This time, I would like to explain about the Four Guardian Animals that are guarding Gyeongbok Palace.

This time, I would like to explain about the Four Guardian Animals that are guarding Gyeongbok Palace.

The 4 Guardian Animals were inspired from the constellations. In the East Asia, we divided the constellations as the 3 Fences and the 28 Constellations. The 3 Fences mean the group of constellations called Jamiwon, Taemiwon and Cheonsiwon. There is the polar star in Jamiwon. People thought that the polar star is the Great Emperor. So, Jamiwon is the sky palace. They believed that the others played roles just like today's administrations. The 28 constellations are classified as feudal lords. They are assigned 7 to each of the 4 Guardian Animals as their directions. They form the shapes of the 4 Guardian Animals. These 4 gods are the Blue Dragon, the Black Turtle, the White Tiger and the Red Phoenix. They means the directions, the seasons, the colors and the Five Elements. They are called as the 5 Guardian Animals, too, including the Gold Dragon.

Gyeongbok Palace is a sky palace which is spread on the ground from the sky. Gyeongbok Palace was the top main palace during the Joseon Dynasty. In the human world, people thought that the King is the polar star. So, they built the buildings in Gyeongbok Palace to be related with astronomy, with Geunjeongjeon, the building for the King's formal ceremonies, as the center.

Then, where do the 4 Guardian Animals protect the King? First, they are protecting Hanyang, the capital from the four directions. Bukak Mountain, Nam Mountain, Nak Mountain and Inwang Mountain each mean the Black Turtle, the Red Phoenix, the Blue Dragon, and the White Tiger.

Not only this, the 4 Guardian Animals are also guarding the 4 gates of Gyeongbok Palace. The gates, Gwanghwamun, Sinmumun, Geonchunmun and Yeongchumun each has the Red Phoenix, the Black Turtle, the Blue Dragon and the White Tiger painted on the ceiling. For the rest of the stories, wait for the following post~^^

Now, we learned about the history of ancient tomb murals.

Korea has history and culture that doesn't fall behind other countries. These history and culture are still remaining in ancient tomb murals. These ancient tomb murals were first created during the Three Kingdoms Period(Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla). And Goguryeo's tomb murals are the best. Goguryeo is a country established by Jumong in 37 B.C., which was a country with the largest territory in Korea. Also, Goguryeo maintained their culture while they also accepted other country's culture.

The value of Goguryeo's ancient tomb murals are recognized and doesn't fall behind other countries.

Now, we learned about the history of ancient tomb murals. So, let's learn about the ancient tomb murals in detail.

Today, let's learn about the two which are familiar to us.

First, this is a tomb mural named as, 'Muyongdo'. It looks very exciting. It's because a lot of people are dancing. We can know that the people of Goguryeo were cheerful and optimistic. And people actually celebrated the start and the end of the year with dance and songs. As a result, there were a lot of types of dances. So, we can see some murals with a lot of people dancing.

And this is named as, 'Suryeopdo'. Hunting was a military drill as well as the most popular sport in Goguryeo. A lot of hunters are aiming their arrows at the animals. But the arrowhead has a strange shape. And this arrowhead makes a strange sound and makes the animals faint. So, it was made to catch the animals alive. And these animals were used for memorial services.

Like this, ancient tomb murals is a great heritage which shows the customs and culture of our ancestors. Thank you for listening.

'Folk Paintings'

If we go to the museum, we can see a painting of a tiger with funny face, staying close with a magpie. We call these kinds of paintings as, 'Folk Paintings'. Folk Paintings were usually created during the Joseon Dynasty. Even thought it looks crude and sloppy, it was one of the popular artistic styles at that time.

We don't actually know when we started to paint Folk Paintings. It has its origins in ancient tomb murals that were made during the Three Kingdoms Period. And they were created a lot during the Joseon Dynasty. Our ancestors usually used these Folk Paintings to decorate their houses. But, they had different meanings. Let's learn about the painting, 'The Magpie and the Tiger', in detail.

The magpie and the tiger don't harmonize well in reality. However, they have been models in our Folk Paintings. Why did our ancestors use these two animals together in paintings? There are some interpretations for that reason.

First, this 'The Magpie and the Tiger' has the tiger with a funny face talking with the magpie. The magpie was known as a bird which brings good news. And the tiger was an animal which spread the good news. So, we can think that the magpie is telling the tiger about the good news it had brought. So, this picture means that the good news is coming in this year.

And this 'The Magpie and the Tiger' has a quite different interpretation. The tiger in this picture looks like it has burst into a rage. However, the magpie is on the pine tree branch despite the tiger's rage. Normally, the tiger in this picture symbolizes the corrupt noblemen who lost their authority, and the magpie symbolizes the commoners who are mocking at those nobles.

Folk Paintings don't have topics or subject matters so, we can also create Folk Paintings. If you are interested in Folk Paintings, visit Gahoe Museum for more information.

...?

ㅠㅠ Too cold? Hmmm...... Whatever... I'M TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's love our history!

 Korea is a country that is small. However, it has about 5,000 years of history, and traditions and cultures. Also a lot of heritages.

 However, there are a lot of countries trying to distort history. For example, China has been distorting history using China`s five-year research program on Northeast Asia over Goguryeo, the ancient Korean country which was one of the Three Kingdoms that existed in Korea ruled much of Manchuria, which is the north of the Korean Peninsula and is now part of the Chinese territory.

 And Japan is claiming that Imna Japanese Ministry existed. They claim that the Yamato Government setted up an agency to rule the Southern Part of the Korean Peninsula during the 4th century. Not only that, they call the East Sea(Donghae) as the Sea of Japan, and claim that Dokdo is theirs even though there's evidence.

 Like this, our history is getting distorted. But, we aren't actually interested in our history. Now we should be interested. Because we're alive now because there was the past. And loosing history is the same thing with loosing the root of our country.

 So, we should read some history books. Also, we should be aware of the distorted things and try to get those things right like VANK : Voluntary Agency Network of Korea. Most of all, we should love our history.

Let's love our history!

This time, I read a book called, 'Heosaengjeon'.

Heosaeng was studying in the mountains with a plan for 10 years of studying. But he couldn't stand poverty and went to see the richest man in Seoul named, Byeon.

And he borrowed ten thousand nyang.

He uses this large amount of money for business.

 First, he cornered the fruit market, and sold them at high prices.

 Then, he started to sell agricultural equipments in Jeju Island, and sell rice in an island of Japan.

 He also bought horsehair from Jeju and sold them to the nobles.

After he gained a lot of money, he used the money to help other people.

 He also payed Byeon hundred thousand nyang. Byeong was surprised with all the money so, he followed Heosaeng to his house.

After that, they became friends.

 One day, Byeon introduced a minister named Lee Wan to Heosaeng.

Lee had a talk with Heosaeng and found out that he is a really great man.

Lee wanted to employ him. So, he went to Heosaeng's house, but he is already gone.

There are two reasons why Heosaeng started business.

The reason on the surface is to gain money. But the real reason is to criticize Joseon's weak economic structure.

Heosaeng cornered the market for his business.

I think Heosaeng's idea was wrong.

 Well, if you use the way of cornering, you can inform the people about Joseon's weak economic structure.

 But, the fruit market business for example, a lot of people suffered because, they had to pay more money to buy the fruits.

If I were Heosaeng, I would have wrote a paragraph or a story like Park Jiwon, the writer of the story, to tell the people and criticize about the weak economic structure. In that way, the people wouldn't have suffered a lot, and easy to inform the people. I think we can go for the effect of killing two birds with one stone.

But, Heosaeng used those money to help other people, so, in my opinion, Heosaeng repaid the money.

It was a great time because, I could read an interesting story about Heosaeng.

Today was the first day of my epicurism tour!

I chose my first destination, Seoul.

So, we went to Myeongdong.

I've visited Myeongdong for the first time.

I anticipated a lot.

Because I've heard that Myeongdong is full of fun and also a lot of people.

So, I couldn't really sleep last night.

Not only because of Myeongdong, but also the food that me and my mother will eat today.

We decided to go to 'Sesibong21', which has some delicious food. Like, lunch box in our memory, and etc. I really wanted to taste that lunch box.

But when me and my mother saw the signboard, we were a little shocked. It said, 'Bar'.

Hmm... it's not a place that I can go.

Anyway, we decided to go in, but it was closed today.

We've come to nothing.

So, we tried to find the Information Center to ask if there were any good restaurants.

But, we couldn't find it easily. It was located right next to a big building of Shinhan Bank. So, that's why we couldn't find it. I think the Information Center should be located in the middle of the road or the starting point of the road so that the people who come here for the first time could find easily. That's the only bad thing about Myeongdong.

Anyway, we went to a restaurant with pork cutlets.

People say that the pork cutlets in Myeongdong is delicious. Well, it was true!

The meat was bigger and thicker.

Also, there were some leftovers after eating until I was full. But I thought those leftovers were really worthy(?) so, I ate them all.

Myeongdong is a very good place which has delicious food, valuable and also beautiful accessories and some great shows.

And if you're lucky, you can also meet a singer.

I met BoM, a vocal group today. I was really lucky.

Whatever, come to Myeongdong which is full of fun!

A 15 years old teenager

Today, I went to Gyeongbok Palace.

It rained a lot today, so, the palace looked like a swimming pool.

Welcome to Gyeongbok Swimming Pool?!

Hmm, I really didn't like that.

Whatever, I thought there won't be anyone coming to listen to our explanation.

But, my mistake...

There was!

A 15 years old teenager came to listen.

 I thought she wouldn't really like it because she might think it's boring... However, she really liked! In fact, she was really funny!

While I was explaining Deumeu, she really looked at her reflection in the water and screamed saying, "Did I really look like this?!" I was a little shocked and also felt happier. And there were more episodes, but I can't really remember all of them. Well, my conclusion is that she is funny and positive, and I liked her.

I couldn't prepare more this time, because I had a lot of things to do this week. I should always be ready.

a performance for the US Peace Corps

Today, I did a performance for the US Peace Corps with my other friends(?).

We did a play, and it was all about Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

I acted as Yun Bonggil.

There were some important scenes that I should do.

I had to catch a rat. There were a lot of difficulties for that scene.

It didn't look like a real situation.

Like, "A rat! A rat! I caught it. Now we could fill up our bellies."

It was a little childish. So, I practiced a lot listening to my mother's nagging. I hate her. I followed all the directions that she said to me. But I'm just an ordinary student, not an actor. She wants a lot of things from me.

But, as I said, I'm not an actor!

If she can do better than me, then why not she do it?

Besides, there is a another friend who is worser.

However, when I did as what she said, all the Peace Corps cheered and gave us a big hand. And there was a person who was an actor before in the Peace Corps, and he said my acting especially on the rat scene was brilliant. Thank you mom, for your directions(?). But the reason why he said I did well was because of my very own acting skills. So, my work was much more important than my mother's...

I was glad that the Peace Corps enjoyed a lot today, and also happy. I hope to meet them again.

 

PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games

 At last, the time has come! Time for PyeongChang, and time for our country!
 I really love the Winter Olympics. So, last year, I watched all the events of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Plus, I also bought a new CD for nintendo Wii and it was all about Vancouver Winter Olympics! I was really good at all the events. And I also had a dream to become a skater or skier, or anything. But it was just a dream.
 Whatever, I was so happy to hear that PyeongChang Winter Olympics will be held in 2018.
 I think there are two reasons why PyeongChang was selected.The first reason was because of our great athletes. Last year, our country did well on figure skating and speed skating, including short track.
 The last reason is because of Yuna Kim. This time, she went together with the president to do a presentation about PyeongChang. She did a really good thing.
 Now our dream came true! I'm really happy.

I read a book titled, 'Hamlet'.

Today, I read a book titled, 'Hamlet'.

Hamlet is a prince. He was living a happy life, but one day, his father died. And his mother married the King's little brother. After a few days, there was a rumor that the spirit of the past King is still remaining in the castle. And one night, Hamlet decided to see the ghost. And the ghost said that his little brother murdered him so, he would like Hamlet to repay his death. He decided that he would show the King and his mother a play, about how the King killed his father. The King couldn't stand to watch the show, and went out. The Queen scolded Hamlet for playing a joke on the King. But she was also frightened that Hamlet is thinking that she is a criminal who married the murderer. Just then, somebody shouted for help to protect the Queen, and Hamlet accidently killed him. Surprisingly, he was Ophelia's father, the woman that he loves. Because of her father's death, Ophelia became mad. Later, she died. Her brother felt angry because of Hamlet. So, he decided to start a revenge. He and Hamlet had a sword fight, and Ophelia's brother striked Hamlet with his sword. And Hamlet also striked Ophelia's brother, and the King. So, the main characters in this story died.

After Hamlet realized that the King murdered his father and married his mother, he decided that he would start a revenge on the King.

However, the revenge wasn't favorable. So, the King, Ophelia, Ophelia's family, the Queen including him dies at the end of the story.

If I were Hamlet, I wouldn't have started a revenge on the King. The past King already died, and the Queen had already married his husband's little brother. I think it's foolish to think about a revenge, since it will not change anything. So, I would have forgiven the Queen, but punished the King because he has committed a crime.

The future is more important than the past. If Hamlet didn't retaliate on the King, all the people would have lived happily ever after, including himself.

 

What is 'Noblesse Obliges'?

What is 'Noblesse Obliges'?

It means, 'the duty of the riches'.

It came from mind of the nobles during the early Roman Empire. People practice Noblesse Obliges by helping poor people.

And these days, a lot of people are requiring for this because of the gap between wealth and poverty. But, in my opinion, it is wrong to require Noblesse Obliges only to the riches.

The riches, or the nobles, have worked really hard to be on their places. It is wrong to ask for help only to the nobles, because they have more properties than we do.

I think we should all be interested to the poverty, not only the one who have a lot of properties. But the most important thing is to get people's attention and participation. In that way, the riches will also participate in donation, and other things without rejection.

We shouldn't give obligation that they hate just because they are a millionaire. The right donation culture is to do it by yourself because you want to, not because of forcible demands.

Gwangjang Market

I went to Gwangjang Market yesterday.






I Gwangjang Market, you can see a lot of things. Like silk, cloth, thread and a lot of food!


We looked for a lot of cloth, silk and thread because of my mother. She makes dolls. And she always loves her dolls more than me... I really hate my mother!!!


It was really boring to look through those things, which are only for my mother. I shouldn't have followed her. She didn't even let me sit for a while. I really don't care for her dolls, but she keeps on asking me if the cloth is good or bad. Doesn't she have eyes? Why me? It's her doll. She should be the one to choose, if she's not making those dolls for me! And she didn't listen to me. I told her that I'm hungry. But she believes that I'm telling a joke! Excuse me, I'm telling the truth! She even heard my stomach grumbling, but she told me that she's not hungry, so we'll eat later. Well, there's no later for me! My stomach began to become hurt, because I was hungry. At last, I enraged and scolded(? hmm...) her. And she bought me some mung-bean pancake and kimbab. So, I forgave her.


The food in Gwangjang Market was great! Better than my mother's recipe for mung-bean pancake and kimbab. I ate those mung-bean pancakes in a place where I saw on a TV program named, 'One Night Two Days', which is a really famous variety program in Korea.


The way to go to Gwangjang Market is to ride the Purple line(Line no.5), and the Indigo line(Line no.1) if you go there from my house, which is in Gangdonggu, Seoul. You have to get off from Jongno 5-ga Station.

A Tour in Gyeongbok Palace

Today, I had a tour in Gyeongbok Palace.



I explained to an American and also a Taiwanese.

Well, the Taiwanese listened to my tour when I went to Sajeongjeon, and began to follow me.

At first, I thought that she was a press. But then, I realized that she was a tourist in Korea.

My mistake.[]`

Whatever, the American and Taiwanese became friends when they first met each other. So, after my tour was over the went to the Presidential Residence or the Blue House. And I saw them on the subway, too. After looking at them, I could know that we travel to enjoy with others, not only to enjoy by yourself.

It was a great day, and I felt and thought about a lot of things.

Pinocchio(Danger) -f(X)

Pinocchio(Danger) -f(X)

French K-pop fans demand extra concerts

Twinkle Twinkle - Girl's Day

Twinkle Twinkle - Girl's Day

The Literary Village of Kim Yoojeong

 I went to "The Literary Village of Kim Yoojeong" last Thursday because it was Children's day.

 Kim Yoojeong is a famous writer who lived during the Japanese Colonization Period, or should I say, during the 1900s.
 I'm actually not interested about writers, books etc.(heh..heh...) But, I wanted to read the stories that Kim Yoojeong had wrote. I read 『Spring·Spring』and『Camellia』. Those stories were really fun, but because they used provincial accents, I couldn't understand correctly.
 Well, whatever, we arrived at the village, and looked around his house, and also the backgrounds of the stories he wrote. We saw "Bongpil's House" which is a background from『Spring·Spring』. It was fun to look around, and our family ate chicken(well not those fried ones...)!
 It was an awesome day. 

Hi! Guys!

I'm writing this letter from school, again!
How are you?
For me, I'm fine!
I went to Lotte World(an amusement park) witn my friends last friday!
It was really fun!
I rode Atlantis(roller coaster), my favorite ride for 5 times!
Ha...ha...
And we're going on a scool field trip next tuesday, I'm so excited! I can't wait.
Bye!

A Tour in Gyeongbok Palace

 Today, I had a tour in Gyeongbok palace.

 I had to wait for a long time. Maybe about half an hour?
 But, at last came one foreigner. She was from US.
 I started my tour since 3:10. But I had to end my tour at 4:00, because this program ends at 4:00. So, I hurried up. I couldn't go until Hyangwonjeong. But I explained very hard to her. And it was easy to explain because, she knew Chinese characters. She could read the letters on the sign board of the buildings, and also the letters on rank stones. Also, if I say 'Samdo(三道)' then, she would say the meaning, 'three roads'. It was so cool and awesome!
 And I didn't take a long time for her to take pictures.
 Today's tour was magnificent.
 She wants to listen to my tour again. So, I gave her my e-mail address. Maybe, we could meet again next time, if she can contact me!

Guys!

I'm really tired!
I'm writing this letter from school. Because it's free computer time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, amazing~!(Eh...heh..heh)
Guys, what are you doing?
Please answer me.....................................................................................................................PLEASE!!
If you don't! I'll... I'll ..nevermind.
Bye!

A tour in Saturday

Today, it was a bit cold. Even though it was Spring. I'm in Gyeongbok Palace and there are a lot of foreigners here. There are more than 10! Maybe about 16?! My god!!! The whole thing started about 20 minutes ago. I was waiting for foreigners at the subway station. And ka-boom! A giant bomb struck me! About 40 foreigners were coming toward me and my other friends. I was so surprised!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 Any way, it was really fun today, because of the foreigners. There are some status stones in the palace. And they all went beside each status stones and made strange and funny poses. Well, it looked funny, but it took a lot of time so I got a little nervous. So, I had to scream...
 "HEEEEEEY! WE SHOULD HURRY IF WE WANT TO LOOK AROUND THE WHOLE PALAAAACEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
 Then they said,
 "Oh, right! Come on guys! Line up!"
 It was really fun...
 And a meaningful day.

Another Memorial in Asian History, The Independence Hall of Korea

There's a special place in Korea. It is the Independence Hall of Korea.

The Independence Hall of Korea shows the History of Korea, especially the history during the Japanese Colonization Period.

In my opinion, I think this Independence Hall of Korea is an important place in Asia.

First, it is because it shows the spirit of the patriotic ancestors. When Japan had attacked Korea, and made a colony, Koreans resisted against Japan for freedom. We used non-violent ways to win back the independence, but Japan had ruled the Koreans violently. By torturing, executing etc. However, our patriots did independence movement, even though Japan was hurting them. They loved our country until they died, or even after their death. I think we could learn that we should love our country and follow their patriotic spirit.

And lastly, it is because it gives us a lot of meanings. During the Japanese Colonization Period, not only Korea, but other countries had been suffering from war. And became colonies of other countries. But In my opinion, the reason why the Independence Hall of Korea is here is because, to learn how to live peacefully today.

Even though Korea was invaded by Japan, we have maintained our language and history for 36 years. In this progress, there were sacrifices of many patriots. And I think today's Korea is here because of that. So, I want to claim that this Independence Hall of Korea is a proud place in the whole wide world.

If you come to Korea, please visit the Independence Hall of Korea.

For more informations ->     http://www.i815.or.kr/html/en/

The reason why we should do the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang

When I think about winter, the first thing that comes to mind is my birthday. The second thing that comes to mind is skiing! Speaking about skiing, there's the Winter Olympic Games!


 I really like Winter Olympics because I like skiing. It's my favorite winter sport. I'm interested in all events. Ski jumping, Figure skating etc. Last year, the Winter Olympics were held in Vancouver. And in 2014, they will be held in Sochi. And the IOC is choosing the right place for the Winter Olympics in 2018. Pyeongchang is a candidate city for the event.
 And there are some reasons that Pyeongchang should be the city to hold the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
 First, we have all kinds of things for the Olympics. Like, 『Ski jumping tower』  and other things.
 Second, Pyeongchang is a wonderful place! Because the temperature is low, you can enjoy winter sports for 5 months; starting from November to April. Not only that, the snow is 2m 70cm deep, which is the right amount for the Olympics. Also, the quality of the snow is really good. So, it fits for the Olympics.
 Third, in my opinion, there are other places to see around Pyeongchang. Not only the Olympics, but you can also enjoy the traditional markets, travel through caves etc. So, it will be a great experience.
 I hope that Pyeongchang could hold the 2018 Winter Olympic Games!

A tour in Changgyeong Palace

Today, I had a tour in Changgyeong Palace. It was really cold. So, I thought that no one will come. But two foreigners came to the palace.

 I didn't have a tour in Changgyeong Palace since November. So, I wasn't sure that I could explain well. But, when I went to the palace, I could remember the things that I should explain, just like Gyeongbok Palace.

 After waiting for about 10 minutes, two foreginers came, and I had a tour. I really enjoyed to explain about the palace, because they were so funny. They answered my questions in jokes, and said their opinions about some historical events that happened in the palace. They said that King Yeongjo was wrong about putting his son, Prince Sado inside a rice chest. I haven't met those kind of people yet. So, I really liked today's tour.

 But I think I should prepare much more for the next tour. I forgot to tell them about Deumeu just like in Gyeongbok Palace. I should remember to tell those things next time.

About the Lunar New Year

From February 2nd to February 4th, Koreans celebrated the Lunar New year.

We celebrated the Lunar New Year from the past(Since the Three Kingdoms Period in Korea). We used the Lunar calendar because of agriculture. Well, not only the Lunar one, we also celebrate the Solar one, which is the real January 1st now. We started to celebrate the Solar one during the Japanese Colonization Period. And February 3rd was January 1st in the Lunar calendar.

In Korea, we call the Lunar New Year as, 'Seol'. 'Seol' means, 'the Beginning of a new year'.

During Seol, we do a lot of things: do ancestor-memorial rites, New Year's bow, well-meant remarks, New Year's best clothes and other kinds of things.

We prepare some New Year's foods and use it during the ancestor-memorial rites.

And also, we do the New Year's bow to the adults and earn money. Last Thursday, I earned \110,000! But I had to give the money to my mother. In the past, we could earn more money(\1,000) than the day before. So, for example, if you earned \10,000 you could earn \11,000 they next day.

We also get New Year's best clothes the night before Seol. So, we get up early at Seol and wear those new clothes. I've also got a new hanbok. It's really beautiful.

The adults say some well-meant remarks to the youngsters. Like, "Please do well in exams this year." etc.

Not only these things, we prepare foods. The most important food is 'Ddeokguk'. People believe that we get older when we eat this food. There are some round rice cakes and the rounded shape symbolizes the sun. Not only that, it also means luck. So, it's good if you eat a lot!

We also play during Seol. The most famous game around Koreans is 'Yootnoli'. There are four Yoots and you throw them and move your man according to what the Yoots are showing.

Now I hope you learned about Seol a lot. And have a good day! []`

A Tour in Gyeongbok Palace

Today, I had a tour in Gyeongbok Palace. I haven't been to Gyeongok Palace since last year. So, I was a little nervous. But I tried my best.

Because it was cold, I thought that the foreigners wouldn't come. Well, I thought wrong! I had a tour with 2 Malay people. I did my best to explain about the things easier and funnier(?).

They really liked my tour. When I told them a joke about the Korean Traditional Chimney, they laughed. And when I told them about Queen Min's death, they had a sad face. I really really liked their reactions. I mean it!

But there were things that I forgot to explain. For example, DEMEU! Our Korean Traditional Fire Extinguisher! There are a lot of funny things that are related to this thing. But I forgot to tell them!

Well, still, I'm proud of my self. I'm really proud about doing these things to tell the world about Korea! Plus, I'm also proud of my self about doing a one and a half and hour tour!(even though it was really cold!)

Anyway, I'm gonna do better next time.

Versailles, Special Exposition

Yesterday, I went to see Versailles, Special Exposition. It was fun.



  I could know about French culture in the Versailles, Special Exposition.
  I was interested in Versailles really much. I think the Versailles Palace is much better that Korean palaces. It is splended and really big. I wanted to live there. I especially liked the portraits. It felt like I was looking at a real live person! I really admire the pictures. Oh, and also the dresses. They were gorgeos and big! If I look at those dresses, I want to wear them, too. I really like France. I would like to visit the real Versailles Palace if I have enough money. I really appreciated it.]`

Disney Character Designer, Kim Sangjin

Have you seen the movie 'Chicken Little' or 'Tarzan' before? It's fun, right? Well, amazingly, the person who drew the characters from 'Tarzan' are made by a Korean! 


  Dear Foreigners...

  HI, again! Today, I went to a park in Korea Street. It was named 'Koreans in the World'. Today, I'm gonna tell you about a charater designer. And he is a special character designer. He is a Korean. Plus, he has achromatopsia, which is also known as color blindness. His name is Kim Sangjin.
  You know, it's hard to be a character designer if you have color blindness. In Korea, you can't go to an art university if you have that color blindness. So, Kim Sangjin couldn't go to an art university. Luckily, a company which saw his talent had him as a worker. And later on, he worked as a character designer in Disney for 15 years! He is really amazing, don't you think so?]
  My dream is a character designer, too.  I will work hard and be like him. Please encourage me.
  I have to go now. See ya!

K-Pop!

These days, K-Pop is popular. I will tell you about it much more.

To Foreigners...

  Hi, guys! Today, I went to K-TREND Street. It's my favorite Street in Korea Street. I learned about K-Pop there. K-Pop refers to Korean songs.
  Everybody has a favorite singer, right?

 I especially like Girls Generation. I read in a newspaper that there are 120,000 fans of Girls Generation in US. What a fantastic news! I was so happy to read that article. Anyway back to what we were talking about, there's my favorite member in Girls Generation. Her name is Jessica! I like Jessica because she's tall, good at singing, and also in my opinion she is the most beautiful member in Girls Generation.

A tour in Sunday.

Yesterday, I went to Seodaemun Prison History Hall for a tour for foreigners. The temperature was -17℃.

To Foreigners...

 Yesterday, I went to Seodaemun Prison History Hall for a tour for foreigners. Seodaemun Prison History Hall is where our patriots were imprisoned during the Japanese Colonization Period.

 I really like to do this job(?) but, it was hard to enjoy this job yesterday. Because it was really cold! My nose and hands became red. The temperature was -17℃. No wonder why. So, I thought that the foreigners wouldn't come, and I would be fruitless. But, some foreigners came to Seodaemun Prison History Hall, and I had a tour. I was so happy. I call this a 'miracle'. Because it was cold, and it was Sunday. I'm sure that most people go to church and Catholic churches etc. I was so happy that they came.

 They listened carefully to my explanation. When I told them about the tortures which our patriotic ancestors have experienced, they made a face(?). And they asked some questions to me. And I answered them well.

 Even though it was a cold day, they listened to my explanation very well. But later on they got tired(?because of the cold weather) so I finished up quickly.

 It was a good tour...(I think)

 Okay, now I have to rest for awhile. Because I need to go to Korea Street tomorrow. Maybe I'll get some more news from there. Well then, bye for now!

Lee Joongseop and Pablo Picasso

Hi, guys!

  I'm writing this letter from a nearby hotel.

  How are you guys!

  Well, I'm really really fine. Because I'm having fun here.

  Today, I went to the 'Art Street' in Korea Street. I really enjoyed today's visit in Korea Street,

because I really like art. Well, it's not my favorite subject, though.

  Well then, I'll talk about what I learned today.

  I especially liked the 'Modern Arts'.

  The famous artist named, 'Lee Joongseop' had painted some pictures during 1950s. He painted some cows, children, chickens, fishes, crabs etc. But he especially painted some cows. People usually say that cows are animals that could symbolize Korea's sentiment. Joongseop started to paint cows since he went to highschool. Joongseop always observed cows to paint them better. So, one day, he was observing some cows which were owned by one neighboor. But he was known as a cow thief and was arrested. Isn't this a funny story?

  Okay, his most famous painting is 'The White Cow'. In the painting the cow looks really powerful. I had a feeling that it might butt me out until I reach Neptune. Oh, it looked so scary. Especially, the white lines look powerful and strict. The first reason is because he was a fauvist in Korea. Do you know what 'Fauvism' is? Fauvism is a kind of group of painters who painted in powerful and strict ways. This is the characteristic of them. So, Joongseop just painted that way. And the second reason is that he lived with difficulty. There was Korean war at that time and Joongseop had to break up with his family. Plus, he was so poor. So, that's why the cow looks scary.

 

  There was a famous artist in Spain during that time. His name is Pablo Picasso. Picasso's paintings are special(?), too. Well, we can't understand what he drew. But it is amazing and we can feel Picasso's originality. For example, if he painted a woman in a green hat, it has all kinds of different meanings. Like, even though she has a beautiful(uh... well... not really) outlook, she has a darkness behind her.

  Now, I'll compare Joongseop and Picasso. They both are charming(?). They both have their painting type(?). But, Joongseop's paintings look powerful while Picasso's paintings look strange but has a lot of meaning. I really like both of their styles.

  I like to paint, too(as I said before). So, maybe I could try to paint some pictures with their style.

  Okay, I'm so sleepy now. It's already 10:00. I gotta have some sleep for tomorrow's visit to Korea Town. Bye for now, and hope to hear from you guys, too!