Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Twins finally understanding first words

After 17 months, twins finally started understanding mom’s words. / AFP-YonhapBy Jane HanToday was a historical day for me.I changed Baby A’s diaper like any other day, but I changed her with a diaper she hand-delivered after following my direction to bring the diaper from the storage bin across the room.After 17 months, she finally ― finally ― started understanding mom’s words.Honestly, I was starting to get a little worried after hearing other parents tell me how well they mutually communicate with their toddlers at just 15 months or even younger.I know development certainly varies among individuals, but I must admit, I was eagerly waiting for this day to come.I told Baby A to bring me the diaper and repeated the same words about five times. She first wandered a bit, looking sort of hesitant and uncertain whether she understood me correctly. She seemed to be waiting for my permission to move ahead.I encouraged her and ensured her that she was “doing the right thing” throughout the 10 whole steps she took to get to the diaper basket.She turned

Nov 16, 2014

Korea Times invites readers to turtle marathon

The Korea Times invites its readers to a leisurely stroll on Mount Nam in downtown Seoul to celebrate autumn in the 445th Turtle Marathon, Sunday.The monthly event, organized by the Hankook Ilbo, a sister paper of The Korea Times, has attracted more than 1.2 million participants since 1978.The walkathon on the mountain and the spectacular views will offer a special experience for expats and tourists.Tongyang Insurance is supporting this month's event.After gathering at 7:40 a.m. in front of the National Theater of Korea, participants will walk seven kilometers around Mount Nam. Miss Korea 2014 Kim Seo-Yeon, first runner-up Lee Seo-bin and second runners-up Kim Myeong-seon, Sarah Lee and Ryu So-ra will join them on the walk. At the end, there will be a lucky draw, with prizes including a down jacket by French outdoor brand Salomon, Suyedang gift sets and Philips hue lights. Admission is free. When: Sunday, Nov. 16. Meet at 7:40 a.m. (walk begins at 8 a.m.).Where: National Theater of Korea outdoor plaza, near Dongguk University Station on subway Line 3, Exits 2 and 6 (Parking space is

Nov 14, 2014

(295) Where to move

Finding an auspicious site By Janet ShinOne of the most frequent questions in feng shui readings concerns where to move. One may consider feng shui when improving your home and finding a better place that emits positive energy. However, a primitive measure would be just to relocate when your house has an acute problem and you are already having mishaps. Feng shui involves not only the direction and the conditions of a location, but also when to move. Above all, searching for a propitious site needs to take precedence.  In the old days, people paid a lot of attention to grave sites. This was because honoring one’s ancestors was an important ritual that had to be observed. People had faith in the afterlife, so tombs were crucial to preserve ancestors’ bodies. The underlying belief was the “congenial energy” between ancestors and descendants. If descendants take good care of their ancestors by burying them at an auspicious place and looking after the graves sincerely, the descendants believed they would get their ancestors’ blessing. Having a fami

Nov 13, 2014

Coffee at its finest

By Kim Bo-eunWhat is better than a hot cup of coffee on a chilly autumn morning?For some, regular coffee is enough for their daily dose of caffeine. For others, the pursuit is for richer aromas and deeper flavors, even if it means paying a premium.Among the premium coffees, “specialty coffee” is gaining appreciation among more discerning palates.While there is no set definition for the term, it generally refers to coffee that best brings out the unique taste of the roasted green bean. Along with the great taste and quality, specialty coffee also comes with ethical benefits. By identifying its origins, from the country to the specific plot of land to farmer, it establishes a connection between the producer and consumer in their disparate socio-economic environments.A host of cafés now offer the higher quality alternative not only in the capital, but also in cities across the country. Here are some that could be considered the pioneers of specialty coffee in Korea.Coffee Myungga's La Finca shop in DaeguCoffee MyunggaThe La Finca shopAhn Myung-kyu, owner of Coffee Myu

Nov 12, 2014By Kim Bo-eun

Korea, a land of coffeeholics

By Jun Kyoung-wooPeople, especially those engrossed in work, drink coffee as if it’s water from early in the morning until late at night. In fact, workaholics are mostly coffee-holics.Koreans started drinking coffee around the era of the Korean Empire (1897-1910). At the time, coffee was a rarity, but the instant coffee mix brought in by the U.S. Army after the Korean War allowed anyone to enjoy drinking coffee. A perfect harmony of sugar and cream, instant coffee dominated Koreans’ taste for nearly 40 years. The sweet taste captivated Koreans who lived in challenging conditions.What used to be called “dabang coffee,” a mix of coffee, cream and sugar in approximately equal proportions of 1:1:1, became widely popular and available from imported vending machines in 1977. Korea’s unique coffee culture, in which coffee is served in a small, 120 ml paper cup, was established around this period.The 1988 Seoul Olympics changed everything in Korea, including coffee. Entering the 1990s, the coffee bean trend bloomed. Coffee “shops” specializing in cof

Nov 12, 2014

Riding high

By Yun Suh-youngNot having ridden a horse for over a decade – except for brief hop-on, hop-off experiences at occasional events – riding for this journalist proved quite a painful experience.I had been a regular rider, going out once a week after school when I lived in Switzerland – a place where there were accessible and affordable stables usually within walking distance.Nearly 15 years on, I revisited that nostalgic experience here in Korea, except at locations further away from my home, but equipped with much better facilities.Horseback riding in Korea, unlike in Europe where the activity is more popular, is still considered a luxury because of its cost.The reasons for this are the maintenance costs of the facilities, which are mostly well-built with top-notch equipment, and the fact that many horses are imported from overseas. The cost of attracting top-quality instructors also hikes lesson fees.Nevertheless, horse riding is slowly and steadily becoming more popular. The merits of horseback riding as a sport are that it helps correct posture and shape the bodyli

Nov 12, 2014

Playful vs Classic

By Kim Mun-jeong (intern reporter)With winter knocking on our doors, it is time to stockpile some warm clothes. The knitwear collections of some of the most beloved designer brands this fall feature colorful retro patterns reminiscent of the 1960s as well as classic designs of monochrome tones. Here are a couple of snug sweaters you may want to pick fromfor the upcoming holiday season.Ralph LaurenDecorated with extravagant patterns and vibrant colors, there is a feel of a Sombrero in this sweater. With mismatching colors of red, blue, pink, mint and black, this exotic knitwear brings back childhood memories and makes you want to pack for a trip to a foreign country. This item also reflects the 2014 F/W trend of the ‘70s cult argyle sweater, and is also part of Ralph Lauren’s #pinkponypromise campaign that hopes to raise $1 million to fight cancer.Price information unavailableTommy HilfigerTommy Hilfiger is warm and cozy this year. Playing with warmer autumnal colors of red, brown, gray and beige, the collection offers a casual, comfortable look that is great for outdoor a

Nov 12, 2014

Autumn's ablaze with blazers

By Todd SampleTodd Sample is the president of Well Dressed Men’s & Women’s Tailoring and a 19-year resident of Korea.The sound of leaves rustling underfoot together with the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air are two of this writer’s favorite things about taking an autumn walk through Seoul’s neighborhoods.With the brunt of winter’s chill still over a month away, the temperatures remain mild enough to go without a full coat. When an occasion like an afternoon stroll spent viewing the fall foliage with someone special calls for a more formal look than simply jeans and a sweater, pairing a blazer with casual pants is the way to go.Dressing for autumn is all about combining textures and colors more appropriate for the season.Eye-catching patterns for a fall blazer include houndstooth, windowpane, herringbone and glen check, with plaids in particular a recommended choice as into the fabric there are often woven subtle lines of contrasting colors that can be used as a point on which to match other colors in the outfit.Stylistically speaking, as the bla

Nov 12, 2014

An autumn drive with Audi A6 2.0 TDI

 Article by Lee Sang-yupLee Sang-yup is a car enthusiast who runs his own car-tuning company, Apex Motorsports. He enjoys driving all types of vehicles including his very own 911 GT3 and communicating with car aficionados. He is also a member of Team Porsche, the largest Porsche owners‘ driving community in Korea.Since I already have a fast enough P-car, my next vote will be Audi’s A6 2.0 TDI (turbocharged direct injection) which is a genuinely comfortable and relaxing car to travel in.As you know, it is not the latest model from Audi, but I like the fact that this entry-level, front-drive, diesel version of the A6 has been beating its two big competitors, the BMW 520d and Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI, from its debut in 2013. Its fuel efficiency and overall performance is notable.The Audi A6’s mix of well-designed body, good-quality interior, and high residual value makes the 2.0 TDI more outstanding.There’s nothing to complain about on the road, thanks to its continuously variable transmission (CVT, or multitronic in Audi speak). It offers seamless acceleratio

Nov 12, 2014

What's new

Nine West launches 2014 F/W collectionNine West introduced Grunge Couture as one of its key themes for the 2014 F/W collection. The new concept, a mix of high and low culture, utilizes pastel colors suitable for winter. Saturated berry-tones, Luxe Croco texture and Gold hardware and plating are some of its characteristics. Nine West currently has 18 stores in Korea including Hyundai Department Store branches in Apgujeong, Jamsil, and Sinchon. Nine West products are also available at the CC Shop at the IFC Mall in Yeouido. Meanwhile, Nine West's 2014 F/W presentation was successfully held there on Oct. 29.Audrey Hepburn exhibition to be heldAn exhibition on Audrey Hepburn will be held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza from Nov. 29 to March 8 next year. Movies featuring Audrey Hepburn, costumes she wore inthe movies, her own recipes, drawings and personal items such as kitchen tools and home movies will be displayed. Tickets are priced at 13,000 won for individuals and 11,000 won for groups of 20. Tickets are currently on sale at http://www.audreyhepburnexhib

Nov 12, 2014

Others

Others

Twins finally understanding first words

Korea Times invites readers to turtle marathon

(295) Where to move

Coffee at its finest

Korea, a land of coffeeholics

Riding high

Playful vs Classic

Autumn's ablaze with blazers

An autumn drive with Audi A6 2.0 TDI

What's new

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