July 31, 2018

10 Meaningful Quotes in the Lighthearted Kdrama 'Welcome to Waikiki'

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Check out 'Welcome to Waikiki' quotes! Here, life wisdoms are in between laughter, indeed.

Living up to its title, 'Laughter in Waikiki' nevers fail to make me laugh out loud. I, indeed, didn't skip any seconds in every episode. As a refreshing drama, it develops no heroes, makes no heavyweight statements about life. Instead, it is naturally about the daily life in which characters live, love, laugh and learn. They encounter hardships but they take it on an easy way. Plus, baby Sol is such a cutie. Actors' performances are top-notch!

Other than its laugh-out-loud comedy, let's enjoy inspirational wisdom quotes from this funny sitcom!

In case you are interested in:
'Welcome to Waikiki' quotes

"If you can't do what you like because you're worried of this and that, would your life be happy? Won't you regret it later?"

"Don't force yourself to do things you don't like. Do what you like instead."

"It's because I'm your son. It's because I'm the son of the actor, Lee Deok Hwa, whom I respect the most. That's why I want to be successful without your help and be proud. Then I can be proud in front of you. Father, please trust me and let me do it on my own. That's the only thing that I ask of you."

"You always live thinking about tomorrow. Those who live for tomorrow will be killed by the one living for today. I live only for today."

"If we stay positive, I'm sure someday our dreams will come true."

"Falling is not failure. Failure is the inability to get back up."

"Nothing is impossible. There are only nasty desires that you want to hide."

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Image credit: Original author
"What's wrong with failing and stumbling. You can start over."

"You can't stop thinking about that person all day long. You worry about that person if they leave your sight. If you see that person having a hard time, it hurts you more. Even if you might get injured, you feel like you could do anything for that person. The fact that the person is healthy and alive makes you feel happy and grateful. Isn't that what you call love?"

"So if you see someone take advantage or give weaker people a hard time, don't let them get away with it."

13 Common Korean Words Every Traveler Should Know

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Subway station: 지하철역 [jihacheol-yeog]
Before you embark on a trip to South Korea, make sure you memorize these common Korean words.

When travelling in South Korea, you can use English as a means of communication. Though many Koreans speak English, you may find that many of them struggle to understand English in a real conversation as a result of their limited chance to practice. Also, the locals would appreciate tourists making an effort by having conversations with a words or two in Korean. That way could help enhance your new relationships. You know, ❝if you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart❞ (Nelson Mandela). It doesn't matter if you make a mistake in pronunciation, grammar - the effort you put in is often greatly appreciated. People would be then more willing to help you by using English, body language, etc. Not to mention, by knowing Korean words list for places, you will find it easier to navigate.

Here are some basic Korean words you should have in your vocabulary:

Bank: 은행 [eunhaeng]

Bus stop: 버스 정류장 [beoseu jeonglyujang]

Convenience store: 편의점 [pyeon-uijeom]

Embassy: 대사관 [daesagwan]

Jjimjilbang (public bathhouse in Korea): 찜질방 

Hospital: 병원 [byeong-won]

Market: 시장 [sijang]

Passport: 여권 [yeogwon]

Pharmacy: 약국 [yaggug]

Police station:경찰서 [gyeongchalseo]

Restroom: 화장실 [hwajangsil]

School: 학교 [haggyo]

Subway station: 지하철역 [jihacheol-yeog]

July 30, 2018

25 Basic Korean Phrases to Express Feelings That You Need to Know

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by Myriams-Fotos via pixabay
With these basic Korean phrases, you will be able to talk about your feelings in an actual conversation.

Whether you're living, studying, working or travelling in South Korea, it is important to know how to express your feelings so as to communicate your thoughts and emotions clearly, get to know people better and cement your new friendships. Here are some common Korean phrases to say how you feel in a conversation.

I'm (not) hungry.
배 (안) 고파요.
[bae (an) gopayo.]

I'm full.
배 불러요.
[bae bulleoyo.]

It's delicious!
맛있어요
[mas-iss-eoyo]

I'm tired.
피곤 해요.
[pigon haeyo.]

I don't feel well. 
몸이 별로 안 좋아요.
[mom-i byeollo an joh-ayo.]

I am sick.
아파요.
[apayo.]

Great (I like it)
좋아요.
[joh-ayo.]

I like _____.
저는 _____가(이) 좋아요
[jeoneun _____ga(i) joh-ayo]

I don't like it.
싫어요.
[silh-eoyo.]

I don't like _____.
저는 _____가(이) 싫어요.
[joneun _____ga(i) silh-eoyo.]

I'm happy.
행복해요.
[haengbokhaeyo.]

I'm excited.
기대 되요.
[gidae doeyo.]

I'm sad.
슬퍼요.
[seulpeoyo.]

I'm angry.
화났어
[hwanass-eo]

I'm in love.
사랑에 빠졌어요.
[sarang-e bbajyeosseoyo.]

I'm bored of it.
지루해요.
[jiruhaeyo.]

I'm bored with nothing to do.
심심해요
[simsimhaeyo]

I'm scrared.
무서워요.
[museo-weoyo.]

I'm jealous.
질투나요.
[jiltunayo.]

I'm nervous.
긴장이 되요.
[ginjang-i dwoeyo.]

I'm busy.
바빠요.
[bappayo.]

I'm in a hurry.
좀 바빠요.
[jom bappayo.]

I'm worried.
걱정 돼요.
[geogjeong dwaeyo.]

I'm surprised.
놀라워요.
[nollaweoyo.]

I'm embarrassed.
창피해요.
[changpihaeyo.]

I don't care.
상관없어요.
[sang-gwan-eobs-eoyo.]

8 Common Korean Phrases for Transporation Travelers Need to Know

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Here come some common Korean phrases on transportation that would help you make the most out of the country.

Transportation in South Korea has been known for being modern and convenient. The country is woven together by large-scale networks of air routes, sea routes, trains, long distance express buses, intercity buses, city buses and subways. Such availability makes it not too difficult to explore every corner of Korea. For the travelers that are headed to this beautiful country, learning some basic Korean phrases would help make the most of your time here. 

How do I get to (Hongdae subway)?
(홍대 지하철) 가는 길을 알려 주세요.
[(hongdae jihacheol) ganeun gil-eul allyeo juseyo.]

Where is _____?
_____이(는) 어디 있어요?
[ _____ i(neun) eodi iss-eoyo?]

Please take me to _____.
_____(으)로 가주세요.
[ _____(eu)lo gajuseyo.]

How far is it to _____?
_____까지 얼마나 멉니까?
[ _____kkaji eolmana meobnikka?]

How long does it take to get to _____?
_____까지 시간이 얼마나 걸리까?
[ _____kkaji sigan-i eolmana geollikka?]

Where do I take a bus/ taxi?
버스/ 택시 어디서 타요?
[beoseu/ taegsi eodiseo tayo?]

Does this bus go to _____?
이 버스 _____ 가요?
[i beoseu _____ gayo?]

Please stop here.
여기서 세워 주세요.
[yeogiseo sewo juseyo.]

6 Useful Korean Phrases for Shopping and Learning on the Go

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Shopping is one of the things-to-do in Korea tremendously loved by travellers! Let's enhance your experience with the useful Korean phrases for shopping. 

South Korea offers numerous and various shopping opportunities such as duty-free shops, department stores, local markets, university shopping streets, express bus terminal stations, and underground subway stations. It is not exaggerated to say that made-in-Korean items are not just of quality but so beautiful/ eye catching/ cute that you can't help but buy a lot. Some popular buys in the country are clothing, sportwear, leather and fur goods, antiques and replicas, jewelry, ginseng, folk arts and crafts, traditional liquors and teas, Kimchi and other foods. Don't forget to bring along your passport when you shop! You'll find immediate tax refund provided by some stores.

useful-korean-phrases-for-shopping


Do you have _____?
_____ 있어요??
[ _____ iss-eoyo?]

I'd like to take a closer look at this.
이것을 보여 주세요.
[igeos-eul boyeo juseyo.]

Can I try it on?
입어볼 수 있나요?
[ib-eobol su issnayo?]

How much is it?
얼마에요?
[eolma-eyo?]
7,000 won
칠천 원 이에요
[chilcheon won ieyo]

I'll take this.
이거 주세요.
[igeo juseyo.]

Do you take credit card?
신용 카드 받아요?
[sin-yong kadeu bad-ayo?]

10 Common Korean Phrases for Eating out and Learning on the Go

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Korean cuisine is unique in aromas and tastes. If you're going onr a trip to South Korea, don't miss the chance to try its dishes! Below are some common Korean phrases that would help your eating out experience to fulfill. 

Korean food is not just highly nutrious but low in calories and coming with amazing seasonings (garlic, red pepper, soy sauce, fermented bean paste, sesame oil, etc.). Indeed, you can't really say you have been to Korea if you have not tasted Kimchi, the internationally famous fermented cabbage dish. Kimchi is included in almost every meal here. Bibimbap, Japchae, Seolleongtang, Sundubu-jjigae, and many more, are simply daebak. Make sure you try some. You know, trying new food is the best part of travelling!

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Common Korean phrases for eating out

May I look at the menu, please?
메뉴 좀 주 세요.
[menyu jom ju seyo.]

What's your speciality?
이집에서 잘하는 음식이 무엇이죠?
[ijib-eseo jalhaneun eumsig-i mueos-ijyo?]

I would like to have _____.
_____ 주 세요.
[ _____ ju seyo.]

Could you bring me some more of this?
이거 조금 더 주세요?
[igeo jogeum deo juseyo?]

Don't make it too spicy.
덜 맵게 해주세요.
[deol maebge haejuseyo.]

Don’t make it spicy.
안맵게 해주세요.
[Ahnmepgae haejuseyo.]

Don’t make it salty.
짜지 않게 해주세요.
[Jjaji ahngae haejuseyo.]

I'll have what he/she/they are having.
저것과 같은 것으로 주세요.
[jeogeosgwa gat-eun geos-eulo juseyo.]

Please give me/us _____ serving(s) of pork belly.
삼겹살 _____인분 주세요.
[Samgyupsal _____inbun juseyo.]
One serving: 일인분 [il-inbun]
Two servings: 이인분 [iinbun]
Three servings: 삼인분 [sam-inbun] 
Four servings: 사인분 [sainbun]
Five servings: 오인분 [oinbun]
Six servings: 육인분 [yug-inbun]

Check, please.
계산해 주세요.
[Gyesanhae juseyo.]

July 27, 2018

Top 10 Survival Tips for Your Perfect Trip to South Korea

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Haeundae beach (Busan)
Below are some great tips for your enjoyable and safe trip to South Korea.

From my experience in South Korea, this is one of the world's safest destinations for travellers. The crimes are relatively rare. Also, as the transport system here is very convenient and fast, it is simple to get around the country. Not to mention, there's bound to be something in South Korea for you to enjoy, from breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, ancient temples, K-pop phenomenon, amusing festivals, and much more.

For your best South Korea travel experience, I have listed below tips that would help your time to fullfill in Korea.

1. Make sure you pack essentials for your trip; these are comfy walking shoes, slippers, toothbrush and travel toothpaste, comb, chargers, an umbrella, a couple of clothes. You may need an adapter in case Korean power sockets are different from your country's. Otherwise, most hotels will lend or rent you one, so just ask at the front desk.

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This type of umbrella is commonly used in South Korea. 
2. Chargers are available in some subway stations. You can use it for free, just in case. 

survival-tips-for-your-trip-to-south-korea

3. It is neccessary to install the app of Google Translate, or Naver Dictionary, and/or bring with you a booklet of useful vocabulary and phrases in Korean. For navigation, Naver Map or Kakao Map, Kakao Bus apps are of help.

4. When you want to ask someone for help, you should find the young first. Because many of them can speak English. English language is not common among the older. In case that one doesn't know English, you can show them the Korean name of place you ask for direction, use body language, Google Translate, etc. to communicate with them. You can also visit the information centre in case you need assistance. 

5. It's best to get Wifi connection whenever you want by either renting Wifi egg when you arrive at the international airport or reserving one before you fly. Wifi would be a huge help when it comes to navigation. Still, if you have good navigation skills, just find free Wifi at some public places (though it is not always stable), rely on paper maps, offline subway maps, a free copy of subway maps that you can obtain at the tourism information centre, offline maps like MAPS.ME.

6. There are many accommodation options for your trip in South Korea. With heavy luggage, you should choose a guesthouse. Otherwise, living in a Jimjilbang is a good experience. The fee is just about the same.

survival-tips-for-your-trip-to-south-korea
Eggs and a sweet rice beverage are something you can order when relaxing at Jimjilbang.
7. If you are on a one-day trip and just need a place to keep your luggage, the lockers at subway stations will be the best choice. Normally, for a small locker, you are charged 2,000 won every 4 hours, 3,000 won for a medium locker, and 4,000 won for a large locker. In case the lockers are all occupied, you can rely on the baggage storage service. Though it may be more expensive, you can make a bargain.

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Luggage lockers at Hongik station
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Locker charge at Hongik station
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If the lockers are all occupied, you can choose to use the luggage storage services around at the subway station.
8. CU, GS 25, 7-Eleven and emart24 are established convenience brands in Korea with a variety of ready-to-eat foods. You can find them almost everywhere in the country.

9. Some reasonably-priced shopping places are Lotte Mart, Daiso, No Brand, Olive Young, LOHB, university shopping streets, express bus terminal stations, underground subway stations. For cosmetics and personal care items, you are advised to buy Korean products. That's because they are generally at a cheaper price than those sold in your country. For Western and other countries' health and beauty products sold in Korea, the price is often higher. Don't forget to bring along your passport when you shop! You'll find immediate tax refund provided by some stores.

survival-tips-for-your-trip-to-south-korea
Lotte Mart (Seoul)
10. In case your tolerance of spicy food is below average, you can avoid spicy food on your trip to South Korea by telling the waiter, "저는 매운거 못 먹어요" [jeoneun maeungeo mos meog-eoyo] (means "I cannot eat spicy things") before you order something.

July 25, 2018

The 29 Most Beautiful 'Reply 1997' Korean Drama Quotes

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Image credit: Original author
To say for sure, one of the reasons people fall in love with 'Reply 1997' drama is its beautiful, meaningful quotes.

Love this drama so much. I actually started watching it as my friend highly recommended the series as a must-watch. It is simple but meaningful the way it is, and you can find yourself there. The show touches your heart with refreshing, genuine stories full of humour and heart, about love, friendship, and family. Let alone, 'Reply 1997' was filmed in Busan, my crush and my most favourite city in South Korea ^^. It reminded me of the lovely, interesting memories I have had in this city.

'Reply 1997' Kdrama overview

Reply 1997 (Hangul: 응답하라 1997) is a 2012 Korean drama series that sheds light on the lives of six friends in Busan when they are 18-year-old high schoolers in 1997 and in the present as 33 years old. The drama was not only the ratings success but also praised by audiences and critics.

Synopsis 

Set in the 1990s, 'Reply 1997' leads us to the youthful world of female high school students Shi Won (Jung Eun Ji), who idolises popular boyband H.O.T, and her 5 high school friends. Now being 33 years old, she and her friends are reviving their memories that remain ever vivid and heartwarming!

Most beautiful 'Reply 1997' quotes (in my opinion)

“At the age of 18, we think we can love anyone … and worry too much about little things. Eighteen. Adults say at this age, we laugh at the simplest things. But at that time, we were serious. Harder and more intense than most adults.” – Shi Won 

“Go Stop, a game where you have to match the same shapes to get points. There was a time when we struggled to be the same. But in one moment, we began to be different. That we were becoming different types of people — why was that so hard to acknowledge back then? People are all different; that’s the law of the universe, the law of human growth. Eighteen. We were maturing into different people, and having to accept those differences meant we were faced with yet another consequence of growing up.” – Yoon Jae

“A secret refers to something I don’t know about others… As I find out what I’ve believed isn’t the truth, secrets have more power… Things I believe to be true aren’t always true.” – Shi Won

“A person’s heart has countless levels. Its depth cannot be known. Its limit can’t be known. You could fight to the death, and then exchange affection as if nothing ever happened. A red-blooded male could turn into an imbecile in front of the opposite sex. Yes, the truth is uncomfortable. But if we don’t embrace that discomfort, then we must live the rest of our lives believing what’s fake to be real. Even uncomfortable truths must be embraced. What you see is not everything.” – Shi Won

“When you like someone, you have eyes for her in the sides and the back of your head. And that if you don’t knock, there will be no answer. Standing in place will not get you what you want. There’s no such thing as fair play anymore.” – Yoon Jae

“Bumping into someone on the street, reaching for the same book at the library, or running under someone’s umbrella… I thought that falling in love would be special. I couldn’t imagine… that I’d fall because of something like this. Spring of 1996. My first love began that suddenly.” – Yoon Jae

“Life comes and attacks you when you least expect it. It might be sadness, or extreme fear. At that moment, what we can do is accept reality and admit we lost. – Yoon Jae 

“This life that might leap anywhere — there’s no use avoiding or ignoring it. There’s just facing it and getting beaten to a bloody pulp. But at times life can surprise us with gifts that make our hearts flutter. And if we endure sadness, we are rewarded with happiness.” – Yoon Jae

“You have to be content with a dream that’s close. If you chase after one that’s far away, your heart will hurt and your insides will burn. A futile passion only leaves heartache. That’s why life’s stupidest thing is a one-sided love. But the reason that stupid one-sided love is worth trying is… that passion can sometimes make miracles happen… sometimes go the long way around to help you fulfill a dream… and even if it doesn’t allow you to realize that dream, it allows you to linger near it and find happiness. Of course, that’s very rare. Unrequited love usually ends in failure. But it’s also sad if you’re afraid and you give up before you even try it out. First, do what you want instead of what you can. You only live once.” – Tae Woong

“They say that people are born with a red string that they can’t see, tied to their pinky fingers, and the end is tied to the one you’re fated to be with. But the thread is twisted this way and that, making it hard to find the other end.” – Yoon Jae

“People’s countless threads, all tangled together. But when I start to unravel it, I end up face to face with my fate, without even knowing it. If the red thread of fate really exists, then who is the one tied to my red thread?” – Yoon Jae

“The reason I like you? Because you’re that person. Because you’re you. Is there another reason besides that one? I’d rather know the reason if there was one. Then I could find a way to not like you. If I can’t avoid it, then there’s only one thing I want: to remain by your side, unchanged, for long time. Here’s to our love, that chills our hearts.” – Joon Hee

“Liking someone isn’t a choice. It comes from your heart.” – Joon Hee

“Why are you sorry? It’s not like you can choose who you like.” – Joon Hee

“Each expecting different things, each looking at different places, each dreaming different dreams… everything that happens between one man and one woman, is just continuous love and war. You sulk, you pacify, you fight, you make up, you hurt, you embrace. A relationship like a manic-depressive patient who can’t make up his mind. But the hardest thing about the relationship between a man and a woman is the timing — if the love doesn’t begin at the same time, it’s unlikely to ever begin at all.” – Yoon Jae

“There is one relationship that’s as difficult yet unavoidable… A relationship that’s tedious but inevitable. A relationship that lasts your entire life. That’s family.” – Yoon Jae

“The one benefit to that top-degree-of-difficulty relationship between a man and a woman is… one word can overturn its mood at any time.” – Hak Chan

“The reason my teen years are like a rushing wind is because I don’t yet know the answers: what it is I really want, who really loves me, who is it that I love. The time of life when I tumble here and there, searching for the answers. And then in the end, the moment when I figure out the answers to everything like a miracle… we had already become adults, and been doing big and small things. And like that, that winter was full of goodbyes.” – Shi Won

“My body remembered my ’90s. The moment I saw the person I had once been crazy about, I immediately returned to that ’90s fangirl, and my ’90s, which I thought were over, began all over again…” – Shi Won

“If you give up on now because of laziness or a lack of courage, there is no hope of another opportunity. If you love now, the best timing is now. You have to go before it’s too late, and you have to confess now. Because you never know what’ll happen later. The next opportunity might never come.” – Yoon Jae

“She could have not known. There are times in life when you don’t know… that someone likes you.” – Joon Hee

“Even if the environment changes, a lion is a lion, and a rabbit is a rabbit. Similarly, Shi Won is Shi Won, and Yoon Jae is Yoon Jae. We met, dated, and loved in our own way.” – Yoon Jae

“Then the game’s already over. No matter how much you think it over, there’s no answer. You already like her. So what choice is there? What decision to make? Don’t regret it later. Don’t use Hyung as an excuse. Do as your heart tells you.” – Joon Hee

“A person’s heart can’t be turned on and off like a switch. Once it’s turned on… it won’t turn off.” – Yoon Jae

“First love. The reason everyone’s first love is beautiful is not only because the love was pretty. At the time of first love, there was a youthfulness that didn’t know how to be wise, a me who was pure to the point of cruelty, and a you whose fire I couldn’t handle. It’s because I already know that I can never go back to that youthful, innocent, passionate time.” – Yoon Jae
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“First love is reckless. Without calculating, it throws everything in with pure passion, and inevitably fails. But that’s why it’s dramatic — the reckless tales wrapped up in experiences or feelings that you can never have again.” – Yoon Jae

“First love is a time. Once it passes, it’s gone. Now you have to give a new love and a new time a chance. It might not be the experience or the purity of first love, but out of that scar is a love that grows and becomes a little more mature — you have to wait for an adult love. Only those who wait can dream of love. And those who wait can recognize the love when it comes near him.” ” – Yoon Jae

“After the romance, the real life comes in. Innocence gets dirty, passion gets cold, and youth gets old with cleverness. So first love becomes part of one’s exhausted daily life. That’s why first love looks like it can’t be accomplished. Because no one talks about a successful romance with first loves.” – Yoon Jae

“Loving someone is a good thing. Thus, it’s okay to be like this. Even though, there isn’t a tragic drama in my life. But there is a familiarity like an old sweater. And if it gets tired, there is an excitement to reopen it. It was passionate and innocent. I miss that moment.” – Yoon Jae

How to Learn Korean: Greetings and Common Courtesy

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greetings-and-common-courtesy-in-korean

Below I list useful Korean vocabulary and phrases when it comes to greetings and courtesy. 

Once you start learning Korean, you should know these common phrases. Also, they are useful for those planning to travel in South Korea and wondering, for example, how they can ask for help in Korean. As English is not too popularly spoken in the country, it is important to know some basic Korean words and phrases to start a conversation. You know, ❝if you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.❞ (Nelson Mandela)

1. Meeting someone new

Hello?/ Good morning/ Good afternoon/ Good evening.
안녕하세요.
[an-nyung haseyo]

I'm _____.
나는 _____ 입니다.
[na-neun _____ imnida]

Nice to meet you.
만나서 반갑습니다.
[mannaseo bangapseumnida]

2. Introducing myself

I am from _____.
(나는) _____ 에서 왔어요.
[na-neun _____ eseo wasseoyo]
USA: 미국 [miguk], Taiwan: 대만 [daeman], Germany: 독일 [dok-il]

My name is _____.
제 이름은 _____ 입니다.
[je irumeun _____ imnida]

I'm a student.
저는 학생입니다.
[jeonuen haksaengimnida]

3. Asking for help/ information

Please help me.
도와주세요.
[dowa juseyou]

I beg your pardon?/ Please say that again.
다시 말해주세요.
[dasi malhaejuseyo]

Please speak slowly.
천천히 말해주세요
[cheoncheonhi malhaejuseyo]

What is this?
이건 뭐에요?
[igeon mwo-eyo]

What time is it?
지금 몇 시예요?
[jigeum myeoch siyeyo]

Where is the restroom?
화장실이 어디예요?
[hwajangsil-i eodiyeyo]

4. Saying goodbye

Good bye.
안녕히 가세요.
[annyeonghi gaseyo]

One (A) is leaving while the other one (B) is staying.
A: Good bye. 안녕히 계세요.  [annyeonghi gyeseyo]
B: Good bye. 안녕히 가세요. [annyeonghi gaseyo]

5. Saying thank you

Thank you.
고맙습니다.
[gomabseumnida]
감사합니다.
[gamsahamnida]

You're welcome.
천만에요.
[cheonman-eyo]

6. Saying apology

I'm sorry.
죄송합니다.
[joesonghamnida]
미안합니다.
[mianhamnida]

It's alright.
괜찮 습니다.
[gwaenchanh seumnida]




July 23, 2018

My Top 21 Best 'Healer' Korean Drama Quotes

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Image credit: on pic
Listed below are my favourite 'Healer' Korean drama quotes. Also, the transcript is available in case you are hunting it down.

'Healer' Kdrama overview

Healer (Hangul: 힐러) is a 2014-2015 Korean drama series starring Ji Chang Wook, Park Min Young and Yoo Ji Tae. It aired on KBS2 for 20 episodes. In spite of its modest ratings in the home country, the show gained popularity among foreign audiences and made Ji Chang Wook known to the rest of the world.

Synopsis 

Kim Moon Ho (Yoo Ji Tae), a popular reporter for a main broadcasting company, learns the truth of a decades-old case. He brings together people related to the case and helps them. While trying to uncover it, he deals with the conflict between the truth and beliefs.

Meanwhile, with his help, reporter from a substandard tabloid news website Chae Young Shin (Park Min Young) and Seo Jung Hoo (Ji Chang Wook), who works as a 'night courier' under the code name 'Healer', grow into real, honest reporters. 

Best 'Healer' quotes (in my opinion)

“Sometimes I feel like everything is hopeless and gloomy. But even though its hopeless I have faith. Faith that your dreams will come true if you never give up. And if it’s meant to be, you’ll meet them.” – Young Shin

“Make the second thing you like most as your job and leave the thing you like most as your hobby.” – Young Shin

“Everyone has their moments, but it all passes. If you just endure it a little, it will pass.” – Young Shin

“Fate, destiny, I believe in that kind of stuff. If it didn’t exist, why would words for it exist, right?” – Young Shin

healer-korean-drama-quotes
Image credit: on pic
“In my eyes... humans are the same. They are all the same. But, amongst all the similar humans, she’s somewhat different. How is she different?” – Jung Hoo 

“She is like a leopard I saw in a documentary once. The leopard had a broken leg and had run into a hyena. The leopard was hurt and it was clear there was no chance. The leopard attacked first. The leopard did not back down. She’s like that too.” – Jung Hoo 

“It’s not my style to run and hide.” – Jung Hoo 

“When two predators meet, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t fear. Everyone is afraid. However, it is the one who shows fear first that will lose their life first. Therefore, if someone is coming after you … before your weakness are revealed, attack them first. That is how you survive in the Animal kingdom.” – Jung Hoo 

“It’s not that she’s brave because she doesn’t know any better. She is brave despite knowing how scary it is.” – Jung Hoo 

“There is nothing in this world that matters more than knowing your own taste and preference.”

“From the time I was left alone until now … I never expected anything from people. So I was okay. Whether someone misunderstands or understands me … it didn’t matter to me at all. I was like that.” – Jung Hoo 

“Trust. Trust this one time. Then you’ll be able to trust more and more.” – Young Shin

“Instead of waiting for someone who is coming , why don’t you consider me? – Jung Hoo

“I think it will be okay if I tell Chae Young Shin who I am and ask her to come with me. At first, she’ll probably try to beat me up for lying to her up till now. She’ll probably kick and hit me… But I think she’ll get over it soon, that’s what she’s like. She’ll sing a strange song and dance an outrageous dance, she’ll get over it quickly.” – Jung Hoo 

“Even if I get hurt, there is nothing I can do. It’s okay even if she doesn’t know. I still want to be there for her. Don’t tell me to run away. I don’t know how to run away.” – Jung Hoo

“Just cry. It’s okay to cry. So cry, Jung-hoo. ” – Moon Ho

“People don’t have a long memory when it comes to other people’s affairs.” – Moon Sik

“Who measures love by the duration of time? Even if it’s for a day .. the depth and the authenticity … that’s what’s truly important.” 

“When I hold onto his hand, the feeling that it’ll all be okay spreads from my hand and through my entire body. It’s quite amazing. It’s the world’s only hand that lets you know ‘everything will be okay.” – Young Shin

"The things I like: High up places, first snowfall, small hands, white blanket .. her hair.

Things I don’t like: Everything that keeps me away from those very things." (Jung Hoo)

"The things I like: The sound of the camera shutter he makes, his big hands, smiling eyes and big embrace.

Things I don’t like: Everything that keeps me away from those very things." (Young Shin)

July 14, 2018

Design Thinking: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

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By fancycrave1 via pixabay
Design thinking has become an important contributor to sustainable growth of business, social project and education. This is evident in its focus on empathy and experimentation to design innovative and user-centered solutions.

Designers have traditionally paid attention to enhancing the look and functionality of products. Recently, they have begun using effective design techniques to solve complex problems creatively and meaningfully. This approach is called design thinking.

As a strategy for innovation, it involves learning from people (Empathizing), finding patterns (Defining), designing principles (Ideating), making tangible (Prototyping) and iterating relentlessly (Testing). Design thinking has made products more desirable and services more attractive to customers. 

design-thinking-benefits-include
Design thinking requires teamwork effort and user focus. Image credit: Original author
But what, exactly, are its benefits? Below, we specified four points that will help understand the importance of good design for businesses and organizations around the world.

Good design ensures product desirability, feasibility and viability 

Statistically, design-led firms continuously put the customer first, with 46% of design leaders cite an emotional bond with customers as a decisive characteristic of practices in advance design. Design thinking diminishes the uncertainty and risk of innovation by gaining customer insights through real-world experiments and leveraging the possibilities of technology to reframe problem areas into opportunities.

A good example of user-centered design is the Sternins’ work. Jerry Sternin, founder of the Positive Deviance Initiative and a former associate professor at Tufts University, was expert in defining meaningful and people-focused solutions to local problems.

In 1990, Sternin and his wife were invited by the Government of Vietnam to develop a model that would sustainably decrease high levels of malnutrition among children in 10,000 villages. While government and UN agencies donations of nutritional supplements – the outsider solution – didn’t deliver the results as expected, the Sternins used the positive deviance approach.

They surveyed four local Quang Xuong communities in Thanh Hoa province and observed the food preparation, cooking and serving behaviors of six poor families whose children were very healthy (called ‘positive deviants’). They found out how these parents nourished their children well by utilizing familiar ingredients like tiny shrimps, crabs and snails, and by feeding them with smaller meals.

Cooking classes were then offered to the families of children suffering from malnutrition by the team and the positive deviants. The program’s first year successfully ended with 80 percent of the 1,000 children enrolled in the program getting adequate nutrition.

According to Monique Sternin, director of the Positive Deviance Initiative, “Both positive deviance and design thinking are human-centered approaches. Their solutions are relevant to a unique cultural context and will not necessarily work outside that specific situation.” 

To design means to innovate daily, iterate relentlessly

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The Design Thinking flow is integrated with the DMAIC approach for continuous improvement. Image credit: Original author
Design thinking involves testing ideas and continuously gathering feedback from customers for further improvement of the product or service. In today’s competitive environment, continuous improvement is pivotal to the business success, and design thinking with human-focused approach is considered an opportunity to such relentless innovation. 

Design thinking is a key to cultivating organizational culture 

High PDI tends to hinder effective communication in the workplace. As design thinking requires exploration and experimentation, this method encourages an open-minded culture where employees are more creative, collaborative and engaged.

Design thinking produces well-being and sustainable growth

Evidently, design-led companies have outperformed the S&P Index by 219% over 10 years, according to a 2014 assessment by the Design Management Institute. Adobe noted that enterprises that cultivate creativity enjoy 1.5 times greater market share, and 46% of firms that don’t embed design in digital CX strategy report that their digital CX is the same or weaker than their competitors.

July 7, 2018

The Top 5 Benefits of Studying Abroad

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If you ever get the chance to study abroad, do it! Your life will likely be changed forever for the better.

"No one who has lived through the second half of the 20th century could possibly be blind to the enormous impact of exchange programs on the future of countries..." – Bill Clinton, former US President. If you ever get the chance to study abroad, do it! Your life will likely be changed forever for the better. 

How, exactly, does studying abroad benefit you? Let me count the ways. 

1. It’s about learning 

When you study overseas, you can acquire new skills and experiences aside from improving your academic skills. Though it is never easy to live and study in a different country with different cultures, the challenges you encounter turn out to be precious opportunities for you to learn and grow. You will become more independent, confident, and refine your problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, adaptability, network and communication skills, to name a few. Studying abroad also gives your actual foreign language experience. For example, studying in an English-speaking country is a perfect opportunity for you to be totally immersed in that language, thereby learning English in the quickest and most effective way.

2. It’s about the journey 

Haeundae beach (Busan, S.Korea) on a spring morning
Studying abroad means you get chances to travel. You explore; you are submerged in different cultures; you have a lot of fun while doing so, and you learn. You learn how you can push your limits and venture beyond your comfort zone. Also, by traveling, you have an increased global perspective so that you would not sweat the small stuff but live in the moment.

3. It’s about your employability 

As companies around the world continue to globalize their business and prefer to employ those with international experience, studying overseas would improve your employment opportunities. Not to mention, your foreign language proficiency and essential behavioral skills will make your resume stand out. 

4. It’s about your dream 

Located in the Southern part of the Korean Peninsula, in the western part of Gyeongsangnam-do, Jinju - the river city- is considered Korea's most beautiful city.
If studying abroad is what you want to do, what you dream about, then try to realize it! You know, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

5. It’s about coming back 

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving” ― Terry Pratchett. For certain, you will come back with a better version of yourself!