Mihansa.net was born on February 20, 2012. How time flies! On this first birthday, I look back on an interesting year, full of new friends, cultural and linguistic discoveries, and of course, Korean drama.
I always have more ideas for Mihansa.net than I have time to make them real. However, in 2013 readers can expect to see a separation of the language and drama feeds so they can choose one or the other if they prefer. I’ve been neglecting the language side of Mihansa.net, but my studies have continued, and I’d like to exchange experiences and tips with other students of Korean.
I’ll also expand the Korean culture section, add a page with links to free online Korean language courses (there are lots!), and unveil a Kdrama glossary. I’d like to utilize screen space more efficiently so there’s less paging down for you. And I’ll try to improve the search functions (something of a challenge in WordPress) so that you can more easily find what you’re looking for.
I have a few surprises in mind, too – wait and see :)
Many thanks to everyone who read, commented, and answered my endless questions this past year – here’s to another year of Korean adventures!
Korea Times © 2009
FUN FACT 2: As of this date, the busiest day ever on Mihansa.net was Feb. 3, 2013 – aka Super Bowl Sunday :)
Congratulations! I find the language/culture section unique. The language may come in handy as apparently the sub situation for certain dramas is still up in the air. It might be easier for me to learn to understand the language than to search for subs on the internet. At least I can sing my favorite OST songs phonetically! LOL! So, I’ll be looking forward to the links to Korean lessons. Fighting! (Maybe you could explain the origin of “Fighting!”)
Learning Korean is a multi-year project for most English-speakers. It’ll probably be faster to wait for the subtitles, unless you are really gifted at languages, or already speak Chinese. Korean and Chinese are from different language groups, but 5,000 years of Chinese trade and invasions have had a major impact on the Korean language. Some sources say 50% or more of Korean words are Chinese-derived, and my Chinese-speaking friends can understand most of what goes on in dramas without subtitles.
It depends on the person, though. Some people’s brains automatically make a connection between what they hear and what they see, so that they do pick up some Korean just from watching dramas (or Kpop videos) over time. My brain, alas, does not work that way. I have to intentionally study :(
Then again, maybe I’m just not watching enough drama :)
Fighting is based on the English word. Since there is no F sound in Korean, it has two different Korean pronunciations (and spellings), hwighting and pighting. I think it was originally borrowed from sports, but it’s used in a much more broader context in Korea. It’s a cheer of support and encouragement in striving for your goals or confronting challenges, similar to “you go, girl!”