AROUND THE WORLD IN 60 MINUTES: A VISIT AT AINNS WORLD

Bucheon, City - Want to see the world in an hour?  Visit the Ainns World, Korea’s version of Shenzen’s Windows of the World.  

Aiins World is a theme park where miniature recreations of world famous buildings are on display. The miniatures at Aiins World were crafted with such painstaking attention to detail that visitors feel like they are looking at the real thing. People also feel as if they have taken a trip around the world all in one day.

Big Ben

The miniature version of the Great Wall of China and Mt. Kilimanjaro, blowing out smoke and ash, attracts many visitors with realistic models as well as sound effects. Other miniatures include the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center with its famous ice rink, and the street of Broadway in New York City. Aiins World lights up at night, creating a romantic and festive mood. Taking pictures next to some of the most famous structures in the world can be a rewarding experience and fun for everyone.

The Westminster Abbey

Compared to the one in China, the models here were relatively minuscule except for the Eiffel Tower, World Trade Center, and the ancient city of Petra. For me it is like an outdoor museum with dioramas.  If you want to save money, try visiting the place from 5 PM onwards as the entrance fee is only KRW 5,000. Most of the models were quite tattered due to weathering. The management should do some minor refurbishing so as to maintain the satisfaction it can give to its visitors. I heard there is also a yearly pass and it was recommended by the Korean Ministry of Education as a place where elementary children can visit during their fieldtrips. If the administration will not do the necessary renovation, Ainns world might lose its recognition as an educational and worthwhile place to visit!

Gaudi's unfinished Sagrada Familia

Operating Hours:

April - October : Weekdays 10:00 - 21:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00 - 22:00

November - March : Weekdays 10:00 - 20:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00 - 21:00

※Last admission is 1 hour before closing time

Parking Facilities:

Available

-Parking Fees

- Vehicles with less than 35 passengers: 3,000 won

- Vehicles with more than 45 passengers: 5,000 won

Tickets:

Adults 10,000 won

Children (3 - 13) 7,000 won

* Night ticket (17:00 - closing time) 5,000 won

How to go:

Songnae Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 2. Take bus 5-2 and get off at Aiins World (15 min ride).

Or take bus 7-2 from Songnae Station to back gate of Aiins World.

Taxi takes 5-10 min from Songnae Station to Aiins World.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA MARY!

Dawn Procession

Filipinos join the Catholics around the world as it celebrates the memorial of the nativity of Mary. High Masses and processions were held throughout the country. In Baliuag, Bulacan, a dawn procession was held followed by a Mass. Mons. Enrico Santos, the parish priest spearheaded the said event through the help of the Commission on Liturgy headed by Sister Beeth Benavidez on 2007. Since then it has been a tradition for every Baliwaguenos to join this annual procession. A simple breakfast "almusal" was held at the Church Patio. 

History of the Feast

The Nativity of Mary, or Birth of the Virgin, is celebrated as a liturgical feast in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints every September 8, nine months after the solemnity of her Immaculate Conception, celebrated which falls on December 8. This feast, like that of the Assumption of Mary, originated in Jerusalem. It began in the fifth century as the feast of the basilica Sanctae Mariae ubi nata est, now the Basilica of Saint Anne. In the seventh century, the feast was celebrated by the Byzantines and at Rome as the feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast was included in the Tridentine Calendar for 8 September and has remained on that date.

Chuseok – Korean Thanksgiving Day

Chuseok – Korean Thanksgiving Day

Chuseok (추석) is by far the biggest and most important holiday in Korea. It is a time when family members from near and far come together to share food and stories and to give thanks to their ancestors for the abundant harvest. This year (2011) Chuseok Day falls on Monday, September 12 (according to the lunar calendar) but the holiday is observed for a total of three days (Sept. 11 – Sept. 13). For internationals, Chuseok is a prime opportunity to go sightseeing in the major cities since many Koreans return to their hometowns in the countryside, leaving the city attractions relatively crowd-free. Visitors need note, however, that many places (especially stores and restaurants) may be closed for Chuseok Day or the entire Chuseok holiday.  Before we get into Chuseok events, let’s take a closer look at what Chuseok means to the average Korean.  Chuseok (Hangawi) Chuseok is one of Korea’s three major holidays, along with Seollal (New Year’s Day) and Dano (the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar year) and is also referred to as Hangawi (한가위), meaning “the ides of August” (August 15th according to the lunar calendar).  Hangawi/Chuseok was the day on which Koreans, an agrarian people throughout most of history, thanked their ancestors for the year’s harvest and shared their abundance with family and friends. Although the exact origin of Chuseok is unclear, the tradition can be traced back to ancient religious practices that centered around the significance of the moon. The sun’s presence was considered routine, but the full moon that came once a month, brightening the night sky, was considered a special and meaningful event. Therefore, harvest festivities took place on the day of the bright, full moon (Aug. 15 of the lunar year).  Chuseok Customs On the morning of Chuseok Day, Songpyeon (a type of Korean rice cake) and food prepared with the year’s fresh harvest are set out to give thanks to ancestors through Charye (ancestor memorial service). After Charye, families visit their ancestors’ graves and engage in Beolcho, a ritual of clearing the weeds that may have grown up over the burial mound. After dusk, families and friends take walks and gaze at the beauty of the full harvest moon or play folk games such as Ganggangsullae (Korean circle dance). - Charye (ancestor memorial services) On Chuseok morning, family members gather at their homes to hold memorial services (called Charye, 차례) in honor of their ancestors. Formal Charye services are held twice a year: during Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) and Chuseok. The difference between the two services is that during Seollal the major representative food is white Tteokguk, a rice cake soup, while during Chuseok the major representative food is freshly harvested rice. After the service, family members sit down together at the table to enjoy delicious food that symbolizes their blessings. - Beolcho (clearing the weeds around the grave) and Seongmyo (visiting ancestral graves) Visiting ancestral graves during Chuseok is known as Seongmyo (성묘). During this visit, family members remove the weeds that have grown around the graves in the summer season, a practice which is called Beolcho (벌초). This custom is considered a duty and expression of devotion and respect for one’s family. On the weekends, about one month prior to the Chuseok holidays, Korea’s highways become extremely congested with families visiting their ancestral graves to fulfill their familial duties. The graves are then visited again during Chuseok. - Ssireum (Korean wrestling) Traditionally, during the Chuseok holidays the strongest people in each village gather together to hold wrestling competitions. During the match, two competitors face each other in the middle of a circular sandpit surrounded on all sides by cheering spectators. The last wrestler left standing after a series of competitions is considered the winner and is named the village’s strongest man, taking home cotton, rice, or a calf as his prize. Today, Ssireum (씨름, Korean wrestling) competitions are held around the time of Chuseok to determine the strongest man in Korea, but the competitions are not as big a part of the celebrations as they once were. - Ganggangsullae (Korean circle dance)  In this dance, women dressed in Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) join hands in a circle and sing together. The dance dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) when the Korean army used to dress the young women of the village in military uniforms and had them circle the mountains to make enemy troops think the Korean military was greater in number than it actually was. The Korean army enjoyed many victories thanks in part to this scare tactic. >> Click here to learn more about Ganggangsullae - Chuseokbim (Chuseok dress) In the past, in preparation for Chuseok, the head of each household would buy new clothes for everyone in the house, including the servants. This custom is known as Chuseokbim and is still practiced today. These days, however, most families purchase clothing from department stores or boutiques instead of exchanging Hanbok.  Chuseok Food Chuseok celebrates the rich harvest season when fruit and grain are abundant. Using the newly harvested grains, people make steamed rice, rice cake, and liquor. - Songpyeon Songpyeon (송편) is one of the representative foods of Chuseok. This rice cake is prepared with rice or non-glutinous rice powder that is kneaded into the perfect size (a little smaller than a golf ball) then filled with sesame seeds, beans, red beans, chestnuts, and a host of other nutritious ingredients. When steaming the songpyeon, the rice cakes are layered with pine needles, adding the delightful fragrance of pine. On the eve of Chuseok, the entire family gathers together to make songpyeon under the bright moon. There is an old Korean saying that says that the person who makes the most beautiful songpyeon will meet a good-looking spouse, so all the single members of the family try their best to make the best one!   >> Click here to learn how to make Songpyeon - Liquors Another major element of Chuseok is traditional liquor called Baekju (백주, white wine). The holidays are a time of thankfulness and generosity and drinking is a way in which many Koreans show their generosity and affection for their fellow countrymen. >> Go to Traditional Liquors and Wines  Recommended Places to Visit for the Chuseok Holidays Those looking for traditional Chuseok events during the holidays are strongly advised to check out the programs going on at the ancient palaces, the Korean Folk Village, and the Namsangol Hanok Village from September 11 to 13.  Folk games, programs, and performances will be held at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace. From September 11 - 13, the palaces will even offer free admission to any guest wearing Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). Free programs include traditional Korean games such as Neol-ttwigi (널뛰기, seesaw jumping), Tuho (투호던지기, arrow throwing), Jegi-chagi (제기차기, Korean hacky sack), and Paengi-chigi (팽이치기, top spinning). thanksgiving customs and provide visitors will even more chances to experience the seasonal customs. The Korean Folk Village, already well-known for its permanent programs and traditional crafts and games, will be expanding its programs even further during the Chuseok holidays. Programs include Nongak (farmers’ music), tight-roping walking, martial arts on horseback, North Korean Folk performances, and a reenactment of ancestral thanksgiving rituals. Visitors will also be able to try their hand at making Songpyeon, the representative Chuseok rice cake. Also among top 2011 Chuseok events is the ‘Hangawi Multi-Cultural Festival for World Citizens’ (Sept. 3 – 13) at the National Folk Museum. The festival is packed with cooking programs (Chuseok and international foods), folk performances, a multicultural exhibition, traditional craft programs, folk activities, and more.  ☞ Related News - 2011 Chuseok Events at Korean Folk Village  - National Folk Museum of Korea to Host Hangawi Multicultural Festival  Korean Folk Village Namsangol Hanok Village Gyeongbokgung Palace Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Changgyeonggung Palace Deoksugung Palace National Folk Museum of Korea National Palace Museum of Korea National Museum of Korea ※ Please click the images above for details. TIP! During the holiday season, make sure to double-check the operation hours of your desired destinations, since most places of business are closed at some point during the Chuseok holidays. Folk event venues listed above and many major tourist attractions are open year-around. For more Chuseok holiday information, please check the following links.  2011 Chuseok Holiday Schedules at Major Tourist Sites & Shops Special Chuseok Events at the KTO Headquarters

The 2011 Congress of the Korean Political Science Association: Incheon Songdo, Korea

The Catholic University Delegation: Jam, Mark, China, Eli, Anj and Hani

The Korean Political Science Association (KPSA) is a nation-wide academic organization of scholars interested in political science, international relations, and related disciplines. Founded in 1953, it has grown into the largest academic organization in Korea with active membership of over 2,000 individual scholars and institutions. KPSA seeks to encourage academic activities and intellectual dialogue among scholars and to promote academic exchanges and mutual understanding between Korean and foreign scholars. KPSA is free from any ideological inclination as well as political prejudice. Furthermore, it does not identify with any political parties or the government. With a view to broaden the scope of its activity, KPSA was registered in January 1995 as an incorporated body of the Korean National Assembly.

 With Prof. Stephen Haggard, IR Scholar

WIth Incheon City Mayor, Song Young Gil

The Korean Political Science Association will host the World Congress for Korean Politics and Society 2011 on August 23-25, 2011 in Incheon Songdo. Following the tradition formed by the two World Congresses in 2007 and 2009, this biennial conference will mark the third round of innovative and insightful discussions on Korean politics, society, and international relations, and will bring those discussions into the global context. The main theme for the World Congress 2011 is Korean Politics in Global Contexts: Theories and Practices.

Under the sub-theme: “The Dynamics of International Politics in East Asia”, We presented our paper entitled: The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Issues and Implications on US-Korea Relations.

SUMMARY

The geopolitical and economic architectures of Asia are fast changing as greatly exhibited by various bilateral and multilateral negotiations in the form of Free Trade Agreements being ratified and implemented in the last two decades. The Trans-Pacific Partnership was initially conceived in 2003 by Singapore, New Zealand and Chile and envisioned to open the doors of trade liberalization in the Asia-Pacific region. It aims to phase out all tariffs on traded goods among member countries by 2015 and addresses standards including: sanitary and phytosanitary measures, rules of origin, intellectual property rights, government procurement policy, technical barriers to trade, labor rights, and environmental protections. The Obama Adminisration recognizes TPP as “the strongest vehicle for achieving economic integration across the Asia Pacific region and advancing U.S. economic interests with the fastest growing economies in the world.” As a major ally in East Asia, the Republic of Korea is now considering whether to participate on this multilateral trade agreement, to strengthen its bilateral relations with TPP members or to promote both bilateralism and multilateralism as its core priority in foreign policy.

Chapter I will evaluate the implications of the Trans-Pacific Partnership on U.S –Korea Relations, particularly on the pending ratification of the Korea-U.S. FTA.  It analyzes the costs and benefits of joining the TPP.  As one of the early entrants in the East Asian region, Korea has the great potential of shaping the trade arrangements and secure advantages for its own export industries and Korean firms. However, TPP can only pose minor incremental benefits as Korea had already existing FTAs with Chile and Singapore. After presenting the pros and cons of joining the TPP, Chapter II discusses the geopolitical imperatives for a US – Korea FTA directed towards Trans-Pacific cooperation. 

Administrative members (2008 to present):
President: Lee Chong Hee, Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
President-elect : Nam Young Lee, Sejong University

For the full list of administrative members, visit: www.kpsa.or.kr/eng/the%20Board.htm.

Journal:
The Korean Political Science Review

Contact information:
1001 Daechi-Dong
Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: 02-3452-9555
Fax: 02-3452-9557
kspa@chollian.net

Also visit the official website at: http://www.kpsa.or.kr/eng/main.htm