One won

       I didn't believe when one of my Indonesian friend said that she got one won money change from the bank. I mean one won coin is barely exist now, even Korean can hardly find it these days. So, I took the picture of the coin.



The picture of one won coin

       Anyway, I was very happy to see one won coin. A cute coin with a pattern of Korea national flower, Mugunghwa (무궁화), on its side and '1' on the other side.

Hari Raya Idul Adha 1432 H

       Semoga di hari ini kita tidak cuma dapat sibuk-sibuk berangkat sholat Ied bersama dan makan-makannya saja, tapi juga silaturahim dengan teman-teman dan saudara-saudara, serta mengingat kembali dan meneladani bapak para nabi, Nabi Ibrahim as.


Selamat Hari Raya Idul Adha 1432 H


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       Tidak terasa ini sudah lebaran Idul Adha aku yang ke 6 di Korea. Bang Toyib di lagu-lagu dangdut saja baru 3 kali lebaran tidak pulang-pulang. Aku sudah lebih lama. T__T Tapi, ya, aku nikmati saja. Berlebaran di negeri asing, jauh dari orang tua dan keluarga bersama dengan saudara-saudara sesama Muslim juga memiliki kesan tersendiri.

       Senang sekali lebaran kali ini jatuh pada hari Ahad. Sehingga orang yang datang ke masjid cukup banyak. Selain itu, senang juga karena hari ini salah seorang kakak kelas aku dulu waktu S1, Sogoi Oppa, menjadi muslim. Subhanallah :")

       Tidak terasa juga kita sudah dipenghujung tahun 1432 H. Mulai cek serta kebut-kebut target yang ada. Yang penting harus tetap semangat~!!!

[WSK 2011] Two Korean Villages Become UNESCO Sites

       Kalau ada waktu atau kesempatan jalan-jalan di Korea, bisa mengunjungi tempat-tempat ini, Andong dan Gyeongju. Dua-duanya terkenal sebagai tempat wisata bertema tradisional dimana masih bisa banyak dilihat rumah-rumah tradisional Korea. Kotanya juga rapi dan teratur. Pokoknya rekomendasi untuk pilihan rekreasi. :")

       Untuk detailnya bisa juga baca artikel WSK dibawah ini.







Two Korean Villages Become UNESCO Sites

       Andong City’s Hahoe Village and Gyeongju City’s Yangdong Village, which are the two most representative historic villages in Korea, were registered on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list at the 34th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Brasilia, Brazil on August 1. With this designation, Korea now holds a total of 10 UNESCO World Heritage items.

       It is extremely rare for historic villages to be in intact state due to modernization and development and such, and the assessment of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is accordingly extremely rigorous.






       The Hahoe and Yangdong Village, too, had to go through a series of reviews, holdups, and postponements before they were granted the approval. ICOMOS recognized the two villages’ historic and cultural significance as early as last May and the legitimate ground in having them registered as one coupled-up item. However, due to the fact that there wasn’t a comprehensive administrative office that manages both of the villages together, ICOMOS sustained their approval.

       To this, Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration with Gyeongsangbuk-do, Andong City and Gyeongju City, organized “The Council on Preservation of Historic Villages” that was going to collaboratively manage and preserve the two villages. And after submitting to 21 member countries of WHC thorough information and promotional materials on the Hahoe and Yangdong Village as well as dispatching a government delegation to the 34th Session of WHC, were they able to put the two villages on the list of UNECO World Cultural Heritage.

1995: Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple / Jongmyo Shrine / Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks
1997: Changdeokgung Palace Complex / Hwaseong Fortress
2000: Gyeongju Historic Areas / Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
2007: Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
2009: Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
2010: Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong

       Founded in the 14th-15th centuries, Hahoe and Yangdong Village’s layout and location – sheltered by forested mountains and facing out onto a river and open agricultural fields – reflect the distinctive aristocratic Confucian culture of the early part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).



Andong City’s Hahoe Village


       The Hahoe Village contains Yangjindang Manor (Treasure No. 306), Pikchondaek House (Important Folklore Material No. 84), Chunghyodang Manor (Treasure No. 414), and Namchondaek House (Important Folklore Material No. 90) among others. It has also preserved the shamanist rite of Byeolsin-gut, Hahoe Mask Dance, and Jeulbul Nori.

       The Yangdong Village contains Mucheomdang (Treasure No. 411), Hyangdan (Treasure No. 412), Gwangajeong (Treasure No. 442) as well as Tonggamsokpyeon, a book printed on movable metal type (National Treasure No. 283).



Gyeongju City’s Yangdong Village


       The two villages are the first of their kind in Korea to receive the honor in that they are places that are actually being inhabited by people. They are “living heritage.” Residents have well preserved not only traditional housings but the intangible culture of the two villages as well, which further increases the value of Hahoe and Yangdong.



Gyeongju City’s Yangdong Village


       Having relics registered on the UNESCO list is pointless if they don’t continue to be properly looked after. The two villages, Hahoe and Yangdong, now having become world-acknowledged historic assets, will likely trigger a surge of tourists both domestic and international. And accordingly, we will need to further reinforce maintenance system and strengthen tourism infrastructure so that those precious vestiges of the past can still be there for the next generation to appreciate as well.

This article is from here.

2011 Gochang Chrysanthemum Festival (Oct 28th - Nov 13)

2011 Gochang Chrysanthemum Festival
October 28th (Fri) ~ November 13th (Sun) --> 17 days
632-1 Seongnam-ri Daesan-myeon Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do
http://www.gcfestival.com


       Chrysanthemum must be soooo beautiful~! :") So, don't miss the festival~

[WSK 2011] Let’s Go for Some Apples!

       Belakangan ini, sejak pindah ke asrama, aku jarang makan buah dan sayuran rasanya. Kulit jadi kurang segar. Apalagi aku agak pilih-pilih soal buah. Misalnya aku tidak begitu suka buah impor (karena rasanya tidak seenak makan dinegara aslinya) dan buah yang repot makannya (agak males kupas-kupas dan potong-potong). Aku juga tidak suka buah nan**, dengar namanya saja sudah bikin lidahku jadi gatal >_<

       Aku suka buah yang gampang makannya seperti tomat kecil-kecil (방울 토마토), anggur, strawberi, dan lain-lain. Setelah baca artikel WSK ini, aku pikir buah apel bisa jadi salah satu pilihan juga. :")

       Bagaimana dengan teman-teman, apa buah favorit kalian? :")







Let’s Go for Some Apples!

       Red apple is very luscious enough to make everyone eager to have one bite. Perhaps it might be natural that the witch of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs chose the apple to fascinate the snow white.
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(Picture: FlickrⓒMuffet)


       Well, thanks to the technological development, we can see apples at any season of the year. There are some people who don’t even remember which is the apple season. What do you think it is the season? The answer is “Autumn” that sunshine paints all the fields gold and apples red. Shall we go for some apples with family? Pick out the apples and enjoy the local attractions.



(Picture: Flickrⓒedenpictures)


       By the way, did you know there is an event that let you pick those delicious apples? You can have hands on experience from the end of October near Mt.Sobaeck, Yeongju. You can buy the apples you pick at a discount, too. All the apples will be harvested by the early November, which means it’s better to reserve the event as soon as possible. If you bring your children, they will learn the value of labor.

       Moreover, Yeongju has more wonderful attractions to visit other than the apples. It has many cultural legacies around Mt.Sobaek such as Buseok temple, Sosu shrine, Seonbi village and Jukryoung old road. There are many things for families to do in Yeongju.

       Especially, Buseok temple is one of ten greatest Buddhist temples in Korea. It has five national treasures and six national valuables including Murayangsujeon. You may want to lean on the pillar of Murayangsujeon. There is another attraction called Sosu Seowon which is the first Confucius educational institutes named by the King. Many leaders of Joseon were the students of this Seowon. It has a lot of precious materials and documents as well.

       Now, let’s take a walk along the national treasures. It is the old road of Jukryoung which is 696 meters high from the sea level located between the second Younhwa peak and Dosol peak. The road was used for 2000 years but it was abandoned for tens of years because of the advancement of transportation system. However, the Yeongju city government restored the road of 2.5 kilometers from Hibangsa station to Jukryoung jumak in 1999. Take a walk along the old road and take a breath of forest with your family, looking at autumn foliage. Are you ready ?


Pick Munkyoung Apples and Enjoy festival!

       Munkyung is one of the best places for planting apples because the location and the climate are just perfect. Grown in the limestone soil of Mt.Sobaek, apples become very hard and sweet. Although the very wide daily temperature range, and the low temperature at night, plants control their own nutrients, so that they are very sweet, juicy, colorful and aromatic. In addition, Munkyeong apples are very popular for its wonderful climate, rich soil and clean natural environment.



(Picture: FlickrⓒWxMom)


       There will be an apple festival around Munkyeong provincial park until the end of month. The title of the event is “Munkyeong apple festival beloved by Snow White”. It sounds like they already have all the delicious and pretty apples to fascinate us.

       Once you enjoyed the Picking Apples program and festival, we strongly recommend you the trip to Munkyoung Sae Jae.

       Munkyoung Sae Jae is Jo Ryoung mountain ridge used for TV drama shooting spot. It is so steep that there is a word saying “Even birds cannot fly over the mountain”. There are electric cars specially made for children and seniors, which shows the efforts of Munkyoung city government to clean the Mother Nature. Munkyoung Sae Jae Park provides tourists with various things to see. It’s good to walk along the road of old time’s national examination which was chosen as one of 100 beautiful roads in Korea. You can enjoy hiking barefoot there because yellow soil starts from entrance gate to the peak. Children are likely to smile with tickling the soles of their feet. Moreover, there are many other things to enjoy such as a tower of wish, old tavern, and waterfalls. Munkyoung has something that your family would love.


Pick Yesan Apples and Enjoy Festival!

       Grown first in 1923, Yesan apples have been well known for hardness and juice produced by the fall sunshine and daily temperature range in rich soil. A variety of apples such as Shinano sweet and Fuji are grown in Yesan. Apple pick-out is available from late September to middle of November. Yesan apple pick-out program attracts many people because it is major producer and located near Seoul metropolitan area.



(Picture: FlickrⓒBryan Maleszyk)


       Plus, the Apple Wine festival is held in early November every year. Can you imagine the taste of apple wine? I’ll tell you one thing. Yesan apples are very fresh. You can make it on your own and taste it, too.

       Why don’t you refresh yourself in nature forest and pick out some apples in Yesan? Opened in 2007, Bongsusan natural forest has a variety of accommodation for rest. Natural and artificial forests are harmonizing together and many wild life species are existing. Besides, beautiful scenery with Yedang resevior will attracts your mind.

       The Hiking course in forest is various from one hour to three-hour course. Hiking course is not tough so it is easy to walk on. You can smell the pine trees with the forest bathing. There are many amusement sites such as houses, children’s park, square and the hand-on hall. These are the rest places for families and group tourists. In addition, tourist can travel Deoksan spa, Sudeok temple, Chungeui temple and a house of Kim Jeong Hee near the forest. What a travel!



(Picture: FlickrⓒAdam E. Cole)


       Take a fresh air, have a delicious food and experience a variety of culture on this coming weekend.

*This article is from http://blog.naver.com/korea_brand/10122960181

[WSK 2011] World Leader in Research of Stem Cells

       Korea sedang giat-giatnya mengembangkan teknologi dibidang kesehatan. Berikut artikel WSK tentang penelitian sel punca. :")






       Recently, the International Stem Cell symposium was held in Korea. The stem cell research of Korea has drawn the attention worldwide. If the stem cell treatment can be developed successfully, we human can overcome a lot of diseases.


World’s First Stem Cell Treatment will be Released within the Year

       The prominent “Stars” of the stem cell area visited Seoul last month. The third international stem cell symposium was held on September 29 in Seoul for two days. The world famous 25 researchers participated at the symposium including Dr. Nishigawa Shinichi who developed IPS for the first time in the world. The recent news on the stem cell development by the life engineering company in Korea and its world’s 4th approval of medical test drew a big attention in the academic world.



Stem cells with microscope> (Source: Donga Ilbo)


       The experts expect that the 'mesenchymal stem cells' treatment would be available first for commercial use. The mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells obtained by bone marrow, fat and so on. A leader of business application group of cord blood stem cells in Seoul National University says that mesenchymal stem cells are safe because the immune rejection response, which attacks organs or cells that transplanted, is less and also it can be made into the cells we want. A company in Korea developed the medicine for arthritis and acute myocardial infarction and completed the third clinical trials for human last January and July. The medicine would be the first stem cell treatment in the world if it passes Korea food & drug administration’s assessment and be released within this year.

       Kim Dong Uk, the business application research group leader, said that the first generation treatment was adult stem cells and the second generation treatment would be the stem cells divided into various tissues. He expected that more research would be done for the second generation treatment. Embryonic stem cell and iPS are regarded as the second generation treatments. The embryonic stem cell is derived from the embryo formed by combination of sperm and egg. IPS, which is reverted from somatic cells, is a stem cell quite similar to embryonic stem cell. Embryonic stem cell and IPS can be divided and formed into a variety of organs



Researchers in the 3rd international stem cell symposium (Source: Donga Ilbo)


       Kim said that Zeron, US life engineering company, started a trial using embryonic stem cells for the first time in the world and within five to ten years embryonic stem cell treatment would come out. However, there would be controversy for the time being because the treatment has ethical issues.



Healing process with stem cell treatment (Source: MoneyToday)



Tasks Still Remained

       Meanwhile, IPS found in 2006 doesn’t have ethical issues but the research is insufficient. Natalie Dewit, director of Korea Pateur research center, expected that IPS would go into clinical trial phase late 2010s. The thing that IPS is randomly divided has to be solved in order to get the cells we want. Kim Gwang Su, a director of stem cell research center, said that the technology dividing IPS into brain cell has a big progress but for some other cells, there is still a long way to go. “The research is in progress.” He added.

       Experts expect that IPS would be firstly applied to the experimental animals. The findings, which measure the medical efficiency converting iPS of the schizophrene into the nerve cells, were reported in Nature last 14th. Stem cells, which are developed from IPS obtained by patients, have the same conditions as human cells so they can be measured more accurately for new medicine.

       Many people will be free of diseases once the stem cell treatment is developed. There are still many patients waiting for the positive results. Let’s hope for the success of stem cell research.

*artikel is from http://blog.daum.net/korea_brand/1481