UNDERGROUND music
groove The Rock Tigers No. 1 Korean
Galaxy Express Rux
Phonebooth The Geeks
Vassline Oriental Lucy
The Moonshiners we need surgery
korea
aug. ‘10 issue 46
Seoul City Improv to host 3-Year Anniversary Show
in Memory of Matt Robinson
dongdaemun’s hobby markets Roking out in asia III five places you’re not partying big rock brewery jumunjin beach
Ron McMillan author of
Yin Yang Tattoo
inside
27
31
40
48
50
70
8 Korea Beat
14 Calendar of Events
Creative Director: Dan Thwaits
14 17 18 22 23 24 26 27
Going Underground Tear Jerks Back in Town Seoulvibes: ROKing Out in Asia III Whatever That Means on Tour in Malaysia Teenage Furs With Teenage Fantasy Kingston Rudieska The Rising Star of Zack Kim Kafka
Movies 28 Tidal Wave, Daytime Drinking
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Cover photo by: tim pelling Publishers: Sean Choi and MJ Kim Chief Consultant: Ju-han Kim
Music
with ron mcmillan
august 2010 | issue 46
Events
12 Seoul City Improv to host 3-Year Anniversary Show
in-depth interview
groove korea
Travel 30 River Banks of Kathmandu 31 Jumunjin Beach, Chungju Dam
Editor-in-Chief: Tracey Stark Managing Editor: Adam Walsh Editor-at-Large: Matthew Lamers Music Editor: Summer Walker Dining Editor: Michelle Min Busan Editor: Adam Gunn Marketing Director: Jong-shin Lee To contact GROOVE Korea for advertising, submissions or general comments, please email info@groovekorea.com or call 010-7560-5552
Busan
Disclaimer: The articles are the sole property of Groove Korea. No reproduction is permitted without the express written consent of Groove Korea. The opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.
32 When the Sun Goes Down 33 Busan International Rock Festival
Issue Date: Vol. 5, Issue 8 - August 1, 2010 Registration Date: January 25, 2008 Registration No. Seoul Ra 11806
Dining 38 Big Rock Brewery 40 Taco Amigo 42 Berlin Cafe 44 Casa Espana 46 La Cafe
seoulstyle.com/groove.php
Sports 48 Choi Woo-young 49 Ball Hockey League
Health & Beauty 50 Veneers at Hus Hu
Advertorial 52 Not Your Father’s Tailor
Community 54 Dongdaemun’s Hobby Markets 57 Keeping It Steady 58 Kevin Song 59 Acclimating to Asia 60 5 Places You’re Not Partying in Seoul 62 Listings 64 Fun & Games 66 Itaewon Directory 67 Hongdae Directory 68 Pic of the Month 70 The Last Laugh
4/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
email: info@groovekorea.com
call: 010-5348-0212 august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/5
HEAD FOR THE BORDER After months of waiting, it all came to a head on August 11 when Taco Bell finally opened its doors in Itaewon. Should we thank the EV Boys or Brian Aylward or did the planets just come into proper alignment? — PHOTOS BY RONNY KICK
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/7
www.koreabeat.com
KOREA BEAT
august
the blog for korean news in english translation
Immigrant Women Call for Change in Wake of Murder
7 Out of 10 Students Have Experienced Corporal Punishment Exclusive
A
to Groove Korea
study has found that seven in ten middle and high school students have experienced corporal punishment at the hands of their teachers. The National Youth Policy Institute (headed by Lee Myeong-suk) announced on the 26th it had surveyed 6,601 middle and high school students in June and July of last year, finding that 69.9% answered “yes” to the question “have you ever experienced physical corporal punishment from a teacher?” As to the frequency of corporal punishment, 282.2% said it occurs “once or twice a year,” followed by the 22.2% who said “once or twice a month” and the 12.2% who said “once or twice a week.” 8/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
7.2% reported experiencing it three times per week. Male students reported experiencing corporal punishment at a higher rate than female students. 74.8% of male middle and high school students reported it, compared to 64.8% of female middle and high school students. The study also found that one in four elementary school students have experienced corporal punishment. The Institute surveyed 2,889 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders during the same time period, finding that 25.4% reported experiencing corporal punishment at least once in the past year. 29.2% of the boys and 21.3% of the girls reported experiencing it. Kim Yeong-ji, head of the research team, said, “since the early 2000s there has been a lot of controversy over corporal punishment but our country’s educational system is still inferior, so in fact corporal punishment continues to be permitted... however, the permission given to corporal punishment that has educational goals ignores students’ rights and needs to be reconsidered.”
Following the case of 20-year-old Vietnamese wife Thach Thi Hoang Ngoc, who was murdered by her mentally ill husband just seven days after coming to Korea, immigrant women are remembering her and calling on Korean society to pay more attention to their issues. On the afternoon of July 20 at the front entrance of the National Human Rights Commission in Euljiro1-ga in Seoul, the Women Migrants Human Rights Center (한국이주 여성인권센터) and the Incheon Women’s Hotline (인천여성의전화) held a memorial press conference for Thach Thi Hoang Ngoc and expressed their hurt and sadness, saying that any one of them could have been her. Jang Ji-yeon of the Vietnamese women’s organization 궁남따이 wrote in a letter to Thach Thi Hoang Ngoc that , “when I think of the terrible way you left this world I fear living every day in this society... . I fear that anyone could fall victim like you, and worry that anyone might lose their daughter or brother or sister.” Ms. Jang added, “we, the ones you have left behind, will work to make sure there is not one more Thach Thi Hoang Ngoc in Korea... please leave your hurt behind in Korea and live happily in the sky.” The immigrant women accused Korean society of discriminating against them and ignoring the young Vietnamese woman whose terrible death it caused. Le Thi Mai Thu of the WMHRC said, “it is a poor government that failed to regulate the marriage broker who had her marry a mentally ill man... with our homes so far away and no friends, where can immigrant women go when life is hard?” Po Woo-reo, an immigrant woman from China, said, “Korean men see foreign women as nannies, sex slaves, and baby makers... unable to work, unable to speak our mother tongues, forbidden to go abroad, we are oppressed in many ways.” Immigrant women are hoping for legal changes that would prevent future such crimes and for Korean society to pay greater attention to their issues. Le Thi Mai Thu said, “if Thach Thi Hoang Ngoc had been in a good neighborhood she could have visited a multicultural center and that might have saved her life... the marriage broker who caused her death should be investigated and Korean society should prevent the isolation of immigrant women, that would be the way to bring her peace.”
3 Men Struck by Lightning While Golfing
51-year old Mr. Lee and two others were struck by lightning while holding umbrellas as they prepared in the rain for a round of golf in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do. Mr. Lee and the others began their game in the rain at approximately 4 p.m. the 16th on the first hole while holding umbrellas and were struck by lightning. Though there was a 20-meter high lightning rod 50 meters away, it was unable to attract the lightning bolt. Afterwards they had symptoms of paralysis and pain and were taken to a hospital, where two were treated for light symptoms and the other is being treated as an outpatient. There was a heavy rain watch in the Yongin area that day as 62 millimeters of rain fell. Lee Jeung-ho of the Gasang Radar Center said, “because lightning strikes 600,000 to 700,000 times per summer and will strike the same place in succession, areas without lightning rods are vulnerable at any time.”
Korean Extradited to US for Fatal Drunk Driving Accident
On July 16, Judge Seo Gi-seok of the Seoul High Court 20th Criminal Division ordered the extradition of 49-year old Korean citizen Mr. Jo to face criminal charges in the United States for killing two people while driving drunk and then fleeing to Korea. The judge wrote, “Mr. Jo argues that he has lost his permanent residency and the statute of limitations has expired, but the record shows that Mr. Jo caused an accident and fled to Korea after being investigated by police... the statute of limitations appears to have begun to run from March 21, 2004, the day Mr. Jo absconded.” The judge wrote further, “Mr. Jo asserts he must take care of his 80-year old mother and 16-year old daughter in Korea, but in consideration of the facts that the crime he committed in the United States requires a heavy punishment, he has already been indicted there, and all of the relevant evidence and witnesses remain there, it is impossible to view his extradition as inhumane or unjust.” Mr. Jo was indicted for climbing into his car in Maryland on March 2nd of 2004 while severely intoxicated and striking an oncoming sedan, killing the driver and his wife who was in the passenger seat.
4 Out of 10 Not Paid Minimum Wage Four in 10 people who have held part-time jobs report not receiving the minimum wage (최저임금), a study has found. On July 15, the part-time jobs portal site Career (커리어) announced the results of its survey of 603 college students and job-seekers, finding that 37.3 percent had experienced being paid less than minimum wage. The reasons for not being paid minimum wage were given as “because I needed a job quickly” (52.9 percent of respondents), followed by “because I didn’t know there was a minimum wage” (35.1 percent) and “my employer changed my pay after hiring me” (12.4 percent). 42.7 percent did something about it, including quitting (30.7 percent) or bringing a complaint against the employer 98.0 percent). 68.1 percent agreed that the level for next year’s minimum wage is either “too low” or “low.” The respondents chose 5,300 ($4.41) won as the appropriate level for the hourly minimum wage. However, a survey of 193 employers found they think the level will be “high” or “too high,” with those opinions making up a majority (50.3 percent). The minimum wage, currently 4,110 won per hour, will rise 5.1 percent to 4,320 won next year.
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/9
events
groove korea
Seoul City Improv to host 3-Year Anniversary Show in Memory of Matt Robinson By Margaret Whittum | photos by jenny jang Seoul City Improv, Seoul’s improv comedy group in the style of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” will celebrate 3 great years of hilarity and fun! SCI will host a grand, blowout show featuring all the best games and all the best performers, plus prizes for audience members. Prizes include gift certificates to various Haebangchon and Itaewon bars and restaurants, SCI shirts, and more! Featured games will include crowd favorites, such as What? Hitchhiker, Small Town, and Freeze, plus newer additions Pillars and Deaf Replay. There will be several opportunities for audience participation, so don’t be shy! Seoul City Improv was founded in July 2007 by Margaret Whittum, an American actor/director working in Seoul. The first preview show was at the Big Electric Cat in Itaewon. In the past 3 years, SCI has hosted nearly 40 shows in Haebangchon, Itaewon and Hongdae. Nearly 50 performers have graced the SCI stage, and scores more have come to participate in rehearsals, which are open to all. Whittum formed the group to serve as a creative outlet for the many talented performers who come to Korea and may find themselves without an opportunity to act. Improv comedy is the perfect low commitment, high pay-off, fun activity for the transient foreign community. The show is Saturday, Aug. 21 at the new Spazio Luce Theater in Itaewon at 8 p.m. To get there go to Itaewon Stn (Line 6), go out Exit 2, walk straight two blocks past Helios and Villa Sortino. After the International Clinic, the Spazio Luce space is the building with the funky, angular frosted glass front, directly across from Rocky Mountain Tavern. The theater is in the basement, but there is a restaurant on the first floor serving delicious Italian food. They will offer a 10 percent discount on food if you are there for the show, so come for dinner! The total walk time from the subway is about 5 mins. This show will be dedicated to the memory of Matt Robinson. Matt was a dedicated member of SCI for 2 years and had to return to the U.S. last year due to health problems. He passed away on July 16 in Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 31. The box office money after costs will be donated to his family, who has had to deal with very high medical bills. •
Tickets are 10,000 won. No advance reservations. House opens at 7:30 p.m.
•
Are you interested in joining? SCI performs regularly in the Itaewon and Haebangchon areas. SCI is always looking for new talent and is open to all. You don’t need any experience to join, simply a desire to make people laugh and a commitment to rehearse and improve your skills. Rehearsals are typically once a week on Sunday nights. If you are interested in joining, or if you would like information about our upcoming shows, email seoulimprov@gmail.com.
•
August 21st at Spazio Luce Theater, Itaewon
10/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/11
calendar of events
august
monday
sunday
tuesday
15th Busan Sea Festival Until Aug 9
Poolside Bikini Party @ Walkerhill Hotel until Aug. 7
Man Ray’s Photography & His Heritage @ Seoul Museum of Art near City Hall. Until Aug 15
Mexican Mondays @ Sam Ryan’s in Itaewon. 1,000 won tacos! Margarita and Nacho Specials.
POP ART Superstar: Keith Haring @ SOMA Museum of Arts in Olympic Park. Until Sept. 5
Cookin’ Nanta Open run. Discount for expats in August.
1 Every 2nd & 4th Sunday Film Factory and Flea Market @ Roofers in Itaewon Chill out while classic movies play on the rooftop Soundgraphy Show @ DGBD
9
8
MASSAGE MONDAYS @ SKY Wellness Center in Itaewon. 1 hr full body massage and get FREE 20 mins. FOOT massage. Every Monday.
Every 1st & 3rd Sunday will be Sunday Night Live Open Mic @ Roofers in Itaewon
Wing Night Every Mon @ YALETOWN in Sinchon. 400won/wing (7 different flavors)
Born in 1990. No Cover & 1 FREE Drink @ Club Mass in Gangnam til midnight
2 for 1 Fish & Chips Every Tues @ Wolfhound Pub in Itaewon
FREE STEAK with Groove Mag Coupon @ Mary Jane in Hongdae
Steak Dinner Every Tues @ Hollywood Grill in Itaewon. Only 13,500 won
College Night @ Club Mass in Gangnam. No cover & 1 FREE drink with student ID til midnight
15
HSK presents First Thur. Afterwork @ Oga
3 Stevie Wonder Live in Seoul @ Olympic Park
Tequila Shot 4,000won & Bud draft 3,000won @ Los Amigos in Itaewon. ONLY on Mondays.
Nutcracker Ball @ Seoul Arts Center. Aug. 15-22
K-League All-Stars VS. FC Barcelona @ Seoul World Cup Stadium
2 All Day Breakfast @ Wolfhound in Itaewon. All day, every weekday
FIREHOUSE live in Korea @ V-Hall in Hongdae
BBQ Tuesdays @ Roofers in Itaewon. 12,000w Steak, potatoes & beer
BBQ Night Every Tuesday @ Roofers in Itaewon BBQ Steak + beer = 12,000 won WINGS 50% OFF Every Tues @ Beer O’Clock in Sinchon Wing Night Every Tues @ Nashville in Itaewon. 250won/wing. 5-8pm
Rooftop Acoustic Open Mic Night Every Wednesday @ Roofers in Itaewon. Open Mic 8-11pm Suji’s Sky High Pastrami Sandwiches @ Suji’s in Itaewon/COEX/Bundang. Every Wednesday after 5pm get an extra 3.5oz. of pastrami free for a 10.6oz sandwich
Cocktail Night @ Los Amigos in Itaewon. 30% OFF for ALL Cocktails on Tues
Happy Hour All Night Long @ Bar Bliss in Itaewon. Every Wed
Guinness Day Every Tues @ Gecko’s in Itaewon
East Coast Canada Night @ Beer O’Clock in Sinchon. Bagpipes, good tunes and Food 9pm
16
17
Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty @ Seoul Arts Center. Aug 5-8
The 11th Busan Int’l Rock Festival @ Dadaepo Beach, Busan. Until Aug. 8
Moonlight Thursdays @ Roofers in Itaewon. The only rooftop ladies night
Follow Me Bikini Party@ mASS
Rux, The Swindlers & More @ Badabie
CANCELLED! Peace At The DMZ Rock Festival
Tim Crouch @ Volume
6
Seoul Fringe Festival Aug 12-28 In Hongdae. www.seoulfringefestival.net
Musical: Billy Elliot @ LG Arts Center. Open run
Ladie’s Night Every Thur @ Yaletown in Sinchon. Free selected shooters all night for Ladies.
Ska Sucks, Rux, GoGo Star, The Koxx, @ Liveclub Ssam French Knickerz in Busan @ elune
10% for Ribs & Steak @ Los Amigos in Itaewon on Thurs.
12 Wing Night @ Orange Tree in Haebangchon. 10 for 3,000won
Rib Night @ Sam Ryan’s. 500 won. Barbeque pork Ribs
MAX Beer Day Every Wed @ Beer O’Clock in Sinchon. Buy any pizza and a Max, 2nd Max FREE.
Jazz Festival @ La Cigale Montmartre in Itaewon. 7pm Every Thurs.
Drunken Chicken Night @ Gecko’s in Itaewon
Indonesian Food Specials During Lunch Hours @ Los Amigos in Itaewon
FREE House Cocktail @ Big Rock in Gangnam. Upon dinner menu orders. Sun-Thurs. 5-8PM
TEX-MEX food 10% OFF @ Los Amigos in Itaewon on Wed
10% for Ribs & Steak @ Los Amigos in Itaewon on Thur
Shut Da Mouth App Launch Party @ HEAVEN
Hotshot Series 1007: Reset Robot @ eden
13
23
24
THE HISTORY OF ROCK @ The Bungalow in Itaewon. 8pm Every Sun.
Wing Night @ Big Rock in Gangnam. ONLY 6,000won.every Mon
A Filetta @ Centennial Hall,Yonsei Culture and Arts Centre
4+1 Brunch @ Big Rock in Gangnam. 5th person FREE for a table
Texas Hold’em in Busan Mon-Sun after 6pm. playpokerinbusan@hotmail.com
Open Mic Night Every Tues @ Olde Stompers in Itaewon around 9pm
25
Seoul City Improv 3-Year Anniversary Show in Memory of Matt Robinson @ 8pm, : Spazio Luce Theater, Itaewon
Tierney Sutton live concert @ Baekam Art Hall in Samsungdong
Bucket Night @ Beer O’Clock in Sinchon. 5 shots with mix... in a bucket 12,000w. Every Fri.
20
Jon Lockely in Busan @ elune Punk vs. Metal @ Badabie
Todd & Dylan in Busan @ elune
House Rulez @ Walkerhill Poolside
Gwangju World Music Festival @ Pungam Sports Park, Gwangju
HSK presents Seoul Is Burining Vol. 8 @ Mansion in Hongdae
20% OFF for All Set Menus Every Fri/Sat @ Spice Table in Itaewon from 5-9pm.
House Rulez First Concert - Magic Television @ River Park
Living in Seoul Orientation @ Itaewon-Hannam Global Village Center
26
14
FC Seoul VS. Gangwon @ Seoul World Cup Stadium
21
Bajofondo @ AX-Korea
Club Day - Last Friday of month in Hongdae
22
2010 Stepping Stone Festival @ Jungmun Beach, Jeju Island
DJ Honda, Dilated Peoples @ Melon Ax-Hall
Drag Bingo Night Every Fri @ Bar Bliss in Itaewon. 9pm
Shooters Night Every Thur @ Gecko’s in Itaewon. Every shot 4,500 won
The Smashing Pumpkins Live Concert @ Jamsil Stadium
Bryan Cox @ Blue Spirit
19
2 for 1 Special @ Bar Bliss in Itaewon. Everyday 7-10pm
7
Bard’ers Beach Bash @ Orange Tree in Haebanchon
Shanghai Sinfonietta Concert @ Gyeonggi Arts Center
OB night @ Sam Ryan’s. 1,500 won OB Draft
Chymera @ eden
Water Gun Party @ mASS
Multi’s 1st Anniversary Party! D J Craze @ mansion
3,000 won Rum, Gin, Vodka with mix @ Beer O’Clock in Sinchon
18
Poker Tournament Every Wed @ Fence in Nonhyun.
HSK presents Defected In The House w/ Simon Dunmore @ Club Answer
5
Beer Pong/Nintendo Wii/Poker/ Other Games - Every Sun @ Yaletown in Sinchon
1 FREE JACK RABBIT @ Big Rock in Gangnam. Upon dinner special menu order
Grand Opening Party @ Club After in Itaewon
Carolina Cartell @ eden
11 Spoken Word/Stand Up Comedy & Poetry Every Wed @ Tony’s Aussie Bar & Bistro in Itaewon 8-11pm
saturday
Summer Week & T – Music Festival @ Naksan Beach, Seoraksan Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Roscoe Umali, Calvin Harris, Tiger JK and Yoon Mi-rae
4
10
Red Day Rooftop Party @ Roofers in Itaewon. Introducing Beer Buckets
friday
thursday
wednesday
27
Korea10’s Rugby League In Busan. koreatens.com
28
Quiz Night @ Orange Tree in Haebangchon Every Tuesday at 9:30pm
29 12/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
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31 august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/13
Music
The Rock Tigers
groove korea
Koreans never seem to do anything half-heartedly and flamboyant local act, The Rock Tigers are a prime example of this. From the thick soles of their ‘brothel-creeper’ shoes to the tips of their slicked back pompadours, The Rock Tigers are 110 percent Rockabilly. Formed back in 2001, the Rock Tigers may not have made the commercial breakthrough of their “Choson Punk” brothers Crying Nut and No Brain, nevertheless the band has established a huge cult following which stretches well beyond the borders of the Korean peninsula. Firing out an electric mix of rockabilly originals and pumped up covers by the likes of Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and The King himself, Eddie Tarantula and the gang rarely fail to deliver it live. Front- woman,Velvet Geena in particular exudes a special charisma and many a man has left a Rock Tigers’ show with a newly developed crush. Having released their third studio album earlier this year and having been recently featured in the pages of the L.A. Times, maybe some long deserved recognition is on the horizon for one of Korea’s best live acts. www.rocktigers.com/therocktigers/eng.html
No. 1 Korean
I remember watching nervously from the sidelines of Club FF’s stage as six young Korean men, dressed in matching purple velvet suits, bounced around the stage with an array of brass instruments and a ball of energy. It was due to be my first time to play the popular Hongdae venue and I was wondering how the hell could I match up to these guys. The band was No. 1 Korean and they had the crowd ecstatic. Thankfully we pulled it off but I knew then this would be one band I would be checking out again.With infectious ska grooves, a pulsating horn section and a big sense of humor, No. 1 Korean more than deserves a place among Seoul’s best underground bands. Handsome, young trumpet playing front-man Kwon Woo You always seems to play the crowd exactly right and the chameleon mohawk and big smile of burly trombone/tuba/ French horn player Mr. Drooru exemplifies everything No. 1 Korean stand for – Ska and Fun. www.myspace.com/no1korean
Provided by band/Oriental Lucy
Galaxy Express
Galaxy Express claim to be not only the hardest working band in Korea but also the hardest rocking. I have to say I agree! Their legendary live performances are nothing short of incendiary. Throwing themselves off stage, climbing onto PA systems, the trio seems to disregard all concerns for personal safety in order to give the crowd the ultimate rock show. My favorite Galaxy Express moment was witnessing guitarist Park Jong-hyun play a blistering solo teetering on the edge of Ole Stompers’ pool table in celebration of the victory at the Battle of the Bands. Heavily influenced by MC5 and The Stooges, Galaxy are not only great performers but also outstanding musicians. In 2009 the band was awarded a Korean Grammy for their album “Noise on Fire.” More recently they showcased new material at Hong Kong’s Music Matters conference, the biggest event of its kind in Asia. Despite this recent rise to fame, the power trio still seems most at home in the tiny underground venues which surround Hongik University, doing what they love. This is dirty rock and roll and this is how I like it! www.myspace.com/galaxyrocknroll
Rux
Jon Dunbar/No. 1 Korean
Brian Keathley/Rock Tigers
Going Underground By Cain Barriskill
When people asked me what I missed most about Seoul, during my hiatus as a university student back in my native land, I had one simple answer. It wasn’t the food, the people, the cheap alcohol, the high speed Internet, the great public transport or the salary; it was the music. The reply from my native countrymen was often a slightly puzzled look and a faint smile. This is hardly surprising as I do come from the home of U2, Van Morrison, The Cranberries, Damien Rice and Thin Lizzy. South Korea certainly isn’t synonymous throughout the world for its great live music. Indeed, the only artist that springs to mind that seems to have made any major waves internationally is Rain. But this is a poor reflection on the fragrant and thriving live music scene, which seems to erupt in Seoul every time Friday night arrives. Step into Hongdae on any given weekend and there is likely to be anywhere from five to fifteen live shows happening simultaneously. However for the uneducated expat, particularly for those new to the city, it can be a difficult quest, not only knowing where and when to go but knowing who to go see. So here is my list of the big ten underground bands you must catch before your time in Seoul comes to an end. 14/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
Punk Rock arrived late in the Korean Republic, but when it did, it exploded striking a chord with the nation’s disenchanted youth just like it had in late 70s Britain and America. Today the scene is still going strong and much of this can be attributed to street punk band Rux and their label Skunk records. Formed when the members were just 16, Rux are stalwarts of the punk scene with five full studio albums under their belts. Influenced by British punk bands Sham 69, The Clash and Cock Sparrer, with big sing-a-long choruses and plenty of Oi, Rux perform with the perfect mix of English and Korean lyrics. Their hardcore following, The Ruckus Army, certainly agree. The band became infamous in 2005 when, during a live performance on Korean TV, members of fellow punk bands Spiky Brats and Crouch striped naked. The was a public outcry, the two punks in question were imprisoned for three months and Rux front-man Won Jong-hee was also arrested, drug tested and accused of running a brothel. While this may mean that they will never make it to the Korean mainstream, it has also added to the legend that is Rux. Oi! www.myspace.com/ruckusarmy
The Moonshiners
Donning bright red suits and with a sound that is decidedly retro,The Moonshiners have been thrilling Hongdae audiences for several years now. Fronted by ex No Brain guitarist Cha Seung-woo, The Moonshiners infuse elements of psychobilly, country, wipeout and 50s rock and roll and have managed to create a storming sound that packs out venues almost every time they are due to take the stage. Cha Seung Woo has recently received much critical acclaim for his acting abilities, taking the lead role in 2009 film “Go Go 70s” as the brooding and arrogant band leader of real life Korean band The Devils. Much of the
Jon Dunbar/The Geeks
What’s your opinion? Do you have your own top10 underground band list? Send it to Groove Korea at: GrooveKoreaMusic@gmail.com Moonshiners’ sound may herald from another time and another place but they perform with such style and finesse that you are sure to be charmed as you bounce around during one of their killer live shows. www.myspace.com/themoonshiners123
Phonebooth
During my years in Korea, I have had the pleasure to witness one band in particular develop and mature into a fantastic and inspirational live rock act. The early days of Phonebooth saw them pay homage to their Brit-Pop heroes Oasis and the Beatles but with a heavy injection of electronica. An evident development in musical ability and a big dose of confidence, Phonebooth’s sound these days is much more reminiscent of The Killers and the Artic Monkeys. Last years’ debut album “A Way to Live On” is a tribute to how far these young men have come since their days as a university cover band. Live, Phonebooth will literally blow you away. Their sound is huge. Driving bass lines, and phaser-heavy guitars perfectly accompany charismatic front man, Laser’s (Hwang Kwang-sun), mix of English and Korean vocals. Phonebooth are often cited as claiming it is extremely difficult for a band like theirs to make it in a culture dominated by K-Pop, but having been nominated for best rock act in Asia’s first independent music awards (AVIMAs) last year, maybe these hard working indie noise monsters are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve. www.myspace.com/myphonebooth
The Geeks
The Geeks may not be everyone’s proverbial cup of tea, and they certainly aren’t easy Sunday morning listening, but having toured the U.S. and Asia, there is no doubt that this hardcore band is one of the best underground acts around. In person Geeks front man, Kiseok, is a calm, mild mannered, young gentleman. On stage, he is something entirely different. Screaming, snarling and throwing himself around like a man possessed, Ki has earned a reputation as august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/15
Music
‘Lock Up Your Daughters,’ Tear Jerks are back in town Provided by band/The Moonshiners one of the most ferocious front men in the country. If you don’t enjoy being pushed, thrown around and nearly punched in the face, make sure you migrate to the back of the hall when the Geeks hit the stage. Their shows are some of the wildest in town and there is barely a drop of alcohol in sight! In a society in which drinking plays such an important role, The Geeks proudly wear their straightedge sensibilities on their sleeves, paying homage to hardcore godfathers Minor Threat. An old school friend, who now lives in Glasgow recently e-mailed me “Cain, have you heard of a Korean band called The Geeks? They fucking rock!” “Yes I have,” I replied and, “and yes they do. www.myspace.com/thexgeeks
Oriental Lucy
From the moment she takes the stage, chic and enigmatic young songstress Yeon Su-hee has the crowd eating out of her hand. There is no doubt that Suhee’s big vocal range, slick moves and unquestionable energy help make her band’s live performances a memorable occasion, but there is much more to Oriental Lucy. Incorporating elements of jazz, garage rock, electronica, bubblegum pop and even Korean trot, it is really difficult to put a finger on Oriental Lucy’s sound but this has established them as one of the most original bands in the underground circuit. Originally known as 24 Caution, Oriental Lucy released their second recording, “Midnight Hotel,” late last year. Replacing the traditional rhythm section with keyboards and laptops,Yeon and guitarist Kin Hyun’s second release seems to be drifting more towards electronica. While the recorded material often fails to capture the charisma of the live shows, it is nevertheless charming and intriguing. Stylish and sexy, creative and unpredictable, Oriental Lucy is a must for music fans that are interested in something a little different. www.club.cyworld.com/ClubV1/Home.cy/50810134
mixing engineers and 2 years later,WE NEED SURGERY finally have an album,” the band’s website humorously states. The recent addition of Mineri front man Lim Jung-gyo on guitar has bolstered up their sound and really added to the bands live performances. You better catch them soon though as I heard a rumor that We Need Surgery are relocating to Vancouver.Yet again, Seoul loses another great expat band. www.myspace/weneedsurgery
Vassline
No self-respecting guide to the underground would be complete without a taste of Metal, as this is perhaps the most underground music of all. They may have started life as a hardcore band, and their lyrics still hold a political and social agenda synonymous with that genre, but Seoul’s Vassline have become one of the most respected metal outfits in the land. With shredding lead guitars, growling vocals and full on double bass drum madness, the influence of bands like Slayer, Carcass,The Black Dahlia Murder and Hatebreed are vividly apparent. Browse the band’s website or the various metal forums on the web and you will discover that Vassline has fans on every corner of the globe. Indeed in 2005 the metalcore band bravely embarked on a North American tour. Signed to GMC records, Vassline have not released anything since 2007’s “Permanence” and have lost original lead guitarist Tiger Jin. Yet the band continues to gig the Hongdae area of Seoul religiously and for those of you who like your music heavy,Vassline are the band to see. www.myspace.com/vassline
We Need Surgery
There is an undoubted wealth of talent among the expatriate community here in Seoul and a stroll through the Haebangchon Music Festival would be enough to convince any skeptics. Had this article been written two years ago a few more expat bands would have surely made it into the ranks of this list. The blues driven 40 Days, gypsy flavored St. John the Gambler and melody ridden indie-folk band The Bellows are just a few I could mention. Unfortunately the average lifespan of an expat band in Korea is about the same as that of full cream milk. One band however who have stuck it out and continued to please Seoul’s live audiences is electro indie pop act We Need Surgery.With charming indie grooves and catchy electro beats, Miso and the boys have drawn heavy comparison with American band “Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.” Their popularity in Seoul is unquestionable but this band in particular would seem as at home among the pages of NME or Rolling Stone as they do among the pages of Groove magazine. Formed from the ashes of Sun Radio, the band released their long anticipated debut album in June. “8 bassists, 3 recording studios, 4
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Jon Dunbar/Rux
This month Seoul sees the return of expat bad boys, The Tear Jerks. They may have a bit of a reputation, but when not being arrested, getting into fights, breaking hearts, smashing equipment or consuming ridiculous amounts of alcohol, The Tear Jerks are one hell of a punk rock band. Their return to the Korean Peninsula, as part of the Lock Up Your Daughters tour, has been eagerly anticipated. Formed in 2008, The Tear Jerks decided to do things differently from many of the other expat bands in Seoul. Not content with playing cover songs in the bars around Itaewon, or performing late shows to predominately Western audiences in clubs like FF and Free Bird, the Tear Jerks had a different audience in mind – the Korean punks. The band immediately stood out from their Korean counterparts, not just because they were the only foreign punk band in town, but they also brought a sound that hadn’t been witnessed before in the Hongdae scene. Combining East Coast street punk with raucous Irish drinking songs, the Celtic-punk quartet hit a decisive chord with both foreign and local audiences from the outset. For fans of The Dropkick Murphys, The Pogues, Flogging Molly and The Street Dogs, The Tear Jerks’ shows this month are an absolute must. Punk may have developed as a reaction to the intricate and self-indulgent prog rock of the 70s – its three chord ethos meaning any one could play – but it has developed and The Tear Jerks are a perfect example of this. They aren’t just punks – they are also musicians. Cain Barriskill’s rapid walking bass lines are reminiscent of Rancid’s Matt Freeman, or Brian Ritchie of the Violent Femmes. Jazz-trained drummer Cooper Marshall changes time signatures like a pro. And as he shreds his battered Les Paul while throwing himself around stage, it is easy to see that John Middlemiss could probably play any riff requested. This is all complemented by growling front man Shawn May, who takes control the moment he steps on stage. Owing to a few legal reasons, The Tear Jerks’ time in Seoul was pretty short, even by expat band standards. But they made a big impression. Sharing the stage with Korean big hitters such as The RockTigers and Johnny Royal, destroying all competition at the Anyang battle of the bands and playing a pivotal role bringing the punk scene to the mean streets of Itaewon, the Tear Jerks became very well known, very quickly. The band’s last show in Seoul, back in February 2009, is something of legend. Despite a lineup of great Korean punk bands, The Tear Jerks were the band everyone was there to see. And they didn’t disappoint. By the time they had kicked into their second song, “Mad Matt MacMurphy,” a packed to capacity DGBD in Hongdae had descended into one big mosh pit. Otherwise normal people suddenly felt compelled to throw themselves off the stage, raise their fists in the air and shout Oi! Let’s hope their return shows kick just as much ass. Kicking off their return,The Tear Jerks will be appearing at Ole Stompers Rock Spot, Itaewon, on Aug. 27, a Friday, supported by dirty rock n’ roll boys Seoul City Suicides and pop-punkers …Whatever That Means (no cover and a 20,000 won all-you-can-drink policy at the bar). The following night they will be playing the legendary DGBD again with the cream of the Korean underground – Ska Sucks, Johnny Royal and Rux and fans are told to expect a few special guests joining the punks on stage. august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/17
GROOVe with seoulvibes China has emerged in the past years to plot venues across all its major cities. In Beijing, try to hit up Lantern or GT Banana. Premiere Artists Group has recently set up shop in Shanghai so hip hop audiophiles will have plenty to savor over the next few years. Their crew loves to party at Shelter and M1NT. Also in Shanghai, Bar Rouge is a favorite among expats. Overlooking the Bund this venue offers expansive views, great local residents and a regular influx of international talent. M2 (Muse) is also a popular club that needs to be checked out, but keep in mind that their security is extremely temperamental.
rokinG out in asia III
As summer falls upon us with its unbearable humidity levels and torrential downpours, clubbers from across the peninsula will be heading out of country for a much needed reprieve from the sauna we call Seoul. With that in mind, we have decided to stretch the aim of our column and give you some venues to seek outside of the Korean capital. Most cities and beach resorts have a select few that we think will cater to your needs. In Bangkok, a couple picks would be 808 and Bed. As you travel to Ko Samui to hit the Full Moon Party, we strongly suggest a stopover at Gecko Samui or Lakeview in Chaweng. These are the places to get all the info you will need for your pilgrimage to Ko Phangan in order to enjoy the mayhem on Haad Rin Beach. If you are stuck in Jakarta heading to Bali then you have several choices in Blowfish, Barcode, Dragonfly, Immigrant, Stadium, and X2. Bali has truly risen from the ashes, showing the world its resilience and peaceful Hindu 18
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spirit. In Seminyak, Double Six remains the heavyweight with Kudeta offering a more refined experience. They focus on a sunset vibe seven days a week, but have a tendency to throw down some of the best nights on the island. Our favorite is Déjà vu as it hosts some great local and international talent coupled with an open concept and ocean view that guarantees some late night mischief. In Kuta, Sky Garden is the club for expats while MBARGO is more open-minded. Hip hop and pumping electro is served up proper at both venues with a wicked party vibe seven days a week!
If you are landing in Taipei for a layover the choice is quite simple — Club Luxy. This dual room club has been a primary stomping ground for the best DJs the world over. With an arsenal of top residents this club has zero competition and brings in a marquee roster of electronic and hip hop talent. On a smaller scale, Room18 is a good alternative for dance music. Heading south to the Philippines, whilst in Manila, Embassy has been the reigning club for years. They closed recently, but will reopen soon as Republik. The Amber Lounge offers a nice chilled environment, while Cebu boasts one of the islands top clubs, Penthouse. If you pump over to Boracay we highly recommend Hey Jude. Located in the middle of White Beach this venue uses the sand as its dance floor. The inside track is
that club culture on the islands will drastically change with TIME — soon to open in Manila. En route to Singapore, Home, Stereo and Zirca are places to hit up. The top club in Asia also is on the island — ZOUK. If you are trapped in Hong Kong then the word on the street is that Volar and Dragon-i are the places to be seen, but be warned that clubbing in HK can be exclusive and expensive. In KL, Euphoria, Maison and Zouk seem to be the places to check out. If you have to make a visa run to Japan then it is an easy toss-up whilst in Tokyo — Womb or Ageha, although Warehouse and Air have interesting guests from time to time. In Osaka, head to Triangle Park in American-Mura since there are several clubs located minutes away from each other. Make sure to get a hotel in advance otherwise you will be stuck in a capsule or even worse sleeping in the park itself. A recent addition to the club map in Osaka is Onzieme which hosts some of the best DJs touring Japan and their residents are second to none. If you are land-locked in Korea then we have only one suggestion for you — head south and checkout out Haeundae Beach and go rip it up in Busan since Elune and Matkum are world-class venues. Otherwise, set your alarm early so you can get some space at the Hamilton Hotel’s pool parties on Sundays. Enjoy the beats and the beach!
This is a column dedicated to electronic music in Korea. Our aim is to give Groove Korea readers: interviews and updates on what is happening on the peninsula. Feel free to contact the links below for information on clubs, DJs, or events!
seoulvibes@gmail.com | www.myspace.com/seoulvibes check out seoulvibes on:
ASIA
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/19
Music
Following and Filming... Whatever That Means on Tour in Malaysia Photos and article by Ji Jun
When Jeff Moses, lead singer and guitarist of ...Whatever That Means first asked me to come film his band on its first tour, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Months later, a lot of things changed. I was back home in California unemployed and cash-strapped. A lot of things came together to get me on this trip with the equipment I needed, and the experience was well worth it. At first, Jeff wanted a video he and his band could look back on. When the tour promoter/manager heard that I was coming, she asked if I could spend some time with the local bands. That’s when the video diary turned into a documentary. Now, I’m hoping to get this thing edited and sent to film festivals. Here are a few stories from the tour.
That Means considered dropping out of the benefit concert, but decided to give it a go. We eventually met up with the Australian band in Johor Bahru at our last tour date. It was their show at the cafe that had been raided that night before our gig, and their next show would have been raided if they hadn’t made a daring escape. It seemed fitting that we would finally meet the night before we left the country.
Durians
Hot Mosquitoes
I arrived in Kuala Lumpur near midnight, sweating it out to a tune of 93 degrees. With dates spread throughout Malaysia and the island of Borneo, I brought along two bags of camera equipment and a few jackets. “Does it get hotter in the summer?” The locals laughed when I asked this. There is no summer in Malaysia, just constant heat with frequent breaks of rain accounting for the numerous and aggressive mosquitoes. “It rained earlier, so there will be a lot,” my host told me. I fell asleep under an open window, the ceiling fan pushing air down onto me. The next day, the bites on my legs swelled until it looked like I had third-degree burns. I went to the hospital a few days later. The doctor said she’d never seen anything like it before.
Islamic state. Mosques send out adhan, calls to worship, five times a day.We saw a moderate number of women wearing head scarves, and very few women in full burkas. Many restaurants served no pork and advertised this fact. Despite the heavy Islamic influence, Kazaa, our driver and a local musician, said there were many religions in the country. Chinese, Indian and ethnic Malays seemed to get along whether they were Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim or Christian. We happened to be out on a Friday, and a parade went by. It was a government-observed Buddhist holiday, and people celebrated with floats and banners. Once, without prompting and maybe because he felt self-conscious, Kazaa told us, “You don’t have to worry about terrorists. We are different, here.”
Food
We Don’t Play Black Metal
The band arrived one day after me, and we shared a first meal at McDonald’s. After that, we tried to stay away from “American” food for most of the trip. We tried things like nasi lemak, a Malaysian dish centered around rice marinated in coconut cream then steamed. Indian restaurants served curry, naan and tandoori dishes, and we had a lot of Chinese food near our hostel. One time, and for very good reason, I went to an A&W and ordered a meal with a large root beer float. Syahir, one of our drivers, told me that his family used to go to A&W once a month on payday. With the 3-to-1 exchange rate between dollars and Ringgits, I totally took for granted how cheap fast food was. Imagine paying $5 for a family dinner at Burger King.
Getting Along
Depending on who answers, Malaysia is/isn’t an
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The band played its first show on the island of Borneo in a small gymnasium.Though we all felt dispirited at first because it seemed so trite, we later counted our blessings.When Jeff and his band took to the stage, they expected to find themselves playing for a disinterested audience that had sat through most of the performances for the other bands. Instead, an unexpected and raucous audience swirled and stage dived singing along to the choruses they could learn on the spot. The rest of the tour went up and down like that. Like a roller coaster. A show at a cafe was canceled after the police raided it the night before and confiscated their equipment.There’s a ban on black metal, and the police use it as a reason to raid shows. Ironically, the show that replaced the cafe gig put ...Whatever That Means on a bill with metal bands. Before a show in Cherating, we heard news that the Australian headliner had been arrested with two members of its entourage deported. ...Whatever
In Borneo, one of our drivers passed by a durian stand. I mentioned that I’ve always wanted to try one, and she bought us a package of them. Durians have this hard outer shell with spines, kind of like urchins. The durians we got were already peeled, and it didn’t smell as bad as I expected, but it did feel unpleasant to the touch. I tried it first, but wasn’t able to finish. It tasted a little like cold bulgogi, and Hong9, the drummer, tried one and said the same thing. When Trash, ... Whatever That Means bassist and Jeff’s wife, came over later, she decided to give it a go and popped one in her mouth. It seemed near instant. She gagged and tried to spit it out. Out of frustration, she started hitting Hong9. Every time after that, when we passed by a durian stand, she would start moan and gag. It really affected her. A lot of things happened on our tour. We had near-brushes with the law, a van breakdown, and hospital visits. Filming a documentary was a new experience for me because there was no script, no actors, and no camera crew that was going to carry my equipment or save files to my hard drive. It was up to me to point the camera, press record, and watch what happens. Film is my dream, and that’s one of the reasons I worked on this project. I also wanted to build connections with people. I had my doubts before I got on that plane, but I had a lot of help and support. I didn’t work on this documentary to create a commercial for the bands. For me, the purpose was to meet people, share my experiences, and work for something positive. For more information on the documentary, …Whatever That Means, and some of the Malaysian bands we met on tour check: • • • •
www.facebook.com/notaphasedocumentary www.facebook.com/whateverthatmeansmusic http://www.myspace.com/secondcombat www.myspace.com/xkidsxonxthexmovex
HANDSOME FURS with TEENGIRL FANTASY in Korea By Tsarinas Chenis
As an antithesis to the premium-priced summer festivals and large, spring-break-like crowds, local promoter SuperColorSuper, who dropped jaws with Caribou just last month, are exclusively designating the tail-end of summer to the much buzzed about Korean debut performance by Montreal’s wife-husband duo Handsome Furs (Subpop Records) who will tag-team alongside Pitchfork-raved glo-fi sensations Teengirl Fantasy (True Panther/Merok). After an immensely successful 2009 Asia Tour (the central subject of CNN’s Indie Asia Documentary), Handsome Furs’ Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry return for their second excursion to the continent with dates in 14 cities across six countries. The band, which is now signed to Subpop Records — the iconic label that helped not only engineer Boeckner’s other musical project like a little band known as Wolf Parade, and also catalogs the success of bands including Nirvana, CSS and Death Cab for Cutie to their name – released their first album, Plague Park, in 2007, and followed it up with 2009’s Face Control. With the synth-pop duo winning over the press with praise such as “believe the hype” (Rolling Stone); “like listening to a heartbeat instead of an EKG” (Spin); “a synth pep rally for the damned” (Blender); and “impressionistic verses and revelatory choruses” (Pitchfork); it is no surprise that live show enthusiasts await their shows with much anticipation. While Handsome Furs will be a beautiful synthesis of Boeckner’s imperfect vocals and well-honed guitar alongside Perry’s steadily pulsing synth rhythms and raw drum machine, their sweat-dripping set will be complemented by the excitingly divergent aesthetic of Teengirl Fantasy’s Logan Takahashi and Nick Weiss’ brand of cosmic, droned-out dance beats. The band that many are claiming to be forging an entirely new wave of electronic music boast opening for acts such as Lucky Dragons, Pictureplane and Dan Deacon. The duo has even collaborated on a video installation/performance with Jacob Ciocci of the colorful art collective Paper Rad. Like their Korea tourmates,Teengirl Fantasy have won the approval of music media giants NME and Pitchfork, with descriptions such as “ethereal dreamtronica” and “dubby, dreamy, drum-and-chimes-heavy,” respectively.
Handsome Furs w/ Teengirl Fantasy August 12 Daegu, TBA August 13 Seoul, TBA August 14 Busan, TBA All further details on www.supercolorsuper.com
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/23
Music
music
gizmos
By Lance Reegan-Diehl
Recording artist & music industry specialist
cD review
Ska Bless You by Kingston Rudieska By Chris Backe
Kingston Rudieska Words and photos by Eric Reichbaum / ericreichbaum.wordpress.com “I just want everyone to be happy, that’s at the top of my wish list.” This is the closing line of the New Kingston Rudieska song “Riva City,” and it couldn’t describe the band’s message better. Kingston exudes happiness from the stage, and rarely is a smile absent from a face in the crowd. Kingston was formed at the beginning of 2004 almost out of necessity. The original members loved listening to ska, but were playing other styles of music. Lee Suk Yeul, the lead singer of Kingston was a singer in a punk band, while keyboard player Ok Dae was a trot singer. Choi Chul Wook, the trombonist and leader of Kingston has been a staple of Hongdae since the early 1990’s, and he’s what trumpeter Jung Suk, calls “first generation” in Hongdae. Chul Wook decided to take the music he loved and form Korea’s first ska band. A somewhat risky move for someone who had only been playing the trombone for six months and only knew five notes. “Some Koreans might not know ska music, but the rhythm is very familiar to them. In my case, when I was in high school I listened to ska-punk music. At that time, ska was everywhere, even in K-Pop music. They used the rhythm but they didn’t call it ska. I thought we should make a ska band and let everyone know about original ska music,” says Chul Wook. They were exploring unknown territory in the Korean music scene. With no other ska bands around to help them along, they were forced to combine their own influences and fuse them together into what has become their own style. Their first release was a three-song demo released in 2005 including the song ‘Oscar Wilde,’ a song that remains a fan favorite and set list staple for the band. The song was also included on an international compilation of ska music in 2007. 2008 was a big year for Kingston. They saw their first major release with Skafiction, adding a keyboard player and another trumpet to round out their sound. They had a few special guests on the album as well. Kim In Su, of Crying Nut added harmonica to one track. Indie music heartthrob Yozoh added her great voice to a track as well. Two months after the release of Skafiction, Kingston was invited to play on KBS’s national hit TV show “Yoon Do Hyun’s Love Letter.” This didn’t necessarily 24/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
give their career a boost like one might think, but Kingston doesn’t measure success by album sales. As Chul Wook explains, “We played a concert in Busan with No Brain five years ago to an audience of about 1,000 people. The audience just stood there like statues because no one knew how to dance to ska music. After we appeared on Love Letter, more people were familiar with our music, and we noticed people began dancing at our concerts more and more.” You’d be hard pressed to find bodies not skanking at a Kingston show today. So in that measure, the band has been very successful. They released a short five-song EP last year, and their second full-length album, Ska Bless You, came out last June. Their first album consisted of songs primarily written by Chul Wook, but this newest album features tracks penned by other members. “I’m very pleased that other members have written songs on this album. This album reflects the variety of the tastes of our members; however you can still see the Kingston Rudieska color in the songs. I like the direction we’re heading,” Chul Wook said. Although Kingston has played with international acts such as the Chris Murray Combo,The Slackers and the legendary Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, there is one thing they long for. “We really want to play abroad, it is our dream,” says Suk Yeul. “We were supposed to play in Thailand earlier this year, but our trip was cancelled because of the (Red Shirt) violent protests.” With a determination as strong as Kingston Rudeiska’s, and a message as positive as theirs, achieving their goals should come easily. When asked about their band’s message Suk Yeul said, “I hear from fans about people that came to our concert feeling gloomy and leaving with a smile on their face, feeling happy. Every time I hear that kind of story it makes me feel proud of myself, and our message. We want to spread our happy vibes to our audience.” To grab some of those vibes for yourself, you can find Kingston Rudieska playing in Hongdae at least a couple times a month. Check their website www.kingstonrudieska. com for upcoming shows.
Kingston Rudieska has done it again – and not just in the musical sense. Their second full-length album, Ska Bless You, features their trademark style of ska – frenetic at times and chilled at others, combining calypso and reggae while remaining the precursor to rockabilly and other forms of modern rock. Having performed at both Pentaport and the Jisan Rock Festival, Kingston Rudieska is in it for the long haul. That’s not to say that all of Rudieska’s songs fit neatly in a tightlypackaged genre. “Riva City” skews towards the reggae side, while “Double Happiness” is distinctively laid back – not unlike a jazz bar winding down for the night. The nine-piece band’s harmony fuses other Latin American rhythms quite nicely in 선 (Seon, or “Line”), and picks up the energy in “Giant Moment” and the title track (one of the few tracks to feature more than a few words of English). The variety is one element that makes Kingston Rudieska so interesting to listen to – whether you buy the CD or see them live. While the vocals throughout Ska Bless You are understated, it’s understandable considering the talent blowing, plucking or banging their instruments. The ample time dedicated to the many solos is a reminder of their talent – not that you needed one by the end of the CD. The album is worth the purchase, if only for the whimsical cover art. Since I don’t have 1,000 words to describe the pretty pictures, let’s say they’re colorful and wonderfully reminiscent of Jamaica (where ska arguably got its start in the city of Kingston), and much like some forms of African art. Enjoy any chance you have to see the band live, or pick up the CD to enjoy their music anytime.
Ska Bless You, features their trademark style of ska – frenetic at times and chilled at others.
For more information, check out the band’s website at www.kingstonrudieska.com. Chris in South Korea writes about music, travel, and life in Korea at his blog http://chrisinsouthkorea.blogspot.com
During the time I have spent in the music industry (my whole life) I’ve had many chances to hear and see many new innovations. Some innovations are great and have changed musical tastes, even changed what people play. While other innovation’s could leave one wondering if that was even necessary or an improvement at all. Well, having been able to see this prototype in action, first hand about 10 months ago before it’s release, I am not surprised by the overwhelming interest in this new guitar bridge. And what could be so interesting about another electric guitar bridge? You might wonder… It is self-locking.Yes, self-locking. The bridge attaches to the guitar posts by magnets embedded in the bridge. This allows for the player to keep the preferred string height adjustment dialed in when changing strings, and not having to re-adjust the bridge height during every string change. This retains that special string height action that varies from player to player, and no one knows the true perfect string action except the individual. Consider your favorite electric guitar, playing perfectly, after every string change. And there will be no more of the bridge pieces falling off the guitar and marking up your paint job, when you decide to move to a more comfy work station, and you forget the bridge is unstrung.With the magnetic power of a ResoMax system you will have all of your adjustments automatically locked in. The actual material that the bridge uses vibrates sympathetically with the guitar strings to enhance the resonance. Hence the ResoMax harmonic bridge system. It is also lighter than all comparable bridges resulting in a guitar that can offer more comfort onstage, with a bit of reduced weight from the instrument. The new ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System is designed to maximize harmonic content and richness in every note. All of the bridges and tailpieces are made from harmonically rich ResoMax alloy, which allow the natural sound of your guitar to shine through. Exclusive to the ResoMax system, the AutoLock locking feature magnetically secures your bridge and tailpiece at all times without tools to use or lose, making restringing simple and quick. All Resomax bridges come equipped with String Saver saddles. To determine if the ResoMax bridges and tailpiece will fit you guitar, just compare the following information regarding their bridges to your existing bridge. The first step would be to determine if you have a 4mm or 6mm post size. All Gibson USA guitars use 4mm post and all Epiphone and most other import guitars use a 6mm post. The best way to check this is to measure your existing posts. The second dimension to consider is the post spacing. The most common post spacing is 2 29/32” or 74mm. This is a standard post spread used by most manufacturers today. Again, the best way to be certain is measure the distance between the center of one post to the center of the next post. Whether you are looking to upgrade to a self locking system or just like new guitar items, you may find all information about the patented ResoMax system at www.graphtech.com and for product advice and installs you can consult your friendly neighbourhood Music shop www.deeleebob.com The only foreign owned music shop/studio in Korea. Monthly Reviews and music advice are provided by Lance Reegan-Diehl, recording artist, producer and music industry specialist. www.LRDMusic.com. He has performed with BOA, Tony Ahn, Ricky Martin and at major music trade shows, concerts and tours worldwide. This review comes in from the road, as the L.R.D. Band performs at the Japan Blues Festivals. Next month: a truly, empowered tuner. august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/25
Music
Q&A with Zack Kim Question: Tell us about your background. Do you come from a musical family? Answer: My aunt was a singer and was dispatched to Vietnam during the war to entertain the American troops and afterwards started a restaurant business overseas, so I’ve been abroad all my life since the age of five, from Egypt to Australia. I lived mainly in Kuala Lumpur, but now I am back here in Seoul, where I was born. At home, my sister used to play the piano while my mother sang beautifully, even though she was not a singer, and we listened to a lot of classical music. Q: What early musical influences did you have? A: Guns ‘n’ Roses, Metallica, Mr. Big, Extreme and then Nirvana and the alternative grunge bands, which was basically what I grew up listening to. My favorite guitarists are Slash, Paul Giblert, BumbleFoot, John Mayer, Pat Matheny and Stanley Jordan. I also really like pianists like Bach, Chopin, Jacques Loussier and Hiromi Uehara. Q: When did you start playing guitar? A: I started playing at age 10 after I heard the Guns ‘n’ Roses version of “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” on the way home in the school bus.Then, about five years ago, I saw a clip of Stanley Jordan performing on the Letterman Show, which got me interested in the free hands technique. Finally the idea of playing piano pieces on my guitar and performing solo was something that got me really interested in using two guitars. Q: You have become somewhat of a YouTube celebrity. How do you feel about the fame? A: When you are hailed as a YouTube celebrity, people are interested in you, but only in an online sense. When you are hailed as a virtuoso you are given the illusion that you are the meanest guitar player out there, when in fact there are tons of players inside their bedrooms, just without the means to upload. Still, I have to admit it
The Rising Star of Zack Kim The internet has done many wondrous things, yet without a doubt making celebrities out of people who barely deserve the precious oxygen they breathe is not one of them. The free flow of information has permitted complete idiots to become household names, broadcasting things that most of us could have happily lived without experiencing and, while it is indeed a wondrous thing that ideas and opinions can now flow in a multitude of directions, the fact that some obese moron can tell the world of their displeasure at their local super market’s failure to stock their favorite breakfast cereal is hardly the pinnacle of human existence. Still, through the clutter of absolute morons airing their empty opinions and viral videos that have all the class of a drunken Alsatian, we find those rare diamonds, examples of gifted and talented individuals who can share their gift with the world thanks to the wonder of the internet. Undoubtedly, one of these people is 26-year-old guitarist Zack Kim. If views of YouTube videos are a mark of success then Zack’s 5 million views surely confirm that he is indeed a virtuoso of our time. What is immediately striking about Zack Kim is that while he plays incredibly well with one guitar more often than not he in fact plays with two, at the same time. By using the ‘free hands’ technique (invented by Emmett Chapman and popularized by Stanley Jordan in the 1960’s) Zack taps the guitar’s strings with his fingers aligned with the frets .While at first the idea of somebody playing two guitars at once may seem a little off putting to all but the most hardened shred fanatics (what with the tendency of most guitarists to descend into an Oedipus-like spiral of “Hey ma, look how fast I can play!”), Zack is completely innocent of these crimes, the music taking precedence over his ego. By utilizing the unique natural tone of his two electric guitars and the multiple octave range they possess, complemented with only a smidge lead gain and an effects unit to loop short musical passages, Zack is able to do the job of an entire band with his mere fingertips. Furthermore instead of overt self-involvement, his work instead shows a distinctly tasteful approach, the intent not being so much to show off his technique but instead to showcase original compositions along with a whole songbook of faithful interpretations covering Beethoven to the Beatles to Daft Punk, all executed with impressive accuracy. Unsurprisingly, Zack has already made a name for himself; as well as receiving the accolade of YouTube celebrity, he has also achieved the mark of domestic success in Korea by exhibiting his unique style of playing to the nation on numerous episodes of Star King, a show geared towards exposing talented individuals throughout the nation. By thinking way outside of the box of how a guitar can be played and, consequently, defying boundaries of genre with an impressive lack of egoism to boot, Zack Kim has emerged as a powerful and exciting musical force.All that remains to be seen is how high he will fly his two-guitared banner in the years to come.
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is nice to know that there are people out there who appreciate what I’m doing. Q: After appearing on the TV show ‘Star King’ did people come up to you on the street? A: I had my first vacation from the army after being featured on the program and I was surprised by the impact it had, I was practically surrounded by people on the subway who were taking pictures of me. But of course, it all ended when I went back home changed into my t-shirt and jeans! Q: What draws you to a piece of music? A: I have had the opportunity to meet and play with various musicians from all genres, which has probably led me to like many different styles. For instance, I got into techno music because many of my classmates at college were into DJs like ATB, Paul Van Dyke and Tiesto. For me, the bottom line is that if the song sounds great I will like it whether or not it’s marketed to my demographic. Q: What are your plans for the future? Z: My initial plan was to start a rock band that will rule the world and on the side have a trio with a double bassist and a drummer mixing up different types of music and doing crazy experimental stuff. I just got out of the army and I’m in the midst of getting to know musicians here in Seoul while teaching at Siren Music Academy in Gangnam. I am also working on my solo album, which hopefully will be released this year, where I create both the rhythm and melody with just my guitars. If it does well then maybe my dream of becoming a full time performer will come true and there will still be hope for my plan of taking over the world! For more information on Zack Kim, visit: www.zackkim.com
KAFKA
BY SHAWN DESPRES | WWW.KOREAGIGGUIDE.COM After issuing their “Nothingness” sophomore album in October 2007, it didn’t appear that Seoul duo Kafka would be making much more music. Aside from a few gigs in the first half of 2008, the band basically went three years without performing. “We didn’t do anything with our music career for a while,” says vocalist and programmer Chaiyoung. “We just stayed at home without meeting anyone, playing video games and watching movies or reading books. “To be honest, we had many feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, sadness and anger during that time.” Wanting to break free of the rut they were in, Kafka re-emerged on the Seoul live circuit last fall. “At first, we didn’t want to make a new album,” says Chaiyoung. “However, when we started playing concerts again we decided to make another album.” Having previously put out two full-lengths, “Nothingness” and 2004’s eponymous effort, Chaiyoung and guitarist and programmer Changyeol opted to craft an EP instead, rightfully thinking that less material would make for a stronger, more immediate listening experience. Titled “The Most Beautiful Thing,” the six-track recording was released on June 29. “To us, ‘The Most Beautiful Thing’ means ‘hope,’” says Chaiyoung. “We were stuck in the depths of despair for so long and felt that we couldn’t get out of it. Finally one day we just woke up and that’s when we created this album.” Covering a wide sonic spectrum, “The Most Beautiful Thing” is a mix of electro-rock, trip hop, dream pop and experimental sounds. It includes a re-worked version of “Miss World” from Kafka’s debut disc and “Fail To Love,” which was initially intended for “Nothingness.” “With this album we wanted to express our anger, sadness and feelings of hope,” says Chaiyoung. “We tried to express all the songs more instinctively. When we started making ‘The Most Beautiful Thing’ we felt so strange since it was very different from our past music. “Overall it was a very exciting experience. It’s something different from ‘Kafka’ and ‘Nothingness,’ so we’re content with our new album.” According to Chaiyoung, since their formation in 2000 Kafka have been fighting an uphill battle to gain greater recognition for their art. Although frustrated, instead of disappearing again they are being more proactive and working to promote “The Most Beautiful Thing” internationally by reaching out to labels and acts from other countries. “When our first album came out, most people in Korea were surprised and puzzled at the time by it,” she says. “Some people didn’t think Kafka was a Korean band and many people had negative reactions since they’re not used to listening to music like ours. They had never tried listening to any music except Korean popular music. “It’s sad to say, but we are still facing a similar situation. This is one of the reasons why we’re trying to find a way to share our music globally.” Kafka plan to extensively showcase their new tunes domestically as well, but are still searching for suitable locations that will provide the best environment for them and their fans. “Many clubs have rejected us for being different from other Korean indie bands, so we are always looking for places that value musical diversity.” So what can concertgoers expect from a Kafka live show? “If people come to our live concerts, they will feel uncomfortable, nervous or maybe even scared,” Chaiyoung says. “They will feel a strong, vibrant energy filling their body and soul. Most fans who have watched our concerts generally agree that our performance is very shocking and fantastic. They usually say that they feel very strange because of our heavy guitar sounds and the dreamy melodies of the songs.” Kafka’s “The Most Beautiful Thing” can be purchased at Hyang Music in Sinchon or Hongdae’s Purple Record. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/ kafkakafkakafka or http://cafe.daum.net/soulshop. august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/27
Movies
groove korea
August 5 Toy Story 3 Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
Street Dance 3D Sharni Vinson, Rick Malambri
August 12 The Limits Of Control Isaach De Bankole, Alex Descas, Bill Murray
The Experiment Adrien Brody, Cam Gigandet
August 19 Killers Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl
The Last Airbender Noah Ringer, Jackson Rathbone, Nicola Peltz
Tidal Wave (Hae-un-dae)
Daytime Drinking (Nat-sool)
Nestled on Korean’s southeastern tip, Busan attracts numerous tourists each year with its marvelous beaches and fascinating cultural aspects. Professor Kim-hwi (Park Joong-hoon) is the tourism bureau’s lingering thorn-inthe-side with his enduring rants warning of an unprecedented ‘mega-tsunami’ similar to the catastrophic 2004 Indonesian tsunami. The Disaster Prevention Agency heeds none of the warnings and focuses its attention on the city’s cultural exhibition. Furthermore, the coordinator of the event is Kim-hwi’s ex-wife, who left him taking along their daughter whilst still hiding the fact that Kim-hwi fathered her. As Kim-hwi investigates deeper, he discovers startling predictors similar to the 2004 tsunami, painting a dire picture for the port city. While beaches provide means of relaxation, other individuals call these parts home. Choi Min-sik (Seol Kyeong-gu), retired from the seas four-years prior when a fishing-vessel capsized causing a colleague’s death, is entrusted with providing care for the ill-fated man’s daughter, but now possesses stronger loving instincts for her, replacing the prior paternal instincts. While searching to find an existence of cohesion in the frantic world, they must also deal with the greed of businessmen wanting to replace their homes with mega-resorts, hence providing another unnecessary dilemma. Much time and effort was exerted into creating an amazing build-up of plotlines and an intertwining of characters. Although sometimes painfully slow in its execution, a steady dose of comic relief holds the audience’s attention and anticipation for the upcoming natural disaster. The actual disaster, shorter in length than expected, is outshone by the aftermath of the tragedy and its effects. At certain points, one barely has time to digest the disaster’s impact before another heartbreaking tragedy is forcefully thrust upon the viewer. Although highly dramatic, sometimes approaching maximum emotional threshold, cinematic techniques weaved with ensuing plotlines culminated in an overall griping production. — By Daniel Vorderstrasse
A tale of one man’s incredible streak of bad luck is carried out in this independent drama featured at numerous film festivals (Toronto, Stockholm, etc.). Hyeok-jin (Song Sam-dong), recently dumped by his girlfriend, copes with the situation the best way known – through numerous bottles of soju amongst friends. As the soju liberally flows, the group initiates a radical idea for a change of scenery adding a new journey for the young man to undertake. Unfortunately, only one in the group successfully plunges into the plan as the others are hindered from the after-effects soju so naturally provides the next morning. Told to stay put for a few days and enjoy the fresh air, Hyeok-jin embarks on a much needed separation from reality. Hyeok-jin straps in for the long haul and sets forth on a roller coaster of endless bad luck and run-ins with the most unfortunate outcomes. Seemingly, the man cannot catch a break, but endures the struggles searching for a single moment of tranquility. While journeying through the mountainous scenery of Gangwon-do, the viewer engages in a mission to endure the numerous misfortunes waiting for the one moment when Hyeok-jin can acquire peace in an otherwise downward spiral of a life. This gritty, independent movie is worth a viewing with its numerous accolades awarded at film festivals. On the other hand, the movie may disappoint, making one ponder whether the awards were acquired via lack of quality competition. Although not a horrible rendition of a hard-luck drama, it is absent of any dynamic qualities. The unconventional humor is sometimes misunderstood and carried out through puns ultimately adding to the let-down. The most lasting impression of the movie was learning that warm noodles and soju, measly as they may be, are the only necessary requirements to enjoy the beach during the colder months. — By Daniel Vorderstrasse
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August 26 Piranha 3-D Elisabeth Shue, Adam Scott
Predators Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace
Travel
groove korea
Destination: Jumunjin Beach By Chris Backe
Colorful Celebration:
Want to take a long walk on the beach? This is the place to start – the sand just keeps going and going. Not far from the northern border of South Korea, Jumunjin Beach (주문진 해수욕장) Korean is one of the prettiest beaches along Korea’s east coast. Thanks to the clear water and the relatively low depth, it’s easy to splash around or relax to your heart’s content. After arriving, the Lady in Red and I found our way to some adequate public facilities and changed into our swimsuits. A shower building offered some non-salty water for 2,000 won, while an area behind the bathrooms is there to rinse off. Not far from the entrance is a medium-sized camping ground – great for saving money or staying close to the beach. The highlight of the beach is easily the clear waters — we could easily see the ripples in the sand
at the bottom of the water, along with the shells and seaweed. The water is still cold, but it’s a refreshing cold when it’s above 30 degrees Celsius. This is seriously one of the best beaches to just lie down and relax – it’s off of the beaten path and not the most popular place. Although nature has provided plenty of shells for your perusal, it’s easy to clear a space and catch up on your tan. Meander down the sand if you like, but keep your eyes towards the water or you’ll be staring at a fence with
The River Banks in Kathmandu By Jennifer Waescher
I had heard that Nepal was like “India Light.” After two months in India proper, I was ready for that. From the town where Buddha was born in southern Nepal, close to the border of India, I took a pricey taxi-mini van the 12 hours up winding, treacherous paths (otherwise known as the highway in Nepal), where many a broken International main down bus or car accident could be seen, to the capital city, Kathmandu. I didn’t plan on staying long, just a week or so, and then I’d book my tickets to my next destination.Turns out that Kathmandu, during the month of October is a little like the Hotel California: I checked in, but had trouble checking out. During the following month, I tried to book plane tickets and had multiple obstacles to getting out of the country: festivals and holidays that kept shops closed, flights unavailable, and such. As I had no interest in trekking at that time, I had a lot of time to kill in Kathmandu. It was a lot like India, but definitely had it’s own feel. The main tourist area was like a time warp to the 1980s, where every night a cover band could be heard blaring old tunes throughout the crowded streets, and where people, either getting ready to trek, or coming back from a long hike up to the base camp of Everest, could be found relaxing with good food and drinks. The whole place was pretty relaxed. I got to know the main street well, and all the restaurants with their rooftops showing distant views of the Himalayas. However, outside the main streets there was more to Kathmandu than beer and food, travel agents, and tourists talking on Skype in Internet cafes. Just a short rambling walk away there is a small river – much, much smaller than the famous Ganga in India. It is the Bagmati River, which runs through the temple, Pasputhinath, where monkeys play and cows cool themselves off and where bodies are cremated in funeral ceremonies. I had not made it to Varanasi in my travels, and so I decided I would witness the cremations in Kathmandu. Not a typical way to spend an afternoon for most people. In fact, I couldn’t imagine any of my family or friends back home sitting on the banks of the river, witnessing bodies burning. I wasn’t sure I could either. As I walked the side of the river where the bodies were burning, I saw the man working the burning pit. He wore a dirty white shirt and white wrap around his lower half, a cigarette delicately balancing in his lips, as he nonchalantly stuffed the legs of someone’s body down lower into the pit, as if stoking a campfire.
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I didn’t realize I would be so close up to the burnings themselves (I stoo-d a mere meter away), and I gasped, seeing the disembodied foot go under the pile. I quickly made my way to the other side of the river to observe from a safer distance. As the “fire-master” finished up one body, a family was preparing another one down the way. I watched as they wrapped her body in many colourful cloths, flowers, and finally with wood, and other materials. Soon enough, after some prayers, the body was aflame. The public ritual both amazed and shocked me – how death was so openly displayed. The experience left me feeling, not morbid, but strangely, more alive, more grateful and more keenly aware of how precious life is. In the West, death is an almost taboo subject that we seldom address until it confronts us, and we are often unprepared and unable to cope when it does. In Kathmandu, death is never far away. In fact, only a few kilometers away, and open for anyone to see. This “funeral” was, in a way, a colorful celebration. What I sensed, as I observed, was that the family was prepared with ritual and ceremony to “celebrate” the passing from one form to another. It was touching, inspiring and eye opening to witness such a take on the transition of life to whatever is after life. My culture had not prepared me to witness death so openly, so colourfully, and so full of acceptance. Sitting at the burning ghats, the public cremation illustrated for me that the real significance was not the burning of the body, not the body at all, but the journey of the “soul,” or whatever you choose to call it, as they sent the woman’s now-empty sari afloat down the river. Just another day in Kathmandu. Just another body, gone somewhere else. Life, death, everyday. I escaped the world of tourists and ‘80s bands a few times to visit that temple complex at the river, in awe of what happened there: The presence of death being a constant affirmation of life. It was a whole different world from the one just a few kilometers away. It was a whole shift in me, one of many that I experienced in my travels. The days grew colder in early November and soon enough my purgatory was over, and I managed to book a flight. Nepal was my last stop on my long Asian tour. It felt strange and sad to leave Asia, after so long. In the dichotomies that were Kathmandu, and much of Asia as a whole, I found some peace, some acceptance, and left there, I hope, a little, just a little, wiser.
Canoeing Korea: Chungju Dam Article and Photos by Cath Witten Boyd daffado.blogspot.com
apartment buildings on the other side. A bit more walking and we came to a lighthouse and the continued beach. With no barriers on the sand to speak of, it was quite possible to take that long walk along the beach, or along the road that hugged the sea’s curves. Either way, there’s plenty of coast to take in. Not far are a couple coffeeshops and restaurants if you needed a break from the sand and surf. While it’s a bit remote, the clear waters and decent facilities merit a weekend trip; other beaches may promise the crowds and plenty of touristfriendly attractions, but this area is one to visit for the “off-the-beaten-path” folks. Directions to Jumunjin Beach: Take a bus to Gangneung (from Seoul’s Express Bus Terminal, buses leave every 15- 30 minutes; about 3 hours and 15 minutes travel time). Once at Gangneung, take a bus to Jumujin (1,800 won, 20 minutes travel time, comes frequently). From there, a short taxi ride to 주문진해변 (Ju-mun-jin hae-byeon) will get you to the entrance. Chris Backe keeps the blog Chris in South Korea (chrisinsouthkorea.blogspot.com), which focuses on travel and life in Korea.
bird calls and watching deer frolic on the banks in the distance. We could have continued in this vein for hours more, but were conscious of the fact that as far as we paddled out we would have to paddle back the following day. So we found ourselves a flat spot on a ridge, with magical views either side, to pitch a tent for the night. We explored, fished, swam, watched the sun go down, and toyed with the idea of not going back to the city. We sat, humbled, in the growing darkness and watched as the stars emerged. We fell asleep to the sound of rustling leaves and gently lapping water. We forgot, for a weekend, that we live on a small peninsula with another 50 million people. For a weekend, we were blissfully alone. (If you don’t have a car, a canoe and camping gear you can still experience the spectacular cliffs of Chungju dam. Take a bus to Chungju and get the ferry across the lake to Danyang. If you’re staying the night, I recommend staying here and getting the ferry back to Chungju the next day.)
South Korea is covered with spectacular mountainous terrain, lakes, rivers and national parks, but is not what one would call “untouched.” Though its countrymen take great care to preserve its natural beauty, South Korea is well trampled. With millions wanting to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle it seems impossible to find a moment Korean of solitary peace on the peninsula. But we found it. Armed with an inflatable canoe and camping gear, we launched into Chungju dam just south of the Chungju ferry port. The expanse of water seemed daunting at first, but as we left the bank behind our smiles widened. What lay before us was breathtaking. And because we were on the water before the ferry started we were, quite literally, the only ones out there. We stared incredulously at the spectacular rocky cliffs that lined the dam, and listened as the slight breeze pushed the water onto the rocks in rippling waves. There’s something about being alone in nature, a fierce connection that makes you feel small but strong all at once. And it was all around us as we floated silently on the unbroken glassy surface of Chungju dam. We paddled for an hour and a half, exploring fingers of the dam, listening to august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/31
busan
groove korea
Busan Rock Festival: 3 nights of mayhem By Gavin Phelps
When the Sun Goes Down on You by Roy Early
The beaches available for summer fun make Busan a fantastic place to visit. Every weekend during the summer, sun worshippers grace the sands of one of the three most popular beaches in town. Sun searchers have plenty to choose from: Choices include the tourist hotbed of Haeundae, the laid back vibe of SongJeong and it’s fabulous Blowfish Bar, where the atmosphere is “of course you can take this pitcher of margaritas to the beach,” or Gwangali, with it’s famous bridge featured in a movie named after another beach. These beaches are all great for fun in the sun, but what is the best beach once the sun disappears? When night comes during the months of July and August, Gwangali Beach offers something quite different than Busan’s other beaches. They block off the main street to vehicles (even the ones that have only two wheels), set out loads of plastic table sets, and make a party of Saturday and Sunday nights. The party stretches for more then a kilometer along the beachfront road. They begin blocking the road anywhere between 8 and 9 and it stays blocked until about 2 a.m. The city also has an enormous television screen on which they play a different movie every Saturday and Sunday evening, with the start times depending on sunset. Should food be desired, Gwangali will satisfy. It is said to have nearly 300 restaurants in the area, with seafood being the main specialty. There are also plenty of Japanese restaurants, as well as the complete variety of other Korean specialties, with a couple of pasta restaurants and the popular Guess Who? thrown in for good measure. With nearly a mile of road dotted with tables and people, it has the feeling of an outdoor street fair minus the games, corn dogs, and small-handed smelling of cabbage carnies, yet complete with families and groups of friends having a 32/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
great time. It makes for a pretty good Saturday night, even if it does seem like a Family Mart patio took control of the entire street. On second thought, someone probably is selling corndogs. How to Get there: Take Subway Line 2 to stop No. 208 and follow the signs to the beach. For more information or to see the movie schedule feel free to visit the Korean website www.gwangalli.suyeong.gov.kr.
If Busan is where you want to be this summer, put the 11th annual Busan International Rock Festival at the top of your list., First started in 2000, this is arguably Korea’s largest rock music venue and the only major one that opens its grounds for free. “Sea, Youth, and Love,” is the theme for this years Rock Festival featuring 23 Bands from five countries. This year’s concerts will beheld Aug. 6-8. Located on Dadepo Beach in West Busan, this shift from the ever predictable Haeundae Beach is a refreshing escape for three nights of mayhem. Attracting more than 150,000 people each year, with the picturesque Sunset Fountain of Dreams in the background of every concert and the varying vendors and events all around you, this will certainly be a weekend to remember. Enjoy Dadepo, one of Busan’s largest beaches, during the day. At night, get pumped up for the concerts. There will be face painting, promotional booths, and souvenir shops. There will also be a depository and security booth to check your valuables. Make no mistake, this is no carnival. Think KISS concert. The festival functions as a debut stage for up-and-coming artists as well as popular rock artists. Since the Festival hosts several different artists from around the world, it is best to go for all three days to experience the diverse atmosphere of the varying bands. Besides standard rock there will be metal, metal rock, and punk rock. The opening line up for Friday will host Nontroppo (Japan), Yellow Monsters (Korea) and six selected “EBS Hello Rookie” teams (Korea). Saturday features Firehouse (U.S.), Buhwal (Korea), Crying Nut (Korea), Lee Han Chul (Korea), Windy City (Korea), Jude (Korea), and King Le Chee (Hong Kong). Finally, Sunday offers The Haunted (Sweden), YB (Korea), PIA (Korea), Superkidd (Korea), Ynot? (Korea), Unchained (Korea), and Burning Hepburn (Korea). The dynamic performances will be accompanied by pyrotechniques such as a fire cannons and fire fountains, as well as water cannons, and sprinklers. Open from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. each day. Take Subway Line 1 to Shinpyeong Station (No. 101) and then Bus No. 2, 98, or 11 to Dadepo Beach. Sponsored by the Busan Metropolitan City, Ministry of Culture, and Sports and Tourism Republic of Korea. For more information, visit www.rockfestival.co.kr.
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/33
cover story groove korea
Ron McMillan author of Yin Yang Tattoo Interview
by Adam Walsh Photos by Tim Pelling | Pelling.com
I
n a Skype interview from his home in Thailand, Ron McMillan’s Scottish brogue sounds an awful lot like how you would imagine “Yin Yang Tattoo’s” main character Alec Brodie sounds. Commenting on his writing process and similarities people point out between the two, McMillan said, “I follow the ‘write what you know’ cliché. I know a hell of a lot about being a photographer in the Far East. I have nothing to do with Alec Brodie whatsoever.”
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cover story
“I was on assignment for magazines in South Korea, Europe and North America – including TIME, Newsweek and L’Express,” said McMillan.
book review A statement which sets people straight who are sometimes too intent to delve into trying to piece together and link any kind of autobiographical material they can with the authors of the books they read. With the exception of the geographical and cultural parts of his hard boiled novel, “Yin Yang Tattoo” is complete fiction. Main character included. “I wanted to make a main character who was hard to like,” says McMillan about the hard drinking, women loving Brodie. “I strived to make him three dimensional. I hope I managed.” Manage he did. Alec Brodie is anything but your typical good guy who has been wrongly accused of a crime. In this case the murder of a prostitute. “Yin Yang Tattoo” is McMillan’s third novel but the first to be published. The other two novels were “part of the writing process,” said McMillan who started writing fiction 15 years ago. He readily points out that the novel is a bookshop rarity being a crime thriller mainly set in present day South Korea. “I started writing this book 10 years ago. There was near interest, then hopes were dashed” but then interest picked up again and the book got published, said McMillan of “Yin Yang Tattoo,” the first in what he plans to be a series. Though he lived here starting in the early 80s, McMillan hasn’t been back to Korea for over 10 years now. His first experience of Korea was as a part time teacher of English and full time student of Tae Kwon-do in Seoul in the mid-1980s. So, in order to ensure that his book had the most up-to-date information, McMillan relied on some friends who are still here for research and he got his hands on anything and everything having to do with South Korea. It also helped that his wife is Korean. Having lived in Asia for so long, McMillan is pondering where to base most of his next novel out of. He lived in Hong Kong for 10 years and has been to China 49 times. “I know because it’s stamped into one passport.” McMillan realizes that a whole series set in South Korea could be aiming too much at a niche market but he doesn’t want to say too much because he is still in the planning stages.What he will say though is that the next book will involve unexpected links with North Korean refugees. The link with the North comes from the fact that he’s been to the Hermit Kingdom on five separate occasions. Something that he discusses in detail on his blog: www.sandstonepress.com/blogs/ronmcmillan. “Each time I arrived as a ‘tourist,’ albeit carrying thousands of pounds’ worth of cameras and over a hundred rolls of professional slide film. I was on assignment for magazines in South Korea, Europe and North America – including TIME, Newsweek and L’Express,” said McMillan. He calls his trips to the North truly odd and how on one visit he watched “a professional wrestling tournament.Yep, we all went there to watch tattooed steroid abusers from Japan and America pretend to bitch-slap each other.” While on another trip he got within 15 feet of Kim Il-sung on his 80th birthday. The trips made a name for McMillan in the journalism world. One of the few things he actually shares with Alec Brodie. Also on his list of accomplishments is photographing and writing about the 1988 Seoul Summer Games. When he isn’t writing fiction, McMillan does travel writing. He wrote “Between Weathers – Travels in 21st Century Shetland” that was published in 2008 by Sandstone Press, and nominated for the 2008 Saltire Society Literary Awards. McMillan says he would love to write a travel book on Korea that intersperses a present-day travel story with history from what he calls “Korea’s most astonishing decade of change”, the 1980s. A decade, much of which, he witnessed of first hand. In the meantime, for part of the year, Ron McMillan can be found in Thailand where he says a vibrant live music scene allows him to indulge his passion for playing blues harmonica rather badly.
Yin Yang Tattoo
Ron McMillan’s Yin Yang Tattoo is a must read that you won’t be able to put down. A hardboiled crime novel about a hard drinking Scott who finds himself in a world of trouble when he returns to his old Seoul stomping grounds for what he thinks is a photo assignment, McMillan’s unapologetic prose sweeps you through an exhilarating ride. The tale begins with the protagonist, Alec Brodie, up to his ears in debt with creditors in his face trying to collect on his many payment promises. Next thing you know, he gets a too-good-to-be-true assignment from the conglomerate K-N in South Korea – where he spent years making a name as a photo journalist. His triumphant return is anything but as he gets involved in fraud, a dead hooker turns up and then Brodie is the one being fingered for her gruesome murder. Add a little police brutality and some great taekwondo exchanges, and you’ve got an amazing action packed murder mystery. Perhaps the best part of the novel is McMillan’s ability to paint Seoul in such a vivid way that he makes everything tangible. The sights, the smells and the tastes are all laid out for the reader so that they seem completely real. Then add McMillan’s great appreciation for both the good and shadier aspects of Korean culture. The book’s ingredients create a delicious literary dish that is not for those who are overly PC and want a main character that is holier than thou because Brodie is morally flawed. But it’s his flaws which make him real and more human.
He gets involved in fraud, a dead hooker turns up and then Brodie is the one being fingered for her gruesome murder.
Yin Yang Tattoo is available on Amazon and if you’re in the military check out AAFES outlet in South Korea and other Pacific locations.
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/37
dining
groove korea
A Sanctuary of Canadiana Cooking
Big Rock Brewery in Gangnam by staff reporter
Finding a restaurant in Seoul that doesn’t serve generic draft beers can be tedious, especially for expats used to a myriad of microbrewed choices, wherever home may be. Craving some wings for the big game? How about something a little different, like a spicy seafood stew? Big Rock Brewery in Gangnam is your stop off the green line to fulfill your Western-fusion needs to go with a generous selection of imported Canadian craft beers. With nine different beers to choose from, Big Rock’s upscale, pubsy atmosphere is ideal for winding down after work with a few friends or colleagues. Nestled underground on a side street among PC bangs and a giant VIPS, walking down into Big Rock is like traveling through a portal into a sophisticated bar. Clearly Canadian, framed hockey jerseys line one of the walls adjacent to large plaques dedicated to each of the Brewery’s craft beers. At 6:30 p.m. on a weekday, the only patrons are a group of college-aged women sharing a pitcher, eating some nachos and lightly paying attention to the baseball game on the projector screen and television across the room. Big Rock’s menu offers a variety of typical Western favorites, cooked on site: salads (9,500 won-10,500 won); appetizers including wings, onion rings, chili and nachos (8,000 won-14,000 won); burgers, pasta, and grilled chicken (9,500 won-19,000 won). While the food is not exceptionally creative, it is perfect for people who want a decent Western meal 38/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
for a reasonable price. Some of the crowd favorites are the poutine, fish and chips, pasta, and burgers. Portion sizes vary. The college girls were sampling the nachos, satisfyingly heaped with beef and cheese, while the vegetable pasta seemed a bit under-portioned. The main hook here is that the food is meant to complement the beer rather than the other way around. There is a drink of choice for every taste, for those who prefer the crisp taste of a light beer to those who like the malty flavor of a dark lager, and every gradient in between. “Men usually prefer the Traditional pale ale,” said Lisa, a waitress, “and women usually get the Honey Brown or Rock Creek Cider.” An individual glass is 6,000 won, while larger parties can order a pitcher or tower of their beer of choice (20,000 won-40,000 won). Around 8:30 p.m. is when the brewery gets busy, as tables begin to fill up with large groups. On a weekday, you’ll find mostly Koreans fresh out of work, while weekends are frequented by a more homogenous crowd and of
course, Canadians. Sundays in particular are popular because of Big Rock’s brunch buffet. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. you can eat your entire weight in food for a mere 9,900 won. Getting there is easy; take the Line No. 2 to Gangnam Station and make a right out of Exit 7. Walk straight up a slight hill (if you turn around you will see VIPS and Starbucks). Keep walking and the Brewery will be on your left, immediately after U-Learning Zone. If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, call (02) 539-6650.
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/39
dining
Taco Amigo By SeoulStyle staff
Set unassumingly across from the Family Mart in Itaewon is a restaurant you may have seen countless times. If you’ve been in, you likely already know about it. If you are one of those who have not been in to dine at Taco Amigo you may want to stick your head in the door and give it a try. In the land of red pepper paste and kimchi this is your bastion of authentic Mexican food. I kid you not, in this cramped and yet warm restaurant you will find burritos that taste like burritos, quesadillas that taste like quesadillas, and tamales that… well, you know. The real winners on the menu are the chimichanga, tamales and the chorizo nachos. The chimis are a far cry better than what you would normally find – they were not dry, burnt,
40/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
undercooked, expired or bought from the store down the street (this list of crimes against chimichangas could go on). For the tamales, you simply cannot find them anywhere else. These are hand rolled and made so well that it is rumored that the tamales made Taco Amigo the go-to place for the Mexican community. Nachos. Seoul has not seen good nachos since the days of Hard Rock, that is, until now. Guacamole, sour cream, real cheese, chorizo sausage, fresh tortilla chips peppered with colorful vegetables and filled with exciting flavors – this is a must try.
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/41
dining
Let Berlin Pull You In
BERLIN CAFE & LOUNGE By Kerrie Doerr
The place makes you want to smoke. Not in that lingering stench of last night’s bar misadventure sort of way — no, in fact, it’s altogether different. There is no haze of memory, no cheap cocktails clouding judgment, no drags on greasy food leaving stains on clothing and guts nor cheesy one-liners offered up as some sort of tepid appetizer.
42/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
No, this place makes you want a cigarette, demands you have one, insists on it, because the next Billie Holiday is always about to saunter in the door and you don’t want to be left without your own sultry shroud of smoke because lord knows, she’s going to be dragging on a pipe and you’re going to depend on that cloud and the dim lights to disguise your intrigue as some old-fashioned flirting from across the bar. In addition to the continual onslaught of attractive strangers slinking and sipping through the night, Berlin boasts what most places in Seoul lack. Berlin presents itself as your down-home local jazz club, where the owner knows your name and greets with you a warm smile and a firm handshake. It’s the place where you can meet friends, go alone as the enigmatic drifter, or take a lover to delight their palate before the night carries you whatever which way. The drink menu promises classics and twists and delivers both. Trust the whiskey if you’re searching for traditional warmth or delve into the martini menu for wasabi or grapefruit curiosities. The wine menu is extensive and well-priced, leaving no thirst unsatiated. The food in Berlin is excellent and reflects the atmosphere well. Berlin is versatile for the characters who inhabit it each night and the food is variable, too — many dishes embody an east/west fusion, leaving no role unfulfilled. The tofu and avocado canape appetizer pulls together through the homemade chutney. The chutney’s texture pairs well with the tofu, and it is smokier than traditional chutneys, adding a robust southwest flavor to the creamy smoothness of the tofu and avocado. The grilled salmon and potatoes comes to the table hiding in white porcelain dishes, pulled away to reveal a delicious piece of salmon in a cream sauce with cheese baked on top and veggies swimming in the white sea of sauce below. All in all, Berlin is a place not to be missed. Tucked away in the hills between the noisier neighborhoods of Itaewon and Noksapyeong, Berlin will pull in. Unless of course, you happen to be on the arm of that Billie Holiday, leaving together on the promise of the night. Berlin Restaurant 02-749-0903 Directions: Go out Itaewon Station, Exit 1. Walk straight about 5 minutes. Go up the alley across the street from McDonald’s (look for the yellow Money Exchange sign). Follow the curve around and Berlin is on the left. august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/43
dining
Casa Espana By Aimee White
Casa España is an ambient, open-concept Spanish restaurant new to the Gangnam area. Tucked away at the end of a quiet street, you’ll be rewarded with excellent service and an impressive menu of mouthwatering dishes. Main dishes run from about 14,000 - 25,000 won and tapas from 5,000 - 12,000 won. Casa España has an extensive wine collection to choose from, as well as sangria and imported beer. They offer a selection of pastas, paella, and seafood dishes. Need a little more chorizo in your life? You’ve come to the right place. Otherwise, try the basil chicken, the seafood pasta in cream sauce, or any of their huge salads. Their paella comes in double or single servings. Casa España’s proprietors and staff are warm, welcoming and
44/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
make the experience all the more enjoyable. The restaurant front opens up on warm nights, giving the place a sultry, southern European feel. Casa España is located at Yeoksam-dong 616-14 in Gangnam. Take Line 2 to Gangnam Station. Take Exit 7 and walk approximately 400 meters down the road, past the big CGV and turn right at the Wooribank. Walk almost to the end of this road and you will see Casa España on your left. Visit their website for further information and pictures: http://blog.naver.com/casaespana
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/45
Restaurant
groove
dining
Directory
La Caffè By Aimee White
La Caffè is a small, cozy bistro concentrating on Italian cuisine and coffee roasting. It will not disappoint you in a city where good, affordable Italian food is sometimes hard to find. Hidden away in the back alleyways of Wangsimni, La Caffè offers authentic, thin-crust, Italian pizza and generous servings of salad and pasta. Pizza and pasta range from 11,000 - 16,000 and salads are 10,000 and under. The aglio, pomodorini, patate and salami pizzas are popular among and highly recommended by La Caffè’s regulars. The owner, Bang Jung Ho, is an award-winning barista, claiming 1st prize in espresso-making at the 1st Coffee Roaster Championship in Korea earlier this year. You can savor their coffee by the mug, or even have some ground for you on the spot: 15,000 won for 300g, or 20,000 for 500g of their Arabica blend. La Caffè is particularly atmospheric in the rainy season, with its doors open to the sound of rain and quiet jazz playing in the background. La Caffè is located at Lemon Plaza 107 in Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu. Take Line 2 (green line) to Wangsimni Station. Go out of exit 9, walk straight down this road and pass the KB Bank. Turn left just after the pedestrian bridge, then take your second left after that. La Caffe will be on the righthand side. 02-2299-9442. 46/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
Bar Bliss Itaewon Exit 1 (Line 6) make the first right. It’s on the corner. www.picturetrail.com/barbliss. Price: 12,000-35,000 won. Contemporary cuisine and high-end bar. Great cocktails and patio. Beer O’Clock Head to Exit 1 of Shinchon Station (Line 2) Go behind the Hyundai Department store towards the 7-11. Turn left on the third street up. 2nd floor. English Menu and staff. #:02333-9733 www.beeroclock.ca. Prices: 8,000-24,000 won. Canadian Sports Bar with great wings, burgers, donairs, and pizza. Big Rock Brewery Head out Gangnam Station Exit 7 and make the first right and head up the hill past the GS25. www.bigrockbeer.co.kr. Prices: 5,000-15,000 won. Canadian Brewery with a great Sunday Brunch and good pub fare. Don Valley Exit 3 of Itaewon Station (Line 6) below the Coffee Bean. English Menu and staff. #:7962384. Price: 9,000 to 25,000 won. Korean Beef and Pork Barbeque and home-style favorites. Try the Wine Marinated Pork Belly. Gogitjip Out Noksapyeong Exit 2 (Line 6) and walk straight along the street with the kimchi pots. English menu and staff. #:02-796-5528. Nightly bbq specials, generous servings, and open late. H-Diner Located to the side of Starbucks near the Capitol Hotel. English Menu. #:02-796-6967. Price: 6,000-20,000 won. American diner sandwiches, chili’s and entrees. Le Quartier Latin Go out Sinchon Station Exit 3 (Line 2) and walk straight until you get to the big church. Make a right and walk about 500 meters. Look for the large French Flag. English Menu and Staff. #:02-333-9874. Prices: 4,000-26,000 won. Authentic French Bistro with reasonable prices. Naked Bar and Grill Line 6 Itaewon Station Exit 1 walk straight and make a right at KFC. Naked Bar and Grill is next to B1 on the left. English menu and staff. #:02-794-4225. Prices: 5,000 to 40,000 won. The perfect after party place with great food and drinks. Naked Grill Naked Grill is located at Yongsan-gu, Hannam Dong 29-21 towards the U.N. Village. English menu and staff. #:02-749-4225. Prices: 4,000-12,000 won. Tacos and homestyle American favorites for eat-in or take-out. Petra Restaurant Kebab House Exit 3 of Noksapyeong Station (Line 6) and up the overpass. It’s located to the right. English Menu and staff. #:02-790-4433. Prices: 5,000-18,000 won. Authentic Arab food made by a certified chef. Excellent Falafel, hummus, and Sultana style lamb and chicken. Pizza Peel Go out Exit 4 of Itaewon Station and walk past the Rotiboy and make a left into Market Alley. English Menu available — davelauckner@hotmail.com. Itaewon’s Newest Pizza Shop serving fresh pies daily. Roofers Go out Itaewon Station Exit 3 and make a right at the Fire Station. It’s on floor of the building across from the Foreign Food Mart. #02-749-2970. An artsy, spacious bar with good food. They have an outside roof that is used for brunch and performances. Rookies Ichon (Line 4) Exit 5 and walk in the direction of Yongsan Station. Pass train tracks to your left. It’ll be on your left. English menu and staff. #:02-792-3383. Price: 4500-22,000 won. A sports bar with creative bar food and burgers. Sam Ryan’s Bar Go out Itaewon Exit 1 (Line 6) and make the first right. It’s at the end, above 3-Alley Pub. English menu and staff. #: 02-749-7933 www.samryans.com. Price: 5,000-30,000 won. Sports Bar with 8 big screens. BBQ pork ribs on Tuesdays and great burgers all the time. Sanchae House (산채집) Go up around Namsan Mountain from Myeong-dong Road. It is near the Namsan Cable Cars and the restaurant N’Cucina. English menu. #:02-755-8775. Price: 8,000-25,000 won. Savory bossam and fresh leaf bibimbap. Suji’s Itaewon (near Noksapyeong Station), around the corner past McDonald’s on your left, 2nd floor above the Skinfood store. English Spoken and English Menu Available. #02 797 3698. Deli sandwiches starting from 12,000 won. Other main & brunch dishes starting from 10,000 won. Happy Hour weekdays 5 to 7p.m. Suji’s continues to remind us of some American-style home cooking by introducing deli sandwiches to Korea through its relaxed style of restaurant food. Spice Table Go straight out of Exit 2 from Itaewon Station, turn left onto the first street (corner of Helios), Spice Table is on the left (2nd Floor) and across from Los Amigos. English spoken and English Menu Available. #:02-796-0509. Price: 7,000-25,000 won (Cuisine), 8,000 won Lunch Special Menu, 40,000-90,000 won (Wine) Stylish Asian food to Itaewon using a fresh and flavorful approach. Two Broz. Go out Exit 3 from Itaewon Station and you’ll find it on the right. English spoken and English Menu available. #:02-790-0610. Price 5,500-10,000 won. Gourmet Burgers, Fries, and Hotdogs in the heart of Seoul’s International District. Vin Vino Go out Itaewon Exit 2 and walk straight. It is across from Cheil Communications. English Spoken and English Menu Available: 02-790-7034. Price 10,000-25,000 won for food. 30,000 won and up for wine. Chic Wine Bar in the heart of Itaewon with a wide selection of wine and tapas. Wolfhound Go out Itaewon Station Exit 4 and turn left to go down the hill and make the first right. English Spoken and English Menu Available: 02-749-7941. Price 10,000-20,000 won for food. The best Fish-N-Chips and comfort food in an Irish Pub atmosphere. Yaletown 400 meters from Sinchon Subway Exit number 2. Make a left at Beans and Berries. English Menu. #:02-333-1604. Price: 5,000-18,0000 won. Great Pub fare such as poutine, burgers, and nachos.
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/47
Sports
groove korea
IN THE RING: Choi Woo-young BY BELINDA CALDWELL
This month Groove Magazine went into the ring to interview Korea’s up-and-coming Muay Thai/kickboxing champion Woo Young Choi. At just 26 years of age, Choi dreams of being the best in Korea, which means eventually taking on Korea’s current champion Lim Chi-bin. He teaches Muay Thai, fights once a month and trains 6 hours a day, 6 days a week. It is not easy work, but this guy is built like a machine and he has the passion, determination and good looks to succeed as a fighter in a super competitive industry. His dreams venture beyond Korea and he hopes to see Japan, America and Australia in his future.
Ball Hockey League set to start fifth season
FIGHTER PROFILE D.O.B.: 1984.6.24 HEIGHT: 173cm WEIGHT: 70kg FIGHTS: 37 WINS: 27 DRAW: 1 LOSSES: 9 WINS BY KO: 20
When did you first start Muay Thai and what made you decide to become a fighter? I started Muay Thai as a hobby when I was 15. I really enjoyed exercise, sweating and the competitive side of the sport. I had a strong desire to be better than others. Then at 17 I became a fighter when I had my first amateur kickboxing fight. You spent almost 2 years training and fighting in Thailand at the Sinbi TaeWoong Gym. Since you returned to Korea you have been training at Khan Gym under Lim Chi-bin. What is different between Thai and Korean Muay Thai training styles?
By Rob Gibson once learned. This constantly strengthens one’s foundations as a fighter. What are some of your strongest character traits that help you inside the ring? Besides my ability as a fighter, spiritual strength helps me win in the end. When fighting, I always have pride and competitive power, but my losses were due to a loss of concentration. You have to concentrate and focus only on the victory when inside the ring. After all your hard work over the last 10 years, you finally made it into K-1 Asia Max, and then the league was canceled. How did you feel about this and what is your next move as a pro fighter? It has taken me 10 years to realize my dream. During my last fight, the K-1 trial, I felt like I was standing at a cliff’s edge. My dad was in front of the ring watching and my friends were cheering for me. I think during this fight it was the most I have ever concentrated. I won all 3 of my matches and then the K-1 Asia Max league fell apart. I was completely shattered. But I can’t just stop, can I? I will be fighting in Seoul in a new event under W.A.K.O (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) on Aug. 21st. How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for a fight? The training I do in the weeks before a fight does not change from my normal training regimen, but it does intensify greatly. I have to maintain my physical condition every day, but when a match is coming up I must also start to diet and control my weight in order to make my weight class. The last days before my fight are all about mind and weight control. My character becomes sensitive due to my change in diet.
Muay Thai in Thailand is good because you only focus on training. I think the style of Muay Thai here has more boxing and is faster, which is why I am training with Lim now. In regard to focus, fighting spirit, and endurance, training in Thailand is better. However, it is best for me to use both styles. Strong kicks, the spirit of Thailand fighting and Korea’s boxing skills, and steps can be combined. The rules are also different between K-1/W.A.K.O. and Muay Thai. You also teach Muay Thai at BODY & SEOUL MARTIAL ARTS AND FITNESS CENTER. Does teaching Muay Thai help you improve as a fighter? Yes.Through teaching I can see my weak points and envision fighting situations. This allows me to simplify the knowledge I have so that I may pass that knowledge onto my students. Muay Thai is an art and it is an honor to be able to pass down the skills I learned from my teachers. When teaching, you must review what you have 48/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
Is there any fighter in Asia that you would like to test yourself against? It would be an honor to fight against Lim Chi-bin, however, I understand that I am still a young fighter so I must also be realistic and know that I need to work my way up to the top as a fighter. Like any job any person does, one must first gain experience. I am not afraid to fight, though.To be the best fighter I can be and eventually become a K-1 champion is my dream, so I welcome a match with any of the fighters. What would you like to say to people who have supported you over all these years? I hope my first fight with W.A.K.O. can introduce me to fans with a win and to all the people that have been supporting me as I have been growing as a fighter, thank you so much! I also especially want to thank my family, trainers, students, and friends. I will do my best to make you all proud!
W.A.K.O. EVENT INFO
DATE: Saturday, Aug. 21st, 2010 WHERE: Jang Chung Gymnasium, Seoul (near Itaewon) TIME: 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Amateur. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Professional. TICKET INFORMATION: Anna 010 6397 2662
The Canada Ball Hockey Korean league is gearing up for a new season starting on Aug 27. The league began two years ago with 50 members and four teams, but has since grown to over 120 players and eight teams with the players primarily coming from Canada and America with a few from non-hockey countries like Britain and Australia. “Where you come from or having good hockey skills aren’t important,” says league president and co-founder Kurt De Vries. “All you need is to be able to run for a few minutes at a time and a desire to have fun.” For those who don’t know what ball hockey is, the rules are the same as ice hockey, but instead of skates and a puck, players wear running shoes and use a plastic ball. There are some differences such as no offside, but whether or not you know hockey, learning the league’s rules is easy and everyone adapts very quickly. In the first few seasons the games were self-refereed, but since last season volunteer refs control the game and ensure that the overly competitive players don’t get too out of hand. To register for the league, you must go to the website, www.cbhk. org. For new members, attending the rookie pick-up day on the last weekend in August is very important because of the draft. Not only is it a chance to get some practice in if you haven’t played in a while, but the captains get a chance to see and talk with the new players before the draft, which is held after rookies and veterans spend a day playing together.There is usually a draft party and banquet held at the league’s main sponsor, the Big Rock Brewery in Gangnam. Another important date to keep in mind is Aug. 29, the deadline to pay the league fee. “In the past, we allowed players to pay late and this led to all kinds of problems,” says two time captain Peter Mosca. “Guys who said they’d pay, wouldn’t and then teams would end up with a short bench.” This means that once the deadline for paying the league fees has passed, no more players are allowed to register and must wait until the next season to play in league games, but they can still play in pick-up games, which are held a few times a month. Currently, the number of players is capped at 120 for eight teams and the first 120 who register and pay are guaranteed spots in the league. “It doesn’t matter how good a player you are, if you pay, you play and it’s first come, first served,” promises league executive and highly unskilled player Eric Corriveau. The league fee for the fall is 140,000 won and includes two banquets, a team t-shirt and 13 weeks of hockey. League games are played on Sundays at the Jamshil Olympic Complex inline rink from 12-8 p.m. Teams play two-45 minute games a week with a 15 minute break between the games.There are communal hockey sticks, which all players are welcome to use, and there are also a number of sports shops under the rink that sell sticks at prices ranging from 30,000 to 80,000 won. Goalie equipment is provided. The pick up games are held once or twice a month on Saturdays and anybody is welcome to attend. Dates and times for these games are posted on the league website. For more information, contact the league at cbhk.info@gmail.com august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/49
health&beauty
groove korea
makeover series part 1 | Next Month - PART 2: From A to C Cup
Smile!
Veneers at Hus Hu By Carys Jonesz
It’s fairly safe to say that the Brits have long been associated with bad teeth. Whilst this sweeping generalisation may be cruel and in many cases unwarranted, I must admit that I lived up to this stereotype. My teeth were not exactly horrendously deformed, but in spite of years of bleaching my teeth, using whitening toothpaste and wearing braces as a teenager, they were still a pale shade of yellow and my front teeth were so out of proportion that they made my slightly protruding canines stick out like vampire fangs. Although I’m not an overly insecure person, I was somewhat self-conscious about my teeth, particularly when it came to smiling in photographs. I had long considered cosmetic dentistry, but never went through with it as most places I enquired at either charged an extortionate amount or seemed unprofessional. A friend recommended Hus Hu clinic in Apgujeong, so I decided to check them out. When I went for my first consultation, I was greeted by Dr. Kwon who was extremely friendly and professional and immediately made me feel relaxed. He recommended a laser whitening method called Zoom, which I had done then and there and I instantly noticed the difference. My teeth were approximately four shades lighter than they were before. When he suggested veneers, panic began to set in. I’d seen all of the TV makeover shows so I was fairly aware of the procedure. For those of you who are not familiar with this method, preparation for veneers involves filing down the natural teeth and removing the enamel in order to fit the new coating. Ouch. However, he took a mold of my teeth, explained the procedure and during my next visit showed me what my new veneers would look like. After realising that it was far less risky and complicated than I had initially imagined, I decided to go ahead with the treatment. I was given a local anaesthetic so I couldn’t feel the dreaded dentist’s drill. Dr. Kwon removed approximately 0.4mm from the edges and surface of each of my front four teeth and cemented some temporary veneers. They felt rather uncomfortable and unnatural (imagine press-on nails, only for your teeth), but they looked great. A week later, I returned to the clinic to have my temporary veneers removed and my real ones fitted. The dental nurse warned that I may expe-
My teeth were approximately four shades lighter than they were before.
info
International Clinic: (02) 2072-2890 Jongno-gu, Seoul
SEOUL EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION CENTER
Yonsei University Severance Hospital www.severance.or.kr/en/index.asp International Clinic: (02) 2228-5810 or 392-3404 Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
INTERNATIONAL CLINICS
ORIENTAL MEDICINE / ACUPUNCTURE
(02) 3675-5178 or 3675-5179 Jongno-gu, Seoul
Asan Medical Center (AMC) www.amc.seoul.kr/eng International Clinic: (02) 3010-5001 or 3010-5002 Emergency: (02) 3010-3331 or 3010-3334 Songpa-gu, Seoul
Jaseng Hospital www.jaseng.net (02) 3218-3167 Apgujeong, Seoul
Samsung Medical Center (SMC) english.samsunghospital.com International Clinic: (02) 3410-0200 or 3410-0226 Emergency: (02) 3410-2060 Ilwon-dong, Seoul
Gangnam IN Oriental Medical Clinic www.inisgood.com/content/c_view.asp?c_idx=399 (02) 547-8575 Gangnam, Seoul
Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) www.snuh.org/eng
Itaewon Chiropractic Center www.createwellnesscenter.com (02) 798-1446 Itaewon, Seoul
50/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
Dr Yoon’s Oriental Medical Clinic (02) 790-9578 or 790-9577 Itaewon, Seoul
CHIROPRACTORS
rience some sensitivity and she was not kidding. Going to the dentist is uncomfortable enough as it is, but imagine having a scale and polish with no protective enamel. For those of you who have sensitive teeth, it’s like the sensation you get when biting into an ice cream, only intensified 10 times. Once again – ouch. However, the pain rapidly subsided, and I soon had the type of smile I’d always wanted. My teeth are now straight and white, yet still natural looking, which was a huge relief as I’d had nightmares of resembling a female Simon Cowell and blinding people every time I opened my mouth. The staff at Hus Hu took great care of me and even gave me some pink lip gloss as a gift to compliment my new smile. I am going to return to the clinic in a fortnight for a check-up and one last whitening session to ensure that my bottom teeth are the same shade as my veneers. When I do, I will be sure to thank Dr. Kwon and his staff again for making my smile that much brighter.
SKY Wellness Center www.skychiro.com (02) 749-4849 Itaewon, Seoul Itaewon Station, exit #3
DENTAL CLINICS
Hus'hu Dental Clinic www.hus-hu.com 1588-9467 Apgujeong, Seoul Yonsei Miplus Dental Clinic (3rd floor) (02) 3141-0028 Hongdae, Seoul Hong-ik Univ. Station, Exit #5 International Mee Dental Clinic www.internationalmee.com/page/sub6_1.asp (02) 795-1500 Hannam-dong, Seoul Navid Dental Clinic www.naviddent.com/eng/greeting.asp (02) 790-7119 Hannam-dong, Seoul Myeongdong Ye Dental Clinic (02) 318-2255 Myung-Dong, Seoul
Korea Dental Group (02) 733-1633 / (02) 735-1830 Kwanghwamun, Seoul / Gangnam, Seoul Le Dent Dental Office www.art-dentistry.com (02) 539-7675 or 3452-7674 Gangnam, Seoul
MENTAL HEALTH
Dr. Park’s Pyschiatric Clinic for Foreigners (02) 563-0609 Seollung, Seoul Severance Mental Health Hospital www.smh.or.kr (31) 760-9400 Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do
WOMEN HOSPITALS
Miz Medi Hospital www.mizmedi.com/index.asp (02) 3467-3741 Daechi-dong, Seoul CHA Hospital kangnam.chamc.co.kr/chaeng/about/01.html (02) 3468-3000 Yeoksam-dong, Seoul
Cheil Hospital & Women’s Healthcare Center www.cgh.co.kr (02) 2000-7000 Chungmuro, Seoul
SKIN CLINICS
TengTeng Skin Clinic (10th floor) webmaster@tengteng.com www.tengteng.com / www.tengteng.co.kr (02) 337-4066 Sinsa Station, Exit #2 Nova Skin Clinic (6th floor) www.novaskin.co.kr (02) 563-7977 Gangnam, Seoul Gangnam Station, Exit #7 Hus'hu Skin Clinic www.hus-hu.com 1588-9467 Apgujeong, Seoul STARSKIN Aesthetic www.star-skin.co.kr (02) 775-0886
PLASTIC SURGERY
K's Plastic Surgery Clinic (4th floor)
www.kksplastic.co.kr (02) 541-7533 Apgujeong, Seoul Apgujeong Station, Exit #2
BEAUTY & HEALTH YE Medical Center (7th floor) www.yemedical.com (02) 541-7533 Gangnam, Seoul Cheongdam Station, Exit #14
MASSAGE Healing Hands Itaewon, Seoul www.healinghands.co.kr. 010-3158-5572 / 02-2071-8090 Itaewon Station Exit #2 SKY Wellness Center www.skychiro.com (02) 749-4849 Itaewon, Seoul Itaewon Station, exit #3
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/51
Advertorial
groove korea
Not your father’s tailor By Adam Walsh
When you hear guys talk about their tailors, visions of decrepit old men shuffling around a room with scissors and measuring tape in hand come to mind -- old men who have tailored families for generations. That may be fine for some people but not for designer MJ at MJ Custom Made in Itaewon. “I’m a young woman and I know what looks good on men,” MJ Custom Made says MJ as she gives her take on #803, Hannam B/D 737-37 the state of male fashion in Korea and abroad. “Regardless of size or Hannam-dong shape, I can make a suit that will 010-4151-3303 make a guy look great.” mjsuit@gmail.com She takes you by surprise when you enter her 8th floor office in the Hannam-dong part of the Itaewon main strip. You know you’re going to a tailor’s so you expect your stereotypical tailor. MJ is anything but stereotypical. She greets you with the energy of a young entrepreneur who is taking the first stab at going it alone. She’s excited, professional, and mainly confident with just a hint of nervousness –she’s only been open for a month. As an indication of MJ’s seriousness and talent with respect to her craft, there’s a housewarming gift on her desk. A plant with ribbons attached congratulating her from Korean soccer legend Hwang Sun-hong. Over coffee we talk about how the majority of suits being made nowadays are cookie cutter replicas of each other with very little thought to the shapes of the men wearing them. MJ doesn’t see the need for men to sport ajossi suits when there’s an alternative – her shop. “I think the male figure is just as important as the female figure,” says MJ. “Too many ajossi suits are straight up and down. I want to compliment the male figure.And if you’re chubby, I can make you look slimmer,” she laughs. Working previously in both Apgujeong and Samseongdong, MJ relates that though she enjoyed working in two of Seoul’s more well-to-do neighborhoods, she wanted her own shop. Now that things are up and running, she’s ready to tear up the industry and assist some of the older folk into their much deserved retirement. Ladies take note, she also designs suits for women. MJ works with both Italian and Korean fabrics and her suits come in three prices – 400,000 won, 600,000 won and 900,000 won. If you want a suit but are too busy to make it to her office, MJ does house calls free of charge -- unless you live outside of Seoul that is, then a transportation fee will be added. As MJ does your measurements, she almost mumbles to herself as your soon to be tailored suit takes shape in her head. With a visible sense of determination, she methodically goes through all the checks to ensure that the suit will meet her arduous standard. When the ritual is completed it takes anywhere from a week to 10 days for your suit to be ready. There really is something to be said about having an esthetically pleasing woman measure you for a suit because when all is said and done, if she thinks you look good then odds are other women like her will feel the same way. 52/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
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community
Dongdaemun’s ‘Hobby Markets’ By Shannon Heit | shannon.sgc@gmail.com
Most people know Dongdaemun as the pulsing, round-the-clock fashion and shopping market that never sleeps. Clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories - you name it, you can find it in Dongdaemun. Huge shopping complexes like Migliore and Doota are packed wall-to-wall, nine stories high, with stalls of vendors selling any and all of your fashion needs. And the buildings are open until the wee hours of the morning for those occasions when you need a new top at 3 a.m. But what many may not know about Dongdaemun is that its many markets offer more than your everyday shopping experience. In the alleys and areas around the main shopping drag, smaller markets or shopping clusters offer some of the city’s most unique, one-stop shopping destinations for all of your hobby supplies. Since the shopping areas are within easy walking distance of each other, you could easily spend a day wandering through them, choosing your next do-it-yourself hobby.
Bangsan Baker’s Market For those of you who like to make your own homemade confections and goodies, you were probably disappointed the first time you went to your local grocery store or even large supermarket and walked down the baking supplies aisle. If there are any at all, the supplies are few and often limited to stan54/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
dard flour, sugar, step-by-step cookie mix boxes, miniature cake pans and tiny pouches of uninspiring chocolate chips and sprinkles. No vanilla, no coconut, no bricks of bittersweet baker’s chocolate, none of the stuff that gives a baker’s sweets their own personal touch. Enter Bangsan Baker’s Market. The market - just a street really - is in a hidden corner of the larger Bangsan Market and contains everything you need to bake just about anything you can imagine. The stores sell many ingredients that are hard to find in other places, such as dried fruits, assortments of nuts, molasses and fruit glazes, rye and wheat flour, along with purees and extracts. You can find all of the other baking accoutrements you need for baking cookies, cakes, breads, muffins, brownies, tarts, tortes and pies. Baking equipment and tools are sold here, too, such as electric mixers (for serious bakers, you can even find KitchenAid mixers), cookie cutters, cake pans and baking utensils that aren’t commonly found in other kitchen supply stores or markets. Finally, the stores also offer the cutest decorative boxes, cellophane, ribbons and stickers so that you can wrap up your treats to look as sweet as they taste when you share them with your family or friends. Not only is the variety of baking products vast, the prices are competitive, even for common ingredients such as sugar, flour and butter. As with most
groove korea
markets in Korea, vendors are sometimes willing to negotiate, especially if you are buying large quantities or are purchasing some more expensive items. There are a couple of ways to get to Bangsan Baker’s Market. From Jongno 5-ga Station (Line No. 1), go out Exit 7 and cross over the Cheonggye Stream. From there, you’ll see the arch for the Bangsan Market entrance. From Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line No. 2 or 5), go out Exit 4 and turn right at the first intersection. From there, you’ll walk until you see the sign for Bangsan Market and turn right into the market, where you’ll find 20 to 30 baking supplies shops clustered together. For those of you who are too busy to visit the market, you can shop for your baking needs online and have your order delivered to your house for a small delivery fee (orders over a certain amount typically get free delivery).Visit some of the Web sites www.bakeking.co.kr, www.bakingmall.com and www.happybaking.com (Korean only). One popular store, Bread Garden, with locations in Bangsan, Hongdae, Gangnam and the Express Bus Terminal, also offers baking classes. For more information, visit their Web site: www.breadgarden.co.kr (Korean only).
Dongdaemun Shopping Complex and Shopping Town Fabric Market
For those of you who enjoy making your own outfits instead of shopping off-the-rack, the four buildings of the Dongdaemun Shopping Complex and Shopping Town house one of the most dizzying arrays of fabrics, buttons, zippers, lace, silks, threads and sewing machines that you’ve likely ever seen. Amateur and professional clothing designers alike shop at this fabrics market for the newest Asian trends in textiles and fabrics. Not just for seamstresses, this market
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COMMUNITY
keeping it
steady
also has materials for those who like to knit, crochet and try their hand at other handicrafts. There are also vendors selling home decorations such as curtains, plates and other home furnishings. The buildings, each six and seven stories, can be hard to navigate, especially if you’re not there to browse but to find one or two specific things. There is a general order to the chaos, but of course none of the floor schemes are set in stone. The buildings contain over 5,000 vendors and the floor plan is set up loosely as follows: Dongdaemun Shopping Complex
Dongdaemun Shopping Town
6F
New business offices
Rooftop parking lot
5F
Materials, accessories, beads, buttons, lace
Food court, dentistry
4F
Various fabrics
Various fabrics
3F
Various fabrics
Various fabrics
2F
Various fabrics, silks, hanbok, curtains
Silks, linens & cotton, curtains
1F
Bedding, handicrafts, plates, curtains
Blankets, handicrafts
B1
Threads, blankets, handicrafts, curtains
Blankets, handicrafts, misc.
Vendors typically sell fabrics in large quantities so be ready for a little bit of grumbling if you’re requesting only small swatches at a time. Fabric vendors may be willing to negotiate, especially if you’re buying fabrics or other materials in bulk, but the general consensus is that those selling hanbok fabrics and silks are less likely to waver on their prices. For knitters and crocheters, yarns and needles are also available, but some vendors may only want to sell yarn balls in packs, rather than individually. It may be helpful to go with a friend who is also buying, in order to get breaks in prices or share bulk materials. Of course, becoming a regular customer is also helpful in getting discounts in the future, so if you do find a particular stall that you like, be sure to write down the stall number so you can find your vendor again. Many of the vendors sell fabrics unique to their stalls only, so if you have the time, you can spend a long afternoon there perusing all of the fabrics. To get to Dongdaemun Fabric Market, go to Dongdaemun Station (Line No. 1 or 4), and go out Exit 9. Dongdaemun Shopping Town is the large, white building on the left side. 56/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
Cheonggye 7-ga Exotic Pet Store Row
Most of us have probably already heard of Chungmuro’s Pet Street, which houses pet shop after pet shop of adorable puppies and kittens. But for those who like their pets with a little less fur, the pet store row in Dongdaemun should be more up your alley. Exotic Pet Store Row, located near the Cheonggye Stream in Dongdaemun, has plenty of shops that specialize in animals that are beyond your typical house pets. Parakeets, cockatiels, lizards, snakes and piranhas are just among a few of the rare pets that you can find on this unusual block. In addition to the pets themselves, the stores also stock all of the supplies that you need to raise the pets in your home, such as food, aquariums and cages. Less exotic pets are also sold here, including fish, hamsters and other smaller pets that are typically easier to raise than dogs or cats. To get to Exotic Pet Store Row, go to Dongdaemun Station (Line No. 1 or 4), and go out Exit 7. Walk along the Cheonggye Stream until you see the Dongdaemun Pyeonghwa Fashion Town building. Exotic Pet Store Row is on the opposite side.
Dongdaemun Sporting Goods Street
Finally, for those of you with a more active lifestyle, you can find all the athletic equipment you desire at Dongdaemun Sporting Goods Street. The area was traditionally called Dongdaemun Stadium because the area was once home to Dongdaemun Stadium, which opened in 1926 and was the major sports facility in the city until the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. It has since been demolished to make way for the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. Although the stadium is no longer there, the sporting goods stores that cropped up around the area have remained in business and can cater to all of your sports equipment needs. You can find around a hundred stores hawking your typical fare of baseball, basketball, football and taekwondo equipment and uniforms, as well as stores that sell tennis, badminton, bowling, golf and general exercise equipment. For newcomers to sports, shop owners typically have a lot of knowledge about the best equipment and products to jump-start your hobby. To get to the Sporting Goods Street, go to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station (Line No. 2, 4, or 5), and go out Exit 4.
There are many ways to keep your camera steady other than a good tripod. Actually, unless you are shooting film, or are regularly engaged in areas such as macro, long exposure or other specialized photographic applications, a tripod is largely superfluous. The low light capabilities of modern digital cameras are impressive. This month, we’ll briefly examine a couple of other stability options for your camera. If a tripod is too much to haul around on a regular basis, yet you feel you really do need something to help hold things steady, consider a monopod. Just as tri means three, mono means one - a monopod is basically one leg of a tripod. Very compact and light, a monopod is an ideal rest, especially if you are shooting for long periods of time or at events. But while a monopod addresses vertical stability very well, horizontal or side-to-side movement, though easier to control, can still be an issue. An interesting variation of the monopod I have seen is tying a long piece of string around where the lens meets the camera and while standing on the free end, pulling up so the string is taught. Vertical stability is improved and there is nothing easier to carry! One fantastic piece of technology that has been developed over the past few years is image stabilization. Some companies implement this in the lens, and others implement it in-camera. There are pros and cons for each method. In-lens implementation means that not all lenses have this attribute, and it does increase the cost of those that do. Image stabilization in the camera means that the benefits are available no matter what lens you have attached. However, in-body stabilization has to be general purpose all lenses are treated exactly the same within the limitations of the system. In-lens implementation means that the stabilization system is specifically tailored to the lens and is arguably more effective as a result. I recommend doing some research on the issue before going either way. In either case, the benefits are undeniable and greatly improve your ability to capture a sharp image. A very important shortcoming though, is that IS systems only compensate for camera shake. You may improve stability at slow shutter speeds which great for static subjects, but due to that slow shutter, any moving subject could still generate motion blur. Good handholding technique is another important factor. It can vary for different people, but what I’ve found effective is cradling the lens in my left hand while keeping my elbows secure against my body. Be sure not to grip the camera too tight and gently depress the shutter. A lot of shake-induced blur at slower speeds is a result of poor technique when releasing the shutter - the camera is jolted at the worst possible moment. An important note to finish on: don’t get too manic with image sharpness. While in specialized instances sharpness is crucial to a satisfactory result, in general shooting this comes secondary to composition. A decent composition can (and often does) compensate for a bit of blur, but sharpness absolutely cannot redeem a poor composition. Case in point: I visited the recent Joe McNally exhibition here in Seoul and several of his fantastic images weren’t sharp! I don’t mean due to the large print size, I mean either slightly out of focus or small amounts of subject movement-induced blur. Get out there, get shooting and visit the Seoul Photo Club on Flickr to pose any photography related queries you many have, and perhaps receive a bit of advice and guidance from some of the best expat photographers in Korea. In next month’s we’ll look at the different effects that longer or shorter lenses can have on your image.
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COMMUNITY
Making it playing
poker
A Matter of Context
Acclimating to Asia, PhilosophicallY by Drake Baer
Kevin Song with professional poker player and two time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Jennifer Harman.
After making it, Kevin Song is trying to give back by adam walsh
In 1981, Kevin Song packed up his belongings and headed to where he thought the money was. With very little cash, moving to LA was a gamble. Luckily for Song, betting on himself is something he would eventually be very good at. Now an established professional poker player with career winnings of $3.2 million, Song ironically has a bit of bad luck to thank for getting him into playing in the first place. He was working for a Real Estate financing and loan office when his car was stolen. “I had to get to work, but I had no car. I only had $1,200 in the bank and wasn’t sure what to do,” says Song. So, he took $1,000 and went to the Bicycle Club Casino to see if he could improve the state of his finances. With skills he now says were very basic and 50 hours at the Texas Hold’em table, Song ended up with $8,000 – enough for a used car and some cash left over for investing in his future. Having only ever played the game a handful of times, Song realized he had a knack for the game and put time into improving his ability. He would work his regular job from Monday to Friday each week, while his weekends were spent honing his poker skills. Before too long, Song was making more money playing Hold’em than his regular salary. “I started making okay money on weekends. So when my company closed many of its braches and I was out of work, I instead started playing with Johnny Chan and others.” When Song mentions poker super star Johnny Chan, he smiles saying that because he was new to the scene, Chan underestimated him. So, Song studied Chan’s every move and was able to compete. “I tried to test my luck with those guys. I have good discipline and money management skills. In 30 years, I never went broke,” he says. In 1994, a little over a decade since his start as a poker player, Song began playing tournaments rather than cash games. He found there was less risk in tournaments and in 1997 he earned a World Series of Poker bracelet, a highly coveted non-cash prize which ushers you into an exclusive club of top players. Song’s income from cash games and tournaments piled up and he decided he didn’t want to only gamble for the rest of his life. In order to secure other forms of income, Song opened restaurants, 99-cent stores, car dealerships and 58/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
fitness centers. He then divided his time between playing poker for three to four months a year and spending the rest of the year focusing on business. Life change When discussing why he is back in Korea, Song becomes serious and adds a sense of urgency in his answers. “I’m a Catholic and I always pray and give thanks to God. I thank God that I never had a difficult time with poker. Looking back at my life gambling, alcohol, girls, I wanted to do something good.” Coincidentally, on a trip to Korea Song stopped by Kangwon Land and saw what he considered to be a huge problem. “It was just crazy nine years ago when I visited. There were 30 people to a blackjack table and in the morning 2,000 people were in line outside waiting to gamble.” Song was concerned because most of the gamblers were losing money because of the simple fact that they had no idea what they were doing. He was also struck by the underground gambling that takes place in Korea. “It’s unbelievable. There are dealers switching cards and other kinds of cheating. I thought, I gotta do something. Because it’s not like the U.S. In Korea, when people lose, they commit suicide,” says Song. Song then decided to write a book on gambling. The lesson he wanted people to get from the book is that, “Nobody in the world fighting against the casino can make money.” Though he admits that for publishing purposes it had to be half helpful and half about playing poker. When asked how he did it, he smiles and says that poker is not against the casino like games such as blackjack and roulette. Furthering his efforts, Song has been in talks with KBS for a number of years now to create a show that educates Koreans on the problems associated with gambling and the odds of winning. “I will show people how cheating is done on TV and when they see it, they will see they cannot win,” said Song. Kevin Song currently lives in Seoul, is the owner of the Walkerhill poker room and is still trying to help people with gambling problems. Talking about how many people he thinks he can help, Song says, “I want to put people back in their normal lives. Even if I save only 50 of them I’ll be happy.”
During a routine Sunday walk I came upon a signature Seoul sight: a crowd of apartment buildings hiking up the side of a mountain. “If I lived in one of those, I wouldn’t feel like an individual at all,” my girlfriend said, biting her lip, “but that’s what they want.” Such a realization conjures up a mixture of antipathy and appreciation. As an expat, I’m a legacy of Western individualistic inquiry, washed ashore to teach English in the Hermit Kingdom. Upon arriving, I did not understand why a face must be saved, or why even in nouveau chic Hongdae, everyone dressed the same. As an American, clearly what I thought was right and what they thought was wrong – until I realized that I had no right to such chauvinism. To hold the possibility of only one truth is an Anglophone trait not present in East Asia. So a goal was set: to stop emphasizing the I and consider the we, to see if one culture’s homogeny is another’s harmony. Ever-eager to curtail my ego, the aforementioned lady later handed me Richard E. Nisbett’s The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently … and Why. The book unravels many East/ West relation riddles. Nisbett writes that “East Asians live in an interdependent world in which the self is a part of a larger whole; Westerners live in a world in which the self is a unitary free agent.” A Japanese wishes to belong to a group, a Briton seeks to be himself. A Korean gathers context, an American focuses. These conflicting worldviews manifest every day, in conversations and in contracts. To gain individual counsel in a collective, I rang Mr. Nisbett. He said that newcomers must recognize the indirectness of East Asian communication. “Americans are often annoyed by what they see as evasiveness or even dishonesty; that when he says maybe, he probably means no.” This is because Asians are much more concerned with a broader context, beyond a given interaction. “(Westerners) are focused on one particular goal and how to achieve it,” the professor said, “but because effective action in Asia depends much more on coordination with other people, people can be confused about exactly why they’re having a different perception of a situation.” East Asians are responding to a wider range of signals. Saving face is not so much to placate you, but to consider group cohesion, to maintain a larger system. Getting off the phone, I am reminded of Synecdoche, New York, Andy Kaufman’s sprawling postmodern masterpiece. Near the end, an aged Philip Seymour Hoffman calls out, “There are nearly 6.5 billion people in the world. None of those people is an extra. They’re all the leads of their own stories.” Perhaps the director should have halved that claim. Westerners are leads in their autobiography, while Asians are part of a grander production: The nation, the family, the whole. So now, looking up at Lotte’s latest squadron of cement sentinels, I appreciate the double feature: the dae-han-min-guk opera, forever in harmony, and my waeguk adventure story, alone against the world.
A Japanese wishes to belong to a group, a Briton seeks to be himself. A Korean gathers context, an American focuses.
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COMMUNITY
5 places in Seoul you’re not partying at – yet By Chris Backe
e da n Ko
When it comes to partying, Hongdae or Itaewon are the two areas that come to mind.They cater to foreigners, offer cheap drink specials, and are the places to see lots of other foreigners. If you’re tired of being catered to, however, here are 5 areas where the locals go to get their party on. As a general rule, you won’t stay out partying all night unless you’re in Hongdae or Itaewon. Enough of those places stay open until the subways start up again, but few places in other areas will. If you’re dead set on taking the first morning subway home, however, it can be done.Another thing to remember: most places will have tables and booths for groups. A couple will be fine, but you’ll have a better time with a larger group - say, 4 to 6 people
Kondae - AKA Konkuk Univ.
A university area like Hongdae, the area offers a little bit of everything. Plenty of young people are dressed to party, while some are just there to hang out with friends. Street food, vendors, and saju / tarot (fortune telling) tents are set up right across from Dunkin Donuts and adidas stores. The sidewalk along the main street is crowded and uneven, so be be careful walking. A shortening of ‘Konkuk’ and ‘Daehakgyo’, or university, Kondae wins lots of points for one of the best selections of restaurants in Seoul outside of Itaewon. As with other places, street walking offers some of the best entertainment — and views. Dance clubs are rare (try Gaephan - turn right out of exit 1), but most seem happy enough walking around, meeting up, and eating or drinking the night away. Get away from the main road to find dozens of restaurants and watering holes. Donzzolla offers reasonably-priced Korean food, albeit with an emphasis towards cutlets of different kinds. Somri Chicken is out to please, Little Beijing offers some good Chinese, but a place called Oxen wins the “best display” award — few things in life beat seeing a life-size cow on display. Being a drinking area, greasy 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal) and 돼지갈비 (dwaeji galbi) are also commonly found. Be aware that some places require a minimum number of servings to be dished out at a table — usually the signs will be the best indicators, so keep your eyes open. Konkuk University Subway Station, Line 2, Exit 2, — make a U-turn, then turn right to find the side road.
Nowon
Northern Seoul isn’t to be left out — afterhours restaurants and street vendors take over the sidewalk in some places. It’s not the place for clubs or dancing, but the people watching is excellent on the culture street nearest Exit 1 or 2. Alternatively, walk out Exit 9 or 10, grab some street food and meander around the shopping areas. Get off the main road and you’ll find some of the restaurants and bars. There isn’t a “must-visit” place, but the area as a whole makes for good exploring. Just don’t get too far away from the subway station or you’ll find yourself in an apartment concrete jungle. The occasional performance resonates from a street stage, where crowds make the sidewalk their sitting area. A foreigner-friendly bar is also in the area (Exit 1, turn right once at street level, first left just before Buy The Way, walk 50 meters and look right for the Metropolis sign).You might not stay out all night, but you might be having so much fun that you’ll miss the last subway. There are plenty of buses and taxis in the area, though. Nowon Subway Station, Line 4, Exit 1.
Jonggak
The downtown area by City Hall is a great place to take in flashy lights, neon signs, and more than enough restaurants or 60/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
watering holes. The crowd tends to be older and more likely to wear a suit, but there are plenty of younger people around as well. The underground shopping district can be interesting, but that closes a bit earlier than the subway does. A few 24-hour restaurants are around, although you’re unlikely to stay out all night partying. Make this a stop along the way to Dongdaemun’s all-night shopping zone. Jonggak, Line 1, Exit 4, turn right after the Dunkin Donuts.
Hyehwa / Daehangno
One of the best places in Seoul to take a date, the ubiquitous coffeehouses and restaurants eventually give way to the dozens of theaters and performances (all in Korean, of course). While you’ll see a foreigner or two walking the main street towards the rotary, get away from the main drag to explore what the locals see. Though it may seem as though there aren’t any bars kicking around, keep your head up and you can find a few.The crowd is young and lots of couples call this area a favorite for meandering. If you’d rather drink coffee than beer, this may become a favorite place. The theaters don’t offer much in English, but buy a ticket for a theater performance and try to figure out what’s happening — or make up a story as the show goes on. Hyehwa station, Line 4 any exit.
Sincheon (Jamsil)
You may be familiar with the Sinchon area near Ewha and Yonsei, but Sincheon is on the opposite side of line 2, a stop away from Jamsil. Plenty of restaurants, arcades, and bars will offer a good time for your hard-earned won. Don’t mix Tekken 6 with beer, though — most arcades frown on drinking while playing. If you’re looking to stay out all night, there’s a handful of restaurants open 24 hours — along with a good selection of love motels. If interested in people-watching, this is an entertaining place to watch bikki (club advertisers) work their “magic.” Sincheon Station, Line 2, Exit 4. Honorable mention goes to Bucheon — a mere two subway stops from Seoul’s western border, the city has a lot of life once you get away from the shopping area surrounding the subway station.Take yourself to Bucheon Station (Line 1), take Exit 2, then hop on bus 23-2 or take a taxi to the main bar / club district, not far from Bucheon’s City Hall. Several blocks worth of neon run parallel to the main road. If you like chicken and beer, there are more than enough to satiate your craving.The foreigner-friendly Rhythm and Booze (some excellent food, by the way) is around. Unless you live on the western side of Seoul, a taxi ride will be more expensive than a night at a nearby love motel. There aren’t many around, but they’re nice. Bucheon Station, Line 1, Exit 2. Chris Backe keeps the blog Chris in South Korea (chrisinsouthkorea.blogspot.com), which focuses on travel and life in Korea. august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/61
oo
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LISTINGS
just a minute from Sinchon Station. Please contact koreanmovieclub@yahoo.com or www.geocities. com/koreanmovieclub
teams Ice Hockey- Interested in playing with experienced and competitive ice hockey players? Join Korea’s original ex-pat hockey team, the Geckos Glaciers Sunday nights at 8pmin Anyang. Contact Charles at charfull@yahoo.com
Seoul Stitch ‘n Bitch: This club has a crafting get-together the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month in Haebangchon, Seoul, Please contact seoulsnb@gmail. com or check www.seoulsnb.blogspot.com
H a n d b a l l - Te a m H a n d b a l l - O l y m p i c Handball - We often organize friendly games against Korean teams during evenings or weekends. Male or female players, beginners, intermediate or advanced players... everybody is welcome! Just email SEB at handballinkorea@gmail.com or visit www. handballinkorea.org
Sinchon Toastmasters Club: Looking for new members, both Korean & foreign, wanting to improve their public speaking and leadership skills in an atmosphere where members can also have fun interacting together. Please contact Dong Wan at: intervie@naver.com Suwon Scuba Club: A dive club close to Osan Air Base and Camp Humphreys, we teach all Padi courses and run regular tours for fun dives to the East Sea. Along with dives, the club has a major social element with outstanding BBQ's and parties on each tour. Please contact Nic at: nichofberg@yahoo.com, 010 3123 2061 or www.suwonscuba.com
St Pats FC — seoulstpats@gmail.com Seoul Saturday Soccer League - Looking for additional referees, players, goal keepers, new teams, for its Spring season, starting Feb/28th/09. Please apply to soccersaturday@hotmail.com and leave your phone contacts for more information. Gaelic Club - If you are looking for a physical and competitive sport, while also wanting some craic while you are at it, then check out Irish football, aka Gaelic. It is a mixture of soccer, basketball and rugby. Male and female teams meet frequently for training, games and social events.www.seoulgaels.com
international clubs Investor & Real Estate Club Meetings Every Monday @ Watts On Tap. Discussions on international dating, relationships, investments. Discuss investments with ROI higher than KOSPI average. Anyone with valuable or critical comments wins cash & prizes! Contact 010-5552-5568
Touch Rugby - contact seoultouch@gmail.com and more information can be found at touchtagrugby. blogspot.com
Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) – This non-profit organization offers lectures about Korea’s history and culture, while also offering tours to various locations around the country. Please contact raskb@kornet.net or visit www.raskb.com
International Taekwondo club - looking for new members interested in taekwondo and cultural exchange on Sat& Sun 4:30PM ~ 8:30 PM near Konkuk Univ. Email to tm3ym@hotmail.com or visit to http:// cafe.daum.net/arirangtaekwon
The American Women's Club (AWC) now meets at the Sofitel Ambassador Hotel at 9:30 AM on the first Tuesday of each month. www.awckorea.org.
Korea Ultimate Players Association – If you have been searching for some hot disc action in Korea, come out to play ultimate every Sun with the Korea Ultimate Players Association. Please visit www. koreaultimate.net
The Australia & New Zealand Assocation (ANZA) meets at the Grand Hyatt Hotel at 9:30AM on the third Tues of the month. For more information, p le a se v i si t w w w. a nz a kore a .co m or eve n t s @ anzakorea.com
Disc-Golf in Seoul - Looking for something different to do and want to be more active in Korea? We are always looking for new people to play disc-golf every Saturday. contact discgolf@naver.com The Korea Lacrosse Association would like to involve more non-Koreans, with or without lacrosse experience, to participate in the growing tournaments and leagues. Please contact by emaiil parkpc@ lacrosse.or.kr or 02-743-5291 Football Club - Gecko's FC is looking for players, preferably with experience, for the start of the new season.We practice regularly, play games on Sundays and take road trips once or twice a season. Please contact geckosfc@yahoo.com Crystal Palace Football/Soccer Team – We are recruiting players of all abilities to join our games played in central Seoul. Please contact Alex at harryhowlett@hotmail.com or 010 3040 6114 Seoul Survivors RFC -Seoul Survivors has been around for over 20 years. We practice regularly and play a variety of different teams in friendlies, competitions and on tours. For more information, please contact Ian at koreanianr@yahoo.co.uk or 016-897-6282 T h e S e o u l S u n d ay F o o t b a l l L e a g u e , a competitive amateur expat league, is looking for referees to officiate matches in Seoul and surrounding areas on Sundays. No official qualifications are necessary, but you should have a good knowledge of the game. Pay is 70,000 won per game. Also, if you are interested in playing, then we can also find you a team. Please contact: seoulfootball@hotmail.com Seoul Sisters Women’s Rugby Club: Looking for new members, both Korean and foreign, to grow the in-house league. No experience is necessary and there are great coaches to get you up to speed quickly. contact seoulsistersrugby@yahoo.com or check out www.ssrfccom Lokomotiv Goyang Football Club: Playing games in both Seoul and Goyang, we are a football team always looking for new members. Please contact lokogoyang@yahoo.co.uk or check www.lokomotivgoyang.com
clubs Free Bellydance Classes in English in Itaewon nights and weekends. Over 20 classes a week. Learn an art, awaken your body, make friends, eliminate stress, pamper yourself! http://eshebellydancer.com Bellydance Classes in Seoul Tues nights & Thurs mornings. Belly dance is an energizing, low-impact exercise suitable for men & women of all ages. Reduce stress, improve balance & posture, strengthen & tone muscles, develop grace, reduce weight, and increase self-confidence! Contact bellydancekorea@hotmail. com Korea Latin & Salsa Korea L atin and Salsa welcomes new members of all ages and experience levels for parties, salsa lessons in English and Spanish, trips, friends, and fun. Please visit our website KoreaLatinAndSalsa.com Seoul Artists Network (SAN) have a bi-monthly open mic that takes place at Woodstock in Itaewon on the first and third sundays of each month. www. purevolume.com/jeremytoombs | www.myspace.com/ jeremytoombs Writing Club Looking to form/join a writing group. Meetings would likely be on the weekends, twice
62/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
email:
info@groovekorea.com
a month. My focus is on short fiction/prose at the moment, but I would be open to non-fiction/longer works as well. email Bryan at scriptingends@gmail.com
Seoul. A fun way to get out on a Sunday afternoon and meet new friends. Send an email to www.bazzerdog. com to find out when and where we will meet.
Lodge Han Yang #1048 the oldest Masonic lodge in Korea welcomes all visiting and returning brethren to attend our regularly scheduled meeting every second and fourth Wednesday. Contact lodgehanyang@ hotmail.com for additional information
The Original Seoul Toastmasters Club Are you interested in joining a club of professionals working to develop communication and leadership skills? Meet new friends, both Korean and foreign, at the original Seoul Toastmasters Club. Please contact Joohun Park at jhpamc@hanmail.net and 011 9279 8299 or visit www.seoultmclub.net
Seoul Fencing Club — Seoul Grand Park in Ichondong. Please go to www.seoulfencing.com or email seoul.fencing.club@gmail.com. The Seoul Book Club, a new book club. We plan to meet once a month read and various works in English and then share and discuss our impressions, all are welcome. Please contact Sean at 010-3648-2861 or stm@iis.or.kr KH Toastmasters is a fun, supportive environment to learn public speaking and leadership skills in English. Our group is a dynamic mix of foreigners and Koreans, and we meet 8pm every Tuesday in Hyehwa. Guests always welcome. A map of our meeting location can be found at: khtoastmasters.com Sherlock Holmes Club will meet every second Tuesday day at It aewon, 7. 30 pm. ( Venue to be announced) A story from the canon, a short talk on Holmesiana, a Holmes quiz, and a Holmes movie: serious-fun. Email Morrison at morry _lee@yahoo. com.au, or phone 010-6376-3965. Southside Hash House Harriers: Do you like to walk, run and drink beer? Well then, come and join the Seoul branch of this world-wide club that meets in a different location south of the Han River each Sunday at 11:00am. All levels of fitness are welcome, just bring along your sneakers and a sense of humor! Please contact Countess at smcrae77@yahoo.com Section 8 Gaming: we meet Sundays in the Seoul area to play a variety of pen and paper role playing games, including Dungeons and Dragons. Contact section8gaming@gmail.com. Toastmasters International, every Thursday Night, near GyeongBuk Palace Subway station, for more information visit the following websites: www. toastmasters.org www.seoultmclub.net or Contact us at: profirving2001@yahoo.com Belly Dance Classes in English. Learn fine muscle control of the torso, arms and hips, and interpretation of intricate music in English with an interesting group of women. Classes on Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings. All levels welcome. Contact eshe@eshebellydancer.com. Texas Hold Em in Ilsan - Weekly Hold Em throw down at cool bar in La Festa, Ilsan Tues & Thurs around 10pm & Sundays 7pm. Contact mrleon29@ gmail.com I'm all-in. May the flop be with you! Interested in Theatre? Seoul Players is an all-volunteer community theatre group which does two English language shows a year. For more info, please email seoulplayers@gmail.com Interested in Surfing? There are trips throughout the winter to discover Korea’s secret spots and great waves. Please cont act Nathan or Jack at Seoulboardriders@hotmail.com B a z z e r ’ s B u d d i e s D o g Wa l k i n g C l u b Namsan, Han River and other outdoor areas around
Seoul PMS H3 – This is a running club for women that is also part of the Hash House Harriers. We meet one Saturday af ternoon a month and are looking for other women who like to run, walk, drink and/or socialize. Contact msthanx4nothin@gmail. com or visit www.myspace.com/seoul_pms_h3 Karaoke Club - Join a karaoke club in Seoul with people who love to sing, whether you sound like Frank Sinatra or Frankenstein! We meet once a month. Please contact seoulsing@gmail.com Are you a vegetarian or vegan in Korea? The Seoul Veggie Club meets twice a month to check out veggie-friendly restaurants and enjoy picnics. Koreans, foreigners, vegetarians and non-vegetarians are all welcome. "Facebook group Seoul veggie club" MEETinSEOUL – Come hang out with a large free, all-volunteer social group. There are no membership fees, just pay for your own cost of the events (movies, dinners etc). www.meetin.org/city/MEETinSEOUL/ Yongsan Kimchi Hash House Harriers - If you enjoy running, walking and trekking throughout Seoul as well as drinking beer, then come join us every Saturday at 10 a.m. For more information, please visit www.freewebs.com/ykhhh (then go to "hareline") or malgosia02@yahoo.com Hiking Club – The International Hikers Club meets every Sat. For more information, please contact sihclub@gmail.com Mostly Over 40 – This club meets for lunch on Sunday a month and, as the name depicts, consists of people who are mostly over 40. For more information, contact mostlyover40@yahoogroups.com CWG, ‘Conversations with God,’ discussion and study group is open for anyone who is interested in talking about the themes and implications of this book. Contact markyansen@yahoo.com or 011 9990 4291 Artists – We are interested in starting an artists’ collective in Seoul. Are you a visual artist interested in t ak ing p ar t in a group ex hibit ion? Cont ac t seoulcreative@yahoo.comForeigner/Korean Friendship Club: Our purpose is to meet at a bar on Saturdays to meet new people, introduce new cultures, share thoughts and have fun. Contact yupggiklub@ hotmail.com or check out seoulcircle.com Fusion Art: Seeking members involved in various arts (painting, drawing, illustration, sculpture, photos and more) for regular meetings and exhibitions to share information about colors and opinions. Please contact bakerycorner@yahoo.co.kr, chubbyhubby@hanmail. net or 010-6423-6037 Korean Movie Club: With English subtitles, people are now able to enjoy and understand recent Korean (and some non-Korean) movies and dramas in front of a 120-inch screen. The club is located
The British Association of Seoul (BASS) meets at the Seoul Club from 10 AM to Noon on the fourth Tues of the month. For more information, please contact basseoul@yahoo.co.uk The Canadian Women’s Club (CWC) meets the second Tues of the month & also participate in a group activity the fourth Wed of the month. For more information, contact sujaybee@yahoo.com Club Italia hosts a lunch every Sun at 1 PM at the Franciscan School in Hannam-dong. The lunch costs KRW 15,000 and everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.clubitalia.or.kr Career Women in Korea (CWIK) at the New Seoul Hotel on the third Wed evening of the month. For more information, please visit www.cwik21.com or contact career_women_in_korea@yahoo.com. Th e S e o u l I n t l . Wo m e n ’s A s so c i a t i o n (SIWA) meets at the Sofitel Ambassador Hotel at 9:30 AM on the third Wed of the month. For more information, please visit www.siwapage.com Overseas Chinese Women’s Club (OCWC) meets monthly and is open to all women who would like to make new friends, enjoy good food and learn about Chinese culture. Chinese is spoken, but interpretation is available. For more information, please visit our website at ocwckr.spaces.live.com or contact ocwckr@hotmail.com
Announcements Navah Bellydance Company - Looking for performers with dance experience or who are willing to train with Eshe for events in and out of Seoul. eshebellydancer@hotmail.com The Ang Dating Daan Korea Chapter conducts free Bible Study and distributes DVDs of Bible Expositions of the only sensible preacher in our time — Brother Eli Soriano. If you want free copies of Bible Expositions and hear free Bible Study, please call 010-5737-2561 / 010-3004-0817 Amnesty G48 is an official group of Amnesty International Korea. This group is made up of both Korean and foreign volunteers who actively take part in the movement to promote and protect human rights for all people around the world. E-mail Tom for further details @ amnestyseoul@gmail.com. All Native English Speakers, Kyopos, and Koreans. Proficient in English are welcome to join our weekly bible study/fellowship meetup held every saturday at 3 pm. We seek to delve deeply into scripture. Contact Info. 011-359-1317 Bellydance lessons in English in Itaewon at the Well Being Studio by Eshe on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Absolute beginners welcome. Awaken your body and spirit with this ancient healing art. Det ails at w w w.eshebellydancer.com or email eshebellydancer@hotmail.com Bible Study Enthusiasts - Weekly Bible study for Native English Speakers. We are having a weekly Bible Study every Saturday, at 7:30 PM. Everyone is welcome! Call me at 011-359 -1317 or email homechurch-314@meetup.com or homechurch. meetup.com/314/ for further information. Seoul Global Center - Seoul Help Center for foreigners has been renamed and relocated to the Korea Press Foundation Building floor.
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august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/63
FUN & GAMES
Aries
Taurus
Re l at io n s h i p s a re d y n a m i c t h i s month, dear Aries. The need for structure in a partnership becomes clear, especially around the 8th. The 9th brings exciting new energy for romance and creativity. Take advantage! Avoid shortcuts on the job, especially from the 20th, or you will definitely need to redo your work. Attraction to older or more mature partners is possible this month, as you reassess your relationship needs. Problems that have existed in a partnership come to light and need immediate attention. Partnerships can be on the competitive side, but you are likely to appreciate that matters are out in the open so that they can more easily find resolution. Career matters can be competitive as well, and you might feel a little stressed that you don’t have enough energy to tend to domestic concerns. A past love may step forward around the 20th, but save decision making for later. A secret is revealed or something hidden comes to light around the 24th.
Much of your attention is directed towards daily activities including work, fitness, and other routine matters this month, dear Taurus. There can be competitive energies on the job, but also opportunities to truly smooth over differences. Love oppor tunit ie s could arise through work or even at the gym around the 20th, but there may be a reason for your hesitancy. Enjoy yourself, but save major decisions for later. While love matters are generally strong in August, they are likely to give pause for review at a later date. From the 20th, a lover could be giving off mixed signals, or a romance could appear to be at a standstill. In fact, it’s a good time to release any pressure you might have on your love life and step back to take a breather. Reassess matters and avoid a hectic pace. Home and family are also vying for your attention in August, and you happily tend to them, although work keeps you especially busy.
Gemini
Cancer
May 21 - June 21
June 22 - July 22
A love affair could become serious this month, dear Gemini. Perhaps there are ultimatums or the need to bring more definition to your love life. For some of you, children could do with improved schedules and discipline. Once that’s settled, you can especially enjoy spending time together. A creative project suddenly demands attention this month. You may be thinking of ways to make a business out of a hobby or creative pastime. August should be a highly creative, romantic, and playful month overall. The 20th could bring excitement in love, but also some hesitancy on your part. Your ruler, Mercury, turns retrograde at the same time, and you require more time to think things through than usual. Some problems on the home front need ironing out from the 20th forward. Domestic projects that you haven’t tended to diligently could begin to show flaws. Exciting career matters come to light on the 24th.
This is an especially lively month for home and family, dear Cancer. Competitive energies on the domestic scene are likely. Responsibilities come to light, and the need for reorganization as well as increased structure to your household becomes apparent. Happily, you are in the mood for straightening out matters on the home front, and it feels good to have the energy to pay more attention to this important area of your life. Family interactions can certainly benefit from more clarity. Job or status changes continue to loom, but a sense of peace this month gives you a breather. Some of you are taking work home with you, where you feel a little more comfortable. August 9th could bring financial opportunities. Circumstances are such that you need to take charge of money matters now. August is certainly a good month for creating a budget. Get your paperwork sorted out before the 20th, after which any corner-cutting you’ve taken may turn out to add rather than save time.
Leo
Virgo
Making contact and getting in touch with others, learning, and teaching are all especially important matters to you this month, dear Leo. You’re more communicative than usual, enjoying sharing your ide as and catching up with friends. You are interested in improving your skills and expanding your mind. Contact with others can help jumpstart your creativity this month. Some of you could meet a new love interest while taking part in classes, group discussions, communicating online, and other forms of networking. Money requires extra attention from the 20th. Avoid taking shortcuts with your finances after this date. Go over everything carefully before making large purchases and other important financial decisions. Waiting for a later date might be best, because you could find that the urge to splurge passes. The 9th brings fresh energy and a go-ahead for personal projects. It’s your New Moon, and it’s time to bring on a whole new and fresh attitude. Others are taking note, not only of your sunny personality, but particularly of your ideas.
August is a strong period for reviewing the past year and aiming to put the past behind you, dear Virgo. It’s not the time for major decision making or goal setting, but good for ridding yourself of problems that have been weighing you down. Pay attention to your intuition and even your dreams. Next month, you can make a new start. Financial matters are of concern in August, but money is coming in and going out in perhaps equal quantity. As such, although there are ups and downs, you end the month on even ground. You’re able to come up with some especially creative moneymaking ideas this month. While it’s not the right time to throw yourself into a new project, you might want to formulate initial plans. From the 20th and until September 12th, your ruler, Mercury, is retrograde. This points to a period of natural withdrawal on some level. It’s a good time to take in rather than push forward with new plans. The 24th brings a partnership matter to light. Pay special attention to what a partner or close friend has to say.
Libra
Scorpio
August is a month of much social activity for you, dear Libra. You are especially charming and a partner is absolutely in your corner. The 20th brings particularly good energy for love. Although there is a competitive feel to your relationships, this only ser ves to energize you and t o ke e p l ove s t i m u l a t i n g . N e w responsibilities are coming to light and you are ready to take charge. In fact, you are especially assertive this month, but at the same time, blessed with the ability to go after what you want without ruffling anyone’s feathers. You have just the right combination of natural charm and confidence this month that others can’t help but take notice. While the month promises to be pleasurable in many ways, Saturn is solidly back in your sign, reminding you of your responsibilities and the need to structure your life. Do whatever you can to straighten out your life and discipline yourself. Avoiding responsibilities and cutting corners will not serve you well. Work or health matters that have been brewing come to light around the 24th.
W hile c areer m at ter s are ver y busy and dynamic this month, dear Scorpio, your personal life is also rich. A private romance is possible, or an awakening of feelings about a past relationship occurs this month. Perhaps you become aware of a past responsibility that you now want to fulfill. You are taking charge on the job, and while changes in duties and responsibilities are still looming, you are feeling good about your position. Work is competitive, but you might find that it’s more stimulating this way and pushing you to work more creatively. Power games are no fun, however, and these should be avoided as much as possible. Be especially mindful of your communications with friends and groups this month, as something said (or not said) could come back to haunt you after the 20th. From the 23rd forward, there is more focus on your social life and less on responsibilities and work. The 24th brings great creative energy, as well as the possibility of a blooming romance.
Sagitarius
Capricorn
Competitive energies with associates and friends are likely in August, dear Sagittarius. These can be pleasant or disconcerting, sometimes both at once, but certainly stimulating. Friends are likely to turn to you for advice , and you could e asily find yourself in the middle! Some of you might begin a new love relationship through a friend or networking efforts. Financial matters, particularly money earned from business, can be tense for the time being, although changes taking place now are likely to bring you to a much better place at a later date. Until the 23rd, you are feeling especially adventurous and philosophical. An energy boost has you thinking of breaking the routine and expanding your experiences. You’re in a mostly cheerful mood and it’s easy to find like-minded people to share it with. From the 23rd, career matters and responsibilities come into focus. If you’ve cut any corners in work projects recently, these will probably come back for review and redoing. The 24th can bring family and home matters to your attention.
With all of the attention you are pouring into career, family, and personal matters, dear Capricorn, you could feel that a partnership is wanting. However, while you can’t ignore your close relationships, your attention to career is especially important right now. New responsibilities and challenges come your way and you need to be on top of your game. Luckily, you are enjoying the limelight and finding that others are seeing you in a most positive, responsible, and competent light. The need to discipline yourself and structure your time on a professional level becomes apparent. Some of you could meet a love interest through business this month. Travel and educational plans might change unexpectedly after the 20th. Pay attention to details instead of rushing through instructions, applications, and other plans. In some cases, rethinking your plans might be in order. A flurry of activity around the 24th is likely, which could find you running around on errands. Try not to stress out and instead get everything back to order one step at a time.
Aquarius
Pisces
It’s not the strongest month for decision making, dear Aquarius. You might be leaving it up to a par tner or good friend to t ake the lead for the time being. It’s a time for rethinking and reviewing rather than moving forward with new plans and initiatives. Letting others take the spotlight seems to be your best bet. Your ruler, Uranus, is retrograding back into Pisces this month, and while symbolically this might point to a feeling of backtracking, it’s more likely that you are looking back for the time being, rather than pushing forward. Exciting changes are on the horizon, and this is a good period for tidying up and getting in touch with what you truly want from your life. However, your personal magnetism is strong this month and others are very cooperative. If you’re interested, you’ll find that it’s easy to attract others to you, particularly with your unique opinions and personal philosophy. The urge to expand your mind through education or possibly travel is strong, and opportunities to do so seem to be falling into your lap now. Finances require special handling in the last week of the month.
For most of August, dear Pisces, the focus seems to be on other i m p o r t a n t p e o p l e i n yo u r l i f e . Your work assumes more import ance and kee ps you busy. The 9 th brings excellent energ y for starting fresh on the job. Whether it’s about added responsibilities, a promotion, or simply a new take-charge attitude, now is the time to prove your worth. Financial matters can be a little stressful this month. Some of you could be feeling a pinch, particularly with a partner’s income or other non-income sources of money. There may be some power plays to deal with, especially around the 3rd, 16th, and 21st. Your passions run high, particularly around the 20th, when many of you enjoy a profound connection and deepening of ties with a special someone. After this date, some reticence in a partner could leave you feeling a little confused. A Full Moon in your sign occurs on the 24th, and emotions run high. A personal revelation can occur— something that has been brewing for some time and that finds expression now.
Mar 21 - Apr 20
konglish of the month runner-up: Ian Henderson and Jasmine Gueri n -Jon es
July 23 - Aug 22
runner-up: Amanda Bra dy
winner: Rober t K ie n zle Crossword
62 Ray of filmdom 63 Muscleman 64 Head wrap 65 Boxer Spinks 66 TV award 67 Flintstones co-creator
Across 1 Plank 6 Hit hard 10 Fish-eating duck 14 More proficient 15 Sly trick 16 Locks 17 Riverbank plant 18 Fanatical 19 Carnival attraction 20 Animal spotted in Africa? 21 Doc’s stock 23 1942 Disney film 25 Concealed 26 “Old Folks At Home” river 28 Hike
30 Delineated 32 Cops in Can. 36 Rap sheet letters 37 Endurance 40 King of France 41 Bivouac shelter 43 Hard-hit ball 45 Approximately 48 Chewed the scenery 49 Online terrorist 52 Written language 53 Satisfactory 56 Nasal passages 59 __ irae 60 Hands-together time 61 English architect Jones
64/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
Down 1 Shindig 2 Abide by 3 Star in Taurus 4 Ruling 5 Visionaries 6 Hindu teacher 7 Not extinct 8 “Put __ on it!” 9 Florentine family name 10 Court star Pam 11 __ coon 12 Down source 13 Extract by force 22 Trig. function 24 Pooped 26 Tiff 27 Roused 28 Pardon 29 Score after deuce 31 Manchuria-North Korea border river 33 Standard 34 Set in motion 35 Variegated 38 __-do-well 39 Reprimand 42 Hires 44 Actress Arquette 46 Apiary resident 47 Mandarin, e.g. 49 Relating to the deepest parts of the ocean 50 Lithe 51 Set of beliefs 52 Pound part 54 Thriving time 55 Weaver’s machine 57 Austian painter Schiele 58 Scotch diluter
The winner will receive a food or entertainment voucher worth 50,000 won
info@groovekorea.com Sudoku The aim of the puzzle is to insert numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3x3 box must contain one of each digit from 1-9. Theres is a unique solution, which can be found by logical thinking.
Sept 23 - Oct 22
Nov 22 - Dec 21
Jan 20 - Feb 18
Apr 21 - May20
Aug 23 - Sept 22
Oct 23 - Nov 21
BEWARE
WHAT YOU
WEAR
Dec 22 - Jan 19
Feb 19 - Mar 20
PHOTO BY: Miguel Indurain EMAIL: INFO@GROOVEKOREA.COM august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/65
honGdae directorY
itaewon directorY Vin Vino Chiropractic Clinic (1F) International Clinic (5F) Global Village Center (5F) La Bocca Villa Sortino Ali Baba Between
Bungalow Tropical Lounge 02-793-2344 This bar and restaurant sets the standards of unique excellence to higher levels - decked out with bamboo, sand, pools, swings, a fireplace and more.
Marakech Night Ole Stompers Rock Spot
MJ Custom Tailor (8F) Two Broz Rocky Mountain Tavern Sortino’s
Old Town
Helios Spice Table Tiffany Nail La Cigale Hollywood/Spy Smokey Saloon
Bungalow
copacabana 02-796-1660 Come to COPACABANA where a mere W29,000 gets you all-you-can-eat of the best Brazilian barbeque and buffet in Korea. Don Valley Korean Restaurant 02-796-2384 Conveniently located in the heart of Itaewon, this spacious restaurant accommodates 120 guests for delicious dinners and large parties. Open 24 hours everyday, it specializes in “Korean BBQ Done Right” - grilled beef ribs, bulgogi and bibimbap as well as many others.
Fire Station
Roofers The Loft Pub Panchos Evan Tattoo
Club After
Jun Pharmacy
9 Timo
Club After 02)792-2232 Club After Inspired by “art informal”- embrace the unconventional and don’t sweat differences “enjoy life like a dog, dance like a bitch.” www.clubafter.co.kr
Queen
Petra Los Amigos
Chiropractic Sports Med Clinic 02-798-1446 American and Australian trained, doctors are fluent in English, Spanish & Korean.
Don Valley
Unique Travel
Gecko’s Terrace B1 Gecko’s Garden 7 Bonji
TMAS
Seoul Pub/ Nashville Wolfhound
Jonny Dumpling
Outback
korea
Photo by Ronny Kick
What The Book
Bu ddh a’s Be Ist lly anb ul Ta co Ta co
LA PLANCHA 02-790-0063 Spanish grill restaurant includes combination platters along with al la carte side dishes. Feast inside in the warm and cozy atmosphere or sit out on the plant covered terrace.
MARAKECH NIGHT (3 LOCATIONS) 02-795-9441 Moroccan & Arabic restaurant offering authentic dishes, atmosphere and music. Wine, beer, juices and yogurt drinks are also available. Enjoy flavored tobacco from traditional shisha pipe.
Rocky Mountain Tavern 010-5775-2327 With a Canadian feel throughout, RMT attracts a crowd for sports coverage, trivia, wings, weekend brunch & live music. SKY Chiropractic & Massage 02-749-4849 US trained and certified chiropractors and massage therapists. SKY Wellness Center integrates chiropractic and massage to correct your body’s imbalances and achieve optimum health and wellness. Solutions 02-795-0827 The friendly English-speaking staff offers PC sales & repair as well as mailboxes and safety deposit boxes.
McDonald’s All-American Diner
Bistro Corner Berlin Tony’s Aussie Bar Hey Day Cafe Petra Itaewon Animal Hospital
Oi
LA CIGALE MONTMARTRE 02-796-1244 Contemporary French cuisine in cozy and intimate surroundings.with a classy yet casual feel, it has a variety of food which includes a range of mussels. Its terrace brings an outdoor feel yet warm & dry comfort to accommodate the weather.
Brix
Buy The Way
M2 Yonsei Miplus Dental Clinic
Tinpan 2 Ting Tings
Addiction Castle Praha
groove korea
Photo courtesy of VIA
Queen Queen welcomes ALL people for who they are and creates an open environment where different people from various backgrounds can cross barriers and unite as one community while having the time of their lives in the ultimate party kingdom!
Dillinger’s Bar
groove Post Office
Zibe
NB1
Gr8 Hookah/ Ska
Jokerred Tinpan 1 Myungwolgwan Gogo’s/FF Ska2 Agio Sub-zero VIA Cargo
of the month
NB2
Pita Time 02-790-8891 Providing fresh healthy food, Pita Time offers the choice of pitas, pita pizzas, salads and more. Delivery service.
Bar Bliss La Plancha
club daY last fridaY
Harlem
Panchos 02-792-4746 A Mexican bar with darts, pool, television and a wide selection of music. A spacious setting with big windows overlooking Itaewon’s main street.
3 Alley Pub/ Sam Ryan’s
Urban
Starbucks
360@ The Liquid
McDonald’s 02-790-6413 Open 24 hours with breakfast served from 5 – 11 AM
Copacabana Loca Loca/ Bar 22 (2F)
Nomad’s Pool
JONNY DUMPLING 02-790-8830 Enjoy different styles of healthy, handmade dumplings made fresh everyday. Meat as well as vegetarian dumplings are available.
LOCO LOCA 02-796-1606 Enjoy Salsa music and dancing in the vibrant atmosphere. Freshly baked pizzas with Latino flavors and the very best South American wines will be served.
Unit@Bluespirit
El Plato
Cafe / Bar Club Restaurant Clinic
The Pizza Peel
FREE
STEAK!
ON WED. WITH THIS AD
TMAS 02-796-7976 Total Martial Arts System. Designed for FOREIGNERS and lessons in English. learn true martial arts, training and spending time together like a family. Unique Travel 02-792-0606 A travel agency in the heart of Itaewon where English, Japanese and Korean are spoken.
Club Volume
Wolfhound Irish Pub 02-749-7971 This two storey Irish pub has a wide variety of imported beers, exceptional food and a great atmosphere. Guinness and Kilkenny on tap. 3 Alley Pub 02-749-3336 Friendly place with quality service. Trivia Night every Thurs.
66/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
august 2010/GROOVE KOREA/67
Winner: Paul Morris
runners-ups
month
Groove SPC Challenge Greetings. My name is Aaron and as leader of the Seoul Photo Club, I’m happy to tell you that we have a new Groove SPC monthly photo challenge for the coming year. But first, what is the Seoul Photo Club? The SPC is an online community of expats in Korea who are interested in learning about and discussing the art of photography. ‘Seoul Photo Club’ is really a bit of a misnomer though, as membership is open to anyone who lives anywhere in Korea. Indeed,
68/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010
Soon Kwon
Insadong in Seoul is an interesting area to visit. Half touristy, gimmicky souvenir shops and half genuine Korean culture. Repetition is everywhere you look along the main street where the souvenir shops dominate. Countless bright plasticky colors glare out of their cellophane wrappers. Minihanboks, cute cartoon character pencils, gaudy necklaces all vie for your attention. Other shops are a bit older and not so flashy. The wares don’t glint in the sunlight and show the wear and tear of time as these calligraphy brushes do. Next time you go I recommend looking down the little alleys and streets off the main street to find more unique and authentic gifts/souvenirs to take or send home. July 14, 2010.
Andrew Leonard
pic of the
we have members from one end of the country to the other – from Paju to Jeju and Sokcho to Incheon. We have teamed up with Groove Korea to organize the magazine’s monthly competition. How does it work? Each month the competition is announced in Groove Korea and at the SPC, and each month the competition will have a different theme. Upcoming themes might include such things as ‘Repetition,’ ‘Red’ or ‘After Dark.’
Just submit your interpretation of the theme at the SPC or via email to have a shot at having your pic published here in Groove Korea and winning the monthly prize. How do I enter? There are two ways. Just join the Seoul Photo Club on Flickr – www.flickr.com/ groups/seoulphotoclub - and add your pic to the competition, or email your entry to aaron.raisey@gmail.com. All entries will be displayed online at the SPC for the
september challenge: Family
Family is important. Especially so here in Korea. This months challenge is to submit a photograph that illustrates the importance of family. Be it your own, or someone else’s, we would like to see how family can express itself in an image. Images must have been taken since July 1.
duration of the competition. Further requirements: You must provide your name and contact details plus a 50 – 150 word description telling us the what/where/when of the photo. Entries must be at least 2000 pixels on the longest side and 300dpi to meet printing requirements.
For further info, visit the Seoul Photo Club on Flickr
tHe last lauGH BY Brian AYlward
Summertime in Seoul Can you smell it? It’s summertime in Seoul, South Korea. It smells like hot garbage and racism. It’s as hot as a camel’s nutsack. I have swamp ass so bad that I feel like I have crocodile eggs in my underwear. However, I love summer for two reasons…BOOBIES! That’s right; titties, chesticles or meat puppets. Whatever you call them, they’re important. They are more important than math, cousins, vegetables and many other things. BOOBIES have been important for as long as I can remember. Remember junior high school? When girls were growing BOOBIES like gardens and boys were walking around so hard we couldn’t even blink. Terrible times. Back in the day, titties, testosterone and technology combined for a clever game on calculators. Boys would press 5318008 on their calculators. Then, we would turn them upside down, spelling the word BOOBIES.We would also press 55378008 and turn our calculators upside down again, spelling the word BOOBLESS. We were teenage boys, nothing more than a litter of little assholes. Is this type of behavior idiotic, inherited, or both? I claim that cleavage creates cavemen. I call this our Darwin defense. Imagine if guys walked around with tight ass bicycle shorts on all summer, with our junk looking like a spandex onion bag. We would expect glances and conversations about our crotches. At least ask us where our bikes are! What do women expect? Cleavages are challenging in everyday conversation. Remember, it’s like two grizzly bears having a conversation but one bear is wearing a salmon necklace.
“That’s right; titties, chesticles or meat puppets.”
NOTE: Stand Up Seoul is proud to announce that on September 3rd and 4th, comedian Ted Alexandro is coming to Itaewon! These shows will sell out. Get your tickets now. Editor’s note: The opinions expressed are those of the writer and not of Groove Korea, although I am in complete agreement this time.
70/GROOVE KOREA/august 2010