Learn about Korea

Not too long ago we had a workshop for Native English Speaking Teachers. During the workshop we had a "Korean cultural presentation" to increase our all-things-Korean savviness. They showed us some videos from the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project. This appears to be an educational campaign to give Korea worldwide attention. (Of course, we will use this info to impress our Korean friends, for the random cocktail party or for correctly answering trivial pursuit/Jeopardy question.) But don't get us wrong, this info was really impressive.

Here is a link to the video section of their website: kscpp.net videos


The most interesting video we found is about Hangul ~ the Korean language. Written Hangul is considered by many linguists as one of the most efficient, intuitive written languages still in use today.



So if you're bored (or simply interested in other cultures) watch some of these videos. You may be surprised by what you learn...we certainly are.

A New Year!!!!

Some photos from the last two weeks...
You know, because there were some holidays and all.



~Traditional Tea House on New Year's Eve:









~"Nor-a-bahng" (Singing Room) Christmas Night:





~ Christmas Day get-together with the English Ministry







~ Christmas Eve Dinner with Friends

Cold

Update (12/17): Snow outside our apt window! Yeah, it's exciting because we are from Southern California...




At School (12/8):





These pictures were taken a few days ago now...and that day was warmer!

Yes, the snow is beautiful. It left and then today it got colder.

Today it is 17 degree fahrenheit.

Walking starts to hurt after a few minutes.

Ahhh, California dream'n ....yep...

LotteWorld!!!

Ahhhhhh! Lotteworld!!!


Rumor has it this is the largest indoor theme park in the East....perhaps in the world!

Dani and I enjoyed the Holiday Festivities while becoming slightly ill on their various "Adventures" (amped-up roller coasters) and Tasty Snacks (see photo above). All in all, it was a great time! Really!

This place has a lot to see and do all with a bit of familiar themes (see our post on Seoul Land) from a theme park back home.

This place is impressive; the indoor structure can be used when it is really hot and really cold, as it does get here in Seoul. But the outside part, which is an island in the middle of a (man-made?) lake. The "Lotte" company (which owns half of Seoul) has done a nice job creating an entertainment facility that's fun for the whole family.

Sans the peanut butter covered squid....

Island Trip

We call it the "Island Trip" because we can't remember the name of the island, but it was beautiful and a nice getaway. We went on this trip about two weeks ago and had a great time with Paul and Candy. Without them we would not get out!

Here are some pictures from the trip:

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

"Rock of Ages" | Augustus M. Toplady | 1776

--
I was just singing the first verse of this song in my mind and then decided to look up the whole thing.

Who writes likes this in our day? Who can present the complete work of Jesus Christ as this man has? Who can now witness to the life and hope of a purchased believer in such a way as this man?

May those can speak, sing and write.

Yechon & Andong

Early in October we headed out of Seoul (finally!) to the countryside--about 2 hours south of seoul to Yecheon and Andong......




Early in October we headed out of Seoul (finally!) to the countryside--about 2 hours south of seoul to Yecheon and Andong. Yecheon is a beautiful town with mountains, trees, and fresh air. With our beautiful and wonderful hosts, we went to a Buddhist Temple, hiked for a view of the switch-back river, and went to one of the oldest "pubs" in Korea. It dated back to the 1500's. We also stayed in a wood cabin that had a Chinese style loft and bedding. Meaning a mat in the attic. It was surprisingly comfortable. Dinner was excellent too. Our hosts provided a Bulgolgi BBQ by moonlight on the balcony complete with a waterfall background. By far one of our best meals in Korea.

Todd, Candy (our hostess) & I also made it on TV when we crossed the Pyeongpyeongtalle (or something like that. It basically means Ping Ping bridge.) It is a tiny, rusty footbridge in the middle of the switchback river that you have to walk barefoot over because it's a couple inches under water. It's famous for being in a Korean drama. In fact, the whole area is becoming more popular due to the successful tv show. Whatever you hear from Todd, though, it was my idea to cross--which led to our two minutes of fame. We haven't found the footage yet but when we do we'll post it.

After risking lock-jaw and tetnis shot from PingPing, we drove another hour to the quaint and quiet village of Andong. It was very peaceful, beautiful yet commercialized. Every inch was kept up to standards you wouldn't see elsewhere. However, keeping it maintained that way preserves the opportunity to glimpse into how it looked a long time ago. The tile roofs of the wealthy houses sitting side-by-side with the thatch-roofed houses of their farmers and servants while crops and flowers grow all around makes us all wish we could leave Seoul and be country people.

Especially when we drive back home. The traffic was fine until we hit the city. What usually is a 20 minute train ride took us almost two hours by car. We almost lost the tranquil rest we gained from the trip. But at last we were home and we truly, truly enjoyed seeing Yecheon and Andong.




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