Korean recipe: Japchae (stir-fried noodles with vegetables)

Recipes with noodles are a staple in many Asian countries including South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

I first tasted japchae (stir-fried noodles with vegetables) at a Korean restaurant in Malate in Manila, Philippines and since then, I always order it. I think the appeal of japchae lies in the taste. It has a sweet flavor. In addition, it has many wonderful ingredients including beef and spinach.

[caption id="attachment_153" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Japchae (Photo courtesy of www.maangchi.com)"][/caption]

Spreadin' the Korean Wave: JYJ to hold concert in Thailand in April

Thai fans, get ready for JYJ.

Thai company 411 Entertainment has announced that popular K-pop trio JYJ, composed of Xiah Junsu, Micky Yoochun and Youngwoong Jaejoong, will be holding a two-day concert in Bangkok, Thailand in April.

Busan International Music Festival kicks off

If you are going to South Korea this week, you might want to go to the 6th Busan International Music Festival that will run until February 20.

[caption id="attachment_141" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="(Photo courtesy of festival organizers)"][/caption]

SNSD, Big Bang, Hyun Bin, Kim Tae Hee top V-Day poll

From Manila Bulletin newspaper:

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

MANILA, Philippines (Feb. 14, 2011) — If Koreans were given a choice to pick celebrities they want to be their dates on Valentine’s Day, they would spend the red-letter day with Girls Generation (aka SNSD), Big Bang, actor Hyun Bin and actress Kim Tae Hee.

[caption id="attachment_136" align="alignnone" width="402" caption="(Clockwise from the top) Girls Generation, Kim Tae Hee, Hyun Bin and Big Bang. (Photos courtesy of SM Entertainment, SBS, MBC and YG Entertainment)"][/caption]

Korea Bulletin (January 2011 Issue)

Here's the latest issue of Korea Bulletin, the official newsletter of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines.

[scribd id=48733417 key=key-1z3u9y5ctga715r9ream mode=list]

Hanbok: Korea's traditional dress

You see it on Korean dramas and films. In the hit Korean drama series "Jewel in the Palace", the hanbok, Korea's traditional dress, gained prominence as it was a period drama.

Hanbok is South Korea's traditional dress that is worn in many occasions especially when Koreans celebrate Chuesok, or harvest festival, and Seollal, or Lunar New Year.

Hanbok: Korea's traditional clothin

Wonder Girls on comeback album, tour

My article in the Manila Bulletin newspaper:

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (Feb. 11, 2011) -- The five members of girl group Wonder Girls held a live video webchat Thursday morning from New York City (10 p.m. in the Philippines) to update fans on their activities and also celebrate their fourth anniversary.

[caption id="attachment_118" align="alignnone" width="455" caption="The Wonder Girls during the live chat"]
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Korean Cultural Center to open in the Philippines in May

From the Filipinos’ growing interest in the Korean culture stems a great opportunity for strengthening the cultural relations between the two countries. On May of this year, the Korean Cultural Center will finally open its doors to the public.

Cheongwadae: Korea’s White House

If you ever get the chance to go to South Korea, one of the most fascinating places to visit is the Cheongwadae or Blue House, the official office and residence of the president of South Korea.

[caption id="attachment_103" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="(Photo from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1698377)"][/caption]