International Literacy Day held in India

September 8 is International Literacy Day. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on November 17, 1965, and celebrated for the first time in 1966. International Literacy Day aims to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies. For this year’s International Literacy Day, the focus was on the link between literacy and peace, and a ceremony took place in New Delhi, India.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil of India hands out prizes at the International Literacy Day ceremony on September 8 (Photo: Yonhap News).

During the ceremony in New Delhi, UNESCO gave out the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize to projects in Burundi and Mexico. The Literacy Prize was created by the Korean government in 1989 to honor the outstanding contribution made to literacy by Sejong the Great (1397 - 1418/1450) who created Hangul, the Korean alphabet. This prize rewards the activities of governments, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that display merit and achieve particularly effective results in promoting literacy. In the past 20 years, a total of 38 UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prizes have been awarded to countries such as India, China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria.

One of the two recipients of the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize this year is the National Literacy Service in Burundi, for its innovative approach in linking functional literacy to daily life issues and topics related to peace and tolerance, as well as for its overall impact. This service also provided educational opportunities such as how to work efficiently.

The second recipient of the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize is the National Institute for the Education of Adults of Mexico, for its bilingual literacy program, Bilingual Literacy for Life. This program is recognized for its impact in reducing the rate of illiteracy among indigenous populations, especially among women, and also for improving the ability of indigenous people to exercise their rights. In 2007, a total of 944 people participated in this program, but since then the program has had more than 50,000 participants annually.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to invite the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize recipients to Korea to commemorate the 565th Hangul Proclamation Day. They will stay in Korea for five days and four nights and will attend the 565th Hangul Proclamation Day Festival, an international literacy conference, and various other programs to experience Korean traditional culture.
source:Korea.net

Main Events of this month in korea

Main Events
1. Gwangju Design Biennale 2011
http://www.gb.or.kr 
- Period : Sept. 2nd(Fri)~ Oct. 23rd(Sun), 2011. (52days)
- Venue : Gwangju Biennale Hall and all around the city of Gwangju
2. Round & Round, Hangawi(Harvest Full Moon) Multicultural Festival
http://www.nfm.go.kr 
- Period : Sept. 3rd(Sat)~ 13th(Tue), 2011. (11 days)
- Venue : National Folk Museum of Korea, Seoul

Asia Exchange Association, the Cradle of Global Leader

Asia Exchange Association, the Cradle of Global Leader

Asia is becoming the leader of 21st century. But barriers caused by different languages, religions and also the controversial issues in history still remain, making it hard to draw cooperation among countries. So we need young leaders to bring them all together. Where and how can we find them? Asia Exchange Association may have an answer to that matter.

The Youth Opening the Future

AEA(Asia Exchange Association), registered in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a nonprofit organization. It was established in March 2005 to build the Asian network through education volunteer, and academic and cultural interchange by young people. Since it's establishment, AEA has cooperated with government organizations, institutions and schools for better future on a variety of interchange programs in economy, society, culture and academy

(Source: AEA)

To start with dispatching volunteers to Cambodia, AEA sends out short-term volunteers every twice a year. AEA provides useful and novel education programs such as building libraries, making shoe closets, teaching languages, globalization and sanitization, and lastly art, sports and culture exchange so that young Asian people can understand each other and have awareness of how to behave as world citizens.

(Source: AEA)

Every school vacation, from January to February and from July to August, AEA dispatches students under 24 for volunteering for 11 days. Each team is made of 16 members and any Korean students under 24 can join.

The dispatched volunteers should have a sense of humanity and passion rather than the fluent English as they go to the isolated villages for computer and reading class, introducting Korean culture and history, cultural performance. After reviewing applications and interview, AEA sorts out volunteers and train them for one month. After they complete the mission and come back to Korea, they have to go through a briefing session. Finally, AEA grants the certificates to every one of them.

What is International Legislation Support Program?

AEA puts an effort to get Asian countries more cooperative to each other. International Legislation Support program was made through the efforts. The Legal disputes happen very often as Korean companies go abroad more often than ever and their investment increases as well. That's why we need the firm and stable legal system.

AEA tries to improve the informationalized legal level of developing countries by exporting legal systems and culture, and supporting them to build the trial regulation, legislation, and manual. In other words, International Legislation Support program will go beyond the export of Korean legal system and exchange among lawers from both sides, and finally promote mutual friendship each other..

(Source:AEA)

There are four effects which are expected in International Legislation Support program. The export of Korean legal system will begin with more exchanges of international lawyers. Eventually, it will promote partnership among countries and help Korean companies and people to do a business.

Many Korean children dreams of being a global leader like UN Secretary General Ban ki moon. Isn't it because he gives the whole Asian children confidence that they can do it whatever they want. Let's be prepared for the dream to become a world leader beyond Asia.

Make a better life! Wave of Saemaeul Movement in Africa

Make a better life! Wave of Saemaeul Movement in Africa

Korea is the first country which has transitioned from an aid recipient to a donor to join OECD. Especially in Southeast Asia and Africa, many countries want to learn the experience, and Saemaeul Movement is considered a good example.

Saemaeul Movement which contributed to the rapid economic growth and rural development of Korea in 1970s, is now adapted by Asian and African countries. It was initiated by Gyeongsangbuk-do. As a move of globalization, it increased the range of activity by building Saemaeul halls, schools, wells and even moral education. Let’s take a look.

(Source: Hankkook Ilbo)

Song of Hope

Saemaeul Movement had its first anniversary last 22^nd of April. Saemaeul movement, the nation developing project, became so successful that leaders from Asia and Africa came to visit Saemaeul Movement center in Bundang, Seongnam city. Fifty thousand of civil servants and local leaders from 84 countries have already visited so far. Saemaeul Movement is becoming globalized.

Saemaeul globalizing project fist started in 2004. Saemaeul hall in Vietnam and Jakarta Indonesia, health center in Cambodia, and Wells in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are the outcomes of the project. 254 college students have participated in Saemaeul international volunteer project since 2007 and this summer again, 100 students are volunteering in Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Philippines. In addition, Gyeongsangbuk-do and KOICA co-conducted a medical project, an environmental project and a profitable project. Environmental program is to improve kitchens, washrooms, pavements, village roads. Profitable program is to teach how to farm and make reservoirs.

(Source: Chosun Ilbo)

Global Saemaeul forum was held in Gyeongju from 19^th to 20^th April. There were a lot of discussions on direction for globalization of Saemaeul movement and also Hallyu. It became more responsible for helping the underdeveloped countries to develop themselves.

More and more people have participated in Saemaeul Movement worldwide. Back in 2003, even during the civil war in Nepal, Saemaeul Movement contributed to increase the income and literacy by mechanizing farm and exporting vegetables.

In addition, Cambodia which is hot every season increased the income per person five times higher than usual, rising from eighty to 400 dollars since they learned vinyl greenhouse technology of Korea, which is convenient to control the temperature and humidity. The key point of Saemaeul Movement is to bring up sense of independence. It is not only supporting the skills and resources but also helping them develop their capability to increase income by growing crops.

Saemaeul Movement Emerging as National Brand

More than 90 percent of poor people of underdeveloped countries live in rural area. Saemaeul Movement is successful in countries that need help most. The most important project of Saemaeul Movement in Africa is dispatching leaders of Saemaeul Movement. Gyeongsangbuk-do sent volunteers to Africa for ODA project since Korea became a member of DAC under OECD in 2009.

(Source: Segye Ilbo)

The Saemaeul leader volunteering group consists of six members in each of five teams, and 30 of them are working to eliminate the poverty in Rwanda for nearly a year. Struggling against the heat, they plant Saemaeul spirits which are described as diligence, self-reliance and cooperation into the local people. Unlike the other countries which used to leave after building one or two village halls, Korea planted confidence and belief in their mind like “We can do it” with its own project, Saemaeul.

Korean government decided to start Saemaeul Movement in Rwanda and Laos as ODA (Official Development Assistance) to get rid of poverty and support self-growth. The Rwandan official said that Gyeongsangbuk-do will be in charge of Rwanda, and Saemaeul Center will be in charged of Laos to make a synergy like a complete product.

Review of the History of Saemaeul Movement

In Congo, it is easy to find people wearing shirts with a logo, “Saemaeul Movement”. The pronunciation ‘Saemaeul Movement’ is familiar with locals. Some villages have flags of it in every house. Saemaeul Movement started in 1970s for a better life in Korea and 30 years later it’s bring new hopes to Africa.

(Source: Segye Ilbo)

However, it is important to change the mind and attitude of people and eventually help them develop the whole village, not by simply increasing the income. In other words, it is more important to encourage them to achieve the economic development on their own by building up software such as policies and systems away from one-sided aid. But the task is how to get rid of the old image that Saemaeul Movement is a low level standard project driven by the government. Also the careful consideration on how to properly localize the Saemaeul Movement to each country is very essential. Once again, we hope that Korea would play a major role in poverty elimination and enhancing the nation’s prestige.

Richard Rutt, pioneer in Korean studies, passes away

The death of Richard Rutt in England on July 27 deserves to be recorded in Korea. He was deeply attached to this country, to which he devoted the central years of his life.

Born in England on August 27, 1925, he came to serve in Korea as an Anglican priest in 1954. For many years he lived alone in remote rural villages where traditional ways were still being practiced.

In 1966 he was appointed Assistant Bishop of Daejeon and in 1968 he became the Bishop of Daejeon. The next year he married Joan Ford, a teacher he had known for many years. She too came to love Korea and edited a Korean cook book as well as the autobiography of the last Korean Crown Princess.

In 1973, feeling that the time had come for Koreans to take charge of their portion of the Anglican Communion, he offered his resignation as Bishop of Daejeon, intending to serve as a simple parish priest in the country he had come to love so much. That proved to be impossible and in 1974 Richard Rutt returned to England and became suffragan bishop of the Diocese of Truro. While in Cornwall, he learned the Cornish language in order to celebrate weddings in Cornish. In October 1979 he was named Bishop of Leicester and as such, in 1985, was introduced into the House of Lords.

He retired in 1990 and went to live in Falmouth, Cornwall, which he had come to love. In 1994 he and his wife became Catholics and in June 1995 he was ordained as a Catholic priest. His wife Joan’s health declined and she died in Falmouth in 2007. Father Rutt spent his last years at St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Falmouth. In 2009 he was made a Prelate of Honour by Pope Benedict XVI. He was an honorary canon of Plymouth Cathedral.



Pioneering scholar-missionary

Richard Rutt was the last of the line of scholar-missionaries that began with James Scarth Gale, Homer B. Hulbert, George Heber Jones and the Anglican bishop Mark Napier Trollope, the pioneers who laid the foundation of what is now known as Korean studies.

On arriving in Korea, he began to explore in great depth its language, culture and history, as well as Classical Chinese. He was an active member of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch, serving on the council, overseeing its publications and serving as its president in 1974. He published several scholarly papers in the RASKB's journal, Transactions, which reveal his deep knowledge of the Classical Chinese used in pre-modern Korea.

His deep affection for the traditional culture of Korea, which had almost ceased to exist by the time he arrived, was particularly expressed in his popular 1978 volume, “Korean Works and Days: Notes from the Diary of a Country Priest.” His most outstanding work of scholarship, apart from his translations, must be his annotated edition of the “History of the Korean People” by James Scarth Gale, which was first published in 1927. It includes a thoroughly researched biography and bibliography of the author.

Rutt was fascinated by traditional, formal “sijo” and older forms of Korean poetry in general. This led to the publication in 1971 of “The Bamboo Grove: An Introduction to Sijo,” containing pioneering translations of many of the most celebrated Korean sijo. Like Gale, Rutt was deeply interested in Classical Chinese, and after his retirement he published a new translation of the challenging ancient Chinese classic, “The Book of Changes” in 1996.

He also co-authored the scholarly encyclopedia “Korea: A Historical and Cultural Dictionary” with Keith L. Pratt. When he retired as Bishop of Leicester, he gave many of his rare Korean books to the University of Durham and in later years the Bodleian Library at Oxford University acquired the bulk of his remaining Korea-related books. He developed a passionate interest in knitting, and authored a definitive history of the craft in “A History of Hand Knitting” (Batsford, 1987). Characteristically, he collected a unique library of knitting-related books which included some very rare items from the nineteenth century, which he finally donated to the University of Southampton.

Brother Anthony of Taizé is an educator and translator of Korean literature who has lived in Seoul since 1980. He taught English literature at Sogang University for about 30 years. The naturalized Korean citizen is the laureate of many translation awards and serves as a judge of The Korea Times Translation Award. His Korean name is An Son-jae, meaning "little pilgrim." ― ED

 

source:Korea Times

Yeosu, the Host City of Expo

With one year left before the opening of the Yeosu Expo, the Organizing Committee is very busy in preparing the world event, drawing attentions from many countries. Focusing on one specific subject, “The Living Ocean and the Coast- Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities”, Yeosu will present something different.

It is very meaningful that the Expo focuses on specific topic and shows the future of the human activities.

Shall we take a look at Yeosu Expo?

Mosageum beach, a taste of Yeoso Ocean

(Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Lonesome and silent, the scenery of Yeosu Ocean is considered the best. Even people living near the ocean visit Yeosu to feel the cleanness and calmness. If you want to feel the Yeosu Ocean, Mosageum beach is the exact place.

Mosaguem beach is not as big as other beaches in Korea. However, the surrounding scenery is very beautiful and two naturally-created beaches make Mosaguem more special.

(Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Both beaches are made up of small pebbles and soft sand. The sand is so soft that your feet will be deeply submerged in. In addition, it is good for parents to play with their kids around. Well, we also recommend you to take photos of the pebbles, which is nature itself, or to go fishing by the rocks on the seashore.

Mosageum, the treasure of Yeosu, has been well known for beautiful sand. Why not come down here for family vacation?

Enjoying Strange Rocks and Bizarre Stones of Baekdo Island

(Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Now, you would understand why Yeosu Expo focuses on ‘Marine World’ and how that attracts so many people.

On the other hand, there is another island which has been recognized by many well-known people around the world. Baekdo-island. It has 99 peaks, including small rocky islands.

(Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

You can get around the island with a boat. It is interesting to see very unique styles of each island. For an example, you will find the large rock with a naturally carved hole that has become the shelter of the sea birds. Like this, Yeosu Ocean has an unlimited potential with a magnificent landscape of a variety of rocks and Geomundo Island floating on the ocean which is an hour distance by a boat. Clear blue sea will tell that Yeosu will be the perfect host city for the Great Marine Expo.

Do not miss it!

Children’s favorite, Marine Science Museum, Jeollanam-do

(Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Both Yeosu city and Yeosu Expo are not for the adults, but also for children. Children can also enjoy the both. The Marine Science Museum in Jeollanam-do will satisfy the curiosity of children.

Opened in 1998 and renovated in 2005, this museum introduces the beauty of National Marine Park of Dadohae and contributes to promoting tourism of Yeosu city.

You can see the native aquarium fish in the biggest cylinder-shaped water tank, the turtles living in the largest aquarium in Korea, and the mud flat aquarium which just look like a real one.

The ‘touch and feel’ aquarium is the most favorite for children. All visitors can touch the top shells, craps and other marine creatures. For more details, check the website http://www.해양수산과학관.kr

Wishing for Success of Yeosu Expo

The 2ndMeetingofParticipatingCountriesofYeosuExpo2012(Source:NewMediaTeam,YeosuExpo2012)

Since the Daejeon Expo, Yeosu Expo will gather the worldwide attention. They have a huge ambition of decorating the whole ocean as the fairground for the Expo for the first time ever in 150 year-old history of World Expo.

From small beaches to dark blue ocean with strange rocks and bizarre stones, and the space for the firsthand experience of the ocean, Yeosu is just perfect enough for ocean city. Shall we take fresh air in Yeosu this summer with the expectation for the coming Expo?

New wave of IT world rushing in

‘Cloud Meets Big Data’ was the hot issue in IT Forum which was recently held in COEX Convention Center. Cloud Computing has been the main stream of Korean Internet services since last year. It sounds little far from your daily life, but over 10 millions are using the Cloud service. Let’s take a look before it’s too late.

Hot issue in IT World, elusive Cloud computing

Cloud computing is defined as a computing environment providing services through internet servers such as a data storage, network, and contents at the same time according to Naver dictionary(http://100.naver.com). In short, we put all data together into servers of data center so we could use them whenever we need. Just like the clouds intangible, the space doesn’t exist in computer, but we can handle them freely

(Source: EBN Industry News)

Let’s take an example with an email. Whenever you log in, you’ll receive emails or data. Your computer actually doesn’t have the storage for data but you can take them out from the internet server. This is a basic concept of it.

Cloud computing is a technology that you can use the Operating Systems(OS) such as Windows, and Mac, and Word processor, Office, Photoshop, Games and all kinds of application programs and the saved data with certain payment. Many of Korean corporations and government organizations already adopted the service or moving to adopt it. IT service companies are providing a large webhard-type of cloud service for individuals as well.

Faster, Easier and Cheaper

The advantage of the Cloud Computing is that you can save the space and costs. All you need are a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse and the network function, and you just have to pay as much as you use. The other advantage is that you can use the data anytime with a variety of IT devices such as computers, tablet PCs, and smart phones.

For its cost effectiveness, the Cloud computing system is much more attractive to businesses than to individuals. With the Cloud Computing system, employees just need internet-accessible computer instead of expensive PC and software. In terms of security, the authentication process prevents the security breaches and information leaks.

(Source: NewsPim)

Firstly, the server stability and the security must be guaranteed for Cloud computing. In fact, a cloud computing service in the US was down for two hours with a huge loss. In this case, users’ loss must be tremendous. In terms of security, like DDoS, servers can be the target for hacking or attack. Strict security solution should be prepared to prevent such a horrible damage to data center

Seize the Growth Engine of Future Korea

The scale of the world Cloud Computing market is expected to grow from 31 billion dollars in 2011 to 60 billion dollars in 2014. It is the trend that world class IT businesses and venture companies consider the Cloud Computing a key industry in the future. Global competition for Cloud Computing among business and individual market is already underway

In response to global competition, Korean government announced the strategy last month that they will increase the Cloud Computing adoption rate up to 15%. The official said that they will improve the legal system in order to promote the growth of Cloud Computing market. In addition to encouraging government agencies build up Cloud Computing infrastructure in a certain percentage, Korean government support small businesses so that they can be a global competitor through combining data center with Cloud Computing.

Korean companies are set to Cloud Computing service. IT companies sell their services such as large scale Cloud Computing and virtualization solutions. They move ahead with international companies to be the leader in the world market of Cloud Computing market

(Source: Digital Times)

Korean mobile service company K on June 30^th made an agreement of joint venture together with Japanese company S. K has a plan to build up data center in Kimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do so that they could provide data service for not only Japanese companies but also for Asian companies within a radius of 2,000 km. Global e-bay company E announced last 13^th they will build up data center in Busan to support Korea, China, Japan, Singapore and Australia branches. Prior to it, US IT company opened a data center in cooperation with Korean Insurance Company K in Songdo, Incheon city last November. It appears that more companies will open data centers in Korea

The key reasons for these trends are geological conditions, less natural disasters, stable and low cost electric service and reliable internet service. In particular, IT infrastructure is the most highly graded. With these strength and advantages, we are looking forward to being a leader in data center hub through Asia and global competitor in the world cloud computing service market.