Dokdo Is Korean Island

<Dokdo is Korean Island>

80 kilo away east-south from Woolreungdo, There is a lonely isle for sea birds.

Even if whoever persists it is theirs land, Dokdo is Korea land.

Nammyeondodong 1, Woolreungeun Kyungsanbukdo East longitude 132.

North 37 temperature 12 degrees, rain fall 1300, Dokdo is our land.

Cuttlefish squid, cod, haddock, turtle, salmon eggs, sea bird eggs, waiting room for women divers,

170 thousand square meters, a spring, a crater, Dokdo is our land

In the 13^th year of King Jijeung, Woosankuk, Island country on the 3^rd line of page 50 in the geography book of Sejong,

Hawaii is America, Daemado is Japanese, but Dokdo is our land.

Right after the Russia-Japan war, it is really awkward to claim Dokdo has no owner

Leesabu, a Shilla general, derides under the ground. Dokdo is our land.

These sentences might not make sense to you, but it is actually an old Korean song that a lot of Koreans grew up with. As it is repeated in the song, the title is “Dokdo is Korean Island”, and it is about a small island that is located between Korea and Japan.

When I started writing my blogs about Korea, it is one of the topics that I really wanted to write about but was worried if it was appropriate. The reason is that it can be very controversial and sensitive between Korea and Japan, because it can be an offensive topic to some people. But my blogs are the space where I express my own thoughts and share them with my readers so I am going to write what I personally think that is right.

You may wonder now that why the small island even matter, but there are many reasons beyond. The main reason is that depending on the ownership of the Island, the territory of the East Sea gets determined. In East Sea, there are a lot of natural resources and the sea living creatures. So this argument between two countries involve many history, trying to prove who is right, and also political aspects since it is on the level of governments and its people.

I won’t be able to explain our whole history beyond the Island, so the song will briefly do it, and this is why I believe that Dokdo is Korean Island.

80 kilo away east-south from Woolreungdo, There is a lonely isle for sea birds.

Nammyeondodong 1, Woolreungeun Kyungsanbukdo East longitude 132.

North 37 temperature 12 degrees, rain fall 1300, Dokdo is our land.

This part describes the geographic of Dokdo and means the Island is a part of Woolreundo Province.

Cuttlefish squid, cod, haddock, turtle, salmon eggs, sea bird eggs, waiting room for women divers, 170 thousand square meters, a spring, a crater

 

This part shows the environment around the Island that our researchers have been observing from our ancients.

In the 13^th year of King Jijeung, Woosankuk, Island country on the 3^rd line of page 50 in the geography book of Sejong,

Hawaii is America, Daemado is Japanese, but Dokdo is our land.

We have many old books and maps stating that Dokdo is Korean Island. Especially this part of lyrics shows an example that one of the Annals of the Korean Dynasty y King Jiejung and another by King Sejong states Dokdo is our land.

Right after the Russia-Japan war, it is really awkward to claim Dokdo has no owner

Leesabu, a Shilla general, derides under the ground.

During the war, Japan attacked Korea and Illegally took a control over Korean territories including Dokdo. After Japan got defeated the UN, they wrote an agreement to return Korean territory. At that time, the name of Dokdo was missing because it was part of Woolreundo Province, but it doesn’t mean that they didn’t return the Island.

They are so many other proofs that Dokdo belongs to Korea, not only in Korean books but also Japanese old books. Korean people have been living in Dokdo, but Japanese government still argues that it belongs to them and returns the Island to them. But the history knows the truth, and so does my government. Dokdo is our history and pride.  

Korean Education System

I was recently announced that CSU Board of Trustees adopted of a 9 percent tuition fee increase beginning of fall 2012, but it has been only one semester they increased the tuition by 12 percent. A lot of students and their parents have been suffering from the budget cut on education, and apparently, the financial aids and loans don’t look like doing their functions well. This economic hardship may apply to all other schools as well, and I started wondering how Korean education system different from American system. Generally speaking, America is stronger country than Korea, and even considering the exchange rate and the value of the money, I didn’t pay for school this much and realized that the education system is pretty different from Korea. So here is how Korean education system works.

While Americans have a choice between public schools and private schools, Korean students don’t get to choose until high school. It is mandatory to go to school, and it is free until a middle school, and a little amount in a high school. There are some specials schools for very smart students or those who have a special talent, so that way they can develop their skills. In college, there are public schools and private schools, but the government is very involved and has a control over private schools. The tuition in private schools is only around 1.5 to 3 times more expensive than public schools, depending on the majors. We also have financial aids, but the system of scholarships is very different. Usually, students with the top 3-5 grades in each major automatically receive scholarships. This system motivates their students to study harder so that they can get scholarships.       

The education system is different because Korean government plays a big role in education. Especially, we have a national curriculum that sets a certain education system from elementary schools until high schools. We learn same materials whichever school we go to. The government provides the same textbooks so the students don’t have to worry about the cost of books. This national curriculum helps teachers to push up to higher level of academic achievement.
Those are the main differences in Korean education from America. I wouldn't say which one is better and which is not. Because each system has an advantage and disadvantage. Even though Korean system may have an equality of having same opportunity but it might limit the quality of the education. While American system has a choice and a chance of getting the best education, it can also create an inequality. From looking at the differences of educations, now we know how to implement each system's disadvantages and how to develop a good education system.

Is It Wrong To Eat a Dog?

A few days ago, I was in the middle of the discussion about the disgusting food in the world and was on the spot light for being Korean who eats a dog. I actually got this question many times before if we really eat a dog, and the answer is yes. For those who get upset with the answer, here is what I think about eating a dog. Before I state and justify my opinion, I would like to clear this first. Even though I am from one of those countries where people eat dogs, I have never eaten dog meat before and don’t even want to try either. Personally, I used to pet dogs and love them. Nevertheless, I still believe that people have their own viewpoints and right to eat a dog if they want to.

I understand the complaints about the methods of slaughter that are cruel. Beating, strangling, and boiling are not needed, but I admit that it is happening in some places. However, it is the same as other animals, such as chickens and pigs. There are many issues how some farms abuse their animals in America as well. Abusing animals is definitely wrong and need to be stopped, but it shouldn’t be a reason to criticize for eating a dog.   

Main reason why those people disagree with eating a dog is that they consider a dog as their friend and a part of family. But not all countries consider a dog as a companion. For some people, a bird, mice, or even other animals and pets are their companions. I believe that it is depending on their culture. A long time ago, our ancestors were starving because of many wars and there were no food. For them, a dog meat was food that kept them alive. Having a dog as a pet happened in recent years, which means dogs weren’t meant to be friends but food for them.

            Also, the kind of dog that they eat is the one raised as food dogs. Dog eaters don’t eat a little puppy, but eat dogs, called “junk dogs” or “Yellow dogs”. The spices for dog meat are from special branch, big and yellow, and those breeds are different from those breeds raised at home.

            In the past, one of very famous people from France publicly criticized our culture about eating a dog on their newspaper. And French are known to eat horses and snails. Even though it doesn’t sounds right in our culture, we don’t blame or judge them. I was always taught to treat people the way I want to be treated. In other words, I believe that only when I respect others, can I also be respected. I remember somebody saying that food is not rational but culture, habit, craving and identity. So please respect their culture and let them eat a dog.

Must Visit: Jeju Island

One of the prejudices about Korea is that a lot of people think Seoul is all about Korea. In case you don’t know what Seoul is, it is the capital of Korea, not another name of Korea. It is true that most of political and economical organizations are located in Seoul, and so many people are packed living in a small space, Seoul. Yet there’s so much more to see and explore in other cities as well. Though I am from the second biggest city, Busan, which is known as a port city with amazing beaches surrounded by many mountains, today I am going to introduce you a small Island in terms of the space but incredibly gorgeous, Jeju Island.

On November 12, 2011, the New 7Wonders, which is known for New 7Wonders of the World, has announced a new list of New 7Wonders of Nature. Along with other places, such as Amazon, Halong bay, Iguazu falls, Komodo, Puerto Princesa Underground River, and Table Mountain, Jeju Island is chosen as one of the most beautiful nature. Jeju is located 130 km apart from the Southern coast of Korea. It is the largest Island but the smallest province that has the tallest mountain, called Hallasan. Hallasan is a dormant volcano and is selected biosphere reserved by UNESCO.

I have been to Jeju Island once and remember that it is the most beautiful place I have ever been to, so I would like to guide all of you to Jeju island in my blog today. First of all, above picture is Hallasan, which risen 1,950 m in the middle of the island, formed by numerous volcanic eruptions. At the summit of the mountain, called Baekrokdam, constitute many spectacular cliffs, unique and diverse landscape of volcanic reveals. In addition, among more than 4,000 species of plants that grow in our country, more than 2,000 species live in the mountain. It was during the spring when I went to Jeju, and one of my favorite place during the trip was Hallasan. The sight of rape flowers in full bloom around the mountain and the snow on the top of the mountain was so pretty that I can’t describe it in any words.

One of other places I went was sunrise peak, which is called Sungsan Illchulbong in Korean. It is formed by volcanic activity, heights of 180m. A long time ago, when hot magma came out from the bottom of the sea and reacted violently with the water, it erupted ashes and was solidified as a peak. Thus, when I went to the sunrise peak, I was able to see the layor of sedimentary structure. Also, I saw many female divers in the sea from the viewpoint, picking abalones.  

There are so many other places to go in Jeju, but there is one thing that you cannot skip is the food. Jeju is known for fresh seafood, as I mentioned earlier that a lot of residents of Jeju are divers. However, my favorite was black pork meat and tangerine. In Korea, we eat a lot of pork belly barbeque, but especially Jeju has a special kind of pigs and the meat from this black pig is very tasty. Also, because of the warm climate in Jeju, they grow tangerines, and their tangerines are juicy and sweet.

If you go to Korea, I highly recommend visiting Jeju, especially those two places, Hallasan and Sunsan Ilchulbong. And also don’t forget to try black port mean and tangerine! I guarantee that the small island Jeju will make your trip the most memorable and fun.

Korean Recipe: Sauteed Rice Cake & Fish Cake with Spicy Sauce

If anyone asks what my favorite Korean dish is, one of them is toppoki, sautéed rice cake and fish cake with spicy sauce. It is one of very popular stand food in Korea, or we eat as part of a meal. Whenever I go to Korean place to eat, my friend always wants to order it, and I am always tempted, too. However, it costs the cheapest around 10 dollars including tax, which is a lot more than it is worth. The ingredients are pretty simple only if you have those Korean seasoning, and it is very easy to make. So I always convince my friend that it is not worth to order it and that we will make it our own next time. Also, as one of my reader requested, thanks for reading by the way, I am going to share my recipe today!

Before we start, there’s one thing that I want to mention about Korean recipe. As you will be in my recipe, the ingredients and the instructions can be very vague though I tried to make mine as more understandable for Americans. In a lot of Korean recipes, it doesn’t tell you exactly how much ingredients you put in or how long you should cook. Instead, it will say “a little bit of something”, or “cook it a while”. We don’t use measuring cups or spoons. When it says cups or spoons, it doesn’t mean those measured ones but just like regular cups and spoons that we use at home. It may change the taste, but we believe that we follow instinct, which is called in Korean “the taste of hand”.

Sautéed Rice Cake & Fish Cake with Spicy Sauce (Serving about 2)

Rice cake 20 pieces, Instant ramen noodle, fish cake 2 pieces, 1/2 onion, 1/2 carrots, 1 stalk green onion, laminaria japonica broth

Red pepper paste 2 spoons, red pepper powder 1 spoon, corn syrup 1 spoon, sugar 1 spoon; chopped garlic 1/2 spoon, instant ramen powder ½ spoon

Usually, if you buy the rice cake at the market, those are pretty hard. So put those in a bowl with some water and microwave it for about 2-3 minutes until the rice cake gets soften.

Cut the fish cake and vegetable to bite size. You can add any other vegetable if you would like. Usually, cabbage goes really well with this dish.

 You don’t have to make broth if it is too much work for you or if you don’t have laminaria japonica. In Korea, dried laminaria japonica is very common ingredient and we use it a lot for many kinds of dishes’ soup base. (If you go to Asian market, you can find a bag of dried laminaria japonica easily.) To make the broth for this dish, boil the dried laminaria japonica in 5 cups of water for about 10 minutes (the longer the better) and take it out. In the picture, I also put a piece fish cake for better taste, but it is also optional. 

When the water starts boiling, put all the sauce prepared and boil it for a little bit.

Put rice cake, onions, and carrots until almost cooked.

Put the rest of the ingredients until everything is cooked completely.

By this time, the sauce will be much thickened and sautéed. If not, you may want to leave it on low heat until it gets thickened. Now, it is time to eat delicious rice cake & fish cake with spicy sauce! (It is called “toppoki” in Korean.) Yum!! J

I hope that it turns out okay if you try to make it and enjoy the spiciness of Korean food!

Korean Language

Many of you may know how to say a few words in Korean. A lot of my friends ask me to teach them how to speak Korean either because they are just curious, or because they really want to learn the language. But then, they find it challenging and easily give up. Korean is a whole different language from English, and learning a second language is not easy. A couple of months ago, I read a newspaper stating that Korean ranked 4th the most difficult language for English speakers to learn. I was very surprised because before I came to America, I went to university majoring in Korean literature and grammar, which was basically for teaching the language to Korean students or foreigners. At that time, I was taught and was proud of the fact that Korean is the most efficient language to learn in the world, proven by many linguists. I know it is true but a lot of Americans feel that way because it is a new language for them and they try to learn it in American way. Thus, I would like to talk about why Korean is the most efficient language and to help Americans to understand the difference between Korean and English.

                First of all, to explain why Korean is the most efficient language, let me explain the Korean language history, why it is created. A long time ago, our ancestors had verbal communicating system yet lacked written language. They had to borrow Chinese characters to write down our sound, but it was very difficult to learn so many characters and to match the different sound. Thus, Sejong the Great, who recognized the difficulty of learning, encouraged the scholars and created very organized and simple 24 basic characters that actually match with our sound. With those 24 characters, we are able to combine them for each syllabus. It is similar to English in a way that alphabets can be combined to consist as a word, however, each Korean alphabet does have a unique sound unlike English, so it is known for having one-to-one correspondent sounds. It is efficient because we only need to memorize 24 characters to make all the sounds, which means it is also easier to read and write.

                Secondly, the biggest difference between Korean and English is the structure of sentence, the words order. In English, the basic form of the sentence is that verbs come right after subjects, and objects are following next to it. However, Korean words order is the opposite way with English. Subjects are placed at front but we describe things before, and then there are objects and verbs for the last. Therefore in Korean to understand the speech correctly, we need to be careful until the sentences are done. This word order might be the hardest part to be familiar with, and makes Americans confused.

                Lastly, there’s one thing that is very unique about Korean is that we have very strict system of honorific compare to English. Despite there are some forms and expressions to be polite in English, but not as much as Korean grammar. Korean has lots of rules and narrations to be used for older people than people who are speaking. Because of that, Korean has relativity, who you are talking with, depending on ages, frequency of meeting, and status, so on. In addition, there are much honorific title, because we are not allowed to call names of people unless they are same age as me or younger.

                Learning language is not just memorizing all the vocabularies and directly translating into another language. It is more of understanding the background of the culture and their way of thinking. If you want to learn Korean, you should first understand that we have many different rules, such as sentence structure and honorifics. After that, learning the alphabets and the words part should be easy because it is created to be learned efficiently.

My Favorite Korean Restaurant in SF

    

Since I have been here in America, what I miss the most in Korea is my family, friends, and the scrumptious mouthwatering authentic food. There are so many of Korean restaurants in the U.S. and I have tried a lot of places, but I’ve only found a few places that I like. The food tastes great like my mom’s cooking with that perfect Korean spiciness to it. Most of places here are Americanized and serve fusion food, adjusting Korean food to non-Korean’s tastes. There’s nothing wrong with it, but people can’t say they love Korean food when they are actually eating Korean based American food. When I go to a Korean place to eat spicy pork, for example, I expect the spicy Korean red pepper paste, not sugar sweet pork. Thus, I have been looking for an authentic Korean restaurant around the school, where I don’t have to make a long trip only for one meal. And I have finally found one. Today, I would like to introduce one of my favorite Korean restaurants, ‘Manna’, and a couple of dished that I tried recently.

   



The restaurant ‘Manna’, meaning ‘delicious’ in Korean, is on the corner of Irving and 10^th avenue. It is a very small restaurant; maybe about 20 people can fit in. The first time I went there was three month ago, I saw a new Korean restaurant on Irving Street so I wanted to give it a try. Since the first time, I have become a regular because of the food, atmosphere, and the service. Even though the owner said that he never has been in restaurant industry, he is doing a great job. When we walked in and were seated, they brought us Korean water, which tastes like Oolong tea but Koreans usually drink it as water with a meal or anytime. I tried many kinds of dishes at Manna, such as Bulgogi, Tofu soup, Bibimbob, which most of Americans think are the only types of Korean food, but that’s not true. To broaden my readers’ choice of Korean food at a restaurant, I ordered two dishes that a lot of Americans might not have tried before, which was Kanpongki (Sweet& spicy chicken wing) and Nakji bokum (Sautéed small octopus& vetegable & spicy sauce).

             While I was waiting for the main dishes to come out, there were six kinds of side dishes that came out first, as I assume that most of people know that Korean dishes come with rice and side dishes (One of my friends told me that the first time she dined on Korean cuisine, she was frustrated with many kinds side dishes that came out although she didn’t order them). You can also refill them as much as you want, as long as you ordered a main dish. For your information, Manna doesn’t even charge for any extra rice. 

                The food came out while we were munching the various side dishes. On the left side of above pictures, that is sautéed small octopus with spicy sauce. A lot of people are afraid to eat octopus, but these baby octopus are known as healthy food, and it is very chewy and tasty. The sauce for this dish is spicy but delicious with a little bit of sweet taste. On the right side of the pictures was spicy and sweet chicken wing. The chicken wing is crispy and is deep-fried perfectly, and it goes well with the thick spicy sweet sauce.  Even though they both taste spicy, the first one is red pepper spicy, and the second one is Cajun spicy with more of a sweet sauce. Those two dishes were amazing, so my friend and I literally finished everything in the above picture with side dishes refills.

                Manna has been opened only for four months now, but in general the food was very tasty and fresh. The owner was one of the servers, who was friendly, and the atmosphere was cozy, clean, and neat. The selection of food was modest size. Moreover, the price is very reasonable, compared to other Korean restaurants, and the portion was of the food was filling. This place has 4 stars out of 5 on yelp, which is fairly high. I also give an average of four stars. If any of you would like to experience affordable authentic Korean food around the school, I strongly recommend Manna restaurant.