Summer Activity in Korea

One of the things I like most in Korea is that there are many things to do in weekends and during vacation. International students can immerse in cultural and historical environments for free (Buddhist temple stay, fruit/veggie picking on farms, homestay programs, Kimchi making, etc). Since it's the official week of vacation, why not try signing up for KINSA's program? 

Send your application to keis2012@gic.or.kr

with your name, university, nationality, cell phone number and perhaps a short reason for why you should be selected to join the activity.

Korea Scholarship 2013

Admissions Guide for International Students for 2013 Spring Semester

1. About the Graduate School of Korean Studies

 The Graduate School of Korean Studies (“GSKS”) aims at nurturing scholars who will contribute to the development and globalization of Korean studies. Since its establishment in 1980 as Korea’s first professional school dedicated exclusively to Korean studies, the GSKS has provided intensive research-oriented education through eminent professors’ close mentoring of students in the fields of humanities and social sciences related to Korea. As a result, not only the GSKS has gained a worldwide reputation for its high standard and quality education, but also graduates of the GSKS are playing pivotal role in widening and deepening Korean studies all over the world with their academic excellence. Currently, approximately 270 students, including about 130 international students from 35 different countries, are enrolled in the master’s and doctoral degree programs and research (non-degree) program at the GSKS.

2. Key Attributes

 ◦ Tuition fees are fully waived for international students.

 ◦ The Government Grant of KRW750,000 per month per person is provided for selected students.

 ◦ Free Korean Language courses are provided to train international students to be more competent at and confident in reading/writing/listening/speaking Korean and eventually help them achieve their academic goals.

 ◦ On-campus dormitory accommodations are available at the rate of KRW463,500 per person per semester (equivalent to 6 months), double occupancy.

 ◦ Most courses are attended by both Korean and international students, encouraging culturally and academically challenging atmospheres.

 ◦ A 4:1 student-faculty ratio enables close one-to-one guidance of students by professors.

 ◦ Various kinds of courses are available including major courses, interdisciplinary courses, fieldwork and individualized courses with a student‘s own topic and research plans.

 ◦ Students may earn credits by publishing articles in accredited academic journals or participating in AKS‘ research projects.

3. Program Overview

 ◦ Minimum requirement of enrollment: Students must enroll in the program for 2 years in order to be conferred a master‘s degree, and 3 years for a doctoral degree.

  ◦ An academic year consists of two semesters, which are Spring Semester (from March 1 to August 31) and Fall Semester (from September 1 to the end of February the following year).

  ◦ Courses are provided for 15 weeks per semester.

 Admissions Guide for International Students for 2013 Spring Semester

1. About the Graduate School of Korean Studies

 The Graduate School of Korean Studies (“GSKS”) aims at nurturing scholars who will contribute to the development and globalization of Korean studies. Since its establishment in 1980 as Korea’s first professional school dedicated exclusively to Korean studies, the GSKS has provided intensive research-oriented education through eminent professors’ close mentoring of students in the fields of humanities and social sciences related to Korea. As a result, not only the GSKS has gained a worldwide reputation for its high standard and quality education, but also graduates of the GSKS are playing pivotal role in widening and deepening Korean studies all over the world with their academic excellence. Currently, approximately 270 students, including about 130 international students from 35 different countries, are enrolled in the master’s and doctoral degree programs and research (non-degree) program at the GSKS.

2. Key Attributes

 ◦ Tuition fees are fully waived for international students.

 ◦ The Government Grant of KRW750,000 per month per person is provided for selected students.

 ◦ Free Korean Language courses are provided to train international students to be more competent at and confident in reading/writing/listening/speaking Korean and eventually help them achieve their academic goals.

 ◦ On-campus dormitory accommodations are available at the rate of KRW463,500 per person per semester (equivalent to 6 months), double occupancy.

 ◦ Most courses are attended by both Korean and international students, encouraging culturally and academically challenging atmospheres.

 ◦ A 4:1 student-faculty ratio enables close one-to-one guidance of students by professors.

 ◦ Various kinds of courses are available including major courses, interdisciplinary courses, fieldwork and individualized courses with a student‘s own topic and research plans.

 ◦ Students may earn credits by publishing articles in accredited academic journals or participating in AKS‘ research projects.

3. Program Overview

 ◦ Minimum requirement of enrollment: Students must enroll in the program for 2 years in order to be conferred a master‘s degree, and 3 years for a doctoral degree.

  ◦ An academic year consists of two semesters, which are Spring Semester (from March 1 to August 31) and Fall Semester (from September 1 to the end of February the following year).

  ◦ Courses are provided for 15 weeks per semester.

A Chance to Fly to South Korea

A forwarded post from the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines is pleased to announce the invitation of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea to participate in the 2012 Youth Camp for Asia’s Future. Seven young people between 18 and 24 years ...old from each of the 23 Asian countries are expected to join this camp which will take place on August 6-20, 2012 in Seoul, Yeosu and Jeju Islands. Camp details and application requirements are outlined in the files attached. You may submit your application to the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, 2/F Mancor Corporate Center, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City NOT later than June 15, 2012, 12:00NN. Priority shall be given to applicants who have no previous visit experience to Korea; have achieved award/s from any contest related to Korea; have studied Korean/Korean studies; with a letter of recommendation from the school/university/company head; and with an ability to present a traditional performance on stage. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

You know who real friends are, even in dreams

After going around Cheonan, the CUK peeps headed back to Seoul. The subway was shabbier than it actually was, but as always, the train schedule still flashes the arrival time. Just as the elevator sent us up the station, Mario rushed towards the turnstile with his T-money in hand. We knew that it was just a matter of seconds before the train leaves. We all dashed through the throng of Koreans for that "masakit sa bangs" tap, when I realized I don't have my T-money with me. The others jetted down the escalator leaving me behind scouring my wallet for 1,000 won and coins. As the bills didn't get regurgitated, I was able to catch up, though what I saw were closing doors. I will be left behind in Cheonan...And then, I saw a hand sticking out in between the doors. "Caroline Manzano: Sakay na, Horeb (jump in!)." I sat down between Karina Chua and Alessa. "Karina: Ako rin hinarang ko legs ko para di magsara pinto (I also stuck out my leg to keep the doors from closing)." Even if this was just a dream, I felt valued.

Photo Contest for Foreigners in South Korea

To commemorate the 5th “TOGETHER DAY”

PHOTO CONTEST for Foreigners 2012

The Ichon Global Village Center presents its 2012 Photo contest for Foreigners and ICV will be accepting entries as below.


■Application Period: 2012, 4/2 – 4/27 (2nd-27th of April, 2012)
■Theme: Seoul, Where I live (choose one of the themes below)

1) My life in Seoul : show us yourself exploring in Seoul
2) Attractions of Seoul : show us attractions of Seoul that you think
*Your picture can be of any scene in Seoul.

■ Qualifications: Open to any foreign residents in Korea who can attend the award ceremony on May 18th
■Details: Up to 3 photos can be submitted per person. The pictures must be in JPG format, and an unreleased file (over 3000X4000 pixels)
■How to apply: By e-mail to ichongvc@sba.seoul.kr.
* Please fill out an attached application form and send it with your photos. Entries without an application form won’t be accepted.

■Awards: 1st prize – 1 person (300,000 won cash prize)
2nd prize – 3 person (200,000 won cash prize)
3rd prize – 5 person (100,000 won cash prize)

■Announcement of Awards: Winners will be posted officially or contacted individually.
■Notes：

1. The photos of those selected for the awards and approximately 40 other selected photos will be displayed in “Art Hall” in the Yongsan District Office from May 18th to 24th.
2. Yongsan-gu reserves the right to use awarded and selected photos without any restrictions. Please know that all photographers are legally responsible for any and all use of someones face or profile in there photos.

■Inquiry: Ichon Global Village Center
Tel 02-2199-8881/ 02-796-2018
Website : http://global.seoul.go.kr/ichon/
E-mail: ichongvc@gmail.com

Human Heart Nature Return and Exchange

Well, I had put too much hope in HHN's facial products and they turned out unleashing the power of pimples that Korean winter has suppressed. Not that the products are bad. Quite on the contrary. My siblings didn't get any unwanted reactions from using the day (moisturiser with 15 vitamins) and night cream (with plant collagen). It just so happens that I have allergic reactions to sunflower oil, which is whipped into the two moisturisers.

Since I spent 520 pesos for the two bottles, I had thought it would be awesome if I could get the money back, which the customer care has seen through to the end. I didn't refund the money but I had instead purchased a bundle worth 800 pesos. Paying only 280 php solidified the company's reputation for amazing organic products as well as it's non-exclusive profit-making adventure.

For those whose complaints are well-founded, do not hesitate to contact HHN's customer care. The company assures not only paraben-free products but also your right as a customer.

Wanted: Movie Actor in Korea

This is a repost from my friend who is looking for a minor cast for a Korean movie entitled "Kamgi".


안녕하세요! 피코친구들! This is Alex Aquino from 가톨릭대!

SCOUTING: MOVIE EXTRA ACTOR from SEA/PH (sort-of-bigger-than-usual-extra-role)

A movie production company in Korea (C&M) is looking for a South East Asian / Filipino male who can act for a movie that will be filmed starting April to July/August. There will be an audition for this soon. (maybe in Digital Media City)
Height must NOTbe taller than 175cm. (175이하)
Age 20 to 35 years old
Normal weight
Higher talent fee will be given than regular extra talent fee.

Anyone interested please message me on facebook or email me at amaquino@gmail.com or call me at 010-3926-nineteen eighty four

Or if you have friends from any South East Asian nation, then please refer him to this wonderful acting career opportunity. ^ ^

Maraming Salamat!