Posts published in “South Korea”

Eco-friendly Ulsan

July 25, 2019

By Hong Ga Eun
University of Ulsan

Have you heard of Ulsan in South Korea? Most Koreans, even people living in Ulsan, often say that Ulsan is only one of the many industrial cities in Korea and that there are not any tourist attractions.

However, this article will show why Ulsan is one of most attractive and environmentally friendly cities in Korea, which will hopefully entice you to come visit us in future.

Ulsan is a special city, which consists of majestic mountains and beautiful beaches. There are seven ranges of mountains in Ulsan namely Mount Gaji, Unmun, Cheonhwang, Sinbul, Yeongchuk, Goheon, and Ganwol.

They are collectively called the “Yeongnam Alps” because they are as attractive as the Alps in Europe. Especially in autumn, Mount Sinbul, is famous for its spectacular eye-catching, golden-silver grass.

Also, Ulsan has two unique beaches, Gangdong and Jujeon (Pebble Beach). These beaches have mongdol, which are round pebbles, instead of sand and these types of beaches are extremely rare.

The sound these mongdol pebbles make as the waves washes against them sounds like a marvelous, harmonious song which people find unforgettable. Another beach, Ganjeolgot, is the place where the sun rises first in Korea.

Ulsan also has one of the leading global automotive manufactures, Hyundai Motors, right in the heart of the city, and offers spectacular tours on site to visitors.

Interestingly, Hyundai recently began to design a bus, which is operated by a hydrogen fuel cell, and has run tests in Ulsan on November 22nd, 2018.

As a result, Ulsan has been officially made the first city in Korea with a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered bus.

Regrettably, in its quest to become more industrialized, the city destroyed many beautiful natural environments and sites like the “Bangudae” Petroglyphs, one of the most important and most worthwhile pre-historic sites in the world.

Thus, by using hydrogen-fuel cell buses, Ulsan is trying to show its commitment in trying to recover and protect nature.

Many people think that Ulsan has fewer places to visit than other cities because it is an industrial city.

However, Ulsan is a beautiful and natural environmentally friendly city and offers more than you can ever imagine.

Ulsan has not only many manufacturing companies, but also it has many charming places to visit. Yes, Korea has many places to travel around like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island.

But why not try to take a trip to an unusual place like Ulsan at least once in your life?

Why People Love Netflix

July 25, 2019

By Park Ji Young
University of Ulsan

Until a few a years ago, many people did not know much about Netflix.

Koreans for example, usually watched TV shows or movies through TV services connected to telephone operators such as “Olleh TV” or “BTV”; however, many people have started to use Netflix these days, not only in Korea, but globally as well, and here are some reasons why.

First of all, Netflix is not only cheap but also good quality. Netflix costs only 10 dollars per month and people can share one ID with up to 4 people.

Therefore, each person only has to pay about two dollars and fifty cents per month if you gather three other people to share your Netflix ID with.

Cheap does not mean that the service is bad. We can stream and download TV programs and movies without buffering; we can enjoy watching videos at a cheap price and good quality through Netflix.

Another reason is usability. Imagine that you want to watch a specific TV show or a movie through TV.

You have to find the channel and time schedule, but you do not have to do this if you use Netflix. Netflix can be used whenever and wherever.

In my case, my commute time is very long, but I am not bored because I always watch movies that I want to see.

We can even download videos in Wi-fi zones, so we can enjoy movies without the burden of data prices.

To sum up, Netflix can be used wherever you want and will ensure that your spare time will not be boring.

The final reason why people love Netflix is a specialty. Netflix offers not only usual videos but also special videos.

These days, Netflix produces their own dramas and movies, so you can enjoy a bigger variety of videos if you use Netflix.

Some people joined Netflix specifically so that that they can watch dramas, movies and various new videos.For these reasons, most Korean consumers have now started to use to use Netflix.

If you use Netflix, you can watch TV shows and movies at a cheap price. Also, you can enjoy it anywhere and watch a variety of videos.

So, if you are wondering whether you should sign up or not, why not join Netflix in order to make the most of your free time?

Google Map Errors in South Korea

July 25, 2019

By Kim Dong Gyu
University of Ulsan

Have you ever used Google Maps when you travel? If so, you might want to continue reading since it could save you a major headache later on.

Taehwa river is located in Ulsan, South Korea, and is one of Ulsan’s top tourist spots. However, the river is wrongly recorded as Yamato River on Google Maps.

When the Ulsan City Government found this error, they requested for this situation to be rectified.

At first, Ulsan City did not receive any news or feedback from Google for nearly two months. However, Google did change the name as soon as Ulsan Broadcasting system reported it in newspapers and via broadcasters.

These Google Map errors do not only occur here in Korea. In America for example, Google Maps also have incorrect addresses.

For many years, Google Maps sent people to the incorrect location, the “Storm Mountain Center”, when they had in fact typed “Mount Rushmore”.

It was about thirteen miles away from the actual Mount Rushmore. This caused problems because many tourists lost their way and never got to see the real Mount Rushmore.

Google Maps is an essential element for travelers. Nowadays, it is hard to find people who do not own a smartphone possibly making use of Google Maps when they travel.

So, if the information is wrong it can be confusing and cause all sorts of problems for tourists.

To avoid this from happening in your neighborhood, city or country, how about doing some research on your city, finding errors and reporting them to Google so they can be corrected?

Film Recommendation: Bohemian Rhapsody

Film Recommendation: Bohemian Rhapsody

January 16, 2019

By Kim So Hui, University of Ulsan

“We will, We will, Rock you!” Is there anyone on this planet who has not heard this song yet? This is, of course, one of Queen’s biggest hits, and the movie Bohemian Rhapsody, which centers around Queen, the rock band who rocked and shocked the world, was released recently. Not surprisingly, like the band’s music, this movie is also proving to be a massive hit around the world.

Basically, the movie focuses on Freddie Mercury who was the lead vocalist of Queen. The story is about a part-timer from an immigrant family who dreamed of music while working as a luggage handler at an airport. After hearing the news that the local band which he admired was seeking a new vocalist, he decided to get in touch with them, and the rest is history. After joining the band, Queen became a huge success through their hit single Bohemian Rhapsody. As wealth and fame started shining on Freddie, the lead singer, he increasingly started to degenerate into solitude and gave in to numerous temptations, even betraying his loyalty to the members and becoming a solo artist. Rumors about immigrant homosexuality also started following him in isolation, and while mentally ill, he ended up turning his back on many of the people he was with previously. Was he able to return to Mary, his muse, and to his colleagues, who were almost like a family to him? That is for you to find out when you go see this excellent movie.

I highly recommended that you should see this movie in a theater, since the movie is about Freddie Mercury and, of course, Queen’s musical life, and it is therefore very important to hear their songs in good quality. So, whether you simply miss Queen’s music, you are a die-hard fan, or would just like to know more about Freddie Mercury, why don’t you go see Bohemian Rhap-sody this weekend at a theater near you.

photo taken from:http://www.foxmovies-jp.com/bohemianrhapsody/

The Future of Drones

The Future of Drones

January 16, 2019

By Kim Nan Kyeong, University of Ulsan

At the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Korea displayed a spectacular drone show. The drone show impressed not only Koreans but also people all over the world. In simple terms, a drone is basically an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle controlled by using a remote control. In other words, it is an airplane or a helicopter-shaped figure which flies without human beings on board, guided by radio waves. Then, how could and would we be able to use drones in future?

Drones can be used to deliver food, medical supplies, and make home deliveries. Google X, a secret research organization at Google, has conducted various studies and has already started developing a new method of transportation called Wing. The Wing essentially consists of drones which are designed to make deliveries. They can fly up to 400 feet above the ground and make use of preplanned routes on demand using sensors and software to detect and avoid others in real time and safely deliver fragile packages to a spot the size of a doorstep. In military terms, one of the articles from BBC Future says that in theory, small drones in swarms can defeat any existing weapon, and can deliver enough precision firepower to cause destruction on a massive scale. Their impact could rival the development of the machine-gun: anyone without their own drone swarm could face rapid defeat on the battlefield in the future.

Technology in many fields is being developed today, but among them, drones have captured the world’s attention. If a well-developed drone is commercialized in the future, it could of great help to humans. I hope the day of commercializing drones will come soon

Ulsan: The Whale and Onggi Capital of Korea

Ulsan: The Whale and Onggi Capital of Korea

January 16, 2019

Kim-Yu-Jin, University of Ulsan

Imagine a bright warm sunshine day, a cool breeze blowing through your hair, a wide open sea with leaping whales welcoming you, and breathtaking traditions everywhere. You might think that there could never be a place like this, but this place does exist, and it is the very city in which I live. Yes, apart from mountains, beaches, and a thriving industrial sector, Ulsan has much more to offer, and is a great city that you should come visit for at least two additional reasons.

First, it is such a great place to learn more about whales. Whales only show up in places where there is an abundance of krill for them to eat, and where the ocean temperature is around 5℃-10℃, making Ulsan the perfect spot for these marine mammals. Since ancient times, people were helped by whales and now Ulsan is working together as a city to protect whales from becoming extinct. In the summer, the city hosts its annual Whale Festival to promote their protection, and offers dolphin watching cruise tours. There is a whale museum for people who would like to know more about them and you can even buy some cute dolphin shaped breads over there. So, if you want to see them with your own eyes, you should definitely come to Ulsan.

Secondly, should you decide to visit Ulsan, you will get to know more about Korea’s special pot, called an Onggi. Onggi is a special kind of pottery which ancient people used to store food, and is uniquely Korean. What is special about Onggi is that they have tiny holes that help with ventilation and keeping food fresh. Ulsan is famous for them because about 50% of Onggi that we use today were made in Ulsan. If you visit Ulsan, you will be able to see the world’s biggest Onggi, and the Onggi museum and potters who continue to make Onggi pots to this day.

As you can see, Ulsan has a lot to offer visitors, particularly with regards to marine mammals and ancient Onggi pots. Besides these two reasons, there are lots of other gems and reasons why you should visit my hometown someday. Should you choose to do so, I guarantee that you that you will not be disappointed.

Solo Trip to Seoul and Overnight Stay in a Korean Bathhouse

Solo Trip to Seoul and Overnight Stay in a Korean Bathhouse

January 16, 2019

Tran Thi van Chinh
University of Ulsan

I recently had the chance to attend a co-worker’s wedding in Incheon, Korea. Wanting to make the most of my very first solo trip abroad, I decided to spend one night at a reasonably-priced Korean Bathhouse called a jjimjilbang. Not only was I able to sleep over and have a luxurious bath in a very interesting and new way, but it turned out to be one of the most fascinating experiences of my life.
This lovely little jjimjilbang named “Chinjeong Sup Sauna” was located near Hongdae in Seoul. After paying a small entrance fee and locking my shoes into an unoccupied drawer, I received a bathrobe, two bath towels, and a key for my wardrobe from a woman and from that moment, things became really interesting. Because the wardrobes were opposite the door of the bath area and we were not allowed to wear clothes whilst having a shower, it was my very first time seeing so many people in their birthday suits. It was so awkward for me at first that I did not dare to raise my head. It is still funny looking back now how hard I tried to not see others and how I just tried to focus on finding my wardrobe.
After putting my belongings into the wardrobe, I could not wait to get inside the hot-steamy area. The bath area was not enormous but big enough for us to truly relax. Basically, there were four parts inside: an oil massage area, a shower area, hot water pools, and a sauna room. After taking a shower, I spent around fifteen minutes in the sauna room. It was steaming hot inside but once I left and soaked myself in the hot water pool, I felt extremely refreshed. The sauna was such an awesome thing for me personally, because my face became silky smooth and glowed for days afterwards.
All these things, from taking a hot water shower and spending time in the sauna to soaking in the heated pool and then having a big bottle of cool sikhye, a Korean rice-punch drink, made me feel on top of the world. I must say it was heaven to me. Staying overnight in a jjimjilbang was undoubtedly one of the best experiences I have ever had and I highly recommend it should you ever find yourself in Korea.

How to Make Most of College

How to Make Most of College

June 21, 2018

These days, a high school diploma does not the end people’s education, as more and more people choose to enroll at Universities across the globe. But surviving on campus is becoming increasingly difficult to university students. To understand these difficulties we conducted a survey to see how students feel about their school life. Many classmates say that is so boring, because they have plenty of time but do not know what to do. However, from my point of view, the campus life in university is interesting and can be colorful as long as you make it meaningful. After starting my course roughly one year ago I was surprised to find the vast differences between high school and university. For example, in high school, we always rely on parents and teachers to solve all the problems, but in university, we have to rely on ourselves. More importantly, we must also learn how to do deal with our classmates and roommates. The four years we will spend at university is very important, but it is also very short, so here is some of my advice on how to make the most of your time at University.

The first is to become familiar with all the main buildings on the campus. Students should spend one to two hours on a campus walk, and become familiar with the local library, canteen, post office, classrooms and other important places like the hospital. Next, try to become self-reliant. Learn to make your own decisions, to arrange how to use our time, how to plan your expenses and so on, but also learn to wash your own clothes. Furthermore, develop good study habits through the exchange of student ideas and learn from each other. Finally, students should actively participate in various activities and let themselves be lively, outgoing, and friendly with classmates. All of these factors will make lead to personal growth and make your time at University a bit more bearable. Treasure your college years. Make the best of your free time, become an independent thinker, evolve yourself into a multicultural talent, be bold to experiment, learn and grow through your successes and challenges. Only then will you be able claim that you have made the most of your time at University. After all, we can only be students once.

You Ying, University of Ulsan

Jeju Island, Natural Wonder

June 21, 2018

A short distance away from the Korean peninsula is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Korea. Jeju Island is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and is renowned for its green open fields and endless blue seas as well it’s “refreshing” powers it bestows on anyone who visits it.

Three of the biggest reasons among many on why you should visit Jeju Island include the following.

First, the natural view of the island is truly beautiful. Jeju-Island has many beaches, but ‘Woel-Jeong Ri beach’ which locates in the northern part of the island is highly recommended. When you first arrive at the beach, you will see colorful benches and a “big stone grandpa” which are famous photo zones located at this beach. At night, the ocean glimmers due to the reflection of the moonlight. You may have been to many beaches before, but many people would agree that this beach is the most beautiful and memorable beach they have ever visited.

Second, there are many delicious foods to eat. Jeju-Island is famous for its fresh seafood and black pork meat. You can eat raw fish at very cheap price in Jeju in the islands eastern market. But the food that comes with my highest recommendation is “Cheonhyehyang”. It is a kind of mandarin like fruit, only much bigger and sweeter. If you taste it once, you will be hooked and will wish that you can eat it again and again.

Third, you can enjoy a lot of activities on the island. This includes horseback riding, hang gliding, and snorkeling. The most joyful thing for me personally about Jeju-Island was solving a maze made with trees and stones. You can race with your friends or family to see who can finish the maze first. Although it may sound easy, it definitely is not that simple and some might even find difficult. However, it comes really recommended that you try it at least once, since it really is loads of fun.

Given these and many other noteworthy reasons, it is thus no surprise why so many people buy a ticket to Jeju-Island when they feel tired or frustrated. Should you ever buy a ticket or spending your money or time traveling to this wonderful island in future I know that you will not regret it.

By Kim Ju Mi, University of Ulsan