Seoulite Anne's Life Capsule

CANADA VANCOUVER 2010 PARALYMPIC GAMES

grr0812 — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:30:59 +0000

A spark becomes a flame!

With Glowing Hearts: March 12-21. 2010

http://www.vancouver2010.com/paralympic-games/

Another winter olympic began, and you know we shouldn’t miss it!

Rather quietly than the earlier one had been, Vancouver paralympic game notified its start.

Even though its every schedule is not informed at TV news ,and the whole nation is not crazy about the result coming up, we know this event is as important as, or more important than the olympic that was held weeks before.

I’m so sorry that I couldn’t find name of each player, and I think it is a quite unpleasant fact that many people are not so careful to give a thought about it.

I want to cheer them here, even though I cannot watch every game, since they’re our country representatives too!

Way to go, everyone, I know that your being standing there is already more than several medals.

Wish for another hope and miracle in Vancouver!

XOXO, Anne

Ven. Beopjeong passes away

grr0812 — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:31:42 +0000

On March 11th, one of the most respected and renowned religious figures passed away, at the age of 78.

He was so many people’s spritual leader and mentor at the same time.

He was so much venerated for his life, his thoughts, and his behaviors.

What is the most famous among his works is his book, ‘Without Possession’. As soon as this book was published, his words inspired a number of Koreans, and his thoughts swept the country.

When the world was full of people who always desire to have more, Ven. Beopjeong’s thought of balance and harmony was a shock to modern society.

He also lived a life of right deeds by asserting and advising righteously when all the society was disappointed by distorted aspect of society.

I can say that he lived a life that is impeccable in front of everyone.

In modern society, there are things that should be done and most people think that it must be done, but is not practiced because of secular circumstance or one’s personal desires.

However, there’s one person who sacrificed all those in order to do what most of the people dared to do.

He’s Ven. Beopjeong, and I think Korean society could stand right owing to a person like him.

It is so sad that a role model of the century again passed away, and is worried about another advisor that will tell us a right direction to go in a society that is almost like chaos.

Apart from a religious leader, he was a honorable and great person who deserve the respectation and admiration from people

I wonder if there will be another person like him in centuries.

Rest In Peace, Korea’s one of the greatest teachers

He spoke some of his last words to the monks of Gilsang Temple. “If you have anything left that you own, use it in activities to make a pure, fragrant society. I now need to leave behind time and space.”

Snow white spring

grr0812 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:26:28 +0000

About two or three weeks ago, I could experience unusually warm days of Seoul.

However, when it had been 10 days since March started, I could recall a day of January.

Can you see those white snow, in the middle of March?

Just as the flowers started to appear, Jack Frost has returned for one last assault on Korea.

Well, I was not that surprised, though. Since my school CSIA is located at thet op of the mountain, it is usually colder than Seoul here. So a snowing day in March is quite ordinary thing for CSIA students.

When I was in middle school, I always participated in snow fight when it suddenly snowed here.

However, this time, I was watching little middle schoolers being enthusiastic about snowing, complaining about the bad weater that makes classroom colder.

Nevertherless, watching beautiful landscape made by white snow was enjoyable.

Even though I couldn’t find any flowers blooming in March, snow crystals were so beautiful, too.

I heard that it is snowing in Seoul too, so I am wondering about the reality of Global Warming.

Well, snow is beautiful, but spring coming at the right time must be always more desirable, I guess.

Also, warm and nice weather always makes me feel better by letting me do away with my blankets and heater.

Korean people usually call this cold weather that comes when spring is about to start “Kkotsaemchuwi(Korean: 꽃샘추위)”.

Kkotsaemchuwi means “the cold is jealous of the flowers.” The budding flowers indicate that winter’s time is over, but winter does not want to accept its fate. The winter tries to kill the flowers because it wants to stay alive longer. It is jealous of the flowers and the life they will have in the spring

Winter, I was so much impressed by you during those past months. You may go now, since you showed the most beautiful snow to me here, and let the spring come fast.

Those flowers are waiting, shivering!

Entrance Ceremony

grr0812 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:07:35 +0000

Welcome, Newcomers!

On March 2nd, our school’s entrance ceremony was held!

Freshmen of middle school and high school were admitted to our school in this fresh, shinig March.

I was sitting on the chairs at the back, clapping at this sacred ceremony of those students’ another start.

Watching them wearing shiny, new, and crisp school uniform, I recalled memory of my first entrance ceremony.

I was sitting nervously with my heart beating fast, speculating about the future that will be unf0lded in front of me.

Looking at those small faces, I couldn’t believe that I was as little as they are now.

Many people’s congratulatory speeches went on, and several congratulatory performances also were performed.

Finally, our school’s star, Sung Ha Jung played guitar in front of everyone as a sophomore.

I could also remember last year’s entrance ceremony of his, when he played his songs as one of the freshmen.

It is spring, and spring always means a new start, as it is the beginning of the year.

I fully agree that a new start is always very important,

I strongly believe that they will gain so many meaningful things during their years in this school.

Good luck on your beginnings! WAY TO GO

My Korean Food Recipe

grr0812 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:42:43 +0000

Foreingers’ greatest interest in Korea lies in its cuisine.*

Korean food is in keeping with the recent “well-being” trend as well, for

it is low-calorie and nutritious, made largely with vegetables and fermented ingredients.

Also, it is considered “Slow Food” which refers to high-quality food

that has been produced in an environmentally friendly manner.

* According to a survey conducted by VANK(Voluntary Agency Network of Korea)

on 1,500 people(July ’09)

Korean food, which the World Health Organization(WHO) has introduced as exemplary, well-balanced food,

is one of the most effective means of promoting Korea to the world.

However, people have the notion that Korean food is difficult to cook, because there are a limited number of

easy-to-follow, clearly quantiied recipes that they can access.

Share your Korean food recipes so that people worldwide can

experience the delights and benefits of Korean food!

* Deadline

- Submission Period: March 1 – March 31. 2010

- Transmitting & Screening Period: April 1 – April 30. 2010

- Announcement & Awards Ceremony: Winners will be individually notified

* Winning entries will be open to viewing from May 2010 onward at www.koreabrand.net

Website: http://experience.koreabrand.net/?nation=en

Spring Song

grr0812 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:55:12 +0000

Spring Song

(Robert Browning (1812~1889) )

The year’s at the spring,

And day’s at the morn;

Morning’s at seven;

The hill-side’s dew-pearl’d;

The lark’s on the wing;

The snail’s on the thorn;

God’s in His heaven―

All’s right with the world

Hello, Everyone!

This is the first day of March! Spring’s at the corner!

Today, I’m going back to my dormitory:( Winervacation finally came to its end.

If I’m in the dormitory, I guess updating posts as frequently as I’ve done during the vacation would be impossible.

I’ll be doing my job as an earnest Korean high school sophomore, and I wish you guys all keep going well with your new start in spring!

Good lucks will be with you at your new start!

XOXO, Anne

“Visit Dokdo” The beautiful island of Korea

grr0812 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:48:24 +0000

Let Me Hug You!♥

grr0812 — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:47:51 +0000

Next Day, a great expedition during 17 days finally comes to its end.

Surely, it was a very meaningful and important event for not only Koreans but also for all people in the world.

Through this 17 days, people on the globe experienced happy, touching, and sad moments.

When the athletes achieved their goal, people also raised their voice to cheer up the athletes.

When the athletes showed their tears, people cried with them.

Since it is Sports and winning is what matters in every Sports, most of the time, the winner takes it all.

I also jumped up with joy when Korean athletes won medals and was discouraged when they lost by a narrow margin.

Winning is important, but that is not it.

Whether they won or lost, the amount of the effort they’ve put and the amount of the sweat those athletes wiped off their brow are unimaginably immense.

Winners, you did a great job.

Everyone who sweated for 4 years for this year only, your effort is so invaluable and you guys all are so beautiful.

You know you did your best, and chance is always there for you if you keep going.

Love ya all!

Do you know Free Hugs?

This is a campaign that was started by a man to give hope to people.

I fully understand that hug is one of the best ways to cheer up each other.

By embracing each other with one’s warm temperature, people feel like being protected, feel like being loved.

By facing a person with a smile wholeheartedly even though he or she is a total stranger, we gain hope and courage to stand up in this world survive through every trouble we go through.

That’s why I want to give some presents to people who have lived the most passionate 17 days.

Let me call out your names, and give you my own medals, free hugs!

Stop shedding your tears, and now smile for Tomorrow!

Even though you fell off, even though your competitor did better than you, even though you missed the medal by a narrow margin, even though you were hurt by accident, don’t cry, and look at me, who is here for you!

Come on, and let me hug you!

It will bring every good luck in the world to you.

XOXO, Anne

Guess what! I’ve been to a GRRRRRREAT event!

grr0812 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:51:00 +0000

I was invited to a very important seminar related to this blogging I’m doing.

The name of the seminar was “Reconsideration in Korea National Branding through Fostering Global Bloggers”

I was invided as one of the bloggers and one of the presenters.

I’m here↑

Several bloggers and officers from official agencies and people from companies involved were invited to present their opinions about blogging and national branding.

Many of them were so brilliant and innovative in their thinking and activities!

I made my own presentation in front of those preeminent people and it was so nervous and at the same time, a great opportunity.

Even though I was a bit too young and lack of knowledge to be a full participant, but I really enjoyed it.

It was like I actually became a policy maker!

However, the best thing was meeting so many wonderful people.

In addition to shaking hands with the officers and being treated in quite serious manner, talking with various people who are very nice and funny made me so excited!

Even though I missed Yuna Kim’s medal ceremony, I had no regret.

It was that fantastic!!!

Well, this is a video of us bloggers, take a look at it and visit their blogs!

They’re far better than me! (They’re awesome, literally.)

Eat Your Kimchi (Simon & Martina) http://eatyourkimchi.com

Seoul Eats (Daniel) http://seouleats.com

Seoul Is My Place (Joon) http://jypaik2000.wordpress.com

Talk To Me In Korean (Hyun Woo Sun)http://www.talktomeinkorean.com/

Seoul : Full of Infinite Soul (Jae Hoon Jung) http://jaehoonj.wordpress.com

If you go through these blogs, you will be into Korea much more!

(Sources of the pictures: Hyun Woo Sun http://blog.naver.com/ever4one

Hyun Jung Kim http://haemin9415.wordpress.com/)

Korean music genius: Sung Ha Jung

grr0812 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:43:27 +0000

Forgive me for uploading so many video clips and making this post too long to see.

I guess you might miss my words while seeing all those videos.

As you all know, this is Sung Ha Jung, World-famous Korean guitar genius!!!!

He’s really famous in Korea and he even stepped further into the world.

At first, he became famous in Youtube by uploading a video of him playing guitar in finger style, which he learned by himself.

5 years ago, many people on the globe was surprised by this little boy playing guitar, which is as big as his body, so beautifully.

It drew attention from not only Koreans but from the world.

He even got a comment from Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s wife. She left a comment at his ‘All you need is love ‘, Beatles’ song clip, saying that her husband would have been happy that Sung ha played his song so well.

Not only did he upload many video clips online and made so many people appreciate his skills, he is now shining at many other performances!

Starting from performing at several music festivals of Seoul as a guest, he now became a performer that many great artists are fond of.

Famous and world renowned musicians including Kotaro Oshio, Trace Bundy, and Mr. Big invited Sung Ha to their performance. Trace Bundy even recently finished US tour with Sung Ha !

However, what is the most wonderful about this 15-year-old boy is that he’s now preparing to succeed on his own.

He made his first solo tour in Finland during February 19~24, and he’s preparing for his first solo tour in Seoul in February 2010. He’s now stepping into the real world with real career as a guitarist Sung Ha Jung!

Well,however, there’s another reason why I’m a big fan of Sung Ha Jung and is so enthusiastic about his success.

He’s attending the same middle school that I have graduated! As he’s exactly 3 years younger than me, He was admitted just after I graduated.

This is a picture of my school. It is CSIA, Cheong Shim International Academy. There are middle school and high school. I graduated from the middle school, and entered the high school immediately.

There is a one big building that is including both middle school and high school, and they share many facilities.

Well, my point is, I have seen Sung Ha Jung quite frequently and very closely! I even saw his performance for free at his admission ceremony.

I know it sounds a little childish and not cool, but he’s a star! He plays guitar so well, and he is cute, too! ( If you see him at close distance, he’s cuter than he looks in video clip.)

Actually, I wasn’t that interested in him before my everyone in my school became so uplifted by the news that he’s coming to our school. At that time, I only remembered him as a guitar prodigy that I saw once in TV show.

After I heard that news, I searched video clips of his on Youtube, and afer I saw only few videos, I became a huge fan!

That is the reason why I posted so many videos above. He played so many of my favorite songs, so I couldn’t choose one.

He’s so talented! His artistic ability made me so astonished. Not does he only play guitar music, but does he also arrange many popular songs in guitar. ( See video of Sung Ha playing Big Bang’s Haru Haru and Son DamBi’s Crazy)

He also composes, too! (‘Farewell’ video I posted above is his own composition.)

He played Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ and Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” at his admission ceremony.

I remember that everyone in the hall was so silent and concentrated on Sung ha’s performance. Everyone was so deeply into the beautiful music.

I couldn’t ever forget how I felt when I heard his music directly for the first time! I totally fell in love with his performance.

I guess it is what everyone feels. He made me desire to learn fingerstyle guitar!

I’m sure he has bright and shining future in front of him. He is going to a great and successive musician that makes every Korean proud of him.

I promise to buy his first album if he makes one.

Oh, there’s one big news! Sung Ha Jung became the first Korean to hit over 100 millian views in Youtube!

He uploaded total 240 video clips after his first upload in September 2006, and made his record! Congratulations!

So, Way to go, Sung Ha Jung, our proud prodigy!

XOXO, Anne

P.S. Sorry for being too uplifted at this post. I couldn’t stop my love toward his music!

I feel like I didn’t write many things I actually planned to write…….

Read an article about Sung Ha Jung!

“First Youtube, then the world for guitar prodigy”

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2916827

This is Sung Ha Jung’s official website! visit and get more information

http://www.sunghajung.com/

How about his blog?

http://blog.naver.com/jshdiamond

He even has his twitter!

http://twitter.com/JUNGSUNGHA