Insadong: Where You Can Buy Korean Souvenirs

Take exit 6 of the Anguk Station on Line 3: Go straight for 3 minutes and you will see an info booth and a hand bags shop, you may ask anybody for Crown Bakery and that is the beginning (or the end, if you entered from the other side) of Insadong Street via Jonggak Station , Line1.

 

Jongno 3 Ga: If you get off at Jongno3 ga and walk for 5 minutes, passing by Tapgol Park twoards Gyeongbok Palace you will reach Insadong - a souvnir street of Seoul

Insadong Street: a lot of stuff is handmade, long ago, this street was full of tea houses and art galleries - you can still find one but there are not many anymore.

Insadong Street: Passing by a Tea House

This was an interesting addition to Insadong - there was always an open air performance there.

            

This is the bag shop you will see when you will walk 3 min. from exit 6 Anguk Station. It has been here for past many years!

Jongno 3 ga will bring you to Insadong from one of the many streets all opening                 there.             

An Art Gallery

A Shop specializing in everything-related-to-tea.

You will find Startbucks there too - hard to ignore!

Paint brushes and look at the big one inside for traditional painting!

Some individual artists have their work on display - I love it!

Silver pandants and rings

Traditional Korean Fans.

A restaurant offering all sort of comfort food!

More tea sets (traditional Korean style)

Very pretty and colorful bags (5bucks)!

Pockets made with fake leather for smart phones (3000 won each), aren't they cute!

Korean masks can be a great gift or a souvenir

Cell phone charms and key chains!

Wall Clocks made of Glass!

Pottery: Korean Ceramic also called Celadon

More bag - some of them were very nice and the price was 10,000 won (10USD).

Wood and Clay figurine

Scarfs

More bags within 15USD or 15,000 won

So if you are visiting Korea and want to buy gifts or souvenirs - go to Insadong. Sometimes, you can find this same stuff at Namdaemun Traditional Market or even Itaewon Market. Namdemun being the cheapest. Prices vary with location.

Emotions: Typing in Korean!

 

I think everybody related to Korea knows or have seen these emotions in sms or text messages and even emails.

What feelings do they express can be seen here!

Movers in Korea: Are You Moving within Korea?

...if so, you will need movers, there are many companies to deal with logistics. Most of them are very professional even if they are not a large scale company. All you have to do is to make a reservation with such a company that has a permit by the government to to do so. Most of the relocations takes place in Spring so if you are moving at a time other than Spring, you will get better rates.You willl see that there are a minimum of 2-3 men accompanied by a woman. Men tackle the moving of the heavy stuff whereas the woman handles kitchen and bathroom related packing. Aside, you might have seen Bongo trucks (by Hyundai) with the entire household loaded on it and wrapped in layers of clothes and plastic baskets in yellow color. In a country where moving of a house is a frequent story for every family there are hundreds of companies to deal with it. If you are on the move in Korea or overseas, call one, Their rates are not that bad. On top, you won't be doing anything except being told that all is done.

However, the problem starts when you are looking for somebody who can speak English and one such mover is:

Dexter Park. He can do small scale moves within dongs or gu and even across provinces. In case you have bought something and wants it to be moved to your place then contact him either by email or phone.

Dexter Park's email:dexterpark83@gmail.com

His phone: 010-2214-7112
Fax: 042-622-3801

His Facebook page can be searched through email as well.

Another very professional guy is Brendan (also a Korean). He speaks English fluently. He also does a real estate business and mover service is tagged to it.

Call Brendan at: 

010-7707-4280

Another service which is very cheap and excellent can be reached at:1599-1155
 

You can take a help of a Korean friend to have this services or if you can speak little Korean this company will do. I've used the last two services and am very satisfied with them. In case, you have bought something and want it to be delivered at your place, just call them, they will pick the stuff and will deliver it your place. All you have to do is to text message them your address in English and also Korean and then transfer the money in their account or pay in cash on delivery.  If the move is from a second, third or a higher floor - money increases automatically, since they use gondolas or auto- freight lifts - keep that in mind.

How long does the shipping takes place varies with the shipping company and the time it takes to pass customs in the area you are moving to, shipping usually consumes the following time periods.

Accroding the Immigration Office in Korea:
Domestic packaging,transportation,customs,shipping,insurance): 7 to 10 days.

Shipping by sea
- Southeast Asia : 3 to 10 days
- Western North America : 14 to 20 days
- Eastern, middle North America : 25 to 30 days

All the best with your move.

Are you looking for a flatmate in Seoul or Gyeonggi Province?

Housing is an eternal problem for students on short term or long term basis. The biggest hurdle is the deposit money (보증금) also called key money that starts off usually with 3,000$ or 3 million won to 10,000$ or 10 million won - refundable.

On top, they have to pay a monthly rent tagged to the deposit money and this whole setup is called wal-say (월세). The higher the deposit the lower the rent goes. Hence, KEY money and rent are inversely proportional to each other. Another method is "Jonsay (전세)"where you put a huge deposit (보증금) starting with 70,000 to 100,000USD (700 million to 1000 million won) and do NOT pay any rent. Some Koreans call it a RENT FREE option. When your contract comes to an end that money is refunded.

Anyhow, we have also got options of shared room in an apartment, we have host families option, we have one-room or studio option, we have Hasukjibs, we also have the infamous Goshiwons. The thing is your budget and your personal choices.

Having said that, these days a few friends are looking for a housing in a shared apartment/jutaek, villa etc.

They are studying at Yonsei and Seoul National University.
If anybody is interested in having a flatmate in Seoul/Gyeonggi area, please leave your info. in the comments and we'll get back to you.

We don't care if the place is far away from the above mentioned universities.
Rent should be within 350$ per month or (350,000 won - inclusive of utilities) or 400,000 won within Seoul.

Any pointers would be highly appreciated.

Seoul Fringe Festival

The Seoul Fringe Festival is one of the most representative independent art festival. It was first started by a group of artists in the area with a goal of supporting the indie culture and independent arts of Hongdae.

• Date: August 15 -September 1
• Venue: Streets around Hongik University, Shinchon
• Programs: Indoor Arts Performance, Street Performance, Project Big Boy, Eco Fringe Festival, Asia Independence Film Joint Project, etc.
• More Info: http://www.seoulfringefestival.net/

Another art related activity that is going on is:

 "Asian Students and Young Artists Art Festival"


 Asian Students and Young Artists Art Festival is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Chosunilbo to present art works of talented young students and professional artists from Korea and Asian countries. It is one of the representative art fair for college students.

• Date: August 1 – 26 from 10:00 to 7:00
• Venue: Culture Station 284
• Directions: Seoul Station, Subway Line 1 & 4, exit 2
• More Info: http://asyaaf.chosun.com

(이드 무바락 여러분! (Eid Mubarak)

EID MUBARAK and Many Happy Returns of the Day!

Eidul Fitr will be celebrated in South Korea this Sunday. Muslim Federation of Korea announced that Eid will be celebrated on August19th. 2012) - which is the first of Shawwal here.

So the Eid prayers (congregation) will be performed on the 19th of August, 2012, Sunday  at 10:00 a.m  in the Seoul Central Masjid, Itaewon.

On Eid, Seoul mosque gets crowded because it caters to not just Seoul area but all adjacent small cities and towns in Gyeonggi province. Moreover, it is Sunday, so more people can come and participate because if Eid falls on week days, they have to take a day off but not this year.

If you wanna pray inside the mosque and not outside on the road then you have to make it to the mosque a few hours earlier. To be on the safe side be there by 7:00 a.m.

One must note that Eid celebrations are observed closely by the Korean government  for crackdown on illegal workers/residents in the city.

Eid has the same importance as Chuseok in Korea or Christmas in general. It is one of the most anticipated holidays. Eidul Fitr is one of the most fun Muslim holidays that revolves around a lot of food, sweets, family get-together. It is a family holiday.

On the auspicious day of Eid, I wish everyone a gracious and wonderful Eid day.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL SOUTH KOREANS

It is August 15th. and is the Independence Day of South Korea. Hence, Happy Independence Day to all South Koreans.

South Korea -- formally called the Republic of Korea -- was founded on Aug. 15, 1948 after the end of Japanese rule, which lasted from 1910-1945. Technically, North and South Korea remain in a state of war because the 1950s Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

Today, Bahrain, Congo and India are also celebrating their Independence day hence, I wish the citizens of these countries a happy Independence Day too.

Wish them all peace and progress.

Azadi Mubarak: 66th. Independence Day of Pakistan

Google Doodle celebrating Pakistan's Independence Today

Happy Independence Day to All Pakistanis: Azadi Mubarak Ho - Bohat, Bohat!

We used to say: Jashane Azadi Mubarak, since I couldn't see any Jashan around (celebration/Festivity) hence,  Azadi Mubark will suffice.

Having said that, I hope we learn the importance of freedom and being free, importance of being a country and the importance of being a nation!

A Pakistani Flag made with Gladiola and Tuberoses (Polianthes tuberosa)

We have a long way to go to make the Founding Father of Pakistan PROUD and 66 years have passed already!

With incredible potential, natural resources and human capital we have the power to turn these bad times into good ones. All we need is - in Jinnah's words: UNITY, FAITH and DISCIPLINE - which is lacking!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL PAKISTANIS!

Fire Breaks Out near Gyeongbok Palace

Fire near Gyeongbok Palace

Korea has a long history of fire break outs of the buildings of historical importance. During the Joseon era, entire palaces , all four in Seoul, burned down to ashes several times. There are various reasons to it. One of the most famous and recent  fire break out case  was that of  Namdemun Gate in 2008. AN arsenist was involved which turned the gate to ashes and it is till under restoration, for the past 4 years! One of the reasons is that wood is used a lot in the traditional buildings. Hence, nothing left of the structures once they catch fire.

According to Korea Herald, a fire broke out at the construction site for National Museum of Contemporary Art’s new building near Gyeongbok Palace on Monday morning, threatening the main Joseon Dynasty palace.

The fire broke out at about 11:22 a.m. covering the palace and the area near Gyeongbok Palace’s Gwangwhamun. The cause of the blaze is not yet known.

The emergency services dispatched about 30 fire engines and more than 100 firepersons to put out the fire and to prevent the fire spreading to the palace.

No casualties or damage to the palace have been reported.

The site is located to the east of the palace, and is scheduled for completion in 2013.

Leaving Pakistan Makes me Cranky...

Islamabad: A view from my room - minutes before storms

...while living in Pakistan is sometimes frustrating especially, seeing so much talented youth being wasted, natural resources misused and a new trend of give no damn attitude towards the country but still, leaving it, HURTS. It is a wonderful place. If you have lived in Pakistan, even for a short time, you will miss this country. It still offers a lot to explore, to experience and to learn from. Still, in the madness, you may come across really wonderful people, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful  weather and great food.

When I'm away, I  always plan that on my return to Pakistan, I'll learn a skill or two, work on this or that project but once, I'm in the country - the rules of the game change. Connections, nepotism, loose talk, bribery, unnecessary favors, indiscriminate lying, blocking of information  are just  the tip of the iceberg. I can NOT handle it and step back.

I've seen many good people being marginalized and this MUST change. 

On a lighter side, I was happy to see geckos (had NOT seen one in years) again, and for some time, enjoyed the power shutdowns, water shortages, UPS batteries screaming for water to be poured into them, armies of domestic help, great food and fresh fruits, artisans at work, change of weather in minutes, rains  in Islamabad (which reminds me of the Swiss landscape (but for a micro second). This wishful thinking will blast away when: men and eyes follow you everywhere, garbage bags track you down, when cars are ready to run over you, when you will realize that the city administration has forgotten to make pavements and where they made them - people prefer chauffeured cars.

I saw an incredible increase in men riding donkeys, juggling of 4 or 5 children and a woman on a motor bike, women in hijabs out numbering women in chaddars, huge number of scavengers - gypsies of Pakistan(same type as the Roma people) and a strong presence of Afghan+Somali refugees. I saw huge waste of water in sectors such as F-10, F-11, F-8 (ma be others as well) where cars were washed in the porches by their drivers who suffer water shortage at homes on daily basis. Number of barbed wired houses has more than doubled, civic sense has gone to zero level. All this made me realized, I'm home. It is a colorful place with great divide!

I was asked the weirdest of questions by a few gentlemen (hearing I have come from Vilayat (overseas)) such as: if I smoke or drink? or one fucktard asked me during a conference in Islamabad if I believe in Allah? Who doesn't in Pakistan, I asked back?? What sort of a question was this?? Have I missed a lot in a decade's absence?? Fellow countrymen/women will leave no chance to ask you the most unexpected questions so prepare yourself, do NOT forget that they mind your business more than their own. By the way, we used to be quite descent, well-cultured people a few years ago. Where has it all gone?

Pakistan has changed in layers and hasn't changed at all!

Amazing!

'Itaewon Freedom' vs.'Oppa Gangnam Style' that got Viral

I don't write about K-Pop since a lot of people out there are doing a great job. Moreover, my choice of Korean music is slightly off the track. The singers that I  love to listen to are NOT a part of a Korean Wave per se however, their music is very good.  I feel that either you like the K- Pop or you don't. If it clicks, it is addictive.

These days, it seems that the world is getting hooked on “Oppa Gangnam Style.” If you have a background of Gangnam, it may make more sense. I am not a big fan of Gangnam area, it is crowded and too loud and so is the MV. Back to the songs, with a 'particular neighborhood theme', my choice will be "Itaewon Freedom" by J.Y. Park. I'm looking forward to hear Sinchon or Hongdae song.

According to Hangyoreh  song by PSY or Park Jae-sang has topped South Korean online music charts for four straight weeks since its release last month. The track has also been surprisingly popular overseas. The video on YouTube had more than 17 million views as of August 7, roughly three weeks after being posted. More than 60,000 viewers had written comments. Some wrote that they did not ordinarily like K-Pop, but this song hooked them. US hip-hop artist T-Pain and British singer Robbie Williams mentioned it in Twitter and blog posts, saying they couldn‘t stop laughing after seeing the video. It also placed in the Top 10 of the dance music charts for Apple’s iTunes store in the US, Finland, New Zealand, and Denmark.

PSY is seen doing a comical dance reminiscent of a galloping horse in such odd settings as a sauna, racetrack, tour bus, subway and a Gangnam pedal boat.

If you are in Korea these day it is is quite unlikely that you will NOT hear this song in Marts, restaurants or inside the subway or the subway stations - it is everywhere - played all the time.

'Oppa Gangnam Style' being played on screen at the Shin Bundang Line

Good for the Korean Wave since, academia is already talking about how long the Korean Wave will survive?

Japan Loses to South Korea in Football (Olympics 2012)

Park, Chu-young

South Korea beats Japan 2-0 winning bronze medal in 2012 Olympics. Exactly 10 years ago, we witnessed memorable scenes in 2002 FIFA World Cup - Korea/Japan. We moved to Seoul on the first day of FIFA kick off.

The Olympics 2012 match between the arch rivals brought wonderful memories. Anything between Korea and Japan is much anticipated just like Pakistan and India.

A great treat to watch.

Asia has produced fantastic teams over the last 10 years.

South Korean head coach Hong Myung-bo (center) who was the captain of 2002 Korean Squad celebrates after the team`s victory over Japan on Friday. 

For more pictures click HERE at the source.

Foreign Tourists in Korea

Green Tea Fields

The number of foreign tourists visiting Korea last month reached 1.02 million, the first time it surpassed the 1 million mark. Tourism officials here forecast the total number of foreign tourists will reach 11 million for the whole year. They attribute the surge to an increase in family visitors to Korea compounded by the effects of marketing that surfs the Korean Wave.

Last year, a total of 9.79 million foreign tourists came to Korea. Japanese accounted for 33.6 percent (3.29 million), and Chinese 22.7 percent (2.22 million). Americans made up just 6.8 percent. But the number of Chinese visitors to Korea has surged and overtook the number of Japanese tourists by 20,000 to reach 320,000 in July.

Last year alone, 65.45 million Chinese traveled abroad, and that is expected to rise to 78.4 million this year. At this rate, the number of Chinese people traveling abroad is expected to rise to 100 million two years from now. This shows just how important it is to attract Chinese tourists. But last year, only 3.4 percent of all Chinese who traveled abroad chose Korea as their destination.

High-tech businesses such as Samsung Electronics could build exhibition halls displaying the latest gadgets for visitors and offering hands-on experience in order to boost interest in Korean-made products. The Yongsan electronics market could be turned into a digital theme park for Chinese tourists, just like Japan's largest electronics shopping mall, Akihabara became a magnet for Korean tourists in Tokyo in the past.

Spring in Seoul

Foreign tourists to France, the world's No. 1 travel destination, totaled 79.5 million last year, generating US$54.5 billion in revenues. The tourism industry is a cash cow.

Source Chosun Ilbo

2 ESL Teachers Have Died while Backpacking Vietnam

Two Korea-based English teachers who were teaching in Ansan have died while backpacking in Vietnam. Cathy Huynh, 26, of Ontario, Canada, and Karin Bowerman, 27, of Illinois, U.S., were visiting the coastal city of Nha Trang during their week-long vacation from teaching in Korea when the two suddenly became ill on July 30, vomiting several times. They went via taxi from their hotel to a nearby military hospital. Due to acute respiratory problems and zero blood pressure levels they died 2 days apart from each other. Cause of death is still not known.

Justin Gallant, a high-school friend of Cathy Huynh, has set up fund-raising website “Bring Cathy Huynh home” with a goal of $40,000 to help with transport and funeral expenses. Created on Aug. 2, the site raised about $16,000.00 from over 300 donors as of Tuesday morning.

It is interesting to note that if a Pakistani citizen dies, the national airlines of Pakistan: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) brings the dead body home FREE of charge  in case there is a direct flight  between the two countries (country where a Pakistani dies and Pakistan). In fact, PIAt is financially one of the weakest air fleets of the world. Moreover, the embassies of Pakistan, world over, are also very helpful in this regard. They take care of all the paper work etc. and even help monetarily through a special fund set up to tackle such cases. I know of this, because during my stay in South Korea and working in the area of migrant workers, I saw the help extended by PIA and Pakistan embassies quite often. On the other hand, Canada is an economically very stable country compared to Pakistan (and so is the United States), it is also a member of OECD. Air Canada is a rich airlines but they do NOT offer any help to the bereaved families or offer support for the transportation of a dead body of their citizens back to their country, despite the fact that there are regular flights of Air Canada between Seoul and various cities in -Canada. This is quite shameful.

Where friends are rallying for fund-raising to transport the dead body of the Canadian teacher, I strongly recommend them to start a movement for "free transport of a dead body" by airlines from Canada, USA and Europe. Isn't it humane and ethically right?

May the two souls rest in peace and may God give strength and courage to their families to bear this loss.


For inquiries, email: bringcathyhome@gmail.com.
For information on making donations, visit www.gofundme.com/z81i8.

For details read HERE and HERE.

Korean Speech Contest: My Korea

Baking Class in Seoul: How to make a Yogurt Cake

Events in Seoul such as baking, cooking, art class, tour of different neighborhoods/markets,  including a speech contest are to be held in August so try to be a part of it. You will learn new things and can network with some interesting folks as well.

A speech contest is to be held under the auspices of Seoul Global Center.

If your Korean language level is intermediate or above then you can take part in this contest. It's topic is "My Korea" - introducing Korea.

Schedule

1. Date: September 21, 2012
2. Place: Yeoksam Global Village(YGV)  Center 3F, Conference room
3. Participants: Foreigners who have an intermediate or above level of Korean 
4. Foreigners residing in Korea
5. Subject: Introducing Korea

 

How to apply

1. Application period: Aug. 1~Aug. 24, 2012
2. Application method: via email at yeoksam@sba.seoul.kr
3. Documents for submission: application and  script for the speech (max. 2 pages A4)
4. * YGV will contact the qualifying individuals after screening submitted scripts.
5. All the participants will get a chance to try out hanbok during the contest and will have a photo time after the contest. 
6. For more info go the the YGV website.
7. Contact:  02-3453-9038~9

Some other events taking place in the month of August at Seorae Global Village Center are follows and visit their website for further details.

1. Ribbon Art Class to be held on 10th August. (fee:5000won) 
2. Tour of  Seodaemun Prison History Hall to take place on August 16 (Have to pay entrance fee:1500won)
3. Baking Class: How to make a yogurt cake on August 8th. (fee:5000won)
4. Traditional Fan Making Class on Aug. 22 (fee:1000won)

Visit the website of Seorare HERE.

Accommodation in Korea: Benikea (Discount Hotels)

Accommodation is a big problem outside Seoul in partcular and all over Korea in general.

To address this issue of lack of quality, affordable- priced hotel rooms, particularly outside Seoul, the Korea International Tourism Organization (KNTO) has launched “Benikea,” standing for “Best Night in Korea.” This new association of hotels brings quality accommodations with franchise level consistency to budget conscious travelers.

The number of foreign tourists in Korea is soaring as Korean movies and singing groups attract fans from Japan and especially China. In 2011, there were 9.79 million inbound visitors compared to 6.45 million in 2007.

Recognizing the demand and business opportunity, foreign hotel operators moved in. US hotel chain Best Western opened Best Western New Seoul in 2001 and subsequently expanded to nine hotels with a total of 1,878 rooms. Ibis, from Europe, opened Ibis Ambassador Seoul in 2003, added more hotels in the capital, and expanded to Suwon and Busan. Toyoko Inn operates six hotels with 1,775 rooms, four in Busan and one each in Seoul and Daejeon. It plans to expand to 60 hotels in Korea in 10 years.

After the Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong (three stars) opened in 2006, the impact of foreign hotel chains in the mid-tier market became highly visible. After three years, the hotel, located in the heart of a major shopping district, had a 96 percent occupancy rate. Moreover, its revenue per available room (RevPAR) was ₩110,000, much higher than local three star hotels (₩66,000). By then, Korean tourism officials were ready to become directly involved in the hotel industry.

The Korea Tourism Organization does not operate the hotels per se. Rather, it provides support services and consulting to help hotels achieve and maintain KTO standards of excellence. Getting under the Benikea umbrella is difficult. Even a high-class hotel has to go through a rigorous checklist to be included. Hotels under the Benikea umbrella are found in all parts of Korea, including Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, Incheon, Daegu, Jeju, and Seoul, making themselves easily accessible to tourists. Two-thirds of the hotels are outside of Seoul, which helps promote tourism in those areas.

 To encourage reservations on the Benikea website, Benikea frequently offers special online deals to Korean and foreign individuals. 

It is a good choice if you are planning to stay in a hotel during a trip to Korea. Price are very economical than usual. Services are good. Consider looking at the BENIKEA website HERE. You can reach them 24 hours by calling at : 82-2-1330 . It is very easy to follow and enjoy your trip to Seoul. 

Source: KTO, Samsung Research Center

Shopping in Islamabad

When I went to the Super Market, Islamabad for souvenir shopping, I heard many shopkeepers speaking fluent Chinese and Japanese besides English. A few foreign friends in Islamabad confessed that foreign language acquisition of Pakistanis is very good despite no schooling in some cases. They also said that Pakistan is by far one of the cheapest country in the world. Services and prices are good however, one must bargain hard.

It is a heaven for carpet lovers, fabric lovers, Buddhist artifacts, antique furniture, semi-precious stones and handicrafts etc to name a few. The variety is huge.

I bought some antique silver jewellery, paper silk scarfs, onyx and papier mache boxes.

 Some of the shops were filled with foreigners buying souvenirs from Pakistan in wood, onyx and marble. Carpets were selling well too. Pakistani carpets are one of the best in the world. I remember, when we were in France and people asked where we have come from? On hearing Pakistan they said: very good carpets from Karachi but then this is pre 9-11 days and a lot has changed.

There is so much stuff and everything is handmade.

Marble carved into vases, tea sets, wine glasses,decoration plates was beautiful.

and some looked like this below:

Brass and metal carvings were intricate

Sindhi emroidery shirt was very pretty

A Kashmiri embroidery long shirts were selling for 500USD each. Very intricate embroidery was done on them.

A Swat's emroidery is below in the form of bag:

I saw a nice, traditional Pakistani casual wear for women. The good news is;the shirt is NOT crazy long. I don't like long shirts where a shalwar (traditional trouser) almost disappears and women gives a look of a malang. We don't have to compete with Vietnam in terms of the length of women's shirts.

and another window fashion in Islamabad

A wall hanging that you can find everywhere.