London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Where to start in Korean literature, and five “Classics” to avoid

Charles Montgomery has a great post on where to start in translated Korean literature, and in another article shares Five Korean “Classics” To Avoid: Heartless (Yi Kwang-su, 1917) Aunt Suni (Hyeon Ki-young, 1978) Between Heaven and Earth (Yun Dae-nyong, 1996) A Man (Hwang Sun-won) and Buckwheat Season (Yi Hyo-sok, 1936). One day, I’m going to … [Read More]

North Korea’s silkworm technology

Bored with shelling South Korean islands, North Korea looks to invest in Vietnamese silk. FT blogs: http://bit.ly/dQwPzB # North Korea’s contribution to any silk venture will be its “silkworm expertise and technology”, Vietnam would, in exchange, provide labour and investment in production facilities. [Read More]

Three Korean traditions named world treasures

Three Korean traditions named world treasures: gagok (lyrical songs), daemokjang (wooden architectural craftsmanship) and maesanyang (falcon hunting). That UNESCO list keeps getting longer! http://bit.ly/9Ia99y # Daemokjang is Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No.74; Gagok is Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No.30 [Read More]

The G20 Summit at the Seoul Lantern Festival

It was a nice idea to create a special lantern in honour of the G20 leaders as part of the Seoul Lantern Festival. The bit in the red circle contains their likenesses. But unfortunately there was a misunderstanding about the country represented by one leader: Korea welcomes 'Julia von Trapp'. As the Marmot says: Australia, … [Read More]

Jang Jin and performers’ fees

Just for once, at the Q&A with Jang Jin tonight, I DIDN'T ask any question about the screen quota. It was an effort though. #. Instead, I asked him about actors fees, which for a significant portion of a film’s budget. But in the news today, it seems film actors aren't the only performers with … [Read More]

Korea’s treasures on show at the G20

Nice idea for the National Museum of Korea to showcase these treasures to the G20 visitors at a reception. http://bit.ly/cgWHF3 # “In celebration of the G-20 Summit, the National Museum of Korea recently designated 20 masterpieces (dubbed the “M20”) among its vast collection of cultural and historical artifacts. Fourteen of them will be displayed in … [Read More]