Yonsama’s Journey in Search of Korea’s Beauty
by javabeans
Bae Yong-joon, or Yonsama, has finally revealed the Korea-related book he has been preparing for many months, called Journey in Search of Korea’s Beauty.
In order to gather information to incorporate into his book exploring traditional Korean culture, Bae Yong-joon spent over a year traveling the country to research various topics; for instance, his first step was to visit countryside villages to learn the process for making kimchi in the traditional method.
The book details the properties and history of kimchi that he’d learned along the way and includes recipes learned from his teachers, such as one for traditional dduk (rice cakes), kalbi steak, and even one for stuffed cucumber kimchi provided by Bae’s own mother.
Bae Yong-joon has expressed an interest in introducing Korean cuisine to the global market and owns restaurants in Korea and Japan; he writes in his book that he felt moved by the traditional food he encountered, which felt like “a step toward the globalization of Korean cuisine.” He also worked with specialists in the fields of pottery, lacquer ware, hanbok design, etc., as he explored areas of traditional Korean culture such as kimchi making, temple stay, hanbok, tea, ceramics, and more.
Since it was first announced, Journey In Search of Korea’s Beauty has roused a lot of interest and came in at #1 in preorders even before publication. The book will go on sale on September 23 nationwide.
Via Newsen
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1 belleza
September 20, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Yonsama, walking the earth like Cain of Kung-Fu. I love my Philosopher King. :D
(And dude sure knows how to make money)
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2 Kender
September 20, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Oh Yonsama..
Actually, that book sounds interesting. :D Probably ridiculously expensive (considering it's Yonsama), but interesting nonetheless.
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3 peanut butter
September 20, 2009 at 3:12 PM
you know, depending on how well he writes, this could be a good book. especially a book that could be useful to anyone who is curious about korean culture. well, either way, i'd say the title sounds better than "i love korea."
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4 sf
September 20, 2009 at 3:15 PM
I have to say Yonsama's ability to spread k-love and keep a high profile in two countries is pretty remarkable....anyway he seems very comfortable to catering to both Japan and Korea culture with a kind of finesse that the young uns don't have...
which is to say he seems intent on getting a stream of permanent mutual cultural appreciation (via food, books etc) going between these two countries with a prickly history rather than simply dipping his toes into different countries to make a little dough with his pretty face. Ironically, that's probably why he's doing so well financially :)
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annacronism
October 18, 2010 at 7:39 AM
Sweetheart,
Our Yong Joon-ssi isn't just popular in Korea and Japan; or just in Asia, for that matter. The man is famous in many countries around the world. Check out all the fan videos on YouTube and I think You'll see what I mean. A those videos weren't just created by Asian fans, but fan 'Family' from many countries, and we're all eagerly awaiting the publication of 'the book' in English! (Due out sometime in Nov. 2010! yes!!!) Take care.
Best Regards,
A
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5 belleza
September 20, 2009 at 3:27 PM
".anyway he seems very comfortable to catering to both Japan and Korea culture with a kind of finesse that the young uns don’t have…"
He's a brilliant businessman, and he very carefully manages his own image. He's also a Philosopher King, a Sage, an Ajumma Stallion, The Korean John Lennon, The Hallyu Michael Jackson, Neo, Morpheus, AND Trinity, and even a Pachinko Parlor Fixture (seen the Winter Sonata Pachinko game?) And when the big asteroid slams planet Earth in 2012, Bae Yon Joon will be there -- with his prescription glasses and smiling at the heavens -- with the Yonsama Mother Ship to take us all away. I believe Yonsama, I believe!!
But, yeah, he was already rich before Winter Sonata exploded. Other actors play chaebols; he merelly has to play himself.
you know, depending on how well he writes, this could be a good book"
Actually I assumed it was going to be mostly a photobook with some observations in it. Probably an oversized coffeebook, much like The Image. I'm surprised that there would be so much domestic interest in the book, but it'll be a big seller in Japan.
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6 angryparsnip
September 20, 2009 at 3:34 PM
1 @ belleza
Gosh. . . I thought the same thing, Cain of Kung-Fu, when I saw the photo...
cheers... parsnip
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7 Javabeans
September 20, 2009 at 3:37 PM
"Actually I assumed it was going to be mostly a photobook with some observations in it. "
It's being described more as an essay book.
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8 Biscuit
September 20, 2009 at 3:46 PM
He's too immortal -.-
He never ages @____@
Except, his beautiful face is destroyed by his long hair -_-
I really want him to be in a drama within the end of the year, or at least next year. Perhaps a villain? The type of villains that are intensely evil, but have the outer personality and face of an angel. If not, I want another melodrama~
Until than, I shall be buying the book (along with the rest of the books I've claimed I was going to buy..)
btw, what kind of bracelet is on his wrist o.o
Somehow, it doesn't fit -_-
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9 sue
September 20, 2009 at 4:02 PM
i thought i just read an article recently that yonsama was in the hospital w/ sepsis?
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10 cate
September 20, 2009 at 4:12 PM
wow catchy book title and quite interesting for those who would like to know more about korea!!!
mb he should look into getting it translated too?? i sure would like to buy a copy!!
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11 jjoongie
September 20, 2009 at 5:01 PM
... you know, I would actually buy and read this. Not that I haven't bought and read -- or started to read -- books that other celebs have written, but this one, like Horan's, sounds genuinely interesting.
LOL@belleza: Yonsama Mother Ship.
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12 Kobe
September 20, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Bah. When I read the title I thought it was about Yonsama traversing the country in search of Korea's most beautiful woman, and that the article would contain many pictures of pretty Korean actresses. What a disappointment.
"And when the big asteroid slams planet Earth in 2012"
I thought it's the Yellowstone volcano that's gonna wipe us out? Oh well, whatever the case, better make good use of the next three years...
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13 Sonam
September 20, 2009 at 6:18 PM
It's good to know he's bringing out a real book on Korean culture instead of one of those fluffy coffee table kind that I hate!
@biscuit He is wearing an Asian prayer beads bracelet. Jang Dong Gun always wears one too. I find it so much cooler than the bling bling gold chains other stars wear.
@Kobe
You are funny. Did you used to be Bolt?
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14 ar_arguably romantic
September 20, 2009 at 8:30 PM
wow it actually sounds like a scholarly book! I wish I was a celeb and rich enough to journey through Korea, learning about its beauty and culture first-hand.
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15 budsdiana
September 20, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Just curious....how old is he?
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16 Abby
September 20, 2009 at 11:13 PM
@ Cate - same sentiments here, I hope they release one with an english translation I will definitely buy one. I love photography I hope Yonsama gave us a whole lot of wonderful photographs (& details) of Korea and the People he met along the way.
calling Yonsama Mother Ship beam the message please :D
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17 djeedjes
September 21, 2009 at 12:16 AM
Ohmy, I thought exactly the same when I saw the first picture.."wait, why he looks like Caine on Kungfu : the Legend Continues ?"
Why did he do this instead of getting new project as an actor? And why he keeps his long hair? He never stands in front of the mirror, and thinks "Hell I look like a woman?" or...he secretly likes his feminine looks???
Sorry, but I'm not interested with the book :P
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18 Agent Darwin
September 21, 2009 at 12:47 AM
BYJ is down with sepsis, and is now hospitalized. Just hope it is an early detection, and he will make full recover.
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19 kaynn
September 21, 2009 at 12:51 AM
LOL @ 12, Yeah, I thought he was searching for a new Miss Korea or something. :)
I'm DYING to know how Koreans make their traditional kimchi!!! I need this book!! :P
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20 belleza
September 21, 2009 at 1:01 AM
I hope Yonsama is alright. He has big muscles but he always seemed fragile to me.
@budsdiana,
"Just curious….how old is he?"
He's listed as 37 years old, but he's actually a 450 year old vampire from Norway. Oh wait, that's Gackt. But it's fact that Yonsama's an immortal (and that he wears a lot of foundation.)
@Kobe,
"I thought it was about Yonsama traversing the country in search of Korea’s most beautiful woman,"
Speaking of which, when are you releasing your autobiography "My Adventures in Oppa Pout Wiggle" ;)
"I thought it’s the Yellowstone volcano that’s gonna wipe us out? Oh well, whatever the case, better make good use of the next three years…"
No silly!! Planet Nibiru is going to impact BiKyo's home in 2012 and usher in the new appocalypse. That's why the sequel is being called "Full House (of Zombies)."
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21 MEIKO**** ^-^
September 21, 2009 at 2:16 AM
@Belleza
LMAO on Yonsama Mother Ship and him wearing a lot of foundation....!!!!
Does he really uses a lot of foundation?! i hope not!!!
Yay! Ill definitely rush to his mother ship anytime.... ^-^
---
mmmm... truly one serious person....a man full of thoughts..., meticulously living his life..... however, I havent heard anything about his other half.....
his book sounds interesting(i assume it's going to be in korean language huh).... I would like to check it out, if only it has an english version.....
I guess, his publishing the book in japanese language too...mmmm....
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22 maria
September 21, 2009 at 5:31 AM
Although I hated 'Winter Sonata', Bae Yong-joon was one of the few things good about it.
I think it's cool how he likes to spread korean culture to Japan and other Asian Countries,
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23 bamboo
September 21, 2009 at 6:28 AM
It sure sounds interesting and I hope this would help boost Korea's tourism industry for that matter! I truly believe that Korea is under-promoted in terms of tourism...I myself was very surprised how beautiful this country is, watching through Kdramas and thought why didn't I know that this small country is so bountiful with beauty? It seems that very little is known about Korea so I hope through this book of Yonsama with the introduction of Korean cuisine etc that people would be more aware of this modern and hi tech country in that part of the world. I for one, love Korean cuisine, it's healthy and delicious...love all the banchan...love everything about the country, people, food and of course Korean dramas and the cute/handsome actors! I'm one of the biggest fans of the country period.
Re BYJ: I agree w/one of the comments that his long hair is doing him injustice! The Legend drama has been what 2 yrs or so ago? He shld go back to his short haircut and do another good romantic drama! Good Luck with his book!
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24 phjfever
September 21, 2009 at 6:34 AM
i enjoyed reading the comments here about BYJ and his looks! what is sepsis? excuse my ignorance but i never heard of this illness? he sure is looking thin aside from the feminine look! he really looks like a woman these days, it's too bad cause he's got a nice face and i was just rewatching his drama the other week called Did We Really Love with his very short (manly) cut hair where it really suits him even the haircut in April Snow....whatever happened? After The Legend he just kept this hairstyle which a lot of people call him Ahjumma-nish looking? That's a shame cause he's one of the handsomest K actors in Korea! I hope whatever that 'sepsis' means is curable!
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25 Mama Sophia
September 21, 2009 at 7:57 AM
"Sepsis" is blood poisoning—very potentially lethal if not treated immediately.
I just saw the press release about his hospitalization on http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1006287/1/.html
Praying for his recovery—he's such a talented and generous actor!
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26 Mama Sophia
September 21, 2009 at 8:10 AM
I loved him in Hotelier (he has short hair in this one, and for all you Yonsama fans—a lovely scene coming out of the pool(!) and one of the best kissing scenes, too!) Definitely praying for a speedy recovery...
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27 Kobe
September 21, 2009 at 9:24 AM
@Sonam (13): "You are funny. Did you used to be Bolt?"
If you're talking about Bolt the person who occasionally posts comments here, then nope, definitely not. If you're talking about Bolt the dog from the Disney movie, then yes. Woof.
@Belleza (20) "Speaking of which, when are you releasing your autobiography “My Adventures in Oppa Pout Wiggle” "
Still putting in the finishing touches on that one and will be out when it's ready. But in the meantime, don't forget to check out my other releases in the same series: "My Adventures in Tell Me! Tell Me!", "My Adventures in Gee Gee Gee", and the best seller "My Adventures in the Three Bears Song". ♪♪ Gom se ma-ri-ga han chi-bi-yi-so ♪♪
@Bamboo (23) "I truly believe that Korea is under-promoted in terms of tourism"
Yeah I've noticed that Korea isn't very good at promoting itself. I mean, they have a fantastic entertainment industry, but who knows about? Most westerners when they think of Asian people or Asian culture, they think of China or Japan, and when they think of Korea they can only come up with Kim Chi and Kim Jong-il. But Yonsama and his book (trying hard to stay on topic here), will show the rest of the world what Korea is made off....and that is men with long hair and a lot of foundation.
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28 LadyIgraine
September 21, 2009 at 9:32 AM
I want to buy the book. Hopefully they would translate it, so I can get a copy!
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29 Lil
September 21, 2009 at 1:24 PM
I look forward to this book. Wow, he is definitely the perfect person to introduce this side of Korea to the world considering how he had such a pivotal role in the Korean Wave.
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30 Agent Darwin
September 21, 2009 at 2:00 PM
It is interesting to see conflicting statements between BOF and what the doctor's advice:
BOF: Agency officials said the actor was not in serious condition is currently resting after treatment.
Doctor's advice as reported by BOF: "...Yang however, added they may cut short the event originally scheduled for two hours since the hospital has advised Bae not to attend it in concern of his health."
It is even more interesting trying to comprehend how pressuring can it be to write a travelling book? Would it be other stuff that are actually borthering him that cause the weak immune system?
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31 Retta
September 21, 2009 at 6:21 PM
I hope he has a steady and complete recovery...I thought in the photo he looked as if he had been ill or something was amiss.
I love the long hair!
good to have news of one of my favorite Asian actors...
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32 Lumi
September 21, 2009 at 11:36 PM
I too am praying for a complete and quick recovery.
I don't care too much for his first book ,The Image, but this new one I would like to read. If a similar book were from another writer, it may not sell as well. I am glad that he is using his popularity to promote his country among those who otherwise may not have ever considered buying a similar book.
I understand that he also worked on a game or method to teach Korean, but I believed that it was for the Japanese market. I believe it would help me a lot learning Korean while having some fun in the process. Anyone knows where can the game be ordered?
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33 pepper
September 22, 2009 at 3:08 AM
BYJ has cut his hair short and looks very graceful but pale at the press conference in Seoul this afternoon.
http://file.chosunonline.com//article/2009/09/22/785093073595222156.jpg
http://file.chosunonline.com//article/2009/09/22/162212429700479021.jpg
@ Agent Darwin is a very sharp and intelligent (and mischievous) commenter. He can see/sense a lot of hidden matters what others can't . ^^
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34 Agent Darwin
September 22, 2009 at 4:04 PM
@Pepper: you remind me of the fictional character--Gollum--first appeared in the Hobbit and subsequently in Lord of the Rings. See below for your own reference. ^^
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gollum
Now, I am kind of worry for those fans/masters that attended the event today.
Sepsis by itself is not contagious, but the localized infectious areas that caused the systemic response (low blood pressure, low blood sugar, fatigue, fever etc) should be a concern. The infectious agents are contagious.
In my view, BYJ should be more careful of his own personal hygiene and be more considerate and act according to the doctor's advice. It is good for himself and also good for the general public.
I wonder the installation of temperature monitoring machine at Tokyo Dome is it for BYJ or for the fans?
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35 Eliza
September 22, 2009 at 7:57 PM
I don't believe the sepsis was caused by Yonsama having poor hygiene habits. Virgos are known for showering often (more than once a day) and he shows a lot of the qualities that are characteristic of his astrological sign.
BTW, you can order the Korean version of his new book through yesasia.com (discounted price is $34.99 US Dlls.)
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36 Agent Darwin
September 23, 2009 at 12:58 AM
@Eliza: I did not say BYJ has poor personal hygiene, I said "he needs to be more careful of his own personal hygiene"
Wow, hahah....even consult the star about his cleaniness. you ladies are amazing!!! ^___________^
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37 crzycpl
September 23, 2009 at 3:16 PM
That picture of BYJ reminds me so much of Kim Hyun Joon hahahaha it's uncanny
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38 Victoria Stuard
November 28, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Is it possible to buy his book in America?????
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39 bb
April 30, 2010 at 5:52 AM
I want to see him in Thailand and He's nice guy.
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40 Pooky
May 2, 2010 at 10:06 PM
I really love to see BYJ with long hair, it makes him look serene and interesting. Short hair also looks good on him; he is just so good looking. I really am looking forward to buying this book; hopefully it will be translated into English.
I believe he is the best spokesperson for his country and what he has done, travelling and putting down on a book all his experiences, cuisine, culture, scenery I believe is commendable of him. What better way to learn about Korea than through his eyes.
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