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(1658) Drinking water

(1657) Marijuana (III)

Busan to host international music festival this weekend

Sylph EmewBusan will host the Busan International Rock Festival at Samnak Ecology Park, Aug. 11 to 13.The festival, billed as a leading music celebration in Korea, represents “the openness and youth of the coastal city of Busan,” state the organizers.“The festival is organized with the goals of discovering new musical talent, revitalizing the music industry and celebrating indie bands.”Highlights this year include French funk rock duo Teleferik and Japanese hard rock band Sylph Emew.Korean acts include big names like metal group Mahatma and Romantic Punch and Busan acts including Ska Wakers and Pia.General admission is free although fees may be charged for some events and activities.To get to Samnak Ecology Park, go out exit 3 of Sasang Station on Busan Metro Line 2 and walk about 750 meters straight, or leave exit 1 of Gwaebeop Renecite Station on the Busan-Gimhae LRT line.For more information visit bfo.or.kr or call 82-51-501-6051 or the KTO helpline 1330.

Preregistration begins for TESOL conference

By John RedmondDiscounted preregistration begins for the 25th Annual Korea TESOL-PAC International Conference to take place at Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul scheduled for Oct. 21 and 22.The Korea TESOL International Conference is a two-day conference for English teachers, researchers and linguists. It attracts about 1,000 participants from Asia and beyond.KOTESOL is the Korea branch of Teachers of English Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). It is a nonprofit organization that promotes professional development for English language instruction in Korea.This year the conference is being held in conjunction with the Pan-Asian Consortium of Language Teaching Societies (PAC), of which KOTESOL is a founding member.The conference theme is “Why Are We Here? Analogue Learning in the Digital Era,” promoting discussion about the relevance of face-to-face learning when there are so many digital alternatives.The conference offers sessions from leading ELT experts from around the world. In addition there are hundreds of concurrent sessions to choose from on a wide range o

AMCHAM moves to cut trade deficit

By John RedmondThe American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) recently launched the Made in America committee as part of the initiative to reduce the trade deficit with the United States and help small and medium enterprises (SMEs).It is an addition to AMCHAM’s over 30 standing committees that meet regularly to discuss issues relevant to their respective business sectors.The Made in America committee will host events and seminars that assist small American businesses interested in expanding in Korea and encourage joint ventures with their Korean counterparts.Headed by partner Kim Jung-wook of Kim & Chang, the committee plans to work closely with the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and other relevant trade-related organizations to improve and increase bilateral trade relations between the two countries.AMCHAM Chairman and Chief Executive James Kim has expressed confidence in the new committee’s potential, given the importance of decreasing the trade deficit while helping SMEs.“The role of AMCHAM as a bridge-builder a

Yongsan Legacy turns to podcasts

Nam Sang-so describes his childhood experiences during the Korean War, in which he was drafted by the South to carry ammunition up a hill, in a Yongsan Legacy talk at Camp Kim in Seoul, Monday. / Courtesy of on DunbarMore than 100 interviews conducted to record fading historyBy Jon DunbarYongsan Legacy (YSL) started in 2013, but only recently has it been getting attention now that U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Yongsan is midway through a large-scale relocation project.Having gathered over 500 Facebook followers, the project’s curators have contacted U.S. military personnel and their family members, as well as Korean military and civilians who have experienced what is behind those walls in central Seoul over the past 67 years.They’ve conducted over 100 personal interviews and invited a few to speak at five lecture events, which are held on the second floor of the USO building.“Some people aren’t comfortable talking in front of a crowd but don’t mind being in front of a microphone,” said John Nowell, one of YSL’s volunteers, during a YSL talk on Mo

(1656) Marijuana (II)

(1655) Marijuana (I)

(1654) Clocks and time (II)

coupon included Beat the heat at Seoul Forest Park with delicious meals

Seoul Forest Park / Korea Times fileAre you in Seoul and planning an excursion to beat the scorching summer heat?Seoul Forest Park might be one of the best options. The sprawling tree-clad public park in the heart of Seoul will present you with a chance to cool down and inhale fresh air filtered by 40,000 trees. Multiple layers of trees will completely wipe out external noise -- even the voice of discomfort in your mind -- so you will be able to enjoy ultimate relaxation in the undisrupted tranquility and serenity of nature.Good restaurants dotted near the park are another factor spicing up the venue.The Korea Times has formed a partnership with three restaurants near the park. Those who visit them with a captured image of this article will receive a “gift.” Enjoy your time at Seoul Forest Park with a free gift.The partnered restaurants are:1. DOUBLE HAND STEAK (Seoul Forest Park branch)-  Casual steak and grilled-food restaurant. Imported beer available-  Location: 7, Wangsimni-ro 8-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 왕십리로 8길 7, 1층)-  Benefit: Upgrade