Thursday 6 May 2010. A monk sits in the corner of the room, brewing yellow tea, while we sit on the floor around the main table. Perfectly ripe fruits are laid out in front of us, including some of Sancheong’s famous strawberries. The conversation rumbles on, I’m not sure about what, because it was all … [Read More]
LKL articles by Philip Gowman (page 153)
Illusive Utopia reviewed in the Asia Times
Looks like a fascinating book on North Korean arts. Michael Rank reviews “Illusive Utopia” by Suk-young Kim in the Asia Times: http://bit.ly/96S7hq # This impressively researched book examines performance in North Korea in great detail and in its widest sense, from theater and film to visual art and literature and even fashion [Read More]
Mot’s eAeon does trailer for Kim Young-ha novel
Missing the sound of MOT(못)? Wishing Kim Young-ha would write another book? Check out @eaeon‘s trailer for Kim Young-ha’s new novel (Nobody knows) what happened (무슨 일이 일어났는지는 아무도) # (via @indiefulrok, who has the full story here) [Read More]
This summer’s soundtrack
In response to the question “So what's the soundtrack to the Korean summer? What's everyone listening to on Haeundae beach or wherever?” #, Indieful RoK responds: “Haven’t really kept up, but right now I would go for Ukulele Picnic:” Check it out. [Read More]
The Three Ambassadors: what next on the Korean peninsula?
For the second year running, the Anglo Korean Society organised a fascinating Korea update in the Houses of Parliament, provided by three ambassadors: Martin Uden and Peter Hughes, our representatives in Seoul and Pyongyang respectively, and Choo Kyu Ho, Seoul’s representative in London. Simon Hughes MP hosted at the event held on 8 July. Sir … [Read More]
Perceptions on the Cheonan incident
Totally stunned at the South Koreans who don't believe that the North sunk the Cheonan. # Darren: Are they convinced it was an inside job? Philip: I was too busy rubbing my chin – bruised from hitting the floor so hard – that I wasn’t really focusing. And to be honest they weren’t making much … [Read More]
2010 Travel Diary #26: Arrival at Daewonsa
Thursday 6 May 2010. We drive up a winding road, through woodland on the side of a valley until we arrive in the car park of Daewonsa Temple, in the foothills of Jirisan mountain. We are met in the car park by a monk well known to our local guide. “She’s my favourite monk,” he … [Read More]
The attractions of North Korean restaurants
If ever you're on holiday in Cambodia this looks like the restaurant to visit. A North Korean noodle restaurant known for its beautiful waitresses – including the “North Korean Kim Tae-hee:” http://bit.ly/bHmvzR # …but if you work in South Korea you haven't got long to get there: an average of only 4.1 days for your … [Read More]
White Badge: Korea and the Vietnamese War
In a year that we remember the 60th anniversary of the first post-WW2 US military involvement in Asia, it was a great idea to invite Director Jeong Ji-yeong (정지영) to the UK. Jeong is known for a number of well-received films, including Nambugun, a film which gives a nuanced view of the Korean War from … [Read More]
2010 Travel Diary #25: Heo Jun and Sancheong’s herbal heritage
Thursday 6 May 2010. The mayor hurries off for an appointment: not only is the Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival in full swing, but elections are approaching in a month’s time. In fact I’m amazed he has found time to meet with this foreign blogger at all. He leaves the rest of us to finish the … [Read More]
Boryeong’s Mudfest Ambassadors
What should three pretty actresses have to do as PR ambassadors for the Boryeong Mud Festival? Suggestions please. http://bit.ly/c9CD2O # [Read More]
Mountain walking, Tea Classics and a thriller: three new books
ROK Drop Book Review: Yin Yang Tattoo By Ron McMillan. Looks like a good novel for summer holiday reading. http://bit.ly/9hxn6M # Walk the Baekdu-Daegan: Korea’s mountain backbone: new book on the hiking trail. http://bit.ly/b9cmsu # An article about Brother Anthony (brilliant translator, says KTLit.com) and his new book about tea (not my cuppa!): http://www.ktlit.com/?p=1377 [Read More]
2010 Travel Diary #24: Lunch with Sancheong’s Mayor and the battle for the 2013 Donguibogam Expo
Thursday 6 May 2010. We drive to a quiet restaurant – though in Sancheong County that describes most of them. In the shaded car park we are greeted by a large reception committee. The mayor and his wife, all dressed in hanbok, are waiting, and many of the county officials. I think my friend Kyung-sook … [Read More]
Korea’s hottest celebs — CNNGo
South Korea's 20 hottest male celebs: CNNGo’s list is topped by Jang Dong-gun, Won Bin and Bae Yong-joon. http://bit.ly/aZAANo – via allkpop http://bit.ly/cDqitG But why isn’t Lee Byung-hun on the list? # [Read More]
2010 Travel Diary #23: Turtle, Phoenix and Seal
Thursday 6 May 2010. Sancheong County in Gyeongsangnam-do occupies an area larger than Seoul (1), but its population is only 35,000. It is a land of mystery and legend, with ideas and importance more in proportion to its land mass than its population size. People there are very proud of where and who they are. … [Read More]
JYP’s new girl band
Do we need another manufactured girl band from JYP? What the heck, why not? Just hope they get original songwriters. Above: “Miss A” – slightly less cute than the current wave of k-pop girl bands. http://bit.ly/9GTF9h # [Read More]