It’s Your Choice • 36 years of proud history caring for the specialist needs of the women of Busan. • English service is available for OB/GYN and Plastic Surgery departments. • Native English speaking coordinator is available upon request. We can also provide Chinese, Japanese and Russian translators. • Insurance claims can be made on behalf of patients to our partner insurance companies Euro-Center, MSH CHINA, Metlife, Bupa. • 24 hours emergency rooms are available at Good Moonhwa and our partner hospitals Good Gang-an & Good Samsun. Fertility Center
Detecting and Treating Common Gynecological Disorders
Dr. Sanggap Kim
Dr. Kyeongil Nam
Most problems that occur in the area of gynecologic health are easily treatable if detected early by regular checkups. Here are some to keep your eye open for. There are numerous kinds of disorders in the gynecologic area of medicine, and treatments can vary widely depending on the manifestations of each particular condition. Some relatively common disorders can be easily remedied with minimally invasive surgical procedures once detected.
and position. When it is smaller than 4 cm and doesn’t cause any pain, it only requires regular checkups. However, if it’s larger than 5 cm, or causes cramps or excessive bleeding during menstruation, it needs to be dealt with. The myoma can be removed relatively easily if it is located near the endometrium. The removal usually requires a 30-minute procedure followed by a day Cervical Polyps While cervical polyps usually don’t cause of hospitalization. On the other hand, lapany pain or discomfort, larger polyps can aroscopic surgery is required if the myoma cause abnormal vaginal bleeding and is located on myometrium or is protruding should be attended to by a qualified phy- out of the uterus. The procedure takes 30sician. Since bleeding can normally oc- 60 minutes and requires 4-6 days of hoscur during the early phases of pregnancy, pitalization. Since myomas tend to grow, women planning to have children are ad- and sometimes cause sterility, ultrasounds vised to get regular checkups. If the pol- on a regular basis are required for prevenyps give off symptoms or are possibly tion of complications. malignant, the patient can be treated easily without anesthesia or hospitalization Ovarian Cysts before getting back to daily routines. The ovaries can have various cysts, most Biopsies are taken from the eliminated of which are benign. Common cysts are lesions. It is recommended to receive endometrioma, teratoma, corpus luteum, checkups about cervical cytology on an serous cystadenoma and mucinous cystannual basis. adenoma, which can be easily removed by laparoscopic surgery. If the ovarian cyst
Endometrial Polyps
An endometrial polyp is a benign disorder in the endometrium, which doesn’t cause any pain when it’s small but can be the cause of excessive bleeding during regular menstrual periods or irregular menstruation. It can be found by ultrasound and then treated by a hysteroscopic procedure or endometrial polypectomy, which only takes 5-10 minutes. A hysteroscope can also reveal additional disorders that might not be found by ultrasound. Because endometrial polyps can cause miscarriages, women who have recurrent miscarriages need to seek the attention of their physician.
Uterine Myoma
About 50% of women of childbearing age have uterine myoma, and the treatment can be different depending on the size
isn’t attended to properly, it can eventually lead to abdominal distention or dyschezia. It can also cause severe pain when it is torsional or if it bursts. It then needs to be removed as soon as possible with laparoscopic surgery. This usually takes less than an hour. This is followed by 4-6 days of hospitalization before the patient can return to daily life upon leaving the hospital. As mentioned above, minimally invasive surgical procedures of gynecologic benign disorders generally take less than an hour, ensure quick recovery, leave little scarring and postoperative adhesion, and don’t cause excessive pain. For fertility preservation and the prevention of complications, it is very important to get regular checkups, such as cervical cytology screenings and ultrasound, to treat disorders as soon as possible before lesions become larger. For more information, please contact Coordinator Seo Mi-young at 051-630-0123/0109345-4556, Good Moonhwa Hospital.
CONTENTS FEATURES
Review: Good Chinese Wife | 20 The Medical Tourism Money Pile | 22 The Benefits of Traditional Med. | 27
REGULARS
Events: The Big Five | 10 Word on The Street | 12 In the News | 14 Material World | 16 Style Files: Korean Beauty 101 | 18
BIZ SPOTLIGHT
Raindrop Inlay | 28 The Perfect Implant | 29
TRAVEL
Around the world in $7, 634 | 30 Glamping | 32
SPORT
The OTHER Giants | 34 Locked and Loaded | 36
COMMUNITY
Safety First | 38 Busan Daytrippers | 39
FOOD
Review: Ulsan’s Toolbox | 40
MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE A Night at Club Realize | 42
DIRECTORY/GUIDES Hotel News & Directory | 48 Directory | 50-56 Busan Metro Map | 56 Area Maps | 51-57
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HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Photography on this page by Bobby McGill
EDITOR’S LETTER
T
his summer, I spent the entire month of July back “home”. I use quotation marks for the simple reason that while it was super fantastic awesomeness to be back walking the streets of my childhood (and semi-adulthood), mixing with classmates at my 30th high school reunion, catching up with family on all that has passed since my last time back, about three weeks into the trip, I started missing my “home home”, Busan. Getting off the plane, slapped in the face with sweltering heat, I still wore a smile. It’s great to be back. Likewise, it’s also great to be back with another issue of Haps. As the cover makes clear, one focus of this issue is Korea’s massive drive for medical tourism. In doing research for the story, I was quite amazed at the amount of money being spent around the globe by people seeking out inexpensive, but quality health care in places such as Korea, India and Thailand, to name but a few. We living here on the peninsula should consider
ourselves lucky that we live in one of the increasingly popular medical tourism destinations and can save not only a fortune on health care, but also a helluva a lot on airfare. Along with medical tourism-related articles, this issue features two sports-related stories of interest; one, an interview with UFC ass-kicker and Busan native, Kim Dong-hyun and another on the other baseball Giants from San Francisco and some of the player’s thoughts on the Korean style of baseball. Chris Tharp is back writing about pets, Jen Sotham has discovered a great new spot for eats up in Ulsan and Christy Swain returns with more from the world of style and fashion. For those willing to brave the heat during this broil of a summer, check out John Dunphy’s piece on expat hiking group known as the “Daytrippers.” All in all, another issue full of what’s happening and what’s going on here in home sweet home home.
WHAT’S INSIDE
GIANTS34
THE OTHER
Busan and San Francisco both have baseball franchises known as the ‘Giants.’ We asked players from the American side of the pond what they thought of the brand of ball played here.
ON THE COVER Like a handful of other countries, Korea is hard at work vying for a slice of the $20 billion spent annually on medical tourism. Time will tell, but so far, so good.
H Regulars
CONTRIBUTORS JEN SOTHAM
Haps culture editor and food writer Jen hails from New York and has been eating her way through Busan since 2006. The first phrase she learned in Korean was chal-mo-gu-sum-ni-da.
CHUM SOTHEA
Cambodian-born Chum Sothea is pursuing a film degree at Dongseo University and is a passionate visual arts fan chasing the dream. Chum recently joined the mag’s layout team and also did final edits on the Haps TV ad.
MATHEW SCOTT
Mathew Scott has been covering sport across Asia for the past 20 years from his base in Hong Kong. He freely admits to being one of the UFC’s most recent converts - and a big fan of Busan’s Kim “Stun Gun” Dong-hyun.
JAMES TURNBULL
Since coming to Korea in 2000, James has become widely known for his highly regarded blog The Grand Narrative where he examines gender issues. He lives in Busan with his wife and two daughters, Alice and Elizabeth.
STACY AUSTIN
Hailing from Portland, Oregon, writer, photographer and artist Stacy Austin keeps herself busy getting into lots of adventures in Busan, South Korea. You can find various ways to socially stalk her at her website, stacylaughs.com
AMY STEELE
Copy editor Amy, an avowed sucker for slow blues tunes and cheap red wine, spent the better part of the last decade working in advertising and PR. A newbie to both Busan and Haps, she’s returned to her journalism roots and feels right at home.
CHRISTY SWAIN
A fashion-loving girl, this Kiwi would like to divide her time between Paris and Milan, but for now, she’ll settle for Busan, browsing the vintage stores of Seomyeon or the High St. in Nampo-dong.
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HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
PUBLISHER Ju Shin-hye EDITOR IN CHIEF Bobby McGill SALES DIRECTOR Michael Schneider MANAGING EDITOR Jeff Liebsch CULTURE EDITOR Jen Sotham
ART DIRECTOR Russell McConnell STYLE EDITOR Christy Swain
WRITERS: Chris Tharp James Turnbull Christy Swain Jeff Liebsch Bobby McGill Stacy Austin Amy Steele Judi Baker Michael Fraiman Mathew Scott Pastor Dan Colins Clint Stamatvch John Dunphy Michael Fraiman Dr. Lee Young-ja Murray Cundall
DESIGNERS: Kelvin Brassbridge II Chum Sothea PHOTOGRAPHERS: Bobby McGill Jen Sotham Stacy Austin Jeff Liebsch Michael Fraiman Jocelyn Eikenburg ILLUSTRATORS: Michael Roy ACCOUNTS SERVICES Bak Seon-mi
TRANSLATION: Junnie Ahn INTERN: Ji-woon Ko Sowoon Park
Follow us @busanhaps Busan Haps Magazine BUSAN HAPS Aug/Sep 2014 Issue 32 BUSINESS REGISTRATION NUMBER: 00001 FIRST PUBLICATION DATE: Sept, 2, 2009 OFFICE ADDRESS: Pale de CZ, 2-19, Jung Dong1124-2, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea
SUBMISSIONS busanhaps@gmail.com ADVERTISING mikey.busanhaps@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: The opinions in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Questions or comments: busanhaps@gmail.com ©2014 Busan Haps Magazine
AROUND
Events
KOREA
GOESAN RED PEPPER FESTIVAL
GOESAN, AUGUST 28 -31
The Goesan Red Pepper Festival is held during harvest season to promote the famed red peppers grown in Goesan, one of Korea’s major suppliers of an essential to its cuisine. The festival features numerous programs, including pepper-picking, a bare-handed fishing contest and the best pepper recipe competition. It’s a great place to get your peppers fresh from the source! Admission: Free Venue: Chungcheongbuk-do, Goesan-gun Website: festival.goesan.go.kr
HYOSEOK CULTURAL FESTIVAL
PYEONGCHANG, SEPTEMBER 5-14
The Hyoseok Cultural Festival is the setting for Lee Hyo-seok’s famous novel, “When Buckwheat Flowers Come Into Full Bloom.” The festival focuses on different locations featured in the novel as well as the area’s folklore. There is a wide range of foods made from buckwheat and gorgeous fields of buckwheat flowers. Admission: Free Venue: Bongpyeong-myeon, Munhwa Village Website: www.hyoseok.com 2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com
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H Regulars
Events & Culture
AD STARS AUGUST 21-23 Now in its seventh year, AD Stars at BEXCO continues to grow as the biggest advertising festival celebrating the online and offline world. Under this year’s theme “Convergence,” prizes will be awarded in 23 categories, including film, print, radio, interactive and mobile. An exhibition held with the event also provides an opportunity to check out unique and interesting advertisements from around the world. www.adstars.org
BUSAN GLOBAL WATER FESTIVAL
BUSAN MARU INT. MUSIC FESTIVAL
THE
BIG
FIVE
BUSAN INT. MEDICAL TOURISM CONVENTION
AUGUST 28-29
AUGUST 25-30
SEPTEMBER 12-19
Over 400 participants from 10 countries will gather at BEXCO for the second annual meeting to discuss sustainable water solutions in Asia. This year’s event will be highlighted by the president of the International Water Association, Dr. James T. Dalgger, giving the keynote address to leaders and experts in the world’s water industry and water-related sectors. www.bwf.kr
This growing festival tempts the eyes and ears, as the fifth installment of one of the city’s premiere classical music gatherings has grown into one of Busan’s most anticipated events on the calendar each year. International and domestic musicians wow audiences with concerts during the week, while fringe concerts are held around the city two weeks prior with music to suit all tastes. bmimf.drdesign.co.kr
With over 50,000 anticipated visitors and 140 booths from 13 countries, the BIMC is the largest gathering of medical professionals in the country, making Busan one of the world’s top medical destinations. In addition to conferences, performances and medical seminars, this year’s version promises a Medical Tourism Zone and eight specialized zones, which showcase the best and newest techniques in medicine. bimtc.org
JAGALCHI FESTIVAL OCTOBER 7-12 Jagalchi ajjummas famous catchphrase “Oh-ee-soh! Boh-ee-soh! Sa-ee-soh!” (Come, See, Buy!) returns as the 23rd installment of the country’s largest seafood festival is back for another year. Two large plazas host a myriad of events over the six day festival amongst the autumn backdrop where you can enjoy some of the country’s most delectable seafood on offer. Featured events include the mammoth 2,200 person bowl of raw fish bimbimbap, a night of fireworks, free food samples, cruise rides and number of experience events for the whole family. www.ijagalchi.kr 10 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
PLEASE NOTE: DATES FOR EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Events
WISH WE WERE THERE
GREAT EVENTS HAPPENING ALL AROUND THE GLOBE. HERE’S A COUPLE WE WISH WE COULD GET TO.
MOUNT HAGEN CULTURAL SHOW
MOUNT HAGEN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 16-17 Started in 1964, the two-day Mount Hagen festival is one of the largest tribal gatherings in Papua New Guinea. Upwards of 100 tribes showcase their traditions through costume, dance and music, competing for applause from the crowds to select a winner. Dressed in elaborate costumes and adorned with jewelry made of shells and boars’ tusks, feathers fly, feet stomp, drums beat and voices soar high above the tree canopies in the distance.
VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL
PHUKET, THAILAND, SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 4 While you may think a vegetarian festival revolves around a group of people devouring loads of legumes, think again. This festival sees people mutilating their faces and bodies by piercing themselves with thin, long pins, knives, stakes, swords and any manner of sharp objects, all performed by Phuket’s Chinese community for the Taoist Lent. Not for the faint of heart, this festival features much more blood than you’d expect to see to show one’s love of the vegetable.
FIND US ON
THE WEB HERE www.busanhaps.com 2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 11
H Regulars
WORD ON THE STREET DID YOU KNOW? NORTH KOREAN RESEARCHERS CONCLUDED THAT NORTH KOREA IS THE SECOND HAPPIEST COUNTRY NEXT TO CHINA. IT’S CURRENTLY THE YEAR 103 IN NORTH KOREA, AFTER THE BIRTH OF KIM IL-SUNG. A SQUAD OF NORTH KOREAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL PLAYERS DEFEATED ITALY 1-0 AT THE 1966 WORLD CUP. ACCORDING TO NORTH KOREAN LORE, IN 1994, KIM JONG-IL’S FIRST ATTEMPT AT GOLF NETTED HIM A 38-UNDER-PAR SCORE WITH AN IMPRESSIVE 11 HOLES IN ONE. DISTRIBUTION, POSSESSION AND CONSUMPTION OF CANNABIS IS LEGAL IN THE NORTH.
HAPS LAUNCHES NEW COMMERCIAL AND WEBSITE
OVERHEARD
Haps is pleased to announce two big developments for the summer. First, we will be launching a newly redesigned website at the end of August. The website will offer a crisp, clean look with even more sections, stories, features and guides and a larger directory to find out where to go and what to do around the city. It will also include a shopping zone where you will be able to conveniently shop online and have your purchases delivered to your door. Additionally, we are proud to announce the broadcast of our first TV commercial, which hit the airwaves in late July. The 30-second spot is part of an ad-sharing deal with CJ Hellovision, featuring Kim Walshe enjoying places of interest around Busan. The spot was put together by filmmaker Miguel Rojas and given a final touchup by Dongseo film student, Chum Sothea. It is set to run 20 times a day on CJ Hellovision and can be seen on YTN, Y News, CNBC, National Geographic Channel, SBS Golf, J Golf, FTV and the Korean Economic Channel. We at Haps aim to give you the best information on what’s happening and strive to give you the most up-to-date information on the latest news; the best in food, drink and entertainment; and the best places to see around the country.
“There are difficult issues between Korea and Japan, but I believe communication is more important in times of trouble.” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on how Korea and Japan should sort out their differences.
“I will certainly keep this pledge of political neutrality.” Lee Byung-kee, the new director of the National Intelligence Service, on how his agency should stay away from politics.
12 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
KIM IL-SUNG WAS BORN ON THE SAME DAY AS THE TITANIC SANK.
EFM TO ADD NEW CALL NUMBER
BeFM, Busan’s English-language broadcasting station will add an additional frequency starting in the first half of 2015. In addition to its current 90.5 FM, the station will also add 103.3 FM to give its listeners 24-hour coverage and extend its reach to Western Busan, Gijang and Jeonggwan. BeFM began operations in February 2009 and was established in order to provide foreign tourists and foreign residents in Busan with tips on daily life and contents of the local culture.
Community & Living
END OF AN APARTMENT LEGEND
The city of Busan has announced that it has passed a plan to rebuild one of the city’s earliest apartment landmarks, as the Namcheon Samick Tower Apartment complex in Suyeong-gu is set to get a new, modern look. The new apartment complex will be made up of eight buildings between 23 and 30 stories high, with a total of 850 residences in the over 44,000-square-meter area. The plan additionally includes a 130-meter-long, 12-meter-wide road that links Kolon Haneulche and Samick Villa. Samick Tower was originally considered one of the city’s most luxurious apartment complexes when it opened in December 1977.
BIFF IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
The Busan International Film Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever this year, as the annual film festival, Korea’s first, will take over the city for its 19th edition from October 2 - 11. Last year, 299 films from 70 countries were screened to 217,865 guests during the 10-day run. The architectural marvel known as the Busan Cinema Center will host the festival for a fourth year, after the festival moved from the Suyeong Yacht Club in 2011. Asia’s largest cinema event has steadily built its reputation over the years and is now an essential stop on the international festival calendar.
THURSDAY PARTY REACHES NEW MILESTONE
The 16th Thursday Party opened its doors in Itaewon this month, the second branch in Seoul and the 21st combined store with their affiliate restaurant, Burger and Pasta. “With a patio for outdoor sitting, kicking music, a wide collection of flavored liquors and flavorful dishes, it is no doubt the best place for drinking and hanging out with friends,” Thursday Party released in a statement. The newest branch sees the largest store yet, located across from the Itaewon Police Station and about a three-minute walk from exit 2 at the Incheon subway station. 2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 13
H Regulars
IN THE NEWS SEE YOU IN INCHEON?
The Incheon Asian Games will begin in September; however, it’s still not quite clear if North Korea plans to attend the games after storming out of a meeting in mid-July. At a meeting of the two Koreas in the truce village of Panmunjom, North Korea walked out after failing to come to terms over the ‘insincerity’ of the southern delegation. The North also took exception with the scope of the cheerleading squad and the size of the national flag to be used during the games. North Korea added they would send 350 athletes to the games – 200 more than originally expected – and wanted accommodations paid for by the South. Under Olympic Council of Asia regulations, each country is responsible for the expenses incurred by its athletes and cheering squads, although accommodation subsidies are provided for underdeveloped countries that are sending a small group of athletes. The Incheon Asian Games are slated for September 19 through October 4.
BUSAN TO HOST SPECIAL ASEAN SUMMIT IN DECEMBER
KOREA TO OPEN UP ITS RICE MARKET
Resolving one of the most controversial topics of the past 20 years, South Korea announced in mid-July that it will open the rice market to tariffed imports, ending the two-decade waiver. The rice market will fully open to imports as of January 1, 2015. The Park Geun-hye government declined to take a new waiver, 20 years after its agreement with the World Trade Organization to end its import quotas, and instead decided to manage imports through tariffs to protect domestic farmers. Experts believe that the tariffs would be set between 300 to 500 percent to ensure the imported rice is more expensive than the local variety. The Korean Peasants League, the Korean Women Peasant Association and the Korean Catholic Farmers’ Movement – the country’s three largest farmers’ groups – have all denounced the decision and vow to stage all-out protests against the government. 14 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
The city of Busan has been selected by Cheong Wa Dae to host a special Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, marking the 25th anniversary of Korea’s partnership with the establishment, on December 11 and 12. Billed as the biggest diplomatic event this year on the Peninsula, over 3,500 diplomats, leaders of business, press and leaders of the 10 ASEAN nations are expected to attend the two-day event, set to take place at BEXCO in Centum City. The summit will include a meeting between President Park and ASEAN nation representatives as well as cultural events, exhibitions and bilateral talks, according to the JoongAng Ilbo. President Park has stressed improving political ties with Southeast Asian nations, as well as placing heavy significance on the ‘VIP’ nations – Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines – which aim to find new growth areas for the country.
Korea & World News
LESS BEAN FOR YOUR BUCK
Get ready to shell out more for your favorite drink, as Starbucks raised its prices on 23 of its 42 drinks nationwide in midJuly. The price hike, between 100 and 200 won, will likely affect all coffee shop chains around the nation as well. The price of its most popular drink, the Americano, will rise 200 won, to 4,100 won, for its tall-sized offering. While prices on green beans have declined to $2.87 per kilo over the first half of 2014, a nearly 40 percent drop since 2011, Starbucks considers several factors, including its cost structure, when setting its prices for its roughly 650 locations in Korea. “An increase in personnel expenses, rental fees for outlets and development costs were the main reasons that pushed up the prices this time,” Starbucks Korea spokesman Suh Kyu-ouk said in a statement released in mid-July. According to a study published in the Wall Street Journal, Korea’s prices for brew at Starbucks are in the middle of the pack when compared with other countries around the world. India enjoys the lowest prices for price parity, while Norwegians win the unfortunate title of the highest prices, at nearly four times higher due to the relative strength of its currency.
2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 15
H Regulars
MATERIAL WORLD
HOME GYM:
CREATE YOUR PERSONAL WORKOUT DREAM
Avoid pricey gym memberships, obnoxious personal trainers, and fad fitness trends by creating a home gym to suit your personal workout style. Here are the top six small home gym items worth dedicating a corner of your apartment to.
PROSOURCE STACKABLE RESISTANCE BANDS For a deep burn in your strength training, resistance bands are a must for your home gym. Improve coordination and balance, while targeting specific muscle groups with ProSource’s bands, a heavy-duty set designed to work the back, chest, arms and abs. A set of four, equipped with carabiners to let you stack bands, will allow you to add variety to your workout
and add more resistance as you get stronger. The set includes a door anchor and cushioned foam handles to grip with your hands or hook on your feet. Great to travel with due to their light weight and compact design, these flexible latex bands also come with a handy carrying bag – all for around 30,000 won. prosourcebands.com
GRID FOAM ROLLER BY TRIGGER POINT PERFORMANCE
Relax sore muscles and loosen those hard-to-reach knots with the GRID foam roller, a tool specifically designed to withstand an athlete’s daily use. The 33-cm-long roller, around 40,000 won, weighs a mere .65 kg for easy transportation. For larger bodies or those who simply want more roller coverage, try the GRID 2.0, twice as long and 65,000 won. Both are designed with the environment in mind, using less foam by featuring a hollow core and an aerated surface. To loosen tension, start with small movements, laying on your back, resting the hamstrings, or leaning the side of the quad on the roller. www.tptherapy.com
FRINGE SPORT ONEFITWONDER KETTLEBELL SET
Kettlebells are toning, calorie-crushing miracle workers, and Fringe Sport offers a range of sets to meet anyone’s needs. Available in sets of four bells for 245,000 won to 11 for 575,000 won, the OneFitWonders feature a textured design for enhanced grip, the perfect handle thickness, enough spacing for two hands and flat bottoms for convenient storage. Work your back, shoulders, quads and core – while getting in some serious cardio – with the classic kettlebell squat and swing exercise. www.fringesport.com
MANDUKA EKO SUPERLITE TRAVEL MAT
For the traveling yoga lover, Manduka has designed a mat that encompases it all. Ditch the awkward shape and cumbersome bulk of a standard yoga mat in favor of a lighter, more portable alternative. Weighing only .9 kg, the 1.5-mm-thick, foldable eKO Superlite Travel Mat fits easily into anything from a backcountry pack to a beach bag and grips both carpet and hard surfaces. If you need a thicker option for that camel pose you’ve been mastering, try Manduka’s original eKO Mat, a 3.2-kg, 5-mm-thick alternative. Both the 90,000-won eKO and the 40,000-won eKO Superlite are made from all-natural, biodegradable material and are free of toxins. www.manduka.com 16 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Gadgets & Gear
THERABAND PRO SERIES SCP EXERCISE BALL
Improve your balance and work every body part with one simple, versatile piece of equipment – the exercise ball. Proven to target your core like nothing else can, this slow-deflate PRO Series SCP ball provides unmatched stability, comfort and grip. And after a long day of work or travel, it’s your go-to tool for one hell of a back stretch. Available in five sizes – from 45-85 cm – the standard PRO Series 65-cm ball retails for around 40,000 won. To get the most out of your new balance ball, use it as a posture-correcting chair at your desk or in your living room. www.thera-band.com
VALEO ADJUSTABLE ANKLE/WRIST WEIGHTS
Valeo’s 2.3-kg set of weights can be easily adjusted for the ankles and the wrists, offering a versatile option as you move through your home-gym routine. Also available in 4.5 and 9 kg, these weights can be customized for anyone’s fitness requirements with their removable weight packs. They feature comfortable padding and double-strap D-rings so they stay in place throughout your workout. Extensive walking or running with them can cause ankle and knee pain, so opt instead for pilates-style moves, like donkey kickbacks and side kicks to strengthen and tone. Move the weight from the ankle to the wrist for low-impact cardio. Look to spend around 30,000 won for a set of two. www.valeofit.com 2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 17
H Guide
STYLE FILES
KOREAN BEAUTY 101
Beauty blogs worldwide have been buzzing about Korean beauty secrets recently due to the pore-free and dewy-fresh complexions of Korea’s hottest stars. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite affordable, yet high-quality, brands so you don’t have to spend big to look good. So if you’ve ever wondered what all those lotions and potions are for and which one goes on first, look no further!
PRE-CLEANSING/MAKEUP REMOVING
Use a gentle makeup-removing tissue to wipe off hard-to-budge eye and lip products or use cleansing oil all over your face, gently massaging it into your skin to melt away makeup. To boost the cleansing oil’s power, steam your face with a warm towel for a few minutes after oil application, then dab away any excess oil. We love: Innisfree Olive Real Cleansing Tissues (5,000 won) and The Face Shop Rice Water Cleansing Oil (10,000 won)
CLEANSING
Again? Yep! Choose a gentle, foaming cleanser that suits your skin’s needs and gently (i.e. don’t scrub) whisk away any lingering impurities. We love: Too Cool for School Egg Mousse Soap Foam Cleanser (12,000 won)
ESSENCE
Regarded by some as the most essential part of the process, essence kick-starts your skin’s cellular renewal process, aiding in improved elasticity and firmness. Try one with a spritzer and then gently tap it onto the skin with your fingertips. We love: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence (just like SKII, but MUCH cheaper 15,000-42,000 won)
EXFOLIATION
This is definitely not an everyday thing. Try it once a week (or even once a fortnight) to get rid of any dead skin cells and smooth out your skin texture. Focus on trouble areas like the nose and chin, and, as always, be gentle! We love: Skinfood ‘Black Sugar Mask Wash-off’ (7,700won)
TONER/REFRESHER
The aim of a freshener, aka a toner, is to remove any residual oil or cleanser, restore the skin’s pH balance and prepare it to absorb the next few steps. Korean toners tend to be less harsh and drying than Western brands. TIP: Always go for an alcohol-free product. We love: Etude House ‘Wonder Pore Freshener’(15,000won) 18 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
AMPOULE
Super concentrated and full o’ vitamins, this is basically a thicker, more condensed version of an essence. Usually sold in eyedropper form, one shot on the palms and dabbed all over is plenty. We love: Nature Republic ‘Argan 20° Real Ampoule’ (25,000won)
Style & Beauty
SHEET MASK
Loaded with any kind of nutrient-rich serum you can think of, sheet masks are equally amazing and hilarious, but you don’t need one every day (2-3 times a week or as needed). You can also substitute any other kind of cute and quirky ‘patch’ you might feel like trying out. We love: Innisfree It’s Real Masks (1,000 won each or 10+10), Nature Republic Aqua Collagen Solution Marine Hydrogel Eye Patch (2,500 won), Etude House Cherry Lip Gel Patch (Mrs. Potato Head alert! 2,500 won), and Holika Holika Pig Nose Clear Blackhead 3-step Kit (2,000 won)
MOISTURIZER/EMULSION
You are almost done! As you might’ve already noticed, Korean skincare regimes are all about layering, so though you might feel like the prettiest seven-layer beauty bean dip you’ve ever seen, don’t skip this part. We love: Nature Republic ‘Super Aqua Max Watery Cream’ Range (22,000won) Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this article are based on the writer’s own experimentation, opinion polls and online research. Busan Haps has not received any compensation to promote these products. Sources: sokoglam.com, w2beauty.com, Refinery29.com, Elle.com, intothegloss.com 2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 19
H Book REVIEW
Good Chinese Wife:
By James Turnbull
A Love Affair with China Gone Wrong James Turnbull reviews Susan Blumberg-Kason’s book, “Good Chinese Wife: A Love Affair with China Gone Wrong,” and its interesting tale of a journey through the twists and turns of a cross-cultural marriage.
“The avoidance of tiresome Orientalist stereotypes is especially welcome, with her ex-parents-in-law coming across as old-fashioned but lovely, and Chinese men portrayed no better or worse than Western ones.”
Let me be honest: “Good Chinese Wife,” a memoir by Susan Blumberg-Kason published in July of this year, is not something I would normally read. Blumberg-Kason’s ex-husband is Chinese; my wife is Korean. Her relationship goes from friends to engaged in less than two minutes; we lived together for years and had lots of wild sex before I proposed. Their marriage rapidly turned sour; we just celebrated our tenth anniversary. They married, had a child and divorced way back in the 1990s; I’m really only interested in Chinese attitudes towards dating, sex and marriage in the 2010s. And so on. I’m still grateful for receiving a reviewer’s copy, organized by Jocelyn Eikenburg of the Speaking of China blog. But first impressions? I expected it to be very outdated and that it would have little to offer readers with Korean partners. I was dead wrong on both counts. “Good Chinese Wife” begins in Hong 20 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Kong in the mid-1990s, where BlumbergKason is pursuing a graduate degree. (She previously spent a year there as an exchange student in 1990.) Then, in her early twenties, she soon becomes smitten with Cai Jun, an older mainlander from Wuhan. She starts teaching him English in her dorm room; unbeknownst to her, other students consider them already dating. This prompts him to open up and explain that he’s already been married and has a child, revealing all as a prelude to showing he is now interested in dating Blumberg-Kason. Because in China, Cai explains, “couples traditionally only date if they plan to marry.” This sounded very antiquated. But as it turns out, dating in China today is still not at all like in the West, or even in Korea. In “Behind the Red Door: Sex in China” (2012), Richard Burger explains that even in the big cities “serial dating” is frowned upon as immoral or promiscuous. Instead, “most Chinese women still believe it is best to date only one man and to marry him. Once the man invites her on a second or third date, he is indicating that he’s serious, that he is hoping for an exclusive relationship, and that marriage might be in the cards.” Whereas for women, inviting him to meet her parents “means she expects to marry him, and Chinese men understand this arrangement.” What’s more, the average age of marriage for Chinese men was only 24 in 2010; for women, 22 (in Korea, 31.8 and 28.9, respectively). So, I understood Cai. And, being head over heels ever since they met and how Blumberg-Kason quickly accepted his proposal before so much as a kiss - it sounded sweet. Her frankness about her feelings and mistakes is a definite charm, especially for someone who also fell very easily in love at that age. But for Blumberg-Kason, that was only page 36. For the remaining 300, sympathy turns to constant frustration and exasperation with her rushing into marriage, then her frequent acquiescence toward her increasingly controlling and abusive husband. These feelings are only amplified by knowing that this strategy is doomed to fail. In an interview, Blumberg-Kason said her problems were more because “he told me from the get-go that he had certain conditions for our marriage. Those are things I ignored or thought I could eventually get him to change. That
should have been my red flag, not the [6 months] in which we became engaged and married.” (Likewise, many happily married Koreans, for whom such whirlwind courtships are also common, would
Author, Susan Blumberg-Kason
doors in their first month after giving birth - which mirrors the Korean one of sanhoojori. Also, for those couples planning to move to a Western country, her discussion of Cai’s difficulties with adjusting to life in San Francisco will be very beneficial. The avoidance of tiresome Orientalist stereotypes is especially welcome, with her ex-parents-in-law coming across as old-fashioned but lovely, and Chinese men portrayed no better or worse than Western ones. That said, I am reminded of a book for couples I once flicked through, which encouraged them to discuss their expectations of marriage in great detail before committing. With checklists ranging from beliefs about circumcision and determining which cities were best for both partners’ careers to dividing the housework and setting dating policies for potential teenage children, that approach would be much too calculating for most couples. Marriage, after all, is ultimately about making a scary but exciting leap of faith with someone. But when partners come from wildly different backgrounds and bring such different expectations into marriage, for international couples in particular, perhaps they really should learn the answers to those questions sooner rather than later. One minor quibble was all the hyperbole. Not to diminish Blumberg-Kason’s genuine fears for herself and her son at times, but it did lead me to expect a story involving forged passports and bribed border guards(!). Also, I disliked the format of numerous short chapters, with so little happening in some that they felt like diary entries. But that is just a personal preference. The verdict? Well worth the 14.99 USD cover price and a definite eye opener about the value of reading more about relationships in this part of the world, especially with such limited options to read about Korean ones specifically.
surely bristle at the suggestion that they should have taken things slower.) I disagree. Take Cai’s belief that women are especially “dirty” in the summer, for instance, once all but physically forcing an exhausted Blumberg-Kason to bathe in a rat-infested bathroom. Or how on their first night together - their wedding night - he would be more interested in porn than her, presaging a later (slight) addiction. Or his bizarre, surprisingly submissive relationship with eccentric professor friend ‘Japanese Father’ (“He thinks it’s not good [for us] to have sex relations more than once a week”), whom he clearly had much more respect for. Not just relationship issues, but surely relationship breakers for most women, Blumberg-Kason could have been alerted to all these problems and more if she’d just spent a little more time with Cai bePhotos courtesy of Jocelyn Eikenburg of fore the wedding. Still, it does make for a good page turn- the Speaking of China blog. er. There is also merit in studying a bad relationship to learn what to avoid, and much about this one will already be familiar to those with Korean, Japanese and James Turnbull is a writer a public Taiwanese partners. New and expecting speaker on Korean feminism, sexualparents in Korea, for example, will symity and pop culture. He can be found pathize with Blumberg-Kason’s expectaat thegrandnarrative.com tions to conform to man yue - the belief that mothers shouldn’t bathe or go out2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 21
HCover STORY
Medical
TOURISM
T H E
K O R E A N
22 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
E D I T I O N
2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 23
HCover STORY
The Medical Tourism
MONEY PILE By Bobby
McGill
One of the Korean government’s top budget priorities is expanding the country’s medical tourism industry. It’s a $20 billion-a-year global market, and Korea is looking to grow its slice of the pie. Being the frail creatures that we are, with an even weaker resolve for accepting the inevitable knock of death at the door, humanity’s long history of crossing borders for medical procedures is not at all surprising. Though it’s long been a common practice, the earliest record of an actual medical tourism industry, specifically catering to foreigners, goes back several thousand years to the enterprising Greeks. At that time, people of means from all over the Mediterranean traveled to a small city in the Saronic Gulf called Epidauria - known then as the sanctuary of the healing god Asklepios. While you might not have heard of Asklepios, you’re certainly familiar with two of his five daughters, Hygieia (hygiene in English) and her younger sister, Panacea. Later recordings of organized medical tourism come to us from 18th century England, when spa towns and sanitariums became popular destinations for people seeking soothing mineral waters and other treatments believed effective in curing ailments such as bronchitis, gout and liver disorders. Perhaps most interesting is that, historically, these early models of modern medical tourism catered to those of great wealth; people who could afford the long travel and the costly fees for treatment. Nowadays, people cross borders for medical care with a 24 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
mind toward saving money. While countries such as the U.S. and Germany were popular medical destinations throughout the 20th century, modern organized medical tourism started in Thailand during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, when a crippled Thai health industry was fighting for its very survival. In an act of utter desperation, the Thai government set about marketing the ‘Land of Smiles’ as a medical tourism destination. The results have been staggering. Last year, 2.5 million medical tourists passed through Thai turnstiles, spending $4.31 billion in the process. This brings us to the current race by a handful of nations trying to get a slice of the $20 billion global healthcare tourism market. KOREA MAKES ITS PLAY Since the earliest recorded history, Korea has enjoyed a sizable reputation for its medical prowess throughout Northeast Asia. The oldest known piece of Chinese medical literature, the Hwangtui Suowon, which dates back to 50 B.C., notes the “stone needles originating from the East” - referring to the varied kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula at that time. While far from enjoying the popularity of countries such as Thailand, India and Singapore, Korea saw 630,000 overseas patients for medical treatment
“While far from enjoying the popularity of countries such as Thailand, Hungary, India and Singapore, Korea saw 630,000 overseas patients for medical treatment between 2009 and 2012, spending just shy of $1 billion over the course of four years.”
between 2009 and 2012, spending just shy of $1 billion over the course of four years with an annual growth rate of 38.4%. To better grasp the lucrative nature of this form of tourism to the Korean economy, the 12 million vacation tourists that visited Korea in 2013 spent just under $15 billion. The holy grail of medical tourism demographics are the American and Chinese markets. For the Chinese, it’s about quality; for Americans, it’s about quality at a lower price. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a steady clip of roughly 1 million Americans traveled abroad for medical treatment in each of the past five years. And why not? Statistics from MedicalTourism.com show the cost of heart bypass surgery in America averaging $144,000, while in Korea it averages $28,900. And a $14,000 hip replacement in Korea is far more appealing than the $50,000 Americans would spend at home. In 2012, China surpassed the U.S. for
having the most travelers to Korea for medical care. Numbers by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHID) show that 32,503 Chinese sought medical attention in Korea, just surpassing the 30,582 Americans doing the same, followed by Japan, Russia and Mongolia. With 970,000 more Americans out there going abroad for treatment (now mostly to Europe, over once popular destinations such as Mexico, Thailand and India) and obviously a lot more Chinese looking for healthcare abroad, the Korean government, under President Park Geun-hye, is going all out to get them treated on the Peninsula. Massive deregulation now allows South Korean medical corporations to set up subsidiaries and commercial enterprises, such as tourism programs and hotels targeting patients from overseas. These loosened regulations permit Korean businesses to open up ‘meditels,’ which are often full-service, internationally accredited medical clinics inside large hotels. 2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 25
HCover STORY
THE LOOK OF THINGS While Korea has top-notch, highly regulated medical facilities that can take care of just about anything that ails you, most of her medical tourists are coming for cosmetic surgery. Korea is well-known for having the world’s highest per capita rate of cosmetic surgery procedures, which are far and away the most popular services among medical tourists as well. According to the KHID, the number of foreign tourists receiving cosmetic surgery has grown an astounding 77.3% over the past four years. Whether the world’s growing number of medical tourists are looking to get their heart fixed, their hip replaced or their youthful glow restored under the knife, Korea is well-positioned to snatch a larger piece of this burgeoning market. The Korean Tourism Organization has set the bar high by aiming for 598,000 medical tourists in 2015 and 998,000 in 2020. Time will tell how it all plays out, but the investment, the infrastructure and the right regulations are all in place to make it happen. The welcome mat is dusted off and ready.
Medical Tourism Destinations
26 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Belgium Turkey
South Korea Columbia
Mexico
Brazil
Costa Rica
USA
Philippines
Poland
Malaysia
Singapore
India
Hungary
Thailand
Source: International Travel Medical Journal (2012)
The Benefits of
BY Dr. Lee Youngja
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Korea’s medical history and its well-known reputation across East Asia stretches back through the millennia. It only makes sense that the benefits of its traditional medical practices today are well worth checking out. Korean traditional medicine has a long history, tracing its roots back as far as 3000 B.C. when stone and bone needles were used in North Hamgyong Province, in what is present-day North Korea. Developing alongside traditional medical remedies and techniques in China and Japan, treatments such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, cupping therapy, moxa therapy, and other traditional methods have long been used to combat sickness. Along with various modern medical practices, these traditional methods are still used to treat patients today. Apart from Western medicine, Korean traditional medicine has a system known as ‘constitutional medicine,’ in which doctors try to understand each patient’s conditions and the cause of symptoms. This system allows the doctors to prescribe the most optimal solution in accordance with the particular body system of the patient. Furthermore, it enables them to give personalized advice such as meal plans, lifestyle suggestions and suitable exercises to suit each patient. One of the strong advantages of traditional Korean medicine is that it is based on natural approaches, which minimize side effects. It’s also an effective holistic approach for minor illnesses such as constipation, indigestion or insomnia or for more problematic chronic ailments including hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Also, minor symptoms occurring often in
daily lives, such as headaches or muscle pains, can be effectively dealt with. Like most traditional medicine practices, it is important to offer patients a variety of options to treat whatever ails them. A good practice will offer pain clinics for muscle agitation, sprains or joint problems as well as for serious illnesses such as ruptured or slipped disks — all of which can be effectually alleviated through physical therapies and muscle-strengthening exercises. Many patients, both men and women, turn to traditional treatments, such as acupuncture for pain relief or herbal facial mask treatments to reduce wrinkles and create more radiant skin. Korean medicine also offers options to deal with weight problems. While the world rushes forward with advances in modern medicine, it’s good to take time to consider traditional medical options that have been with us for so long over the generations.
“One of the strong advantages of traditional Korean medicine is that it is based on natural approaches, which minimize side effects.”
YeongCheon Son Hospital in Busan has been practicing traditional medicine for over three generations, allowing each generation to pass on crucial knowledge to the next. If you would like to further explore the benefits of Korean traditional medicine, Dr. Lee Youngja can be reached at YeongCheon Son in Namcheon at 051624-4771 or on the Web at www.sonhanbang.com.
2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 27
H Sponsored Story
Raindrop Inlay: FOCUS
FOR
THE FARSIGHTED
should the eyes get treated after the operation? A. The most important time for those who have had Raindrop Inlay surgery is one week and one month after getting the procedure done. We must remember that the human eye is an extremely sophisticated and sensitive organ, so we must be careful no matter how simple the procedure is. Patients must follow postprocedure eye management instructions given by the doctor in order to get the best results. As always, it is a common rule to keep your hands clean and to not rub your eyes under any circumstances, Q. Will anybody be able to receive this as this could lead to various other issues including inflammation of the lachrymal procedure? A. Like all other surgeries, Raindrop Inlay gland and the eye lid. requires an in-depth work-up and preprocedure inspection. It is not suitable for Q. Any suggestions for those who are those who have thin corneas, dry eyes or interested in this surgery? A. If you are interested in receiving this glaucoma. Raindrop Inlay procedure, I highly recomQ. Can you tell us about Raindrop In- Q. Are there any concerns with cata- mend that you come to Sojunghan Nun racts after someone gets treated with Ophthalmology Clinic for a consultation lay? and checkup to see which approach will A. Raindrop Inlay is a relatively simple Raindrop Inlay? procedure where a small lens is implant- A. The Raindrop lens is inlayed in the area work best for you. An in-depth checkup, ed into the cornea. The operation is quick of the cornea, while a cataract occurs on which takes about two hours, is required and requires very little recovery time the crystalline lens, which is further back to determine whether or not your eyes compared to conventional surgery for within the cornea. Therefore, there is no will benefit from any procedure and if presbyopia. It also minimizes side effects. problem for the treatment of cataracts for they are in good condition to receive the A special biomaterial called hydrogel is those who have had Raindrop Inlay sur- surgery. This will give us the best chance inserted into the cornea and acts like a gery. People who have both presbyopia to give you the best treatment for your magnifying glass. It is widely acknowl- and cataracts can even kill two birds with specific, individual case. edged for its safety and positive results, one stone by getting a multifocal artificial For more information, you can visit as well as the fact that it is harmless to the lens implanted. the Sojunghan Nun website at eye and does not require any additional www.sojunghannun.com Q. What is the prognosis, and how surgery. ph: 051-920-7788. Presbyopia is a condition that people encounter as they get older, where the eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects slowly diminishes. For years, the only solution for this common condition was prescription eyeglasses. However, now there is a new solution that can allow you to turn back the clock. The procedure is called ‘Raindrop Inlay,’ and Sojunghan Nun Ophthalmology Clinic in Busan is the first eye clinic in the region that is certified to perform this procedure. Each procedure is performed by Dr. Seung Gi Kim, the head doctor of Sojunghan Nun Ophthalmology Clinic. Dr. Kim is highly regarded among his peers, and many ophthalmologists from abroad visit him in Busan to observe him as he works. Dr. Kim recently sat down to talk about this new and exciting development in vision treatment.
28 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Q. What is the difference between conventional lens implants for presbyopia and Raindrop Inlay? A. A Raindrop implant lens is made with eco-friendly material. Its characteristics are very similar to the cornea, and the size is as small as a raindrop. It is also nearly transparent, allowing 99.7% of light to get in, so it keeps the cornea healthy after surgery and does not result in any aesthetic problems. Finally, the fact that patients can go back to their normal lives after only 10 minutes of surgery is another huge advantage.
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IMPLANT
Dr. Young-taeg Sul of Sweden Plant Dental Clinic is a pioneer in the Field of dental surgery and has been at the leading edge of dentistry since 1987.
We all have the same doubts when we visit the dentist: “Do I really need all this work done?” “Is that really how much it costs?” “Should I get a second opinion?” Finding a doctor who puts those fears to rest is a difficult (if not impossible) task. So, you leave a bit longer than you should between checkups; you ignore that sensitivity in your molar every time you eat something too hot or too cold. Before you know it, you need a filling, maybe a root canal and a crown, or even worse for your wallet, an implant. It’s time you met Dr. Young-taeg Sul, a highly educated and experienced dental implant specialist you can trust. The testimonials on his website and elsewhere all echo the same sentiments: He clearly explains each step of your treatment, he’s trustworthy, his English is excellent, he’s friendly and professional, and he ensures
his patients don’t experience any anxiety or pain. Dr. Sul graduated from Seoul National University in 1987 and worked as a dentist at his own busy private clinic in Changwon. After seven years working as a clinician, he yearned for a new challenge. “Life isn’t all about money. Life should be creative,” he says. The field of dental implants was very new to Korea at that time - so new that it wasn’t taught when he was at university. So, he decided to go straight to the source: Gothenburg University in Sweden, home of Dr. P.I. Brånemark, the ‘Grandfather of Dental Implants.’ While Dr. Sul studied, he discovered his love for research and has since received over 20 international patents for his innovative titanium implant designs. He completed his PhD in 2002 and went on to join the faculty of his alma mater in Sweden as an associate professor, a position that he still retains. However, after almost two decades abroad and two children to put through MIT, it was time to come home. In 2012, Dr. Sul arrived in Busan and set up his private practice, Sweden Plant Dental Clinic in Centum City. From the minute you walk through the door into the stylishly decorated reception area, the manner of his staff is reassuring and professional. Certificates and
awards adorn the walls, along with photos of a smiling Dr. Sul posing with American troops, celebrating with colleagues abroad and traveling with his family. In person, he’s extremely likeable and relaxed, chatting about his love of research, his dreams of being a philosopher and his pride in his family. He says he misses the kind of close relationships doctors and patients have in Sweden, where you might greet each other with a handshake or a hug rather than a bow and mumbled hello. The 18 years living in Sweden has definitely influenced his concepts of patient care, another of his selling points. In Korea it’s often hard to get the full picture from medical professionals, and patients generally accept the word of a doctor without question. However, Dr. Sul doesn’t believe in keeping his patients in the dark; he doesn’t accept the notion of “no questions allowed,” as he phrases it. He tells me about patients who have come to him saying they’ve been told by another dentist that they need an implant, only to find that an extraction was not required. He refuses to do unnecessary and expensive procedures and is genuinely frustrated with doctors who provide substandard care. At Sweden Plant you’ll find a welcoming and professional doctor who believes in providing his patients with all the information they desire, enabling them to make informed decisions about their own care. As he says, “information is everyone’s property.” Sweden Plant Dental Clinic is located on the 9th floor of the Imperial Tower in Centum City, right next to the subway station. Call 051-746-2076 or visit them on the web at www.swedenplant.co.kr.
2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 29
HTravel INTERNATIONAL
HOW I SPENT $7,634
to Travel the World in Four Months Story and photos by Michael
Fraiman
It’s ridiculous to try to calculate exactly how much you’ll spend on a long-distance trip. Some travel sites offer comprehensive anecdotal articles (which, full disclosure, this is), but it’s pretty well impossible to pin down something so prone to variables like gas, taxes, missed busses and personal fits of I-don’tcare-I-just-want-food-in-me. I left Busan hoping to spend less than $10,000 across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe on my long way back to Canada. Coming in at $7,634 - which includes airfare, accommodation, visas, food, ATM fees, gifts and transit - I think I did all right. Total days: 123 Total countries: 19 Total cost: $7,634 (of which airfare: $2,269) Daily average (flights excluded): $43/day Cheapest region: Southeast Asia, $34/day Priciest region: Europe, $49/day These results are hardly surprising. But in the interest of passing around some anecdotal information that may help eager planners out there, here are some tips and explanations: BOOK EARLY, BOOK PERSONALLY In Korea? Book with Air Asia. Period. They often abide by the six-to-eight-week rule, dictating the cheapest time to buy airfare before a flight. Be wary of flight trackers like Hipmunk, Kayak and Adioso. While great for price shopping, they often preclude low-cost carriers. Using a generic round-the-world ticket system after 30 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
my trip, I found it would have charged me over $6,000 in airfare alone. There’s an argument to be made for convenience, but it ain’t worth $4,000. Trains and buses in Europe should always, always be booked in advance (when possible), even if by only a day. The Man in Seat 61 is indisputably the go-to resource on this one. For the cheapest train tickets in overpopulated countries like India and China, book personally and in advance, otherwise tourist agents will sell you last-minute tickets at marked-up costs. PACK SMART I cheated a bit here, because I had to make an emergency trip back to Toronto midway through Europe. So while I packed well for two equatorial autumn months, by November I got a chance to fly home, drop off (rather than mail back) my summer clothes and pick up (rather than purchase new) winter stuff.
HELPING YOU GET TO THE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO.
I could fit in a single backpack two t-shirts, two long-sleeve undershirts, two collar shirts, one thick sweater, one thin wool sweater, one pair of jeans, one pair of long johns and one jacket. The combinations worked fine for six weeks, including Iceland in December.
DON’T WASTE MONEY ON TOURISTY NONSENSE I’m sure ascending the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable experience, but so what? You take a few aerial shots and stand sandwiched between a thousand sweaty tourists; $30 later you’re back down. For me, the personality in seeing such landmarks lies in the subtle details surrounding them. That being said, I’m more the type of traveler who will save by avoiding the Eiffel and sleeping on strangers’ floors, but who will gladly spend three euros on a mind-blowingly delicious chocolate macaroon. So, really, the moral of the story here is to spend your money on whatever you want, and don’t feel bad if doing that means ignoring everyone else - including me.
MAGAZINE FOR WHAT'S HAPPENING IN TRAVEL. THE
COUCHSURF IF YOU’RE COMFORTABLE Europe is only $50 a day when accommodation is free. I surfed on the couches of friends from Canada and Korea, and where I didn’t have friends I made new ones via Couchsurfing. If you’re uncomfortable with this, consider that if I’d have added $25 for a hostel bed each night in Europe, I’d have spent more than $1,100 extra. If that sum sounds worthwhile for slightly more privacy and a certain degree of presumed cleanliness, that’s fine. In my book, I’d still have to creep my way into the bathroom and wear flip-flops.
WWW.BUSANHAPS.COM
HAPS
MAGAZINE
2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 31
HTravel Travel H DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL
Glamping
By Stacy
Austin
What’s better than camping? Glamorous camping! All you do is show up, settle in and everything else is taken care of. Enjoy the great outdoors like a true human. If you haven’t already experienced Korean glamping, you are missing out. Big time. Glamping - aka glamorous camping - is a growing international trend that combines camping with the luxury and convenience of a hotel. In South Korea, more and more ‘glampsites’ are popping up all over the country. Honestly, when I first heard the word glamping, I thought it was kind of ridiculous. But experiencing the Korean countryside without the hassle of finding camp space, carrying all my own gear, feeding myself, and erecting and taking down my own tent sounded too awesome to pass up. I asked my boyfriend and another couple to check out Tentaus, a glampsite just outside of Gyeongju. After a 50-minute bus ride to Gyeongju, followed by a 30-minute (25,000 won) taxi ride, we arrived. The place houses 37 teepee-shaped tent structures that are occupied mainly by couples. There is a family campsite nearby, so you will frequently see young children during the day. What you won’t see are your usual hiking adjummas and adjussis with their brightly colored and beautifully matching jackets. Upon arriving, we checked out our sweet digs and then quickly jumped into the swimming pool. Tentaus immediately fulfilled all my glamping desires by giving me a dose of the great outdoors without me having to give up any creature comforts. I became one with nature while enjoying electricity, Wi-Fi, heating 32 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
and cooling, opulent bedding, comfortable camping chairs and bean bags, nearby washrooms and showers with hot water, and two meals served daily on a nice wooden deck. As the sun began to set on our first night, Tentaus employees brought us dinner, aptly named ‘the magic barbecue set.’ It’s approximately 700 grams of pork belly, per couple, cooked to per-
5HISTORIC
Sites to See Korea is home to 11 of UNESCO’s historically significant sites that span the globe. Here is a list of five favorite spots worth checking out. 1. JONGMYO SHRINE, SEOUL Jongmyo Shrine was constructed by the first king and founder of the Joseon Dynasty, Lee Seong-gye (1335-1408). In its heyday, it was used as the primary place of worship for kings throughout the Joseon Dynasty and is now best-known for being the oldest and most well-preserved of the Confucian royal shrines. jikimi.cha.go.kr
Tentaus, a glampsite just outside of Gyeongju, offers the comforts of home (including Wi-Fi) just a stone’s throw away from the Korean country side. fection on a Weber charcoal grill. A plethora of edibles accompany the meal, including three homemade sausages, 10 shrimp, a whole sweet potato, kimchi, five kinds of special sauce, sliced onions, mushrooms, pumpkin, microwavable rice and pastel Technicolor ’mallows. There is a free garden nearby to pick as many peppers, lettuce and perilla leaves as you’d like. After dinner, enjoy playing table tennis, renting a fire pit to burn firewood, or setting up a projector with a laptop or USB to watch a movie in the convenience of your own tent. If you feel cold, there’s even an electric blanket to warm you up. In the morning, breakfast is your typical Korean camping fare of ramen. Sure, glamping hardly qualifies as roughing it, but as air travel prices increase, the alternative idea of camping without the usual annoyances may appeal to even the fussiest non-camper. It really is like regular camping - but with nicer things, better food and more comfort. Tents are available to rent, year-round, ranging from 150,000220,000 won a night. These prices are based on two adults and include breakfast and dinner. Check-in begins at 3 p.m., and check-out time is around 11 a.m.
For more information, visit cafe.naver.com/tentaus, email tentaus486@naver.com or call 010-4388-1518.
2. HWASEONG FORTRESS, SUWON The fortress was constructed between 1794 and 1796 as a display of the King’s Confucian filial piety toward his father. Surrounded by a strong defensive system, which brought together the latest defensive architecture from both East and West, the massive walls extend nearly 6 km and have remained intact over the centuries. ehs.suwon.ne.kr 3. SEOKGURAM GROTTO AND BULGUKSA TEMPLE, GYEONGJU Constructed in the 8th century, the Seokguram Grotto houses a monumental statue of the Buddha looking out to sea. Nearby Bulguksa Temple is a stunning example of Silla Dynasty construction, and, along with the Seokguram Grotto, forms a religious architectural complex of exceptional historical significance. gyeongju.go.kr 4. HAEINSA TEMPLE, GAYA Located on Gayasan, Haeinsa Temple is home to the famed Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, which was engraved on 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248. Constructed in the 15th century, the Janggyeong Panjeon complex served the sole purpose of housing the sacred woodblocks. haeinsa.or.kr 5. NAMHANSANSEONG, GAYA Namhansanseong was originally designed to serve as an emergency capital for the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Located in the mountains 25 km southeast of Seoul, it was traditionally defended by Buddhist monk-soldiers. Though it was rebuilt several times, the earliest remains date from the 7th century. namhansansung.or.kr 2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 33
HTravel INTERNATIONAL
The Other
GIANTS
Story and Photos by Bobby McGill
A Giants baseball fan on both sides of the Pacific, Haps editor-in-chief Bobby McGill recently made the most of a major league press pass to live out a dream, while at the same time finding out what some San Francisco Giants thought about the Korean style of baseball. During his three-year tenure at the helm of the Lotte Giants, former manager Jerry Royster would sometimes muse on the fact that while he played an impressive 16 years in the major leagues, it wasn’t until he came to Korea that he was given the honor of playing golf with visiting former President George W. Bush and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State Colin Powell. My story is not quite as cool, but as a business reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle back in the late ‘90s, I was never fortunate enough to get a press pass to a Giants baseball game until the Lotte Giants gave me the honor of writing about the team from behind the scenes in 2011. The one-sided Giants’ equation in my life was finally remedied on a trip back home in July, when my friend and Chronicle sports editor Al Saracevic, hooked Haps up with an official press pass for game two of the four-game Bay Bridge Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s. As a long-time S.F. Giants fan, it was sheer awesomeness. 34 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
When I stepped into the clubhouse, three hours before the game, I made a beeline for my personal party hero, and pitching god, Tim Lincecum. I asked the two-time Cy Young Award winner for his take on the Korean style of baseball in the major leagues, to which he responded, “To be honest, I don’t know which ones are the Korean baseball players.” I then mentioned standout pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu, who plays for the L.A. Dodgers. Lincecum, whose nickname is “The Freak” for his less-than-traditional approach to both life and the game of baseball, suddenly perked up. “He attacks the zone a lot and he has a poise about him,” said Lincecum. “I don’t know if that is indicative of the kind of baseball they play over there, but for a guy who made it over here at a young age, it speaks volumes to the way they go about baseball.” Former San Francisco Giants’ second baseman and seven-time Emmy Award-winning radio and television announcer Duane Kuiper echoed the sentiment.
“They are as prepared for the big leagues as any of the players that come out of Double-A or Triple-A, and I think that is a tribute to the brand of baseball that they play in their country,” said Kuiper. “Somebody is teaching them the fundamentals, and someone is harping on them about how to play the game the right way. And judging by the people we’ve seen coming over from Korea, the ones that are in the big leagues, they (the coaches) are doing a good job.” Though my enthusiasm for the Busan version of the Giants has waned over the years since Royster left, I suddenly felt a great deal of pride in the baseball being played on this side of the world. Look for me at more Lotte Giants games in the future, and I will do my best not to talk your ear off about that special afternoon when I got to hang out with my heroes from the big leagues back home. Tim Lincecum photo courtesy of Major League Baseball (Wikicommons). 2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 35
HSports
TALK
36 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Locked
AND LOADED
By Mathew
Scott
Kim ‘Stun Gun’ Dong-hyun might be touted as the UFC’s next big thing, but the Busan-based fighter wants to land one blow at a time, as Mathew Scott reports. Blink and you missed it. John Hathaway most certainly did. Asia. Along with bouts in the Southern Chinese enclave of MaThe British mixed martial artist was giving as good as he got cau, Singapore, the Philippines and – eventually – South Korea against Busan’s Kim Dong-hyun during their welterweight are down to host future events. bout at the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s card in Macau in “I think the more people see the sport, the more people become fans and even want to get involved in the sport,” says March. But, suddenly, it was lights out. Kim. “There are a lot of Kim showed Hathaway – Korean fighters coming and the world – why he’s one UFC HAS EVERYTHING AND FOR ME MEANS I HAVE through, and there is a lot of the sport’s most exciting TO USE EVERY SKILL I HAVE. IT’S ALL ACTION, I LIKE TO of attention on us. We all talents, with an elbow that seemed to come from no- TEST MYSELF, TO PUSH MYSELF TO THE LIMIT, AND UFC want to prove that we are the best fighters in Asia. where as he spun and landed GIVES ME A CHANCE TO DO THAT. UFC has everything and for it flush on Hathaway’s chin. Already it’s being hailed as the knockout of the year and further me means I have to use every skill I have. It’s all action, I like to proof that a world title fight beckons for the 32-year-old Kim. test myself, to push myself to the limit, and UFC gives me a chance to do that.” Little wonder Kim is also known as ‘Stun Gun.’ But, for the moment at least, Kim is focused on the old adage Success against Woodley would take Kim’s record to 20 wins of taking things one fight at a time. Next up is an assignment against three losses and raise his world ranking up from ninth against the number-four-ranked welterweight Tyron ‘The Cho- to within a shot for the UFC’s middleweight title, currently held sen One’ Woodley back in Macau on August 23 in what prom- by American Johny Hendricks. Kim won’t be drawn into making any predictions – but he does say he has a few tricks in store for ises to be the toughest fight of Kim’s career. “I think the best thing to do is just take things one match af- whomever he might fight. ter one match,” says Kim. “In this sport you have to be ready “I am always preparing my moves and looking for ways to for anything, and so you can’t look too far ahead. So I am just achieve the knockout,” says Kim. “It might be the elbow that preparing for Woodley and concentrating on beating him and people saw last time in Macau, or it might be one punch. I like to taking one more step in my career. If I keep winning, then a title entertain the fans and give them something to yell about. Last time it was all about the timing. It worked perfectly that one fight will come my way.” Kim, who started out in judo before expanding his range, is time – but I have a lot more skills I want to show.” one of a number of Korean fighters in the UFC stable, and the organization – which in a little over a decade has expanded into Mathew Scott is a Hong Kong-based sportswriter and fight fan. a multibillion-dollar global phenomenon – has big plans for Photo: Zuffa LLC/Getty Images
LOTTE GIANTS SCHEDULE AUGUST 12,13,14 - NEXEN AUGUST 19, 20 - HANWHA (ULSAN) AUGUST 23, 24 - LG AUGUST 26, 27 - SAMSUNG AUGUST 28, 29 - KIA SEPTEMBER 9, 10 - SK SEPTEMBER 13, 14 - DOOSAN
NOTE: THE SEPTEMBER GAMES SCHEDULE WILL BE RELEASED IN AUGUST.
BUSAN IPARK SCHEDULE AUGUST 10 - SEOUL 7:30 P.M. AUGUST 24 - CHUNNAM 7:30 P.M. SEPTEMBER 10 - JEONBUK 7:30 P.M. SEPTEMBER 13 - ULSAN 7:30 P.M. SEPTEMBER 27 - SEONGNAM 2 P.M. OCTOBER 1 - SANGJU 7:30 P.M.
2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 37
H Community Corner
Safety First By Jeff
Liebsch
Living in South Korea is not without its dangers. Lee Soon-yong, Chief of Police at the city’s largest precinct in Busanjin-gu, talks about how to be safe in the city. Safety is one of the biggest concerns when one visits overseas, but Lee Soon-yong, Chief of Police of Busan-jin Police Station in Seomyeon, assures tourists and residents alike that safety is the key priority for officers around the nation. Lee, who took over the reigns of the largest precinct in the city in early July after having served as the Chief of Foreign Affairs Division at the Busan Police Agency, noted in a recent interview with Haps that with the foreign population growing in the city to upwards of 54,000 residents, the police departments are doing their utmost to provide quality service regardless of which language you speak. “We provide foreigners assistance in 19 foreign languages, including a triangle interpretation service system which operates 24 hours a day,” he said. “There are 150 police officers in charge of foreign affairs in the city, including three to six officers at every police station, and most of them can speak more than one foreign language, such as English, Japanese or Chinese.” Additionally, the Busan Police Agency officially launched a multilingual tourist police force consisting of 35 handpicked police officers whose duty it is to crack down on overcharging merchants and taxi drivers as well as to provide tourists with assistance in major tourist areas around the city. First launched in Seoul in October 2013, the officers have dealt with over 22,000 illegal activities and complaints from tourists, 38 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
ranging from unregistered tour guides and taxi businesses to guesthouses that failed to meet safety regulations. While safety is always a concern in any country, Lee takes pride that South Korea has been known as one of the safest countries in the world to visit; however, if a situation arises and you need help, you should call the police. “Don`t hesitate to call us using the 112 system,” Lee said. “We will consult on that matter and we are always open to foreigners in trouble and will do our best to take care of your problem.” If you’re in need of any police assistance, you can call the 112 system 24 hours a day.
Community Corner H
Busan Daytrippers
By John
Dunphy
In a country with over 70% mountains, it makes sense that hiking has long been the national pastime in Korea. American Joe Carrier put together Busan Daytrippers for expats who share a love for reaching the peaks. You wipe salty sweat from your eyes with a do-rag already wet enough to be rung out into a cup. You pull out a bottle and drain it, hoping to find more water soon. Your feet and calves ache from one more climb, just one more climb. Exhausted, you know you’ll need to rest very soon, as you turn a corner to hear: “Ice cakeeeeeee!” Silently, you thank the shouting, entrepreneurial gentleman who filled a Styrofoam box with melon-flavored ice cream pops and strapped it to his back before hiking up the same modest Busan mountain you just labored to climb. He doesn’t even look winded as you pull out a pop and slip the man 1,000 won. The treat is cool and creamy and came just at the right time. Before your deserved break, before beginning the descent off the mountain, a photo must be taken to commemorate the accomplishment. This usually is by a rock, etched with the height in meters those achy feet just conquered. And for all the stinging sweat in your eyes, sunburned shoulders and silent swears you committed at the sight of another climb just moments before, in this moment - looking out over the vista at the vast city below - you absolutely understand why hiking is one of the most popular ways to stay fit in Busan. A few years ago, a few expats realized that hiking is often better with friends. Joe Carrier, an English teacher and sole Busan Daytrippers founder still in Korea, helped create the Facebook page for anyone - expat or native - to meet and enjoy the great outdoors together.
“I came to Korea from the American Midwest, and I originally chose Busan because of the beaches,” he said. “But, when I arrived I fell in love with the mountains.” Carrier said he started the group hoping to find other expats to hike with. “Over the years I have met a lot of great people through the group and seen a lot of beautiful places,” he said. Daytripper trips have included noontime jaunts to Beomosa Temple, all-night treks on Yeongdo, even weekend adventures in national parks outside Busan. No matter where the hike goes, it often will be lead by Alicia Stambaugh, a Canadian English teacher who says it was her initial foray into the group that developed what has become a passion for hiking. “I’ve only been hiking since I arrived in Korea a few years ago,” she said. “Before that, it wasn’t a sport I did regularly.” Stambaugh said participation in the group’s activities is a great way to either stay or get into shape as well as spend quality time outdoors and maybe even make a friend or two. But her hikes aren’t the only ones. Any member can lead or suggest a hike -- on a mountain as intimidating or as modest and as close to home or as remote as preferred. “We encourage anyone to organize a hike, so don’t be shy,” Stambaugh said.
“I came to Korea from the American Midwest, and I originally chose Busan because of the beaches. When I arrived I fell in love with the mountains.”
For more information, visit the Busan Daytrippers Facebook page. You can read more from John Dunphy at jpdunphy. wordpress.com 2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 39
Dining & Food
REVIEW:
ULSAN’S TOOLBOX SERVES UP SOME SERIOUS BURGERS
By Jen Sotham Photos By Patrick Sanders
Does Ulsan’s Toolbox have the best burgers on the planet? According to Jen Sotham, the case for absolute supremacy can easily be made after the very first bite. For a long time, I have born the nickname Jens. The ‘s’ doesn’t stand for Sotham; it stands for superlative. I have a bit of a penchant for exaggeration. For several days before my recent trip to Ulsan, all I could think (and talk) about was paying a visit to Toolbox, a burger joint in old downtown I had discovered on a previous Ulsan sojourn. I sermonized in a Facebook chat to a friend about how excited I was for my Toolbox burger. “Seriously, top five burgers I’ve eaten in my life.” “What were the other four?” he asked. I told him I’d get back to him, and then I thought about it ... all day. I’ve eaten the legendary burger at New York City’s Corner Bisto. I’ve had my share of ‘animal style’ burgers at In-N-Out Burger in Los Angeles. I’ve even been fortunate enough to taste the gourmet slider trio in Manhattan’s famed Old Homestead. After a fair amount of consideration, I came back to my friend with a retraction of my former statement. The Misso burger (swiss cheese, salami, bacon, onion and a whole avocado) at Toolbox is, in fact, the BEST burger I’ve ever had. When I arrived at Toolbox and discovered that they had sold out of the Misso burger, I was crestfallen, but I opted for the Signature burger (cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, chips and horseradish mayo) instead. When I took my first bite, I realized that it wasn’t only the accoutrements that had made the other burger I had eaten so phenomenal -- it was the gorgeously flavored, juicy, 150-gram handmade patty, the perfectly toasted bun and the awesome balance of condiments. I inquired with owner and chef, Hee-Hoon Jeong, about his journey to create the perfect burger. Hee-Hoon LOVES burgers. When he went to Australia on working holiday in 2008, he learned how to prepare Aussie-style burgers and returned to Korea with a mission to learn about 40 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Sponsored Story H
6 PACK
CRAFT BEER HAS COME A LONG WAY IN BUSAN. 6 PACK BOTTLE SHOP TAKES IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL.
Western-style food. He partnered up with Dho-Yoon Kim, who attended culinary school in New York, and the two set out to bring proper burgers to their hometown of Ulsan. Hee-Hoon was eager to share his philosophy and goals. “I want to make special, handmade burgers that stand apart from fast food.” Hee Hoon says, adding that he wants to be part of creating a “burger culture” here in Korea. And he is well on his way. Toolbox has a solid reputation among Ulsanites, and I’ve seen quite a number of blog posts about this little gem from travelers who have visited there. Its reputation is well-deserved. Not only is the food excellent, but the prices are also reasonable and the service, despite being a one-man operation, is fast and friendly. The minimalist industrial-chic space is warmed up by wonderfully kitschy decorative elements that augment the ‘toolbox’ theme. It’s also, to my delight, K-pop-free. There are two Toolbox locations, one in Bangeojin and one in Shinae (old downtown). The menu features a variety of burgers, all using Toolbox’s signature 150-gram homemade patties, including a Mexican-style chili burger and, a new addition I’m planning to try on my next visit, a Mac-n-Cheese burger. The menu is rounded out by a nice selection of sandwiches and salads as well as items like fish and chips and loaded chili fries. Ulsan, just an hour by bus from Haeundae, is a great place for a short getaway. The river promenade and Grand Park make for great days outdoors. There are also a few bars in old downtown, like JJ’s and The Royal Anchor, and from what I hear, new downtown is like a Hongdae-in-training. That said, Toolbox alone is worth the journey. Hee-Hoon speculated to me about the possibility of opening a Toolbox in Busan. Now that would be the BEST thing EVER!
The days of ‘crap’ beer are officially over in Busan. When craft beer entered the city’s drinking scene just a few short years ago, many connoisseurs of the suds breathed a sigh of joy. While some may call it a fad, others deem it an absolute life passion. Yoon Sang-jin, proprietor of 6 Pack Bottle Shop, is one of those people. The newest addition to the craft beer scene in Busan, 6 Pack, as it is commonly referred, brings an amazing selection of over 170 craft bottled beers from around the world to Busan and Ulsan in the first-of-its-kind store in the southern part of the peninsula. With bottles ranging from just under 4,000 won to the high-end 91,000-won DeuS Cuvee Prestige 2012 from Belgium, 6 Pack stocks a variety of beers from Canada, the US, Europe, Japan and Australia. And they’re just getting started. “Preparations are underway to import items only sold in Busan,” says Yoon. “We aim to lower prices and to offer unique brands of craft beer only available in the city, without having the added expense of going to Itaewon.” Yoon, who became a craft beer fanatic after drinking a Dogfish Head beer from Delaware when he was living in the United States, hopes to make customers select beers as carefully as they would wrestle between a cabernet or a merlot. 6 Pack is open daily from 2 to 11 p.m. in Namcheon-dong in Busan and Samsan-dong in Ulsan. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind beer experience, this is the place to start. You can check out more about the selection at blog.naver.com/6packbt 2014 Aug/Sep_ busanhaps.com 41
Music Scene
A NIGHT AT
CLUB REALIZE
By Clint Stamatvch
Step into Club Realize on the weekend and have your head explode by some of the best that Korean music has to offer. Clint Stamatvch gives us the rundown on a smoldering night there. Down the late-night, garbage-riddled streets of the Kyungsung University area, people socialize outside of Club Realize during a hardcore metal show, while old women saunter back and forth collecting bottles for recycling. It’s the first week of May; Bullshit Fest is being hosted by 24 Crew and includes popular Korean metal acts like Gwamegi, Animal Anthem, All I Have, End These Days and Manixive as well Blindside from Japan. The hardcore community is stimulated by following personal interests -- even if those interests differ from, say, the groupthink monopoly of K-pop. Individual thinking is more prevalent in this scene, but even in the microcosm there are divides. A heavystyle hardcore show only draws heavy-style hardcore fans, and a hardcore punk show only draws hardcore punk enthusiasts. “Usually shows are more successful if they’re genre specific. But there are special shows. We put emphasis on enjoying all genres, but there are various listeners,” says Gang Chang Un, 42 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
bass player of All I Have. The opening act, Manixive, pushes cultural boundaries with a female vocalist that emits a growl from deep in her diaphragm as her hair spins and the musicians play a style of metalcore few materialize for. The band, which also touts a phenomenal lead guitarist, deservedly collects accolades from expats after their set. After Manixive, the crowd swells the small venue, creating stagnant, heavy humidity. Approximately 40 to 50 people attend Bullshit Fest, more than I’ve seen at any type of underground show in Korea. Most of the crowd are members of the heavy hardcore community -- those associated with Gwamegi, All I Have and End These Days. Another hardcore community from Daegu shows support for the 24 Crew bands as well. Gang says these bands move back and forth to different regions of Korea, but they’ve been pushing for cultural exchange, for instance, with Blindside playing to a Korean crowd.
Nightlife & Music Between sets, dancers stagger off to the back of the venue to purchase shirts, pins and stickers from collapsible tables set up by band members. “Many bands trade their albums among other bands and sell them,” says Gang. “There is much more physical trading than digital downloading,” which is surprising considering Korea’s rapid progression and social integration of technology and social media. Things We Say stirs excitement as they possess the stage; many sing along to catchy choruses and thrashing verses -- a style known as Youth Crew. Vocalist Victor Ha is reserved in his demeanor when not shouting into the microphone, but during songs he fervently interacts with the crowd. His vocals are a higher pitch than any showcased yet and, together with the poppy rhythms, make for a unique sound. Youth Crew, a style of hardcore music originating in New York in the 1980s, touts a moralistic, positive attitude toward life. Band members associated with Youth Crew are largely straightedge and vegetarian or vegan -- both largely uncommon in contemporary Korean culture. Things We Say derive their name from a song from the American Youth Crew band Gorilla Biscuits. The afterparty is down the street at a traditional Korean latenight restaurant, where around 30 people troop in with amps and guitars in tow. The scene is surreal with hardcore fans -heavily tattooed -- and less abundant, scattered punks sitting cross-legged at tiny tables, politely passing soju bottles and carrying on about the festival. For Gang, it’s all about spreading the word of the relatively unknown scene. “We have pride for our move toward independence, enjoying music and carrying out cultural exchange with other regions and nations,” he says. “There are not many supporters, but they are powerful in keeping the scene active.” Check out Club Realize on Facebook.
2014 Aug/Sep_ busanhaps.com 43
H Sponsored Story
tving LAUNCHES
REDESIGNED HOMEPAGE CJ Hellovision’s new tving homepage makes finding great entertainment easier than ever before.
CJ Hellovision tving (www.tving.com) announced UX Project Manager Jang Ki-hyung, expressed exan innovative new design to its homepage to make citement with this innovative evolution in streaming viewing your favorite movies, TV shows and pro- content online. “As the PC media environment will now offer highgrams easier than ever before. The new layout and design allows you to quickly view available content er resolution, streaming content will provide people and choose what you want to watch, even while more TV-like convenience with a Web-like experience,” said Jang. streaming content. The new site will be a welcome change over the pre- Jang also added that tving will continue to adapt viously popular design by offering much easier and and change to meet the growing customer demands for this already widely far more intuitive navigation. The new tv- AN EASY-TO-ACCESS MENU ALLOWS VIEWERS popular service. According to CJ Heling system allows you TO BROWSE THE EXTENSIVE CATALOGUE OF CJ to find popular and HELLOVISION STREAMING CONTENT, INCLUD- lovision, this is just another step in the contrending programs ING POPULAR SHOWS SUCH AS SHERLOCK, tinuing customization and movies with just HOUSE OF CARDS AND DOCTOR WHO. of tving, which allows a simple scroll of your mouse. An easy-to-access menu located on the right more viewers on more platforms to take advantage side of the screen, which is now 1.5 times larger than of the wealth of available content. before, allows viewers to browse the extensive cata- Android users welcomed state-of-the-art modilogue of CJ Hellovision streaming content, including fications to the tving platform in December of last popular shows such as Sherlock, House of Cards and year, while users of Apple’s increasingly popular iOS can look forward to updates for their platform later Doctor Who. When setting the newly designed homepage to ‘TV this year. Mode’ you can easily pick up where you left off with The company also announced that they will offer whatever you were watching previously. There is also several promotional events in the near future, which a ‘Fan’ feature, which allows viewers to subscribe to will allow users to take even greater advantage of tvtheir favorite shows or channels and be alerted when ing’s extensive offerings. For more information, visit www.tving.com. new episodes are available.
44 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Sponsored Story H
TRUE FREEDOM IN JESUS By Pastor Dan Colins
Sometimes the world can feel like a rollercoaster that has gotten out of control. We were happy when we got on, but now all we want to do is get off as soon as possible. We look around and there is so much that just doesn’t seem right. So, we begin to look for answers. Answers that will make sense out of what we see and what we know to be true in our heart. What we see is a world in trouble where evil seems to always have the upper hand and all that is good and right seems squashed under the weight of injustice. At Redeemer International Community Church, we don’t promise or aim to answer all of your questions. What we do aim to do is connect people to Jesus Christ, because the greatest problem with the world is that we have rejected God, and in rejecting God we have embraced and loved all that is wrong. We did this expecting freedom, but instead we became slaves to the very things we thought would free us. The truth is that true freedom and true life are only found in having a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Redeemer ICC is based in Busan and consists of a group of believers from all over the world. We are an independent English-speaking congregation, and we exist for one purpose only: to proclaim the excellence of God so that all people can know true freedom through Jesus. We invite and encourage you to come out and visit us anytime. Find us online at redeemerbusan.org or contact Pastor Dan and Pastor James at redeemericc@gmail.com
2014 Aug/Sep _ busanhaps.com 45
Education Corner
LEARNING ENGLISH WITH HAPS
HAPS INTRODUCES A NEW FEATURE FOR THOSE LOOKING TO IMPROVE THEIR ENGLISH OR FOR TEACHERS LOOKING FOR EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM.
WARM UP!
VOCABULARY PREVIEW
1. How often do you go camping during the summer?
1. trend
2. What are some things you or most people usually enjoy about camping?
(noun)
2. fulfilled (verb)
3. What are some of the hassles or problems that generally happen during a camping trip?
a. wealthy, rich, and luxuriant b. things or foods that you can eat
3. opulent (adj.)
c. a current style that is popular
4. plethora (noun)
d. a large amount, more than is needed
5. edibles (noun)
e. to leave one feeling totally satisfied
PHRASES PREVIEW popping up
being built or opened very quickly and in many different places and locations
one is missing out
to be unaware or missing totally a great thing you should try
give one a dose of
to get a good amount of something so that you can feel satisfied or overcome with it
cooked to perfection become one with nature
to cook some food to the most delicious taste possible that it can be cooked to to be a part of and to feel totally comfortable and at peace in a natural environment
GLAMPING
by
STACY AUSTIN
Read the full story on page 32
If you haven’t already experienced Korean glamping, you are missing out. Big time. Glamping -- aka glamorous camping - is a growing international trend that combines camping with the luxury and convenience of a hotel. In South Korea, more and more ‘glampsites’ are popping up all over the country. Honestly, when I first heard the word glamping, I thought it was kind of ridiculous. But experiencing the Korean countryside without the hassle of finding camp space, carrying all my own gear, feeding myself, and erecting and taking down my own tent sounded too awesome to pass up. I asked my boyfriend and another couple to check out Tentaus, a glampsite just outside of Gyeongju.
fection on a Weber charcoal grill. A plethora of edibles accompany the meal, including three homemade sausages, 10 shrimp, a whole sweet potato, kimchi, five kinds of special sauce, sliced onAs the sun began to set on our first night, Tentaus employees ions, mushrooms, pumpkin, microwavable rice and pastel Techbrought us dinner, aptly named ‘the magic barbecue set.’ It’s ap- nicolor ’mallows. There is a free garden nearby to pick as many proximately 700 grams of pork belly, per couple, cooked to per- peppers, lettuce and perilla leaves as you’d like. 46 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Lesson No. 01
CHECK UNDERSTANDING
Preview these questions and reread the article for the answers. The answers are available at the bottom of this page.
FOCUS ON CONTENT
1. Glamping is a new trend that combines ______________ and ___________________ . A. traveling / camping B. camping / hotel comfort C. glamorous people / hotels 2. What is NOT true according to the article? A. Glamping is something that is relatively new. B. Glamping is fun but has many hassles involved. C. New Glampsites are being opened all the time. D. Glamping let’s you experience nature. 3. What can be inferred from the article or this sentence? A. The author will likely try Glamping again. C. Glamping requires a lot of planning.
B. The Glamping was trip was too expensive. D. Glamping is the exact same as a hotel stay.
TRUE OR FALSE 1. The bedding in the glampsite was a little worn out and lacking in comfort. 2. There was more food provided than the author could eat. 3. The idea of glamping has been around for a long time.
MASTER NEW VOCABULARY trend fulfilled opulent plethora edibles
1. __________
2. __________
TRUE TRUE TRUE
FALSE FALSE FALSE
Use the new vocabulary you have learned from the article to complete the following exercise.
3. __________
4. __________
5. __________
SUMMARY MAPPING Use the main ideas and supporting information to summarize the article. (1)______________
• everyone sleeps in a tent • a good dose of (2)______________ • pick (3)______________ in a garden
DISCUSS AND WRITE
GLAMPING
• A popular new (6)______________ • (7)______________ all over Korea
Hotel Comfort • (4)______________ bedding • hot showers, electricity, Wi-Fi • a (5)______________ of foods
What are your opinions about this article and further into this topic? Try to use some of the new vocabulary in your answers.
DISCUSSION 1. Explain why you would prefer to go regular camping or go on a glamping trip next time you get a weekend away? 2. Can we consider glamping to be a real form of camping? Do people really get to become one with nature this way? 3. Could you think of any other trendy fusion activities like glamping that are becoming more popular these days?
WRITING ASSIGNMENT Whether we go glamping, regular camping or traveling, there is usually an element of feeling fulfilled or at one with something. Write about one of your experiences away from home where you felt a sense of fulfillment or a feeling that you really found somewhere you wanted to be.
ANSWER KEY Focus on Content - B,B,A True or False - F,T,F
Vocabulary - 1.edibles 2.fulfilled 3.trend 4.plethora 5.opulent Summary Mapping - 1.Camping 2.nature 3.edibles 4.opulent 5.plethora 6.trend 7.popping up
2014 Aug/Sep_ busanhaps.com 47
Hotel Directory & News
Hotel Events and News
Whether you are looking for a comfortable place to lay your head, somewhere to enjoy a good meal or throw back a few cocktails, here’s what’s happening at some of our favorite local hotels.
Kunoh Seacloud Hotel
287 Haeundaehaebyun-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan ph. 051-742-2121 web. www.seacloudhotel.com
Spend your vacation within a stone’s throw of the beach, with the Kunoh Seacloud’s summer package, complete with a set from Bath and Body Works.
Hotel Nongshim
23, Geumganggongwon-ro 20beon-gil, Dongnae-gu, Busan ph. 051-550-2100 web. www.hotelnongshim.com
Cool down with a mouthwatering fresh mango bingsu and specialty teas from around the world at the hotel’s first-floor lounge, which houses its bakery.
Novotel Hotel
1405-16 Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan ph. 051-746-8481 web. www.novotel.ambatel.com
Beat the heat with a traditional, medical, herb-flavored Samgyetang weekdays for lunch between noon and 3 p.m. at the lobby-level Seascapes restaurant through August 31.
Park Hyatt Busan
51, Marine City 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan ph. 051-990-1234 web. busan.park.hyatt.com
Choose from a wide selection of prime quality meat and seafood from the charcoal grill in the open kitchen, with the Dining Room’s “Exclusive Signature Lunch Set,” which comes with fresh salad, or the “Chef Sushi Lunch Tray.”
48 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Paradise Hotel
1408-5 Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan ph. 051-742-2121 web. www.paradisehotel.co.kr
Relive your memories of Japan with the “Cool Summer Sake Under the Moonlight” special available after 5 p.m. through August 23.
Accomodation Guide
Hotel Directory
Looking for a place to stay when visiting Busan? Find it with the Haps hotel directory, your local English guide to accomodation in the city. HAEUNDAE THE WESTIN CHOSUN tel: 82-51-749-7000 web: www.echosunhotel.com Do it right and crash in the same room George W. Bush did. PARADISE HOTEL tel: 82-51-742 2121 web: www.paradisehotel.co.kr On the water, with a casino, excellent spa and a pool. SEACLOUD HOTEL tel: 82-51-933-1000 web: www.seacloudhotel.com Luxury stay with great restaurants. Short walk to the beach. CENTUM HOTEL tel: 82-51-720-9000 web: www.centumhotel.co.kr Near Shinsegae and BEXCO. Good subway access. SUNSET HOTEL tel: 82-51-730-9900 web: www.sunsethotel.co.kr Seventy-two rooms with, according to the site, “individual design concepts”. NOVOTEL AMBASSADOR tel: 82-51-743-1234 web: novotel.ambatel.com On the beach. Great ocean view, Murpii Nightclub. GRAND HOTEL tel: 82-51-740-0610 web: www.grandhotel.co.kr One of the cheaper spots on the strip, but still at the beach. KUNOH SEACLOUD HOTEL tel: 82-51-933-4300 web: www.seacloudhotel.kr Luxury stay with great restaurants. Short walk to the beach. HANWHA RESORT tel: 82-1588-2299 web: www.hanwharesort.co.kr Beautiful views of Oryukdo, the bridge and close to the beach. PARK HYATT BUSAN tel: 82-51-990-1234 web: busan.park.hyatt.com Five star quality hotel with stunning views and service.
SEOMYEON LOTTE HOTEL tel: 82-51-810-1000 web: www.lottehotelbusan.com Lotte runs a tight ship and it shows in the generous customer service here.
TOYOKO INN tel: 82-51-442-1045 web: www.toyoko-inn.com Across from D City, comfortable, clean and affordable. CROWN HOTEL tel: 82-51-635-1241 web: www.fnetravel.com/english/pusanhotels/crown.html Mid-range hotel decorated in Korean style, good for travellers.
GWANGALLI HOMERS HOTEL tel: 82-51-750-8000 web: www.homershotel.com Right on Gwangalli Beach amidst the myriad of cafes, bars and restaurants. AQUA PALACE tel: 82-51-756-0202 web: www.aquapalace.co.kr Beautiful view of the Diamond Bridge, right in the middle of the beach.
JUNG-GU COMMODORE HOTEL tel: 82-51-461-9703 web: www.commodore.co.kr Beautifully designed traditional hotel. Close proximity to Busan Station. BUSAN TOURIST HOTEL tel: 82-51-241-4301 web: www.pusanhotel.co.kr Conveniently located next to the train station. Good for a cheap night’s rest. TOYOKO INN tel: 82-51-442-1045 web: www.toyoko-inn.com Affordably priced hotel, clean and 10 minutes away from the train station. PHOENIX HOTEL tel: 82-51-245-8061 web: www.hotelphoenix.net Highly trained staff, close to Nampodong. Popular with Japanese tourists. ELYSEE HOTEL tel: 82-51-241-4008 web: www.elyseemotel.com Affordable hotel with good amenities. Close to Nampo-dong.
BUSAN STATION GUKJE HOTEL tel: 82-51-642-1330 web: www.hotelkukje.com About 3 km away from the train station, close to Citizen’s Hall. TOYOKO INN tel: 82-51-442-1045 web: www.toyoko-inn.com
The second location, this one is a minute away from the train station.
OTHER AREAS PARAGON HOTEL [Sasang-gu] tel: 82-51-328-2001 web: www.hotelparagon.com Business comfort, with close proximity to Gimhae International Airport.
HI KOREA HOSTEL tel: 070-4409-3132 web: www.hikoreahostel.com email: hikoreahostel@gmail.com Your home away from home, Hi Korea Hostel offers you an affordable and comfortable accommodation just a stone’s throw away from Haeundae Beach.
BUSAN CENTRAL HOTEL [Yeonsan-dong] tel: 82-51- 866-6225 web: www.centralhotel.co.kr Adjacent to Yeonsan rotary, located 10 minutes away from City Hall. HOTEL NONGSHIM [Oncheonjeong] tel: 82-51-550-2100 web: www.hotelnongshim.com Great area around the hotel. Head north to PNU for original Busan nightlife.
BUDGET BUSAN YOUTH HOSTEL ARPINA [Haeundae] tel: 82-51-731-9800 web: www.arpina.co.kr Opened in 2004, a cheap place to stay for the night. Culture center inside. GOODSTAY THE PLANET GUESTHOUSE [Haeundae] tel: 010-2780-6350 web: www.earthlinghome.com Women-only dormitory across from Haeundae Beach in the Crystal Beach Office Tel. INDY HOUSE [Kyungsung Uni] tel: 82-70-8615-6442 Super cheap, dorm-style room right in the heart of Kyungsung. MARUB GUEST HOUSE [Haeundae] tel: 010-6322-3194 web: www.marubee.com Well-placed near restaurants, commercial area in Haeundae. POBI GUEST HOUSE [Haeundae] tel: 051-746-7990 web: www.guesthousekoreabusan.com Renovated guest houses three minutes from Haeundae Beach. SUM GUEST HOUSE tel: 070-8837-0700 web: www.sumhostel.com Renovated in 2011, they guarantee guests a pleasant stay whether in Busan for business or pleasure. HELLO GUEST HOUSE [Haeundae] tel: 051-746-8590 web: www.facebook.com/helloguesthousehello Friendly, clean and cozy atmosphere. Outdoor patio for your enjoyment. 2014 Aug/Sep_ busanhaps.com 49
Nightlife & Dining Directory
GWANGALLI BEACH BIKINI [Lounge/Beer Bar] Spacious club with dancing and such. BEACHED CAFE AND SPORTS BAR [Kiwi Sports Bar] open: 6pm - late tel: 051-924-9662 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ beached-cafe-sports-bar This Kiwi-run sports bar has gained a loyal expat following for its spectacular bridge view and its wide array of Kiwi beer, the only place in the city to boast such a claim. Rugby is the sport of choice on the TV for the punters. BELLA CITTA [Italian] tel: 051-711-0010 web: www.busanhaps.com/food/bellacitta-italian Italian restaurant with an incredible interior, top notch menu and indoor garden seating. BURGER AND PASTA [International] open: 11am - 2am tel: 051-751-6631 web: www.busanhaps.com/food/burgerand-pasta-gwangan The second of the Burger and Pasta shops around the city, this international eatery offers a great view of the bridge while you enjoy your day on the sand. Burgers, pasta and brunch are on the menu in the stylishly decorated restaurant in the middle of the main drag of Gwangalli Beach. FOUR SEASONS [Raw Fish Korean] English speaking owner, 2nd fl. Fish Market. FUZZY NAVEL- MILLAK [Food/Bar] open: 11am - 6am tel: 051-754-6349 web: www.fncompany.co.kr It has fabulous views of Gwangalli Beach. Facing the Diamond Bridge, come enjoy a drink and some tacos on our patio. Great staff serve fresh made Mexican cuisine and will mix up your favorite cocktail. FUZZY NAVEL- GWANGALLI [Bar] open: 7pm - 6am web: www.fncompany.co.kr Located on the ground floor, offering a great view of the beach and bridge. Friendly staff serve excellent cocktails at the vintagelooking bar. Make sure you take advantage of the outside seating in the summertime. GALMEGI BREWING CO. [Craft Brew Pub] open: Mon - Fri 6-1am, Sat 2pm-2am, Sun 2pm-12am tel: 010-4469-9658 fb: galmegi.brewing 50 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Galmegi Brewing Co. is Busan’s first craft brew pub right on Gwangan Beach. HQ BAR [American/Sports Bar] open: weekdays, 4 p.m.- late; weekends, 11 a.m.- late tel: 010-7544-8830 web: www.facebook.com/hq.bar.5 HQ’s new Gwangan location has the same massive selection of craft beers on tap and cocktails - including our homemade infused liquors - but also sports one of the best views on the beach; a new and improved menu, including weekend brunch and made-to-order sandwiches; and a projection screen for our usual dumb nonsense. SHARKY’S [American Sports Bar] open: 6 p.m. weekdays, 2 p.m. weekends tel: 010-4038-2907 (call for reservations) web: www.sharkysbusan.com Ranked highly on tripadvisor. com and as having the best burger in Busan by Haps, Sharky’s is a smoke-free environment where families or singles can enjoy a great drink and a fine meal. With premium-cut steaks, burgers, fresh gourmet salads and vegetarian options, Sharky’s has something for everyone. TAP AND TAPAS [Spanish] open: 3pm-5am tel: 051-746-6318 web: www.tapntapas.com Recently opened on the beach, Tap and Tapas serves up mouthwatering Spanish cuisine in a beautiful setting looking out to the Gwangalli Bridge. With an extensive menu and cocktail list, it’s a great meeting space for singles and couples out looking to impress. THURSDAY PARTY [Korean/Expat Bar] open: 6pm - late web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ thursday-party A summer staple on Gwangalli Beach for the past couple of summers, Thursday Party has two locations situated next to each other on the east side of the beach. Both bars are similar to the Thursday Party city-wide theme, and offer a variety of American style pub grub to tempt your palate. WA BAR [Beer Bar] Wide selection of beer laid out for your choosing.
HAEUNDAE ANGA [Korean] tel: 051-742-7852 Very popular bbq meat restaurant in Haeundae.
BILLIE JEAN [Lounge/Live Music] tel: 051-742-0297 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ billiejean A Haps favorite. Great decor. BURGER AND PASTA [International] open: 11am - 2am web: www.busanhaps.com/food/burgerand-pasta-haeundae Recently opened, this Western/ Korean fusion style restaurant has been packing them in since day one. Burgers, pasta and brunch are on the menu in the stylishly decorated restaurant, where you can also imbibe yourself to a glass of wine, a cocktail or beer after your day on the beach. CHEOLMA HANWOO BULGOGI [Korean] tel: 051-709-4000 Bulgogi done at its best. CINE DE CHEF [Italian] tel: 051-745-2880 In Shinsegae, enjoy a good meal and a movie. EL OLIVE [Italian] tel: 051-752-7300 Delicious Italian, close to Costco. FUZZY NAVEL [Food/Bar] open: 11am - 6am tel: 051-746-6439 web: www.fncompany.co.kr Great location set on two floors near the beach, other bars, and clubs. Amazing Mexican food is served from lunchtime until the early hours of the morning. Friendly staff and outside seating makes Fuzzy Navel a place to hit when the weather is good. GANGA [Indian] Expect to pay some good money, but it’s worth it. GECKOS [Pub] Beach front bar. Consistently good food. GEN SUSHI [Japanese] tel: 051-740-6630 Affordable sushi. Good stuff. HELLO THAI [Thai] tel: 051-731-5033 Good Thai food in the heart of Haeundae. MERCADO [Brazilian Steakhouse] open: 11:30 a.m. - 24:00 tel: 051-744-8807 web: www.mercado.co.kr An authentic southern Brazilian Churrascaria, Mercado is the perfect dining experience for family and friends. With eight choices of prime meat seasoned with Brazilian spices charcoaled and grilled to perfection, salads and Brazilian rice, this unique dining experience is like no other in the city.
LOVING HUT [Vegetarian] tel: 051-747-2979 web: www.lovinghut.co.kr All organic, all good. Veggie paradise. 247 [Pub Lounge] open: 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. tel: 1544-8247 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/247 An all-in-one establishment where dancing, drinking and fun are the name of the game. Check out the first floor pub lounge, indulge in some local spirits in the traditional soju bar or dance the night away on the second floor. NAMASTE [Indian] tel: 051-746-1946 Indian fine dining. Good prices and great food. PHO KIM [Vietnamese] tel: 051-740-4868 Good food at a good price. Great soup, located in SFUNZ. SHARKY’S [American Sports Bar] open: 6 p.m. weekdays, 2 p.m. weekends tel: 010-4038-2907 (call for reservations) web: www.sharkysbusan.com Ranked highly on tripadvisor. com and as having the best burger in Busan by Haps, Sharky’s is a smoke-free environment where families or singles can enjoy a great drink and a fine meal. With premium-cut steaks, burgers, fresh gourmet salads and vegetarian options, Sharky’s has something for everyone. Located on the second floor of Pale de Cz, next to the Paradise Hotel. TAO [American/Sports Bar] open: pub time 6 p.m.-12 a.m., club time 12 a.m.- 6 a.m. tel. 1544-8030 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ clubtao The newest edition to Haeundae beach, Club Tao perfectly matches style and elegance by combining a fantastic bistro menu with a nighttime club scene. TBR [Cocktails] open: 3pm-5am tel: 051-746-6318 web: www.tapntapas.com With an extensive menu of upscale cocktails and a tap room, TBR is a great place to meet for an informal meeting, or out for a night on the town to impress. T.G.I. FRIDAY’S [Chain] tel: 051-740-6531 Good reliable chain in the Harbor Town building, across from the beach. THE WOLFHOUND PUB [Irish Pub] open: 6pm - 2am weekdays, 11am - 2am weekends tel: 051-746-7940
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KYUNGSUNG HQ BAR [American/Sports Bar] open: Mon-Sat 6:00-Late, Sun 4:00-9:00 tel: 010-7544-8830 web: www.facebook.com/hq.bar.5 HQ Bar is your place in KSU for drunken mistake-making. We have an ever-expanding variety of microbrew bottles and craft beers on tap; an extensive selection of late-night pub grub; rugby, football, and kung fu movies; and a music selection that, according to our customers, isn’t awful.
HAPS
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web: www.wolfhoundpub.com THURSDAY PARTY [Korean/Expat Bar] tel: 051-744-6621 open: 6pm - late web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ thursday-party A staple of the Busan landscape, Thursday Party Haeundae offers a casual, yet comfortable option after a day at the beach. With a patio for outdoor sitting, this open-aired spacious pub brings the usual quality service the locals and expats have come to expect from the Thursday Party empire. U2 BAR [Lounge] Great place to chill, awesome service, a Haeundae institution. VAN GOGH TERRACE [Italian] tel: 051-741-3767 Nice view of the water while you eat.
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ALMOST FAMOUS [Dance/Techno] Funky atmosphere, great staff. 2014 Aug/Sep_ busanhaps.com 51
Nightlife & Dining Directory AUSSIE BURGER [International] Burgers, fries and Aussie pies. AYUTA [Indian] Friendly staff, good food. BEIJING GO-CHI [Chinese] Great skewers, great food, cheap prices. BLUE MONKEY [Dance/Hip Hop] open: 7pm to late tel. 051-611-2888 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ blue-monkey BON BON [Italian] tel: 051-621-0906 Great little spot next to Kyungsung U. BURGER AND PASTA [International] open: 11am - 11pm tel: 051-625-6651 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ burger-pasta With three locations around Busan, Burger and Pasta offer a solid menu, and reasonable prices that make them a hit with young Koreans and expats. Set in the traditional Thursday Party wooden decor, they offer pasta, burgers and a brunch with a small patio to enjoy the street catwalk on sunny days. CAFE RADIO [Cafe] Great atmosphere. Relax with a book. EVA’S TICKET [Western/Sports] Eva and the HQ fellas new super bar offer tons of things to keep you occupied.
With ten Thursday Party’s around the city, it has become a staple for the young, hip Korean university crowd and expats alike. Beer pong, sports on TV and the free curry popcorn or salted spaghetti sticks are always in play, as is a busy crowd almost every evening of the week. VINYL UNDERGROUND [Nightclub/Event Bar] www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/vinyl Vinyl Underground is known as the spot for live music in the Kyungsung area.
PNU
CROSSROADS [Live Music/Pub] open: 7pm-late tel: 051-515-1181 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ crossroads A small, but atmospheric watering hole in PNU, Crossroads has been a Busan institution amongst the expats for years. FARMERS BURGERS [American/Korean Fusion] People rave about it. Nominated in Best Burger. INTERPLAY [Live Music/Event] Live music, hit or miss if you catch on a good night. LOVING HUT [Vegetarian] www.lovinghut.co.kr tel: 051-518-0115 MOO MONK [Live Music] O’TACO [Mexican] Can catch some great Korean indie open: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily bands here. tel: 051-627-8358 PHO [Vietnamese] Kyungsung’s original Mexican Nice Vietnamese food in PNU. restaurant, O’taco, has become a RED BOTTLE [Korean/Expat Bar] staple for those looking for their Good spot to get a drink. Mexican fix. RISTORANTE [Italian] MONK’S JAZZ CLUB [Jazz Club] Great Italian fare at the Nongshim Hotel. Busan’s only jazz club. Tuesday nights SHABANA [Indian] are hot. tel: 051-517-1947 OL’ 55 [Live Music/Event] Nice Indian food for cheap. tel: 051-627-5645 SOULTRANE [Comedy/Event/Rock] web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ol’55 tel: 051-515-1181 Ol’55 is located in the heart of Kyungweb: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ sung University and is noted for its Open soul-trane Mic Wednesdays, which are known to One of the oldest expat bars in the city, host the best Korean and expat musithe once foreigner oriented Soultrane cians in town. nonetheless draws a healthy mix of locals, expats and tourists. PAINTED CHAIR CAFE [Cafe/Gallery] The art, the atmosphere. Good place THE BASEMENT [Korean/Expat Bar] to chill. web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ basement SHABANA [Indian] One of the most popular bars in the area. tel: 051-621-4821 Always a great time, and anchors the Good, affordable Indian food. PNU scene. THE SUSHI [Japanese] tel: 051-611-4043 SEOMYEON Affordable, quality Japanese food. BUFFALO CHICKEN [Chicken] THURSDAY PARTY [Korean/Expat Bar] tel: 051-805-3512 open: 6pm - late Good chicken chain with several interweb: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ esting sauces. thursday-party2 BUONA OVEN PIZZA [Italian] 52 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
tel: 051-904-8239 Nice, oven-baked pizza and spaghetti. CLUB FIX [Nightclub] tel: 051-905-5777 web: www.clubfixkorea.info New super club. International DJs and dress code required. DIVISION 9 [Lounge] Pinball, darts, basketball, drinking and good fun. DRAGON DREAM (THE CAVE BAR) [Korean] tel: 051-646-5924 Very interesting decor with a nice selection of food. FOXY DANCE [Club] Dance club, usually packed on the weekend. FUZZY NAVEL- SEOMYEON I [Food/Bar] open: 5pm - 6am tel: 051-808-1007 web: www.fncompany.co.kr Check out the newly refurbished bar offering a variety of entertainment including, soft darts, pool, and table soccer. Awesome DJs and a wide floor make this place to be at night. Also, new to Seomyeon, the same amazing Mexican food as served at the Haeundae Fuzzy Navel is prepared in our large renovated kitchen. FUZZY NAVEL- SEOMYEON Il [Bar] open: 5pm - 6am tel: 051-817-2242 web: www.fncompany.co.kr On the ground floor with a sliding window for when the weather is good, an excellent mix of Koreans and foreigners makes this a good place to make new friends. A comfortable atmosphere, where you will be looked after by the friendly staff, who will even give you a fireshow if you are celebrating a special occasion. HANGOVER [Western Pub] open: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday - Sunday tel: 070-7789-5868 web: www.busanhaps.com/freehousehangover From the good folks that brought you the great Italian food at Vito’s, this new eatery/bar located in the prime of Seomyeon brings delicious western food and fine tasting beer with its unique refrigeration system. You can also enjoy your food or drink on their spacious indoor deck away from the hustle and bustle of the streets. LOVING HUT [Vegetarian] tel: 051-808-7718 www.lovinghut.co.kr ROCK N’ ROLL BAR [Rock] A true dive. Good atmosphere and pool
and darts. T.G.I. FRIDAY’S [Chain] tel: 051-805-3164 Two locations in Seomyeon to choose from. THURSDAY PARTY [Korean/Expat Bar] open: 6pm - late tel: 051-818-6621 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ thursday-party-1 You can expect more of the same from the Seomyeon Thursday Party, which caters to a young, eclectic mix of Koreans and expats. Nestled amongst a slew of bars and restaurants behind Judie’s Taewha, Thursday Party stands out for their unique charm, quality service and hip atmosphere amongst the Korean cool. VITO [Italian] tel: 051-806-5868 web: www.busanhaps.com/food/vito Fashioned in the tradition of the small Italian trattoria, Vito brings back a taste of the old country.
NAMPO ARUN THAI [Thai] open: 11a.m. - 10 p.m. tel: 051-908-9085 web: www.facebook.com/arunthai.kr The chefs at Arun Thai bring you succulently prepared authentic Thai dishes at very reasonable rates. This delightful restaurant, nestled on the second floor some 50m in the back alleyway next to KFC, is a great meeting place, whether for a light lunch or largescale dinner in a stylish environment with friendly service. CELTIC TIGER BAR [British Pub] open: weekdays, 4 p.m.- 2 a.m. weekends, 12 p.m.- 3 a.m. tel: 051-246-8168 Stylish British pub located in Nampodong. Great ambiance and friendly staff. FARMERS BURGERS [International] Enjoy a quality, fresh-made burger and fries on the roof. HABANERO [Mexican] tel: 051-254-6662 web: www.habanerokorea.com open: 11:30 a.m.-midnight daily Conveniently located in the heart of Nampodong, Habanero specializes in authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. With an extensive menu, 12 beers on tap and classic cocktails, the cantina uses the freshest ingredients and is a great spot for all Mexican food lovers to socialize and enjoy a good meal. KUHN [Asian] Hosts a variety of Southeast Asian dishes
Dining & Food
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GWANGAN BARS/PUBS/LOUNGES 01 Galmegi Brewing #2 02 Beach Bikini 03 Thursday Party 04 Fuzzy Navel 05 Beached 06 Sharky’s 07 Galmegi Brewing #1 08 Tap and Tapas 09 HQ RESTAURANTS 01 Burger n’ Pasta #1 02 Bella Citta 03 Blue Saigon 04 Burger n’ Pasta #2 CAFES 01 Tom n’ Toms 02 Twosome Place 03 Starbucks BUSINESS/OTHER 01 Kai Surf Shop 02 New Philadelphia Seaside Church 03 6 Pack Craft Beer KYUNGSUNG BARS/PUBS/LOUNGES 01 Almost Famous 02 Club Realize 03 HQ 04 Blue Monkey 06 Ho Bar 07 Thursday Party 08 New Foxy 09 Vinyl Underground 10 Ol’55 11 Fabric 12 Fully Booked 13 Monk RESTAURANTS 01 O’Taco 02 Burger & Pasta 03 Outback 04 Okkudak CAFES 01 Starbucks 02 Tom n’ Toms 03 Angel-In-Us 04 Angel-In-Us
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AMCHAM #4501, Trade Tower 159-1, Samsungdong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul tel: 02-564-2040 web: www.amchamkorea.org An independent association of American and international businesses, the role of the American Chamber of Commerce is to pro-
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AIR BUSAN tel: 051-974-8686 web: www.busanair.com AIR FRANCE tel: 02-3483-1033 web: www.airfrance.co.kr ASIANA AIRLINES - INTERNATIONAL tel: 051-971-2626 web: www.flyasiana.com CEBU PACIFIC AIR tel: 051-462-0686 web: www.cebupacificair.com JEJU AIR tel: 070-7420-1502 web: www.jejuair.net KOREAN AIR - INTERNATIONAL tel: 051-970-3227 web: www.koreanair.com LUFTHANSA tel: 02-2019 0180 web: www.lufthansa.com KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES tel: 02-3483-1133 web: www.klm.com
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at good prices. NEW LITTLE INDIA [Indian] open: 11am- 10pm tel: 051-245-4127 web: www.busanhaps.com/food/newlittle-india Situated on the second floor in the heart of Nampodong, New Little India specializes in the finest authentic Indian cuisine. THE PAN [Brunch] Nestled amongst a slew of outdoor terrace restaurants. THURSDAY PARTY [Korean/Expat Bar] open: 6pm - late web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ thursday-party-1 The Thursday Party Nampo store offers a slightly varied atmosphere than the others around the city, though by no means is it less exciting. A slightly more mixed crowd of expats and young Koreans is to be expected, as well as the great service that TP has become renowned for.
To G wan g
GS Gas Station
2014 Aug/Sep_ busanhaps.com 53
Services Directory mote business and trade between the United States and Korea. ECCK 102-2903 WBC The Palace 1523, Haeundae-gu tel: 051-959-9695 web: www.ecck.eu The European Chamber of Commerce aims to provide an effective network of business associates together with discussion forums and seminars on how to do business in Korea, as well as an array of social networking events.
EDUCATION FOREIGN SCHOOLS BUSAN FOREIGN SCHOOL 1366-3 Jwa-dong, Haeundae-gu tel: 051-747-7199 web: www.busanforeignschool.org BUSAN JAPANESE SCHOOL 173-8 Millak-dong, Suyoung-gu tel: 051-753-4166 web: user.chollian.net/~pusjpnsc BUSAN OVERSEAS CHINESE KINDERGARTEN 548-1 Choryang-dong, Dong-gu tel: 051-468-2845 web: kbces.com.ne.kr BUSAN INTERNATIONAL FOREIGN SCHOOL
798 Nae-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun tel: 051-742-3332 web: www.bifskorea.org
TESOL TRAINING KOTESOL Email: bgkotesol@gmail.com Facebook: Busan-Gyeongnam KOTESOL Chapter TESOL ALLIANCE tel: 051-818-0502 web: www.tesolalliance.com
KOREAN LESSONS BUSAN FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES tel: 051-668-7900 web: www.bfia.or.kr email: busanglobalcenter@gmail.com KLIFF tel: 051-513-0131 web: www.kliff.co.kr email: jennakang@hanmail.net PNU LANGUAGE EDUCATION CENTER tel: 051-510-1983 web: www.ili.pusan.ac.kr email: bangjy77@pusan.ac.kr
INFORMATION EXPAT ASSISTANCE 54 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
CALL CENTER FOR FOREIGN RESIDENTS IN BUSAN tel: 1577-7716 FREE TRANSLATION SERVICE (BBB) tel: 1588-5644 MULTICULTURAL FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER tel: 1577-5432
INFORMATION CENTERS TOURIST INFORMATION SERVICE tel: 1330 BEXCO TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER tel: 051-740-7300 BUSAN GLOBAL CENTER tel: 1577-7716 BUSAN INT’L PASSENGER TERMINAL TOURIST INFORMATION tel: 051-465-3471 BUSAN STATION TOUR INFORMATION tel: 051-441-6565 GIMHAE INT’L AIRPORT TOUR INFORMATION (DOMESTIC) tel: 051-973-4607 GIMHAE INT’L AIRPORT TOUR INFORMATION (INTERNATIONAL) tel: 051-973-2800 HAEUNDAE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER tel: 051-749-5700 INTERNATIONAL FERRY INFORMATION CENTER tel: 051-465-3471 NOPODONG BUS TERMINAL TOURIST INFORMATION tel: 051-508-9400 UN MEMORIAL CEMETERY TOURIST INFORMATION tel: 051-625-1608
MEDICAL DENTAL CLINICS NEW YORK SMILE ORTHODONTICS open: Mon-Wed, Fri 10:00am – 7:00pm, Sat 10:00am – 5:00pm tel: 051-702-6677 web: www.nycdortho.com At New York Smile Orthodontics, we provide specialized orthodontic care for children, teens and adults. We make every effort to provide affordable orthodontic treatment in a relaxed and caring manner to every individual who is unhappy with his or her smile. We use the most technologically-advanced orthodontic methods available including clear braces, self-ligating braces, invisalign, lingual braces and faster braces.
BOSTON DENTAL tel: 051-554-2879 Located in Sooang-dong in Dongnae, Dr. Sim Kyeong-mok leads the team at Boston Dental for all your dental needs. With an English speaking staff and multiple degrees from America’s best dental schools, they are available to give you 100% success with implant services with their cutting-edge implant machine with a rich-full procedure experience. All dental services are available.
HEALTH CENTERS DONGNAE HEALTH CENTER 702-54, Myeongryun-2 dong, Dongnae-gu tel: 051-555-4000 HAEUNDAE HEALTH CENTER 1339, Jwa-2 dong, Haeundae-gu tel: 051-746-4000 JUNG-GU HEALTH CENTER 1 Ga 1, Daecheong-dong, Jung-gu tel: 051-600-4741
HERBAL CLINICS
DONGEUI UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL 397-3, Bujeon-1 dong, Busanjin-gu tel: 051-803-5430 GOOD SAMSUN HANBANG 1162-2, Jurye-dong, Sasang-gu tel: 051-325-0300
RADIOLOGY CLINICS THE ONE MRI CLINIC open: Mon - Fri 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. tel: 051-937-0303 web: www.mriclinic.net The most trusted name in Korean Medical Imaging, you can enjoy quick, reliable and trustworthy English service for all your medical needs.
OTHER CLINICS
KHAP open: 10 am - 4 pm weekdays tel: 02-927-4322 web: www.khap.org The Korean Federation for HIV/AIDS Prevention offers three locations nationwide with additional services including counseling services to foreigners and migrant workers face to face and by telephone. With a number of foreign languages available to have consultation, KHAP has become one of the most recognized HIV/AIDS information base in the Republic of Korea.
HOSPITALS BUK-GU/DONGNAE BUMIN HOSPITAL 380-4, Deokcheon 1-dong tel: 051-330-3000 web: www.buminhos.co.kr DONG EUI MEDICAL CENTER San 45-1, Yangjeong 2-dong tel: 051-867-5101 web: www.demc.kr DONGNAE BONG SENG HOSPITAL 766, Anlak 1-dong tel: 051-531-6000 web: www.bongseng.com DONGRAE WOORIDUL HOSPITAL 205-10, Nakmin-dong tel: 051-559-5000 web: www.dongrae.wooridul.co.kr INJE UNIVERSITY BUSAN PAIK HOSPITAL 633-165, Gaegum 2-dong tel: 051-893-7761
DONG-GU GOOD MOONHWA HOSPITAL open: 24 hours tel: 051-630-0123 web: www.moonwha.or.kr Good Moonhwa Hospital has become famous for its success in IVF for the first time as a private medical facility in Busan and Gyeongnam area. With 36 years experience and service in English, Japanese, Chinese and Russian, this full-service hospital has everything to take care of your medical needs.
HAEUNDAE HYOSUNG CITY HOSPITAL 1094-2, Jaesong 1-dong tel: 051-709-3000 web: www.hshos.com INJE UNIV. HAEUNDAE PAIK HOSPITAL 1435, Jwa-dong tel: 051-797-0100 web: www.paik.ac.kr/Haeundae
JUNG-GU HAEYANG HOSPITAL 80-8 Jungang-dong 4-ga tel: 051-469-4456 web: www.haeyang.net MARYKNOLL MEDICAL CENTER 12, Daecheong-dong 4-ga tel: 051-465-8801 web: www.maryknoll.co.kr
AL-FATIH MASJID MOSQUE Namsan-dong, #30-1 Guemjeong-gu tel: 051-518-9991 web: www.busanislam.or.kr Services: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily GIFT MINISTRY Myung-nyun-dong, Dongnae-gu
Sojeon Road
Club 12
Bar/Pub/Lounge
13
Jungkangdae Road
Seomyeon Subway Stn.
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3
05
5
11
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01 02
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Lotte Hotel & Seven Luck Casino
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Jungang-dong Sub. 6
3
Lotte Dept. Store
Lotte Dept. Store
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NAMPO-DONG
10
7
LEGEND
02
8
3 1
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Yongdusan Park
06
Busan Tower
03 Busan Modern History Museum
01
Daegaksa Temple
d Shoppin g Mall
NAMPO-DONG RESTAURANTS 01 Arun Thai 02 KFC 03 The Pan 04 The Pho 05 New Little India 06 Farmers Burgers 07 McDonalds CAFES 01 Caffe Bene 02 Starbucks 03 Angel-In-Us 04 Holly’s 05 The Cafe 06 Caffe Bene
Taewha 03 Judie’s Dept. Store 01
01
4 2
Tourist
05 03 04 Information 02
Jalgalchi Fish Market
rgroun
SEOMYEON CLUBS 01 Fix 02 Foxy BARS/PUBS/LOUNGES 01 Rock n’ Roll 02 Spot 03 Thursday Party 04 Fuzzy Navel 05 Fuzzy Navel II 06 Hangover RESTAURANTS 01 Vito 02 TGI Friday’s CAFES 01 Angel-In-Us 02 Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 03 Twosome Place 04 Tom n’ Toms BUSINESS 01 Kangs Dental 02 Apple Store 03 St. Louis Dental
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15
Cafe
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Restaurant
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REDEEMER INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CHURCH Service: Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Near Kyungsung University Station: go out exit 2 and walk to the Daeyeon Hill State Building (2nd Floor) tel: 010-8326-1985 web: www.redeemerbusan.org Redeemer International Community Church is a body of believers from all over the world, gathered together to worship Jesus Christ. Here at Redeemer ICC, we are committed to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. we gather to worship Christ and experience community.
Business
o-don
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
06
LEGEND
Namp
BUSAN CENTUM HOSPITAL 1077-1, Gwangan 3-dong tel: 051-760-5000 web: www.centumhospital.com BUSAN HANNAH WOMAN'S HOSPITAL 304, Namcheon-dong tel: 051-625-2300 web: www.hannah4u.co.kr GOOD GANGAN HOSPITAL 40-1, 41-9, Namcheon-dong tel: 051-625-0900 web: www.gang-an.or.kr
02
01
o Unde
SUYEONG
Dongcheon Road
Namp
DONG-A UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER 3-ga, #1 Dongdaeshin-dong tel: 051-240-2400 web: www.damc.or.kr PUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL 10, Ami-dong 1-ga tel: 051-254-0171 web: www.pnug.co.kr
MAPS
04
Dongcheon Road
Cosmetic Surgery Street
SEO-GU
HAPS
Jungang Middle School
D City Dept Store
Sojeon Road
BUSAN ST. MARY'S MEDICAL CENTER 538-41, Yongho 4-dong tel: 051-933-7114 web: www.bsm.or.kr
SEOMYEON
Kayodae Road
NAM-GU
06
PIFF Squaure
Gukje Market
Restaurant Cafe
07
05
2014 Aug/Sep_ busanhaps.com 55
Services Directory tel: 010-7999-8644 web: www.tinyurl.com/lifeisagift Services: Saturdays,10:30 a.m. HOSANNA CHURCH Myeongji-dong, #3245-5 Gangseo-gu, tel: 051-209-0191 web: www.him-busan.blogspot.com Services: Sundays, 12:30 p.m. NEW PHILADELPHIA CHURCH Suyeong-gu Gwangan 2-dong 199-6 (8th floor) tel: 051-932-6832 web: www.newphilly.cc Services: Sundays, 2:30 pm
MUSEUMS BUSAN MUSEUM OF ART 40, Apec-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan tel: 051-740-2602 web: www.art.busan.go.kr Opening Hours - 09:00 ~ 20:00 Closed - Jan. 1, Every First Monday Admission Fee - Free BUSAN MODERN HISTORY MUSEUM 104, Daechung-ro, Jung-gu, Busan tel: 051-253-3845 web: www.modern.busan.go.kr Opening Hours - 09:00 ~ 18:00 Closed - Jan.1, Every First Monday Admission Fee - Free BUSAN MUSEUM 63, UN Peace-ro, Nam-gu, Busan tel: 051-610-7111 web: www.museum.busan.go.kr
Hours of operation - 09:00 ~ 20:00 Closed - Jan. 1, Every First Monday Admission fee - Free BUSAN UN MEMORIAL CEMETERY AND PARK 779, Daeyon 4 dong, Nam-gu, Busan tel: 051-625-0625 web: www.unmck.or.kr Hours of operation - 09:00 ~ 17:00 Open Year Round Admission fee - Free
SOCIAL/NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS BUSAN BANDITS RUGBY Facebook Group: Busan Bandits BUSAN BOOK SWAP Facebook Group: Busan Book Swap BUSAN BOWLING LEAGUE Contact: David Alderman tel: 010.7919.1223 Facebook Group: Busan Bowling League BUSAN FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES tel: 051-668-7900 web: www.bfia.or.kr BUSAN FRIENDSHIP GROUP www.meetup.com/Pusans ULTIMATE FRISBEE LEAGUE Email: ch.pyles@gmail.com BTC FOOTBALL FB Group: Busan Transportation Corpora-
tion Supporters Fanpage EPIK TEACHERS IN BUSAN Facebook Group: Busan EPIK EXPAT SAILING CLUB Contact: Mark Chi email: Koreasailing@gmail.com web: www.busansailing.com LAOCHRA BUSAN GAELIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CLUB Contact: Peter Bonner email: busangaa@gmail.com Facebook Group: Laochra Busan Members
SPECIALTY STORES SIX PACK CRAFT BEER open: 2-11 p.m. daily tel: 010-2937-6751 (Busan) 052-911-6751 (Ulsan) web: blog.naver.com/6packbt With locations in Busan and Ulsan, Six Pack Craft Beer brings over 170 craft bottled beers from around the world to your fingertips. Open daily, enjoy perusing the wide variety of reasonably priced beer to take home and drink at your leisure without having to make a trek to Seoul. KAI SURF SHOP 183-11 Gwangan-dong, Suyeong-gu tel: 051-753-2746
GROCERIES COSTCO web: www.costco.co.kr E-MART web: www.emart.com HOMEPLUS web: www.homeplus.co.kr MEGAMART web: www.megamart.co.kr
INTERNET GROCERIES EZSHOP KOREA web: www.ezshopkorea.com HIGH STREET MARKET open: 24/7 online, Seoul in-store 10am to 10pm daily. tel: 02-2201-0652 web: highstreet.co.kr email: hsmonline@authenticgroup.co.kr High Street Market has all your favorite foods from home ready for delivery to your workplace or doorstep for just W3,000! Hard-to-find western foods, sliced-to-order deli meats, imported premium cuts of meat, gourmet cheeses, variety of spices, homemade vegan & gluten free foods and more. NICE MARKET web: www.nicemarket.net
Humetro Call Center Lost & Found Center
56 HAPS_Aug/Sep 2014
Seomyeon Stn.
Tharp On: Pets Story continued from page 58
Business Club Bar/Pub/Lounge
Cafe
LEGEND 04
Geumje
ong Roa
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03
Good Plus
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PNU Main Gate
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Busan Bank Pusan National Uni. Road
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Bar/Pub/Lounge Restaurant Cafe
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PNU BARS/PUBS/LOUNGES 01 Thirsty Moose 02 Wa Bar 03 Basement
01
PNU Subway Stn
Restaurant
04 Crossroads 04 Soultrane 05 Red Bottle 06 Interplay 07 Moo Monk 08 Bling RESTAURANTS 01 Won Chon 02 The Box 03 Tajmahal CAFES 01 Angel-In-Us 02 Charlie Brown 03 Twosome Place 04 Starbucks 05 Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
[PUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]
ad
LEGEND
PNU
Geumjeong Ro
After the hedgehog, came the goldfish. Word got out in our building that we were animal people, so, when moving out of her apartment, one young woman left the goldfish in a bowl next to our door, along with a can of 2,000 won coffee and a note, imploring us to take the little guy in. The goldfish looked lonely, so soon my wife headed to the big everything store and brought home a friend. Unfortunately, this friend came in the form of a beta fighting fish - an aggressive, solitary breed that kills on sight. So now we had two different fish in two separate bowls. I suppose it was only a matter of time before we got a dog. We had chewed upon the idea but never had any real plans to go full Fido. After all, a dog is a huge commitment, a creature that requires loads energy and constant care. One day last September, as we were taking a walk through a local street market, we came upon a lethally cute puppy. He lived in a tiny clothing shop with his mother and older sister, where he spent his days frolicking around the market. Upon seeing our spastic admiration for the little guy, the lady who owned the shop offered him up gratis. After some hemming and hawing, we found ourselves skipping home, puppy in hand, and - aside from some over-enthusiastic humping, headphone eating and errant peeing - he has been an absolute generator of joy. Our goldfish was recently called home to the Great Bowl in the Sky. Our hedgehog followed not long after, having reached the frayed ends of hedgehog life expectancy, perhaps hastened by an over indulgence in cheese. Both were given stately burials on the mountain behind our home, with thoughts, flowers and eulogies posted on Facebook. Some may raise their eyebrows and whisper mocking words, but if these creatures brought us such happiness, why not send them off with love? For those of you planning on staying in Korea for a long time: Go ahead and adopt a pet. They’re wellsprings of happiness. Name it after a train station, give it a blue Mohawk, or dress it up in a hanbok. Just know that you are personally responsible for a living being, a creature that deserves better than to be foisted onto another expat once the novelty has worn off.
1
H The Last Word
Pets Tharp On:
By Chris
their tiny pooches. And these weren’t just runof-the-mill pups: They were often done up in full regalia, with ribbons and bows and fluorescent pink dyejobs, resplendent in full-body sweaters and even tennis shoes. Dogs were cool; they were something to be celebrated, loved and dressed up like intergalactic anime characters. My first pet in Korea was a cat. I had no plans to get a cat, but one day I came home and there she was: a tiny, half-starved kitten abandoned in a cardboard box in front of my apartment. The universe had literally delivered this creature to my doorstep, so I guess you could say that the cat got me. I instantly adopted her and named her after a subway station. I was more than content keeping just her, but she needed more than I could give. Cats are generally low-maintenance pets, but they still require a modicum
Tharp Illustration By Michael Roy
When I first arrived in Korea, I remember being taken aback by all the cute little stores with cute little dogs and the myriad accessories that go with them. Were these creatures being sold for dual use? It immediately conjured up that famous scene from Michael Moore’s “Roger & Me” where the white trash mama proudly shows off her side business for the rolling camera. Her crude, handpainted sign boldly reads: Rabbits or Bunnies. Pets or Meat. My attitude was certainly one of Western prejudice. It didn’t take too long for me to realize that, like us, Koreans adore their dogs, especially ones of the microvariety. Everywhere, I saw people walking, carrying and generally doting over
Dogs were cool; they were something to be celebrated, loved and dressed up like intergalactic anime characters.
of love and attention. I was often out of the house, much to the chagrin of my kitty. Things finally came to a head when, after returning home from a four-day trip to Japan, I was greeted with growls, hisses and several piles of poop glistening upon my bedspread. She needed a companion, so soon I took one in, in the form of a sweet-natured calico living on my street. This assuaged my kitty’s ire. We were now one happy family, and to my relief, no more chocolate stink nuggets were deposited on the bed. I am an animal lover. Okay, I do eat meat, which makes me not that much of an animal lover, but that’s a debate for another day. I grew up in a big house full of animals and love taking care of critters of all kinds. (Except birds. I don’t understand why anyone would want to keep even one of those squawking shit machines.) As an animal lover, it should come as no surprise that I ended up marrying another animal lover. My wife took in street cats for years and still maintains a small sanctuary where she looks after their needs. She sees a certain purity and innocence in animals, and her compassion flows mightily. It’s one of the reasons I married her, so it should come as no surprise that we’ve adopted a few more pets since tying the knot. The first was a hedgehog. There is a horrendous little pet shop in my neighborhood run by a terrible old man who keeps the animals in deplorable conditions. It’s a sad, tragic place, so one day we rescued this little hedgehog from that particular hell and gave him a happy second chance at life. Story continues on page 57
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