Winter Sonata Anime

Winter Sonata was the second part of the KBS TV drama series Endless Love. This original hit drama was broadcasted in 2002 in Korea, and the 2004 Japanese broadcast triggered the ongoing 'Korean wave' of pop culture in Japan. Winter Sonata has been a major part of the Korean wave both there and throughout Asia.

I am not really into the teary drama though but I did enjoy this drama with the beautiful locations of Nami island. One of my favorite scenes is where the snow falling on Jun-sang and Yu-jin (two main characters) when they held hand while walking down the pine-line road of Nami island. The white snow, redwood trees, nice songs and every bit have perfectly created the favorite romantic scene of the series! This big hit drama made me decided to visit Korea in winter time almost three years ago and eventually visited the beautiful Nami island where many scenes were shot.

Now the anime version has been confirmed to be aired in Japan in mid October with 23 members of the original cast voicing the characters.

Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo pose for photographers during a news conference in Tokyo to promote the anime version of Winter Sonata. (picture from: Japan Today)

The screen shot from Winter Sonata anime official website.

And here is the Winter Sonata Anime MV I found on youtube:

Taste of Nature, Heart of Sharing

'Taste of Nature, Heart of Sharing' is the theme of 2009 Korean Temple Food Festival which will take place at Bongnyeongsa Temple in Suwon from October 8-10. Korean Temple food is a precious cultural heritage Korea has long nurtured.

The three-day event will be held in a quiet and and serene Buddhist University located in Suwon city, about an hour drive from Seoul. Showcasing a series of exhibitions including a temple food market, tea ceremony, tea talks with monks, temple stay programs (for selected international students only), and 'balwoo-gongyang' (communal Buddhist meal service). Eating is called gongyang in Budhism while balwoo means bowls containing rice and vegetables. In this unique and special way of eating in Korean temples, the meal is eaten in total silence and not a single grain of rice is wasted.

This festival is admission free and visitors can register via www.templefood.org until September 30, to get there go to Gangnam Subway station line 2, exit 3 and take buses 3001 or 3007 or take bus 7, 77-1 or 700 from Suwon station. For more information, visit the 2009 Korean Temple Food Festival website.(source: Korea Herald and Korea Tourism)

For your who interested in temple stay program, you can find the detail information on Korea Tourism web.

The beauty of autumn

The beauty of Autumn leaves is on the way.. but be patient since it's coming a bit late this year. The Korean Meteorological Administration said that the autumnal tint this year will appear 1-8 days later than usual, which means that the middle regions of the country and Mt. Jirisan will see the colors of autumn leaves from October 20th to November 5th. (source: Korea Tourism)

For you who visiting Korea this autumn and wish to enjoy the warm foliage of reds and yellows may check the timing on Korea Tourism web as well as the best spot's list. The schedule shows the first foliage and peak time on each region. If you are visiting Seoul only and don't have much time to visit the mountains, don't worry.. there are some famous spots to enjoy the beauty of autumn in the city. The Palaces in Seoul including Changdeokgung has its own special walking tour to enjoy the autumn foliage while Hyang-wonjeong pavilion at Gyeongbokgung is a place you shouldn't miss. If you choose to have romantic walks, Deoksugung will open till late to give you the autumn warm when the night is getting cold.

(Picture courtesy of Korea Tourism)

Yeongam County will host F1

Yeongam County (Yeongam-gun) is a county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.

FIA, the Formula One racing's governing body has released the calendar for 2010 world championship and the inaugural Korean Grand Prix will take place on Oct 17. The 5.6 kilometer race track along the harbor side will be named The Korean International Circuit and designed by the famous race track designer Hermann Tilke.

Yeongam is surrounded by the beautiful Mt. Wolchul National Park and the Yeongsan River, as a historical site Yeongam has 'Yeogam Wangin Cultural Festival', which was named the 'Best Cultural and Tourism in Korea for year 2008. For full info about beautiful spots like Mt Wolchul National Park, Gurim Traditional Village, Historic site of Dr. Wangin, Doseonguksa and Dogapsa Temple, please visit the official website of Yeongam.

Mascot of Yeongam is inspired by the vitality of the Ume flower, the county flower.

(Picture courtesy of Yeongam-County)

Galbi will hit the Emmy Awards

Galbi literally means 'rib', generally refers to a variety of grilled dishes in Korean cuisine made from marinated short ribs in ganjang-based sauce (dark brown Korean soy sauce). This popular Korean grilled dish will hit Hollywood stars's palate at the Emmy Awards party.

'Calbi, a Los Angeles-based food catering, said Galbi was 'invited' for the Emmy launching party and would serve the Korean cuisine to Hollywood stars who will attend the event. (Source: Korea Times)

Galbi is generally cooked right at customer's tables on grills set in the table. It's typically served with lettuce and some leafy vegetables used to wrap the meat, which is then dipped in ssamjang, a sauce made of fermented bean curd and red pepper paste. Many Korean dishes incorporate with ribs, like Galbitang (clear soup containing pieces of galbi) and Galbi Jjim (steamed beef short ribs). Some restaurants also serve 'pork galbi' and chicken galbi which is a popular specialty of the Chuncheon region.

(uncooked galbi, picture courtesy of : Korea Tourism)

Dine and Win

October is just around the corner! What's happening in October? For Sydneysiders, October used to be popular for Good Food Month Event and this year it has been replaced by Sydney International Food Festival, but it's still all about good food. A list of foodie events will run the whole month of October, from Night Noodle markets to World Chef Showcase will bring celebration of amazing food scene to the city.

On the top of that, 'I Love Korean Food Festival' - a Korean food promotion from Sydney's Korea Tourism, has been on my top list. Some Sydney's best Korean restaurants in the CBD, Eastwood, Newtown and Strathfield will be offering diners the chance to try some iconic dishes of Korea including Bulgogi (BBQ beef), Galbi (beef ribs), Dolsot bibimbap (mixed rice/vegetables in a stone pot), Japchae (Korean style sweet potato noodle), Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake) and more.

Aside from enjoying some yummy Korean dishes at the special low cost of $10 diners will have the chance to win a trip to Korea for two persons including return flights from Sydney to Seoul plus three nights hotel accommodation in downtown Seoul. Dining out on the weekend, I considered this as my weekend hobby rather than a desire to win the trip.

For details of participating restaurants please visit the official website: www.ilovekoreanfood.com.au Entry details for the 'Win a Trip to Korea' will be open on the same webpage from 1 October, 2009.

(Picture courtesy of Korea Tourism)

And here is a creative picture representing Korea in World Chef Showcase event:

(Picture courtesy of : Sydney International Food Festival)

Cherry Blossom

It's spring time down here in Sydney, my favorite season of the year when you can enjoy the beautiful flowers blooming. Last weekend I happened to visit a garden with some varieties of cherry blossoms, it's located in a suburb of Galston, about one and half hours driving from the city. Talking about cherry blossom, there many varieties of cherry blossom and some of them bloom only for couple days in spring time.

In Korea the largest beotkkot (cherry blossom) festival is in Jinhae City where visitors can walk through a tunnel of cherry blossoms trees surrounded by falling white petals. Jinhae Gunhang Festival takes place in Jinhae city around March-April when the cherry blossom are in full bloom. It has been held annually since 1963 and has become a famed tourist attraction in which locals and tourists can enjoy the beautiful sight of cherry blossom as well as participating in cultural events.

Here are some snaps from my cherry blossom viewing, most of those cherry blossoms are different varieties from the ones in Korea, hope I'll make it to Jinhae City someday to see the most famous cherry blossoms in Korea!

(white cherry blossom)

(red or pink?)

(the bee..)

Cookin' Nanta

I happened to enjoy Cookin' Nanta show in Sydney last year. It was at Korean Sparking Festival at Palm Grove, Darling Harbour-Sydney. The audiences were entertained by a list of performances including Korean musical, Taekwondo demonstrations, hip-hop dances, Korean traditional fashion show and try on traditional Korean costumes (Hanbok) for free. There was also a quite interesting 2.5metre high ‘Korea Sparkling’ robot with video screen on his tummy surrounded by few stunned children.

The most-anticipated and favorite show of the day was Cookin' Nanta, a non verbal performance playing traditional drumming beats with kitchen background and using kitchen appliances such knifes and chopping blocks, portraying kitchen staffs and their manager cooking for a banquet in a funny comedy routines. They started their first performance in October 1997 and made its international debut in 1999 at the Edinburg Fringe Festival then opened a long term performance in Broadway New York in February 2004. Since the show is a totally universal nonverbal performance and presented through music and motions, there is no language barrier, Nanta can be enjoyed by people from all around the world. Nanta has been voted as one of '10 most famous tourist attraction in Seoul' by Korean Tourist Service.

Stalking the performers behind the stage, I was very happy when got the chance to take picture with all of the performers :) Looking forward for this year's Korea Festival in Sydney!

Nanta performance during Korea Sparkling Festival 2008 in Sydney

Daejanggeum Jeongsik

Daejanggeum Jeongsik is a set menu described as Joseon royal cuisine traditionally prepared for the king and served at royal banquet. It's a new creation at Korea House, a meal course inspired by the hit MBC series 'Jewel in the Palace'. The set menu comprises 15 courses and costs 250,000 won per person.

The course starts with simple appetizers such as 'ejeolpan' (assorted Korean dry snacks), 'gujeolpan' (thin crepes with nine different fillings), water kimchi, king prawns with a pine nut sauce and assorted pan fried vegetables, mushrooms and meat.

The main dishes are divided into eight recipes, including lotus leaf-steamed pork belly, court style casserole, pine mushroom and broiled beef ribs, and braised abalone. The finishing touch is bibimbap with various side dishes. After feasting on the appetzisers and main dishes comes a dessert of fruit and rice cakes.

Daejanggeum Jeongsik set menu.

(Picture courtesy of Korea House)

Korea House itself is a tourist spot for learning Korea's tradition and culture in Seoul, it has been renovated as a cultural complex. For those who would like to learn how to whip up traditional Korean dishes, there is a new program where visitors can learn how to make kimchi, bulgogi and wear hanbok. The program will cost 55,000 won ($45) per person and is slated to be held in the new Chiseon Gwan building.

Korea House is located near exit 3 Chungmuro station, subway line number 4.

(Source: Korea Times and Korea Herald)

Girls' Generation as Digital TV's Ambassador

Girls' Generation or known in Korea as SNSD (So Nyeo Shi Dae) is a nine-member girl group formed by SM Entertainment and since their first debut in July 2007, they have become one of South Korea's top pop idol group.

The Korea Communication Comission has appointed the girl group as the PR ambassador for its plan to launch digital TV broadcasting in 2013. The comission said Girls' Generation was selected because its lively impression corresponds with the clear image of digital broadcasting and that the group has been loved by a wide spectrum of people from youngsters to the elderly. Member of Girls' Generation were quoted as saying that they will make efforts to publicize digital broadcasting, which will provide high-quality, value-added services for viewers. (source: Korea Times)

Digital Television is the sending and receiving of moving images and sounds by discrete (digital) signals. An innovative type of broadcasting technology that enables a dramatically clearer picture and better sound quality.

SNSD perform at a ceremony to promote digital broadcasting in Seoul

(Picture courtesy of The Chosun Ilbo)

Gochujang

You may not know the name before but you'd find this reddish paste with rich flavour in most Korean dishes such as used to marinate bulgogi, or mixed in bibimbap or tteokbokki to make the food spicier. So what is Gochujang?

It's a Korean condiment made by adding powdered red chili pepper and glutinous rice powder to soy bean paste. Traditionally it's made through years of fermentation process in large earthen pots outdoor, more often on an elevated stone platform called jangdokdae in the backyard.

Gochujang is also used as a base for making other condiments like Chogochujang and Ssamjang. Chogochujang is a variant mixture of gochujang mainly with vinegar and oter seasoning like sugar and sesame seeds. It's usually used as a sauce for hoedeopbap (steamed rice mixed with raw fish, vegetables and sesame oil). Meantime, ssamjang is a mixture of mainly gochujang and doenjang, with chopped onions and other spicy seasonings, and is popular with sangchissahm, which is a lettuce wrap of marinated, grilled meat with sliced garlic and green chili pepper.

Children making Gochujang at Namsan folk village, Seoul

(Photo courtesy of Korea Times)

Gochujang is rich in proteins and the red pepper famous for its anti-bacterial and anti-cancer effects and the hot taste stimulates the skin to speed up the blood circulation. If you wouldn't bother to make your own then it's quite easy to find ready-to-use Gochujang sold in a jar in Asian supermarket.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Seogwipo Chilshimni Festival

History:

Seogwipo Chilshinmi originally was the name of the 27 km of land from Seongeup Village to Seogwipo Harbour in Jeju island.

Events:

Jeju Folk performances, street parade, ocean sport activities

When:

17 - 20 September 2009

Where:

Cheonjiyeon Falls Plaza and town - Jeju-do

Transport:

From Jeju International Airport, take bus# 600 to Seogwipo, pass the New Kyungnam Tourist Hotel and get off at the Cheonjiyeon bus stop.

(Picture courtesy of : http://www.70ni.com/)

Nearby Tourist spots: Cheonjiyeon Falls, Jeongbang Falls, Seogwipo submarine tour, Jusangjeollidae (sea cliff at Jungmun-Daepo Coast).

(Source : Visit Korea)

Geumsan Insam Festival

Insam or Ginseng is one of Korean signature products, known as the best health item and originally used as medicines but nowadays you can find many delicacies made with Ginseng like tea and cookie. There are about six or seven types of Ginseng known worldwide and the ones cultivated in Korea called as Goryeo Insam (Ginseng).

Goryeo Ginseng

(Picture courtesy of Visit Korea)

Geumsan, a town of South Chungcheong Province, is home to Goryeo Ginseng and the largest producer of ginseng in Korea. This month, Geumsan is holding the annual 'Geumsan Insam Festival' which will be held from September 18 to 27. The festival, which has been running for 29 years, is held to promote the beneficial affects of Geumsan Ginseng.

The Geumsan Ginseng Pavillion will feature exhibits on everything related to ginseng, including a special fair for the international trade and a hands-on health area featuring folk medicinal remedies. Visitors will be amused by Geumsan traditional folk performances, singing and dance contests, a dramatic production about ginseng and other attractior. There are als some programs for foreign visitors, like singing contest, ginseng herb quiz, ginseng t-shirt painting and oter unique programs.

If you are coming from Seoul, take an express bus for Geumsan for 2 hours and 40 minutes ride and get off at Geumsan Bus Terminal then take 5-minutes walk to the venue.

(Source: Visit Korea)