Parent's Visit- Suwon

The next city we visited was Suwon, just south of Seoul. We were really loaded down on the trip up there- between the 3 of us, we had 5 rolling luggages, and one duffel bag! But, three of those rolling luggages were full of my stuff to be sent home- I really cleared out a lot of clothes!

Once we successfully got all the luggage to our hotel, we took a cab to Suwon Folk Village. At first, I wasn't too keen on going there, as I've seen things like this in the past, and they're generally very touristy. This one was quite different, and definitely exceeded my expectations.

Though it was a bit expensive to get in, since we'd driven all the way there, we still went in. At first, all we saw were restaurants, souvenir shops, and elementary students, but after we passed the second entrance gate, the touristy bits disappeared and we were in a real village. All of the 260-odd buildings had been transported from different parts of the country, and we liked comparing the differences in architecture styles.



They also had lots of "businesses," like a pottery studio, silk studio, farms, and government offices. Mom and I bought some pottery necklaces and jars, which are one-of-a-kind. We saw a live performance of a wedding in the "Royal Palace" and an acrobatics show.

The next day, we stored our stuff at Suwon Station and walked to the main sight in Suwon, the fortress. It was awesome!

We payed just $1 to walk around the old walls and explore the lookout points. Part of the fortress was on top of a mountain, but it was so large that it extended down into the town. Of course now, the inside of the fortress is full of PC Bangs, homes, and schools, but hundreds of years ago, it would have been just like the folk village we'd seen yesterday.





We walked around on top of the mountain, and walked down through town at the end. We were all surprised at the size of it- I didn't realize it would be half as big as the city! This is a cool shot of the entrance leading up to the temple in the town. I've never seen anything on the sidewalk like this before:



The three of us had a great morning/early afternoon at the fortress, and Dad later said it was his favorite part of the trip!

Parent's Visit

It's just a week now until my parents come, I can't wait! There's so much to do and see here, and I just hope that they'll have a blast!

We'll spend a few days of course in Gwangju, touring around the city, visiting my school, going out to eat, and meeting friends. My host family here is sooo happy my parents are coming- I swear, the dad would have wanted us to visit every day if we could! Thankfully, we'll just be spending one night at their apartment, and going to Boseong and a KIA Tigers game together. I'm really curious how the communication will work, and I have a feeling they'll grill my parents with all sorts of questions!

Some other cities we'll be visiting are Daegu, Busan, Gyeongju, Suwon, and Seoul. I'm really eager to go to Daegu and Gyeongju; I've never been there before. I'm sure my parents will like Seoul, just because there's so much to do. Also, I think our hotel there is going to be really nice! In Daegu and Busan, we'll be meeting some friends of mine so we can go to the best places. There's a lot to do in each place, but I want to do the best things.

I'm also looking forward to seeing the fun stuff my parents are bringing- some herbs to plant, some new shoes, and a Kindle (still so sad about the last one breaking). I'll be sending home 3 pieces of luggage with them, including my computer. Computer's are very expensive to ship, and since I get a laptop from school, I'll be able to use that at home. Getting rid of all my winter clothes and things I don't use will clear up a lot of space in my wardrobe. Whatever I can send now is something I don't have to pay for to ship home.

I know it's only been about 8 months since I saw my parents last, but I'm still very excited! The weather is nicer now, and I'm pumped to show them my favorite things about Korea!

"The Best Country in the World is..."

Here are some excerpt's from a recent issue of Newsweek. I picked up a copy while at the O'Hare airport on my way back to Korea. I found it really interesting! It is all in the answer to the question "If you were born today, which country would provide you the very best opportunity to live a healthy, safe, reasonably prosperous, and upwardly mobile life?" Well, here are the top 15:

1. Finland
2. Switzerland
3. Sweden
4. Australia
5. Luxembourg
6. Norway
7. Canada
8. Netherlands
9. Japan
10. Denmark
11. USA
12. Germany
13. New Zealand
14. UK
15. South Korea

In the specific category of Education, here is a small blurb about education of South Korea:

"Finland heads this category for good reason, but South Korea isn't far behind. The Asian nation is legendary for the quality of its schooling and the fervor of its students, who are among the likeliest in the world not only to complete their secondary education but then to go on and acquire college degrees (South Korean parents are notorious for spending huge sums of money on test-preparation courses for their kids). It's hard to imagine now, but back in the 1960's, South Korea's national wealth was on par with Afghanistan's. Today, it's one of the world's richest nations, in large part thanks to its focus on education."

There was another short article about 10 world leaders who have "managed to win some serious respect." What is says about South Korea:

"The CEO in charge- Lee Myung Bak- The global financial crisis provided a showcase for the South Korean president's management skills. Drawing on his experience as a former Hyundai CEO, Lee guided Korea Inc. through the storm, slashing interest rates and saving troubled banks. The result: the fastest recovery among OECD nations, and forecasts of 5.8% growth in 2010."

I thought this entire magazine was very interesting, as well as eye opening. I'd like to be able to use it in a future lesson, perhaps with my after school classes that will be starting soon, but I'm not entirely sure how. Any suggestions are welcome!

The "Queen"

I'm sure you've all heard the news, it's the major headline over here as you may have guessed Kim Yu-na did it! She put on two amazing performancs that I've seen too many times to count on repeat on SBS. I still watch it though, she did a fantastic job!




There's more pictures here:

http://www.nbcolympics.com/photos/galleryid=448354.html#kims+golden+night

And... I just read this on the Korean times. You can read more about Yu-na and marketing here:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/sports/2010/02/136_61563.html


"No one can escape Kim Yu-na in South Korea. The 19-year-old has just dominated the skating rink in Vancouver, and is now raising her share of the advertising market to another world-record level.

There was more than enough advertising and merchandise featuring the sensational figure skater even before her winning of the gold medal at the Winter Olympics; there was Yuna milk, Yuna bread, Yuna SUVs, Yuna air-conditioners, Yuna supermarkets, Yuna facial cream and Yuna teddy bears."

Yuna milk? Sign me up! ^^

Here's a commercial I see ALL THE TIME at the gym. She's the new Nike face in Korea. If you search in YouTube for her commercials, there's dozen! I like this one and the lipstick commercial best.

Mail!

I haven't mentioned anything about this yet, but I love getting mail!

In the last couple of weeks, there's been an increase of mail/packages from home, and I appreciate it so much! It's great having a little piece of home!

I got a small Christmas present from my parents. Dad choose a Christmas towel in the Garden Pennisula last fall, and during shippment, the small dowel broke, but it wasn't anything that some tape couldn't fix. It is currently hanging in my kitchen from a bright pink suction cup that is taped on (suction cups here aren't nearly as strong as they are back home!).

I also recieved a package from relatives. It had notes, which I love reading, and some beautiful jewerly! I recieved two Christmas cards from some wonderful aunts and let me tell you, they were the highlight of my Christmas lesson. There are Christmas cards here, but the kids got a kick out of seeing something that was sent halfway across the world. They wanted me to read it out loud for them, and even though I'm sure they didn't understand, they looked happy.

I've heard there are some more cards on their way. It's pretty easy to send letters, I posted my address on the blog a while back, and you can just print it out if you feel like sending anything.

Again, thanks for the letters from home, and know that I'm not the only one who enjoys seeing them. I don't know who is more excited to know that I have mail: me, my students, or my co-teachers! I've got them all in my office on the window sill now. Have a Merry Christmas and hope to hear from you soon!

You know Korea is your home when...

Seeing a woman wearing flat shoes almost looks weird.


You understand Konglish better than English.


If you've ever had more than one 'dangly' thing on your cell phone.


Can instinctively find the English language section in any bookstore.


You can name more than 3 brands of ramen.


You've memorized how much your favorite drink and snack cost at the convenience store. [Author's note: 2,350 won = 500ml Coke Zero and that bag of cinnamon crackers...]


American businesses around you (Starbucks, McDonalds, Burger King) stop surprising you.


If you no longer groan when climbing the stairs to your favorite 3rd floor bar.


If you play with the Korean kids without a second thought.


You miss the freedom and sensation of driving, but wouldn't dare to drive in Korea.


You're no longer tempted to reach into the fish tanks outside of restaurants and grab one.


When you instinctively know which can is for trash and which is for recycled.


All the palaces look alike.


When you know the choreography to any K-pop song.


When Korean women stop looking anorexic.


When you accept Konglish and stop trying to fix it.


When you look both ways before crossing the sidewalk.


When toilet paper isn't just used in the bathroom.


When you have mastered the Korean squat.


When kids walking or riding the subway by themselves no longer worries you.


When an American holiday passes and you barely even notice.


Hearing any language other than Korean or English almost shocks you.


If you happily eat soup from a shared bowl.


If you've figured out how to eat cake with chopsticks.


You stop picking off corn or sweet potato on a pizza.


When you actually understand the entire subway or bus announcement


When you jostle for a subway seat with the best of them


Women hiking in heels no longer seems dangerous


When you crave Korean food but need someone to go with you


When you drink beer while walking on the street (BONUS POINTS: while dressed in the same clothes you taught in)


You've caught yourself about to say something in Konglish


If you take pictures of your food before you eat.


A Korean ever says "you use chopsticks better than I do!"


If you've figured out how to watch TV on your cell phone.


If you can't remember life before kimchi.

I found this article online last night. While I agree with the amount of parential "support" that Korean kids receive, there is no way I'd want my kids to go to school here. It is so competitive, and there's no free time until you've finished university. There's no time for kids to just be kids, they are too busy going to school until 10pm and studying late into the night- in elementary school!

Obama Lauds Korea for Education Zeal

U.S. President Barack Obama praised Korean parents for their enthusiasm in providing an excellent education to their children at the launch of the ``Educate to Innovate'' campaign at the White House, Monday.

``I just want to mention the importance not only of students but also of parents,'' Obama said as he mentioned talks he had with President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul last Thursday. ``He said even if somebody is dirt poor, they are insisting that their kids are getting the best education.''

Obama visited South Korea as part of his nine-day Asian tour that also brought him to China, Japan and Singapore.

When asked what difficulties he was having in improving his education policy, Lee answered, ``The biggest challenge that I have is that parents are too demanding,'' Obama said.

He said that the U.S. should take a lesson from Korean parents' insistence on excellence in schools.

The U.S. President also spoke highly of the Lee administration's initiative to improve English skills among young children. He quoted Lee as saying, ``I've had to import thousands of foreign teachers because they're all insisting that Korean children have to learn English in elementary school,'' referring to the parents.

China also has shown a strong interest in education, Obama added.

Obama cited Han Zheng, mayor of Shanghai, as saying, ``We don't have problems recruiting teachers because teaching is so revered, and the pay scales for teachers are actually comparable to doctors and other professionals.''

He said the U.S. should make more efforts to inspire and educate its new generation.

``That gives you a sense of what's happening around the world. There is a hunger for knowledge, an insistence on excellence, a reverence for science and math and technology and learning,'' he said. ``That used to be what we were about. That's what we're going to be about again.''

Obama previously touted Korea's education last March.

He called for the U.S. to look into adopting Korea's longer school days and after-school programs as a solution to improving its education system.

``Our children spend over a month less in school than children in South Korea every year. That's no way to prepare them for a 21st century economy,'' Obama said.

``That's why I am calling for us not only to expand effective after-school programs, but to rethink the school day to incorporate more time ― whether during the summer or through expanded-day programs for children who need them,'' he said.


http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/11/113_56042.html

Last weeks CSAT

Last Thursday was the national CSAT test, for which I had a day off and many flights nationwide were cancelled or the times were changed. Here is an except I found about the test.

"Last Thursday, the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), a standardized test accepted by South Korean universities, was held at more than 1,000 test centers across the nation. About 670,000 students took the state-run exam, which will play a role in determining their entrance into college. The test started at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 6:05 p.m.

The CSAT is regarded here as one of the most important tests and an influence on students' future careers, making it a significant matter for both students and their parents. Many Korean students believe their future depends on their CSAT score.

According to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, its main focus for English education is to enhance learners' English communication skills and develop their autonomy and creativity in the era of globalization and information.

Composition of CSAT

The CSAT is composed of 50 multiple-choice questions ― 17 listening comprehension and 33 reading comprehension. The Korea Institute of Curriculum and Examination, which is in charge of the test, said that this year's CSAT is similar to last year's in terms of the degree of difficulty.

However, experts in the private education field say the degree of difficulty seems somewhat higher than that from a year ago. Test-takers may have found the actual test more difficult than trial examinations.

In particular, the listening portion of the exam was more difficult compared to last year due to lengthier audio scripts and a quickened speed. Statistical data given in academic reports show that many students have difficulty with questions involving contextual details, such as calculating and table comprehension items.

As for the reading section, the ability to identify the general context from a given passage and locate detailed information has become crucial for test takers.

The reading comprehension section has 33 questions including questions on inference, identifying the main subject, choosing the best title, grammar and vocabulary."

On a related note, on of the EPIK coordinators who I have Korean class with said he was judging an essay contest last weekend. Parents were concerned that some students would find out the question before, and would have an upper hand. He explained to me that on Friday night he would be locked in a room with a few other select people to decide on an essay topic. They would be there all night until the test started Saturday morning. He wasn't even sure if he would have a chance to call his wife to say "hello!" I will ask him how the test went when I see him later this week at Chonnam.

빼빼로 Day!

Today is 빼빼로 day, or Pepero day. Here is some information I found on Wikipedia about the holiday:

Pepero, 빼빼로, is a cookie stick dipped in chocolate syrup manufactured by Lotte since 1983. Pepero Day is an observance in South Korea similar to Valentines Day. It is held on November 11, since the date 11/11 resembles four sticks of Pepero. The holiday is observed mostly by young people and couples, who exchange Pepero sticks and other candies.

According to one story, Pepero Day was started in 1994 by students at a girls' middle school in Busan where they exchanged Pepero sticks as gifts to wish one another to grow "as tall and slender as a Pepero."

Here is a display of some 빼빼로 for sale:

Swine Flu

Here is an excerpt from my English newspaper, the Korea Times, about the swine flu. We have a few cases at both my center and visiting schools. The problem is definitely getting worse, and my teachers are all very concerned about it. I'm thinking of buying a mask soon!



"South Korea Tuesday raised its flu alert status to the highest "red" level and moved to set up a central disaster relief headquarters to better combat the rapid spread of influenza A (H1N1).

The Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said the number of confirmed H1N1 flu cases has doubled in recent weeks with the onset of cold weather, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The country had maintained its "orange" alert status since July 21 but decided to raise it as an average of 8,857 people caught the new flu per day last week, up from 4,420 tallied for the week before. A total of 42 people have died in South Korea from the flu since mid-August.

Government efforts will be focused on coping with serious flu cases and vaccinating about 35 percent of the population as soon as possible to safeguard public health, the ministry said.

It also called for a central disaster relief headquarters to be set up under the Ministry of Public Administration and Security to enhance the government's response to the epidemic.

"The government will move to mobilize all available medical personnel to treat patients and enhance the country's capability to provide anti-viral drugs," an official was quoted as saying.

Seoul will strengthen its monitoring of hospitals and clinics to gauge the extent of influenza A's spread, he added.

Health authorities said they will advance vaccinations of all school children by one week or two, and stockpile 11 million dosages of anti-viral drugs."