Photo News

DPRK

By C. McCarthy Staff Reporter PYONGYANG -- On the fringes of the modern age, out of reach from the grip of globalization, exists one of the world’s greatest enigmas _ North Korea. Decades of isolation, acts of terrorism and a human rights record that is less than favorable has branded the Stalinist state an ``outpost of tyranny,’’ a member of the exclusive ``axis of evil.’’ Glimpses of life inside the hermit kingdom are rare and recent reports of starvation and the country’s unwillingness to follow through with its pledge to denuclearize following a six-nation agreement in Beijing has led the international community to question the true intentions of the Kim Jong-il regime. The 65-year-old revered head of state, a.k.a the Dear Leader, whose political futility sees him better fit to direct films than to direct a nation of 27 million has many experts wondering how long the nearly bankrupt nation can last amidst rumors of a fracturing military. North Korea has the third largest military in the world. Political dissent is rare in the country, where religious and political

Traditional Kiln of Korea

By Shim Hyun-chul Staff Reporter The kiln, used to fire porcelain, and Hwabujang, who makes the fire for the kiln, are central to the practice of porcelain arts. To be good ceramist, making the fire for a kiln is not an easy task, while firing pottery is a job requiring a maker’s devotion. Only pine can be used as firewood for making fire. Unlike other trees, such as oak tree or jujube tree, pine does not leave ash. Porcelain is burned at 1,200 degrees centigrade for 28 hours.

Traditional Korean Spirit...Wine

By Shim Hyun-chul Staff Reporter What kinds of alcohol do you drink? People drink alcohol for various reasons _ perhaps for pleasure; perhaps to escape sadness or loneliness; but from now on, let’s indulge in Korean traditional wine, good both for your health and your mood. Korean traditional wine is made from flowers, fruits and medical plants. Analyzing the virtue of Korean traditional wine, one finds its quality and efficacy depend on the ingredients used. For example, ginseng liquor is good for improving appetite and strengthening the immune system. Alcohol made from garlic helps blood circulation and rules out insomnia and hypertension. Laminaria liquor and Deodeok alcohol are good for blood pressure and the bronchi, respectively. The making of alcohol has grown along with human beings and all people have their own traditional wines which differ greatly according to climate. Rice wine, medicinal wine and soju are the most loved items in South Korea. Traditional liquor is made from malt, prepared from barley or wheat grains that have been soaked in water

Haeinsa

The Desire for Longevity

By Shim Hyun-chul Staff Reporter Every man will die someday. It is a simple but unchanging truth. Death is what people are scared of most and to live long is one of man’s deepest wishes. To pray for longevity is part of people’s lives. They try to maintain physical and mental health through regular exercise and a healthy diet. They also reflect their desire to live long in artwork, daily products and clothes. According to a scripture from Chinese Confucianism, there are five heavenly blessings _ to live long, to be materially rich, to maintain physical and mental health, to share happiness with others and to die in peace. Of them, longevity is the most precious blessing. The Chinese character, 壽, is used to express the desire for longevity. The character has been used to decorate screens, spoons, clothes, wooden cake patterns, paintings and ceramics. There are also ten creatures and elements that are believed to represent longevity . the sun, mountain, water, rock, cloud, pine tree, herbs, turtle, crane and deer. They appear in many artworks as symbol

Han River Excursion Ship

By Shim Hyun-chul Staff Reporter Looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life? Why not take a cruise down the 514-kilometer Han River and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the decks of a pleasure boat. Tours of the waterway first began on Oct. 26, 1986 to lure both foreign and local tourists to the splendor and beauty of the Han River. Now a total of seven cruises operated by C & Hangang Land, shuttle between the seven docks ? Yoido, Yanghwa, Sangam, Chamdubong, Chamsil, Seoul Forest, and Ttuksom ? along the river every one or two hours each day. In an attempt to boost the popularity of the cruises, pleasure boats have started offering more services to the public, expanding beyond one-stop trips with theme-oriented tours such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Chumong Boat and Live Concert Boat. The cruises are often used for weddings, birthday parties, music performances and other events. To get to Yoido dock, take Subway Line 5 and get off at Yoinaru Station, take exit No. 3 and walk 5 minutes. For Chamsil dock, take Subway Line 2 and get off at Sinchon S