Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Times 50 Best Inventions of 2010

The Paris Motor Show, one of the world’s four major auto shows, was held from October 2 to 17, 2010 at the Paris Expo. If the Geneva Motor Show in March introduces newly launched cars of the year, then the Paris Motor Show in the autumn showcases models that are to be launched the year after.


The theme of the Paris Motors Show 2010 was “eco-friendly.” Eco-friendly has now become such a preval!ent trend worldwide, especially with the EU’s reinforcement of regulations regarding carbon emissions control

Eco-friendly vehicle invented by KAIST


The Online Electric Vehicle (dubbed OLEV) manufactured by the Korea Advanced Institute of Technology (KAIST) was included in the 50 Best Inventions of 2010 published by The Times, along with Apple’s iPad, Google’s Driverless Car, Sony’s Alpha A55 Camera and others. Also included was the English-Teaching Robot invented by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST).




In the OLEV are embedded electric power strips that provide electromagnetic power to the vehicle, wirelessly, charging an onboard battery and powering the bus’s electric motor.

The Times introduced the OLEV as an advanced green growth technology that could speed up the commercialization of electric cars and also as the world’s one and only online electric vehicle.

The system’s creators at the KAIST say, “The technology not only eliminates pollution, but also alleviates the problems usually associated with hybrid vehicles such as heavy batteries, lengthy charging and limited range.”


Korean technology opens up a new horizon

The OLEV has been on a test operation since last March at the Seoul Amusement Park. It was also presented during the G20 Seoul Summit in November in front of COEX, garnering outstanding reviews. Furthermore, the vehicle is scheduled to be featured next month in the TV program “Into the Future” of Discovery channel.

The OLEV received mixed reviews in the early stage of its development. Although it is an innovative technology that was meant to pursue both green growth and economic profit, some voiced the car’s low practicality as the cost of planting electric power strips under the pavements would be quite steep. Nonetheless, its inclusion in The Times list is without a doubt a distinct acknowledgement of its potential.


The English-Teaching Robot


The other Korean item that made in the Times list is the English-Teaching Robot nick-named “Mero,” developed by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST).




The robots can move in any direction and can follow human facial expression!s. They are not only effective teachers, but the students also enjoy interacting with their new, fun, and cool school “staff.”


While the robots are used primarily in support roles for real human teachers, the Time Magazine called them a “job terminator,” saying they could potentially replace the native speakers currently employed in Korean schools.

Although there remain issues of economic feasibility as well as ethics, both inventions indicate excellent capacity of Korean universities as future leaders of world science and technology.

Source: http://blog.naver.com/korea_brand/10099191717

Foreign Journalists Visit Jeju Olle Road

Twenty Seoul-based foreign journalists on last November 19 and 20 visited the Jeju Olle Road as part of their Jeju Press Tour program sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.



Traditional Jeju Culture and Haenyeo (sea women)


The twenty foreign journalists, though still somewhat fatigued from the intense reporting they had for the G20 Seoul Summit, participated in the Jeju tour with great zeal and curiosity, especially for the much talked about Olle Road and Jeju haenyeo.

On the first day of their tour, Jeju greeted the journalists with an unusually clear, azure sky and a picture-perfect coast line.

At the center of attention in the tour was, of course, the haenyeo – Jeju’s sea women. A journalist for Tokyo Newspaper expressed his special interest for Jeju haenyeo, saying although Japan also has something like sea women he had never seen the Jeju haenyeo. As four, five haenyeo dove into the sea and began their “sea-picking” routine, the group of visitors all flocked to the water in excitement to take photos.


The group of foreign journalists all flocked to the water in excitement to take photos
Haenyeo dive into 20m deep into the ocean and collect sea products, holding their breath for as long as two minutes. Holding breath is hard enough; but doing that in the middle of cold sea water, swimming AND collecting things? What an amazing feat!


As one of the haenyeo, a 76-year-old sea veteran, pulled out of the water and showed a “domchi” which is a very rare catch, a big applause erupted among the journalists. The elderly haenyeo has been sea-picking since the age of 15.


But sadly, what used to amount to 15,000 Jeju haenyeo has now plummeted to a mere 5,600. And most of them are in their sixties and seventies. Those in their thirties are just a handful now, less than a dozen.

As one of the haenyeo, a 76-year-old sea veteran, pulled out of the water and showed a 'domchi'

Perfect Harmony of the Sea and the Cliffs

The foreign journalists were once again amazed and awed by the beauty of Seongsan Ilchulbong, a peak that rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago.

Seongsan Ilchulbong is located on the eastern end of Jeju Island and there is a huge crater at its top. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a grassy hill, forming a truly distinctive ambience.

The journalists concluded their first day with a visit to Chyeonjiyeon Waterfall, and their second day was finally the much anticipated Olle Road.

The Olle walking path opened its first route in 2007 and is now furnished with 22 routes of 357km. In the local Jeju dialect, “Olle” was originally used to refer to the narrow path between the street and one’s doorstep. The hiking trail was founded by Myung-Sook Suh who was inspired upon hearing from a certain English tourist that he had healed his hurt soul walking the Jeju roads.


The route the journalists trod that day was Route 10 which is a course a little more taxing than a leisurely walk. You will be able to enjoy a scenic view of cliffs and the ocean. This particular route was declared as “Jeju Olle-Switzerland Friendship Road” last April upon establishing an MOU with the Swiss tourism administration. After the good amount of exercise followed, of course, a sumptuous meal composed of just-caught Jeju sea food and makgeolli.

At the end of the delightful tour, the journalists expressed their wish for having more nature-oriented tourist spots like the Jeju Olle Road. Although they may be somewhat less convenient than those equipped with first-rate technology and amenities, sometimes what we want these days are places that are preserved as they originally were – somewhere we can rest and heal our jaded souls.

Source: http://blog.naver.com/korea_brand/10099192681

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Jeju Island:The wonder of nature (Part-1)

Travelling is the best way of learning and knowing anything, it presents the traveler practical experience as well as refreshment to them. We have visited so many places in our country for these purposes. From our university we have got a great opportunity to visit the Jeju island the world famous tourist places all over the world because of its beauty gifted by the nature and for other reasons.
Beginning of the journey:
We all gathered together in front of the graduation office before 5:30 am on 24th June. We were around 40 travelers. We started at 6 am to cheonju International Airport. At 7:30 am we reached the Airport and completed all the formalities before entering the plane. At 8:30am the plane flew to Jeju international Airport. After 45 minutes we reached the Jeju International Airport. At the airport our tourist Guide was waiting for us. She took us in the bus and we went to a restaurant at first.

Finishing the breakfast our bus started again. We were surprised to see the natural scenery of this island. Within few minutes we reached a sea shore. We got down from the bus and visited that place for around 1 hour. We enjoyed the sea standing by the sea.  From there we went to Jeju National Museum. After visiting the museum we went to visit the International Peace Centre. We were surprised to see the various Statues of various world famous and honorable persons most of whom have sacrificed their valuable time to establish the peace for the world. There are also some statues of the most honorable persons of the Korea and other person who have done something for the development of this Nation.

We ate very delicious food at our lunch after leaving the IPC. Finishing lunch we went to sea beach. Here we were surprised to see an ancient Ship Hamel. This is the name of a brave sailor who had landed Jeju Island before going to India. He had loved this island and stayed here for thirteen years. During that time, this Dutch sailor wrote many things about this island and published his writing after going back his country. The most cryptic thing is the architectural construction of his ship. That has also made me surprise that the organization of Korea has preserved this in such a way that there is no damage of this ship still present. From this ship we have come to know the life style of the sailors who were in this ship during that time. Though the ship is very cryptic to us the natural site of the sea was not bearing less importance. Nature has given a lot to this island. So this Island is the gift of nature and has bloomed as a famous natural place all over the world.

We have forgotten to mention one place before going to jeju National museum. We can’t remember the name of the place but it has its own specialty. We know that anything can move from upper level to lower level without exerting any force. But here it is totally opposite. Here the vesicles move from lower level to higher level without exerting any force. Yet the scientists of physics have not got any explanation of this reason.


What ever it is, at 7PM we went to our hotel. There we took our dinner and finishing dinner we went to room for taking rest. 

Monday, December 6, 2010

First event for WSK 4th batch

The boy is the champion blogger of WSK-3 and the girl is the member of WSK-4
The date was marked on the calender just after getting invitation from the organizer. Even though it is really tough to manage time for me like a PhD research student in a week days but I was trying to manage all to attend on the 1st event.

After 2 weeks the date came, I just slept earlier than usual to catch the earliest bus for Seoul from Chungju city bus terminal. The morning was really cold as like as winter morning but  windy like a rainy season. I drove to Chungju bus terminal from my home which took less than 10 minutes. But the problem has raised due to closed the gate of LOTTE mart, where I planned to park my car. I just stayed there 5 minutes to get any response from any one to open the gate. But unfortunately nothing happened from any one. I just moved to search any place beside rood to park my car. By the mean time one bus has left from the terminal..... Fortunately, I got a place beside a branch road where I found some car parked. I just ran away to get the bus just after parking over there.

I get a bus for Dong Seoul (East Seoul) which took one hour and 50 minutes to arrive there. I ride the sub way from gangbeon to reach our venue. But, unfortunately I arrived there lately just after speech from organizer. I became charmed just after entering into the hall. What a moment was that!!! It just like a globe where the people gathered from whole over the world. I am one of them. I must cordially thanks to the people who assist just like a bossom friends to get the food and beverage and guide to know the exciting and historical information during tour around the museum.


Just before entering into the museum hall, I met with Mr. Mostafa who is a f Bangladesh Civil Service officer, came to Korea for his one year training. He is just a nice man who belongs great capability to make other enjoyable at any moments by his jolly mind.

A lot of snaps were captured from the museum, those are the national treasure of Korea.


National Treasure of Korea
National Treasure of Korea


Frankly speaking I got a great offer and opportunity to meet such kind of nice people and scope to make some friends. 

She is an Indonesian, nice guy to pass time
I had a seat with the guys who were from Indonesia. They informed me about their couture and believes and life in Korea. 

The kids were looking so happy due to having picture with the famous guys!!
The time has overred very fast and rapidly. We did not get much time to capture some more snaps. I hoped to pass some more moments over there but.........

The time will come to us to meet again soon. We will make a bond with each other to bind the world in a one circle. 

Thursday, December 2, 2010

NUFFIC director-general visits the KCUE



The Director-General of NUFFIC (Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education), Mr. Sander van den Eijnden, visited the KCUE on Tuesday, October 5th. 
NUFFIC is a private, non-profit corporation and is based in the Hague in the Netherlands. It coordinates academic cooperation programs, promotes the international mobility of students and academic staff through scholarship and grant programs, and attracts students from other countries who are looking to study abroad. 
Mr. Eijnden was keen to learn South Korea’s current education policies on university admission, university accreditation, and internalization while discussing Dutch higher education issues. The Director-General said that this visit was a good opportunity to understand the roles and functions of the KCUE and hoped to promote cooperation between NUFFIC and the KCUE. 

WSK Newsletter 30

Korea on the Road to First Class 



Chairwoman Lee Bae-Yong of the Presidential Council on Nation Branding on November 15 gave a lecture for the KBS program “The Road to First Class.”
  

The lecture was on the subject of Korea’s nation brand and the impact of the G20 Seoul Summit.


“Made in Korea” Impact

“Despite the increasing sales of Korean products globally nowadays,” Chairwoman Lee explained, “they still get about a 30% discount compared to similar products made by some other nations because of Korea’s undervalued nation brand.”

Giving examples of French perfume and wine which are products backed up by the country’s strong nation brand, Lee emphasized the importance of nation brand in generating economic profits.

“We need to work on increasing trust and preference for so-called “Made in Korea.” Also, it is getting more and more important nowadays to have strong “software” such as cultural content, human resources and spiritual values as well as hardware.”

Lee also touched upon Korea’s numerous timeless cultural heritages, saying, “I wish to share Korean values and spirits that are imbued in those historic and cultural legacies with the world. Korea’s astounding growth in the 20th century was made possible only because it was backed up by such virtues as harmony, sharing, communication, regards for life and nature.”

“To raise Korea’s nation brand, it is important to have active civic participation. The Council will make best efforts to achieve the goal with 5 major areas of work that we designated which include contributing to the international community, cultivating global citizenship, promoting multiculturalism, developing attractive culture and tourism, and showcasing advanced technology.”



“Korea, as seen in its age-long history and countless cultural relics, has admirable spirits – perseverance, cooperative and pacifist inclination, modesty, warmhearted regards for others. It is important that we remember these timeless virtues of ours,” Lee stressed.

* Chairwoman Lee Bae Yong’s lecture on the program “The Road to First Class” (aired on November 20) can be viewed at the following web page:

Monday, November 15, 2010

WSK Newsletter 29

1. Cycling at the National Parks of Korea





Autumn is the perfect time for outdoor activities; a crowd of people head to mountain areas to see the magnificent foliage.

Well, if you missed out on the peak foliage season, then how about going bicycling? If hiking is about getting to the top of a mountain, then with cycling, you get to savor the beautiful scenery and ambience you have so far overlooked.


Touring Korea’s National Parks with a Bicycle

The Korea National Park Service announced that they are going to add four more cycling courses to the existing four, so operating a total eight routes.
  

In the cycling programs offered at the Hallyeohaesang National Park and the Deogyusan National Park, you can rent bicycles for free at the respective park offices.

The Korea National Park Service is planning to create extra cycling courses of 20km at the four parks including Seoraksan, Naejangsan, Jirisan and Woraksan.


Choose a Course that Is Right for Your Capacity
  


When cycling, it is important to choose a course that fits your strength and skills, and also to be mindful of safety instructions.

For example, if you are on a downhill road, you shouldn’t exceed 10km/h by applying hand brakes. As is common sense, you must wear a helmet as well as restrain from using mobile phones or ear plugs to listen to music. And also, should the unfortunate situation happens where on a downhill you’ve lost control of your bicycle, then you should rather let go of the handles instead of holding tight on to them, which is usually the instinct.

Remember, abiding safety rules aren’t only about your own safety; it’s as much about other cyclists and hikers’ who are near you.

If you are one of those who aren’t really into the taxing, energy-consuming hiking business, then you might want to consider trying a cycling program at the national parks!


2. Korea’s Women of the Sea ("Haenyeo")


The no. 1 search word related to Jeju Island of Korea is hands down the “Ollegil (Olle Road).” Just thinking about taking a walk on Ollegil, especially in the autumn with all this beautiful foliage, lifts one’s mood.

Some while ago, though, before Ollegil came to be such a hot tourist spot, the first thing that came to one’s head thinking about Jeju used to be the “haenyeo,” the sea women; they are female divers in the Korean province of Jeju.

The women born in Jeju had to earn a living either by farming crops or picking sea products. The haenyeo often represents a harsh and strenuous life.

What used to amount to as many as 15,000 haenyeo in 1970 has now plummeted down to a mere third of that number; and most of them are over seventy years of age at that, meaning that haenyeo are fast disappearing.

In light of this sad reality, The LA Times published a feature article on Korean haenyeo, their traditions and current situations.
    
 

 

Haenyeo, Epitome of Toughness

The haenyeo is assumed to have first appeared in the primeval! era when people started turning to the sea for food. It goes similar for the haenyeo of Jeju as well, based upon the age of the shrines on the island built for the safety of fishermen and haenyeo. There are several ancient proverbs and old sayings as well that describe Jeju haenyeo’s physical strength and their tough lifestyle.
       
         









Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Master & PhD Scholarship

The scholarship awardees will be provided with a monthly stipend 900,000 Korean won(around US $800) for Master, and 1,200,000 Korean won (around US $1,100) for Ph.D. programs throughout their study. No tuition or registration fees are charged. All applicants need to submit below documents including online application form.

•Completed Application Form plus Photo (image file)
•Statement of Purpose
•Housing Application (if applicable). Upload file through the on-line application system
•Resume (Curriculum Vitae)

By postal mailing

•SEALED Recommendation Letters (two)
•Undergraduate & Graduate Degree Diplomas (Official registrar from your institution needs to confirm that copy of diploma is identical with the origin.)
•SEALED Official Undergraduate & Graduate Transcripts (1 copy each), Including Grade-Point Average (GPA). Please submit a transcript after seal an envelope.
•Score report for English Test (TOEFL or IELTS or TOEIC or TEPS). Please submit the original certificate or make an overture to us about relevant website with login details to verify it.
•Two Photos (Passport Size)
All applicants should keep in mind the admission timetable in IRDA as follows. Applications for the IRDA program will be accepted twice annually. Admission periods are for both the Fall and Spring semesters. The current deadlines are as follows:
- for Fall Semester: by April 15
- for Spring Semester: by October 15

Applicants are strongly recommended to submit their application package before the application deadline. The admission approval notification is made no later than 30 days before the beginning of the semester.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

2011 Korean Government Scholarship Program for International Students for an Undergraduate Course

Study Subject: Any except the fields whose study period exceeds 4 years (e.g. medicine, dentistry, architecture)

Employer: Korean Universities
Level: Undergraduate
Scholarship Description: The objective of the Korean Government Scholarship Program for an Undergraduate Course is to provide international students with the opportunity to conduct advanced studies at higher educational institutions in Korea in order to promote international exchanges in education and mutual friendship between the countries.
Fields of Study
4-year undergraduate courses provided by the universities designated by NIIED
? Not applicable: fields the study period of which exceeds 4 years (e.g. medicine, dentistry, architecture)

Qualifications
Prospective applicant must meet the following qualification criteria:
(1) Must be a citizen of the country to which scholarships are offered, which is also applied to his/her parents.
? Applicant must not be a holder of Korean citizenship.
(2) Should be under 25 years of age as of March 1, 2011.
(3) Have an adequate health, both physically and mentally.
? Persons who are pregnant or having severe illness may not apply.
(4) Have finished or be scheduled to finish formal education of elementary, middle, high school as of March 1, 2011.
? Exceptional acceptance for a person who will have finished high school as of September 1, 2011 and who will be able to have level 3 in TOPIK until then.
(5) Possess above 80% (out of 100%) in a grade point average (G.P.A.) of the whole school years of the high school attended or within top 10% among graduates in the same year.
(6) Not at any time have received a Korean government scholarship for his/her undergraduate study before.
(7) Not have enrolled in an undergraduate course in Korea before.
(8) Preferential selection for applicants who are good at Korean or English.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 19 November 2010

For detail information

Sources:

1. National Institute for International Education (NIIED)
2. Study in Korea

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Information for Study in South Korea Visa Information

Where to Apply:

South Korea Embassy
4 Madani Avnue
Baridhara, Dhaka
Phone: 8802 881 2088-90
Fax : 8802 882 3871
Email : embdhaka@embdhaka.org

Visa Fees:

For Student Visa, you have to pay $US50.

The Following Documents are Required:

1. Passport valid for at least 6 months
2. Completed application form
3. One recent passport-size color photo.
4. Letter of Acceptance from the college, confirming you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education
5. All educational certificates
6. Letter from college confirming payment of course fees documents (if required).
7. Complete Bank Statement.
8. If your sponsors is staying in South Korea then you have to submit: Letter of sponsorship with documents received from the sponsor in South Korea.

The Degrees are

1. Associate Degree
2. Bachelor's Degree
3. Master's Degree
4. Doctoral Degree

Semester Offer

Most universities offer two semesters in one academic year.
1. Spring: From beginning of March to middle of June.
2. Fall: From beginning of September to middle of December.

Requirements for Bachelor's Program

A. Academic
1. At least 12 years of education (HSC equivalent).

B. Language Proficiency
1. If the medium of instruction of your target university is English then:
a. Required TOEFL iBT score 79 to 80 or
b. IELTS 6.0 or more or
2. If the medium of instruction of your target university is Korean:
a. Required Test of Proficiency In Korean (TOPIK) Test.

For more information you can contact The Institute of Modern Languages of Dhaka University.

C. Course Length
1. Bachelor's Degree: Normally requires 4 years of full-time study.

Requirements for Master's Program

A. Academic
1. You must have had 16 years of education.

B. Language Proficiency
1. If the medium of instruction of your target university is English then:
a. Required TOEFL iBT score 79 to 80 or
b. IELTS 6.0 or more or
2. If the medium of instruction of your target university is Korean:
a. Required Test of Proficiency In Korean (TOPIK) Test.

For more information you can contact The Institute of Modern Languages of Dhaka University.

C. Course Length
1. Master's Degree: Normally requires 2 years of full-time study.
2. Doctoral Degree: Normally requires 2 to 3 years of full-time study.

Subjects for Bachelor's & Master's Program

Korean Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, English, Law, School of Social Sciences, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, Journalism and Communication, BBA, Accounting, Health Service Management, e-Business, Convention Industry, Food Service Management, Culinary Science and Arts, Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Information Display, Food & Nutrition, Human Ecology, Child & Family Studies, Housing / Interior Design, Clothing / Textiles, Design Craft, Theater & Film, Creative Writing, Electronic Materials Engineering, Computer Engineering, Ceramics Engineering, Human Ecology, Culinary Science, Medicine, Oriental Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, School of Nursing Science, RN / BSN Programs, Instrumental Music, Composition, Voice, Fine Arts, Korean Painting, Drawing and Painting, Sculpture, Dance, Korean Dancing, Modern Dancing, Ballet, General Education etc.

Expenses

A. Tuition Fees in $US
1. It depends on National Universities & Private Universities.
2. The average tuition fee is $US4,000 to $US10,000 for 1 year.

B. Living & Other Expense in $US
1. Food cost: Around $US300 for 1 month.
2. Accommodation cost (Living Separately): Around $US300 for 1 month.
3. Dormitory fee: 4 people, one room, around $US400 to $US900 for 1 semester (This fee includes food cost.)

How to Apply to The University

1. Check with the departments to see if there is a closing date for your application.
2. You should write directly to the Institution's Admission Office for detailed application information and forms.
3. You can also download application form from university website.
4. Some universities have an on-line application facility.
5. Admission Office will inform you about the documentation, translation, and visa requirements.
5. You should start at least one year in advance to compile the necessary information and documentation.
6. The decision of the institution is usually announced within approximately six to eight months of the application deadline.

Supporting Documents

1. Completed Application Form
2. Official English version of all educational documents including marks sheets.
3. A letter of acceptance issued by school.
4. School/College leaving certificate.
5. One or more letters of recommendation.
6. Certificate of English or Korean Language Proficiency Test score.
7. Photocopy of your passport.

Other Information

A. Medical Insurance
Medical insurance: Around $US20 to $US30 for 1 month.

B. Working in South Korea
1. According to the rule, after one semester has been completed, foreign students are allowed to work until 20 hours per week, and during semester break, they can work freely or without restrictions.
2. Foreign students should not prioritize their part-time job over their studies.

C. Jobs in South Korea
Students could get a part-time job in the following places: school restaurants, stores, companies, campus snack bars, bookstores, school offices or laboratories.

D. Credit Transfer Facility
1. Students may apply for credit transfer program at undergraduate or postgraduate level in South Korea.
2. The maximum amount of credit that may be granted normally is not greater than 50% of the course.
3. Most of the South Korean universities consider minimum "B" grade for acceptance.
4. You have to submit the following documents to your target university:
a. Your application form for the Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework program.
b. Official copies of your academic transcript.
c. Also include an official letter from head of the school/department of your university, from where you have already completed the courses.
d. Detailed course outlines (Official Copy) including subject descriptions, methods of teaching and assessment, reading lists, number of hours of teaching etc.
e. The academic level you are studying (e.g. First Year, Second Year etc.).
f. How many credits you have completed.
g. An explanation of the grading system used at your institution.
h. Information on the total units of study requirement ( i.e. how many credits are required) for the completion of the degree.

E. Scholarships
1. Korean Government Scholarship Program
2. Korean Government IT Scholarship Program
3. Global IT Policy & Technology Scholarship