"Thanks for dropping by! Her Korean Things love to share K-Happiness with everyone through blogging down her encounters with anything Korean in her life. This is a place where stories go personal and the Kpop fanatic writer tend to relate most of her food, travel, concert, language, drama, songs, critics and whatever articles to anything Kpop! Feel free to read more about Her Korean Things here!"
How funny! I wrote few travel posts on Jeju but I didn't mention how we got there! Ommo! There are a few ways to go to Jeju. Take an airplane if you are a person who doesn't like waiting at a red traffic light; or hitch on a night ferry ride if you would love to experience total darkness in the open sea and a slight feel of 'titanic'; or lastly swim across the ocean if you have the stamina of the Hulk or Captain America (post-Avengers dilemma).
With me having the time and wanting to be a little adventurous, my cousins and I decided to take the long night ferry from Busan. Tickets cannot be bought earlier, we have to be at Busan to buy it. Of course, our hostel owner was kind enough to help us call and book :) There are 2 types of ferry and it departs on different days, so make sure you buy the correct ferry on the day you aim to depart :)
The jetty
It will be a 10 hour ride, so we can choose to stay at 1st class, 2nd class, or 3rd class. 1st class was way too expensive. 2nd class you'll get a bunk all to yourself and 3rd class? 3rd class is like this:
Sharing the whole floor with more than 100 passengers (If there really are that much)
Seeing that we want to have a great morning when we reach Jeju and we didn't want to place our bets that we'll be fine sleeping on the floor, we took the 2nd class. It's quite similar like Malaysia KTM night train! We had our own reading light beside us, and the bunk was wide enough for us to toss around, to turn left and right. Sheets were clean, pillow was comfy enough and the blanket was thick and warm.
This is how it look inside. Very comfy!
There's a restaurant in the ferry, a very simple one which serves simple meal. As long as it was filling to the stomach, we were happy. Cost us about RM18 each per person, quite pricey for such a meal but what more can we ask for when we were on a ferry. We had chicken, soup, and another dish which I forgot what it was, I think it was ddeok-bok-gi aka spicy rice cake.
Every room has about 8 to 10 bunks, and our rooms are not locked. Some times, some locals tried to play some tricks. They might purchase the 3rd class ticket, but then walked into the 2nd class area to check which bunk is empty, and they'll gladly take it. Smart move.
View was quite nice when we just got on board around 6 to 7 in the evening. We still get to see the bridge, the fishing boats, and other ferries. When the ferry ventured further into the sea and time started ticking away, we starting to see small yellow dots around us; those are other ferries, or fishing boats.
But later on when it's about 10, it's total darkness. To some extend it's quite scary and the scene of titanic ship hitting the unseen iceberg disturbed me so I ran into my bunk and sleep! Thankfully I was so tired that even the TV was switched on because some ajosshi wanted to watch some funny programme, I dozed off quickly. And it was a good sleep. I woke up, went on the deck and thanked God for creating such a beautiful scene for what was in front of my eyes:
It's not original. I don't think Malaysia even sold this during that time. I remember I bought it from a stall. It was cheap. I was a student. I had not much of cash. So yes - I bought it :) And it's still a treasure to me :)
Today is Mother's Day and Her Korean Things want to wish all mothers HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! I'm very sure you have mothers who are very into Hallyu as well! Want to surprise her with some simple Korean wishes for a change this year?
TODAY'S PHRASE:
엄마를 항상 사랑해요 om-ma-reur hang-sang sa-rang-hae-yo: I always love my mom!
Breaking it down:
엄마 om-ma: Mom
항상 hang-sang: Always
사랑해요 sa-rang-hae-yo: Love. Or you can just say "sa-rang-hae-yo" to express "I Love You"
Today's phrase featured 2PM's Nichkhun and his lovely mother when both of them posed for a Breast Cancer Campaign.
Other tips:
Here are other tips you can say to your beloved Mom!
1. 엄마 최고! om-ma chui-go!: Mom you're the best!
2. 엄마가 해준거 모두 다 감사합니다 om-ma-ga hae-jun-geo mo-du da kam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Thank you for everything you've done for me, mom!
3. 엄마가 날 사랑해 주셔서 감사합니다! om-ma-ga nal sa-rang-hae ju-syeo-seo kam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Thank you mom for loving me!
Been long time since I posted here :) The Red Soul's fever is still here I guessed, as I still can see lots of Malaysians still dwelling in their Red Soul moments :) Photos everywhere, and also Red Soul member's Facebook's account getting populated by tagged pictures as well as new approved friends. So happy for them! Remember to check out the 4 lucky girls who had special moments with Red Soul here!
So I went to browse again one of their cover which I really like, particularly because it's from one of the legendary KPOP group - G.O.D., and also the lyrics. It's a very inspiring song to me, a song which kept me moving forward too whenever I feel down.
Hanulyi oppa what are you doing? XD
Im Chang!! XOXO
Dedicating to everyone here to remind us that in life we always have one another - GOD's "ONE CANDLE" cover by Red Soul
Super love this line as I picture the scene: "But that's not the case So much can happen by lighting that one small candle I believed that there was nothing else around me But I discovered another small candle And when I lit it, they became two By the light of two candles, I can find more And two becomes three, and three becomes four And the darkness disappears"
Full lyrics translation:
In this world,
There are many people who have less than we do.
For those who are struggling even now, we sing this song.
"Stay strong!"
Why is life so hard?
Who said that life was beautiful??
Since I was born, all that life gave me was more trials to overcome.
During those times, I looked into the mirror and asked myself,
"What did I do wrong? What did I do to deserve this only happening to me?"
It feels like it'll never change.
Not tomorrow, or even the day after.
Don't say that
Don't crumble under the pressure
Whatever life gives you
Whatever you receive
Whatever this unfair world offers you
If you just accept it
Wouldn't you be fighting it?
Would you give up?
Would you surrender to the life that fate dealt you?
Don't bow your head to the world, don't lose strength,
Look at us.
Chorus
When you're tired and exhausted, lean on me
I will always be by your side
So that you never feel like you're alone in this world,
I'll be right beside you, holding your hand.
It's too dark, I can't see the road
All I have on me is one match and one candle
What could I do with this one small candle?
How could the darkness leave by lighting this one candle?
I see the bright light far away in the distance
And here I am making vain efforts alone in the dark
I want to fly towards that bright light
But I can't - my wings fail me.
But that's not the case
So much can happen by lighting that one small candle
I believed that there was nothing else around me
But I discovered another small candle
And when I lit it, they became two
By the light of two candles, I can find more
And two becomes three, and three becomes four
And the darkness disappears
Do you remember?
We fought life without a father
That was the story of my childhood
It was true, and it was hard
But I didn't give up there,
I didn't lose my dream, I didn't lose my courage
I kept trying, and here I am now
Now I want to tell you
You can do it, too.
*Feel free to click the "like" button above if you enjoyed this post!*
Red Soul, the first ever acapella group to visit our shore was here the past weekend to promote their album: Stay "있어줘". I went to their fan meet session at Full House, Sunway Giza on April 13 and I must say I really love the cosy feeling in Full House, but more importantly I loved Red Soul serenading to us with their lovely voices. I must also give a thumbs up to all Malaysian K-music fans because the support was great too and I didn't know there were quite a number of people who are anticipating for Red Soul's arrival! :)
Red Soul@ Full House. Inset pic is Janice who met Red Soul in January, and Wind Lee from 8TV!
Picture credits: Wind Lee
Red Soul really know how to capture not just the heart, but the souls of Malaysian girls! I'm very sure now there are still many of us who can't stop playing their songs, regardless it's "Han Yeojareur Saranghan Han Namja" (The One Man Who Loved One Woman), or "Sarangiya Ireon Neukim" (Love is this kind of feeling) or "Ting" etc.
But Red Soul had come a very long way, from changing members, to changing names, to winning various awards; and I personally feel it was Star King in 2009 which brought their name better out to the audiences of the world! I'm very happy for them to gain Malaysians support now!
Current Red Soul members
So who were the 4 lucky girls? Caught up with them to hear from them!
#1: CALLIE WHO GOT THE KISS!
Her Korean Things:
So what happened actually?
Callie: Hanulyi was on my right, and when he sang his solo part, he moved a step forward to let ppl know it's his solo and I took a picture of him. Once I click it, I saw he saw he was looking to my direction through my camera lense. I was a little shock and was wondering that did he really see me taking his picture? Because I was a bit confused that time, I put down my camera and looked at him.
He then suddenly walked forward n jumped in front of me! At that moment, I was thinking "Yeah, I can take up close picture". (That's why you see I was still holding my camera with my right hand.) Hanulyi just held my left hand, looked straight into my eyes n sang! Then Ki Hyun also jumped from the stage and held my right hand!
I know all cameras were facing me and I look very ugly because I just cannot stop smiling. Then Ki Hyun let go my hand and went back to the stage and I didn't expect Hanulyi will kiss my hand before letting go!
Her Korean Things:
How did you feel?
Callie: I was really shocked and happy! I can't say anything or do anything. At that moment, I can't hear what he sang at all. I don't feel like hearing anything at all. At that moment, I can't take my eyes off Hanulyi. After all, he is my favourite! From the moment they let go my hand until they finished the song, I did not stop smiling at all!
View the video below! Callie's once in a life time sweet seconds started on 3:02 of this video! This video better be kept forever! :)
#2 MIGO WHO GOT THE BEAR!
Her Korean Things:
So what happened actually?
Migo: I noticed there's a teddy bear on the piano, promoting their album. During the encore part, Kihyun oppa and Hanulyi oppa grabbed the bears and held on to them. Then what I thought was the bears were for fans! It was so cute to see them playing with the bears, especially Kihyun oppa. He passed the mic to the teddy, placed on Hanulyi oppa's shoulder and even kissed the bear! I want the bear, can I? Kihyun oppa then moved towards edge of the stage, passed the bear to the girl in the center - which is me! He passed the bear to me!
Her Korean Things:
How did you feel?
Migo: I just hugged the bear tight and kissed back the bear, hehe! I have no more complaints about sitting near to the stage because at first we were not comfortable sitting on the first line as it is hard for us to see the boys. But now I know, it is destined for us to sit at the front line, haha! What a joyful day with Red Soul!
A very precious bear to be kept forever - from Kihyun oppa to Migo
#3: JANICE WHO GOT A SONG + A BEAR FOR HERSELF!
"Only You" for Janice, and her bear!
Janice was a special fan. She went to meet Red Soul during January, read more here. During their gigs, Red Soul mentioned "Now this song is to someone very special.." and they called her out! I was there to witness this, so happy for her! :)
Her Korean Things:
How did you feel?
Janice: Nervous and shy!!!
#4: RUE WHO THINKS SHE HAD A DANCE WITH HANULYI OPPA!
OK I just want to feature myself! Give me an opportunity! Although there were no skinship, no bear, no hug, I have a little story to share too! It was nothing much actually. I wanted to really enjoy their songs so I chose to stand at the back while everyone sat down in front. When they sang, my friend and I were swaying and dancing to their tempo. I forgot what song was it, I think it was "Ting", when Hanulyi caught us swaying left to right and he looked at me and smiled and followed us!
So - I had a 10-step-away-soul-dance with Hanulyi oppa! WAHAHA. OK cut my crap off. Thanks for entertaining my crap.
However, it was great to be able to chat with them during the signature session. They were shocked when I told them in Korean "Your songs are really great and I had a good time, you must come to Malaysia again!". Yes, Koreans are usually surprised when you speak their language, they are proud of their language and they will always respond "Are you Korean?" or "Wah!! Your Korean is so good!! 야... 한국말 잘하시네!"
Anyway I believe some of them have been messaging you girls because Taeik gave a friendly thank you to me:
---
THE FAN MEET
The performances were great. I like the fact that there were no barriers, no bodyguards and we were all so good and well behave, and very supportive! Red Soul was entertaining, they look into your eyes, they try to speak to the crowd, they ask you to join in their songs, if they call you up, they know how to make you fall head over heels for them.
Most importantly - they are a talented bunch of guys with a great voice. And we all hope these angelic voices stay on and continue to bring us great songs!
---
So there you go, the stories from 4 girls. I'm very sure Red Soul will be getting more attention from Malaysians and they'll definitely come back again, and again! I love to collect stories from fans or supporters. It's so awesome to be able to feel their happiness through their sharing!
After all, Her Korean Things is a place to share K-Happiness! :)
*Feel free to click the "like" button below if you enjoyed this post!*
It's the 19th National Assembly Electionat Korea today! Some Kpop stars who are eligible to vote this year are SNSD's SeoHyun, Miss A's Min, Dal Shabet's Jiyool, After School's Nana, B2ST's Dongwoon, Shinee's Key & Minho, CN Blue's Jung Shin & Min Hyuk, FT Island's Jaejin, UKISS' AJ & Hoon, B1A4's Shinwoo, Infinite's Sungyeol etc..so many!
TODAY'S VOCAB
투표 too-pyo: Vote
Breaking it down:
This word actually comes from the Chinese word 投票 (tou-piao) hence it sounds similar.
투 too: Cast/Throw
표 pyo: Vote
Today's vocab is simple and we took 2PM's Chan Sung and SNSD's Yoona from last year's election as our Korean Vocab Flashcard stars for this round! Weird that usually Chan Sung is paired up with Seo Hyun, right? Well Seo Hyun is voting this time! :)
Other tips:
1. If you want to say "I'm joining the election voting":
총선투표 참여해요 chong-seon too-pyo cham-yeo-hae-yo
2. If you want to say "I've voted":
투표 했어요 too-pyo-hae-sseo-yo
3. If you want to ask "Have you voted?":
투표 했나요? too-pyo-haet-na-yo?
4. If you want to encourage others to vote, follow what JYJ's Kim Jae Joong said yesterday on Twitter:
총선투표 참여하세요 chong-seontoo-pyo cham-yeo-ha-se-yo
Let's participate the general election/ Let's vote/ Please vote
Jae Joong said: “Everyone, do take part in the General Election. Show me the proof shot (of you having voted)~^^”. And this was what he got:
Her Korean Things says:
I think today's Korean Vocab reminds us, who are over 21 that we should always take part in our General Elections. That is the one opportunity for us to contribute in making a decision for our country. I believe if a person has not voted, he or she should not complain about the government too much because he or she did not take part to have a say at all. Kpop stars are casting votes in their General Election, let us all do the same for our country in the upcoming General Election!
We know about Tesco/Homeplus virtual shopping stores at Subway last year, now seems like they've taken it to another higher level! Here goes the World's first virtual shopping store - using the walls of Seonreung subway station in downtown Seoul by displaying over 500 products!
Koreans and subways are like lovers, most people take subways everyday as it's very convenient. Major subways line are always packed during weekdays. When I was teaching there and was heading to class during the morning, I had to run along with the other subway takers whenever it's a station switch! Kinda miss the feeling. :)
So yeap Homeplus is smart, instead of building up a whole new infrastructure, they take it down to the subways and allow busy people to scan the barcodes of the displayed products using the Homeplus app. What's next? The items get delivered to them directly at the address they've keyed in.
"A major perk of this concept is that consumers don’t have to be anywhere near the virtual store to place an order. So, if you want to order replacements of a bottle of water that you have in your hand, you don’t have to stop by the subway station's store. You just have to scan the bottle’s barcode with the Homeplus app., and then the products are delivered later to home or office."- Quoted Sitch News.
Such speed, such convenience, such fun, which took Korean's shopping experience to a whole new level! I want to experience that too! *Runs to check cheap flights to Korea*
I love Korea where things are always convenient. When it's raining, the shopping malls will definitely have umbrella plastic bags for you to store your wet umbrella; or you can even use your T-money (which is mostly used for transport) to make calls at the subway; or even if you are at some supermarkets, you can even scan the items you have at hand and check out right away without needing the help of a cashier - this, I experienced before!
Well, he looks like he is breathing to me! Big Bang ALIVE concept is really different anyway this time. :)
Today's Korean Vocab:
숨을 쉬다 soom-eul swi-da: Breathing
The first word - 숨 soom, means Breath (noun).
Very wellknown word among us, isn't it? Which Beauty wouldn't know this ever famous song from BEAST? Part of the lyrics said "숨이 막혀 soom-i mak-hyeo" which means suffocated.
How it forms the word suffocated is by using "숨 soom: breath" and "막혀 mak-hyeo: block", so literally it means suffocate! Don't you think Korean language is just so fun? :)
Other Tips:
If you want to say that a guy is "too handsome until you can't breathe", you can use the below line: 너무 잘생겨서 숨을 못쉬겠어!
neo-mu chal-saeng-gyeo-seo soom-eul mot-swi-gyesseo!
Her Korean Things Says:
To be honest, I prefer Big Bang's Tonight cover compared to ALIVE. Nevertheless, I can't breathe when I look at TOP! If I were to vote for my favourite group for it's originality, I will always vote for Big Bang, especially with GD in it. No one can recreate GD's song. What do you think?
I love Egg Rolls! 너무 너무 좋아 nomu-nomu-choa (really love it) ! When I was staying in Korea, my host and my academy used to prepare Egg Rolls during lunch or sometimes during breakfast. It's such a simple dish yet can be so fulfilling.
I think indeed it's true that some times life happiness can come in the simplest form! Like egg rolls!
Do you remember who loves to eat 계란말이 kyeranmari (egg roll)?
Yes the traditional costume of the Korean people is called Han Bok.한 han comes from the word "Korea" while 복 bok means "Dress". This picture was taken at Namsamgol Hanok Village where you can reach by taking a subway to Chungmuro station. They rent the clothes for only 3,000 WON (USD 3) for 30 minutes and you can take pictures around the area.
They've all kinds of outfits - King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Peasants, and Scholar. In the picture my cousin brother was wearing the King outfit, my cousin sister on the left was wearing the Queen outfit and me on the right was wearing princess outfit! :)
