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 World of Wines
Lee Won-bok; Gimm-Young Publishers: 220 pp., 11,900 won
Lee Won-bok, the pioneer of educational comics and the author of the bestseller ``faraway neighbor countries,'' describes the basics of wines in order to give an accurate understanding to the public amid the current wine boom.
In the introductory section, Lee indirectly opposes a Japanese comic book series on wine, dubbed ``God's Drop,'' an unprecedented hit not only in Japan but also in Korea. He attacks several points of the Japanese book such as the use of a wine decanter and the symbolic and difficult expressions used in wine tasting.
Lee's main message is that wine is not something to learn about to boast of your knowledge on it but something to enjoy. ``Don't be shy of your lack of wine knowledge and just find your favorite wine,'' the author says.
Lee's comic book covers wine's history, grape varieties and production method. Also included are label reading, terminology, and other basic tips on wines. Lee, a professor of Duksung Women's University in Seoul, conducted a field study in wine-producing countries such as France for the book.
-Yoon Won-sup
 Vietnam Sketch
Choi Soo-jin; Booknomad: 512pp., 15,000 won
``Vietnam Sketch'' shows Choi Soo-jin's affectionate views on Vietnam. She wrote all the text, took all the pictures and drew all the sketches in the book while traveling across Vietnam. Choi refers to herself as a traveling artist.
Choi's first impression on Vietnam wasn't that good. When she arrived at the airport, it was pouring with torrential rain, buses didn't stop for her, and she got ripped off in most of the stores and restaurants.
However, despite her grumbling, she fell in love with the country. She appreciated Mui Ne's hot sand heels, hotels overlooking small houses in Da Lat, a 420-kilometer long highland tour from Nha Trang to Hoi An, and the night scenes of Hue.
She could not forget the month she spent in Vietnam and set off there again. This time, she stayed in the small town of Sa Pa. Under the title ``Vietnam Notes,'' she gives a peek of the slow life in Sa Pa in her simple drawings and hearty writing.
This book is just like Vietnam itself, as warm as pho and as plain as a spring roll.
-Kwon Mee-yoo
 Travel Journalists' Favorite Destinations in Korea - Best 30
Kim San-hwan, Kim Shin-young & Others; Ahn Graohics: 336pp.,10,000 won
Korea is renowned for its distinct seasons, beautiful landscapes and various foods. There are several ways to experience these, but the best way is to go out, take a bus or train and breathe in the exciting journey to Korea's favorite tourist spots.
Twelve travel journalists have made a book just for this occasion, the ``Travel Journalists' Favorite Destinations in Korea - Best 30.'' The book offers information that can be only discovered by the keen eyes of journalists. There are travel locations, famous restaurants, hotels, markets, and those quiet, undiscovered places that will certainly satisfy travelers who are looking for that extra something.
Readers can easily find the information by looking up the four different categories. The books is categorized by ``places to go with a friend," "places to go with a lover,'' ``places to go with your children,'' and ``places to go with your parents.'' Complete with photographs and detailed descriptions, this book will surely make the perfect travel companion.
-Han Sang-hee
 Hot Trends 40
Korea Trend Research Institute & International Design Trend Center; Korea Trend Research Institute:281 pp., 15,000 won
Even if you are a trendsetter, you will have more things to add to your lists from this book containing the latest and hottest world trends.
The Korea Trend Research Institute has published a compilation of the world's 40 most burgeoning trends in cooperation with the International Design Trend Center. Including the small but apparent trend movements around the globe, the book focuses on the rising trends, which are not visible on the markets but have the high potential to be grown into megatrends this year.
For example, the book introduces the ``Smart Plate'' developed by a Ukraine scientist. The plate can communicate messages, such as ``Stop eating,'' when the plate holds more food than the given amount. In Brazil, there is a ``bus-bike,'' which is designed for workers who do not have time to go to the gym. Colorful images of such intriguing trends are posted alongside the stories.
-Chung Ah-young |
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