I bought this book on a whim a while back because both the inside and outside are very pretty, with lots of nice illustrations. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a nice cover! 김수민’s 너에게 하고 싶은 말, which is a compilation of little episodes from a Facebook page of the same name, is a sort of life-advice book, discussing how to maintain good relationships with others, distance yourself from unhealthy relationships, solve problems within relationships, and so on. Each individual episode is very short, and they’re spaced out in a sort of poetic way, making this a book that one could easily blow through in a few sittings.
As for this book’s value to Korean learners… most of the books that I read I would recommend only for advanced learners, but the simple style of the writing and the overall uncomplicated vocabulary and grammar used here would make this a perfect jumping point for someone at the intermediate level looking to getting into reading authentic Korean texts! You could read a few short episodes at a time, make sure you understand everything going on in those, and then move on fairly easily.
Concerning how I personally feel about the book… it’s hard to say. This sort of life-advice stuff is hit or miss, so some sections I find myself identifying with a lot, and some of the advice I don’t quite agree with, but overall I like the calm style of the writing and being able to sit down and read without having to keep track of a plot and a ton of characters (my brain capacity is running a bit low these days!).
Overall, I think this book is a good choice if you 1. want a fairly quick and painless read 2. are an intermediate learner looking for something not-too-heavy to start your foray into Korean literature and/or 3. you like pretty pictures 🙂
Room: Mini oneroom with private sink, shower and toilet on mixed-gender floor. Rent: 400,000won p/m In room: Bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, shelves, refrigerator, air con, tv, sink, shower, toilet, window, bathroom slippers, bin and 2 mirrors. Common areas: Kitchen, water dispenser, washing machine, roof area with drying racks for hanging washing, slippers provided in the kitchen and roof area, free rice, kimchi, coffee and instant ramen.
Room and bed are comfortable but still small.
Internet is sometimes slow.
Kitchen and other areas are always nice and clean. Room has a small bin and cleaning materials are provided.
Owner is very friendly and is often around cleaning and is always available in the office. No guests or visitors.
Decent sized window facing outside.
Close to restaurants and cafes but still a very quiet area.
[edit] Only one kitchen so if you are on the lower floor you have to go upstairs to get to the kitchen and roof area!
Right next to Arrupe Hall (Sogang’s KLEC building) and close to Daeheung and Sinchon station.
Room: Room with private sink and shower but no toilet on women only floor. Rent: 300,000won p/m In room: Bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, shelves, refrigerator, air con, sink, shower, mirror and very small window. Common areas: Kitchen, toilets, water dispenser, washing machine, free rice and instant ramen.
Room and bed very small.
Internet was fast and always connected.
Toilets and kitchen not very clean. No cleaning appliances provided for cleaning your room, no bin.
Owner is nice but is never around, never in the office. Does not care if you bring guests to your room as long as you’re quiet.
Tiny window that faces into the hallway not outside. No natural light.
Air conditioning is very good, almost too good, can get cold!
5/10 minute walk to cheap, simple restaurants and cafes. Nice, quiet area, next to Mapo Art Centre and schools.
10 minute walk to Arrupe Hall (Sogang’s KLEC building) and close to Daeheung and Sinchon station.
Sutdy-Korean 