After the U.S. presidential election, South Korea’s currency has been steadily weakening against the U.S. dollar. The Korean won exchange rate is more than 1,200 won to $1.
Many Korean economists expect the won to continue to slide against the dollar in 2017. This is good news for South Korean exporters and travelers planning to visit South Korea, as the stronger dollar will bring cheaper packages. The best times to visit would in the spring or fall.
Those interested in a trip to South Korea should visit the South Korean government-funded site english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto for information on attractions, travel, transportation, accommodations, food, shopping and, of course, K-pop.
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
“Perfect Bride”
Episodes 19 and 20
>> Today, 6:30 p.m.: Joong-nyun leaves home, furious that his recyclables were thrown away. Nae-shim is dumbfounded at his reaction. Gab-soon sheds tears as she realizes how Gab-dol has looked out for her. She goes to see Gab-dol but is turned away by his mother.
>> Today, 7:45 p.m.: Da-hae is overcome with emotions as Geum-shik and Jae-soon enjoy renewed happiness. Gab-soon and Gab-dol are together again. Ha-soo sees them back together.
“Dr. Romantic”
Episodes 11 and 12
>> Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Chief Doh offers Dong-joo an offer he can’t refuse: to make him one of his men. Teacher Kim hears about the offer. Seo-jung finds out about Teacher Kim’s protege, Jang Hyun-joo, from In-soo.
>> Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: The deceased deserter’s parents ask Dong-joo the exact cause of their son’s death, but Dong-joo hesitates. A sepsis patient’s surgery gets pushed back and the patient dies while Dong-joo performs a surgery for a VIP patient. The deceased patient’s guardian stages a demonstration at Doldam Hospital.
“Legend of the Blue Sea”
Episodes 11 and 12
>> Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Shim Chung discovers that Joon-jae is a con artist. She disappears, feeling disappointed. Joon-jae searches high and low for her. Detective Hong, while in pursuit of Ma Dae-young, comes across new evidence.
>> Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Jin-joo decides to meet Seo-hee again when her investment doesn’t go as planned. Joon-jae is held by Detective Hong. He gets anxious when he can’t get in touch with Shim Chung. He tries desperately to find her.
“Happy Home”
Episodes 20 and 21
>> Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Mi-soon tells Se-ri to have a good life with Man-ho. Sam-bong tells her to leave the kids. Ji-gun gets upset at Hae-ryung, seeing her at a dinner.
>> Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: In-sook comes to Hae-ryung’s workplace. Hae-ryung asks Ji-gun why he’s attracted to her. Mi-soon prepares to say goodbye to her kids.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD-TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
