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The Dish: When East Meets West. Tasty Variations on the Pancake
BUSAN, South Korea -- The longer I live in Busan, the more connected I feel to Korean culture. When holidays come around, I realize that the relationship between Korean families and the traditional foods that define said holidays bears a striking resemblance to that of the Jewish family I hail from. In a conversation with my close friend Jae last week, I told her that the onset of spring made me nostalgic for my mom’s cooking and the foods I associate with Passover and Yom Kippur; namely, potato latkes. For Jae and her family, spring represents that last of the kimchi that was made in the fall (the most flavorful), which is used to prepare kimchijeon. The following are recipes that have been strongholds in Jae’s and my family traditions. I might try to talk Jae into letting me come to one of her family gatherings this spring to get my pancake fix.
Preview: What to Look for at this Weekend`s New Zealand Wine Festival in Busan
BUSAN, South Korea -- While New Zealand is ranked 18th in wine production, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, its prominence and reputation in the wine world far surpasses mere statistics. Though the Kiwis have been making wine for over a century and a half, it was often ignored by connoisseurs until Sauvignon Blanc on the South Island made by Cloudy Bay (which surely should not be missed at the upcoming New Zealand Wine Fest) garnered the wine world’s attention and put New Zealand on the map as a premium producer in the 1980s.
Haps Weekend Picks May 17,18,19
BUSAN, South Korea -- The first long weekend in a long time is here, with Buddha's Birthday bringing a much needed three-day weekend for everyone to enjoy.
This weekend is headlined by three great shows by Cheong-ju-based folk-rock bandThe Primary, who are in town making their debut but are no strangers to the Korean music scene. Some great exhibitions, football, a marathon, and last, but not least, Korean-American comedian Danny Cho's highly anticipated set at Beached on Saturday night round out a great weekend of events set for this weekend.
You can check out the Haps Calendar for everything going on around the area. Enjoy!
Korean B-Ball Star Assaults Middle School Girl Smokers, Netizens and Parents Rise to His Defense
SEOUL, South Korea -- According to reports, South Korean pro basketball player Lee Hyun-ho may have driven a little too hard to the goal of stopping teen smoking when he confronted several middle school-aged girls puffing it up on a public playground.
Though he scolded and then hit some of the teens on the head with the palm of his hand, netizens and even one of the parents showered Lee with praise for his actions.
Exhibition: Korea-U.S.-Japan International Photo Exchange
BUSAN, South Korea -- A photo exhibition that captures the beautiful nature, customs and way of life in Korea, the United States and Japan will be held from May 16 to 23 at BS Busan Bank Art Gallery (near Gwangbok Road). The Korea-U.S.-Japan International Photo Exchange Exhibition, organized by the Busan International Photo Exchange Association, Tsushima Photo Association and the Southern California Photographers Association, will showcase 80 photos by 72 artists.
Interview: Korean American Comedian Danny Cho Tells it Like it is
BUSAN, South Korea -- I was in Seoul visiting relatives the last time Danny Cho came to Busan almost two years ago, and I won’t lie, I was pissed off. I hate having to skip out on comedy shows, and as co-host of the Ha Ha Hole, I feel honor-bound to be there for all of them when possible. But the message from my buddy and fellow co-host Chris Tharp is still on my old grandmotherly LG Cyon cell phone. It reads, “Dude, Danny Cho KILLED.” High praise indeed.
Music: The Primary Wrap up Korea Tour in Busan this Weekend
BUSAN, South Korea -- With the release of their debut album Beneath the Tide, Cheongju-based folk-rock band The Primary brings a solid new sound to the peninsula’s expat music scene. With members from Ireland, Scotland, Canada and the United States, they hope to build upon their strong foreign fan-base by increasing Koreans’ interest in folk music while touring the country.
Haps Weekend Picks May 10,11,12
BUSAN, South Korea -- A third of the way through May brings some warmer temps to the city though this weekend looks to be a bit overcast. But that shouldn't keep you indoors with all the fun things to do outdoors this weekend.
Festival season continues again as the Busan Lotus Lantern Festival, the conclusion of the International Performing Arts Festival and Rendezvous Francais are just a few of the outdoor must-do events this weekend. Afternoons bring the IPark, the Giants and a big tennis tourney, while the late night brings some great music, comedy and dancing 'til the wee hours of the morning.
You can check out the Haps Calendar for everything going on around the area. Enjoy!

