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Ager, Simon. "Korean  ."Korean Alphabet, Pronunciation and Language. Kuala, 1998. Web. 12 June 2014.

www.classicmary.com
"A Blog for Weddings." Classical Wedding Dresss. Classic Mary, 2014. Web. 6 June 2014.

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"Music of Korea." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 June 2014. Web. 16 June 2014.

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"Seoul Indie Travel Guide." Travel Guide BootsnAll Indie Travel Seoul Comments. Bootsnall Travel Network, n.d. Web. 16 June 2014.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g294196-d1537870-i49241117 Royal_Tombs_of_the_Joseon_Dynasty-South_Korea.html
"Gwangneung - Picture of Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, South Korea." - TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor, n.d. Web. 16 June 2014.

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Tsai, Julia. "Jeju Island Tour Guide." Travel
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"Korean War." Wikipedia. Wikimedia
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"Does the U.N. Ever Actually Go to War?" The
Week. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2014.

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"Douglas MacArthur." â Wikipedia, Wolna
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"Korean War." Flickr. Yahoo!, n.d. Web.
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"Russia’s Viktor Ahn Wins Two Short Track Golds to
Tie Ohno’s record." 2014 Winter Games. Post Media Network,
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"Defection Row Overshadows South Korean Viktor Ahn's
Skating Victory for Russia." South China Morning Post. Reuters, 22
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"The Chosun Ilbo (English Edition): Daily News from
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Burke, Chris. "Break It Down: The Versatility of
Hines Ward | Audibles - SI.com." Audibles SIcom RSS. NFL, n.d.
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Ledbetter, Orlando. "SB XLV: Hines Ward Exemplifies
the Black and Yellow." Atlanta Falcons RSS. Cox Media Group, n.d.
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"Ha Seung-Jin - 7 Feet 3 Inches (221 Cm)." Ha
Seung-Jin The Tallest Man South Korea. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2014.

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"Ha Eyes NBA Return." Ha Eyes NBA Return.
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10 NBA Meltdowns of the Last Decade." Yahoo Sports. N.p., n.d. Web.
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Holloway, Russell. "Korean Culture."Learn Korean. Russell Holloway, n.d. Web. 10 June 2014.

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"Facts about Korea."Facts about Korea. Department Global Communication and Contents Division, 1999. Web. 10 June 2014.

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"Korean War."History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 10 June 2014.

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Ager, Simon. "Korean  ."Korean Alphabet, Pronunciation and Language. Kuala, 1998. Web. 12 June 2014.

http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Ward/Ward_facts.html

"JockBio: Hines Ward Facts."JockBio: Hines Ward Facts. Black Book Partners, 2009. Web. 12 June 2014.

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Firsthand News and Facts from Russian Sources. RU Facts, n.d. Web. 12 June 2014.

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"Ha Seung-Jin - 7 Feet 3 Inches (221 Cm)."Ha Seung-Jin The Tallest Man South Korea. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2014.

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Risager, Ulla. "Facts about Seoul."- My Destination Seoul. My Destination, 2007. Web. 12 June 2014.

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"Jeju Island."VisitKorea. Korea Tourism Organization, n.d. Web. June-July 2014.

Pictures were found off of Google Images.

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Korean Sport Athletes:

Viktor Ahn

is a Russian short track speed skater. He originally was a Korean speed skater but nationalized as a Russian. This is because he wanted to live an environment where he could train more efficiently. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Ahn is known as one of the best at what he does. He has been able to achieve 6 gold Olympic medals, and is has won 5 straight world championships (2003-2007). He started Short-track skating at age 8, who was inspired by Korean Olympian Chae Ji-Hoon. He won the junior championship and finished 2nd in the senior world championships in 2002. He made his debut in the Winter Games in Salt Lake City. He was favored to win but had a disappointing result. After placing 4th in the Finals because of a pileup that knocked everyone out besides Australian Steven Bradbury. He was also disqualified in the 1500 meter semifinals. After recovering from his 2002 season, he required his momentum. He set world records in the 1500 meters and 3000 meters and capturing 5 world titles. He acquired his first gold medal in the 2006 Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

Hines Ward

was a Korean football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Born in Seoul, Korea (March 8, 1976) he graduated from Georgia University with outstanding college stats. He was parented by his mother (Korean) and his father (African). He managed to enter the NFL and complete 14 years of playing. He was able to help his team win Super Bowls XL and XLIII. At a young age his parents divorced, so his mother was left to raise him. He excelled in baseball and football at a young age. He showed signs of being a gifted athlete and he was very passionate about football. He played quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs. He finished with all SEC honors and finished as the team’s second all-time receiver with 144 catches. He entered the 1998 NFL draft who was selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was known for his tough, quick wide receiver that delivered very hard hits. He had a breakout year in 2001 setting the team’s record for single season receptions (94). In 2002, he caught 112. In Superbowl XL he caught 5 receptions for 123 yards! He finished his final season of 2011 with torn torn legament ACL but success.

Ha Seung-Jin

was born in August 4, 1985. Known for his size (7ft 3in: Tallest in Korea) he played for the Portland Trailblazers. He was drafted in 2004 in the 2nd round (46th overall). He played in the NBA and NBA D-League. He won the 2010 Guangzhou Silver medal and the FIBA Asia Championship with Bronze in 2011. He attended Yonisei University in South Korea. He won his high school a Championship and was given the National Title. He averaged 11 minutes of play when he started for the Trailblazers in 2006. After that season, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. After finishing his final season because of being waived, he later played professional basketball in South Korea. He played for the KCC Jeonju and helped his team win the 2009 and 2011 KBL championships.

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Korean War:

Dates from June 25, 1950 to July, 1953. The Korean War played a role during the Cold War (1947-1991). The war was between South Korea and the US against North Korea and the Soviet Union. The Cold War was basically Communism against Capitalism. The US and the Soviet Union did not directly attack each other but through proxy wars. North Korea and South Korea were already split at the time. This is because South Korea did not want Communism to play affect in their country. The split began during World War II, but the Korean War made the split more permanent. Korea was controlled by Japan, gaining control all over the Korean peninsula. Japan had control over the Korean Empire for over 35 years! When they finally surrendered, the United Nations ordered Korea to be split in half. One half would be controlled by the Soviet Union as the other half was controlled by the United States. The USSR and Soviet Russia gave North Korea many resources such as artillery, billions of money, etc. However, the United States gave South Korea very few supplies of guns. This made them very vulnerable to war. In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, crossing the border. A very important soldier named General MacArthur led the United in the war. In September, 1950, North Korea seemed to have gained advantage over South Korea, cornering them in a small area, so the communist victory looked likely. North Korea had to send food and supplies to the soldiers on the front lines. General MacArthur discovered he could exploit these supplies while they were being transferred. The US used there Navy to flank the North Koreans, taking back their capitol, Seoul. Soon, after about a few months, South Korea looked more likely to win the war, cornering North Korea. However, China had assisted the North Koreans. The battle waged on and the territory seemed to be on and off for who controlled the peninsula. In 1953, North and South Korea signed the Armistice agreement. An Armistice agreement is not a peace treaty so North and South Korea are still technically at war. Both sides set up a Demilitarized Zone which was basically the border.

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Korean Tourist Attractions:

South Korea’s biggest attraction would have to be Seoul, Korea. It has a population of about 10 million people! That’s nearly half of Korea’s population. It is known as Korea’s Capitol. It’s original name was Seoraneol. The city is estimated to have been founded in 18B.C.E. Seoul is considered special because it has no government controlling it. South Korea basically controls it directly. It has become the headquarters of many of the largest industries such as Samsung, Kia, etc.  Seoul is divided into 25 different administrative divisions called gu. The climate’s both subtropical and humid. Hot summers that can reach up to 95 degrees and cold winters can be a low as 21 degrees. It is also famous for its N Seoul Tower. It measures around 240 meters high and preforms as an observation and communication center.

The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty is another popular tourist attraction in South Korea. It consists of 40 scattered tombs in over 18 locations. It took over 5 centuries to build them (1408-1966). These tombs were meant to honor the memory of ancestors and showed respect of their achievements. They also protected the ancestors from evil spirits and vandalism.

Jeju Island is also known as “the Island of the Gods.” It ranks as one of the best honeymoons for Koreans. Because of its rock textures, volcanic scenery, frequent periods of rain, and the warm climate, it is very similar to the Hawaii islands. There, you can experience many different activities to enjoy. It’s most popular being hiking up Halla-San, Korea’s highest mountain peak. The Island has many geological features such as a beautiful beach, various parks, and explorable caves.

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Which aspects of it are the most important to share?
It would be our traditions. These traditions make us Koreans who we are. In Korea, family is mainly influenced as of tradition. The father is usually considered the “head”
of the family. He usually takes care for the food, shelter, etc. The eldest son also helps the father and obeys to all of his commands. Women are not to indulge in affairs, while men should take care of it. It is very common to bow to your elders or friends. It is sort of like a handshake that greets and pardons people. Our food is also traditional. We tend to eat most of our meals with rice and our specialty, Kimchi. But there are some rules such as removing your shoes before entering the dining room, or no indoor rough-housing. Korean marriages are very strict and engaging. Not only is it considered the uniting of two love couples, but also the uniting of two families. Korea is well known for its traditional clothing. This apparel, or Hanbok, is worn at ceremonies, family occasions, and festivals. People of all ages, even the government, treasure Hanbok because it helps shape us Koreans and reminds us of our tradition. Koreans believe in duty, loyalty, honor, and sincerity.

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What would other people need to know about your passion in order to understand it?

They would need to know about the Korean alphabet. The symbols are based of the mouthing of when speaking the word letter. Chinese writing has been used and known in Korea for roughly 2000 years. By the 5th century A.D., Korean were using this writing to create classical Chinese. It has dated back to as far as 414 A.D. Koreans used an abundance of Chinese words. They interpreted some of them into their own language and adding about 150 new characters. They created 3 different systems for writing Korean with Chinese letters-Hyangchal, Gukyeol, and Idu. But in the 19th and 20th century, using Chinese lettering decreased. Finally, the Korean language was created in 1444. The name for the alphabet is Hangeul, but in North Korea, the alphabet is called Joseon Geul. The way of reading Korean is from right to left, whereas in America, you read from left to right. Hangeul consists of 24 letters (10 consonants and 10vowels). Vowel shapes are based off of 3 elements: man (vertical line), earth (horizontal line), and heaven (dot).

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How does your passion affect and reflect you as a person and as a learner?

It affects me because I’m going to live like a Korean and die as one. It’s something that you can’t just delete or remove. It helps me understand other kids that go through what I went through. It can benefit me but also add weight to my shoulders. It’s sometimes hard to meet new people because of how different we are. But also, sometimes people see me as unique and exciting for my differences.

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What is your passion?

My passion is my family's heritage; and my heritage is Korean.

Why is it more than a mere interest for you?

I find this to be more than a mere interest because of how much this impacts my life. I’m going to be a Korean for as long as I live. Korean is a culture that is very traditional. I am expected to continue these accustoms because of tradition. Also, it influences my cuisine. As a Korean, we eat an abundance of meals that are customary towards Korea. Finally, my vocabulary and speech must sometimes be Korean. Though most of my family members understand English, they have trouble pronouncing it. Unlike most Americans, they were not taught to speak this language. In order to make their lives easier, I use the language of Korean to communicate with people in my household. This is just the bottom of the barrel. As you can see, my heritage influences me majorly.