LESSON 10. I Can Introduce Korea

 

Reading

I Can Introduce Korea

 

Korea has developed a lot since 1970. People all over the world are interested in Korea. They often ask questions about Korea. If any foreigners want to know about Korea, what would you say? I say this:

My country has a very long and interesting history. It is one of the oldest countries in the world. According to Samgugyusa Korea was founded by Tan-gun in 2333 B.C.

There is an interesting story about Tan-gun's birth. Once there lived a bear and a tiger who wanted to become human. They prayed to God and asked him to help them.

God told them to eat herbs and garlic and stay in their cave. God said, "You must not see sunlight for 100 days."

The bear did what God said and became a woman, but the tiger gave up. The woman had another hope. She wanted to have a son. God listened to her prayer and married her. Tan-gun was their son. He was the first Korean.

Another important thing in Korean history is the Korean alphabet, Han-gŭl. Before Han-gŭl was made, Koreans used Chinese writing. Only a few people could read and write.

King Sejong felt sorry because most of his people could not read or write. So he wanted to make a Korean alphabet. His scholars started working and at last they finished it in 1446.

Han-gŭl has only 24 symbols, so it is easy to learn. And it fits the sounds of the Korean language. People were happy to have their own alphabet.

I think Korean people are very smart and hard-working. Some of the world's best goods are made in Korea. Korean goods are well made and cheap. They can be found everywhere in the world.

Also we have many famous musicians and artists. Korean musicians give concerts all over the world. Some Korean artists are well known to European and American people.

There are many more smart young Koreans who are working hard for the future of Korea. The future of Korea is bright. I'm proud to be a Korean.

 

 

Dialogue 1

음악회에서 유미가 인숙이를 기다리고 있다.

 

In-suk : Excuse me for being late.

Yu-mi : That's OK. The concert doesn't start until 7:30.

In-suk : Let's go in.

Yu-mi : Look, that man dropped his ticket.

In-suk : Sorry, but isn't this your ticket?

A man : Thank you! I wouldn't want to miss this concert. The violinist is my favorite.

Dialogue 2

케이트가 상호네 집에 놀러 왔다.

 

Sang-ho : Will you have some more cake?

Kate : Yes, please. Komapsŭmnida.

Sang-ho : Have you learned to speak Korean yet?

Kate : Only a little. Speaking Korean is very difficult.

Sang-ho : How about reading Han-gŭl?

Kate : I can read it pretty well. You know reading and writing are easy.

Sang-ho : Yes, they are. I respect King Sejong.