Korean Etiquette & Table Manners

Looks like I’m late again with my blog post, the same old excuse I’m afraid. I’ve been busy watching Korean dramas again. That’s the only pleasure I get these days I guess. Like in many Eastern cultures, politeness and proper etiquette are very important in Korean culture. So thought I’d tell you something about it today.
But before I go into it, I would like to introduce you to the Korean word “kibun” which has no exact English translation to it; and the closest terms to describe it, are pride, face, mood, feelings, or state of mind. For example, if you hurt someone's kibun, it means that you have hurt his pride, which will cause him to lose his dignity and probably lose face. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of harmony so it is important to maintain a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere at all times. Thus it is important to know how to judge the state of someone else's kibun, how to avoid hurting it, and how to keep your own kibun at the same time. In business, a manager's kibun is hurt if his subordinates do not show him proper respect while a subordinate's kibun is hurt if his manager criticizes him in public.
To be able to judge another person's state of mind is essential in order not to hurt the person's kibun. The ability to determine another person's kibun by using the eye is known as “nunchi”. This can be accomplished by watching the body language and listening to the tone of voice as well as what is being said. As long as you keep these two things in mind, you will never embarrass your Korean friends and neither will you  embarrass yourself.
So let’s start with the introductions first.

Meeting and Greeting
The bow is the traditional Korean greeting, although it is often accompanied by a handshake among men. To show respect when shaking hands, support your right forearm with your left hand.
Korean women usually nod slightly and will not shake hands with Western men. Western women may offer their hand to a Korean man.
Bow when departing. Younger people wave (move their arm from side to side).

Names and Titles
It is considered very impolite to address a Korean with his or her given name. Address Koreans using appropriate professional titles until specifically invited by your host or colleagues to use their given names.
Americans should address a Korean with Mr., Mrs., Miss + family name; however, never address a high-ranking person or superior in this manner.
Korean names are the opposite of Western names with the family name first, followed by the two-part given name. The first of the two given names is shared by everyone of the same generation in the family, and the second is the individual's given name. Example: Lee (Family) + Dong (Shared Given) + Sung (Given). Dong Sung is the individual's given name. Address him as Mr. Lee or Lee Sonsaengnim (which means "teacher").
Koreans consider it a personal violation to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend. Avoid touching, patting or back slapping a Korean.
Direct eye contact between junior and senior businesspeople should be avoided. This is seen as impolite or even as a challenge.
Do not cross your legs or stretch your legs out straight in front of you. Keep your feet on the floor, never on a desk or chair.
Always pass and receive objects with your right hand (supported by the left hand at the wrist or forearm) or with two hands.
To beckon someone, extend your arm, palm down, and move your fingers in a scratching motion. Never point with your index finger.

• Many South Koreans shake hands with expatriates after the bow, thereby blending both cultural styles.
• The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status, yet it is the most senior person who initiates the handshake.
• The person who initiates the bow says, "man-na-suh pan-gop-sumnida", which means "pleased to meet you."
• Information about the other person will be given to the person they are being introduced to in advance of the actual meeting.
• Wait to be introduced at a social gathering.
• When you leave a social gathering, say good-bye and bow to each person individually.

Different cultures follow different rules for table manners. Korean table manners are generally governed by respect where respecting elders is one of the most important rules.
Koreans usually eat rice, soup, with three to four side dishes, and sometimes more, so a typical Korean table setting would consist of a bowl of rice, a soup bowl, a spoon and chopsticks, which are arranged from left to right, in that order, for each person. Korean meals are not usually served in courses.
Stews and side dishes are placed in the center to be shared by all members. Koreans generally believe that sharing food from one bowl makes a relationship closer, but if one feels uncomfortable with sharing the one-for-all dishes, it is okay to ask for an individual bowl or plate. Today many Korean restaurants naturally provide individual bowls and plates.
Since ancient times, Koreans have used a spoon to eat the rice, soup and stews while chopsticks were used to eat the rather dry side dishes. Koreans have been trained to use the spoon and the chopsticks correctly from childhood. Using both of these utensils at the same time is considered to display bad manners.
Koreans often say no when asked to have a second helping, even if he would like to do so. It is polite etiquette to decline the first invitation for a second helping. Your host will then keep on insisting that you take a second helping, and only then is it considered alright to accept it. Of course, you can politely decline if you are already full.
 
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Dining and Entertainment
Sharing a dinner is vital to building friendships that foster trust. Your business success is directly related to your social relationships.
Do not pour your own drink, but do offer to pour others'. It is common to trade and fill each other's cup. To refuse is an insult. Women pour men's drinks, but never another woman's drink. A woman may pour her own drink. Leave some drink in your glass if you don't want a refill.
Wherever you see a "No Tipping" sign, do not tip. Koreans find tipping offensive, although tipping is now becoming expected in Western hotels. 
Koreans do not like to talk a lot during dinner. Periods of silence are common and appreciated at a dinner. The meal usually comes before socializing at a dinner party.
It is polite to pass or accept food or drink with your right hand while your left hand supports your forearm/wrist.
The person who invites pays the bill for everyone. However, it is polite to offer to pay. When two people are dining, usually the younger person pays for the older person.
Prepare to sing a solo number after dinner, no matter what kind of voice you have. Any song is acceptable, as long as you sing with spirit.
After dinner, the host may invite his guests to go drinking. Don't refuse this invitation.
Following are the dos and don’ts at the Korean dinner table.

If you are invited to a South Korean's house:

• It is common for guests to meet at a common spot and travel together.
• You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without giving offence.
• It is customary to bring a gift for the hostess.
• Remove your shoes before entering the house.
• The host greets each guest individually. 
• The host pours drinks for the guests in their presence. The hostess does not pour drinks.
• Always allow your host to seat you. The seat of honor is the seat looking at the front door. If you are seated in the seat of honor, it is polite to protest slightly.
• Before you eat, especially at someone's home, it's polite to say that you are looking forward to the meal. Jalmukesumneda (I will eat well) and it is customary to acknowledge your thanks after the meal.  Masegaemugusuyo (I ate well).
• The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car because they believe that it is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors. 
• Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.

And if you are at a restaurant or a house guest, the same rules apply

• Wait for the elderly people at the table to start eating first before you do so, no matter how hungry you may be. Older people are highly regarded in Korean culture and eating before them is considered impolite.
• At first, taste soup, and then try the rice or other dishes. Use spoon for rice and liquid foods, such as stews or soups; use chopsticks for other foods.
• Do not pick out what you don't like or shake off seasonings.
• Hold your chopsticks and spoon one at a time. Never hold both at the same time.
• When using chopsticks, the spoon is rested on the table. The spoon and chopsticks should not rest on any bowl or dish during the meal.
• Never point with your chopsticks when you speak.
• Don't stick your chopsticks straight up into your bowl because that resembles traditional Korean ancestral ceremonies.
• Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak.
• Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest.
• Unlike in China and Japan, Koreans do not hold their bowls or plates in the palm of their hands while eating.
• Do not leave the table while eating unless you need to go to the restroom very badly.
• Do not read a book or newspaper or watch TV while eating.
• Do not reach across the table for distant food - ask a nearby person to pass it to you.
• Eat as quietly as possible. Making a lot of noise while chewing is frowned upon, as is making excessive sounds with your cutlery.
• It's not good manners to eat faster or slower than others, so try to keep pace with the other people around you by eating not too fast or too slow.
• Try to maintain an upright posture when eating and bring the food to your mouth rather than leaning forward to take a bite.
• Don't take so much food that you can't finish, as that is considered wasteful.
• Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is.
• Refuse the first offer of second helpings.
• Finish everything on your plate.
• Bones and shells should be put on an extra plate.
• If someone senior to you is extending you a drink, you should accept it with both your hands cupped on the glass. More importantly, you are expected to drink with your head turned sideways, away from your senior.
• When you pour for someone senior to you, place your other hand lightly under your pouring hand or under your opposite elbow.
• Ensure that you keep the glasses of your seniors always full; a good way of being in their good books.
• Indicate you have finished eating by placing your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table. Never place them parallel across your rice bowl. You can put the napkin back on the table loosely folded.
• Wait to leave the table until after the oldest person at the table has left his seat. Then you may follow. It is considered rude if one leaves the table before the elder finishes. Staying put until the oldest person is finished is considered a basic concept of Korean table manners.
• If you have to cough or sneeze at the table, turn completely away from the table and cover your mouth.
• It's acceptable table manners to use a toothpick, but you must cover your mouth so others cannot see. Be sure to throw away the toothpick discreetly.
• If you happen to finish your meal before one or more of the elderly people at the table, refrain from resetting your place setting, and just leave your spoon in the rice bowl until the others have finished.
• Always follow the example of the host or of other native Koreans at your table if you are confused about how to eat a specific Korean dish.
• Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick. 

Gift giving is very common in Korea. Offer and receive a gift with both hands. Wrapped gifts are never opened in the presence of the giver.
Reciprocate with a gift of similar value when receiving a gift from your Korean colleague. Koreans like regional United States gifts and Indian/Western artifacts.
Wrap your gift nicely. Bright colors are preferred for wrapping gifts. Yellow and red or green stripes are a traditional Korean wrapping paper design. Avoid wrapping gifts in dark colors. Always bring a small gift for the hostess when invited to someone's home. Give: small gift, candy, cakes, cookies, flowers, fruit. Do not give liquor to a woman.
It is common to exchange gifts at the first business meeting. Allow the host to present his gift first.
Give: liquor (good quality scotch), fruit, desk accessories, small mementos, gifts from France or Italy (which often indicate status).


Gift Giving Etiquette

• Gifts express a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated.
• Do not give too expensive gifts (Koreans will feel obligated to reciprocate with a gift of equal value), knives or scissors (they signify "cutting off" a relationship), green headwear, gifts with red writing (denotes death) or gifts in a set of four (denotes death).
• Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home.
• Gifts should be wrapped nicely.
• Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky.
• Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper.
• Do not sign a card in red ink.
• Use both hands when offering a gift.
• Gifts are not opened when received.

Corporate Culture
Koreans expect Westerners to be punctual for social occasions and business meetings. Call if you will be delayed. However, you may be kept waiting up to a half hour. This is not a sign of disrespect, but reflects the pressure of time on Korean executives.
Professionals meeting for the first time usually exchange business cards. Present your card and receive your colleague's card with both hands.
Building trust and relationships is vital to establishing a successful business relationship. This requires patience. Koreans prefer to do business with people they know.
The first meeting is to establish trust, so business should not be discussed. Be formal in meetings until the Korean delegation loosens up.
Negotiations are generally long and require several trips. Be prepared for business meetings to go well beyond business hours.
Koreans generally start negotiations at an unreasonable position and prepare to compromise. Koreans are tough negotiators and admire a firm, persistent negotiator, but refrain from being too aggressive.
A low, deep bow from Koreans at the end of a meeting indicates a successful meeting. A quick, short parting bow could mean dissatisfaction with meetings. Send a meeting review outlining all discussions and agreements to your Korean counterpart after you leave Korea. Make several visits during negotiations and after business is established.
"Yes" is not necessarily “yes.” Koreans avoid saying "no." Try to phrase questions in a manner that doesn't require a "yes" or "no" answer. Example: Instead of saying "Could we sign the agreement by next Friday?” say "When is the earliest date that we could expect to sign this agreement?"
And this is for the women.Foreign women may have difficulty doing business in Korea. Although women are becoming more accepted in the Korean business place, Korean men generally prefer to negotiate with men.
Korean women seldom shake hands. A Western woman can offer her hand to a Korean man, but should not to a Korean woman.
Foreign businesswomen should always act elegant, refined and very "feminine.” Laughing and loud talking are frowned upon.
Generally, women wait for Korean men to make the first move.

• South Koreans prefer to do business with people with whom they have a personal connection.
• It is therefore crucial to be introduced by a third-party.
• Relationships are developed through informal social gatherings that often involve a considerable amount of drinking and eating.
• Individuals who have established mutual trust and respect will work hard to make each other successful.
• South Koreans treat legal documents as memorandums of understanding.
• They view contracts as loosely structured consensus statements that broadly define agreement and leave room for flexibility and adjustment as needed.
• Under no circumstances insult or criticize in front of others.
• Sensitive matters may often be raised indirectly through the intermediary that first made the introductions.
• South Koreans are extremely direct communicators. They are not averse to asking questions if they do not understand what has been said or need additional clarification.
• This is a culture where "less is more" when communicating. Respond to questions directly and concisely.
• Since there is a tendency to say "yes" to questions so that you do not lose face, the way you phrase a question is crucial. It is better to ask, "When can we expect shipment?" than "Can we expect shipment in 3 weeks?", since this question requires a direct response.

Business Meeting Etiquette

• Appointments are required and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
• You should arrive on time for meetings as this demonstrates respect for the person you are meeting.
• The most senior South Korean generally enters the room first.
• It is a good idea to send both an agenda and back-up material including information about your company and client testimonials prior to the meeting.
• The main purpose of the first meeting is to get to know each other.
• Meetings are used to understand a client's needs and challenges. They lay the foundation for building the relationship.
• Do not remove your jacket unless the most senior South Korean does so.
• Have all written materials available in both English and Korean.

Business Cards

• Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions in a highly ritualized manner.
• The way you treat someone's business card is indicative of the way you will treat the person.
• Have one side of your business card translated into Korean.
• Using both hands, present your business card with the Korean side facing up so that it is readable by the recipient.
• Examine any business card you receive carefully.
• Put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.
• Never write on someone's business card in their presence.

Dress Etiquette

• Business attire is conservative.
• Men should wear dark- colored, conservative business suits with white shirts.
• Women should dress conservatively and wear subdued colors.
• Men should avoid wearing jewelry other than a watch or a wedding ring.

And now a few helpful tips:-
Never use words like "fellow," "guy," "this man" or "that man." This is considered demeaning.
Expect Koreans to ask personal questions. This is viewed as showing a polite interest in your life.
Deny a compliment. Don't say "thank you." It is impolite and shows a lack of humility.
Never expect Koreans to admit to not knowing an answer when questioned. They may give an incorrect answer or an answer they think you would like to hear to make you feel good or to save face.
Don't talk about Koreans or their customs or culture within earshot of a Korean, even if you are saying good things. Do not talk about politics.
So there you are, I think you should be able to survive with these tips I’ve given you today. So  see you again next time.


Special thanks and appreciation to the following
Photos and articles © courtesy:
www.lifeinkorea.com/food/f-manners.cfm
www.kwintessential.co.uk/
http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_kr.htm

The Thought of BYJ Getting Married!

 

First and foremost, I would like to apologize for changing my theme for today’s topic. As you all know, I’m an avid fan of Bae Yong Joon and there’s some hot news going around about him which I feel I have to write about urgently.

The news that Bae Yong Joon recently purchased a house for himself in Seongbuk-dong, the residential area for the rich and famous, has gained much public attention. Why? Because BYJ has never ever bought a house before, not that he couldn’t afford it but perhaps he never felt the need for it. All this while he has been leasing the houses where he has stayed in. So naturally with this move, everybody’s busy speculating that he’s going to get married soon.

It didn’t take long for the rumors to start flying on the internet that BYJ will be getting married to Lee Na-young in April. Some even suggested that they had already got married.

When I saw the articles, I was really shocked. How could BYJ do that to us, his fans, “his family” the endearing term he coined whenever he spoke of us. He distinctly made us a promise that we would be the first to know if he planned on getting married. How relieved I felt when it was denied by both parties.

Here’s the article as sourced from english.kbs.co.kr... ( English ) 2011/03/02

Bae Yong-joon and Lee Na-young NOT Getting Married

As the rumors surrounding actor Bae Yong-joon and actress Lee Na-young getting married have been getting harder to ignore, both stars' entertainment agency have spoken up. And the verdict? The rumors are groundless.
Yang Geun-hwan, a representative of KEYEAST Entertainment, reported to Star News, "The wedding rumors are groundless. This rumor circled Korea a bit in the past, and now it seems to have reached Japan. However, it's just a rumor that got out of hand; no truth to it at all". According to the recent rumors, Bae and Lee were set to get married this April.
Bae had even addressed similar rumors directly, denying them vehemently, last year. He explained that it was strange that the rumors started in the first place, because Lee played Bae's younger sister in the drama that they acted in together, "Did We Really Love".

I think there is nothing wrong if BYJ wants to get married, in fact, it’s only natural. But some people marry early in life whilst others later in life. I think it's about time he settled down with a woman whom he can love and raise a proper family. He is at the pinnacle of his life, with a string of success stories to his name. But there’s one thing still lacking in his life! Yes, what’s the use of all this vast empire of his, if he has to come home to an empty house? By empty, I do not mean devoid of material things, but not be surrounded with love showered by a loving wife and children who will wait to greet him welcome the moment he steps into the house. After a hard day’s work, the man of the house should be entitled to a bit of pampering from a loving wife, don’t you think so? He deserves to be happy, after all he has done to make us all happy.

It’s also the Korean custom that the eldest son in the family take care of his parents in their old age. I don’t know if he is the elder of the two children but he being the only son, qualifies him to be the one to take care of his parents I think.

We, his fans, must not be selfish and demand that he remain single for the rest of his life. We must stand by him, no matter whom he chooses to be the love of his life and be his wife. We only ask that the woman he marries will be an understanding person who will allow him to share a part of his life with us, his dearest fans from all over the world.

Whoever that lucky girl may be, I hope that they have dated and had the chance to discover each other. Marriage is a lifetime thing and should be given much thought and consideration before going into it. Whatever his decision, I'm sure God will be with him and He knows what is best for him. So let's wish BYJ Good Luck and God Bless.

I know many of his fans may not want him to get married...you know, fans usually tend to lose interest once their idols get married. As for me I will be happy for him, that he has found someone to share his life with for the rest of his life. I will still be his greatest fan like before. Nothing will ever change my love for him. BYJ, thank you for bringing some happiness into my life. The person who marries him will be very lucky indeed. God bless you both!

An Introduction to Korean Food

New to Korean food, you don’t know what to order in a restaurant? Korean cuisine may seem intimidating especially to newcomers, with the array of side dishes at every meal and the different varieties of pickled dishes. Don’t worry, allow me to introduce you to a few of the more well-known Korean dishes. I hope that this quick introduction to Korean cuisine will give you all the basics you need to know.

The staple food of Korea is rice (bap). But Korean rice is different from most other rice in the world. It is known to Koreans, as sticky rice. Unlike rice from Southeast Asia, Korean rice is moist and sticks together rather than falling apart. It makes it easy to eat with chopsticks. Rice with kimchi, soup and some other vegetable side dishes is the typical meal eaten in most Korean homes.

     

I’m sure you must have heard of kimbap and bibimbap. Kimbap/gimbap which literally means seaweed rice can be compared to the Japanese sushi. Sushi uses a special vinegar rice in the making whereas not so in the Korean Kimbap. The seaweed paper used to wrap the rice and filling is called nori in Japanese and Gim or Kim in Korean. For the Kimbap, the rice is rolled up in a thin piece of dried seaweed and usually includes fried egg strips, cucumber, spinach, radish, imitation crabmeat and a couple of other vegetables.

A dish that is a welcome sight to vegetarians is the bibimbap, which literally means, mixed rice. Either in a large steel bowl or a piping hot earthenware bowl, a variety of vegetables and a spoonful or two of hot chili sauce piled on a bed of rice makes up the ingredients for the bibimbap. An egg is usually included and depending on the restaurant it could be fried or raw. A word of advice to all of you vegetarians out there, some places put some meat in their bibimbap, so make sure you say, ‘Gogi bbae juseyo’ to have it excluded.

The first thing that comes to mind when speaking of Korean cuisine is the Kimchi, eaten at almost every meal. There are many different kinds but most of them are made from cabbage mixed with various spices, most commonly garlic, chili pepper and ginger. Most foreigners who try kimchi for the first time are generally not overly impressed with the taste but like many things, it grows on you. You must have an acquired taste for it. Some people didn’t like the taste of it at first but have become addicted to it with the passing of time like some of my friends. Here are a few examples of the more popular kimchis

1.T'ong-baech'u Kimchi (cabbage head kimchi)
The classic Korean kimchi made with Chinese cabbage, served at almost every Korean meal.

2.O-e Sobaegi (stuffed cucumber kimchi)
Suitable for the summer months when people lose their appetite. Slit-cut cucumbers are stuffed with a mixture of vegetables and seasonings, and fermented a day or two.

3. Yeolmu Mul Kimchi (young radish water kimchi)
A popular kimchi in summer. Not spicy.

4.Kkaktugi (diced radish kimchi)
Made with big white radishes.

5. Tong-chi-mi (radish water kimchi)
Radishes are marinated in brine seasoned with garlic and ginger until fermented.

6. Ch'ong-gak Kimchi (bachelor radish kimchi)
Nice and crunchy. Unmarried Korean men traditionally wore their hair in a long braid. Radishes with tops were thought to resemble this head and ponytail.

7.Nabak Kimchi (sliced radish & cabbage kimchi)
The tangy juice is refreshing and fragrant.

Korean soups (tang) are eaten year round but enjoyed most, like the stews when the temperature drops to below freezing. Unlike the stews, spice is not a main ingredient Sam-gye tang is a delicious, healthy soup that is made with a whole chicken, ginseng, garlic and jujube. It's believed by Koreans to give one "stamina or energy." Kal-bi tang is made with boiled pork short ribs and most commonly green onions. The restaurant can make or break this soup depending on the quality of meat that is used. Sol-long tang is a hearty beef stock soup that you add salt to. Most of the soups, like most all Korean meals, are served with rice and plenty of side dishes.

Korean stews (chigae) generally have two things in common, they're hot and spicy. The most common stews, which are all served with rice, are kimchi chigae, dwen-jang chigae, soon-dubu chigae and boo-dae chigae. All of these stews can be quite spicy so remember to ask them to cut down on the spices if you cannot take too spicy food. Kimchi chigae is loaded with kimchi, small pieces of pork and various vegetables. Dwen-jang chigae is a soy bean paste based stew of vegetables and clams. If you like tofu, you'll love soon-dubu chigae. Vegetables, clams and an egg are added to this tofu bonanza. Boo-dae chigae originated from the Korean War. After the American soldiers finished eating, many times they had a little food remaining that they threw away. The Koreans were very poor at that time and they would go around collecting that thrown away food and cook it in a big pot and thus the birth of boo- chigae dae chigae. It includes slices of sausages, ham, glutinous rice, and other vegetables. Ramen noodles are usually added in as well.

Next come the side dishes which make a particular Korean meal go from good to excellent. There will always be some type of kimchi served as a side dish and normally anything from 2 to 6 others as well. Most common side dishes include spinach, potatoes, radishes, small black beans, bean sprouts, zucchini, seaweed and anchovies.

 

Meat? Bul-gogi, which is beef strips marinated in salt, soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar, is one of the more popular dishes that most people order in a restaurant. The marinated beef strips are put on a grill and cooked over coals where you do your own table-top cooking. After the meat is cooked,take a piece and put it on a lettuce leaf with some rice, vegetables and other spices. Roll it up like a burrito and enjoy! There is also a dish called, twae-ji kalbi, which is the pork version of bul-gogi.

Dakkalbi is chicken mixed with some cabbage, onions, green onions, glutinous rice and a spicy hot sauce that makes it a popular choice among diners in Korea. Also the whole atmosphere of eating dalkkalbi adds to the taste. The contents are put on a large iron skillet and it's up to you to cook it.. There are also many other chicken dishes as well as beef and pork.

Not in the mood for rice then how about giving noodles a try like kal-gook-su or naeng-myun? Kal-gook-su is a big bowl of steaming hot thick noodles with onions and  sometimes clams thrown in. The noodles alone are a bit bland so add a spoonful of chili pepper sauce to spice it up. Naeng-myun, or cold noodles, is a dish with very thin buckwheat noodles that comes in two forms. Bi-bim (mixed) naeng-myun contains some vegetables, a lot of chili pepper sauce and mool (water) naengmyun contains vegetables, water, a splash of vinegar and very little or no chili pepper sauce

When you think about Korea, you probably don't think about scrumptious delicacies but there are many wonderful sweets for the sweet tooth. There are numerous store bought cookies, cakes, and other goodies made for export but it's the things that are mainly bought on the street or in restaurants that really taste fantastic. Ho-ddok is a fried sweet roll with cinnamon and a honey paste inside. Pot-bingsu is a cold dessert made with crushed ice. sweetened red beans, fruit and a sugary sauce on top. Boong-aw bbang is a hot bread with sweetened red beans inside. Ddeok/tteok is a very soft and chewy rice cake in various shapes, sizes and ingredients.

Tea lovers, you must have your daily cuppa? There are lots of flavors for you to try. Unlike China and Japan, which are well known for their teas, Korea though not that well known, produces what are arguably the best teas in the world. The most famous tea(cha) in Korea is probably nok cha, or green tea. It's considered extremely healthy and has been linked to a variety of health benefits. If you like sweet teas try,mae-shil cha or ggool tae-chu cha.Check out omi-ja cha and you-ja cha for something a little more tart. Sweet teas mae-shil cha- apricot tea mo-gwa cha- quince tea ggool cha- honey tea ggool tae-chu cha- honey jujube tea ggool insam cha- honey ginseng tea Tart teas you-ja cha- citron tea omi-ja cha- five tastes fruit tea

Bitter teas saeng-gang cha- ginger tea ssang-hwa cha- herb tonic tea insam cha- ginseng tea ssuk cha- mugwort tea

Others
chik cha- arrowroot tea
nok cha- green tea
yul-moo cha- Job's Tears tea

Don’t worry, for you alcoholic drinkers, here’s what you can drink.

It's been said that Koreans consume more alcohol per capita than anywhere else in the world. Whether this is true or not is debatable but they do love their alcohol. Although beer is a staple at any bar, soju is the national liquor that is guzzled by all. It's cheap booze made from potatoes.

Makkoli and dong dong ju are traditional drinks made from rice and have a milky appearance. Makkoli can be found in most convenience stores. Drinking dong dong ju is a little more expensive but a cool experience. It's generally consumed in a more traditional, rustic establishment and is served out of a large bowl and poured into a separate cup with a ladle.

Well guess that wraps up what I have to say for today. With the keywords you’ve learnt like bap, tang, chigae etc I think you should be able to order your next meal in a restaurant. Watch out for Korean table manners in my next post, so see you around.

Special thanks and appreciation to the following
Photos and articles © courtesy:

http://www.1stopkorea.com/index.htm?cooking.htm~mainframe

Happy Lunar New Year!

Today, Koreans celebrate the Lunar New Year or better known as Seollal or Seol Nal. So this is just a short post to wish all of you Koreans around the world a Happy New Year.

And here’s something about how Koreans celebrate this auspicious day to all those who may be curious to know.

On this day, Koreans wear their new traditional Hanboks, hold ancestor-memorial services, and bow to their elders and wish each other Happy New Year, followed by the eating of traditional Korean dishes and the playing of traditional Korean games. Apart from it being the New Year, Seollal is also a time for the reunion of family members, who seldom see each other during the year as they may be staying far away from each other.

The celebrations start on the eve when the villagers will stay awake all night to perform ‘narye’, an exorcising ceremony to expel any stray evil spirits. Dancers wearing Ch'oyong masks will dance to the musical accompaniment. People will burn bamboos to ward away evil spirits. They believe that with the sound of the exploding bamboo's knots, the demons would get scared and run away. According to Korean belief, nobody should sleep on that night. Lights of every room in the house and the kitchen will be kept on all night. This is a special way to welcome the New Year with brightness and open eyes.

Then on Seollal, everyone will wake up early in the morning, take a hot bath to cleanse their bodies before donning their best hanboks. Together, the extended family will then perform ch'arye (a ceremony to commemorate their ancestors). This will be followed by bowing to the elders starting with the grandparents, then parents, uncles and aunts. Children are highly elated with the New Year celebrations as they receive cash from their elders. Women spend all day preparing sumptuous meals. They make ddeokguk, a rice dumpling which is the most important dish prepared for the day. Only after eating ddeokguk, is it considered truly the New Year. No Seollal is complete if this dish is not served. Other dishes include garettok, fried meats, fish, dried persimmons, a variety of walnut, dates, vegetables and traditional cookies etc. It is also customary for family members to drink a glass of special liquor which is supposed to improve the power of hearing. Consumption of this liquor on New Year enables one to hear clearly all year long. On Seollal, traditional Korean folk games are played such as Yutnori (a board game played by tossing sticks), Paengichigi (top spinning) and Neolttwigi (standing, high-jump seesaw). Young boys will fly kites trying to cut loose each other's kites by coating their strings with powdered glass.

So I hope that you will enjoy yourselves going back to your hometowns to meet up with friends and relatives.

Today, Koreans celebrate the Lunar New Year or better known as Seollal/ Seol Nal. So this is just a short post to wish all of you Koreans around the world a Happy New Year.

On this day, Koreans wear their traditional Hanbok, hold ancestor-memorial services, and bow to their elders and wish each other Happy New Year, followed by the eating of traditional Korean dishes and the playing of traditional Korean games. Apart from it being the New Year, Seollal is also a time for the reunion of family members, who seldom see each other during the year as they may be staying far away from each other.

The celebrations start on the eve when the villagers will stay awake all night to perform ‘narye’, an exorcising ceremony to expel any stray evil spirits. Dancers wearing Ch'oyong masks will dance to the musical accompaniment. People will burn bamboos to ward away evil spirits. They believe that with the sound of the exploding bamboo's knots, the demons would get scared and run away. According to Korean belief, nobody should sleep on that night. Lights of every room in the house and the kitchen will be kept on all night. This is a special way to welcome the New Year with brightness and open eyes.

Then on Seollal, everyone will wake up early in the morning, take a hot bath to cleanse their bodies before donning their best hanboks. Together, the extended family will then perform ch'arye (a ceremony to commemorate their ancestors). This will be followed by bowing to the elders starting with the grandparents, then parents, uncles and aunts. Children are highly elated with the New Year celebrations as they receive cash from their elders. Women spend all day preparing sumptuous meals. They make ddeokguk, a rice dumpling which is the most important dish prepared for the day. Only after eating ddeokguk, is it considered truly the New Year. No Seollal is complete if this dish is not served. Other dishes include garettok, fried meats, fish, dried persimmons, a variety of walnut, dates, vegetables and traditional cookies etc. It is also customary for family members to drink a glass of special liquor which is supposed to improve the power of hearing. Consumption of this liquor on New Year enables one to hear clearly all year long. On Seollal, traditional Korean folk games are played such as Yutnori (a board game played by tossing sticks), Paengichigi (top spinning) and Neolttwigi (standing, high-jump seesaw). Young boys will fly kites trying to cut loose each other's kites by coating their strings with powdered glass.

So I hope that you will enjoy yourselves going back to your hometowns to meet up with friends and relatives.

소원 비는 모두들 새해 복 많이 받으세요!

A Journey in Search of Korea's Beauty – the book.

A press article in the English Chosun a few days back “Korean actor Bae Yong-joon's book ‘A Journey in Search of Korea's Beauty’ has been nominated as one of the best literary works of 2010 by China News, one of the largest newspapers in China” gave me the inspiration to write about this book as today’s topic.

The Japanese and Korean versions of this book, ‘A Journey in Search of Korea’s Beauty’ by Bae Yong Joon have been in circulation since Sept 2009. It went through 13 re-printings within a month of its release, and saw its skyrocketing rise to the bestseller list instantly. A year later only, in September 2010, saw its Taiwanese translation, followed by Chinese and now the latest in English, in December 2010.

I have been a big fan of Bae Yong Joon since ‘Winter Sonata’ days and without saying, this book is a ‘must buy’ for all BYJ fans like myself. I only managed to get a copy of this prized book on New Year’s Day, 2011. It came with a little bonus, in the form of a little desktop calendar with pictures taken from the book.

The moment I tore off the plastic packaging that came with the book, I put my nose in between the leaves of the book, as I just love the smell of new books and took a long whiff. Funny I should choose this page because, there staring at me were the words “Awakening your Sense of Smell with Words” a foreword by Lee O-Young, Korea’s First Minister of Culture, because I was certainly awakened by BYJ’s words while reading the book. It was a very beautiful piece, in praise of BYJ as an actor, and describing this book as “an aromatic endeavour” by BYJ, a good introduction to the book. I flipped over the pages of the book looking at the pictures and I was totally lost for words, they were beautiful. Incidentally, all the script and photographs in the book were all done by him. ‘Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,’ how true, BYJ saw beauty in everyday common objects that most people would not even take a second glance, much less take pictures of.

After reading the book I’ve come to realize that there’s a poetic and philosophical side of him that we have not been exposed to before. He’s a very down to earth person, and very humble. He talks about his thoughts, feelings and aspirations with a little poetry woven in here and there. I did a quick read of the book just to get the feel of it but a book like this needs to be read over and over again to really understand and appreciate it. And it is now kept on my bedside table, so that I can read or even look at the pictures before I go to bed each night. He’s my inspiration!

As a a hint to his fans about this book he was going to write, I remember he posted a 2009 New Year’s message to his fans on his homepage, saying that  he was working on a book about Korean culture and that he was still in the research and study phase then. He also explained that it was a new experience for him and that it wasn’t that easy, but that he had studied well. He also hinted on what kind of book it would be “I think the book, which introduces Korean culture, will be halfway between a travel book and a humanities book. I hope to unearth hidden stories and locations of Korean culture and make it enjoyable to all. I am learning a lot through new places, new people, and new experiences.”

And now, to tell you a little about the book. The design of the book cover is simple, with just a black and white picture of Bae Yong Joon in a hat and very simple clothes.The photograph showing the back view of him walking towards the mountains leaves quite an impression on the mind.

According to Hollym Corp., the publishers, the book is “An Unfledged Yet Earnest Record of a Journey in Search of Korea's Culture”
A Journey in Search of Korea's Beauty was a yearlong project that Bae Yong Joon undertook in order to learn more about traditional Korean culture from the unfledged yet earnest point of view of one Korean, and to record in a down-to-earth way what he learned and felt in the process. He chose 13 subjects he has been interested in out of the traditional Korean culture and folded into six categories. This book is intended not only for foreign readers who would like to learn more about traditional Korean culture but do not have easy access to it, but also for Korean readers as well who are in search of this country's beauty.

1. Staying: In this chapter, the author introduces Koreans’ staple food, including bap and kimchi, and emphasizes the beauty of the hanbok, the traditional clothing, often quoted as beautiful lining. Not only that, he focuses on the colors of the hanbok and guides the readers to the world of natural dyeing he has experienced.

2. Leaving: Along with a 10,000 year lasting lacquer craft and a 1,000 year lasting hanji (the Korean traditional paper), we learn about traditional pottery making and about Buddhism that holds a crucial place in Korean history. The writer meets artisans and monks to seek craftsmanship and courtesy that was handed down through the ages.
3. Letting Go: On an empty site, once enjoyed great honor of the great Kingdom, we reconsider past and present and make plans for the future.
4. Contemplating: King Sejong the Great hoped for all the people to be able to read and write. We recollect dreaming King’s invention, hanguel, and tangible assets from the National Museum of Korea.
5. Returning: Compared to world famous wine, Korea’s traditional wine takes no lower position. We take a look at traditional liquor and hanok, the traditional Korean housing which is built based upon human engineering.
6. Leaving, Once Again: The last chapter contains beautiful photographs taken by Bae Yong Joon during his journey.

Editor's Review
Value of Traditional Culture
Although Korean traditional culture is a world-recognized unique and scientific heritage, we often take it for granted just because it's around us in our everyday routine. That might be the reason we can't clearly introduce what it's like to foreigners when we're asked to do so. Bae Yong Joon also was in that position and came up with the idea of necessity to look further inside ultimate beauty of Korea.
To know something also means to know that some things are unknown. Never forgetting that some things are unknown or unknowable seems to be good for us. It makes us humble and pure. And it makes us try harder. It fills us with the desire to learn. Too much and we are made fools, too little and we are made arrogant. But in the right amount, the unknown can be good for us. (p. 280)
Travelling helps us to become more mature beings. People get to know themselves better and figure out new things on the way. Especially, an attempt looking for origin gives us the chance to value the true beauty in itself. This journey for traditional culture supports to find real beauty of Korea. It fills in our sprit and empties our mind from abundance at the same time so we can stand on the firm ground as a whole. Every step Bae Yong Joon took to the past resembles Korean culture which implies rustic simplicity and exquisite taste. This book concentrated more to spiritual heritage than tangible assets. It is remarkable that Bae Yong Joon actually tried to make kimchi and had a meal at a temple to show how the process worked out.
Beauty of Daily Surroundings
Bae Yong Joon reified his wish to reconnect cultural beauty of past and present through this book. A Journey in Search of Korea's Beauty vividly delivers photographs he took himself that show his accurate observation and fertile imagination. He devoted himself to every single step of the whole process with sincerity. In this book, you will see how different he seems at the end of his journey. It also includes routes he traveled, in his wish to share the experience and to promote cultural visits.
The very advantage of this book is that it contains whole process of certain parts of our heritage which cannot easily get attention nor be experienced around us. Bae Yong Joon put it on record for us to develop empathy with real beauty of cultural heritage and to preserve tradition. Thanks to his enthusiasm, we can indirectly experience the genuine beauty of Korea without actually having participated in the process.
Good books let readers follow and agree to the writer while reading. They also should linger in readers' minds and encourage them to move forward after reading. Page after page, I was amazed how shallow my knowledge about Korea was and I definitely wanted to pack and leave for a cup of Donjeongchun right at the moment. But if you're in Korea, take a good look around you before you leave and you'll find something right there as well. I have learned that fact from A Journey in Search of Korea's Beauty.

This was what the Korea Times had to say when the English version of the book was released, “The book brings well known subjects including ``hanji’’ (Korean traditional paper), bibimbap and “Hangeul,’’ (Korean alphabet), along with other unique features such as the National Museum of Korea and home cooking.
Whether the reader is a fan of Bae or not, the book will be a great endeavor in search of Korea’s beauty, and also a chance to peek into the life of one of Asia’s best known actors. Korean actor Bae Yong-joon fueled hallyu, or Korean wave, through his dramas, and now he is hoping to step closer to his foreign fans with something more personal.”

Korea Tourism Organization also had this to say of BYJ, one of their appointed goodwill ambassadors of the ‘2010-2012 Visit Korea Years,’ “Rather than simply enjoying the sights, Bae began his journey with the aim of better understanding the true essence of Korea: its culture, arts and tradition. He explored 13 different themes on his journey, met with the masters of each theme and tried it out for himself. His documentation of his adventures is written so candidly that it's almost as if the reader can hear Bae’s voice telling the story. As a major Hallyu star familiar with a variety of different cultures, Bae was able to pinpoint 13 themes of Korean culture that many Koreans could identify with.

The text includes topics such as Gimjang (making Kimchi), Gajeongsik (home-made meals), and Cha (tea), which bring new light to Korea’s food culture. The book also provides easy explanations on themes like Chil (Korean lacquering), Dojagi (porcelain), and Hanok (traditional Korean house), which are quite tricky for even native Koreans to explain. In the book, Bae also elaborates on his thoughts on topics like the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korea, and Temple Stay: the culminations of Korean culture.”

Caught this review while reading the Good Reads site. “Not your ordinary travel book as actor Bae Yong Joon goes in search of cultural heritage and in doing so discovers more about himself and life.”

The most endearing parts were Bae's philosophical insights and struggles while the discovery of the Art of Tea and Temple Stay left me wanting more. The sections on Hanbok and Kimchi were very well done along with the culture of wine and games.
The book was detailed enough for me to feel literally a part of the journey into the mountains and welcoming homes and arts of Korea. That said, the book was a good read for anyone interested in journey and in areas of Korea that many or most Koreans don’t even have detailed knowledge of.
Much more than a travelers guide to Korea. The stories are smart and the writer provides a good amount of philosophical questions on living that provides an added reward to readers. Very endearing book.”

So what are you waiting for? With all the good testimonials that we have seen and read so far, it should help us in our decision – to buy or not to buy? Whether you are  a BYJ fan or not, I hope that you will consider buying this book and add it to your collection, because it is worth the money and it makes good reading.

I remember reading about the launching ceremony of his book in Japan in September of 2009, where he said, "It’s my first time to hold a press event for a book so I’m nervous and very excited. "This book is not a fancy one written by a professional expert. It’s written by a beginner who wanted to learn more about Korean culture," Then he continued to tell the audience on why he wrote this book "It was during a press conference in Japan (when I first thought of writing a book). One reporter asked me if there were any places in Korea I would like to recommend to fans. When I couldn’t find an answer, I realized how little I knew about our culture. My first plan was to write a book about tourists spots and restaurants in Korea, but then I thought it would be more meaningful if I explored the culture and the people first.”

He was hospitalized for 5 days just before the launching of his book due to fatigue and stress, and yet he managed to appear on stage with his signature smile throughout the whole ceremony. At the launch, he also confessed that he had lost 10 kilograms and he now understood the difficulties authors and reporters had to go through when writing. "The most difficult thing was meeting the deadline," he said laughing. "It was interesting, as soon as the deadline came closer, the words came to me!"
"I have learned that it is not ability, fame or money that is important (in preserving the Korean culture), but a true heart. I thank everyone who taught me this,"

Well, looks like his book’s a success, and especially the fact, that the book has been nominated as one of the best literary works of 2010 by China News, one of the largest newspapers in China, adds testimony to it.

Here, I would like to make a suggestion and I hope that you will give me your kind support. For the comprehensive and intensive research that BYJ has done on Korea’s culture he deserves to get an Hon. Doctorate in Humanities from a prestigious university in Korea. Do you think that’s possible? I hope that the people who are in a position to do that will recognize the effort he made to write this book.

That man seems to have the “Midas Touch,” everything he touches seems to turn to gold. Today BYJ is acclaimed to be the richest Hallyu star in Korea. Films, dramas, modeling, endorsements, TV advertising, restaurant owner, entertainment agency and now author, I wonder what next? I heard about him being one of the main shareholders in a Japanese company, Ottowintech.

It goes to show that BYJ is an enterprising young man with good foresight. He doesn't act in that many number of films/dramas as compared with others. His big break in his acting career came with the release of the drama ‘Winter Sonata’ which became the turning point in his life. He became the favorite of the Japanese overnight, not only with the younger set but the older ahjummas as well. His fans in Japan itself outnumber those in his homeland, no wonder he always like to go to Japan for his big events, like the launching of this book. According to his agency, Keyeast, the publishing copyright for the book were sold to a Japanese book agency for a whopping 800 million. The average copyright for foreign books in Japan is around 92 million won.

Not only does he own restaurants in Korea and Japan; but did you know that his “Yonsama kimchi” enterprise, which sells the spicy pickled vegetables under his name in Japan is doing very well indeed. Seems like it has sold some several billion wons worth of kimchi. It just goes to show that people will buy anything if it comes in the right packaging. Oh, I almost forgot, not only does he make plenty of money, he’s quite a philanthropist too. God bless him.

This book has also been made into a television documentary showing Bae’s travels through a video featuring the photographs and writings from the photo essay.

“The documentary is divided into eight episodes, each tracing Bae's journey to explore the country's culture, art and traditions.

The program introduces pottery master Cheon Han-bong, hanbok (traditional Korean costume) designer Lee Hyo-jae and pansori (Korean traditional vocal and percussional music) master Yoon Jin-cheol. These virtuosos do more than just simply recount the details of their specific area of skill; all serve as guides, linking and exposing the world to the country's true beauty hidden beneath the established practices.

In addition to portraying Bae and the specific route he took, several foreign dwellers have participated in the documentary. MBC LIFE producer Lee Jae-moon deemed this opportunity as a shortcut to arouse interest among other foreigners.

"Our plan was for the world to perceive Korea's beauty through this program. Since most natives are already aware of the country's underlying grace, we thought that portraying Korea through the eyes of a foreigner would enhance the ability for others to relate to the experience", Lee said at a preview of the documentary Wednesday.

Despite its title as Bae Yong-joon's documentary, Lee mentions that the star's appearance and the primary photos he took makes up only about one third of the film. Although the producer is anticipating disappointment from Bae's fans, he explained the reason behind his decision by clarifying his main objective which was to simply depict the Korean culture thoroughly presented in the book.

"I thought Bae had captured the precise essence of Korea's nature. So I asked myself, 'Wouldn't making this into a documentary be a great way to raise awareness of our culture?'" he said.

He did not want the focus to be on Bae, but rather, expected to lure a bigger audience through Bae's contribution.

Moreover, many famed musicians have participated in the documentary's soundtrack. This includes Kim Joon-seok, music director of the 2008 movie "A Frozen Flower", female R&B group Big Mama, soloist Lee Ki-chan, girl group Rainbow and music director of the phenomenal drama "Sungkyunkwan Scandal". (2010) Park Sung-il. With their help, Lee hopes to not only tell the world about Korean culture but also of the nation's talented singers and actors.

Producer Lee aims to make the program a cultural inspiration for all. Up until now, only individual celebrities have been globally recognized. Lee strives to surmount that principle. "It's time our Korean culture shone with dignity", he said.

Let’s Buzz Korea! I guess that’s about all for now. See you around!

Special thanks and appreciation to the following
Photos and articles © courtesy:

http://www.hollym.co.kr/english/detail.asp?book_seq=238

http://www.hancinema.net/photos/fullsizephoto148103.jpg

http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=814192

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/01/135_78966.html

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/01/11/2011011101299.html

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9971696-a-journey-in-search-of-korea-s-beauty

http://www.mbclife.co.kr/program/program_main.asp?program_no=103

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CniRLekM1c&feature=player_embedded

Places to Watch the First Sunrise of the Year in Korea

Calling all fans of Michael Bolton, Rain and Sting.
Found posted on 10 Media.

12/31 – 1/16 New Year’s Concerts

“Some of the most famous international superstars are coming to Korea to celebrate the new year! Close your eyes and imagine Michael Bolton serenading “How Can I Live Without You” as you ring in the new year. South of the river, Korea’s very own Bi (rain) will be making ladies swoon with his smooth voice and slick dance moves. Sting will give a grand performance for his Southeastern Asian fan base as he helps usher in the first few weeks of the New Year.”

December 31st
Michael Bolton Concert
When a man loves a woman, he buys her tickets to a Michael Bolton concert Only for the true romantics. Hwajeong Gymnasium at Korea University near Anam Stn. (line 6). 8 pm. W88,000 – W132,000. 1599-3066
Rain in Concert
End 2010 with “Bi” (rain), one of South Korea’s most famous entertainers. Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium near Sports Complex Stn. (line 2). 6 & 11:30 pm. W66,000 – W165,000. 1544-1555
January 11th
Sting Concert
Former front man for the Police, solo artist, yoga master, and actor, Sting has a peerless resume, and his musical work over the past two decades is just as impressive. See him in Seoul as part of Hyundai Card’s Super Concert series at the Gymnastics Arena at Olympic Park near Olympic Park Stn. (line 5, ex. 3). 8 pm. W77,000 – W230,000. ticket.interpark.com 02-3141-3488

So aren’t you glad that you are staying in Seoul or even visiting? Just look at the star studded list of entertainers who will be in town to entertain you people.

Yes, Christmas is over and it won’t be long before we say goodbye to year 2010 and welcome to year 2011. As the year draws to a close, Koreans gather at sunrise festival locations across the nation to welcome in the first sunrise of 2011. Each New Year will see Korea’s New Year Festival of watching the 1st sunrise of the year being celebrated throughout the Korean Peninsula on a grand scale.
Why not celebrate this New Year Korean style by staying up all night (or getting up in the wee hours of the morning) to see the last sunset of 2010 and the first sunrise of 2011? There is a Korean custom to make a wish when seeing the first sunrise of the New Year. Koreans wish for a number of things, including health for the family, love, money, travel, job, or entrance to a good college. They concentrate on their fondest wishes and hope that they will all come true. So if you too have a fervent wish you have in your heart, why not do like the Koreans do? Go watch the first sunrise of the year and make a wish. You never know, it might come true!
The best sunrise destinations are cities along the East Coast. Of these, the most popular are Jeongdongjin, Gyeongpo Beach, and Jumunjin Beach in Gangneung; Hajodae Beach and Naksan Beach in Yangyang; Chuam Beach in Donghae; Sokcho Beach, Dongmyeonghang Port and Daepohang Port in Sokcho; Hwajinpo Beach in Goseong; and Homigot Cape in Pohang. Every year during the New Year period, these East Coast locations organize a variety of festivities for visitors to enjoy.

Following is a list of festivals and destinations to watch the first sunrise of the year sourced from 10 Magazine and see if it matches the above destinations. But unfortunately, due to a recent outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease, a number of festivals have been canceled this winter including the Homigot National Sunrise Festival at Homigot, one of the easternmost points on the Korean peninsula, the Catching the Sunrise at Uljin-gun, the Ilwol Mountain Sunrise Festival and the Seongju Sunrise Festival in Gyeongsang Province.

 

It’s a pity that Homigot is left out in the celebrations this time, because located in the far eastern tip of the Korean peninsula, the tail of the tiger, Homigot, is one of the best locations where the sunrise can be first seen all around Korea.

 Homigot is also popular for its unique sculptures 'Hands of Harmony'. One hand stands on land while the other stands in the ocean’s water. These sculptures are made of bronze and granite. The hands were constructed in 1999 to symbolize the continuing efforts of all Korean citizens to pursue a better quality of life. The sculptures are the most impressive at sunrise when the sunlight shines on them.
The Homigot Sunrise Festival, has had as many as 170 thousand people attending at one time. Even when there is no festival, Homigot Beach is still a popular place where many visitors go to see the sunrise the whole year round.

These are a few photos of a past celebration in Homigot, to show you the festivities going on at that time.

And now to continue with our list of places where we can watch the 1st sunrise of 2011.

. Gangwon Province

The Sunrise Festivals on the East Sea, in Gangwon boasts of it’s great scenery, exciting concerts, and loads of fireworks.
Gyeongpo (Gangneung): On the white sands of Gyeongpo Beach, find out why Gangneung is one of the best places to see the sunrise in Korea. 
Gyeongpo Beach is one of the biggest beaches on the east coast and is well-known for its beauty, which shows itself in a different light throughout the year. On New Years Day, people gather in a huge celebration of the New Year, watching fireworks and participating in an array of programs.
Jeongdongjin (Gangneung): Famous not only as the location of the drama Hourglass but also for its rugged natural beauty. Get off of the train in Jeongdongjin and walk only a few meters to the beautiful beach and its large hourglass. The beach’s hourglass is so big that it takes one full year for the sand in the top to fall to the bottom. At 12am on New Years Eve, the last grains trickle down and the hourglass is turned over once again as part of a grand ceremony, kicking off the brand-new year.
Donghae: The Chuam and Mangsang beaches here host a Korean flag parade and a fireworks show.
Taebaek Mountain: Weary and aching from your climb, you reach the summit in time to see the sun rise above a sea of clouds. Concerts and other events held at Danggol Plaza. festival.
Yangyang: Legend has it that any wish made from atop Naksan mountain during the first sunrise of the year is sure to come true! Head to Yangyang to make your wish in the mountains before coming back down to the beach to join in festivities.   
Daecheon Sunset Festival takes place on Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, more famous as the location of the mud festival. This beach is the perfect place to share the last moments of 2010 with your loved ones. There will be a variety of activities and shows to enjoy such as a candle procession, choir concert and a fireworks show.
Gyeongsang Province
Busan New Year’s Sunset and Sunrise Festival
If you’re not watching the ball drop or partying with friends, why not head down to the beach with the tens of thousands of Koreans who join in Busan’s Sunset and Sunrise Festival? As one of Busan’s most distinctive winter events, the festival is composed of the sunset fest at Dadaepo Beach, the bell tolling ceremony at Yongdusan Park, and the sunrise fest at Haeundae Beach. Tons of activities and games will keep you busy from 11 pm until the first daylight of 2010.
Ganjeolgot New Year’s Festival
Visitors at Ganjeolgot, a picturesque promontory near Ulsan, get the first glimpse of the rising sun each morning throughout the continent of Asia. Be the first to welcome in the New Year by being there.Ganjeolgot is one of the seaside locations where people all across the nation gather to celebrate the New Year and watch the 1st sunrise of the New Year. This New Year’s Sunrise Festival includes interactive events such as stargazing programs and mosaic making. Visitors can also learn about the Ganjeolgot Lighthouse and the city of Ulsan through a series of 3D video clips. New Years celebrations also include a wide array of events such as fireworks, eating tteokguk (an important New Years tradition), and a diverse range of performances.
Gijang Sunrise Festival
A drum show and all of the other New Year’s events are to take place at Imnang Beach. Gijang-gun just outside of Busan.
Jeolla Province
Haenam Sunset Festival
Craft and product exhibitions, tasting area, food marketplace, dance performances, family oncerts, kite flying, and surprise events
Yeosu Hyangilam Sunset Festival
Experience a beautiful sunrise against the backdrop of Yeosu’s lush trees and rocks.
Yeongam Lake Sunrise Festival
Starting at 7 am, listen to military bands perform, release balloons, share the lucky rice cake, and write New Year’s postcards. If that doesn’t remind you of a typical New Year’s Day, just remember that this is Korea. Plaza in front of Hotel Hyundai in Yeongam-gun, south of Gwangju.
Jeju Island
Whilst most of the other places to watch the first sunrise of the New Year are cold, watching the Seongsan Sunrise Festival at Seongsan Ilchulbong “Sunrise Peak” in Jeju, is probably the warmest place in Korea to enjoy it. Join the countdown and welcome in the New Year at Jeju’s  premier sunrise attraction, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (also known as Sunrise Peak). Fishermen from every port will turn on their boat lights and blow their whistles in unison to mark the occasion. With the port town down below and a view of the sun coming up over the ocean, it is truly a spectacular sight to see.
Don’t worry, if you are in Seoul you can still watch the first sunrise of the year by joining the crowds at the Heaven Park Sunrise Festival, at Heaven Park, near the World Cup Stadium or at the Acha Mountain Sunrise Festival at Sunrise Plaza, Acha Mountain.
So, made up your mind where you want to watch your first sunrise of the year yet? Hurry or you’ll miss out on all the fun and not to forget the wish that might come true!
So, see you next year! A Happy New Year to all! 

Special thanks and appreciation to the following
Photos and articles © courtesy: 
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=668448
http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Winter-Festivals-In-Korea-Part1--December/1881719#ixzz19MYHy3iV
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/index. kto  
http://10magazine.asia/2010/12/22/korean-new-years-festivals/