Jungme kyoron (중매 결혼) Posted by Ginny on Oct 23, 2008
Jungme kyoron (중매 결혼) is an arranged marriage. Traditionally Koreans son bayo (손 봐요) or go on an arranged date or meeting with a potential marriage partner. Son bayo (손 봐요) literally means, to look at one’s hand. Son (손) means hand. Bayo = (look at, see). It dates back to the time when fortune tellers would…
Confucianism Posted by Ginny on Oct 23, 2008
Confucianism is a philosophical, political and ethical system that originated with a Chinese scholar named Confucius. Why am I talking about a Chinese scholar on a Korean blog? Well, since ancient times Confucius values have influenced Korea in several ways. Some of its values still remain in Korean society today. For example, Confucius ideology places…
Kimchee (김치) Posted by Ginny on Oct 22, 2008
This wouldn’t be a Korean blog without a mention of kimchee (김치) or fermented napa cabbages mixed with garlic, red pepper powder, salt and green onions. If you ever decide to make kimchee (김치), be aware that it can take about a day or several days to soak the cabbages in water. This is done…
JJimjilbang (찜질방) Part 2 Posted by Ginny on Oct 22, 2008
After you’re done sweating out your pores or soaking in a hot bath, you can leave those rooms to watch tv or browse the internet. You can also eat or sleep in different rooms selected for those specific activities all without leaving the premises! However, you have to be fully clothed to participate in these rooms. The…
JJimjilbang (찜질방)Part 1 Posted by Ginny on Oct 22, 2008
Today’s topic will be on Korean saunas or jjimjilbang (찜질방). Korean saunas are quite enjoyable. I always recommend my students to try it at least once, especially if they’re ever stopping by in Korea. Jjimjilbang’s(찜질방) vary in size and quality. Usually the most basic jjimjilbang’s (찜질방) charge about 10 U.S. dollars or less, while the…
Boshintang (보신탕) Posted by Ginny on Oct 22, 2008
What is boshintang (보신탕)? For those of you who have a weak stomach, read at your own risk… Boshintang (보신탕) is a Korean stew that is infamous for its primary ingredient. Can you guess what it is? I’ll give you a hint. It’s man’s best friend, but it’s not the horse. If you haven’t guessed it already the…
Korean Pronunciation for English Words Posted by Transparent Language on May 22, 2008
I’ll have fries with that! “French fries 주세요 juseyo,” I said to the cashier at 버거 킹 beogeo king. Her only response was a confused look. I repeated myself. She tried to follow my line of vision to locate what I was looking at on the overhead menu. It was written in Korean, so I…