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(82) Saju and Oriental Medicine (4)

By Janet Shin In studying Oriental philosophy, you will learn that ancient people understood the universe, the earth, nature and human beings under a certain philosophical thesis that had a lot in common. The Five Oriental Studies •命 (Four pillars) : study of time •相 (Face/palm reading) •占 (Divination) : I Ching •醫 (Oriental medicine) : study of human body •仙 (Zen) : meditation •風水 (Feng shui) : study of space In understanding all natural phenomena, the sequence of time and human relationship, ancient people have classified them on the basis of yin and yang and the five elements. The 10 heavenly energies and 12 earthly energies were examples. There was a universality of the binary numeral system along with the five elements philosophy. One year was divided into 12 months, or 24 subdivisions of the seasons, 12 ancient hours in a day, day and night, sun and moon as natural phenomenon of yin and yang, and five directions (north, south, west, east and center). The same applied to human body, the balance of yin and yang is consider

Mar 18, 2010

Tongdo Temple

Master Ja Jang's Mysterious Buddha-Jewel Monastery By David A.Mason Contributing Writer Buddhism as it is taught and practiced today might seem to the public to be an entirely rational philosophy, or an advanced type of psychology. However, its ancient history and colorful artworks are replete with esoteric mysteries that fascinate and delight even those who are not religious. Tongdo Temple is one of Korea's grandest and most highly-revered monasteries, but one that has always intrigued me with the sense of sacred mystery that imbues its history and physical features. Tongdo Temple is located in South Gyeongsang Province between the ancient Silla capital of Gyeongju and Busan City. Having its own exit off the primary national expressway makes it unusually easy to access, compared to other major monasteries. I have visited it many times over the years, both privately and as a tour guide, and always feel a sense of wonder. It is sometimes called "the Temple without a Buddha," a seeming absurdity that presents the first mystery. It's famous for retaining many of its o

Mar 18, 2010

Miss World Sizes Up Most Desirable Man

By J.R. Breen Contributing Writer MUJU, North Jeolla Province ― When Kaiane Aldorino returned home to Gibraltar after being crowned Miss World 2009, her country treated her as if she were a real queen. Crowned last December, the 23-year-old hails from the small British colony off the southern tip of Spain. With a population of only 30,000, the whole country turned out to see her, she said, when she returned from the beauty pageant that took place in South Africa. ``I feel honored to put my country on the map," the tall brunette told The Korea Times, Tuesday. The state even sent a private jet to pick her up. ``It was the biggest event there has ever been in Gibraltar," she said. "Everyone was out, all ages. They closed offices and shops early, so people could be out for me." The beauty queen arrived in Korea on Sunday as a judge for the Mr World 2010 competition currently underway. She will be evaluating contestants throughout the competition and will also be on the panel for the finale on March 27 in Incheon. Aldorino said she sees herself staying in Gibralta

Mar 17, 2010

A Glimpse of Mt. Deogyu National Park

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter The scenic Mt. Deogyu forms a part of the Korean Peninsula’s ``spine,’’ the Baekdu-daegan mountain ridge, and was designated the country’s 10th national park in 1975. The park covers 219 square kilometers, from Muju and Jangsu, North Jeolla Province to Geochang and Hamyang, South Gyeongsang Province. Muju Resort, which features some of the country’s steepest and longest slopes, is situated at the base of the mountain. The highest peak, Hyangjeok summit, rises 1,614 meters above sea level. Its cascading landscape includes 33 scenic spots comprising cliffs, bedrocks, creeks and waterfalls. The mountain is considered to embody ``deog’’ or virtue, and thus the name Mt. Deogyu. The park boasts of diverse alpine flora and fauna. While the mountain is still covered with snow, wild plants native to the region are blooming back to life. Whitlow grass, ginger plants and aquatica blossoms among others have started to sprout up in the Gucheondong Stream area. Early next month, visitors can expect to see anemone raddeana regel, Manchurian violets and

Mar 17, 2010

Mr World Contestants Get Sporty

MUJU, North Jeolla Province-Mr World contestants began their sports challenges Wednesday morning with a trek up Mt. Deogyu Mountain here. The activity was led by an ex-British Army drill sergeant who suggested that the men were not being put through an especially rigorous routine. ``I wouldn't call this a 'mountain,'" he said before the contestants began. The route taken was along a carved-out path, fitted with steps and handrails along the way. However, what would usually have been a relaxing stroll was made more dangerous by ice. The conditions were enough to force Mr Serbia, Vasa Nestorovic, to turn back before having gotten past the first set of stairs. "I am not going to break my leg for the show," said the 25-year-old as he walked down. The other 73 contestants made it to the top where they celebrated and exclaimed that the task was easy. "That was easy, we want more," shouted the blue team. Mr Nigeria, Kenneth Okolie, was not phased by the task. "It is almost the same thing as we do every day, but it was really cold," he said.

Mar 17, 2010

Contestants Join in Sports Challenges in Muju

By J.R. Breen Contributing Writer Contestants of the Mr World competition arrived at the Muju Resort, North Jeolla Province, Tuesday, where they are scheduled to take part in a number of sports challenges today. Sports that are included are skiing, snowboarding, paint-balling, orienteering and all terrain vehicle (ATV) racing. However weather conditions may mean the cancellation of some activities. ``We are looking for a James Bond-type who can climb a mountain in the morning and cook a meal in the evening,'' said a Mr World spokesman. ``This is one element of many making up the whole package of `the world's most desirable man.''' Mr World 2010, organized by the Miss World Organization, began officially last Friday. So far the 74 men involved have been through an endurance test ― some of them training with the Korean Marines Corps. There will be team challenges as well as individual events, and an over-all sports champion judgd by a British military office, who will be looking for displays of physical aptitude. The event, co-organized by The Hankook Ilbo-Th

Mar 16, 2010

Mr World Hopefuls Polish Their Korean

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter ``Annyeonghaseyo,’’ ``gamsahamnida.’’ Participants of the Mr World Contest seem to be making the most of their 16-day sojourn here by picking up some Korean. It’s only been a few days since they arrived, but the young men, having visited parts of Incheon and Seoul, and some having even toiled alongside Korean Marines, seem to be warming up to the local culture. Several national representatives received Korean language lessons prior to the trip while others were seen repeating greetings that caught their ear. Some of the most diligent learners were those from neighboring Asian countries, where hallyu or Korean content has made waves. Alvin De Joya, 23, from the Philippines, was spotted busily jotting down notes during visits to Wolmi Island, the National Museum of Korea and other tours. Indonesia’s Todi Pandapotan, 27, received a Korean language textbook for beginners from his sister, who is a fan of the culture here. He practices simple lines such as ``sillehamnida” (excuse me), ``ireumi mo-eyo?” (what’s your name?) and ``oraenmani-ey

Mar 16, 2010

Contestants Catch Ghosts With Marines

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter The Mr World competition is not just about finding the most muscular man in the world, but a truly modern, all-around one. Endurance is still nevertheless a desired trait, and the Mr World contestants underwent some strenuous tests of their physical stamina and mental agility. The 74 men were split into four teams ― yellow, blue, red and black. Sunday morning, while the other groups toured Seoul, the yellow team headed to the beach for a rigorous session with the competition’s resident trainer, a British sergeant major. After running the full length of the 4-kilometer beach and back, just as a warm-up, they had to alternate between sprints, circuit training, sit-ups and star jumps. ``The guys did well. We were all tired but in good spirits after an intense hour-long workout,’’ said Hareruya Konno, the 26-year-old model representing Japan. In the afternoon, the red team underwent their share of the pain with the sergeant major. But if that seemed bad enough, 20 contestants ― five from each of the four groups ― were nominated for a faceo

Mar 15, 2010

Decathlete Returns as Representative of Czech Republic

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Exploring the charms of the host country is one of the perks of the Mr World contest, and visiting Korea is particularly special for one of the 74 candidates. Josef Karas, representing the Czech Republic in the race to become ``the world’s most desirable man,’’ was here seven years ago for a different battle. He spent three weeks in Daegu as a national decathlete for the 2003 Summer Universiade. He was competing in the high jump when he suffered a foot injury. The pain and loneliness he felt at the time was immense, but he said he was touched by the warm support of the Korean people. He was spotted taking pictures during the Mr World opening reception, Friday in Incheon. ``I am very happy to return to Korea,’’ he was quoted as saying in an interview with The Hankook Ilbo, sister paper of The Korea Times. The Hankook Ilbo-The Korea Times Media Group is co-organizing the 2010 edition of the competition with the Miss World Organization. Karas began participating in sports activities at the age of five and became a two-time national champ

Mar 15, 2010

Competitors Boast of Colorful Backgrounds

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Forget Popeye and say hello to James Bond. The days of baby-oiled bodybuilders are long gone, for it takes more than physical allure to be ``the world’s most desirable man.’’ The 2010 Mr World Contest in Korea has attracted the largest ever pool of 74 national representatives. Aged 18 to 32, they range from lawyers and doctors to car designers, who are striving to become politicians, actors and airplane pilots. Diego Andres Tuma Bogado is a strapping Paraguayan lawyer. The 26-year-old loves playing golf and football but also has a great singing voice, and even has concert experience under his belt. Montenegro’s Predrag Pavlicic, 23, stands tall at 188 centimeters; he is a law student who dreams of working as an international attorney for the European Union. Germany’s representative, Michael Pichler, 32, stands out for his chic style. He works as a model but said, ``I have a degree in law and administration so I hope to open my own law office some day.’’ The sky isn’t the limit it seems, for the ambitious young men. Phakeme Okwakhe Dlami

Mar 15, 2010
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