Cultural Heritage Diaries: April 2018

Monday 16 April 2018

Gold

What are the different types of gold in jewellery?

When you are buying gold jewellery, you often get to choose between different types of gold colours, gold karats, and gold plating options. What do all those things mean, and is there a big difference between the different gold types? Here’s a quick guide to learn about gold colours and karats.

Gold Colour

Gold jewelry is not pure gold. It is an alloy; a mixture of metals. Gold jewelry can be alloyed with silver, copper, zinc, palladium, and nickel to create different gold colors. The most common gold colors are: yellow, white, rose, and green.

Yellow Gold is made by mixing pure gold with silver, copper, and zinc. It is the purest color, the most hypo-allergenic, and requires the least maintenance of all the gold colors.

White / Silver Gold is made of gold and platinum (or palladium). White gold can also be made of gold, palladium, nickel and zinc. White gold is more durable and scratch-resistant than yellow gold. It is also more affordable than both yellow gold and platinum.

Rose gold (or pink gold) is alloyed with gold, copper, and silver. Rose gold is more affordable than the other gold colors because it uses the inexpensive copper for its rose color. Due to its copper content, rose gold is more durable than yellow or white gold.

Green gold (or Electrum) is mixed with gold, silver, and sometimes copper. Silver is what gives the gold alloy the green nuance.

Gold Karat
The first thing to look for when buying gold jewellery, is the karat mark ”k”. The karat mark will let you know how much gold content the jewellery has. Then, look for the manufacturer’s trademark next to the karat mark. The manufacturer’s trademark is there to assure you that the karat mark is accurate. So, what does the karat mark mean?

100% pure gold is marked as “24k”. However, it is unusual to find a “24k” mark on a jewellery because pure gold is a soft metal and is more likely to scratch and bend. Gold in jewellery is therefore often mixed with other metals to make it more durable. If you live in the United States, you will most likely find the mark that says “14k” because it is the most common type of gold used in jewellery in the U.S. Also, note that it is not legal to mark or sell jewellery as ”gold” if the gold is under 10k, according to laws in the U.S.

916 gold is nothing but 22 karat gold. 916 is basically used to denote the purity of gold in the final product, i.e. 91.6 grams of pure gold in 100 gram alloy. The figure 916 is basically 22/24 (22 carat by 24 karat). In a similar manner, 958 gold is 23 carats (23/24) and 750 gold is 18 karats (18/24). and most of Gold jewellery at Malaysia used 91.6% or 916 gold 22 karat.

How real look of Gold?

Genuine Gold Nugget

looks like its big size right? but the actual size is

Wonder how people found gold? Check this out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8wwqR8n_Bs

Latest Gold price at Malaysia

References:
Peridot, Harga Emas Trading

Transportation @ Korea

TRANSPORTATION

Subways Subways serve as a convenient mean of transportation, probably the most favored public transportation by both Koreans and international visitors. Subways are currently available in five major cities including the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon. Seoul Metropolitan Area subway system covers an expansive area, including Line 1 to 9 with additional lines, such as Sinbundang Line, Gyeongchun Line, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Ever Line, Uisinseol Line, and more branching throughout the metropolitan area. Subway lines are color-coded for convenience, allowing passengers to use the subway with ease.

Photo: Seoul Metropolitan Subway Map (Credit: Seoul Metro)

Subway Fares by Region

Busan Subway Fares

Transportation Card user:

Adults - 1,300 won for Section 1 / 1,500 won for Section 2
Teenagers - 1,050 won for Section 1 / 1,200 won for Section 2
Children – 650 won for Section 1 / 750 won for Section 2

Single Journey Ticket user:

Adults - 1,400 won for Section 1 / 1,600 won for Section 2
Teenagers - 1,150 won for Section 1 / 1,300 won for Section 2
Children – 700 won for Section 1 / 800 won for Section 2

* Fare structure: Section 1 (within 10.5 km) / Section 2 (exceeding 10.5 km)

Daejeon Subway Fares

Transportation Card user:

Adults - 1,250 won for Section 1 / 1,350 won for Section 2
Teenagers - 880 won for Section 1 / 960 won for Section 2
Children – 550 won for Section 1 / 600 won for Section 2

Single Journey Ticket user:

Adults - 1,400 won for Section 1 / 1,500 won for Section 2
Teenagers - 1,400 won for Section 1 / 1,500 won for Section 2
Children – 600 won for Section 1 / 650 won for Section 2

* Fare structure: Section 1 (within 10 km) / Section 2 (exceeding 10 km)

Daegu Subway Fares

Transportation Card user: Adults 1,250 won / Teenagers 850 won / Children 400 won
Single Journey Ticket user: Adults 1,400 won / Teenagers 1,400 won / Children 500 won

Gwangju Subway Fares

Transportation Card user: Adults 1,250 won / Teenagers 900 won / Children 500 won
Single Journey Ticket user: Adults 1,400 won / Teenagers 1,400 won / Children 500 won

Trains One of the most convenient ways to travel between cities in Korea is by train. Bus schedules can vary depending on traffic, but that is hardly the case for the railroad, allowing passengers to make more exact travel plans and move to destinations on time.

Korean trains are classified based on their speed and the amenities offered onboard. There are generally seven classifications: KTX express trains, KTX-Sancheon, Saemaeul, ITX-Saemaeul, ITX-Cheongchun, Mugunghwa, and KORAIL tourist trains. The two main railway lines are Gyeongbu Line and Honam Line but other railway lines also include Jeolla and Gyeongjeon Lines, which reach as far as Yeosu and Changwon on the southern coast.

For an affordable vacation traveling around Korea, the KORAIL Pass, an exclusive railway pass for foreign visitors, allows unlimited use of all trains, including KTX express trains, for a select number of days.

Photo: Mugunghwa train passing Jeongdongjin Station

Major Train Station in Seoul Korea:

Seoul Station - Address: 405, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Yongsan Station - Address: 55, Hangang-daero 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Cheongnyangni Station - Address: 214, Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Yeongdeungpo Station - Address: 13, Gyeongin-ro 102-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Suseo Station (SRT) - Address: 99, Bamgogae-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Train Classifications

Korea Train Express (KTX)
ITX-Saemaeul
Mugunghwa
Super Rapid Train (SRT)

BUSES

CITY BUSES In Korea, city bus is one of the most convenient and readily available mean of transportation. Throughout the country, city buses provide an easy way to reach any destination, with special colors or numbers to designate each route.

Buses in Seoul are classified by color to designate the bus types: blue buses travel on major roads and run for relatively long distances through Seoul; green buses travel shorter distances and carry travelers between transfer points such as subway stations and longer bus routes; red buses are express buses that travel from Seoul to suburban areas; yellow buses operate on a closed circuit within a district of Seoul. Promoting this efficient management system, many other regions in Korea have also introduced similar designated bus systems to ensure the punctuality of public transportation.

Bus fare can be paid either by cash or transportation card when boarding. If using a transportation card, passengers can get a transfer discount when changing to the subway system or another bus line. To receive the discount, be sure to tap your card on the card reader by the exit doors before getting off the bus. As passengers paying with cash cannot receive any transfer discount, it is highly recommended to use a transportation card.

Photo: Bus in downtown Seoul

Transportation Cards Korea has not only a great public transportation system but also a well-developed payment service that is widely accepted for payment on buses, subways and taxis operating throughout the country. These transportation cards can be purchased from subway stations and convenient stores. The best part of this service is that it is available to all citizens and international visitors, allowing everyone who uses a transportation card to save 100 won on each trip, based on adult fare, compared to paying with cash, as well as receiving a discount when transferring.

EXPRESS BUSES run on expressways and make stop at a rest area but seldom make a stopover in a city other than its destination. Different fares apply for ilban (regular or standard) and udeung (luxury) buses. Udeung buses offer additional comfort with wider seats.

Express Bus Terminals in Seoul

Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu/Yeongdong Line)
Central City Express Bus Terminal (Honam Line)

Photo: Exterior of Seoul Express Bus Terminal

INTERCITY BUSES usually make stopovers at smaller cities while on its way from one region to another region. An intercity bus that runs directly from one region to its destination without any stopover is referred to as jikhaeng (direct route) or mujeongcha (non-stop). Ticket price for nighttime buses that run late at night usually cost more than daytime buses.

Intercity Bus Terminals in Seoul

Seoul Nambu Terminal
Sangbong Terminal

FLIGHTS

Photo: International and Domestic Airport at Seoul Korea

References: Imagine Your Korea. (N.D.). Retrieve from http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TRP_MAIN.jsp

Friday 13 April 2018

Political System @ Korea

GOVERNMENT SYSTEM OF SOUTH KOREA

SOUTH KOREAN POLITICAL SYSTEM

South Korea has a liberal democratic political system. The political system is like the one in the United States. The powers of the government are divided into three parts so that there is proper distribution of responsibilities and duties. There are separation of powers among three branches of government: executive, judicial, and legislative.

Two branches operate on the national level; the executive and legislate branch. While the judicial, operates at both national and local levels. South Korea also has a constitution, namely the Constitution of the Republic of Korea.

SOUTH KOREA POLITICAL HIERARCHY

South Korea follows a republican form of government in which the President is the Chief of the State and the Prime Minister is the Head of Government. Like other democracies, the citizens of the nature vote for their leaders and a proper hierarchical structure is followed both on state and central level.

President

The executive branch is headed by the President. The president in South Korea has a five-year term. Under the Constitution in South Korea, a president cannot be reelected for a second term. The President of the Republic of Korea (Daetongryeong) is the chairperson of the cabinet, the chief executive of the government, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and the head of state of South Korea. The president in South Korea plays many roles and duties. The president is given the powers:

as the head of the executive branch of government

as the commander-in-chief of the South Korean military

to declare war
to hold referendum regarding issues of national importance
to issue executive orders
to issue medals in honor of service for the nation
to issue pardons
to declare a state of emergency suspending all laws or enacting a state of martial law
to veto bills (subject to a two thirds majority veto override by the National Assembly)

Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea (Gungmuchongni) is appointed by the President of South Korea, with the National Assembly's approval. The officeholder is not required to be a member of the National Assembly. The Prime Minister is not the head of government but rather serves in a role similar to that of a vice president.

The Legislature

The National Assembly possess all of the legislative power. The legislative branch of the government is the second leg which is responsible for making rules, laws and regulations. This branch consists of the unicarmel national assembly and the members of this assembly are selected for a four year term. There are a total of 299 members in this assembly out of which 243 members belong to a single seat constituency and 56 of them are elected by proportional representation. Other important matters they oversee are annual budgets, matters related to foreign-relations, declaration of war and impeachment.

The Executive

The executive branch of the political system in South Korea is the most important branch, one which the major duties and responsibilities. This branch is headed by the president, followed closely by the prime minister and then the cabinet. The following is a detailed hierarchy of the executive of South Korea.

The President-head of state
The Prime Minister-head of government, appointed by the President
The Cabinet-headed by the Prime Minister
The Deputy Prime Minister-appointed by the President
The State Council-appointed by the President on advice of the Prime Minister and comes within the Cabinet

The Judiciary

The Judiciary in the nation of South Korea is not dependent on the other two legs. Three major courts form the Judiciary and they are the Supreme Court, the Appellate court and the constitutional court. The Supreme Court is the highest law enforcing body in the country and the justices of this court are appointed by the President himself.

The Supreme court
The Appellate court
The Constitutional court

References

J. Michels. (March 2017). Government System of South Korea. Scribd Inc. retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/document/343457952/south-korea-political-system

South Korea Political Hierarchy. HierarchyStructure. Retrieved from https://www.hierarchystructure.com/south-korea-political-hierarchy/

Monday 9 April 2018

Bukit Tinggi, Pahang

BUKIT TINGGI MALAYSIA - BERJAYA HILLS: COLMAR TROPICALE

Location

Bukit Tinggi, Malaysia is located in Pahang which is approximately 48 Km from Kuala Lumpur and it is about an hour from Genting Highlands. This beautiful small hills are owned by Berjaya Corporation Berhad, therefore some people also called this place as Berjaya Hills.

Places of Attractions

Once you paid and entered, you will be able to access to the three main attractions in Bukit Tinggi. They are named Colmar Tropicale, Botanical Garden, and Japanese Village.

Entrance Fee

All guests are required to pay an entry ticket upon arrival at the entrance gantry. The rate for the ticket is as shown below:

Entrance fee: Adult (RM15) | Child (RM8)

Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills

Colmar Tropicale is a beautiful french-themed resort that inspired by the original town of Colmar in France. Whether you stay in this beautiful French-themed resort or just a day trip, you should come and explore around here. There are a few restaurants and shops to stop by and the place is perfect for you to take some nice pictures.

Botanical Gardens and Japanese Village

The Japanese Village and Botanical Gardens are situated 3500 feet above sea level. Both places are located just next to each other. The main attraction in the Japanese Village is the Japanese tea house where you can learn more about Japanese culture by participating in the tea ceremony. You can also rent a Japanese kimono to take pictures. The Japanese Village is a must place to visit when you come here because the place is so beautiful and it is the first Japanese tea house in Malaysia.

Animal Park

If you travel with kids, they will absolutely love to come to this place. You can let them play with cute animals like deer and rabbit. Kids are also allowed to get a ride on a donkey.

REFERENCES

By Elin Chow. Trip to Bukit Tinggi Malaysia - Berjaya Hills: Colmar Tropicale. Retrieved from http://elinchow.blogspot.com/2014/10/trip-to-bukit-tinggi-malaysia-berjaya.html

By Elvira Edison. (December 12, 2017).Travel Guide to Bukit Tinggi, Malaysia – Berjaya Hills. Retrieved from https://elviraedison.com/bukit-tinggi-berjaya-hills-travel-guide/

By Ihsan Nasir. (June 18, 2017). 10 Tempat Menarik Di Bukit Tinggi Pahang | Percutian Dingin Ala Perancis. Retrieved from https://www.maisinggah.com/tempat-menarik-di-bukit-tinggi/

Honorific @ Korea

FAMILY RELATIONSHIP AND HONORIFIC

Honorific is a title that conveys respect for position or rank used in addressing to a person. In Korean culture, the relationship between people are extremely important. Honorifics can be used formally and informally. Usage is based on the relationship between speakers.

The Family

The family unit is an integral part of customs and life in South Korea
Arranged marriages are common
Marriage is regarded as a rite of passage
Divorce was rare but has become more common in recent years
Patriarchal lineage is ubiquitous and links ancestors through the husband’s line
Traditionally, the eldest son inherited, however, this has recently altered and is now equal by law.
The eldest son bears extra responsibility to his family and it is supposed that he will care for his parents in their old age

Communication style

Communication can be complicated in South Korea due to an inherent dislike of saying ‘no’ as it is considered poor etiquette
Discussions can be prolonged due to the avoidance of declining or refusing
If disquiet is verbally or visibly displayed it is a sure sign that something is amiss
Good posture and positive body language is most beneficial in meetings; patience and politeness must be maintained throughout
Do not use excessive or overt body language
Use two hands, or support your right arm with your left, when passing on business cards, gifts, or when receiving an item
Respect, trust and satisfaction are displayed through a deeper bow

Titles of Family

These are the Korean titles people use to call members in their family. It can be complicated to keep straight, because sometimes there are two or three titles used for the same person.

Basic Family titles

Hangeul	Romanization	English Meaning
어머니	[eomeoni]	Mother
엄마	[eomma]	Mom
어머님	[eomeonim]	Honorific form of mother
아버지	[abeoji]	Father
아빠	[appa]	Dad
아버님	[abeonim]	Honorific form of father
형	[hyeong]	Older brother (used by a younger brother)
형님	[hyeongnim]	Honorific form of older brother (used by a younger brother)
오빠	[oppa]	Older brother (used by a younger sister)
누나	[nuna]	Older sister (used by a younger brother)
언니	[eonni]	Older sister (used by a younger sister)
동생	[dongsaeng]	Younger Brother or sister (used by an older brother or sister)
여동생	[yeodongsaeng]	Younger sister (used by an older brother or sister)

Father’s Side Family Titles

Hangeul	Romanization	English Meaning
할머니	[halmeoni]	Grandmother (used by grandchildren)
할머님	[halmeonim]	Honorific form of grandmother (used by grandchildren)
할아버지	[harabeoji]	Grandfather (used by grandchildren)
큰아버지	[keunabeoji]	Father’s oldest brother/oldest Uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
큰어머니	[keuneomeoni]	Wife of father’s oldest brother/oldest Aunt (used by nieces and nephews)
작은아버지	[jageunabeoji]	Father’s younger brother/younger Uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
작은어머니	[jageuneomeoni]	Wife of father’s younger brother/younger uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
삼촌	[samchon]	Father’s younger brother/Uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
숙모	[sungmo]	Wife of father’s younger brother/Aunt (used by nieces and nephews)
사촌	[sachon]	Cousins (father’s brothers’ sons or daughters) (used by other cousins)
사촌형	[sachonhyeong]	Old cousin brother (used by a younger male cousin)
사촌오빠	[sachonoppa]	Old cousin brother (used by a younger female cousin)
사촌누나	[sachonnuna]	Old cousin sister (used by a younger male cousin)
사촌언니	[sachoneonni]	Old cousin sister (used by a younger female cousin)
사촌동생	[sachondongsaeng]	Younger cousin (used by older cousins)
조카	[joka]	Nephew or niece (used by aunts or uncles)
고모	[gomo]	Father’s sister/Aunt (used by nieces or nephews)
고모부	[gomobu]	Husband of father’s sister/Uncle (used by nieces or nephews)
고종사촌	[gojongsachon]	Cousins (father’s sisters’ sons or daughters) (used by other cousins)

Mother’s Side Family Titles

Hangeul	Romanization	English Meaning
외할아버지	[oeharabeoji]	Mother’s father/Grandfather (Used by grandchildren)
외할머니	[oehalmeoni]	Mother’s mother/Grandmother (Used by grandchildren)
외삼촌	[oesamchon]	Mother’s brother/Uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
외숙모	[oesungmo]	Wife of mother’s brother/Aunt (used by nieces and nephews)
외사촌	[oesachon]	Cousins (mother’s brothers’ sons or daughters)
이모	[imo]	Mother’s female sibling/Aunt (used by nieces and nephews)
이모부	[imobu]	Husband of mother’s female sibling/Uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
이종사촌	[ijongsachon]	Cousins (mother’s sisters’ sons or daughters)