Happy Seollal!

Happy Seollal, everyone!

One of many fun things about being (or being around) a Korean is that we get to celebrate New Year twice a year. The second New Year is known as Lunar New Year for the rest of the world. Koreans call it Seollal(설날).

Seollal(설날) is the day that Koreans celebrate good days in the past, let go of bad spirits, and welcome all the good things to come. To celebrate this season, Koreans have many fun games they play, many blessings they say to each other, and many beautiful traditions that they observe.

For most of Koreans, Seollal(설날) is the "real" New Year. So there happens the world-renowned phenomenon called "Korean Exodus," caused by people who are heading out to their hometowns to visit their parents, relatives and ancestral memorial park. Seollal is such an important day that the whole country pretty much go on a vacation for 3-5 days.

You can learn more about it here: http://ow.ly/8Cbc5

Happy New Year!

Dear friends and members of KLCX/KoreanLA,

I want to thank you for being a part of KLCX and KoreanLA. I know you have many groups and instructors to choose from. I thank you for choosing KLCX/KoreanLA and make it your "Korean Home."

I also want to thank all the volunteer staff for your hard work. Hosting events and classes is a lot of work. Your leadership is deeply appreciated. I hope you feel as proud as I am of KCLX/KoreanLA and how far we've come.

We pledge that we will continue to support you in exploring and having fun with Korean language and culture. Please let us know of your suggestions; we will do our best to make them happen. Please remember, all members are eligible to host your own events upon meeting a couple of qualifications.

Thank you sincerely. And Happy New Year!

Zeanie Yoon, friends & staff

at KLCX and KoreanLA

The Most Intense Taekwondo Fight Ever

The Most Intense Taekwondo Fight Ever. Too bloody for my taste. http://ow.ly/89hMu

Charari - '차라리'

Question today comes from 민들레 who asked about "차라리."

"차라리' 어떡해 써도 돼요?

Google Commemorates Hangeul Nal

Google doodle today, commemorating and celebrating the 565th Hangeul Day (제525돌 한글날) on Oct 10, 2011, Korea time (http://google.co.kr).

Hangeul is the name of Korean writing system, and the day falls on Oct 10 each year.

And, of course, the message is an addition by yours truly, not by Google. :)