1/26 Talk about Nami Island.

Nami Island peeped out of the Bukhan River after the building ofng-pyeong Dam.
* peep out of :~에서 솟아나다. come gradually or partially into view
ex> The sun began to peep out.

It was named after General Nami from the Choeon Dynasty.
ex> The Teddy bear was named after President Roosevelt.

It is located in Chun-cheon city with a circumference of about six kilometers.

It offers a zoo, botanical garden, and scenic sights.
* botanical garden: 식물원 cf> arboretum: 수목원
* scenic sight: 경치가 좋은 곳, 절경.
ex> You can enjoy the scenic sights while driving along the coast.

Nami Island is the perfect backdrop for a budding romance.
* backdrop: 배경
* budding romance: 이제 막 시작된 연애.

"Winter Sonata" fans from all over Asia stop by Nami Island to reminisce their favorite scenes.
* reminisce: indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events, 추억하다, 회상하다.
ex> She used to reminisce those days when she lived in Korea.

Many of these visitors are from Japan where the drama enjoyed explosive popularity.


@ They claim that they're quote unquote just friends.  개들이 자기들 말로는 그냥 '친구'라고 하던데.

1/25 Talk about Korean Major League stars.

Park Chan-ho made history when he became the first South Korean player in the Major Leagues in 1994.
* make history: 역사에 남을 만한 일을 하다.
ex> He made history by becoming the first African-American president in US history.
He first played for the LA Dodgers, but today is signed under the Pittsburgh Pirates.
* be signed under: ~와 계약이 되어 있다.

With 124 wins under his belt, Park was named the Asian pitcher with the most wins in MLB history in October of 2010.
* under one's belt: 자신의 소유로
ex> He was named as the new chairman of the National Assembly.

Choo currently is an outfielder for the Cleveland Indians.
* outfielder: 외야수
ex> He currently is a shortstop for the LG Twins.
Choo was the first Asian to join the 20-20 club, first in 2009 and again the following year.
* following year: 이듬해.
ex> He was the first to pass the test in his class.

This has secured his spot as one of the best batters on his team.

This has given him an extra boost in his baseball career.
* give an extra boost: 기폭제 역할을 하다. huge advantage
ex> The G20 summit gave an extra boost to our confidence.

@ Why don't we toss a coin?  = flip a coin..  동전 던지기 하면 어때?

1/24 Talk about social networking websites.

The number of social networking site (SNS) users in Korea is on the sharp rise.
* be on the sharp rise: 급증하다
ex> Orders for smart phones are constantly on the rise.

This is in line with the social networking site craze that's taken over the entire world.
* be in line with: ~와 일렬선상에 있다.
ex> The earnings were in line with analysts' estimates. 실적은 분석가들의 예측과 동일했다.
* craze: 열풍, 유행, extremely popular
ex> The online shopping craze has taken over the retail market.

In Korea alone, there were 24 million SNS users reported in July of 2010.

SNS are not just something that's in with the younger generation.
* in: popular..
ex> Skinny jeans are in these days.

More and more older people are following in the footsteps of their younger counterparts.
* follow in the footsteps of: ~의 전철을 밟다.

Many other SNS sites are slowly gaining ground with more users signing up every month.
* sign up: 등록하다, 가입하다,  cf> sign in: 접속하다, log in
ex> She signed up for an evening course.
* gain ground: 입지를 넓히다.  cf> lose ground: 기반을 잃다, 불리해지다.
ex> His campaign pledge is gaining ground among young voters.  선거 공약

@ I'm going to defriend him.  그 친구하고 일촌 끊어버릴 거야.
He really goes snooping around on it.  이것저것 캐고 다닌다.

1/22 Talk about the benefits of having breakfast.

Breakfast is said to be the meal of champions.

We have heard more times than we can count that it's the most important meal of the day.
ex> She's fallen off horses more times than she can count. 그녀는 기억할 수도  없을 만큼 많이 말에서 떨어졌다.

Many people tend to skip breakfast due to time constraints.
* time constraint: 시간적인 제약
ex> He was under a tight time constraint for this project.
ex> She skips dinner when she's trying to meet a deadline.

Many people can't squeeze in a sit-down meal during their hectic mornings.
* squeeze in: ~할 시간을 내다.
* sit-down meal: 앉아서 하는 식사
* hectic: 정신없이 바쁜

Eating a healthy breakfast can help you get off on the right foot every day.
* get off on the right foot: 순조롭게 시작하다.
ex> I got off on the right foot and had a solid month. 
      이번 달 시작이 순조로워서, 실속 만점의 한 달이 되었다.

You will have a lot more energy to take on your daily tasks.
* take on one's daily tasks: 일과를 따르다.
cf> take on a challenge

Eating breakfast will faciliate your metabolism, which is great for dieters.
* dieter: 다이어트를 하는 사람

Out of all people, students in particular should not underestimate the power of having breakfast.
* underestimate: devalue, 간과하다, 과소평가하다.
ex> I think a lot of people still underestimate what he can do.

@ Just let it go.  그냥 잊어버려.
Take it from me, he's not going to pay you back.  내 말 믿어, 절대 안 갚을 거야.

1/21 Talk about Andong Hahoe Folk Village

To get a taste of Korea before modernization, one should visit the Andong Hahoe Folk Village.
* get a taste of: ~을 체험하다, 맛보다.
ex> You must visit traditional markets to get a taste of Korea.

The traditional village aims to preserve the Choseon Dynasty customs and culture.
* preserve: maintain sth in its original or existing state
ex> The house has been preserved for future generations.

You can find Choseon-style architecture and age-old traditions of the clan-based villages.
* age-old tradition: 오랜전통
* clan-based: 씨족 중심의

It was even designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site for featuring various national treasures.
* designate: 지정하다
* world heritage site: 세계문화유산
ex> This tourist destination was designated as a world heritage site in 1999.

The mask dance is a must-see.
* a must-see: 꼭 봐야 할 것.
ex> I visited several must-see locations on my trip.

Jang-seungs are totem poles that guard against evil spirits
ex> We should guard against the possibility of this happening again.


@ They are inseparable.  그들은 항상 붙어 다녀.

1/20 Talk about the Novel Prize.

The Nobel Prize is one of the most coveted awards in the world that first started up in 1910.
* coveted: 받고 싶은, 탐나는,  very many people would like to have.

He stated in his will that he wished for his estate to be used in establishing the Nobel Prizes.
* estate: 재산, 유산

Some of the biggest movers and shakers in history became Nobel Prize laureates.
* movers and shakers: 유력자, 거물, people with power in important organization.
* laureate: 수상자,
ex> He has a personal connection with a lot of movers and shakers.

Nobel Peace Prize laureates include people of all backgrounds.
ex> The college started a series of lectures with lecturers of all backgrounds.

Korea's first and only Nobel Prize winner thus far is late former President Kim Dae-jung.
ex> He was the first and only winner of the marathon from his country.

Famous Korean poet, Ko Un, was up for a Nobel Prize in Literature a few times, but has yet to seal the deal with a win.
* be up for: ~의 후보가 되다, be nominated
ex> The singer was awarded all three prizes that she was up for.
* seal the deal: ~을 마무리하다.


@ Don't let him get to you.  그 사람 말 신경 쓰지 마. (= Don't let it bother you.)

1/19 Describe your bathroom.

In the bathroom, there is a toilet, a sink, a small cabinet, and a shower stall.
* shower stall: 샤워 부스
ex> My bathroom is equipped with a shower stall.

I do sometimes wish I had a bathtub to soak my body in after a long hard day.
* bathtub: 욕조
* soak: 담그다, 적시다.

There’s also a toilet plunger and a toilet bowl brush.
* toilet plunger: 변기 뚫는 막대 , cf> plummer: 배관공
ex> You need a toilet plunger for when your toilet is clogged.

The cabinet has a mirror attached to it.
ex> She didn't seem to realize that a price tag was still attached to her shirt.

I keep my toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and soap near my sink.
* mouthwash: 가글 ex> gargle with mouthwash
ex> Mouthwash is a product used to enhance oral hygiene.

There’s also the towel rack where I hang my towels and bathrobe.
* towel rack: 수건걸이
* bathrobe: 목욕가운
ex> There weren't any towels hanging on the towel rack.

@ I had no clue about that.  전혀 몰랐어.

1/18 Talk about how you make kimbab.

Kimbab can be best described as Korean-style rolls.
ex> He was described as being a very cruel character in the novel.

A kimbab roll is made from spreading rice onto a sheet of dried seaweed.
* dried seaweed: 마른 김
ex> She spread butter on the bread.

A bamboo mat is used to roll the kimbab into a nice round shape.
ex> A bamboo mat comes in handy when you are making kimbab.
ex> Roll the dough into small round balls.

The finishing touch would be some sesame oil lightly brushed on the surface.

You can then cut the kimbab into bite-sized rolls to mke it ready to serve.
* bite-sized: 한입 크기의
* ready to serve: 요리가 끝난, 바로 먹을 수 있는

Kimbab is a great on-the-go meal when you are going for an outing.
* on-the-go meal: 간편한 식사, 도시락
* outing: 소풍
ex> We are going for an outing this weekend.

@ This is her turf.  그친구 전문이야.

1/17 Talk about the game of go-stop.

The Western card deck has four suits and 13 cards per suit, for a total of 52 cards.
* deck: 갑판, 카드 한묶음, deck of cards, = pack

Go-stop cards have 12 different suits, with four (cards) to a suit.
* suits: 패(모양)
ex> A deck of cards have four suits: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs.

There are designs on each card that are similar for the four that share the same suit.
ex> There are four cards that share the same suit in go-stop. 고스톱에는 같은 패가 4장씩 있다.

The point of the game is to match your cards to the cards that are laid out in front of you.
ex> We don't match each other in terms of personality.

You can flip an extra card from the stack in the middle whenever it's your turn.
* stack: 더미, file
ex> Flip it over and allow the other side to cook for 5 minutes.

There can be no more than three players per round.
ex> No more than five people passed the exam.


@ I'm a slow learner.  내가 배우는 게 느린 편이야.
A: How's the new job going?
B: Well, I'm a slow learner, so it's taking a while to adjust.
A: Once you get the gang of it though, I'm sure things will get easier.

1/15 Talk about how Koreans like to sing at karaoke rooms.

Westerners are more used to karaoke bars where one has to come on stage to sing.
* come on stage: 무대에 오르다. 등장하다.
ex> He came on stage amid clapping and cheering.

Norae-bangs are practically on every street corner.
ex> Internet cafes are almost on every street corner in Korea.

When you're out to paint the town red, stopping at a norae-bang is almost a ritual.
* paint the town red: go to a different bars, clubs, and enjoy yourself.
* ritual: 관례, 의례적인 일

Alcohol helps people to be loosened up to belt out song after song.
* loosen up: 긴장을 늦추다.
ex> His jokes loosened up the awkward atmosphere.
* belt out: sing or play loudly
ex> She came on the stage and belted out a song.

The singing and dancing help colleagues let their guards down and bond with one another.
* let one's guards down: 경계를 늦추다, 마음을 열다.
ex> Don't let your guard down on matter what.
* bond with: ~와 더 친해지다.
ex> The gathering was a great opportunity to bond with one another.

Norae-bangs can hype up the mood, but it can also help wind down the night.
* hype up the mood: 분위기를 띄우다.
ex> The performance before the event hyped up the mood.
* wind down: 서서히 마무리하다.
ex> The party was winding down by the time we got there.

People can sit back and sing more of their favorite tunes to sober up.
* sit back: 편하게 앉다.
ex> I'm just going to sit back and relax this weekend.
* tune: 노래
* sober up: 술이 깨다.

@ Make sure you keep your end of the deal. 네가 약속한 부분만 꼭 잘 지켜.

1/14 How do Koreans deal with hangovers?

I've seen many Westerners drinking coffee or having something greasy to deal with hangovers.
* greasy: 느끼한, cf> grease: a thick oily substance, especially as used as a lubricant.

Korea has its own list of hangover remedies.
* hangover remedy: 해장법
ex> I have my own list of remedies when it comes to colds.

There are little tonic bottles sold in stores that you can take before drinking to ease the after effects.
* after effect: 후유증
ex> If you mix drinks, you will have a nasty after effect.  뒤끝이 좋지 않아.

If those don't do the trick, there are also drinks to knock down the next morning to help sober up.
* do the trick: 효과가 있다.
* sober up: 술이 깨다.
ex> I still haven't sobered up from last night's drinking.

Haejanggook helps to soothe your stomach after drinking.
* soothe: 편안하게 하다, 완화하다.
ex> You can use natural remedies to soothe your stomach instead of taking medicine.

I usually dump a bowl of rice into the soup, which is served in a piping hot clay bowl.
* piping hot: 펄펄 끓는
* clay bowl: 돌솥
ex> I prefer dumping a bowl of rice into the stew before eating it.

@ I'm juggling three things at once.  한 번에 세 가지 일을 하고 있어.

1/13 Talk about soju.

I would say that the ultimate, most representative drink of Korea is soju.
* ultimate: 궁극의, 최고의
ex> Kimchi is the most representative food in Korea.
Soju is a clear alcoholic drink made from sweet potatoes.
ex> Alcoholic drinks do not help your diet.
Its alcohol content is somewhere between 17 to 25 percent.
* alcohol contest: 알코올 도수
ex> Hard liquor has the highest alcohol content.
ex> She is somewhere between 25 and 30 years of age.

Soju is drunk icy cold in shot glasses and goes well with many Korean dishes.
* go well with: ~와 잘 어울린다.
ex> Could you recommend a wine that goes well with this dish?
You can also pair soju up with various spicy stews like gamja-tang or al-tang.

If it's too strong for your taste, you can order flavored cocktail soju, which goes down a lot easier.
ex> Apple-flavored soju is my favorite.
ex> The dressing is too sweet for my taste.

@ ~ for crying out loud.  진짜로, 정말 너무하네.
You said that 30 minutes ago for crying out loud. 30분 전에도 분명 그렇게 말했잖아! 정말 너무하네.

1/12 Talk about muk.

Muk refers to a type of jelly-like food that is made from starch ground from different grains, beans, and nuts.
* refer to: ~을 지칭하다.
* starch: 전분, 녹말가루

Some examples are buckwheat, sesame, and acorns.
* buckwheat: 메밀
* sesame: 참깨
* acorn: 도토리

Muk is pretty bland by itself, so the quality of the dish depends on how you spice it up.
* bland: 단조로운, 싱거운, very mild
ex> Add some salt if it is too bland.
* spice something up: ~을 양념하다, 분위기를 띄우다.
ex> I spiced up the dish with my special home-made sauce.

The block of muk is typically cut up into smaller bite-sized chunks.
* bite-sized chunk: 한입 크기의 조각
ex> Cut the cheese into small bite-sized chunks.

The most common seasonings used are soy sauce, chopped up vegetables and crumbled seaweed.
* chop up: 잘게 썰다.
* crumble: 바스러뜨리다. cf> crumb, 부스러기

One of people's favorites is muk made from acorn starch, which is called dotorimuk.

The best drink to wash down muk-muchim with is makgeolli or dongdong-ju.

@ I was taken aback.  나 깜짝 놀랐어.

1/11 Talk about the Korean culture of wearing matching rings.

Korean couples are very fond of celebrating anniversaries when they are dating.
* be fond of: ~을 매우 좋아하다.
ex> Some couples are very fond of going out with other couples.

Couples mark the occasion, commonly by getting matching rings.
* matching ring: 커플링
* mark the occasion: 특정일을 기념하다.
ex> Koreans put the flag out on national holidays to mark the occasion.

The rings are often engraved with the couple's initials.
*  engrave: 새겨넣다, carve
ex> My initials are engraved on the buttons.

His-and-her rings normally carry the heavier meaning of marriage.
* carry a meaning of: ~의 의미를 지니다.
ex> My name carries the meaning of wisdom and beauty.
ex> The couple bought his-and-her rings on their one-year anniversary.

Close friends often exchange rings as a token of their strong friendship.
* as a token of: ~의 상징으로, symbol
ex> We would like to dedicate the status as a token of our appreciation.


@ What's the holding you up?  뭐가 이렇게 오래 걸려?

1/10 Talk about traditional Korean-style markets.

They are exciting to visit as you can experience one unique aspect of the Korean culture.

You're almost guaranteed to find whatever you're looking for.
ex> You are almost guaranteed to like it. 분명 마음에 드실 거예요.
ex> You can find whatever you're looking for at large discount store chains.

The atmosphere is always robust with the hustle and bustle of vendors and customers.
* robust: strong and healthy; vigorous
ex> I just like the robust atmosphere of traditional markets.
* hustle and bustle: a state of great activity; the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
ex> You'll eventually get used to the hustle and bustle of big city life.

Customers usually try to haggle for the cheapest prices possible.
* haggle: dispute or bargain persistently, especially over the cost of something.
ex> It's interesting to watch people haggling for cheaper prices.

These markets are a melting pot of people from all over the country.
* melting pot: a pot in which metals or other materials are melted and mixed.  a place where different peoples, styles, theories, etc. are mixed together;
ex> Toronto is a melting pot of different cultures.


@ He is very nosy at times.   그 친구는 남의 일에 참견하는 것을 좋아해.

* Your secret is safe with me.   너의 비밀은 나만 알고 있을게.
* My lips are sealed.  입 꼭 다물고 있을게.

1/8 Talk about your relationship with your siblings.

I'm the oldest in my family with a younger brother and younger sister.
ex> My father is the oldest in his family but my mother is the youngest.

Because I'm the oldest, I've always felt protective of my siblings.
* feel protective of: 보호 본능을 느끼다.
* sibling: 형제, 자매
ex> I've always felt protective of my children.

They started to look to me as a mentor.  그들이 저에게 조언을 구하기 시작했습니다.
* look to: rely on (someone) to to or provide something.
ex> Who do you look to as a mentor?

I gave them academic, career-related, and even personal advice.

I truely believe that family is the most important thing in life.
ex> I think love and happiness are the important things in life.

@ I just breezed through it.  가볍게 둘러봤어.

1/7 Talk about the Korean culture of consuming dog meat.

Boshintang is basically a stew made out of dog meat.

It is believed to boost one's energy level and stamina in Korea.
* boost one's energy level: 기력을 충전해 주다.
* stamina: 체력, 정력
ex> Eating well is the best way to boost your energy level.

It should be noted that there is a specific type of dog bred on farms for the meat.
* be bred: 사육되다, 길러지다.
ex> Pigs, cows, and chickens are bred on that farm for meat.

Westerners also think that all Korean people eat dog, but this is far from the truth.
* be far from the truth: 사실무근이다.
ex> What she told you is far from the truth.

Only a small fraction of the population regularly enjoys this dish.
* a small fraction of: 극히 일부
ex> Only a small fraction of the consumers would be interested in buying a car like this.

All in all, boshintang is simply one aspect of the Korean dining culture, dating back to hundreds of years ago.
* dining culture: 음식 문화
* date back to: ~로 거슬러 올라간다.

@ Let's step out for a smoke.  잠깐 나가서 담배 하나 피우자.
* I'm beat!  아, 지친다.

1/6 What does the thyroid do and what are some conditions related to it?

Your thyroid is a small gland that sits just below your Adam's apple.
* Adam'sapple: 목젖, 후골
ex> Your Adam's apple becomes apparent while you go through puberty.

If your thyroid does not produce enough hormones, you have a condition called hypothyroidism.

This can lead to weight gain, cold hands and feet, dry skin, and brittle hair.
* brittle: hard but easily broken,

If your thyroid is overactive, you have what's called hyperthyroidism.

This means your metabolism is just on fire, which at first glance,may seem ideal.
* be on fire: 불이 붙다.
* at first glance: 얼핏 보면

Luckily, thyroid cancer is one of the most curable types of cancers.
* Cancer is more curable when it is detected at an earlier stage.

Most patients are in the clear after getting the cancerous parts of their thyroid removed.
* be in the clear: 말끔히 해결되다, 완치되다.

@ There's no telling what she may do.  그녀가 어떻게 할지 아무도 모르는 일이야.

1/5 Talk about North Korea's succession of power.

North Korea is one of the few countries in the world that is under a military dictatorship.
* military dictatorship: 군사 독재 정권.
ex> The movie was one of the few films in Korea that surpassed the 10 million ticket sales market.

Its political system is based on the Juche ideology of self-reliance.
* ideology: 이념, 사상
* self-reliance: 주체

With Kim's failing health in recent years, the whole world had been keenly interested in who will become the next successor of the North Korean regime.
* failing health: 악화되는 건강
* be keenly interested in: ~에 첨예한 관심을 보이다.
ex> Customers have been keenly interested in the next version of smart phones that the company will develop.
* successor: 후계자

News surfaced that his son, Kim Jong-eun, was appointed as the heir-apparent.
* be appointed as: ~로 지명되다.
* heir-apparent: 지명 후계자, 법정 상속인, an HEIR whose legal right to receive sb's property, money or title cannot be taken away because it is impossible for sb with a stronger claim to be born.

Despite it being a very isolated and reclusive nation, the DPRK has always had close ties with China and Russia.
* reclusive: 은둔적인, a reclusive millionaire/lifestyle

@ I need higher prescriptions for my contacts.  렌즈 도수 더 높은 거로 맞춰야겠다.

1/4 Talk about taking your car in for repairs.

I regularly take my car in to the repair shop for full service checks.
* repair shop: 정비소, garage ( a place where vehicles are repaired and where you can buy a car or buy petrol/gas and oil)
* full service check: 서비스 점검
ex> I think it's about time that I take my car in to the repair shop.

I guess I feel more at ease because they specialize in my car brand.
* feel at ease: feel comfotable, 안심이 되다.

The most basic service I receive is an oil change.
* oil change: 오일 교환
* basic [beisik]
ex> The last time I got an oil change was when I hit 30,000 km

The mechanics also check the air in my tiers.
* mechanic: a person whose job is repairing machines, especially the engines of motor vehicles.
* check the air (pressure): 공기압을 점검하다.
ex> Did you check the air in the tires?

I get the air filters replaced and have my brakes realigned from time to time as well.
* realign: 재조정하다.
ex> You should go get your brakes realigned.

There were a couple of aesthetic repairs that needed to be made.
* aesthetic repair: concerned with beauty and art and the understanding of beautiful things.

I had gotten into a small fender bender and cracked up my bumper.
* fender bender: a car accident in which there is not a lot of damage.
* crack up: 엉망으로 부수다. (=wreck or be wrecked ; smash up)
ex> The airplane cracked up in landing.

One time, I had to change one of my taillights since it went out.
* taillight: 후미등, 브레이크등.
cf> blinkers, signal lighters: 깜박이.
ex> Do you know that one of your taillights went out?

He and I are really tight.  그 친구하고는 아주 친해.

1/3 Talk about vision enhancement surgeries.

The two most common types of vision enhancement surgeries are Lasik and Lasek.
* vision enhancement surgery: 시력 교정술
ex> There are several procedures over there that enhance people's vision.

More and more people have been kicking their glasses and contact lenses to the curb with the help of Lasik and Lasek surgeries.
* kick ~ to the curb: ~을 제거하다, 없애버리다.
ex> Kick stress to the curb - preparing for the holiday.

Some people hesitate to receive these procedures because they fear permanent damage to their eyes.
ex> If left untreated, diabetes can cause permanent damage to one's organ.

Both surgeries involve the use of a laser to reshape the surface of the eye.

The Lasik procedure requires the cutting of a thin flap on the cornea.
* cornea: 각막

Many people get 20/20 vision after these surgeries.
* 20/20 vision: 1.0 교정시력, cf> 20/10 vision: 2.0 교정시력
ex> I used to have 20/20 vision when I was in college.

There are common side effects such as dry eyes and night glare.
* night glare: 빛 번짐 현상
ex> It's hard to drive when it's dark because I have night glare.

@ I have to get my eyes rechecked. 시력 검사를 다시 받아봐야겠어.
* It's super blurry. 완전히 뿌옇게 보여.

1/1 Talk about your New Year's Resolution.

Single male in his late-twenties:

I want to meet my future wife so that I can get married soon.
ex> I want my future husband to be a sweet and caring person.

I'm also hoping to work hard and get recognized at work.
* get recognized: 인정을 받다.

In terms of self-improvement, I plan to start exercising on a daily basis.
ex> Enlisted companies are required to announce their profits on a regular basis.

I want to brush up on my English.
ex> Travelling overseas is a good way to brush up on one's language.

I'm planning to hang out with some expat friends more often.
* expat (expatriate): person who lives outside their native country, 국외 거주자.

Married female in her mid-forties:

As a homemaker, most of my New year's resolutions revolve around my family.
* homemaker: 주부(housewife)
* revolve around: ~을 중심으로 돌아가다.

I want to be a better mother and support my children's studies better.

I've also been slacking (off) on my housework lately, ~~
* slack (off) on something: ~에 게으름을 피우다.

I plan to check up on my parents more often.
* check up on: 안부 인사를 하다.
ex> How often do you check up on your parents?

I've also signed up for dance classes at the recreational center.
* sign up for: ~에 등록을 하다, 가입을 하다.
* recreational center: 문화센터

@ Something smells fishy.  뭔가 수상한데.  = Something's going on.


My New Year's resolutions.
I've not thought of my new year's resolution yet.
First of all, I have to spend my time on my second baby who is expected on Feb.
Second one is English. I'm already brushing up on my English with 입트영, GMP on radio. I'm thinking about signing up for another online lecture which is supported by my company.
Third one is to exercise on a regular basis. I have to make it habit to go to the gym every day.

12/31 How do Koreans normally celebrate New Year's Eve?

Whereas many Westerners like to party with their friends, Koreans more typically spend New Year's Eve with their families.
* party with: ~와 파티를 열다, 놀다.
ex> I'm really happy to spend this special occasion with you.

There is a big bell in downtown Seoul, which is rung to usher in the new year.
* usher in: ~을 알리다, ~을 안내하다. (welcome)
ex> usher in the new year/era
ex> The internet has ushered in an era of a true global marketplace.

Many Koreans like to look back on the year listening to the bell.
* look back on: ~을 되돌아 보다.
ex> Looking back on the past year is what people do at this time of year..

Koreans also try to get up early on New Year's Day to catch the first sunrise.
* catch the sunrise: 일출을 목격하다.

Koreans like to verbally wish each other well in the New Year.
* wish someone well: ~에게 행운을 빌다.
ex> We usually verbally wish others well in the New Year.

@ The best of luck to you in the New Year. 새해 복 많이 받으세요.

12/30 How do you feel about wrapping up 2010?

2010 is flying by so quickly and I still have a lot of unfinished business.
* fly by: 빠르게 지나가다.
* unfinished business:  미해결 과제
ex> I think time flies by more quickly as I grow older.

I regret that I didn't stick to many of my New Year resolutions.
* stick to: ~에 충실하다, 매달리다.
ex> Let's just stick to the original plan.

I vowed to lose at least five kilos, but I'm pretty much the same weight.
* vow: 맹세하다, 다짐하다.
ex> He vowed to lower taxes for low income families during his campaign.

On a brighter note, I did get to finally go on a trip to India.
* go on a trip: 여행을 가다.
ex> I went on a trip to New York on business.

We've been together ever since and I'm slowly getting ready to pop the big question.
* pop the big question: 프로포즈를 하다.

@ Flip it over.  반대방향으로 뒤집어봐.

12/29 Talk about the city of Jeonju.

Jeonju is a culturally rich city located in North Jeolla Province.
* culturally rich: 문화 유산이 풍부한
ex> India is a culturally rich and diverse country.

It's home to many tourist hot spots, historic buildings, and exciting festivals.
* be home to: ~의 고향이다, ~이 소재한 곳이다.
ex> Korea is home to one of the most diverse cultures in Asia
ex> The hotel is within walking distance to many tourist hot spots in the city.

It gives visitors a chance to taste what life is like in a hanok, or traditional Korean house.
* taste: 맛보다, 몸소 체험하다.
ex>  I'd like to taste what life is like in the wilderness.

You can't talk about Jeonju without mentioning its delicious local dishes.
* local dish: 토속 음식,
ex> You can't talk about him without mentioning his fascinating dancing skills.

Jeonju is most well-known for its bibimbap.

@ I did a double-take.  아차 하고 다시 봤어.