Memo Leak Scandal

입력 2014.12.03 (14:12) 수정 2014.12.03 (14:40)

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[Anchor Lead]

A scandal involving a former president's aide has led to numerous revelations and cross accusations between Cho Eung-chun, a former presidential secretary and Park Geun-hye’s former chief secretary from her time in parliament, Jeong Yun-hoe.

[Pkg]

In a phone call with his acquaintance, Cho Eung-chun, a former presidential secretary in charge of inspection of senior officials, said that after reporting about an internal document involving Jeong Yun-hoe, Jeong tried to call him in April but he didn't answer. Cho said following that incident, he was bewildered to be told by incumbent presidential secretary for general affairs, Lee Jae-man to answer Jeong's call. This differs from Lee's remark made in parliament in July that he never met Jeong in the past ten years. In a phone call with KBS, Jeong Yun-hoe, a former Park aide, explained that he tried to call Cho regarding allegations that he played a role in shadowing the trail of the president's younger brother. Jeong said he simply asked Lee over the phone to help him out with getting a phone call to Cho. The presidential office said it's true Lee had a phone call with Jeong but that they did not meet face to face. The office also said the internal presidential document about Jeong's activities is over 60 percent authentic.

[Soundbite] Cho Eung-chun (Fmr. Senior Pres. Secretary (Recorded Phone Conversation)) : "The case must proceed either way and if I continue to stay mum, this won't happen."

Jeong countered the claim saying the document is false and fabricated. Jeong also argued that former presidential secretary Cho intervened in producing the document.

[Soundbite] Jeong Yun-hoe (Fmr. Park Aide) : "The police officer Park who formerly served as a presidential aide told me that he produced the document just as Cho directed him to."

With the ever escalating scandal, the presidential office said it will submit phone records of related parties. It also called on Cho to refrain from one-sided claims and cooperate with the prosecution's investigation.

2. Bering Sea Sinking

[Anchor Lead]

Last Monday a South Korean fishing boat capsized in the Bering Sea off Russia. It took the boat four and a half hours to sink completely, which is enough time to have evacuated the crew, but only eight crew members were rescued. Here's more on how the boat capsized and why so many people went missing.

[Pkg]

At the time of the accident, the waves in the Bering Sea were four meters high, and gusty winds were blowing at 20 meters a second. As the weather conditions continued to deteriorate, the Oryong crew began to lift the nets at the ship's tail in order to evacuate to a nearby port. Sajo Industries, the operator of the sunken boat, says seawater gushed into the boat at around noon when the crew were moving the fish from the nets to a container. The firm says that the boat started to tilt because too much water flowed into the fish container. As a result, the fish were swept to one side, clogging the drain.

[Soundbite] Park Young-seon (Boryeong City Shipowners' Asso.) : "If too much water gushes into the ship at once, its drain can become clogged like sewers during floods."

The crew struggled for three and a half hours to recover the boat's balance by using drainage pumps, but to no avail. When the order to abandon ship was issued at 4 p.m., four lifeboats were tossed into the sea, and the crew jumped into the water. But only four of the crew managed to get into one lifeboat. No one else was able to get into any of the remaining three boats. Most of the crew were apparently swept away by the high waves. At around 5 p.m. the Oryong disappeared into the Bering Sea, and only eight of its 60-member crew were rescued.

3. Perfect Scores

[Anchor Lead]

This year's national college entrance examination, disputed for a number of faulty questions, has been marked and the scores are out. A record number of perfect score in the English and Math B sections means competition will intensify when it comes to college admissions.

[Pkg]

The College Scholastic Aptitude Test has been marked and the scores are out. The most glaring outcome is the high number of perfect scores in math and English. 4.3 percent of all who took the Math type B exam got full marks. It's a record percentage, and it means that this year, only a perfect score can earn the top, level 1 in Math B.

[Soundbite] Math B Examinee (Phone Interview) : "It wasn't particularly difficult as the questions were the kind you can solve if you have enough time."

The situation is similar in English with an all-time high of 3.4 percent of students getting perfect scores.

[Soundbite] Jo Yong-gi (Head of CSAT, KICE) : "Starting from year 2014, we did not consider a forecast percentage of perfect scorers in preparing the exam."

The prevalence of perfect scores makes assessing student test performance quite a challenge. This is more serious for the many science students who had opted to take the relatively easier Math B test. For the top percentile, level 1, the combined standard scores for Korean, English and math show that the difference in the highest and lowest scores in the level has dwarfed to a mere 5 points this year from 17 points last year. This means a lot more students with similar test scores are concentrated in the same level this year. As a result, upper rank students in humanities and mid-to-upper rank students in science are expected to face stiff competition in college admissions. They'll need to carefully study the enrollment conditions for each school they're applying to. The college entrance exam report card will be distributed to students on Wednesday while universities will begin receiving admissions applications from December 19th.

4. NK Human Rights

[Anchor Lead]

North Korea has officially notified the United Nations of its refusal to accept its human rights resolution. The South Korean government is pushing for referring North Korea's human rights issue to the U.N. Security Council within the year.

[Pkg]

North Korea has officially announced its stance on the human rights resolution passed by the Third Committee of the U.N. General Assembly. The statement was delivered to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on November 24, and posted on the U.N. Web site last Tuesday. Signed by the North Korean ambassador to the U.N., Ja Song-nam, the statement says that North Korea firmly refuses to accept the resolution. It says that because of Washington's hostile policies toward Pyongyang, the European Union and Japan chose confrontation with North Korea. Pyongyang also threatened to conduct more nuclear tests, as it did when the resolution was passed.

[Soundbite] Choe Myong-nam (NK Foreign Mini. Adviser for UN (Nov. 19))

Pyongyang announced it will stay its course regardless of whether the resolution is passed. The resolution, which calls for referring the human rights situation in the North to the International Criminal Court, is likely to be passed at the U.N. General Assembly slated for the third week of this month. Meanwhile, sources say Seoul and Washington are pushing to include the resolution as part of the official agenda of the U.N. Security Council regardless of whether it's passed by the General Assembly.

5. Aegibong Tree

[Anchor Lead]

North Korea has always reacted sensitively to a light tower at South Korea's Aegibong Hill in Gimpo. The tower was torn down in October and a brightly lit Christmas tree is expected to take its place. The Defense Ministry has approved a request by a Christian group to set up a Christmas tree on the peak.

[Pkg]

This year, a nine-meter tall Christmas tree will adorn the former site of the Aegibong light tower. It will be about a third of the now removed 30-meter tower. The tree won't be as bright as the light tower, but the tree lights are still expected to be seen in the North Korean border city of Kaesong at night.

[Soundbite] Kim Min-seok (Spokesman, Ministry of National Defense) : "We accepted the request by the Christian Council of Korea in terms of guaranteeing religious activity. The tree lighting is also an event for peace."

The South Korean military tore down the light tower in October, just five days after an exchange of fire between the two Koreas in the wake of South Korean civic groups sending anti-North Korea leaflets in balloons across the border. The military said the tower was removed because the steel frame was outdated and dangerous. But the decision drew criticism that the government was being lenient to North Korea. The military's go-ahead for the Christmas tree plan is seen as an effort in taking critical public opinion into consideration. The tree will be lit for two weeks from December 23rd to January 6th. Whether and how North Korea will respond is now gathering attention.

6. Popular Snowcap

[Anchor Lead]

Mount Songni in North Chungcheong Province is now blanketed in snow, drawing scores of tourists to a millennial Buddhist temple located on the mountain.

[Pkg]

A cozy temple nestled on a mountain slope is covered with snow that has fallen overnight. The snow on the roof tiles makes the temple look even more inviting to visitors. Icy wind blows the snow away, while the tinkling of bells resonates through the temple grounds. Visitors capture the beautiful winter scenery of the temple in their hearts.

[Soundbite] Lee Hyeon-young (Visitor) : "The sound of the wooden blocks being struck tugs on my heartstrings. I feel as if my soul is becoming as pure as the snow."

A monk sweeps the snow from the yard, while visitors wash away their concerns with refreshing mineral spring water.

[Soundbite] Moon Seong-hee (Visitor) : "It's like being in a world of mountain wizards. The rocks, the trees and the temple are in perfect harmony. I want to stay here forever."

As it has done for a thousand years before, this temple on Mount Songni has transformed with the snowfall this winter.

7. Year-end Stage Plays

[Anchor Lead]

The year 2014 is almost over and it's time to bid farewell to the year in style. A number of comical stage plays are being staged to give people the chance to laugh and wrap up the year in an upbeat mood.

[Pkg]

Mr. Kim, a Vietnam War veteran, still lives with old memories about his subordinate, Private Kim.

[Soundbite] "Oh, no, I really shouldn't. Just have this chocolate."

The elderly Kim boasts about his combat experience as a member of the ski unit in Vietnam.

[Soundbite] "I would jump, like whoosh, and then land gracefully where there is no snow. I don't know why it doesn't snow in Vietnam."

The audience is moved after learning that the old man has remained a bachelor due to complications from the Agent Orange used during the war, but has been taking care of the children of Private Kim, who was killed in combat.

[Soundbite] Park Hyo-eun (Audience Member) : "There were no boring moments. It was really funny."

This comical play based on a Japanese story is about four men meeting in a secret room to indulge in their strange hobbies.

[Soundbite] "You eat delicious food made by your wives. It's not good!"

But their relationship turns sour when they learn of the murder of their female friend. Extreme tension fills the air as they suspect one another of the crime.

[Soundbite] "Please, Mr. Amaro. Give me the key."

The audience is fascinated by the solid plot filled with twists and turns, and the witty elements found in the story. Korean audiences can wrap up their year by enjoying these unique and comical plays from Korea and Japan.

8. Entertainment News

[Anchor Lead]

Koreans can enjoy a number of performances at the end of the year. One highly anticipated event is the year-end dinner show marking the 55th anniversary of popular trot diva Lee Mi-ja's debut. That and other show biz news are coming up right now.

[Pkg]

Queen of the elegy Lee Mi-ja is marking the 55th anniversary of her debut with a year-end dinner show. It's an occasion which celebrates her musical career, which began in 1959 with "Pure Love at 19" and spanned 55 years. In that time, she has released 560 albums and more than 2,000 songs. Lee Mi-ja said she planned the dinner concert for members of the older generations who had listened to her songs during hard times. Art Garfunkel of the world-famous duo Simon and Garfunkel is to visit Korea for the first time. The folk rock duo shot to worldwide stardom with songs like "The Sound of Silence," featured in the movie "The Graduate." Garfunkel plans to hold a concert on February 14th of next year in Seoul's Jamsil Gymnasium. Actor Uhm Tae-woong will be the newest member of "The Return of Superman" on KBS, the highest rated Sunday variety show. The actor will join the show with his 18-month-old daughter, Ji-on, born just last year. Uhm replaces hip hop singer Tablo and his daughter, who are leaving the show over scheduling conflicts.

9. Modernizing Markets

[Anchor Lead]

Cornered by large supermarkets, traditional outdoor markets are transforming themselves to overcome the business crisis they are facing. While retaining their charms as traditional markets, they are embracing modern systems to boost convenience for shoppers. Let's take a look.

[Pkg]

This is a traditional outdoor market in Seoul. Charged with charms, the market is always bustling with shopper.

[Soundbite] Won Cheol-soo (Merchant) : "This is the place where you can find items that are 50 or 60 years old."

The market sells a wide variety of items from the 1970s and 1980s, like school uniforms. Young people don't miss the chance to try them on.

[Soundbite] Ha Dong-joon (Songpa District, Seoul) : "It feels like I have become actor Kwon Sang-woo who appeared in the movie "Once Upon a Time in High School.""

The shop owner offers a special service, taking instant photos of the customers.

[Soundbite] "Thank you."

The market is full of nostalgic memories.

[Soundbite] Han Moon-gwi (Visitor) : "This is a digital era and there are few places where we can feel sentiments of the past. This experience will become a good memory."

In this market, it is easy to encounter long-playing records that were explosively popular among older generations. The sounds of the old records take people back in time to the past.

[Soundbite] Shin Young-kil (Merchant) : "You get addicted once you visit here."

In the market, children get a have glimpses into the lives of older generations. It is also a good place for foreign tourists to briefly experience Korea’s past.

[Soundbite] "It makes me recall old memories. There's a lot of things we used to see when we were young."

But a market in northern Seoul has suggesting presented a way traditional markets can transform. The market seems to sell all kinds of products from clothes to daily necessities and to fresh foods. The greatest virtue of traditional open-air markets is that they sell quality products at lower prices.

[Soundbite] Choi Hyun-sook (Customer) : "New products, fresh and cheap, come in every day. If I ask for a discount, the owners accept and the offerings are generous. So I come here often."

A digital guide helps shoppers find their ways right in the huge, crowded market. Good eateries are also an indispensable part of a market. This shop is well known for delicious fries called "bindaetteok." The owner's long beard is also famous, along with the food.

[Soundbite] Hwang Oh-joo (Merchant) : "eople have different views about my beard. Some people like it while others have a go at me for it."

He has a strong passion for making bindaetteok. The dish is so delicious that customers come back without fail once they have eaten it.

[Soundbite] Min Soon-nam (Gangbuk District, Seoul) : "It feels like I've missed out on something if I don't eat his bindaetteok after shopping. It's must-eat food for me."

Traditional outdoor markets are full of things to eat, see and enjoy. You might be surprised and fascinated if you know how many charms the markets have.

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  • Memo Leak Scandal
    • 입력 2014-12-03 08:52:55
    • 수정2014-12-03 14:40:55
    News Today
[Anchor Lead]

A scandal involving a former president's aide has led to numerous revelations and cross accusations between Cho Eung-chun, a former presidential secretary and Park Geun-hye’s former chief secretary from her time in parliament, Jeong Yun-hoe.

[Pkg]

In a phone call with his acquaintance, Cho Eung-chun, a former presidential secretary in charge of inspection of senior officials, said that after reporting about an internal document involving Jeong Yun-hoe, Jeong tried to call him in April but he didn't answer. Cho said following that incident, he was bewildered to be told by incumbent presidential secretary for general affairs, Lee Jae-man to answer Jeong's call. This differs from Lee's remark made in parliament in July that he never met Jeong in the past ten years. In a phone call with KBS, Jeong Yun-hoe, a former Park aide, explained that he tried to call Cho regarding allegations that he played a role in shadowing the trail of the president's younger brother. Jeong said he simply asked Lee over the phone to help him out with getting a phone call to Cho. The presidential office said it's true Lee had a phone call with Jeong but that they did not meet face to face. The office also said the internal presidential document about Jeong's activities is over 60 percent authentic.

[Soundbite] Cho Eung-chun (Fmr. Senior Pres. Secretary (Recorded Phone Conversation)) : "The case must proceed either way and if I continue to stay mum, this won't happen."

Jeong countered the claim saying the document is false and fabricated. Jeong also argued that former presidential secretary Cho intervened in producing the document.

[Soundbite] Jeong Yun-hoe (Fmr. Park Aide) : "The police officer Park who formerly served as a presidential aide told me that he produced the document just as Cho directed him to."

With the ever escalating scandal, the presidential office said it will submit phone records of related parties. It also called on Cho to refrain from one-sided claims and cooperate with the prosecution's investigation.

2. Bering Sea Sinking

[Anchor Lead]

Last Monday a South Korean fishing boat capsized in the Bering Sea off Russia. It took the boat four and a half hours to sink completely, which is enough time to have evacuated the crew, but only eight crew members were rescued. Here's more on how the boat capsized and why so many people went missing.

[Pkg]

At the time of the accident, the waves in the Bering Sea were four meters high, and gusty winds were blowing at 20 meters a second. As the weather conditions continued to deteriorate, the Oryong crew began to lift the nets at the ship's tail in order to evacuate to a nearby port. Sajo Industries, the operator of the sunken boat, says seawater gushed into the boat at around noon when the crew were moving the fish from the nets to a container. The firm says that the boat started to tilt because too much water flowed into the fish container. As a result, the fish were swept to one side, clogging the drain.

[Soundbite] Park Young-seon (Boryeong City Shipowners' Asso.) : "If too much water gushes into the ship at once, its drain can become clogged like sewers during floods."

The crew struggled for three and a half hours to recover the boat's balance by using drainage pumps, but to no avail. When the order to abandon ship was issued at 4 p.m., four lifeboats were tossed into the sea, and the crew jumped into the water. But only four of the crew managed to get into one lifeboat. No one else was able to get into any of the remaining three boats. Most of the crew were apparently swept away by the high waves. At around 5 p.m. the Oryong disappeared into the Bering Sea, and only eight of its 60-member crew were rescued.

3. Perfect Scores

[Anchor Lead]

This year's national college entrance examination, disputed for a number of faulty questions, has been marked and the scores are out. A record number of perfect score in the English and Math B sections means competition will intensify when it comes to college admissions.

[Pkg]

The College Scholastic Aptitude Test has been marked and the scores are out. The most glaring outcome is the high number of perfect scores in math and English. 4.3 percent of all who took the Math type B exam got full marks. It's a record percentage, and it means that this year, only a perfect score can earn the top, level 1 in Math B.

[Soundbite] Math B Examinee (Phone Interview) : "It wasn't particularly difficult as the questions were the kind you can solve if you have enough time."

The situation is similar in English with an all-time high of 3.4 percent of students getting perfect scores.

[Soundbite] Jo Yong-gi (Head of CSAT, KICE) : "Starting from year 2014, we did not consider a forecast percentage of perfect scorers in preparing the exam."

The prevalence of perfect scores makes assessing student test performance quite a challenge. This is more serious for the many science students who had opted to take the relatively easier Math B test. For the top percentile, level 1, the combined standard scores for Korean, English and math show that the difference in the highest and lowest scores in the level has dwarfed to a mere 5 points this year from 17 points last year. This means a lot more students with similar test scores are concentrated in the same level this year. As a result, upper rank students in humanities and mid-to-upper rank students in science are expected to face stiff competition in college admissions. They'll need to carefully study the enrollment conditions for each school they're applying to. The college entrance exam report card will be distributed to students on Wednesday while universities will begin receiving admissions applications from December 19th.

4. NK Human Rights

[Anchor Lead]

North Korea has officially notified the United Nations of its refusal to accept its human rights resolution. The South Korean government is pushing for referring North Korea's human rights issue to the U.N. Security Council within the year.

[Pkg]

North Korea has officially announced its stance on the human rights resolution passed by the Third Committee of the U.N. General Assembly. The statement was delivered to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on November 24, and posted on the U.N. Web site last Tuesday. Signed by the North Korean ambassador to the U.N., Ja Song-nam, the statement says that North Korea firmly refuses to accept the resolution. It says that because of Washington's hostile policies toward Pyongyang, the European Union and Japan chose confrontation with North Korea. Pyongyang also threatened to conduct more nuclear tests, as it did when the resolution was passed.

[Soundbite] Choe Myong-nam (NK Foreign Mini. Adviser for UN (Nov. 19))

Pyongyang announced it will stay its course regardless of whether the resolution is passed. The resolution, which calls for referring the human rights situation in the North to the International Criminal Court, is likely to be passed at the U.N. General Assembly slated for the third week of this month. Meanwhile, sources say Seoul and Washington are pushing to include the resolution as part of the official agenda of the U.N. Security Council regardless of whether it's passed by the General Assembly.

5. Aegibong Tree

[Anchor Lead]

North Korea has always reacted sensitively to a light tower at South Korea's Aegibong Hill in Gimpo. The tower was torn down in October and a brightly lit Christmas tree is expected to take its place. The Defense Ministry has approved a request by a Christian group to set up a Christmas tree on the peak.

[Pkg]

This year, a nine-meter tall Christmas tree will adorn the former site of the Aegibong light tower. It will be about a third of the now removed 30-meter tower. The tree won't be as bright as the light tower, but the tree lights are still expected to be seen in the North Korean border city of Kaesong at night.

[Soundbite] Kim Min-seok (Spokesman, Ministry of National Defense) : "We accepted the request by the Christian Council of Korea in terms of guaranteeing religious activity. The tree lighting is also an event for peace."

The South Korean military tore down the light tower in October, just five days after an exchange of fire between the two Koreas in the wake of South Korean civic groups sending anti-North Korea leaflets in balloons across the border. The military said the tower was removed because the steel frame was outdated and dangerous. But the decision drew criticism that the government was being lenient to North Korea. The military's go-ahead for the Christmas tree plan is seen as an effort in taking critical public opinion into consideration. The tree will be lit for two weeks from December 23rd to January 6th. Whether and how North Korea will respond is now gathering attention.

6. Popular Snowcap

[Anchor Lead]

Mount Songni in North Chungcheong Province is now blanketed in snow, drawing scores of tourists to a millennial Buddhist temple located on the mountain.

[Pkg]

A cozy temple nestled on a mountain slope is covered with snow that has fallen overnight. The snow on the roof tiles makes the temple look even more inviting to visitors. Icy wind blows the snow away, while the tinkling of bells resonates through the temple grounds. Visitors capture the beautiful winter scenery of the temple in their hearts.

[Soundbite] Lee Hyeon-young (Visitor) : "The sound of the wooden blocks being struck tugs on my heartstrings. I feel as if my soul is becoming as pure as the snow."

A monk sweeps the snow from the yard, while visitors wash away their concerns with refreshing mineral spring water.

[Soundbite] Moon Seong-hee (Visitor) : "It's like being in a world of mountain wizards. The rocks, the trees and the temple are in perfect harmony. I want to stay here forever."

As it has done for a thousand years before, this temple on Mount Songni has transformed with the snowfall this winter.

7. Year-end Stage Plays

[Anchor Lead]

The year 2014 is almost over and it's time to bid farewell to the year in style. A number of comical stage plays are being staged to give people the chance to laugh and wrap up the year in an upbeat mood.

[Pkg]

Mr. Kim, a Vietnam War veteran, still lives with old memories about his subordinate, Private Kim.

[Soundbite] "Oh, no, I really shouldn't. Just have this chocolate."

The elderly Kim boasts about his combat experience as a member of the ski unit in Vietnam.

[Soundbite] "I would jump, like whoosh, and then land gracefully where there is no snow. I don't know why it doesn't snow in Vietnam."

The audience is moved after learning that the old man has remained a bachelor due to complications from the Agent Orange used during the war, but has been taking care of the children of Private Kim, who was killed in combat.

[Soundbite] Park Hyo-eun (Audience Member) : "There were no boring moments. It was really funny."

This comical play based on a Japanese story is about four men meeting in a secret room to indulge in their strange hobbies.

[Soundbite] "You eat delicious food made by your wives. It's not good!"

But their relationship turns sour when they learn of the murder of their female friend. Extreme tension fills the air as they suspect one another of the crime.

[Soundbite] "Please, Mr. Amaro. Give me the key."

The audience is fascinated by the solid plot filled with twists and turns, and the witty elements found in the story. Korean audiences can wrap up their year by enjoying these unique and comical plays from Korea and Japan.

8. Entertainment News

[Anchor Lead]

Koreans can enjoy a number of performances at the end of the year. One highly anticipated event is the year-end dinner show marking the 55th anniversary of popular trot diva Lee Mi-ja's debut. That and other show biz news are coming up right now.

[Pkg]

Queen of the elegy Lee Mi-ja is marking the 55th anniversary of her debut with a year-end dinner show. It's an occasion which celebrates her musical career, which began in 1959 with "Pure Love at 19" and spanned 55 years. In that time, she has released 560 albums and more than 2,000 songs. Lee Mi-ja said she planned the dinner concert for members of the older generations who had listened to her songs during hard times. Art Garfunkel of the world-famous duo Simon and Garfunkel is to visit Korea for the first time. The folk rock duo shot to worldwide stardom with songs like "The Sound of Silence," featured in the movie "The Graduate." Garfunkel plans to hold a concert on February 14th of next year in Seoul's Jamsil Gymnasium. Actor Uhm Tae-woong will be the newest member of "The Return of Superman" on KBS, the highest rated Sunday variety show. The actor will join the show with his 18-month-old daughter, Ji-on, born just last year. Uhm replaces hip hop singer Tablo and his daughter, who are leaving the show over scheduling conflicts.

9. Modernizing Markets

[Anchor Lead]

Cornered by large supermarkets, traditional outdoor markets are transforming themselves to overcome the business crisis they are facing. While retaining their charms as traditional markets, they are embracing modern systems to boost convenience for shoppers. Let's take a look.

[Pkg]

This is a traditional outdoor market in Seoul. Charged with charms, the market is always bustling with shopper.

[Soundbite] Won Cheol-soo (Merchant) : "This is the place where you can find items that are 50 or 60 years old."

The market sells a wide variety of items from the 1970s and 1980s, like school uniforms. Young people don't miss the chance to try them on.

[Soundbite] Ha Dong-joon (Songpa District, Seoul) : "It feels like I have become actor Kwon Sang-woo who appeared in the movie "Once Upon a Time in High School.""

The shop owner offers a special service, taking instant photos of the customers.

[Soundbite] "Thank you."

The market is full of nostalgic memories.

[Soundbite] Han Moon-gwi (Visitor) : "This is a digital era and there are few places where we can feel sentiments of the past. This experience will become a good memory."

In this market, it is easy to encounter long-playing records that were explosively popular among older generations. The sounds of the old records take people back in time to the past.

[Soundbite] Shin Young-kil (Merchant) : "You get addicted once you visit here."

In the market, children get a have glimpses into the lives of older generations. It is also a good place for foreign tourists to briefly experience Korea’s past.

[Soundbite] "It makes me recall old memories. There's a lot of things we used to see when we were young."

But a market in northern Seoul has suggesting presented a way traditional markets can transform. The market seems to sell all kinds of products from clothes to daily necessities and to fresh foods. The greatest virtue of traditional open-air markets is that they sell quality products at lower prices.

[Soundbite] Choi Hyun-sook (Customer) : "New products, fresh and cheap, come in every day. If I ask for a discount, the owners accept and the offerings are generous. So I come here often."

A digital guide helps shoppers find their ways right in the huge, crowded market. Good eateries are also an indispensable part of a market. This shop is well known for delicious fries called "bindaetteok." The owner's long beard is also famous, along with the food.

[Soundbite] Hwang Oh-joo (Merchant) : "eople have different views about my beard. Some people like it while others have a go at me for it."

He has a strong passion for making bindaetteok. The dish is so delicious that customers come back without fail once they have eaten it.

[Soundbite] Min Soon-nam (Gangbuk District, Seoul) : "It feels like I've missed out on something if I don't eat his bindaetteok after shopping. It's must-eat food for me."

Traditional outdoor markets are full of things to eat, see and enjoy. You might be surprised and fascinated if you know how many charms the markets have.

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