I Love Korea

Master Hwang gradually grew on me. I think he is amazing in so many ways. He was born in Japan in 1944. This was at a time when Japan still ruled Korea. When he was a baby (and I'm sure he was a lovely fat-cheeked gorgeous Korean baby), his family went back to Korea. (Historical note: After Japan was defeated in 1945, many Korean nationals were sent back home.) As a young lad, he developed an interest in Taekwon-Do and boxing but this was against his parent's wishes (and, by golly gee, a parent's wishes in Korea are pretty well set in stone!). In fact, he kept his achievements a secret from his parents for many years. He is now either a 7th Dan or 9th Dan Grandmaster (well, I've read conflicting reports about his level of achievement in TKD) and is still well remembered by Kung Fu film buffs.

So, I became interested in Korea through him. I started learning to read and write Hangul on my own nearly three years ago. At the time, by coincidence, ITF Taekwon-Do was being taught locally and I got my 8th Kup (yellow belt) but I do not ever expect to be anywhere near as good as Master Hwang..I'm way too fat and old!! And, sadly, the local dojang closed down.

But I also try and soak up as much Korean history as possible and keep abreast of current affairs. Korean culture fascinates me and I love the people.

I became so obsessed and fascinated with the place that in 2005 I applied to Sheffield University in the UK and was accepted as a very mature student to do their BA Korean Studies programme. In 2006, as part of my degree, I spent nearly a year in Korea and realised my dream. I'm happy to say that living in Korea and learning the language exceeded my expectations (well, to be honest...I didn't go there with any expectations except to be like a human sponge and just soak up the atmosphere and take things as they come!). I am now in my final year back in the UK and I graduate July 2009. I hope to go back to Korea to teach English sometime around February 2010. I always remain in debt to my idol and inspiration, my beloved Hwang Jang Lee. I will always love, respect and admire him and have a loving fondness for the Korean people.

1.	Hwang Jang Lee films on either DVD or video.
2.	Korean films on DVD
3.	Books and little knick-knacks to do with Korea.

Favourite Links
My Website
Life in Korea Website
Hwang Jang Lee's Movie Database

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