Woosong University Celebrates its 60th Anniversary

This past year, Woosong University celebrated its 60th anniversary. Since the founding of its original small campus in 1955, the university has established its unique history and traditions and gone on to become a global leader in higher education. The University was recently designated "Higher Education Specialization University" by the Accreditation Board for Higher Education. In celebration, Woosong held a variety of events for its birthday. Among the festivities were the proclamation ceremony for Woosong’s 100-year goals, the 60th anniversary Sol Concert, and the festival of multicultural families.

With the proclamation ceremony of September 22nd, a two-day athletic event was held. After President John E. Endicott addressed the crowd to celebrate the 60th anniversary and pronounce the university’s 100-year goals, Woosong freshmen participated in fun sporting events right after releasing dozens of celebratory balloons from the stage. Wearing tee shirts emblazoned with the names of their respective departments, they ran eagerly in relay races, and played dodge ball, soccer, basketball and foot volleyball. These events were followed by a fierce tug-of-war. Onlookers screamed and jumped to cheer for their teams. The Railway Vehicle System Engineering and Beauty Design Departments won the overall championship. In second place came the Culinary Arts Department.

Nam Seong Hyun, a student of the Railway Vehicle System Engineering Department echoed the sentiments of classmates saying, "It was a joyful experience to play together with our classmates."

The 60th anniversary festival was held on September 24th and 25th. Expectations about the festival were high because popular singers were coming to perform. Apink and Seo In Guk visited Woosong University for the anniversary on the 24th. On the 25th, IU, ZE;A, Sweet Sorrow, Heo Gak, Vos, and the Kim Jang Hoon band took the stage to perform and celebrate. Additionally, the Woosong festival had various games and activities like a casino with blackjack for all ages, and food of all kinds and a variety of products were sold. The Department of Hotel and Tourism Management’s Food and Beverage club sold cocktails and food. The Department of Food Service Management opened the events by dropping water balloons from overhead, under the clear autumn sky.

Yoo Sol Jae of Eventino Club said, "I felt good because I could participate in this festival. It was good to experience being a casino dealer. The University festival was amazing to have set up so many booths; this was not like any high school festival. It was good to show off the characteristics of our department. I hope to participate in future festivals."

The Woosong festival entertainment began at 6 o’clock with a talent show and audition of students from 15 teams. The competitors got the chance to demonstrate the dance and song skills they had been polishing in the past weeks. The dance performance of Chinese students in Korea won the first prize. They received a fervent applause for their powerful performance. The Sol concert was held on 25th. President Endicott addressed the crowd to celebrate the 60th anniversary and Global 100 year goals. Huge crowds turned out to see the famous singers at Woosong.

The festival of multicultural families was held on the 1st of October. This is the 60th anniversary wedding festival for love and spirit of multicultural families. It meant that our traditional wedding ceremony and our uniqueness and cultural art was shared by 16 different couples.

The staff of the Woosong Herald would like to thank everyone who organized and participated in the celebrations. May we enjoy many more such festivals in the years to come.

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Staff writers  Yun Su-In and others.

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The Cafe as a Public Space

The countless cafes near Woosong University show that there is a huge demand for cafes. In recent years, cafes have become important public places that are integral to the lives of modern people. How many college students go to cafes and what are their reasons for going?

Nowadays, coffee is more popular than ever. Anyone who wants to can visit a coffee shop and coffee shops are public spaces where everyone with enough money to buy a cup of coffee is welcome. People visit coffee shops for many different reasons. Some go to study, others go to chat with their friends and some people just want a rest from their busy lives. Also, there are many different kinds of coffee shop these days.

Close to Woosong, there are a number of takeaway coffee shops. The majority of student coffee shop customers actually go to these takeaway coffee shops. Students like to buy coffee from these shops to stay awake during their long hours of study or job seeking. The problem for the coffee shops is that there are few student customers during the vacation times.

But the cafe has also transformed into a public space that the public’s diverse needs. What are the public needs that are met by all of these coffee shops?

I investigated the frequency and reasons people visit coffee shops. Please click the pie chart below.

89% of respondents (111 people) answered that they go to one or more coffee shops each month and 51% of respondents (64 people) reached said they visit a coffee shop twice or more each week. 65% of respondents (72 people) said that their main reason for visiting coffee shops was to chat with friends. Only 22% of respondents (24 people) answered that they visit coffee shops to drink coffee.

In the end, the key for coffee shops to stay in business is to understand and meet the needs of their customers.

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Staff writer (Alicia) Yun Yeo-hui.

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Do Not Give Up on Yourself

Advice from Woosong University’s Honorary President, Woo Nam Gyoon

President Woo is the person who led the economic development of Korea for 36 years, starting his career at Keumyoung Company (LG group) in 1974. He assumed the honorary presidency of Woosong in 2012 and he is now working hard to raise WSU students as competitive global talents.

Q: Why did you choose to work at WSU as the honorary president?

A: I feel like I was meant to come to WSU. I enjoy taking on challenges, overcoming difficulties, and achieving success. The history of Korean electronic products resembles WSU’s history. Now the products of LG Electronics are evaluated as number 1 or number 2 worldwide. But when I was trying to sell LG products back in 1974, nobody recognized LG. We had to promote our products in front of 400-500 dealers to get orders. It was a very difficult time to get through but if we didn’t go through that time, Koreans wouldn’t be leading the world’s electronics industry now.

Referring to past examples, WSU can also make huge improvements. LG Electronics’ annual sales were less than $30,000,000 thirty years ago, but now it has grown to 2000 times that of before. Likewise, WSU can position itself as the university focusing on the Asian perspective. WSU is way more passionate compare to the other universities showing their vision, strategy, and most importantly, the power to implement their vision. Other students take 11 weeks of rest during winter vacation, but WSU students keep studying on those cold winter days. That passion and commitment will make the dream come true.

Q: What is your plan to lead Woosong students?

A: As time passes, the birth rate in Korea will go down and universities will face difficulties in operating because of the decreasing number of students. To prevent the problem, WSU is adding various specializations in order to position itself distinctively. In an effort to train global talents, WSU affiliated itself with Solbridge and other universities, and it also offers various overseas training programs. In addition, I want to create partnerships with companies and position WSU students as prepared, customized talents. WSU and the company CJ Foodville formed a class as part of this project. Students study what you will learn at the first year of working at CJ during the 2nd semester of the 3rd year of their BBA. It reduces the company’s efforts and also increases competency of the students. We invited the CEO and Marketing Manager of CJ Foodville to teach students. “Specialization, Globalization, and Partnership” will be the direction for the future of WSU.

Q: Would you please give us recommendations about the essential activities that we must do in our university life?

A: “Get out of the dream; find the way to get into the real world.” You must be awake to face reality. Fantasy and reality are totally different from each other. The bridge to connect the dream world and the real world, I think, is vision. The key to realize your vision is to implement it. Even if you have a good vision, without implementing it, it doesn’t mean anything. Thus success equals vision plus implementation. (Success = Vision + Implementation). Student should utilize their university years to convert their dreams to visions, and learn the basics to implement the vision. Never give up on your dreams. It all begins from the dream.

Q: Lastly please give some advice to new Woosong students.

A: “You should suffer when you are young. And when you get older, you should share your experience of hardships to the young people.”

In fact if you were not born to rich parents, it’s not very convenient. But you cannot be disqualified for that condition in life. I personally think that I was lucky to be born into a not-that-rich family. I also was raised by normal parents and went to university by myself. If I had not gone through that time, I wouldn’t have challenged the difficult tasks like I did at that time. If you haven’t faced difficulties in your life, you will never know the depth of your life.

“Never give up on yourself.”

Students who gave up themselves are the most pitiable ones. You don’t need to get a high GPA. If you learn how to try your best all the time, that will be a big asset to you. Nobody can beat the person who prepares and makes an effort. If you stick to what you want to achieve and try your best, you can succeed. I hope our young students realize how precious they are and never give up on their lives.

“Speaking a foreign language is essential.”

In the future you should speak one other foreign language even if you only open a small retail store. When you are communicating with people from other cultures, there is no better way than showing good manners by using their language and understanding their feelings. Confucius says, “Isn’t it a pleasure to study, and to practice what you have learned?” I am also still studying foreign languages. I hope Woosong students will make a consistent habit of studying foreign languages.

Q: Can you tell us about your dreams?

A: My dream is to teach Woosong students well and make them competitive with the students at the universities in Seoul. Woosong students can do it. I think I can surely realize my dream because I had sold TVs, which is a more difficult task than this!

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Staff writers Han Byung Jun and Park JaeSeul.

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Woosong’s Gyms for Woosongers’ Health

There are three gyms at Woosong University- the East campus, West campus and Solbridge.

However, Sol Sporex in Solbridge is considered the best gym at Woosong. Their motto is “We are doing together to care for our city's well-being life”. They provide many Daejeonites- and students an opportunity to a break from their busy lives and re-energize. Sol Sporex offers many facilities and fitness programs: a swimming pool, fitness center, sauna and group exercise- including yoga and aerobics. These programs are very popular among gym members. But if you don’t feel like exercising, the sauna, one of the more popular amenities at the gym, may work for you.

Sol Sporex has many specialists on hand to assist members with all its different programs. And if you have never worked out in your life, no problem- everyone has to start somewhere. “When I was young, my body was very weak and thin. But I did exercise; my body changed, I got healthier and gained confidence,” said Seung Hun Ryu, a Sol Sporex trainer. “So I work to help those who have had the same worries as I did.”

Some might consider other fitness clubs around Daejeon, but Woosong students find comfort in working out close to home. “I think the swimming pool is very good because it’s always clean with natural sunlight,” said an anonymous Woosong Freshman. “They have all different kinds of exercise equipment but not enough for all muscle-parts. One suggestion: “I know that Sports and Fitness management department students intern here. I hope they can be more kind to people who come to Sol Sporex for the first time.”

Sol Sporex's service hours vary each day.

On weekdays and Saturday, open 6 A.M. - 10 P.M. On Sunday and national holidays, open 6 A.M. - 7 P.M. And they are closed every 2nd and 4th Monday each month. For more information visit www.solsporex.co.kr

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Staff writers Park Hui Je and Han Ki Tae.

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LEO Club: Leadership Experience Opportunity

Do you know LEO? The LEO club here at Woosong is just one chapter in the world’s largest volunteer organization, Lions Club International. It is a service club with a mission to grow the local volunteer spirit and train upcoming generations in the ways of service leadership.

You might not know it, but LEO has existed at Woosong for several years, and it is operated by Jeong DeokJin, professor in the computer and information systems department.

“The club does many things, says Professor Jeong, “like volunteer at a facility for physically-challenged people, distribute free food to homeless people, clean up Woosoog University campus, and feed wild animals in the winter.”

“We also do friendly exchange activities with Lions,” Jeong DeokJin added.

When club members do activities of exchange with Lions, students get an advantage. The immediate advantage is the support of Lions, both material and mental. Long-term advantages that LEO members get include having their eyes widened to a greater world view, getting a recommendation for a job from other Lions club members, and finally they can get a scholarship.

Now and in the future, LEO club hopes to serve local residents by participating in activities of exchange between club members, both domestic and foreign.

To sum up his interview, Jeong DeokJin wanted to recommend the advantage of LEO club to freshmen. “The advantage is to grow in character and contribute to society through volunteering.”

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Staff writers Kim DaeJun and Kim AhReum.

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2012 Daejeon International Food & Wine Festival

The 2012 Daejeon International Food & Wine Festival, “A New World of Taste and Style”, was held from Oct 12th to the 15th at Kotrex (Kotra Exhibition Center, Daejeon). This is the first time this event has been held in Daejeon as a local festival. A number of Wine companies swarming from all over the world competed to introduce their goods at the exhibition hall. There were 52 exhibitors from wineries, companies, and associations coming from 18 countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, and South Korea. This festival provided various programs like exhibitions, experiences, events, and performances. The exhibit halls were focused on different topics such as, 'Traditional Alcohol and Korean Food' & 'Wine and Food', and 'Food and Wine Academic Seminar'. Visitors had the opportunity to make a special personal wine, and experience wine beauty and wine art. There were also performances by Paul Potts and Kamwosung! The event was well organized.

There were a wide range of wines encompassing flavors and styles from the East and the West. In order to enter this exhibition, we had to show identification to check that we are old enough to buy alcohol. After buying a wine glass, visitors could get a sample and experience the color, smell, and taste of the different wines. The age of the main group of visitors was from forty to fifty years old. Unexpectedly, many of the visitors were younger at this festival. One visitor stated, “I usually have an interest in wine. I like the smell of it. So I used to visit the event in Seoul, but it’s so far to come and go from my home in Daejeon. I wish events like this one can be held more often in Daejeon.”

There were also well-matched foods with the wines. It was enjoyable to get to see the foods of various countries. Foods made by students of the culinary department at Woosong University were also exhibited in main hall. Ms. Han, who was in charge of the booth, stated, “We had some difficulty in decorating the food to prepare this festival for a week. But after finishing the preparation, I feel really great about having completed this job successfully. I hope many people can enjoy our pieces in here.”

In the 'Traditional Alcohol and Korean Food' exhibit hall, there were many replicas of foods from all over the world and the traditional Korean alcohol which made from gelatin. Some of audience members said, "The decoration is very pretty", but others said "It's not good." Some of the booths showed how to make traditional Korean alcohol and others sold some alcohols, and some showed cities which set up a sisterhood relationship with Daejeon. Several of the volunteers gave prizes to people who guessed the correct answers to questions. I interviewed one of audience who received a prize. She said that she is getting 'KKotbbang(Chinese food)' so she is very happy because she doesn’t enjoy wine. But she came to this festival because this is the first time this festival has been held in Daejeon. She says she will come to other festivals like this if they will be held in Daejeon.

At the exhibit hall, 'Wine and Food', people were selling or showing their wines. There were an especially large number of people and wines in this hall. There were many foreign companies but also some Korean companies. The Japanese companies showed various 'Sake' products to the audience. But they didn’t sell their products because they use a dealer to sell their wines.

On Saturday, October 13th, a volunteer at the festival gave us an interview. Here is some of what he said:

-Why did you apply for this festival as a volunteer who is not paid by the festival’s operating committee?

“I have two sons who are studying at a university and I work for an international commercial company. I do not have a routine schedule in daily life. My hobby is to travel to the world’s popular tourist attractions. I was traveling from the English-speaking world, where I can learn some daily English-speaking skills, and […] I saw this festival’s advertisement which was seeking volunteers, I applied for this.”

-Good answer, then, how many people are going to the festival? According to my observations, it is very crowded during the busy hours.

“Umm… I thought it is so crowded with tourists, but minors can’t taste some wines and alcoholic drinks[…]. Alcoholic tasting is approved when you hold a wine glass, but if you want to get this, you must confirm your adult identification.”

-Anything else you would like to add?

“In this opportunity, I could service in English that were included the translation and English-talking. It is good experience for me and I hope this festival finishes with great success.”

The festival gave us a taste of various country’s cultures and wines from around the world. The festival is finished, but from now on we hope Daejeon will hold a lot of festivals like this one and invigorate people to try new wines and foods.

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Staff writers Lee In Seong, Haung Ha Na, Park  Hyung Jun, and Park Hee Jea.

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How to Enjoy a Baseball Game

Do you like baseball? After Korean Baseball League's opening game in April, lots of baseball fans are heading for baseball stadiums. If you have time, visit the Hanbat Baseball Stadium and see a Hanhwa Eagles game. I'll tell you how to enjoy a baseball game.

Step 1. Enjoy with your friends or family.

Usually, you go to a baseball game with friends or family. You probably wouldn't go by yourself or with strangers to a game that you're not interested in. It is always best to enjoy the time you're spending with your friends or family.

Step 2. Stroll around the baseball stadium.

Baseball stadiums often have plenty of exhibitions. Hanbat Baseball Stadium has a team history exhibition which can provide you with the opportunity to learn about the Hanhwa Eagles club's past. This can turn out to be so interesting and instructive that you might even warm to the game considerably more.

If you come to the stadium with a bit of extra money on you, explore the shopping options. There are a variety of team T-shirts, caps, or game programs. Baseball clubs will have a greater variety of stores to explore, with a wide selection of team-branded apparel to purchase.

Step 3. Eat!

There are a variety of food and drink choices, including hot dogs, beer, peanuts, and snacks. Nowadays, it's not unusual for a stadium to offer things ranging from chicken to beer. Eating at a stadium can be quite enjoyable.

Step 4. Enjoy the atmosphere.

If you are outside on a nice day, you feel so good. The Hanbat Baseball Stadium has a nice scenic view of Mt. Bomun. It's a much better option than sitting home in bed. So enjoy the feeling of excitement among a crowd in a stadium.

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Staff writer Park Se Il is currently a Woosong University student majoring in English.

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A Clean Campus:The Face of Woosong

As I walk around the Woosong campus as of late, I have found that the litter on the street is disgusting, unpleasant to look at and, what’s more, smells terrible. The situation on campus is a little better (given the endeavors of the Sol Police), but not by much. On the other hand, all kinds of dirty things like cigarettes, spit, and even vomit litter the streets surrounding campus. In particular, student residential areas are being blighted by trash and stink. On the threshold of summer, I am seriously concerned about the horrendous smell of hot trash that can only become worse than it is now.

The area around Jayang-dong is, strictly speaking, not a part of the Woosong campus. To consider Jayang-dong a community separate from Woosong is difficult, however, because college facilities, dorms, and apartments where students reside dominate the neighborhood. It would, in fact, be ridiculous to consider Jayang-dong as anything other than a part of the Woosong community.

Knowing that, how will the image of Woosong University not suffer if the surrounding areas are unkempt and dirty? There is a man, for instance, who cleans up around my apartment every day. He always says the same thing while performing his duties; “What on Earth do students learn from the University…and [sic] what is the use of studying in a University if you don’t have a conscience”? He has a point. It is shameful for college students, who are supposed to be educated people, to conduct themselves in such a disrespectful and thoughtless manner.

For the image of students and Woosong University, as well as for the residents of Jayang-dong, community pollution is a real and serious issue. When I first arrived in Jayang-dong, I asked one of my friends whom already lived alone here about the procedure for dealing with food waste. Her answer was ridiculous. “Just put it in a plastic bag and throw it out of window.” The idea that somebody would dispose of trash in that fashion is, in my opinion, irresponsible and inconsiderate. We need to take care of our campus, living space, and community.

Dirty streets can also be dangerous, especially for kids. Every alley in Jayang-dong is a playground for little children. There are too many dangerous things littering the streets like sharp pieces of glass, broken bottles, cigarette butts, and human waste. What do you think local children learn from watching college students throwing garbage everywhere and spitting on the street?

Every year, Woosong University makes a considerable effort to ameliorate its reputation as an institute of higher learning in both local and international realms of consideration. For Woosong to become noted as a quality university, the academic performance of its students and condition of its facilities need to be stellar. Therefore, it is the students’ responsibility to be diligent not only in their studies but also, and perhaps more importantly, in their public conduct. Such an advanced consciousness is based on cherishing and respecting the reputation and image of our university.

Woosong’s campus and the area surrounding it are the face of Woosong University. As students, it is our duty to keep it clean and try to improve it whenever and wherever we can. In so doing, we will not only fulfill our civic responsibility as members of the community, but also (and more importantly) contribute to the success, accreditation, and image of the school from which we will graduate.

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Staff writer Lee Kyung Min is currently a Woosong University student majoring in English.

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The Lady with the Lamp Lights up Woosong University

On 31th of May 2012, the 2nd Florence Nightingale Pledge ceremony was held in Solbridge for incoming undergraduate students, in Woosong’s nursing department.

The Nightingale Ceremony, named after nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, embodies Nightingale’s noble spirit, respect for life and her love of humanity.

To acknowledge this special occasion the following dignitaries attended the ceremony: President John Endicott, Seongkyung kim (chairman of Woosong Foundation) Kang-Yi lee (the chair of Daejon nurses Association), Rchard T. Knowlton (Deputy commander for nursing at 121St Combat support Hospital) and Dr. Sharon Boni (Dean, School of Nursing and Allied Health Administration) at Fairmont State University (Uni.). In addition, many honorable guests attended to demonstrate their support for the nursing students. Notably, Dr. Sharon Boni, who signed an MOU between Woosong University and Fairmont State University, delivered a congratulatory speech.

“I believe all of you will become special and prominent medical professionals. We are provided the opportunity to make a difference, maybe more than any other profession. I’m looking forward to working and cooperating with Woosong University to provide all kinds of opportunities for these wonderful students” (Dr.Sharon Boni)

For one of the special performances, each student walked onto the stage with a candle, ignited the light and wore the badge which was led by the nursing professors. The candle light performance symbolizes Nightingale as the lady with the lamp. She was known as this because she used carry a lamp with her to the darkest corners of military wards to tend to the injured soldiers. Nightingale not only cared for each patient individually but she lived for them.

After that, along with Sunhee Kwon, 47 junior students recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, dedicating themselves to the nursing profession and declaring their commitment to patient care.

“As the descendant of Nightingale's vision who revolutionized modern nursing, I decided to be a person who tries hard to provide with people equal medical opportunities and shine the light for health promotion”(Sunhee Kwon, 21)

At the end of ceremony, freshmen and sophomore students gave an impressive stage performance by singing touching songs to celebrate the day. And herald the spirit of nightingale that will live on through the work of these students.

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Staff writer Shin Hye Kyung is currently a Woosong University student majoring in Nursing Science.

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4th Annual Together Day Festival

On a beautiful, sunny day-- May 5^th, 2012, from 11AM to 5PM, there was an international event called the “4th Together Day Festival,” which took place at Daejeon’s Expo Park. The purpose of this event was to bring together local citizens and foreigners.

There were a number of booths for each of the countries. Each booth provided amusing and creative activities for visitors. In the Korean booth, people could try pounding rice cake dough with a traditional giant hammer-like tool. In the USA booth, there were many beautiful pictures that portrayed nature in the United States, which were quite different from that of Korean ones. In the Indonesian booth, we could play the angklung, a traditional musical instrument made out of bamboo.

In addition, there were many varieties of foods that could make anybody salivate. A desire to eat some international delicacies such as Turkish ice cream, lamb chops, French crepes, Vietnamese coconut, or even spicy ttokbokki, was easily served at this event. The most popular food was bratwurst from the Germany booth. There was a very long line, not only due to the price being cheap (only 3,000KRW), but the taste of well-roasted sausage covered with mustard, was just beyond expectation! Yum!

Furthermore, you could also make a free phone call to your family and send them postcards-- as many as you wanted. This service was offered by the Daejeon Municipal Government to facilitate foreigners who wanted to share news with their friends and family.

The official event started when the Governor of Daejeon, Hong Cherl Yum, gave a special award, which was called the “Daejeon City Government Award,” for foreigner and local citizens who lived in and dedicated their life to Daejeon. One of the awardees was one of Woosong’s family members, Mr. Ony Avrianto Jamhari, International Relations Regional Manager at the Global Center, Woosong Educational Foundation. He was conferred the “Outstanding Foreigner in Daejeon” award.

Following the award-granting, the event program continued with a fashion show, a K-Pop performance, and flower dancing (inspired by the movement of blossom flowers).

The main event was a performance competition between the representatives of the different countries. Some countries performed traditional dancing, while others performed singing or modern art related performances. The competition was really intense because all performing groups were doing really well. In the end, India came in as the first place winner, followed by China and Mongolia.

Last but not least, the most awaited things were the door prizes. The first winner got the big prize: 5 airplane tickets to Jeju Island. Other prizes included bicycles, 5 kilogram bags of rice, and boxes of instant noodles. I was lucky enough to win one of the door prizes, but it was just two dozen rolls of toilet paper.

It was a fun time with Daejeon citizens and fellow foreigners. I hope there will be another event like this soon.

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Staff writer Alexandra Hana is currently a SolBridge University student majoring in Accounting.

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International Gathering of Chefs in Daejeon

The World Association of Chefs Societies’ (WACS) Biannual Congress in May put Daejeon on the international stage this year by bringing chefs, future chefs, and the public together to experience cooking as both an art and a science. The event also gave Korean culinary students a chance to showcase their national cuisine to visitors from over 20 countries.

WACS Vice President Hilmar Jonsson described WACS as an “excellent opportunity to promote Korean cuisine.” He also admitted that Korean food was “too spicy for me.”

Woosong student Son Jung-min, who visited WACS, said the event was a great opportunity for everyone. “I saw a variety of food and cuisine,” he said, “I also met Woosong University students who are working at WACS as volunteer translators.”

Visitors had the opportunity to sample and try cooking traditional foods from twelve countries and to get expert tips from star chefs. Visitors were treated to cultural programs, including folk music from around the world, Samulnori, magic shows, and juggling chefs. An event at this year’s WACS also entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the most chefs in uniform in one place- 2,012 people participated.

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Staff writers Jung SeungHwan and Park SeIl are currently Woosong University students majoring in English.

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Restaurant Review: IL Mare

Let me introduce an Italian restaurant named Il Mare. It’s located behind Time bookstore in Dunsan-dong. The food there is delicious, the interior is modern and tidy, and the servers, including all the staff of the restaurant, are very nice.

When I went to the restaurant the first time, there were too many people, because my guest and I were there on the weekend. So we had to wait to be seated, but the line alone proved this restaurant had great food and service. On my second time to go to the restaurant, my guest and I went to the restaurant on a weekday, so we didn’t have to wait to eat our meal.

When you get into the restaurant, the first thing you can see is the restaurant’s principle:

“At Il Mare…
we use the freshest vegetables, fruits and ingredients;
we use natural seasoning;
we don’t use instant products;
we always cook food right after we get an order;
we never use leftovers.”

Here, the special order is named” Il Mare Sea.” It consists of two soups, one salad, a crawfish dish and your choice of one type of pasta from the menu. At first, I thought it seemed expensive, but actually it was not too expensive for the value. We took in the delicious food, great service, as well as the romantic atmosphere. And we saw an option.

Only two people can order the entire course menu. It costs 58,000 won. We passed the counter and got a table inside. Several tables were filled with people who seem like businessmen. The good atmosphere and nice service made us satisfied even though we didn’t eat many of the dishes.

We looked through the menu, and then we ordered a set menu which consisted of one plate of salad, two beverages, one pizza and two pastas. We chose lemonade, blueberry-ade, margherita pizza and spaghetti alglio olio and alla vongole. Both of them were olive oil spaghetti dishes. Alglio olio, which I ate, is cooked with baked garlic and olive oil; while alla vongole is cooked with white wine and some short-neck clams.

As soon as the waiter took the order, we were served some pieces of bread with a sauce. The bread was slightly warm and the sauce was fresh. I thought that eating the bread would make me less hungry for eating the main dishes, but when the two spaghettis and margherita pizza came out, they were so delicious that I had no trouble finishing the entire meal.

After we ate the food, we ordered coffee for dessert. It was too hard to drink the cup of coffee because I was full, so we slowly finished the dessert. Although my dinner guest and I ate pastas this time, next time we will eat one of the steaks, which is another of the restaurant’s specialties. After our positive experience, I am eager to dine at this restaurant again soon.

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Staff writer Jung JaeHyun is currently a Woosong University student majoring in English.

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Woosong Culinary Takes Top Awards in World Chef’s Competition

Woosong culinary students won 27 medals at a major international culinary competition held in Daejeon in May. The awards included one gold medal won by third year university student Lim Jae Hoon, and 13 silver and 13 bronze medals won by 20 university and college students collectively. The competition was part of the World Association of Chefs Societies’ (WACS) Biannual Congress, which has an 82-year history. In addition to the awards, the five-day event gave Woosong students the opportunity to meet and share ideas with professional chefs and other culinary students from over a dozen countries and all over Korea.

Woosong students began training for the contest well in advance. “I was in a club to prepare for the competition for five months,” silver medal winner Kim Jina (21) said. Kim and some other students admitted that they did not exactly volunteer for the extra work on their schedules. “I was forced by my professor,” said Kim. However, she appreciates the effort and resources Woosong put into her training. “I didn’t regret joining at all,” she said, “All the fresh materials that I needed were already prepared and enough to use.”

Some students did not receive the same kind of support that Kim did when preparing for the competition. Gold medal winner Lim Jae Hoon said that after working at SolBan each day, he would practice at home with materials and tools he bought himself. Likewise, graduate student Lim Hyeon Woo (26), who won silver and bronze medals, said that getting ready for WACS was very expensive. “I even had to travel to another city to buy materials,” he said.

According to Lim, he owes his success, in no small part, to the people in his life who helped him in many ways. Lim said that the manager of the restaurant where he works let him use the kitchen to practice, his colleagues assisted in the kitchen, and his parents lent him the money to buy the tools and materials he needed.

Lim was not the only one to get a little help from his friends. Lee Geon Huae, a double silver medal winner, confesses to stacking the deck in his favor with a little interior decorating advice. “Actually, my girlfriend’s major is design and she designed the wallpaper,” he said, “I heard from someone that I got extra points for the wallpaper.”

Many of the students who won medals have mixed feelings about their experience at WACS. Silver medal winner Lee Mijin (21) said that the event left her feeling “empty.” “WACS made me feel that I have to prepare for other competitions.”

Joo Miran (21) summed up her silver medal win as “the result of a lot of hard work.”

Sin Joon Cheol, who also won bronze, described the competition as exhausting. “You had to divide your strength day by day strategically,” he said. “Actually we couldn’t sleep for five days.”

Kim Jina said, “I was embarrassed…approximately two hours before starting the competition, the cuisine that I was supposed to make had been changed all of a sudden. So I messed up.”

On the other hand, most students agreed that their medal announcement was a strong emotional experience. “I felt like on cloud 9, and lots of my friends texted me to celebrate,” said Lee Mijin. “It was like a dream,” said Joo Miran. “I didn’t even think that I’d get a bronze, but I made more than bronze.” Lim Hyeon Woo said that after winning his medals he mostly felt really grateful to his parents for their monetary support.

Students also said that, in the end, they were glad they had participated. “Preparing for this competition was pretty hard,” said Kim Jina, “but looking back on it, I learned a lot, and my cooking skill is much improved.”

Lee Geon Huae said, “As an international competition, the awards could be advantageous to me for getting jobs and promotions.”

“The purpose of the competition was not the medals,” said Sin JoonCheol, “but the experience is really important. I felt it was hard work, but I got many things from it. When I make my resume I will be proud of myself that I got a good score in an international competition.”

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Staff writers Jung Seunghwan and Park Seil are currently  Woosong University students majoring in English.

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SolBridge Model UN

SolBridge International School of Business is currently participating in an organization named Model United Nations (MUN), run by Professor Joe Iesue and Joshua Park. The objective of this Model UN is to seek, through discussion, negotiation and debate, solutions to the various problems of the world. And the goal of Model UN is to develop that global consciousness to the ‘next level’ through a simulation of the international multilateral diplomacy of the United Nations. Participants learn to adopt views and attitudes other than their own, and break away from narrow national self-interest and develop international cooperation. SolBridge students at MUN can get an insight into the world’s problems and understand the causes of conflict between nations.

Students in MUN adopt the role of delegates to the United Nations, and represent their chosen countries as a diplomat from the United Nations (UN) would. Since my fellow Solbridge MUN representatives and I are all international students from different countries, we need to do research and speak as a diplomat for the country we chose instead of our original one. Delegates need to play the role with integrity and authenticity. Role playing is a good way to help us learn more in order to improve ourselves. Cooperation is the primary goal of the delegate meetings and sessions but not always the norm, nor the most fun way of doing things. Belligerence, arrogance, irrationality, and even open hostility are openly encouraged during debate sessions, as long as these emotions and behaviors are within character for the country that the delegate represents.

Luckily, I`m taking an International Business Relations course lectured by Professor Joe Iesue this semester. We students chose countries which we want to represent at the beginning of the semester. Agendas are given before classes so that we can do some research and see how the countries would react towards the important global issues on the agenda. Every time in class, we sit as a “U” shape, like the real UN structure. Instead of being a delegate, we can also volunteer to be the “chair” for one class session. The Chair will go through each of the steps exactly based on the real UN system. Delegates can also learn about the flow path while they are presenting. It`s really good to actually experience the whole process rather than just listen to the lectures.

Besides, I`m also one of the MUN researchers currently assisting our honorable delegates prepare more effectively for the coming conference.

SolBridge MUN is a place where we will need to look up the updated news and frequently refresh ourselves. Also, we need to look through anything related with the United Nations like resolutions, threats, and White Papers, and then have a basic understanding of each strategy. Personal opinions after the research are also appreciated so that we can truly explain ourselves.

Having this kind of experience is really useful not only for resume-building, but-- the most important part of the Model UN experience-- for improving our own ability. I`d like to invite more and more students, not only those who are in SolBridge but also more Woosong students, to be involved in this program so that we can go ahead together.

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Guest writer Jing Zhang is currently a SolBridge University student majoring in International Business and Finance.

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UNIPEACE: Making Steps Toward a Peaceful Society

In May students from Woosong and other Korean universities took time off from their busy schedules to promote peace and understanding. The members of UNIPEACE, an intercollegiate peace-making club, presented a poster exhibition which was touring more than 100 Universities in Korea during the month. The Daejeon chapter of the club went to KAIST, Chungnam, Hanbat, and Daejeon Universities.

For 15 years, UNIPEACE has involved students in promoting a peaceful society through poster exhibition and presentation campaigns. The theme of May's exhibition was Empathy, or 'Dong-go' in Korean. The exhibition consisted of 7 large-size posters and a message board for visitors to share their responses. The posters were educational. According to one, the root of empathy lies in part of the brain called Mirror Neurons. Another presented methods for reducing school violence.

A translation of one anonymous message on the visitor’s board read, “This is a good exhibition for people living in a society like ours with so little sympathy.”

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Staff writer Kim HyoJun is currently a Woosong University student majoring in English.

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Hanhwa Eagles’ Power Analysis for the Championship

The Hanhwa Eagles look to recover from a 13-year slump this year with their addition of Park-Chan Ho, the first Korean player in Major League Baseball. The Eagles beat the KIA Tigers 3:2 in a May 8 game, which saw Eagles batter Kim Tae-gyun hit a solo homer in the 6th inning. Although Eagles pitcher Ryu Hyeon Jin, who is recently recovered from an injury, allowed for two points at the top of the 7th, Eagles batter Lee Yeo-sang brought them the win with a drive to right field.

In addition to Park, this year has seen Eagles’ scout Yoo Chang-sik add several new recruits, including: pitcher Ryu, catcher Choe Seung Hwan, and first baseman Jang “The Sniper” Sun-ho. Choe, who comes from the Doosan Bears, has been hitting particularly well so far this season.

Hanhwa will also be depending upon veteran second baseman Han Sang-Hoon and veteran shortstop Lee Dae-su, both of whom did well last year.

Hanwha has been waiting a long time for a championship. Their new lineup has a lot of power and 2012 may very well see them take it.

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Staff writer Son SungHun is currently a Woosong University student.

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The 19th Annual KOTESOL 2011

This year's International KOTESOL conference was held at Sook-Myung University in Seoul. It took place Oct. 15-16. This was the 19th year the conference has been held.

KOTESOL gets many student volunteers from universities throughout Korea. Many student volunteers for KOTESOL go to do some training at Sookmyung University the weekend before the big conference. At the training volunteers learn about the different jobs available to work. Also volunteers find out how to do their jobs and get their work schedules.

I got to interview one of the volunteers.

Q : What did you think about KOTESOL conference?

A : I thought it was a very interesting and new experience for me. I got to talk to friends from various countries, and we worked together. So I got make confidence and more practice communicating in English.

 As a whole it was a successful conference, but there is always room for improvement. For example may be more food choice for the conference guests or even a few more volunteers to help guests find their way around the campus.

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Lee Jung Hwan is currently a Woosong Student majoring in Food Service Managment

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A 2nd Subway Line Will Be Opening Soon in Daejeon

Daejeon Metropolitan City is now planning to open a second metro line in order to solve the city's major traffic problems and satisfy the citizens who don’t already benefit from the existing subway line. The second line is planned to be a looped line around the city and the stations will likely pass through Jinjam ~ Seodaejeon Neogori ~ Daedong Ogeori ~ Jungri Neogori ~ Government Complex Daejeon ~ Yuseong Neogori ~ Jinjam. It will intersect the existing metro line three times.


At first, the city planned to include Sintanjin, but recently opted out because it will already be included in the Chungcheong Train Network Project. It was also decided that the new subway would be a magnetic levitation train. Additionally, the metro line is planned to be both below and above ground (much like the Seoul Metro), which is a nice change for Daejeon metro riders so that they can enjoy the sunshine through the train’s windows. The second metro rail line will begin its construction in 2013, and is set to be completed in 2018.

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Yun Jeong Jang is currently a Woosong Student 

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A Wonderful Trip to Daejeon O-World

Last June, our professor took us to Daejeon O-World (Daejeon Zoo). It was such a nice trip that I’d like to recommend it to you! Don’t miss this great chance to fall in love with Daejeon!

Firstly, we went to the Flower Land and enjoyed the beautiful flowers and amazing fountain. Then we went to the 3D Movie Theatre and had a nice trip with lovely dinosaurs. After that, we took a bus to visit wild animals: squirrel monkeys, spotted hyenas, zebras, camels, chimpanzees, pere David deers, Barbary sheeps and much more. It was such an exciting thing to watch these special animals, many I had only seen on the TV before.

We also visited many theme parks on animals and plants. Last but not least, we visited the Joy Land and had a great time. If you want to visit LotteWorld or EVERLAND, but do not bother to go to Seoul, then come to Joy Land and have fun!

I also heard that you will get a different view of O-World at night or during the Anni-Flower Festival. I am looking forward to visiting it again! This was our tour to Daejeon O-World. How about yours?

Hours of Operation:

9:30-18:00

Admission:

Children or Senior citizens: \3000 (admission)/ \18000 (admission +activities)

Youth: \4000 (admission)/ \20000 (admission + activities)

Adult: \8000 (admission)/ \25000 (admission + activities)

Discounts available for family visits or group tours

Website:

http://www.oworld.kr/

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Lucy Wang is currently a Woosong Student majoring in Railway Management

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