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Quick Hits: Golf in Korea

Hope you are all having a nice weekend. Weather is a bit humid and cloudy here in Yeosu, but the predicted rain hasn’t come yet so can’t really complain. As a quick post I would like to share a bit about golf here in Korea and personally from my experience playing a round a couple weeks ago here at City Park Golf Course and Resort. (accompanying pictures are from said course)

The first thing to know about playing golf in Korea is that it is quite expensive compared to the States, as is the case with most Asian countries. One should expect a minimum expenditure of $150-$200 for a course in the Provinces (away from Seoul) with prices rising steeply as you get closer to the cities and in resort destinations like Jeju. An interesting side note due to this high cost is that when your average Korean person says they are “going golfing”, they aren’t heading out to play 18 holes, but rather to a driving range (the ubiquitous giant green nets found in every corner of the country). Several of these ranges call themselves Golf Clubs as they are only for members and can feature fitness centers and other facilities. I have been a member of one of these for a little while now to try to get my game back in shape and pay a cool 150,000 Korean won a month for the privilege (around $130 USD).

Another possible effect of the high price (and therefor exclusivity of playing) is that golf seems to be a far more formal outing than it has become in the West. This being my first time playing in Korea and having grown up on public courses, I arrived (much to the surprise of my Korean playing partners) in my golf clothes. I came to learn to proper etiquette was to bring to golf attire with you (in a leather, brand name clothes bag that matches your leather, brand name giant caddy golf bag) and change in the well-appointed locker room. My second mistake in this regard was coming in shorts (a nice khaki pair designed for golf) which apparently necessitated pulling out my “ignorant foreigner” card just to be allowed on the course. In my defense the temperature was in the low 80s with a similar humidity number, so really who wouldn’t wear shorts?

Anyways, to get past my faux-pas and on to the interesting differences during the round itself, of which there are a few. First and foremost, at this kind of golf price point you’d fully expect to be provided a cart and you’d be right. The difference is that in Korea these stretch golf carts not only hold all four golfers and clubs, they come complete with a young Korean woman as your driver. Not just for show (although they are quite cute) these ladies are your full-fledged caddy for the round, giving down to the meter distances, reading your putts and cleaning your balls (sorry, no real golfer can resist that old joke when the opening is there). Additional to their caddy duties, they are also the official bank for the group, holding the cash and giving the payouts for the various bets and games of the players, because what is golf without gambling.

In the photos of this post (especially the first one up there) you may notice the street lamps lining the fairways. This is because, not content to fill up the tee sheets just during the day, many Korean golf courses are also open at night. Often times, especially during the summers and on weekends, play will keep going until 10 or 11pm. My own round didn’t finish until after 9pm and while it was an interesting experience, it wasn’t strange or uncomfortable. Korean layouts tend to be very tight and confined, meaning if you’re even a bit off the fairway (and away from the lights) your ball is likely OB anyways, meaning your never (literally) taking a blind shot.

Well as this “quick hit” post is already running a bit long, I’ll go ahead and break down a few more differences in bullet-point form:

No singles or walk-ons. You can only play on a tee-time made with a full foursome.
A full meal at the turn before resuming the round. I have to credit the bibimbap with improving my score on the back 9.
Distances in meters, not yards. Something to keep in mind if you’re playing as a tourist.

Well I hope you enjoyed the post, or at least the pretty pictures. Feel free to hit me up with any questions or comments. I, hopefully, will have more golf adventures to share as time goes on.

Fine Dining at Gourmet Eo - Cheongdam, Gangnam

One of my favorite restaurants in Seoul is Gourmet Eo. It provides a relaxed yet beautifully refined dining experience and is actually pretty good value for money especially when compared with some of the other fine dining offerings in Seoul.

I've visited several times and usually always opt to eat the course menu although their a la carte menu has some fantastic offerings too. The chef changes the course menu based on the ingredients available daily. It always comprises of seven courses including coffee or tea. The price varies by about 5,000 won based on the menu that day. It's usually around 60,000 won though.

The chef prepares a delicious assortment of bite sized appetizers to start, this is then followed by a salad (every time I've visited this has been seafood of some kind), next up is usually a pasta (I've had delicious Korean beef lasagna and lobster ravioli most recently), then you'll probably be served a beautifully seared piece of fish. For the main course you will be offered a choice of tenderloin or the fish of the day.

By this point you'll just have enough room to squeeze in the delicious dessert and finish your meal with a coffee and perhaps a nightcap ;)

On our most recent visit the chef who is also the proprietor came to speak with us at our table and then sent us a mozzarella and prosciutto dish with his compliments. It was a nice touch and gave a nice personal feel to our dining experience. I'd also like to mention that if you do order the course menu they will be happy to make substitutions for certain dishes where possible if for any reason you need to change them.

I've taken pictures of my most recent trip but sadly I can't describe each dish as eloquently with all the detail the menu had so I won't try. You get the idea anyway right??!

Antipasto selection - little bite size pieces but huge in taste.

Prawn and smoked salmon salad

Lobster Ravioli.

Pan seared sea bass - fantastically light, the pieces just fell away.

Korean beef tenderloin - cooked perfectly, so juicy
and tender my mouth is watering as I think about it.

Handmade apricot ice-cream with caramelized banana and fresh nectarine.

They have an extensive wine list offering a very good selection of both moderately priced wines up to much higher priced bottles. Frankly I prefer to spend that kind of money on shopping so we always opt for a mid priced bottle which have all been very palatable. Bottles start from 40,000 won.

The restaurant is set in the courtyard area of a converted house. It has a beautiful modern feel with low lighting and candles. It's open air in the warmer months but can be covered and heated if the weather decides to play up. For particularly hot evenings they have air cooling systems to keep you comfortable. In keeping with the modern minimalist decor it's furnished sparsely and only seats a small number of people. We have just turned up before and were able to get a table but if you can make a reservation in advance I would advise it. They always have a staff member who can speak English enough to get you by. They also provide a menu in English, ask for one if they don't give you it automatically.

The restaurant is in a courtyard which is open air during summer.

This picture sadly doesn't do justice to how pretty it is..

Another lovely meal at a restaurant that never disappoints.

This restaurant is great for a special occasion or just a romantic dinner, you'll definitely impress if you're bringing a date here. It's delicious food coupled with a beautiful setting makes for a very pleasant evening.

Gourmet Eo

02-3443-1970

To find the restaurant go to Cheongdam Intersection and make a right at Gucci, then make the next right.Alternatively walk along the road that's off the main road between Burger King and Smoothie King (near Designers Club). Go straight until you're at the last street before another main road. Turn left by a two story parking lot then you'll see the restaurant on the right side of that street.

Enjoy!

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Ant Village (Gaemee Maeul) in Seoul, South Korea

Today we ventured into Seoul to visit the "Ant Village" also known as Gaemee Maeul in Korean. The area got it's name from the hardworking traits of the residents. It is a small neighborhood on the side of a mountain. It is located in northern Seoul, in the Seoddaemun district and more specifically the area is called Hongje. It is a poor part of Seoul with many homes crumbling and collapsing from age. In August, 2010, a group of art students painted murals in the neighborhood to brighten up the area.

To get there take Subway Line 3 to Hongje Station and exit 2. As you exit, do a u-turn and walk until you see a KFC on the right. That is the bus stop where you will catch a number 7 green bus. This is a picture of the bus. It is very small to what we are used to. Looking at the bus map above, you will ride the bus until the stop all the way to the right, this is the top of the Ant Village. Get out and begin walking down the hill. You will see the "Ant Village" as you ride the bus up the hill and let me tell you, the hill is very, very steep.

Here are the pictures I took:

I thought the workgloves and batmitton racket made a wonderful picture.

We found quite a few people were growning pumpkins on their roofs.

More pumpkins growing on roofs.

You'll find a pagoda at the beginning of the street for you to rest.

Even found an outdoor gym.
We saw many open doors but please remember that these are private homes and please show respect when you visit the Ant Village. It was a wonderful experience!

I also took a little video:

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TheConstantCrafter.blogspot.com

and so it goes

full circle together 2010-2011

To the EPIK Class of August 2010, here we are, 365 days later...the pictures to remind us, the battle wounds to prove it and the inside jokes to keep us smiling. Thank-you for joining us at Eva's last night to watch the video that brings these memories to life. Although entirely cliche, lets 'cheers to the nights you'll never remember, with the friends you'll never forget!'

reclaiming youth

Hyunhee, June and I

I've been asked countless times over the last few weeks 'what will you miss the most?' 'what is the first thing that you are going to do/eat/buy in Toronto?' so I decided to dedicate a post to answer these questions.

kym + alex + jen + matt = family

womanlove, onelove

Leaving Korea, I am sorry to say goodbye to: subway fobs, #504, humpday hangouts, uh uh, my celebrity status, no tax, cheap taxis, Family Mart and underground cell service. Heading home I cannot wait to: taste barbecued corn on the cob, satisfy my sweet tooth (hello Smartfood, Fudgee-Os and sour patch kids), be invited to try clothes on, eavesdrop on conversations in public and dockside Coronas up north.

Haeundae Beach

My dear Busan family, I don't know what I expected but I didn't expect you, jackpot. Toronto, you hold my roots, can't wait to sprout some new ones with ya... I'm coming home.

I won't forget.

the hike

Total distance: 13km

Difficulty: difficult [the addition of a 12kg backpack]

Serene, gorgeous, and water flowing from the sky and ground.

Post doc: Science jobs from Myongji University, Yongin city, South Korea

Energy and Environment Fusion Technology Center (E2FTC) is currently seeking for three (3) high-achieving postdoctoral fellows in the following areas:

(1) Chemistry or chemical engineering; Chemical conversion of biomass into valuable compounds: Research will be focused on biomass conversion into valuable biofuels(HMF, and others) with chemical methods such as catalyst, ionic liquid, and other novel methods.
Qualifications

Qualified candidates should have a Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering, chemistry or other related fields.
Experiences on NMR, FTIR, LC, GC analysis are preferred.
A proven publication record is essential.
Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team and to guide and work with PhD student(s).
It is mandatory to carry out your own experimental works along with guiding graduate students.

(2) Synthetic biology: Research will be focused on microbial synthesis of biofuels and high-value chemicals from biomass.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates should have a Ph.D. degree in molecular biology, microbiology, fermentation engineering or other related fields.
Strong skill on molecular biology is desirable.
A proven publication record is essential.
Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team and to guide and work with PhD student(s).
It is mandatory to carry out your own experimental works along with guiding graduate students.

(3) Separation science and technology: Research will be focused on fabrication, characterization and testing of novel zeolite/inorganic membranes for biofuel/biochemical separation and purification.

Qualifications

To be considered, the candidate must have a Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, inorganic chemistry, nanotechnology and other related fields.
Experience in inorganic membrane preparation and handling various characterization equipment are essential.
Strong background in nanotechnology is highly desirable.
Experience in pervaporation for organic acids, alcohol/water separation is highly desirable.
Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, with strong publication record to various international Journals.
Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team.
Ability to guide and work with PhD student(s).
It is mandatory to carry out your own experimental works along with guiding graduate students.

Application Materials Required
Applicants are required to submit the following:
1) A cover letter (including contact information).
2) Curriculum vitae including lists of publications, research activities, and courses taught (If any).
3) At least two (2) PDF files of your best relevant publications.

E2FTC of Myongji University is funded by University Key Research Center Program managed by National Research Foundation of Korea for next 7 years with majors in marine biomass conversion, biofuels and biochemicals production, biochemical engineering, catalytic reaction engineering, polymeric membranes, inorganic membranes application related with a production of biofuels and biorefinery products.

Salary and Other Benefits
Postdoctoral position will be started immediately. The salary will be between 24,000,000 and 30,000,000 KRW/year depending on the candidates qualifications. Right now, the money exchange rate is 1, 063 KRW for one US dollar.

Additional information for postdoctoral positions
1) The appointment is for one (1) year and will be extended further up to two (2) based on the accomplishments.
2) We offer a competitive salary, which will be determined based on candidate’s qualifications.
3) The contract will cover a national medical insurance plan.
4) It is primarily a research postdoctoral position funded by the University Key Research Center program of Korean

Ministry of Education and Science
5) At least 2 accepted papers for one year would be preferred.
6) Dormitory housing or off campus housing is available.
7) One way of economy class airfare to Korea for relocation will be reimbursed.

Starting date:
The successful candidate will be requested to start by September 1, 2011.

Application Materials Required
Applicants are required to submit the following:
1) A cover letter (including contact information)
2) Curriculum vitae including lists of publications, research activities and at least contact information of 2 references.
3) At least two PDF files of your best relevant publications.

Application Procedure
Materials should be sent to Professor Wook-Jin Chung by August 15, 2011, either electronically or by post.

Professor Wook-Jin Chung
Director of Energy and Environment Fusion Technology Center (E2FTC)
Graduate program of Energy Science and Technology
Department of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology
Myongji University
San 38-2, Nam-dong, Cheoin-gu, Yongin
Gyeonggido, 449-728, Republic of Korea
E-mail: [email protected]

Inquiries by Chinese applicants, please contact Dr. Huaiwei Liu.
E-mail: [email protected]
Dr. Huaiwei Liu

Energy and Environment Fusion Technology Center (E2FTC),
Room 2564, Baekma Building, Myongji University,
Myongji-ro 116, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyoneggi-do, South Korea.

For other international applicants, please contact Dr. Grace M. Nisola.
Email: [email protected]

Successful candidates will be contacted by Professor Wook-Jin Chung and asked to provide additional information and materials, such as transcripts, degree certificates, recommendation letters and visa-related materials.

About Myongji University
With a diverse history spanning over sixty years, Myongji University founded in 1948 has evolved into a leading academic institution of higher learning, admirably living up to its founding spirit of ‘Love, Truth, and Service.’ Encompassed in a picturesque and natural setting, our vibrant and eminent faculty, cutting edge education and research, and our internationalized student body have played an essential role in bringing forth competent intellectuals.

Myongji University is comprised of two campuses. Our Seoul Campus is located minutes away from the economic, political, and cultural centers of Seoul’s metropolitan downtown. An hour drive away in Yongin, enshrouded in a beautiful and natural setting is our Yongin Campus. Our E2FTC research center and department are located in Yongin Campus.

Department of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology includes 11 Faculty members and 60 graduate students (Half of them are foreign graduate students). This department and E2FTC have lots of sophisticated equipments (fermentor, anaerobic gas chambers, gas permeation equipment, coating machine, perevaporation unit, FTIR, TGA, GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, Pilot fermenter, spinning process, GC, HPL, IC PCR and molcular biology related equipments).
We are expanding our graduate program of Energy Science and Technology which was opened on March1, 2010 with a cooperation of E2FTC and Environmental Engineering program.

In Professor Chung’s Lab, more than 7 international papers are being published in each year. We have 10 Ph D graduate students, 2 research professors, 4 postdoctoral research fellows, 6 private researchers. Right now, we are dealing with 3 membrane-related projects: Mixed matrix membrane for the recovery of butanol, liquid supported pervaporation membrane, ionic liquid supported membrane, Biomass pretreatment for butanol production, fermentation and production of butanol and butanol recovery. 1 metabolic engineering work to produce valuable compounds, 1 chemical conversion of hydrocarbons into HMF.

The paper list of year 2011 including paper manuscripts submitted;
1. “Polyurethane nanofibers containing copper nanoparticles as future materials” Applied Surface Science Vol.257 (2011), page.3020-3026,
2. “Disinfection Performances of Stored Acidic and Neutral Electrolyzed Waters Generated from Brine Solution” JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH PART A (2011) 46, 263-270 (SCI1.107),
3. “Partitioning of butanol and other fermentation broth components in phosphonium and ammonium-based ionic liquids and their toxicity to solventogenic clostridia” Separation and Purification Technology (2011) vol 78 164-174,
4.“Synthesis of MEL type zeolite with different kinds of morphology for the recovery of 1-butanol from aqueous solution” Desalination (2011) vol 275, 172-180,
5.“Carbon Dioxide and Methane Gas Permeations on Thermally Annealed and Chemically Cross-Linked Commercial Polyimide Hollow Fiber Membrane” Fibers and Polymers , (2011, accepted)
6. “Dimethyl Silane-Modified Silica in Polydimethylsiloxane as Gas Permeation Mixed Matrix Membrane” J. of Polymer Research (2011, accepted)
7. “Determination of mRNA expression of DMRT93B, vitellogenin, and cuticle 12 in Daphnia magna and their biomarker potential for endocrine disruption” Ecotoxicology (2011, accepted)
8. “Comparison of reactive porous media for sulfur-oxidizing denitrification of high nitrate strength wastewater ” Chemosphere (2011, submitted)
9..“Silver-incorporated polyether-block-ployamide copolymer for anti-microbial and biofouling resistant water filtration membrane” Biofouling (2011, submitted)
10..“Organosilane Modified Silica/Polydimethylsiloxane Mixed Matrix Membrane for Enhanced Propylene/Nitrogen Separation” Applied Surface Science (2011, submitted)
11.. “Towards antibiofouling membrane” JACS
12. Intermittent Trickling Bed Filter for the Removal of High Loadings of Methyl Ethyl Ketone and Methyl Isobutyl Ketone” BPBSE (2011, submitted)
13. “Development of a stable OA/POMS supported liquid membrane for the pervaporative recovery of n-butanol from model solutions” Chemical Engineering Journal (2011, submitted)
14. “High yield production of D-xylonic acid from D-xylose using engineered Escherichia coli“ Bioresource Technology (2011, submitted)
15. “Seasonal Characteristic of Water Quality in relation to LULC Composition in the Pal-dang Watershed, Korea” Landscape and Ecological Engineering (2011, submitted)
16. “Phosphorous pentoxide mediated synthesis of 5-HMF in ionic liquid at low temperature” Carbohydrate Research (2011, submitted)

Employer: Myongji University

Website: http://www.mju.ac.kr/ENG/etc/…

Location: Yongin city, South korea

Type: Postdoctoral

Posted: July 27, 2011

Expires: August 15, 2011

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high high

Honestly its almost impossible not to get bit by the Big Bang bug whilst living in Korea and I figured my journey here would not be complete without a KPOP concert to bring out the inner 14 year old. If you don't know who GDragon, T.O.P or Taeyang are, get on top of your shit and click here, here or here (you will thank me later, its infectious.)

The last check on my bucket list is now complete, I saw Tayang shake his sexy ass on stage, I was pretty close, and I screamed like a little girl. And it was amazing. To be honest, the set was a little bit underwhelming, lame theatrics (see red foam tank), it was only 40 minutes long (apparently most of thier shows are very short) and while they did play a couple of my favorite songs (and they actually sang, not lip synced) it no where near satisfied my need! T.O.P looked like he wanted to be anywhere but on stage (and was dressed like Where's Waldo heading to a hoe down, it was disappointing) but Taeyang was fabulous, he danced and sang his way right into my heart.

Wow, I have got to get out of this country, look what it has done to me.... critiquing a KPOP concert like anyone really gives a shit, god save my soul! Ten days and no looking back!

GD and T.O.P

Taeyang ♥

Your stylist really dropped the ball on this one...

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Ellie Teacher

onedayillflyaway.com

North Korea makes a deal with U.S. firm for Mt. Kumgang tours

North Korea has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a New York-based firm run by Korean American, Steve Park, according to Yonhap. The new MOU will allow the company to lead tours in Mount Kumgang, a well-known tourist attraction in North Korea. Yonhap also reports that North Korea is also seeking business partners in Japan and China.

Park, also known as Park Il-woo, has previously been engaged in business with North Korea as the president of Korea Pyongyang Trading U.S.A., which imports a brand of North Korean liquor.

South Korean company Hyundai Asan has previously been allowed to lead trips to Mt. Kumgang, but the tours were suspended in 2008 after a South Korean tourist was shot and killed by a North Korean soldier. Following the suspension, the North announced that it would seize Hyundai’s assets in the area.

[Photo: Yahoo]

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Koreanbeacon.com

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would it give you dusty-bum here?

In Utrecht, they’ve developed a ‘transit accelerator’ to reach rail stations. It would be faster, but even more, it would make the whole city more fun to travel in.At Pop-up City, they have a video of the accelerator in use.