UNESCO World Heritage

UNESCO World Heritage

UNESCO World Heritage in korea UNECO World Heritage refers to both cultural and natural heritage sites registered on the World Heritage List. In November 1972, UNESCO adopted the “Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage” in the General Conference during its seventeenth session. Under the Convention, the World Heritage committee established a World Heritage List that includes cultural and natural heritage with outstanding value whose conservation is recognized to be in the interest of all humanity. As of October 2010, Korea has nine cultural heritage sites and one natural heritage site. Apart from this, UNESCO also has a separate program called ‘Memory of the World’ and ‘Intangible Heritage of Humanity’. In Korea, there are seven and eight of them respectively. World Cultural Heritage Sites Korea’s Cultural Heritage conveys a genuine sentiment of simplicity and peacefulness. The historical background of the heritage is diverse, encompassing the history of Korea from ancient times (Dolmen sites) to the Joseon Dynasty. The sites embody a wide variety of values from tidy and neat artistic spirit to scientific rationality as witnessed in such traditional constructions as a royal palaces or temples. A total of nine Korean cultural sites are registered on the list of World Cultural Heritage Sites including Jongmyo Shrine (1995); Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon Hall (1995); Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto (1995); Hwaseong Fortress (1997); Changdeokgung Palace (1997); Gyeongju Historic Areas(2000); Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites (2000); the 40 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (2009); and, finally, Historic Villages of Korea; Hahoe and Yangdong (2010). World Natural Heritage Sites UNESCO chooses would-be World Natural Heritage Sites based on an objective evaluation of historic and academic worth, and then assists in ensuring their preservation. The volcanic island of Jeju-do has an outstandingly beautiful natural environment that is significant for its geological features and ecological value. In 2007, Jeju-do Island was listed as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site under the name of “Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes”. This includes Mount Hallasan Natural Reserve, the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Intangible Heritage of Humanity List An international assessment committee appointed by the UNESCO Secretary General reviews the list of World Intangible Heritage of Humanity every two years with the mission of safeguarding and protecting such intangible heritage as language, culture, music, dance, games, myths, rituals, customs and handicrafts. A total of eight examples of Korean intangible heritage are on the list, including: The Royal Ancestral Ritual in the Jongmyo Shrine and its Music (2001); The Pansori Epic Chant (2003); The Gangneung Danoje Festival (2005); Ganggangsullae Dance (2009); Namsadang-nori Performance (2009); Yeongsanjae Buddhist Ritual (2009); Jeju Chilmeoridang-yeongdeung-gut Shaman Ritual (2009); and the Cheoyongmu Dance (2009). Memory of The World Register Korea possesses scrupulous historical records and archives that have become profoundly valuable in the upholding of traditions and reflecting upon the political, social, economical, and cultural situations of long ago. These documents have been quite well preserved and as such, are very precious assets to humanity. The Korean documents declared UNESCO Memory of the World include the Hunminjeongeum Manuscript(1997); Joseonwangjosillok, the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty (1997); Seungjeongwon Ilgi, the Diaries of the Royal Secretariat (2001); Jikji Simche Yojeol, the Second Volume of “Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests’ Zen Teachings” (2001); Printing Woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana and Miscellaneous Buddhist Scriptures (2007); Uigwe, the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty (2007); and Donguibogam, the Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine (2009). I hope this information is usefull for you all:)

Korean Restaurant Part 2

Korean Restaurant The following is a restaurant that should be visited : “Hyundai Kalguksu” – You’ll Love the Thick Broth Hyundai Kalguksu is a kalguksu (handmade noodle soup) restaurant that has been in the family for two generations (1982). The restaurant is extremely popular among people working at nearby business, thanks to the rich flavor of the broth. Anchovies, dried pollack heads, and kelp are simmered for many hours, and then, other ingredients are added: soft noodles and various vegetables including pumpkin, onion, and green onions. The restaurant is famous for its exquisite-taste of kalguksu, as well as for its large servings. Just one bowl is enough to satisfy a starving man, but if you are still hungry, don’t hesitate to ask for more rice or noodles for free. Another unforgettable specialty here is kimchi. You will also be able to enjoy geotjeori (freshly made kimchi) and kkakdugi (sliced white-radish kimchi), which is fermented for about three days.

TIP: If you like spicy food, don’t forget to add some cheongyanggochu (spicy red pepper)!

Detailed information> ☞ Business hours: 09:00~21:00 (Saturday     09:00~19:00) ☞ Closed: Sundays and holidays ☞ Phone: (02) 752-9504 ☞ Specialty Menu: Kalguksu 5,000 won,     Stuffed dumplings boiled in water 5,500     won ☞ Directions: Take subway line 1 or 2 and get     off at City Hall. Go out exit 8. Once you     are out of the subway station, you’ll see a     crosswalk. Cross at the crosswalk and walk     straight for about 50 meters. Then turn right at the first alley between     a pharmacy and Dunkin Doughnuts. Go straight for about 90 meters     until you reach a diagonal intersection. As soon as you take a right at     the intersection, there will be a small alley on the left. Go through the     alley and you will soon see the restaurant. 。

“Samsung Charcoal-Grilled Food” – Come Enjoy the Spicy Meat This restaurant has been famous for its charcoal-grilled food since 1972, and is especially well known for its spicy seasoning made from powdered red pepper, garlic, and ginger. Pork is mixed with the seasoning, giving it the characteristic red color and unique flavor, and then grilled over hot coals. While it is popular among Koreans who like spicy food, it might be a bit too hot for foreigner customers. Other dishes include jumulleok (grilled seasoned meat) and donggeurangttaeng (meat patties). Jumulleok is made by seasoning fresh meat whereas donggeurangttaeng is made by cutting the frozen meat into small pieces, and then marinating it. Older adults usually prefer jumulleok, while the young prefer donggeurangttaeng.
TIP: Make sure to wear one of the aprons, which is next to each table to protect your clothing while you are grilling the meat.
Detailed information> ☞ Business hours: 11:00~23:30 ☞ Closed: Every other Sundays ☞ Phone: (02) 752-6449 ☞ Specialty Menu: Jumulleok: 10,000 won;     Donggeurangttaeng: 9,000 won ☞ Directions: Take subway line 1 or 2, and     get off at City Hall. Then go out exit 8.     Once you are out of the subway station, you’ll see a crosswalk. Take     the crosswalk, go straight for about 50 meters, and then turn right at     the first alley (between a pharmacy and Dunkin Doughnuts). Go     straight for about 90 meters until you reach a diagonal intersection.     Once you pass the intersection, you will see the restaurant on the     right. Across from the restaurant is a bar named “Monalisa.” “Abaisundae” – Experience the Taste of Hamgyeongdo-style Sundae Among the various types of abai sundae (sundae is sausage made from bean curd and bean sprouts stuffed into pig intestine), this restaurant is where you can try out sundae made from large intestine. The large intestine is at the end of the pig’s digestive tract, and is thicker and much shorter than the small intestine. Abai sundae is made by stuffing plenty of glutinous rice, Chinese noodles, clotted cow’s blood, onions, and garlic into the large intestine. (The intestines are washed repeatedly with rock salt beforehand to reduce its characteristic odor). Older adults prefer abai sundae, which brings back old memories, while young people prefer deluxe sundae made from the small intestines. It is also possible to order half orders of each. Koreans usually season sundae with salt and salted shrimp before they eat it. If you order sundae, you can also get a chance to enjoy soup made of simmered pork shank bones. TIP: The term abai, which means father, is from the Hamgyeongdo dialect in North Korea. Abai sundae is Hamgyeongdo-style sundae. Detailed information> ☞ Business hours: 09:00~22:30 ☞ Closed: 24 hours open ☞ Phone: (02) 752-7982 ☞ Specialty Menu: Abai sundae 15,000 won,     Sundae soup 5,000 won, Kongbiji (bean     curd soup) 5,000 won ☞ Directions: Take subway line 1 or 2, and     get off at City Hall. Then go out exit 8. Once you are out of the     subway station, you’ll see a crosswalk. Take the crosswalk, and then     take a right, and go straight for about 30 meters (past Outback). Take     the first alley on the left, where you will see the restaurant. Map of Bukchang-dong You should visit the restaurants when you visiting South Korea, Seoul. And try it. Enjoy it. I hope this information is useful for you all:)

Korean Restaurant Part 1

Korean Restaurant

The following is a restaurant that should be visited :

[Gourmet Restaurants Series 11] Bukchang-dong, Offering a Taste of the Past

Bukchang-dong is located behind the Seoul Plaza Hotel, nearby Namdaemun market and large corporate buildings. The famous restaurant area of Bukchang-dong first began with a few restaurants selling meat, rice, and liquor to workers from nearby offices, and to this day, restaurants in the area, whose names are takeoffs of businesses, like “Samsung” and “Hyundai,” are crowded during lunch and dinner time. Most of them are small and shabby, but they have served their loyal clientele for many decades. Bukchang-dong is utterly transformed at night when entertainment establishments with their bright neon signs open for business. It is best to visit before the sun sets to enjoy the delicious dishes offered locally. Most of these restaurants are closed on Sundays and holidays since their main customers are business people working in the close vicinity.

“Jeonju Yu (柳) Grandmother’s Bibimbap” – A Dish Prepared with Great Care An elderly woman from Jeonju has been making mouth-watering and highly nutritious bibimbap (rice with assorted vegetables) since 1961. An order of bibimbap includes a hearty helping of steamed rice topped with an assortment of vegetables including spinach, shredded radish, parsley, bean sprouts, and pyogo mushroom. All you have to do is add gochujang (thick soypaste mixed with red pepper) and sesame oil to suit your taste, and mix. This restaurant’s popularity lies with the fact that it uses only the freshest ingredients, and prepares its own gochujang and sesame oil. Gochujang is a mixture of powered red pepper, salt, and fermented soybean powder, which is fermented for one year. The most sought-after lunchtime dishes are bibimbap and kongnamul gukbap (rice cooked with bean sprouts), and a popular dinner meal is samgyeopsal (Korean-style bacon).

TIP: Cleanse your palate with refreshing radish kimchi after eating your bibimbap!

Detailed information> ☞ Business hours: 07:00~22:00 ☞ Closed: National holidays ☞ Phone: (02) 752-9282 ☞ Specialty Menu: Bibimbap 7,000 won,     Kongnamul Gukbap 5,000 won, Galbi     Samgyeopsal 11,000 won,     Cheongyeopsal: 10,000 won ☞ Directions: Take Seoul subway line no. 1 or 2, and get off at City Hall.     Go out of exit 8, and you’ll see a crosswalk. Cross at the crosswalk,     walk straight for about 80 meters, and then turn right at the second     alley (On the left corner is a photo studio with a sign that says “QS”).     Go straight, and after you pass an intersection, you will see the     restaurant on the left. “Masan Place” – Just the Place to Enjoy Delicious Soegogi Gukbap and Modeumjeon Masan Place is a well-known restaurant located in Bukchang-dong, which is frequented by high-profile officials, including Former President, Roh Moo-hyun. Since it opened in 1971, the same cook has prepared delicious meals. The restaurant was named after the proprietor from Masan, who ran the place during the early years of the business. Her nephew is now carrying on the family tradition. The most popular dishes include Soegogi Gukbap (boiled rice with beef) and modeumjeon (assorted pan-fried delicacies). Soegogi Gukbap is made by simmering beef shank bones and brisket in water for many hours for a rich hearty flavor. Plenty of radishes are added to enhance the taste. Modeumjeon includes pan-fried oysters, peppers, fish, pyogo mushrooms, and pumpkin. The oysters are especially delicious. Modeumjeon is also a good choice as an appetizer along with drinks. TIP: Soegogi Gukbap is made with brisket rather than clotted cow’s blood, making it more palatable for female customers. Detailed information> ☞ Business hours: 11:30~22:00 ☞ Closed: Weekends and holidays ☞ Phone: (02) 752-2415 ☞ Specialty Menu: Sogogi Gukbap 6,000     won, Modeumjeon 17,000 won, Agujjim     (Spicy steamed angler fish) (Medium-sized     fish) 30,000 won ☞ Directions: Take Seoul subway line 1 or 2, and get off at City Hall     where you should go out exit 8. Once you are out of the subway     station, you’ll see a crosswalk. Cross over, go straight for about 50     meters, and then turn right at the first alley (between a pharmacy and     Dunkin Doughnuts). Go straight for about 90 meters until you reach a     diagonal intersection. Take a left at the intersection, and walk untilyou     see a small alley on the right. Continue through the alley where you will     see a traditional Korean house. You should visit the restaurants when you visiting South korea, Seoul and try it. Enjoy it. I hope this information is usefull for you all:)