[MANNAM] It's alive! 살아있네(sal-a-it-nae)~

[MANNAM] It's alive! 살아있네(sal-a-it-nae)~

Have you ever heard about this?

살아있네 살아있어 솨솨솨솨(sal-a-it-nae sal-a-it-eo swa-swa-swa-swa)

You can easily hear this buzz word everywhere.

It was originally the line from movie.

Then this line became popular from an entertainment program and spread to all of Korea.

This is a video about 살아있네 살아있어 솨솨솨솨(sal-a-it-nae sal-a-it-eo swa-swa-swa-swa)

Watch how they say this. there is a special rhythm for this:)

http://www.inven.co.kr/board/powerbbs.php?come_idx=2716&l=595989

Then what is this mean and when can we use it?

First, 살아있다(sal-a-it-da) means 'Alive'

살아있네(sal-a-it-nae) is a exclamation form of 살아있다(sal-a-it-da) and also, 살아있어(sal-a-it-eo) is a conversation form of 살아있다(sal-a-it-da).

So, this full sentence means 'It's alive!'

This phrase is used when something is active and good.

Not only physical but also the mind too.

If something is dead, it can't be done well.

Just like an object. For example, when phone is out of battery or not working we say phone is dead.

Then why is this word so popular among people?)

Koreans like something that's alive.

As you see in the sushi restaurant, Koreans prefer to have raw fish that's alive.

In addition, When person's mind is alive, they think more and get good results.

This is why Korean's like which is alive.

So, from now on, use this word whenever you see something is good like it's alive!

Lastly, then how can we be alive?

I have thought about this a lot of times.

All the people looks same on the outside, but among them, how can I be the person who really looks like, and live like it's alive?

I have solved this question through joining MANNAM.

By joining MANNAM, and doing volunteering works, I feel I am alive.

Why? Because I am alive, I can help others and through these works.

Therefore, I feel I am living in the world with others.

I think spending valuable time and make meaningful memories with others are one of the ways to be alive.

So, join MANNAM International Volunteer Association and ‘be alive’! 살아있네 살아있어(sal-a-it-nae sal-a-it-eo)

There is only one life for each of us! Don't you want to live like alive person?

Make yourself valuable and also helpful to others.

# Korean Buzz word

- 살아있네 살아있어 솨솨솨솨(sal-a-it-nae sal-a-it-eo swa-swa-swa-swa)

- 살아있다(sal-a-it-da) : Alive

- 살아있네(sal-a-it-nae) : It's alive! - exclamation

[MANNAM] Would you like to be 귀요미(gui-yo-me)?

[MANNAM] Would you like to be 귀요미(gui-yo-me)?

Being a cutie become a sensation in Korea.

The word 귀요미(gui-yo-me) is from 귀엽다(gui-yeop-da) which means cute in Korean.

So, 귀요미(gui-yo-me) represents a person who does cute things or looks like cute.

Have you ever heard 귀요미(gui-yo-me) song?

It goes like this. 1+1= 귀요미(gui-yo-me), 2+2= 귀요미(gui-yo-me), and so on till 5.

The lyrics doesn't mean anything but it has its own cutie action in each number.

It might looks like very childish, but is in famous in all ages.

One of Korean culture, Koreans like to be seen younger than they are.

To be younger, they try to eat healthy, exercise, and also they dress younger.

Because of this trend, there are lots of cute words to be cutie.

When you are asking for a favor to someone, how about saying 뿌잉뿌잉(bbu-ing bbu-ing)?

It's a charming action of earnest request. When you say this word, there is an action that you should do with.

First, clench your two fist and then, put it on your cheek. this is not it. There is one more step.

At the same time you say the word 뿌잉뿌잉(bbu-ing bbu-ing), bob up and down your two fist.

Also the main point in here is your shining, twinkling eyes that looks like diamonds in it.

If you do that when you do something, there will be no one to refuse your request.

Second word that we will learn is 부끄부끄(bu-ggeu-bu-ggeu).

This word is from the word 부끄럽다(bu-ggeu-rup-da) which means shy.

When people are shy, they don't know what to do but being ruddy cheeks.

In this situation, you can say 부끄부끄(bu-ggeu-bu-ggeu).

There is also an action, but it is just same as 뿌잉뿌잉(bbu-ing bbu-ing).

This will make you look cute and also to escape from that situation.

Lastly, if see this situation that someone is doing this and if it's too cringe, you can say 오글오글(o-geul o-geul).

The word 오글오글(o-geul o-geul) is kind of mimetic word that describe your body shrinking because of cringe situation. It is mostly used when people are going way over than how they are.

For this word, spread your two hand and fold it one by one like your body is shrinking.

Isn't this words cute?

It is also good to use within friends, coworker, families, but! how about using this with kids?

What kids? Many branches in MANNAM International Volunteer association goes to kids center or orphanage to volunteer.

When we go there to volunteer, we share our culture and love, but sometimes, it's hard to communicate with kids.

However, how about using these cute words with them?

I'm sure they will smile and open their heart.

It's not just because you are saying famous Korean words, but it's because they will know that you are trying to get close to them.

This might be a very little thing, but there is nothing bigger than to open someone's mind.

So, will you join us to share your light, your culture and love to kids?

Write some reply if this has worked:)

# Korean Vocabulary

- 귀엽다(gui-yeop-da) : Cute

- 귀요미(gui-yo-mi) : Cutie

- 뿌잉뿌잉(bbu-ing bbu-ing) : charming action

- 부끄럽다(bu-ggeu-rup-da) : Shy

- 부끄부끄(bu-ggeu-bu-ggeu) : Shy, bashful

- 오글오글(o-geul o-geul) : Sappy, cheesy, cringe

MANNAM! Let's grab our hands together!!

MANNAM! Let's grab our hands together!!

Time for learning Korean idiom is back!!
Today's idiom is '손을 잡다(son-eul jap-da) '.
손(son) is hand and 잡다(jap-da) means to grab.
However, 손을 잡다(son-eul jap-da) is not only about grabbing hands.
It has hidden meaning included in there. Which is 'To units minds and cooperate together'
Can you think of MANNAM logo? It looks like the Taegeuk pattern in Korean flag and there are two hands grabbing each other.
When we meet, most of countries shack hands as greeting.
Also in another situation, when contract has concluded, two representatives shack hands.
However, in this situation, shaking hands doesn't mean greeting.
It means from now on, let's cooperate and do well, right?
Same as this, when we grab others hands, it could be the meaning of greeting but also, it can be the hands gathering power.
When one person stands alone and tries to do something, it could be hard to achieve its goal.
However, when many people, who are looking for same goal, grab hands together, then the power to achieve the goal will be stronger.

In MANNAM International, because we look for same thing, which is world peace, and work together, we can achieve this goal through us.
Each hand that we grab in MANNAM is the one that will never break up.
It will bring more power and possibilities to achieve peace.
If you are hoping for the same goal with us, grab our hand and let's achieve it together.
When all the people in the world grab hand in hand, that is the time that peace has achieved.
Who will fight if we grab hands together?
We are stretching our hands to the world through volunteering works.
Why don' you join us and hold out your hands to the world?
Grabbing your hand can be the way to make world peace.


# Korean Idiom

- 손을 잡다(son-eul jap-da) : To grab hands
=> To units minds and cooperate together
- 손(son) : Hand
- 잡다(jap-da) : To grab

[MANNAM] It's a spring now!!!

[MANNAM] It's a spring now!!!

 

봄 봄 봄 봄 봄이 왔어요~(Bom bom bom bom bom-yiwat-eo-yo) Spring has come!

What comes into your mind when you think about spring?

It reminds me of a new start, warm aura, and growing up and etc.

in spring, because of lots of flowers, the image of spring is very bright.

However, a few days ago, I heard in the radio that, because most of the atmosphere is bright, on the other side, there are more people who are depressed deeply.

When the room is dark, we can flatter that every side of the room is bright.

However, as the room is bright, the dark side is darker than it used to be.

Same as this, we might feel spring is the season that everyone can start new thing and grow up but there are excluded people we forgot about.

They could be people who are harmed from the war and disaster or natural environment.

Living in the same planet means we care each other, right?

Let's share our warm and hopeful energy with those people.

So that not only a one side but all the side of the earth can be bright.

The material for this is your LIGHT!

Like the slogan of MANNAM, When Light meets Light there is Victory.

Share your light, your culture. By sharing, we can make world brighter than ever.

MANNAM International Volunteers share their own lights through volunteering hoping for world peace.

Don't you want this spring to be the happiest for EVERYONE?

If you do, join us:)

 

# Learning Korean Vocabulary

-계절(gye-jeol) : Season

-봄(bom) : Spring

-여름(yeo-reum) : Summer

-가을(ga-eul) : Fall

-겨울(gyeo-ul) : Winter

[MANNAM] Do you know the meaning of the word ‘Face’ 얼굴(eol-geul)

[MANNAM] Do you know the meaning of the word ‘Face’ 얼굴(eol-geul)

The word ‘얼굴(eol-geul)’ means ‘Face’ in Korean.

But, do you know the hidden meaning in this word?

First, ‘굴(geul)’ means cave and cave puts something inside.

Next, ‘얼(eol)’ has the meaning of spirit and mind.

So, all together, ‘얼굴(eol-geul)’ means a cave that puts one’s spirit.

Isn’t it cool? When we hear about ‘얼굴(eol-geul)’, we think about a round thing that has eyes, nose, mouse and ears in it.

However, that’s not is. ‘얼굴(eol-geul)’ also puts one’s mind.

Specifically, this is an example.

When you see a man fighting, you can see a anger through his face.

On the contrary, when you see kids playing together, you can see and also feel the happiness and peace through their face.

By just looking at someone’s face, you can see their spirit and mind.

But, not only for others, others also can see your mind through your face too.

Smiling might looks like just happy, but it means the person is having positive spirit.

Same as others’ too.

As a result, remember that your face is a cave of your sprit.

It can spread peaceful energy more effectively than by saying many words.

However, it’s not easy to control your mind, right?

Then, why don’t you do thing that can change your face, the spirit?

In my experience, whenever I do volunteer works, I feel like my spirit and mind get cured.

During that time and also even back from that time, I feel like I am full of happy energy.

It’s like healing my spirit.

So, on this weekend, how about joining MANNAM International and heal your spirit?

Don’t you want your ‘얼굴(eol-geul)’ to be looked beautifully??

[MANNAM] It's a tree planting day!

[MANNAM] It's a tree planting day!

 

What did you do on 5th of April?

Many of you might have spent normal day like it used to be.

However, it was a tree planting day!

In Korea, April 5th was used to be a red day, so that people can go planting trees.

Before we talk about this, do you know why the Korean gorvernment chose April 5th as a tree planting day?

  

During the domination, lots of trees in Korea were taken because it was a good resources. So, after the domination, Korea was lack of trees.

This is why Korean government decided to plant trees on a one special day.

So, on this day, many families went to nearest mountian and plant trees.

However, the government thought there were too many red days in Korea, so they changed tree planting day as a normal black day.

Although it changed to normal weekdays, people still go plant trees on that weekend.

So as MANNNAM Internatioal volunteer members too.

We also went to plant trees and saved environment.

     

When we think about benefits that we got from environment, we cannot pay them back as much as they gave us.

But, least, don't we have to think about them and share our love?

Because we live together in this world we should care about each other.

This is what I think.

As much as we use them we should plant more trees so that next generation can also live in the fresh air.

It takes 20s, 50s and also 100s of years for trees to grow.

Planting tree can be same as making your own friend who can be there, alway waiting for you.

Join us volunteering and how about make your own life friend?

These are the famous trees and flowers in Korea.
소나무(so-na-mu) is famous because it is always green.
Because people want to have original intentions, they mention about this tree and live like this.
개나리(gae-na-ri) is well known as yellow flower. It is special because flower blossom first and then a sprout comes out.
진달래(jin-dal-rae) is well known as pink flower. Long time ago, Koreans used to suck honey in this flower. 

# Korean Vocabulary

 

- 나무(na-mu) : Tree

- 꽃(ggot) : Flower

- 씨(sse) : Seed

- 소나무(so-na-mu) : Pine tree

- 향나무(hyoung-na-mu) : Junper

- 개나리(gae-na-ri) : Forsythia

- 진달래(jin-dal-rae) : Asalea

- 민들레(min-deul-rae) : Dandelion

- 목련(mok-ryeon) : Magnolia

[MANNAM] Q&A about MANNAM VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION

[MANNAM] Let's Know More about MANNAM!


We know that MANNAM Volunteer association is biggest volunteer group in Korea.

We are also aware of many volunteer events and activities through MANNAM official website and blogs. But still, there are some questions that we want to know more about this amazing MANNAM volunteer association!

Then why don’t we ask it to person who established MANNAM volunteer association?

So, in order to know more about MANNAM, here is the interview of Chairwoman of MANNAM volunteer association!


Q. What do you think about volunteerism mean as the Chairwoman of MANNAM?

-> I think that every basic foundation of ideology is filial piety, and it is not limited to only Korea. When one is dutiful to one's parent, it is filial piety; when the same devotion is shown to a country, it becomes loyalty; and in religion, it becomes faith. And they are based on sacrifice, thinking of other before oneself, which is the spirit of volunteer service. MANNAM's service is voluntary and dedicating oneself as if he or she is doing work at one's home, even when picking up garbage on the street. This is the spirit of MANNAM.


Q. What are the plans for the future of the organization?

-> A. Our vision is to work as pure volunteers who give back to the community.


Q. MANNAM's slogan is "When Light meets Light, there is Victory!".
What does it mean by then?

-> A. Each person is light, also should become a person like light. As these people who are like light meet, we can defeat the darkness from the world.


Q. What is Cultural-art volunteer meant to MANNAM?

I heard MANNAM is alike true volunteerism and a great planning. Supporting the poor is not only MANNAM’S volunteer work but also letting a delivery of the message of hope through the Cultural- art performance and a receiver who experience the love to be met and become one is our Cultural-art volunteerism.

Q. Why does MANNAM do country-related events?

->A. It is very natural to dedicate time and efforts to those we love. As MANNAM loves its country and sincerely appreciates those who sacrificed their lives for the country, it is logical to give our time and effort. We do not see this as sacrifice. The question of "Why do you do country-related events? is equivalent to the question of "Why do you love another?"

Source from MANNAM Judo Club

http://MANNAMjudo.blogspot.kr/2013/03/would-you-like-to-know-more-about-MANNAM.html

[MANNAM] Let’s learn Animal names in Korean

[MANNAM] Let’s learn Animal names in Korean

 

I made another precious memory today. I went to animal shelter to volunteer!

Like other times, I had so much fun with puppies and kittens.

Many of others may think volunteer work is something that we are offering our energy and time.

It is right. However, I always feel like I am earning more than what I had spent.

Because puppies and kittens there have experience losing their family once, some of them are really afraid of people and some of them are really hunger for people’s love.

We can feel their feelings with a touch.

It’s so sad that human being caused a problem to animals.

Although people don’t have right to do that and also, animals’ don’t have a reason to be treated like that.

While I clean and feed them, when I can feel they are afraid of me and growling, I feel sorry for them as one of human being.

Even to human, experiencing bad thing doesn’t flew out in once. It remains in their heart as a trauma.

We should take more care to animals and treat same as people because they are also a living creature.

The volunteering makes me meaningful time to think more about animals and to look around carefully.

I didn’t just spend time cleaning but also I thought and learned a lot.

This is also one of the reason why I am volunteering.

Through volunteering, I can learn and it make me to look around me instead of being selfish.

Today, I am fully charged with the love they gave me. I am sure that other friends who went with me did too.

I will try to payback this valuable love to others so that this time won’t just left behind.

So, to think more about animals, how about learning Korean names of animals?

 

# Learning animal names in Korean

-강아지(gang-a-ji) : Puppy

-개(gae) : Dog

-고양이(go-yang-i) : Cat

-토끼(to-kki) : Rabbit

-사자(sa-ja) : Lion

-말(mal) : Horse

-소(so) : Cow

-새(sae) : Bird

-닭(dak) : Chicken

-곰(gom) : Bear

-뱀(bam) : Sneak

-양(yang) : Sheep

-염소(yeom-so) : Goat

-사슴(sa-seum) : Deer

-돼지(dea-ji) : Pig

MANNAM International! Let’s plant PEACE seed in the world!

MANNAM International! Let’s plant PEACE seed in the world!

Learning Korean proverb time is back!!

Today’s proverb is ‘콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다(cong sim-eun dae cong na-go pat sim-eun dae pat nan-da)’. It is similar to English proverb  ‘An onion will not produce a rose or As one sows, so shall he reap’.

It means all brings certain results along its root.

It is an easy proverb that you don’t really have to think.

It is a natural situation to get what you plant.

No one expects something different than what they have plant.

It is an impossible thing except in the fairy tale.

However, when people face situation like this proverb, some people don’t understand it.

When people claim only their own opinion, they can’t negotiate, and it will cause argue.

On the contrary, when people try to understand each other and care others, it will make peace.

This is a situation of is ‘콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다(cong sim-eun dae cong na-go pat sim-eun dae pat nan-da)’.

We cannot expect peace being selfish. That is a greed.

If people really want peace in the world, we should work for it so that we can achieve world peace.

How? How about start from volunteering with MANNAM International?

 We gather and volunteer to plant seed of peace in the world.

Let’s make world brighter with the peace plants!

# Korean Proverb

- 콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다

- cong sim-eun dae cong na-go pat sim-eun dae pat nan-da

- An onion will not produce a rose. / As one sows, so shall he reap.

# Korean Vocabulary

-콩(cong) : bean

-팥(pat) : red bean

-심다(sim-da) : To plant

-나다(na-da) : Grow, sprout

-데(dae) : Place, point, location

동고동락하는 MANNAM International friends

동고동락하는 MANNAM International friends

Do you have friends?

How many friends do you have?

Some might have lots of friends and some might have only a few.

What kind of friend is he/her?

It’s very hard to define what kind of friend is he/she.

There are many different kinds of friends.

Someone who you have met can be a friend.

Someone who have same interest can be a friend.

Someone who have spent time with can be a friend.

Someone who you can frankly talk with can be friend.

Someone who you can ask for your favor can be a friend.

However, among all these friends, today, I will talk about friend who you can share your joy and also sorrow with you.

It is called 동고동락(Dong-go-dong-rak) in four character idiom.

동 means one, 고 means sorrow, suffering, 락 means to enjoy.

Altogether, 동고동락 means to share one’s joy and sorrow together.

How many these kinds of friends do you have?

Even if there are many friends, having these kinds of friends are not easy.

동고동락 friends are like family who can really think of each other.

Sharing joy and also sorrow is not an easy things.

It’s because you have to feel like how they are.

To share feelings, you have to understand them.

If not, even there is a happy thing, you could feel jealousy, and envy them.

Moreover, sharing sorrow? You might not feel sympathy and bring cheer to them.

Saying with just a word can be easy but feeling with true mind is different.

Who can you think of? Not many?

Then, before you think of your friends, why don’t you think of you first?

Were you a 동고동락 friend to others?

If you can say for sure, that is where the problem comes from.

The first step of being 동고동락 friend is you being a 동고동락 friend.

If you start to give others the feeling of 동고동락 friends, they will treat you the same way.

One direction can’t make perfect 동고동락 friends.

By sharing, 동고동락 friends can be achieved.

How about MANNAM International friends?

Are we 동고동락 friend? YES!

If you have joined MANNAM activities least once, you might have felt this.

Then why? It’s because we share our lights, culture, love, dream, sorrow and everything.

As we volunteer, we share each others’ light and that is where 동고동락 friends starts from.

Sharing lights makes us to understand each other and that understanding makes us to think each other with warm true heart.

This is why MANNAM International friends are 동고동락 friends.

Whenever there is a joy, we share and makes bigger.

Also, whenever there is a sorrow, we share and tries to help each other.

I think, having these 동고동락 friends are presents that is precious than any other.

How about you? If you want to feel and learn this 동고동락 friendship, join us and be one of our 동고동락 friend:)

# Korean four character idioms

- 동고동락(Dong-go-dong-rak) : To share one’s joy and sorrow

- 동(Dong) : One

- 고(Go) : Sorrow, trouble, suffering

- 락(rak) : To enjoy

-만남 친구들은 서로 동고동락하는 사이예요

-MANNAM chin-gu-deul-eun seo-ro dong-go-dong-rak-ha-neun sa-i-yae-yo.

-MANNAM friends have 동고동락 friendship.

Why MANNAM International runs Korean class for free?

Why MANNAM International runs Korean class for free?

This might be the one of the most curious questions for all of you who know MANNAM.

Why do they run free Korean class?

It’s because we are volunteer group! We are just sharing the ability that we have. Ability doesn’t run down because we use it. It will improve rather than decrease.

Is it too obvious? You want something else, right?

Then, I will start from MANNAM’s history.

You know how MANNAM started and you know where Gangnam is. Nowadays in South Korea, Gangnam is known as rich town. Before Gangnam was famous for that, people who were not rich were living there.

However, because of the plan to make richest town, Gangnam, there, the people who were living there had been kicked out from there. It makes two antithetic groups to live next to each other. At this point, MANNAM’s chair woman Nam Hee Kim saw this and thought she should help them. She saw the people disregarded because of mammonism. This is how she started to volunteer. As this volunteer going on, many people gather to join this. Also, Gangnam mayor saw this and he promised to help MANNAM. Moreover, MANNAM’s honorary chairman Man Hee Lee heard this and he also start started to join MANNAM. With these people’s help, MANNAM could hold 54^th Memorial day events. On this day, MANNAM’s honorary chairman saw many foreigners joining this event and thought it will be good to work with foreigners too. So, from then, MANNAM made MANNAM International.

This is how MANNAM International has started.

Then, how about MANNAM International Korean class?

Man Hee Lee was a soldier at the Korean war. At the war, there weren’t just Koreans, there were also soldiers from other countries fighting for us. He was so thankful for them offering their life to fight for us. After that, at the mud festival in Boryeong, he saw many foreigners in Korea. He said those young men must have hard time living in Korea. Also, those young men are whom had fight for us long time ago. So, this is why he recommended about Korean class to help those who have language difficulties.

Not only Korean class, but also all the other MANNAM activities are from those mind set of sacrifice. Not selfishness but considerable thinking.

Also, for my case, when I was young, I have experience living in another country. Maybe, only the one who has experience will know how it feels like. Start from the difficulties in language, all of the little things were hard and stressful. In addition, being alone is the hardest thing that makes me tired. Because I know how hard it is to live in another country, I want to help others who are having hard time with this. At that time, my friend introduced me MANNAM and I started to join MANNAM and volunteer in MANNAM International Korean class. Even I might not be professional like other academies, I am trying my best to help others.

I hope, this MANNAM International spread to the world and make world peace through MANNAM.