5 Versions of Korea's "Arirang"

December 5, 2013

As we learned in KWOW #112, Arirang is Korea's popular folk song. Every region has their own version. The "standard version" is the Seoul Arirang. Every generation sings it with a different vibe depending on their historical experiences in Korea. The following are the diverse ways Arirang is sung.

The Seoul Arirang, also known as as Gyeonggi Arirang, performed by ladies in hanbok (traditional costume):

Arirang sung by North Korean singer Ri Kyong Suk:

As seen on "I am a Singer," here's the Kpop-ified version of Arirang by Yoon Min-soo:

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra performing Arirang in North Korea:

The jazz version of Jeongsun Arirang (정선 아리랑) by Na Yoon-sun (나윤선):

Korean Lesson 1: Pronounce the Alphabet

December 3, 2013

Learn how to pronounce the Korean alphabet with Professor Oh:

The 14 Korean consonants paired with the vowel ㅏ(ah)

가 (gah) = It may sound like a K, but there is another Korean consonant that has a stronger K sound (ㅋ). Think of ㄱ as a soft G sound.
나 (nah) = So easy that it's amazing.
다 (dah) = Might sound like "tah," however the ㅌ consonant has a stronger T pronunciation. Think of ㄷ as a soft D.
라 (lah) = The ㄹ consonant has a rolling L sound. It may sound like an R, however Koreans do not have a consonant that is a 100% R equivalent. Thus if a native Korean says, "Rock and roll," it'll sound more like "Lock and Loll." Note: in some cases when paired with other characters, 라 (lah) has a crisp L sound without the roll. i.e. 몰라 (molla) and 몰라 (ramyeon).
마 (mah) = Here's a simple one. Sounds like the second "ma" in "mama."
바 (bah) = It may sound like a P, but there is another Korean consonant with a stronger P sound (ㅍ). Think of ㅂ as a soft B sound.
사 (sah) = Another epically simple one. Did you know 사 means the number "four"?
아 (ah) = The ㅇ consonant, which looks like a circle, is silent. However when paired with other characters, the ㅇ consonant can take the sound of a previous consonant.
자 (jah) = Might sound like "cha," however the ㅊ Korean consonant has a stronger "ch" pronunciation. Think of ㅈ as a soft J sound.
차 (cha) = Pronounced the same as the Cuban dance "Cha Cha." Did you know 차 can mean "tea" and "car"? No? Now you do!
카 (kah) = Yes. An easier one to pronounce.
타 (tah) = Happy birthday. Another simple one!
파 (pah) = Guess what? 파 means "spring onion."
하 (hah) = Pronounced the same as the "ha" when someone laughs "hahaha."

The 10 vowels paired with the silent consonant "ㅇ"

아 (ah)
야 (yah)
어 (uh)
여 (yuh)
오 (oh)
요 (yoh)
우 (ooh)
유 (you)
으 (euh)
이 (e)

Oh Yes Tastes Like Heaven (Snack Tub Korea #5)

November 30, 2013

Today we eat Hot Crab Chips (핫꽃게랑/hot-ggot-ge-rang) and Oh Yes (오예스). Crabs versus Chocolate. Spicy versus Sweet. Bring it on. My taste buds were born ready. Hopefully the crab chips aren't too spicy or else it's gonna be an adventure when it comes out of the other end. Watcha waiting for? Let's dive into Professor Oh's snack tub.

Spicy in a friendly manner, Hot Crab Chips is love at first crunch. Crispy yet fluffy, the experience is comparable to biting into a firm cloud. These crabbies are the perfect snack for roadtrips, lunch breaks, beach bums and you name it. Hot Crab Chips, you deserve 6 out of 5 kpop stars. The first Korean snack to surpass 5 kpop stars!

OH YES, we move onto our second snack. You see what I did there? Oh Yes comes from same family of Choco Pie and Ghana (eaten in episode 1). Their blood is made of refined carbs and chocolate. It turns out Oh Yes is the yummiest of all its siblings. It's a legit 6 out of 5 kpop stars. Episode 5 is the most satisfying snack bath yet!

Time for some improv cooking. Using today's snacks we make ice cream.