3/28 Talk about the cherry blossom festivals in Korea.

One of the best things about spring is that people can enjoy the blooming of cherry blossoms.
* bloom: 만개(하다)
ex> I went on a weekend trip to see the blooming azaleas.
cf> azaleas: 진달래.

These beautiful flowers start popping up in late March.
* pop up: 피어나다, 생기다.
ex> More and more competent women are popping up in workplace.

It's a breathtaking sight that should not be missed.
* breathtaking sight: extremely beautiful, 숨막히는 풍경, 장관
ex> This is an opportunity of a lifetime and one that should not be missed.

Another spot perfect to view cherry blossoms is Yeouido in Seoul.
ex> The photographer picked a spot perfect for avoiding the glare of the sun.

Hundreds of cherry blossom trees bloom along the Han River.
ex> The flowers were starting to bloom along the streets..

Words are simply not enough to describe the magnificent sight.
* magnificent sight: 장관, 절경

The cherry blossoms eventually fall to the ground like snow.
* fall to the ground: 땅에 떨어지다

@ I could hardly contain myself.  감정을 주체할 수 없었어.

3/26 Talk about the sports rivalry between Korea and Japan

There has always been intense competition between Korea and Japan.

Sports is one of the best outlets for that competitive spirit.
* outlet: vent, 배출구
ex> Having a competitive spirit is good, but good sportsmanship is important too.

This all stems from Korea's deep roots with Japan.
* stem from: originated from

One of the most touchy subjects between the two countries revolves around WWII.
* touchy: sensitive, 민감한, 까다로운

Japan has yet to formally apologize for its atrocious war crimes.
* atrocious: extremely cruel, 잔인한
ex> I have yet to sign up at the gym because I've been so busy.

Some from the older generation in Korea still hold grudges against Japan.
* hold grudges against: ~에 대해 앙심을 품다.

Korea and Japan can't see eye to eye about the ownership of the Dokdo islets.
* see eye to eye about: ~에 대해 의견이 일치하다.

Every baseball or soccer match between the two nations becomes a matter of national pride.
ex> The Olympic Games become a matter of national pride for many countries.

One will fanatically root for Korea when the nation goes head-to-head with Japan.
* go head-to-head with: ~와 맞대결하다.
* fanatically: 광적으로
* root for: ~을 응원하다.
ex> Teenagers came to fanatically root for their favorite singers at the concert.
ex> The top players will go head-to-head with each other at the finals.

@ She's my partner in crime.  그녀는 공범이야. / 그 친구는 나랑 뭐든지 같이 해.

3/25 Talk about typical Korean-style cafeterias at school and office buildings.

* cafeteria: 구내식당

Lunch is served to the students at their desks.
* be served: 제공되다.
ex> I often have to eat at my desk during busy season.

The children receive a metal tray with rice, side dishes, and some type of soup.
ex> Schools prefer metal trays over plastic ones for their durability.

Most companies sell lunch vouchers to avoid the hassle of handling cash.
* avoid the hassle: 수고를 덜다.
ex> Taking out the trash can be such a hassle, especially in the winter.

You first grab your tray and siliverware before getting in line.
* silverware: 은식기류
* get in line: 줄을 서다.

Rice and side dishes are all self-serve.
ex> Self-serve gas stations are not common in Korea.

You can help the staff out by placing all your uneaten food in your soup bowl.
ex> Give me a hand by placing the silverware on the table, please.

@ I jumped at the opportunity.   그 기회를 놓치지 않았어.

3/24 Talk about what Korean mothers-to-be do for prenatal care.

Expectant mothers in Korea take a very holistic approach when it comes to prenatal care.
* mother-to-be: 예비 산모
* prenatal care: 태교
* expectant mother (=future mother, soon-to-be mother)
* holistic: 포괄적인
ex> Eastern medicine takes a more holistic approach than Western medicine.

Future mothers will take up light stretching and exercises.
* take up: start, begin.

One very popular choice as of late has been ballet or yoga.
* as of late: recently

Others will sharpen various skills by studying English, or picking up new hobbies.
* pick up new hobbies: 새로운 취미 생활을 시작하다.
ex> I spent the last year training to sharpen my business skills.

Mothers-to-be also look to soothing music to ease their anxieties and find some peace of mind.
* soothing: 달래는, 편안한.
* look to: depend on
ex> Soothing music is the perfect way to unwind after a hard day.
ex> Meditation helps me to find some peace of mind when I'm stressed.

There are those that stick with their jobs for as long as possible.
* stick with something: ~을 고수하다.
ex> Even though you hate it, I recommend you stick with your current job until next month.

Future mothers will often create a cute pre-birth nickname for their babies.
* pre-birth nickname: 태명
ex> Does your mother remember your pre-birth nickname when she was pregnant with you?


@ He took a crack at it.  그가 한번 시도해 봤어.

1. It is important to take a holistic approach when raising your children.
2. My goal is to pick up new hobbies this winter.
3. Practicing yoga gives me peace of mind.
4. She created more than ten pre-birth nickname for the baby.

3/23 Talk about the UNHCR

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - or UNHCR for short - was established in late 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly.
* United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: 유엔난민고등판무관
* for short: 줄여서
* General Assembly: 총회
ex> The new rules were established in late 2010, just in time to ring in 2011.

This organization seeks to lead international efforts to advocate refugees.
* advocate: 옹호하다
ex> She led international efforts in promoting equality among men and women.
ex> He volunteered a lot of his time to advocate for the rights of children.

The protection of refugees' rights and well-being is of its utmost priority.
* utmost priority: 최고 우선순위

The UNHCR sees to it that everyone can exercise his/her right to seek asylum or find sanctuary in another place.
* asylum: 망명
* sanctuary: 피난처, shelter
ex> Angry protestors gathered to exercise their right to assemble.

Tens of millions of people were given a new start, proving that the UNHCR's efforts were not in vain.
* in vain: 헛되이

Angelina Jolie is a goodwill ambassador for the group and is closely involved with the organization's work and mandate.
* goodwill  ambassador: 친선대사
* mandate: 임무, 권한, mission
ex> He's not an official member of the group, but is closely involved with all of their activities.


@ I'm just reciprocating.  그냥 보답하는 것뿐이야.


1. The organization advocates the rights of children.
2. Recovering your health should be your utmost priority.
3. He saw to it that the same mistake was not repeated.  그는 똑같은 실수를 반복하지 않도록 주의했다.
4. She is a goodwill ambassador for the international organization.

3/22 Describe the City of Daejeon.

Daejeon is the fifth largest Korean city, located in the heart of the peninsula.
* in the heart of: ~의 중심에, ~의 한복판에
ex> The museum is located right in the heart of the city

It sits at the crossroads of some major transportation routes.
* at the crossroads of: ~의 교차점에
* transportation route[ru:t, raut]: 교통로, 노선
ex> Which transportation route would you recommend for me to get to Daejeon the fastest?

It's where the major north and south highways and railways branch out across the country.
* branch out: 뻗어나가다, spread out

Taking the KTX, Daejeon is slightly less than an hour away from Seoul.
ex> We're less than an hour away from your house.

Daejeon is one of the leading cities in science and technology.

One particularly thriving area worth mentioning is Doonsan.
* thriving: 번창하는, growing, blooming.

Daejeon also has its share of mountains, temples, lakes, and hot springs.
* have one's share of: 나름대로 있다.
ex> The country has its share of ups and downs in history.
ex> She has her share of experiences dealing with emergency situations.
* hot spring: 온천

@ He stutters from time to time.  그는 가끔씩 말을 더듬어.

1. There is a palace that is hundreds of  years old in the heart of the city.
2. There is rest area at the crossroads of the two highways.
3. My office is an hour away from my home.
4. She has her share of experiences of looking after babies.

3/21 Talk about legal ages in Korea.

Due to a civil law revision bill that was submitted recently, Koreans will be considered a legal adult when they reach their 19th birthday from July of 2013.
* civil law: 민법
* revision bill: 개정안

When you hit this coming-of-age milestone, one can engage in all economic activity without the permission[consent] of one's parents.
* coming-of-age milestone: 성년이 되는 연령

The protection of Minors Act, governs the legal age for the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
* Protection of Minors Act: 청소년 보호법

The Act defines adults as people who will become 19 that year.
ex> The WHO defines being "overweight" as having a BMI of 25 or more.

You are allowed to vote if you are fully 19 before election day.
ex> When are you allowed to vote in your country?
ex> You have to be fully 19 if you want to cast a vote in an election in Korea.

You must be at least 25 to run for public office and 40 to run for president.
* run for public office: 공직에 출마하다.


@ Don't talk with your mouth full.  뭐 먹으면서 말하지 마.

3/19 Talk about the differences between living in a house and an apartment.

Houses and apartments both have pros and cons in different areas.
* pros and cons: 장단점, 일장일단
ex> There are pros and cons to everything, so it's important to think it through.

It all comes down to privacy or security.
* come down to: ~으로 귀결되다, 압축되다.
ex> The decision all comes down to having more money or having more time.

You need to take care of all the maintenance and security responsibilities.
ex> I asked my sister to take care of my children for the afternoon.

You'll have a security guard around the clock who keeps an eye out for shady people or questionable activities.
* shady: 미심쩍은, 수상한
* around the clock: 상시적으로, 멈추지 않고
* keep an eye out for: ~을 감시하다.

The downside is that you must always be respectful towards the other residents.

You don't want to be too noisy or stomp around your home as this can be disruptive.
* stump: 쿵쾅거리며 걷다.
* disruptive: 방해가 되는, 파괴적인
ex> The toddler stomped around the house in her daddy's shoes.

@ Stop sweeping problems under the rug.  문제를 회피하려고 하지 마.

3/18 Talk about blood donation.

* blood drive: 헌혈 장려 행사
* blood donation, give blood, 헌혈하다.
* blood transfusion: 수혈

The Red Cross in Korea has a blood bank bus that regularly visits universities.
ex> It's important to regularly visit your dentist for checkups and teeth cleanings.

There are also blood donation centers that you can seek out to donate blood.

You fill out a form on your medical history and undergo a basic physical to see if your body can afford the blood loss.
* fill out a form: 서식을 작성하다.
ex> You need to fill out a form to receive a parking permit.
* medical history: 병력
ex> Your medical history is typically considered private information.
* basic physical: 기본 신체 검사

A needle is inserted into a vein on the inside of your elbow to draw your blood.
ex> How did you get that bruise on the inside of your elbow?

You stick around for about five minutes in case any complications arise.
ex> I'm sorry I couldn't stick around for long.

You can use this time to replenish your body with light refreshments
* refreshments: 간식, 간단한 다과

@ This meeting got heated up.  회의 분위기가 달아올랐거든.

1. Donating blood is also good for your health.
2. The Doctor closely examined her medical history.
3. Your cash card needs to be inserted into the machine first.
4. She developed a series of complications after the surgery.

3/17 Talk about the Korean sentiment of jung.

One Korean word that doesn't have an exact English translation is jung.
* exact English translation: 영어 대응어
ex> Is there an exact English translation for this word?

Jung is a sort of emotional attachment or bond that one feels for a person.
* emotional attachment: 정서적 애착
ex> I developed an emotional attachment to my car that I drove for 10 years.
ex> He and I have a really strong bond despite the age difference.

One thing that really sets apart the Korean people with others is jung.
* set apart A with B: A와 B를 구분하다.

Jung typically develops over the course of a relationship as the person gradually grows on you.
* grow on someone: 좋아하게 되다, 익숙해지다.
ex> The song can be annoying when you first hear it, but it will grow on you.

The funny thing is that you don't even have to like a person to feel jung for them.
ex> We don't even have to tip at restaurants here in Korea.

You can develop jung for a place or thing over time.
* over time: 시간이 지남에 따라, as time passes

It's kind of like you being sad to let go of your old cell phone for a new one.
* let go of: ~을 보내주다.

The same goes for a school you attended for many years.
* the same goes for: ~도 마찬가지다.


@ Where did you get that idea?  그런 생각은 도대체 어떻게 하게 된 거야? 

3/16 Talk about traditional Korean pastimes.

* pastime: 놀이

Go-moo-jool is the Korean version of long jump-roping[Chinese jump rope].
* jump-roping: 줄넘기
ex>  jump-roping is very popular among young girls in the U.S.

Large rubber bands are stretched out and wrapped around players' ankles.
* rubber band: 고무줄
* stretch out: 늘리다.
* wrap around: ~주위를 감싸다.

Girls also used to enjoy gong-gi-nori, a game similar to Western-style jacks.
* similar to: ~와 유사한
ex> Korean music is becoming more and more similar to Western-style music.

Players go around tossing one gong-gi piece up and trying to scoop up the other pieces before it comes down.
* scoop up: 낚아채다.

It's like hacky-sack using a shuttlecock-like toy.
* hacky-sack: 제기차기
ex> The child enjoys pretending take pictures with the camera-like toy.

You basically try to flip over your opponent's game piece by slapping your own piece down on it.
* flip over:~을 뒤집다.
* slap: 세게 내던지다.
ex> I saw a car flip over when it was hit by a speeding truck.

Koreans have their own version of top spinning.
* top spinning: 팽이치기
ex> My baby brother sings his own version of the song by the Wonder Girls.

It involves whipping a thin rope at a top to keep it spinning.
* whip: strike really quickly, 채찍질하다.


@ I can't thank you enough.  뭐라고 감사해야 할지 모르겠다.
How did your job interview go?


1. This park is like the Korean version of Central Park.
2. His writing style is similar to his mentor's
3. My car flipped over in the accident.
4. Top spinning is a game that requires persistence.  팽이치기

3/15 Talk about the melting of ice in the Arctic Ocean.

Global warming has been changing the Earth, with the Arctic region being a case in point.
* case in point: a specific example of what one is talking about. 대표적인 예
ex> Giant is an unpredictable team. Their victory over SK yesterday was a case in point.

The average global temperature has risen 0.4 degrees Celsius in the last two decades.
* average global temperature: 평균지구 기온
ex> This was the coldest winter in the last two decades.

The ice in the Arctic region saw a 42% reduction in 2008, compared to 1979.
* see: '목격하다'라는 의미
ex> The company saw a 10% increase in sales compared to last year.

Although there are negative ecological consequences from this, there are commercial upsides as well.
* upside: 장점 cf> downside
ex> There are many commercial upsides to social networking sites.

Because there are less glaciers, merchant boats have been able to travel through the Arctic Ocean.
* glacier: 빙하
* merchant boat: 상선
ex> Pirates off the coast of Somalia kidnap merchant boats for ransom.

Vessels have been shaving days off of their transport times by taking routes through the Arctic.
* shave off: 단축하다.
ex> Special swimsuits can benefit swimmers, shaving seconds off of their times.
* travel through: ~을 관통해서 가다


@ You seem a bit down today. 너 오늘 좀 기운 없어 보인다.

3/14 Talk about the controversy surrounding the Military Service Extra-points System.

Korean men have the obligation to serve in the military.

There used to be a system that gave men who fulfilled their military duties extra points on civil service exams.
* military duty: 군복무 의무
* civil service exam: 공무원 시험
ex> Squadmates often keep in touch even after they have fulfilled their military duties.
cf> squadmates: 같은 내무반에서 근무한 사람

The Constitutional Court ruled that the system was unconstitutional on the grounds that it is unfair for those who are exempt from the draft.
* Constitutional Court: 헌법재판소
* unconstitutional: 위헌의
ex> The controversial law was submitted to the Constitutional Court for a hearing. 
      논란이 된 법령은 헌법재판소에 심리를 위해 제출되었다.
* on the grounds that: ~을 근거로  cf> groundless rumor: 근거없는 소문
* be exempt from: ~으로부터 면제되다.
* draft: 징병
ex> Because of a big surgery he underwent, he was exempted from the draft.

There have been attempts in the National Assembly to revive the system.
* revive: 부활시키다. bring back
ex> His attempts to go out with her finally worked as she said yes.

Such efforts have been met with strong opposition from women's rights groups.

Currently, a revision of the Military Service Act is pending in government.
* pending: (법안등이) 계류 중인, sth hasn''t been decided yet.
* revision: 개정안

There will be a 20 percent quota for those hired with the help of the extra points.
* quota [kwouta]: 제한, 할당, limited portion of sth.

@ Let's just wait it out for another 10 minutes.

1. He failed to fullfill his military duty due to health problem.
2. To restrain one's freedom of speech is unconstitutional.
3. You become exempt from military duty if you win a gold medal in the Olympics.
4. The Government made various efforts to revive the economy.

3/12 Talk about buying something online.

Shopping can be done in the comfort of your own home, online.
* in the comfort of one's home: 집에서 편안하게
ex> Rather than coffee shops, I like to work in the comfort of my home.

It's important to do your homework and check reviews from other previous buyers.
* do one's homework: 사전 조사를 하다.
ex> Be sure to do your homework before going in for a job interview.
* check reviews: 후기를 검토하다.

You click on an item and place it in your virtual shopping cart for purchase.
ex> Would you place the dishware in the kitchen cabinets, please?

If you spend enough, you may be up for free-shipping.
* be up for: ~할 자격이 주어지다.
ex> My daughter is up for an award for her good grades.

Orders usually arrive within a matter of a few days.
ex> You can cook your food in the microwave within a matter of minutes.

You can be kept in the know of your order's shipping status by tracking it online.
* be kept in the know: 꾸준히 상황 파악이 가능하다.
* track: 추적하다

If you're not happy with your purchase, you can usually return it for a refund.
* refund: 환불


@ They fired back at us.  그들이 반격했어.


1. I prefer eating in the comfort of my own home over restaurants.
2. Do your homework before going to meet him.
3. My son is up for an award for his good grades.
4. You will receive the diagnosis within a matter of days.


In hospital, patients get the blood test. The result comes out in few days.
I can say, "The result will come out within a matter of few days. I will call you when the result comes out"

3/11 Talk about discount stores and their impact.

Large discount store chains have been popping up like mushrooms in Korea.
* discount store chain: 할인 마트 체인점
* pop up like mushrooms: 우후죽순처럼 생겨나다.
ex> New coffee shops have been popping up like mushrooms all over town.

These stores have everything you need for cheaper prices all under one roof.
* all under one roof: 한 곳에 전부 밀집된
ex> I love that my extended family members all live under one roof.

Traditional markets have been taking the brunt of their expansion.
* take the brunt of: ~의 직격탄을 맞다.
ex> Poor people have been taking the brunt of the economic recession.

Mom-and-pop stores have also taken a direct hit suffering from a drop in customers.
* mom-and-pop store: 영세상점, 동네 상점.
* take a direct hit: 직격탄을 맞다.
ex> The small mom-and-pop store grew to become a large company.

These small business owners do not have the power to go up against these mega discount stores.
* go up against: ~에 대항하다. compete
ex> Our soccer team will go up against last year's champion.

One recent controversy revolved around a discount store chain that started selling a bucket of fried chicken for only 5,000 won.

@ Let's wave him down!  그에게 손을 흔들어 봐!

1. Coffee shops are popping up like mushrooms in my neighborhood.
2. You can buy everything you need all under one roof.
3. The poor took the brunt of the cold weather.
4. I don't have the power to go up against him.


I usually go to the large discount store in the neighborhood. They have everything I need for cheaper price all under one roof. Even though I don't have anything I need, I just go there to see around. Large discount store provide some kind of discount coupon to buy products for more cheaper price.
But now, I live alone, I don't go there anymore.

3/10 Talk about filing taxes at the end of the year.

Koreans who earn a monthly salary have to file their taxes.
* file one's taxes: 소득세 신고를 하다.
ex> Tax attorneys get extra busy when people have to file their taxes.

The income tax rate is progressive
* progressive tax rate: 누진세율
ex> Wealthy people have to pay more taxes with the progressive tax rate system.

There are various deductions people can get.
* deduction: 소득 공제
ex> You must document the money you spent to get deductions.

Money spent on supporting family, and donations are all deductible.
* deductible: 공제 가능한
ex> Try to find a good deductible insurance plan to cover you and your family.

After all the deductions have been made, you find out whether you're eligible for a tax refund.
* be eligible for: ~할 자격이 되다.
ex> If your online purchase exceeds 200,000 won, you can be eligible for free shipping and handling.

If you're not, you have to shell out additional income tax.
* shell out: spend, 지불하다.(어쩔 수 없이)


@ I'm itching to go on a trip.  여행 가고 싶어 근질근질해.
I'd love to just get away for a bit.  잠깐 좀 일상에서 벗어나서 쉬고 싶어.

1. I filed my taxes by myself for the first time.
2. The Government imposes a progressive tax rate on people's income.
3. Donations are deductible.
4. You will find out whether you are eligible for a tax refund.


I also filed taxes last month at my workplace.
I've gotten a tax refund every year.
I felt I was given a extra money, when tax refund was given.
I don't know how much tax refund will be done.
Anyway, I prepared all document of deduction item.

3/9 Talk about the K-League.

The K-League is the highest and most prestigious level of soccer competition in Korea.
* prestigious: 유명한, 저명한

The K-League is the only professional soccer league in Korea.
ex> His dream is to become a player for the professional soccer league.

The league was launched in 1983 with just five clubs, but has since then expanded to 16 clubs.
ex> The website crashed just hours after it was launched from all the visitors.
ex> This company used to be a small family business, but has since then expanded to become a conglomerate.

The K-League soccer season typically kicks off around March or April, running until late November.
* kick off: 시작하다.
* run until: ~까지 계속하다.
ex> The subway runs until a little after midnight.

All of the clubs play each other two times during the regular season.
ex> The player was out during the regular season because of an injury.

The teams are named after either their province or their conglomerate sponsors.
* conglomerate: 대기업
* be named after: ~의 이름을 따서 짓다.
ex> Smaller ventures often try to get conglomerate sponsors to support them.

@ Don't rock the boat over that!  문제를 일으키지 마. / 문제 삼지 마.


1. The company was established with only 5 employees, but has since then expanded its employees to 100.
2. Election campaigns officially kick off a month before election day.
3. We used to play each other in tennis from when we were young.
4.  She named her son after her favorate author.

3/8 Describe the City of Chuncheon.

Chuncheon is the provincial capital of Gangwon Province with a population just shy of 273,000
* provincial capital: 도청 소재지
* shy of: ~에 약간 못 미치는
ex> The child was just shy of the roller coaster's minimum height requirement.

Chuncheon is a very popular destination for a quick getaway.
* getaway: short trip
ex> I could use a quick getaway to get rid of my stress.  짧은 여행이나 다녀왔으면 좋겠다.

Many people have fond memories of the city because Chuncheon is a favorite destination for college trips.

Dakgalbi is a spicy seasoned chicked dish stir-fried with vegetables and rice cakes.
ex> I prefer eating my vegetables stir-fried rather than raw.

An electric railway service connecting Seoul and Chuncheon opened for service last December.
ex> The new skincare clinic opened for service last week.

The train slashed the two-hour  travel time by nearly half making Chuncheon much more accessible from the nation's capital.
* slash by half: 절반으로 단축시키다.

@ We're all in this together.  우리 모두 같은 배를 탄 거야.

1. Your work is just shy of my expectation.
2. I'm going to Japan for a quick getaway this weekend.
3. Stir-fried vegetables are very delicious.
4. The new hospital finally opened for service today.

3/7 Talk about the recent ban on corporal punishment at schools in Seoul.

In the latter half of 2010, corporal punishment was banned at schools in Seoul.
* corporal punishment: 체벌.
ex> Students have become rowdier after corporal punishment was banned at school.
cf> rowdy: of people making a lot of noise or likely to cause trouble

The same will happen in Gyeonggi Province this year, and other provinces may follow suit.
* follow suit: 같은 행보를 보이다. engage in the same course.

Korean teachers have taken to the rod as a method of discipline.
* take to the rod: 매를 들다.
ex> My parents took to the rod quite a bit raising me.

This age-old method was put in question after a series of incidents where some teachers used excessive force on students.

Those for ban argue that students do not have to be physically punished to learn a lesson.
* learn a lesson: 교훈을 얻다.
ex> He really needs to learn a lesson in humility.

Those against it say that the ban will only further undermine teachers' authority in classrooms.
* undermine: 침해하다.
* teachers' authority: 교권
ex> When raising a dog, you need to establish your authority over it.

Ever since spankings were outlawed, there have been cases of disruptive students making the headlines.
* outlaw: 금지하다, 불법화하다.

It's impossible to maintain order in the absence of corporal punishment.
ex> She tried to maintain order over the screaming children.


@ She's been on edge all day.  하루 종일 안절부절 못해.


1. Some argue that maintaining order at school without corporal punishment is difficult.
2. I will not take to the rod when raising my kid.
3. His health was undermined by excessive drinking.
4. He was released in the absence of sufficient evidence.

3/5 Talk about your sleeping habits.

When it comes to sleeping, I'm an incredibly light sleeper.
* light sleeper: 잘 때 예민한 사람

It often prevents me from getting a good night's sleep.
* get a good night's sleep: 숙면을 취하다.
ex> Did you get a good night's sleep?
ex> Getting a good night's sleep is almost impossible with the new baby.

I can't drift off into sleep unless it's dead quiet.
* drift off: 잠에 빠져들다.
ex> I drift off into sleep so quickly when I have classical music on.

On nights when my neighbors are being noisy, I'll toss and turn for hours.
* toss and turn: 뒤척이다.

I'll snooze my alarm repeatedly or sleep through it altogether.
ex> I slept through my alarm.  알람 소리를 못듣고 잤어.

I have such vivid dreams that they wake me up in the middle of the night.

My brother snores like a freight train.
* freight train: 화물열차
ex> I sleep with earplugs because my husband snores like a freight train.

@ Just nuke it in the microwave.  전자레인지에 데워.

1. I don't like sharing a room with others because I'm a light sleeper.
2.
3. She drifted off into sleep despite the noise around her.
4. After losing some weight, he does not snore like a freight train anymore.

3/4 Talk about dok-seo-sils in Korea.

Many Korean students make use of a dok-seo-sil to get some serious studying done.
* make use of: ~을 사용하다.
ex> I have a land line, but I hardly make use of it because I have a cell phone.
cf> land line: 유선전화

You can either purchase a daily-pass or pay a lump sum for a monthly pass.
* daily-pass: 일일 이용권
* monthly pass: 월 이용권
* pay a lump sum: 목돈을 지불하다.
ex> You may get a discount if you pay a lump sum up front.

They are filled with individual study carrels.
* study carrel: 개인용 열람실
ex> My school library has individual study carrels for students to use.

You're assigned a specific carrel for personal use.
ex> The students were assigned a paper, which is due at the end of the week.
ex> The locker are rented out to the gym members for personal use.

Most private dok-seo-sils are frequented by middle and high school students.
* frequent: 자주 이용하다.
ex> This traditional Korean restaurant is frequented by tourists throughout the year.

@ We tossed ideas back and forth.  여러가지 생각을 이리저리 나눠 봤어.

1. If you pay a lump sum, you can get a discount.
2. Each student is assigned his or her own study carrel.
3. You can use this locker for personal use.
4. This restaurant is frequented by foreigners.

3/3 Talk about cash receipts in Korea.

Keeping track of your cash spending is made a lot easier in Korea with something called a cash receipt.
* keep track of: ~을 꾸준히 관리하다.
* with something called: ~라고 불리는

A computer record is made to document your cash purchases.
* document: 문서화되다, 기록으로 남기다.
ex> You should document all of your big expenses.
ex> I prefer using my credit card and getting points than making cash purchases.

This can help during the tedious annual routine of filing your taxes.
* tedious: 지루한
* file one's taxes: 소득신고를 하다.
ex> I have a set routine when I go to work out at the gym.
ex> Since it's your first time, I'll help you with filing your taxes.

Tax authorities also benefit because they can better monitor people's cash spending.
ex> She got in trouble with the tax authorities for not accurately reporting her earnings.

You simply register under your resident registration number or cell phone number.
ex> My car is actually registered under my dad's name.

Whenever you make a cash purchase at an establishment, you give either number to get your cash receipt.

You can also get a cash receipt card issued to avoid the hassle of giving your number all the time.
* avoid the hassle of: ~하는 수고를 덜다.
ex> I buy my movie ticket online to avoid the hassle of waiting in line.


@ The rumor snowballed.  소문이 눈덩이처럼 불어났어.


1. You can get a cash receipt if you purchase something in cash.
2. You can file your taxes online nowadays.
3. The house is registered under my husband's name.
4. I arrived early to avoid the hassle of waiting in line. 줄 서는 것을 피하기 위해 일찍 도착했다. 

3/2 Talk about the Korean currency.

Korea's official monetary unit is the won.
* monetary unit (=denomination): 화폐 단위

There are coins for 10, 50, 100, and 500 won denominations.
* denomination: the face value of a banknote, coin, or postage stamp.
ex> Coins of this denomination will slowly be phased out.

There are bills for 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and most recently, 50,000 won.
ex> Ever since I got a credit card, I don't carry bills on me.
ex> I opened up a cyworld, facebook, and most recently, a twitter account.

Each note can be differentiated by its color and design.
* differentiate: identify differences between (two or more things or people)

The 1,000 won note is blue with a picture of the well-known Confucian scholar, Lee Hwang.
* Confucian scholar: 유교학자
ex> You should exchange all of your 10,000 won notes into 50,000 won notes.

King sejong the Great is printed on the green 10,000 won banknote.
* be printed on: ~에 인쇄되어 있다.
ex> I like to collect banknotes from different countries in the world.

Shin Saimdang was the first woman to be printed on Korean currency.
ex> Korean currency is gaining value against the US dollar.
                                       ~에 대비 절상되다.

She was a prominent writer, calligrapher, and artist during the Choseon Dynasty.
* calligrapher: 서예가
* prominent: well-known, famous

@  I mentioned it in passing.  지나가는 말로 얘기했어.


1. What is the biggest denomination in your country?  고액권
2. Her collection includes shoes, bags, and most recently, jewelry.
3. The sizes of the banknotes were reduced a few years ago.
4. You'd better keep that money in Korean currency.

3/1 Talk about what day Sam-il-jeol is in English.

March 1st is commemorated in Korea for the major revolt against Japanese colonialism in 1919.
* commemorate: 기념하다.
* revolt: 반란, 봉기

It all started with a series of demonstrations that quickly caught on throughout the entire peninsula.
* caught on: 유행하다, 인기를 얻다.

The Korean people were furious about the repressive nature of Japanese policies.
* be furious about: ~에 분개하다.

Sam-il-jeol laid the groundwork for the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai.
* lay the groundwork for: ~의 초석을 다지다.

Koreans observe March 1st every year in honor of those who paved the way for Korea's independence.
* pay the way for: ~의 길을 닦다.
* in honor of: ~을 기리기 위해, ~에 경의를 표하여.

@ It was like that from the get go.  처음 샀을 때부터 그랬어.

2/28 Talk about the seasonal illnesses in Korea.

Korea is a country that goes through four distinct seasons.
* four distinct seasons: 뚜렷한 4계절

Each season brings along different health ailments.
* ailment: an illness, typically a minor one, 질병
ex> She's been suffering from various health ailments.
* bring along: ~가져오다.
ex> You can bring along your friends or family members.

Starting off with the obvious, the biting cold winters can spread the common flu.
* start off with: ~로 시작하다.
* biting cold: freezing cold, 매섭게 추운
ex> Since it's biting cold outside, you should bundle up.

Yellow dust (aka Asian dust or yellow sand) blows in from China's deserts and lingers in our air.
* linger in: stay around, ~에 머무르다.
* Yellow dust: 황사
ex> The scent of flowers lingers in the air for quite some time.

When summer rolls around, there tends to be more cases of heat exhaustion.
* roll around:
* heat exhaustion: 일사병

People usually stay in air-conditioned rooms to avoid the scorching heat topped with the suffocating humidity.

Excessive exposure to air-conditioning can lead to headaches and cold-like symptoms.
ex> Continued exposure to chemicals like that can lead to serious conditions.

The morning lows and the afternoon highs tend to vary by quite a large margin.
ex> The temperature varies by a large margin every day.


@ It's a great icebreaker.  분위기를 부드럽게 하는 데 좋아.

2/26 Talk about cell phone numbers in Korea.

These digits are clumped into three sections.
* clump into: ~로 모이다.

Up until recently, the first chunk would be 011, 016, 017 or 019 depending on which company you use.

Those numbers are slowly being phased out and replaced by 010.
* phase out: disappear slowly, 점차 사라지다.
ex> The old numbering system will be phased out over time.

Four digits in the middle are being issued to accommodate for the influx of new subscribers.
* accommodate for: ~에 부합하다. 수용하다.
ex> We expanded manufacturing facilities to accommodate for the increase in demand.
* subscriber: 가입자
ex> There's a growing influx of young subscribers.

The last section is made up of four digits that the subscriber can choose on his/her own.
* on one's own: 직접
ex> The passwords should be made up of at least eight digits.
ex> My wife is so dependent that can't do anything on her own.

Once mobile carrier is selected, choosing the payment plan is another matter because there are so many to choose from.
* mobile carrier: 이동통신사
ex> There are many options to choose from when you are buying a car.

One doesn't pay for incoming calls on cell phones.
* incoming call: 수신 전화
ex> You can automatically block incoming calls with this function.

@ Ice it down for a while.  얼음 찜질해.

2/25 Talk about the Internet cafes in Korea.

If you're an Internet junkie, Korea is one of the best places to be at.
* Internet junkie: 인터넷을 매우 즐기는 사람
ex> Internet junkie refers to a person who is constantly online to do stuff.

You can get access to high-speed Internet at Internet cafes that are basically on every street corner.
* get access to: ~을 이용하다.
* on every street corner: 골목마다
ex> You need a password to get access to wireless internet.

Internet cafes come in handy when you're on the go without a laptop.
* come in handy: 유용하게 쓰이다, useful
* on the go: 이동 중인
ex> Smart phones come in handy when you're on a business trip.

These cafes are the perfect place to just kill some time when you have nothing better to do.
* kill time: 시간을 때우다.
ex> Let's kill some time at the shopping mall.

There's a law that bans minors from staying past 10 PM.
* minor: 미성년자.
ex> Smoking should be banned by law in public buildings.

@ We took him by surprise.  그를 감짝 놀라게 했어.

2/24 Talk about the use of credit cards.

Credit cards are very convenient; not to mention, they come with extra benefits.
ex> The platinum credit cards come with higher cash point benefits.

Depending on what type of crdit card you sign up for, you can receive different perks.
* sign up for: 가입하다.
* perk: 혜택, 특전
ex> You can enjoy extra customized perks with credit cards.

You can choose the payment method at the time of purchase.
ex> The coupon must be presented at the time of purchase.

Some people like to pay little by little in installments.
* installment: 할부
ex> Would you like to pay in full or in installments?

Others prefer to just pay the entire sum in full.
* entire sum: 전체 금액
ex> My credit card bill is paid in full at the end of every month.

One catch with the former is that it may come with interest payments.
* catch: 결함, 함정, drawback

@ This suitcase weights a ton.  이 가방 정말 무겁다.

1. My brother is hard-working; not to mention, he is smart.
2. I signed up for a credit card last week.
3. I prefer to pay in installments.
4. I always pay in full because I don't like paying interest.

2/23 Talk about the increasing obesity problem in Korea.

The problem of obesity is steadily becoming more of a problem in Korea.
* Fast food is being considered more of a problem in recent years.

It is certainly gaining the attention of health experts.
* gain the attention: 주목을 받다.

Western foods are starting to become more prevalent.
* prevalent: 널리 퍼진, 보편화된
ex> The trend will become more prevalent as time goes by.

Korea's strong economy has allowed for a higher standard of living.
ex> The new system has allowed for more efficient cooperation among different departments.

This means that many people have started to follow a more sedentary lifestyle.
* sedentary: 앉아 있는, 좌식의
ex> People's sedentary lifestyles are linked with an increased risk of heart disease.

Unhealthy dietary habits should be nipped in the bud at a young age.
* nip something in the bud: 싹을 자르다.
ex> The problem has to be nipped in the bud before it's too late.

The government should also make efforts to keep obesity rates in check.
* keep something in check: ~을 억제하다, 통제하다.


@ It's as light as a feather.  정말 깃털처럼 가볍네.

1. Obesity is the most serious health issue in the U.S.
2. Lack of exercise is more prevalent in cities.
3. Sedentary lifestyles can cause weight gain.
4. The problem must be nipped in the bud.