Surely, there are a lot of online and offline stores claiming to be the best suppliers of superior Korean mink blankets, throws and other items. If you want to ensure that you are really paying for something of high quality, it is important that you take particular care when buying minks. Much like other expensive and luxurious items, you can expect that knock offs and low-grade mink blankets are flooding the market, particularly online auctions. In order to make sure that you are getting what you are paying for, be sure to follow the tips below when buying mink items.

One of the first things that you need to realize is that mink blankets made from genuine animal fur are quite rare, even those that come from Korea. Now that animal rights are being supported by many people, you really cannot expect natural mink fur to be made into blankets, throws and other things. Majority, if not all Korean mink blankets and robes sold in the market these days are actually made from a blend of synthetic fiber. In order to make sure that you are buying the most premium quality of mink, you have to ensure that the fabric used is composed of at least 85% acrylic. The acrylic fiber is actually responsible for the softness of the blanket. Polyester content of premium mink products should only be 15% and below. This type of fiber is needed in order to make the blanket wrinkle free.

You will know that you have acquired high quality Korean mink blanket if it feels as soft as cashmere. A slight luster or sheen in the fabric is also visible in most high quality mink blankets, sheets, throws and robes available. Also, you will notice the richness of the color and the intricacy of the design. You will know that the mink item that you are holding is of high quality if the colors are vibrant and bright. However, it is quite common for the colors of mink blankets to leech, especially if you use warm water to wash them. So, do not think that only low quality minks are susceptible to leeching.

Since it would be impossible for you to touch and feel Korean mink blankets sold online, you need to make sure that you are only buying products from reputable web-based companies. It is also a good idea to check the terms and conditions of the online store to see if they provide guarantees.

Christianity in North Korea, what a remarkable history. Truly some of the most remarkable information a Christian treasures is recounting the story of those willing to die for Christ.

Is it hatred that motivates us to tell the whole truth about North Korea? No. Love demands that you know so you will pray. Do we call curses from Heaven in judgment of those who have ruined the lives of so many millions of people? No. God is able to forgive. And it is God who will judge the unforgiven. We must “judge” ourselves and those given to our care, and even this, in love.

We call for His mercy. We desperately plead for His intervention.

Consider again today the sad history of the Korean Christians: (Per Hefley’s By Their Blood) We are in the late 40’s, when the triumph of the World War soon led into the disaster of the Korean War. But just before that conflict, while the sides were still being chosen, multiplied thousands of Koreans from the north rushed south to escape the Communist threat of horror, a threat they have made good on for 60 years.

Before the lines were clearly drawn and Communism was clearly evicted from the South, chaos reigned in some areas. Communist infiltrators agitated local rebellions and brought about the demise of more saints. Consider Tong-In and Tong-Sin, sons of one Pastor Son.

“Number one son” Tong-In refused Japanese pressure to worship at a Shinto shrine and was thrown out of school. But after the War he went back, and was even elected president of the Campus YMCA. When the Communists instigated their uprising, he was once more in danger. Eventually a pistol was in his face with the order to renounce Christ. Tong-In’s response was to preach to his enemy and plead for him to accept Christ.

At this moment the second son, Tong-Sin, rushed up and demanded to be shot in his stead. The brothers quarreled awhile over who should be martyred, when finally the Communist shot them both.

Not end of story. The pastor-father was of course sad but proud of his boys. And soon he had a chance to avenge them, for the uprising was quelled and their murderer was on trial. His response: Since nothing can bring my sons back, what good is it to kill this man? Let me have him. Maybe he can finish for Christ what my sons left undone.

Further response: The murderer’s parents are overcome with gratitude and offer to feed and clothe the pastor’s 16-year-old daughter in return.

Who knows how many “further responses” there have been to this courageous series of events? Perhaps you are responding even now. It is for such responses that we pray. When Christ is truly seen in North Korea, when the cross is truly lifted up, when love’s message is told and understood, the present message of fear and hatred and deceit and tragedy will go. Perfect love casts all this out and more.

May our God send His perfect love to North Korea.

Taekwondo Forms

A “form” in Taekwondo is a choreographed series of moves, which can be performed with or without a weapon, for the purpose of interval cardio training and the development of proper mental and physical technique. They are more akin to exercise and conditioning than combat, while also displaying the artistic possibilities of Taekwondo. In competitions, Taekwondo forms are judged by a panel of judges, who evaluate the Taekwondo forms based on criteria such as energy, precision, control, and speed.

Taekwondo forms are given different Korean names based on the organization of the respective dojo.

In unaffiliated, Traditional Taekwondo, forms are called Hyeong.

In ATA (American Taekwondo Association) and WTF (World Taekwondo Federation), forms are called Poomsae.

In ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) style, forms are called Teul.

Types of Taekwondo Forms

Traditional Taekwondo: Because Traditional Taekwondo is unaffiliated and therefore non-standardized, its collection of forms is a massive amalgamation from often widely differing schools. There are no “standard” forms for Traditional Taekwondo.

ITF Taekwondo Forms: There are 24 ITF Taekwondo forms, (Teul), developed primarily in the 1960s. ITF Taekwondo represents the first attempt to unify and standardize the martial art.

ITF White Belts do not do forms, but rather simple exercises. As students move up in Taekwondo belts, the forms get increasingly complex.

In increasing belt order, the ITF Taekwondo Forms are:

Chon Ji – Means “Heaven-Light”, referring to the beginning of the world, and is appropriate for a beginner entering the world of Taekwondo.

Dan-Gun – Named after the founder of the first kingdom of Korea in 2333 BCE. Of course, he’s the grandson of the god of Heaven.

Do-San – Named after Ahn Chang-Ho, whose pen-name was Dosan, a prominent Korean independence activist and leader of the Korean-American immigrant community in the US.

Won-Hyo – Named after the important thinker and writer in Korean Buddhist tradition.

Yul-Gok – Named after the great Korean philosopher Yi I (Yul-Gok was his pseudonym), called the Confucius of Korea, who theorized about Chi being the controlling agent of the Universe.

Joong-Gun – Named after the Korean patriot who assassinated the Prime Minister of Japan.

Toi-Gye – Named after the Yi-Hwang, the authoritative Korean Noe-Confucian scholar.

Hwa-Rang – Named after the group of scholar-warriors famous in the tradition of the Korean military.

Choong-Moo – Named after the undefeated Korean admiral Yi Soon-Sin, who saved Korea from collapse due to Japanese invasion in 1592.

ITF Taekwondo Black Belt Forms

Kwang-Gae – Named after the 4th century king of Korea, who expanded the nation’s empire.

Po-Eun – Named after the 14th century Korean poet, scientist, and public servant Chong Mong Chu.

Gae-Baek – Named after the 7th century Korean general, remembered for his brave last stand against overwhelming odds.

Eui-Am – Named after the pseudonym of the 20th century leader of Korean independence Son Byong-Hi.

Choong-Jang – Named after a 14th century Korean general.

Juche – Named after the philosophical concept that man is the master of his destiny.

Sam-Il – Literally translating to March 1st, referring to the 1919 date of the Korean Independence Movement.

Yoo-Sin – Named after the 7th century Korean general, famous for helping unify the country.

Choi-Yong – Named after the 14 century Korean general.

Yon-Gae – Named after the 7th century Korean general.

Ul-Ji – Named after the 7th century Korean general who repelled an invasion of almost a million men.

Moon-Moo – Named after the 7th century Korean king.

So-San – Named after the great 16th century Korean monk who helped organize a force to repel Japanese pirates.

Se-Jong – Named after the 15th century Korean king, who helped develop the Hangul alphabet.

Tong-Il – Denotes the eventual reunification of Korea, divided since 1945.

ATA Taekwondo Forms: The ATA and its forms (poomsae) were created contemporaneously with the ITF, but tend to involve more kicks.

Color Belt ATA Taekwondo Forms (poomsae):

Songahm 1 – 18 moves

Songahm 2 – 23 moves

Songahm 3 – 28 moves

Songahm 4 – 31 moves

Songahm 5 – 34 moves

In Wha 1 – 44 moves

In Wha 2 – 42 moves

Choong-Jung 1 – 44 moves

Choong-Jung 2 – 46 moves

ATA Taekwondo Black Belt Forms (poomsae):

Shim Jun – 1st Dan, 81 moves

Jung Yul – 2nd Dan, 82 moves

Chung San – 3rd Dan, 83 moves

Sok Bong – 4th Dan, 84 moves

Chung Hae – 5th Dan, 95 moves

Jhang Soo – 6th Dan, 96 moves

Chul Joon – 7th Dan, 97 moves

Jeong Seung – 8th Dan, 98 moves

World Taekwondo Federation Forms (Poomsae): These forms are less combat-orientated and more geared towards preparing students for sports and sparring, with more upright stances rather than low ones.

Color Belt World Taekwondo Federation Forms (Poomsae):

Taegeuk Il Jang – A simple walking stance poomsae, meaning “the sky”, from which all begins, symbolizing the beginning of training in Taekwondo.

Taegeuk Ee Jang – A more front-stance focused poomsae meaning “lake”, as movements should be fluid yet firm.

Taegeuk Sam Jang – Meaning “fire”, this poomsae should be performed with burning enthusiasm and bursts of power.

Taegeuk Sa Jang – Meaning “thunder”, this poomsae is practiced with pride and with dignity.

Taegeuk Oh Jang – Meaning “wind”, as it is both powerful and gentle.

Taegeuk Yook Jang – Meaning “water”, as it is fluid and gentle, yet also persistent.

Taegeuk Chil Jang – Representing the mountain, this form is noted for its stability, solidity, and immobility.

Taegeuk Pal Jang – The earth stance, as it contains all of the others, and is the foundation for the upcoming black belt forms.

World Taekwondo Federation Black Belt Forms (poomsae):

Koryo – 1st Dan, named after the dynasty from which the word “Korea” comes.

Keumgang – 2nd Dan, meaning diamonds, which are too strong and hard to be broken.

Taebaek – 3rd Dan, referring to the “bright mountains” from which the legendary founder of Korea is believed to have ruled the nation.

Pyongwon – 4th Dan, referring to a grand, vast plain.

Sipjin – 5th Dan, meaning longevity, and referring to continual growth and development.

Jitae – 6th Dan, this poomsae refers to the earth, and the great power within it, as related to the great power within the human muscles.

Cheonkwon – 7th Dan, referring to the sky and the majesty and awe it inspires within men, forcing them to strive ever upwards.

Hansoo – 8th Dan, symbolizes the fluidity and adaptability of water, from which Taekwondo gets its strength.

Ilyeo – 9th Dan, refers to the Buddhist concept of oneness between mind and body.

Hwa Rang Do is a Korean Martial Art. Korean combat skills originated over 5, 000 years ago with the formation of the Kochosun Kingdom. Later over 2,000 years ago (57 BC) the Kingdom of Silla formed and they created their own warrior system.

In the fourteenth century Silla was conquered by a new Korean Kingdom and the practitioners took refuge in remote mountain temples. Hwa Rang Do- or Um-Yang Kwon (secret combat skills) was preserved from generation to generation (58) of chosen Buddhist monks. It is known as “The Way of the Flowering Knight”.

In 1940 two brothers, Joo Bang Lee and Joo Sang Lee became the only students of the Buddhist monk Suahn Dosa while in the Ham Nam province of North Korea. In 1948, during the communist takeover, they escaped to Ohdae Mountain in South Korea. In 1960 the Lee brothers, with permission from Sauhm Dosa and the Korean government, opened their first school, teaching these skills in public for the first time in 600 years. They created the syllabus from scratch based on their memory.

Joo Sang Lee took the art to the United States. Before Suahm Dosa died in 1968 he passed on the 58th generation grandmaster title to Joo Bang Lee, the younger brother because he was still in Korea.

Dr. Joo Bang Lee registered the Hwa Rang Do name with the government of Korea and founded the Korean Hwa Rang Do Association. He then moved to the U.S. and opened the World Hwa Rang Do Association and the Hwa Rang Do Headquarters in Downey, CA.

In 1990 Dr. Joo Bang Lee created Tae Soo Do because Hwa Rang Do is very complicated and difficult for most present day students. Tae Soo Do was created as an undergraduate program. It takes an average two to three years to earn a black belt in Tae Soo Do. The Tae Soo Do black belt can graduate into an advanced program of Hwa Rang Do where to takes an average of three more years to achieve the black sash.

Jeju Island is a small island with a warmer climate than the mainland, and beautiful scenery. White sandy beaches washed by turquoise sea surround the coastline. Waterfalls splash into rivers and even into the sea at one point, while the central area has mountains with Mt Halla the centrepiece. Famous for its unique network of lava tubes, Jeju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another label often used describes the island as “the Hawaii of Korea.”

Dolhareubang – Grandfather stones are the symbol of Jeju and seen everywhere around the island. Carved out of lava rock around 1754… there are 45 of the originals left.

Locally spelt Cheju Island attracts many tourists…. and I would be surprised if there are many places that could compete for the number of theme parks within such a small area! Many are family parks….while others are definitely in line with the adult honeymoon theme and are sex parks featuring graphic monuments in colourful mosaics, statuary and educational museums.

Many of the activities are for those keen on the outdoors… walking, hiking, watersports – swimming, snorkelling, wind surfing and diving. Jeju Island is South Korea’s main dive centre… attracting many international divers.

7 “Must Do” Activities On Jeju Island

1) Visit a Waterfall – It is surprising to find several lovely waterfalls right in the city of Soegwipo. I will suggest you should try and visit more than one but Jeongbang Waterfall – is unique in that it is right on the coast. This 23 metre waterfall not far from the city centre is a pleasant, picturesque walk down through a well formed cliff path, taking you to the foot of the Falls.

2) Visit a Beach – although they have a short 6 week official season when lifeguards are on duty….walking these beaches is delightful any time of year.

Jungman Beach – This is the main tourist area about 2 kilometres from Seogwipo, with several large hotels, many with lovely views over the beach and sea. The beach is a lovely stretch of white sand, with gazebos for shelter. Apparently this beach has been featured in many movies. There is also parasailing, rafting and waterskiing.

3) Experience one of the many beautiful coastal spots or waterholes – not beaches but lovely for swimming in cool crystal clear water.

Oedolgae (Way-doll-gay) – This was an absolutely gorgeous spot, down a coastal cliff path to an area of rocks, pools and sea……and very good for snorkelling. Oedalgae is the name of a 20m high rock formation with small pines growing on top named from a Korean Legend. There is a beach on the coast line with several caves where the locals sheltered during the war. A large carpark is located across the road to the track.

4) Hike up one of the mountains – The ultimate is Mt Halla but for tourists some of the smaller mountains are still a good work out with lovely views.

Seongsan Llchulbong – A hike up Seongsan Llchulbong is well worth while with views of the crater, the surrounding coastline and islands. Unusual because it was created by an underwater explosion, it has a well formed path. Koreans are great hikers so you can join the many Korean families and take your time. It is a climb for those with a reasonable level of fitness, although if you take it slowly there are plenty of resting places to take in the views, take photos and enjoy the experience. It is a popular spot for watching either the sunrise or sunset.

5) Visit a Korean Temple – There are several temples on Jeju. Each with unique features.

Yakcheonsa Temple – Yakcheonsa is the second largest temple complex on the island. Its size and beautiful, colourful architecture of unique artwork makes it one of Southern Jeju’s most awe inspiring attractions. It features an enormous bell which they ring out for prayers, a large golden goddess… while the monks can be seen going about their daily chores. Situated overlooking the coast….it has magnificent views.

6) Visit a Theme Park – There is such a variety to choose from whether your group is adults or a family….you are sure to find one or two that you might want to visit.

Hallim Park – This is a good place for those with limited time. With eight different themes featured……there are several garden areas…. lava caves, and a folk village park, giving you a good cross section of South Korean culture and natural attractions on Jeju.

• Palm Tree Avenue
• JejuStone and Bonsai Garden
• Jae-Am Folk Village
• Bird Garden
• Water Garden
• Subtropical Botanic Garden
• Jae-Am Stone Exhibit Hall
• Hyeopjae& Ssangyong Caves – Hyeopjae is one of several caves located in Hallim Park.

You can easily spend a day, enjoying a traditional Korean meal in the Restaurant in the Folk Village.

7) Go down a Jeju Island Lava Tube – There are more than 120 lava tubes are scattered throughout the island. Several are open to the public.

Hyeopjae (designated Natural Monument #236) and Ssangyong are accessed from Hallim Park. Manjang gul Caves – are perhaps the most visited on Jeju Island. With two levels it features lava columns and interesting formations. 1 kilometre is open to the public.

Getting to Jeju Island

To get to Jeju Island you either take a boat from mainland South Korea…Busan has boats departing daily or fly to Jeju City. Seogwipo on the southern coast is the main tourist resort area….and the best place to base yourself. This is where most international conventions are held in Korea….and where the Football World Cup was held.

The Korean War is just one of the few hostilities that Australian forces were engaged in throughout its history. After the UN failed to convince North Korea to cease its invasion of South Korea in late 1950s, the US acted by sending air and sea support to the beleaguered nation. The UN also asked the Security Council to assist South Korea. Twenty-one countries responded by providing ships, aircraft, medical teams, and troops. Australia contributed immediately by sending its force from Japan doing occupational duty under the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. These forces were the 77th Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force and the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment.

Under the direct command of the World War II fame General Douglas MacArthur, the Australian forces helped in routing the North Korean Forces in Pusan up to the Yalu River that bordered between North Korea and Manchuria. The 3 RAR fought its first major engagement near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. However, unknown to the UN forces, the Chinese communists secretly moved into position near them, then started their attack. The sheer number of Chinese soldiers swarmed over the numerically inferior UN forces, routing them back to the South.

Eventually, the South Korean capital fell once again to the invading Chinese forces. Fortunately, the long supply lines that needed to be maintained by the Chinese forces were kept under constant attack by UN air forces which helped in the collapse of the Chinese forces. Seoul was once again occupied by UN forces in mid-March of 1951. a month later, MacArthur was relieved of command but Australian commitment was unfaltering.

The 3 RAR was awarded the US Presidential Unit Citation after halting the attack of Chinese forces in Kapyong Valley in the night of 22 April 1951. Although their lines were overrun, the Australians held their positions and eventually regained their lost lines.

Another remarkable battle that involved Australian troops was Operation Commando. This operation was meant to capture a communist-held salient of the Imjin just north of Seoul. The main objectives of the Commonwealth Division which included the Australians were to capture Hills 355 and 317. The battle lasted for 5 days costing the Australians 25 dead and 89 wounded.

During the next 2 years, contributions of other countries were becoming limited except the Australians. Instead, Australia even increased its commitment by sending additional troops in the country. This was characteristic of Australians when called upon to help in stopping the spread of communism in Asia. The same commitment was shown during the Vietnam War about 10 years later. The start of Korean War was one of the hottest Australia news at the time. The Australian people never faltered in their support of the war effort even after years that hostilities started.

The Korean auto industry is one of the largest in the world. Today, it holds the fifth spot in terms of volume of production and the sixth spot in terms of volume of export. While it was originally engaged merely in assembling of parts, which were imported from Japan as well as the United States, Korea is currently one of the most advanced automobile producing nations in the world. The industry produces several in-house models, displaying not just its capabilities in regard to design, performance, as well as technology.

The Korean automobile industry was started in 1955, when Choi Mu-seong, along with his three brothers, set up an engine in a modified US Jeep and came up with the first Korean car, called the “Sibal”, which means new start.

Then in 1960, Sinjin Automobiles came up with Sinjin Publica, which was manufactured under a licensing agreement with Toyota. For the development of the Korean automobile industry, the government of Korea declared the “Automobile Industry Promotion Policy”. As a result, foreign automakers were stopped from operating in the Korean nation, except in case of joint ventures with the local business enterprises. The efforts led to companies, which were involved with other businesses enter the automobile industry. This led to the formation of three major companies in 1962, i.e. Kyeongseong Precision Industry, Ha Dong-hwan Automobile Industry Co. and Saenara Automobile. As it is, Saenara Automobile was the first automobile maker in Korea, which was equipped with the latest assembly facilities.

Later on Kyeongseong Precision Industry was changed to “Kia Industry”, whereas Ha Dong-hwan Automobile Industry Co. became SsangYong Motor Company. In 1965 Asia Motors Company was set up and Hyundai Motor Company was formed in 1968 in technical cooperation of Ford Motor Company. However, during this period, these companies were merely engaged in automotive assembling, importing parts from their overseas partners. Then, in 1972, Shinjin and General Motors had a joint venture General Motors Korea was formed, which was later on renamed as Saehan Motors in the year 1976.

In 1975 Hyundai Pony, the first automobile developed in Korea was made. Hyundai Motors did this after engaging as vice-president, George Henry Turnbull who previously worked for British Leyland Motor Corporation. This car comprised of design from Italdesign, machine press from France, transmission & engine from Mitsubishi, moldings from Ogihara Mold Company, technology transfer from Perkinson and Funds from Barclays and France Suez.

Hyundai struck another first with the export of the Pony to Republic of Ecuador in the year 1976, and made Hyundai became the first Korean car to be exported. Then in 1982, Saehan Motors was acquired by the Daewoo Group and it was later renamed to Daewoo Motors.

Energy crisis in 1979 brought about a bad patch for the Korean car industry. The Korean government tried to address this situation, with is “Automobile Industry Rationalization Policy.” The government also postponed the import liberalization of automobiles. All these steps helped the Korean auto industry in a big way and helped it to recover the losses accrued due to the recessive condition of that time.

By the 1980’s, several new developments took place and Korean auto industry was now focusing primarily on the development of mass production systems, keeping in view the exports aspect. In 1986, Hyundai motors entered the market in United States with Excel, which became extremely popular. As a matter of fact, it set up a record of selling the largest number of automobiles in the first year of business.

As it is, Hyundai motors is by far the most popular Korean brands. Apart from the various cars that it manufactures, it also supplies various auto parts and accessories. Some of the most popular auto parts of the company include:

1. Hyundai Camshaft Seal Kit

This high quality camshaft front seal set is designed as a direct fit replacement for the stock camshaft front seals. Priced at $34.23, this is an amazing option for your car. Its immense popularity has been a major reason that has led to its mass production.

2. Hyundai Nitrous System

Officially known as Nitrous Express, this Nitrous System is accompanied with a number of attractive features, such as stage one EFI, gains of 35-150 horsepower on the wheels, fuel line adapters, shark nozzle, extra long stainless steel supply along with several other components for complete installation. The systems do not need any engine modification, work on a stock fuel pump, and need no timing retards. They offer the best horsepower on demand value and amazing increase in power as well as acceleration. It is extremely durable and reliable. Available at a price of $710.22, this wonderful kit is definitely a nice buy.

3. Hyundai Distributor Cap

This distributor cap is an original equipment replacement. It installs as well as operates like your original. Available at a price of $18.38, this distributor cap is definitely a steal.

As it is, the Korean car industry offers you the best products and so it is definitely a good idea, to make use of it.

Korea has many tourist destinations, and Gyeongju has a vast number in a small area. I have listed the main tourist destinations as specified by the official tourist map of Gyeongju. As you can see, there are many locations to visit and many things to see. If you are in a certain area (ie Down town Gyeongju) you could easily easily see most of the major attractions if you wanted to, as they are often quite near to each other. All of the down town attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

If you go to either down town Gyeongju or to Bomun Lake (where you will find the best international hotels) in spring – early to mid April – you can witness the blooming of Gyeongjus' cherry trees. They are absolutely beautiful and should definitely be on your itinerary if you want to visit Korea. Gyeongju is a tourist friendly town, and assistance in English is often available. Many American and British travelers make their way through Gyeongju, and foreigners are often seen cycling through the streets, and especially along side the river.

Once you are in town, you can get assistance from the tourist information center, in English, by dialing 1330 from a local phone. They have assisted me on occasion by providing me with local bus times and costs, among other things.

As a fresh addition to the population of Gyeongju, I would highly recommend visiting us, and seeing why they call it "Beautiful Gyeongju"

Recommended Tourist Destinations.

The down town of Gyeongju City

Daereungwon Royal Tombs
Wolseong Fortress
Imhaejeon Site (Anapji Pond)
Gyerim Forest
Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory
Gyeongju National Museum
Bunhwangsa Temple
Hwangnyongsa site

Mt. Namsam area

Oreung Royal Tombs
Najeong Well
Poseokjeong site
Samneungol Valley
Yongjangsa site
Namsan Buseok Rock

Bomun Tourist Resort

Bulguksa Temple
Dong-ri, Mok-Wol Literary Museum
Seokguram Grotto
Bomunho Lake
Gyeongju Folkcraft Village
Silla Arts and Science Museum
Gyeongju World Expo Park
Silla Millennium Park
Gyeongju World

East Sea Area

Gameunsa site
Royal Tomb of King Munmu (Daewangam Rock)
Igyeondae Pavilion
Girimsa Temple
Golguram Hermitage
Gampo Port
Beaches

Western Area

The Tomb of King Muyeol
The Tomb of General Kim Yu-sin

Northern Area

Oksan Seowon / Oksansaesim Village
Yangdong

For singles around the world, February 14th is the hardest day of the year. The streets are filled with smug couples arm-in-arm on their way to expensive dinner reservations. Stores are filled with chocolates and cards and red roses and other things you won’t receive. Facebook is so flooded with annoying posts and photos by couples gloating about the dinners they ate and the presents they got that you just want to deactivate your account and drown your sorrows in a tub of ice cream. It’s like the whole word is screaming “You’re alone and nobody loves you!”

But hey, at least it’s only one day a year right?

Well yes… in most countries. In Korea, it’s an all-year-round thing.

Anyone who’s spent even a little time in Korea would have noticed that the couples culture here is unlike anywhere else in the world. It doesn’t seem that it’s enough to simply be in love – love is something to be displayed in public. And not only on Instagram or on anniversaries, but in what you wear, where you eat, and on the 14th day of every single month.

1. Couples Celebration Days

If you think it’s hard enough to remember your annual wedding anniversary, imagine having to figure out each 100 day anniversary of when you started dating. Maybe this says something about the average duration of Korean relationships, but couples here like to celebrate each 100 days they’ve been together as baek-il (100 day), ee-baekil (200 days), sam-baek-il (300 days) and so on.

In addition, the 14th day of each month in the year marks a specific couples celebration – so if you’re in a relationship you should probably record the 14th as a recurring event in your calendar. If you’re single, you might want to mark the date too, so you remember not to leave the house that day.

Here’s a quick guide:

February 14th “Valentines Day” – On this day, women around the world are spoilt with roses, chocolates and teddy bears, and men are generally left with nothing but empty wallets. But not in Korea – on Feb 14 it’s all about the boys and it’s the girls who shower their crush, boyfriend or husband with gifts.

March 14th “White Day” – Don’t worry girls, you get your turn too – on White Day the men will buy presents (candy is tradition) for the special lady in their life.

April 15th “Black Day” – This one is for the singles. If you weren’t already feeling depressed enough after two months of couples celebrations, this day is set apart for singles to console themselves in a big bowl of noodles with black bean sauce (ja-jang-myun). Singles are also said to wear head-to-toe black on this day to signify their single status – which probably means it’s a good day to go out and meet other singles too.

The three days above are the most commonly observed, and only truly hardcore couples will keep going with these less well-known couple days:

May 14th “Rose Day” – Couples exchange roses.

June 14th “Kiss Day” – Couples have an excuse to engage in the PDA that they might otherwise get heckled for. Some websites say this day is for people to “kiss everyone that you see” which means it might be a good one for singles to participate in too!

July 14th “Silver Day” – Couples exchange silver accessories.

August 14th “Green Day” – Couples spend time amongst nature by hiking or picnicking, while singles are meant to drink Soju (which comes in green bottles) to commiserate their loneliness (or to celebrate their freedom!)

September 14th “Photo Day” – Couples take a romantic photo together.

October 14th “Wine Day” – Couples enjoy a bottle of wine together.

November 14th “Movie Day” – Couples go and watch a movie together at the cinema.

December 14th “Hug Day” – Couples hug each other to keep each other warm in the winter.

January 14th “Diary Day” – With all these dates to remember, you need somewhere to write them down – so couples buy each other yearly planners to ensure that none of these very very important couple holidays are overlooked.

While some of the above events include a (pretty condescending) singles counterpart, that doesn’t mean singles can’t participate in the other days by, for example, photobombing a couple of on “Photo Day”, throwing popcorn on couples in the theatre on “Movie Day” or drinking a whole bottle of wine by yourself on “Wine Day”.

2. Couples Fashion

While not as common as it was 5 years ago, there is still a big market for couples fashion in Korea. Couples here seem to really love the “cuteness” of wearing matching t-shirts, shoes, hats – heck, sometimes you’ll even see couples wearing identical outfits.

For foreigners, it’s a bit of a novelty and it can be quite fun dressing up in a “Couple Tee” with your boyfriend or girlfriend when they come over to visit and going somewhere Lotteworld together.

It’s not easy to find “Couple Shops” anymore but you can easily find all your couple fashion needs online.

3. Couples’ Cafes

A lot of the restaurants and cafes in Korea – especially in ‘university towns’ – will have special seating for couples, sometimes even with a curtain if you want extra privacy.

If the relationship is getting pretty serious and you’re willing to invest a bit of money into a special occasion or maybe even a proposal – you’ll be happy to know that in Korea, true romance can be bought. There are few ‘Event Cafe’s around Korea like ‘Love in Love’ and ‘The Rose’ that will do all the hard work for you. These cafes are premium venues decked out in chandeliers, rose petals, candles and royal French furniture staffed by professionals who will create the perfect romantic evening for you complete with food, wine, live music and a beautiful view of the city.

But love doesn’t come cheap – these packages will set you back between 100,000 and 500,000 won.

So what do you think of Korean couples culture? Annoying? Oppressive? Cute? Romantic? Just a bit of harmless fun? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Today, we all are living in a small global village. People across the globe are staying connected thanks to the advancement in technology. Innovations in technology have given us telephone, television, Internet, social media sites etc that has helped us in staying connected. But still so many traditional things have not changed even with the passage of time. One such thing is the naming of the baby. People living in India, Korea, Italy or any other country still give importance to the baby naming ceremony.

Undoubtedly, a baby is special and it brings a lot of joy to the parents. When you have a baby, it feels like heaven. You feel at top of the world. Your world becomes more beautiful and suddenly everything takes a back seat when it comes to your baby. It has been observed that would-be-parents plan a lot before the birth of the baby. Sometimes, they take out a paper and pen to write down the name of the baby. They make plans for the education of the baby and other things. There are some parents who decide the name of the baby after its birth. Many times, the family members get involved in naming of the baby.

In Korea too, the birth of a baby is a joyful occasion and parents put a lot of importance while naming it. You will be amazed to know that both South and North Korea has a very rich and complex cultural heritage with a varied historic background. Earlier, Korean names were derived from mixed script which used Hangul (alphabetical script) and Hanja (logo- syllabic characters). Hangul is Korean native alphabet & Hanja are Chinese characters. No other language in the world apart from the Korean used this script. Another important point to note is that Korea is a male dominated society and hence most Korean male names depict qualities like strength, independence, or ambition whereas Feminine names are more subtle in their origin describing emotions, love, beauty and romance. In Korean Society, people belonging to a particular clan are considered blood relatives and aren’t eligible to marry in the same clan. This classification leads to identity of the family name. Many family names are in existence till now. The common Korean surnames are Lee, Park, and Kim.

If you research well, you will find that traditional Korean naming practices are based on the generation names, which means that one element (or character) of the child’s name is his own, unique name, and the other character is given to all other kids of the same sex and generation in the same family — such as siblings and cousins. In this manner, each kid has a name that is distinct, yet also related. This custom may not be as common in the metropolitan areas where the families are further apart or are otherwise widespread, and it is not practiced anymore at all in the North Korea, except within the immediate family members.

Popular Korean Names for Boys:

Bae – Inspiration

Chin Ho – Precious and Goodness

Jung – Honored and Affection

Shin – Belief, Faith and Trust

Kang – Powerful

Popular Korean Names for Girls:

Minji – Brightness & Wisdom

Ae Sook – Love & Purity

Bong Cha – Superior & Daughter

Cho Hee -Beautiful & Joy

Chun Hei – Justice & Grace

If you want to find more Korean baby names, then you can log on to a popular baby naming site. At such site, you can find both Korean boy names as well as Korean girl names in alphabetical order and also you can find the meaning of the names. You can also find so many other features such as baby photo contest which you can use it to get your baby instant recognition.