Wednesday 25 July 2012

Dokdo Island... the Anchor of Korean People


Fight for land is the pride of each nation and struggle for heaven is the ultimate desire of everybody. Dokdo Island is just like a heaven on earth and Korean people are fighting for their land and heaven and I think they must be proud of their efforts.  Dokdo Island is the most beautiful Island I ever visited. Where, black water kisses the face of earth and mountains kisses the height of sky, where life seems in full and in true with all the possible beauty, charming and nature.“Life is so beautiful, awesome and romantic” this was my first expression when I entered Ulleungdo. I found it so amazing and impressive that I forget all my worries for those three days.


Exploring facts and studying culture is always been a source of amusement and attraction for me. This was a motivation I applied for dokdo trip. We started our journey from Seoul in a couple of groups. I know it would be fun didn’t know it would a best trip of my life. The organizers were awesome, contributed a lot to make our journey memorable. My group-7 group leader Miss Kim Park was a nice, responsible lady with a lovely smile on her face all the way.



The ferry journey was the best for me but many of my friends were not feeling well because of motion sickness. Anyway that was another nice experience. We reached at 4 PM to ulleungdo and just after check in we went to explore ulleungdo. The beauty of ulleungdo was amazing. It has many attractions for those who can really judge the beauty.

We were supposed to ride through cable car and go to dokdo observatory but it was not possible because of strong wind. After dinner we have a great hiking with our group members and that was a better time of knowing each other. The fresh air made us crazy. And the eve was special because of many things. The sea shore was appealing heart and creating emotions of romance. We went to bed at 12 as we were quite tired.


Dokdo, the land of beauty, warmness and freshness for which everybody was excited to visit. It was a wonderful day with all its beauty. We travel two and half hours to catch Dokdo. Our excitement went out when we were told, we have to stay just for twenty minutes….:( But on enquiry we have come to know that, as there are no special tours programs, visitors only have 20 minutes for sightseeing once they land on the wharf of Dongdo. Since the entire islet is designated as a Natural Preservation Zone, the key to sightseeing is the enjoyment of the natural beauty of Dokdo. You can see Seodo from the wharf or take a stroll to view uniquely shaped rocks and gulls.



Dokdo is disputed area between Japan and Korea. However, after having a little study and going through many facts, I personally think it is the part of Korea which can be easily extract from history.
After The Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Sukjong (1674-1720), records that An Yongbok went to Japan twice in order to protest against Japanese nationals trespassing into Korean territory.

He asked the Japanese authorities to recognize Korea's sovereignty over these islands and to forbid Japanese nationals to sail to the islets. Dokdo Islet is comprised of two main islets: Dongdo, or East Islet which sits 98m above sea level, and Seodo, or West Islet, which sits 168m above sea level, together with 36 smaller rock formations. Seperating Dongdo and Seodo is the
Hyeongjegul Cave, together with Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time,
other caves and topographic features of the
islet formed due to weathering and erosion.
Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo Islet after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo Island to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it "Dakesima". Several authorities in Japan have continuously declared their dominion, over the islet, which led to diplomatic conflicts between Korea and Japan.
Such conflicts have yet to be resolved.







Presently there are security guards on Dokdo Islet that protect several houses that were built onto the rocks as well as a small harbor. 


We had a lunch after back ulleungdo and then we went out to explore Ulleungdo. The Islands of Ulleundgo were amazing. We have visited many places of Nari Basin specially the old houses. The excitement of participants was worth watch and they were true in their excitement. The dinner was so tasty. Soon after the dinner we had free time to move around.


While visiting Dokdo I thought many times, how true was Mr. YungTai, foreign minister of Korea while saying this, “Dokdo was the first victim of the Japanese aggression upon Korea.  Dokdo has come back to our bosom with our liberation.  Dokdo is the symbol of Korean independence.  Whoever touches this island should be prepared for the resistance of the entire Korean people!  Dokdo is not just several rocks, but is the anchor of the honor of our people.  How could we defend our independence after losing Dokdo!   The Japanese attempt to take Dokdo means the resumption of their aggression upon Korea.” 

July 8, 1953, Dr. Yung-Tai Pyun, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea.





Next day was the day to go back home but at the same time full of charm. We went to Bongrae water fall and that scene was amazing. We went to Dokdo Observatory, where it seemed like the world is in my feet. This was the best scene so far. At the same time the hiking was lovely. After that we moved to cable car and again it was a nice experience. The observatory area on the top of hill was amazing. I felt like the earth is goanna kiss the clouds and the sky was so near as I felt I can touch with a jump. Those moments stuck in my eyes. And it was something unbelievable.


The beauty of Dokdo and Ulleungdo made me think about the bloodied jacket of Yong-Gi Moon (문용기1878  1919). And I feel his presence everywhere shouting “Korean Independence Forever! with a Korean flag in his right hand.




Wednesday 3:30 PM was the time of our home back, feelings were quite disturb. I didn’t want to go back to Seoul leaving behind the heaven, the Ulleungdo and Dokdo. It was so sad to say good bye to the lovely land. The journey was quite peaceful and we reached Seoul at 11:30 Pm with new memories, wishes, thoughts and believes. Thanks to KNUUC for making these days of my life so wonderful and amazing with good scenes and new friends.  I will just say

"If one day you want to have some time to gather yourself up or simply think about life, Ulleungdo is the perfect ideal place". Thanks KNUUC for letting me come back again.


Wednesday 11 July 2012

Korea Host R 16 Championship 2012

Last week end was awesome with some beautiful performances from Korea, USA, Japan, Philippine, Finland, Germany, Italy and Taiwan in the R-16 B-Boy championship. The R 16 Is a championship for the world B Boy masters. Over 200 leading artists from major cities around the world join the urban arts festival of the championship.

 
The R16 Urban Arts Festival & World B-Boy Championships were developed to champion the growth and creativity of urban youth cultures and set the stage to introduce the world to the creative potential of Korea’s urban artists.
 
Urban Street Culture, a global trend created by the young and restless from not always the best environments, encompasses all genres from Hip Hop to skateboarding and other extreme sports to indie and punk rock to an untold many more youth created cultures. Urban Street Culture was once simply classified as “underground”- but now it is at the cutting edge of mainstream society.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Such groups, with members in the hundreds of millions, have not only created expanding empires, but thriving global industries in their own backyards with annual revenues in the tens of billions. These local practices with international implications effectively set the standard for global trade.
 
They signify what is cool in youth culture. Urban Street Cultures strength can be attested by its sheer influence on trends, trends that continuously attract the interest of blue chip investors worldwide. Thus creating a global network of the world’s truest tastemakers forging relationships based on an international ideology of sharing ideas and ideals.
 
 
 

 R16 has been designed as a platform where different cultural lifestyles in the world can converge and interface in a boundless environment fertile for growth and sharing creative knowledge. Beyond procuring the stage and setting for these lifestyle mavericks, R16 also attempts to bridge the gap between Koreans near and far, to join ranks and take part in this growing society of grassroots activists and revolutionaries. Creating leaders within the local regions of our nation and the world, providing the general youth with role models of their own peers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The rapid growth and decline in our societies is becoming more apparent due to cultural, economic and social standards, we can no longer neglect these widening divides. Through the R16 we hope to counter these processes by providing a place for the weary and uninspired to come and learn – to discover the limitless options available for them out there; customize life and make it your own. We plan to show them how.

Saturday 7 July 2012

Musical Wedding (Nice Performance)





This Korean traditional musical referred to as a "Wedding" is a hybrid musical which includes western style music as well as a Korean traditional wedding theme performance with music, dance, song, and comical acts.
The “Wedding” is a regular performance, held daily, which has a combination of acrobatics, ballet, acting, and more. What is unique about this musical performance is that it focuses on Korean traditional culture mixed with lots of humor and fun. 
 That was a wonderful night to watch the Korean traditional wedding ceremony which is touched by music and fun. The story begins with a classic kiss among the friend of bridegroom and bride. The father of bride is looking unhappy with this marriage and he used to show his grief at many occasions. The bridegroom and his friends tried their best to get the agreement of bride’s father but all in vain. Meanwhile the wedding team showed some great performance of musical art that was amazing. The anger of bride father is at extreme when the bridegroom is unable to provide wedding ring. However the friends of bridegroom succeeded in getting the agreement of bride father…… How they succeed in their mission??????..

 You need to go and watch the “MUSICAL WEDDING”. You will found a combination of east and western music coated with Love, anger and amusement…... And Yes The Character of “SEXY BOY” is the Hottest scene of the show and I am sure it will make you smile….:)

Sunday 1 July 2012

PSA Cricket Tournamnet

 
 
It was not only cricket but a time to get closer to each other, making new friends, promote Love and brotherhood. Thanks to all those who Participated in this event and make it a success.. There were a no of problems to hold this event but we together did it. And all the community deserves this credit. Let’s make it better by promoting our enrich traditions, sports, culture, love and humanity.
 
 
 
 
Thanks to Hanyang University and the organizers for making this event possible. With out their efforts it was almost impossible. Thanks to all the teams for their participation. .. It was a wonderful day.
 
Pakistani Students in South Korea is a students organziation working to provide a platform to all the Pakistani students studying in various Universities of Korea.At the same time it works to enhance the communication among Pakistani students and other students especially Koreans.

 

 
 
 
 
 
To improve image of Pakistan in South Korea and to promote image of Korea in Pakistan,PSA organize and participate in healthy (cultural, sports, educational) activities as a unit which is not only a source of mutual cooperation but also create a sence of mutual respect for the culture and traditions of bothe the countries.


 
 
 
One mian purpose of PSA is to share information (scholarships/research grants, internships/jobs) among Pakistani students, those who are studying here and also for those who are in Pakistan and want to join Korea and other countries for their higher education.

 
 
 
 
 
 
To teach ethics and create awareness among upcoming Pakistani students to live a better life in Korea.PSA provide many opportunities to Interact with other organizations to build a better environment for foreigners living in Korea. In this regards PSA motivate its members to participate in other volunteer and social activities introduced by different organizations like Seoul Global Center,  Korea Tourism Organziation, MANNAM, TED, etc. 










One main purpose of PSA is to help and support new Pakistani students coming from Pakistan
 and to provide them academic and social assistance. In this regards PSA organize many events and gatherings on holidays, official celeberations.
 

 PSA is not yet registered , However to remain a social, independent, and non-political yet productive student organization very soon it will be registered and it will continue working for the community in more organized way.
 
 
 This tournment ended in victory for all. As this wsa the first activity of its own kind in the history of Pakistani Students in Korea and it was a source of communication between Pakistani Scholars from all over the Korea. However, Myeongi University stood the 2nd rank and Hanayng University won the trophy as they deserved that...:)
 
 
 
 For more Information about PSA , Please visit this link @