Cine-Cafe: December Screening Schedule

The EKF Ciné-Café morning screenings are usually held on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the months at the French Cultural Center, near Namdaemun, and the evening screenings are being held on every 3rd Thursday of the month at Somerset Palace Seoul, in Gwanghwamun. The entrance fee, as always, is 10,000 KRW per person and includes snacks and beverages (tea, coffee, and juice). In December, however, due to the special holiday season coming up, our schedule has changed slighly and there will only be one movie shown this month – once in the morning and once in the evening.

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Wine & Women Korea: November Wine Focus - Wine & Food Pairing

The November Wine Focus on Wine & Food Pairing took place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Seoul on November 21, 2006. The guest speaker of November’s event was Mr. Christian Sigouin, Wine Connesouir and Wine Consultant. Mr. Sigouin first gave a brief introduction into the topic Wine & Food Pairing and explained the indicators that can help determine optimal wine and food pairings. Thereafter, Mr. Sigouin presented the six different wines selected for the evening and sponsored by Pieroth Wines Korea. Six special sauces, especially prepared for this event by Spire Group, were available on each table for the guests to taste together with the wines in order to find out to what extend the food chosen can have an impact on the taste of the wine.

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Cine-Cafe: December Movie Screening with KBS

On Wednesday, November 22, 2006, EKF organized a special screening with KBS for our November Cine-Cafe. The KBS made-for-TV movie, “Becoming a Popular Song,” which won a prestigious award during the 11th Shanghai Television Festival in 2005, was screened and we were able to welcome senior KBS producer and former president of the KBS Producer’s Association Mr. Lee Kang-Hyun.

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Beautiful Saturday event with EUCCK Member Companies!

On Saturday, November 04, 2006, ten member companies of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK/ President: Mr. Carl-Johan Hagmann) held a charity bazaar, “Beautiful Saturday,” to raise funds for migrant workers and their families in Korea. The event took place in front of Jongno Tower in Jongno 2 Ga. The event, which was organized by the Europe-Korea Foundation (EKF/ Presidents: Mr. Jean-Jacques GRAUHAR and Mr. Dong Hoon JEE) and the Beautiful Store, was joined by 10 EUCCK member companies, namely Adecco Korea, Agfa Korea, British American Tobacco Korea, Cognis Korea, Grundfos Pumps Korea, Hewitt Associates, Novotel Ambassador Gangnam Seoul, Philip Morris Korea Inc., Syngenta Korea, and the local Yoga Center, Beauty Yoga. It was aimed to raise funds for migrant workers in need of support.

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EUCCK November Network Club - Festa Italiana

The Europe-Korea Foundation (EKF) and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK) organizes each month a social function called "EUCCK Network Club" for EUCCK members and friends to meet in a casual setting. On November 9, 2006, EUCCK and EKF, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian-Korean Business Association (IKBA) presented - "Festa Italiana," a celebration of Italian culture at the Millennium Hilton Hotel. The event featured a dazzling performance by an Italian Band from Rome with lead singer Elena Bonelli. Ms. Bonelli has performed in major theatres around the world from New York to Europe, and the Far East as well.  As the official voice of the Italian Anthem "Inno di Mameli", recorded during the World Cup Soccer Championship in Korea, Ms. Bonelli has been involved in concerts to promote peace in different areas of the world. November's network club also included a special charity raffle draw where over 3 Million KRW was raised to benifit Anna House, a South Korean charity organization lead by Father Bordo. From the 50 gifts were collected to encourage raffle ticket sales, funds raised will help children who have run away from their homes and are thus without shelter. Anna House also helps the poor, the homeless and those who are affected by Dyslexia. Over 5% of Korean scholastic population are affectd by dyslexia and suffer from prejudice and isolation amount young people. It is, however, possible to recover not only from dyslexia, but also from its major symptioms, prejudice, isolation and social exclusion: So Festa Italiana was successful in not only raising funds to support these programs but also to raise awareness of these problems. In addition to monetary contributions from raffle sales, FILA also donated a Careline Scooter for the organization in support of their programs to help the under privileged. The many prizes collected included a Vespa LX scooter and gifts from Salvatore Ferragamo, Ermenegildo Zegna, Bulgari, Swarovski, Loro Piana, Vino Vino, CP Company, La Callas Restaurant, Geodis, Adecco, Banca Intesa, Fine Power Systems, Orbis Int'l Fashion, Novotel Gangnam, Millennium Hilton Hotel, IBIS Hotel, Human Starville, Han Suites Residences, Sortino's Restaurant, Antonios' Restaurant, Asia Chow, La Tavola, Buon Posto Restaurant, Jubilee Chocolates, and Alitalia. The event was also the more satisfying as our jam packed crowd applauded Father Bordo as he became the owner of the brand new Vespa Scooter - Grand Prize of Festa Italiana!! Thank you to all those who came out and participated in Festa Italiana as well as the sponsors who definitely had a hand in ensuring the success of this event.

Cine-Cafe: November Screening Schedule

Cine-Cafe: November Schedule “Spring Summer Fall Winter… And Spring” (Bomnyeoreumgaeulgyeoul Geurigo Bom, 2003‍) By Kim, Gideok Running Time: 105 min. "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter...And Spring" uses the seasons as the curtains that rise to mark the stages in the life of a child who has grown up in an isolated Buddhist temple. In the Spring, Child Monk indulges in the capricious cruelties of childhood, for which he is reprimanded by Old Monk, who reminds him that only bad karma can result from such behavior. The seasonal door, this time Summer, opens on an infatuated youth of 17, who decides to leave the monastery to be with the one he loves. When Fall comes around, Child Monk, now a 30-year old Young Adult Monk, returns to the temple, racked with guilt over a violent crime he has committed. Eventually, he is taken back to face up to what he has done. After his student's departure this time, Old Monk prepares for his approaching death. Winter has come when, now a middle-aged adult, the former Child Monk returns to find inner peace and to work on developing mental and physical discipline. One day, a woman arrives to leave a baby at the temple, and the cycle of student/teacher searching for spiritual enlightenment begins anew.

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Wine & Women Korea - September Wine Focus

Wine & Women Korea - September Wine Focus Introducing Wines from Languedoc and Bordeaux The September Wine Focus on Wine & Tourism in France took place on Tuesday, September 26, 2006. Mrs. Catherine Germier-Hamel, Co-President of Wine & Women Korea, presented two of the famous French Wine regions - Languedoc and Bordeaux. Wine sponsoring for this event was two-fold: on the one hand Korean wine importing companies, including Global Liquor Trading, Nara Food, and Dongwon Wine Plus, sponsored wines from these regions, which are already available in the Korean market. The remaining wines were given to WWK directly by the French wine makers during a trip through France in August. Hence this was a unique opportunity to taste some exceptional wines that are not yet available in Korea. It is the hope of WWK that through this event, some of these wines will find a Korean importer soon.

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October Cine-Cafe

Cine Cafe: October Schedule Korean Movie Screenings with English Subtitles "La Vie En Rose” (Jangmibit Insaeng, 1994) By Kim, Hong-Jun Running Time: 94 min. Don’t let the title fool you. This movie has nothing to do with Edith Piaf’s song of the same name, other than that Piaf herself was a product of the poor side of the French track. Set in the mid 1980s in Korea, a chaotic time of daily demonstrations by democracy advocates, the film offers an interesting glimpse into the lives of people living in the Garibong area of Seoul. Much of the action is centered in an Eomji (comic book store) where patrons can also watch pornographic movies. The characters include Dong-pal, a trouble-making hoodlum, Gi-yeong, a labor activist on the lam, Yu-jin, a writer with a secret, and the attractive Madame, who owns the store but yearns for a different life in another place.

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September Cine-Cafe

September Cine-Cafe Schedule “King and the Clown” (Wangui Namja, 2005) By Lee, Jun Ik Running Time: 119 min. The film focuses on a pair of clowns, Konggil and Jangseung, who perform comic plays, songs, and acrobatic tricks for aristocrats or commoners during the Joseon Dynasty. In contrast to his later relationship with the insane King Yonsan, romantic feelings between Konggil and Jangseung are strongly implied, but never stated explicitly in the film. After the two arrive in Hanyang (now Seoul), the entrepreneurial Jangseung hits upon the idea of performing a skit that satirizes the king and his famous concubine Noksu. The somewhat lewd and hilarious parody brings them quick fame and piles of cash, but before long it lands them in chains at the feet of the king himself.

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2nd Beautiful Saturday with EUCCK Members in Seoul

Following last September’s and January’s successes of the Beautiful Saturdays in Seoul (September 10, 2005) and Jeonju (January 14, 2006), EKF together with the Beautiful Store (www.beautifulstore.org) is organising another Beautiful Saturday Event with EUCCK Members in Seoul. This year the event should take place on November 4, 2006. The location and order of events will be fixed as soon as we know the number of participating companies.

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Donation of used Equipment, Appliances and much more…

In May EKF made an announcement to all EUCCK member companies asking them for used office equipment (computer, fax machines, telephones, etc.), appliances (i.e. air conditioners, heaters, stoves, microwaves) and other useful items to be donated to the South Korean charity organizations EKF supports, namely SOS Children’s Villages, Aeranwon, Motungii Shwimpteo and Seongshim Dideumdol. Many companies and individuals replied and donated great items, including TV sets, computers, printers, dining sets, telephones, scanners, cabinets, microwaves, etc. The items have been distributed to the organizations above according to their needs.

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New Flooring for Aeranwon

EKF would like to use the amount raised through its WWK wine events to support Aeranwon. The first project that EKF would like to work on with Aeranwon in this regard is the installation of new flooring at their facility, using flooring material donated to EKF by the Swedish company Pergo Korea Ltd. in connection with the Share the Love Campaign 2005.   Since the material had already been provided, only the costs for the installation have to be covered. Installation costs for 1 Pyeong (3,3 sqm) of flooring is 30,000 KRW.   In the middle of July, the time was finally ripe to start the installation of the first 20 Pyeong of new flooring for the community room at Aeranwon, which is used by all its residents to relax and recharge. It is also the room where the installation of new flooring is benefiting most of Aeranwon’s residents.   During a visit to Aeranwon on August 1, 2006, EKF was able to see the room and was assured by Aeranwon residents and representatives that they are very happy about the new floor, which makes the room more comfortable and a nicer place to spend time in.   The installation of new flooring in the other rooms will continue as soon as enough funds can be raised to cover the installation costs.

DiGiorgio Family Wines Wine Dinner

The first ever wine dinner organized by Wine & Women Korea took place at La Cigale (French Restaurant in Itaewon) on July 25, 2006. The event was organised in co-operation with the Australian wine maker DiGiorgio Family Wines, who provided the wine wines though their Korean importer, Sunbo Liquor Trading, and La Cigale, a French restaurant located in Itaewon.   Throughout the evening six different wines were presented combined with a 6-course dinner, which was especially put together by the chef of La Cigale matching the wines presented. It was a truly a feast for the eyes, the palate, and the stomach.   Furthermore, Georgie Bruce, CEO of Southern Exchange and representative of ANZA, helped WWK with creating a somewhat Australian atmosphere by exhibited Australian paintings during the event.   For those who are sorry that they missed the event, rest assured that WWK will be holding more such special events in the future.

EKF Ciné-Café meets Screenplay Writer Kyon Tae Kim

On Thursday, July 20, 2006, EKF organized another special screening with KBS. The movie presented was the KBS made-for-TV movie, “Dad Give us Money,” which is set in today’s Korea and focuses on the trials and tribulations of ordinary people following the burst of the credit card bubble. Hosted by KBS and EKF, the screening of “Dad Give us Money” was held at the Somerset Palace in Gwanghwamun. The event started at 6:30 PM and more than 40 people, mainly foreign expatriates, attended. The highlight of the evening was that the screenplay writer, Mr. Kyon Tae Kim, was able to attend the screening. After the movie, he answered questions from the audience about his drama as well as Korean society and other current hot issues of Korea’s film industry.

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EKF Scholarship Award Ceremony 2006

In keeping with its objective of promoting greater friendship and understanding between Korea and the EU, the Europe-Korea Foundation hosted an award ceremony for the “2006 EKF Scholarship Programme” on Friday, July 14, 2006.

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Donation to Motungii Shwimpteo and Seongshim Dideumdol

On July 7, 2006, representatives of EKF donated 2,500,000 Won to Motungii Shwimpteo and Seongshim Dideumdol, two related organisations that help teenage girls who can no longer live with their families. The money had been raised through EKF Ciné-Café activities since September 2005 and the HA!Man show, which took place on April 8, 2006.

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July Wine Foucus - Blind Wine Tasting

During July’s wine focus it was up to our guests to test their knowledge and expertise about wine. As this was the last wine focus before the summer break, Wine & Women Korea decided to engage its loyal members and participants in a blind wine tasting. The event took place on Thursday, July 6, 2006, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.   For the blind wine tasting, we had prepared 6 different wines, which were generously sponsored by Pieroth Wines Korea. Each wine was presented at a separate table and the guests, which were divided into groups, circulated through the booths and tried to match each wine to three different categories, i.e. wine description, grape variety, and country of origin. After each group had tasted all the wines, the answer sheets were collected and Mr. Dan Schulte of Pieroth Wines Korea revealed the answers to the audience. Meanwhile the group with the highest average score as well as the person with the highest score were determined and awarded great gifts. The person with the highest score won a fantastic bottle of 2001 Barolo BOCG and each member of the group with the highest average score received very practical wine bottle openers, both provided by Pieroth Wines Korea.   The evening was also used to remind the audience of the charitable purpose of WWK. In the beginning of the evening, there was a brief introduction of Ae-Ran-Won. Ae-Ran-Won is a South Korean charity organisation that helps single mothers and underage pregnant girls. The director of Ae-Ran-Won, Mrs. Sang Soon HAN, gave a brief overview of the current situation of single, underage mothers and teenage pregnancy in Korea and introduced the work Ae-Ran-Won is doing to help these young women. Her presentation also included a short introduction of a new aid programme for single-parent families.   Following Mrs. Han’s presentation, Ms. Nicole Risse gave a short briefing on the current financial status of Wine & Women Korea and introduced two different activities that the money raised with this year’s Wine Focus and other wine events will be used for at Ae-Ran-Won.   The first project is the installation of new flooring at the Ae-Ran-Won facility. In connection with the Share the Love Campaign 2005, EKF had received 450 Pyeong (1,500 sqm) of flooring material from the Swedish company Pergo Korea Ltd. The installation of 1 Pyeong (3,3 sqm) of flooring costs 30,000 KRW and the money raised through Wine Focus and other wine events will be used to pay for the installation of at least 55 Pyeong of flooring space.   A second project, if enough money can be raised within this year, will be the support of the new aid programme for single parent families established by Ae-Ran-Won earlier this year. For now, this programme incorporates the following activities: an online community, self-help meetings, case-by-case management, parenting education, mentoring, workshops, discussion groups, financial support, etc. It is hoped that this will help single mothers to become financially independent, enable them to raise a healthy child, increase social acceptance of their situation, provide them with networking opportunities and a social, financial as well as emotional support system. Furthermore, there is hope that this programme will help to increase the number of single mothers that decide to raise their children. To this programme EKF hopes to be able to contribute 5 Mio. Won, which will be used to cover some of the financial aspects, such as medical check-ups, education fees, etc.   At the moment, however, Wine & Women Korea is still very far from reaching this goal and is encouraging its members and participants to continuously join WWK wine events, to learn about and enjoy wine and to contribute to this great cause.   Last but not least, EKF was proud to have Klorane Paris as one the sponsors for this Wine Focus. Klorane Paris is a new cosmetic brand that is currently being launched and the company chose Wine Focus to introduce itself to the public. Besides offering two great prices for the lucky draw, Klorane also sponsored gift vouchers for every guest. Moreover, guests were also able to sample the various products that Klorane Paris offers at the Klorane booth during the event.   Sponsors of the July Wine Focus were: Pieroth Wines Korea, Grand Hyatt Seoul, Klorane Paris, Jubilee, Spire Group, Rene Futurer, Sortino's Italien Restaurant, and Au Bon Pain.

Cine-Cafe Summer Screening Schedule

“Dad Give Us Money” is set in today’s Korea and focuses on the trials and tribulations of ordinary people following the burst of the credit card bubble. A whole new industry of debt collection has sprung up in recent years and, as we follow the experiences of a recently hired collector, we discover the lives of the people the agency is pursuing. One of these is a former ‘salary man’ who epitomises the stresses placed on Korean fathers. In desperation, Bongsoon becomes a contestant on a quiz show. This is a KBS, made-for-TV movie that is a must-see for anyone interested in trying to understand the psyche of some Korean fathers.

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Dynamic Korea Contest 2006 - Co-organised by EKF

For the second year in a row, the Europe-Korea Foundation (EKF) is joining hands with the Korea Overseas Information Service (KOIS) in organizing a contest for all students currently attending international schools in Korea. The purpose of this contest is to learn about how international students feel about Dynamic Korea and also to bring Korea and Korean culture closer to those young foreigners who view Korea has their host country.

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TCC Plush Toy Donation to South Korean Orphanages

The Continuity Company (TCC), the world’s largest provider of retail marketing programmes and member of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK), in cooperation with the Europe-Korea Foundation (EKF) has donated plush toys, i.e. stuffed animals (The Dog), to six South Korean orphanages in Seoul, Suncheon, Daejeon, and Yangju.

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Kyobo Life Insurance donates books to the SOS Children’s Village

Seoul, Korea, June 19, 2006 – Kyobo Life Insurance donated books to the SOS Children’s Village, Seoul. The books are a great addition to the SOS’s library and will provide the children with further sources to gain knowledge and entertainment. The donation was made through the Europe-Korea Foundation (EKF) on Friday, June 16, 2006.   SOS and EKF are especially thankful to Dr. Chang-Jae Shin, Chairman of Kyobo Life Insurance and board member of EKF for his donation and his support of the work of EKF, which is geared towards helping the underprivileged, cultural and educational exchange, as well as to furthering the relation between Europe and Korea.

Interview with New EKF Annual Sponsor

New EKF Annual Sponsor The Europe-Korea Foundation would like to welcome Mr. Holger Hirle, General Manager of the Imperial Palace Hotel (former Amiga Hotel) as a new Annual Sponsor of EKF. In a recent candid interview conducted by D’Andre Ma of EKF with Mr. Hirle, we were given some insights into his reasons for joining EKF and the hotel’s current CSR activities.   (Ma) What made you decide to join EKF as an annual sponsor? (Hirle) Joining EKF was a two-fold initiative. First, it is our goal to strengthen the relationship between EUCCK/EKF and Imperial Palace. Secondly, Imperial Palace Hotel wanted to make a contribution to a good cause.   (Ma) Does Imperial Palace currently engage in other social contributions?  (Hirle) Imperial Palace currently engages in numerous CSR activities including: 1.       Supporting a local primary school in NonHyun-Dong. We host school visits to classes by giving them a tour of the hotel facilities as well as teaching them about how the hotel operates. The visits are always met with enthusiasm and keen interest from the students. 2.       Imperial Palace has maintained a close relationship with the nearby Beautiful Store in recent years. Staffs of Imperial Palace Hotel volunteer at the Beautiful Store (a second hand store for charity) on a regular basis and often donate used items to the store. 3.       Every year, the Imperial Palace Hotel plays hosts to a children’s orphanage. The children of the orphanage prepare a choral performance and perform at the hotel for guests.   (Ma) Could you talk about your work as the General Manager of the Imperial Palace Hotel? (Hirle) I have been working as General Manager of Imperial Palace since 2005 August with a two year contract. As GM of this hotel, I have worked to improve the hotel’s performance in the market place, increasing occupancy and increasing daily efficiency. The hotel also aims to increase their international clientele as well as increase local exposure so that there is better brand recognition. In fact, we have already experienced a measure of success in that there has already been an increase of 25% in international business.   (Ma) What do you enjoy most living and working in Korea?  (Hirle) The most important thing about living in a foreign country like Korea is the people you work with. So far, working in Seoul, Korea has been fantastic in terms of great support staff who are always friendly and work in a professional manner. This is a very important asset in the hotel industry. The city is also a host to a good mix of people. My wife and I have definitely made wonderful friends here. I also enjoy taking walks in the many mountainous areas in and around Seoul, playing golf and tennis, and enjoying Korean food.   From the interview with Mr. Hirle, it is clear that he holds quite an optimistic and positive outlook on life and on work. Helping not only the improvement of his hotel, but also contributing to the welfare of youth and social efforts. He is truly a man of integrity and professionalism, who continues to contribute to the success of Imperial Palace Hotel in Korea and to the hotel industry.

Cine-Cafe June Screening

"Blue Swallow" (Cheongyeon, 2005) By Yun, Jong-Chan Running Time:  133 min. (The Movie will start 15 min. earlier due to the length of the movie.)  When: June 14, 2006 @ 9:30 AM Where: Raemian Gallery (Anguk Dong) Blue Swallow presents the life of Park Kyong-won. Born to a poor family in Daegu in 1901, Park had always been fascinate with the idea of flying. She also believed that becoming a pilot was her ticket out of poverty and so, at age 16, she set off for Japan to enrol in pilot school. To achieve her dream, she spent her days studying and her nights working as a mechanic and taxi driver to earn her tuition money. This is how she meets Ji-hyuk, who ends up serving in the Japanese army. In 1930, Park was the only female among the 13 qualified pilots in Japan and the first female pilot in South Korean history.  However, Park’s dreams were short-lived. Suspected of taking part in Resistance activities, she is jailed and tortured, as is Ji-hyuk, who confesses in order to save her. In August 1933, Park decides to fly back to Korea in her plane, the Chongyon, taking his ashes with her. But the 32-year never made it back. An hour after takeoff, her plane went down. The cause of the accident was never found.  Because there is so little information about her in the record books, the movie has added fictional characters and narratives to tell the story of Park's career and love life. All the aerial shots, which take up about 30 minutes of the film, were completed under the direction of aerial coordinator Kevin La Rosa, who worked “The Fugitive" and "Independence Day." Blue Swallow was filmed in Japan, China and South Korea. "Teacher Kim Bong-Du" (Seonsaeng Kim Bong-Du, 2003) By Jang, Kyu-Seong Running Time: 117 min. When: June 28, 2006 @ 9:30 AM Where: Raemian Gallery (Anguk Dong) When: June 15, 2006 @ 6:30 PM Where Somerset Palace Seoul Teacher Kim Bong Du (Seonsaeng Gimbongdu) (2002) is a tongue-in-cheek look at elements of the Korean school system. Kim Bongdu is not the ideal elementary school teacher. He is lazy and interested only in the bribes he collects from his students’ parents. Following a complaint from a parent, he is banished to a country school. The punishment is not so much for having taken bribes, as for the uproar the parents caused. There are only five students in his new school, but when he tries to implement the ‘gift’ system, he receives vegetables, kimchi and fruit rather than money. However, teacher Kim is not all bad as we learn from his contacts with his father and eventually with his students and people in the village. This is a more contemporary look at life in small rural communities.

Wine & Women Korea - June Wine Focus: Wine & Health

In a world where fast food, junk food and fatty foods are of higher consumption than foods that are good for the body, healthy eating and drinking has been a growing concern for most Korean’s and foreigners alike. Hence, it was a priority for Wine & Women Korea to hold a wine focus on this topic. So for the June Wine Focus, held on Monday, June 5th, 2006 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, we did just that!   The Wine focus on Wine & Health included a presentation by Mr. Jun Cheol Kim, Education Director of Seoul Wine School and Vice President of Korea Wine Society who gave a very insightful and humorous presentation on wine and its effects on health. Following the presentation, a quiz was presented to test the attendee’s knowledge on how wine can improve or be detrimental to one’s health.   Sponsored by Kwangwon Trading Co. Ltd., June’s wine focus was also an opportunity to showcase wines from Romanian, a not so well known wine producing country in Europe. Jeny, a citizen of Romania descent and a representative from Kwangwon Trading also provided useful information on the history and development of Romanian wines.    Overall the evening was highlighted by a heightened level of understanding for wine and its effects on health and of course the thorough enjoyment of good wine and good company.   For photos of the event, please visit the EKF main site and click on Photo Gallery.

Cine-Café with KBS

On Wednesday, May 24, 2006, EKF organized a special screening with KBS for our May Cine-Cafe. The KBS made-for-TV movie, “Destiny’s Curse” based on the novel by Kim Dong-Ri, received favorable reception by Europeans. This remarkable event may possibly be an indicator that Korean dramas are popular not only in Asia but also in Europe.   Hosted by KBS and EKF, screening of “Destiny’s Curse” was held at the Raemian Gallery in Anguk-dong at 10:00 AM. More than 30 Europeans currently residing in Korea attended the screening. The producer of the movie, Mr. Young-guk Lee from KBS also attended to present and discuss his drama.   Although Korean dramas are very well known to Asian countries, it is only starting to gain popularity in the European community. “Destiny’s Curse” by Kim Dong-Ri, one of Korea’s best-known authors, received a favorable reception when broadcasted on KBS in May, 2005. “Destiny’s Curse,” a HDTV movie, is a story that revolves around a mother who attempts to thwart destiny that has been foretold for her son. Set in the 1950s’ Whagae Jangteo, a famous marketplace of Southeastern part in Korea showcases Korea’s beautiful scenery.   In the discussion with Mr. Lee after the screening, many questions and issues about Korean tradition and culture were asked. For instance, the significance of the setting, Korean traditional religion playing a prominent role in the movie, how does the temple and the monks add to the theme of drama, the relationship between families and the taboos of affairs in that time period, etc. The general consensus of the movie is that it is a well-made movie which harmonizes the relationships between family members with the picturesque scenery.   This screening was organized by the KBS International Cooperation Team (Leader Ms. Eun-Kyung Min) at EKF’s request. Given the success of this cooperation, KBS and EKF would definitely welcome more KBS screenings to continue to introduce KBS’s various contents through EKF and the next screening of a KBS made-for-TV drama is already in preparation for July. EKF would also like to help KBS play a bigger role in introducing Korean Culture to Europe.

2006 Information Fair

The 2006 Information Fair, organized by the Seoul Help Center for Foreigners (SHC), was held on Saturday, May 6, 2006 around City Hall. The fair, which is open to foreigners residing in Seoul and local people, was especially immense as it coincided with the Hi Seoul Festival. Although the weather on May 6th was less than cooperative, the event was nonetheless filled with excitement. The event was an outdoor orientation mostly for newly arrived foreign families, but open to all foreign and local people this year. Many foreign and local organizations were involved in setting up booths to provide information and services to foreigners and to ensure more interaction between them both.

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Wine & Women Korea - Wine Focus: Buying and Choosing Wine

The May Wine & Women Korea Wine Focus event on May 10th, 2006 was focusing on Buying & Choosing Wine - A first crucial step in wine enjoyement. Held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Namsan Room, Ms. Shana Kim and Thibault Souchon from the Vine Bar & Restaurant gave a presentation on how to read wine labels and purchasing wines in retail outlets. The wines for this Wine Focus, generously provided by Global Liquor, was simply exquisite. Adding to the excellent tasting  experience for the guests in attendance. The event included light snacks provided by the Grand Hyatt but also heavenly chocolates from Jubilee!  As a special thank you to all our WWK Members, each member attending the May event also received a special dining voucher for La Tavola, sponsored by the Spire Group. Lucky draw prizes were also provided by Rene Furterer, Sortinos, and Spire Group, and Jubilee.  The next Wine Focus will be held on June 5, 2006 on Wine and Health. For registration information, please contact Nicole Risse at nicole.risse@ekf.or.kr or 725-0381.

Childrens Quiz with Dong-A Daily

The Europe-Korea Foundation, in co-operation with Dong-A Daily, has joined hands again organizing the Third Annual Children's Quiz in celebration of Children's Day on May 4, 2006. This year's quiz was published during the first week of May, which is traditionally dedicated to South Korea's Children. The quiz focused on this year's World Cup where children had to find 5 differences in the two nearly identical pictures related to Korea's soccer fever. Winners will be chosen through a lucky draw by the end of May/early June.

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2006 EU FIlm Festival

On behalf of the fourteen participating Embassies of the European Union represented in Seoul, the French Embassy in cooperation of the Europe-Korea Foundation are proud to announce the Second Annual Seoul EU Film Festival 2006 taking place at the Artreon Theatre in Sinchon from May 11 ~ May 17, 2006.

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Cine-Cafe - May Schedule

The Ciné-Cafés take place on every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Samsung Raemian Cultural Center in Anguk Dong. After the movie, everyone is invited to join us for lunch at a restaurant in the area. The entrance fee is 10,000 KRW per person and includes snacks and beverages. Please note that lunch is not included.

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Wine & Women Korea - Wine Focus: Introduction to Wine and Aroma Tasting

Wine & Women Korea is now in full swing with its first monthly gathering, Wine Focus, held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Wednesday, April 12, 2006. Sponsored by Pieroth Korea, Sortino’s Italian Restaurant, La Petite France and Rene Furterer Paris, the event was fun and entertaining.

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Wine & Women Korea - "Wine Around the World" Inauguration Reception

On March 8, 2006, the Europe-Korea Foundation (EKF) celebrated the successful inauguration of Wine & Women Korea(WWK), a new wine club in Seoul. The inauguration reception held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel was attended by over 300 guests including ambassadors from many countries.

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EKF April Cine-Cafe

The Ciné-Cafés take place on every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Samsung Raemian Cultural Center in Anguk Dong. After the movie, everyone is invited to join us for lunch at a restaurant in the area. The entrance fee, as always, is 10,000 KRW per person and includes snacks and beverages (tea, coffee, and juice). Please note that lunch is not included.

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* Movie Director Jeong Jae-Eun visited Ciné-Café on International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, March 8, 2006, EKF showed the movie “Take Care of My Cat”, which was written and directed by one of the few female Korean movie directors, Ms. Jeong Jae Eun. To celebrate this special day, EKF invited Ms. Jeong, who was happy to meet the audience and answer questions about the movie itself and about her role as a female director in the Korean film industry.

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The Ha!Man Show

Following last year’s successful charity concert, organized in cooperation with EKF, the “HA!Man Show” – performed by the South African cellist Francois Le Roux made a stunning come back to Seoul for an encore performance. The event took place at Arvorig Restaurant in Itaewon, on Saturday, April 8, 2006. The event featured a special South African Buffet and South African wines which were kindly sponsored by the South African Embassy, followed by an exciting 2 hour performance. The event drew a capacity crowed including many children who were endlessly enchanted by the spontaneous performance of Francois Le Roux.

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Join a New Club: Wine & Women Korea

Are you interested in wine and wine culture(s) and have a desire to share your passion about wine with other women? Or would you like to approach wine as a lifestyle and from a feminine perspective? Then we have just the club for you – Wine & Women Korea.

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EKF Cine-Cafe in 2006

The EKF Cine-Cafe screenings will continue in 2006.  As always, the morning screenings will be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Samsung Raemian Cultural center starting at 9:30 a.m. Depending on the length of the movie, the screening will begin at 9:45 or 10:00 a.m. The evening screenings have moved to the third Thursday of the month and will now be held at the Somerset Palace from 6:30 p.m. Please note that those wishing to attend the evening screening must reserve in advance either by contacting the EKF office (725-0381) or by emailing anne.ladouceur@gmail.com by Wednesday noon.  The evening screenings will start at either 6:45 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. depending on the movie's running time.  The audience gets to choose which movie will be shown at the following evening screenings.   Refreshments are available and discussions will immediately follow the showings, both morning and evening. For the morning showings, everyone is invited to join us  at a restaurant in the area. The entrance fee is 10,000 KRW per person. Please note that lunch is not included. The funds raised through the Cine-Cafes will go to Motungii Shwimpteo, a shelter for young women in Bucheon.   February Movies: “A State of Mind” (Eotteon Nara, 2005) by Daniel Gordon Running Time: 93 min. Short Movie Description: After winning the 2002 RTS award for the documentary, "The Game of Their Lives," VeryMuchSo productions were again granted permission from the North Korean film authorities to film a new documentary. This one would follow two young gymnasts and their families during the eight months leading up to North Korea’s Mass Games, labeled “the biggest and most elaborate human performance on earth.” A State of Mind provides a rare glimpse into what is one of the world's least known societies, while at the same time, throwing light on the life of young athletes the world over.     “Running Boy” (Malaton, 2005) by Jeong Yunchul Running Time: 117 min. Short Movie Description: Cho-won is a lovely, normal-looking child who likes chocolate cookies and zebras and who is autistic. Discovering that he loves to run, his mother proceeds to train him. Twenty years on, he still does not conform to social norms, but his mother is determined that he will achieve the ultimate goal for amateur runners – completing the marathon in under 3 hours. One day, Jung-woo, a former marathon champion convicted of driving under the influence, comes to work at Cho-won's school to fulfill his community service.   This is a 2-hankie feel good film, that provides insights into the life of those who don’t meet society’s standards or norms of behaviour and of those who struggle to do so. Autism Is not well understood in most societies, and this one is no exception. Interestingly, Cho-won is based on a real person, an autistic marathon runner during a time when marathon running was all the rage.

Beautiful Saturday with EUCCK Members in JeonJu, North Jeolla Province

On Saturday, January 14, 2006 Carrefour Jeonju, Syngenta Korea and FAG Bearings joined hands with the Beautiful Store and the Europe-Korea Foundation (EKF) to organise and hold the most recent Beautiful Saturday event in Jeonju City, North Jeolla Province. This event followed a similar event organized by the Beautiful Store and the Europe-Korea Foundation in early September last year in Seoul. The event was held on the plaza in front of Carrefour Jeonju.

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