January 6, 2014
The Korean daily media headlines and humor
Monday, January 6, 2014
Good morning, Excellency!
Here are The Korea Post news, African proverbs, humor from Korean-language economic dailies, and a roundup of important headlines from all major Korean-language dailies, TV and other news media this morning:
/s/
Lee Kyung-sik
Publisher-Chairman
Korea Post Media
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The Korea Post news
'One of Seven Wonders of Winter' for a 22-day run
Hwacheon Mountain Trout Ice Festival opens Jan. 4
Ambassadors and families are invited to attend the Festival on
Thursday January 17, 2014. (Further details and photos are toward the end of this Headlines.)
A recent poster introducing some of the events at the Hwacheon Mountain Trout
Festival on January 4-26, 2014. Ambassadors and senior diplomats are invited with
Their spouses and families to attend the Festival on Thursday January 17, 2014.
Individual invitation has already been transmitted to the Ambassadors and the senior
Diplomats. In the event of our transmission failure, please contact Ms. Kim Jeong-mi
At Tel 2298-1740/2, 010-3388-1682 or edt@koreapost.com. English-speaking callers
Please call David Chung at the same number and email address.
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This morning we have the wonderful Facebook share of His Excellency former Ambassador Mustafa Kamal of Bangladesh in Seoul:
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Dr. Sang-Ki Hahn's African wise-sayings:
The witch-doctor of the place is not needed.
-A Kenyan proverb
One does not measure the depth of the river with two feet.
-A Ghanian proverb
As birds never hit their heads against trees while they fly, you will not be involved in an accident on the roads.
-A Nigerian proverb
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Humor from Korean-language economic dailies this morning:
Seoul Kyungje
Banta called his friend, Santa, and told him that he recently met the woman of his dreams. And Banta asked him, "Now, what should I do?"
Santa said, "Send her some flowers, and on the card invite her for a home-cooked meal."
Banta liked the idea, so he invited the woman.
The day after the meal Santa calls Banta and asks about the meal.
Banta, "It was a bad idea."
Santa, "Didn't the girl come to your house?"
Banta, "She did, but she refused to cook!"
Hankuk Kyungje
Exceptional Knowhow
An engineer who had an exceptional gift for fixing all things mechanical retired after serving for over 40 years.
Several years later the company contacted him regarding a problem they were having with one of their multimillion dollar machines.
They had tried everything but to no avail. In desperation, they called on the retired engineer.
He reluctantly spent a day studying the huge machine. At the end of the day, he marked a small “X” in chalk on a particular component of the machine. The part was replaced and the machine worked perfectly.
The company received a bill for $60,000 from the engineer for his service. They demanded an itemized accounting. “One chalk mark $1. Knowing where to put it, $59,999.” It was paid in full.
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KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
Pres. Park Vows to Make Thriving Culture Foundation of Creative Economy
President Park Geun-hye attended a New Year’s gathering of culture and arts figures at the Seoul Arts Center in Seoul on Friday and conveyed words of encouragement.
S. Korea-China Trade Volume Closing in on China-Japan Trade Volume
The trade volume between South Korea and China is closing in on that of China and Japan.
Budgets Related to Saemaeul Plan, Creative Economy Expanded by 50 Bln Won
Budgets related to the government’s key projects have seen an increase of more than 50 billion won in the process of budget deliberation at the National Assembly.
N. Koreans Study Kim Jong-un's New Year Message
Study groups and meetings are being held across North Korea to study North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s New Year message.
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Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
S. Korea's foreign minister leaves for U.S. to coordinate N. Korean policy
South Korea's foreign minister Yun Byung-se left for Washington Sunday to discuss the latest developments taking place in North Korea and coordinate policy with his U.S. counterpart.
S. Korea's foreign reserves hit record high in Dec.South Korea's foreign-exchange reserves rose to a record high in December, aided by rises in the value of non-dollar assets and an increase in investment profit, the central bank said Monday.
N. Korean premier inspects power generation facility in North Pyongan Province
North Korea's prime minister recently inspected a power generation plant in North Pyongan Province, as the communist country moves to emphasize the greater role of the Cabinet after the execution of the uncle of the country's leader late last year.
Chinese media blast S. Korea's plans to build new ocean research station
Chinese media over the weekend blasted South Korea's plans to build an ocean research station in the Yellow Sea, claiming it is a thinly disguised move to extend its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
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The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)
Korea keeps watch on exchange rate volatility
The volatility of the won, coupled with the U.S. central bank’s move to taper its stimulus measures is sending alarm si...
Yoon Yeo-jun climbs onto Ahn’s ‘new politics’ bandwagon
Former Environment Minister and political strategist Yoon Yeo-joon on Sunday joined Rep. Ahn Ch...
Samsung, LG to showcase TVs, smart home systems at CES
LAS VEGAS ― Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are poised to showcase their latest technol...
Will tax cut help property market?
Hope for the revitalization of the nation’s real estate market, which has been in a slump sinc...
Iraq readying 'major attack' to retake F...
Pope announces first visit to Holy Land,...
Textbook publisher claims schools' refus...
Tech behemoths to showcase ‘Internet of...
Syrians launch new ‘revolution’ agains...
Infectious diseases on the rise in Korea
Seoul shares likely to rise this week
Korea to kick-start homegrown fighter je...
U.S. strongly insists Korea pay far more...
Kerry cites progress in Mideast talks
South Sudan talks open as battles rage i...
Cambodian opposition leaders summoned to...
Violence mars Bangladesh election
Iraqi city falls into hands of al-Qaida ...
Obama proposes new gun rules for mentall...
-------------------------------------------The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
National debt grows faster than PIGS
The nation’s public debt has been growing faster than that of Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain, t...
Currency market intervention imminent
The Seoul government is highly expected to intervene in the currency market if the Japanese yen lo...
USFK bill pact may not come soon
The United States is demanding Korea raise its contribution to the upkeep of its forces here by 9....
Ahn scouts old strategist for new politics
Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo Sunday enlisted the help of 75-year-old conservative strategist Yoon Yeo-joon f...
Military to flesh own fighter jet plan
The military is set to decide the airframe and type of engine for the long-delayed indigenous figh...
Girl statue friction escalates
U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to soon release his government’s position on a bronze stat...
Contract killers hired to kill ex-husband
Police sought arrest warrants Sunday for three men on suspicion of having kidnapped and murdered a...
Shinsegae to enter convenience store biz
The Shinsegae Group has decided to take over "With Me," a mid-sized retail franchise chain, to ent...
Korea at bottom in social expenditures among OECD
Korea ranked last when it comes to social security expenditures among members of the Organization ...
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Dong A (http://english.donga.com)
Health advice for the new year
2014 is the Year of “Blue Horse.” A blue horse has been the symbol of strong dynamics. Like a running blue horse, many people expect a vibrant and hopeful new year. Health is important to have a good year. As Korea has...
`2014 Korea Grand Sale` begins nationwide
Models clad in hanbok (traditional Korean dresses) poses at the opening event for the "2014 Korea Grand Sale" at a shopping mall in downtown Seoul on Friday. The annual event, which was hosted by the Visit Korea...
Outlook of electronics, chemicals ‘dark,’ semiconductors ‘bright’ in 1st quarter
Concern over Korean conglomerates’ weakening performance poses threat to the Korean securities market from early days of the New Year. Negative outlook suggesting that top companies in market capitalization will see...
Health advice for the new year
Left-leaning historical view disallows textbook diversity
The lightness of honorific title for patriotic martyrs
Steven Seagal mulls running for Ariz. governor
Blue helmets fail to keep peace in Africa
Outlook of electronics, chemicals ‘dark,’ semiconductors ‘bright’ in 1st quarter
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Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
How Capitalist Is N.Korea?
A nascent market economy began to develop across North Korea after the famine of the mid- to late 1990s, which prompted many to seek other ways to make a living rather than relying on the state. More than 80 percent of North Koreans are apparently buying and selling goods in the black market.
250,000 Japanese Visit War Shrine for New Year
A queue of over 200 m formed as Japanese people flocked to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo to pay tribute to the war dead on Thursday. The shrine honors convicted war criminals among the dead, including wartime leader General Tojo. Around 250,000 people visited the shrine from Jan. 1 to 3.
LG to Unveil 77-Inch Curved Ultra HDTV
LG Electronics will unveil various OLED TVs including the world's largest 77-Inch curved ultra HDTV at the Consumer Electronics Show 2014, which opens in Las Vegas next Tuesday. OLED panels consume about 30 percent less power than LCD displays and are so flexible that it is possible to make a curved screen.
Al-Qaeda Takes Control of Iraqi City
Reports Saturday say the Iraqi government has lost control of Fallujah to al-Qaeda militants after days of fighting. A senior security official told the French news agency...
Putin Eases Olympic Protest Ban
Russian President Vladimir Putin has eased a ban on demonstrations in and around the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Sochi. A decree published by the Kremlin Saturday...
Protesters March Again in Bangkok
Thousands of opposition protesters in Thailand have again marched through Bangkok to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, in a prelude to their planned...
U.S. Vessel to Assist Trapped Ships in Antarctica
Obama's Birthday Gift to Michelle: Time Alone in Hawaii
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Hankyoreh (http://english.hani.co.kr)
Every Sunday, foreign migrant workers get free medical care in Gwangju
Volunteers and civic groups come together to provide assistance to migrants who often lack basic medical care
Samson Pale, a 27-year-old from the Philippines, arrived at the medical office of the Gwangju Migrant Workers’ Clinic Center (GMWCC) in Gwangju on the afternoon of Dec. 1. Speaking in broken Korean, he said his throat hurt. A worker at a molding factory in Gwangju’s Hanam Industrial Complex, he had been coughing up phlegm for the past three days. A friend had told him about the center.
Gwangju to establish foreign residents support center
Gwangju is breaking ground on a support center to serve the city’s international population, including migrant workers and marriage migrants. The city government announced on Jan. 2 that 1.6 billion won (US$1.5 million) had been allocated from the 2014 budget for building what is tentatively being called the Gwangju Migrant Workers’ Support Center, with funding from the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
Seoul doubts sincerity of N. Korea’s calls for improved relations
The South Korean government responded negatively to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s reference to improving inter-Korean relations in his New Year’s address on Jan. 1, explaining that there are doubts about Kim’s sincerity. Inter-Korean relations have been strained since the North unilaterally cancelled the reunions of divided families in the fall of last year, and it is likely that relations will remain tense for the time being.
In the new year, time for the Park administration to start communicating
On Jan. 6, President Park Geun-hye will be holding a press conference for domestic and foreign reporters for the first time since her inauguration. While Park made a statement t...
In next session of parliament, pass the right NIS reform bill
On the last day of 2013, a 40-year-old man self-immolated on an elevated road near Seoul Station. In the messages he left behind, he said he would take on the fear and the depri...
North Korea photoshop failure again
A comparison of photos of the Masik Pass Ski Resort in North Korea. The top image was released on Jan. 3 by the official Rodong Simun newspaper, showing skiers going down a slop...
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Joong Ang (conservative): (http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)
Outlook gloomy for Seoul bourse
2014’s first two days of trading were bad for one reason: the won
The year 2014 has already been terrible for the local stock exchange. On the first two days of trading, Seoul’s main bourse lost 65 points, or more than 3 percent, to sink to 1,950.Although the Kospi had barely stayed above 2,000 on the final trading day of 2013, the sudden falloff was particularly…
Blue House admits U.S. pressure on Huawei deal
The Blue House confirmed yesterday the U.S. government had officially raised security concerns over Korea’s plan to allow the entry of Chinese phone-network…
Schools abandon conservative book
After a public backlash both online and in the classroom, all but one school that planned to use a history textbook by Kyohak Publishing Company have reversed…
Yoon Yeo-joon teams up with Ahn
Senior politician Yoon Yeo-joon yesterday joined the faction of independent lawmaker and former presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo…
Vulnerable regime could stage an attack, Cheon claims
North Korea could stage a military attack in March when South Korea and the United States begin their annual joint military exercises…
Korail unionists report to police; 13 still at large
More than a dozen leaders of the Korean Railroad Corporation’s labor union appeared before the police for questioning on Saturday after about a week…
Rodman names players for game in Pyongyang
Dennis Rodman has named a team of former National Basketball Association players to participate in an exhibition basketball game in Pyongyang…
Luxury import CEO is a relentless student of life
BMW Group Korea President Kim Hyo-joon is known as a CEO who is always studying. During the Christmas holidays, the 57-year-old spent time reading texts such as…
Ministries squabble over utility fee increases
Amid growing public displeasure over rocketing utility fees, the government hinted that it will stem an increase in public utility fees by lowering the base prices…
GCF posts 20 jobs open to Koreans
The Green Climate Fund said yesterday that it will recruit 20 people to work at its headquarters in Korea, including four director-level officials…
Samsung readies its Smart Home technology
Samsung Electronics said yesterday it will unveil its latest technologies for the Smart Home at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week…
Samyang fined by FTC for diverting discounts
The Fair Trade Commission punished food manufacturer and supplier Samyang Food yesterday for diverting 7 billion won ($6.63 million) in sales incentives…
LG chairman tours Kintex, rallies staff
LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo visited an exhibition of the company’s electronic products at Kintex on Friday, the group said yesterday…
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Edaily (http://eng.edaily.co.kr/Stock/)
[Table- Weekly Market] Weekly Fluctuation of World Index
12.30~01.03 this is the weekly fluctuation of world index. [table] Weekly fluctuation of world index ...
[US the closing price]The U.S. Dow Jones Index, 28.64p( 0.17%) slightly up.
The U.S. Dow Jones Index Closing (At 2014.01.03) The Dow closed at 16,469.99p, slightly up 28.64p( 0.17%)...
[Table- Weekly Market] Weekly Fluctuation of Interest Rate
12.30~01.03 this is the weekly fluctuation of interest rate. [table] Weekly fluctuation of interest rate ...
[Table]Exchange Rate Quotation
This is Exchange rate Quotation offered by Korea Exchange Bank. [table] Exchange Rate Quotation Offered by KEB ...
[Table- Weekly Market] Weekly Fluctuation of Exchange Rate
12.30~01.03 this is the weekly fluctuation of exchange rate. [table] Weekly fluctuation of exchange rate ...
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Maeil Kyungje (neutral-oriented conservative, economic/business): (http://news.mk.co.kr/english/)
S. Korea should turn to asset management firms for future of finance industry
Wall Street, the global financial hub, is experiencing changes in its landscape. Under the new landscape, Investment Banks (IB) are losing their influence while assets management firms are taking center stage in the aftermath of the global financial crisis and implementation of the Volker rule. The global asset management firm BlackRock lies at the heart of this transition. BlackRock manages $4.1 trillion worth of assets as of late September in 2013, ..
Samsung Q4 earnings miss market expectations
Samsung Electronics is expected to report early-mid eight trillion won ($7.5 billion) in operating profit for the fourth quarter (Q4) last year, sharply falling short of the market expectations.
S. Korea’s debt grows at alarming level
South Korea’s level of national debt is lower than other nations, but its pace of annual growth over the last decade is higher than that of Southern European nations which are facing fiscal crisis, data showed.
FA: S. Korea among 6 promising nations
South Korea was selected as the world’s top six promising nations, which will be attractive to global investors over the next five years, a US magazine said.
'One of Seven Wonders of Winter' for a 22-day run
Hwacheon Mountain Trout Ice Festival opens Jan. 4
Named one of the 'even Wonders of Winter' by CNN and Lonely Planet, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival is probably the most famous winter event in Korea. During the month of January every year, more than 1,000,000 people swarm Hwacheon in Gangwon province hoping to catch mountain trout bare-hand or ice fishing.
(Mayor Chung Gap-cheol invites the ambassadors and families to attend the Festival on Friday 17, 2014.)
▲1.4 million persons reportedly visited Hwacheon Mountain Trout Festival last year having their fill of the joys of the winter--ice-fishing mountain trouts and treating their eyes to the colorful lanterns of the angels at the Seondeung Candle Light Festival that takes place in the night.
▲Who said Hwacheon offers only ice-fishing? You can land mountain trouts also from the water standing on the river bank (top left). Koreans, expats, young and old, all enjoy various events of the Festival.
▲Left: Visitors pass through the colorfully lit ice tunnel. Right: You can also enjoy a 'sky ride' down the river.
Nestled between the town of Hwacheon and the mountains, the Hwacheon River is not only covered by a thick layer of ice, but also by thousands of festival participants.
The Hwacheon Mountain Trout Ice Festival will be taking place in Hwacheon County in Gangwon-do province on Jan. 4-26, 2014. This virtually untouched region is known as the first area in Korea that freezes over in winter, and the river is covered with a thick layer of ice.
Visitors can try out ice fishing, and those who are feeling brave can try to catch mountain trout with their bare hands. Along with fun activities and performances, there is also an exhibition of ice sculptures that usually take 20 weeks to prepare. Visitors can sample raw and grilled mountain trout, both of which are delicious.
A foreign visitor said: “Unlike some Korean festivals I have been to, there is a lot to do at this festival. You can ride an ATV or go kart on the ice, go sledding, ice skating, push a metal cart on the ice, or do some regular reel fishing.”
The events that are most popular are ice fishing and bare-handed fishing. For the ice fishing, you are provided with a hole in the ice and a bag for putting your catch for 10,000 won of which you get 10,000-won Love Gift, money you can spend around the festival grounds on food and souvenirs. “If you aren’t Korean, make sure to head to the foreigner only section. It is not only less crowded, but there is English-speaking help and you are given a free fishing pole,” said the foreign visitor.
When you get on the ice, pick a hole, let out enough line to get your lure to the bottom of the river. Then, quickly flick your wrist upwards and let it float back to the bottom. Some persistence is required, he stressed.
Hwacheon is considered a “clean region” where mountain trouts and otters live. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is opened in every January under the slogan of “Unfrozen Hearts, Unforgettable Memories” at Hwacheon that has geographical features of the fastest ice freezing in the country because of cold valley wind and clean water.
This is a unique theme experience festival full with good shows and 40 or about various experience programs, such as ice sledding, snow sledding, snow sculpture and ice soccer, Sancheoneo experience programs combined with the image of Hwacheon that has clean natural environment with the first grade clean water in Bukhangang (river) for catching Sancheoneo by hand, Sancheoneo fishing on the ice to catch the fish easily and enjoy the fishing by everybody, breaking the ice with 40cm thickness and above and looking at Sancheoneo in the deep water for your exciting play available for experiencing at Hwacheon only and heart-warm memory in winter.
Winter Sancheoneo! Sancheoneo Fishing! To mention about ice fishing, you need to catch at least one Sancheoneo. It is an elegant fish underneath ice out of comparison to the other fishes due to moderate size and beautiful shape.
Sancheoneo is hard to catch as it is rare but everyone can catch one or two Sancheoneo at Hwacheon with somewhat good luck and knack since 32 or 3 tons of fresh Sancheoneo are being put just under the fishing place every day for visitors for Sancheoneo festival. It is just the reason why a child or young girl without fishing experience is indulged in Sancheoneo ice fishing.
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