Resources | Korea Academy for Educators

Asian Educational Media Service

This website provides resources for K-12 teachers, includes excellent film reviews, and helps educators locate audio-visual resources for teaching and learning about China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: (213) 333-9597

Address: Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 230 International Studies Building, MC-483, 910 South Fifth Street, Champaign, IL 61820.

Website: www.aems.uiuc.edu

Education About Asia

“This innovative magazine is a resource for teachers at all educational levels who wish to bring information on Asia to their classrooms. It offers highly readable feature articles, essays on educational programs and techniques, and reviews of books, films, videos, CD-Roms, web sites and software.” Receive three issues a year for $30.00 per year. To learn more or subscribe, go to www.aasianst.org/EAA/index.htm

Address: Association for Asian Studies, 1021 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
E-mail:
Website: www.aasianst.org

Korea: Lessons for High School Courses

Created by the Korea Society and recipient of Buchanan Award in 2000. It includes exceptional lessons on any number of topics: national treasures, the miracle on the Han, the Japanese occupation, the Korean War, South Koreans in the War in Vietnam, and women. The Korean War lessons could be included in United States history classes. Available for $12.00 from the Korea Society.

KoreAm Journal

This journal is published monthly nationwide to provide a forum for English-speaking Korean Americans. It includes feature stories, poetry, fiction, artwork, and photographs. This journal is an essential and engaging resource for young Korean Americans. $28.00 per year.

E-mail:

Address: KoreAm Journal, 17813 South Main Street #112, Gardena, CA. 90248 Phone: (310) 769-4913.

Korean Girl and Boy Paper Dolls

Yuko Green

Dover publications

Dover publications has a series on paper dolls wearing traditional Korean costumes for very young children. The series includes paper dolls with traditional dress from Japan, China, India and Polynesia.

Korean Voices: Growing Up During a Time of Crisis

Korea Society

Created by the Korea Society for middle school students. Includes nineteen lessons and questions for Sook Nyul Choi’s Year of Impossible Goodbyes and Richard Kim’s Lost Names. Download from the Korea Society’s website.

Koreana: Korean Art and Culture

Korea Foundation

A fascinating quarterly journal published by the Korea Foundation. Beautiful photographs. Includes articles on Korea past and present. Provides on-line abstracts of articles and accompanying photographs at http://www.kf.or.kr/koreafocus. For subscriptions write The Korea Foundation, C.P.O. Box 2147, Seoul, Korea. Free copies may be obtained from the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

Learning from Asian Art: Korea

An exceptional teaching resource. Educators who know little about Korea can be confident in adopting the lessons with minimal preparation time. Teachers of all levels will be able to adapt these materials for their specific needs. Beautiful photographs and slides inspire assignments and research in art, history and language arts classes. The kit contains a resource book, a sizable map of Korea, a helpful comparative time line, twenty photographs, ten image cards and sixteen slides that include images of clay roof tiles, Buddhist sculpture, ceramics, folk art, furniture and screens from the 7th century to the work of a contemporary Korean artist. The resource book provides accurate and clear historical information, group activities and research ideas related to every art object. Creative projects, such as making 3-D dragons, clay tiles, scroll paintings and treasure boxes, are included with every photograph. The book also includes “looking questions,” a helpful glossary, a bibliography and Internet sites that provide more images of Korean art located in Asian and American museums.

This outstanding resource is available from the Philadelphia Art Museum’s museum shop at www.philamuseum.org. for $39.95.

Silla Korea and the Silk Road: Golden Age, Golden Threads

2006

This lesson book is an outstanding newly published resource for high school world history, geography and Asian studies classes. Maps, timelines, and descriptions of the Silk Road rarely show Korea’s integral involvement in Silk Road trade or the transmission of Silk Road ideas and goods from Korea to Japan. The overall purpose of this carefully researched lesson book is to expand the view of the Silk Road and of international trade found in most world history textbook and classes. Silla shows an Eastern instead of a Western view of Silk Road trade and deals with a time period that produced one of the world’s “Golden Ages.” The lesson also provides material for a debate on whether or not Silla benefited from the international connections along the Silk Road. Students may come to understand that some of the issues of globalization that we face today were also present for past cultures as well. This is available for $20 from The Korea Society on this page.

U.S.-South Korean Relations

SPICE/Stanford

This curriculum unit introduces students to the four core pillars of the U.S.-South Korean alliance: democracy, economic prosperity, security, and socio-cultural interaction. Through their study of these pillars, students develop an understanding of the nature and history of this longstanding relationship. Softcover. $44.95. It includes a CD-ROM of images and PowerPoint presentation. Very suitable for U.S. history, Asian Studies, Economics, and Government classes.

Uncovering North Korea

SPICE/Stanford

This is a complete unit of study for secondary and community college students. “North Korea remains one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented countries in the United States. “Uncovering North Korea” seeks to fill this gap and strives to bring more accurate information and objectivity to the study of North Korea. Softcover $69.95. Includes a CD-ROM; DVD “A State of Mind.” See SPICE.Stanford.edu/catalogue

A Single Shard

Park, Linda Sue

2001

A Newberry Award Winning Book. Park’s story is alive with fascinating information about life and art in ancient (12th century) Korea. It is a tale of courage and devotion. A single shard from a celadon vase will change the life of a young boy and his master. Grades 4-7.

Information for teaching A Single Shard is at http://voicethread.com/share/584594/.
Information, images, and questions for students on themes, characters, and background of Linda Sue Park's Newbery-award winning book for 4th-7th grade readers.

A Single Square Picture: A Korean Adoptee’s Search for Her Roots

Robinson, Katy

This book “is a personal odyssey that ascends to the universal, a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world – and had the courage to find the answers.”

A Step from Heaven

Na, An

Penguin Group

This book is described in a New York Times review as a book “endowed with a haunting grace, by the exquisite voice of a new young writer. An Na chronicles the challenges faced by a Korean immigrant family. The journey An Na chronicles in Young Ju Park’s graceful and resonant voice is an acculturation process that is at times wrenching, at times triumphant and consistently absorbing.” Grades 8-12. It is also a highly recommended book for Language Arts teachers and school counselors.

A Yang for Every Yin: Dramatizations of Korean Classics

Holstein, John

The collection includes five famous Korean plays: “Harelip,” “The Song Bag,” “The Gourds Reward,” “The Money Bug,” and Chunhyang. Musical scores for each play are also available. The book can be purchased from Seoul Selection Books (http://www.seoulselection.com) The plays are suitable for grades 4-12.

Bee-bim Bop!

Park, Linda Sue

2005

This is a delightful storybook that will engage all children, but particularly well suited for K-3. It includes “playful verse with a bouncy beat,” charming illustrations, humor and a recipe for a very popular Korean dish.

Dear Juno

Pak, Soyung

“When Juno’s parents are too busy to read him a letter from his grandmother in Korea, he decides to open the letter himself. He cannot read the Korean words, but there is more in the envelope than just the letter. Grandmother has sent along a few things – a dried flower and a photograph of herself with her cat. These little things tell Juno a lot: Grandmother has a new cat and she is planting a flower garden. Now Juno wants to write back – without help from mom and dad – but Grandmother cannot read English. Juno knows just what to do.” Grades K-3

Echoes of the White Giraffe

ook Nyul Choi

Sookan, the unforgettable heroine of “The Year of Impossible Goodbyes,” is now fifteen years old and a refugee in Pusan, a city in a southern province of Korea. The Korean War is raging, and she once again has been separated from her father and brothers. Anxiously awaiting any news of them, Sookan imagines a time when she can return to a normal life in Seoul. In the meantime, though she often feels sad, alone, and scared, she finds solace in a forbidden friendship with the mysterious “shouting poet” who offers her and her fellow refugees inspiration each morning. The book gives the reader a revealing look at the role of women in Korean society and provides the reader with an engrossing and romantic story of an exceptional young woman’s coming of age. It is also a captivating story about perseverance and the value of education for young people

Firekeeper’s Son

Park, Linda Sue

In Korea in the early 1800s, news from the countryside reached the king by means of signal fires. On one mountaintop after another, a fire was lit when all was well. If the king did not see a fire, this meant trouble, and he would send out his army. Linda Sue Park's first picture book for Clarion is about Sang-hee, son of the village firekeeper. When his father is unable to light the fire one night, young Sang-hee must take his place. Sang-hee knows how important it is for the fire to be lit-but he wishes that he could see soldiers . . . just once. Grades K-4

Good Fortune in a Wrapping Cloth

by Joan Schoettler

“Set in ancient Korea, this unique historical fiction story tells of a little-known art craft: the making of bojagi or wrapping clothes, designed and realized by skilled seamstresses, the very best being handpicked to work for the king. Good Fortune in a Wrapping Cloth tells of a young girl's determination to join her mother sent to the royal palace to make bojagi, of the indestructible strength of family ties, and of a period of time rarely introduced in children's literature. Above all, this beautifully written and illustrated picture book is a universal mother/daughter love tale that erases time and frontiers. A timeless book for the family bookshelf and the classroom library.” Ages 4-8

I am the Clay

Potok, Chaim

(Korean War). An account written by a highly regarded author (The Chosen) and veteran of the Korean War. It is suitable for junior and senior high school

In the Absence of Sun

Lee, Helie

The exciting and inspiring true story of the author’s dramatic rescue of her relatives from North Korea. See review on the Social Studies School Service website: www.SocialStudies.com/c/asianintro.html. Mary Connor, Asian Studies.

Korean Cinderella

Climo, Shirley

There are as many as a half dozen versions of Cinderella in Korea. The Korean Cinderella is a combination of three Korean variations. The Korean Cinderella is recognizable and is a captivating variation of the American version. The paintings are colorful and truly beautiful. Children will love the story and thoroughly enjoy the illustrations. Suitable for grades K-4.

Lost Names: Scenes from a Korean Childhood

Kim, Richard

Accessible for junior high students, Lost Names, is an outstanding literary selection for high school students. Kim recounts his own childhood and the suffering and insults inflicted on his village during Japanese occupation of Korea. The writing is simple, but poetic. The story is very touching and one of the most well written and memorable books I have read in the past ten years. (High school and possibly middle school)

Modern Korean Fiction: An Anthology

Fulton, Bruce and Youngmin Kwon

Columbia University Press (2005)

“In terms of its range and consistent quality, there is simply no other comparable collection. A combination of fresh, new translations of old classics and a judicious selection of more recent writing makes this long-awaited anthology a most welcome publication for anyone interested in twentieth century Korea.” Janet Poole, New York University. Recommended for a senior English class and college level students.

Our Twisted Hero

Munyol, Yi

Yi Munyol’s short novel (128 pages) is a relevant and powerful story with a powerful message. Set in Korea during the 1960s, the book specifically references the April 19Student Revolution of 1960 when students were protesting the corrupt election of Syngman Rhee. The story itself has been compared to The Lord of the Flies with good reason, but is not as overtly violent. The story involves a 12 year old narrator, Han Pyongtae, who arrives at his new school in rural Korea. Fresh from big city schools in Seoul, he expects to earn the highest marks and the respect of his peers. Instead, he encounters a classroom bully in the form of Om Sokdae who extorts food, candy, and prized possessions from the other children and holds his classmates in terror. Worse, the teacher will not intervene. Our Twisted Hero is the story of how Han Pyongtae copes with this situation. American readers will be fascinated by this glimpse inside Korean society and the Korean school system. But this is not just a Korean story as Han Pyongtae's story seems universal. His struggle is not only with the bully, but with the perceptions of the other children, feelings of injustice, and the confidence of his parents. Highly recommended for middle and high school students.

This edition is in both English and Korean and is available for approximately $12.00 in paperback through Seoul Selection Books. http://seoulselection.com

Poems for Planting Love: A Collection of Poems and Artwork by Children with Disabilities.

Written by the students of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill and translated by Brother Anthony of Taize. The book includes memorable poetry and illustrations. Available through Seoul Selection. http://www.seoulselection.com

Project Mulberry

Park, Linda Sue

Yearling Publishers

This is a highly engaging and worthwhile book for young readers. It is a story of a Korean American fourth grader who becomes involved in a challenging project to win a blue ribbon at the state fair. Grades 4-7.

Seesaw Girl

Park, Linda Sue

Impatient with the constraints on her as an aristocratic girl living in the 17th century (Choson Dynasty), 12-year old Jade Blossom determines to see beyond her small world. “Jade Blossom can never go beyond her family’s inner court. All girls from good Korean families must learn to sew, do laundry, and work in the kitchen. This prepares them for their future lives in their husbands’ inner court. Jade has other interests. She longs to take trips to the mountains and the marketplace. If only she could read and paint, but these are things only boys can do. Jade won’t stop thinking about the world beyond the high walls of her home. Then one day she secretly sets off to do what no other girl her age has ever done before. The story is a charming story that is full of lively action and vivid descriptions, enhanced by appealing black-and-white paintings to give a clear sense of the period.”

Still Life with Rice

Lee, Helie

The captivating story of the author’s discovery of her own identity and the inspiring story of her Korean grandmother’s life during Japanese occupation and the Korean War years. See review on Social Studies School Service website mentioned above. High School.

The East Asian Story Finder: A Guide to 468 Tales from China, Japan, and Korea, Listing Subjects and Sources

Sharon Barcan Elswit

Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Co. (2009)

Summaries of wonderful tales from cultural and ethnic groups from throughout East Asia.

The Kite Fighters

Park, Linda Sue.

A story of two brothers during the Choson Dynasty who enter the New Year kite competition. The story includes an exciting account of what happens when the brothers get to know the young king, participate in the kite competition, and includes a considerable amount of information about Korean culture in pre-modern Korean history. Grades 4-6th.

Information for teaching The Kite Fighters is at http://voicethread.com/share/631151/. Information, images, and questions for students on themes, characters, and background of Linda Sue Park's book for 4th-6th grade readers.

The Legend of Hong Kil Dong: The Robin Hood of Korea

Anne Sibley O’Brien

“Like the Western world’s Robin Hood, the legendary Hong Kil Dong of 15th century Korea stood as a champion of the poor. Gaining knowledge and power denied to him by class, Hong Kil Dong led an army of peasants against corruption and injustice. The book is beautifully illustrated and presented in cartoon form. Suitable for ages 9 and up.

The Year of Impossible Goodbyes

Choi, Sook Nyul

Choi provides the reader with a very moving account of the experiences of individuals during Japanese occupation, their high hopes upon liberation in 1945, their fears as Russian troops took control of North Korea and their dangerous escape to American-controlled South Korea. “Here is the incredible story of one family’s love for each other and their determination to risk everything to find freedom.” Suitable from grades 6-12.

Waxen Wings: The ACTA Koreana Anthology of Short Fiction from Korea

Fulton, Bruce

Waxen Wings includes nine short stories that introduce Americans to Korean culture. They are beautifully translated and are without exception the most comprehensive, memorable, and enjoyable Korean stories that I have read. They are also the most accessible selection of stories for Western readers to date. My favorite stories are "Prison of the Heart" (focuses on Post-War Korea), "Waxen Wings" (a memorable fable), "We Teach Shame" (contemporary story with flashbacks to the Korean War), "The Pager (an entertaining contemporary story), and "The Glass Shield" (highly creative and amusing). (high school and college)

When My Name was Keoko

Park, Linda Sue

2002

Inspired by her own family’s stories of living in South Korea during the Japanese occupation, Newbery Medal-winning author Linda Sue Park chronicles the compelling story of two siblings, 10 year old Sunhee and 13 year old Taeyul and their battle to maintain their identity and dignity during one of Korea’s most difficult and turbulent times. Her account is carefully researched and will be captivating for children between 5^th and 9^th grades.

Yello-Oh Girls: Emerging Voices Explore Culture, Identity and Growing Up Asian American

Vickie. Editor

NamQuill Publishers, an imprint of Harper Collins publishers, 2001

Yello-Oh Girls: Emerging Voices Explore Culture, Identity and Growing Up Asian American.Nam, Vickie. Editor. Quill Publishers (an imprint of Harper Collins publishers, 2001. An excellent collection of short essays written by Asian American girls. $13.00. Suitable for junior and senior high school students.

Foundation for Korean Language and Culture

(Formerly the Foundation for SAT II Korean) The Foundation is a non-profit organization whose main objective is to promote Korean language and culture throughout the United States. It was founded in 1994 in response to the Korean American community’s desire to include Korean as a foreign language option on the Scholastic Aptitude Test II (SAT II). The Foundation organizes annual international conferences on Korean studies, offers scholarships to middle and high school students enrolled in Korean language classes, provides scholarship for teachers enrolled in Korean language single subject teaching credential programs, provides an intensive summer training program for Korean language teachers in middle and high schools, promotes the opening and expansion of Korean language classes in middle and high schools, and provides financial support for Korean language textbook projects and SAT II Korean practice tests. The Foundation supports a program that includes approximately thirty educators (high school administrators and district superintendents) from various parts of the United States to travel to Korea during the summer to learn about Korea, its people and language.

Address: 680 Wilshire Place, Suite 416, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Phone: (213) 380-5718.

International Korean Educators Network (IKEN)

IKEN’s objectives are to establish a uniform policy for educating each generation of Korean descent in their ancestral language and culture. At the same time it will foster a desire to assimilate into the American culture sufficiently to become productive citizens and leaders. Its goal is also to create a network of teachers and students who will continue to celebrate their Korean heritage and take on leadership roles to advance the goals of both their cultures. IKEN supports the Korean Dual Language Program (KDLP) within the Los Angeles Unified School District by publishing digital textbooks and expanding KDLP to other states. The Korean digital textbooks are innovative audio-visual materials for teaching Korean language and are uploaded on the IKEN website. Korean Dual Language Programs deliver Korean and English instructions from kindergarten through 12th grade with high expectations of students in all academic areas. Its main objective is to promote complete bi-literacy. The program includes non-Korean heritage students who can expect to become bilingual as well as bicultural. Korean heritage students will develop not only their self-identity, but also learn to appreciate multiculturalism and globalization.

Website: www.ikeneducate.org
Email:

Korea Society

The Korea Society is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated solely to the promotion of greater awareness, understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea. In pursuit of its mission, the society arranges programs that facilitate discussion, exchanges and research on topics of vital interest to both countries in the areas of public policy, business, education, intercultural relations and the arts.

Address: 950 Third Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone:    (212) 759-7525
Fax:          (212) 759-7530
E-mail:
Website: www.koreasociety.org

Korean Adoptee, Adoptive Family Network

This network provides articles, website information, announcements, and event information. Its mission is to support networking and to build understanding among adoptees, adoptive families, Koreans, and Korean Americans. It includes extensive list of Korean camps for children.

Website: www.kaanet.com

Email:

Korean Consulate General

The Consulate has free materials for teachers: books, periodicals, and videos.

E-mail:

Address: 3243 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. 90010, (213) 385-9300.

Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles

KCCLA is operated by the Korean government’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Its mission is to broaden Korea-U.S. relations through cultural and educational activities. KCCLA sponsors and hosts an assortment of activities, including art exhibitions, state performances, film screenings, traditional music and dance events, Korean food festivals, lectures, and sporting events. It also supports the Korea Academy for Educators’ efforts to hold Saturday workshops and five-day seminars on Korean history and culture. A museum displays a permanent collection of historical and contemporary Korean artifacts. The library collection includes 25,000 volumes of books, CDs, videotapes, and DVDs. Books are available in English and Korean. The center also has a series of free classes and workshops that introduce guests to the music, dance, folk art, and language of the Korean people. Classes in the Korean language are also available. A student tour of the museum can be arranged. If you wish to be on the mailing list, please notify the Korean Cultural Center.

Address: 5505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. 90036

Phone: (323) 936-7141

Website: http://www.kccla.org

Korean Cultural Service of New York

The service provides information on Korea and Korea-U.S. relations and guidance to students who wish to participate in exchange programs. The service has an extensive library of more than 10,000 books, periodicals, CD-ROMs and videotapes.

Address: 460 Park Avenue, 6th floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 759-9550
Fax: (212) 688-8640
Website: www.koreanculture.org

Korean Cultural Service of Washington, D.C.

The service offers a variety of media resources (but it's in German!)
Address: 2370 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008
Phone:    (202) 797-6343
Fax:         (202) 387-0413
E-mail:
Website: www.koreaemb.org

The Korea Society in cooperation with the Korea Foundation

Fellowships available for school administrators, teachers, textbook writers, and professors or instructors in schools of education. The Korea Society also nominates five American delegates for the UNESCO youth camp each summer and pays camp participation fees. The Society also supports Project Bridge, a year long program of intercultural youth leadership activities for Los Angeles and New York high school students. The program includes a two-week education study tour of Korea every April. For information, go to www.koreasociety.org/korean_studies/fellowships/

Korean Camps

There are over twenty summer camps for Korean adoptee children throughout the United States. The camps offer opportunities for children to learn about their heritage and issues related to adoption. Young people between the ages of four and eighteen participate in such activities as learning the language, dance, drama, Taekwondo, cooking and art. Some camps offer family retreats. At this time there is no national association.

Midwestern camps:

Hands Around the World (Illinois) (847) 367-7862

Iowans for International Adoption (641) 423-4224

Korean Culture Camp (Michigan) (810) 229-4111

Family for International Children Heritage Camp (Michigan) (616) 532-2937.

Korean National Commission for UNESCO

Young adults between the ages of 18-27 are eligible to participate in the International Youth Camp (IYC), which is an annual project of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO. “Over the years, IYC has enriched the lives of the nearly 3,100 young people worldwide who have been participants in the program. Through involvement in an interesting and challenging program of workshops, tours, projects and discussions on international issues, IYC participants have enjoyed opportunities for self-development, physical conditioning and intellectual stimulation. Living and working together, the participants have gained a better understanding of themselves, each other and the world around them.

Address: Youth Unit, P.O. Box Central 64, Seoul, Korea

E-mail:

Youth for Understanding

The Youth for Understanding (YFU) is a non-profit educational organization, which offers opportunities for young people around the world to spend a summer, semester or year with a host family in another culture. The YFU program for Korea is a six week program that includes a home stay, school classes several days a week to learn language skills and make new friends and travel to historic sites and museums. “The highlight of your stay in South Korea will be the immersion in a culture and way of life both ancient and beautiful.” Learn more about the Korea program.

Web site: www.yfu.org

Center for the Pacific Asian Family

The center serves the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community and embraces healthy relationships and works in partnership with other communities to eradicate all forms of violence. Programs are rooted in the understanding that ending violence requires an approach that is sensitive to the cultural sensibilities and perspectives of our communities, while simultaneously challenging them to address the complex underlying causes of family violence and violence against women. To this end, CPAF's multi-tiered strategy incorporates intervention, prevention, community education, and community partnerships.

Address: 543 No. Fairfax Avenue #108, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: (323) 653-4045

Web site: www.nurturingchange.org

HanmiFamily Community Center

This center through counseling, referral, community education, youth and alternative high school programs, serves the needs of the Korean Americans and its larger communities.

Address: 11501 Brookhurst Street, #201, Garden Grove, CA 92840

Phone: (714) 590-0017.

Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC)

This organization is a non-profit, community-based organization whose programs and services are geared to the needs of the immigrant Korean population, especially women, children and low-income families, who are struggling emotionally, psychologically and socially in their adopted environment. It mission is to support and strengthen Korean American families and individuals through counseling, education, and other social services in the greater Los Angeles area.

Address: 3727 W. 6th Street, Ste. 320, Los Angeles, Ca 90020

Phone: (213) 389-6755

Web site: www.kafsc.org

Korean Health Education, Information and Research Center (KHEIR)

The objective of KHEIR is to serve and provide health, human and social services to the low-income, monolingual/limited English-speaking Korean and Latino communities of Koreatown and outlying areas in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. KHEIR has several phone numbers for various services.

Community Clinic: (213) 637-1070

Human Services: (213) 637-1080

Adult Day Health Care Center Vermont: (213) 389-6565.

Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC)

KYCC’s mission is to serve the evolving needs of the Korean American population in the greater Los Angeles area, as well as the multi-ethnic Koreatown community. Its programs and services are directed toward recently immigrated, economically disadvantaged youth and their families, and works to promote community socioeconomic empowerment.

Address: 3727 W. 6th Street, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA. 90020

Phone: (213) 365-7400

Web site: www.kyccla.org

A New History of Korea A New History of Korea

Lee, Ki-Baik

1984

is considered one of the most comprehensive, widely read, and respected Korean Studies texts written by one of Korea’s top scholars. It is notable for the inclusion of cultural development “not merely as isolated expressions of the creative spirit of the Korean people, but as an integral component of the overall Korean historical experience.” Although some of Ki-Baik Lee’s interpretations of history remain controversial, his book has enjoyed unparalleled acceptance by academics and the educated public.

Chung Hyo Ye: Tales of filial devotion, loyalty, respect and benevolence from the history and folklore of Korea

Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project. n.d.

Seoul: Diamond Sutra Recitation Group

The booklet contains some of Korea’s most famous folk tales and conveys many of the important values in the process. The entire booklet is available by accessing the following website: www.kscpp.net

Korea in World History

Clark, Don

2012

This is outstanding introductory account of Korean history in a global context. The chapters are concise, informative, and engaging. Clark’s account demonstrates the relevancy of Korean history for American readers.

North Korea through the Looking Glass

Oh, Kongdan and Ralph C. Hassig

2000

Sixty years after its founding at the beginning of the Cold War, North Korea remains one of the world’s most isolated and enigmatic nations, dominated by the official ideology of Juche, which emphasizes national self-reliance, independence, and worship of the supreme leader, Kim Jong Il. Oh and Hassig explore North Korea's stubborn adherence to policies that have failed to serve the welfare of some twenty million people. The book explains in fascinating detail how North Korea has survived the fall of the global socialist system and the significant challenges surrounding reunification.

A Concise History of Korea: From the Neolithic Period through the Nineteenth Century

Seth, Michael J.

2006

Michael J. Seth, an associate professor of history at James Madison University, has written an engaging and concise history of pre-modern Korea. Seniors in high school and undergraduate students will find this book to be particularly interesting as it equally emphasizes social, cultural and political history. While focusing on Korea, he emphasizes how Korean history can be understood as part of an interactive sphere that includes China, Japan and the Manchurian/Central Asia region. He does not burden his readers with facts, but after providing detailed political developments, he inevitably steps back and explains what the details signify. This is one of the latest and most valuable new resources for teachers of Asian Studies.

Asia in Focus: The Koreas

M. Connor, B. Fulton, D. Kim, D. Kim, M. McArthur, J. Song

ABC-CLIO, June 2009

Mary Connor (President of the Korea Academy for Educators), Bruce Fulton (University of British Columbia), Don Kim (UCLA), Doug Kim (San Francisco State), Meher McArthur (art historian and curator), and John Song (Cal State, Northridge).

This is part of a new global series on Asia that includes China, Japan, and Korea.The audience is K-12 educators, secondary and undergraduate students, and the general reader. See publisher website: ABC-CLIO.com

Bipolar Orders: The Two Koreas since 1989

Lynn, Hyung Gu

2007, Black Point, Nova Scotia: Fernwood Publishing

Carter Eckert, Professor of Korean History (Harvard University) states that “among the plethora of recent books on Korea, this is one that truly stands out” as an essential book to read for anyone interested in contemporary Korea. While the author states that he is not against reunification, he examines whether it is a “necessary or inevitable process.”

East Asia Before the West: Five Centuries of Trade and Tribute

David C. Kang

“David Kang’s book is well written and rich in details that provide a deeper understanding of the traditions and practices that were the basis of East Asian stability for centuries before the arrival of Western merchants and missionaries. While explaining the complex interactions of the political entities of the 14^th through the 19^th centuries, Kang also points out why an understanding of the period is necessary to understand what the future holds for modern successors of Asian countries.” Thomas P. Dolan in Education About Asia

Ethnic Peace in the American City: Building Community in Los Angeles and Beyond

Chang, Edward and Jennette Diaz-Veizades

1999

This book “documents the nature of contemporary interethnic relations in the United States by describing the dynamics of race in inner-city Los Angeles… The authors explore practical means by which ethnically fragmented neighborhoods can work together to begin to address their common concerns before tensions become explosive.” Paperback.

Fifty Wonders of Korea. Vol.1. Culture and Art

Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project

2007, Seoul: Diamond Sutra Recitation Group

In addition to a section on printing, language, and history, the second part of this well-written book describes some of the great treasures of Korean art, architecture, ceramics, and sculpture. The booklet contains many beautiful illustrations. The complete book may be found at this website: www.kscpp.net

Hamel’s Journal and a description of the Kingdom of Korea (1653-1666)

Hamel, Hendrik

1994, Seoul: Royal Asiatic Society

Hamel’s fascinating account is the earliest report in a western language about Korea, its people and their customs.

King Sejong the Great: The Everlasting Light of Korea. Korean Spirit and Culture Series II

Diamond Sutra Recitation Group. n.d.

The booklet is an engaging and well-written account of King Sejong’s achievements, especially the coverage on the invention of han’gul. This entire book may found on www.kscpp.net

Korea and Her Neighbors

Bird, Isabella Lucy

2004, Boston: Adamant Media Corporation

The author was a famous traveler and writer in the late nineteenth century and visited Korea four times between 1894 and 1897. Her book is a fascinating record of the Korean people, their customs, and way of life just after the Sino-Japanese War. Her account includes her observations about Queen Min and the Liancourt rocks, which continue to be an ongoing issue between Korea and Japan.

Korea Old and New: A History

Eckert, Carter et al

1990, Seoul: Ilchokak Publishers

This source has been one of the most widely consulted and acclaimed books about Korea and it was for years was a basic text in Korean Studies courses. The tumultuous developments of the 20th century receive the most coverage, but the book's balanced treatment of traditional Korea emphasizes cultural events as integrally related to the political, social, and economic evolution of a very old and distinguished civilization. Five highly regarded scholars provide the reader with an understanding of each period, clarifying the past while providing an understanding of the truly remarkable changes that have taken place in Korea.

Korean Spirit and Culture Series

n.d. Admiral Yi Sun-sin

Seoul: Diamond Sutra Recitation Group

The book introduces the reader to the life and achievements of one of Korea’s great military heroes. The entire book may be found at the following website: www.kscpp.net.

Korea’s Place in the Sun: A Modern History

Cumings, Bruce

1997

The author, a leading American authority on modern Korea, provides the reader with an accessible, informative and exciting account of Korean history. Beginning with an overview of the nation’s cultural and political traditions, the author then focuses specifically on the country's long 20th century--a period of colonial exploitation by Japan, war, national division, rapid economic growth and political turmoil. His concluding chapter discusses the significance of the Korean migration to the United States.

Los Angeles’s Koreatown

Katherine Yungmee Kim

Katherine Yungmee Kim, a young writer and free lance journalist for KoreAm, has written an engaging and well written historical account of Koreatown Los Angeles with photographs. The book includes images and information from the arrival of the first Koreans in 2003 through the Los Angeles Riots of 1991 and beyond. The final photograph and caption includes plans for Koreatown in the near future.

North Korea: 2005 and Beyond

Yun, Philip W. and Gi-Wook Shin. Editors

2006

The editors have included articles written by some of leading North Korean specialists in politics, economics, human rights, and security issues. The book presents a snapshot of what is happening in Korea now and the challenges of dealing with North Korea.

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

Demick, Barbara

2009, Spiegel and Grau

The Beijing bureau chief of the Los Angeles Times takes her title from a song of national pride that teachers in North Korea have their children sing, which claims that they “have nothing to envy in the world. The New York Times Review of Books states that “her book is a powerful account of the life stories of defectors that suggests a human rights tragedy of huge proportions that is taking place out of the view of the Western public, while news headlines focus on North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.”

Sources of Korean Civilization, Volumes 1 and 2

Lee, Peter

1993

This anthology is the most ambitious, comprehensive, and authoritative English-language sourcebook of Korean civilization ever assembled. Encompassing social intellectual, religious, and literary traditions from ancient times through World War II, this collection reveals the body of thought, beliefs, and customs unique to the Korean people. Each section begins with a broad historical introduction to provide context and perspective, and contains representative writings from the era, with commentary, background, and analysis.

The Coldest Winter: America and the Korean War

Halberstam, David

2007

The author, one of he most distinguished American journalists and historians, has written a “superb conjoining of all the facts of this tragic war: the military tactics and strategy of both sides, the international diplomacy; the internal politics; the personalities of the various players.” It is a great book and possibly the best one-volume history of the Korean War ever written in English.

The Koreans: Who They Are, What They Want, Where Their Future Lies

Breen, Michael

1998, New York: Saint Martin’s Press

An informative, personal account of Korea and the Korean people today.

The Koreas

Connor, Mary, ed

2009, ABC-CLIO Publishers

This source is one of the most complete, accessible, and up-to-date resources available on both North Korea and South Korea. The audience for this book is high school and undergraduate students and their instructors. The Koreas reveals how much life on the Korean peninsula has rapidly changed in recent years. With a team of scholars comparing life in authoritarian North Korea and democratic South Korea, the reference book presents an authoritative and unprecedented look at the contrast and similarities of the two nation’s histories, geographies, politics, cultures, and societies. Cultural contents include explorations of Korean literature, music, arts, language, cuisine, etiquette, and the “Korean Wave.” Available on Amazon.com

The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History

Oberdorfer, Don

1997

Don Oberdofer, former Northeast Asian and diplomatic correspondent of the WashingtonPost, writes what is regarded as one of the best and most gripping narratives of Korean history from the 1970s to the mid-1990s. He draws upon his personal contact with top Korean leaders over four decades, investigative reporting skills and thorough academic research to achieve a very exciting and balanced narrative of a tragically divided country. One of the most memorable accounts relates to how close the United States actually came to war with North Korea during the Clinton administration.

Women of Korea: A History from Ancient Times to 1945

Kim, Yung-Chung, ed.

1976, Seoul: Ehwa Womans University Press

This is one of the most thorough studies to date of the status, role, and activities of Korean women through the country’s long history.

A State of Mind (DVD)

The film dramatically conveys how an authoritarian regime has shaped the minds of its people. The film provides images of Pyongyang and the way of life of the people who reside there. Interviews reveal that North Koreans are very interested in our war in Iraq and convinced that the United States is an imperialist threat to their way of life and that our economic sanctions are the source of their hardships.

The film focuses on two delightful teenage girls who are selected to train for the Mass Games and whose lives revolve around a daily routine to prepare for the Games in hopes that the Dear Leader will be there to see them perform and know that they are good communists. The shots of the actual Mass Games where 100,000 people participate in an elaborately choreographed exhibition of dazzling colorful, perfectly synchronized routines will stay in your mind forever. Highly recommended for junior and senior high students.

DVD/ 94 minutes. Amazon.com ( $29.95).

Arirang 1 & 2

The documentary has two parts, “The Korean American Journey,” which covers Korean American history from 1903 to about 1960, and “the Korean American Dream,” which continues the story through the present. The first part details the story of the first Korean American immigrants who became laborers on Hawaiian sugar plantations. It also explains the role Koreans in America played in supporting the independence movement to liberate Korea from Japan. Part 2 of the documentary covers the WWII period and the impact of the Korean War and the immigration reforms of the 1960s on the growth of the Korean American community. A segment examines the Los Angeles riots of 1992 when many Korean businesses were burned and looted. The concluding segment looks at a community in transition and looks ahead with optimism.

Parts 1 and 2 are 60 minutes each.

Cost (total for both Parts 1 & 2): $29.95 for individuals, $49.95 for educational institutions

To order the DVD of the two hour documentary or the CD/DVD with interactive classroom lessons about the Korean American experience, go to the website: www.arirangeducation.com

Ch’unhyang

Im Kwon-Taek’s film is based on one of Korea’s most famous folk tales. The film includes beautiful cinematography, traditional costumes, and the hauntingly beautiful sounds of p’ansori. Released in 2001. English subtitles. Available Amazon.com. It is also available through Netflix.

Interactive Classroom on the Korean-American Experience

This website includes a remarkable collection of memorable images, sound and historical information to educate teachers and their students about the Korean American experience. A CD/DVD was released in 2005 that includes lesson plans, four short films and nine extended interviews with well-known Korean Americans.

Cost: $19.95 for individuals, $39.95 for educational institutions

To order the DVD of the two hour documentary or the CD/DVD with interactive classroom lessons about the Korean American experience, go to www.arirangeducation.com

Nuclear Nightmare: Understanding North Korea

This is an exceptional documentary that provides an overview of Korean history from the early 20th century to the Clinton and Bush administrations. It provides coverage of the hardships of life in North Korea, the leadership of Kim Jong Il, attitudes of North and South Koreans towards the United States and the challenges of the Bush administration. You may Google to access this documentary.

P’yongyang Diaries

A remarkable film simply for the fact of being made. It provides a much needed counterbalance to the available print and film resources on Korea which are almost entirely devoted to South Korea and usually ignore the one third of the Korean population who live North of the DMZ. 52 minutes. Distributed by First Run Icarus Films, 1998. Visit this title on icarusfilms to learn more or to purchase.

Purchase: $390

Rental: $75

Phone: 1-(800) 876-1710.

Website:

Sop’yonje

This is the first internationally recognized Korean film. I introduced my students to this film; the impact was stunning. Sop’yonje opened their world to the human experience of being Korean in the twentieth century. Each one of my students professed love for the film. The story takes place during the 1950s and 1960s and introduces viewers to p’ansori, the traditional music of Korea. (117 minutes)

For a copy, send a blank video and money for postage to:

Korean Cultural Service, The Embassy of the Republic of Korea, 2370 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20008

Tales of Korea I and II Podcast

Download from the Korea Society. Suitable for particularly for elementary students. Cathy Spagnoli’s captivating voice and her readings of Korean folk tales will charm all audiences. An excellent teaching technique for understanding of Korean society and culture. Highly recommended story is “The Naughty Green Frog.”

HELIE’S HOT HANGOUTS IN KOREATOWN

When my family arrived in Los Angeles in 1969, there was no Koreatown just a handful of shops, restaurants and churches along Olympic Boulevard. Today Koreatown stretches all the way from Wilton Place to Hoover Street, and Pico Boulevard to Melrose Avenue, and it’s still expanding. The LA Korean population has grown from less than 10,000 in 1970 to an estimated 160,000 people, making it the largest concentration of Korean outside of Korea. That’s why I believe the Korean food is so good in LA in addition to the fact that Southern California has fresh greens and other ingredients all year long.

RANKING SYSTEM

Prices

$ Very cheap (under $7 for a meal)

$$ Cheap (between $7 - $10)

$$$ Reasonable ($7 - $15)

$$$$ A bit pricey ($10 - $35)

$$$$$ Very expensive even for American standards

Food Quality

# Don’t Drink the Water

## Okay

### Tasty

#### Just like my mother’s cooking (and she’s the best)

L - Not authentic Korean enough

Decor

* Bring your own toilet paper

** Nothing to brag about but clean

*** Nice (Can take company to)

**** Impressive

<L> Over the top (should have put the money towards the food)

English Friendly

Parking

+ Free parking

++ Valet

- available street parking

RESTAURANTS

ChoSun Galbee $$$$ **** #### J ++ - -

3330 W. Olympic Blvd., LA, CA. 90019 323-734-3330

CG is known for their high quality meat. You can cook it yourself at the table if it’s a large enough order or to have the cooks prepare it in the kitchen.

BCD Tofu House $$ *** #### J + - -

3575 Wilshire Blvd., LA, CA. 90010 213-382-6677

Order the Korean BBQ & Tofu Soup combo (Soups come in mild, medium and very spicy)

Tahoe Galbi $$$$ *** ## J ++ - -

3986 Wilshire Blvd., LA, CA. 90010 213-365-9000

Dragon Restaurant (Korean-Chinese Restaurant) $$$ *** #### J ++

966 S. Vermont Ave., LA, CA. 90006 213-387-8833

Order the Ya-kee Mandoo (fried dumplings), Jja-jang-myun (you can only get this at a Korean-Chinese restaurant. It’s a black noodle dish. It is worth tasting at least once). My family has been going here since I was in the 3^rd grade. It’s a family owned business. Now that says a lot.

Hodori  $$ *** #### J +

1001 S. Vermont Ave., No. 102, (213) 383-3554

This place stays open for 24 hours for those late night Korean cravings. It also has photos of all the food, which makes ordering easy. Beware: it’s very bright inside. Bring your sunglasses at night.

Dan Sung Sa $$ ### **** J++ --

3317 W. 6^th St., LA, CA 90020 213-487-9100

This place is straight out of the 50’s. It’s like walking back in time. Inside you’ll find a circular wooden bar where you can sit and order food and drinks. There are also booths and long benches for larger parties. The menu is written on wooden boards. No English menus. Just ask your server what he/she recommends. If you’re not into spicy food, order the pan fried seafood pancake. It’s yummy. If you’re looking for adventure, try the silk worms or pig’s feet. Note: smoking is allowed here. If you can’t take cigarette smoke I suggest you go before 8pm before it gets really bad.

Chungkiwa $$$ *** #### J + --

3545 W. Olympic Blvd., LA 90019 323-737-0809

The specialty here is the BBQ’s using Black Angus beef. People come here for the kalbi & naengmyun combo. They also serve a generous selection of banchan (side dishes).

Kobawoo $$$ **** #### J ++

698 S. Vermont Ave. #109, LA, CA. 90005 213-389-7300

Order the house special: the bossam, a combo of sliced pork belly and ultra spicy kimchi. The mungbean pancakes and potato pancakes are mouthwatering as well.

Park’s BBQ $$$ ** #### J ++

955 S. Vermont Ave., LA, CA. 90006 213-380-1717

Park’s is a charcoal BBQ restaurant. Order any of the meat dishes and cook it at your table with friends. Plenty of tasty banchan (appetizers).

Yongsusan $$$$ *** #### J ++ - -

950 S. Vermont Ave., LA, CA. 90005 213-388-3042

This is a very traditional, multi course meal. The portions are small because that’s the style, but you get many courses. The stuffed bosam kimchi is famous here.

Seoul Garden $$$ *** #### J ++

1833 W. Olympic Blvd., LA, CA. 90006 213-386-8477

Korean-style Mongolian hot pot, similar to Shabu Shabu, with great beer and lots of vegetables.

Saritgol $$$ *** #### J ++ - -

3189 W. Olympic Blvd., LA, CA. 90006 213-387-0909

This is a new find for me though my friend’s family has been going here for years. It’s my new favorite restaurant. It’s traditional home-style Korean cooking with lots and lots of delicious side dishes.

Noshi Sushi $$$ ** #### J +

4430 Beverly Blvd., LA, CA 90004 323-469-3458

My family has being dining at Noshi since I was in the 10^th grade. Today Noshi’s been invaded by trendy Hollywood folks. There’s always a line in the evenings so make sure you go inside and put your name on the white board. You can’t make reservations and they don’t take credit cards. CASH ONLY. Noshi is famous for its generous slices of sushi, so you get full for less money, unless you decide to indulge in saki. Try the spicy tuna roll. It’s the best I’ve ever tasted.

RESTAURANTS OUTSIDE KOREATOWN AREA

Woo Lae Oak $$$$ **** ## J ++

170 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-652-4187

Woo Lae Oak caters mostly to non-Koreans and tourists on bus tours, so everything tastes watered down to me. I believe they charge for appetizers and even kimchi. I’d rather sacrifice ambiance for great food and lots of it.

Tofu Ya $$ *** ### J --

2021 Sawtelle Blvd., LA, CA 90025 310-473-2627

Tofu Ya serves Korean BBQ and spicy tofu soup, similar to Tofu House, but they do not offer as many free appetizers. I eat at Tofu Ya when I’m craving Korean food but do not have the time to drive into Ktown. It’s a good alternative.

Daban $$$ *** #### J+

2139 Foothill Blvd., La Canada, CA 91011 818-248-9958

Every time I visit my parents in Glendale or my sister in La Canada we eat at Daban. It’s in the Ross/Kinko mall. Plenty of free parking which makes life easy. Next door is a Tae Kwon Do martial arts studio where my nephew takes classes. On the other side I believe is a Korean market where you can buy goodies. Order any of the meat dishes. You get so much for your money and the quality is great. I also like the all the stews.

Ko Ryo Jung Korean B.B.Q Restaurant $$$ *** #### J +

1585 Sepulveda Blvd. #N, Torrance, CA 90501 310-534-0351

Whenever I’m in Torrance and craving Korean food, my gal pal takes me here. It’s hearty. It’s fast (actually most Korean restaurants are quick). It’s authentic. I enjoy the stews and fish dishes. Try the Jogi Jorim (braised Croaker). It’s a bit spicy, but delicious.

Sorabol Korean Restaurant $$ ** ## J +

Century City Mall Food Court

10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste 620, Los Angeles, CA 90067 310-277-3772

If you like the food at Panda fast food restaurant then you’ll love Sorabol. Sorabol offers a healthier choice than Panda, but the food does sit in those heated bins. They do offer Bibimbab and other Korean favorites.

Most Korean restaurants do not require reservations even for large parties, unless you want a private room or it’s for your wedding reception. All Korean restaurants do give out free banchan, and you can ask for refills, but don’t get too greedy, unless you go to a trendy Korean restaurant on the West Side (i.e. Woo Lae Oak on La Cienega Blvd.). Don’t do it. Woo Lae Oak is overpriced and too bland for my taste. As far as tips are concerned, most elderly Koreans and recent immigrants give 10% because in Korea they don’t tip. I usually tip 15%. 20% if the service is exceptional, but Korean restaurants are not known for their service. You will not have a server come up to you and ask how your meal is. However, the service is very fast. That’s how they make their money at the smaller restaurants. Quick turn over. Try not to chat at the table for hours after you’ve already finished your meal, unless the place is empty. And lastly, please don’t just order a bowl of rice and eat the banchan even though that would be plenty of food. If you order too much you can always ask for a Togo container.

CAFES

Hwa Sun Ji Tea & Coffee $$$ **** #### + - -

3960 Wilshire Blvd., #100, LA, CA. 90010 213-382-5302

Relaxing and soothing atmosphere with private areas to sit. Try the different teas. They offer free rice cakes and cookies to nibble on plus free barley tea. Must order the pat bingsoo. It’s shaved ice with small chunks of watermelon, honeydew, mini rice cakes, and green tea ice cream all on top. You may get a server that doesn’t speak English. I told them they needed to hire someone who does. But if you get the one that doesn’t don’t worry they have an English menu.

Chasaengwon Tea House $$$ **** #### + - -

3839 Wilshire Blvd. #C, LA, CA. 90010

They have tea tasting everyday. Not that many tables so it’s very quaint. I buy my teas and teapots here as gifts. It’s the highest quality.

Yong-Dong Hite Rounge (unable to rate)

3839 Wilshire Blvd., LA, CA 90010 213-384-8999

Korea pub with Korean draft beer and Korean-style bar snacks including great spicy chicken wings and pig’s ear. Personally I’ve never visited this location. It’s a friend’s hot pick, but I’m always willing to try new things even pig’s ear. I’ve tried worse things before and it wasn’t Korean.

Feel free to hang out at Korean cafés. They don’t expect customers to vacate the tables as quickly as restaurants.

SPAS

Aroma Wilshire Center $$$ **** + ( 2 hours free with validation) - -

3680 Wilshire Blvd., LA, CA. 90010

The spa caters to the upper crust of the community. It features mud baths, stone treatments, facials, and massages in private rooms. You must try the Korean scrub (exfoliation) treatments. For $30, you’ll get a full head to toe exfoliation. Dead skin from years back will fall off your body and you’ll be left with fresh pink skin. The scrub ends with a vigorous, but relaxing shampoo. Do not get a scrub every week. It’s best to get it done once a month or so, because your body needs the oils. But I think the scrubs keep Koreans looking younger than most. Also visit the food court and practice golf range.

Olympic Spa $$ *** J ++ - - Women-only

3915 W. Olympic Blvd., LA, CA. 90019 323-857-0666

Get the half hour body scrub (the best exfoliation ever) plus the 35 minute massage. If you do both you don’t have to pay the entrance fee, which is $15.

Unlike Aroma, Olympic, Natura and Beverly Hot Springs do not offer private rooms for your treatments. The treatment areas are sectioned off, but sometimes still visible. If you’re body conscious, this is not your thang, because you’ll be laying totally naked next to another women on a table getting her treatment. Be bold, get a scrub, don’t miss out! As far as facials are concerned get the Goddess Treatment. It’s $100. They use great French Products.

Natura Spa $$ *** ++ - -

3240 Wilshire Blvd., LA, CA. 90010 213-381-2288

$$ *** J ++

I have not been here in while, but my non-Korean friends often go here and Olympic Spa.

Beverly Hot Springs $$$$ *** J + - -

308 N. Oxford Ave., LA, CA. 90004

The entrance fee is around $40-$50 depending on what day of the week, but it’s worth it. BHS is a natural hot mineral spring in the middle of Ktown. The treatments are around $10 more than the other Korean spas (but still less than Burke Williams’ treatments). To get a better price on the entrance fee I buy a series of 25 tickets for $600. Buy your tickets from Eric because he always gives a few extra if you ask nicely. Just a note for the men. My straight guy friends enjoyed the water, but were uncomfortable with the large, non-Korean gay clientele in the men’s quarters. If it bothers you, try Natura, Aroma or Grand, which cater mostly to Korean clientele.

Century Sports Club & Day Spa $$ ** J +

4120 W. Olympic Blvd., LA, CA 90019 323-954-1020

The great thing about Century is that it has two relaxing rooms. There’s the marble floor room and clay floor room. The floors are heated so it’s basically a sauna. Take your towel and take a nap for however long you can stand it. Hopefully your nap time won’t be invaded by a bunch of older Korean women chatting away or me and girl pals. Like Olympic Spa, Century has two hot tubs. One is filled with some kind of herb for overall health. Note: Century is also a favorite of my gay boyfriends.

Grand Spa $$ *** ++ - -

2999 W. 6^th St., LA, CA. 90020 213-380-8889

The Grand is open 24 hours and it’s cheap ($15 entrance fee). Many young people clubbing and partying in Ktown will trip into the Grand around 3AM and crash out in the sleeping area, which is one large common room. I say if you’re flying into LA for just a night, come with a small carryon and head straight for the Grand after your meetings. Shower, shave, soak and sleep. You can stay the entire next day and even order Korean food that’s made at the café/bar downstairs. Warning: Women do snore loudly.

BHS is the only spa that you have to be really quiet unless it’s just you and your friends, which can be a possibility. BHS is not that crowded surprisingly, but there are days like Mother’s Day that every mother treats herself. Also be warned that the female masseuses at every Korea spa all wear black bras and underwear as their uniforms. I don’t know the history behind it, but I’m guessing it’s because it doesn’t get as dirty and it’s more comfortable than wearing a bathing suit or damp uniform all day.

I would tip 15% to 20%. After your treatment, you may be given an envelope for the tip. You can give the envelope directly to your masseuse or to the front desk. If you like your masseuse and want to request her again remember her full name because there are so many Mrs. Kim’s, Mrs. Lee’s and Mrs. Park’s.

SPAS OUTSIDE KTOWN

Foot Spa $ ** +

250 W. Valley Blvd., #B, San Gabriel, CA 91776

This place isn’t even Korean, but I just had to include it. It’s my newest best find. It is a treasure in San Gabriel, part of which is basically a Chinatown. Here you can get an hour head/body/foot massage for just $15. YES. Fifteen dollars. I usually tip between seven and ten dollars because I feel so guilty and grateful. All the masseuses are from somewhere in China. None of them speak English but that doesn’t stop non-Chinese customers from coming back. They’re supposed to close around 10pm, but if you walk in later and it’s still open they’ll take your business. Most likely they’ll be a wait, so wait. But if you’re impatient walk across the parking lot to the other foot massage place. They offer a two-hour full body massage for $55. Such a deal. Believe me it’s worth the drive. While there dine at Fantasy Eatery in the 99 Ranch Mall. If you order over $35 worth of food you get a whole chicken dish for $1.

MALLS/MARKETS

Koreatown Galleria **** #### J + - -

3250 W. Olympic Blvd.

Try the food court, grocery store and especially the bakery. Korean bakeries are wonderful. Many Korean bakers have been trained in France, so the quality is amazing.

Howondang $$$

3250 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite#102, LA, CA 90006 323-734-7755

Howondang is in the Koreatown Galleria, on the same level as the market. They offer traditional Korean pastries. The pastries come in lovely packaging. They make great gifts. Other locations are in Fullerton, Rowland Heights, and Northridge.

Koreatown Plaza **** #### J + (free parking with validation) - -

928 S. Western Blvd. (between James Wood and 9^th St.)

Inside the plaza, you’ll find everything from a Korean grocery store, bakery, cosmetics, clothing, music & video store, food court. Visit the bakery, grocery store, food court, and the Korean-Chinese restaurant (Mandarin House) on the ground floor. There is also a bookstore that a lot of our teachers like to visit during our fieldtrip.

Kim’s Home Appliances $$ ** J + - -

2940 W. Olympic Blvd., LA, CA 90006. 213-386-4882

Every Korean housewife gets her knives, rice cooker, fancy tupperwear, chopsticks, ear pickers, suitcases here. What you can’t get here you go to Chung’s (on 7^th and Wilshire Place) or IKEA.

HOTELS

(Please note I have never stayed at a hotel in Ktown. But I selected the ones that are central and well known)

Oxford Palace Hotel **** J

745 South Oxford Avd., LA, CA 90005 213-389-8000

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Garden Suite Hotel *** J - -

681 S. Western Ave., LA, CA 90005 213-368-6930

Average Customer Rating 3.75 out of 5. Teachers who attend our seminar from out-of-state remark that they thoroughly enjoyed their stay at the Garden Suite, appreciated the very gracious service, and the very comfortable accommodations in hotel rooms.

Radisson Wilshire Plaza Hotel *** J

3515 Wilshire Blvd., LA, CA 90010

Hotel Class 3 out of 5 stars

JJ Grand Hotel ** J

620 S. Harvard Blvd., LA, CA 90005 213-383-3000

Average Customer Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Of all the hotels, the Radisson caters to a mixture of guests. Koreans mostly stay at the JJ, Oxford, and Garden Suites. My favorite is the Oxford. They serve the best Korean food and have the best catering service. When you order for 100 people they’ll send over at least two servers to set up, serve and clean up, and they usually throw in enough portions for ten more hungry people. Now that’s Korean service!

ATTRACTIONS

Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion

3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731 310-548-7705

In 1976, the intricately decorated bronze bell and pavilion was donated by the Republic of Korea to celebrate the bicentennial of the U.S. Independence, honor Korean War veterans, and friendship between the two countries. The bell is rung only three times each year: 4^th of July, August 15 (Korean Independence Day) and New Year’s Eve. The bell is located in the Angel’s Gate Recreational Center in San Pedro, CA.

Koreatown Parade & Festival

Usually it’s in mid September. The parade always travels down Olympic Blvd right through the heart of Ktown. The festival is held at the Seoul International Park just off Olympic. It’s free to the general public. The goal is to create awareness of the Korean culture and allows the community to interact with one another. At the festival, there are concerts, booths, food, and products.

Dal Ma Sa Temple (name of the temple, "Sa" means a temple.)

3505 W. Olympic Blvd. (Entrance Wilton Place), Los Angeles, CA 90019

(On the corner of Olympic, across from the 76 gas station)

The temple is open to anyone who would like to visit or learn about Buddhism. Unfortunately, most of the people who do services at the temple do not speak English. KAFE does offer a tour of the temple during our five-day summer seminar.

HELIE’S FAVORITE DISHES