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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Korean Traditional Culture: Music Instruments and Taekwondo

Date: 22/11/11
Venue: International Building, Silla University
Topic: 사물노이 (Samulnori)






사물노리 is the Korean traditional percussion music. It is known as 사물노리 due to that it consists of four different types of instruments; (1) Ggwaenggwari, (2) Jongga, (3) Buk, & (4) Jing.  


* Our special class*

We learnt to play some basic notes and gosh, playing the Jongga is definitely not easy... But I have to say, that most difficult instrument here is Ggwaenggwari. Poor guy; instead of being addressed by his name, the lecturer called him, "Ggwaenggwari, ok?" thru out the whole 2 hours class... "Ggwaenggwari, understand?", "Ggwaenggwari, tasih hanbon," (Trans: "Ggwaenggwari, one more time,"). I felt very sad for him... but I can't help but laugh as it was really funny! Ahahahahahah..... I'm so sorry ><


*Our lecturer of the day. Sorry I 4got his name... but I know he is
the best Samulnori master in Busan =).*


*Pic-ky time*


Date: 29/11/2011
Venue: School of Humanities, Gym
Topic:  Taekwondo





* Ready to learn some ass kicking moves!*


*Warming up 1st... Don't want any pain ><*


After warming up, we learnt attention and relax standing positions before beginning the lesson. We were told to be in sitting position; like pretend that ur sittin on a chair. That really hurts! We stayed in that position for like 5 mins cause he was explaining the techniques and stuffs. Moreover, our Korean Culture lecturer was translating it for us... Though most of our classmates speaks Korean, but sadly Pre-Beginners like me could not understand everything... And while doin so, the instructor of the day went around checking everyone's position to make sure its right! That was the longest 5 mins~~~


*We learnt these moves for the whole 2 hours 
with one 5 mins break*

Whenever we followed the instructor's move, we have to go, "Huk!" as loud as possible. As if ur really attacking someone... This goes on and on and on... those who've seen Teakwondo practice, u know what I'm talking about....

This is what we did during that 5 mins... and also some resting of course!









After learning all moves and one last practice, finally 3 p.m. has arrived! 
Definitely it time for....



*Pic-ky wif instructor and his helper 
(two black belts; left - instructor, right-helper)*



*Then finally our Korean Culture lect...*


That's all for now.... No more live classes anymore. 
Back to classroom next week =(

Friday, November 11, 2011

Pepero Day

Happy Pepero Day!!!! No idea what is Pepero day?! Well, this event takes place on every 11th November in Korea; in Japan its known as Pocky Day. Pepero its a snack brand by Lotte. 




Just like our Rocky in Malaysia... Its celebrated on the 11th November because, well if u place to choco sticks together doesn't it look like the number 11? Thats the main reason. In Korea, ppl buy this snack for the people they love; well, another celebration of Valentine's Day. But it can also be given to friends, and in Korea, the male will buy it for the female not the other way round. 


For the past week, I've been seeing lots of promotions for Pepero in E-mart, Homeplus, & 7-11 in Silla Uni.




*Saw this in 7-11*


We (Aliza, Sam, Boya, Samnang, Kakada and i) had some crazy fun too after work... Cause we wanna do somethin memorable and thus....




*Always see celebrities playing this,
 thus we wanna try too*
















And in the subways; actually everywhere there are couples holding rose and Pepero hamper... envy!!! 


 
*Black jacket- On the way to meet girlfriend
S jacket- With girlfriend....*


*This is my share of Pepero... A big shout out to Kakada, Nay,
and Samnang.*





P/S: Happy Pepero Day to all and also Happy 11.11.2011... Hope u did something memorable =0

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Gwangju Part 2

Next stop is the Cheomseongdae; its an observatory during Silla Dynasty. Entrance fee is 500 won, but its ok if u dun wan to pay as u can see it from the fence area also; just not up close..










Then we also went to Bulguksa Temple which can only be reached thru bus No. 11 or if ur hardworking enuf, walking is also possible... The view there is really nice since its autumn and also there is entrance fees; 4 000 won. 










*This is interesting as Koreans or foreigners wrote their wishes on
the tiles and it will be used as
a roof of the buildings of the temple. Cost 10,000 won*




To go back to other historical places, u can take bus No. 10. Our next stop was Anapji; which used to be a banquet hall for royalty. Its very beautiful and highly recommended to go only during late evening or night time; when the sun is down. Why? HAhahahah....












This place is worth exploring for those who love sight-seeing. I'm pretty sure u'll would not want to miss this as there are lots of lightings to highlight the surrounding scenes and not to mention is really amazing if u are able to enjoy the view and small little ponds...

And also u must try their local delicacy known as the Gyeongju bbang... Its really delicious; the one I ate was red bean flavoured...


Monday, November 7, 2011

Gyeongju: Historical Land of Silla Kingdom

Gyeongju! One of Korea's most historical place; the capital of Silla Kingdom. To get there from Busan, we (June, Min Su, Tae Un, He Fang, Kakada, Boya and I) took the subway to Napo station and the bus terminal there. The bus cost 4,500 won (one-way) and we left at 9.30 a.m. At first I thought the bus's interior would like the normal ones... but to my surprise it was more like a coach bus! Comfortable; more comfortable than the plane we (Aliza, Sam and I) took from Incheon to Busan. 

*Bus to Gyeongju*



We arrived there at 10.30 a.m. Yup, its only an hour away from Busan; located at the west side of Busan. Our first stop, its none other than...




The Tourist Information Center! U'll see a gigantic map of Gyeongju; all historical locations can be found there. 

*Historical site No.1: Daereungwon Royal Tombs*

*Me*

*Historical site No.2: Tumuli in Noseo-in*

*We found this; monogram of 
King Gustavafvi Aldof 
of Sweden*

*Explanation of his deeds in Korea*