Drum beating and twirling: Video

So energetic and colorful, it certainly was mesmerizing. 

Detachment: I highly recommend it

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When someone asks me, "What kind of movies do you like?" I have a hard time answering. I usually start off by saying I don't care for the Hollywood flicks, and then go from there. For the most part Korea gets only just the Hollywood "Blockbuster" movies from the West. While the more thoughtful and dramatic ones don't cross the ocean.

To get my movie kicks I first see what's up for grabs in iTunes and then take a pick. I recently decided to give the movie "Detachment" a try after feeling compelled by the trailer.

I did think that it would be another "teacher movie", where a good guy type teacher comes to a bad school and fixes everything up just right. But, boy was I wrong. For one the movie starts off like a documentary with profiles of several teachers spilling out why they became teachers. Turns out they became teachers because that basically was all they had to do. Even though I haven't been a real teacher back home, I know from other people's tales and what I read that it's a tough and thankless job.

For sure we all have heard about the teacher's troubles and the rotting education system in America. But even though this movie touches on the hardships of teachers and the education system, it mostly focuses on the human condition. 

I don't want to talk too much and end up causing you to not watch the film, because I truly feel this one is worth the time. 

The memorable parts for me are when the red-head actress, who is one of the teachers at the school, says something like, "When Friday comes I don't want to go home. What will I do without all those students in my classroom?" Something like that! Anyway, I feel the same way. I get so energized and alive in the classroom that when I'm out of it I feel like I'm missing something. 

Another dialog in the movie I enjoyed was how the main character was talking about how teachers don't really care. Like they are just floating from one period to the next. It made me think of our teaching job's out here, when at times it feels like your just trying to fill the space till the next class. However, I definitely feel I try my best to give each class the attention they need, all be it a very tiring task. 

Anyway, it's a "thinker" type movie and one that is quite on edge, so give yourself the brain space to watch it. If you have seen this movie I would love to get your feedback about the social issues raised and also any other thoughts.

Bonus: I also enjoyed the soundtrack to this movie. During one scene this song "Empty" by Ray LaMontagne came on. Now I'm a fan!

Oasis (오아시스): Korean Movie Review

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Oasis, the movie directed by Lee Chang-dong, is an incredible piece of work where you can see a very acute and tactful observation of the human condition. The kind that is brought on by the people in society who are forgotten and at the very end of the line. Scenery within the movie evokes emotions ranging from rage to sympathy, and yet you don't want to stop watching. 

The story focuses on the retarded character Jong-du who was recently released from prison, and finds himself back at home amongst family who doesn't want him. Scenes show how as outcasted from family and society, not just for the way he acts but also his reputation. The crime in which he was involved (sort of) takes him to the victim's family, where he meets the physically disabled Gong-ju (Korean name for Princess). 

source (I didn't know this but apparently after you get of prison your suppose to eat a block of fresh tofu.)

What happens is they fall in love, but their relationship is of course not favored. However, you can't help but feel your heart swell when he makes the poor girl happy and imagine that she isn't disabled. 

There is a lot intertwined in the plot of this movie and you realize that the misfit of the film is really just a victim of his family's shameful actions, along with the girl whose family takes advantage of her disability. 

I don't want to give too much away, because not knowing key elements of the film, I feel are important to thoroughly enjoying this movie. That is why I highly recommend accessing it and giving it a try. It's not going to be a blockbuster-blow-your tv out, sort of movie. But will give you insight into the fringe side of Korea. Here's the trailer to get you ready:

Plot Predictions for Rooftop Prince or 옥탑방 왕세자

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Although the Korean drama "Rooftop Prince" or 옥탑방 왕세자, ended last week I find myself just starting to watch it. Actually, I don't keep up with the K-dramas these days as I started to get turned off due to the usual story line coming up over and over. But through the blah-blah wheel that is the internet, I decided to give this one a try. So far it has me interested, but I've only seen the first two episodes. Usually, the first handful of episodes are the best parts of a K-drama, then it sort of starts to get into a routine until the last handful of episodes. 

While watching the second episode I started to predict what will happen in this series, and thought it would be a fun blog post. That is why I am here today to give you my predictions for how things will go down in this 20 episode ride-of-fun. 

Brief Intro:

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The drama starts out in the Joseon dynasty period of Korea, which is 300 years ago. Basically you've got the tale of the "Crown Prince" growing up, getting a princess and then discovering her dead in a nearby pond. Officials say it was an accident, he declares it murder and puts a team together to solve the mystery. While they pursue the case a team of assassins is hot on their trail, and as they leap off a cliff the story shifts and they end up in present day Seoul.

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They end up in a girl's house, which is a "rooftop" style. Out here people live in "Villas" which is a smaller apartment complex with several floors. On the roof you can find a smaller sized box-house up top. Usually for storage but people renovate it for living in, and that is the case here.

So you got this twist of two worlds coming together, but that's not all. In the present world you have two step-sisters who hate each other, a dead guy who looks like the prince and some more sob stories. 

The main theme so far is that a rich family lost their son in America. A cousin of this family actually murdered that guy and so is now trying to claim his seat in the family business. Anyways, the Crown Prince looks like that guy so there is the scandal.

Predictions:

• The Crown Prince and the Girl (sorry I don't know recall her name) from the rooftop dwelling fall in love. Their love gets torn apart at some point and they fight to be together. His minions find love too.
• The Crown Prince ends up taken in by the rich family, cousin gets jealous and worried and causes a scandal.
• Step-sister to girl in rooftop uses her fury to wreak havoc on step-sister. She is also in love with the evil cousin dude, but probably they break up. 
• At some point some of the cast end up on Jeju.
• They solve the murder mystery but it has a twist to being related to the modern world somehow. 

Anyways, it's been a fun drama to watch so far, and the male actors are cute. I hope this one doesn't disappoint and gives a somewhat realistic if not fantasy related ending. 

For a good source on the first episode and to get a better feel for the show go to the Dramabeans site. 

Walking Past the 1st Shop of Coffee Prince Cafe

Yes, I have seen the drama, "The First Shop of Coffee Prince" or 커피프린스 1호점. Out of the select number of dramas I have seen, I did enjoy this one. Mostly because it was fun to watch the character get all muddled over starting to like a boy, who was really a girl. Need help knowing what this drama is about, go here.

When dramas finish their run of episodes they leave behind the places they shot at or built along the way. There are whole "villages" around Korea where you can go and see famous drama filming sites and sets. So it is with the cafe that was created and left behind in the Coffee Prince drama.

In Hongdae you can still come by and see the shop, even go inside and enjoy a cup of coffee. Tourists flock to this site to see in person their beloved drama. In fact, as I approached the cafe two Japanese tourists were in front of me.

Today the place looks like and old cafe, with the greenery getting the best of the structure. Things could use a cleaning here and there, but perhaps that's not necessary.

How to get to:

View 1st Shop of Coffee Prince in a larger map


It's along the way to the Design Museum, which I talked about in my previous post. I would recommend swinging by and admiring the cafe, along with all the drama fans inside.

Fantastic Baby? Or Fantastic Chicken?

The students have been singing a funny song in class. Another infiltration of Korean popular culture in the classroom. So I started to wonder what the source was, as I am kind of out of touch with Kpop these days. Turns out they were singing a parodied song to "Fantastic Baby" by BigBang in the tune of "Fantastic Chicken."

After having watched both videos I find the "Fantastic Chicken" a lot more amusing. Of course it's hard to get over the new looks of the BigBang members, and their cuteness. Here are the videos so you can see for yourself...

Fantastic Baby - BigBang



Fantastic Chicken - SLRHYMO

The Nude Collection : Video

Enjoy!

Video as a Tool For English Education in Korea

I noticed something the other day while teaching my winter camp classes, and that is Korean kids love Youtube just as much as kids back home. Of course, this should come as no surprise as Korea is a very wired country. But I think seeing videos in the classroom has been a part of their lives since they started school. I for one have used a multitude of math-song videos and for fun, played those cutesy and catchy ones that get their attention.

An excellent evolution has occurred with the use of video in the classroom, and that is teachers making educational videos with their students. The forum waygook.org has already shown areas where teachers are integrating a video-creating lesson into their classes. Also, you catch teacher made videos on youtube with some that are awesome and others quite simple. Here for you are an example of teachers taking the video camera in the classroom and making it a fun tool for English education.

1. Mike Karlan's "Bandit" Videos:

The following is called, "The Color Bandit":

A quirky and fun video with a great example of kids using English in a fun and enthusiastic way, you see the theme of an evil bandit who stole colors. The kids must think of a plan to destroy him so they can use colors again. At least, that is my interpretation. Nicely edited and it shows that the kids were involved and had a good time.

2. Daft Punk's Harder...Faster Song:

I recently was creating a lesson about comparatives and found that other teacher's out there used the Daft Punk Song, "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" with their students.

This one from "miathetraveler"

First off let me congratulate these teachers for getting their middle school students to participate in something like this. From what I understand teaching Middle school is challenging in that the students are hard to motivate. 

This one from "danitravels"

I like this one better as you can tell they were really into it and I like the way they organized their signs. This would make a great project for a camp session or an after school group. I think with some patience I might even be able to do this with a group of my first graders. 

3. Make a Movie Camp:

Sometimes it is best to just let the kids figure out what to make, and you can do this with a themed "movie camp." Found on waygook.org, are lesson plans and worksheets to use for the camp. The following are video examples of what came out of the project.

What are the benefits?

In my opinion this gets students excited for learning English and the result is something definitely different from the usual hum-drum lesson. However, I am sure if you tell your students, "We are going to make videos!" That there will be a group that sighs and says, "No, I don't want to." Like all lessons it is all about getting them motivated, and this should be no different.

Also, they get to see what their English looks like and sounds like in the final product. This is a great tool for them to understand where they need to improve. Throughout the project, students work on plot, character design and story therefore getting to use their English skills in a productive way. 

Some pitfalls might be that you don't have enough equipment for the students, like cameras and computers to edit with. Also, students will work in groups and as you may already know this is sometimes a hard thing for them. I recall one group I had during a camp where they argued over everything the whole time.

In the end, I think making videos with your students is an overall beneficial part of the English classroom here in Korea. Why not add this to your curriculum? 

Do you have any teacher-student made videos you would like to share?

A Fresh Reaction to K-Pop: From Kids

You have to watch this!

It interviews several young adults (elementary and middle school) about Kpop. What is awesome is that they have no clue what it is and come to see it as something strange. 

Although, I have in the past enjoyed Kpop I can pretty much say my reaction to it is the same as these kids. Especially, when they start talking about how Kpop groups are manufactured from a company. 

All in all, this was highly entertaining and pretty much expresses how it is hard for Kpop to cross over 100% beyond Korea. 

Judy is a Punk!

The viral video, "Judy is a punk in kindergarten"...exemplifies how being a teacher here in Korea has changed. People have brought their talent to the schools here and are allowed to share it with students. The video is really great with little toothless wonders bopping up and down and singing.

But let me point out a few things that are unique to having a "punk rock" experience in a kindy, here in Korea.

• You will notice the other teachers not dancing or moving to the song. This is because, if they did, the crowd would go more wild and out of control.
• Some kids formed groups and jumped together, while others stood and just sang. I think this shows how there is still that deep "shyness" and "must conform" in the kids here. (Could be speculation.)

I have to say I think these kids had themselves a very unique experience in their young life and I hope it transcends and carries with them into Korean adulthood. See kids...letting loose can be fun!

*Originally discovered at Geek in Korea.

Bulgolgi and Kimchi on The Simpsons

A recent episode of The Simpsons was a take on Foodies and food blogging. It was quite hilarious as most of it was a great satire of the real thing. At one point they played a song in the tune of, "Empire State of Mind" but talking about foodies.

"Rolling into K-town...bibimbop and bulgolgi..."

Watch the video for the whole thing and feel great that Korea was mentioned. :)

Our Neighborhoods

A recent video, by the Qiranger, goes into the neighborhood of Itaewon, which has been Paul Ajosshi's home for quite sometime. I like this video because it shows you how you can go from one interesting alley to the next and end up at some oddball places, with just a little exploration. I wrote recently about a new back alley in Itaewon that is already taking shape and getting popular, check out the post here.

It makes me wonder if my neighborhood, Nowon, has anything interesting beyond it's bar and chicken hoff street. I do know of the little parks here and there between apartment complexes, but a street with galleries and coffee shops...hmmm? Guess I should get out there and find out.

Sung Si Kyung - Even Now

I'm not much into Kpop anymore, but while flipping through the old Korean TV I stumbled upon this video.

I have to say it accurately portrays how I have been feeling lately and in the past. Besides it is a sweet song.

Artist: 성시경

Performance Art in the Subway: Video

The video is here for you to get a better understanding of the whole thing that went down last week. For more information and a view of other performances go to my post here.

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Seoul Living: Video

Made a little video about how people live in Korea. The embed feature is being a bit of a pain so you have the little video below, or you can click on the link to see a larger version.

SEE THE LARGER VIDEO HERE!!!

I'm Past My 1,000th Post! Tom Video

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 THAT'S NOT WORKING SO FOLLOW THIS LINK.

Wow! Already I have made over 1,000 posts on this blog. I suppose it is inevitable, and so I am celebrating with the above video I made of Tom the cat. Really, though I made it because I wanted to figure out an editing technique in Final Cut Pro X. The software is a lot easier to use than previous versions, but my lack of video-editing knowledge makes things a bit tough.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy watching it.

Itaewon's Secret: The Video

I am sure there are other secret areas of Itaewon that please the eye too, but this one is literally being made in the moment. There were buildings still under construction as I walked through there. I think this area is going to develop into one that is known for cafes, galleries and cute little shops. 

A post with pictures and more thoughts to come, in the meantime give me your reactions to this video. Also if you like it why not share it with your pals, huh?

Seoul Rain a Video

It's a little poetic and on the short side, but I like it! If you like it too why not share it with your pals. But really this video captures how the rain can make you contemplate life and all it's wonders.

Korean High School Life: Perspective

Got this from Ahlumdapda's site first, but want to spread the word. An American high school student in Korea, with intentions on making a documentary about the culture here, ends up finding so much more. Watch her video and possibly take part in her cause.

Certainly, even it at the young age I teach the pressure to do good in school and be beautiful has already affected them. Only they get to leave school at 2:30 instead of 9pm.

Buddha's Birthday at Jogyesa Temple: Video

Visited the Jogyesa Temple last Tuesday, during the Buddha's birthday celebrations. Again, before I show the picture story I am going to share the video story...