Korean billiards culture

Billiards can easily be one the most exciting leisure sports for everyone to enjoy no matter gender, age or career. This fact attracted Koreans to billiards, especially after Japanese Colonial era as Korea entered modern society. Since then it wasn't hard to find people are playing billiards throughout the peninsula.
Some Koreans have a negative stereotype billiards. They associate its image with that of gangs, smoking, eating black noodles, etc. Korean movies set this stereotype in the Korean’s mind. But, actually billiards can be a very well-mannered game and a game for upper class citizens. We can find this through official billiards games. They wear formal clothes during the game and keep good manners while playing.
Billiards has several categories. The Korean Billiards Federation categorized the billiards as “three-cushion, one-cushion, pocket eight-balls, nine-balls, ten-balls, English billiards, and snooker.”
But there is one that that sets Korean billiards apart from other countries’ billiards. That is, we have a four-cushion category in billiards. Four-cushion started 1970’s when billiards culture really took hold in Korea. However, four-cushion is considered an unofficial event because it’s only in Korea. Moreover, Korean people enjoy playing with three-cushion and four-cushion.
How to play?
Four-cushion billiards has one white ball (the player’s ball) and 2 red balls. Using a pool cue, the player’s ball is aimed at the two red balls. If the white ball hits both red balls, 10 points are awarded. If it hits only one red ball, no points are earned.

In three-cushion billiards there is a white ball, red ball, and yellow ball. The first player gets a white ball, and the other player gets a yellow ball. The player must use their ball to hit the other player’s ball as well as a cushion before hitting the red ball.
Ji-in Choi, a three-cushion expert for 6 years, addressed the attractiveness of three-cushion. “This game had a bad image before. But now, it is one of the fastest growing sports. In addition, the number of student players is increasing. Billiards is, to say the least, profound because it requires a lot of practice before a player can call themselves an expert.”
 Geon-moo Lee, a four-cushion expert for 7 years, also addressed the allure of four-cushion. “This sports wasn't popular before because people have a bad image about billiards. Now, people thinking are better about it than before, but there still remains negative image. It gets gradually more fun as you practice. And another benefit is that it only requires two people to enjoy the sports. Also it can be played doors!”
 If you want to enjoy the billiards, you just go to billiard hall. Nowadays, the billiard halls are everywhere in Korea so you can find them easily. On average, the price to play the billiards is 1000 won for 10 minutes. This weekend, why don’t you go to a billiard hall with your friends?

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Staff writer Yun Ji Seon.

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Popularity of Korean Baseball

The 2014 Korean baseball season opened on March 29th. Millions of baseball fans awaited the opening of the season. And now, spectators of the Korean Baseball League are reaching 1 million strong. This is a record for the shortest period of time to exceed 1 million fans and get third in the ratings. Also, this record was achieved after 83 games. In recent years, the popularity of the Korean Baseball League has been getting higher. How did this happen?

First of all, the Korean National Baseball team’s outstanding performance at the Beijing Olympic Games contributed to the baseball fever sweeping Korea. There are many famous players on this team. After the season is over, some players who showed good performances during the season are chosen by the national team coach. The players included from the last Olympic Games were Yong-Kyu Lee, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Dae-Ho Lee. When the National Baseball team got the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, the number of Korean baseball fans increased rapidly. After that, the national team won second place at the World Baseball Classic, and won the championship title at the Guangzhou Asian Game. Once the Korean National team achieved global fame through their performance at international baseball events, many spectators wanted to see their local players gain acceptance to the National team.

Another reason is that there are many unique cheers when Korea fans are watching a ball game. Some baseball clubs have their own cheering culture. Many fans are charmed by this. For example, the Hanhwa Eagles’ fans show their support by standing up and shouting after the 8th inning. When asked why, one Eagles fan claimed, “I don’t know. We just do.” Lotte Giants fans encourage their players by shaking newspapers. Their fans use newspapers because clapping and shouting is just not enough for these fans and the club does not provide them with anything else.

They also wear orange vinyl after the 7th inning because decades ago, their home stadium, Busan Sajik stadium, was not clean. The newspapers provided Giants fans with a clean place to sit. Eventually some fans starting shaking the newspapers while singing the player’s a cheering song when their players were up at bat. There are many cheering cultures with each team. Also, there are many songs for each team. Baseball fans even have songs for each player. The singing is another way for fans to enjoy the game.

Third, there are also many areas from which to enjoy a baseball match. At Incheon’s Munhak Stadium, for example, there is the “Barbecue zone.” People can go there and roast pork while they are watching the baseball match. Usually, people buy pork and some supplies at a market and bring them into the stadium. Fans in this zone say it is the best way to see a game. They recommend this zone as a great way to enjoy the game with family and friends.

In our hometown of Daejeon, spectators can see the “Glamping zone” at Hanbat Stadium. If you go there, you can see people who have pitched tents in the stadium. This zone is unique to Daejeon. Good luck reserving a place to pitch there, however, these places are reserved well in advanced.

Another factor contributing to the success of baseball in Korea, is the foreign players that come to the KBO league. Among foreign players, there are some players who played in the MLB in America. For example, Jorge Cantu, who played for the Tampa Bay Rays and Florida Marines, is now playing for the Doosan Bears. Before his debut, he was known for the 104 homeruns he scored when he played in the MLB. Also, Luke Scott, who played for the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles, is now playing for the SK Wyverns. Like Jorge Cantu, Scott is known for hitting 138 homeruns while he played in the MLB. There are many foreign players throughout the KBO. This year, the KBO rules about foreign players have changed. Many fans are looking forward to seeing these foreign players in action.

The Korean Baseball League has increased the number of annual games to 99 games a season. The KBO announced on March 25th that their goal is to attract 7 million spectators. They are making an effort to do this in conjunction with club officials. There are many sporting events in Korea, so competing with well-established sports like soccer is a challenge facing the KBO. But, as one fan put it, “once baseball sinks its teeth in you, you’re hooked.”

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Staff writer Park Hui-Je.

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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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Baseball Star’s Positive Push on Campus and Life

On any given day at West Campus soccer field you can see a small number of men batting, fielding, and pitching baseballs together. One of them is Ahn Young Myung, professional baseball player of the Hanwha Eagles. He is now working as public military service worker in Woosong Sports center. If you are a big fan of Hanwha over the years, you might remember Ahn as a starting pitcher. Woosong Herald Sports met Ahn Young Myung on a cloudy day after his routine practice. We wanted to share his experiences as a pro baseball player and his insights on life with WSU students.

Ahn is well known for his poker face among baseball fans. He doesn’t even smile a little bit when he is standing on the mound. Many fans call him as “Chic Young Myung” because of his expressionless face but off-field he smiles and comes across very friendly. He said he is an introverted person who prefers to have deep relationship with small group of people.

Fans wonder why he shows this infamous poker face when between the lines. “It’s because of my childhood experience,” said Young Myung. “When I was young - that means when I was an elementary school student, I often revealed my raw feelings while playing baseball. If I did something good, I laughed, if not, I made a long face. But the coaches reprimanded me for revealing my emotion to the opponents. It’s not a good habit. I was educated to be poker faced when I am wearing a uniform at the ballpark. I think that lesson I learned in my childhood has influenced me until now. On the baseball field, I always try to be serious. Even when doing simple warm-ups, I concentrate on it. Sounds like I’m a boring person but that’s because I really love baseball.”

He accomplished 11 wins in 2009, hi-lighted by one game in particular against the Lotte Giants, September 8^th. Ahn Young remembers it like yesterday. “At Sajik Stadium in Busan I threw 9 innings and that win was my 10^th win,” said the 6-foot right-hander. “One win for a starting pitcher is very precious. During the long innings, there are some critical moments. If you overcome them well and throw more than 5 innings, you will have more of a chance to get the win. I think a win is kind of reward for your commitment.”

Korean baseball teams play 126 games a year. Starting pitchers take the mound at least 25 times. Sometimes he has to throw even though he is not in a good physical condition and not performing well. How does Ahn deal with this type of adversity? “I just think ‘well, I’m in a slump now. The key is staying positive during that time. I know it won’t last long so I just workout and know someday it will pass.”

Ahn Young’s glass full mentality remains clear. In 2010, the Eagles traded him to the Kia Tigers in exchange for Jang Sung Ho, a veteran hitter, and then returned to Hanwha 8 months later. Despite having to leave the Eagles, the only team he ever played for, Ahn remained positive.

“When I first heard about the trade, I tried to think about the positives. Hanwha Eagles sent me because they need a better player but looking at the other side, because Kia Tigers wanted me the deal could be made. I felt sorry for leaving my old friends but I tried not to be emotionally shaken. When I return to Hanwha I did the same thing- positive thinking– Hanwha Eagles need me right now.”

Ahn seems to be loved by both Hanwha Eagles and Kia Tigers fans. They expressed sadness over his movement to another team. Now Hanwha Eagles fans are waiting for his return. Ahn finishes his military service this December and he will come back to the mound next season. Currently Hanwha is not in a good situation, lacking solid pitching. Ahn Young hopes to change this with help next season. “Firstly I want to run the whole season without getting injured. My second goal is giving trust to people when I’m pitching,” said the 30-year old former HS draft pick. He is practicing regardless of the weather. If he doesn’t get injured he may resume his duties as a full-time starter. Ahn expressed confidence on the next season: “People say that when you just come back from the military service, the performance of the season is not that good. Since I have been working out steadily for 2 years, I won’t ruin the season.”

He wants to play baseball as long as he can, but at some time he will retire just like other legendary Eagles players. He sounded pretty determined when he was talking about his future dream. “For a long time, I thought over the relationship between performance and mental strength. Right now I have certification in Sports Psychology.

“We have a mental coach at Hanwha Eagles and he helps players a lot. Before I studied for this certification I knew that mental strength is much more important than skill or ability for a player. Nowadays people are getting to know the importance of the mental power and it is becoming the trend. I might be lacking in theories but I have actually experienced the situations by myself. So I want to be a Psychotherapist.

Right now Ahn Young assists Woosong students in their lives, passing on his experiences to them. He was drafted by Hanwha right after completing high school and went out into the real world earlier than our WSU students. Since 19 he has experienced life as a pro athlete. WS Herald asked him to give advice on college life to WSU students.

“You might have different majors but regardless of the field you are going to work, when you graduate from the university and come out to the workforce, there are times that you get frustrated by all the barriers and limitations. For me, when I first got onto a pro baseball team, I was astonished because even players in the minor league were way better than me. I felt the huge gap between amateurs and professionals. Before I thought I was a pretty good player, but I realized I should try harder to survive in the pro league. There’s always gap between student life and real society. But to reduce the shock, you have to study hard and never stop improving yourself. If you prepare more, then you get over the disappointment faster. Some people say enjoy your college life, but I think you should be serious and sincere about what you do in college. That’s all I can tell to the university students as a life senior who experienced society a little bit earlier than them. Study hard.”

During the interview time we couldn’t see the charisma he shows on the mound but felt his kindness and modesty. We really appreciate him for willingly accepting our interview request and sharing his experiences and thoughts. Eagles fans, wait for the next season. Ahn Young Myung will be back soon.

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Staff writer Lalia Park.

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Baseball Legend Lectures at Woosong

Students lined all the way outside the library auditorium to see one of Korea’s all-time baseball stars. Park Chan Ho, current Hanwha Eagles and former Major League Baseball pitcher gave a special lecture in front of a packed-house October 25th. As seats filled, students stood and sat in aisles to get a glimpse this very successful athlete and businessman.

Park summed up his coveted baseball career as it began with the LA Dodgers at just 21 years old. He had spent his glory days in Los Angeles, setting a Korean record, winning 124 games in Major League Baseball. Chanho Park is the envy of many baseball players in Korea.

The lecture went on with his life story. He gave the Woosong students helpful advice for their future while sharing the tools that made him successful, such as time management- crucial to students.

With ten minutes left in the lecture, he started to accept various questions from the students. Some of questions were pretty hard to answer for Chanho Park and he commented on how these students were just as professional as journalists he has faced here and in North America. Park fielded questions dealing with his future plans, what he might have done if he didn’t turn pro baseball player and advice for teammate and Korean baseball sensation, Ryu Hyun Jin, who appears headed to play at the highest level- MLB. To the surprise of many, the crowd learned that Park thought he “might have worked as a judge, gangster or something else.”

Woosong students with varying degrees of interest in Park and baseball, walked away with new opinions and admiration after the lecture. Park impacted his audience. “Honestly, I was surprised to see Chanho Park who was really famous in MLB. And he was more well-built than I thought. He told students of his experiences,” explained Dongjun Seo.

Park may have also helped ticket sales for his team while inspiring some too. “I was not a huge fan of baseball. However, he gave me confidence and courage.

So I thought I’m going to see a baseball game next year. I didn’t know what he did before coming back to Korea. But I realized he was such a fabulous baseball player in the past. So I started respecting him,” said Jungah Kim, Woosong student.

As the lecture ended, Park buttoned his jacket and hurried out, after a swarm of students approached the tall athlete. He signed a few autographs and stood for a few photos. Nobody knows where his baseball future will lead. At 39, he walked out of the Woosong Library in the twilight of his career; students may have seen the last of Chanho Park the player. However, his words have just begun to impact some new followers.

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Staff writer Seunghwan Jung.

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