History | Between Pakistan & Korea

Punjab’s new Model Bazaars Enable Locals

For the first time in the history of the country, Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Shabaz Sharif has begun the project of setting up model bazaars around the country. The main purpose of these bazaars is to provide reasonably priced necessities like food and clothing to people who can’t afford those items in stores owned by big companies.

The big deal isn’t the bazaar itself; they have those everywhere. But this bazaar offers food and clothing in market stalls that will be clean and operated by locals selling their wares. It’s a way to keep local money local, and it’s been successfully started in a handful of cities so far.

By the People for the People

The plan is to have them all over the country so Pakistan’s citizens can help each other. The Chief Minister added that it will be the responsibility of managing committees made up of local people to decide reasonable rent and manage the bazaars, and no department of the government will have a role.

Amid a few stalls of big businesses the locals will sell clothing for children and adults, local produce and meats, and for the customer’s convenience separate stalls for men and women are designated. There will also be areas for children to play while their parents sit down and watch them having fun. He said it’ll be a pleasant atmosphere for shopping families.

At first they’ll only facilitate local sellers, but if locals don’t fill all the stalls and if enough applications are made, the managing committees will consider a draw for filling the stalls with outside (but small) sellers.

Filed Under: Culture, History Tagged With: Bazaar, Clothing, Pakistan

Visit Pakistan to Climb

Are you a serious climber? Do you plan on climbing the most challenging mountains in the world? For some people, climbing is a simple hobby. For others, it’s a mission in life. Climbing can be a fun, exciting and exhilarating adventure.

If you love a good challenging climb, then consider visiting Pakistan. Pakistan boasts several mountains that are over 7000 meters. These mountains attract international adventurers and mountaineers.

K2 is the most famous of these mountains. At 8,611 meters, K2 is known to be the second highest mountain on earth. Mount Everest comes it at first. It’s also the 22nd most prominent mountain in the world. It’s Pakistan’s high point. K2 is located in the Karakoram Range and is on the border between Pakistan and China. The mountain is also known as Savage Mountain. It’s a difficult ascent.

If you aren’t afraid to risk your life, know that K2 has the second in highest fatality amongst mountains that are 8000 meters high. Think about it this way: for every four who have reached the summit, one person has actually died trying. Annapurna has the highest fatality rate. However, understand that K2 has never been climbed during the harsh winter. Many people do believe that K2 is the most dangerous and difficult climb in the world. In July 2010, 302 people have finished the climb with at least 77 people who have died trying.

That still hasn’t stopped climbers from attempting in K2. Pakistan has a lot to offer to adventurers. There are also other regions to visit in Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located in the north west of Pakistan is a hotspot for explorers. There are also Buddhist ruins at Shahbaz Garhi. Pakistan has so much to offer to the international adventurer. If you’re into exploration and have an adventure streak, then consider visiting Pakistan.

Filed Under: History, International Affairs Tagged With: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Savage Mountain, Shahbaz Garhi

Travel to Pakistan

: Image via Wikipedia

Pakistan has so much to offer. If you’re seeking the gateway to the Ancient World, then visit Pakistan. Pakistan was ranked in the top 25 percent of all tourist destinations just based on heritage sites, according to the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. Pakistan has 5,000 year old city ruins to mangroves. The five top spots to visit include Lahore, Taxila, Karimabad, Lake Saiful Muluk and Taxilia. The country also has fairs, arts and craft shows, religious festivals, folk festivals, sporting events and various historical museums. Pakistan is a diverse country with a colorful history. It’s become a definite tourist hot spot for adventurers and foreign travelers alike.

The major attractions in Pakistan are ancient remnants of what once was. They are also categorized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Consider visiting the Indus Valley Civilization’s archeological ruins located in Moenjodaro. Head to the Buddhist ruins located at Takht-i-Bahi and other remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol. Check out Lahore’s Shalimar Gardens and Lahore Fort. Go to the historical monuments of the ancient city of Thatta. Head to Taxila’s ruins from the Gandhara Civilization.

Adventurers can challenge themselves at different spots, such as the Kunhar River, K2 or the mountain range surrounding around K2. Many mountaineers visit Pakistan to take a shot at climbing K2; however, the fatality rates are high. One out of four climbers dies when attempting the mountain.

Pakistan has so much to offer. From archeological ruins to adventures, there’s tons of places to go and explore. The tourism industry is the next best thing in Pakistan. With its diverse people, cultures and landscapes, Pakistan attracts curious travellers from around the world. When visiting Pakistan, make sure to seek out all of the country’s unique jewels and see things that you most likely can’t find anywhere else on the planet.

Filed Under: Culture, History, News Tagged With: Indus Valley Civilization, Lake Saiful Muluk, Pakistan, Shalimar Gardens

Visit South Korea

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So, you’ve decided that you want to visit South Korea. When’s a good time to visit, you may wonder? It actually depends what you want to do in Korea. Let’s learn more about the four seasons and what Korea has to offer during these times.

Spring
A great time of year to be in Korea is during the Spring time. This is when temperatures are warm and not smoldering hot. Keep in mind that yellow dust from China blows over South Korea making it a difficult time to breathe.

Summer
Avoid South Korea during the Summer, except if you just plan on visiting the beaches. Summer is rain season that begins in June and turns into a virtual steam bath from July to August. South Koreans have to deal with extreme humidity. Temperature can raise as high as 35 degrees Celsius.

Fall
With fall beginning in September, it’s quite possibly the best time of the year to be in the country. The humidity and temperatures are tolerable. Nice days are common and beautiful fall scenery becomes the backdrop of your vacation.

Winter
If you love to go skiing or want to visit the hot springs, then consider visiting Korea at this time. KOrea invented ondol which is known as floor heating. This actually helps melt any frozen floors outdoors. Keep in mind that January to February can be freezing cold because of the Siberian winds that blow from up north.

So, consider visiting Korea during the Fall if you’re just looking for decent weather to do moderate activities. If you’re into winter sports, you may want to visit during the winter time, but be well equipped to deal with the bone biting weather. Spring is a wonderful time of year, but you may want to stay indoors when the yellow dust blos over. Just avoid the summer, if possible.

Filed Under: Culture, History Tagged With: Asia, China, Korea, North Korea, South Korea

Things to Do in South Korea

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Area you visiting South Korea for the first time? There are various sights that are popular to visit in South Korea. South Korea can be a beautiful and enchanting place that has so much to offer to travelers. From an exciting night life to natural parks, South Korea has various adventures for tourists to enjoy. There are numerous options on what you can do in South Korea.

Visit the beautiful Seoraksan National Park with its majestic mountain views located in Gangwon-do Inje-gun Buk-myeon. Consider Hallasan National Park at the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Jeju-si Haean-dong. There are numerous historical, natural and cultural spots located in seemingly every corner of Korea.

There are the UNESCO designated sights which are composed of cultural world heritage sites, natural world heritage sites, memory of the world register and intangible cultural heritage spots. There’s also numerous historical spots that include palaces, fortresses, gates, museums, monuments, demilitarized zones and hanoks or traditional houses. If you’re interested in seeing the culture of Korea, visit folk villages, temples, holy sites and cultural districts. South Korea also has 20 national parks and various cultural highlights that include mountains, forests, botanical gardens, waterfalls, valleys, rivers and lakes and observatories. There are numerous coastal highlights, such as beaches, islands, fishing villages, ports and harbors and light houses. Natural wonders exist, including rare animals and plants, ecological tourist sites and caves.

South Korea also has themed travel, including eco-tourism, cruise tours, transit tours, walking tours, city tours, Taekwondo, temple stays and traditional cultural activities. If you want to go for a spa vacation, there’s also spots you can go for solely for beauty.

South Korea can cater to anyone’s preferences. Their traveling and tourism is very accommodating. Consider visiting to South Korea, especially if you want a diverse vacation with numerous options.

Filed Under: Culture, History, News Tagged With: Korea, North Korea, South Korea, Taekwondo, UNESCO

Foreign Relations

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International affairs of any country can also be referred to as the foreign affairs of the government of that particular country with the governments of other nations. When we talk about Pakistan’s international affairs, it has mix of relations with different countries. Due to the issue of kashmere, Siachin Glacier, Water Sharing; Pakistan’s relations with India are looked upon with suspicion. In relation to Afghanistan, there arises a refugee issue. Apart from these issues it has also developed closed relationships with nations like United States of America. Republic of China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, etc.
Korea is in the same lines as Pakistan, sharing a mix of relationships with other nations. Both north and South Korea are members of the United Nations since 1991.South Korea is also a member of other international bodies like WTO, ASEAN, G-20 nations etc. One of its major achievements is that its foreign minister, Mr Ban Ki-moon is now the U.N. Secretary General. South Korea has been successful in developing good relations with nations like China, Magnolia, Russia, European Union, etc. On the other side its relations with other countries like Japan are worsening. These include conflicts over naming the Sea of Japan, ownership of rocks named Liancourt and some more related issues.
In case of North Korea’s foreign relations also, the atmosphere is stressed and volatile. In 1953, After the Korean War armistice North Korean government secluded itself and has become one the most authoritarian societies of today. Though it has been successful in maintaining its relations with Russia, Republic of China and many more nations, it has failed in developing the same with Unites States, Japan etc
It is very important for any nations to keep its foreign relationships strong and healthy as these are the most important deciding factor for any nation’s development.

Filed Under: History, News Tagged With: Ban Ki-moon, Korea, North Korea, United States

Funny Pakistan News: Girl-Cramming in a Car!

There’s got to be some room (ha ha, ‘room’) for some oddball Guinness Book of World Records that would make you go, ‘why? huh? okay?’–not to mention put Pakistan on the map as far as some crazy stunts that can make you smile and laugh and think that people do have imaginations and bizarre ideas. What’s this all about? Simple. It’s called ‘girl-car-cramming’ (at least that’s what this article writer calls it). Explanation, please:

The art of ‘girl-car-cramming’ is essentially trying to fit as many people, in this particular case female students, into one car. Now you’re asking the question: “why would someone think of doing that??” What in Toyota’s name is the purpose for that? Just for fun, laughs, and a little world recognition.

Pakistan now holds the record for the most female students to fit in one little car as reported on December 15th of 2010. There are even photos to prove it. And brace yourself, the number will freak you out. We’re talking about a 4-door sedan, and if you’re a parent you’ll know and understand how difficult it is to cram your four kids into the back seat. So this adds a little more flavor to the fire of igniting a new world record. But, no, the new record is not four full-grown Karachi female students. No, no, no. And believe it or not, it’s not six either, which could break a few spines and rib cages. Nope, not even eight. And as crazy as it sounds, it’s not even ten!

No, now Pakistan holds the new world record for ‘girl-car-cramming’ at 19–that’s right, 19 females–crammed into one car. And trust that all those compartmentalized women with obviously fleshy rubber band parts are still alive. Amazing, Pakistan–you’ve uncovered a super power all mothers wished they have. The ability to carpool with the best of them! Of course, only one of the 19 should be the driver; that might be hard to do, though.

Filed Under: History, News Tagged With: Guinness World Records, Karachi, Pakistan, Toyota

Bird Black Death in Korea: a Story of Tragedy

For poultry lovers, it is a dismal era reported this December 2010. Especially for those who specifically like Peking Roast Duck! It’s been confirmed that the first bird flu outbreak has hit the farms of Korea in the worst way and for the first time in two years, numbering up to 100,000 of our feathered friends essentially slaughtered to establish containment of the deadly virus. That’s a staggering number, and a lot of lost dinner plates at the restaurants, too.

At the heart of the story sits two poultry farms: one in central Cheonan and the other in southwest Iksan. Dismally, these two cities are suffering the H5N1 virus announcing that the Cheonan farm has lost 10,700 ducks and that the Iksan farm has lost around 17,000 breeding chickens. Quarantine was ordered for both farms to help further contain the virus; sad to say, the meat industry suffers tremendously because of the epidemic.

It hails the first time since April of 2008 that Korea has had to contain the avian flu virus with overwhelming losses.

The birds aren’t the only ones to bear the “black death” of the 21st century, though; back in 2003, four cases were reported among humans stating symptoms and diagnoses of the avian flu, and likely authorities in Korea are active and aggressive in not having a repeat of that. Sadly, the answer is, ‘sorry, ducks and chickens’. But that’s the cold truth about dealing with epidemics and outbreaks.

Since the initial onset of the ‘avian flu’ Korea has been hit by the virus three times total with this brand-new outbreak in 2010 right at the forefront. One can only hope that the third time’s a charm, and the virus will be contained even better–not to mention a decrease in meat product loss.

Who ever knew Influenza would be a new-age Black Death? First it was rats. Then it went to swine. And now to birds. Hopefully the age of disease will die out soon.

Filed Under: History, News Tagged With: Avian influenza, Iksan, Influenza, Influenza A virus subtype H5N1, Korea

Emblem – Representing the Country

An Emblem generally represents a concept or a theory through various ways such as symbols, abstract or a pictorial figure or an image. An Emblem can represent anything such as a person, an organization, a nation or a king as well. Every Emblem is in one or the other way distinct from each other. It also describes a motto and presents a moral and ethical lesson.
The Emblem of Pakistan symbolizes its heritage, principles, foundation and its economy. Central government approved it in 1954. There are four elements in the Pakistani Emblem. It constitutes a star crest and crescent and is green in color which shows Islamic symbols. The quartered shield in the centre shows the main crops grown in Pakistan. There is a wreath with floral design surrounding the shield which signifies the cultural heritage of mughal’s and the country. Then at the bottom the shield is supported by a scroll which enclose national motto of Faith, Discipline and Unity in Urdu.

In 1948, Korea was divided into two regions; North Korea – Republic of Democratic people, and South Korea -Republic of Korea.

The South Korea adopted its emblem in 1963 and has Taijitu sign which is there on the national flag of the country encircled by five similar styled petals which are allied with the national flower of Korea. It also has a ribbon around it on which country’s official name – “The Republic of Korea” is imprinted. The Taijitu represents harmony and peace.
The emblem of North Korea has an in depth description on it. It has a picture of a hydroelectric power plant beneath Baekdu Mountain. It also has a red star that beams 5 lighted rays along with which a oval frame is formed with ears of rice. The emblem is attached with a red ribbon which has “The democratic people’s republic of Korea” encrypted on it.

Filed Under: History, International Affairs Tagged With: Baekdu Mountain, Korea, South Korea, Urdu

Destination Pakistan and Korea

Neighbouring countries of Pakistan can come by road to Pakistan. Indians can come by the bus service between India and Pakistan namely samjhota express, Iranis can travel by Ttaftan-Zahidan and even Chinese can travel to Pakistan by road. Pakistan and the respective nations run buses between them which run at predetermined time. Anyone interested has to purchase a ticket for the same to travel via them. Pakistan also offers air travel to its tourists. There are around 25 airlines that fly to Pakistan from various nations across the world. Most of these airlines fly to Lahore, but there are some airlines that land at Islamabad. Further a bus or a local train can be taken to reach the required destinations. Pakistan does not have any sea routes for its tourists therefore land and air are the only mediums via which tourists can enter Pakistan.
Except from some specified nations all tourists require a visa to enter the nation. The visa is given for 30 days at the entry points. These are free of cost and would be given only when the tourist is found to be genuine. This facility is not offered to some nationals like Indians, Sri-lankans, etc.
In Korea also, obtaining a visa is a must to enter the nation. Here the visa has to be obtained before the arrival to Korea, from the Korean embassy in the respected nations. This visa is not required to be applied for by 99 countries whose names are listed in the travel site of the country.
Korea offers a variety of modes of transportation to be travelled to the country. There are 7 international airports in South Korea. They offer various destination flights to other countries. Travelling by train between north and South Korea is not on the cards yet but to some places they offer good rail link. By car, boat and bus are the other modes of transportation to Korea.

Filed Under: Culture, History, News Tagged With: Islamabad, Korea, Lahore, Pakistan