Film Festival

Here’s the schedule for this year’s 2012 Korean Film Festival (Manila).

SEPT 18 SCREENING will be at CINEMA 4, the rest will be at CINEMA 9.

FREE ADMISSION!

Check Korean Cultural Center’s Facebook Page for the Cebu and Baguio Screening.

[Announcement] Essay Contest on Korea’s National Image

What is your impression of Korea? What do you like about Korea? What do you dislike about Korea?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade seeks the input of people like you to understand how Korea is perceived by non-Koreans. Please share your impressions and opinions about Korea’s national image. The Grand Prize winner will receive a Korean brand laptop.

◇ Contest open to all foreigners without regard to age or gender.
– Those of Korean descent are not eligible.
* Please note that there is a separate contest for those of Korean nationals, in which Korean descent may participate.(please refer to www.mofat.go.kr for details)

◇ Submissions will be accepted from Sep. 3 until Oct. 19, 2012
– Please complete the attached application form and submit it with your essay(English or Korean) to culturemofat@gmail.com

 

SOURCE: MOFAT, Republic of Korea

[Announcement] Korea Post Philippines Job Vacancy

 

– Korea Post Philippines is a newspaper for Korean community in the Philippines
– KPP has supported Korea-related activities in UP Diliman, such as UPCIS AKLE, UP Korean Speech Contest, etc.
– KPP position is open for article writing assistant who is able to communicate in Korean (* You may be asked to choose local news, translate some news, assist Korean journalist outside of the office, etc.)

– Korean language fluency is not necessarily considered great, however, it is preferred who can at least understand, speak, and write Korean language

(* You may not be asked to write entire piece of article in Korean, however, KPP staff may teach or instruct further)
– Office hour 8am-5pm
– Salary and working condition will be informed upon interview or confirmation of hiring
– Someone who is COMMITTED, PASSIONATE and would like to experience in Korean company NOT JUST FOR FUN or NOT FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD, should challenge!
– Those who are interested, please mail your CV to soulbarbers at hotmail dot com

Random Updates

I haven’t blogged properly for many months now – just when I have so many things I wanted to share and talk about. Leaving for Korea in the middle of a semester, I realized, is not really an awesome idea. Not that I regret any part of it. No. Never will. But I’m not just suffering from withdrawals upon my return, but I am also heavily burdened with school stuff. I still haven’t managed to catch up on all the things I missed when I was away and school works just keep piling up everyday. And last Friday, I think I just proved to one of my professors how lousy a student I am by screwing up my midterm exam! I am dreading to see him next week. Someone please save me!

I can’t wait for the semester to end. In about 46 days from now I can finally say I’m free! That is if I am still alive after 7 academic papers and 4 exams.

But despite all the school loads I am brave crazy enough to prepare for TOPIK. I was just about planning to ditch the 28th TOPIK (just like how I ditched the past few 중급 exams in the past). Actually I missed the application deadline and I thought I was able to get away with it. But the deadline was extended and I simply can’t say no to my 선생님. After all, deep inside, I really want to take it because it’ll give me an excuse to study Korean seriously.

Well, I am happy I did apply for it. Yesterday night we had a review session and I learned a lot. I also tried answering a few papers a few days ago. I now doesn’t have much problem on the vocabulary and grammar part (after studying 2-3 papers) since they are actually just being repeated (most of them at least). But usually I only get to study until that vocabs and grammar part before (and some listening). So when I attempted the writing and reading parts I was completely lost. So maybe after a few more papers for vocabs and grammar this week, I’ll just focus more on the writing and reading parts.

Aside from school and TOPIK, there are still many many MANY things I have to / want to do. I still have tons of emails and messages I haven’t answered (sorry, if you are reading this and you are one of the people that I haven’t replied with yet). A lot of writings about my stay in Korea that I need to do (especially the Snack Event for I Do I Do that I’ve only managed to write in Korean, but not in English yet). There are still a lot of people in Korea that I want to thank and want to write messages/letters to. A lot of photos I need to organize and upload (and print!). A lot of stuff to organize! I’m trying to do them little by little. Today I will try to answer all comments here in my blog, finish assigned readings for my linguistics class and answer some TOPIK papers.

And despite my lack of time, I still manage to watch some dramas. ㅎㅎ I was not really planning to watch any, given my tight schedule, but missing hearing Korean everyday, I decided to try watch at least one and use it as a reward for every task I can finish. Say I managed to read a chapter of assigned reading, I can allow myself to watch one episode. And so on.

I picked up Sand Glass first and I regret the fact that I only started watching it now. It was indeed a masterpiece! It’s like watching a documentary. No wonder it holds the record of the highest rated Korean drama of all times. It’s also close to my heart because I lived in Gwangju. And it’s more fun watching it in between my Sociology class’ reading assignments!

I was halfway through Sand Glass when I decided to check A Gentleman’s Dignity. I was looking for something light after a very tiring day, so I didn’t want to watch Sand Glass yet. Some reviews were not good. Others said the characters were so immature. The first episode was so-so for me, but I can’t stop after episode 2! What am I expecting? It’s a Kim Eun Seok drama! Lovers series, City Hall, Secret Garden KIM EUN SEOK! I’d probably be more surprised if I didn’t get addicted. And I don’t think they were immature. Yi Soo may be older than me, but I’m kinda like her and will still probably like her when I reach her age. And the ahjussis? Gah! I know ahjussis that are exactly like them! That’s probably why, even how ridiculous some scenes and situations are, I find them so enjoyable. Because I am thinking of my own ahjussi friends! This is the first time I’m actually this addicted to a drama that is not a Kim Sun Ah one. To the point of looking for the transcripts of it. I only keep copies of Kim Sun Ah’s dramas’ scripts/transcripts. I’ve never done it before in a non-Kin Sun Ah drama.

Oh well. This is just about it A random rant on a hot Sunday afternoon. I hope no one reads this since this post doesn’t make sense anyway. OTL. I’ll start posting more sensible posts after 46 days.

[촬영장소] City Hall – Porridge Restaurant 본죽 당산점

Any City Hallers would know this porridge restaurant that has been on a number of City Hall episodes. How can one forget how Jo Guk tried hard not to cry while eating his porridge and looking at Mayor Shin Mi Rae’s photo?

scene from the drama

scene from the drama

scene from the drama

scene from the drama

scene from the drama

What I love most in this shop is that they preserved the props used in the drama  – the tarpaulin with Shin Mi Rae’s photo even if it has been 3 years already. They also proudly display some more photos from the drama inside and outside the shop. There’s even a nice signage that reads “City Hall Filming Location” outside. Whereas some of Kim Sun Ah’s filming drama locations have either renovated their place already or have taken down photos from her dramas.

ADDRESS:

서울특별시 영등포구 당산동6가 216-8
+82 2-2635-6287

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take line 9. Get off 당산 station. Take exit 8. Walk straight ahead. You’ll find the porridge shop on your left.

[촬영장소] City Hall – National Assembly of South Korea

Alright, there were actually no scenes that was ‘really’ filmed inside (or even outside) the National Assembly, I believe. Just a POV of Jo Guk from his car and some studio-filmed scenes that was supposed to be the inside of the National Assembly (unless they really filmed it inside?).

Nonetheless, for Kim Sun Ah / City Hall fans (fondly called Cityhallers), the National Assembly = Congressman Jo Guk!

scene from the drama

scene from the drama

photo taken from the back – which i think is how it was shot in the drama as well

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take Line 9 and get off 국회의사당 station Exit 1.