Blogs

Spring 2024 SDLC112

Cultural Post  #3

한옥 “Hanok”

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

한옥 “Hanok” refers to traditional Korean houses, known for their unique architectural style and cultural significance. These houses have been a staple of Korean architecture for centuries, embodying the principles of harmony with nature, functional efficiency, and social hierarchy. 

Hanok houses are typically single-story structures with a floor plan that follows the natural contours of the land. They are often L-shaped or square, with rooms arranged around a central courtyard called a madang. The layout is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation while providing privacy and security. 마루 “Maru” is an architectural element of Hanok that was developed to adapt to the heat. Maru is a space on the floor made of wood that allows a pleasant summer by allowing the air to pass through without the moisture from the floor. In addition, the floor is used as a place to connect multiple rooms or store things.

The roof of a Hanok determines the impression of a Hanok, whose beauty comes from its sleek curves. The 

naturally raised curves of Hanoks preserve their classical beauty compared to the straight roof shapes found in traditional Chinese and Japanese architecture. Gently curved Hanok roofs are made of traditional materials such as 한지 hanji (Korean paper) or clay tiles. The eaves of the roof extend outward to provide shade and protection from the elements, creating a distinctive silhouette. 

One important feature of Hanok houses is the 온돌 ondol, a traditional Korean underfloor heating system. Heated by a wood-burning stove, the ondol system circulates hot air through channels under the floor, providing warmth during the cold Korean winters. The ondol system is still used even today in apartments. It was a very efficient and effective system because it could solve heating and cooking at the same time. Traditional ondol was changed to boiling water with the boilers.

Hanok houses reflect traditional Korean beliefs and values. For example, the layout of the house often reflects Confucian ideals of social hierarchy, with the most important rooms located closer to the main entrance. Also, people believed that harmony with nature was important. Hanok houses are typically constructed using wood and earth materials such as clay, straw, and stone from the surrounding environment. These natural materials help regulate indoor temperature and humidity, contributing to a comfortable living environment. 

While traditional Hanok houses have been preserved in some parts of Korea, many have been adapted to modern living standards. The main problems with Hanok houses were uncomfortable facilities, challenging maintenance, and high costs for building. Modern Hanok houses may incorporate contemporary amenities such as electricity, plumbing, and insulation while preserving the traditional architectural elements and aesthetics. Recently, Hanok houses are used for different purposes rather than to live. Main purposes are using them as places for restaurants, cafes, museums, and more. There are also hotels and accommodations that offer the concept of Hanok. If you have a chance to visit Korea, I recommend you to visit Hanok Village in Bukchon, Seoul or Gyeongju. 

Hanok houses are not just architectural structures but living representations of Korean culture and history. They continue to be cherished and preserved as valuable cultural heritage sites, providing a glimpse into Korea's traditional way of life.

Korean Sources

https://www.hanokdb.kr/theology/sub_01#:~:text=%ED%95%9C%EC%98%A5%EC%9D%98%20%EA%B8%B0%EC%9B%90%EC%9D%80%20%EA%B8%B0%EC%9B%90%EC%A0%84,%ED%98%95%EC%9C%BC%EB%A1%9C%20%EB%B6%84%ED%99%94%ED%95%98%EA%B2%8C%20%EB%90%98%EC%97%88%EB%8B%A4.

https://hanok.seoul.go.kr/front/kor/info/infoHanok.do?tab=1

English Sources

https://www.gongju.go.kr/hanok/sub06_01_01.do 

Spring 2024 SDLC112

Monthly Learning Journal #3

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

My language partners and I continued watching the Korean drama A Killer Paradox on Netflix. The third episode starts with Yeo-ok, the blind woman’s story. When she was young, she was hanging out with the wrong friends. They were not properly functioning at a place with coal gas. Someone lit up a lighter to smoke, and there was a big fire. Yeo-ok got herself burned around her left eye. She also signed up for eight different insurances for her aunt and uncle who raised her. Then she killed them by herself. She did it not because of money, but because of her nature and vanity. 

Detective Jang Nan-gam meets Yeo-ok’s cousin, who wrote the story of Yeo-ok on the internet. She told him that Yeo-ok poured boiling water on her face with a smiley face. Detective Jang Nan-gam heads to Jaejun’s funeral, but gets facked in the face by Jaejun’s mother because he was asking questions. Detective Jang Nan-gam already knew that Jaejun was a perpetrator before becoming a victim. Years ago Jaejun and his other friend raped Kang Yeon-seo, a middle school girl. A month later, she suicide by jumping off on sixth floor. Detective Jang Nan-gam says that there is no perpetrator or victim because every human being is the same. He goes back to the convenience store and figures out that Lee Tang was not showing up after he got payment in advance and interacted with Yeo-ok. While Lee Tang was at home, he got a petition through a registered mail by his former boss. 

Another detective visits Kang Yeon-seo’s father Kang Sang-muk’s house. Kang Sang-muk says that he killed the high school students to get revenge for his daughter. He said that they deserve to die. He gets arrested and investigated at the police station. However, detective Jang Nan-gam figures out that his statement and the evidence do not match. Kang Sang-muk gets hit by a car while leaving the police station. 

Lee Tang eventually decides to turn himself in. He packs the money and all of the evidence in his bag. However, thieves steal his bag, take the money, and throw away the bag and evidence into a river. At the hospital, Kang Sang-muk recognizes Lee Tang because Kang Sang-muk was planning to kill the high school students with the help from unknown figure, OnlyForHEROES on telegram. It is the same one who left a note for Lee Tang in the last episode. Detective Jang Nan-gam feels something suspicious, but Kang Sang-muk suicides by overusing sleeping pills. Lee Tang ran away to find the unknown figure. His mother and sister visits his place, but there was only a lifeless house and a note by Lee Tang that he was quietly leaving. 

During the three episodes, Lee Tang killed several people, but they all eventually deserved getting killed from different people’s perspectives. I’m looking forward to how Lee Tang will react to his actions after knowing all of them deserved getting killed from different people’s perspectives.

Spring 2024 SDLC112

Cultural Post #2

서예 "Seoye"

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

서예 “Seoye" is the Korean term for traditional Korean calligraphy. It is an art form that involves writing characters, often using 한자 “hanja” (Chinese characters) or 한글 “hangul” the Korean alphabet, in a visually expressive and aesthetically pleasing manner. It is valued not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its ability to convey meaning and emotion through the written word. Seoye is deeply rooted in Korean culture and has been practiced for centuries. Since hanja was introduced to Korea during the Go-joseon dynasty, it is estimated that Seoye has a history of over 2,000 years.  

Seoye is not just about writing words or characters; it is also about conveying the emotions, thoughts, and personality of the calligrapher through the strokes and style of the writing. Calligraphers often use different brushes, ink, and paper to create various effects and styles. The beauty of Seoye lies in its simplicity, elegance, and ability to capture the essence of the written words.

Calligraphers use special tools, including different types of brushes, ink, inkstone, and paper. They use brushes or pens made of animal hair or synthetic fibers. 먹 “mok,” the ink is usually made from charcoal or pine soot. Inkstone is used to grind the ink stick and mix it with water. Seoye paper is often made from mulberry tree fibers.

There are several styles of Seoye, each with its own characteristics and rules. For Korean, there are 판본체 panbonche, 판본 필서체 panbon pealseoche, and 궁서체 gungsuhche. 판본체 has thick lines with relatively more space between each characters. 판본 필서체 has thick lines but with sharp edges. 궁서체 has relatively thin lines with sharp edges, looking more relaxed. These styles are determined by the emphasis on the brushwork. Calligraphers use various pressure and speed to create different effects. The brushstrokes are often bold and expressive, conveying the emotions of the calligrapher.

Seoye follows aesthetic principles such as balance, harmony, and rhythm. Calligraphers strive to achieve a harmonious composition of characters, with each stroke contributing to the overall beauty of the piece. Seoye often incorporates meaningful phrases, poems, or proverbs, reflecting Korean cultural values and beliefs. The choice of words and the way they are written can convey deeper meanings and emotions.

Seoye has been an important part of Korean culture for centuries, used in various contexts such as official documents, religious texts, and artistic expression. It is considered a form of meditation and self-cultivation, with calligraphers often practicing for years to master the art. This is why parents often make their children learn Seoye if they need to develop their patience and concentration. 

Overall, seoye is a beautiful and intricate art form that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Korea. Seoye has been used in various ways, including as a form of communication, as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage, and as a way to cultivate one's mind and spirit. Today, seoye is still practiced and appreciated in Korea, both as a traditional art form and as a means of artistic expression.

Korean Sources

https://m.cafe.daum.net/callipia/JsS/2593?listURI=%2Fcallipia%2FJsS 

https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0027937 

English Sources

https://thekrazemag.com/latest-updates/2022/1/2/korean-calligraphy-seoye-the-art-of-writing-hangul 

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220804000746 

Spring 2024 SDLC112

Monthly Learning Journal #2

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

My language partners and I continued watching the Korean drama A Killer Paradox on Netflix. The second episode starts with the surrounding situations and people around the main characters murder college student Lee Tang and detective Jang Nan-gam. Detective Jang Nan-gam visits his father who is ill and laying down at a hospital. By looking at him having arguments with his mother, it seems like he does not have the best relationship with his parents. Meanwhile, Lee Tang goes to church with his mother. She kept nagging him about school and Working Holiday. As soon as other church members approached her, she started to brag about her daughter getting married and her son going on a Working Holiday. 

When Lee Tang was working at the convenience store, the blind woman entered the store and told Lee Tang to give him a pack of cigarettes and 2 million won (around $1,518.66). Lee Tang was confused and acted like he did not know her. However, it turned out that only one of her eyes was blind and she could still see. Lee Tang did not even have one-tenth of the amount she asked. He gathers money from every bank and he even receives his part-time job payment in advance. He is so busy and pressured, so he does not take his midterms.  Lee Tang gets invited to the women’s house. She suggests a deal of keeping Lee Tang’s crime as a secret and giving back the hammer if Lee Tang gives her 2 million won every month. Lee Tang says it is unfair and tries to get away with the hammer, but she threatens him with his personal information about his family and own dreams. Lee Tang acts like he was listening to her, but eventually kills her with the same hammer.

After a while, a milkman reports to the police that she was murdered. The police investigate her house and look for clues, but everything was erased because of the guide dog’s saliva. Instead, they found two full bodies of skeletons buried in her backyard. 

Lee Tang felt very guilty after killing the man in the first episode and the woman a few days ago. He almost tried to kill himself, but his friend Kyung-hwan visited Lee Tang. However, Lee Tang ended up fighting with his friend who even forgave his mistake. 

The highschool students who got nagged by the police in the first episode were drunk and realized one officer was taking the guide dog for a walk. One of the highschool students, Jae-jun, stabs the police officer with a broken alcohol bottle. While they were running away, they met Lee Tang and tried to steal cigarettes from him. However, they ended up getting killed by Lee Tang. The episode ends with Lee Tang receiving a note written ‘text me if you need help.’

I was not expecting the story to progress this fast, but it keeps the audience interested. One Korean term I learned is 가불 (ga-bul), which means receiving payment in advance. Lee Tang uses this to gather money. I wonder if Lee Tang will eventually get caught after several murders.

Spring 2024 SDLC112

Cultural Post #1

태권도 "Taekwondo"

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

Korean martial art 태권도 "Taekwondo" literally means the "art of hand and foot fighting." The name “Taekwondo” is derived from three Korean words. 태 “Tae” means foot or to hit with the foot. 권 “Kwon” means fist or to attack with hand. 도 “Do” means the way or the art. Taekwondo is characterized by its emphasis on kicking techniques, which are often fast, dynamic, and powerful. It also incorporates hand techniques such as punches and blocks, as well as open-handed strikes and throws.

According to a Korean Martial Arts website Sunbae, the origin of Taekwondo is obscured by many thousands of years of Korean history.  The first organized development of Taekwondo martial arts training is thought to be around over 2000 years ago when the Three Kingdoms (Silla, Goguryeo and Baekje) ruled. However, it is estimated that Taekwondo was practiced in a martial art style as far back as 5000 years ago. There were no other options for self defense than bare hands and the body for a weapon, so we assume that bare-hand fighting martial arts originated.

Taekwondo is practiced as a sport, self defense, and as a form of self-improvement. In a typical Taekwondo class, you will learn 품새 “poomsae” (forms or patterns of movements), 겨루기 “kyorugi” (sparring), self-defense techniques, and more.

Taekwondo is known for its various forms or patterns of movements called “poomsae,” which practitioners learn and perform as part of their training. There are 8 series of the first type of “poomsae,” which is Taegeuk 1 to 8. There are 9 series of the second type of “poomsae,” which are Goryeo, Geumgang, Taebaek, Pyongwon, Tenjin, Jitae, Cheonkwon, Hansu, and Ilyeo. There are 17 types of Taekwondo poomsae that are actually practiced.

Taekwondo practitioners also engage in 겨루기 “kyorugi,” which is a type of sparring. It is a controlled competitive practice where practitioners test their skills against an opponent. With appropriate protection and headgear, practitioners aim to score points by landing kicks and punches on their opponent. This is an example of rules for “kyorugi.” Practitioners earn a point if they aim for the opponent’s body and more points if they aim for the opponent's head. If the opponent gets down, they also earn an extra point. If the scores are tied, whoever gets an extra point in the extra time wins. 

Taekwondo is not just a simple physical discipline. The philosophy of Taekwondo emphasizes the importance of respect, humility, perseverance, and self-control. It's not just about physical abilities but also about developing a strong and disciplined mind. Taekwondo is a good way to practice techniques, develop coordination, and improve concentration. This is why a lot of parents in South Korea encourage their children to learn Taekwondo at a young age. 

Korea’s martial arts Taekwondo has finally made its debut as an official sport in the Olympics. Taekwondo, which was an exhibition sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and 1992 Barcelona Olympics, was adopted as an official sport on September 4, 1994

Overall, Taekwondo is a well-rounded martial art that offers both physical and mental benefits, making it popular worldwide for people of all ages. Taekwondo helps people to develop them not only as martial artists but also as individuals. 

태권도 Taekwondo

품새 Poomsae

겨루기 Kyorugi

Korean Sources

https://www.sunbae.net/ 

https://www.koreataekwondo.co.kr/d002 

https://www.koreataekwondo.co.kr/d004 

English Sources

https://www.usatkd.org/v2-getting-started-in-taekwondo/what-is-taekwondo 

Spring 2024 SDLC112

Monthly Learning Journal #1

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

For Spring 2024, I decided to watch the Korean drama A Killer Paradox on Netflix with my language partners. The show is based on a Korean comic on Naver Webtoon with the same title. I was disappointed because the English translation does not possess the full meaning of the Korean title. The original Korean title is 살인자ㅇ난감. You can read it in two different ways, which is 살인자 난감(The killer is panic) or 살인 장난감 (Killing Toy). 장난감(Jang Nan-gam), which means toy, is also the detective’s name in the show. I guess it is a difficult title to translate, but the show gives something else from the title itself.

A Killer Paradox’s main character is Lee Tang. He is an average college student who finished his military service in South Korea. He works part-time at a convenience store and dreams of a Working Holiday in Canada. After his working shift, he meets the drunk people who went to the convenience store again. One man with bad manners was sleeping on the street. Lee Tang tried to wake him up but he was not getting up. Lee Tang meets the other man with good manners and tells him about the other man but he suddenly commits physical violence toward Lee Tang. It reminded Lee Tang of his high school years when he was bullied. Lee Tang accidentally pulled out a hammer that he borrowed from the convenience store to hang a painting at his place and hit the man on his head. Lee Tang used to be shy, calm, and quiet. He realized what he just did and started to panic. There were no surveillance cameras, but a woman who seemed blind with a guide dog passed right by. Lee Tang immediately ran away after she walked away. 

When Lee Tang went back to his place, he felt guilty but still made an alibi using his friend. Detective Jang Nan-gam visits the convenience store and asks several questions to Lee Tang. However, there were no surveillance cameras near the crime scene and a fly covered the convenience store’s surveillance camera when Lee Tang borrowed a hammer. The police arrived to a conclusion that the drunk men killed each other. It seemed like Lee Tang was getting off the suspect line. However, detective Jang Nan-gam was the only one who was still suspecting Lee Tang. 

After a while, it turned out that the man Lee Tang killed was the culprit of the serial murder case in Gangwon-do. Lee Tang and detective Jang Nan-gam were both surprised by this fact. It bothered Lee Tang that he had left a hammer at the scene. The hammer was at the woman’s house, the blind person who passed by the crime scene. 

Even though there were only a few scenes, I could see what a South Korean college student’s life was like. The final outcome might be exaggerated compared to reality, but you can still rarely see drunk people on the subway or on deserted streets. I am looking forward to what will happen during the rest of the show.

Spring 2024 SDLC112

My Learning Plan

David Kim

30262888

david.kim123@richmond.edu

My%20Learning%20Plan%20-%20David%20Kim%20%28Spring%202024%29.docx

During the first half of the semester, I have made good progress with and without my language partner.

I have been consistently meeting my partner once or twice a week to practice Korean conversation. I believe that our learning format was worked very well and is paying dividends. We start every session by simply conversing casually in Korean. I found that this works best when my partner begins by asking simple questions such as 'how is your day going,' 'what did you do this week', and 'what are your plans for the weekend.' I have been getting better at being comfortable with back-and-forth conversations only in Korean. Of course, because my level is still intermediate, I often take long pauses between words to formulate sentences accurately or I end up asking my partner to translate a word or phrase. 

Throughout this conversation, my partner will take notes of new phrases and words for future reference. My partner will also suggest new words and phrases that would enhance my conversational ability. At the end of the lesson, my partner will have me go over the notes and try to make new examples of sentences with the new vocabulary.

In order to improve throughout the week between meetings, I review the notes to try and memorize new words and sentences. My partner will also assign simple homework such as reviewing vocabulary and making new sentences from the notes.

I enjoy our system and believe that it has been a great help for my Korean learning journey. In the future, I would like to also ask my partner to send my 1-2 pieces of Korean media a week for my to enjoy and learn from. For instance, content like Youtube videos or news articles would help me learn Korean on my own time, while also improving my knowledge of Korean culture.

As a Mathematics and Economics double major and a fan of Kpop, I have recently delved into the analysis of how the Kpop industry impacts the global and national economy. This interest was sparked by my reading of a paper titled "Exports driven by Hallyu increasing South Korea's economic growth," which sheds light on the significant contributions of Hallyu products to South Korea's GDP. According to the paper, Hallyu products alone increased South Korea's GDP by $1.87 billion in 2004, and an astounding $12.3 billion in 2019.

The global impact of Kpop on the economy cannot be understated. The rise of Kpop has led to a surge in international interest and consumption of Korean goods and services. Kpop acts have amassed a massive following not only in Asia but also in Europe, the Americas, and beyond. This popularity has created a global market for Korean music, merchandise, concerts, and other related products. As a result, the Kpop industry has become a valuable export for South Korea, contributing significantly to the nation's overall economy.

The economic impact of Kpop is not limited to South Korea alone. Internationally, the popularity of Kpop has led to an increase in tourism to South Korea. Fans from all over the world travel to attend Kpop concerts, fan meetings, and other events, boosting the tourism industry and supporting local businesses. These fans often spend money on accommodations, transportation, food, and merchandise, further stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities.

Moreover, the influence of Kpop extends beyond the music industry. Kpop idols are often chosen as brand ambassadors for various products, ranging from cosmetics and fashion to food and electronics. Their endorsements and collaborations generate substantial revenue for both the idols and the companies they represent. This symbiotic relationship between Kpop and various industries contributes to economic growth on a national and global scale.

Additionally, the Kpop phenomenon has given rise to the "Hallyu wave," a term used to describe the increasing popularity of Korean entertainment and culture worldwide. This wave has led to a greater demand for Korean dramas, movies, fashion, beauty products, and even language education. The export of these Hallyu products has become a significant source of revenue for South Korea, generating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

On a national level, the impact of Kpop on the South Korean economy is undeniable. The success of Kpop acts has resulted in the growth of entertainment companies, creating employment opportunities for artists, producers, choreographers, stylists, and other professionals within the industry. This growth has also led to the development of training academies, concert venues, and production facilities, further fueling economic expansion.

Furthermore, the success of Kpop acts has attracted investment and sponsorship from both domestic and international companies. These partnerships contribute to the overall financial stability of the Kpop industry and provide resources for the production and promotion of music, concerts, and other related ventures. The economic ripple effect of these investments spreads to various sectors, fostering growth and innovation.

In conclusion, the impact of Kpop on the global and national economy is significant and far-reaching. The rise of Kpop has not only created a global market for Korean music and related products but has also stimulated tourism, driven endorsements and collaborations, and fueled the growth of various industries. The economic contributions of Kpop, as highlighted in the paper I read, demonstrate its value as an export and a driver of South Korea's economic growth. As a mathematics major and a Kpop fan, I am intrigued by the intricate connections between this cultural phenomenon and its economic implications, and I look forward to further analysis in this field.

As a Chinese individual, I have always been fascinated by Buddhist temples and their rich history. However, I must admit that it is challenging for me to assert that Korean Buddhist temples are completely authentic artifacts, as they bear a striking resemblance to the temples found in China. To delve deeper into this topic, I began on a journey to discover the differences between Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples, particularly in terms of their site, date, history, size, and utility.

One aspect that stands out when comparing Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples is their site. In China, temples are often situated in serene and picturesque locations, such as mountains or near bodies of water. These sites are chosen for their peaceful and conducive environments, allowing individuals to engage in meditation and contemplation. Similarly, Korean Buddhist temples also emphasize the importance of natural surroundings, but they tend to be located in more remote areas, often nestled amidst mountains and forests. This distinction in site selection reflects the cultural and geographical differences between the two countries.

Regarding the date and history of Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples, it is evident that Buddhism arrived in China earlier than it did in Korea. China has a long and profound history of Buddhist influence, dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). As a result, Chinese Buddhist temples often boast ancient and well-preserved architecture, with some temples having stood for centuries. On the other hand, Buddhism was introduced to Korea during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE-668 CE). Consequently, Korean Buddhist temples, while still holding historical significance, may not possess the same age and historical depth as their Chinese counterparts.

When it comes to size, Chinese Buddhist temples tend to be larger and more grandiose compared to their Korean counterparts. This disparity can be attributed to the vastness of Chinese territory and the strong influence of Buddhism throughout the country's history. Chinese temples often feature multiple halls, pagodas, and expansive courtyards, creating a sense of grandeur and magnificence. In contrast, Korean temples, while still impressive, are generally more compact and smaller in scale. This disparity in size reflects the differences in population density and available land between China and Korea.

In terms of utility, both Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples serve as places of worship and spiritual practice. Chinese temples often serve as cultural and religious centers, attracting visitors and pilgrims from all over the world. They may house valuable artifacts, host important Buddhist ceremonies, and act as educational institutions for Buddhist teachings. Similarly, Korean Buddhist temples fulfill similar functions, providing a space for individuals to engage in meditation, prayer, and study. However, due to the smaller scale of Korean temples, they may have a more intimate and secluded atmosphere, fostering a deeper sense of tranquility and solitude.

As I delve further into the comparison of Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples, I have come to realize that while the architecture in East Asia as a whole is generally assumed to have originated from China and spread from there, Korea has developed its own indigenous style as well. While similarities exist between the two, it is essential to appreciate the unique characteristics and influences that have shaped each country's Buddhist temple tradition.

In conclusion, the exploration of Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples has provided me with a deeper understanding of their similarities and differences. While Chinese temples may possess a longer history, larger scale, and more grandiose architecture, Korean temples have their own distinctive charm and cultural significance. Both countries have contributed to the rich tapestry of Buddhist temple traditions in East Asia, offering individuals a place for spiritual practice, introspection, and connection with the divine.

As I embark on my self-directed language course in Korean, I find online resources to be invaluable in my journey to memorize vocabulary and learn grammar. The convenience and accessibility of these resources allow me to tailor my learning experience to my own pace and preferences.

To memorize Korean vocabulary, I rely on various online tools and platforms. Flashcard applications, such as Anki or Quizlet, have become my go-to resources. These applications allow me to create personalized decks of flashcards with Korean words and their translations in both English and Mandarin. Through spaced repetition algorithms, these apps intelligently schedule the review of flashcards based on my mastery of each word. This technique helps me reinforce and retain vocabulary effectively. 

In addition to flashcards, online vocabulary lists and word banks provide me with an extensive pool of words to explore. Websites and apps dedicated to Korean language learning offer categorized word lists, ranging from basic to advanced levels. I leverage these resources to expand my vocabulary repertoire systematically. The one I used is called howtolearnkorean.com.

Regarding grammar, online resources play a crucial role in my understanding and practice. Websites and online courses dedicated to teaching Korean grammar provide comprehensive explanations, examples, and exercises. I utilize these resources to grasp the fundamental rules and structures of the language in a comprehensible order. The ability to access grammar explanations at any time allows me to review and reinforce my understanding whenever needed. The website mentioned above also provide grammar explanations.

Also, having a language partner who quizzes me on the vocabulary I recite and clears up any confusion I may have about the grammar I learned online would be incredibly beneficial to my language learning journey. This interactive and collaborative approach to learning enhances my understanding and provides an opportunity for practical application of the knowledge I have acquired. During our language exchange sessions, my language partner would test me on the vocabulary I have been memorizing. He would ask me to recall and use the words in various contexts, allowing me to practice and solidify my understanding. Their feedback and corrections would help me refine my pronunciation and usage. My language partner's ability to explain complex grammar concepts in a way that suits my learning style would be crucial. He would break down the rules, provide examples, and patiently guide me through any challenging aspects. His expertise and native-level fluency would ensure that I receive accurate and reliable explanations.

In addition to specific vocabulary and grammar resources, I incorporate authentic online content into my language learning routine. Korean news, blogs, and YouTube channels expose me to real-life language usage. I actively engage with these resources to encounter vocabulary and grammar structures in natural contexts. Immersing myself in authentic content not only enhances my language skills but also deepens my understanding of Korean culture.

Additionally, my language partner's cultural background and firsthand experiences with the language would enrich my learning experience. They can share cultural insights, idiomatic expressions, and colloquial language usage, giving me a more authentic and well-rounded understanding of the Korean language.

Reflecting on the process of discovering learning goals with my language partner and exploring various resources for learning Korean, I am filled with excitement and enthusiasm for the semester ahead. Together, we have delved into examinations on the Korean language, explored different textbooks, websites, and apps, and ultimately identified the goal of this semester's Korean learning: to be able to formulate correct sentences using different tenses and express different purposes using different levels of respect.

This journey of goal-setting and resource exploration has been enlightening and empowering. With the guidance and expertise of my language partner, we have examined sample examinations on Korean language proficiency. These examinations have provided valuable insights into the structure, expectations, and requirements of formal Korean language assessments. By familiarizing myself with the exam format, question types, and grading criteria, I have gained a clearer understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve my language learning goals.

In addition to examinations, we have explored a range of textbooks, websites, and apps dedicated to learning Korean. This exploration has allowed me to identify resources that align with my learning style and preferences. From comprehensive textbooks that provide structured lessons and exercises to interactive websites and apps that offer engaging and immersive learning experiences, I have discovered an app called HowToStudyKorean to support my language learning journey.

The guidance and support of my language partner have been instrumental in helping me recognize the importance of being able to formulate correct sentences using different tenses. Understanding and applying different tenses is crucial for effective communication, as it allows for precise expression of time, continuity, and relevance. By mastering the various tenses, I will be able to convey my thoughts and experiences accurately and confidently.

Moreover, my language partner has emphasized the significance of expressing different purposes using different levels of respect in Korean. The Korean language places great importance on social hierarchy and respect, and being able to navigate and utilize the appropriate levels of formality is essential for effective communication in various social contexts. By developing proficiency in expressing respect and formality, I will be able to navigate conversations with cultural sensitivity and effectively convey my intentions and purposes.

As I embark on this semester's Korean learning journey, my hopes and aims are high. I hope to develop a solid foundation in sentence formulation using different tenses, allowing me to express myself accurately and naturally. I aim to practice and refine my language skills through meaningful conversations, both with my language partner and with other native speakers. By immersing myself in authentic Korean content, such as books, movies, and music, I hope to further enhance my vocabulary, cultural understanding, and fluency.

Furthermore, I aspire to engage with the Korean community, whether online or in person, to practice and apply my language skills in real-life situations. Connecting with native speakers and fellow learners will not only provide opportunities for language practice but also foster meaningful cultural exchanges and friendships.

Above all, my ultimate aim is to develop a deep appreciation and understanding of the Korean language and culture. Language learning is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about embracing the rich tapestry of a society and connecting with its people. I hope to immerse myself fully in the Korean language, exploring its nuances, expressions, and intricacies, and cultivating a lifelong love for this beautiful language.

In conclusion, the process of discovering learning goals with my language partner and exploring various resources for learning Korean has ignited a sense of purpose and excitement within me. With the aim of formulating correct sentences using different tenses and expressing different purposes using different levels of respect, I am determined to immerse myself in the Korean language and culture. Through dedicated practice, meaningful conversations, and engagement with authentic content, I hope to achieve fluency, cultural understanding, and a lifelong passion for the Korean language.

Korean, like Japanese, shares very few similarities with any other language. Some scholars have proposed that it belongs to the Altaic language family, alongside Mongolian and Turkic languages, however, the connection between the two only originates from a distant shared origin in and around Manchuria. Proto-Korean developed over hundreds of years alongside Proto-Japanese, and modern Korea actually shares some similarities with modern Japanese. Proto-Korean eventually gave way to Middle Korean with the establishment of the Goryeo kingdom (the namesake of modern Korea), and a resulting period of internal unity. Some sources place the development of the Korean language farther back in the kingdom of Silla which predates Goryeo and is more renowned for its contribution to Korean arts and culture. With the fall of Goryeo emerged the Joseon dynasty of Korea. This dynasty would rule Korea until Japanese colonization in the 20th century, and it’s neutrality and general isolation would give it the moniker “Hermit Kingdom.” Korea’s most famous king, Sejong the Great ruled from 10 August 1418 – 17 February 1450. Until this point Korea has had its own spoken language, but its writing was done using Chinese characters. Sejong created the 한글 (hangul) alphabet which for many years existed alongside Chinese characters. But in the 20th century as both South and North Korea emerged they transitioned completely to using the 한글 alphabet. 한글 as a very modern alphabet was constructed so that it could be taught easily, and the language is entirely phonetic as opposed to English. It uses a hybrid structure where individual letters are grouped into syllable blocks instead of individually strung together to form words. 

The topic I am interested in exploring is esports in Korea. Primarily the game League of Legends, but also Starcraft II and Valorant. This topic relates to Korea because in Starcraft I and II Koreans have dominated the competitive scene for decades. In League of Legends Korean teams are almost always the favorites, and Korean players are often superstars on other foreign teams. For Valorant, despite not dominating global events, Korean teams are still very competitive. Overall, Korea demonstrates dominance across three games in three different genres, and they have the most developed esports infrastructure in the world. In a presentation I would like to look at the history of Korean esports, and understand how the industry became so much larger than in the US, despite the games originating in the US. Along with this I would like to look at some of the most impressive Korean players and teams.

Starcraft may be the focus of the whole presentation simply because it has the most extensive history as an esport. Starcraft birthed the modern genre as competitive video games moved from being an arcade tournament to a televised product with sponsors, clubs, and salaried players. During my preliminary research I found a televised game from 2000, and some more interesting clips of classic Starcraft games with huge crowds and cash prizes back in the early 2000s. I would like to make a change over time presentation, that demonstrates who Korea has had a massive head start, and also demonstrates how large the scene is over there. 

As esports is an internet phenomenon, there is a long list of Korean slang and abbreviations used in games. 

The most important one for me in Korea was 한국어를 못해요 (I don’t speak Korean)

For the 5 roles in League of Legends these abbreviations are used

ㅌ - Top

ㅈㄱ - Jungle

ㅁㄷ - Mid

ㅇㄷ - AD Carry

ㅅㅍ - Support

For the most part the game specific language is actually just a Korean transcription of an English word.

During this month I have been highly interested in Korean dishes and cooking. It required me to find all the ingredients that are commonly used in Korean dishes. I looked into dishes that were more traditional or consumed on a daily basis. Some exemplary dishes that I cooked were 된장찌개, 마라탕, 미역국, 칼국수, 수제비, 떡국. 된장찌개, soy bean paste soup, is a very popular and common dish that is served with rice. It is also easily seen at KBBQ restaurants as a side dish. 마라탕 (malatang) is a distinctive dish with Chinese paste in the soup. This dish has been a huge trend in Korean cuisine, a Chinese paste used for dry pot and hot soup pots. 미역국 is a seaweed soup that is typically served on birthdays. The one I made included small bits of beef. 칼국수 and 수제비 are very similar but made with different types of noodles. 칼국수 is made with regular flour or potato noodles that are typically thick and doughy. 수제비 is flatten noodles made with either flour or potato. The flour or potato are rolled out in sheets then ripped apart by hand, giving irregular textures. Finally, 떡국 is a rice cake soup that is consumed typically on the Korean lunar new year. I made this for my friends on that holiday with rice cake, dumplings, eggs, green onions, and seaweed. 

This month, Isaac and I focused on 한자 (Hanja) which refers to Chinese characters that are used in the Korean language. Hanja influences various aspects of Korean culture such as language, literature, and education. I wanted to focus on Hanja because I remember it is one of the first things I learned during Kumon when I was a kid. Also, my father would always emphasize the importance of knowing Hanja growing up. He believed it was crucial in learning Korean.

Hanja started in the ancient times when the Korean peninsula was heavily influenced by Chinese culture and civilization. This influence and integration of the Chinese writing system happened during the 2nd century BC. It continued for centuries during the Goryeo dynasty and the Joseon dynasty until the 15th century when Hangul (the Korean alphabet) was created. But even after the creation of Hangul, Hanja is still considered for understanding and knowing the meaning and origins of certain Korean words. Even on the Korean dictionaries, we can see the reference materials on Hanja for the meaning and etymology of Korean words. Hanja also applies for personal names where certain words and characters are chosen for their meaning or auspiciousness.

Isaac helped me discover a lot of these Hanja characters and terms that are commonly used in daily conversations. Since we went over these during our meetings, I started noticing a lot more of them when I interacted with my partners and my Korean friends. 

I am super excited with what I am currently learning. I have asked my language tutor to teach me simple phrases so I can be able to communicate my day to other people. For example, I have learned: 

피곤해 : I am tired

추워 : It’s too cold

너 어디야 : Where are you

To be able to learn these phrases, I have begun conversing with my language tutor and my roommate. I realized that it was easier to remember these phrases if I kept saying them out loud in the right context. Usually, I would feel afraid or embarrassed trying to talk in another language. For example, with French, I barely talk in the language outside of class which has led me to not efficiently retain a lot of key grammar or phrases in my head. Therefore, learning from that mistake, I made to practice my Korean outside of these lessons and in order to become more comfortable talking and be able to memorize these key phrases. Which is why recently I have been able to keep expanding my vocabulary and actually have a small basic conversation with my roommate. 

What also helps is that since I am becoming more comfortable talking in Korean, I am able to better improve my pronunciation. I would try to say what I want to say and my language tutor and my roommate would correct me to make sure I am speaking correctly. This is another aspect that I believe has greatly helped me become a bit more fluent in my target language. By having people correct me, I am able to remember the pronunciation better, which helps me become more understandable and people are able to comprehend what I am trying to say.

Through these recent lessons, I realized that I wanted to keep learning this type of informal language to talk with my korean friends or to talk to others when I eventually visit Korea over the summer. I am able to build a better relationship since I am now able to playfully converse with my roommate which I believe added another layer to our friendship since I am able to kind of break down this language barrier. My language tutor would teach me the formal way to say the sentence then would also help me with how to say that phrase in a more informal way to talk with friends. It is interesting to be able to learn both sides of the language and how subtle changes help indicate whether it is formal or informal.

One thing that I still need to learn is how to write in hangul. While I am starting to get used to reading, I still have trouble trying to write the phrases that my tutor says. So I need to keep revising and keep revisiting youtube videos in order to do so. 

This past month, my language partner and I focused on improving my fluency in the business industry aspect. Every week, I read a business related article that my partner assigned to me. Each article had to do something with AI and marketing trends, such as the metaverse era and how the advertising strategies are adapting to that era, Samsung’s Galaxy Ring which is a new smart ring that they are planning on releasing along with a strong focus of Galaxy AI, and LG’s plan to release an XR Headset with rumors about working with Meta. Out of those three articles, common words across the three articles I learned were 인공지능 which means artificial intelligence, 사용자 경험 (user experience), and 예측 분석 (predictive analytics). I also learned a lot of new marketing vocabulary through these phrases, such as 딥러닝 기술을 활용한 마케팅 전략 (marketing strategy utilizing deep learning technology). Within that one phrase, I learned strategy, utilizing, and technology all in one. Out of these three articles, my partner and I talked in depth about the new Samsung Galaxy Ring, which will be unveiled later this week and officially launched in July. Samsung is Korea’s largest South Korean family owned conglomerate and the major contributor to their GDP. My partner and I were amazed at this new idea since not many companies have entered this field of smart fitness rings and how Samsung is able to stay ahead in the industry. Reflecting on these article assignments, I realized that deep diving into the Korean business language was definitely a challenge for me since this was my first time talking about business and the news in Korean. There were many new terms and more higher level words used in the article that made it harder for me to understand. Especially with the first article, it was hard to constantly translate but as I continued with these assignments, I began to recognize the terms slowly and noticed I had to translate less every week. Since this month was very focused on business, my partner assigned me clips and videos to watch of this Korean show called “Marry My Husband.” The show’s main character is a marketing manager of a food company. The other main character also works at the same company, so we were able to see the life of a Korean business worker from both perspectives and analyze how the language changes. On Youtube, we were able to find videos of when he was working in the show and I took notes down of the marketing related words that he used and other phrases that he said to talk about the food business itself. For example, I learned 과장님, which means manager and there are three positions that are under 과장님 which would be 대리 (assistant manager or associate manager), 주임 (associate) , and 사원 (staff, clerk, member, or analyst). There are a lot of other positions that are above the manager (과장님), so I’m excited to figure out how the hierarchical positions affect the work style and language as I continue watching. Throughout the next couple of weeks, my partner and I will continue to focus on the business topic, but learn a lot more about 회식, which is Korean company dinners. 

Lately, in our meetings, Jason and I have been exploring auxiliary verbs and the nuances between them. Although I’ve had previous exposure and a solid grasp on most of them, there are several that are novel to me/I haven’t used as much in my own speaking. Additionally, the challenge comes from the fact that Korean’s auxiliary verbs surpass English’s in terms of volume, so keeping all of them in order for myself has been difficult. Regarding our in class activities, we have continued to look at new words/phrases/grammatical structures and have made sentences using them––I find this to be a tremendous help in actually incorporating what I’ve learned immediately––so I try to continue to use them throughout the week when I’m studying. The main goal of learning these things is to sound more natural and increase my level of Korean beyond the intermediate level to communicate more complex thoughts. We’ve primarily focused on speaking, so we continue to primarily communicate in Korean for the full two (or more) hours per week rather than explicitly looking into reading/writing. The logic behind this is that, because of my current level and what I hope to accomplish, reading and writing should eventually become natural especially since I already have previous experience albeit at a more rudimentary level. So for the short term, I would say the purpose of our meetings and my studying is to add nuance to my sentences and, of course, verbs since auxiliary verbs are extremely colloquial.

Additionally, we have focused on prepositions and time expressions more recently. I was recently apprised of native Korean expressions (not Hanja) for time, and this has been a bit of a learning curve for me since this is akin to English ways of telling the time, such as, “a quarter till noon” if you will. It has been challenging keeping this in my mind as they rely on the different number systems in Korean, and also have a different sentence structure. This has been a slow progression, so I suppose just incorporating them into my own speaking while having Jason ensure that I am using them correctly would be a worthy ~30 minutes to spend each meeting. 

Personally, I have found these meetings to be quite enjoyable, and although Korean has been frustrating at times due to, and this may be conjecture, the fact that I have a solid understanding of what “proper” Korean should sound like at the level of thought that I’m hoping to convey, but I am not always able to reach that level. In essence, my input is greater than my aptitude for my output. However, speaking more and more with a completely native speaker in Jason has been thoroughly beneficial, and overall I feel positive about my language learning journey and am just working on creating more confidence in my speaking abilities. This has included speaking to my parents in Korean much more often than I already do, or texting some friends in Korea more openly and freely rather than relying on already known expressions. It’s also been salubrious to connect with modern slang and trends, since I will be likely attending Yonsei in the fall, being able to connect with other college-aged students colloquially is something I am eager to dive into.

South Korea is a very prosperous country. In the past couple decades, the country has experienced rapid growth and development economically, socially, and politically. We see its influence in technology in the form of Samsung, Hyundai, Kia, semiconductors, etc. We see influences in the social world with Kpop, food, Kdramas, and movies. This is because in the modern world, the government backs these developments greatly. But Korea has also faced a great deal of struggles throughout its history other than the war. 

To learn more about this, me and my language partner chose to continue on the path of movies and watch the newly released movie 서울의 봄 (dir trans: Seoul’s Spring, known as: 12.12 The Day). This movie is based on the true events of the coup d’etat by 전두환 (Chun doo hwan) to become the 5th “President” of Korea. The movie essentially goes through the events that happened that led to Chun doo-hwan’s eventual rise in power. 

The previous “president” (Park Chung-hee, also a dictator), was assassinated and Chun was placed in charge of the investigations to find the ones responsible for his death thus giving him access to much of the country’s secrets and military. On top of that, he also formed 하나회 (Hanahoe: The Group of One) which was essentially a secret organization/club within the military comprising of military leaders that followed in Chun doo-hwan’s beliefs. Together, they stormed Seoul, the capital of South Korea, with little to no opposition because of Hanahoe’s influence and staged a coup on December 12, 1979. The movie portrays one military leader, the capital garrison’s commander Jang Tae-wan (Lee tae-shin in the movie) who opposed Chun doo-hwan’s mutiny but to no avail. Famously, he ends his resistance describing himself as a “criminal who failed to uphold his duties as the commander of the Capital Garrison Command.”

The movie was a fantastic portrayal of how weak Korea’s political structure was. Everyone thought that after Park Jung-hee’s assassination a new beginning for the country would begin. A spring for the country that endured so much hardship, hence: 서울의 봄. But unfortunately, only a new period of darkness began as the 4th president barely lasted a year. Furthermore, the country to this day still faces support for Dictator Chun by extremist groups, which is partly why the movie had to use pseudonyms for all the characters to avoid any lawsuit from these figures, many of which are still alive and living fantastic, prosperous lives without any punishment. 

In Korea alone, the film performed exceptionally well becoming the biggest movie in the country in 2023. In fact there was a popular challenge in Korea where people would watch the movie and record their heartbeat and blood pressure throughout to show others the amount of stress and anger the film generated. The film also released internationally and also did relatively well. The film deals with themes of patriotism and democracy, something that I think many Americans would enjoy. 

Overall, the movie was fun but it also showed me the side of Korea that many people do not know or choose to reject and deny. The history behind a country is extremely important as it shows how it developed to become the successful nation it is today, and it at the cost of many lives and struggles of the innocent, and this movie showed exactly that.

My studies have been going amazingly well so far, we are slowly but surely chipping away at my learning goals. One area we have been focusing on is the Hangul alphabet, we have been actively learning and reinforcing the letters and their sounds, and also when those sounds change depending on the location of the letter within the word. Along with this some of the letters have very distinct sounds that are not natural in the English language, Isaac and I have been working on using what we have learned in SDLC 105 in order to form these sounds with the different mechanisms of sound formation. One example is the last letter in the word “water” 물 It is almost a mix between an M and L but we worked on when to adapt it to L vs M and how to form the sound. What has really helped me is thinking about the sound on a mechanical level, actively thinking about putting my tongue to the roof of my mouth, and forming the sound. I also have been pushing my comfort zone and using what I've learned so far to read words (when Isaac and I go shopping at the Korean market) and also I have been using phrases and words with some of my close friends who also speak Korean. While this can be daunting because of my lack of expertise, there is no way to build excellence without a bit of stumbling.  We also have been trying to force me into situations where I need to speak a bit of the language, as a group we all went to Korean Garden (KBBQ) and Isaac had me read the menu and pick from the selection in Korean which was awesome to see how much I have developed in this short period of time. I have been really happy with my progress and my language instructor, Isaac has made learning Korean extremely enjoyable along with the high level of professionalism he brings. One thing we are looking forward to in the coming weeks is mastering my mechanical skills like pronunciation and reading, while this is a large goal we are chipping away at it through our meetings but also our real-life activities. For example, instead of asking Isaac for water in the dining hall in English, he prompts me to practice what I've learned and use my Korean to become more comfortable with speaking. Looking forward we will continue on the current track we are on highlighting the steps of my three-semester plan. What has been working for me is the aspect of immersion which we will keep in full effect, along with this we are planning more trips to real cultural places in which I will be prompted to get out of my comfort zone and speak the language in a naturalistic setting.