Children’s ‘comfort women’ book translated to English

A children’s book that delves into the issue of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery was published in English, the publisher said last week. “Touch-Me-Nots” was published on Jan. 9 by the House of Sharing, a shelter in Gyeonggi Province for the few surviving victims, who are euphemistically called comfort women, and its adjacent museum, the Museum of Sexual Slavery by the Japanese Military.The book is an English translation of a Korean-language book written in 2008 by Yoon Jung-mo, the author of many

BooksJan. 25, 2015

‘Boyhood’ and ‘Whiplash,’ Sundance-to-Oscar path improves

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) ― An Academy Award nomination is an incomparable stamp of approval for any film ― and for an indie feature coming out of the Sundance Film Festival, in some cases, it’s a downright miracle.The festival, which kicked off last week in Park City, Utah, has had a scattered record with the Oscars, but its track record for the night’s top award ― best picture ― has been steadily improving over the past few years.This year, “Whiplash” and “Boyhood” ― both Sundance premieres ― are a

FilmJan. 25, 2015

‘Deadheads’ ask to camp out during band’s Chicago concerts

CHICAGO (AP) ― Fans of the Grateful Dead want a campout-style atmosphere during three 50th anniversary concerts in July at Chicago’s Soldier Field, but whether the venue will allow it is another question.Jeremy Davis, of Florida, started an online petition ― which had about 8,000 signatures by Saturday ― asking that overnight parking be allowed in lots surrounding the stadium along Lake Michigan.Davis said it would keep the anticipated tens of thousands of fans from crowding downtown streets and

PerformanceJan. 25, 2015

[Weekender] Ice climbing in Korea scales new heights

About 70 percent of South Korea is covered in mountains. Gushing out of these mountains are spectacular waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, a boon to sweaty hikers in the summer and a godsend to athletic ice climbers in the winter. Ice climbing has been enjoyed in Korea since the 1970s. Local climbers often start through climbing schools or alpine clubs. The increasing popularity has motivated many districts to create “ice climbing parks” ― artificial icefalls made by pumping water over cliffs.

TravelJan. 23, 2015

[Weekender] Winter hiking not for experts only

For Kim Sun-bok, a member of a local hiking club, the coldest among 10 years of Sunday excursions was a trip to Mount Hallasan on the southern island of Jeju. “At the beginning of the hike it was not too cold, but as we got closer to the top the wind picked up,” she said. “The wind was blowing so hard I was almost knocked over and my legs were shaking from the cold.”Though for most of the year hiking in Korea is a casual pursuit, in wintertime thorough trip preparation and appropriate gear may h

TravelJan. 23, 2015

[Weekender] Beaches attract seasoned surfers with relentless, uncrowded waves

Sunbathing on a warm summer beach sounds tempting in this season of freezing wind and heavy snow. That’s why warm, exotic resort destinations always top Koreans’ lists of dream vacation spots. But increasingly, Korea’s winter beaches are being warmly greeted by surfers seeking thrills and fun in the billowing winter waves. The hard-core surfers paddle out in the cold water to catch biggest waves of the year. Surfing is not a popular sport in Korea although the three sides of the peninsula are su

TravelJan. 23, 2015

[Weekender] The charms of wintertime camping

Winter is a time to curl up at home, safely away from the freezing cold, with a nice thick comforter and a hot mug of coffee. Or is it?For those increasing numbers who fancy wintertime camping, winter is, on the contrary, just the right time to venture into the wilderness. What, then, is the appeal? Why choose the cold open over the warm, fully furnished indoors?“The snow,” said Kim Han-soo, a longtime camping enthusiast. “Snow is what sets winter camping apart from summer excursions.” Above all

TravelJan. 23, 2015

[Weekender] Head to Taebaeksan for frost, rime

With the cherry blossom season still months away, outdoor enthusiasts here are braving the elements to view a more delicate type of flower ― one that thrives in high places under harsh conditions. “Nunkkot” (literally “snow flowers”) can be found on branches, rocks and railings, and the same chilly wind that helps create these crystal blooms can make it challenging ― or even dangerous ― to enjoy the experience. In recent weeks, the upper elevations of the national parks of Seoraksan and Jirisan

TravelJan. 23, 2015

Battling the cold in true winter fashion

While the plummeting temperatures cause some people to rush indoors and shield themselves from the icy breath of winter, for some this is the best time to head outside and dabble in what the icy waters and snowy landscapes have to offer. Whether it’s trudging through packed snow in the winter wilderness, literally chilling in a tent for a rugged night of camping, or grabbing a body suit and gloves to catch some arctic waves, the cold shouldn’t scare off those looking for a little winter adventur

TravelJan. 23, 2015

Satellite man

On April 19, 2013, a satellite was launched into space at Baikonur Cosmodrome, the international space launch site in Kazakhstan. The event went mostly unnoticed by the media, but the take-off was celebrated by a South Korean who became the first individual to launch his own satellite. Usually, satellites are launched for specific purposes. They are used to monitor cloud patterns for weather, give GPS signals, or send back information about space or the Earth’s atmospheric conditions. This satel

PerformanceJan. 23, 2015

Calendar

Dance“Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Emptiness”: Universal Ballet Korea will kick off 2015 with Nacho Duato’s “Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Emptiness.” The 1999 ballet is one of the choreographer’s best-known works and landed him the prestigious Benois de la Dance prize. As a homage to one of classical music’s greatest, Johann Sebastian Bach, the two-act ballet tells the story of Bach’s life by combining both baroque music and modern choreography. “Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Em

CultureJan. 23, 2015

‘Red Army’ explores Russia’s soul through Olympic hockey

Few moments in Cold War mythology were as thrilling as the U.S. hockey team’s 1980 Olympic defeat of a superior club of Soviet players who personified the skill and collective beauty the communist world held up as a buttress to the freedoms and capitalist temptations of the West.The Americans won the gold medal in Lake Placid, New York, in a fairy tale known as the Miracle on Ice. Heroes were born, advertising contracts signed. But thousands of miles away behind the Iron Curtain, the Soviet play

FilmJan. 23, 2015

Box Office: Big Hero 6, Gangnam 1970, Chronicle of a Blood Merchant

Big Hero 6 (U.S.)Opened Jan. 21Animation, Action, Comedy. Directed by Don Hall, Chris WilliamsInspired by the Marvel comic of the same name, “Big Hero 6” is an animation produced by the Walt Disney Animation Studios, the creator of “Frozen” and “Tangled.” Set in the fictional city of San Fransokyo -- a futuristic hybrid of San Francisco and Tokyo -- the story centers on a 14-year-old robotics prodigy named Hiro (Ryan Potter). He, together with his fluffy, lovable, rubber-skinned robot Baymax and

FilmJan. 23, 2015

Eyelike: Foo Fighters’ ‘Sonic Highways’ is a worthwhile trip

Foo Fighters’ ‘Sonic Highways’ is a worthwhile tripFoo Fighters“Sonic Highways”RCA RecordsTwenty years into their career as one of the leading rock bands in the world, Foo Fighters continue to find ways to challenge both themselves and their listeners.On “Sonic Highways,” a companion to the similarly named HBO television series, the Dave Grohl-fronted band, with assistance from producer Butch Vig, tasked itself with touching down in eight U.S. cities, exploring each town’s music history, and the

PerformanceJan. 23, 2015

How dueling 1915 expos in San Diego, San Francisco shaped them

SAN DIEGO ― A hundred years ago, San Francisco had something to prove.Its leaders wanted the world to know they had rebuilt since the earthquake and fires of 1906, and they wanted to woo the travelers and commerce that would be headed west through the just-completed Panama Canal. So they decided to throw a global party.San Diego had something to prove too. It had about 40,000 residents ― about a tenth of San Francisco’s population ― but no cable cars, no Gold Rush glamour, no Mark Twain quotes.

TravelJan. 23, 2015

Italy’s Giusti Garden is magical mix of chaos and order

VERONA, Italy ― A huge angry stone face looks down on visitors through giant spires of cypress trees at Giusti Garden. The intimidating mascherone was originally designed to breathe fire, probably the only thing that could make it more foreboding. It was just one of the surprises I and 32 other gardeners found on a 10-day trip in September to visit gardens of Northern Italy.Gently sloping trails led to a grotto at the top of the mascherone. On the way, we saw an array of beautiful plants, some o

TravelJan. 23, 2015

It’s a hoot hanging out with owls at Tokyo cafe

TOKYO (AP) ― In the U.S., hanging out in a cafe with animals is such an exotic concept that people can’t get enough of it. A pop-up cat cafe in New York last year had lines down the block. Online reservations for another Manhattan cat cafe are almost fully booked more than two months ahead. But in Japan, cat cafes are just the start. You can hang out in rabbit cafes or have coffee in Tokyo with two goats. And you’re not limited to domestic animals. You can also spend an hour at a cafe holding a

TravelJan. 23, 2015

Daegu jiri (mild codfish stew)

Daegu jiri is a delicate stew made with codfish, or “daegu.” Cod is mild-flavored and has white flaky flesh. It’s a popular choice for Korean fish stews. There are two types of stew made with cod ― spicy (daegu maeuntang) and mild (daegu jiri or malgeuntang). Daegu jiri is enjoyed for its subtle yet deep flavor! I usually use anchovy broth to add depth to the stew. The broth should be light to let the natural taste of the fresh cod stand out. Throw in a couple of clams or shrimp. They can add a

FoodJan. 23, 2015

Foraging and beef tendon snacks part of new age of austerity in dining

Caviar, foie gras, inch-thick veal chops, baby vegetables as tiny as your pinky finger, first-growth Bordeaux and California cult Cabernets ― once these were the hallmarks of fine dining.But today, even at great restaurants, you’re likely to encounter ingredients that a few years ago might not have been served even for staff lunch. Pork belly and sardines, kale and Brussels sprouts, wines made in garages in regions you couldn’t point to on a map ― this is the new face of fine dining.Forget the o

TravelJan. 23, 2015

Around the Hotels

‘Happy Hour Canapé Buffet’ at The Plaza Hotel Seoul The Lounge, The Plaza Hotel Seoul’s stylish café & bar located on the lobby floor, is presenting a happy hour promotion with a full canapé buffet and unlimited beverages. Drinks consist of Southern French specialty wine Le Benjamin de Puech-Haut, Scotch whisky Ballantine’s, draft beers and more. A buffet with over 15 kinds of canapés and finger foods will be available, including assorted cheese sticks, Caesar salad, smoked salmon avocado rolls,

FoodJan. 23, 2015