Let's learn about Korean : What is ARK ?

'The Association of Researching Korean' is a gathering of the teachers teaching Korean language to foreginers at Hankuk University of Foregin Studies. All of the members have more than 3 years of field experience in teaching Korean lanugage. They have kept studying how to teach Korean language much easier and more effective.[Members] ○ Chin, Keeho ○ (Director/Korean Language Program/Foreign Laguage Training & Testing Centre) ○ Kwon, Oh Yearn (Instructor) ○ Kim, Eun Joung (Instructor) ○ Park, Sohyun (Instructor) ○ Shin, Ju-cheol (Instructor) ○ Cho, Youngmi (Instructor) ○ Chin, Jeongnan (Coordinator) ○ Choe, Jung-hwa (Instructor) ○ Huh, Kyunghang (Instructor)

Today is "Korean Alphabet Day"

Korean alphabet day was made to honor the creation and development of the Korean alphabet(hangul), which was originated by a group of Yi dynasty scholars under direction of the wise king Sejong. The Korean alphabet was ultimately presented to the Korean people in 1446. Koreans are rightfully proud of Hangul and set aside this day to commemorate its beginning and promote its development. Various cultural seminars and concerts are usually held to help celebrate the holiday. It is October 9th.

How to compose syllabic units.

글자를 모아 쓰기 How to compose syllabic units. When we write individual letters in a syllabic unit for actual writing, there are five cases. As illustrated in the following diagram, the individual letters are arranged and proportioned to fit neatly into a square box, and are always read from left to right, then top to bottom. A maximal Korean syllable structure is CVCC, where C represents "consonant" and V "vowel".While C is optional, V is obligatory. The Korean syllable structure can therefore be re-written as (C) V (C) (C).All the possible combinations of the syllable occurrences are exemplified as the following: V : 아, 와, 왜CVC: 낙, 불, 꽝VCC : 않, 없, 읊CV : 가, 보, 뛰VC : 얼, 움, 은CVCC : 값, 몫, 덟The sounds ㄱ, ㄷ, and ㅂ are transcribed respectively as g, d, and b when they appear before a vowel; they are transcribed as k, t, and p when followed by another consonant or form the final sound of a word.

Formation of some vowels and diphthongs

모음의 형성 Formation of some vowels and diphthongs The distinction between ㅐ and ㅔ has been lost among the younger generation below 50 of age in casual Korean speech. As a result of loss of distinction between ㅐ and ㅔ, the three vowels ㅙ, ㅞ andㅚ are not normally distinguished in Standard Korean speech today. They all end up with [we] also. The distinction between ㅒ and ㅖ has also been lost among the younger generation and ㅖ may be pronounced as ㅔ after consonants except ㄹ. 시계[시계시게] 지폐[지폐지페] except 실례[실례]ㅢ at the syllable-initial position without any preceding consonant may be pronounced as ㅡ : 의사[의사으사]. ㅢ at the non-initial position of a syllable or at the syllable-initial position with a preceding consonant, ㅢ may be pronounced as ㅣ : 회의[회의회이]. When ㅢ is used as possessive particle, it may be pronounced as ㅔ : 우리의[우리의우리에], 의의의[으이에]ㅚ and ㅟ are rarely pronounced as simple vowels (i.e. as [o] and [u]) in Standard Korean. Therefore, those are put together with diphthongs. They are more often pronounced as diphthongs. I.e., as [we] and [wi] respectively.

How to write Hangeul

한글 쓰기 How to write Hangeul All symbols of Hangeul are written from top to bottom and from left to right. The order of he strokes is as illustrated below. Strokes are never interrupted, not even when they change direction halfway. 자음 Consonants모음 Vowels

Korean Vowels and Consonants

한글의 자모 Korean Vowels and Consonants Hangeul (한글, the Korean alphabet) consists of forty letters. Twenty-one of these represent vowels (including thirteen diphthongs), and nineteen represent consonants. Twenty-four are basic, while the others are compounds of the basic letters. VowelsConsonants

Hangeul - Introduction

Hangul was invented In 1446, King Sejong published this Korean letter as Hunmin chong-um. The book which is also named as Hunmin chong-um includes the reason for the invention, the aim and the date when it was published. But the stubborn ministers were against the using of Hangul because they thought that Han-ja(Chinese letters) is the best which they had been using for thousands of years. Thereafter for about 400 years Hunmin chong-um had been ill-treated by nobilities but then it became popular among common people in literature.In the early days of the 20th century, as the invasion of the Japanese took place for 36 years, Japanese forbade Koreans from neither writing and reading Hangul nor speaking Korean language but the Chosun Linguistics Association and the Independece Movement did their best in order to keep Hangul. Also during those days Hangul specialist 'Ju Shi Kyung' used the name 'Hangul' for the first time.The name Hangul was gradually spread and after the independence of Korea, Hangul has been confirmed as the Korean alphabet. In 1997, Korean language has been chosen for the American Standard Aptitude Test, S.A.T's optional foreign language subject and the Korean proficiency test has been taken in various countries such as Japan, China, Kazahastan, Uzbekistan.Hunmin chong-um means exact "The right sound to teach people", which was not only the name of new character, so called "Hunmin chong-um", but also the name of interpretation book into Chinese character written by the Jiphyunjeon court scholars in September of 1446. Hunmin chong-um consists of courtesy part, comment part and introduction part. It includes backgrounds and the reason of creating Hangul, numbers of alphabet, the system & principle and the usage of it. in 1447 the courtesy part of Hunmin chong-um was translated in Hangul. This book is also called Hummin chong-um. So the first Hunmin chong-um is called the original book of Hunmin chong-um and the other one is called the translated book. Also Hunmin chong-um was acknowledged and registered as the 'Memory of the World' of Unesco in 1997.The background of inventing Hangul was well described in the chapter 42 of Sejongsilrok which is a history book written in the old days. In case of consonants ,they made basic 5 of them after the shape of organs which produces sounds(such as mouth and throat) and the rest was made with combination of those basic 5 letters.G.Sampson who is a famous professor working at the computer department at Sussex University in U.K mentioned as follows."There is no doubt that Hangul is the greatest writing system in the world from a scientific viewpoint. There is no precedent in the world, as Hangul was made according to certain principles. Above all, Hangul is a scientific system, invented systematically following the shapes of vocal organs as they make sounds. Furthermore, the writing system reflects the characteristic of the sounds.......Each letter of han-gul was made in this way, with the shapes of the vocal organs in mind.Many Western scholars and intellectuals who are knowledgeable about the scientific aspects of Hangul are very impressed by the principles behind its invention."Also Prof.Byun of the computer department from Dong-Kuk University in Korea had said that "The computer, which we think of as all-powerful, is driven by the repetition of two numbers--0 and 1-according to certain rules, but it has propelled the world into the information age almost instantaneously. It is the same with music.In Western music, seven notes--do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti-are used to create innumerable scores from the classical works of Mozart to the rap songs of Seo Taiji that Korean adolescents love. The same is true with Hangul. It is a characteristic of Hangul that the limited code of 24 letters, sfter several rules are applied, creates an unlimited number of sounds. In this way, Hangul is more scientific than any other writing system, and it is based on the same principles as the computer, a product of modern science."

Exploring Korea with BBB, part 2

Living in Korea! Part 1.

Jun-Seo ; Living in Korea

Jun-Seo‘s favorite place in Korea is Mokpo(목포) because of the people who were friendly to him during his visit. When he first came to Korea, his Korean wasn't as fluent as it is now, and he had some language problems. At his homestay he tried to turn on the TV but somehow he couldn't. It turned out to be a simple problem but he remembers at the time he felt that wished he had someone who could help him out. If only I knew BBB then" saidJun-Seo. He says he is getting along quite well with the Korean life these days. Sometimes, he has a hard time when he feels the prejudice against westerner s in Korea, but at the same time, he loves the 'Jung'(warm-heartedness) that he feels from the Koreans.

Other Exotic Places in Seoul

Places to eat Korean Speciality, Sun-dae (Sausage made of Bean curd, mung- bean sprouts and pig's blood stuffed in pig intestine). Actually Shinrimdong is one of the most popular place to eat sun-dae. There are plenty of Sun-dae restaurants in Shinrimdong, so people called as Sundae town. So once you get there, how can you order food. You can choose either red sun-dae or white sun-dae as you see in the photo. There is big fry pan with sun-dae, noodles and chopped vegetables. Then the server will help you cook the sun-dae. When it's cooked just right, you are ready to eat the delicious sun-dae.

A 'BBB' Experience

In order to promote the useful services of BBB, we underwent a BBB experienc e with Jun-Seo. While we were visiting the Sun-dae town, Jun-Seo acted as a foreigner who was having trouble ordering in Korean. Sun-dae town is a low key restaurant. English or any other foreign languages might not be freely spoken there, and you may have some difficulties in ordering your food. In situations like this or any other place where you, a foreigner who might have problems in communicating, BBB can be very useful. You just have to press '1588-5644', and you are instantly connected to a BBB volunteer member. In Jun-Seo‘s situation the volunteer kindly explained about the different menus and helped him choose what he wanted. By translati ng both sides of the conversation efficiently, the result was a very satisfied customer and owner.

Exploring Korea with BBB, part 1

Exploring Korea with BBB!!! Part 1.
Starting this April we are to explore Korea and give you some fun and exciting details about the places we visit. We're going to welcome the new start with Exploring Korea!

The Manhattan of Seoul - Yeouido

As a beginning we spent a day with Allen Walk, whose Korean name is 'Jun-Seo Won(원준 서).‘ Jun-Seo is a student at NYU majoring in eastern philosophy. He's interest is in "Samul-nori" - a traditional Korean folk music accompanied by four percussion instruments - which is the reason he decided to study aborad in Korea. Currently he is studying Korean at Sogang University. He has been in Seoul, Korea for about 10 months now. But since it's Jun-Seo ‘s first spring in Korea, we decided to show him how beautiful seoul is in the springtime. In order to do that we went to Yeouido which is often compared to Manhattan in New York City.

Yeouido is called the Manhattan of Seoul because of its large corpor ate buildings. Some of the famous landmarks include 63 Building and the LG Twin Towers as well as Korea's major TV stations such as Korea Broadcastin g System(KBS) and Munhwa Broadcasting System(MBC). Also there are DongA Ilbo, the Federation of Korean Industries, Yeouido Gospel Church and all sorts of financial institutions.

But don't think of Yeouido only as an office district. Yeouido has a lot more to offer. There are places such as Yeouido Park which is perfect for a picnic or a simple stroll. It is consisted of groves, grass, ponds, and pavilions. A bicycle path and walking trail circle the park and are conveniently linked with an underground sidewalk to the waterfront of the Hangang River. You can borrow bicycles and roller blades for a moderate price. 3 bridges cross the Yeouido among bridges that link south and north of Seoul. This island Yeouido, is the symbol of Seoul.

Brief History of Yeouido, Seoul

Yeouido(汝矣島) means "Your Island". Yeouido started as a importan t ranch in the Chosun Dynasty. There was a government office that raised sheep and goats. In 1929 when Korea was under the influence of Japan, Yeouido was a strategic position for air transportation linking Japan-Korea-Manchuria(滿洲). It expanded until the airport moved to Gimpo. In 1968, it started to develop as modern city.

Yunjungno Cherry Blossom Tunnel

Yunjungno is one of the best and most popular destination for cherry blossoms in Seoul. They are in full bloom during the second week of April. The blooming season may slightly differ with the weather, so if you're planning to visit please check the schedule beforehand.

Our main purpose of was the Yunjungno Cherry Blossom festival. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom when we visited. There were so many people, and so many things to see! The snack bars along the road drew everyone's attention, too. Jun-S대 and our BBB members tried a few of them: Bbun dae gi(fried pupa), and Ho-ddu k(a hollow pancake with honey inside) Hmmm... delicious!It was one fine, beautiful, spring day.

Places to Eat in Yeouido

1. Pavillion Buffe t- A spoonful of everything would be more than enough for a good meal. Here there are 200 different menus(including grilled frog hind legs!) in 7 categories-Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Western, cold dishes, salads, dissert.(1588-5644 -->02-789-5731)

2. Andong Guks i- This Korean noodle shop gets so full at lunch time that you might have to eat in a cafe upstairs. Anyway, worth the trouble: the chewy noodles made with bean powder, and the rich beef soup are not only deliciou s but good for your diet as well! (1588-5644 -->02-782-1094)

3. Jinyong's Pojang Macha(street snack shop) - Not in the mood for a heavy meal? Would rather like some spicy, chewy snacks to fill you up? This is where you can get the best Dduck-bbokki in Yeouido! Ah, but not so early, it only operates between 1~8 in the afternoon. (1588-5644 -->011-89 0-9837)

Transportation

To Yunjungno, take subway 5 to Yeouinaru Station, a 5 minutes walk.To 63 Building, take subway Line 5 to Yeouinaru Station, go out of Exit 1,or 4, or Yeouido Station, Exit 5. Take a 63 Building shuttle bus for free.

Korean traditional Music Concert, part 1

Starting this hot season, we are to explore korea with some chilly details and cool out our hotness.
We are going to go on a second adventure to Explore Korea with BBB!!

■ The National Center for Korean Tradi tional Performing Arts
In June, Exploring Korea visited the National Center for Korean Traditional Performi ng Arts.
We had a great time listening to a Geomungo recital and also visting places nearby.

We went with Akina from Japan, who is an exchange student at Dongguk University.
She is majoring in International Culture in Japan. She came to Korea this march
and currently stays in a dormitory for foreign student in Chungmuro. She is planning to stay here until next month.
Even though Akina has only been here for 3 months, her Korean was very good.
She has been studying Korean before she arrived here. Also one of our BBB members followed along for translation.

The National Center for Korean Traditional Performi ng Arts is an organization which began more than 1400 years ago.
Its forerunners can be traced back to the institute called Eumseongseo during the reign of Queen Jindeok of the kingdom of Silla.
The succeeding kingdom of Goryeo had two national music instit utes which were combined
in the early part of the Joseon Dynasty into Jangagwon or "Musi c Affairs Institute", which continued to be responsible for all music, song,
and dance performed at major national celebrations, and for the training of musicians and the composition of new music.
This institute managed to survive the order of the Japanese occupation.
Now, the National Center for Korean Traditional Performi ng Arts works toward preserving, researching,
and transmitting traditional music and dance.

■ Geomungo Performance



The NCKTPA holds a lot of performances and exhibitions relating to our traditional music ''''Gugak''''.
Especially on every Friday they hold regular recitals for free. All you have to do is arrive at the National Center 30 minutes
prior to the performance in order to receive your ticket. We went to one of these performances which was a Geomungo recital
by performer Kang, Hee-jin. A Geomungo has six strings rested on a wooden board which is made of Odong-namu (Paulownia).
The posture of playing is sitting cross-legged, and scrape with Sul-dae in the right-hand, putting a Geomungo in tune
with the left hand simultaneously. It is used to accompany lyric songs as well as in chamber music and sanjo
(solo music with drum accompaniment).
Before entering the theater we were able to see the Geomungo and also other traditional instruments on display.

The Geomungo performance was a musical piece accompanied with a Daegum(a large transverse flute) and a Janggu(a hourglass shaped drum). Compare d to the music we hear these days it''''s considered a less melodic but the rhythms are very beautiful.
Akina thought it was very different from other music she had heard but was very fascinated by the beautiful hanbok(traditional Korean clothes) and interesting instruments.

Let's learn about Korean

■ English Dialogue

BBB : Hello.

Jun-Seo : Nice to meet you

BBB : Nice to meet you, too.

Jun-Seo : I am Won Jun-Seo. What''''s your name?

BBB : I am BBB.

Jun-Seo : See you again.

BBB : Good-bye.

■ Korean Dialogue & Pronunciation

BBB : 안녕 하십니까? /Annyeong Hasimnikka/

원준서 : 만나서 반갑습니다. /Mannaseo Bangabsbnida/

BBB : 저도, 만나서 반갑습니다. /Jeodo Mannaseo Bangabsbnida/

원준서 : 저는 원준서입니다. /Jeonen Wonjunseo ibnida/

이름이 무엇입니까? /ilmi musibnikka/

BBB : 저는 BBB입니다. /jeonen BBBibnida/

원준서 : 다음에 또 만납시다. /daumae ddo mannabsida/

BBB : 안녕히 계십시오. /annyeonghi gaesibsio/

BBB : 안녕 하십니까? /Annyeong Hasimnikka/

♣ Korean use 안녕하십니까 when koreans greet each other

원준서 : 만나서 반갑습니다. /Mannaseo Bangabsbnida/

♣ And then, say 만나서 반갑습니다

which use when you are meeting for the first time.

It is usually used before you introduce yourself.

BBB : 저도, 만나서 반갑습니다. /Jeodo Mannaseo Bangabsbnida/

♣ ‘저도’ means ''me, too.''원준서 : 저는 원준서입니다. /Jeonen Wonjunseo ibnida/

♣ When you introduce yourself, you can say ''저는 (name)입니다.‘

Korean people say their family name first and then their given name. 이름이 무엇입니까?

/ilmi musibnikka/

♣ If someone wants to know your name, you will be asked ''이름이 무엇입니까?‘

BBB : 저는 BBB입니다. /jeonen BBBibnida/

원준서 : 다음에 또 만납시다. /daumae ddo mannabsida/

♣ When you say ''good-bye'' to someone you want to see again. ''또(ddo)‘ means again, ''다음(daum)’ means next.BBB : 안녕히 계십시오. /annyeonghi gaesibsio/

If you want more information, visit http://www.bbbkorea.org/.

2rd BBB International Friends Day

2nd BBB International Friends Day, BBB World Parade A Walk Along the Cheong-gye Stream Korea BBB will be holding its "2nd Annual BBB International Friends Day, World Parade" at Cheong-gye Stream. We are inviting international residents, citizens and BBB volunteers to World Parade, in which participants will have a chance to represent themselves and make friends transcending language, culture, race and religion. Various traditional performances and international culture experience booths are ready to make you having fun. Please join us with your family and friends. ▣ Date : Saturday, May 17 2008, 09:00 am ▣ Place : Cheong-gye Plaza ▣ Participants : Foreign residents, citizens and BBB volunteers ▣ Dress code : Red(Asia), Blue(Europe), Yellow(N.America), Green(S.America), White(Oceania) and Black(Africa) : Represents 6 continents * Those six colors represent 6 continents, but you are not obligated to wear any specific color. Which color you want to wear is up to you.(*Traditional costumes and apparel preferred) ▣ Program : Continental walking parade, various traditional performances, B-boy and international culture experience boothsIf you want more information about World Parade, please download an attached file.