Do Koreans celebrate Christmas?

Happy holidays! Many of our viewers were curious about how Koreans celebrate Christmas or if they even celebrate it at all. The answer lies in KWOW episode 70:

Professor Oh and friends had a conversation in Korean regarding their trip to the North Pole. When watching a video in a foreign language, there’s only time to read the subtitle. Here is the conversation written text for you to study at your own personal pace :)

BILLY JIN:
와~! 드디어 집에 왔다!
Wah~! Deudiyeoh jibeh watdah!
Yay~! We’re finally back home.

PROFESSOR OH: 빌리, 내 소중한 친구야!
Beel-lee, nae sojoonghan chingooya!
Billy, my precious friend!

보고싶었어.
Bogoshipuhssuh.
I missed you!

여행은 어땠어?
Yeohaengeun uhddaessuh?
How was your trip?

어서 다 말해줘.
Uhsuh da malhaejwo.
Tell me everything.

BILLY JIN:
북극은 진짜 추워.
Bookgookeun jinjja chuwuh.
The North Pole is really cold.

그리고 노래방이 하나도 없었어.
Geurigo noraebangi hanado upsussuh.
And there were no *noraebangs.

*Noraebang = karaoke.

TAEKWON DO:
하지만 고기 집이 딱 한개 있더라고.
Hajiman gogi jeepi ddak hangae eetduhrago.
However there was just one barbeque restaurant.

산타 할아버지랑 갈비를 맛있게 먹었어.
Santa harabuhjirang galbireul massheetgeh mugussuh.
I deliciously enjoyed Korean BBQ with Santa Claus.

배가 너무 불러서 움직이질 못해서 스타크래프트를 했지.
Baega nuhmu boolluhsuh oomjigijil mothaesuh seutakeuraepeuteureul haetji.
We were so full we couldn’t move, so we played Starcraft.

산타 할아버지가 나보다 더 잘하시더라.
Santa harabuhjiga naboda duh jalhashidurah.
Santa Claus is better at it than me.

나보다 더 한국사람 같으셔!
Naboda duh hangooksaram gateushyeo!
He seems more Korean than me!

GRANNY BONGJA:
난 산타 할머니랑 친한 친구가 됐어.
Nan Santa halmonirang chinhan chingooga dwaessuh.
Grandma Claus and I became close friends.

나만큼은 아니지만 머리에 볼륨이 꽤 있으시더라고.
Namankeumeun anijiman muhriae bollyoomee ggwae isseushiduhrago.
Though not as much as me, her hair has quite a lot of volume.

근데 나보단 쿠키는 잘 굽더라… Geundeh nabodan kookineun jal goopduhra. She bakes better cookies than me though…

GRANNY KIM:
난 미스터 그린씨를 절대로 잊지 못 할거야.
Nan meseutuh geureensshireul jeoldaro eetji mot halguhya.
I will never forget Mr. Green.

그 요정 양반이 파티를 좀 할줄 알더라.
Geu yojung yangbanee pahteereul jom halkool ahlduhra.
That elf knows how to party.

미스터 그린씨를 내 크리스마스 선물로 달라고 산타 할아버지 한테 부탁했지롱!
Meseutuh geureensshireul nae keureeseumaseu sunmoollo dallago santa harabuhji hanteh bootakhaessjirong!
I asked Santa Claus to get me Mr. Green for Christmas!

PROFESSOR OH:
모두들 즐거운 시간 보내셨군요.
Modoodeul jeulguhoon shigan bonaeshyeotgoonyo.
Sounds like you all had good time!

다음엔 제가 꼭 따라가겠어요.
Daeumehn jega ggok ddaragagessuhyo.
Next time I’m going with you for sure.

BILLY JIN: 선물 갖고 왔어. 열어봐.
Sunmool gatgo wassuh. Yeoluhbwa.
I brought you a present. Open it.

너가 좋아할 것 같아. 싫으면 나한테 줘.
Nuhga joahal gut gata. Shireumyun nahanteh jwo.
I think you will like it. If you don’t like it, then give it to me.

PROFESSOR OH:
와~ 참 귀엽다! 산타 할아버지 모자네.
Wah~ Cham gwiyeopda! Santa harabuhji mojaneh.
Wow~ It’s very cute! It’s a Santa Claus hat.

고마워, 빌리. 어때? 나한테 잘 어울려?
Gomawo, Billy. Uhddae? Nahanteh jal uhoollyu?
Thanks, Billy! What do you think? Does it suit well with me?

BILLY JIN:
응, 아주 아주 잘 어울려!
Eung, aju aju jal uhoollyu.
Yes, it suits very, very well on you.

입을 때 마다 내 생각해!
Eebeul ddae mada nae saenggakhae!
Think of me when you wear it.

Hope you enjoyed this latest episode of KWOW. Stay cozy and spend lots of quality time with family and friends this winter! 메리 크리스마스! Merry Christmas! See you in two weeks :)

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KWOW Q&A Session

BILLY JIN: Hello, everyone! Not too long ago we asked our viewers if they had any questions regarding KWOW (via Facebook). Today we’re having a Q&A session with Professor Oh. Guess who’s the moderator? Me, Billy Jin! In honor of our viewers’ privacy, only their last names will be mentioned.

To start off, I myself have a question. Professor Oh, how do you feel now that it’s been a week since the final episode of KWOW (Season 1)?

PROFESSOR OH: Briefly put, I miss KWOW. This past week I felt like there was a hole in my heart. When something becomes a part of your lifestyle then suddenly vanishes, you feel this emptiness. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but I guess honesty can sound dramatic. Especially in a world where people try to conceal and deny their innermost thoughts. But dear viewers, do not be too sad for KWOW’s end! We’ve got a new show coming up. We won’t be just teaching Korean anymore, but expanding to other topics. So stay tuned!

BILLY JIN: The next question comes from Lady Higginson. She asks, "How did you get started doing KWOW Wednesdays? Was it your idea or were you hired to do it? How did the show come into the world?"

PROFESSOR OH: To make a long story short, yes, KWOW Wednesday was my own initiative. No one pays me to do it. After seeing the popularity of the first “Let’s Learn Korean with Professor Oh” lesson, I wanted to release something for my viewers on a weekly basis. I've been meaning make more videos years earlier, but I was occupied with college at the time. Last summer I sat down and brainstormed on what would be fun and useful for the audience. After writing a long list of potential show ideas and names, I decided to use KWOW because it sounded kind of like KPOP, the reason why many people want to learn Korean in the first place. Little did I know of “Jersey Shore’s” JWOWW as well as its other similarities. Let’s just say there’s nothing new under the sun. You think you have an original idea but really, all ideas are recycled and revamped. That’s fine. It’s life. And life is full of coincidences.

BILLY JIN: Lady Ksamawati asks, "What do you do besides KWOW? Do you really make these videos all by yourself?"

PROFESSOR OH: Indeed, KWOW is a one-woman show. Every so often I’d have my friends hold the camera or make guest appearances. The final episode #60 was a special case where we had four people, including myself, shoot the footage. We wanted to end the show with a big bang. And yes, that was an intentional K-pop band reference! I also have my mom and my friend read the script before I finalize it. It’s good to have someone else look at your work with a fresh eye. But as far as writing, directing, filming, acting, editing, and whatnot, yes, I do it all by myself. Aside from KWOW, I like to read and explore the world.

BILLY JIN: Mr. Esteban asks, "Professor Oh, why are you so pretty and knowledgeable in Korean?"

PROFESSOR OH: Thank you for your sweet words. My face is a combination of eyeliner and my parents’ genes. Though I could’ve been luckier. Haha. I’ll pass on your compliments to them. I’m not as smart as you think, but thank you very much. Anyone can be knowledgeable in anything they put their mind on. Passion, patience, and perseverance are your best friends.

BILLY JIN: Mr. Esteban also asks, "Is Taekwon Do a relative of yours? He seems like a tough, manly guy. I look up to him."

PROFESSOR OH (shouts lightly towards the kitchen): Taekwon Do, do you want to answer this one?

TAEKWON DO (looks up while chewing on kimchi): Esteban, dude, thanks for looking up to me. I’ll do what I can to stay manly and tough. Just for you, bro. By the way Professor Oh and I aren’t blood-related. We know each other since she’s best friends with my girlfriend Billy Jin. (puts another piece of kimchi in his mouth)

BILLY JIN: Taekwon, don’t eat all the kimchi. Save some for me! Continuing on, Mr. Ashby asks, "What was your first language? Because you seem real good at both English and Korean."

PROF. OH: Though I was born and raised in California, Korean was my first language. I learned English once I entered elementary school. Though I’ve lived in America my whole life, I’ve always tried to keep in touch with my roots. No matter where you are, if you want to learn Korean or anything really, you can become a pro. While it helps immensely to live in the country of the language you’re learning, it’s possible to become skilled at anything when you put your mind to it, regardless of your whereabouts. Don’t let location define who you are.

BILLY JIN: Mr. Hollinsworth asks, "If someone met you for the first time and you took their breath away, what would you like to hear them say to you?"

PROFESSOR OH: I’d like for that person to say, “Let’s go get AYCE Korean barbeque. It’s on me.” Who doesn't like free meals?

BILLY JIN: Mr. Colby asks, "How long does it take to write a KWOW script?"

PROFESSOR OH: Every episode demanded something different. A simple 2-3 minute video can take three hours to write. Sometimes even five. It’s amazing how many hours it can take to write one minute. When you make your own videos, you gain an appreciation for movies. You start to understand how a two hour-long movie can take months to film.

BILLY JIN: Mr. Colby also asks, "Is it easy to come up with material? Does anyone help you with ideas? Unrelated to KWOW, have you heard of Eat Your Kimchi with Simon and Martina?"

PROFESSOR OH: Most of the time, the material is based upon YOU, the viewer’s requests. Without our audience, there would be no KWOW. And yes, I know of Simon and Martina. I have a particular liking to their sweet dog Spudgy. Hehe.

BILLY JIN: Mr. Kimberlin asks, "Is there a Mr. KWOW?"

PROFESSOR OH: Mr. KWOW! Can you come over here and say hello?

TAEKWON DO (still in the kitchen): Hello, again. I represent all the men in the show. So I guess that makes me Mr. KWOW. Man, I’m real hungry. This kimchi and rice is not enough. I’m gonna go get some food. Maybe bossam.

BILLY JIN: I’ve got a great idea! Let’s have dinner in K-town tonight. We’ve yet to celebrate the end of KWOW!

GRANNY KIM (appears out of nowhere when she hears a word related to “party” and “celebrate”): Yeayaaa! Food and drinks on me tonight. Promise me we’ll go to the dance floor afterwards.

BILLY JIN: You bet, Granny Kim! Thanks to everyone for submitting questions. If you have any thoughts or additional questions, let us know. Feel free to write them in the comment section below. Maybe we’ll do another Q&A session soon. And if you see us in Koreatown LA tonight, don’t be shy and say hello! Anyong!

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CLOTHES in Korean (KWOW #60)

It’s sad but true: we’ve come to the last episode of KWOW (Season 1). We thank each and every one of our viewers for watching our Wednesday weekly show. Know that this is not goodbye forever. Professor Oh and friends are just taking a short hiatus to do some maintenance outside of Youtube. Stay tuned for future videos! Be the first to know of our return by liking us on Facebook and subscribing to our Youtube channel.

Our final episode is a combination between a Korean drama and a fashion show. We thought it’d be a fun way to teach your popularly-requested topic: clothes. While there are many variations to say—for example—pants (i.e. sweatpants, trousers, cargo pants, etc), we’re focusing on the common clothing terms:

Let’s review the featured words and more!

TOPS
Tank top = 탱크톱 (taeng-keu-tohp)
Shirt = 셔츠 (shyeo-cheu)
T-shirt = 티셔츠 (tee-shyeo-cheu)
Turtleneck = 폴로 (pol-lo)

BOTTOMS
Pants = 바지 (ba-jee)
Jeans = 청바지 (chung-ba-jee)
Shorts = 반바지
Skirt = 치마 (chee-ma)

FOR FEET
Sandals = 샌들 (sen-deul)
Shoes = 신발 (shin-bal)
Sneakers = 운동화 (oon-dong-hwa)
High heels = 하이힐 (ha-ee-heel)
Dress shoes = 구두 (goo-doo)

WINTER APPAREL
Coat = 코트 / 오바 (koh-teu / oh-ba)
Jacket = 재킷 / 잠바 (jae-keet / jam-ba)
Leather jacket = 가죽잠바 (ga-jook-jam-ba)
Sweater = 스웨터 (seu-weh-tuh)

FORMAL WEAR
Dress = 드레스 (deu-reh-seu)
Wedding dress = 웨딩드레스 (weh-ding-deu-reh-seu)
Suit = 양복 (yang-bok)
Dress shirt = 와이셔츠 (wah-ee-shyeo-cheu)
Tie = 넥타이 (nek-ta-ee)

ACCESSORIES
Cane = 지팡이 (jee-pang-ee)
Glasses = 안경 (ahn-gyung)
Hat = 모자 (mo-ja)
Necklace = 목걸이 (mok-guhl-ee)
Purse/handbag = 핸드백 (hen-deu-bek)
Ring = 반지 (ban-jee)
Scarf = 스카프 (seu-ka-peu)
Stockings = 스타킹 (seu-ta-king)
Sunglasses = 썬글라스 (ssun-geul-la-seu)
Swimsuit = 수영복 (soo-young-bok)
Wallet = 지갑 (jee-gap)
Watch = 시계 (shi-geh)

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MEMORIZE THIS PHRASE!
Remember when Granny Kim taught you how to tell someone, “You’re stylish” and “You got swag”? If you don’t, review by watching episode 50:

Let’s say your friend is wearing a really cool shirt.
Tell them: 그 셔츠 간지난다! (Geu shyeocheu ganji nandah!)
Which means “That shirt is stylish!”

Or perhaps you like their shoes.
Then you’d say, “그 신발 간지난다!”
Those shoes are stylish!

For other clothes, simply fill in the blank of the following informal phrase:

그 _______ 간지난다! (Geu _______ ganji nandah!)
That _______ is stylish! / Those _______ are stylish!

The formal version of this phrase:
그 _______ 간지나요! (Geu _______ ganji nayo!)
That _______ is stylish! / Those _______ are stylish!

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FINAL KWOW CONTEST OF THE WEEK:

1. Complete the phrase “그 _______ 간지난다!” by filling in the blank with the featured vocabulary in this blog. (Write the phrase with 30 articles of clothing: 15 times using the informal version and 15 times using the formal version. It’s great practice for you!)
2. Take a photo of your fantastic work.
3. Upload the photo onto Twitter.
4. Copy and paste the link in the comment section below. (Note: Other submissions may not be considered an entry.)
5. First *five* people to complete the task will win a handwritten letter from their favorite KWOW host! Let us know which host you want to receive a letter from and ask a fun/crazy/yummy question to them.
6. Have fun! Winners will be contacted via e-mail for their mailing address. Be sure you’ve entered your e-mail address correctly. There is one chance for the letter to get to your house. And if you do not receive the letter within 20 days, we will send you a digital copy :)