Growing Coffee on Jeju Island

Love for coffee is getting pandemic these days. You can find a coffee shop in every block of a sizable office district. Some people go so far as buying espresso machines and other coffee gadgets to furnish in their own homes. (Well, being one of those crazy coffee lovers myself, I am just being envious.)

Coffee is a highly sensitive plant, requiring specific growing conditions. It grows in subtropical regions where the temperature stays above 10 degrees Celsius even during winter. That’s why farming coffee has been mostly considered out of the question in Korea.

Well, Ms. Roh Jin-Yi doesn’t accept that.

 
<Most of the world’s coffee is grown in a band around the equator from 25 degrees

north to 25 degrees south of the equator>
 

Korea’s First Coffee Farmer

The first coffee farmer in Korea, Ms. Roh has invested all her money and energy in farming coffee in a 400-pyeong (1 pyeong equals 3.3 square meters) green house in Jeju City since early 2008.

Despite the unfavorable conditions, even Jeju being too cold, Ms. Roh has been persistent in realizing her dream of cultivating coffee. And she has succeeded to reap enough coffee for about 10% of Jeju citizens to sample taste.

And last October, Ms. Roh even held the first Jeju Coffee Festival in her own coffee plantation. At the festival, there was coffee tasting, coffee drinking competitions, hands-on experience of roasting coffee beans and hand-dripping. 

   
<The first coffee farmer in Korea, Ms. Roh Jin-Yi>
 

Hard Work, But I Love It

Ms. Roh is currently growing some 25,000 coffee trees in a 5,600 square meters plantation. And it is no easy job looking after those highly sensitive plants. They have to be watered twice a day (at the break of dawn and around sunset) for 3, 4 hours. A storm hits, and the fragile plants get all knocked out of their pots, and Ms. Roh has to spend many sleepless days harnessing them back in. They also need to get nutrition shots at regular, designated times.

Roh says she does not expect coffee farming to become a profitable business.

“It’s costly to keep the green house warm and it takes 3 to 5 years from germination to harvest. But I’m doing this not because I want to make money, but because I like it,” says the coffee farmer. And adds, “If I make money later, I would like to build a coffee museum,” expressing her ultimate ambition.

Many cheers and well wishes to her dream!

http://blog.naver.com/korea_brand/10100039972

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Snow Flower Festival

Amid the snowy trails and chilly winds, there is a unique event being held at the Namsangol Hanok Village. Snowy flowers have sprung up at the famous tourist and traditional hanok, or Korean traditional houses, site. The Namsangol Snow Flower Festival is being held at the Cheonwugak Square which is located at the heart of the village, attracting both passersby and tourists. The square has been transformed into a winter wonderland, thanks to the various themes of ice sculptures displayed for visitors to see. As soon as visitors walk into the square, they can find ice sculptures depicting Hangeul, or the Korean alphabet, while the igloos and Eskimo sculptures may have them feeling like they are in the North Pole. Inside the exhibition, there is also the beautiful hanok on display. The festival will be held through Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

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Weekender---Catching Culture on the 2011 Calendar

The past year was an exciting one for the Korean arts and culture scene and next year a host of colorful performances, festivals and events await fans ― now get ready to mark your calendars. January 4-30: Modern hanbok designer Lee Young-hee opens an exhibition of her hand-dyed dresses at Lotte Gallery in Ilsan 5: TVXQ releases a special edition of their new album “Keep Your Head Down” 7-Feb. 6: Chinese artist Song Yige exhibits at Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space 9: Grammy Award-winning pianist-composer Ryuichi Sakamoto at the Seoul Arts Center, southern Seoul 11: Sting’s “Symphonicity,” backed by the Korean Symphony Orchestra, at the Gymnastics Stadium in Olympic Park 14-Feb. 27: Chang Ucchin exhibition at Gallery Hyundai in Sagan-dong, on the 20th anniversary of his death 16: Mary J. Blige in concert at the Grand Peace Palace, Kyung Hee University 22: Jazz musician David Benoit at the Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts; Indie sister-duo CocoRosie makes its Seoul debut at V-Hall in Hongdae 23: Double-bill Rachael Yamagata and Maximilian Hecker at the Grand Theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts 25-28: Korea National Opera’s “Turandot” featuring members of China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts at the Seoul Arts Center 29-30: Korea National Contemporary Dance Company’s “Black Box” at Seoul Arts Center February  1-March 19: Musical “Tears of Heaven” starring Broadway star Brad Little and JYJ member Junsu at the Haeoreum Theater of National Theater of Korea 2-26: Musical “Mission” at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul 11: Taylor Swift performs at the Gymnastics Stadium in Olympic Park; Brooklyn’s experimental rock group Liars at V-Hall in Hongdae 20: Eric Clapton in concert at the Gymnastics Stadium in Olympic Park 23: Pianist Andras Schiff recital at Seoul Arts Center 24-27: The Korea National Ballet Company’s “Giselle” (Paris Opera Ballet version) is at Seoul Arts Center March 4-5: German-Norwegian group The Whitest Boy Alive at V-Hall in Hongdae 7: Riccardo Chailly-led Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in concert at Seoul Arts Center 9: Carlos Santana and his band at the Olympic Gymnasium in Olympic Park 10: Classic heavy metal band Iron Maiden at the Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul 20-April 10: Late composer Lee Young-hoon’s songs revived through musical “Gwanghwamun Love Song” at the Grand Theater of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts 25-29: Universal Ballet Company’s “Don Quixote” at Universal Arts Center, Seoul TBA: Seoul Fashion Week f/w 2011; The Tongyeong International Music Festival in South Gyeongsang Province April 1: MGMT at the Melon-AX Hall, eastern Seoul 7-14: Women’s International Film Festival in Seoul 23: Pianist Paul Lewis’ Korean debut recital at Seongnam Art Center, Gyeonggi Province 26-June 20: Musical “Take Care of My Mom” based on celebrated author Shin Kyung-sook’s novel of the same name at Grand Theater of Chungmu Art Hall 27 & May 1: Soprano Angela Gheorghiu recital at Seoul Arts Center 28-May 6: Jeonju International Film Festival May 3: Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter recital at Seoul Arts Center 6-8: Lotus Lantern Festival lights up the country 10-22: Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music 31: Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra concert at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul TBA: “Whitney Collection: 100 Years of American Art” opens at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksu Palace June 9-10: Carolyn Carlson’s contemporary dance piece “Blue Lady” at LG Arts Center, Seoul 9-12: Universal Ballet Company’s “This Is Modern” at Universal Art Center, Seoul 18: Ken Cowen’s pipe organ recital at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul 19 & 25: Pianist Paik Kun-woo’s Liszt recital at Seoul Arts Center 25: Chamber ensemble Ditto Festival at Seoul Arts Center (followed by special programs on July 2 and 3 at the same venue) 26: Pianist Martin Stadfeld recital at Seoul Arts Center July 5 & 7: Soprano Anna Netrepko recital at Seoul Arts Center 25-Aug. 7: Great Mountains Music Festival & School at Alpensia Resort, PyeongChang, Gangwon Province 14-24: Pucheon (Bucheon) International Film Festival TBA: Pentaport Rock Festival; Jisan Valley Rock Festival; “Contemporary Art After Marcel Duchamp” at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, hosted by the Mori Art Museum and Adiaf August 10: Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra’s “A Cool Gugak Journey” at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul 10-12: Daniel Barenboim-led West Eastern Divan Orchestra’s all-Beethoven concert at Seoul Arts Center 13-28: Chang Han-na’s “Absolute Classic” music festival at Seongnam Art Center, Gyeonggi Province 16-Oct. 10: Hit movie “Scandal Makers” turned into musical by OD Musical Company at the Grand Theater of Chungmu Art Hall September 17-18: National Ballet of China’s “Red Lantern” (art direction by filmmaker Zhang Yimou) at Seongnam Art Center, Gyeonggi Province 27: Pianist Russel Sherman recital at Seoul Arts Center 29-30: Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra’s “Asia, Sound of the Soul” at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul 30-Oct. 1: Akram Khan’s contemporary dance piece “Vertical Road” at LG Art Center October 4-6: Marek Janowski-led Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra concert at Seoul Arts Center and Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul 6-9: National Ballet of Spain’s flamenco performance at LG Art Center, Seoul 6-14: Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival 12: Vladimir Ashkenazy duo piano recital with son Vovka at Seoul Arts Center 15: Jarasum International Jazz Festival kicks off in Gapyeong 27-30: Korea National Ballet Company’s “Romeo & Juliet” (Jean-Christophe Maillot version) featuring Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra at Seoul Arts Center 29: Pianist Murray Perahia recital at Seoul Arts Center TBA: Seoul Fashion Week s/s 2012; Isang Yun Competition (violin section) in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province; Korean rendition of Austrian musical “Elisabeth,” written by Michael Kunze and music by Sylvester Levay at Showpark, a new theater in Hannam-dong November 8-9: Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Seoul Arts Center 11: Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul 12-19: Universal Ballet Company’s “Onegin” at Universal Art Center, Seoul 16: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul; Sydney Symphony Orchestra concert featuring pianist Evgeny Kissin at Seoul Arts Center 22: “Lovers of Paris” reborn as a musical from the 2004 drama at the Grand Theater of Chungmu Art Hall December 2-3: Paavo Jarvi-led Ochestre de Paris featuring pianist Paik Kun-woo at Seoul Arts Center TBA: Pianist Lang Lang recital at Seoul Arts Center Source : http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/12/145_78887.html

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Korea’s Ancient Capitals

The present is an accumulative total of the past. So, if you want to really know about the present of a country, you need to delve deep into its age-long history.

And learning about its past capitals – the central locations for the country’s politics and culture – will be a very helpful and significant approach.

The cities of Gyeongju, Gongju, Buyeo and Iksan were designated as the ancient capitals of Korea in accordance with the Special Act on the Preservation of Ancient Capitals decree enacted in March 2005.

For a city to become a capital, it must be some place that is well-suited for residence; a strategic location against foreign invasions; and an all-around convenient spot for overseeing the country. That’s why capitals are usually located near a big river, surrounded by mountains, and furnished with a broad expanse of fertile planes.

Gyeongju, Gongju, Buyeo and Iksan 

<Jeonglim Saji 5 Floor Tower in Buyeo>

 The Baekje Kingdom (18 BCE – 660 CE), one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla, controlled some colonies in China and most of the western Korean Peninsula at its peak in the 4th century and was a significant regional sea power.

In the 5th century, Baekje retreated under the southward military threat of Goguryeo, and in 475 its capital moved to Ungjin (present-day Gongju). Gongju is home to numerous historic sites including Gongsanseong Fortress, Magoksa Five-story Stone Pagoda, and Seokjang-ri Old Stone Age Ruins.

In 538, King Seong moved the capital to Sabi (present-day Buyeo County), home to significant relics such as the five-storied stone pagoda of Jeongnimsa Temple site and Banwollu Tower.

 
 
 
<Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage>

Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57 BC-935 AD) which ruled most of the Korean Peninsula between the 7th and 9th centuries. A vast number of archaeological sites and cultural properties from this period remain in the city. Among such historical treasures, Seokguram grotto, Bulguksa temple, Gyeongju Historic Areas and Yangdong Folk Village are designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The many major historical sites have helped Gyeongju to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Korea.

A Map of Korea’s Ancient Capitals 

The Cultural Heritage Administration recently published a map of Korea’s ancient capitals in English as a tourist guide to important historical sites in Korea.

The “Ancient Capitals Tour” map is designed to be easy to carry and use. The map provides information on the history, geography, folklore, and contemporary situation of the four ancient capitals in South Korea: Gyeongju, Gongju, Buyeo and Iksan.  

 
<Ancient Capitals Tour Map in English>
 

The map also provides useful tourist information, including guides to accommodations and public transportation. Maps will be distributed free of charge at cultural centers and tourism agencies.

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More Korean Army to Afghanistan.

The second contingent of Ashena unit, which will protect Korean civilian aid workers in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, left for the war-torn country on Dec. 21. "Ashena" means friend or a partner in the provincial dialect.
The Korean Army held a send-off ceremony for the contingent at the International Peace Support Force base in Incheon. Military leaders, including Gen. Kim Sang-ki, Army chief of staff, and commander of Special Warfare Command, as well as some 400 family members of contingent troops too part in the ceremony.
Troops of Ashena unit's second contingent cheer for their successful operation in Afghanistan after send-off ceremony that took place at the International Peace Support Force base in Incheon on Dec. 21.

"You have given a grave mission to boost Korean and its military status in the world by cooperating with foreign forces and protect Korean aid workers," said Kim in his speech. "Reestablish your resolve and be safe."
The second contingent, organized in Oct. 18, has completed basic training programs before leaving the country so that the unit can get right into its mission once reaching the province.
Soldiers of the contingent have been selected through tough screening. They are going to guard and transport Korean reconstruction team members in the province. Fifteen marines will be in charge of guarding Korean embassy in Afghanistan.
Among troops in the second contingent, eight are sons and daughters of active-duty officers and public officials. Also 18 of them have enlisted in the Army while studying abroad. Fifty-four have an experience of fulfilling oversea
Father of each Maj. Kim Gi-gwang and First Lt. Hyun Min-seok have fought in the Vietnam War. A wife of Capt. Seol Jin-wuk had worked for Zaytun unit in Iraq. The family of Maj. Jin Bo-seung is being spotlighted as Jin's father and younger brother have fought in the Vietnam War and Zaytun unit, respectively.
The case for Sergeant First Class Kim Jun-yeon is heartrending since he will take on a mission while leaving behind his pregnant wife.
"Soldiers' morale is strong as ever since they have gone through tough training programs," said Col. Kim Mu-su, commander of the contingent. "We will devote ourselves to protect Korean aid workers by conducting perfect operations and promote national status."

http://english.president.go.kr/koreain/issue/issue_view.php?board_no=E07&search_key=&search_value=&search_cate_code=&cur_page_no=1&uno=4577
*Government press release December 22.

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Recent Economic Development in Afghanistan

Afghanistan Economic Update, December 2010

GROWING ECONOMY December 23, 2010 - Afghanistan’s growth outlook for 2010/11 is cautiously optimistic with GDP growth of 8.5-9%, and inflation around the government’s target of 5% assuming banking sector losses are contained. December 2010 Update (pdf)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | OUTLOOK | WORLD BANK'S ASSISTANCE | ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

RECENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

Real GDP growth remained strong, at 22.5% in 2009/10, but volatile due to agricultural output. The driver of the economy continues to be private consumption due to high demand for goods and services from the increasing donor funding, the security economy, and an estimated external budget of around US$4 billion.

The Central Bank managed to contain non-food inflation to around 3%, from the 9% high of 2008/09, but external factors, such as the fall of Pakistani food imports due to the floods, may push food prices upward. Finally, the mining sector will grow vigorously, as the construction phase of the Aynak copper mine intensifies.

OUTLOOK

The outlook for 2010/11 is favorable, with GDP growth of 8.5-9% and inflation around the government’s target of 5% forecast. Afghanistan benefited from increased rainfall and favorable climatic conditions in 2009 that suggest 2010 will be a year of high agricultural output.

These weather conditions point to an important sector-contribution to GDP in 2010/11, at around its previous average of 5 percentage points. The services sector will continue to provide much of the growth in the upcoming year, benefiting from higher government and donor spending.

Thus, the engine of growth will remain private consumption, fueled by the increasing donor funding, the security economy, and an estimated external budget of around US$4 billion. Together, these forces will drive the demand for goods and services. The mining sector will grow vigorously, as the construction phase of the Aynak copper mine intensifies.

WORLD BANK ASSISTANCE TO AFGAHANISTAN

World Bank assistance comprises a portfolio of International Development Association (IDA) grants and credits as well as the projects it supervises on behalf of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) . Since 2002, IDA has committed a total of US$2 billion in grants (77%) and credits (23%) in Afghanistan.

Thirty-six development and emergency-reconstruction projects as well as four budget-support operations have been committed to date. In addition, the ARTF has committedUS$2.2 billion for recurrent costs of government and US$1.4 billion in ARTF investments in national government programs. At end-August the active IDA portfolio was worth US$1 billion.

FY2011 is the final year of IDA 15 and the government is seeking to utilize the remaining US$245 million before July 2011.

The ARTF will be investing in a new public finance management operation, the power sector, new higher education and skills development programs as well as in ongoing national programs, such as National Solidarity Program (NSP).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Afghanistan Economic Update - May 2010
In spite of the security, social, and political difficulties, Afghanistan has enjoyed mostly favorable macroeconomic conditions. Read More »

Afghanistan: Data & Statistics
A wide range of social and economic measures on Afghanistan, including links to the World Bank's most important online development databases. Read More »

Afghanistan: Analysis and Research
Compilation of all the World Bank's publications on Afghanistan. Read More »

World Bank Program in Afghanistan
Launching pad to all information on World Bank activities in Afghanistan. Read More »

http://www.worldbank.org.af/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/AFGHANISTANEXTN/0,,contentMDK:22796974~menuPK:305990~pagePK:2865066~piPK:2865079~theSitePK:305985,00.html

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Koreans who shine in 2010

Politics In the June 2 local elections, Kim Moon-soo of the ruling Grand National Party was reelected as governor of Gyeonggi Province, defeating Rhyu Si-min, the opposition? unified candidate and a close confidant of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun. Since then, Kim, with the image of a hard-working administrator, has enjoyed solid support in his province, emerging as a potential candidate for the next presidency. As governor, he has pushed for an ambitious project to build an underground high-speed train, the GTX, short for Great Train Express. The express train, once completed by 2017, will link satellite cities and the capital, running up to 200 kilometers per hour. Sohn Hak-kyu, a former Gyeonggi Province governor, was elected as chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) on Oct. 3 in a victory that could pave the way for an upset in the 2012 presidential election. It was a remarkable win for Sohn as he only joined the liberal DP four years ago after leaving the conservative Grand National Party. Since taking over the DP? leadership, he has enjoyed growing popularity for his policies on promoting the interests of the working- and middle-class. He has sided with environmental and religious groups to oppose the Lee Myung-bak administration? four-river refurbishment project. City Liberal novelist Lee Oi-soo emerged as one of the most popular icons on Twitter, boasting more than 400,000 followers. The 64-year-old novelist, favored among the younger generation for his eccentric behavior and satirical language in his publications, posted a series of controversial remarks on Twitter, making news all year round. Lee was at the center of a controversy in October over BBQ Chicken and other fried chicken franchises, which were suspected of falsifying the origins of some of the items on their menus. The novelist apologized through Twitter over his promotional activities for BBQ Chicken as he tweeted a message promoting the franchise four times a month in exchange for receiving 10 million won, which he declared was used to support underprivileged children in rural areas. A 68-year-old grandmother who got her driver? license on her 960th attempt became an instant national celebrity on May 7, with all media outlets praising her determination and persistence. Cha Sa-soon, who sells vegetables at a traditional market in Wanju, North Jeolla Province, received her driver? license, four years and six months after she started taking the written exam. She passed the test in November last year by just making the cut-off line of 60 points, after 949 failures. A baby Malayan Sun Bear that escaped from its cage at a zoo in Seoul on Dec. 6 became Korea? most beloved celebrity after having eluded hundreds of police officers and zoo staff for nine days. Culture K-pop girl groups reached new heights in 2010, breaking into the Japanese music scene and injecting energy in the revival of ?allyu?(Korean wave). Girls' Generation's "Gee" and "Hoot" both reached the No. 2 positions on the Oricon charts, making the 9-member band the first non-Japanese Asian group to do so, and the second foreign female group in 30 years. In the entertainment field, musical director Park Kolleen garnered many fans after her guest appearance on the KBS show "Qualifications of a Man," and the ever-charming personality has also published an autobiographical book. The 17-year-old singer IU expanded her audience base with a more soulful R&B aura this year ?a duet with a 2AM member has led to more star collaborations such as with veteran musician Yoon Jong-shin. Jang Hyuk is the new actor to watch out for as he wowed viewers with his leading role in KBS??lave Hunters?(Chuno), which was followed by a Chinese drama and next year? SBS production "Midas." "Bread, Love and Dreams" (Korean title "King of Baking Kim Tak-gu") spotlighted the talents of Yoon Si-yoon, who quickly became the face of the pastry mega-corporation Dunkin' Donuts. Sports Figure skater Kim Yu-na was highlighted among Korean athletes this year as she demonstrated exceptional talent and strong mentality to win the Olympic title by overcoming the weight of an entire nation? expectations put on her slim shoulders. The 20-year not only won Korea? first gold medal in the women? event in the Vancouver Winter Games but also set a new world record by earning 228.56 points. South Korean midfielder Lee Chung-yong also exhibited the determined and hard working mindset of the country? young athletes in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa against football giant Argentina on June 17. South Korean striker Ji So-yun has emerged as the athlete to watch in women? football, leading the Under-20 squad to take third place in the FIFA World Cup on Aug. 1. Ji is expected to become a huge star as she begins playing for Kobe INAC of Japan in the next season. Swimmer Park Tae-hwan managed a second-straight gold medal triple at the Asiad in Guangzhou in November by topping the podium in the men? 400-, 200-, and 100-meter freestyle. The 21-year old? milestone followed victories in the 200-, 400-, and 1,500-meter freestyle in the 2006 Asian Games, as he bounced back from a disappointing performance in the world championships last year. The star athlete is now aiming for victory in the London 2012 Olympics, where he will attempt to bring home another Olympic gold following his success in the 400-meter freestyle in 2008. Business The outgoing 2010 has seen ups and downs among the leaders of Korea Inc. Among them Lee Jae-yong, the only son of Samsung Group leader Lee Jun-hee, and Lee Bu-jin, the elder of the senior Lee's two daughters, were put on the front line of the conglomerate's management. Jae-yong has been promoted to president and will work in his previous capacity of chief operating officer at Samsung Electronics, the group's flagship. Bu-jin was promoted two notches to president, a move that surprised industry watchers. There is a consensus that the two? promotions are the first step in Samsung? generational shift in management but it remains to be seen whether it means the senior Lee will become detached from key decisions affecting Korea's largest conglomerate. A change in LG, Samsung's rival, means a significant shift, highlighted by the promotion of Koo Bon-joon to head the troubled LG Electronics. Koo, the younger brother of Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo, replaced the hired gun Nam Yong as LG Electronics CEO after it has suffered from a series of poor-performing quarters, mainly because of a late start in the smartphone business. Now, industry watchers expect that LG Electronics will turn around from the second quarter of next year at the latest. However, outshining all these corporate changes is the rise of SaKong Il, who indisputably made the biggest contribution except for President Lee Myung-bakk for the successful hosting of the G20 Seoul Summit. The summit put Korea on the global financial map, with Seoul, led by SaKong, playing a pivotal trouble-shooting role in the entanglement of financial rivalries pitting big powers against each other. Thanks to his role, SaKong was named as a potential candidate for the next managing director of the International Monetary Fund, a job that has only been occupied by Europeans in a post-World War II arrangement with the United States.

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Korea to cut scholarships for foreigners

By Kang Shin-who The Korean government plans to cut its full scholarship program for foreign students, who receive money for university tuition, housing and monthly allowances, by 40 percent. An official at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Monday that some 400 foreign nationals, 300 fewer than this year’s 700, will be eligible for the scholarship program in 2011. “Due to a shortage in the annual budget, we have to cut down the number of government-invited students. Instead, we will select highly qualified students to improve the quality of the program,” the official told The Korea Times. The number of foreign students on the program, jumped to 745 in 2008, from 133 in 2007; it fell to 504 in 2009, before rising again to 700 this year. A total of 2,000 foreigners are studying here under the state program as of this year. The ministry is considering removing the “grace period” for program participants in order to save money. If they fail to pass their courses, master’s and doctorate degree seekers are able to extend their stay here by a semester and year, respectively. With the aim of making state scholarships a Korean national branding project similar to the Fulbright Program, the ministry this year integrated all programs into the “Global Korea Scholarship” project, which has a budget of 51.5 billion won ($46.6 million). The National Institute for International Education (NIIED), an agency under the ministry, oversees the scholarship program that is offered in some 120 countries around the world. Korean embassies overseas or Korean universities recommend undergraduate or graduate hopefuls for the scholarship. The scholarship students have to meet the minimum qualification; a grade point average (GPA) over 80 percent and grade three — out of six — in the Test of Proficiency in Korean. Source : http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/12/117_78719.html

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Jeonju City Tour

As a provincial seat of Jeonlabuk province, Jeonju city is located in east longitude 127˚, north latitude 35˚, and forms basin surrounded with Giryin peak which is a branch of Noryeong Mountains stretches at the center of Jeonlabuk province from Northeast to Southeast, Godeok Mountain, Namgo Mountain, Moak Mountain and Wansan seven peaks in three directions of East, South and West of the city.

Most of Jeonju urban districts were constructed on alluvial soil from Jeonjuchun [Jeonju Stream] to be mostly flat forming gentle slope from Southeast Jeonjuchun toward Northwest direction.

Jeonjuchun runs throughout the center of the city area originating from watershed bordering with Gwanchon plain of 26km Southeast direction toward Northwest, and Samchun [Sam Stream] flows West farming lands in West of Jeonju city starting from Wanju-gun Guyii-myun border with Imsil-gun Wunam-myun which is watershed of Seomjin River's Bukpyeong flowing the North of Noryeong Mountains, and flows together with Jeonjuchun and runs to Mangyeong River at Jucheon after running West farming area to North from South.

And Soyangchun [Soyang Stream] originating at Gomchi and flowing Northeast border of Jeonju area and flow together with Jeonjuchun, and those 3 watercourses flow Jeonju area from South to North. The area is 206.22㎢, annual average temperature is 12.9°c, annual average rainfall is 1296.2mm, and 622,180 population(192,960 households), and jurisdiction is composed with 2 districts and 33 complexes.

 All friends of 4th batch

                            The restaurant where we had our first  lunch

 Traditional structure and design of  Korean homes and restaurants 

            On the way to our guest house, which was really typical and nice

          Our rooms inside the guest house

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دوبۍ: په افغانستان کې د پانګونې د هڅونې کنفرانس

ټاکل شوې چې د سې شنبې پر ورځ د عربي متحده اماراتو په دوبۍ کې د افغانستان او اماراتو د حکومتونو په نوښت افغانستان ته د پانګونې د راجلبولو يو ورځنی کنفرانس جوړ شي .

افغان چارواکي وايي ددغه کنفرانس د جوړولو ژمنه عربي متحده اماراتو په کابل کنفرانس کې کړې وه.

دا يو ورځنی کنفرانس دی چې د افغانستان له لوري د بهرنيو چارو، ماليې، سوداګرۍ، کانونو او صنايعو، کرنې او مخابراتو وزيران پکې برخه لري .

په افغانستان کې د پانګونې د ملاتړ ادارې يا ايسا مشر نورالله دلاوري چې دا مهال په دوبۍ کې دی وايي د منځني ختيځ او خليج پر هېوادونو سربېره د امريکا، ايټاليا، هند و پاکستان او يو شمېر نورو نړيوالو ادارو استازي هم په دغه کنفرانس کې برخه لري .

((په پام کې ده چې نن ورځ د کانونو، کرنې، انرژي او بېخبينايي چارو په برخه کې د پانګونې د هڅونې کنفرانس پيل شي.

زما د معلوماتو له مخې د زياتو هغو هېوادونو استازي چې په افغانستان کې پانګونې ته لېوال دي په دغه کنفرانس کې د ګډون لپاره دلته راغلي دي، په ځانګړي ډول د کانونو په برخه کې يو شمېر زياتو هېوادونو لېوالتيا ښوولې چې دغه کنفرانس ته راشي او په افغانستان کې د پانګونې لپاره د شته فرصتونو په اړه يو څه واوري. ))

ښاغلي دلاوري وويل په هره برخه کې به افغان استازي به کنفرانس ته معلومات ورکوي، له بهرنيو پانګوالو سره به بحثونه کوي، په افغانستان کې به پانګونې ته چمتو فرصتونه ور په ګوته کوي او په ټوله کې به هغوی دلته پانګونې ته راماتوي.

دا مهال په افغانستان کې روان ترينګلي امنيتي حالات د پانګونې پر وړاندې تر ټولو ستر خنډ بلل کېږي چې له امله يې بهرني پانګوال زړه نه ښه کوي په افغانستان کې پانګونې وکړي.

ښاغلی دلاوري وايي له دې سره سره چې په افغانستان کې حالات ښه نه دي خو د بهرنيو پانګوالو لېوالتيا ته په پام سره تمه لري چې هغوی به وهڅوي چې په افغانستان کې پانګونې وکړي .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pashto/afghanistan/2010/11/101126_hj-afghanistan-dubey-co.shtml

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Islam and Muslims in Korea

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B-boy all stars to rock Seoul on 21st - Dec-10

Internationally renowned b-boys will gather to perform at Fever Seoul Live at Ax-Korea, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Seoul City By Kim Rahn Korea’s top b-boys will present their dynamic moves at the Fever Seoul Live at Ax-Korea, eastern Seoul, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21. The performers include six internationally renowned Korean b-boys — Bruce Lee from Gamblerz Crew, Rookie from Drifterz Crew, Skim and Vero from Jinjo Crew, Pocket from Morning of Owl and Jay Park, also known as Park Jae-beom, from Art of Movement. After their performance, 25 break dancers will present a Seoul-themed musical “B-Boy Battle.” Korean-American singer-songwriter David Choi and rapper Dumbfounded will also participate. The 90-minute show will be broadcast live across the world through a Facebook channel, www.facebook.com/hiseoul. The performance, a making of film and some music videos will also be available on www.youtube.com/seouldreamseries from January. Ahead of the show, the city government opened an online b-boy battle on Youtube in September. More than 400 b-boys posted video clips showing their moves, garnering over 1.5 million hits. Six foreign b-boys among them came to Korea last month and held a break dancing battle with the six Korean boys at Gwanghwamun Square. “We will promote b-boy performances as one of Seoul’s cultural attractions,” a city official said. http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/12/117_78224.html

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Pashtoo nice song by Rahim Shah... !

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په افغانستان کې د رگبي لوبې فدراسيون جوړ شو (Rugby Foot ball in Afghanistan )

رگبي د نړۍ په ډيرو هيوادونو کې کيږي خو په افغانستان او گاونډيو هيوادونو کې يې نه تر سترگو کيدله

په افغانستان کې په لومړي ځل د رگبي لوبې فدراسيون جوړ شوى دى .

د دغه نوي فدراسيون جوړونکي وايي څو اوونۍ وروسته به افغان ملي رگبي لوبډله په کابل کې د ايساف له ځواکونو سره خپله لومړنۍ لوبه کوي .

دوى غواړي چې د رگبي لوبې د غوړولو لپاره په ښوونځيو کې دا لوبه دود کړي .

رگبي پنځلس کسيزه لوبډله لري چې لوبغاړي يې په لاس او پښو خټکى ډوله توپ وهي .

رگبي د نړۍ په بيلا بيلو هيوادونو کې کيږي خو د افغانستان په گاونډ کې نه تر سترگو کيږي .

د افغانستان د رگبي فدراسيون يوۀ غړي محمد منصور مجيد د بي بي سي سهارنۍ خپرونې ته وويل چې څرنگه يې دغې لوبې ته ورپام شول .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pashto/sport/2010/12/101212_afghan_rugby.shtml

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Afghanistan has begun construction of its first international cricket stadium

ACB

25.10.2010 08:07

Kabul, Afghanistan,25 October 2010.

As participation and interest in the game of cricket grows rapidly in Afghanistan, construction has begun on the country’s first international standard cricket stadium in the Ghazi Amanullah Khan township in Nangarhar Province.  The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) hopes that the construction will be completed in 5 months and that the stadium will be ready for the planned Ramazan Cup matches to be held in Ramazan next year.

The stadium will be one of the centerpieces in the cricket “surge” currently sweeping across Afghanistan. His Excellency, Dr Omar Zakhilwal, Afghanistan’s Finance Minister and President of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, recently announced plans to build cricket grounds in all of the country’s 34 provinces over the coming two years.

The stadium has strong local support and the 30 acres of land for the Nangarhar Stadium was donated by Haji Najeeb Zarab, a well-known local businessman. Mr Zarab said that if the plan was slowed by financial constraints, he and other local traders were ready to provide financial support to ensure the completion of the stadium.

“Once completed, the stadium will not only help solve the difficulties Afghan cricketers currently face due to lack of proper playing facilities, but will enable the ACB to invite other nations to play in an international standard venue in Afghanistan,” Chief Executive of the ACB, Dr. Hamid Shinwari, said, "The stadium will include four international standard pitches, an advanced cricket academy and a hostel for players training at the academy."

The present construction allows seating for 7,000 spectators due to budgetary constraints, but the stadium has been designed so that this can be expanded in the future to more than 60,000 people.

Nagarhar Province, to the east of Kabul, is known as the ‘capital of cricket' in Afghanistan with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 young people actively involved in the game. Its relatively mild weather allows for the playing of cricket year round. Some parts of Afghanistan can only play during summer and spring due to severe winters and snow.

Nangarhar won the National Inter-Provincial Tournament held in Kabul in October. The tournament involved teams from 28 of the 34 provinces of the country. 

“The ACB sees cricket as more than just a sporting activity in Afghanistan,” Dr Shinwari said, “we believe it is a tool for peace-building in our country. The start of construction on the Nangarhar Stadium is not just a physical building, but a sign also of a new way of building our country, building our young people and building peace.”

About US: The Afghanistan Cricket Board is the governing body for the game of cricket in Afghanistan and an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council.

http://cricket.tolafghan.com/posts/20199

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