BEAST Yo Seub is Bored!

Ok what do you think Yo Seub is feeling? Some of you might say "Hey Rue, come on he doesn't look bored he looks cool ok!". I know I know..... 난 알아요 (nan-a-ra-yo | I know). This line is taken from Se7en's "I Know" :

Yea I totally agree on the cool part but when I look at that picture it also gave me a feeling of him shouting inside "Tell me what to do!! So boring!!" That's how I ended up with this picture!

This word helps you to express whenever you are bored or you just don't know what to do. It's super easy to use and since many people like to post "Bored..." as their Facebook Status, if you want to Koreanise it you can now use 심심해! 

Anyone of you follow Super Junior's Full House? I think it was aired around year 2005. I totally love it. If you noticed, 동해 (Dong-Hae) mentioned "심심하면" (shim-shim-ha-myeon | If bored) at 1:17.

Hope you are not feeling bored reading this post! :)

Who did you vote for in MAMA?

Anyong!

Are you all excited about one of the grandest music festival in Asia - MAMA 2011 in Singapore? Although I won't be able to go I'm super excited! At least I contributed in voting, playing my small little role.

It's always amazing to see how Kpop have evolved in Asia and MAMA. Remembering the days 10 years ago when it was so hard for us to find that particular CDs we want. Totally overwhelming to remember that10 years ago TVXQ, Rain, Shinhwa was all over the Chinese pop magazines; and now it's more than just them.. Gah I miss the 1st generation of Kpop :)

So who did you vote for? What, you have yet to vote? Ommo, 안돼... (an-dwae | cannot). Voting for MAMA is easy, you just have to go here and you'll see the below screen.

Current ratings:

MAMA also holds a Dance Relay for Kpop Dance fans to submit their videos and get a chance to be on the same stage with their favourite gasoos! Last date for submission: Nov 15, 2011! Submit and view other contestants' videos here!

It's a pity I can't go. 아쉬워 (a-shwi-wo | disappointed). No worries, whoever is going, please have a great time and update me all right! :)

Book Review: Special Date

Anyong! 

I love So Nyeo Shi Dae's comic book series! In fact, I got to know that elementary school girls love to read such comic books! Thought it would be great for me to read up and I took one of my host's daughter's book to read.

If you have some decent level of Korean language, you will really enjoy this comic series a lot! Every book is on different topics, ranging from fashion, to hair style, to food, and my favourite would be "Special Date". In Korean it's called 특별한 데이트 (teuk-byeol-han de-i-teu)

특별한 teuk-byeol-han: Special. It comes from the Chinese word 特别

데이트 de-i-teu: date (this is pretty much obvious)

Note that the "특 teuk" is same as Super Junior's 이특 Lee Teuk's "teuk"

Anyway back to the book! The Cover! Isn't it lovely? :)

For those who can read Korean, you will realised the conversation is actually quite simple! Trust me, you'll be able to enjoy this book a lot if your Korean level is intermediate, and you'll be able to learn a lot through reading as well! Well that's one of the ways I picked up Korean. Some snap shots:

Let me pick 2 phrase to share (it's based on the last 2 dialouges from the above picture):

1. 좋아하는 사람 (cho-a-ha-neun  sa-ram): Someone you like; 喜欢的人

좋아하는 cho-a-ha-neun : like

사람 sa-ram : person

So let's say if one day you want to show off some skills by saying "I have someone I like", just add 있어요 (is-sseo-yo: have/exist).

So the sentence will be: 좋아하는 사람 있어요 (cho-a-ha-neun sa-ram is-seo-yo)

2. 누군데? (nu-gun-de): Who is it??

Pretty easy right, these 2 phrases? ;)

Hope you learned a thing or 2!

For those who are interested to order this comic book do write to herkoreanthings@gmail.com! :) 

Travel: The Magnificent Seong San Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Jeju Island!

Anyong!

I know, you've been waiting for a Busan-related post, and now what? Jejudo?! 미안해 (mi-an-hae : sorry) 친구들 (chin-gu : friends). My cousin posted a 사진 (sa-jin : picture) of us horse-riding at Jejudo and it made me missed Jejudo so much! 그리워요 (keu-ri-wo-yo : missing)!!!

During our road trip with our self-hired taxi driver cum tour guide, one of our stops was Seong San Ilchulbong , which meant Sunrise Peak. How did the word come about?

일출 Il-chul : Sun Rise. Comes from the Chinese word 日出
봉 bong: Peak. Comes from the Chinese word 峰

Seong San Ilchulbong rose after a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. There is a huge crater at the top of the peak, where we innocently wished there was a lake or something but nope, there will be no lake because the volcanic rock is so porous. Because of that, my cousin bro was nagging why did we take more than 30 minutes to climb up to see an "abandoned" green field. Surrounded by 99 sharp rocks, the crater looks like a crown from afar. What a pity I did not have the chance to sit on a helicopter to view it from top-down ;)

GIANT CROWN: This UNESCO World Heritage looks majestic from afar
Credits: Visit Korea

The local taxi driver cum tour guide we hired was fantastic! He gave us a good rate for taxi hire for the whole day and brought us to many local places! One of it was this horse riding experience for only 5,000 Won (USD 5)! Previously we passed by a horse riding place but it was priced at 20,000 Won to 30,000 Won per ride! Kill me! 미쳤어 (mi-cheo-sseo: are you crazy)? So once he brought us to this cheap and cool place, I felt like I was in a drama! 

WHAT A SCENE: Seong San Il Chul Bong at the background. It's so peaceful. 

HORSE RIDER WANNABE: Somehow the horses here look better than those in Malaysia

PERFECT PICTURE: Felt like I was in paradise!

After that pit-stop, we drove further 10 minutes and reached the final destination - Seong San Ilchulbong itself. Entrance fee was 2,000 Won per adult.

What greeted me once I entered was this awesome impressive ROCK!

If you would love to see the Sun Rise, you need to spend a night at Seong-san-ri, and then climb up before the Sun Rise. Usually it would take around 20 minutes if you are very fit! Or you could run up as well if you owned  extremely good stamina!

HALF WAY THROUGH: Great scene from above. Cities and waterscapes below us!

I was climbing at late noon time but it felt like the sun was still scorching hot. This made the climb even worse, like "when will I ever reach!? 언제??? (on-je : when)". But once I reached, as I mentioned, I was that innocent girl who stupidly really wished there was some lake at the crater but all I saw was this:

THE LAND OF NOBODY: I wonder if ever there were animals in there

So for those who wishfully hoped there will be some pond or sort up at the peak, my above picture assures you that no it doesn't. Plus, Visit Korea website too said that this UNESCO World Heritage is superbly porous, no lake can be formed :)

But for once and for all, I still stand in awe when I look at this whole gigantic volcanic rock from below. It felt like a fairytale, 100,000 years ago! 

Visit Ratings: 10/10 MUST GO!

I went during end of Summer, it wasn't splendid enough as the best season is SPRING. Why? You'll know why when you see this picture:

BEHOLD: Seongsan Ilchulbong is surrounded by bright yellow rapeseed flowers in Spring

Things you should know:

• Rated #1 of 36 Seogwipo major attractions in Trip Advisor
• Not allowed to enter during bad weather
• During Winter: Opens 1 hour before sunrise - 8pm
• During Summer: Opens 1 hour before sunrise - 9pm
• Parking fees: 1,000 won ~ 2,000 won
• Entrance Fees

Classification	Adults	Youths	Children
Individual	2,000 won	1,000 won	1,000 won
Group (over 10)	1,200 won	600 won	600 won

Directions
At Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, 
Take a Direct Bus (Dongilju bus bound for Seongsan) and get off at Seongsalliipgu bus stop. (Travel time : 2 hrs)

At Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal, 
Take a Direct Bus (Dongilju bus bound for Seongsan) and get off at Seongsalliipgu bus stop (Travel time: 2 hr 30 min) 

At Seongsalliipgu bus stop, you will see Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Walk to the peak (about 1km). 

For more information you can visit here!


Please tell me you will go there soon if you have yet to!

Halloween The Kpop Way!

Anyong! Happy Halloween 해피 할로윈 (Hae-pee-hal-lo-win)!!!

It's Halloween! I've celebrated on Saturday night it was awesome! 재미있어!

I know this is rather late but anyway I finally had some time to post about Halloween, the Kpop way! Better late than never, 맞죠 (maj-jyo | right)?

How was your Halloween and what were your costumes? If you are having Halloween party tonight and you have no idea in mind yet, this super last minute post might help you out!

MC Mong - Red Indian

Orange Caramel - Fairy Tale Characters!

So Nyeo Shi Dae - Bond Girls

 Boys Over Flowers & Play Full Kiss - School Kids!

 Dong Bang Shin Gi - Animal Costumes (From 'Balloons' MV)

Wonder Girls - Pucca 

T-ARA: Cats

B2ST - Policeman

These are a few I thought of! :) I personally like B2ST, they look so smart in it! By the way, Halloween in Korea is very happening as well especially in Itaewon, the place famous for foreigners. Was reading Chris' blog and he posted a picture of what happened in the subway. 

FREAKY! Credits: Chris@chrisinsouthkorea

무서워요!

MU-SEO-WO-YO

It means SCARY!!!!

해피 할로윈! Hae-pee-hal-lo-win!!!

나 (na: me)

Astro Kpop Hitz Talent

Anyong!

OK this is a very very super outdated review. Well, it happened before I started this blog. 미안해 (mi-an-hae | sorry). 용서해줘 yong-seo-hae-jwo (yong-seo | forgive; hae-jwo | please). 용서 (yong-seo) comes from the Chinese word 原恕

Thanks to Jasmine, I got a free reserved seat (very good view, thanks onni!) at the Astro Kpop Hitz Talent Show (Final round) recording at Wisma Bentley Music, Mutiara Damansara. Was aired on Channel 705. 고마워요 언니(ko-ma-wo-yo | thank you ; on-ni | sister)!!

Being a K-pop lover, I was all ready to enjoy what the Kpop Cover Dance Groups in Malaysia have to offer! With Hallyu now on the rise (and still rising), Kpop Cover Dance Groups also get the limelight I must say. They even have their own fan base! In year 2006 I covered Super Junior's "U" (dancing Han Kyung's part) with other awesome girls, and we launched Malaysia Super Junior fan club with that dance, quite a nice memory back then :)

Super Junior's "U"


Anyway, another motive of going there was to support my dear friend Wilson. We used to perform Dong Bang Shin Ki's "O" together.

Dong Bang Shin Ki - O Jung Ban Hap


Wilson's team name is called "JAYSON". A combination of his name and his fellow dance mate, Jayden who's good in popping. I must say their moves are pretty slick and neat. The judges also commented that their techniques are something to be proud of. Go JAYSON! It's a little pity that they could have work better out fit, but I'm sure they will push on and achieve more successful moments in the future! They were the 2nd runner up! If only they have more people in the team, the dance could be choreographed better, 2 persons are some times quite limiting :)

LOOKING GREAT: Me and JAYSON with their winning trophy.

Watch JAYSON's winning dance:


Nevertheless, I was also there to support my another friend who's dance group is unassumingly famous in Malaysia as well - Dawn's Arch ;) The leader of Dawn's Arch was the first person who taught me how to dance in my entire life! I'm glad that her passion for dancing is still burning. They did not win, but they did put on a great dance!

Watch Dawn's Arch's act:



One of the dance team always reminds me of Google. Yeah, it's none other than Chrome L! Hats off to their creativity and originality of some of the moves, love it! I love the story within the dance, it's a pitty they weren't the winner. But as long as they are continuing to dance, continuing pursuing what they love, it doesn't matter ;) Dance for life!

Watch Chrome L's performance:



Alas, who's the CHAMPION?

It's no other than the one and only Ruffneckz! I like their remix, would be great if I could have their version. :P 좋지? (cho-ji : good right?)

Watch Ruffneckz winning act



Ruffneckz went on an all-paid trip to Korea! How great is that :) Continue to make Malaysia proud!

I really like the MC for the show - Jehan Miskin! He really jazzed up the show and it was even a lot more funny when his tongue twisted and we have to record again. :) Oh Jehan,don't worry, you did awesome!

Ok 친구들 (chin-gu-deul | friends), I admit this is one of the worst review you ever read, I forgot what happened except for these few dances only since it has been months. Event and concert reviews will be better soon!

Good night! 잘자 (chal-ja | good night/sleep well)

Fun Korean: Korean Vocab #2

Guest what 2PM's Nichkhun is thinking? My bet would be his moments with Victoria from "We Got Married" reality TV show! Seriously, I love Khuntoria Couple's series, they're the best couple with the best emotions! 

생각해 (Saeng-gak-hae) is used widely.

When to use it?
If you would like to ask someone to "Try to think!", you can use "생각해봐 saeng-gak-hae-bwa!"
봐 bwa = gives the meaning of "try"

So, what do you think is Nichkhun actually thinking? 생각해봐 (saeng-gak-hae-bwa), 빨리 (bbal-li)!

I am very sure he is thinking of this:

KHUNTORIA FTW!!!!

Fun Korean: This Song Taught Me This #1 - U KISS | Some Day

Anyong!

Welcome to my first post of TSTMT! *phew~* What a long name, I like, 좋아 choa!

I've been listening U Kiss' "Some Day" and I really feel that it's a great song with great meaning behind. Every U Kiss fans would agree with me that U Kiss is working really, really hard to achieve great success in their career, yes? No?


Download the song HERE.

I particularly like love these 2 lines:

조금 힘들어도 웃는 날이 와

cho-geum him-deu-reo-do un-neun nar-i wa
결국 웃는 날이 올꺼야

kyeol-guk un-neun nar-i ol-kko-ya

There're some words we can use from this lyric!

LET'S BREAK IT DOWN:
1. 조금 Cho-geum  : A bit
2. 힘들어 Him-deu-reo: Tiring/difficult
3. 도  Do : Although
4. 웃는 날 Unneun nal : A day to smile for (Ut: Smile | Nal: Day)
5.올꺼야  Ol-ko-ya : Will come (o: Come | ko-ya: will)
6. 와 Wa : Come (It actually comes from the Korean root word "o da")
7. 결국 Kyeol-guk : Eventually


SO HOW DOES IT FORM THIS BEAUTIFUL PHRASE?
조금 힘들어도 웃는날이 와
cho-geum him-deu-reo-do un-neun-nar-i wa
"Although a bit tiring, a day to smile comes"

결국 웃는날이 오꺼야
kyeol-guk un-neun nar-i ol-kko-ya
"Eventually a day to smile will come!"


WHAT WORDS CAN WE USE IN DAILY LIFE?
1. 조금 cho-geum 
A bit (Quantity)
- If you want to tell someone you just want a little --> cho-geum

Expressing your feelings
- A bit tired --> cho-geum pi-gon-hae 조금 피곤해
- A bit sad --> cho-geum seul-po-yo 조금 슬퍼요
- A bit busy --> cho-geum pa-ppa-yo 조금 바빠요
- A bit hungry --> cho-geum pae-go-pa-yo 조금 배고파요

2. 힘들어 him-deu-reo 
We can use this whenever we feel tired, whenever life circumstances are tough, whenever your workload is killing you, or you feel like expressing how tough it is to carry 50kg of papers 2 floors up --> HIM-DEU-REO!!!

If you want to emphasize on it you can add 죽겠어 (ju-gess-eo) behind: 힘들어 죽겠어 (him-deu-reo ju-gess-eo)! It means "I'M SO TIRED!"

Just for your information, 죽겠어 comes from the word we are very familiar with --> 죽어 (ju-geo) --> DIE. If you know mandarin, it would be like "累死了！"


3. 와 wa
I believe everyone knows this! Come! We can use this anytime when we want to ask someone to come over.
To be more polite, use "와요 wa-yo".
Some variation we can play around with:
- 안와 an-wa? Aren't you coming?
- 빨리 와 bba-li wa! Come faster!


Well I think that's for today! Hope you enjoyed my first TSTMT with U KISS!

Anything you would like to share about this post? 

Feel free to write to herkoreanthings@gmail.com to share!

Fun Korean: Korean Vocab #1

Choi Si Won is having fun at the beach during his break while shooting K-drama 'Poseidon'! Do you all watch this drama?

재미있어 (jae-mi-iss-eo) is commonly used as a question and as an expression. We hear this all the time in dramas and reality TV shows!

When to use it?

To express fun/interesting:

When you are having a great fun time - 재미있어!

That interesting episode of 이민호 (Lee Min Ho) you just watched in Personal Taste - 재미있어!

How 강호동 (Kang Ho Dong) fell down during a challenge in 1박2일 (il-bak-i-il) - 재미있어!

To ask whether something is interesting/fun or not:

재미있어?

Hope you enjoy it! Now, 재미있어?

Travel: Busan Night City Bus Tour

Anyong!

During my first day at Busan, the day passed quite fast as we reached around 4pm. Obviously, travelling the town on foot now isn't convenient as it takes nearly a 25 minutes taxi ride from Haeundae beach to town.

I read up that Busan's night view is a must see! Best way is to take the Busan Night City Bus Tour if you would like to kill of the hassle of walking around from one stop to one stop. Trust me, it's not easy to do that at night where our time is limited.

Our Guesthouse's staff was kind enough to help us book the Busan Night City Bus. It's 10,000 Won (USD 10) per person. We then head off to Busan Station, as the departure point is near Arirang Hotel, which is just right beside Busan Station!

Busan Station is magnificent during the night! No wonder some dramas actually shoot some scenes there, Poseidon is what of them if I'm not mistaken!

As usual Koreans are as punctual as Japanese, the bus took off on time! You will think buses in Korea are just so cool and comfy! That's just for the tour buses. City buses are as normal as any buses, wait til I post about my bus ride at Jeju Island!

The bus that we sat! Dynamic Busan!

They even have a virtual tour for you to see which stop we are heading to

Our route has 5 stops and we got off at Gwangalli Beach & Geumry Eonsan.

Gwanggali Beach is just beside of the city as well! The picture below is the row of shops which are like just 100m away from the beach!

Please bear with my poor camera settings for night shots. The view was actually really beautiful but I can't capture it!! It's best for you to just sit there and marvel at the lights, listen to the waves, and feel the sand below your feet :)

This is how it looks in day time! Look at the stretch of the Gwanggali beach and the clear sea! Now you know why I love Busan, right?

Credits: Tourism Busan

Just realised I do not have a picture of the majestic 광안대교 Gwangan Daegyo (Dae-gyo: Bridge/大桥)! This is how it looks like when you are at Gwanggali beach, the bridge is just right in front of you!

Credits: Estee@Nexruby

Closer view

Credits: Tourism Busan

Our last stop was at one of the highest spot at Busan and this was what came to our eyes, so breath taking! 

The wind was quite chilly up there but we still insisted on taking a few pictures! The normal Asian behaviour, huh? Sadly to say the good quality ones are with my cousins. Will share again once I got it from them!

So if you are looking for a comfortable ride to hot spots in Busan and you have not much time, shoot down the idea of being independent to find the hot spots yourself on foot; and save your time by taking this Night City Bus Tour :)

HKT rates: 9/10

Spending: 10000 Won for City Tour Bus

How to book?

For more information, visit City Tour Busan!

Hope you'll enjoy taking this Night Tour!

If you ever have time, ask the taxi driver to drive you to the nearest CGV cinema to catch a movie, 

blend in with the Busan urbanites!