Today it's raining hard. There is thunder. I want sun. But today it is raining.
Usually August is not the rainy season. Up to July is rainy season. This year is strange.
And it's not normal.
The above was written by one of my students, but I thought it succinctly summed up my thoughts.
2007년 8월 23일 목요일
2007년 8월 18일 토요일
See the Movie D-War.....
Normally, I don't recommend B minus action/fantasy thrillers. Usually, I'd ward off viewers from a movie like D-War that at best comes up as a manufactured cult flick and at worst come up as a decadent-on-arrival ripoff of Godzilla. I'm the type of moviegoer that appreciates a good storyline, a clever script, and interesting relationships between characters, none of which this movie has.
But if you get a chance, see this movie!!
Yes my friends, after witnessing this low concept/high-tech piece of work in IMAX near the Seoul Yongsan Electronics Mall (how appropriate since it's one of the best places to purchase electronics on the planet), I feel obliged to recommend this movie to you.
Why?
Because of the history behind it: At 30 million U.S. dollars, D-War is the most expensive Korean movie ever made. It's also the first to be marketed towards the United States. It is written and directed by a Korean (Shim Hyung-rae) but has Hollywood actors and is completely in English except for a small part about the real Korean legend, on which the movie is based.
And that small part...the flashback into Korea's past... is the reason why this movie is worth seeing. The action/battle scenes of present-day L.A. are brilliantly constructed and the computer animation is beyond belief (think Godzilla + Lord of the Rings...one of my students actually used that analogy herself), but the most exciting scenes are the flashback scenes. If you see this film, you'll catch a glimpse of the Korean culture, you'll hear a little of the beautiful Korean language, and you'll find Hollywood actors talking about Korea as if it were THE PLACE to be obsessed over. I suppose Japan has been doing this for years with movies like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3, but now it's Korea's turn and you won't be disappointed.
South Korea is the only country in the world (except for the United States and India) that has more domestic (homegrown) films than international films on their market. Even if you don't like films like D-War, you have to admire the ambition to plunge head-on into the American market. All Korean films are not like D-War; they have smaller budgets, are more artsy and have much better storylines. Unfortunately, until I learn more Korean, I can't see too many of them (no real demand for English subtitles here obviously).
.
I asked my students in one of my classes (If you didn't know already I'm an English teacher in South Korea), whether they think the movie will do well in America or not. Their opinions were mixed: three thought it would, two thought it wouldn't and two were unsure. I told them we shall see.
And so we shall.......
It's coming to American theaters September 13.
2007년 8월 13일 월요일
Pictures Killed the Blogger Star
Once I started posting pictures here, my blogging skills got a little sluggish, so I think from now on I'm only going to post pictures rarely or in bulk.
With that said, here are some pictures from the Suwon Fortress (built to keep out Japanese invaders):
Here's the national flower of Korea: the Mugunghwa or Rose of Sharon
And on we move to Baseball-- the American-imperialist Korean pastime. Actually baseball is not that popular in comparison with soccer, but the people that are into baseball are REALLY into it. If you think that chants are uniform at a Virginia Tech football game, come hear hundreds of voices (not to mention the various noisemakers) speaking as one. Here are some shots of a baseball game in Seoul...
Yeah...some Christmas in August celebration. Don't ask..
And finally, here's a picture of me introducing my half-Mexican half-Spanish roommate to a Mexican restaurant in Itaewon, Seoul
------------------------------------------------------------
Next blog= D-War: the most expensive Korean movie ever made. Will it do well with American audiences? Check back to see this American in Korea review it.
With that said, here are some pictures from the Suwon Fortress (built to keep out Japanese invaders):
Here's the national flower of Korea: the Mugunghwa or Rose of Sharon
And on we move to Baseball-- the American-imperialist Korean pastime. Actually baseball is not that popular in comparison with soccer, but the people that are into baseball are REALLY into it. If you think that chants are uniform at a Virginia Tech football game, come hear hundreds of voices (not to mention the various noisemakers) speaking as one. Here are some shots of a baseball game in Seoul...
Yeah...some Christmas in August celebration. Don't ask..
And finally, here's a picture of me introducing my half-Mexican half-Spanish roommate to a Mexican restaurant in Itaewon, Seoul
------------------------------------------------------------
Next blog= D-War: the most expensive Korean movie ever made. Will it do well with American audiences? Check back to see this American in Korea review it.
2007년 8월 9일 목요일
Tea, Rain and Meditation
Last week, I had a 5 day weekend and a 2 day workweek as part of my summer vacation, so I decided to travel to Bukhan-san National Park right North of Seoul ('San
is the Korean word for mountain). After assessing the many options I had for entering the park, I decided on coming in from the East side (near Dobongson-san), where there was not only a mountain top but several Buddhist Temples along the way.
Once I arrived at my subway stop, I couldn't find the transfer bus I read about on the net anywhere. When I finally found the bus, I literally rode it for a single step (about 20 seconds) and that was the end of the bus route. So I blew a buck, but at least I traveled in the right direction.
I entered a ranger's station, tried to talk to the ranger in Korean, but he preferred to speak to me in English. He helped me plan me my hike out. A few steps later, I reached my destination.
In a drive to protect their wilderness areas, the Koreans use cartoon characters as rhetorical gestures to persuade people to stay on the trail....kind of like Smokey the Bear, but they're everywhere.
o
If you notice, in that last sign it says "No dump garbage." Part of me (my Yang) wanted to ask the park if they were hiring for proper English editors, but the other half (my Yin) was just happy they got the point across.
The first temple along the way was dedicated to a famous woman:
Many women were meditating there, and there was a gift shop (unfortunately everything was in Korean). When the Seoul Buddhist English Library opens in the next few weeks, I hope to learn more about it because not every day do you see Buddhist shrines in honor of women.
I trucked on...eventually finding a trail of lanterns leading upwards where there was apparently a chanting ritual occurring. Naturally, I followed.
And followed.....
Until I eventually reached a meditation chamber
I couldn't figure out where the chanting was coming from (I later found out it was a recording), but I decided to take off my shoes and sit and count my breaths for a few minutes. The place was so peaceful and secluded; I never had a meditation experience like it.
I must have done something right (or wrong) because almost immediately after... it rained.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rain poured. And I was still not yet at the top.
But I had come so far already, and I was not about to turn back.
Probably a bad move. Don't know why I did it. Probably the yang...the alpha-male hidden deep inside of me.
Needless to say, when I came to the top, dark clouds covered any good view.
But here's my apex:
And as soon as I ventured back down, it started pouring.
Mountain hiking in Korea is no beginner's sport. There were times I had to hold onto a slippery railing with my hands and brace my feet. It was scary, exhilarating, and tiring all at the same time.
Like any "come-down" period, the time was heavy. And the pounding bang-bang of the cistern upon the earth only added to it.
As if on cue, the rain died down when I reached my last temple:
Who were these figures? Were they all monks that died in a storm much like the one of which I had just been a part?
When I reached rock bottom, I decided to satisfy that pesky alpha male inside of me by eating grilled eel (which is very popular among Korean men and is believed to be an aphrodisiac due to its rich content of zinc).
A few days later in Seoul, I found this interesting Tea and Meditation shop, where you can order tea and then pick from a selection of audio/visual meditation sessions. I chose a music meditation called "Strengthening Your Resolve." I don't know if it was the tea or the meditation but whatever it was, it did wonders.
As I put this meditation experience side by side with the one before the rain, an interesting palette of contrast comes up. One side is carefully orchestrated but soft, serene and peaceful; the other is natural but loud and heavy.
It's worth considering...
Which is the Yen?
And which is...
The yang.
is the Korean word for mountain). After assessing the many options I had for entering the park, I decided on coming in from the East side (near Dobongson-san), where there was not only a mountain top but several Buddhist Temples along the way.
Once I arrived at my subway stop, I couldn't find the transfer bus I read about on the net anywhere. When I finally found the bus, I literally rode it for a single step (about 20 seconds) and that was the end of the bus route. So I blew a buck, but at least I traveled in the right direction.
I entered a ranger's station, tried to talk to the ranger in Korean, but he preferred to speak to me in English. He helped me plan me my hike out. A few steps later, I reached my destination.
In a drive to protect their wilderness areas, the Koreans use cartoon characters as rhetorical gestures to persuade people to stay on the trail....kind of like Smokey the Bear, but they're everywhere.
o
If you notice, in that last sign it says "No dump garbage." Part of me (my Yang) wanted to ask the park if they were hiring for proper English editors, but the other half (my Yin) was just happy they got the point across.
The first temple along the way was dedicated to a famous woman:
Many women were meditating there, and there was a gift shop (unfortunately everything was in Korean). When the Seoul Buddhist English Library opens in the next few weeks, I hope to learn more about it because not every day do you see Buddhist shrines in honor of women.
I trucked on...eventually finding a trail of lanterns leading upwards where there was apparently a chanting ritual occurring. Naturally, I followed.
And followed.....
Until I eventually reached a meditation chamber
I couldn't figure out where the chanting was coming from (I later found out it was a recording), but I decided to take off my shoes and sit and count my breaths for a few minutes. The place was so peaceful and secluded; I never had a meditation experience like it.
I must have done something right (or wrong) because almost immediately after... it rained.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rain poured. And I was still not yet at the top.
But I had come so far already, and I was not about to turn back.
Probably a bad move. Don't know why I did it. Probably the yang...the alpha-male hidden deep inside of me.
Needless to say, when I came to the top, dark clouds covered any good view.
But here's my apex:
And as soon as I ventured back down, it started pouring.
Mountain hiking in Korea is no beginner's sport. There were times I had to hold onto a slippery railing with my hands and brace my feet. It was scary, exhilarating, and tiring all at the same time.
Like any "come-down" period, the time was heavy. And the pounding bang-bang of the cistern upon the earth only added to it.
As if on cue, the rain died down when I reached my last temple:
Who were these figures? Were they all monks that died in a storm much like the one of which I had just been a part?
When I reached rock bottom, I decided to satisfy that pesky alpha male inside of me by eating grilled eel (which is very popular among Korean men and is believed to be an aphrodisiac due to its rich content of zinc).
A few days later in Seoul, I found this interesting Tea and Meditation shop, where you can order tea and then pick from a selection of audio/visual meditation sessions. I chose a music meditation called "Strengthening Your Resolve." I don't know if it was the tea or the meditation but whatever it was, it did wonders.
As I put this meditation experience side by side with the one before the rain, an interesting palette of contrast comes up. One side is carefully orchestrated but soft, serene and peaceful; the other is natural but loud and heavy.
It's worth considering...
Which is the Yen?
And which is...
The yang.
2007년 8월 8일 수요일
Watch Out!
I seriously saw a person texting on a cell phone while driving a motorcycle today.
That is all.
That is all.
2007년 8월 2일 목요일
Seoul Saturdays Saga Part Two
I don't want to make this a political blog, but something happened in my school I worked with that reminded me of the hotly debated topic of Feminism in America.
So one day, I instructed my students to write about their favorite sport, and one girl proceeded to say that she didn't like sports and thus couldn't write one. I motioned jogging with my arms and said "you don't like..?" and with a similar look on her face, she responded "I don't like to exercise."
I decided to get creative... I positioned my hand as if I had a remote in it (Keep in mind, these kid's English skills were limited) and said "Do you like television?" She said "Yes!" So I responded "FINGER EXERCISE!! THAT'S YOUR SPORT" and then the girl beside her wrote "mouth exercise" on her paper, so I rolled my eyes and said "Ahhh...you like to talk."
These girls weren't the only women in Korea that don't like sports; just about every Korean girl I talk to doesn't like sports or excercising. I think in America we forget that our country is a lot more Feminist than it sometimes appears. Title IX policies have stimulated interest in women's athleltics . Don't get me wrong; in certain ways Korea is very progressive in regards to women's issues. You'll find women professionals everywhere, which sometimes comes in conflict with the Korean tradition of drinking everything your boss pours for you at work meeting meals. (I was reading an article about that the other day)
Interestingly enough though, the lack of interest in athletics for women doesn't necessarily correspond with poorer health. There are no fat Koreans (or not many at least).
Speaking of women's issues, I went to the Folk Museum...this place..
where my Korean friend pointed me to an exhibit of a women's daggers. She explained to me that not long ago, Korean women kept these daggers around them at all times in case a man who was not her husband tried to take advantage of her. The dagger was supposed to protect her against the man, but if she did not succeed, she was to kill herself with it because she was tainted.
I don't really have much more to say, so I'll post pictures of the rest of things I saw that lovely Saturday:
Changdeokgung Palace
More Pictures from Changdeokung:
These spikes under the rooftops are so birds do not make nests...
And then I ventured off to the artsy district near the Anguk station. Korean art exhibits in Seoul are so progressive and illuminating. One was a painting blended with holograms and everything. Can't take pictures in the galleries but here's some pictures of the "mall" of art galleries and little trinket shops.
From the top of the staircase, it's flowers all the way down...
So one day, I instructed my students to write about their favorite sport, and one girl proceeded to say that she didn't like sports and thus couldn't write one. I motioned jogging with my arms and said "you don't like..?" and with a similar look on her face, she responded "I don't like to exercise."
I decided to get creative... I positioned my hand as if I had a remote in it (Keep in mind, these kid's English skills were limited) and said "Do you like television?" She said "Yes!" So I responded "FINGER EXERCISE!! THAT'S YOUR SPORT" and then the girl beside her wrote "mouth exercise" on her paper, so I rolled my eyes and said "Ahhh...you like to talk."
These girls weren't the only women in Korea that don't like sports; just about every Korean girl I talk to doesn't like sports or excercising. I think in America we forget that our country is a lot more Feminist than it sometimes appears. Title IX policies have stimulated interest in women's athleltics . Don't get me wrong; in certain ways Korea is very progressive in regards to women's issues. You'll find women professionals everywhere, which sometimes comes in conflict with the Korean tradition of drinking everything your boss pours for you at work meeting meals. (I was reading an article about that the other day)
Interestingly enough though, the lack of interest in athletics for women doesn't necessarily correspond with poorer health. There are no fat Koreans (or not many at least).
Speaking of women's issues, I went to the Folk Museum...this place..
where my Korean friend pointed me to an exhibit of a women's daggers. She explained to me that not long ago, Korean women kept these daggers around them at all times in case a man who was not her husband tried to take advantage of her. The dagger was supposed to protect her against the man, but if she did not succeed, she was to kill herself with it because she was tainted.
I don't really have much more to say, so I'll post pictures of the rest of things I saw that lovely Saturday:
Changdeokgung Palace
More Pictures from Changdeokung:
These spikes under the rooftops are so birds do not make nests...
And then I ventured off to the artsy district near the Anguk station. Korean art exhibits in Seoul are so progressive and illuminating. One was a painting blended with holograms and everything. Can't take pictures in the galleries but here's some pictures of the "mall" of art galleries and little trinket shops.
From the top of the staircase, it's flowers all the way down...
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