[Indonesia Report] Traditional Batik Tulis, an invaluable cultural legacy of Indonesia
Batik is Indonesian traditional fabric with classic ethnic pattern. The traditional Batik is drawn by Indonesian artists and the method they use is known as a wax-resist dyeing. This kind of Batik is different from the printed pattern batik that is common to find these days. The Batik artists use a tool called canting in […]
Deepening smartphone woes
The smartphone is a great invention and extremely useful in daily life. However, the rapid distribution of the electronic device has brought about an uninvited guest ― smartphone addiction. The results of a survey released last week by the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education were quite surprising and call for society to act resolutely to […]
Chinese illegal fishing in Korean waters seems insoluble due to its connection with Chinese economic growth
On the 16th October, the Korean Coast Guard was notified about another major intrusion of Chinese fishing boats into the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of South Korea. Some thirty small Chinese fishing vessels were reported to have been fishing illegally some 55 miles from Hong Island. There was nothing unusual in this situation since such […]
Reality check on NLL
With less than two months before the Dec. 19 presidential election, the controversy over the Northern Limit Line (NLL) persists as a campaign issue in Korea. This controversy was sparked by an allegation from a member of the ruling Saenuri Party that former president Roh Moo-hyun gave up the South’s claim on the NLL during […]
Scholars illuminates Silla-Persian royal wedding
A pre-Islamic Persian prince went to Silla in the seventh century and got married with a princess, showing how extensive the ancient kingdom was in terms of international exchanges. Lee Hee-soo, professor of cultural anthropology at Hanyang University, found the royal marriage in the ancient Persian book, which he is researching to show the depth […]
UN chief Ban arrives here to receive Seoul Peace Prize
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived here Sunday for a four-day visit during which he will receive this year’s Seoul Peace Prize. According to a Seoul official, Ban will receive the biennial award today for his work around the world, including his contributions to securing women’s and children’s rights, eliminating poverty in developing countries and […]
Will Pletnev lead rebirth of KBS Symphony?
After months of cancellations, the KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) Symphony Orchestra will finally hold a concert next month. All eyes will be on the Russian virtuoso Mikhail Pletnev, who has been offered a job as the new music director of the controversial ensemble. Pletnev will conduct a special concert on Nov. 30 at Seoul Arts […]
No more foul plays
Samsung, SK talk of ending semiconductor game of chicken Executives of both Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, the world’s two largest makers of computer memory chips, admit the companies had been playing a dangerous game of chicken that can’t last. It remains to be seen whether they can deliver on their promise to end it. […]
Convenience store republic of Korea
24-hour shops multiplying at rapid rate but that doesn’t mean their business is thriving These are dreadful times for small businesses but convenience stores seem to be defying the odds as they begin to cover Korean streets like a blanket. Still, it’s debatable whether thriving is the right word to describe the increase in 7-Elevens […]
Japan’s Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko Greet Guests Invited To Annual Autumn Garden Party He Hosted
Japan’s Emperor Akihito, left, flanked by Empress Michiko, greets guests at the annual autumn garden party in Tokyo Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012. About 2,100 people were invited to the garden party hosted by the Emperor and Empress on Thursday. Japan’s Emperor Akihito, left, flanked by Empress Michiko, along with Crown Prince Naruhito, Prince Akishino and […]