On the evening of February 10th, 2008, disgruntled 69-year old landowner Chae Jong-gi, upset over having been underpaid for land sold to developers, sprayed paint thinner onto one of his nation’s greatest and most recognisable landmarks, and then set it alight, making his escape as the Namdaemun Gate was immersed in flame. Despite the efforts of around 360 fire fighters, the fire raged out of control, destroying the gate’s ancient wooden structure.

The Namdaemun, or Sungnyemun gate (literally ‘Gate of Exalted Ceremonies’), was first constructed in 1398, and served as the main southern entrance to the great walled city of Seoul for a period of 600 years, right from when Seoul first became the capital of South Korea. Its destruction sent shockwaves through the nation, with many Seoul citizens gathering to watch in horror and dismay as their country’s number one national treasure was reduced to ashes and soot.

South Korea is, however, not a nation easily disheartened. For a country that is predominantly Buddhist, reincarnation – if you’ll pardon the pun – is very much a part of life. And in the true spirit of Buddhism, the phoenix of Seoul has risen from the ashes of the devastation of January 2008 to celebrate the Vesak, an occasion that marks the birth of Buddha, and celebrates the history and culture that has helped shape South Korea into a country both harmonious and prosperous.

Determined by the Lunar Calendar, Bucheonim osin nal (‘the day Buddha arrived’) takes place at a different time every year, and in 2008 fell on the 12th of May (it will take place on the 2nd of May in 2009). While obviously mainly celebrated by the quarter of Seoul’s population that are of the Buddhist faith, Buddha’s Birthday is a festival experienced and enjoyed by the whole city. Throughout May, colourful lotus lanterns are hung in the grounds of many of the 10,000 Buddhist temples that are scattered around Korea, and the lanterns of the Seoul temples are even known to spill out onto the streets of the city, climbing the walls of many of the restaurants and hotels in Seoul, which is an added bonus for tourists who have come to be catch glimpses and photographs of Seoul’s most inspiring and enlightening festival.

Other activities that take place during this period of Buddhist celebration include Buddhist bead-making, parades honouring the deity and rituals held within the Buddhist temples themselves, such as chanting ceremonies and the all-important Bathing of Buddha – the washing of a statue of the young Buddha, which represents the cleansing of greed, hatred and other evils from the mind, body, and from society itself.

By: Amy Brevard

Korean translators are getting crazy once again. No, not with the ever-popular noreabang (karaoke rooms), but with the documents they are translating for big businesses like Kraft, Microsoft, and Dell. Korean translators are insane (in a socially acceptable way) about providing impeccable translations for these companies, because one error could cost the company thousands of dollars, and could mean the korean translator is out of work. Then there is the gut-clincher: Korean-American translators don't want to make an offensive mistake, for political reasons.

Korea is largely overlooked in the business world, due to political problems, and therefore is a hotbed of opportunity. More companies are exporting to South Korea than ever before, and wise investors, with nerves of steel, are aggressively exploring the economy. Since Korean is a language not oft spoken by Americans, the demand for korean translators is high. Translators help with conversations, business documents, websites, marketing materials, and more.

Typically, American businesses about to enter into Korean business transactions will first hire a translator through an American translation company. That translator usually lives in Korea, but may be American or of another nationality. Why does the translation company station the translator in Korea, instead of close to the business headquarters in America? Because linguistics is so tricky, and so demanding, that staying near to the native tongue is vital for the translator's work to remain accurate. With translation work, especially of Asian languages, perfectionism is key. Whether you are a Thai translator, a korean translator, or a japanese translator , you've gotta get crazy perfect.

How does the typical day look for a translator in Korea, aside from excruciatingly perfect word representation? Well, there is travel, and just enjoying the country and culture. South Korea is an underrated travel destination, with most Asia-destined Americans heading to Thailand, with its accessible cuisine and famed beaches. South Korea has a lot to offer the eye, and the palate too, if you are adventurous enough. South Korea could be called the Switzerland of Asia, with its rolling green hills, wild hiking, and many national parks. South Koreans go hiking all the time.

Not a hiker? What about an eater? Korean cuisine is appreciated first for texture, second for flavor. The variety of texture in one Korean dish can be shocking, even revolting, for an American who grew up on soft McDonald's hamburgers and melt-in-your-mouth Krispie Kreme donuts. Koreans love to toss in gelatinous textures, rubbery, firm textures, crunchy and melty textures, all in one dish. One "plate" might consist of seven or eight little plates, each with a distinct and surprising texture.

When translator's aren't exploring national dishes like Kim Chee, or hiking in the great outdoors, they can choose from several noraebang karaoke rooms. Yes folks, it's not just the clich?karaoke is so established in Korea that in July 2007, North Korea actually issued an edict banning karaoke bars from operating. The Ministry of Security officially stated that the ban was enacted to "crush enemy scheming and to squarely confront those who threaten the maintenance of the socialist system."

Luckily, this repression of the right to sing karaoke has made it even more beloved among South Koreans, who retain the right to sing their little hearts out to Madonna, with a microphone, standing on a restaurant table, beer in hand. Americans looking to make Korean friends might want to learn one or two Korean songs. You never know when the lyrics will be just the thing that Microsoft needs for their translation, or when a politically tense moment can be saved by singing emo pop.