PowerPoint Presentation
South Korean GetawayAnastasia C. Cruz4/30/2014GT ProjectMrs.
Linn
Trip to Seoul Starts Today
It is March 3rd. Im so excited to begin my journey to explore
the enchanted land of South Korea.As I board the plane, Im anxious
about the flight ahead of me. My American Airlines round trip
ticket cost $1,540 US dollars.Im going to leave McAllen
International Airport at 6:20 am and arrive in Dallas at 7:55 am.
From Dallas I have a straight flight to Seoul. My flight will leave
at 10:55 am and arrive in Seoul Incheon International airport at
2:50 pm on March 4th .Prior to my trip I found the
websitewww.timeanddate.com. It has a nifty time converter. It
taught me that South Korea is 14 hours ahead of McAllen, Texas.
Jet Lag Knows no Prisoners That means hello in Korean. It is
March 4th . Ok, obviously I am on one of my wacky, crazy
adventures. I have landed in Seoul, South Korea. Already I am
impressed by South Koreasscenic areas, climate,culture, and the
South Koreans hospitality. Everyone is so helpful here. As I
claimed my baggage, I was helped by many friendly native Korean
airport workers. Today, Im becoming familiar with my home away from
home. I have checked into the Ritz-Carlton Hotel . It is a
luxurious 5 star hotel. It is definitely a great place to stay even
though it costs more than $300 a night.
Seoul, Capital City of South KoreaWhile Ive never been to
Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, I cant believe
that Im actually in the capital city of South Korea! Today is March
7th. Seoul is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. It
is a megacity with a population of more than 10 million. Together
with the surrounding area of Incheon and Gyeonggi province, it is
the world's second largest metropolitan area with over 25.6million
people, home to over half of South Koreans along with 632,000
international residents.
Seoul Foreign School TourMy private tour guide will be helping
me to learn a little more conversational Korean by visiting a
middle school located in Seoul. The days are flying by. It is
already March 8th; seems like I was just planning for this trip.As
I enter the main building of the Seoul Foreign School, Im greeted
by the principal Lynn Gaylord. She tells me that her school is
widely regarded as the leading international school in Seoul. I
even get to tour the Media Commons. That is what they call the
library. My mom would be so proud.
A Bite to SavorToday I will be looking for some traditional
foods that they eat here in Seoul. The aroma is so strong I can
smell it a mile away! Theres no better place to go to get a taste
of real Korean life than the market. To tell you the truth trying
new foods isnt really on my bucket list ,but its part of the
exciting experience. My first stop is the Gwangjang Market where
there are a variety of delicious and strange foods. Nothing like
what you would see in McAllen, Texas! Theres so many people here
its hard to see anything at all! Vendors ( middle- aged women and
men) are shouting out bargains trying to create deals while little
children are giggling and exploring all the booths. A trip to one
of the citys busy marketplaces is an ideal place to soak up the
genuine spirit of Seoul as an industrialized country with a lot of
heart. Tonight March 9th, I will not get on the scale.
Geek and ChicWhat would any trip be without some major shopping?
Myeongdong is one of the most popular centers for shopping in
Korea. Here there are huge brands such as H&M, Zara, Nike ,
UNIQLO ,and etc. Theres also the oh so famous Lotte Department
store, where you can shop hands free ( buy and pick up at
airport.)Shopping in Myeongdong is one of the best shopping
experiences Seoul can offer. March 10th can be consider the best
day of my life!
Love and War Today, March 11th , I will be visiting some of
Seouls beautiful landmarks. One of them is the War Memorial of
South Korea. It is a sweet dedicated landmark that shows the many
violent conflicts the peninsula nation has had to endure throughout
her turbulent history. When war seeps through the nations we lose
sight of whats important to us. The next sight is N Seoul Tower! I
am going about 237 meters high to observe the most magnificent
scene I may ever see in my life! This is a new experience for me
because I have a fear of heights. I just need to remind myself dont
look down. Another thing thats really cool is that on the Seoul
Tower you can have a padlock that symbolizes love and you can write
a note. Then you throw the key into the water to represent
unbreakable love.
Feel the Music
Its March 12th , and I am going to a studio to learn some dance
moves to get into the culture. I am going to be working with the
most famous group in South Korea, KPOP! The studios here are so
neat , they look like theyve been polished. When I meet the girls
they speak English too and it gives me relief . Finally I dont have
to have my confused face on 24\7. The girls are extremely sweet and
give me a gift. Its an outfit the same identical ones they are
wearing. Then they say Its time to get to work! We work for about 2
hours for them to teach me some of their dance moves. I cant wait
to show my friends back in the states.
Jogyesa Temple ()
March 13th is when Im going to visit the fat man; Buddha! All
joking aside, the major religions in South Korea are the
traditional Buddhist faith and a large Christian population.
Located in Jongno-gu in the heart of Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is home
to the administrative headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean
Buddhism. Although a large segment of the population claims to not
be associated with any organized religion, most South Korean
households continue to observe traditional ancestral rites and
Confucian philosophies that have been integrated into Korean
culture.
Sinheungsa TempleI didnt think I would be traveling through
mountains on this trip, but that is where my journey now takes me
on March 14th . Sinheungsa Temple is a landmark that you cannot
miss as your travel down the slopes of Mount Sorak National Park by
cable car. The park is located near the city of Sokcho in northern
South Korea. A distinctive landmark of the temple is the Buddha
himself. I have been informed by my tour guide that this is the
largest statue of the Buddha in the world in a sitting posture. The
Buddha statue and the temple themselves are also recognized for its
historical significance.
Cheonjeyeon Falls
Its time to leave Seoul for a couple of days. My tour group is
going on a side trip to JeJu Island. It is March 15th today. While
on the island, one of the main attractions will be Cheonjeyeon
Falls, a 3-tier waterfall. Like most tourists, I will enjoy other
attractions besides the falls in this area. Indeed, there are many
scenic areas for photo-taking sessions, such as the Seonimgyo
Bridge of the Seven Nymphs, the Pond of Five Blessings, and
Cheonjeru Tower. It is said that the seven nymphs would often
descend from the heavens to take abath in this place, and this is
signified and celebrated by the South Koreansduring the Chilseonyeo
Festival held on every even year in May.
The Olympic Games
Today is March 16th and we are going in the past to talk about
the Olympic Games. The 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as
the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were an international multi- sport
event celebrated from September 17 to October 2 1988 in Seoul,
South Korea. They were the second Summer Olympic Games to be held
in Asia and the first since the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo,
Japan. They were also the fourth Olympic Games to be held in
autumn. In the Seoul Games, 159 nations were represented by a total
of 8391 athletes: 6197 men and 2194 women. 263 events were held and
27,221 volunteers helped to prepare the Olympics. 11,331 members of
the media broadcast the Games all over the world.
Aching Muscles
It is March 17th and I have a feeling that I am going to use the
Jacuzzi tub in my hotel room tonight. I am trying out one of the
traditional sports . There are many types of sports that keep you
activate and alert. Taekwondo, a popular martial art originated in
Korea. Taekwondo means technique of kicking and punching, although
the emphasis lies on the kicks. Even though it was practiced for
centuriesits origins have been traced as far back as the 1st
century BCit only became popular after World War 2. It became
standard military training in Korea, and in 1961 the rules were
standardized.
South Korean Technology/EconomyIt is March 18th today. South
Korea may be 14 hours ahead of McAllen, Texas but it produces
plenty of the products that Americans purchase annually. Two of
these products can be found at my house. My dad owns a Kia Sorrento
car and I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 cell phone. LGs motto is with LG
its possible. That means that when you have a moment you can snap a
shot and remember the memory. LG smart phones let you download apps
and games in seconds, watch movies on Netflix, shoot and share HD
video and browse the web.
Packing and Saying Farewell!
Today is the last day of my South Korean getaway, March 19th. I
have had a wonderful and splendid experience trying new and
certainly unique traditions. I have had a blast every day that I
was here. March 12th is my favorite part about my journey when I
worked with the KPOP group. I always wanted to meet a musical pop
group and dance with the girls! When I woke up this morning I
looked at the clock and saw that it was already 2:45, and my flight
is at 3:45. I only had 1 hour left! Luckily I had packed all my
clothes and souvenirs in my suitcase the day before. My souvenirs
included little Korea girl doll s and a t-shirt. Goodbye for now,
until my next adventure!
16Interview with Jong Hyun Lee Name Jong Hyun Lee Age 18 Gender
MaleWhat is your ethinicity? Asian/KoreanWhere were you born?
Buenos Aires, ArgentinaHave you ever lived in South Korea? Yes How
old were you? 6How long did you live there? 1 year Do you still
have family there? yesWhat languages do you speak? Korean, English,
and SpanishWhat would you want someone who has never visited South
Korea to know about the country?We are very rich in culture; our
food might be different but give it a chance. It might be a small
peninsula, but there are a lot of people there.What are some of the
best features or attributes of South Korea?The nature, everywhere
you go in South Korea it is very green, and always feels fresh.
What do your Korean friends have in common with your American
friends?Our cultures are so different and it would all depend on
how you define an American friend.What lessons can you share with
your American friends about the importance of education?In Korea
education is the key to success. You are thought that if you do not
work hard in school you will not succeed. In Korea the school hours
are much longer and the breaks much shorter so appreciate what you
have. What advice can you give me as a student entering junior
high? Dont procrastinate! Always work hard. Can you write a popular
phrase in Korean? ? Can you teach me a popular teen saying in
Korean? Unfortunately I left too young to give you a popular
phrase. What is your favorite Korean dish/meal? Galbi, which is the
Korean BBQ.Is there anything else you think I should know about
South Korea?Visit sometime! You will see a whole other world.
PoemIn the SpotlightI am catching my breathBefore the lights
Come upStandingFrozen to the spotWhat do I do next?So many
eyesWaitingTo see if Ill steal The show or break itInto a thousand
piecesHopingFor a once in a lifetime opportunityCue the KPOP
musicLets get this concertRocking!
Movie
Works CitedBritannica, Encyclopaedia. Britannica School Edition.
1 October 2013. 12 March 2014.Donovan, Sandy. Teens in South Korea.
Minneapolis: Compass Point Books, 2008.Google Images. 2013. 13
March 2014."Korea, South ." World Book Online For Kids. World Book,
2014. Web. 28 Apr. 2014.Lee, Jong Hyun. Sharyland High School
student Anastasia Cruz. 4 March 2014.Rand McNally Classroom. 12
April 2013. 11 March 2014.Salter, Christopher L. South Korea.
Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers,
2003.http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TR/[email protected].
American Airlines. 2008. 11 March 2014.
