Commemorating 40 years of Korea-Kuwait Friendship Looking Forward to a New Era of Cooperation
n the occasion of the Na- being, both effective and mutually vision of His Highness the Amir tion was the achieve- and it will be followed by other tional Foundation Day of benefi cial in many areas. Korea is “New Kuwait 2035”. The recent ments of this Prime events such as Art Exhibitions by Othe Republic of Korea, I the fi rst largest importer of Kuwait’s successful inauguration of Sheikh Ministers’ meeting. Traditional Korean Visual Artist would like to extend my best wish- crude oil, while Kuwait is Korea’s Jaber Causeway, which is consid- I am convinced from Nov 11 to 16, Taekwondo es for the continued peace, progress second largest oil supplier. Kuwait ered as one of the longest bridges that the signifi cant Demonstration Team Performance and prosperity of the State of Ku- is also the third largest construction in the world and a strategic link outcomes from the on Nov 14, and Modern and Tradi- wait and its people. market for Korea. The 1970s wit- between Kuwait City and the Silk new fi elds of col- tional Korean Musical Performanc- I also would like to take this op- nessed the effective contributions of City, a future fi nancial and com- laboration would be es on Dec 2 and 3. portunity to pray for good health visible in the near All of us know that His Highness and every success of His Highness future and assure the Amir has played a leading role the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad that the Embassy in humanitarian work in the Middle Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Ambassador’s Message of the Republic of East, Africa, and Asia. The Repub- the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Korea to the State of lic of Korea has been a strong pur- Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Kuwait would play suer of peace and universal values His Highness the Prime Minister Korean construction and engineer- mercial center, marks the gateway a continued role in as well. To further peace and stabil- Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Ham- ing corporations in Kuwait’s main to achieve “New Kuwait Vision fostering further ity in the Korean Peninsula, Presi- ad Al-Sabah. national development projects. The 2035”. The historical inauguration progress in this re- dent Moon and the Korean govern- This year is of great signifi cance roads, bridges and residential areas ceremony of one of the world’s gard and eventually ment now aim to establish “The for the peoples of the Republic of that have been constructed by Ko- longest bridges was honorably at- bringing closer peo- Peace Economy” in which prosper- Korea and the State of Kuwait as rean corporations are testimony of tended by His Highness the Amir ples of the two coun- ity is achieved through peace. The both countries commemorate the the diligence, effi ciency and strong along with the Korean Prime Min- tries. For example, Peace Economy begins with the 40th anniversary of the establish- potential of those corporations. This ister Lee Nak-yeon. to promote coopera- efforts to continue dialogue and co- ment of diplomatic relations be- partnership also helped Korea suc- The visit of the Korean Prime tion in the fi eld of operation, so that North Korea can tween them. Over the past 40 years, cessfully overcome economic diffi - Minister was a symbolic occasion culture and arts, the choose economic prosperity over bilateral relations and cooperation culties in the aftermath of oil crises manifesting that both countries are Embassy has been nuclear program upon the founda- between the two countries have been in 1970s and 1980s and become an moving towards a new era of coop- organizing diversi- tion of complete denuclearization developing by leaps and bounds in economic powerhouse renowned as eration. During the offi cial talks be- Dr Hong Youngki fi ed cultural events of the Korean Peninsula. a whole range of realms, spanning the world’s sixth largest manufac- tween Prime Minter Lee Nak-yeon Ambassador of the Republic of Korea all through this year It is my honor to contribute to the the political, economic, social and turer and exporter. and His Highness, Sheikh Jaber Al- will enable Korea to play a more with a great number strengthening of such good cooper- cultural fi elds. I could say that the To this day, our relations have Mubarak, Prime Minister of Kuwait, active role in realizing the Vision of Kuwaiti participants and audi- ation between our two governments 40th anniversary of this relationship taken great leaps with the partici- both sides discussed ways to enhance ence. From late October, fi nalizing of HH the Amir. Inking of MOUs and peoples. I humbly hope Korean is an unequivocal demonstration of pation of Korean corporations in cooperation in the various fi elds, in- the 40th Anniversary Celebration, people’s talents and toils through our remarkable ability as partners to many infrastructure projects in cluding health, transportation, ener- and agreements to promote coopera- an offi cial Korean Culture delega- collaboration projects will make a work for the greater good. Kuwait, including “Mubarak Al- gy and smart city, and the establish- tion in the fi elds of culture and arts, tion (K-pop Boy Band, World Mu- contribution towards a better future The four-decade long bilateral re- Kabeer Port” and “the New Refi n- ment of Korean-Kuwaiti Committee investment, health, customs, diplo- sic Group, and Korean Traditional of the State of Kuwait. lations have been characterized by ery Project”, which conform to the for “Kuwait Vision 2035” which matic institutions and anti-corrup- Music Troupe) will visit Kuwait Thank you. Heritage of Korea – Home for biosphere reserves
eople fi rst settled on the Korean Peninsula Chungcheong-do thousands of years ago, and thus it brims Pwith both tangible and intangible legacies The communal ea ing of Hansan mosi that have stood the test of time. These legacies are both pathways to understanding the people of the ( ne hite ramie of the Hansan region) past and keys to unlocking the future. A society’s People used to make clothes out of ramie to en- heritage is its cultural and artistic DNA. Koreans dure the heat of the summer. Ramie is a traditional have an intrinsic aesthetic sense and a sense of summer fabric that demonstrates Koreans’ unique space that shows harmony with and adaptation sense of aesthetics. Ramie is as white and clear as to nature. Such aesthetics can best be understood white jade and is spun with very fi ne threads as de- through the Korean heritage items inscribed on scribed in the old saying “one pil (31cm in width and the UNESCO list. As of June 2019, 49 such items 21.6m in length) of mosi can fi t into a rice bowl.” have been inscribed on the UNESCO list. These The fi nest-quality ramie is called semosi made in the include 13 on the World Heritage List, 20 on the Hansan region. Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Her- itage of Humanity, and 16 on the Memory of the Jeolla-do World Register. On top of these, Korea is home to W orld famous location of dolmens several biosphere reserves. The Korean Peninsula is home to about 40 percent of the ancient, giant rock tombs known to exist in the Seoul world today. Many of these megalithic constructions Changdeokgung Palace, one of Korea s are concentrated in Jeolla-do, with the Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa dolmen sites having been most iconic legacies kno n for its at pi- inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These cal aesthetics giant stone sites have great research value as their diverse forms and shapes have been well preserved. Built in the 5th year of King Taejong’s reign They are important cultural assets that inspire our (1405), the third king of the Joseon Dynasty, imagination and curiosity about the prehistoric Changdeokgung Palace served as a secondary pal- world. ace while Gyeongbokgung Palace was used as the main palace. It was the country’s main political Gyeongsang-do center for the 258 years, from 1610 when Gwang- haegun chose to use it as the main palace to 1868 Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram when King Gojong restored and moved into Gyeo- ngbokgung Palace. Built in perfect harmony with its Grotto embod ing Silla s religious alues natural surrounding landscape, it effectively delivers Above: Gyeonghoeru Pavilion quietly shows off its subtle charm in perfect harmony with nature. Below: Gwanghwa- and artistic spirit the characteristics of traditional architecture unique mun Gate is one of the most beautifully built palace gates. Completed in 774 during the Unifi ed Silla era to the Joseon Dynasty. (668-935), Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto were the fi rst Korean cultural assets listed as UN- Gyeonggi-do ESCO World Heritage Sites. Bulguksa is a beautiful Buddhist temple that displays the craftsmanship and Namhansanseong Fortress, the onl metier of ancient masons. Seokguram is an artifi cial preplanned fortress cit in the nation s stone grotto exquisitely constructed from 360 stone slabs, highlighting how Silla artisans excelled in ar- histor chitecture, mathematics, geometry, and the arts. Namhansanseong Fortress served as a temporary capital of the Joseon Dynasty, equipped with a com- Jeju-do prehensive military defense system inspired by other countries in the Far East. It is a signifi cant heritage Jeju Volcanic Island and La a Tubes item that represents how Korea embraced religious Jeju Island was formed 1.8 million years ago from and philosophical diversity while preserving its volcanic activity. It is home to rare plants and ani- identity as an independent country. mals and unique geographical features. The Hallasan Mountain Natural Reserve, the Geomunoreum Lava Gangwon-do Tube System, and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak have all been grouped together and listed as a UNESCO The Danoje Festi al of Gangneung, a World Heritage Site under the name “Jeju Volcanic festi e combination of Confucianism, Island and Lava Tubes”. This site is recognized for its variety of interesting volcanic landforms and dis- Buddhism, and Shamanism tinctive lava tubes. The fi fth day of the fi fth month according to the The DMZ, an ecological treasure tro e seeking lunar calendar is known as dano. On the day of dano, UNESCO s designation as a biosphere reser e which comes after the rice planting season of early The DMZ, an ecological treasure trove: As the summer, people wish for a good harvest, a big catch Korean War drew to a close in July 1953, the nation at sea, and the peace and wellbeing of their fami- was separated into the North and South by the De- lies. The Danoje Festival of Gangneung is one of militarized Zone (DMZ). This four-kilometer-wide the most historic festivals in Korea with the longest strip of land has been a noman’s land for more than tradition. During the festival, confucian rituals, folk 60 years and is thus a natural preserve for a wide games, and shamanistic exorcisms take place. It is a variety of plant and animal species. It is recognized unique, artistic festival that showcases folk religions as a place of academic value to conduct research on as well as the traditions of cooperation and harmony ecosystems and is considered the symbol of the aspi- in the local community. ration of both Koreas for peaceful reunifi cation. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 II
Embassy of South Korea events in 2019
K-Pop preliminary competition Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon with Korea-Kuwait Culure Lovers Association
Kuwaiti people at the Korean traditional clothes fashion show Ambassador Hong Youngki delivering his speech before a culture performance
Upcoming celebratory cultural Events of the 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea & the State of Kuwait
No. Function Date Venue No Function Date Venue Ms Lee Hyang Salem Cultural Center The Offi cial 40th Anniversary Celebration * An offi cial Korean Culture delegation(K-pop Boy 3 Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team Per- Nov. 14 Theater, at Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem 1 Band, World Music Group and Korean Traditional Oct. 27 AbdulHussein AbdulRidha Theater formance Cultural Center Music Troupe) will arrive in Kuwait for the main celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic 4 Korean Cultural Performances Dec. 2 & 3 AbdulHussein AbdulRidha Theater relations between the two countries. 2 Art Exhibition by Traditional Korean Visual artist, Nov. 11-16 Exhibition Hall, at Sheikh Abdullah Al *Kpop Music performances
The Four Seasons Korean life: Closely interconnected with nature
The streets of Sinchon are transformed into the venue Hwadam Botanic Garden is an ecological arboretum for the water gun festival in summer and serve as a that successfully preserves and protects natural Ko- retreat in the urban center. rean forest vegetation.
Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival heats up with the pas- Taebaeksan Mountain offers a spectacular view of sion of rock enthusiasts every summer. snowy peaks above a sea of clouds. he Korean Peninsula is char- Spring Korea’s fi rst rock festival. acterized by its four distinct Tseasons that boast different For many Korean people, a road Fall charms. Throughout the country’s symbolizes “a path of the journey of life” or “a path that connects one with Fall is the season when all things long history, the Korean people have ripen. Under the sun’s warm rays, found ways to embrace nature in all others.” The numerous hiking and walking trails that can be found across the leaves turn yellow, red, and or- its diversity and changing forms all the country provide opportunities for ange. This season of harvest is the year round. The year on the Penin- hands on exploration of this symbolic perfect time to visit traditional folk sula begins with the new buds of meaning. In the spring, when green villages, which preserve the tradi- spring. It then steps into life with the sprouts shoot up and fl owers begin to tions of Korea’s ancestors to this vitality of summer, ripens with age bloom, hikers can witness the awak- day. Folk villages, rich with history during fall, and rests and recovers ening of nature and the revival of life and tradition, are all the more pictur- under layers of white snow during along the trails of Korea. esque at this time of year. winter. These colorful changes are brought about by its geography, as Summer Winter the Peninsula is surrounded by seas A series of outdoor festivals are With its wide annual range of tem- on its three sides with almost 60 per- held during summer, the season of peratures, the Korean Peninsula can cent of the land covered by rugged fun and heat. Many festivals are get extremely cold in winter. How- mountains. designed to take advantage of the ever, it still brims with natural beau- On the Korean Peninsula, people surrounding natural environment ty. On days of heavy snowfall, large developed a culture and lifestyle that of their venues, including the Mud white snowfl akes blanket the world were closely interconnected with na- Festival in Boryeong, which boasts and present breathtaking views, es- ture. This chapter provides an over- Asia’s only shell powder beach; pecially in mountainous regions. Ko- view of diverse aspects of Korean Pohang International Fire & Light reans have developed many clever society, including its relationship to Festival that highlights cultural and ways to keep the cold away and sur- nature and its culture and time-hon- industrial aspects of the city; and vive the long winter months based on ored traditions. Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, scientifi c knowledge and wisdom. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 III
K-Pop: ‘once local, now global’ phenomenon -pop is a term that is often in any K-pop music video or live used on the internet, and performance that has managed to Kthere is quite a popular win millions of hearts worldwide. fan following around the world. The use of artsy and color-coordi- This “once local, now global” nated costumes, vibrant yet confi - phenomenon has an interesting dent makeup and playful effects background as to how it all began, and creativity enable K-pop artists but before that, what is K-pop to stand out, allowing for greater K-pop is short for The ability to understand Korean pop or or speak Korean is Korean popular not a prerequisite for music, hence listening to K-pop, which originating in Korea is evidenced by the or South Korea to be numerous fans it has specifi c. around the world anyways? appeal and interest from people of K-pop is short for Korean pop all age groups. or Korean popular music, hence ■ Perfectl S nced Dance Rou- originating in Korea or South Ko- tines rea to be specifi c. K-pop is basi- Nobody does better choreogra- cally a musical genre that consists phy than K-pop artists. Any K-pop of an assortment of other genres performance is nothing less than a such as electronic, hip-hop, rock treat owing to the perfectly synced and R&B music. dance routines along with addic- Although the contemporary tive melodies that are presented by form of K-pop music emerged decades old and an idea that has the lyrics to the popular song inspiring professionals in Korea. during the 1990s, the advent of found inspiration from the leading Work’ by Rihanna and Drake, but These singers receive year-long this music phenomenon goes way names in the global music indus- it still secured a place amongst the training sessions to perfect every back. Modern-day K-pop has try, especially. Billboard Hot 100 song list. dance move and capture every been the result of decades-long beat while dancing and singing cultural blending that started in K-Pop in Its Truest Self K-Pop’s Popularity Is Entirely Conspicuous simultaneously. It’s not an exag- the 1950s. Contemporary K-pop is nothing geration to say that every K-pop South Korea experienced the less than an audio-visual treat for While credit should be given to performance is art. Western culture which had been teenagers, young adults, and the the internet for making the K-pop ■ Multilingual brought in by none other than young-at-heart music enthusiasts. culture a universal phenomenon, Moreover, a few K-pop artists American and European music K-pop has grown as a popular sub- there are still a few obvious fac- have mastered an array of different enthusiasts and artists at the time culture on a global level. Thanks tors that have led to K-pop being languages to acquire a wider cover- of the Korean War. In the dec- to the internet, especially, K-pop recognized and enjoyed around age for their art and performance. ades that followed, South Korea has gained acclaim and an enor- the world. Those of you who have For instance, high concept groups picked up from the greatest mu- mous fan following from people seen the Gangnam Style’ video such as EXO promote music in sicians of all times such as and across the globe and still contin- song that went viral in 2012 can Korean, and the same song is trans- other popular names in American ues to rise in popularity on the understand how Korean pop cul- lated into other languages such as pop culture. global stage. ture has a unique style of engag- The initial concept began Mandarin. Hence, it is no wonder Music does not require an un- ing the global audience. A few of EXO is the highest charting Kore- with the creation of girl groups, boundaries without having to un- for listening to K-pop, which is which is again an idea that South derstanding of the language that the dominant factors for K-pop’s an performer on the Billboard 200. it speaks. Music is said to be a derstand the culture or language of evidenced by the numerous fans it popularity are as follows: Big Bang’s Fantastic Baby’ is Koreans borrowed from the leg- the place from where it originates. has around the world. ■ endary Andrew Sisters and The universal language for all. Hence, Creati e Use of Color and yet another great example of K- Ronettes. it can be used to communicate Hence, the ability to understand or It’s music like any other form. Costume pop offering songs in languages The history of K-pop is vast, across cultural and linguistic speak Korean is not a prerequisite Most people did not understand This is probably the awe factor other than their native. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 IV
South Korea: Land Welcoming the Morning o ing south along the Bae- b jumping into Sea of Life al Sand Dune, the onl sand dune kmagang Ri er brings the ri er from The last battle at Sabiseong Fortress was the conclusion in Korea, is kno n to ha e been one to a fortress built atop Nakh aam. The estern formed o er 15,000 ears ago. Accu- M to 700 years of Baekje s history. Sabi, meaning dawn inregion of Chun- around Busosan Mountain. Bu- This stor of lo - mulated through ind and mo ing gnam is a mud- sosanseong Fortress in Bu eo-gun alt paid ith Korean, is now called Buyeo, which means the morning sea ater o er time, the hills glo in at here land Count helped protect Sabi, the old the ultimate has come . Just like its changed name, morning always arious hues as the sun mo es like a capital of the Baekje Kingdom (18 price gi es the meets the sea. comes after the dawn; though the ancient kingdom fell Seosan s Ga- masterpiece. A ariet of egetation B.C.E.-660 C.E.). The fortress sur- scener of the gro s on the dune to gi e it a more rounding the mountain peak sa Baekmagang and became a part of history, Buyeo still preserves its past rorim Ba , one of the orld sd namic and energetic feel: gleh- its construction begin in the 22nd Ri er a bitter- and heritage. Stepping outside the asphalt-covered cities, nia (beach sil ertop), hich can be ear of King Dongseong s reigns eet beaut . Chungnam offers a connection to the soil that breathes e most pristine mud ats, co ers used as a medicinal herb; la ender- (500 C.E.) and completion in the The bottom of with life. colored beach morning glor ; and si th ear of King Mu s reign (605the cliff belo 15,985 hectares ith a 162 km- Asian muraina grass, hich raises C.E.); it sur i es to this da . In theNakh aam is sharp blades o er the sand ground. 16th ear of King Seong s reign here Goransa cess . At the center of the stor sits long coastline. Gungnamji Pond. The last order the This e pansi e ba and mud at Mongolian racerunners and man (538 C.E.), hen the Baekje capital Temple, a branch of Magoksa Tem- other fauna inhabit this land as ell. as mo ed from Gongju to Bu eo,ple, is situated. Goransa has t o king ga e before gi ing the throneare home to more than 5,000 sher- to his son, King Uija, as for con- men and their 2,000 households ho Because man of the biomes on the alls that included the alle s m ere stical specialties its spring Korean Peninsula can be obser ed struction of an arti cial pond. King make their li ing b catching squid, built on the peripher of the fortress ater and herbs that are both in this area, the dune is protected as Mu had the pond completed ithin clams and o sters. The li e in Jun- for more effecti e protection of the mentioned in legend. Baekje kings a national natural heritage. There- ro al palace. The rst structure that are kno n to ha e enjo ed drinkingthe ro al palace in the 35th ear ofgri Fishing Village, hich is famous the ater that sprang from a crack for pristine mud ats and fresh sea- fore, isitors cannot alk on the appears hile passing through the his reign, and named it Gungnam- dune s sand. mountain entrance is Samchungsa on a rock in the back of the temple, ji , meaning south of the palace .food. A popular e periential pro- dispatching people dail to fetch the gram allo s participants to catch Behind the dune are atlands Temple. The temple enshrines three There, he planted lotuses and ild and a mountain, and the fresh ater lo al assals: Seong Chung, ho ater. A m stical grass kno n as and eat fresh seafood there. More o ers. The stone ork and illo backs amp called the DuWoong spoke bluntl but frankl to cor-Gorancho seemed to gro near the than 100,000 tourists isit the area trees that still stand in the middle W etland is formed on the boundar rect the corrupt politics practiced spring onl ; ater fetchers usuall of the pond sho that an arti cial e er ear to tr clam digging, sea b King Ui-ja and e entuall died input Gorancho lea es in their a- trumpet collecting, net shing and bet een the dune and the mountain. island used to be there. The histor Despite its relati el small si e, the prison after going on a hunger strike ter buckets as proof that the ater of Baekje ends during the reign of other shing acti ities. there; Heung Su, ho stood b the carried as the bona de spring Stroll around the illage along the backs amp is home to man plants King Uija, and to think that King and animals, including the indig- Seong Chung in critici ing the king ater. Another legend has it that Mu could ha e predicted that his ast Jungri mud ats to see the sun and as ultimatel e iled; and Gen-drinking Goran Spring ater made shine do n on the glistening mudd enous species Korean golden frog kingdom ould disappear is hard to surface. Elderl folks earing rub-li ing in an area surrounded b a eral G e-baek, hose 5,000 troopsone three ears ounger ith e imagine. er bra el fought a 50,000-strong Sillacup. ber glo es and skillfull handlinggreen fence inside the s amp. The Heading o er to Gudrae Dock, Garimseong Fortress on the objects the ha e unearthed andfrog has a gold-colored bell that Kingdom arm led b Kim Yu- Seongheungsan Mountain is a popu- sin and ho died in the Battle of once a trading port of Sabiseong children searching for crabs in the is hard to spot because of the crea- Fortress, enables a closer look at lar site for lming man historical mud and laughing are among the ture s lo population and tendenc H angsanbeol. dramas. The stone structure as A forest path co ered in the shade the ri er. Visitors can ride a el- peaceful scenes here. Created b to sta inacti e. The period from of trees leads to Ban ollu Pa ilion,lo sailboat at the dock, hich isbuilt to protect Ungjin and Sabi, ater and soil, this s amp land lateis Ma to mid-June is the frog s hich has a full ie of the to no n a sculpture garden. As the sailthe t o capitals of Baekje. Enor- great for seeing a ariet of organ-breeding season. Reptiles like the of Bu eo-eup at a glance; Sajaru through gentl o ing ater, mousBu- and ancient-looking trees isms. endangered Mongolian racerun- Pa ilion to the est is here onesosanseong Fortress, Goransa Tem- stand there appearing to guard the ner, amphibians such as the eastern can see the moon. A do nhill path ple and Nakh aam Rock all appear. fortress. People call this elko a ser- Nature’s Way to Co-Exist narro -mouthed toad, and birds then begins, starting ith the infa- Seeing these historical Baekje sites rata, a tree that is apparentl 400 The shores of Taean-gun Count including the Chinese egret, gre mous Nakh aam Rock. According and scenes bring to mind the rise ears old, the Lo e Tree since elcome tra elers ith an appear-heron, hite-fronted goose, sk lark to The Histor of the Three King-and fall of the ancient kingdom. its appearance in the drama The ance unlike that of Seosan. Sinduri and Kentish plo er all call this place doms , the rock s original name Ballad of Seodong as the s mbolBeach sho s coastal sand dune shome. Li ing creatures co-e ist b as Tasaam, meaning a rock from In-Demand Filming Site of lo e bet een Princess Seonh rise a and fall like the rolling dunes of depending on one another. Though hich a person fell and died . W hen King Mu, the 30th king of Bae- and Seodong (King Mu). Looking at a desert. A coastal dune is created it ma be in isible to us, ne life is the allied forces of Silla and China s kje, is a romantici ed gure, a bo la ers of lo mountains, the slo b l the accumulation of sand car- incessantl created in nature. That Tang D nast in aded the region, ho gre up collecting ams but o ing Baekmagang Ri er, and e ried - onto the land b sea currents energ of life ould probabl be the concubines and court ladies of Bae- sang The Ballad of Seodong thattensi e and abundant elds e okeand a inds that e entuall form messagea Chungnam s pristine na- kje chose to die ith their kingdom allo ed him to marr a Silla prin-sentimental feeling. hill landscape. The Sinduri Coast- ture is hispering in our ear.
A boat taking passengers to Nakhwaam Rock features a unique shape that resembles A couple resting under the 400-year-old “love tree” on the top of Garimseong Fortress a traditional Korean building. on Seong-heungsan Mountain.
ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 VI
Taekwondo: The way of life
that include a mirage of foot skills. Second, the principle physical movements are in simpatico with that of the mind and life as a whole. Third, it possesses dynamic poses from another perspective. Taekwondo can be characterized by unity: the unity of body, mind, and life, and the unity of the pose (“poomsae”) and confrontation, and crack- ing down. When you do Taekwondo, you should make your mind peaceful and synchronize your mind with your movements, and extend this harmony to your life and society. This is how in Taekwondo the principle of physical movements, the principle of mind training, and the principle of life become one and the same. On the other hand, the right poomsae lead to the right con- frontation, which will eventually produce great destructive power. How come we reach such a unity in Taek- wondo? Taekwondo is a way of life, much like having a job, raising a family, fi ghting for a cause, or any one of numerous raison d’etre. What makes Taekwondo different from these is that it is an activity for survival in extremely aekwondo is one of the most system- though it is one word in Korean. “Tae” means fi sts under control’ (or to step on fi sts’). Thus come the backbone of Hwarangdo that aimed antagonistic situations. One must always over- atic and scientifi c Korean traditional “foot”, “leg”, or “to step on”; “Kwon” means Taekwondo means “the right way of using at producing leaders of the country. come the enemy that is trying to cause harm. Tmartial arts, that teaches more than “fi st”, or “fi ght”; and “Do” means the “way” all parts of the body to stop fi ghts and help to Taekwondo today is similar to the martial But simply winning a fi ght is not enough to physical fi ghting skills. It is a discipline that or “discipline.” If we put these three parts build a better and more peaceful world.” arts in other Oriental countries and shares guarantee one’s safety, because the enemy shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life together, we can see two important concepts Taekwondo has been developing with the some features with them, because in the course may recuperate and attack again. Moreover, through training our body and mind. Today, it behind “Tae Kwon Do”. 5,000-year long history of Korea, being called of its evolution it has gained many different there may be many other enemies than the has become a global sport that has gained an First, Taekwondo is the right way of using by several different names in the course. In styles that existed in the martial arts of the one that was just defeated. One cannot ever international reputation, and stands among the Tae and Kwon fi sts and feet,’ or all the parts Korea, Taekwondo began as a defense martial countries surrounding Korea, like Japan and feel safe unless one gains permanent peace. offi cial games in the Olympics. of the body that are represented by fi sts and art called “Subak” or “Taekkyon”, and devel- China. To attain this permanent or lasting peace, one Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of feet. Second, it is a way to control or calm oped as a way of training body and mind in the But Taekwondo is very different from many needs unity. This is what Taekwondo aims for. the word “Tae” “Kwon” “Do.” It is composed down fi ghts and keep the peace. This concept ancient kingdom of Koguryo, under the name such oriental martial arts. First, physically Otherwise Taekwondo would be no different of three parts as shown in the English spelling, comes from the meaning of Tae Kwon to put of “Sunbae”. In the Shilla period, it had be- it is very dynamic with active movements from any other street-fi ghting skills. Seoul, the capital city
Top:Seoul Fortress Trail,lit at night. Above:Cheonggyecheon Stream a haven for relaxa- tion in downtown Seoul. jor Joseon palaces of Gyeongbokgung, You can watch local residents relaxing Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, by Cheonggyecheon Stream, which was Gyeongungung (now Deoksugung), and reinvented into an ecological stream with Gyeonghuigung serve to connect the aquatic plants. city’s past and present. Visitors feel as Furthermore, Seoul is famous for Dae- if they have been transported back to hangno, the vibrant center of the perform- the past as they step through the thresh- ing arts; Itaewon’s Gyeongnidangil, a mul- olds of these majestic royal residences. ti-cultural space with food from all around As Seoul served as the starting point of the world; Myeong-dong, a shopping Korea’s modern era, it also houses a va- mecca packed with stores; and Gangnam, riety of modern cultural heritage items. where high-tech industries, art, and culture Top left: Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village with 600 years of history. Top right: Insa-dong with shops that offer a wide variety The city continues to grow and evolve coexist in harmony. of traditional Korean items. Above: Gangnam with high-rise buildings and high-end boutiques. based on reinterpretations of traditions from a modern perspective. Hongdae, a neighborhood of or at least two millennia, Seoul has serving as the historic starting point of the the past and present and nature and state- served as a capital for various king- nation’s modern culture. It boasts stunning of-the-art technology are brought together. Urban roads and spatial youth and music Fdoms on the Korean Peninsula. It fi rst cityscapes and vitality. It is full of new dis- Diverse programs are available for visitors diversity Hongdae is the epicenter of Korea’s in- became a capital during the Baekje era (18 coveries and an exciting vibe. to stroll along the stream, hike in the moun- Roads are where cherished memories are die culture and music brimming with an BC-660) and was reinstated as the capital tains, and enjoy the bustling life of the city. made during travels. On the road, we en- artistic vibe and creative talent. Here, you in 1394 during the Joseon period. Against Jongno, an urban oasis counter new people, new sights, and new can check out the underground culture this background, Seoul has grown into Ko- Jongno is surrounded by mountains on Cultural heritage refl ecting experiences. Seoul offers a wide spectrum scene, explore distinct and unique works rea’s capital and largest city. Today, Seoul three sides with a stream fl owing through of such colorful experiences. You can by emerging artists and cartoonists, and see is the national hub of politics, economy, its center. It is located near the Fortress Seoul’s past footsteps marvel at antiques and artistic craftworks tomorrow’s rock stars making music. The business, sports, and the arts including the Wall of Seoul, which was constructed along Seoul, the heart of the country, is in lnsa-dong and walk among century-old wide range of attractions includes fl ea mar- fi ne arts and performing arts. Seoul is a city the ridges of Bugaksan, Naksan, Namsan, home to Korea’s major cultural assets, houses in the Bukchon Hanok village in kets, back alleys with murals and graffi ti, where the past and the present co-exist, and lnwangsan Mountains. In this district, including many palaces. The five ma- tranquility. art galleries, and dance clubs.
ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 VIII
Hansik (Korean Food): decorative, delicious & healthy
ansik refers to tradi- Koreans that Medicine’ and tional Korean food, Food’ share the same origin. Hcentered on rice, This is a traditional belief served alongside a bowl of in great medicinal values of soup and a variety of side food when consumed care- dishes. Most dishes use fully by physical constitution meat and vegetables as the and health status, which plac- main ingredients, and are es health above all others. boiled or steamed in brine As Korean food began to or water rather than fried be received as healthy food, in oil, making hansik very there is a growing number of healthy. More than anything hospitals in the US that serve else, hansik’s most outstand- Korean food to patients. ing feature is the amount of The second feature of fermented foods. Korean food Balanced The most well-known food ingredients. are kimchi (fermented cab- The secret of Korean food bage), ganjang (soy sauce), in preventing nutritional im- doenjang (soybean paste), balance and obesity lies in and gochujang (Korean chili the ingredient mixing ratio. paste). Meat and vegetables used in Popular dishes among in- the traditional Korean food ternational visitors include bulgogi, bibimbap, and are 2 to 8 ratio-wise. hanjeongsik (Korean table The third feature of d’hote). Bulgogi is a mari- Korean food In harmony nated beef or sometimes with the Nature. pork dish that is sweet and Koreans think that food tender in texture. can connect people with the In particular, the soy sauce Nature. seasoning is not spicy, thus Therefore, Korean food is making it a great introduc- distinctive in that it is cooked tory dish to hansik. Bibim- Hanjeongsik (Korean table d hote) to preserve the taste of each bap, on the other hand, is a ingredient that comes from the complete meal in and of itself. nature. It is made by mixing rice with Namul (Seasoned greens), all kinds of vegetables and then Korea’s favorite side dish, are topped with gochujang for that made by simply mixing fresh extra kick. vegetables with dressing or Hanjeongsik is served as a full parboiling greens to be sea- table’s worth of side dishes fea- soned afterwards. turing meat and vegetables along In this way, the fl avor of each with soups, steamed foods, and ingredient can be preserved to hot pots. This is a popular choice offer taste of nature as much as for visitors looking to try a little possible. bit of everything. The fourth feature of Korean Distinguishing features of food Food embracing Yin- Hansik (Korean Food) Yang and the fi ve elements of Korean food is well-known to Eastern philosophy. Consuming the world as food that is deco- food was not just for taking nutri- rative, delicious and, above all, tion for Koreans since early times. healthy. Korea has fostered a unique The fi rst feature of Kore- culture of food, which refl ects an food Medicine and food the theory of Yin-Yang and the share the same origin. fi ve elements that serves as a cor- There is a long-held belief by Galbiggim, a Korean delicacy Kimchi (fermented cabbage) ner stone of eastern philosophy.