It was a bit wet in Busan this past Saturday, but that didn’t stop almost a hundred teachers, presenters, and volunteers from converging on the Pusan University of Foreign Studies for a conference sponsored by the Busan chapter of KOTESOL.

Along with the presentations, there were also tables staffed by businesses of interest to English-teaching expats, including COSTCO, Oxford University Press, and of course your favorite 10 Magazine! Representing the magazine was Assistant Editor David Carruth. Also in attendance was Koreabridge.net webmaster Jeff Lebow, who gave David a chance to share a little bit about the magazine’s goals and activities. Their interview is posted on YouTube and Koreabridge.net.

See Koreabridge.net for more on the Busan KOTESOL conference.

You can also read an interview with Busan KOTESOL chapter president John Angus McCaull at our website.

If the teachers are teaching the students then who is teaching the teachers? KOTESOL, a non-profit association that is affiliated with TESOL International, is surely one of the leaders of professional development for English teachers in Korea.

When I heard the Busan Gyeongnam chapter of KOTESOL was about to host their first annual conference I wanted to know more. What better way to find out what all the buzz is about than to talk with the chapter president John Angus MacCaull, a Nova Scotia native who has taught in Korea for 4 years. He currently works at Dongguk University in Gyeongju.

Pete: First off, what is KOTESOL?

Angus: KOTESOL (Korea Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a professional non-profit organization with the goals of supporting members in self-development and improving ELT in Korea. It puts on a major international conference each year in Seoul in addition to putting out various publications and holding presentations, workshops and conferences in regional chapters around the country.

Pete: What type of things can I learn about at the summer conference?

Angus: There will be three categories of workshops or lectures: young learners, computer and multimedia learning, and teacher training. A full schedule is available online at www.kotesol.org. Click on “Busan Summer Conference” in the left-hand column under “Upcoming Events”.

Pete: I’ve been to other conferences where the lectures are full of theory. Will I be able to learn anything I can use in my classes?

Angus: It is true that some lectures are more theoretical but we also put an emphasis on getting speakers that will teach us practical skills and activities we can use in our classrooms (from elementary to university students and adults).

Pete: Sounds great! When and where will it be held?

Angus: The 26th of June from 12:30pm to 6pm at the Pusan University of Foreign Studies (PUFS). It’s very close to the Daeyeon metro station (#213) and the UN Memorial Park. There will be free shuttles from exit 5 of Daeyeon subway station at 11:30am and 12:00pm.

Pete: How much will it cost?

Angus: It’s free for members and 5,000 won for non-members. You can also register as a member on the day of the conference and get in free! If you want to become a KOTESOL member it is 40,000 won per year and includes various benefits like “The English Connection” magazine and discounts on conferences throughout Korea. For conference pre-registration email bgkotesol@gmail.com.

Pete: How has being a member of KOTESOL helped you personally and professionally?

Angus: KOTESOL has helped me tremendously. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people, picked up lots of practical teaching tips and come to understand ELT theory from people doing the work a lot better than myself. It’s also been great for getting connected with teachers in other parts of the country.

Pete: If someone can’t make the conference, is there another way they can get involved?

Angus: Absolutely! We usually meet on the third Saturday of the month at 2:30 p.m. at the ESS Language School in Nampo-dong. We usually have a presentation on some aspect of ELT followed by a discussion and some time to socialize or grab a bite to eat afterwards.

Pete: Do you have anything you would like to say to anyone thinking of going to the summer conference or to a monthly chapter meeting?

Angus: Come on over and sign up as a member. Seriously, as a teacher in Korea it’s the best investment you can make in your career in this country, whether you’re here for one year or ten.

Submitted by Peter DeMarco, an English teacher, writer, and photographer living in Busan. He has been a member of KOTESOL for 3 years. Email him at  sebucan2[at]gmail.com

Submit your own article to 10 at 10magazine.asia/i-blog

What is the Chalk Walk? The Chalk Walk is a fun, active event to raise money to honor and support great teachers. The goal of the Chalk Walk is to help the Seoul Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa provide support to future great teachers while honoring the dedicated teachers of past and present. By honoring great teachers, the Chalk Walk aims to elevate the status of the educational profession and unite communities in a common purpose.

WHEN: Saturday, June 5^th, 9 am – noon
WHERE: in front of Suji’s Restaurant in Itaewon
HOW MUCH: W28,000 suggested donation
CONTACT: drew_m_brandt@hotmail.com

빈말 [bin-mal] empty words
비다 [bi-da] is the infinitive verb meaning “to be empty.” (다 is the equivalent of “to” or “to be”).
Adding a ㄴ (“n” sound) after a vowel-ending adjective turns that adjective into a noun modifier.
말 is the noun for “talk” or “speak.”

So 빈말 is “empty language,” meaning you’re saying something you don’t really mean, you’re saying something that isn’t true, or you’re not going to keep your word.

빈말 아니예요. [bin-mal a-ni-ye-yo] –  I’m not kidding here. (I’m serious.)
빈말 하지마. [bin-mal ha-ji-ma] – Don’t say something you don’t mean.
(Don’t make promises you’re not going to keep.)

Check out Survival Korean and Survival Korean: Basic Grammar Skills for more Korean lessons from 10’s Managing Editor, Stephen Revere.

ATEK (The Association for Teachers of English in Korea), an all-volunteer support network with nearly 1,000 members, has recently responded to a request by the Prime Minister’s office to provide suggestions about how to improve the lives of expats in Korea through changes to immigration and labor policies.  Recommendations included creating a national electronic database of teachers’ academic and legal information, building a government-sponsored English website with pertinent legal information, and involving expat teachers in the creation of orientation materials for new teachers.
ATEK has also taken steps to reach out to the community by inviting Korean English teachers to join the association. Recently, the Busan Metropolitan Association recruited ATEK’s first Korean member, who is interested in acting as a mediator in labor disputes. Anyone who teaches English in Korea legally can become a voting member or hold elected office.
“Bringing Koreans into the association fosters a much stronger connection to the community,” said ATEK President Greg Dolezal. “Surely having more Koreans involved is an asset that will improve our inter-cultural awareness and promote greater harmony between employees. The language skills and knowledge of the culture they bring are a huge benefit.”
The association is actively seeking new volunteers to help with issues ranging from emergency needs to professional development.  To join, go to www.atek.or.kr/join.

Education & Conference   May 15th

The 2010 National Conference in Daegu continues KOTESOL’s tradition of quality teacher conferences beyond Seoul. Featuring globally-acclaimed author and young learner’s specialist Aleda Krause and TESOL training expert Steven Cornwell, the one-day event is targeted to teachers who seek practical solutions to classroom issues. Join over 200 fellow teachers in 30 sessions on teaching English, TESOL materials on display, and networking. EXCO in Daego. 10 am – 6 pm. Members W15,000, non-members W30,000, students W12,000. kotesol.org, 053-580-5938

Rosetta Stone Inc., a leading provider of technology-based language-learning solutions, announced that the company will enhance its award-winning Rosetta Stone® Version 3 solutions with the addition of Levels 4 and 5 in French, Italian, German and Spanish (Spain). These new levels include extended, more complex conversations and grammar, expanded vocabulary, and additional opportunities for speaking that prepare the learner for everyday interactions in their language of study. “We’re excited that Rosetta Stone learners can continue their language learning success with the addition of these new levels,” said Tom Adams, Rosetta Stone CEO. “The new content means that learners can go further in their quest to learn to speak a new language.” In addition to French, Italian, German and Spanish (Spain), Levels 4 and 5 are also available in Spanish (Latin America) and English.
rosettastone.co.kr

One drawback of living or traveling in Korea is the difficulty of finding books in English. Good bookstores are rare, and if you only know one or two, you are unlikely to find the range of books you would like. Many of us also enjoy browsing in used bookstores. Luckily, there ARE good English bookstores in Korea; you just have to know where and how to find them.

Bookstores come in three flavors. First there are the chains, relatively easy to find through web searches. Second are mid-sized stores catering primarily to English readers; these are a bit harder to find, but many expats know where they are. More difficult to find, but fun when you do, are the small used bookstores that dot traditional markets in Korean cities. These, you find at the expense of shoe leather.

Let’s take a look at these by category.

MAJOR CHAINS

Seoul

Books from the bestseller lists, books that have been or are about to be turned into major motion pictures, and classic literature are all available at any large chain including Kyobo, Youngpoong, or Bandi and Luni’s.  Look for sections called English, Foreign, or even 諼措檣 (“waegugin,” foreigner).  In Seoul there is a cluster of chains in the Jongno-gu area. Kyobo Book Centre, Korea’s largest bookstore, stocks about 2,300,000 books and on weekends draws over 120,000 customers. For a truly surreal/jam-packed experience, visit Kyobo or Youngpoong the day before Christmas or any other gift-giving occasion. If you frequent chains, get a membership card, which offers various benefits.

Other Cities

Daejeon boasts a Kyobo downtown and a Gyeryeong Books in Eunhaeng-dong. Gwangju has pretty slim pickings; there is only a Youngpoong and the Chungjang Bookstore.  Chungjang, described using the classic Korean direction-giving technique as “right by the Starbucks,” has some classics, bestsellers from a couple months ago, and books about Korea and the Korean language.  Busan has two Youngpoongs and one Kyobo, Daegu has two Youngpoongs and two Kyobos. Ulsan, Masan, Pohang and Gumi each have one Youngpoong. For more specific directions consult the Youngpoong and Kyobo websites.

MID-SIZED STORES

The Foreign Bookstore, Itaewon, Seoul

Independent bookstores dedicated to the English reader are rarer.  There are two excellent stores in Itaewon, What the Book and the Itaewon Foreign Bookstore. What the Book is in Itaewon but is happy to ship books to wherever you may be in Korea. It has a solid selection of new books, a range of used books, and a stellar magazine section. You can browse What the Book online, using its excellent website and search function. The Itaewon Foreign Bookstore is an old-fashioned used bookstore. It features row upon row of books on shelves, which slide to reveal more shelves behind. In both stores, used books are expensive. If you are going to buy something currently in print, it makes more sense to purchase it new.

North of the chain bookstores, across from Gyeongbokgung Palace, is Seoul Selection, a smallish store focused on Korea and Korean culture. It sells new and used books, DVDs, and music CDs as well as hosting literary events. Seoul Selection, also the publisher of Seoul Magazine, has wireless internet, seats and tables, and a computer for customer use. As lagniappe, the clerks give away a packet of postcards with book sales. Seoul Selection has an excellent website with a great search function.

In Daegu, the newly opened Buy the Book is a café that also sells used books. Buy the Book features international lunch, a clean spacious eating/reading space, and two walls covered in bookshelves of used books. Daegu Books is an online purveyor of used books, which has only been in business a short while, but has managed to build a stock of nearly 500 books.

Many smaller bookstores have selections of English books. If you walk in university neighborhoods you can find these. Start with large, reputable universities, universities known for art or literature, and then work your way to smaller, less well-known ones. Hongik University, in Seoul, for instance, is surrounded by a sprinkling of bookstores selling English books.

SMALLER SHOPS

For bibliophiles, part of the fun of buying a book is finding it. For this, you need to be a bit intrepid. Many medium and larger sized public markets have a row of bookshops with books tied together in stacks by colored ribbons. Most books are Korean, but English books can be found, and if you like the thrill of the chase, this is where to find it. In Seoul, to the right across the Cheonggyecheon Stream from Dongdaemun Gate, is a row of little bookstores. They may look a bit out of place amidst the fashion outlets, but many of them have books in English, and the Waegook Bookstore is completely dedicated to English books. In the Jung-Ang market in Daejeon, within easy walking distance of Daejeon’s KTX station, there are street-side bookstores with vast rooms full of books stored in the buildings behind them.

These semi-traditional markets are in every major city in Korea and worth an afternoon’s walk, as they often reveal unexpected treasures. And when you manage to find a small store with English books? Make friends with the owner, because if you are a repeat customer, they will start squirreling books away for you.

So get out there and get reading!

Top 10 Bookstore in Korea

1. What the Book Seoul – New books, used books, a brilliant ordering system and helpful staff that speak English well. Its website is in English and extremely easy to use. Itaewon St. (line 6, ex. 3), behind the Itaewon Fire Station and up the hill on the left. whatthebook.com
2. The Foreign Bookstore Seoul –Small, cramped, but stuffed with books, this is the place to go to find an array of used titles spanning science fiction, humor, and psychology. It also carries used magazines and some tapes. Noksapyeong St. (line 6, ex. 2), across the street
3. Seoul Selection Seoul – If your focus is on Korean literature or literature about Korea, this is your bookstore. B1 Korean Publishers Association B/D 105-2, Sagan-dong, Chongro-gu, Seoul. seoulselection.com, 02-734-9565
4. Kyobo Books – So many stores and so many books (and so little time)! kyobobook.co.kr, 10magazine.asia/2037/kyobo-bookstore-locations (The Kyobo website is entirely in Korean, but the 10 team has added a handy resource to its website to help you find the one nearest you. Don’t forget that you can buy 10 Magazine at any Kyobo.)
5. Youngpoong –Youngpoong has stores scattered throughout Korea and offers a more relaxed vibe than Kyobo.  ypbooks.co.kr (The store locator is at the bottom of the main page. It’s in Korean but is easy to navigate.)
6-7. Daegu Books and Buy the Book Daegu – These shops offer a new idea to book-shopping in Korea. Daegu Books will ship to anywhere in Korea for a small fee, and has rock-bottom prices on used books. Buy the Book has space, food and an artsy attitude to share.
Daegu Books: daegubooks.com
Buy the Book: 18-11 4th floor, Samdeok 1 ga-dong, Jung-gu.
buythebookcafe@yahoo.com, 010-8522-1833 on weekdays, 0708-632-1833 on weekends
8. Waegook Bookstore Seoul – Lots of used books, and other bookstores on both sides.
Stall 27 in Dongdaemun Market

9. Chungjang Bookstore Gwangju – Not the biggest or the best, but if you live in Jeolla, you don’t have a lot of options. Chungjang Seolim 35 Geumnamno 2 ga, Dong-gu (Near the Starbucks!) 062-227-1932
10. Yeongchang Bookstore Daejeon –  A bit tricky to find at the east side of Jungang Market. But it stands for ALL the small bookstores waiting for you to find them! 042-226-1096

Words by Aaron Allinson, Graduate of Yonsei University’s GSIS

AACSB-Accredited MBA Programs

To make the most of our time spent abroad, going back to school has become increasingly popular as all-English graduate programs expand here in Korea. For expats a business degree from a recognized university provides a way to beef up resumes before looking for a job back home and/or a springboard to other Asian destinations. There are now 6 MBA programs offered completely in English that are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and – just as importantly – available to foreigners living here.

Here are some basic tips before you apply:

1. Your choice of school will depend on scheduling, location and most importantly your area of study. Each program has its strengths and weaknesses and prospective students need to do their homework.

2. Many of the programs are flexible in their enrolment schedules, so it’s important to contact the schools as soon as you decide.

3. There are plenty of scholarships available for new students, so again, doing your homework and asking questions could pay off in actual cash savings.

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

For those living in Daejeon, KAIST offers an attractive alternative to weekend classes in Seoul with a full time Finance MBA. The two-year program offers specialty courses leading to a career in financial institutions, banking or economics. KAIST also offers a one-year MBA program specializing in Information and Media, positioning students for a career in the IT and telecommunication fields. With the program starting in early February, the application deadline is October 31st. Information on specific courses and application documents can be found on the KAIST website -

business.kaist.ac.kr/eng.

Korea University

Leading the way in English business education, Korea University has several programs to meet your academic needs. The Global MBA is a one-year program beginning in late August aimed at those with previous industry experience. The program has a core group of business disciplines and a wide range of electives. Online application deadlines are the end of October. For more information on the program, visit biz2.korea.ac.kr and look for the Global MBA program link.

KU also offers two- year MBA programs including a full time Korea MBA, Masters of Investment Business Administration and the S3 Asia MBA, which is offered in conjunction with Fudan University in China and the National University of Singapore. Each of these programs has specific requirements for admission.

Go to s3-asiamba.com for information on the S3 program.

Sejong-Syracuse University

Sejong University in Eastern Seoul offers a business degree in conjunction with Syracuse University. The SSMBA is a 2-year program with opportunities to join the program both before the September and the March semesters. Each semester consists of two 8-week courses two evenings a week and Saturdays, ideal for those with hectic work schedules. The program attracts students from over 25 countries and is taught by both Sejong and Syracuse professors. The key benefit of the program is its cost, which is significantly lower than other programs. There is an active student association which organizes a lecture series and special events. For more information contact Al Giacchini at a_giacchini@hotmail.com or visit sejong.ac.kr/eng/index.html.

Seoul National University

Seoul National University offers a one year Global MBA through its Graduate School of Business. The semester starts in mid-August, so registration should be planned for the previous June. The program targets business professionals with 2+ years of experience, focuses on traditional business disciplines and offers a wide range of optional courses. The application deadline for the program is early May. You can also contact them at http://gsb.snu.ac.kr/Eng/_academics/global_mba.aspx.

Sungkyunkwan University

Established as a venture with Samsung, the Sungkyunkwan Business Program has grown into one of the most respected programs in Korea. Sungkyunkwan is centrally located in Seoul in Daehangro, just north of Jongno. The SKK Global Business Program (GSB) offers an Executive MBA in conjunction with the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University. A one year full-time Global MBA and Finance MBA program are offered and run from August to the following December. The application deadline for the Global and Finance MBA programs is November 7th.

Contact them at gsb.skku.edu/2008_home/index.htm.

Yonsei University

Yonsei University in Shinchon also offers a Global MBA program through the Yonsei Business School. Both daytime and weekend MBA classes are offered in English. The daytime program takes one year to complete with most of the courses offered in the spring and fall. The weekend MBA offers the same courses but takes a few more months to finish. The application period ends October 22nd for the spring semester. Contact the staff online at

http://gsb.yonsei.ac.kr/gsb.

Non-accredited MBA Program

Solbridge

Also in Daejeon, the Solbridge International School of Business was established through Woosung University and attracts a large international student body. Solbridge offers full 4-year undergraduate and 2-year graduate business programs in English. Specialty areas include financial management, business strategy, marketing, information technology and entrepreneurship. Applications for the March semester are due December 31st of this year. www.solbridge.ac.kr.

Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) Programs

There are several GSIS programs in Seoul that offer business studies, economic development and financial disciplines. These programs are usually part of a wider range of specialties including trade, international relations, and area studies. Many of the universities also offer scholarship opportunities and exposure to an international student community.

Ajou University in Suwon has a similar focus in its academic programs. International trade, relations, development and business studies are all available as well as NGO and Korean Studies. The 1st round application deadline is November 30th with a 2nd round also available.

Check out the website at gsis.ajou.ac.kr.

Ehwa Woman’s University offers Masters, PhD programs and non-degree programs in international trade and investment and international business, as well as a joint degree program with George Washington University in the US. Visit the site at gsis.ewha.ac.kr. The deadline for fall 2010 admission is the first week of June.

Joongang University located in Hukseok-dong offers an International Studies Program that includes Global Business and Finance (GB&F) and Global Affairs and Trade (GA&T) study tracks. The application period for the spring semester extends into late November. Contact the university by email at gsis@cau.ac.kr or go to gsis.cau.ac.kr/academics/programs01.htm.

Korea University’s GSIS offers a two-year Masters degree and a one-year certificate program with a full complement of seminars, workshops and networking events. Students can gain a specialization in international commerce, e-commerce and finance. The application deadline for non-Koreans is December 14th. For more information, go to korea.edu/inter/inter_03_01.php.

Seoul National University also offers a GSIS Degree in International Business, with courses offered in International Cooperation and Area Studies. Check out the GSIS website for deadlines for Fall 2009 or Spring 2010 classes at gsis.snu.ac.kr.

Sogang Univ.

Sogang University, located near Sinchon, has an active and growing GSIS program. There is a large offering of scholarships available to foreign students. Areas of study include International Finance, International Relations, Trade, and East Asian Studies. Go to gsis.sogang.ac.kr for application information. The deadline for spring admission is November 6th.

Sookmyung University’s GSIS (in Sookmyung’s unique case the final S stands for Service, not Studies) Program has more of an international relations focus. Programs in NGO management and public relations are the two most common areas of study for international students. The application deadline for next spring is November. Forms can be downloaded from their website at sookmyung.ac.kr/~gsis/index.html.

The GSIS at Yonsei University has been growing since its first classes in 1987. It now encompasses degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, as well as dual degree and exchange programs. Business-related degrees include those in International Trade & Finance, International Management and International Cooperation. Applications are only available online at gsis.yonsei.ac.kr.

2009 February Health & Wellbeing

Words by Dr. Raimund Royer (enjaseng@jaseng.co.kr)

Today’s harsh competition and the accumulation of vast amounts of knowledge have forced human beings to become progressively more specialized. We now get to know more and more about fewer and fewer things. Specializing no doubt has its benefits when it comes to progress in a certain field, but at the same time it can become easier for one to lose a sense of the bigger picture.

As a doctor of Oriental medicine, this concept of the bigger picture plays a crucial role when treating patients. My hospital specializes in treating back pain, including all kinds of spinal ailments and joint problems. Lower back pain is one of the most common health issues in developed countries. The causes can be quite various and often no specific problem can be detected with modern diagnostic equipment like X-rays and MRIs, making it hard for modern medicine to pinpoint a direct link to the source of the pain.

Traditional Oriental medicine, however, takes a more holistic view of the body when seeking the source of such pain. We of course also look for direct sources of pain, such as traumatic injury, but this is just one of 10 different causes ascribed to back pain, some of which seemingly have little to do with the lower back itself. These include weak kidney function, excess phlegm or moisture, external pathogens like cold, heat, dryness or wind, as well as stagnated blood circulation. Pain is seen as a signal that there are some blockages in the flow of the energy or ’Qi’ through the meridians.

The symptoms vary depending on the cause of the back pain. When the source is a kidney deficiency, for instance, the pain is often accompanied by feeble urination, low energy level and annoying chronic pain in the whole lower back area, especially upon waking. Patients will also often have cold feet and knees or tingling sensations in the lower extremities during long standing periods. The patient experiences pain relief when the ailing area is pressed. In more severe cases, the patient may experience heat flushes in the face, chest palpitations or even tinnitus.

According to the variety of symptoms that come along with the back pain the treatment will also change substantially. Back pain due to a kidney deficiency needs a different combination of herbs than one caused by phlegm. Also different meridian points have to be selected for treatment with acupuncture needles. In the case of stagnated blood, circulation cupping is advised in order to remove the old “useless” blood from the aching area. If there is some misalignment in the structure of the vertebrae, Chuna therapy, a spinal manipulation technique, could be applied in order to re-align the vertebrae.

The intention of these different treatments is not to just suppress symptoms but to treat the underlying cause of the ailment. The concept of health in Oriental medicine seeks an adequate balance of Yin and Yang, the great dualistic forces that propel all matter in nature. Even in the case of some localized problems like low back pain, the body condition as a whole is always considered when performing treatment. As a result of this holistic approach, often some secondary symptoms are relieved to the surprise of the patient.

We are living in a world more and more governed by chains of specialized technocrats (that may include ourselves), but when it comes to the big picture, in almost any field, be it science, economy, human relations, environmental degradation or even individual health care, a holistic view and understanding is necessary for the objective we are all chasing during our lifetime – progress and wellbeing. This holistic view is not just needed for our personal physical and mental wellbeing, but is also a precious gift for those who are in charge of the wellbeing of our society and its engine, the world economy.

www.jaseng.co.kr

1577-0006