All about Makgeolli

The milky, off-white color….the deep, slightly bitter, mouth-watering taste…and the sweet finishing flavor….Guess what it is?Yes, indeed, we are talking about “makgeolli” here, one of Korea’s representative traditional alcoholic beverages. In line with the recent makgeolli boom, the first web site devoted solely to makgeolli (http://www.jurojuro.com/) has been launched by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Korea Rice Foodstuffs Association. “Juro” here refers to the journey of finding makgeolli and other tasty food along the road. It can also mean the longish table for placing liquor glasses, and by extension, the talk, laughter, and mingling among people taking place over a bowl of makgeolli.

According to the Ministry of Food, this year’s makgeolli market is estimated to be around USD 550 million worth of scale. And 60% of the market nation-wide is dominated by a handful of major makgeolli manufactures, while for the capital region, as much as 70% is taken up by them. The fact is that smaller, lesser-known, local makgeolli companies are losing ground in the competition with the giant companies. In case of Gyeonggi-do area, for instance, all 40 companies but for mere two or three are facing a drop in sales ever since the makgeolli boom. So the Ministry of Food decided to open the above-mentioned web site to introduce and promote small and medium-sized makgeolli manufacturers that each have their own distinct color and flavor. The web site’s two main themes are makgeolli and makgeolli side-dishes. There is a “Navigation” section where you can search for various types of makgeolli either according to its region or characteristics, as well as view customer reviews and experts analyses. There is also the “Liquor Talk” section where the visitors of the web site engage in free chats. But I’d say the highlight of the site is the “makgeolli side-dishes” page, which introduces places that have the best dishes to go with makgeolli. Just by looking at the pictures of all kinds of “anjoo (dishes served with liquor),” your mouth will start watering!

There are around 700 makgeolli manufacturers throughout Korea, and as in the case of wine, each region boasts its own distinct flavor. On the web site, you can search for specific kinds of makgeolli that you want – whether it’s live makgeolli or sterilized makgeolli, or whether it’s made with Korean rice, exported rice, or flour etc. So you can pick and choose a makgeolli that just suits your taste.

Drinking makgeolli the right way?

Makgeolli tastes best when you stir it. Some people wait a while after pouring the liquor and just sip at the clear upper layer, saying it tastes crisp and clean that way, but then you’re missing out on the very gist of makgeolli. All the healthy parts – the yeast, lactic-acid bacteria, vitamin, fiber etc – are found in the sediment part that sinks to the bottom of your makgeolli bowl. So don’t forget to stir it!

The whiter makgeolli, the better?

Nope, that’s not true. The difference in color comes from different varieties of yeast. The Japanese-style rice yeast is closer to white in color, while wheat yeast, which is made in a typical Korean style, is somewhat yellowish in color. Rice yeast gives out a clear, simple taste and wheat yeast a richer and heavier taste. The choice is up to you.Another tip: Sterilized makgeolli was made to enjoy the scent so it is best to keep it at around 5–10 degrees Celsius. In contrast, draught (live) makgeolli is made to savor the refreshing feeling of a carbonated drink, and so needs to be kept around 0–5 degrees Celsius. Side dishes that go especially well with makgeolli? Among hundreds, I’d go for “jeon (Korean pancakes)” and “jokbal (pig’s feet)”!

The recent makgeolli boom is also in keeping with the Korean government’s efforts to globalize hansik (Korean cuisine) as well as to increase rice consumption.And I hope the newly launched web site “www.jurojuro.com” plays its part as a tool to spread makgeolli culture to people both at home and abroad!

Experience Oriental Medicine at Changdeokgung Palace

What must it feel like, receiving medical services from the Naeuiwon (court hospital), one of the three royal hospitals of the Joseon Dynasty? Well, feel it for yourself!The Changdeokgung Office of the Cultural Heritage Administration, in cooperation with the Association of Korean Oriental Medicine and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, is offering various hands-on Oriental medicine programs at the Naeuiwon in Changdeokgung Palace.Naeuiwon, along with Jeonuigam and Hyeminseo, was the place where medical practitioners mixed medicine and provided medical services for the king and the rest of the royal family. The number of staff was around fifteen and the renowned court physician Heo Jun is said to have worked in Naeuiwon for 44 years.

The hands-on programs at Changdeokgung Palace are designed to help visitors learn more about the traditional medical practices of Korea that have long been revered for their effectiveness. Doctors affiliated with the “Association of Korean Oriental Medicine” offer visitors a variety of health services, even dressed in traditional medical attire.

Services and treatments offered include pulse examinations for health diagnosis (“jinmaek”), acupuncture (“chim”), and moxibustion (“tteum”). In order to ensure high-quality examination throughout the day, the number of patients seen each day will be limited to 40 on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program is equipped with several language volunteers who facilitate communication. You will be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire on your physical conditions and have a counseling session prior to the examination.

Nicolas from Columbia commented, “It was a mysterious experience. It was like magic.” Lesanne from France who visited Korea to see her daughter said that after getting a “chim” treatment, it felt like the pain in her joints she had been experiencing after childbirth significantly improved.

Hands-on programs include the traditional wrapping/packaging of medicine (visitors can take it home with them as a souvenir), traditional medicine grinding, copying medical diagrams out of the Donguibogam (Korean medical book). Also, after participating in one of the programs or receiving treatment, visitors can relax on the wooden floor with a cup of traditional Korean medical tea. The programs are scheduled to run from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm every Thursday from May 20 to June 24, 2010 and from September 2 to October 28, 2010. Take this opportunity to experience the wonders of Korean medicine!

In Search of Korean Food, Food, Food!

What are the joys of travelling? Okay, there is beautiful scenery, meeting strangers in unfamiliar places, the relaxing train rides…but I’d say “food” definitely tops the list. When it comes to travelling around Korea, be sure to remember that each and every region of Korea boasts its own characteristic, specialty food.

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) began its “Korea Gusuk Gusuk 2010 (Nook and Cranny of Korea 2010)” campaign. It’s a sequel to the 2006/2007’s “Where Is It Here?” campaign, and 2008’s “That Spot in That Movie & Drama,” and 2009’s “Live Learning for Children.”

The campaign features : “Boiled rice wrapped with lotus leaves” of Gyeonggi-do Gimpo region“Clam stew” of Jeollabuk-do Buan region“Boiled bamboo shoots” of Jeollanam-do Damyang region“Olchaengi guksu (noodles made from dried corn flour)” of Gangwon-do Jeongseon region“Heotjesabab (a type of bibimbap) of Gyeongsangbuk-do Andong region….among other numerous regional dishes of Korea. These advertisement videos will be aired seasonally in the S/S and F/W categories.

Visit KTO’s web café (http://cafe.naver.com/9suk9suk) to view unabridged versions of the videos and also to learn about promotional events!

Place Of Fantasy Or Mystery ..."Jeju (Cheju) Island"

Cheju island (Chejudo) known as a place of fantasy or mystery is the largest island in Korea and is located in the southwest sea of the Korean peninsula and is highlighted for its uniqueness. It is also known as the "Island of the Gods," which is popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese.It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds.

The size of Cheju is 73km from east to west, 41Km from north to south in the shape of an oval. The island has an area of 1,845km2 with a circuit road of 182km along the seashores. It has a convenient traffic situation thanks to the several transversal roads and many other small and large roads and its population is about 530,000. In the center of this island, there is Halla mountain (Halla-san) which was a volcano once rising 1,950m above the sea level.The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking on Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, viewing majestic waterfalls, riding horses, or just lying around on the sandy beaches.

Besides tourism, Cheju's main industries are fishing and agriculture. Fresh fish, squid, octopus, sea cucumber, and various other creatures can be easily bought in markets, restaurants, and even right on the beach. Cheju's tropical weather and high preciptation are perfect for growing pineapples and tangerines. The island is also famouse for its Shitake mushrooms and cactus plants. Honey made from local flowers has a special taste.

To reach Jeju by plane there is several flights daily via Korean Air and Asiana from Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Jinju, Kunsan, Gwangju, Mokp'o, P'ohang, Ulsan, Yecheon, and Yeosu. As well we can reach there by boat from Busan, Yeosu, Mokp'o, Wando, Noktong, and Incheon.

A Best View, Sweet Relaxtion, Happy & Joy "N SEOUL TOWER"

Seoul Tower is a communication and observation tower located in Namsan Mountain at Seoul, a city of 10 million people. Which was built in 1969, and opened to the public in 1980 embracing the city giving memories and stories to people. Viewable from almost anywhere in Seoul, it serves as an excellent landmark. Built on a 262 meter peak in Namsan Park, the tower reaches to 480 meters above sea level. After the tower's original owner merged with the CJ Corporation, it was renamed the N Seoul Tower (official name CJ Seoul Tower).

Many people enjoy climbing up here for early morning exercise or for a romantic stroll after dark. As well people ride the Namsan cable car up the mountain.There is also revolving restaurant, rotates at a rate of one revolution in every 48 minutes. Seoul Tower also contains several other attractions for tourists. Several exhibit halls display pictures of old Seoul, local birds, and towers from other countries too. The interesting thing is that there is the fence filled with couple and friendship locks. There were thousands of cute locks covered in heartwarming messages written on them. It was a very interesting and fascinating view. After writing secret messages, every people throw out the keys which is supposed to signify everlasting friendship that will always be together just like the locks.
Seoul Tower is truly astonishing and beautiful at night. With the different colors of light flashing and music playing in the background, the scenery still remains clear and vivid.

To reach there we can use Circulating bus (Yellow Namsan circulating bus number 02)

1) Subway stations near the bus stop - Chungmuro Station (line 3 and 4) exit 1 (in front of Daehan Cinema), Dongguk Univ. Station (line 3) exit 6

2) Operating hours and intervals : every 5~8 minutes, 08:00 ~24:00

3) Fare : cash 550 won, transportation card 500 won (discounted for transfer)

The Incheon International Design Awards (IIDA)

Major international design awards?

There is the International Design Awards (IDA), or the International Forum Design Awards.
But did you know Korea has one like that too?

It’s the Incheon International Design Awards (IIDA), now entering its 7th year. For the past 7 years IIDA has been receiving increasing attention from the design industry, academia, and enterprises both at home and abroad. In 2009, as many as 3,709 submissions from 97 countries were taken, and for this year IIDA is seeking submissions from May 1 until August 25, for 117 days.

The theme of IIDA 2010 is “Green Heart,” as it attempts to generate interest and participation from global designers in spreading more eco-friendly and sustainable life style in connection with design. Prizes worth of USD 43,000 will be awarded.

IIDA 2010 seeks entries in the following 3 categories:
1) “Green Design for Human” – daily goods, home appliances, lightings, furniture, stationery, home devices, cars, packaging, etc2) “Green Design for City” – architecture, interior design, road, items for streets, public spaces and facilities, park, urban infrastructure, etc 3) “Green Design for Communication” – poster, video, advertisement, illustration, campaign, software, mass media, networking, etc

The entries will be evaluated by a judging committee comprised of Korean and international experts in the relevant fields of design. There will also be special awards – “Netizens’ Choice Award” and “People’s Choice Award (chosen by the visitors of the Incheon International Design Fair).

Despite the relatively short history, IIDA has been rapidly garnering global attention and recognition. I’m sure this year’s IIDA will be seeing even more innovative items from all over the world :)

Touring Seoul with iPhone

When we travel abroad, we usually research and gather information about those foreign places beforehand so we could be prepared.

But even so, when we’re actually there, more often than not we get encountered with situations where things aren’t quite as we expected them to be.

Providing foreign travelers with accurate, on-the-spot, easy-to-access information while they are on their tours – that’s the purpose of the web site “i Tour Seoul (http://www.visitseoul.net/)” run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

It is a digital tour guide that offers a wide range of information regarding Seoul for foreign travelers who visit and tour around the city. The services are offered through the web site as well as at the kiosks installed at various spots in the city.

Starting late 2009, the services have also been being offered, on a tentative basis, via smartphones. And starting this month, it will be expanded for common usage

Also, the “i Tour Seoul” mobile application can perform search around the area, putting you in the center, for popular tourist sites, restaurants, public transportations and others.
One other interesting application is the one where you can take pictures of the spots you visit using your iphone and send them to your account at “i Tour Seoul” web site. And then later on, after you are done with your travel, you can download the pictures to your computer at your leisure.

These applications can be downloaded free-of-charge at the Apple App Store. And for those travelers who do not own an iphone, they can rent one at Incheon and Gimpo Airports, and also at the City Airport, Logis & Travel sites.

Transferring the entire information and functions of a web site as a mobile phone application is said to be an unprecedented tourism service.