South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula which sits between China and Japan. The nation is a land of contrasts with an abundance of high-tech cities and industries, but also a strong culture and traditions stretching back thousands of years. Over the last 50 years, South Korea has changed dramatically emerging as one of Asia's most dynamic economies. The nation’s capital Seoul is one of the world's great mega-cities. Here the locals love to have fun in the countless bars, casinos, and theatres, not to mention entire neighborhoods dedicated to South Korea's other great love, shopping. However, Korean traditions run deep and this city of 10 million people is also home to dozens of ornate temples and palaces.
There are many beautiful coastal areas in South Korea where it's easy to mingle with locals and enjoy a more relaxed beach-side lifestyle. A holiday atmosphere abounds and there are many amusement and theme parks. The mountainous areas are beautiful and are easily accessible by cable cars and paved pathways and offer incredible scenery. The countryside also abounds in parklands, gardens, and waterfalls that are exquisite all year round.
“mix of modern and traditional culture”
All over the country, you'll find museums and art galleries of every kind with exhibits ranging from fine art to the outright quirky. With a long history and deep traditions, South Korea has many well-preserved military and religious sites as well as historically important ruins. The mix of modern and traditional culture, a long and complex history, and warm and friendly people make a holiday in South Korea truly unforgettable.
Part 1: Comprehension
Watch and summarize the video thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or false – Seoul hasn’t changed much over the last 50 years. T/F
b) True or False – Koreans love to go shopping. T/F
c) True or False – In coastal areas the atmosphere is very relaxed. T/F
d) True or False – South Koreans are generally warm and friendly. T/F
Part 3: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary
a) "Stretching back" (0:23 min)
b) "Run deep" (1:04 min)
c) "Mingle" (1:21 min)
d) "Quirky" (2:10 min)
Part 4: Dictation
a) Fill in the blanks (0:28 - 0:37 minutes) Over ________________________________________________________________economies.
b) Fill in the blanks (1:48- 1:57 minutes) The ___________________________________________________________________round.
c) Fill in the blanks (2:30 - 2:41 minutes) The __________________________________________________________________unforgettable.
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
Scenario 1: Cultural Exchange
You and a friend are participating in a cultural exchange program where you will be spending a week in South Korea. You have just arrived in Seoul and are meeting your host family for the first time. Act out a conversation where you introduce yourself and ask your host family about their culture and traditions.
Scenario 2: Tourist Information
You are a tourist information officer in South Korea, and a group of foreign tourists have just arrived at your desk. They want to know about the best places to visit in South Korea and what activities are available. Act out a conversation where you provide them with information about the different attractions and activities that are available and give them advice on how to make the most of their trip.
Scenario 3: Language Exchange
You are a student studying Korean, and you have just arrived in South Korea for a language exchange program. You are paired with a Korean student who is studying your native language. Act out a conversation where you introduce yourselves. You can also ask each other questions about your respective cultures and traditions.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Tell me about your future travel plans. Where will you visit (or like to visit)? Will you travel domestically or aboard? why will you go there?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - New TV for communal area.
Objective: To discuss and reach a consensus on the top 3 places to visit in South Korea.
Work in groups and create a presentation outlining the tops 3 places to visit in South Korea. You can use the video above and additional online research.
Then come back as a class and present, discuss the reach a consensus on the 3 top places to visit.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
This video was created by Expedia, a famous travel agent with offices around the world. In this video, they are introducing South Korea as a potential place for vacation and offer a guide on the things a traveler should do while touring Korea. They propose that South Korea is a land of contrasts with high-tech cities and industries, but also a strong culture and traditions. Expedia talks about the capital city of Korea, Seoul. They say that it is home to countless bars, restaurants, casinos, and theaters. Additionally, Seoul has some entire neighborhoods that are dedicated to shopping and has a host of temples for travelers to see. If tourists want to see outside of Seoul there are many beautiful coastal areas in Korea with beautiful beaches and even theme parks. Lastly, the video introduces the more traditional and historical destinations in Korea and talks about war museums and fish markets. I think this video was made to promote tourism in Korea and boost sales at Expedia.
Part 2: True or False
A: False B: True C: True D: True
Part 3: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
a) "Stretching back" Answer: I think this means back to a particular time or date because in the video the speaker talks about the important traditions that Korea has kept over thousands of years.
b) "Run deep" Answer: This means to have strong emotions or beliefs about something because the speaker talks about how traditions have been kept in Korea for a long time and this means that they are important to Koreans.
c) "Mingle" Answer: This means to move freely around and interact with people because in the video the speaker states that in coastal areas locals and the atmosphere are more relaxed than in Seoul so tourists can relax and interact with locals more.
d) "Quirky" Answer: I think it means strange or unexpected traits because in the video the speaker talks about standard measures but then states that there are other quirkier places, the other places in the video had statues of naked people and strange art.
Part 4: Dictation
a) Fill in the blanks (0:28 - 0:37 minutes) Over the last 50 years, South Korea has changed dramatically emerging as one of Asia's most dynamic economies.
b) Fill in the blanks (1:48- 1:57 minutes) The countryside also abounds in parklands, gardens, and waterfalls that are exquisite all year round.
c) Fill in the blanks (2:30 - 2:41 minutes) The mix of modern and traditional culture, a long and complex history, and warm and friendly people make a holiday in South Korea truly unforgettable.
Part 7: Writing (example)
I am planning a trip from Japan to Thailand. Thailand has beautiful beaches, interesting culture, and delicious food. I will fly from Tokyo to Bangkok, the big city in Thailand. There, I want to walk in the markets, try foods like noodles and sweet rice with mango, and meet friendly Thai people. Then, I will go to Chiang Mai in the north to see old temples and a special festival with many lights in the sky. Last, I will relax on islands with white sand and blue sea. I chose Thailand because it is very different from Japan and I can see and learn many new things. It will be a fun and exciting trip!
