Time is flying by!
With summer camp over, school is back in session. The kids came back as cute as ever, with new haircuts and a renewed anti-work sentiment (just my sixth graders, really, for that one).
I figured today would be a good time to write a blog- it's been quite a while. Also, I have a bit of free time because the students are at home today. For those somehow unfamiliar with the situation, the biggest typhoon in decades is due to hit Seoul around 3:00 pm today (I've heard there's a hurricane headed for the US, too! Be Safe!). Pictures are up on Korean news sites, and my co-teacher and I have been checking out the damage that has occurred in southern Korea already... You can find windows blown-in, broken, and even a HomePlus missing a chunk of its siding. But not here!
The clouds here are moving rather quickly. I know right now most of my teacher friends are scattered around Bucheon, with a few in other locations. I work up toward the top of Bucheon, in Ojeong-gu. (Note: the typhoon is coming from Japan, and then working its way up Korea toward China.) Aside from racing clouds and dancing crops, it really looks like it could just be a bad storm. But it's not raining very hard, so the clouds and lack of sunshine make it feel rather ominous. And then there's the fact that it's looked like this since morning.
Makes for a productive day, though! I've planned my after school lesson for tomorrow, and typed up a schedule for the remainder of the semester. We also watched Leap Year (프로포즈 데이), the romantic comedy with Amy Adams and Matthew Goode, who still looks reaaal good ;). It was cute, but entirely predictable. From the box in the beginning being earrings and not an engagement ring, to knowing she would fall for the bartender the second she walked into the bar even before knowing it was Matthew Goode playing him. Then it was certain. Her character was also terribly annoying. Between the portrayal of Americans in Love Actually and this film, I feel like I should start acting more risque, bothersome, and materialistic. I'm just not living up to the standard!
Quite frankly, I'm okay with that, though.
In news related to furthering myself from the ignorant standard, I had my speaking test/interview with Sogang University this past week. Haha, I was so nervous! I completely blanked. I wrote out a list of talking points and potential topics (because I knew I would blank) after coming to terms with the fact that I'm a bit anal retentive, but they didn't even pop up. The way she asked questions was also different than the way I'm used to them being said, but that's okay. I don't think I showcased all that I really know... The course is supposed to be challenging, but hopefully I placed at a level where I will still need to push myself a bit. Still, I'm sooooo excited to be able to study the Korean language. It's getting to the point where it's frustrating to no ends to not be able to communicate with people. It really hit me during summer camp when parents would call in for their kids. I understood what they were saying, but I didn't know where to begin for a reply. This will change from now on, though! I will study hard. I'll put up a post detailing the different Korean language programs at the various schools in Seoul. Which school you should study at depends on what you want, because the programs are quite different. I may even do it today.
Aiya. So it's a bit after 1:00... Two hours till the typhoon will hit us the way we've been waiting for (I'M ACTUALLY REALLY EXCITED), and four hours until the farewell dinner for the principal. That's right- it's still on! TyphoonShmyphoon. Let's eat! And drink. Good thing I wore my rain boots today. Also, I really think that rain boots should be one word, not two. Look: rainboots. ..Beautiful.
Speaking of beautiful, it is already September next month. I will be wearing sweaters and dancing in the leaves soon. Time is a funny little concept.
Take care, everyone <3
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Summer.
As the summer season began and hit its peak, I wondered how in the world such weather was possible. Where I come from, we do in fact have four seasons, but minus the 78% humidity I see too much here... And so in my thoughts I discovered the truth.
"Once upon a time, there was a land with an unpredictable climate. In the sky hung Sun whose size doubled and halved as he inhaled and exhaled. The temperature shifted drastically from day to day, causing sickness and a loss of crops and livestock. So the people of Korealand prayed to Sun. 'Sun,' they cried, 'please stop playing with the weather as if it doesn't affect us!' Sun, being a rather magnanimous pain, said, 'Fine. I will hold my breath for three months after fully inhaling and exhaling, but in return you must allow Water to enter the air.' And so the people of Korealand saw three months with their Sun twice as big, and called it summer. As time passed, they saw three months with their Sun twice as small and called it winter. And so they developed a cycle where crops and livestock could live and flourish, beginning the healthy prosperity of Korealand."
This is the only way I can understand the weather right now. It's been hitting 95 degrees along with the high humidity. As I said to a few of my friends, you could take a picture of me at any given point of the day or night and I would probably make a good sports drink advertisement. I am sweating constantly and woke up at 5:40 this morning because of how thirsty I was! So of course I messaged my sister.
Hahaha... Aside from thinking up stories on the bus and bothering Kyleigh with delirious ramblings, I am about 3/4 of the way through my English summer camp. The kids have just been divided into their groups/bands, and have picked out songs they would like to perform. I'm really excited to see the cuteness I'm expecting! They will perform on Monday, so I've been showing kids videos for their songs so they can learn the dance moves, and been helping them sing the melodies. Most of them are doing pretty well, but I feel like some of them just want a normal summer break. They're antsy and LOVVVVVE break time. ..I can't say I blame them. They're elementary kids and this is their break! But as long as they listen during class time, I'm okay with them running around during break. Maybe I baby them too much, haha.
Things are still going really well, though. I am looking forward to fall more than I ever have in my life, which is incredible because fall is the only season I ever want. Ever. (evaevaeva) I also want popsicles on a daily basis, although I don't know if that's much of a shift, either. Basically, my usual sentiments are just multiplied a bit. Like my desire for it to be Christmas. ( ! ) I will probably start listening to Christmas music next month.
But I think that's enough of my heat-melted mind for one blog entry, so stay tuned for the next one! ;)
"Once upon a time, there was a land with an unpredictable climate. In the sky hung Sun whose size doubled and halved as he inhaled and exhaled. The temperature shifted drastically from day to day, causing sickness and a loss of crops and livestock. So the people of Korealand prayed to Sun. 'Sun,' they cried, 'please stop playing with the weather as if it doesn't affect us!' Sun, being a rather magnanimous pain, said, 'Fine. I will hold my breath for three months after fully inhaling and exhaling, but in return you must allow Water to enter the air.' And so the people of Korealand saw three months with their Sun twice as big, and called it summer. As time passed, they saw three months with their Sun twice as small and called it winter. And so they developed a cycle where crops and livestock could live and flourish, beginning the healthy prosperity of Korealand."
This is the only way I can understand the weather right now. It's been hitting 95 degrees along with the high humidity. As I said to a few of my friends, you could take a picture of me at any given point of the day or night and I would probably make a good sports drink advertisement. I am sweating constantly and woke up at 5:40 this morning because of how thirsty I was! So of course I messaged my sister.
Hahaha... Aside from thinking up stories on the bus and bothering Kyleigh with delirious ramblings, I am about 3/4 of the way through my English summer camp. The kids have just been divided into their groups/bands, and have picked out songs they would like to perform. I'm really excited to see the cuteness I'm expecting! They will perform on Monday, so I've been showing kids videos for their songs so they can learn the dance moves, and been helping them sing the melodies. Most of them are doing pretty well, but I feel like some of them just want a normal summer break. They're antsy and LOVVVVVE break time. ..I can't say I blame them. They're elementary kids and this is their break! But as long as they listen during class time, I'm okay with them running around during break. Maybe I baby them too much, haha.
Things are still going really well, though. I am looking forward to fall more than I ever have in my life, which is incredible because fall is the only season I ever want. Ever. (evaevaeva) I also want popsicles on a daily basis, although I don't know if that's much of a shift, either. Basically, my usual sentiments are just multiplied a bit. Like my desire for it to be Christmas. ( ! ) I will probably start listening to Christmas music next month.
But I think that's enough of my heat-melted mind for one blog entry, so stay tuned for the next one! ;)
Monday, July 16, 2012
Boryeong Mud Festival
Woooo! WooWooo!
We did not turn into "woo" girls, but we did have a blast!
The Boryeong Mud Festival happens on 7.14-7.15 and 7.21-7.22 and draws a massive crowd, of mostly foreigners, to its shore. There are a lot of events you can participate in, such as mud wrestling, mud slides, mud fights, mud painting, and even a mud prison. If you get too dirty, there are showers and a bath they provide on site, but who wants to get into a tub of dirty water that waaaay too many other people have been in? Thankfully, there is also the sea. If you remove the copious amounts of alcohol that some people consume, it's actually a pretty cleansing festival (externally).
The festival started because of the supposed health benefits of the mud (which is quite clay-like, in my opinion, and I do know that is good for skin), and if you lather yourself up, let it dry, and rinse off in the salt water, I'd say you're doing your skin a favor. I like to think my skin is smoother... :)
Unfortunately, it was a little cold, overcast, and rainy this past weekend, but that didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves! Or from getting sunburned. There are three things I would recommend bringing regardless of the weather: insect repellent, sun screen, and a mud-proof/water-proof bag that you can put your camera in. I really wish I could have taken pictures of everything! But I didn't want to risk my camera getting ruined. There were those who had no qualms about grabbing a stranger's face and smearing it with mud!
So how did we get there? Where did we stay? We went with a group called Seoulite, and for 65,000 won (64 USD, appx.) you were provided with a bus there and back, as well as a place to stay that was a really short walk from the beach. I would say that it was good for a first time trip because we didn't know where we were going, if we could get a room, or if there were even other ways to get there. If I go again next year, I think I would take the KORAIL (the regular train) down and back. That would be about 14,000 won if you could get standing tickets. Even if motels and hotels are charging more because of peak season, a love motel between myself and a friend would still be less than 50,000 won each. It would be a cheaper route, but also a bit more risky route. Who knows if you could get a room? But if you do, you will have a bed. A BED! The pension we stayed at had a terribly hard floor and only provided thin blankets; they didn't have any of the thicker mats that the other places I've stayed have had. So there's that. You may even have a bath tub!
Oh- one more random recommendation: Don't wear mascara.
Here is the video I put together from our journey to the festival! Thanks to Anna for letting me use her photos!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2aEDLOzb3I&feature=youtu.be
Tata~
We did not turn into "woo" girls, but we did have a blast!
The Boryeong Mud Festival happens on 7.14-7.15 and 7.21-7.22 and draws a massive crowd, of mostly foreigners, to its shore. There are a lot of events you can participate in, such as mud wrestling, mud slides, mud fights, mud painting, and even a mud prison. If you get too dirty, there are showers and a bath they provide on site, but who wants to get into a tub of dirty water that waaaay too many other people have been in? Thankfully, there is also the sea. If you remove the copious amounts of alcohol that some people consume, it's actually a pretty cleansing festival (externally).
The festival started because of the supposed health benefits of the mud (which is quite clay-like, in my opinion, and I do know that is good for skin), and if you lather yourself up, let it dry, and rinse off in the salt water, I'd say you're doing your skin a favor. I like to think my skin is smoother... :)
Unfortunately, it was a little cold, overcast, and rainy this past weekend, but that didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves! Or from getting sunburned. There are three things I would recommend bringing regardless of the weather: insect repellent, sun screen, and a mud-proof/water-proof bag that you can put your camera in. I really wish I could have taken pictures of everything! But I didn't want to risk my camera getting ruined. There were those who had no qualms about grabbing a stranger's face and smearing it with mud!
So how did we get there? Where did we stay? We went with a group called Seoulite, and for 65,000 won (64 USD, appx.) you were provided with a bus there and back, as well as a place to stay that was a really short walk from the beach. I would say that it was good for a first time trip because we didn't know where we were going, if we could get a room, or if there were even other ways to get there. If I go again next year, I think I would take the KORAIL (the regular train) down and back. That would be about 14,000 won if you could get standing tickets. Even if motels and hotels are charging more because of peak season, a love motel between myself and a friend would still be less than 50,000 won each. It would be a cheaper route, but also a bit more risky route. Who knows if you could get a room? But if you do, you will have a bed. A BED! The pension we stayed at had a terribly hard floor and only provided thin blankets; they didn't have any of the thicker mats that the other places I've stayed have had. So there's that. You may even have a bath tub!
Oh- one more random recommendation: Don't wear mascara.
Here is the video I put together from our journey to the festival! Thanks to Anna for letting me use her photos!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2aEDLOzb3I&feature=youtu.be
Tata~
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Korean Hair Dye
..I did it.
I'm the girl who went against all of the logical reasons to not use Korean hair dye on western hair. How did it work? (Do tell, do tell!) I'll tell you, but first- a prologue.
I was standing there in Home Plus looking over the very short hair dye section, checking expiration dates and the color it would turn my hair (the problem with this is that dark brown and black were the only starting colors). Most of the dye was also expired. The dye I ended up going with, a dark blonde Loreal Paris number, expired in February. But, because there was English on the box, the ingredients had to be listed. The only other language that offered their ingredients was Chinese because, for some reason or another, Korean laws don't require packages to list all ingredients (at least that's what I've read and come to understand). The ingredients are important, though! I just wanted to darken my hair a tiny bit and get rid of the brassiness that always seems to develop, but even the dark dyes had hydrogen peroxide 6% (a lightener) in them. So, when I bought this dark blonde, I didn't think it would darken my hair at all because of the peroxide, but I was hoping that it would get rid of the brass.
And, boy, did it. And my hair is quite a bit darker than it should be. Considering that the box was DARK BLONDE and that I am now mid-light brown, something happened. Oh, I am also tinted green, a bit. Hahaha I always say that I've been every color but green, but now I can say that I've been them all!
What I really want to know is which will fade first: the brown or the green? Hmm... I'm hoping for the sake of my professionalism that it's the green.
Honestly, though, I did do a strand test this time. I have never bothered about it back home, but considering that I was dealing with expired dye meant for a completely different type of hair, I thought it wise. I did not notice the green. I didn't notice the green until one of my 6th graders pointed it out, actually. Ha.
Gotta love that honesty. Without him, I never would have known that I have finally been every hair color.
So the prologue turned into the whole story... But. To summarize this experience, I would say that using Korean hair dye, if you're a western person, is risky and unpredictable. But, my dye was also expired, so I can't say for certain. Although if you're really particular about your hair color, don't use box dye. That is the advice I give you. Go to a salon. Your hair probably won't feel like you've just bleached it, either.
All this being said, if I weren't a teacher, I would probably enjoy having slightly (it's really only very slightly) green hair.
Rock on, loved ones.
I will post another blog after the Boryeong Mud Festival that is happening this weekend :)
I'm the girl who went against all of the logical reasons to not use Korean hair dye on western hair. How did it work? (Do tell, do tell!) I'll tell you, but first- a prologue.
I was standing there in Home Plus looking over the very short hair dye section, checking expiration dates and the color it would turn my hair (the problem with this is that dark brown and black were the only starting colors). Most of the dye was also expired. The dye I ended up going with, a dark blonde Loreal Paris number, expired in February. But, because there was English on the box, the ingredients had to be listed. The only other language that offered their ingredients was Chinese because, for some reason or another, Korean laws don't require packages to list all ingredients (at least that's what I've read and come to understand). The ingredients are important, though! I just wanted to darken my hair a tiny bit and get rid of the brassiness that always seems to develop, but even the dark dyes had hydrogen peroxide 6% (a lightener) in them. So, when I bought this dark blonde, I didn't think it would darken my hair at all because of the peroxide, but I was hoping that it would get rid of the brass.
And, boy, did it. And my hair is quite a bit darker than it should be. Considering that the box was DARK BLONDE and that I am now mid-light brown, something happened. Oh, I am also tinted green, a bit. Hahaha I always say that I've been every color but green, but now I can say that I've been them all!
What I really want to know is which will fade first: the brown or the green? Hmm... I'm hoping for the sake of my professionalism that it's the green.
Honestly, though, I did do a strand test this time. I have never bothered about it back home, but considering that I was dealing with expired dye meant for a completely different type of hair, I thought it wise. I did not notice the green. I didn't notice the green until one of my 6th graders pointed it out, actually. Ha.
Gotta love that honesty. Without him, I never would have known that I have finally been every hair color.
So the prologue turned into the whole story... But. To summarize this experience, I would say that using Korean hair dye, if you're a western person, is risky and unpredictable. But, my dye was also expired, so I can't say for certain. Although if you're really particular about your hair color, don't use box dye. That is the advice I give you. Go to a salon. Your hair probably won't feel like you've just bleached it, either.
All this being said, if I weren't a teacher, I would probably enjoy having slightly (it's really only very slightly) green hair.
Rock on, loved ones.
I will post another blog after the Boryeong Mud Festival that is happening this weekend :)
Monday, July 2, 2012
Busy Little Bee
Good morning, everyone!
This is usually how I greet my first class of the day. If your thoughts responded, "Good morning, teacher!" you are an excellent student.
I feel like I've been really busy lately. I blew my power on Sunday and had management come up on Monday to show me that the bizarre boat picture in my kitchen actually houses the switchboard for my apartment. So at least I have power again and now I know. Because I will probably do it one more time at some point in the future.
Yesterday I also went on a rain boot hunt. The U-PLEX at Hyundai had a lot of cute boots, and the pair I got are a little shorter than I wanted and way more expensive than I wanted, but they are SO CUTE. I had to get them. They go with everything I own. Even 60% of my other shoes.
I typed up plans for my summer camp last week. It is a full three weeks, leaving me with five or so days of break before the new term starts. I wish I had a few more days, but this way I have a lot more time in the winter. I have a few places I really want to go in the winter!
Not this past weekend, but the one prior, I went on a trip with the teachers at my school. We went to Nami Island, which is actually quite famous because the Korean drama "Winter Sonata" was filmed there, and around the border of Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province. We also visited a lovely little place called Jade Garden. It had several different types of gardens hidden along its paths, and was really quite beautiful.
Because it's been so long, here are some pictures :)
Expect another blog in two weeks! The Mud Festival is the 14th of July, and I'm sure it will be a lot of fun :)
Stay tuned,
Kaitlin
This is usually how I greet my first class of the day. If your thoughts responded, "Good morning, teacher!" you are an excellent student.
I feel like I've been really busy lately. I blew my power on Sunday and had management come up on Monday to show me that the bizarre boat picture in my kitchen actually houses the switchboard for my apartment. So at least I have power again and now I know. Because I will probably do it one more time at some point in the future.
Yesterday I also went on a rain boot hunt. The U-PLEX at Hyundai had a lot of cute boots, and the pair I got are a little shorter than I wanted and way more expensive than I wanted, but they are SO CUTE. I had to get them. They go with everything I own. Even 60% of my other shoes.
I typed up plans for my summer camp last week. It is a full three weeks, leaving me with five or so days of break before the new term starts. I wish I had a few more days, but this way I have a lot more time in the winter. I have a few places I really want to go in the winter!
Not this past weekend, but the one prior, I went on a trip with the teachers at my school. We went to Nami Island, which is actually quite famous because the Korean drama "Winter Sonata" was filmed there, and around the border of Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province. We also visited a lovely little place called Jade Garden. It had several different types of gardens hidden along its paths, and was really quite beautiful.
Because it's been so long, here are some pictures :)
 |
| Nami Island (the famous road!) |
 |
| Jade Garden |
 |
| So pretty! |
Stay tuned,
Kaitlin
Monday, June 4, 2012
You Need To Know, Man!
I still haven't purchased a replacement charger for my computer. I am debating whether I should buy a new charger and battery, or just wait until my trip home where I would buy a new computer. At home, I also have an external hard drive. As much of a pain as it is to not have a computer at home, parts are expensive here and it's not like I really need my computer. Although, I can't study my Korean software... But that's a bit of a different topic.
So, after taking a while to get to the point, this is my first blog in a bit. Quite a bit has gone on and passed, like our trip to Sokcho/Seoraksan, which is located on the East Sea in Gangwon Province and is where we climbed Ulsanbawi and slack lined (thank you, Kyle!), and rested out on the beach, my Grandparents' Anniversary (CONGRATULATIONS!!!!), a pride festival in Seoul, and my third graders screaming upon seeing me after not having done so for a while. Everything feels monumental here. I guess it's because I'm on a contract, and my time in this country depends on how long I decide to stay. But I never knew a year could feel so short. I really don't think I'll be ready to leave at the end of this contract. There's still so much more in Korea that I need to see, learn, and understand. Not to mention the places outside of Korea that I'm dying to travel to. We'll just have to see :)
One thing, though, that does get old is writing in retrospect. Therefore, I've decided that I'm not going to write about what's happened in between my blog posts. I know that for those of you who read this and aren't friends with me on facebook, it's a bit that you're missing out on- mostly pictures. But while hiking in Seoraksan, I realized this push and pull between what I see and experience, and what I capture and share. There were some scenes that were so beautiful, I just had to take a picture. But, in that same breath, there were some things that were too beautiful, too real, to ruin with a camera. And so I'm going to keep these past experiences in the photographs I took and in the memories of those who were there.
Haha, this is turning into some heartfelt blog when all I wanted to do was give a list of words that I felt like people coming to Korea should actually learn. A lot of phrase books are still pretty thick, and I have come to realize a few key expressions that come in handy during the first chunk of time here. Even though it's going to make this post longer than I intended, I'm still going to give the list. Beneath the Hangul is how to phonetically say it, and my opinion- that is all. So here we gooo:
When in a restaurant or a store:
How much (is this)?
(ee-geos-eun) eol-ma-ye-yo?
Do you have ____ ?
____ 있으세요?
____ iss-euh-seyo?
Do you need a bag?
봉투 필요하세요?
bohng-too pil-yo-ha-seyo?
May I have a bag?
봉투 주세요.
bohng-too joo-seyo.
Give me one.
하나 주세요. or 한개 주세요.
ha-nah joo-seyo. han-gae joo-seyo.
Give me two.
두개 주세요.
doo-gae joo-seyo.
*different objects have different "counters" sometimes, but "gae" goes for a lot of them.
When travelling:
This stop is ____ .
이 정류장은 ____ . (followed by "입니다" or "이다" = is, but just listen for this stop and next stop)
ee jeong-ryu-jang-eun ____ .
Next stop is ____ .
dah-eum jeong-ryu-jang-eun ____ .
Do you go to ____ ?
____ 가고?
____ gah-go?
Where is ____ ?
____ 어디 있어요?
____ eodi isseoyo?
Station
역
yeok
Random, but helpful:
Hello
안녕하세요
ahn-yeong-ha-say-o, ( but say it all at once- not spaced out)
Thank you
감사합니다
kahm-sahm-nee-dah
Good-bye (to person staying)
안녕히가세요
ahn-yeonghi-gah-say-o
Good-bye (to person leaving)
안녕히계세요
ahn-yeonghi-gye-say-o
With
하고
hago, (like "Ha! Go.")
Time
시간
shigan
Hour(s) (uses hana, tul, set, net, ta-sot...)
시 (4시)
shi (neh-shi)
Minute(s) (uses il, i, sam, sa, o...)
분 (8분)
boon (pal-boon)
Foreigner
waygookin
Floor (as in, "What floor is the library on?") (uses il, i, sam, sa, o...)
층 (3층)
cheung (sam-cheung)
Money (uses il, i, sam, sa, o...):
Money
돈
tohn, (typically this would be romanized as "ton", but it uses the long "o" sound, so I used "tohn")
Won
원
weon, (short "o", like in "come")
100 won
백원
baek-weon
1000 won
천원
cheon-eon (the "w" sound is usually dropped or mumbled when spoken)
10000 won
만원
mahn-eon (again, "w" dropped)
Advice- learn how to read Hangul. You'll be able to read signs, and you'll know how to pronounce words. I hate being given romanized Korean because the sounds I associate with the Western alphabet are often not consistent with how the word is really supposed to be pronounced. And sometimes the romanization isn't even correct.
There are a lot of useful books, sites, videos, and programs out there for learning Korean. Rosetta Stone is good if you actually want to learn the language, but not if you're looking for a crash course in how to get around and survive in the country for a little bit. And even if you do want to learn the language, I would still use Rosetta in conjunction with a book that gives you phrases you are likely to need and to use more quickly and more frequently. Talk To Me In Korean does podcasts and videos that are really great. And if you look at the YouTube user sweetandtasty's videos, she also has really helpful skits for learning Korean.
So, after taking a while to get to the point, this is my first blog in a bit. Quite a bit has gone on and passed, like our trip to Sokcho/Seoraksan, which is located on the East Sea in Gangwon Province and is where we climbed Ulsanbawi and slack lined (thank you, Kyle!), and rested out on the beach, my Grandparents' Anniversary (CONGRATULATIONS!!!!), a pride festival in Seoul, and my third graders screaming upon seeing me after not having done so for a while. Everything feels monumental here. I guess it's because I'm on a contract, and my time in this country depends on how long I decide to stay. But I never knew a year could feel so short. I really don't think I'll be ready to leave at the end of this contract. There's still so much more in Korea that I need to see, learn, and understand. Not to mention the places outside of Korea that I'm dying to travel to. We'll just have to see :)
One thing, though, that does get old is writing in retrospect. Therefore, I've decided that I'm not going to write about what's happened in between my blog posts. I know that for those of you who read this and aren't friends with me on facebook, it's a bit that you're missing out on- mostly pictures. But while hiking in Seoraksan, I realized this push and pull between what I see and experience, and what I capture and share. There were some scenes that were so beautiful, I just had to take a picture. But, in that same breath, there were some things that were too beautiful, too real, to ruin with a camera. And so I'm going to keep these past experiences in the photographs I took and in the memories of those who were there.
Haha, this is turning into some heartfelt blog when all I wanted to do was give a list of words that I felt like people coming to Korea should actually learn. A lot of phrase books are still pretty thick, and I have come to realize a few key expressions that come in handy during the first chunk of time here. Even though it's going to make this post longer than I intended, I'm still going to give the list. Beneath the Hangul is how to phonetically say it, and my opinion- that is all. So here we gooo:
When in a restaurant or a store:
How much (is this)?
(이것은) 얼마예요?
(ee-geos-eun) eol-ma-ye-yo?Do you have ____ ?
____ 있으세요?
____ iss-euh-seyo?
Do you need a bag?
봉투 필요하세요?
bohng-too pil-yo-ha-seyo?
May I have a bag?
봉투 주세요.
bohng-too joo-seyo.
Give me one.
하나 주세요. or 한개 주세요.
ha-nah joo-seyo. han-gae joo-seyo.
Give me two.
두개 주세요.
doo-gae joo-seyo.
*different objects have different "counters" sometimes, but "gae" goes for a lot of them.
When travelling:
This stop is ____ .
Next stop is ____ .
다음 정류장은 ____ .
Do you go to ____ ?
____ 가고?
____ gah-go?
Where is ____ ?
____ 어디 있어요?
____ eodi isseoyo?
Station
역
yeok
Random, but helpful:
Hello
안녕하세요
ahn-yeong-ha-say-o, ( but say it all at once- not spaced out)
Thank you
감사합니다
kahm-sahm-nee-dah
Good-bye (to person staying)
안녕히가세요
ahn-yeonghi-gah-say-o
Good-bye (to person leaving)
안녕히계세요
ahn-yeonghi-gye-say-o
With
하고
hago, (like "Ha! Go.")
Time
시간
shigan
Hour(s) (uses hana, tul, set, net, ta-sot...)
시 (4시)
shi (neh-shi)
Minute(s) (uses il, i, sam, sa, o...)
분 (8분)
boon (pal-boon)
Foreigner
외국인
Floor (as in, "What floor is the library on?") (uses il, i, sam, sa, o...)
층 (3층)
cheung (sam-cheung)
Money (uses il, i, sam, sa, o...):
Money
돈
tohn, (typically this would be romanized as "ton", but it uses the long "o" sound, so I used "tohn")
Won
원
weon, (short "o", like in "come")
100 won
백원
baek-weon
1000 won
천원
cheon-eon (the "w" sound is usually dropped or mumbled when spoken)
10000 won
만원
mahn-eon (again, "w" dropped)
Advice- learn how to read Hangul. You'll be able to read signs, and you'll know how to pronounce words. I hate being given romanized Korean because the sounds I associate with the Western alphabet are often not consistent with how the word is really supposed to be pronounced. And sometimes the romanization isn't even correct.
There are a lot of useful books, sites, videos, and programs out there for learning Korean. Rosetta Stone is good if you actually want to learn the language, but not if you're looking for a crash course in how to get around and survive in the country for a little bit. And even if you do want to learn the language, I would still use Rosetta in conjunction with a book that gives you phrases you are likely to need and to use more quickly and more frequently. Talk To Me In Korean does podcasts and videos that are really great. And if you look at the YouTube user sweetandtasty's videos, she also has really helpful skits for learning Korean.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Hello!
I haven't updated this blog in a while! But I have pretty decent excuses. First, the cord on my computer charger isn't really attached anymore. Second, my computer needs a new battery because it does not charge with a cord that isn't defective. Third, I have actually been really busy at school. I made a bomb game from scratch! I am quite proud of that. For those of you who don't know what a bomb game is, it's a PowerPoint game where certain questions offer various points or bombs (which make you lose your points). It wouldn't be very difficult if you didn't have to connect the pages together and figure out how to time the entrance of your images and questions... But you do for it to look cool. And the kids really love them when they look cool.
So aside from my new, savvy ppt skills, I have learned a few other things lately. The most important: red ginseng is a life-saver, and that when you have to stand on bus rides, never lock your knees. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and be ready for quick stops and starts. I learned this coming home on the 1300, which is what you can take from Bucheon to get to Hongdae. And Costco, although you need to take the 7612 or walk (it's not a great distance by any means) after the 1300 for Costco.
I also went to a clothing market called Platoon. It happens in Gangnam on the first Saturday of every month. There are a bunch of individual retailers selling their used or made items for really cheap, along with drinks and a dj to make your experience wonderful. But it's a really neat place, so I want to write a separate blog on it later.
Oh! I almost forgot. This weekend, starting tomorrow, is going to be amazing. There are birthdays, potlucks, cake, the launching of a new company, and a lantern festival to celebrate Buddha's birthday. I can't wait! And I'm well enough to not be having coughing fits on the bus ride (more comfortable for myself and those around me), so I should be able to enjoy the festivities fully :)
Interesting fact: my advanced class students love saltines as much as I do. They're starving by the time they get to my class, so I've been giving them the crackers. The downside is that I no longer have any crackers. Because, I mean, they LOVE saltines.
But I'm typing all of this out on my phone, and my thumbs are sore. Haha, write to you later!
So aside from my new, savvy ppt skills, I have learned a few other things lately. The most important: red ginseng is a life-saver, and that when you have to stand on bus rides, never lock your knees. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and be ready for quick stops and starts. I learned this coming home on the 1300, which is what you can take from Bucheon to get to Hongdae. And Costco, although you need to take the 7612 or walk (it's not a great distance by any means) after the 1300 for Costco.
I also went to a clothing market called Platoon. It happens in Gangnam on the first Saturday of every month. There are a bunch of individual retailers selling their used or made items for really cheap, along with drinks and a dj to make your experience wonderful. But it's a really neat place, so I want to write a separate blog on it later.
Oh! I almost forgot. This weekend, starting tomorrow, is going to be amazing. There are birthdays, potlucks, cake, the launching of a new company, and a lantern festival to celebrate Buddha's birthday. I can't wait! And I'm well enough to not be having coughing fits on the bus ride (more comfortable for myself and those around me), so I should be able to enjoy the festivities fully :)
Interesting fact: my advanced class students love saltines as much as I do. They're starving by the time they get to my class, so I've been giving them the crackers. The downside is that I no longer have any crackers. Because, I mean, they LOVE saltines.
But I'm typing all of this out on my phone, and my thumbs are sore. Haha, write to you later!
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