Gosang

고상...
고상 means "graceful" in Korean. But if you ask someone who live in Novosibirsk (and even in some other cities), what  "Gosang" is, you definitely hear: "Oh, Gosang!! It's Korean drum group!"

"Gosang" step by step gains popularity. They are already famous in Novosibirsk, and also they performs at different festivals in another cities.

I'm a fan of this group for almost 3 years, since I've seen their performance on a festival. I've already mentioned about them in my previous post, devoted to 20th anniversary of Russia-Korea bilateral relations.

Who are "Gosang"? They are very talented graceful koryo-saram girls. Public love their performances for splendid traditional Korean clothes, excellent dances with fans (see photo) and magnificent drum music!!

   They took part in festivals held in Krasnoyarsk, Tomsk and in Moscow.

On the picture above you can see 2 of Gosang members with Russian TV-stars during their performance in national contest, arranged by leading broadcast channel.
to be continued! =)

The 22th TOPIK

Today I've taken my first Korean language proficiency test - TOPIK.
Sure, I worried a bit )
It's started so early - at 9o'clock, and I had to get up at 6 to get to the venue in time.... T.T
5 students had not come..

I've  studied hard to pass the exam.... I hope I did it )))

I know, I can't talk about exam's questions, but while practicing I noticed one interesting thing - the most popular TOPIK names are Soomi and Minsoo, and one of the most popular theme for text is health)

Now I'm awaiting for results))) I hope I pass))

Andong-2

I've already  posted about my trip to Andong. My today's post I'd like to dedicate to food I tried in Andong)
Every region in Korea has its own "title" dish, and I couldn't stand trying such a dish in every city I've visited.
I was amazed,  that in Korea, not so big country, there are so differences between regions!! great) Even language and grammar can vary from city to city~
So, let's turn to dishes)

This is 안동찜닭. We were said, it's the most popular dish in Andong, and kind of a symbol of Andong cuisine like kimchi is a symbol of Korea)) We were served with this big plate of duck meat with vegetables and  a portion of rice. It was very delicious!! And not spicy~~ I like hot dishes, not to that extend as some Korean dishes though) I mean "pepper soup"  - just hot chili pepper and water... impossible to eat without tears!!!

I don't know what's the fish, but (imho) it's the less delicious Korean dish!! No offense, but the taste of this thin fishes lags behind another!! 

This is 안동소주~~ the most strong in Korea, as our guide said) It's almost as strong as Russian vodka and twice as much as usual soju)
I haven't tried it at all=)  I just took a pic of it ᄏᄏᄏᄏᄏ

Not gonna get us)))

Have you seen Korean drama "Style"? If not, I'm strongly recommend everyone who catch up with fashion, trends, like  magazines, shopping to do this !! I enjoyed watching it)) My list of favourite Korean dramas will be filled up with "Style"~~

But guess why I'm posting under such a tag?)

Because in one episode  I heard a Russian song!!  In Russian!!
This is a song "Not gonna get us" by Tatoo)) it's used to be very famous band not only in Russia, but abroad as well=) as far as I know they were the first Russian band who succeeded in Japan!!
I was  pleased to hear this song in k-drama))

So, if you are interesting in, you may google for this song or music video)

My favourite places in Daegu

I post mainly about Daegu - city where I studied. I felt in love with Daegu)) There are a lot of places there which I want to visit one more time.... miss Daegu!!! ~~>.<~~

Well, one of the first places is ... Daiso!!!

This shop is located quite near to Kyungpook University, that's why we droped in it often))
Must notice, it's very cozy shop)) But what I like the most is cute stationary!!! (This topic deserves particular post!!))). It doesn't mean that I can't buy in my own city or somewhere else, but Korean stationary is unique))
I wanted to buy tons of pens, pencils, notes etc., but you know, my luggage is limited))))


The next is Family Mart)  To be honest, I have some personal reasons to distinguish this retailer)

Usually I bought samgak gimbab and aloe drink there.... nostalgia...~

 MMM... Kim Hyun Joong...)))
PB Banana milk was tasty too))

It was not an add))) It's just my opinion and my favourite shops)
 

각골난망

Recently I've take up learning  사자성어=) It's a kind of expression consisted of 4 chinese characters.

Having submitted my  previuos post  about Gyeongju, I've remembered this expression -
각골난망 (刻骨難忘). This means "remembering forever", "cherish the memory of..."
I never forget my trip to Korea and especially in Gyeongju  !! 각골난망

Let's analyze the characters:
   刻 means "to cut out, to engrave, to carve"
   骨 means "a bone, a secret, an essense"
   難 means "difficult"
   忘 means "to forget'

So, 각골난망 literally means "something engraved in bone (mind) is difficult to forget"....

My trip to ancient capital

In my last week-end (T.T) in Korea we decided to go to Gyeongju!!
I was said that is the most beautiful place in Korea. And it's true!

From the books I got as a present for 20th anniversary of bilateral relations, I know that almost a whole city is enlisted in UNESCO list of world heritage.

So, I had just 2 days to see this unique place - a small piece of the Land of morning glory (I like this name!!)) which save an inexpressible spirit of traditional Korea.

This is Tombs.

My favourite place in Gyeongju is Anapji pond. I can't explain why, but I think, everyone who was there at least once want come back!

It's so calm place... you ever feel like meditating))

Unfortunately, weather changed my plans(( It was downpour, so I had to come back to Daegu T.T
In my further post I'll upload more photos of this unforgettable place!! 

Countdown: 17

The day X is closer...
On April, 17 I'll take my first TOPIK - 한국어능력시험.
I've experienced in taking international language proficiency tests, but still...))

I've started learning Korean approximately a year ago.

On yesterday's class I submitted last year test and... I pased!!!!

Now on I will do my best to pass)

파이팅!!!