royal asiatic society – Korean Convenience

A List Of Websites Great For Conducting Research

Are You Looking For Stats, Maps & Information?

Whether you’re writing a small business grant, business plan, or angel investor pitch at some point you will need to check facts, and gather statistical data because let’s face it you can’t rely on community forums as your go-to for citation documentation.

While attending classes at California State University Northridge I often found myself in the library halls searching rows of books. Here are some of the resources I compiled to assist with anything from business proposals to blog posts.

Public Libraries

Check out your local public library, I know that in California with your library card, you can gain access to free Lynda Courses. In the past, I’ve taken refresher courses in Excel or Powerpoint, however since starting my blog their courses on how to start a WordPress website, SEO Integration, and Marketing have proven to be the step-by-step guidance I needed to become successful with launching my blog.

Additionally, there are two national libraries you might want to check out. The first is the World Digital Library, the library has close to 20,000 items to explore from over 190+ countries. The second library is the Library of Congress it has legislation decisions, maps, and research and reference services.

Historical Societies

If you need information on the history, language, religions, and cultures then the historical societies’ ebooks are one of the resources that you can access. The Royal Asiatic Society has locations in Korea, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka just to name a few.

The Korean Law Blog

If you’re looking to stay up to date with the laws of South Korea that pertain to franchise agreements, taxes, real estate, patent laws, and startup Visas then this blog is worth checking out. It’s created and frequently updated by Sean Hayes who’s a New York attorney who was once employed by the Korean Courts.

Chamber of Commerce

One of the mentors who presented during my first business class mentioned that he was a part of the American Chamber of Commerce Korea. It was then, that I realized this was a great way of networking with other business organizations in South Korea. To view a listing of International Chambers of Commerce check out the linked Entrepreneur article.

University Alumni Interviews

While I lived abroad I was surprised to see in my inbox an alumni networking event being held in South Korea by California State University Northridge. Before I received the message I never thought to research if there were other alumni living in South Korea. A great resource that I have used to find past alumni is Linkedin.

Google Books & Google Scholar

Searching for information on a specific country, person, or landmark Google Books (full-text books) and Google Scholar (articles & case law) are great online archives. The ability to access magazines and books anywhere in the world warrants a mention of this online resource. If you’re looking for Korean magazines that have been translated into English you can read Korea Magazine. Additionally, a book that I have found helpful is the Korean Way In Business: Understanding and Dealing with South Koreans in Business.

If you liked this post don’t forget to check out my other posts discussing Path To Obtaining A Startup Visa In South Korea and Black Business Owner In Korea Interview

Get the Korean Convenience mobile app on the Google Play Store | App Store. Follow Korean Convenience on Twitter Join Korean Convenience on Facebook for startup and business events, and other information not posted here.

Confucius Ceremony At SungkyunKwan University In South Korea

Religious Dances and Formal Ceremonies

I went on another day tour with the Royal Asiatic Society. I met up with my tour group outside of Anguk subway station, exit 6, at 9:30 a.m. There was a vendor selling socks and writing supplies nearby, while we waited a lot of the other attendees browsed the merchandise. I met with my friend who I had met on my previous one day tour at Petite France. (Click on the link to read my experience at Petite France & Garden of Morning Calm One Day Tour.

Once we were all assembled outside of the station our tour guide waited for the next bus to take us to Sungkyunkwan University. This would be my first experience catching a local bus in Seoul. What can I say about the bus system in South Korea? While I was happy I was with my tour group and I didn’t have to pay attention to directions, I was not happy with our bus driver.

In total, we were a group of twenty along with the regular commuters. The bus driver swerved along the bends in the road a little too fast. My body swayed back and forth with each turn. While I was holding onto the bus rail for dear life through the twists and turns as we went up the mountain I tried to look out at the view.

First, we toured the University campus and we were able to see the long history of the campus that has existed for over 600 years.

Statue of Kim Ch'ang-suk. — Statue of Kim Ch’ang-suk. A notable Confucian scholar.

It was amazing to believe that this was a place the scholars of the Joseon Dynasty had once studied and debated the hot topic issues of the day. We stood in front of a tree that was more than four hundred years old and I wondered how many scholars and teachers had sat under that tree? If only they could share their stories, what stories would they have to tell?

The ceremony began and we watched the scholars line up and take commemorative pictures.

Confucian scholars at Sungkyunkwan University. — Confucian Scholars at Sungkyunkwan University.

In a slow march, the scholars walked into an open area where the main Seokjeon Daeje, (ceremonial rite) would take place. Watching the ceremony that was all in Korean I understood a little more of the traditions from Korean dramas, but it was nothing compared to hearing the drums, seeing the synchronized dance, and sacred offerings, this was a brand new experience.

The performers lined up in eight rows with eight dancers in each row, with dozens of musicians performing a synchronized ceremony. My friend and I noticed that most of the drummers who played the instruments were all women. Additionally, there was someone standing at the front of the group leading the drummers and keeping them on a beat and in sync with a sound made by a small musical instrument.

After the ceremony ended they offered a free lunch in a nearby pavilion. We decided to skip the free lunch and head over to Insadong shopping district. I was craving Samgyeopsal (삼겹살), which is literally my favorite meal. It consists of a bowl of white rice, pork, garlic, red pepper paste, vegetarian kimchi (my preference), green onions, and lettuce to wrap it all together. I could have it every day and not get tired. That and those little pieces of orange chicken with beef seaweed soup.

I discovered this was my favorite meal during my frequent trips to the faculty cafeteria at school. To the lunch ladies at Hankuk University for keeping me nourished and healthier then I have ever been on a balanced diet, I would truly like to say thank you. They were there when I needed homemade food on days when it was too cold to function properly.

Overall, touring the campus and attending the Confucian ceremony at Sungkyunkwan University was an eye-opening experience and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to attend.

If you like this story why not Pin it!

If you want to continue reading my travel adventures in South Korea check out:

Tag: royal asiatic society

A List Of Websites Great For Conducting Research