Seoul – A City of Contrast

11/13/2016

The Traditional Side: Food

A typical meal in our tour with dishes of kimchi on the table.

Korean food is an important element of their culture. It provides taste, medicine, and a connection to the country. A traditional Korean meal usually consists of rice, a bowl of soup and a number of side dishes. Its most distinguishing feature is the amount of fermented foods served at every meal, which are known to be good for health. The most iconic fermented food must be kimchi. For centuries, Koreans have kept their habits of eating kimchi with lunch, dinner and even breakfast! They take much pride in this national dish. In order to find out more about this important part of the Korean culture, we paid a visit to the Kimchi School.

Teachers trying to prepare kimchi...lots of fun!

At the school, the history and the process of making kimchi were illustrated vividly through the use of words and life-like models. The commonly used ingredients are more than just cabbage and red chili paste, in fact, soy sauce, salt and garlic are often needed too. The highlight of the visit was the experience of making kimchi by ourselves. The finished products will be sent to the homes for the elderly as presents. We hope the elderly will have a warm winter enjoying the tasty kimchi we prepared.

The Modern Side: Architecture

A wavy construction we could see in the city. What building is it?

Seoul is evolving at an astonishing pace. A world-class global image has been created through its modern architecture. Take a quick stroll on the street in Seoul and you’ll find yourself surrounded by skyscrapers and construction.

Under Stand Avenue - an interesting shopping area

Their creativity in architecture is shown at the Under Stand Avenue, a special cultural space started in 2015. Shops and restaurants are built with recycled shipping containers. This project aims at providing job opportunities for the minority groups (the “under”) and allowing them to become independent (“stand” for themselves”). The visit inspired me on how creativity can be used in a meaningful way to help the needy.

More modern buildings

An Astonishing building design visible at night

A classic night view of Seoul. Similar to Hong Kong?

Miss Candy Ho

45 Comments

Oscar Chong

11/14/2016 05:32:07 pm

I think that those kimchi may be very yummy and tasty. It is because those kimchi looks like spaghetti .(that what I like) Kimchi is a kind of vegetable, is it really healthy?
By the way, I like the workshop too! The workshop will donate those Kimchi for the poor people which can save them from hunger. I think this is very meaningful because the workshop can people try to help poor people in a indirectly.I really appreciate this idea.
On the other hand, I think that Under Stand Avenue is very "Green". Each shop is use a cargo for the walls. I think that the Avenue can save many places for the landfill and save a lot of money for the organiser. People in the world have many creativity and I hope the world will be more green. It is because we really can build a better world and live environmental friendly in the future.

justin lo 6c 14

11/14/2016 08:55:00 pm

"I think that those kimchi may be very yummy and tasty. It is because those kimchi looks like spaghetti .(that what I like) Kimchi is a kind of vegetable, is it really healthy?" Oscar this is what u asked, but this is what i found in the passage:" Its most distinguishing feature is the amount of fermented foods served at every meal, which are known to be good for health." (a meal contains the kimchi)

Dr H C Lee

11/15/2016 10:11:34 am

I like your "Green" comment! I hope Hong Kong can be shaped into a more green city like Seoul!

Charles Lee

11/15/2016 11:28:26 pm

I do not agree with you as kimchi is not really healthy,kimchi as vegetables but they are pickled,during the process,it will add in salt and stuff that are not healthy.If they donate them to poor people,it is not really helpful and I think that kimchi cannot allay one's hunger.A person cannot get full when they are just eating kimchi.However,I still appreciate it as it is better than nothing.
For the last point,I do agree with you,they really recycle but I think that it can be better if they use something bigger than a cargo to do walls of the Avenue.A cargo contains limited space,it cannot be so big for the Avenue and it can still save so much money to do meaningful things.I think we can cut down the use of the resources but not turn the world “green” as it will not be convenient for us.

Frank Wong

11/16/2016 06:35:24 pm

About your the first part of your comment,I have mixed opinions on it,firstly,Kimchi is mixed vegetables,mixed with condiments, Kimchi is very healthy as it contains a lot of vitamins,but the condiments and sauces in it might have some unhealthy additives inside,so Kimchi is healthy only when it is raw or when the condiments added are also healthy.
Secondly,I agree on the part about the workshop,as then the poor people can have healthy Kimchi to eat as food,also the participants can learn to make Kimchi and to have fun and enjoy the process in it.
Thirdly,I also agree on your opinion on the Under Stand Avenue,as it can help reuse containers, and also the part where it helps the minority people who might not be as good to do other jobs by letting them work here,which lowers unemployment if done on a big enough scale,I also think that this idea it the future might be able to be done on a bigger scale,as the money needed to make these shops are considerably lower than regular shops,from the construction material being only empty used shipping containers.

11/16/2016 08:29:35 pm

Actually, Kimchi is a dish which is spicy and a traditional dish in Korea. Kimchi is rich in vitamins A, B and C, cellulose and lactobacillus probiotics. (I found it on the internet)
In my opinion I think that those salt and stuff can kill the germs. That may let those vegetable be more healthy.
By the way, I think the buildings in Seoul is not taller than Hong Kong. I could still saw the cars and the road clearly. In Hong Kong, there are some buildings can even shake hands with the neighbour who lives in another block.There should be no chance to do that in Seoul.
I think the last picture like Nathan Road more than Seoul. It is because it is surround by some tall buildings too!
At last, I think Seoul is a city which is full of ideas. If they don't have ideas, how can the city designed like this?

Douglas Tsang

11/14/2016 08:21:13 pm

What a splendid and meaningful trip for teacherss:)

Davin Choy 6C 8

11/14/2016 08:29:25 pm

The are many valueble viewpoints that we will been surprised.I want to try to make the kimchi too. IT is more tasty if you made it by yourself than just sitting there like a king. I think the elders will be glad to taste the kimchi that the teachers made!

Justin Lo

11/14/2016 08:52:34 pm

I think doing I kimchi is quite fun I would be very delichted if I were there making kimchi. Although, you have to finish the kimchi or donate it to some restaurants, or it will be just a waste of food and time. The Under Stand Avenue looks quite interesting, although the appearence looks so good it doesn't means the things in there are good. it is similiar to our life you can't just look at things from appearence e have to look at the connotations of the person.

Daniel Cheng 6C (6)

11/14/2016 08:54:13 pm

After looking at these photos and the passage.I really wanted to go to Korea.The food looks really delicious and the buildings are very creative and nice.The teacher on the first photo were kneeling.I have heard of kneeling when eating is a part of Korean culture.Is it tired to kneel during eating ?The kimchi looks delicious and it is quite colourful.I think the view on Seoul is a bit similar to Hong Kong but Hong Kong's building are more special and there are more different shapes of the buildings in Hong Kong I hope i could visit Korea and learn more about their special architecture and culture!

Reagan Chan

11/14/2016 09:09:14 pm

First, I really appreciate the teacher's effort and their loving hearts as after they made those kimchi by themselves, they donate them to the elderly as a little gift.
By the way, I think the Under Stand Avenue is really interesting because I haven't seen or thought of using shipping containers as a shop or a restaurant. I also think that the Koreans' idea was great as it gave the poorer ones and the younger ones an opportunity to open a shop or a restaurant to do what they hope. Besides giving an opportunity to the younger ones and the poorer ones, one awesome thing is it can save money and places by using shipping containers as a shop.
At last, what I think about the difference of night view between Hong Kong and Seoul is that the view of Seoul isn't as beautiful as Hong Kong because Hong Kong has sea view but Seoul doesn't. (Referring to the last photo caption)

11/14/2016 09:16:18 pm

This passage makes me slaver as I love eating kimchi quite a lot. I think it is a good travel and learning experience for all of our teachers. I might go to Korea in my next trip(still planning) as this passage attracted me.

11/15/2016 10:09:36 am

Glad to hear that Reagan! Our trip will have been so meaningful if you'll travel to Korea because of our reflections!

11/14/2016 09:17:59 pm

It is a meaningful and fun trip for all of our teachers!

Lo Hoi Hang

11/14/2016 10:56:03 pm

I think it is such an interesting experience to learn how to make Kimchi and its historical background. Thank you for showing us the beautiful scenery of Seoul, the capital of Korea and the wavy building shown in the picture is in fact the solar powered GT tower of Seoul. It features indeed a very innovative design.

6C(20) Oscar Ngan

11/14/2016 11:01:37 pm

It is very creative of using containers for shopping malls,also,some building companies are also using containers for building border shopping malls for seperating mainland shoppers,it is very good for environment as you use old containers instead of using new concrete.Making kimchi is not as easy as you think.You need to pay a lot of effort.Hope the poor people can enjoy your warm meal with your very effort happily.

Ethan Yan the awesome

11/15/2016 11:52:06 am

I think that Korea(Seoul) is a very nice place to visit as you said, Seoul is a place full of modern architecture.
Also, this year's theme is Warchilab, about architecture, so it is very fitting.

Samuel Lau

11/15/2016 11:57:00 am

I think this trip to Korea must be very educational and full of fun. Those students of the schools the teachers visited have very different habits compare with Hong Kong's. Also, the teachers went to many high technical centres. They are so cool! And I think the part of making kimchi must be absolutely fun!

Matthew Chan

11/15/2016 11:57:45 am

It is such a pleasure to see the Ying Wa teachers share and post their experiences to Seoul. It kind of made me wanted to go there as well. Seoul is a modern city where a lot of modern buildings are located. I especially liked the wavy building in the article. What a nice design it was! I have been to Korea but I have never benn to Seoul! I guess the teachers must have had a unique and exhausting experience! Also , I am a fan of kimchi nd I would love to make some myself! Glad the teachers are having so much fun! I would like the teachers to have a similar experience next year and share the fun with us!

6E (30) Paul Zang

11/15/2016 11:59:26 am

The buildings are so beautiful! I think making kimchi must be a great experience. I want to go to Korea and make some kimchi too! I really appreciate the teachers making the kimchi by heart. Also, I think the buildings in Korea are so interesting! They're curved!
The night view there are so great! I have never seen any night view like this in Hong Kong! It looks like there are no pollution problems in there!

Michael Lam

11/15/2016 12:00:19 pm

I have gone to Korea once, I also tried making kimchi when I was in Korea. If I didn't remember wrongly, there is a cup of ginseng milk, it is yummy but my parents thought the taste was terrible! Our kimchi can't be eaten by us but it is already a very good memory.
.

11/15/2016 04:32:04 pm

After reading this article and looking at the pictures, I think Seoul is really a nice city. It has both traditional sides and modern side, and I think these matches with the Ying Wa themes for these two years: FDA and WARCHILAB! I think kimichi is one of the most iconc food across the globe. I personally love kimichi. This is a nice food culture in Korea. And I think Seoul is a really developed city. I agree with the teachers, Seoul is really a city of contrast! It has two sides. I really wish I can go there too!
I hope the Ying Wa teachers can have more trips and cultural exchanges in the future so that they can share their unique and wonderful experiences with us, and let us learn more.

11/15/2016 05:46:49 pm

I also like kimchi, but my only homemade kimchi was given to others, hope they like it.

should the 'matches' be 'match'?

Mrs Ho

11/16/2016 07:47:32 am

You know how to make Kimchi! When can 6E class have a taste of it?

Frankie Wong link

11/15/2016 04:57:36 pm

It is amazing to see almost every teacher make the kimchi by HAND and it matches with Last year theme : FDA.
And the buildings in Seoul is amazing , I've never seen a wobbly building and a half float rooftop building that match WARCHILAB.

11/15/2016 04:58:47 pm

I really want to go there , as I never went to Korea before

11/16/2016 07:49:38 am

You can go there during your Christmas holiday. It is worth visiting.

11/15/2016 05:41:13 pm

Is 'matches', not 'match'

11/15/2016 05:39:49 pm

I have been to Korea once. In my memory, I also made kimchi in Korea. The helpers there gave everyone a cup of ginseng milk before we make kimchi. The kimchi was given to people who need help. Although I can't try my own kimchi, it is already very happy to have the good memory in my heart and help others.

11/16/2016 07:50:48 am

Yes, you are right and have good memory. I drank the ginseng milk and I liked it. How about you?

Clement Cheung link

11/15/2016 06:22:01 pm

Kimchi is a traditional food in Korea, and the teachers have just made it with their hands! I agree with the point that Koreans are very creative and they show it in their architectures. I hope I will have a chance to travel to Seoul.

11/15/2016 06:28:50 pm

😁 I also hope that the people who received the teacher-made kimchi will be very happy! 😁😁😁

Adrian ho 6e 11 link

11/15/2016 07:57:18 pm

it should be [ who received the Kim chi made by the teacher's] Clement

Adrian Ho 6E 11 link

11/15/2016 07:54:24 pm

It must be very exciting you visit Korea. It must be fun to make Kim chi . there is a lot of special buildings and they are very cool. I love to eat Korea food very much and I hope I can visit Korea one day.

Paul 6E(30)

11/15/2016 07:58:08 pm

I think making kimichi must be very fun!
It must've been a great experience making kimichi to help people who are poor. I really want to go to Korea to make kimichi.
The buildings are so interesting! It is curved!
The night view was beautiful! It is full of stars. I have never seen such night views in Hong Kong. It seems like there are no pollution there!

11/16/2016 09:12:09 am

Yes. It was fun to make the kimchi. I wish I could have a taste of it.

Holmes Wong 6c 29

11/15/2016 08:03:57 pm

It really amazed me tha\t there are so much strange and wonderful building in Korea. Most of the teachers are makingkimchi seriously! Do you like the kimchi that you hae made? How many timev do you use to make those kimchi?

James Tam

11/15/2016 08:36:21 pm

Kimchi is a kind of traditional food in Korea which links people together, I think giving them to others is very meaningful.I wonder who thought of building a mall with containers?It is being recycled and gave other people an example of saving the earth and creativity.It is astonishing that there are not only new skyscrapers in a modern city.The view at night is like Hong Kong but we do not have that much buildings that are not just a simple high skyscraper Hong Kong should learn nice things in Korea. This trip is useful and teachers shared a lot with it.

6e 21 Ethan Ng

11/15/2016 09:05:31 pm

I am really amazed because of the cotainer mall if i had a chance to ask a questoin i would ask who thought of using containers?

Mike Wong link

11/15/2016 09:19:15 pm

Wow! Those futuristic buildings are so astonishing, my jaws literally dropped when I saw them. All the creative designs of the buildings are just absolutely ming-blowing. I wonder how Koreans come up with these amazing ideas? I also wonder how the architects behind these masterpieces handle all the crazy calculations while planning the dimensions of the buildings. I wish I could travel to Seoul and check out those buildings.

Jeff Wong link

11/15/2016 09:55:33 pm

I think that the teachers trip to Seoul is very meaningful, I think that it would be fun and happy making kimchi with your friends together.
And the buildings there are very strange but they look interesting and funny. I really hoped that I could with the teachers, I think that I would go to Korea this Christmas holiday, I will surely visit the places that the teachers went if I had the chance.

Richie Lui 6A(22)

11/15/2016 10:28:14 pm

I think the kimchi which the teachers made would be very healthy.It is because there is no additional chemical in it. In 2003, there are only a few people in Korea infected SARS because of kimchi. I've tried kimchi and it is spicy.
I think the Under Stand Avenue's shape is very special. I wonder what is selling in the Under Stand Avenue, and where does the electricity come from.
The night view in Seoul is great, if there will be a habour, Seoul would be the second Hong Kong. The buildings are unlike Hong Kong, although the buildings are short, they are very special.

Heung Ho Yeung 6E link

11/15/2016 11:00:53 pm

I think this is a very meaningful trip as the teachers can relax and see some special buildings in Seoul. They also made kimchi and gave it all to other people. I hope the teachers enjoyed this trip.

11/16/2016 09:16:24 am

It was meaningul. I was inspired a lot in the trip.

John Kam link

11/16/2016 06:51:03 am

You must eat kimchi if you visit Korea. But is a special thing that the teachers can try to make kinchi while helping others. The buildings in Korea are very special .

Seoul – A City of Contrast

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