We're up to episode 6 in my free 20 episode "Conversation Course." Each week I'll post one new episode until it's completed. This course is for learners who've already completed the basics and want to start diving into real, natural Korean conversations. If you feel this lesson is a bit too difficult, I recommend first watching my free "Beginner Korean Course" which has 100 episodes and will take you through all of the basics.

In this series I'll walk you through every sentence one at a time, explaining the vocabulary, grammar, and nuances of everything we encounter. Feel free to pause and take notes! These conversations are natural and real, so there's a lot we can learn.

The post Billy Go’s Korean Conversation Course | #6: Movie Theater – 영화관 appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

생 (生) is a Hanja with the meaning of "life" or "birth," and can also be used for several related meanings such as "raw," "occur," and even "natural."

The post Important Hanja: LIFE 생 (生) (한자) | Korean FAQ appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Hermitage History

Pokpoam Hermitage, which means “Waterfall Hermitage” in English, is situated to the south of Mt. Gujeolsan (564.5) in northeastern Goseong, Gyeongsangnam-do. Pokpoam Hermitage is situated on the former temple grounds of Sadusa Temple. Sadusa Temple was used as a site for the manufacturing of arrows for the Righteous Army led by Samyeong-daesa (1544-1610). The temple was destroyed, when it was burned to the ground by the invading Japanese army during the Imjin War (1592-98). The temple would remain abandoned until 1981, when the monk Hyeongak came to Goseong to pray for one hundred days. It was around this time that tiles and the foundation for the former Sadusa Temple were discovered.

As for the name of the hermitage, there’s a rather interesting legend connected with it. There’s a waterfall that flows through the hermitage named “Yongho-pokpo – 용호폭포.” According to this legend, there used to live an evil dragon that resided in the pooling water beneath the waterfall. One day, it ascended up into the sky. However, at the same time that the dragon was flying, local women were gathering food in the valley. The dragon was curious, so it tried to hide to spy on these women. Suddenly, lightning struck and the dragon was shattered into various pieces. Its body would become a rock that surrounded the Yongho Waterfall like a folding screen. The waterfall would flow over the dragon’s head, which gives it its name of Yongho Waterfall. And it’s internal organs dissolved to become a cave. A tiger came to live in this cave, and the cave came to be known as the Baekho-gul Cave. Currently, it’s used as a Sanshin-gak Hall at the hermitage. As for the dragon’s horns, they became a rock at the top of Mt. Gujeolsan, and its eyes became Bodeok-gul Cave to the left of the waterfall. Currently, this cave is off-limits to the general public. The Bandal-gul Cave at Pokpoam Hermitage, which is currently used as the Yongwang-dang Hall, is said to have mysterious mineral water flowing from it. Lastly, the dragon’s tail was cut off and caught on a rock to make part of the rock formation around the hermitage.

In addition to this legend, the temple is really popular because it’s said that the Yongho-pokpo Waterfall makes people’s wishes come true. It’s also popular among hikers, so Pokpoam Hermitage is doubly busy so be prepared and probably visit the hermitage at an earlier hour.

Hermitage Layout

You first approach the hermitage grounds from the parking lot. The pathway zigs and zags at a pretty steep angle over 300 metres, until you finally arrive the base of the pooling waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass by some rather curious pagodas with various images at their bases like hearts, stars, frogs, and even a moktak.

Depending on when you visit the hermitage, the waterfall can be quite intense or a slow trickle of water. And above the waterfall is a suspension bridge up near the peak of the mountain. But back at the base of the waterfall, you’ll notice an outdoor shrine dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) that consists of a five metre tall statue of the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Continuing up the stairs that led you to the outdoor shrine dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal, there will be an exit to your right. Continuing along this trail, you’ll come to a rock where you can come quite close to the flow of the falls. And on days where the waterfall is really flowing, you can get quite wet from all the mist in the air. Take your time and enjoy the waterfall from up-close.

Climbing up the set of uneven stone stairs, you’ll next come to the Yongwang-dang Hall, which is also known as the Bandal-gul Cave. The outdoor of this structure is a modern cement structure with fading paint. Stepping inside the cave, you’ll find a small statue on the main altar dedicated to Yongwang (The Dragon King). And this red main altar image of Yongwang is backed to the side by a print of a black dragon. Also in this area is a row of clapboard buildings. The entry to the far left is the entrance to the Gwaneum-jeon Hall at Pokpoam Hermitage. Standing inside this cave-like interior is a golden image of Gwanseeum-bosal on the main altar.

Back at the stairs that led you up towards these structures, but hanging a left this time, you’ll find a collection of structures. The first is the hermitage’s kitchen and administrative office. Above this, and up on the next level of the large ledge, is the Daeung-jeon Hall. The exterior walls of the main hall are adorned with a collection of paintings that include a white image of Gwaneeum-bosal and Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities). Stepping inside the main hall, you’ll find a triad of statues on the main altar. The central image, rather surprisingly, appears to be that of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise), who is joined on either side by Gwanseeum-bosal and Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). And hanging on the far right wall is a modern, black accented, Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).

To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a golden relief of Yaksa-yeorae-bul (The Buddha of the Eastern Paradise, and the Buddha of Medicine). This image holds a medicinal jar in its left hand, as it looks out towards the valley below.

Beyond this golden relief, you’ll find numerous sets of stairs that lead up and around to the suspension bridge above the hermitage’s waterfall. Along the way, you get beautiful views of both the waterfall and the valley below. Both are equally stunning.

Eventually, you’ll come to a clearing, where you’ll find the rather long suspension bridge. If you feel up for a hike, you can continue across the bridge to the other side and hike around Mt. Gujeolsan. However, if you don’t have the time or inclination, you can simply get great pictures of the hermitage grounds and valley below, or the waterfall from above. Either way, and whatever you might choose, the views from the heights of the suspension bridge are stunning.

How To Get There

The easiest, and least complicated, way to get to Pokpoam Hermitage from the Goseong Intercity Bus Terminal is to take a taxi. This is especially the case if you’re with a group. In total, the taxi ride should take about 20 minutes, over 12 km, and it’ll cost you around 20,000 won (one way). Otherwise, you’ll be on a bus for about 40 minutes, and then need to hike for over 70 minutes, or 4 km, to get to Pokpoam Hermitage.

Overall Rating: 6.5/10

Pokpoam Hermitage in Goseong, Gyeongsangnam-do is pretty tricky to rate. If you simply leave it to the shrine halls at the hermitage, it’s rather pedestrian. However, once you include the waterfall, the valley, and the scenic mountain, it only helps to elevate the hermitage. So depending on what you might enjoy at a temple, whether it’s nature or shrine halls, it’ll go a long way in determining just how much you enjoy Pokpoam Hermitage. Either way, however, Pokpoam Hermitage makes for a nice little trip in the countryside of Goseong. But be forewarned, it can get quite busy.

South Korea, a land of bustling streets, neon-lit alleys, and towering skyscrapers, offers a plethora of opportunities for capturing stunning urban nightscapes. As a photographer based in this dynamic country, diving into the realm of night photography unveils a canvas of vibrant city lights and captivating architectural marvels. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the art and techniques behind urban night photography in South Korea, from essential equipment to composition tips and post-processing tricks.

Gear Essentials

Before venturing into the nocturnal realm, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right gear. A sturdy tripod is your best companion for long exposure shots, ensuring sharpness and stability in low-light conditions. Pair it with a wide-angle lens to encompass expansive cityscapes and capture the grandeur of South Korea’s urban landscapes. Additionally, carrying spare batteries and memory cards ensures uninterrupted shooting sessions amidst the city’s electrifying ambiance.

My main recommendation for tripods these days are tripods from K&F Concept. They are well built and relatively affordable. Not to mention, that even when ordering one of their more expensive carbon fibre tripods, I had no troubles betting it through Korean customs.

Choosing the Perfect Location

South Korea’s cities boast a myriad of picturesque locations for night photography. Seoul’s iconic landmarks such as the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the illuminated Gwangali bridge in Busan, and the bustling streets of Ulsan offer endless possibilities for creative compositions. Busan’s vibrant nightlife scene and the Cheongaechon Stream in Seoul provide additional opportunities for capturing stunning cityscapes. Researching potential shooting locations beforehand enables you to plan your shoot effectively and maximize your time on-site.

However, don’t give up if you don’t live in Seoul or Busan. The beauty of Korea is that any downtown area or “shinae” will have the same elements that many of the larger cities have. They will have tons of traffic, flashing signs and interesting buildings. Use there elements to create your own nightscapes of Korea.

Mastering Exposure and Settings

Achieving the perfect exposure is paramount in night photography, where light is scarce yet dynamic. Start by setting your camera to aperture priority mode and dialing in a low ISO to minimize noise. Experiment with long exposure times, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes (in manual mode), to capture the trails of passing vehicles or the mesmerizing flow of city lights. Utilize a wide aperture (low f-stop) to maximize light intake and create captivating bokeh effects. Additionally, using a remote shutter release minimizes camera shake and ensures sharp, blur-free images.

One tip that I use is by downloading the app for your camera, if it has one. This will allow you to use your phone as a remote shutter. If you don’t have that feature, use the 2-second timer on your camera to get a hands-free shot. If you use a canon camera and are bracketing your shots, then this will also shoot all of your images in succession without having to shoot them individually.

Composition Techniques

Composition plays a pivotal role in creating compelling urban nightscapes. Incorporate leading lines, such as roads or bridges, to guide the viewer’s gaze through the frame and add depth to your images. Experiment with different perspectives and angles to highlight the juxtaposition of modern architecture against the night sky. Utilize reflections from puddles or glass surfaces to introduce intriguing visual elements into your compositions. Remember the rule of thirds and consider placing key elements, such as city landmarks or light trails, along the intersecting points for added visual interest.

Night photography in Korea is something that really allows you to experiment with your composition. Try shooting in tight alleyways or using the lightrails of the endless streams of traffic to help make your shots really pop. No matter where you live in Korea, you can find areas that will be amazing for street photography.

Post-Processing Magic

Post-processing allows you to enhance and refine your night photographs, bringing out the full potential of your captures. Software such as Adobe Lightroom or Luminar Neo enables you to fine-tune exposure, contrast, and color balance to achieve a desired aesthetic. Adjusting white balance settings can help correct any color casts introduced by artificial lighting, ensuring accurate and vibrant hues. Experiment with selective dodging and burning to emphasize specific areas of your image and create a sense of drama and depth.

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The bottomline is that urban night photography in South Korea is a captivating journey into the heart of bustling metropolises, where the cityscape transforms into a mesmerizing tapestry of light and shadows. Armed with the right gear, technical know-how, and creative vision, photographers can unlock the full potential of this dynamic genre, capturing the essence of South Korea’s vibrant urban landscape under the cloak of night.

The post Capturing the Vibrant Nightscape: A Guide to Urban Night Photography in South Korea appeared first on The Sajin.