[2013.09.03] Korean fourtune tellers and stars / Soju and society

[Kyle Kim]

개강을 하였습니다.

복학해서 적응 되지도 않는 학교에 가서 또 씨름해야 합니다.. 생각만해도 끔찍하네요.

그럼에도 스터디는 계속됩니다..ㅋ

스터디 할 때마다 느끼는건데.. 한번쯤 질문에 대한 답 좀 생각해 와주셨으면 하는게..

말하려구 오는건데, 질문에 대해 잠 안온 적 없다, 그런 여행 가기 싫다, 이런식의 대답이 나오면.. 곤란해요 ㅜㅜ..

어떻게서든 말할 거리를 만드셨으면 하는 바램입니다.

그럼 모두들 홧팅 -!!

Korean fourtune tellers and stars

The fabled seers of the future and fortune have left an indelible impact on modern. So much so that one of the most anticipated films of 2012 is The Fortune Tellers (or Ghost Sweepers). It stars Kim Soo Ro, Lee Ji Hoon and Kang Yi Won. The film focuses on the "fact" that fortune tellers not only tell the future, but they can also chase away ghosts.

Daily, the influence is seen in the plethora of pleasant and prosaic fortune telling sites that run the gambit from jeomjip ( fortune teller residences with their ever present red and white flags) to saju cafes (a upscale modern twist to fortune telling venues) to a myriad of small street side tents to even individuals sitting with their mystical paraphernalia upon various avenues and alleyways.

The main services generally break down into, but not exclusive of each other, kwansang, songeum, gunghap, pungsu and saju palja. Kwangsang is the scrutinizing of one’s facial features, such as the size and shape of the nose or how the eyes are set and look. From this visual study, the fortune teller discerns the personality, as it is basically believed that your actions determine your face. Hence, reading the face correctly can reveal future actions (similar to physiognomy in the West). Songeum is the well known fortune teller trade of palm reading. Pungsu(better known by its Chinese counterpart, Feng-Shul) is the reading of landscapes and placement of things.

Gunghap is fortune telling for couples. If you want to marry someone whose family is quite traditional, they will consult such a seer to see if you are "compatible." If the answer is no, the relationship will be stormy, while a yes means it will be fruitful. Saju palja (also known as the 4 pillars) is where the future is figured out by the day, month, year and time of birth and how the stars are situated.

The act of looking at one’s saju, or fate, is the most popular kind of fortune telling. While the Miari district is home to professional jeomjip and older clients, it’s the areas of Sinchon, Ewha, Apgujeong and Myeondong that the younger folks flock to for their readings. One of the more famous of these fortune catering cafes is Sharp Tarot Café, and it is in such demand that one needs to make an advance reservation to get in. Kim Bou Seong, one of the more desired soothsayers there, had this to say, "Koreans and foreigners consult us on everything from getting married, moving, running for public office, starting a new job and romance. A fortune teller can predict positive and negative aspects of a person’s future. We have proven to be so accurate consistently that celebrities often are found here."

Members of 2NE1 and Girls’ Generation have been spotted at such establishments, so it wasn′t too much of a shock when Y-STAR had a segment a few years back where they had a fortune teller practice kwansang with photos of the striking girls. Some of his comments were, "Yoona′s eyes are shaped like those of a bird. She has a habit of finishing things she starts and it seems like she would be a good disciplinarian." On the "Ice Princess" Jessica, "She′s assured popularity with the boys due to her high nose ridge." And on the youngest member and ever so coquettishly cute Seohyun, “The charming fat underneath her eyes stand out as a symbol of sexiness." Later, Yoona agreed with the assessment and Seohyun simply replied "I’m not sexy."

On the guy side, respected seer Oh Wang Geum on Wide Entertainment News said of Big Bang′s G-Dragon, "Last year’s luck is maintaining its streak. He’s already met bad luck so it’s hard to tell what kind of trouble he′ll run into with the law." Last October, G-Dragon was caught smoking marijuana and had to go away for awhile for "self-discipline" (perhaps, he should connect with Yoona). Strange all this somewhat negative news for a person called G-Dragon during the year of the dragon.

Spring is the time of new beginnings and growth, so perhaps, it’s time to chance a visit to an easily approachable saju cafe and enjoy some refreshing cappuccino while catching a glimpse of what the stars are counseling.

QUESTIONS

1)      What do you think of Fortune Tellers? Why? Would you use the talents of one? Do you know of anyone who has used the services of one? Why are they popular now with the younger generation?

2)      Would you go to a Saju Café? Have you been to one? Some reasons for yes or no responses. What to do think of such coffee places? Why do you think someone came up with the idea of creating an upscale trending place to house fortune tellers?

3)      Have you been to a Fortune Teller’s home or consulted on in one of their tents? Just for the fun of it or curious or needing information. Did you or anyone you know consultant such an individual concerning an important decision like what university you should go to/would you do well on your entrance exam/business choice/job hunting?

4)      There are different “types” of fortune telling such as Kwangsang (facial features etc.), Songeum (palm reading), Pungsu (reading landscapes) and Gunghap (fortune telling for couples). Would you use any of these methods? Why that particular style.  Have your parents or their parents ever use any of these? If you were getting married, would you use the gunghap method to check out future spouse? How about even a boy/girl friend? Perhaps, a new house or grave site?

5)      Would you go see the film The Fortune Tellers (Ghost Sweepers)? Why? Do you enjoy such movies? Reason why yes/no (or so other choice).

6)      Do you believe in ghosts? Do you know anyone who does? Have you seen or experienced a ghost? Do you believe all Korean ghosts should look like they do in the movies? Many of the older children’s level schools in  have ghost stories attached to them. Did the school you went to as a child have a ghost story connected to it? What was the tale? Have you heard of such stories and was there one you liked and can share with the group?

7)      Are you superstitious? A little or a lot or somewhere in-between. Are you only superstitious with the feelings you develop on your own through habit i.e. if something goes wrong with your morning routine, you feel the rest of the day will not go well. What are some Korean superstitions that you have heard. What do you think about them? If you dream of a pig, dragon or poop, do you think it will be a lucky day…would you go out and buy a Lotto ticket? What do you think about the idea of “Luck.” Would you consult a fortune teller for a lucky number?

SOJU AND SOCIETY

 
It was recently reported in Forbes magazine that the iconic Korean drink soju was the "second most consumed spirit in the world." One could wonder, why?

Soju is a traditional Korean beverage created from distilled rice, though, at present, cheaper types of this drink are made from sweet potatoes. Though it looks similar to vodka, the Korean drink is much sweeter. Soju is traditionally consumed on its own, or as experts on drinking put it, neat. The drinking of this liquor is usually in the style of a quick one shot or quietly sipped from a small glass.

Getting the 소주 in

Now, on to answer why soju is one the world’s most popular spirit.

Soju mixes great with other alcohol, as it’s neutral flavor doesn’t overpower, but rather complements, the other’s flavor. This unusual property of the drink has been discovered and put into some outstanding cocktail and mixed drinks. In fact, soju has gone from the simple, inexpensive beverage found in sites like a local pojangmacha to being one of the hottest imbibing items found in the more formal restaurants, up-scale bars and nightclubs.

Within the current and hip soju drinking culture, one will find men and women alike gleefully indulging themselves in alluring soju concoctions. At one trendy nightclub in Hongdae, Yeong Su mentioned, " I like soju because it′s simple, clear with an alcohol level that suits my body...and it goes well with so many things." Yeong Su′s friend happily voiced, "What we and our friends really enjoy are the fruit and soju combinations...my favorite is the kiwi soju."

The beverage referred to is considered, at the moment, one of the most "in" drinks at many dance/party venues. It′s an alluring combo of 3 parts juice to 1 part soju with a healthy helping of smashed fruit (kiwi, apple, strawberry etc.) blended together or poured over ice. Soju can almost be exchanged with any other liquor to create a variety of sweet cocktails, as it was made for infusing. And, this amazing spirit has proved itself again with the rising fad of using other forms of beverages with it.

Pineapple Soju cocktail

One popular trend is cocktails made from a mix of one part soju, one part flavoring and one part "sparkly" (tonic water or lemon-lime soda). The most popular flavorings are lemon, plum, grape, apple and peach. And, for those who desire copious amounts of this form of soju cocktail, they can find, most commonly, in the Itaewon district the drink called the "soju ketttle" which is usually served in a partly cut-off plastic quart bottle.

The fastest growing (and tastiest) soju based drink is the innovative yogurt cocktail. This drink′s popularity is even spreading throughout Asia. It′s composed of, usually, soju, some flavor or liquid yogurt and clear “cider" (Korean term for a clear lemon-lime soda).

This yogurt soju cocktail goes well with the sometimes fiery aspects of Korean cuisine and, on its own, it′s a delectably smooth drink. It′s in demand in the finest clubs being served in beautiful glasses, but, also, it′s easily available at Korean markets and almost any local grocery store in easily transportable containers.

Steve Koons, a long time resident of Korea, had this to say about the soju experience, "I remember this great drink called "White Dog". It was one of those soju, yogurt and cider mixtures. It was really good...drinking soju with others is like a kind of bonding experience. It′s really incredible."

Traditional soju has evolved into a sophisticated and pleasantly pleasing alcohol that has become a universal ingredient enjoyed by everyone. Now is the time for you to try the new soju experience.
QUESTIONS:
 
 1) Do you like or dislike soju? Do you drink it a lot, a little or are you a "social drinker" (someone who drinks only out in public with other people)?
2) Have you been on a "soju date?" Tell something of the experience. If you wouldn't go on such a date, why? How would you describe a soju date and how is it different from other kinds of dates?
3) Have you tried any soju cocktails? What was your experience, did you like it or not like it? Why did you try it and do you drink other kinds of cocktails? Which ones and what are its appeal?
4) Drinking is considered a key part of the Korean culture...throughout its long history Koreans have been drinkers of the likes of soju. Why do you think Koreans love alcohol, especially soju?
5) Some believe that Korea has an alcoholism problem. Do agree or disagree? Give some reasons. Does Korea have a drinking problem and/or why have so many Korean become alcoholics?
6) At the university level, heavy drinking is common and sometimes it is a problem. Do you know of some drinking situations on some university campuses such as seniors forcing freshmen to drink?
7) In Korea, one can drink any time of the day and nearly everywhere. This is not true in all countries. Should there be stricter controls on drinking here like there is in England and America.
8) What are the benefits of drinking soju (or any alcohol)? What are some of the problems with the drinking of soju. Does drinking soju affect society or you personally?

[Layla Yeojin Nam]

1st/Layla/in~~~^^올리느라수고했어요 오빠!!준비해갈게요~~

[Kyle Kim]

ㅋㅋ낼봐용

[Kyle Kim]

2nd/kim/in

[Scott_1500]

3rd/Scott/in

[Kyle Kim]

내일뵙시다ㅎㅎㅎ

[STAFF♡]

준비하겠습니다^^

[Kyle Kim]

감사합니당

[Ms.Nobody]

4th/Scarlet/2주동안 못나갔네요 ㅠㅠ 내일은 꼭!

[Kyle Kim]

네 꼭!ㅋㅋ

[Suh Jung-Wook]

5th/Francis/In~~~~ ^^ 수고해.....

[Kyle Kim]

형님~~~~ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 든든하네요ㅋㅋㅋ

[Rachel♥]

6th/Rachel/참석합니당

[Kyle Kim]

고고~~

[Rachel♥]

근데 토픽 소주니까 우리 오늘은 소주 마시는거야?ㅋㅋㅋ

[Suh Jung-Wook]

Good Idea~~~!!ㅋㅋㅋ
Today is going to be Soju Day....ㅎㅎ

[Jisoo1130]

7th/Jisoo/ in

[Kyle Kim]

ㅋㅋ이따뵈요

[blair o]

8th/blair /오늘 처음으로 참석해도 되나요~ ?

[Kyle Kim]

네 환영합니다~

[UosStyle]

9th/ Chan Jin / 휴가랑 회식 떄문에 2주만에 참석합니다. 수고요

[flyer]

10th/sid/오랫만에 참석합니다.

[mcello]

11th/miya/첫참석입니다^^;

[leejamong]

축-구 ㅇㅑ구 농-구 ㅂㅐ구를 뮤_직_과 함.께 즐ㄱㅣㅅㅔ요.
K , U , C , U , 7 , 5 , 쩝꼽 (추_천_인1234)
회-원ㄱㅏ입ㅅㅣ 3000원ㅈㅣ급ㅁㅐ일 첫-충-전5% 추ㄱㅏㅈㅣ급.