August 3rd Sejong Society Event - CANCELLED
Sejong Society
Due to the low interest in our August 3rd event, we, unfortunately,
have decided to cancel the event. We hope that you continue to support
the Sejong Society, for we are planning some very special guest
speakers beginning in the fall. We began the Sejong Society with just
30 members on May 18th, and currently we have 210 members! This could
not have been done without the interest of Korea watchers and future
Korea specialists such as yourselves. The executive board members on
the Sejong Society have worked very hard to bring quality topics and
events to the Washington, D.C. area, and we will continue to do so in
the fall. Please watch your inboxes.
We hope to see you then!
Regards,
The Sejong Society
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TYPIST WANTED FOR PROFESSOR DON OBERDORFER
Professor Don Oberdorfer from Johns Hopkins University SAIS is seeking
an individual to help type handwritten documents into electronic format
for the web. Professor Oberdorfer has one tape, and at least several
dozen one or two page handwritten, or typewritten documents that need
to be typed into electronic format. The time of the project would take
a day or two, depending on the applicant's typing skills. Pay will be
$10 per hour.
If you are interested in this opportunity to work with Professor
Oberdorfer, please contact him at don...@comcast.net.
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THE PRIDE OF KOREA SAPSAREE COMES TO AMERICA
KORUS House is proud to host Korea's native dog Sapsaree's first debut
in Washington, DC.
Sapsaree, also known as Sapsal dog, earned its name because they are
believed to dispel evil spirits and bring good fortune. Its formal
national prominence was displayed in various Korean folktales. Thus,
the Korean government recognized Sapsaree, along with Jindo and
Poongsan dogs, as its national treasure - granted to native flora or
fauna that contributes to the national identity.
The Korean native is distinguishable by its long haired coat that
covers its entire body. Its friendly outer appearance is matched by its
innate patience and congeniality towards other animals and humans.
Because of its gentle nature and its strong constitution, they are easy
to raise. However, they are also known for their bravery and loyalty
- so brave that they are known to confront even tigers.
Unfortunately, the Korean canine came close to extinction during the
Second World War. Under the Japanese imperial rule, they were
systematically slaughtered to be used as the raw material for Japanese
army winter uniforms and boots. Some estimate that up to one and a half
million Sapsarees were brutally butchered for seven years starting from
1939, when the edict was issued.
At the end of the War, only 52 pure-breeds were reported to have
survived. Currently repopulating efforts have brought the number up to
2,000 through the resolution of a few dedicated individuals.
In continuation of the conservation efforts, the KORUS House will host
a lecture entitled, "Sapsaree and the Image of Korea." Dr. Ha Ji-hong
will give the presentation based on his twenty years of research on the
Korean native dog.
Through this event, it is the hope of the organizers that the attendees
would witness and understand that Koreans have deep appreciation and
affection for our four-legged friends, vindicating the negative image
of Korea to many Westerners.
This event is open to all and complimentary commemorative T-shirts will
be given out.
· Lecturer: Dr. Ha Ji-hong, Prof. of Genetic Engineering at
Kyungpook National University
· Time: Monday, August 7, 2006, 6:00 PM
· Place: KORUS House: Korean Information Service
2370 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
· Invited: All dog-lovers (translation service provided)