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The Korean film industry, known as Korean cinema, has experienced a global renaissance in the last 20 years. Often referred to as the "Korean New Wave," Korean films have attracted international acclaim for their artistic merit and storytelling style.

Some key aspects of the Korean film industry include:

• Government Support: The Korean government has played an active role in supporting the film industry through organizations like the Korean Film Council and providing subsidies and tax incentives. This government backing has helped Korean films gain international exposure.

• Distinct Visual Style: Korean films are known for their unique visual aesthetics with creative camerawork, editing techniques, and art direction. Directors emphasize mood, emotion and character over explicit plot details.

• International Festival Success: Korean films have received major honors at prestigious international film festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Berlin. Films like Parasite, Memories of Murder, and The Host have won awards and introduced Korean cinema to global audiences.

• Popular Genres: Popular genres in Korean cinema include horror/thrillers, melodramas, and action films. But the industry is also known for thoughtful social/political films and romances.

• Global Fandom: Thanks to increasing international distribution and popularity of K-dramas, Korean films and their stars have amassed a huge global fan following beyond Korea as well.

To provide an authentic artifact from Korean cinema, here is a link to the trailer (with English subtitles) for the 2020 Academy Award-winning film Parasite:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xH0HfJHsaY

Directed by Bong Joon Ho, Parasite is widely considered one of the best Korean films ever made and helped introduce Korean New Wave cinema to many Western audiences. The film's critical and commercial success demonstrated how Korean stories and filmmaking have truly gone global.

For this journal period, my task was to practice using Hangul in daily conversation situations, specifically during mock tour guide scenarios. My goal was to improve my fluency and ability to conduct basic conversational exchanges in culturally appropriate ways.

I worked closely with my language exchange partner, Eunji, who acted as a tourist while I played the role of a tour guide. We formulated reciprocal learning goals around practicing directions, asking/answering questions, and exchanging pleasantries. This role-play exercise allowed us to provide feedback to strengthen each other's skills.

To prepare, I reviewed common travel phrases and cultural etiquette norms. During our practice tours, I focused on using clear pronunciation and natural intonation patterns. We also explored various tourist attractions to immerse ourselves in vocabulary. I found that practicing daily in a low-pressure environment with a supportive partner was most effective for improving my speaking confidence.

Moving forward, I want to build on conversational fluency by researching more complex tourism topics. I also plan to experiment with new memorization techniques for vocabulary retention. While there were occasional misunderstandings, reflecting on them helped me recognize areas for continued growth, such as expanding my knowledge of the honorific language.

I feel proud of the strides I've made in applying Hangul practically. Learning through immersive cultural activities has deepened my appreciation for Korean hospitality. Challenges remain, but staying motivated through language exchange keeps me energized in my journey. Overall, conversing in realistic scenarios gets me one step closer to my long-term communication goals.

Currently, it has been going very well with Isaac and I'm very very pleased with the amount of information I've been able to retain based on the short amount of time we've been working on Korean. Some tasks that we are working on now are more reading-based and speech-production concepts. Last class, we worked on reading a short but meaningful story about a tiger and a baby. Isaac wants me to start practicing reading simple sentences in order to start putting some of my pronunciation and reading ability to the test. we completed the first chapter of the book although there were definitely some struggles I feel like my ability to read and pronounce the letters has drastically improved over the past few weeks as I practice more and more. right now we are on track to continue what I want to accomplish this semester which is to build a very basic understanding of the Korean language along with being able to master the alphabet and read simple sentences. That being said I feel like Isaac and I are already crushing those goals and I'm very confident that as I move through the next two semesters of Korean I will just keep checking off boxes. like I said before we've been doing a lot more reading just to build more knowledge and more vocabulary typically I will read the sentence with minor help from Isaac if I cannot figure out how to pronounce something. I feel like reading has been one of the most effective strategies in our time together because it forces you to get out of your comfort zone and push when you don't understand something. Along with reading, we've been doing a lot of review of simple sentences like saying how are you doing and focusing on when to use formal versus informal. In Korean it is somewhat confusing because the use of a formality versus a more laid-back approach can be a very fine line and sometimes it is not explicit when to use one or the other. Even though it can be confusing Isaac has been an amazing teacher and helping whenever I have questions about when to use one or the other. Like I said before I believe our strategies are very effective and I'm eager to keep learning and keep pushing myself. As we go into the next few weeks we are going to focus on my final project which we have some interesting ideas in mind, I am very excited to continue with this process and keep growing my understanding of the Korean language. 

In the last learning journal, I wrote about how I learned how the endings change whether or not the sentence is formal. I realized that by being able to learn more about endings, it would make learning Korean much easier and even allow me to use simple phrases and be able to manipulate them in various ways in order to fit into the conversation. Therefore recently, I have  been diving into the Korean grammar, trying to figure out how sentences are put together depending on the context of the conversation. At first, I thought it might be too tricky, but thankfully now I am seeing how it really helps me understand the language better. My tutor suggested I give it a shot, especially since I've been picking up lots of words related to everyday stuff like eating out and shopping.

A typical sentence structure that I have been learning would be the following:

Subject Time (adverb/adjective) Verb

나 오늘 늦게 일어났어 

I today late wake up

(I woke up late today)

I know we had learned in class how the Korean sentence structures are different compared to the English one, but being able to actually see how I would directly translate these, is very surprising. So, being able to write it out in this way, I can learn better how to do these phrases in korean. 

If there is no need to add a subject, then time always starts the sentence, which can be seen in the following.

오늘 비 오나?

Today rain will

(Is it going to rain today?)

Additionally, I've learned to manipulate sentences to convey different tenses. One sentence structure is making the phrase past tense.

맛있었어?

(Was it good?)

Adding the ㅆ 어 turns the sentence into past tense.

Another sentence structure is making the phrase future tense. Instead of  adding the ㅆ 어, you would write ㄹ 거야. 

My feelings about learning Korean have been all over the place - sometimes I'm proud of my progress, other times I get frustrated when things don't click right away. So far, it has been a bit tough trying to recall all that I have learned so far since I did not necessarily state that I wanted to learn grammar. So by learning that there are certain patterns, it has become a bit better in trying to come up with simple phrases. Therefore, my exploration of Korean grammar has provided valuable insights into the cultural nuances embedded within the language. Understanding how sentences are structured can offer a glimpse into the Korean way of thinking and expressing ideas, which helps me to have a deeper appreciation for its rich cultural heritage. For the future, I want to keep practicing grammar while also trying out new ways to learn, like watching Korean shows or chatting with native speakers.Also, I am very eager to explore new learning strategies, incorporating more interactive and immersive experiences to enhance my listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me and how much more I'll learn along the way.

I started writing in Korea during my Korean classes while I was abroad at Yonsei. I enjoy it quite a lot because I think the construction of the syllable blocks is very different from a traditional alphabet script, and having to plan out the spacing of the letters requires more forethought than in English. As far as patterns go, every sentence ends in a verb, and more specifically a verb ending which denotes the verb’s conjugation and the formality level at which you are writing (or speaking). I prefer handwriting because typing in Korean is very difficult because I don’t have a bilingual keyboard. I had used one on occasion in Korea at a PCbang, but still I typed almost entirely in English. I am more comfortable typing on my phone in Korean where I can quickly change my display keyboard to Korean, and I have started to be able to memorize the placement of the various letters on the keyboard as well. I think knowing that Korean is an SOV language makes writing easier because I can think in terms of my nouns first and then the verb fits more neatly at the end of the sentence, rather than in French where the conjugation of verbs is challenging because of the relation to the subject and the words which follow afterwards. However, Korean particles of course present a continuous challenge in writing because I often don’t know which one to use and it slows me down. I attached an old verb worksheet as an example of writing I have done. (ignore the vous "n'êtes pas intelligente" s'il vous plaît)

I have worked a lot on fluidity for some time now and I can see that I have improved quite a bit. Lately, however, we've been learning slang terms and trending words in Korean. It's pretty fun learning about it because it makes me feel like I'm from Korea. In order to learn, we've been utilizing a lot of videos to see the circumstances of which the terms are used in order to be able to understanding the meanings. It's been an interesting experience because even my language partner himself was learning new terms as well. Since we are both not from Korea, it's sort of a learning experience for both of us which is cool. 

Once we watch videos and have a better understanding, we try to use the terms in day to day conversations and I've got to say, I feel a little cool using the new terms because I am still expanding my vocabulary arsenal. I think that watching videos and seeing conversations happen in front of our eyes is very helpful in learning and understanding Korean. I hope to work towards being able to use these new terms naturally and not need to think about what to say. I think that expanding my vocabulary can also help with speaking proficiently and with fluidity, so it's like an accumulative learning experience. 

Ancient Korea is probably not a very well known to many people compared to Ancient Greece, Rome, China, Egypt, etc. But I assure you that if anything it’s just as interesting or dare I say even more so. One of the better understood periods of time in Ancient Korea is the 삼국시대 (Three Kingdom period, 57 BC – 668 AD). The period was made up of the 3 kingdoms: Gogoryeo, Baekje, and Silla. This period saw significant political rivalries, military conflicts, and cultural developments between the 3 states. Goguryeo, in the north, emerged as a powerful kingdom known for its military prowess. Baekje, in the southwest, prospered through maritime trade and cultural exchange. Silla, in the southeast, eventually unified the peninsula later under its rule after forming alliances and defeating its rivals. This period marked the beginning of true (kind of modern) Korean history as it’s where most of present day Korea’s cultural and social influences originated. 

The weaker of the 3 nations was no doubt Baekje, but it still had very interesting developments. One of which were the tombs, specifically the Tomb of 무령왕 (King Muryeong) the 25th King of Baeke. The tomb is one of the most studied archaeological finds in Korea because of how preserved it is, and therefore is a major contributor to studying the Baekje kingdom. 

The tomb was actually found when nearby tombs were being drained, and the tomb itself was also untouched by anyone since the king and queen were buried there nearly 1500 years before. The tomb also has a lot of Chinese influences, such as the placement of the king and queen in the east and west parts respectively. However, the tomb was placed in the south which was different from Chinese practices of placing them in the north. This indicates a divergence from Chinese influences which was what much of the 3 kingdoms were influenced by. The tomb itself of course contains a lot of jewelry and possessions of the king and queen. Most famously, it contains the two crowns/diadems for the king and queen (금제관식). The crowns were the first crowns found for the Baekje kingdom, making them extensively studied.

As mentioned before, the tomb was the first tomb found to be untouched by any robbers since the burial of their respective royalties. This makes the tomb very valuable in studying the Baekje kingdom to understand its cultural and political landscape so far in the past. Furthermore, the artifacts and jewelry found within the tomb also follow traditions and designs found in ancient China and Buddhism. Much of thee ancient Korean states were actually Buddhist, showing that the Buddhist origin can be traced as far back as the 3 Kingdoms period and ultimately China.

Tomb Exterior

Tomb Interior

Royal Diadems

For my cultural inquiry, I’ve been looking at both fictional and biographical narratives of CODAs (children of Deaf adults). I’d heard great reviews of the 2021 film CODA with one of my favorite Deaf actresses, Marlee Matlin. All Deaf characters are portrayed by Deaf actors, and the use of ASL is prolific in the film.

As a daughter of two Deaf parents, Ruby is often responsible for interpreting. Her parents work as fishermen within a hearing community. The family finds themselves in internal conflict as Ruby debates whether to stay home and help the business or, ironically, to pursue her passion for music in college. Her parents understand the importance of her independence and passion while recognizing their inability to function without a means to communicate with the broader fishing community. In a particularly tense moment, they lose their fishing licenses after not being able to hear sirens.

Despite their inability to connect through music, they continue to show up in support of their daughter, ultimately encouraging her as she’s accepted into music school. Some of their employees learn sign, and they are able to communicate without relying on their daughter.

The Deaf community’s reception to the film was varied, with casting and complexity of characters being praised. There was also great excitement around seeing Deaf representation on such a major scale. As we know, representation is only the beginning, and inaccuracies surrounding the CODA experience were critiqued. Creative liberties, for example, that Ruby was studying music, felt trite and derogatory to some Deaf viewers. Times in which Ruby was expected to interpret were also unrealistic, particularly when she is asked to interpret in a medical setting.

From an ASL perspective, it’s lovely to watch the subtle differences in how the Deaf and hearing actors sign, with the latter being a bit more formulaic and relying less on syntactic features found in ASL but not English.

At the end of the day, this film stands more so as a testament to Deaf acting than as an accurate portrayal of the CODA experience, but I enjoyed watching it with a critical lens.

Traditional bathhouses are an essential part of South Korean culture. One type of traditional Korean bathhouse is also known as 찜질방 (jjimjilbang), which directly translates to heated rooms. The history of jjimjilbang culture can be traced back centuries to traditional Korean bathhouses, which played an important role in maintaining hygiene and promoting communal well-being. Over time, these bathhouses evolved to include better amenities, such as saunas and relaxation areas. Sauna culture has been a part of Korean society for thousands of years, with early records dating back to the Goguryeo period (37 BC - 668 AD).

Upon entering a jjimjilbang, visitors are typically greeted with gender-segregated bathing areas equipped with tubs, saunas, and showers. Beyond these facilities, jjimjilbangs offer lounging areas, sleeping rooms, fitness facilities, and dining areas serving Korean snacks and refreshments. A popular snack combination includes hard-boiled eggs, often cooked within the saunas, accompanied by sikhye, a traditional fermented rice drink.

The main amenities offered in jjimjilbangs include hot and cold sauna rooms, each providing distinct benefits such as relaxation, stress relief, and health restoration for both body and mind. These sauna rooms often feature unique themes or elements tailored to enhance the overall experience. Typically, a variety of rooms with different temperatures are available to accommodate guests' preferences and desired level of relaxation. The walls of these sauna rooms are often adorned with natural materials like wood, minerals, crystals, stones, and metals, enriching the ambiance and aroma to create an authentic atmosphere. These materials are chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their traditional medicinal properties, which contribute to the therapeutic environment within the rooms. For instance, one such room is the mineral salt dry sauna, where Himalayan salt is utilized for its benefits such as improved lung function, weight loss, detoxification, and hormone balance. These dry saunas represent just a few examples of the diverse offerings found in jjimjilbangs.

When visiting a Korean sauna or jjimjilbang, it is essential to observe certain cultural customs and rules. Firstly, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering the facility and wear the provided uniform or robe inside. In communal areas, such as saunas and bathing areas, it is important to maintain modesty and respect others' privacy by keeping towels or robes on. Additionally, it's customary to shower thoroughly before entering the baths or saunas to ensure cleanliness. While inside the saunas, it is common to rotate between different temperatures and types of saunas for maximum relaxation and health benefits. Finally, it is important to clean up after yourself and follow any specific rules or guidelines posted within the facility to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

In conclusion, the jjimjilbang culture of Korea represents more than just a place to bathe. It embodies a holistic approach to well-being, socialization, and community bonding. With its rich history, diverse amenities, and widespread popularity, the jjimjilbang continues to play a vital role in the fabric of Korean society, offering a place of relaxation and rejuvenation for generations to come.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/first-time-korean-bathhouse 

https://travel-stained.com/jjimjilbang-korean-bathhouse-guide/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jjimjilbang

Today I explored Peggy Gou who has carved out a significant hole in the electronic music scene with her innovative blend of house, disco, and techno, all while infusing elements of her South Korean heritage into her music. This fusion has catapulted her to global fame, and her track "It Goes Like" is a perfect example of her emersion in melding catchy melodies with vibrating beats to engage listeners globally. The absence of what some may call “traditional vocals”, a landmark of numerous of Gou's songs, alongside the song's infectious beat, expertly crafted synth patterns, and dynamic bassline, underscore "It Goes Like" as my preferred track from her discography. The song's structured progression and recurring catchy hooks show Gou's talent for harmonizing disparate electronic music styles into a smooth and groundbreaking sound reflective of her cultural roots. Gou's status as a popular Asian female DJ in the worldwide electronic music lense lends cultural significance to her work, including "It Goes Like," which, while not explicitly referencing South Korean culture exactly, but symbolizes a break from industry norms traditionally dominated by men. Her work blends her musical and cultural influences, shaping the way for the upcoming generations of musicians and broadening the display of Asian artists in the EDM scene. To me, "It Goes Like" is more than just music; it's an immersive experience. Its ability to uplift, and transport its audience to a place of musical euphoria speaks volumes about Gou's artistic vision. Beyond enriching the auditory taste, this track, and her entire discography, provide a window into the synthesis of cultures through the universal pathway of music. Given its instrumental nature, "It Goes Like" shifts the focus from lyrical analysis to the exploration of the emotions and feelings evoked by the music itself. The track's lively beat and vibrant energy may be interpreted as manifestations of liberty, happiness, and the transformative power of music, inviting listeners to delve into their personal interpretations and connect emotionally with the piece. This aspect demonstrates the profound communicative potential of instrumental music, capable of communicating messages as effectively as lyrical pieces. My engagement with "It Goes Like" has significantly enriched my appreciation for the diversity of electronic music to express emotions, challenge societal norms, and celebrate cultural diversity. Peggy Gou's "It Goes Like" stands as a perfect testament to the influential role of electronic music in shaping cultural and emotional landscapes, serving as a mountain of innovation and inclusivity in the musical world.

The traditional Korean tea ceremony, known as 다도 (Dado), is actually something completely novel to me. This cultural artifact is not just a ritual but a philosophical journey, emphasizing mindfulness, respect, and the art of sharing, so I wanted to investigate such a profound practice that I had never even heard of as a Korean-American. 

The Korean tea ceremony is a testament to the subtlety and depth of Korean tradition, rooted in Buddhist practices and the Confucian principles of respect and humility. Unlike its Japanese counterpart, which can appear similar, the Korean tea ceremony is less rigid, focusing more on the natural ebbs and flows and the intrinsic beauty of the tea-making process. It is a meditative practice that encourages one to slow down and appreciate the moment, reflecting the Korean philosophical concept of 정 (jeong) with the person partaking with you — a deep-seated affection and empathy towards others that I briefly explored previously.

Dado is steeped in history, tracing back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), where tea was regarded as a medicinal beverage and a symbol of nobility and refinement. However, it was during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) that tea culture flourished, embedding itself into the fabric of Korean society. The tea ceremony was not only a social ritual but also a spiritual exercise, aiming to harmonize the mind, body, and soul. The setting for these ceremonies is often as important as the ritual itself, with tea rooms and gardens designed to reflect the natural beauty and tranquility of the Korean landscape, encouraging a connection with nature. Central to the ceremony is the preparation and sharing of tea, made from carefully selected leaves and served in beautiful, often handmade, ceramic ware. Each element of the ceremony, from the choice of tea utensils to the precise movements involved in serving tea, is imbued with symbolism and meaning. The meticulous preparation of the tea, including the temperature of the water and the steeping time, is considered an art form, reflecting the dedication and skill of the tea master.

Through my exploration of the Korean tea ceremony, I have learned not only about the historical and cultural significance of tea in Korea but also about the values of patience, attention to detail, and the importance of living harmoniously with nature. These values resonate deeply with the Korean ethos and are reflected in the language and expressions used to describe the tea ceremony and its elements, and although I thought it was a more esoteric practice today, a mere vestige of past practices, I did learn that it is still well-known today.

When I go abroad to Yonsei this fall, participating in a tea ceremony is a clear bucket list item for me––partly due to its novelty and its significance. As I continue my journey of language acquisition, the insights gained from studying the tea ceremony have enriched my understanding of Korean culture and have provided a source of inspiration and reflection in my daily life. I did know some tea-related words prior to my perfunctory research, however, these were primarily just the names of teas rather than the instruments, concepts, and adjectives associated with tea making. 

Koreans cherish a plethora of festivals and holidays throughout the year, each deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions and cultural values. These celebrations offer a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Korean heritage. Let's delve into a few notable Korean festival customs:

Seollal (Lunar New Year): Seollal stands as a cornerstone of Korean tradition, marking the beginning of the lunar calendar with festivities that resonate with familial warmth and reverence. Families come together to honor their ancestors, partake in sumptuous feasts featuring traditional delicacies like tteokguk (rice cake soup), and exchange heartfelt well wishes. A poignant moment unfolds as children perform the sebae, a respectful bow to their elders, receiving blessings and tokens of prosperity in return. Immerse yourself in the solemn beauty of the sebae ritual through this captivating video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lblXfHG9mdE

Chuseok (Harvest Moon Festival): Chuseok paints a picturesque scene of gratitude and abundance as Koreans gather to celebrate the autumn harvest. Families embark on a journey back to their ancestral hometowns, where they pay homage to their forebears with elaborate memorial rituals and offerings of food. Amidst the festivities, folk games add a playful charm to the occasion, while moonlit strolls offer an opportunity to bask in the splendor of the full moon. Step into the joyous realm of Chuseok celebrations through this captivating photo album showcasing traditional games and activities: https://blog.naver.com/koreaculturecenter/221825371230

Buddha's Birthday: A moment of reverence descends upon Korea as devotees come together to commemorate the birth of Buddha. Temples come alive with the soft glow of lanterns, beckoning pilgrims to partake in spiritual contemplation and prayer. The Lotus Lantern Festival takes center stage, adorning the streets with a dazzling array of themed lanterns and vibrant floats, a testament to the enduring spirit of Buddhist teachings.

These festivals serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Korean culture, weaving together threads of ancestral reverence, gratitude for nature's bounty, and the profound teachings of Buddhism. 

   In my learning journal #3 I want to reflect a little bit more on my Hungarian grammar learning progress, more specifically on the past tense, in Hungarian - múlt idő. Chapter 4 in MagyarOK A2+ book is completely devoted to the past tense topic even though some of the basic explanations and rules came up earlier in the book. However, I believe that past tense in Hungarian is one of the most challenging grammar topics because of all the verb conjugations,  various cases, and spelling complexities it involves in itself. Now, let’s dive a little deeper into this topic, and new rules that I have learnt in the past couple of weeks:

There are two main ways to form the past tense in Hungarian: definite conjugation and indefinite conjugation.

First, let’s look into the definite conjugation. This type of conjugation is used when the subject and the direct object of the sentence are known and specified.

• To form the past tense for regular verbs, you typically add a suffix to the verb stem according to the specific conjugation pattern. For example:
  • “Szeret” (to love) → “Szeretett” (loved)
  • “Ír” (to write) → “Írt" (wrote)
• Some verbs have irregular conjugations in the past tense, so you need to memorize their forms. For example:
  • “Van” (to be) → “Volt” (was)
  • “Megy” (to go) → “Ment” (went)

Secondly, indefinite conjugation is used when the subject or the direct object of the sentence is not known or specified.

• In indefinite conjugation, you typically add a different set of suffixes to the verb stem. For example:
  • “Szeretni” (to love) → “Szeretett” (loved)
  • “Írni” (to write) → “Írt” (wrote)
• Irregular verbs still have irregular conjugations in the indefinite past tense. For example:
  • “Van” (to be) → “Volt” (was)
  • “Megy” (to go) → “Ment” (went)

Thirdly, it is important to mention that the endings of the past tense forms change based on whether the subject is first, second, or third person, and whether it is singular or plural.

Below are the basic endings for regular past tense conjugation:

• First person singular: -tem/-tem
• Second person singular: -tél/-tél
• Third person singular: -ett/-ott/-ött
• First person plural: -tünk/-tünk
• Second person plural: -tetek/-tetek
• Third person plural: -ttek/-ttek

And for irregular verbs, you need to memorize their specific past tense forms as they don’t follow a regular pattern… That is what I am currently doing. It is a very interesting but at the same time very challenging topic. I hope you enjoyed learning about the past tense in the Hungarian language :) More to come!

   For my cultural post #3, I have decided to write about the Memorial Day of the 1848 Revolution which is celebrated in Budapest on March 15th and is considered one of the big national holidays. While brainstorming the topics I can write about in this post, I realized that, unfortunately, I do not know much history, or background about such an important event in the history of Hungary. So, this made me browse through and read different articles, and webpages that can give me more in-depth information and knowledge regarding this topic. Here is what I learned.

   As I already said, the Memorial Day of the 1848 Revolution refers to one of the most significant events in Hungarian history that commemorates the revolution against the Habsburg monarchy and the fight for independence and freedom, which occurred in 1848 and 1849. “This revolution was part of the wider wave of revolutionary movements that swept across Europe in 1848, often referred to as the ‘Springtime of Nations’” (Wikipedia). Various grievances such as political oppression, social inequality, and economic hardship contributed to and fielded the revolution in Hungary. “Inspired by nationalist and liberal ideals, Hungarians sought greater autonomy from the Austrian Empire, which was ruled by the Habsburgs. The revolution began on March 15, 1848, when a peaceful demonstration in Pest (now part of Budapest) escalated into a full-fledged revolt. The demands of the revolutionaries included the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, civil liberties, and Hungarian independence within a federated Habsburg Empire” (Wikipedia). Unfortunately for Hungarians, the revolution faced stiff opposition from the Habsburg monarchy, which managed to maintain control over its territories. “And despite valiant resistance by Hungarian forces, the revolution was eventually crushed by the combined Austrian and Russian armies. The Hungarian leaders were captured, and many were executed or imprisoned. The defeat of the revolution resulted in the restoration of Austrian control over Hungary and the imposition of repressive policies, including the abolition of the Hungarian Constitution and the suppression of Hungarian culture and language” (Wikipedia).

   Even though this was a very tragic period for the Hungarian nation, the Memorial Day of the 1848 Revolution holds significant importance in Hungarian national consciousness. It serves as a reminder of the Hungarian people’s struggle for freedom and independence and their enduring spirit of resistance against oppression. Various official ceremonies are held across the country, typically beginning with the raising of the Hungarian flag. These ceremonies often take place in prominent public spaces, including squares and government buildings. Luckily enough I was able to be in Budapest on March 15th, 2019 when I witnessed how important the Memorial Day celebration is for the Hungarian nation. Also, different processions and parades are held in cities and towns across Hungary, with participants carrying national flags, banners, and symbols of Hungarian patriotism. As I remember one of the biggest parades was passing through the Parliament and onto the riverside until the Chain Bridge; I enjoyed watching these people, and I felt like I was even a part of such a historic and important event. And of course, families and communities are actively engaged in the celebration, they come together to spend the holiday through social gatherings, picnics, and festive meals. A lot of traditional Hungarian foods and drinks are served on the markets. In my opinion, goulash is the best :)

   I hope you enjoyed reading my cultural post, and that you have learned something new and useful about one of the major Hungarian national holidays - the Memorial Day of the 1848 Revolution! I am going to include a collage of pictures below in which you can see some of the most famous locations in Budapest where the main celebrations took place. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_Revolution_of_1848

A key staple to Korean cuisine is the idea of banchans, also known as “side dishes” or “appetizers,” that are set at the middle of the table alongside the main course. Therefore, I wanted to delve into the origins of banchan and how it has evolved throughout the years.

Banchan dates back to the mid-Three Kingdom period, around the 300s AD. The reason is due to the large influence of Buddhism in which meat consumption was highly discouraged. In addition to Buddhism, due to the mountains and cold winters, Korea was not able to produce large amounts of vegetables, therefore the citizens would store vegetables in pots. By doing so, they were able to ferment them and have food available for the winter, creating kimchi. Banchan has also been served to the king during the Joseon Dynasty with a traditional cuisine called hanshik. The flavors in this cuisine were very mild and refined, served with 12 banchan side dishes.

One important part of banchan is the familial aspect of it. For example, there is something called kimjang, which is a kimchi-preparation event, where large amounts of kimchi is laid out so all members of the family can work on it. The event provides the chance for everyone to come together and participate. Parents would also prepare kimchi to give out to their children as a token of affection.

Originally, kimchi was served in water and at the time, radish was the main vegetable used. Besides kimchi, there are also other popular banchans that people make. These include bean sprouts, cucumbers, and sesame leaves pickled in soy sauce. In more high end Korean restaurants, they would even serve egg rolls, tteokbokki, and ganjang gejang. The dishes offered are similar to those that would be served at home so customers feel more welcomed and comfortable. Restaurants take great pride with their banchas since it is the best way to ensure customers are satisfied by their meal. In restaurants, the customer has free refills of banchan, so when it’s all eaten, you simply have to ask for more. The reason behind this is due to the fact that banchan was cheaper than rice during difficult times in the economy such as the Korean war. It was expensive to give refills of rice, but to make sure the customer was full, they offered a second round of the side dishes. Therefore, it is very rare to have to pay for these dishes since the idea of banchan being free has been ingrained in Korean society. 

In addition to the idea of free refills, there is also the relationship customers create with the owners of the restaurants, especially those owned by an “emo,” or auntie in korean. This helps create a nice and comfortable atmosphere. Nowadays, there are restaurants that have a self-service system so the customers are the ones to choose how much of banchan they want to eat. This also helps reduce the burden on the staff since they would have made the dishes in bulk. Overall, the origins of banchan is pretty interesting and it is fascinating to see how there is so much history on Korea’s famous side dishes. 

Last weekend, I watched this Korean show called Physical 100. It is about 100 competitors competing to win the title of "best physique" in Korea. I noticed that there were a couple competitors who weren't Korean, but spoke the language fluently. I can notice that they have an accent, but can understand everything being spoken. However, this one competitor was reading a sign in Korean and he had some trouble reading it. I thought that this was pretty interesting because this shows that there are multiple aspects of being fluent in a language. I thought that this resonated with me because I also have an American accent when speaking Korean although I can speak the language almost fluently. However when it comes to reading and writing, I'm not as fluent as I speak. I'm able to speak for the most part without unnatural breaks, but when it comes to reading, I read fairly slow and sometimes pause because I'm going too fast. Writing is my weakest point as I sometimes misspell words and need to make sure I spelled the words right before sending a text.

To work on these weaknesses, I am practicing reading and writing a lot to not only be fluent, but also proficient because I would say I'm only proficient and fluent in speaking. I may be criticizing myself a bit harshly, but I just want to able to communicate competently in every aspect of Korean. There is a stereotype for Korean Americans born in the United States to not be able to speak Korean or speak it well, so I want to break that stereotype for myself. Currently, we are working on these weaknesses of mine and I have to say, I am improving little by little. I thought it was pretty interesting to see someone with similar weaknesses as me in Korean.

A law was passed recently to allow the police to release mugshots/pictures of perpetrators/individuals charged with crime - bringing about both positive and negative effects. Unlike America, where mugshot records are publicly available, in Korea, these mugshots have been blurred/censored in media, sometimes even only referring to the person as their last name, such as Mr. Kim or Ms. Park. By doing so, the government protects the identity of the perpetrator as one of their given rights, but this has raised many concerns. What happens when said perpetrator escapes or is released, only to commit another crime? How can the public population be aware of such criminal identities if they don't have any information about the criminal? 

Of course, these are extreme scenarios. Certain procedures mean information about the suspect can be released to the public/press, given the right conditions. However, the laws upholding the privacy of the criminal have often hindered the release of information to the public, resulting in minimal effects. There have been numerous serial crimes in the past couple decades in which controversy had sparked from the lack of disclosures on suspects to the public, raising extreme concerns. There are and has been a subset of people who remain advocates for the privacy of the perpetrator, of course to a certain extent, as this issue has to do with violating one's human rights.

I believe this issue is heavily intertwined with the culture in Korea, or Asian countries in general. Crime rates in Eastern Asia are especially low in comparison to the West - laws inhibiting guns, stricter drug controls, etc. definitely contribute to this, but a greater inhibiting factor is social perception and culture. Perhaps a reason Korea can afford to protect the identity of their perpetrators is the lower crime rates, but what ends up happening in such suppressive cultures is the emergence of extreme ciminals. Korea is a heavily collectivist culture, compared to the West which is heavily individualistic. A collectivist culture places emphasis on the connections between an individual and their family, and their society as a whole. The group is much more important as a whole, rather than one's individualistic gains/needs. This, combined with your common negative social perception of crime, is quite the repressor, as committing a crime is much more consequential to your family, friends, community, etc., in terms of identity, shame, etc. Committing a crime isn't doesn't just bring about legal repercussions, it also paints you as a shameful entity of society.

With the new law, people hope that the public remains safer thanks to better divulgement of information. The bill itself was passed unanimously, voted in 215-0 in favor of passing. This says a lot about the previous practice, and while this has sparked the debate between privacy and transparency, hopefully it creates a positive outcome.

As far as my four areas I wanted to explore as a way to practice Korean and engage with the culture I am only really succeeding in the area related to gaming. I have been forced to engage with Korean daily due to my video game clients being in Korean, and despite not knowing what I am reading all the time it does make me sound things out, and try to comprehend what I am reading. I have been incorporating the IPA sometimes when I am thinking about sounds in Korean. Especially vowels when I am comparing how a similar vowel in English is different on the IPA vowel chart. I think I need to put more effort into the grammatical areas of Korean specifically. The song breakdown idea in my learning plan hasn’t really been explored yet, but it would present a good opportunity to engage with the grammar and spelling of a lot of unique words and phrases, and then when I listen to those songs it can better stick in my mind as I can translate and think about what I am listening to. As far as the cultural aspect is concerned I can’t say I am learning too much more than I already know from living there. I am enjoying some of the preliminary research on the research presentation I am planning to do on Korean E-sports. I definitely emphasize pragmatic competences in my learning so far because I have been exposed to a lot of abbreviations, niche lingo, and even Korean adapted English words and phrases. All of this has helped me get a better handle on some of the cultural references and how different tones and patterns of speech are employed based on the social circumstances.