Samsung, LG, Hyundai team up for flexible display: report

Samsung, LG, and Hyundai Motor Group will team up to develop flexible display material, the Maeil Business Newspaper reported, citing officials from the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and related industries. 

The global flexible display market is expected to reach 17 trillion won ($14 billion) by 2018, according to the Korean-language report.

(Bloomberg)

LG Display Co. employees look at liquid-crystal display (LED) monitors at the venue where the company held a news conference announcing third quarter results in Seoul in January, 2010. (Bloomberg)

SK Group strong in corporate governance

SK Group’s key affiliates, SK Telecom, SK Communications and SK Energy, received high grades in a survey of corporate governance structure, the nation’s third largest business group said on Sunday.

The companies have received either the top “excellent” grade or the second highest “very strong” for the fifth consecutive year since 2005 in the assessment by the Korea Corporate Governance Service, an independent organization sponsored by the nation’s six most prominent securities-related organizations. 

The SK Group firms’ transparent governance structure was attributed to their outside directors being more influential than those of other chaebol -- family operated conglomerates -- groups.

SK Group chairman Chey Taewon(left) and his younger brother, vice chairman Chey Jae-won, attend the wedding of Chey Sung-hwan, the eldest son of their cousin and SKC chairman Chey Shin-won at a hotel in Seoul on Saturday. Yonhap News

Korean supercar market heats up

Supercars, with their sleek exteriors, speed and power are objects of desire and envy for many car enthusiasts.

While supercars are reserved for the select few, and are rarely seen on the roads of Korea, the launch of a new supercar rarely fails to pique the interest of an enthusiast.

Several supercars including the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Bentley Continental Supersports have made their way onto the local market during the first half of this year.

The Bentley Continental Supersports comes with a 6-liter twin turbo engine with maximum power output of a massive 621 brake horsepower. The vehicle is capable of reaching 100 kilometers per hour in 3.9 seconds, with speed topping out at 329 kilometers per hour.

The Ferrari 458 Italia’s figures are no less impressive. The vehicle comes with a 4.5-liter engine that puts out 570 brake horsepower, while top speed clocks in at 325 kilometers per hour.

High power output and off-the-charts speed aren’t the only things that are “super” about supercars.

[Exclusive] Japan attempted to take Gojong to Nagasaki

Documents show Gojong resisted the plan, Russian Czar Nicholas II opposed the plan, Roosevelt criticized it while acknowledging the protectorate treaty.

Japan attempted to take Emperor Gojong to Nagasaki during the 1904-1905 Russo–Japanese War, diplomatic documents obtained by The Korea Herald show.

The documents show how the Japanese viewed Emperor Gojong as a major obstacle to annexing Korea and planned to take him to Nagasaki. 

The plan is discussed in the various diplomatic dispatches. The documents also indicate active interest by various powers on the issue. The Russians opposed the plan, the British are said to have agreed with the removal the emperor as well as the annexation plan and President Roosevelt of the U.S. postponed his decision on the establishment of protectorate over Korea but criticized the plan to remove Emperor Gojong.

Gojong goes on an outing upon hearing the news of his son King Yeongchin's return from Japan. (Yonhap News)

  

A copy of the letter sent by Lev Urusov, Russian envoy in Vienna, to Agenor Goluchowski, foreign minister of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy on April 30, 1905. The underlined paragraph reads: “The foreign ministry has recently recognized, from a reliable source, that the Mikado government had the intention to transfer the Emperor of Korea to Japan and install him at a palace built for this purpose in Nagasaki.”

 

Karoly Fendler, lecturer of Korean history at Budapest University ELTE, Hungary

 

Jung Sang-su, history department research professor and lecturer at Myongji University (Lee Sang-sub/The Korea Herald)

Hand-copied pages of the 26-page report “Japanese intention to take the Korean Emperor to Mokko.” Karoly Fendler copied the content by hand because the Foreign Policy Archives of Russian Empire prohibits making photocopies. (Karoly Fendler)

Male hanbok

Basic elements of male hanbok are: baji (trousers), jeogori (jacket), joggi(vest), durumagi (topcoat) and dopo (outer garment worn by upper class people). The lower end of the baji (trouser) tied with a denim (cloth band) well expresses masculine beauty. When going out, upper class men wore dopo andgat (hat). If upper class men went out without being properly clothed, people would speak ill of him behind his back saying that he was an ill-mannered person.

Outer garments (falling under what we would call jackets or coats of suits nowadays), such as durumagi and dopo, were called po collectively. In the past, there were about 12 different kinds of po, but today many of these poshave disappeared and men now wear only durumagi and dopo. Men?? trousers and po were/are made as loosely-fitting garments. Thus, they do not restrain the body and are comfortable to wear.

Basically, male hanbok was blue. According to the oriental philosophy, men belong to the east and the color of east is blue. And so, male hanbok was mostly in light-jade (light-blue color as if the color has been washed out), duck-egg blue or sosaek. Sosaek means basic color and is the color of a cocoon yarn. It is not a white color but more of an elegant beige color.

Female hanbok

The beauty of female hanbok is in the harmony between the delicate curves formed by the chima (skirt) and the raised front end of beoseon (socks), and the sharp lines of dongjeong (neck-band). Women wore many layers ofsokgot (sokbaji (under-trousers) or sokchima (underskirts)) for the voluminous of the chima (skirt) to provide an elegant feminine beauty. Upper class women wore five or seven layers of sokgot (undergarments). They regardedsokgot (undergarments) to be very important and some of them used more luxurious cloth for sokgot(undergarments) than for geotchima (outer skirt). When going out, they put on a jangot over their head in addition to their hanbok of sokgot (undergarment), chima (skirt), sokjeoksam (undershirt) and jeogori (jacket).

Basically, female hanbok was red. According to the Oriental philosophy, women belong to south and the color of east is red. Light pink, purple or dark blue colors were mostly used. The basic color of red was sometimes not used depending on wearer?? social status or age. But, generally women wore either a red upper or lower garment. At a wedding ceremony, the mothers of the groom and the bride wear jade-colored and red-colored hanbok, respectively. The mother of the groom, though a female, is regarded as part of the male side on this particular occasion and wears a jade-colored hanbok. Sosaek (the color of the cocoon yarn) was used for both genders.

The color of hanbok differs according to the age of the wearer. Hanbok for maids was chiefly in bright colors, such as yellow jeogori (jackets) and red chima (skirts). Middle-aged women mostly chose light-yellow jeogori (jackets) and brown chima (skirts). It shows that aged women preferred darker colors for their hanbok.

korea's traditional clothes Hanbok

Hanbok, the cultural clothing of Korea, was established as a part of the unique living culture of Korea, influenced by the geographical and climatic natures of Korean peninsula, and handed down to present times. Hanbok is also called Korean traditional clothes or folk clothes.
Hanbok has the basic structure of jeogori (jacket) and baji (trousers), showing Northern Scythian natures. The style of Hanbok is closer to the style of nomadic tribes in the countries bordering on Western China, who wore jeogori and baji, than that of the agricultural society of China where people wore jeogori and chima(skirt). The origin of Hanbok can be found in a wall painting of an ancient tomb of Goguryeo.

The basic structure of Hanbok is similar to the basic clothing of the northern horse-riding nomadic tribes, and was developed to be suitable for a cold climate and a nomadic life. Jeogori stretches down to the waist, with long and narrow sleeves for both men and women. Koreans wore wide or narrowbaji, adjusted their dress with a belt or a leather strap, put jeolpungmo or dugeon over their head, and wore long boots called wha that were made for horse-riding. The clothing culture of Korea was influenced by new clothing cultures through multiple invasions from foreign countries, but its basic structure is well-preserved in its history.

Heungmi kkotjeon (Pan-fried Sweet Black Rice Cake with Flower Petals)

Bong-hwang-eo-jin-chan

Silseolro [a form of jeongol

korean food is Hansik

korean food is Hansik

Thanks to four distinct seasons and well-developed agriculture, rice and mixed grains are a major part of Korean food. The peninsula is surrounded by water, and is home to plenty of marine products, as well as a variety of vegetables and aquatic plants. Naturally, cooking methods incorporating these ingredients have developed. Preserved and fermented food, such as different types of sauces,kimchi and salted fish, have also been a big part of Korean cuisine since the early days. Korean food well represents the characteristics of the different seasons and regions, and places importance on the harmony of different tastes. A lot of devotion and effort is needed to make Korean food, thus a proper attitude and spirit are important. Not only are the nutritious aspect, color, taste and temperature of the food important, but also the harmony of the tableware and the food. There are over 2,000 types of Korean dishes and each one is unique in taste, scent, presentation and color. Korean food also contains a variety of essential nutrients, thus helping to prolong life, maintain health and even prevent illnesses in some cases. It, indeed, is an exceptional and refined cuisine rarely found in the world.

One of the biggest features of Korean food that distinguishes it from other cuisines is the distinction between main and side dishes. Rice, or the main dish, is eaten with different types of side dishes. Rice can be divided into two types: white rice and rice mixed with different grains such as barley, red-bean, millet, beans, etc.

Side dishes include a variety of dishes, such as soup or stew, kimchi, different types of sauces and various dishes made from meat, seafood, marine plants and vegetables. Such method of eating rice along with other side dishes is quite rational in the sense that it ensures proper consumption and balance of nutrients.

First, there are a wide variety of foods and cooking methods, as well as preserved foods. 
Second, the use of condiments and garnishes is a very rational way of cooking. 
Third, seasoning is very important, thus salt and different types of sauces were considered an important basic in cooking. 
Fourth, not only is the taste of the food important, but also its shape and color, as well as the vessels the food is served in. Serving ample amounts of food shows the devotion of the person who makes the food. 
Fifth, presentation was important and varied depending on the food as well as on the occasion.

korean aphabet

The ??est Friend??Language & Culture Exchange Center is a community-based language school through which foreigners can learn Korean and Koreans can learn foreign languages, including Chinese, English, and Japanese. It is distinct from other language schools in that it not only offers classes in foreign languages but also hosts a number of opportunities and events for students to make friends with many people from all over the world. For example, the ??riday Party??which, as the name suggests, is hosted every Friday, provides Korean and foreign students with an opportunity to meet one another and make use of the language skills they learned in class. It was opened in 2005 as the first educational institution to provide information to foreigners who wanted to study or find work in Korea.

Korean language classes are small in size, with a maximum of 3~6 students per teacher. All students practice using conversational Korean in various settings. One-on-one sessions with a native Korean teacher are available to address problems related with grammar, pronunciation, and word choice.

The Language & Culture Exchange Center has pushed forward with a number of culture programs, including a Korean class for Chinese exchange students, short-term Korean language and culture classes for foreign tourist visitors, establishment of the Korea Working Holiday Association, and classes for foreign managers working for Korean companies. The various programs at the Language & Culture Exchange Center provide an all-in-one opportunity to learn about Korean language and culture and make Korean friends in a relatively short time, compared to university-based ones, and they are highly popular among foreigners staying in Korea for a limited period of time. 
Contact 82-2-365-9875 [http://bestculture.cafe24.com]

> Miho Matsuoka

Miho Matsuoka from Japan was a Japanese language teacher back at home. She taught Japanese to many Korean students in Japan and became friends with them. She also learned about Korean culture from them, arousing her curiosity about Korea and its language. This is how she decided to learn Korean. First, she studied Korean at the Korean Language Education Center of Sogang University, which was recommended to her by a Korean friend, for 6 months. And she has joined the Language & Culture Exchange Center. Miho diligently attends, prepares for, and reviews all that she learns in her Korean classes.

??ost Japanese words end with vowels, but there are so many words in Korean that end with consonants, and it?? very hard to pronounce them correctly. But I am going to study as hard as I can because I think I will be able to teach and get closer to my Korean students back in Japan when I get better.??

> Nestor Nled

Nestor Nled from Cameroon has always been interested in cross-boarder exchanges and relationships between Asian countries. For instance, he is curious as to whether Asian countries will be able to form an EU-like community. He wanted to learn either Japanese or Korean, and he ended up coming to Korea because prices were too expensive in Japan and his friends pushed for Korean.
?? believe that studying another country?? language and culture needs to begin with becoming one with that society. That?? why I came, and it was not difficult to find a place where they taught Korean here. But it was difficult to learn Korean. I didn?? know even the very basic things about the Korean language in the beginning, but I know quite a few Korean words now.??br /> Nled emphasized that Korean is ?? very interesting and extremely important??language. He predicted that Korea would become a world leader if Korea?? economy and society continued to develop in the same direction. He is looking forward to the day his education in Korean becomes a very valuable asset.

korea in brief

The Korean Peninsula extends southward from the eastern end of the Asian continent. It is roughly 1,000 km (621 miles) long
and 216 km (134 miles) wide at its narrowest point. Mountains cover 70% of the land mass, making Korea one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The lifting and folding of Korea’s granite and limestone base has created breathtaking landscapes of scenic hills and valleys. The mountain range that stretches along the east coast drops off into the Eastern Sea, while the mountains along the southern and western coasts descend gradually to the coastal plains that produce the bulk of Korea’s agricultural crops.

The peninsula is divided just slightly north of the 38th parallel by the Korea Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The democratic Republic of Korea lies south of this buffer zone, while its communist neighbor, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, lies to its north. South Korea had a population of 48.7 million in July 2009. Administratively, the Republic of Korea consists of nine provinces (do); the capital Seoul; the six metropolitan cities of Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Ulsan; and 77 cities (si) and 88 counties (gun).

The Korean flag is called Taegeukgi. The design symbolizes the principles of the yin
and yang forces in Asian philosophy. The circle in the center, called taeguk, is divided
into two equal parts: the red top, which represents the proactive cosmic forces of the
yang and the blue bottom, which represents the responsive cosmic forces of the yin.
Together, these two forces embody the concepts of continual movement, balance, 
and harmony that characterize the sphere of infinity. The circle is surrounded by
a trigram in all four corners, each symbolizing one of the four universal elements:
heaven( ), earth ( ), fire () and water (). The white base of the flag symbolizes light
and the purity of the Korean people.

The national flower of Korea is the mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon). Every year from July to October, a profusion of mugunghwa blossoms graces the country. Unlike most flowers, the mugunghwa is remarkably tenacious and able to withstand both blight and insects. The flower’s symbolic significance stems from the Korean word mugung, meaning immortality. This word encapsulates the enduring nature of Korean culture along with the determination and perseverance of the Korean people.

Korea lies in a temperate zone and has four distinct seasons. In late March or early April, the trees burst into a leafy splendor to mark the beginning of spring. Until the end of this season, which lasts until May, you can expect mostly warm and pleasant weather. However, by June, the relatively hot and rainy summer season begins, with average temperatures rising above 20 C
(68 F). Between the end of June to mid-to-late July is Korea’s monsoon season (jangma), which brings heavy, continuous rainfall. August in Korea is especially hot and humid. However, the coming of fall in late September brings continental winds
and clear, dry weather, making the fall months perhaps the most pleasant time of year. With this change in weather, the leaves start turning brilliant shades of autumn colors, and by October, the vivid golds and vibrant reds create a colorful panorama. December marks the beginning of winter-- four months of cold and dry weather with occasional snow. However, often times, there are significant temperature fluctuations, with three or four days of frigid weather followed by a few warmer days.

Freedom of religion is constitutionally protected in the Republic of Korea, which has allowed the nation to develop into a mutli-religious society. Approximately half of the population are active religious followers. Korea’s traditional religions-- Shamanism, Buddhism, and Confucianism-- have all played an integral role in the country’s sociocultural development, with their values deeply embedded in Korean society. Many minor religions, which combine various elements of the traditional religions, also exist. Although Christianity was not introduced to the peninsula until 1794, its membership has grown rapidly in the 20th century. Today, Christianity and Buddhism are the leading religions, with 29.2% and 22.8% of the population, respectively, as followers.