MANNAM culture - Dano;Korean traditional holiday

Dano is a Korean traditional holiday that falls on today, May 5^th, by the lunar calendar.

Though Dano is no longer designated as national holiday, it used to be considered one of the four great festival days.

Shall we learn a little bit about it?

1. Where did Dano originally come from?

A long time ago, our ancestors had a festival in order to wish for a good harvest of the year after the planting season.

Besides, Dano is also called Surit nal(Surit Day). ‘Su’ and ‘rit’ literally mean ‘God’ and ‘high’ respectively. So, it can be considered the day the highest God comes.

2. How do we celebrate?

On Dano, Korean people enjoy playing on the swings and the seesaw. They wash their hair with water infused with sweet flags. By doing so, the ancestors believed some bad spirits around them would go away. In addition, men have ssireum(Korean wrestling) competition though its popularity has started to fade nowadays. Unfortunately, all these events and games are fading away and became traditional things.

3. What foods do we eat?

There are a kind of rice cake with some plants named surichui, fruit salad with cherries, and sweet flag wine that you can enjoy on this day. It is a special feature that all the foods are set up in preparation for hot summer days.

Not only Korean but Chinese and Japanese celebrate this day for their own holiday.

How interesting! Looks like we all belonged to the same nation long time ago. lol

You know, in MANNAM, there are many people from all over the world.

A lot of cultures we have.

Therefore, we share our culture and understand one another.

We all can be nice friends no matter where you came from, no matter what you have!!

What kinds of holiday do you have in your culture?

I’d like to share with you about it!

MANNAM international Korean class: Diary(6/08/2013)

6/08/2013

There was Korean class in Jeonju MANNAM.

This week, we’ve learn about “past form”.

The students from different countries were studying very hard.

They looked so serious asking me a lot of questions

and concentrated on my words to understand what I was saying.

It seemed to be really hard for them to pronounce Korean vowels.

But they kept trying to say perfectly.

I admire their courage.

Here is Super-beginners’ class.

These students have been studying from the basic of Korean.

After learning the basic, they will be able to read and say some sentences.

It will make them easier to stay here in Korea.

I wish they feel happy with knowing Korean language.

And that is my purpose of teaching in MANNAM.

Would you like to join?

E-mail me:) jaekyeongpark@gmail.com

MANNAM culture - Have you ever tried Patbingsu?

Have you ever tried Patbingsu(shaved ice with sweet red beans)?

There are a lot of delicious food in Korea. Above all, when it comes to summer, Patbingsu is the best dessert that you should try! Patbingsu is made with ice flakes, red beans, ddeok(rice cakes), occasionally milk, etc. You should try Patbingsu if you are going to spend this summer in Korea. It can be easily found in most of the cafes.

Now, I’d like to introduce some delicious Bingsus I've enjoyed.

This is Bingsu(shaved ice) with coffee from Caffebene. The taste is like coffee ice cream, but the plenty of nuts and chocolate chip make this Bingsu more delicious.

I really like its combination! :)

The next one is special Bingsu from cafe Noriter near Jeonbuk Univ. Look at the size of the bowl! This is for three or four people!

Not to mention its sweet taste with syrup, its decoration is fantastic, isn't it? You can enjoy the decoration of it as well as the taste.

  

The last one is Bingsu from a famous cafe in Hanok village in Jeonju named Oehalmeoni somssi(which means grandmother’s skill). It is made in the old ways just like the name of the cafe. This Binsu is very popular for savory taste by adding powder made of mixed grains. It’s just delicious! I think people miss the old style food these days as there are too many fusion food around them.

Do you remember the day when MANNAM made Patbingsu together with foreign friends? We can’t miss this summer, can we? I'm looking forward to make the Yummy Patbingsu with you guys!!

World Peace: Youth walk for Peace

Do you believe World Peace is possible?

I am sure if we all believe that.....

 it is possible.

MIYC(MANNAM International Youth Coalition)

This is About MIYC(MANNAM International Youth Coalition).

◇ Why MIYC?

By joining MIYC your organization will gain access to a variety of tools specifically designed to help you make the biggest possible impact in your own community including-

• access to an international network of inspiring, proactive individuals and associations

• superb event and project templates designed to help you create a positive change in your

community

• invitations to MIYC’s powerhouse Youth Summits where you will meet with dynamic leaders like yourself, internationally renowned guest speakers, performers, and workers for peace

• featuring in MIYC’s quarterly newsletter, distributed internationally, which will spotlight MIYC’s work around the world

As MIYC representatives in your country, you and your organization will be counted among growing number of internationally recognized groups who all stand together for peace. All this will dramatically boost your organization’s visibility and impact within your country.

◇ Our Mission

The purpose of MIYC is to gather and unite youth associations like yours from around the world in support of the development of their communities and in motivating their nation to actively pursue peace.

◇ The Memorandum of Understanding

One of the most exciting projects of 2013 is no doubt the drafting of a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) between the governments of the world whose purpose shall be to end all wars. And we need your help. MIYC will stand together to uphold the standards of peace amongst ourselves, and strive peacefully and respectfully to hold governments to honor their pledge to end wars.

So far, We have apporoximately 100 orgs in 52 countries as affiliates.

◇ The MIYC Summit

Without a doubt, the most anticipated events for MIYC Affiliates are the MIYC Summits. These exciting events will be held twice a year in spring and autumn in the dynamic, bustling capital of South Korea, Seoul. All affiliated associations will be invited to send two representatives to the summits at which youths from all affiliated groups will come together and participate in networking activities, program development and other workshops and seminars to enrich themselves and their communities. And of course we will have some serious fun!



MIYC Korea - CNN Published the MIYC event in South Korea.

International Youth Groups initiated World Peace movement in South Korea

By icekbs | Posted April 24, 2013 | South Korea

Despite threats of war and warnings for foreigners to evacuate Seoul from North Korea, on the 21st of April 2013, about 2,000 young people gathered at Gwacheon's Seoul Grand Park to hold a truly meaningful event. The "10km Walk in their shoes" event has become an annual event for MANNAM Volunteer Association. Previously the event has been covered by international news groups from countries such as Turkey and Pakistan as the volunteers of MANNAM walked to raise awareness for topic relevant to situations their nations were experiencing. Today, however, the focus was the launch of the MANNAM International Youth Coalition (MIYC).

The event drew attention to the need for practical ways with which to achieve peace both within and between nations. The event was unique in that the volunteers in South Korea did not walk alone. 25 youth organizations from 17 other nations have all planned similar events to be held within the next week - all in the name of celebrating MIYC and making a statement for peace.

The event began with speeches from representatives of student youth organizations and the 'Pledge of Peace' in which all in attendance were asked to pledge their efforts to uniting the youth of the world under the banner of peace and restoration for the youth of the world. Following the opening, the day was filled with K-pop flash mobs, inspiring card-sections performances, and, of course, the walk itself. Besides the main program items, there were many meaningful side-programs to be experienced, and participants could be found writing messages of peace, leaving their mark on a section of a giant thumb-printed flag (a project to be unveiled later this year), or creating customized MIYC peace badges.

Tanner Gerschick, a US citizen said, “I participated the event because I thought it was very inspiring that many diverse young people gathered to let the world know about peace. I wish that the event can be known to as many people as possible.” One of a the event organizers mentioned, “when the youth of the world become one, the war will end and peace will become a reality. MIYC is planning to request that world leaders sign an international Memorandum of Understanding focusing on world peace and the cessation of war - especially because it is old men who dream up wars, and the youth who go out and die in them. If the youth, being set on a creating a world free of war, refuse to fight, then who will fight the wars?"

Currently, MIYC sports over 92 affiliated youth groups from 75 different countries around the world. This year they will be hosting many such events, you can follow their progress through the MANNAM international homepage: www.mannamintl.org

 

 

Source: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-963284

 

MANNAM Korean class: May 5, 2013

"Why is English so important to us?"

Sometimes my students ask the question to me.

Whenever I heard that question, I didn't know what was the proper answer. I just learned it because it was interesting to me.

So, I've thought why is learning foreign language so important.

Yesterday, I went to Korean Class in Wanju. A chinese student came to learn. Other students told me that he couldn't speak neither Korean nor English.

To make things worse, his company has no Chinese.

They've only communicated with body language everyday!!

Can you imagine how embarrassed they were?

That time, I realized that language is so valuable.

Through language, we share information, thoughts and express our feeling.

We can learn everything easy when we know the language.

Finally, I got the answer from this.

And I also realized that MANNAM has been doing really great job letting them know language to communicate one another.

Volunteering is not difficult.

Sharing something that we have.

Giving things without reward.

That is volunteering.

That is the reason why I'd like to volunteer with MANNAM.



MANNAM Volunteer) Invitation to A sports day this Saturday!

Hello!

We visited an orphanage last weekend for a volunteer work.

Then, we were invited to take part in the sports day coming Saturday.

Absolutely, it will be a great time.

We are very pleased and excited to be there with the kids again.

Would you like to join us?

Share and cherish a good memory with the kids.

Please, send a message if you are interested.

Thank you.

Details

1. Date: Sat May 4

2. Schedule

(1)Departure

-Time: 9:00am

-Place: In front of the Jeonju basketball stadium (nearby the Hatsal chicken)

(2)Return

11:30-11:40am

MIYC event: 10Km in their shoes

MIYC was formed with groups of young people. Last Sunday (April 21), MIYC hosted the event, '10Km in Their Shoes'. A lot of foreigners were invited and spent time together. The theme of this event was 'Pledge of Peace' and there also was a ceremony of MIYC.

To be honest, many people hardly think about peace in their normal life.

So this event provided people with a chance to think of the significance of peace and enabled them to imagine the world with no war.

MANNAM put on an eye-catching card section and performed with wonderful dancing to celebrate it.

After finishing walking, the participants were given the souvenirs made with their own fingerprints to celebrate their walking completion.

Plus, a figure adorned with the participants' fingerprints was built to add to the amusement. Then, there was a trip to the zoo where people had an enjoyable time.

On a peaceful day, it was a joyful and meaningful time for the pledge of peace mingling with foreigners.

MANNAM Peace: What is the world you have been longing for?

What is the world you have been longing for? what is the world you would like to hand down for your descendants? People wish for peace but think it is like a dream which is difficult to come true. However, if these little dreams come together, what would happen?

 In the late 1990s there came the financial crisis called the IMF crisis in Korea. Due to the economic depression, many people lost their jobs and the crime rate increased rapidly.

Korea submerged into the desperate situation. However, people wanted to take their country out of this situation. Somebody's little wish to save their own country turned out to become our wish to save our own country. Along the way, the gold collection campaign started in the wish of saving country and spread nationwide. It had played an important role in Korea's economic recovery.

Likewise, it would be impossible for just one to make something happen, but possible for all of us to do so. I believe it is the same as peace. You wonder how peace can be achieved. MANNAM, the volunteer association, has done many things for the peace achievement. For example, last September, MANNAM held the World Peace Festival and representatives of various countries across the globe, such as diplomats, world leaders and international press, were in attendance and many brought their families and friends to this event. It was held in order to demonstrate the spirit of peace and join with others in the same goal. This year Mannam plans to found a youth organization and perform its ceremony for the sake of cessation of war.

The slogan of MANNAM, 'When light meets light, there is victory', is being built up by us. The peaceful world which everyone wants and we have to hand down for our descendants!

Would you join us to make it together?

About MANNAM: Volunteering with MANNAM

The International division of MANNAM Volunteer Association offers foreigners residing within Korea the opportunity to get involved with many aspects of the local communities' lives which are normally inaccessible.

Apart from our large-scale volunteering events, MANNAM regularly volunteers at some of the institutes and community centers around Seoul. Over time a close bond has formed between the public that make use of these facilities and our volunteers.

Certainly, volunteering and serving the community in this way will be a highlight of your MANNAM experience.

 

Review 2012 MANNAM Volunteer Association

Why don't you watch this video?

It's about MANNAM activities all over the world during last year, 2012.

We did so many wonderful things.

When Light meets Light, there is Victory.

I feel like we are making a strong Light together.

How AMAZING!!

I'm very proud of all of MANNAM members.

Enjoy this movie.

I hope you like it : D

MANNAM Wanju Korean class(Mar.18th, 2013)

 Sun. Mar. 18th, 2013

Our diligent students studied Korean language.

This time, 13 students took my lesson which were less than usual.

Did they have some remaining work to do? I was concerned what happened to rest of the students.

I realized we were already like family.

They learned about the expression, "How could I do~?".

And I asked them to wrote about the working conditions in their company and present it one by one.

Listening to their presentation, I was very impressed.

They had made their own speech and announced in Korean.

I also could feel that they had been improving more and more.

I'm so happy to see their development.

Thank you all the awesome students. I'm very proud of you!

- Written by Jae yeon Hwang

Interested in Korean? (2)

Let's learn about Korean Vowels!

In Korean words, vowels never go the first. But we have "o" which is a consonant has no sound when it goes first of words.

Thus, these “ㅏ” and “아” are the same in sound. But you should use the consonant "o" in writing.

Here, Im putting the letter "o" because I'd like to let you know the right place of vowels, which means the vowels go differently when those are combined with consonants.

You can find it out in the box below.

Korean Vowels

	basic		similar sound (in American English)		with /y/	combination method	similar sound (in American English)
1	아		father	2	야	ㅏ+- =ㅑ	yard
3	어		honest	4	여	ㅓ+- =ㅕ	yawn
5	오		go	6	요	ㅗ+- =ㅛ	yogurt
7	우		who	8	유	ㅜ+- =ㅠ	you
9	으		taken
10	이		teeth
	combination	combination method			with /y/	combination method
11	애	ㅏ+ㅣ=ㅐ	at	12	얘	ㅐ+- =ㅒ	yak
13	에	ㅓ+ㅣ=ㅔ	end	14	예	ㅔ+- =ㅖ	yes
15	와	ㅗ+ㅏ=ㅘ	watch	16	왜	ㅗ+ㅐ =ㅙ	wag
17	워	ㅜ+ㅓ=ㅝ	water	18	웨	ㅜ+ㅔ =ㅞ	wedding
19	외	ㅗ+ㅣ=ㅚ	weight
20	위	ㅜ+ㅣ=ㅟ	we
21	의	ㅡ+ㅣ=ㅢ	gooey

Check out the mouth shapes of basic vowels.

A lot of vowels we have!

But it's going to be easier when you understand the process.

Don't give up!! You can feel Korea and its culture more by understanding the language.

In addition, MANNAM has Korean class every Saturday. The time is 14:00~15:30, 16:00~17:30, and it's FREE!! : D

Please feel free to contact us if you want to join the class.

E-mail: jaekyeongpark@gmail.com

Thank you.

(reference; Korean made easy for beginners)