I give Liu, Heqiu full mark for the preparation documented because he mention every detail before he made the interview. Also the interview was comprehensive and has too much information makes me interesting and think to read his post before I go to bed. His blog was comfortable, make me relax and I need to read more about what he writes.
After I read all the interviews I like some of them and I been confuse who is the winner for this competition. I chose the interview for Heqiu because I like how he makes me interesting to read about his subject. He choose Somalia to be the country for interview. the interview describes the preparation of his interview following with the description of how the interview was conducted and how easy it was for him to conduct the interview. He presents the facts and describes about the country Somalia in a very meaningful way. He explains the culture and different information about Somalia in his country Report. His interview is comprehensive and informative too in his country report. He also mentions the reference at the bottom of his report. Also transcribing the interview he took with his interviewee Yahye Samatar according to me he conducted the interview really well. He has all the core questions that he had to put through the interview. The way he has transcribed the interview shows that he conducted his interview in a very comfortable environment. Also, his document is well prepared which shows that he really put effort in his work. I think some of the places in his interview really good. The part I liked about his interview is that while I read his first interview, it gave me the impression that he didn’t put much effort but the second interview looks much well organized and informed to the audience. I think as a whole the interview was perfect and give all the information that we wanted in the interview report and her efforts in her work.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Report on Country
Geography
The Korean Peninsula, located in Northeast Asia, is bordered on the north by China and Russia and just toward Japan to the southeast. Since 1948, the Peninsula has been divided roughly along the 38th parallel with the Republic of Korea (South Korea) to the south and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) to the North; the total land area of the Republic of Korea is 99,394 square kilometers. Approxiately 50 million people live in Korea.
The Republic of Korea is composed of nine provinces, with Seoul as the capital city. Other major cities include Pusan, Taegu, Incheon, Kwangju, and Taejon. The landscape of the country is spectacular in its variations and about 70 percent of it is mountainous, with more than 3000 islands dotting the coastline. There are several major rivers in the South, one of which is the Han River which cuts through Seoul.
Like other countries in the temperate zone, Korea has four distinct seasons. In spring and autumn, the weather is superb: clear, blue skies and warm, gentle sunshine. Summer is relatively hot and humid, with heavy rainfall occurring during the monsoon season. Winter is cold and dry, with occasional snow.
History and Government
South Korea is democratic. Political history is very important to understand Korea. In the late 19th Century, there was Chosen dynasty in the Korean Peninsula. In that time, Korea's foreign relations were basically limited to China, and as its traditional patron and ally struggled in coping with the West and the rising might of Japan, Chosen, already weakened by the increasingly inefficient bureaucracy, became vulnerable to exploitation and was annexed by Japan in 1910. Korea was finally liberated from Japanese rule at the end of World War II -- but only to become entangled in the fierce Cold War ideological conflict that led to the formation in 1948 of two separate states, the Republic of Korea in the south and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north, divided along the 38th parallel. In 1950, North Korea launched an all-out attack on the Republic of Korea, triggering the Korean War, which raged until 1953. The devastating conflict was ended by an armistice agreement which established the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that now divides the Peninsula.
Reunification remains the long-cherished but elusive goal of all Koreans on both sides of the vigilantly guarded Military Demarcation Line. The fall of Communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and the unification of Germany raised expectations in Korea that unification could be achieved in the not very distant future. Some apparent progress in promoting trust and cooperation between the two halves of the peninsula was made in 1991 and 1992, but the threat of North Korea's suspected nuclear weapons development program undermined such progress. However, there was very impressive thing on June 13th, 2000. South Korean president Kim Dae Jung visited North Korean Worker's Party Chief Kim Jeong Il. This astonishing meeting was the first time in 55 years that the leaders of the two nations had met. They talked of the possibility of reunification and arranged for an Independence Day (August 15th) gathering to reunite families separated by the Korean War. Because of it, Kim Dae Jung was selected as the winner of the 2000 Nobel Prize for Peace on October 13th.
Language and culture
The Koreans are one ethnic family speaking one language. They share certain distinct physical characteristics which differentiate them from other Asian peoples including the Chinese and the Japanese, and they have a strong cultural identity as one ethnic family. Also the Koreans were a homogeneous people by the beginning of the Christian era.
Koreans all speak and write the same language, which has been a crucial factor in their strong national identity. There are several different dialects, but they are similar enough so that speakers have little trouble in understanding each other.
The written alphabet, Hangul, was developed by a group of scholars at the behest of King Sejong the Great, the fourth monarch of the Chosen Dynasty (1392-1910). Hangul consists of 10 vowels and 14 consonants, which can be combined to form numerous syllabic groupings. Korean society retains a strong Confucian tradition, which is clearly manifested in the strong devotion to the family and the emphasis on hierarchy and vertical relationships, although modified to adapt to modern conditions. This tradition combined with the passionate nature of Koreans can perhaps explain the strong loyalties felt between relatives, co-workers, classmates, and friends.
Food
Korean foods are definitely different from foods elsewhere in the world. The one attribute which stands out the most is spiciness. The other is that many dishes are served at room temperature (yet some are served boiling hot). Korean food has a distinctive flavor, with the use of various vegetables and spices to complement the meats. Hanjongshik literally means "full course Korean meal" which consists of grilled fish, steamed short ribs, and multiple side dishes. The usual Korean meal is rather elaborate when served in a restaurant even if defined only by the quantity offered.The staple of the Korean diet is kimchi. It has become, through tradition and enduring style, almost a religious activity to prepare. Kimjang which occurs in the autumn harvest season is the most important annual social event of Korea, at which time the dish is prepared in great quantities. The ingredients are trucked in huge piles. The women gather in groups to spend hours cutting, washing and salting the cabbage and white radishes. Then they are rubbed with red pepper, then garlicked and pickled. The concoction is then buried in huge earthenware crocks to keep it fresh yet fermenting though the winter months. By the time the moment arrives for people to feast upon the final product, it is fiery hot.
Numerous meat dishes are available. The most popular of these is pulgogi, or "fire beef". Also Bibimbap is very popular which is made from cooked rice mixed with bits of meat, seasoned vegetables, and egg. It is sometimes prepared with kochujang, a red pepper sauce. Vegetable dishes are also very popular in Korea. In fact, rice is meant to be the main course of a meal, and the additional foods are intended to enhance its flavor. Soups in Korea vary in taste and potency. Twoenjang-guk is a fermented soybean paste soup. Miyok-guk is a vegetable soup prepared with dried spinach, sliced radish, or dried seaweed. Also popular is a light broth boiled from highly seasoned dried anchovies.Korean food is characteristic of Korean tradition. The serving style of multiple side dishes and at-your-table cooking creates a warm, homely feel. The long and thorough preparation makes the taste completely fill a dish, through the broth cooking and fermentation.
http://www.zkorean.com/about_korea/
http://www.prkorea.com/ Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK)
http://www.ikorea.ac.kr/ The Academy Korean Studies
Thursday, November 11, 2010
3 rd Interview with Park Kyung
PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEW:
Before my 3rd interview I contacted my class meet by cell phone and we chose the library to meet in and the time we chose is 5:30. I printed 2 copies of my questions and I searched more about Korea to find something I can ask Kyung.I went to the library and I called him and we sat in the second floor. I was relaxed and comfortable because I have met Kyung before.
Interview
Q:Where are you from? And can you tell me more Information about it (size, location, population)?
A:South Korea, 40000000, Between China and Japan,
Q:Can you tell me about your cultural?
A:We respect older people. When we met older people we bow to them. Also we have another type of word to them to express our respect.
Q:What language do you speak?
A:Korean
Q:do you speak other language?
A:Yes, I can speak a litte English.
Q:How is the politics system in your home country?
A:Our politic system is democracy.Korean polictical system consist of president, minister, and lawmakers We have Congress which work for people by deciding law and annual tax.
Q:What do you miss most about home?
A:I miss my family . I want to eat delicious food made by my mother and my grandmother. They always make Korean food for me. We always eat together and share the food. My father always told me "Take care of yourself. I believe you He always cheer me up. I miss his voice. He didn". . express his love too much. But I always know how he loves me. I miss my mother. She always made food for me. It is really delicious. Maybe you can't imagine. I love it. I used to sleep with her. When I'm with her, I feel comfortable and warm. I miss my brother. He is in army now. He through really hard time. I sent a letter to him a fex days ago. I hope he can handle it. I miss my youngest bother. He is only 15years old. He studies very well. But he is worried about his study. I want to cheer him up. I want to hug him and say "you are the best"
Q:How is the education in your home country compared to United States?
A:I'm in the IEC. IEC is kind of easy to me. I'm level 5. But the level is as same as Korea's 10th grade.Educaton system is almost same. Most meaningful difference is American edcation system is more flexible. They can do the homeschooling. They can listen to the colleage lecture when they are in the high school.
Q: How were you given the opportunity to study in America?
A: Our school program. I'm an exchange student.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I will stay here for 1 year. And I'll go back to Korea. I'm going to be a elementary school teacher after graduate from my university.
Q: Does your family play a role in your life?
A: Yes. I used to discuss my decision with my parents. My family always support me. My bother ask me a advice when they are in trouble. I tried to help them.
Q: What is the fundamental belief in your religion?
A:My religion is Christian. I believe in God and Jesus when I was 8 years old..
Q: What the favorites sport in your country? And what kind of sport you like ?
A: I like volleyball and bedminton. I like climbing a mountian I really like sports. I enjoy it. But in Korea every girl uaually don't play sports when they meet. But here in America, playing sports is very popular. So I like it.
* At the end is there any question that’s you would like to ask me
I want to know about your country's political situation?
Sure
Before my 3rd interview I contacted my class meet by cell phone and we chose the library to meet in and the time we chose is 5:30. I printed 2 copies of my questions and I searched more about Korea to find something I can ask Kyung.I went to the library and I called him and we sat in the second floor. I was relaxed and comfortable because I have met Kyung before.
Interview
Q:Where are you from? And can you tell me more Information about it (size, location, population)?
A:South Korea, 40000000, Between China and Japan,
Q:Can you tell me about your cultural?
A:We respect older people. When we met older people we bow to them. Also we have another type of word to them to express our respect.
Q:What language do you speak?
A:Korean
Q:do you speak other language?
A:Yes, I can speak a litte English.
Q:How is the politics system in your home country?
A:Our politic system is democracy.Korean polictical system consist of president, minister, and lawmakers We have Congress which work for people by deciding law and annual tax.
Q:What do you miss most about home?
A:I miss my family . I want to eat delicious food made by my mother and my grandmother. They always make Korean food for me. We always eat together and share the food. My father always told me "Take care of yourself. I believe you He always cheer me up. I miss his voice. He didn". . express his love too much. But I always know how he loves me. I miss my mother. She always made food for me. It is really delicious. Maybe you can't imagine. I love it. I used to sleep with her. When I'm with her, I feel comfortable and warm. I miss my brother. He is in army now. He through really hard time. I sent a letter to him a fex days ago. I hope he can handle it. I miss my youngest bother. He is only 15years old. He studies very well. But he is worried about his study. I want to cheer him up. I want to hug him and say "you are the best"
Q:How is the education in your home country compared to United States?
A:I'm in the IEC. IEC is kind of easy to me. I'm level 5. But the level is as same as Korea's 10th grade.Educaton system is almost same. Most meaningful difference is American edcation system is more flexible. They can do the homeschooling. They can listen to the colleage lecture when they are in the high school.
Q: How were you given the opportunity to study in America?
A: Our school program. I'm an exchange student.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I will stay here for 1 year. And I'll go back to Korea. I'm going to be a elementary school teacher after graduate from my university.
Q: Does your family play a role in your life?
A: Yes. I used to discuss my decision with my parents. My family always support me. My bother ask me a advice when they are in trouble. I tried to help them.
Q: What is the fundamental belief in your religion?
A:My religion is Christian. I believe in God and Jesus when I was 8 years old..
Q: What the favorites sport in your country? And what kind of sport you like ?
A: I like volleyball and bedminton. I like climbing a mountian I really like sports. I enjoy it. But in Korea every girl uaually don't play sports when they meet. But here in America, playing sports is very popular. So I like it.
* At the end is there any question that’s you would like to ask me
I want to know about your country's political situation?
Sure
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Interview 2 with (Park Minseing)
Where are you from? And can you tell me more Information about it (size, location, population)?
-I’m from south korea. my country is located in eastern of Asia. Actually korea is very small. now korea is divided to north and south,. So south korea’s size is half of that. We have 3 seas and lots mountains. Almost 70% of land is mountain, and we have lots of islands. Especially on the southern part, there are almost 3000 islands. The population of korea is about 50 million.
Can you tell me about your cultural?
- Korea culture is based on Confucianism. As a result our culture think polite is very important things. Usually when we do something together with older people, we are supposed to act politely.
What language do you speak?
- we use Korean. Korean is consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels.
do you speak other language?
i can speak English and Chinese. But it’s not fluent. In korea, student studies English since elementary student. In additional when they are in high school they study other language like chinese, Japanese and Germanizes.
How is the politics system in your home country?
- Our politics system is based on liberal democracy. So we vote president every 5 years and national assembly every 4 years.
What do you miss most about home?
- These days i miss Korean food. American food is salty and sweetly to me. When I eat first time, it is good. But now im sick of American food. And I didn’t eat Korean food very long time.
How is the education in your home country compared to United States?
- Many things are different. Especially mathematics is different. I’m very amazed, when I knew Korean students study very difficult things. for example, unlike Korean students study A in middle school and high school, American student study A in university.
How were you given the opportunity to study in America?
- Im an exchange student. Actually my university and this university are related. So this opportunity is kind of program.
What are your plans after graduation?
- My major is elementary education. So I will be a teacher when I graduate university.
Does your family play a role in your life?
- Im affected many things by parents. Usually when I decide something about my course , I talk with them.
What is the fundamental belief in your religion?
- Actually I didn’t have my religion. But these days I believe Christ.
- When I pray to Jesus, my mind is really comfortable.
What the favorites sport in your country? And what kind of sport you like ?
- Most people like soccer. Especially when the world cup season, they go to somewhere for cheering together. My favorite sport is also soccer. I like competitive sports.
At the end is there any question that’s you would like to ask me?
- Who are u? lol~~ have a good night.
*PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEW:
We enjoyed the interview very much. Park was very nice and he didn’t mind me answering any of the questions on my sheet. I learned more information from my second interview. it was easy and i enjoyed talking with him. I have been more relax with Park because I learned from the first interview my mistakes.
-I’m from south korea. my country is located in eastern of Asia. Actually korea is very small. now korea is divided to north and south,. So south korea’s size is half of that. We have 3 seas and lots mountains. Almost 70% of land is mountain, and we have lots of islands. Especially on the southern part, there are almost 3000 islands. The population of korea is about 50 million.
Can you tell me about your cultural?
- Korea culture is based on Confucianism. As a result our culture think polite is very important things. Usually when we do something together with older people, we are supposed to act politely.
What language do you speak?
- we use Korean. Korean is consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels.
do you speak other language?
i can speak English and Chinese. But it’s not fluent. In korea, student studies English since elementary student. In additional when they are in high school they study other language like chinese, Japanese and Germanizes.
How is the politics system in your home country?
- Our politics system is based on liberal democracy. So we vote president every 5 years and national assembly every 4 years.
What do you miss most about home?
- These days i miss Korean food. American food is salty and sweetly to me. When I eat first time, it is good. But now im sick of American food. And I didn’t eat Korean food very long time.
How is the education in your home country compared to United States?
- Many things are different. Especially mathematics is different. I’m very amazed, when I knew Korean students study very difficult things. for example, unlike Korean students study A in middle school and high school, American student study A in university.
How were you given the opportunity to study in America?
- Im an exchange student. Actually my university and this university are related. So this opportunity is kind of program.
What are your plans after graduation?
- My major is elementary education. So I will be a teacher when I graduate university.
Does your family play a role in your life?
- Im affected many things by parents. Usually when I decide something about my course , I talk with them.
What is the fundamental belief in your religion?
- Actually I didn’t have my religion. But these days I believe Christ.
- When I pray to Jesus, my mind is really comfortable.
What the favorites sport in your country? And what kind of sport you like ?
- Most people like soccer. Especially when the world cup season, they go to somewhere for cheering together. My favorite sport is also soccer. I like competitive sports.
At the end is there any question that’s you would like to ask me?
- Who are u? lol~~ have a good night.
*PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEW:
We enjoyed the interview very much. Park was very nice and he didn’t mind me answering any of the questions on my sheet. I learned more information from my second interview. it was easy and i enjoyed talking with him. I have been more relax with Park because I learned from the first interview my mistakes.
Interview, Reflection, and Country Report (1)
Interview
Q:Where are you from? And can you tell me more Information about it (size, location, population)?
I'm from the Republic of Korea, called South Korea. It's located between China and Japan, in Korean peninsula. Korean peninsula is divided into two parts of North and South. My country, South korea is democratic and about 50 million people live there. The capital city is Seoul where 10million people live. It's approximately 99,000 square kilometers. We have three seas which are East sea, West sea and South sea. Its location is geographically important because of political issue from the Cold War period. Also we have 4 seasons.
Q:Can you tell me about your cultural?
It is effected by Confusion and Buddhism. However, nowadays it's changing because of the western cultural effect. We respect old people, well-educated people and the weak. Koreans are very generous so if you go to the countryside, then people would invite you for food or sleeping. We call that kind of culture - Jeong. We enjoy spicy food such as Kimchi, red pepper paste. They are enthusiastic and love music.
Q:What language do you speak?We use only Korean officially. The Great king Sejong invented Korean - Hoonminjeongeum in Korean, in Chosun dynasty. It has 24 letters.
Q:do you speak other language?I can speak English and Korean.
Q:How is the politics system in your home country?Democratic. We have National Assembly, President, and Minister. We vote directly, so we have only one electoral college. Election for president hold every five years, and for national assembly every 4 years. We have elctions for mayor, city's council, and every level of district. The political system is divided into three parts - legistlative, court, and administrative.
Q:What do you miss most about home?I miss my family the most, especially my younger sister. She is 20 years old, and we usually spend lots of time together.
Q:How is the education in your home country compared to United States?It's very similar with US. We have elementary school for 6 years, middle school for 3 years, and high school for 3 years. They are all compulsury and the education system starts when we are 8 years old. Almost everybody goes to university if they pass the annual exam for university. We learn history, math, Korean, English, science, second foreign language, etc. in school. Teachers grade students by mid-term exams and final exams and they are very important to enter the university. Some university requires special exams such as interview, essay and resume.
Q:How were you given the opportunity to study in America?I came here by the student exchange program. In my university, I can apply to this program every semester. I had to summit my transcript, resume, recommendation and TOEFL score and took interview with my professors. They evaluated me then decided which college is good for me. I summited 25 universities list, and my school sent me St.Cloud which was my first priority. There's no scholarship but I can pay just for my university's tuition fee, so it's cheaper than other regular students' fee.
Q:What are your plans after graduation?I want to go to the graduate school. My major is political science and international studies and I'm interested in politics in Middle East and Africa. After getting master's degree, I want to work at international organization and contribute to the world politics.
Q: Does your family play a role in your life?Yes. My parents always encourage me to involve lots of activities, so I can be active and confident person.
Q:What is the fundamental belief in your religion?My religion is Christianity, I believe God. The fundamental belief in my religion is God is the only god and Jesus Christ is our savior.
Q:What the favorites sport in your country? And what kind of sport you like ?We love soccer the most. We hosted 2002 World cup with Japan. When soccer match is started, people go to some places like City hall plaza or stadium for cheering. Korean cheering is really famous with Red Devil. I like soccer too.
At the end is there any question that’s you would like to askNo thanks.
Preparations for the interview
when my teacher told me to do the interview i was thinking about the country that is interesting. i chose South korea, because it has old history and i don't know very much information about it. i have a korean friends from korea and i told him to find me any korean he knows and he was helpful and he brought Kim for me.i told her about my homework and we made an appointment that works with our secdual. i met her at atwood and we started with the question about her and her country. we moved to her culture and it's has 3 parts about the religion, the relationship between people, and food.Also we talked about the politics that the country follow and the different between korea and US in education. And what make me interesting about Kim that she is going school for politics in Middle East and Africa, and she knows about middle east very much. At the end we talked about her family and the sports.
We enjoyed the interview very much. Kim was very nice and she didn’t mind me answering any of the questions on my sheet. We were both relaxed during the interview and sometimes we joked around. We just felt we are good friends. During the interview, we switch our role sometime. Kim also ask me about my country. This made us feel relax during the interview.
Report on Country
Geography
The Korean Peninsula, located in Northeast Asia, is bordered on the north by China and Russia and just toward Japan to the southeast. Since 1948, the Peninsula has been divided roughly along the 38th parallel with the Republic of Korea (South Korea) to the south and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) to the North; the total land area of the Republic of Korea is 99,394 square kilometers. Approxiately 50 million people live in Korea.
The Republic of Korea is composed of nine provinces, with Seoul as the capital city. Other major cities include Pusan, Taegu, Incheon, Kwangju, and Taejon. The landscape of the country is spectacular in its variations and about 70 percent of it is mountainous, with more than 3000 islands dotting the coastline. There are several major rivers in the South, one of which is the Han River which cuts through Seoul.
Like other countries in the temperate zone, Korea has four distinct seasons. In spring and autumn, the weather is superb: clear, blue skies and warm, gentle sunshine. Summer is relatively hot and humid, with heavy rainfall occurring during the monsoon season. Winter is cold and dry, with occasional snow.
History and Government
South Korea is democratic. Political history is very important to understand Korea. In the late 19th Century, there was Chosen dynasty in the Korean Peninsula. In that time, Korea's foreign relations were basically limited to China, and as its traditional patron and ally struggled in coping with the West and the rising might of Japan, Chosen, already weakened by the increasingly inefficient bureaucracy, became vulnerable to exploitation and was annexed by Japan in 1910. Korea was finally liberated from Japanese rule at the end of World War II -- but only to become entangled in the fierce Cold War ideological conflict that led to the formation in 1948 of two separate states, the Republic of Korea in the south and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north, divided along the 38th parallel. In 1950, North Korea launched an all-out attack on the Republic of Korea, triggering the Korean War, which raged until 1953. The devastating conflict was ended by an armistice agreement which established the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that now divides the Peninsula.
Reunification remains the long-cherished but elusive goal of all Koreans on both sides of the vigilantly guarded Military Demarcation Line. The fall of Communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and the unification of Germany raised expectations in Korea that unification could be achieved in the not very distant future. Some apparent progress in promoting trust and cooperation between the two halves of the peninsula was made in 1991 and 1992, but the threat of North Korea's suspected nuclear weapons development program undermined such progress.
However, there was very impressive thing on June 13th, 2000. South Korean president Kim Dae Jung visited North Korean Worker's Party Chief Kim Jeong Il. This astonishing meeting was the first time in 55 years that the leaders of the two nations had met. They talked of the possibility of reunification and arranged for an Independence Day (August 15th) gathering to reunite families separated by the Korean War. Because of it, Kim Dae Jung was selected as the winner of the 2000 Nobel Prize for Peace on October 13th.
Language and culture
The Koreans are one ethnic family speaking one language. They share certain distinct physical characteristics which differentiate them from other Asian peoples including the Chinese and the Japanese, and they have a strong cultural identity as one ethnic family. Also the Koreans were a homogeneous people by the beginning of the Christian era.
Koreans all speak and write the same language, which has been a crucial factor in their strong national identity. There are several different dialects, but they are similar enough so that speakers have little trouble in understanding each other.
The written alphabet, Hangul, was developed by a group of scholars at the behest of King Sejong the Great, the fourth monarch of the Chosen Dynasty (1392-1910). Hangul consists of 10 vowels and 14 consonants, which can be combined to form numerous syllabic groupings.
Korean society retains a strong Confucian tradition, which is clearly manifested in the strong devotion to the family and the emphasis on hierarchy and vertical relationships, although modified to adapt to modern conditions. This tradition combined with the passionate nature of Koreans can perhaps explain the strong loyalties felt between relatives, co-workers, classmates, and friends.
Food
Korean foods are definitely different from foods elsewhere in the world. The one attribute which stands out the most is spiciness. The other is that many dishes are served at room temperature (yet some are served boiling hot). Korean food has a distinctive flavor, with the use of various vegetables and spices to complement the meats. Hanjongshik literally means "full course Korean meal" which consists of grilled fish, steamed short ribs, and multiple side dishes. The usual Korean meal is rather elaborate when served in a restaurant even if defined only by the quantity offered.
The staple of the Korean diet is kimchi. It has become, through tradition and enduring style, almost a religious activity to prepare. Kimjang which occurs in the autumn harvest season is the most important annual social event of Korea, at which time the dish is prepared in great quantities. The ingredients are trucked in huge piles. The women gather in groups to spend hours cutting, washing and salting the cabbage and white radishes. Then they are rubbed with red pepper, then garlicked and pickled. The concoction is then buried in huge earthenware crocks to keep it fresh yet fermenting though the winter months. By the time the moment arrives for people to feast upon the final product, it is fiery hot.
Numerous meat dishes are available. The most popular of these is pulgogi, or "fire beef". Also Bibimbap is very popular which is made from cooked rice mixed with bits of meat, seasoned vegetables, and egg. It is sometimes prepared with kochujang, a red pepper sauce.
Vegetable dishes are also very popular in Korea. In fact, rice is meant to be the main course of a meal, and the additional foods are intended to enhance its flavor. Soups in Korea vary in taste and potency. Twoenjang-guk is a fermented soybean paste soup. Miyok-guk is a vegetable soup prepared with dried spinach, sliced radish, or dried seaweed. Also popular is a light broth boiled from highly seasoned dried anchovies.
Korean food is characteristic of Korean tradition. The serving style of multiple side dishes and at-your-table cooking creates a warm, homely feel. The long and thorough preparation makes the taste completely fill a dish, through the broth cooking and fermentation.
http://www.prkorea.com/ Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK)
http://www.ikorea.ac.kr/ The Academy Korean Studies
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