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WLE Newsletter Seoul, Korea

WLE Newsletter - Summer 2007
Inside this edition:

 Time travel - Visiting Hanok Village
 WLE Activity - Dr. Fish Café
WLE Social Night - Noraebang (Karaoke)
 WLE Summer Event - Rafting
 WLE Student Interview: Benjamin Lee


Time travel - Visiting Hanok Village

One hot and sunny day in July, WLE students Daniel (UK), Saul (UK), Sinae (US) and Yan (China) gathered to visit one of Seoul’s remaining Hanok villages.

Hanok refers to Korean traditional architecture that considers form and function as well as the surroundings and seasons. It is a living place reflective of the times, and thus, a variety of materials have been used in Korean architecture. Unfortunately nowadays there are few Hanok villages left in Seoul as this big city has developed and modernized so rapidly.

Since Seoul’s summer is quite sultry (average 30C in July-Aug), Sinae (US) borrowed a ‘sun umbrella’ from Korean WLE staff to protect herself from the strong sunlight while visiting the village. It’s very common to see Korean women put up a ‘sun umbrella’ instead of wearing sunglasses or a hat in the spring and summer seasons. Our students were really interested in this different culture of ‘small & splendid folding umbrella’ because they had never seen such things in their hometowns.

Group picture in the Hanok. Daniel (UK), Yan (China), Sinae (US), Saul (UK) Students enjoy traditional game in the courtyard Sinae (US) wearing an umbrella in the Sunny Day

Namsan Hanok village is located near Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace. It’s unique design reflects both a Joseon Confucian aesthetic as well as over 600 years of the city’s ancient history. Although now famous for its modern-day residents which were made up of high-ranking government officials or royal families, the admirable attempts by the city to preserve its ancient heritage means that tourists are still able to observe the lifestyle of ancient Koreans.

While we were looking around the village, Daniel (UK) found an extremely interesting and somewhat incomprehensible notice board that stated, “The walking way of Joseon’s novel man”. This lead us to a pathway built entirely with roof tiles in the ground, the effect of which was apparently meant to make the unsuspecting pedestrian walk with a swaggering gait.

Saul (UK), Yan (China) looking inside of big soy sauce & bean paste storage Jars Daniel (UK) reading “Learning a novel man’s walking” What a swaggering gait!!


WLE Activity - Dr. Fish Café

One very hot summer night, we met at Shinchon station ready to explore the sights and sounds of this very trendy town. Little did we know what lay waiting for us…

It was Ahram (Netherlands) who first informed us of this Dr. Fish Café. Although equipped with an innocent sounding title, we were soon informed that the Dr. Fish Cafe specializes in small fish that eat the dead skin off people! Of course, with such pleasant imagery lodged firmly in our minds, we could do no less but insist that we tour this cafe as part of the WLE program.

Located eerily next to the Crispy Cream Donut store in Shinchon, the Dr. Fish Café was packed with people that night, despite it being a weeknight. However, once seated, we lapped up the relaxing café atmosphere produced by glowing ruby neon signs, rustic wooden floorboards and a cozy brick interior. We found the place to be very exotic and at the same time extremely warm and friendly.

The Dr. Fish café The Dr. Fish Pool

But enough about that. Let’s talk about the dead skin-eating fish. Positioned in the middle of the café was a big pool where we saw people sitting around happily dangling their feet. As soon as we washed our feet, we took our places around the pool and got ourselves ready to feed the fish. Admittedly, we were a bit disappointed because the fish turned out to be a lot smaller than expected. However, the water was very warm. We were then informed that the fish are called ‘Chinchin’ and naturally reside in the southern part of China. This special species of fish can only live in water over 27 degree in Celsius - hence the pleasantly warm water.

After growing accustomed to the sight of seeing swarms of fish nibbling away at our feet and the slight tickling sensation which accompanied it, we were able to relax and enjoy what is, I guess, a form of foot massage therapy.

waiting for the Fish They are coming!

whose feet are these? Having fun with Dr. Fish

All in all, it was very interesting and highly unique WLE excursion. Thank you to the Dr.Fish, I’m sure we will be calling on the Doctor again for sure!



WLE Social Night - The Luxury Su Noraebang (Karaoke)

It’s Saturday night and time for the WLE Social night at The Luxury Su, where the name speaks for itself. Here, amongst the lush interior of a well equipped Noraebang (‘Norae’ means ‘song’ and ‘Bang’ is room and therefore Noraebang literally means “singing room" or karaoke) our students sang, danced and partied the night away.

The Luxury Su building Andrew singing and dancing

Andrew, Yumi, Jeff and Mindy Yan, Daniel and Saul

Seated in a room large enough to house two sizable TV screens and a dance floor, our students selected from a mix of English and Korean songs to belt out.

The singer of the night Mindy and Jeff Andrew and Yumi

All in all, this WLE Social night was a roaring success. Although not all students possessed the gift of singing in tune, all students had a wonderful time trying.



WLE Summer Event - Rafting

Today is the day we have been waiting so long - the WLE Summer Rafting event. For the past few days, it had been raining and we were worried that this activity would be cancelled. However, come 7:00 a.m., the rain thankfully stopped and we were allowed to go ahead as planned.

After a four hour train ride, we arrived in the beautiful Gangwon province, where there were many a lush green scenery to see.

7 rafting warriors Ready for the Rafting Beautiful Scenery of the valley

After changing into our rafting gear, five of us embarked in one boat and let the current lead us downstream. After crossing the river, we were met with a view of an amazingly picturesque valley. It gave us an enormous sense of satisfaction and we couldn’t wait to share this great moment with the people in other boats. For the first time in a long while, I finally slept like a log on the way back! Thanks to WLE for organizing such a exciting Summer event.

Welcome home, safe! Yes, we made it! Is everybody lifting the boat?


WLE Student Interview: Benjamin Lee
Name: Benjamin Lee
Country of Residence: US
Citizenship: US
Profession: Financial Analyst
Education Background: BS in Finance
Brief Work History: First Job out of college
Language Spoken: English
Hobbies: Golf


Is this your first time in Korea?
No

Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
I really wanted to become a more fluent Korean speaker.

How are you finding your studies in Korea?
Class was very helpful in helping me improve my speaking and grammar.

How do you like Seoul?
Seoul is an amazing place with so many cultural and fun places to see.

What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
Seoul has so many people to meet, and each with there own interesting story.

How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
Of course! It has opened my eyes to what living abroad has to offer. You can meet new people while understanding a new culture.

How did you like your accommodation?
It was a great. My host family was so kind to me, and cared about my well-being

Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
TLate night drinking experiences with so many local Koreans and other foreigners.

What is the thing you like best about Seoul/Korea?
The great food and alcohol selection!

Will you come to Seoul again?
No doubt in my mind that I will.

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Be prepared to try new foods and live outside of your comfort zone. The result is worth it.

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