Groove march 2 by Groove Korea Archives

groove korea

march â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;10 | issue 41

all ab out the

mu sic Shinae An Orgeltanz We Need Surgery Zach Bardon Tony B Sound Box One Drop East Pinnacle and the Antidote Garan Fitzgerald G-Jay 2.0 The Willman Band The Geeks Bulgasari Fan Death First Round Heroes

groove korea

march 2010

22-61

music

cover Photo courtesy of: Flash Parker www.flashparker.wordpress.com cover model: Garan Fitzgerald

To contact GROOVE Korea for advertising, submissions or general comments, please email info@groovekorea.com or call 010-7560-5552 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. Publisher: MJ Kim and JY Choi Chief Consultant: Ju-han Kim Editor-in-Chief: Tracey Stark Issue Date: Vol. 5, Issue 3 March 1, 2010 Registration Date: January 25, 2008 Registration No. Seoul Ra 11806

Questions or comments please email us at: info@groovekorea.com

groove spotlight

ROSE JANG Starting as an understudy in a Korean musical, she has gone on to perform at the 2006 World Cup, on the Gwangwhamun stage, she has sung the National Anthem at big baseball games and more significantly, at the inauguration of President Lee Myung-bak.

groove dining

CAMBODIA EATS Savor the sweet, creamy goodness of “amok,” the national dish, fish fillet stewed in coconut milk with lemon grass and galangal, cooked in a banana leaf. Spoon a ball of sticky rice and drop it into the amber sauce.

international travel

SOUTHEAST ASIA My travel companion, Adam, a fellow Canuck, picked up a cheap guitar in Thailand. It was made out of something resembling wood, the strings were too thin and Johnny Cash couldn’t have tuned it, but it didn’t matter.

around korea

CHUNGJU LAKE DISTRICT The lake, really a dam, was built by blocking the valley between Jongmung-dong and Dongnyangmyeon. It is the largest multi-purpose reservoir in Korea.The two hour boat ride across the artificial lake to Danyang is a must do.

inside

tHeBYlast lauGH Brian AYlwarD paGe 94

08 korea beat 10 calendar of events 12 events in february: st. patrick’s day 14 movies: kim ki-duk 17 concerts: jeff beck, brian mcknight 18 Seoulvibes: nakadia 82 listings: teams, clubs 84 volunteering: how to get involved in korea 88 konglish/games 90 itaewon/hongdae directory 92 pic of the month

special thanks to the following contributors

MUSIC EDITOR Summer Walker is a local enthusiast and sometime event-planner. This time around, she has brought together musicians, writers and photographers to bring you a very special edition of Groove that showcases what she loves most: music.

Flash Parker is a wilderness survival expert in the same tradition as Paul Bunyan and Shaft. He has been known to wrestle grizzly bears to a draw, crack turtle shells with his bare hands and crawl inside a living moose for warmth. What’s his secret? MONOPOD! Follow him @ www.flashparker. wordpress.com

Aaron Brown is a native of Northwest Indiana who has a BS in CIS and three years at Columbia College of Chicago’s film school under his belt, plays chess and the guitar, loves portmanteaus & retronyms, time travel, comic books, Rube Goldberg devices, and has a penchant for Kettle One vodka. www. aaronbrownphotos.com

Lee Smathers is an expat photographer that has been residing in Seoul since 2001. He has been a photography and design professor in Korea since 2004. With his Masters of Fine Arts degree in photography, Lee specializes in people photography and advanced photographic education. He and his wife run LS Studio (www.ls-studio.co.kr) in Seoul. For more information about his work or to schedule an appointment: photoevangelist@gmail.com

Dylan is a photographer and creative from the middle of nowhere, where the air is clean. He is often found around food or beer, and never without a camera. He’s been Marooned in Seoul for a few years now, and always up for a shoot.

groove korea

www.koreabeat.com

march

KOREA BEAT Mini Schools on the Rise the blog for korean news in english translation

The Two Faces of a Multicultural South Korea

Controversy is unfolding after police mistakenly arrested a group of unregistered migrant workers from Nepal for gambling before Seollal. It is being said this shows the “two faces of mulitcultural Korea,” because there was both an event for migrant workers to celebrate Seollal and a police raid. On February 16 the Migrants Trade Union (이주노동자 노동조합) in Seoul announced, “at noon on February 15, just one day before Seollal, 15 agents entered a restaurant in Changshin-dong in Dongdaemun, and arrested unregistered migrant workers there... The agents claimed to be simply enforcing the law but did not reveal their authority or purpose... Over 30 Nepalese migrant workers gathered for Seollal had their visas checked and nine were arrested.” The raid was conducted by police in conjunction with the Immigration Service. A foreign affairs official with the Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency said, “the raid came as a result of many tips that illegal immigrants were gathering to gamble... A tip came in before Seollal and we went to the location after receiving a search warrant, and clearly stated our authority in Nepali.” Police say, however, that they did not find a gambling den. A member of the police said, “we mistakenly thought there was gambling going on there... But one person who was there was wanted on suspicion of being in a sham marriage, so after investigating nine were found to be illegal immigrants and were taken to the immigration detention center in Yangju.” Jeong Yeong-seop, head of the MTU, said, “so far we are not aware of any other crackdowns that occurred before Seollal or Chuseok... I doubt whether it was necessary for police to come all the way from Uijeongbu for this expedition.” During the raid police acted domineeringly when they noticed a migrant worker videotaping the proceedings and took it from him, forcing him to delete the video. Jeong said, “this was a very cruel raid, occurring on a national holiday, a day when the workers are able to come together, share nostalgia and eat the food of their hometowns, something they can only do once or twice a year... This raid took aim at a Seollal gathering where the workers were celebrating and making ddeokguk.” 8

Exclusive

to Groove Korea

ast year the number of “mini” elementary schools with 60 students or fewer crossed 100 for the first time. Mini elementary schools have more than doubled in the past ten years, a rapid increase. The Korea Educational Development Institute (한국교육개발원) recently published statistics according to which small-size elementary schools with 150 students or fewer numbered 1,969 nationwide last year. 1,032 of them were mini elementary schools with 60 students or fewer, making up 18% of the 5,830 elementary school nationwide. There 873 mini elementary schools in 2007 and 959 in 2008. Mini middle schools with 60 students or fewer also increased. In 2007 there were 359 mini elementary schools, 385 in 2008, and 404 last year. Mini schools are mainly found in rural areas,

which had 750, or more than 70%, of them. A mere 72 were found in cities. The increasing exodus of young people from rural to urban areas and the low birthrate are mainly responsible for the decreasing number of students and the increase in small-size schools. According to the statistics, the total number of students nationwide has decreased every year, but the number of schools has increased. This is due to the increase in mini elementary schools in rural areas and the creation of schools in new cities. The government is discussing plans to close small-size schools that have trouble properly educating small numbers of students. Over the next three years the plan is to combine over 500 schools that have 60 students or fewer. But the pace of school mergers is being slowed by opposition in local areas. A member of the Chungcheongbuk-do Office of Educations aid, “over 100 schools in farming areas are set to be combined, but actually doing it is difficult because of opposition from residents and school groups... Having one school per district (면) establishes a long-term plan while still considering the time it takes students to get to school.”

Child Rapist Gets 30 Months in Prison

Remember when everybody was talking about how the Na-yeong case meant judges would no longer hand out brief sentences to people who rape kids? Some judges never got the memo. A man in his 20s has been sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl, making a videotape of the assault and then uploading it to the Internet.

The 5th criminal division of the Busan District Court sentenced 25-year-old Mr. Yu to 30 months in prison for violating the law on the sexual protection of teenagers (청소년성보호). In the opinion the judge wrote, “using as victim a 12year-old, who is not yet able to form an understanding of sex, the defendant made a pornographic video and uploaded it to the Internet with his real

name attached, inflciting unspeakable mental suffering on the victim and brutally trampling on her future, and thus the court finds this to be a terrible crime.” In October 2008, Mr. Yu met 12-year-old A by Internet chatting and lured her into his home, where he videotaped himself sexually assaulting her and then placed the video on a website.

English Teachers Busted Stealing Liquor in Busan On February 9, the Haeundae police station in Busan has arrested without detention 27year-old foreign English instructor D and one other person on charges of entering a nightclub

at a luxury hotel while drunken, then stealing liquor. According to police, D and a friend entered the basement nightclub of the hotel at approximately 5:50 a.m. on the 8th and stole liquor.

D and the friend, drunken, opened the locked doors of the nightclub, which had closed for the night, and were caught by police and security guards when the security alarm went off.

Anti-English Spectrum Leader Interviewed by Local Daily

This is one of two pieces the Dong-A Ilbo put together following the LA Times’ recent article on the Anti-English Spectrum outfit, which now has a new name. The actions of 40-year-old Yie Eun-woong for the deportation of illegal foreign English instructors who use drugs or molest women are being criticized by an organization of foreign teachers, the Los Angeles Times reported on January 31. Mr. Yie leads the group “Citizens of Right English Education” (올바 른 영어교육을 위한 시민모임(불법 외국어강사 퇴출을 위한 국민운동), monitoring the activities of foreign instructors in Korea and their pasts in their home countries. The group was created starting from a single 2005 Internet post about a community website for foreign instructors in Korea. That post was about sexual relationships between foreign instructors and Korean students, including college students or underage students, and was very shocking. Outraged, a movement including Mr. Yie began working for the expulsion of “unqualified” foreign instructors. Mr. Yie selects problem instructors submitted by upset parents, then sends information necessary for their punishment to authorities. To gather information on the foreign instructor during that process he goes directly to their homes. An organization of foreign English teachers in Korea harshly criticizes this, calling it “no different from stalking and harming people who have done nothing wrong,” the newspaper reported. Members of the foreign teacher’s group said, “it is true that every year a few foreign instructors are arrested for marijuana or other crimes, but they are arrested for drug crimes at a much lower rate than the Korean population.” At the end of last year the leader of the foreign teacher’s group, the newspaper reported, received a threatening e-mail saying, “I have formed the group Kill White in Korea to kill white people in Korea. Foreigners will be punished. Leave Korea quietly.” In an interview with the LA Times the leader said, “foreign instructors have to submit to AIDS tests, which Korean teachers do not, and criminal background checks... Because of a few ‘problem children’ all foreign instructors are under suspicion, and this nationalist sentiment is not abating.” In response, Mr. Yie emphasized, “I think KWK is a fake group created by a foreign instructor... the aim of our group is to protect students and parents.” He added, “we created a system for students and parents to report low-quality foreign instructors and many times we have found cases of them being involved in drugs or gambling... The accusation that we are a racist group is false, we always try to look with an open mind at foreign instructors.” The LA Times, relying on the views of experts, reported that there is a clash between the ideas of “Korean society changing to be open to multiculturalism rather than focusing on racial homogeneity” and “this is a problem not of race but of teachers and students.”

US Military Base Taxi Driver Caught with Marijuana A taxi driver entering a US military base was caught with marijuana. According to the Dongducheon police station on February 11, 39year-old Mr. Lee, a driver for the base-registered taxi company K, was driving in Camp Casey in Dongducheon at approximately 10:30 pm on the 8th when he was stopped by a US military policeman. A search of Mr. Lee’s car turned up 48.8 grams of marijuana in 17 containers including glasses cases, jewel boxes and kitchen containers, and Mr. Lee was turned over to Korean police on the morning of the 9th. Accused of being a marijuana dealer, Mr. Lee told police that on the 7th a customer had left marijuana in his car and, curious, he smoked it one time at Tapdong Park (탑동공원묘지) in Dongducheon. Police have applied for an arrest warrant for Mr. Lee on charges of possessing and smoking marijuana and are continuing to investigate, saying there is a strong possibility of a large-scale investigation of US soldiers.

calendar o monday

sunday

tuesday

Monet to Picasso @ Seoul Art Center Until March 28 Wing Night Every Mon @ YALETOWN in Sinchon. 400won/wing (7 different flavours!) Happy Hour @ lipSTICK in Itaewon. 7-11 pm everyday

bob dylan

Joa Band, Blue & Blue @ Sangsang Madang

Andy Warhol Exhibition @ Seoul Arts Museum Until April 4

FREE STEAK with Groove Mag Coupon @ Mary Jane in Hongdae

Goodbyemorning @ Liveclub Ssam All You Can Eat! Sunday Brunch Buffet @ BIG ROCK in Gangnam 11am~2:30pm Beer Pong/Nintendo Wii/Poker/ Other Games - Every Sun @ Yaletown in Sinchon

“At Home Everywhere and Nowhere” Exhibiting photos of Holocaust refugees from all over the world @ Korea Foundation Cultural Center until March 25

Lamp @ Mapo Art Center White Day Concert @ Seoul Arts Center Metronome @ Moo Monk (Busan) Open Mic Night @ Big Rock in Gangnam. Every 2nd & 4th Sunday from 7-11pm

ESL teachers Night 10% OFF @ BIG ROCK in Gangnam. Every Mon & Tue

Open Mic Night @ Woodstock in Itaewon 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month at 7:30 p.m.

2 for 1 Fish & Chips @ Wolfhound Pub in Itaewon

Big Rock NEW MENU More finger food and Snacks with reasonable prices starting from 6,000won College Night @ Club Mass in Gangnam. No cover & 1 FREE drink with student ID til midnight

9 Melody Gardot @ Yonsei Univ Guinness Day Every Tues @ Gecko’s in Itaewon. Free Taco Every Tues @ Panchos in Itaewon

2 for 1 Special @ Bar Bliss in Itaewon. Everyday 7-10pm

Texas Hold’em in Busan Mon-Sun after 6pm. playpokerinbusan@hotmail.com

Mexican Monday @ Sam Ryan’s in Itaewon

16 What A Circus, Mo:Tet @ Sangsang Madang

Diane Reeves @ LG Arts Center

Only 9,900won for beef BBQ Every Wed. @ Gogitjib in HBC

Wing Night Every Tues @ Nashville in Itaewon 250won/wing. 5-8pm

Drunken Chicken Night @ Gecko’s in Itaewon

Happy hour @ Big Rock in Gangnam Any dinner w/ 1 free house cocktail. Sun-Thurs

Quiz Night @ Orange Tree in Haebangchon Every Tuesday at 9:30pm

Ribs Night Every Tues @ Sam Ryan’s in Itaewon. 500won/BBQ pork rib

MAX Beer Day Every Wed @ Beer O’Clock in Sinchon. Buy any pizza and a Max, 2nd Max FREE.

Happy Hour All Night Long @ Bar Bliss in Itaewon. Every Wed

Open Mic Night Every Tues @ Olde Stompers in Itaewon around 9pm

Mimosa Party Every Sun @ Berlin in Itaewon 2-5pm

English Speaking Broadcasting Forum @ Yaletown in Sinchon. 3pm-5pm. For anyone in the industry or for anyone wanting to get in!

All Day Breakfast @ Wolfhound in Itaewon. All Day, every weekday

BBQ 24 Hours @ Don Valley in Itaewon

*Various Parties All Over Itaewon

Cheongdo Bull Fighting Festival (March 17-21)

Documentary Films on Beethoven and Mozart @ LG Art Center

Quiz Night @ Wolfhound Every Sun at 8:30pm

10 Green Beer and St Patrick’s Day Specials @ Beer O’Clock in Sinchon

Trivia Night every Mon @ Rocky Mountain Tavern in Itaewon

Born in 1990. No Cover & 1 FREE Drink @ Club Mass in Gangnam til midnight

Sergei Trofanov Concert @ Seoul Arts Center

Open Mic Event Every Mon @ Tony’s Aussie Bar & Bistro in Itaewon, 8-11pm

Flip-a-Coin @ Gogitjib in Haebangchon Get TAILS and you get 50% off on your BBQ. Every Monday.

Untie - After Work Party @ eden

The Moonshiners @ Sangsang Madang

Steak Dinner Every Tues @ Hollywood Grill in Itaewon. Only 13,500 won

Wing Night Mon & Tues @ Big Rock in Gangnam. 4 kinds of taste 1 dz of wings are special price 5,000won (BBQ, buffalo, teriyaki, red curry)

7 International Kite Flying Contest @ Dadaepo Beach in Busan. 13th & 14th

No Control, Argentina Channel @ Badabie

50% OFF Every Wed Selected drinks and Champagnes @ lipSTICK in Itaewon

Nastyz, Diego @ Rolling Hall

“The Art of SPIEGEL” Presented by the Goethe-Institut Korea, the Korea Foundation, and DER SPIEGEL @ Korea Foundation Cultural Center until March 5.

Wayne Shorter Quartet @ LG Arts Center

march 31st

Sunday Night Live @ Roofers every 1st and 3rd Sunday

wednesday

24 Bob Dylan @ Olympic Gymnastics Stadium One Punch, Art of Parites @ Sangsang Madang Spoken Word/Stand Up Comedy & Poetry Every Wed @ Tony’s Aussie Bar & Bistro in Itaewon 8-11pm Poker Tournament Every Wed @ Fence in Nonhyun. Foreigners only

of events

> march

friday

thursday

saturday

Beautiful Days @ Liveclub Ssam (Ssamzie Space)

Stereo Fuse Vol.6 : Becks, Andy & Stu, Deephop @ HEAVEN

Stand Up Seoul First Thur of month at Rocky Mountain Tavern in Itaewon

Galaxy Express @ Liveclub Ssam

Daybreak @ Soundholic Oh! Brothers, Copy Machine @ V-Hall Steve Simpson @ mASS

Cherry Filter, Coin Classic @ V-Hall

Jimpster @ mansion

ASTRO VOIZE @ eden

Ladie’s Night Every Thur @ Yaletown in Sinchon. Free selected shooters all night for Ladies.

Taru @ Liveclub Ssam

20% OFF for All Set Menus @ Spice Table in Itaewon. Every Fri & Sat from 5-9pm.

Actors Without Barders - Itaewon (March 6 & 13)

5 Apollo 18, SmackSoft @ Sangsang Madang

Ladies Night every Thur @ Roofers in Itaewon (ladies drink free)

International Drawing Exhibition @ Seoul Arts Center (March 12-19)

Wing Night @ Indigo in Haebangchon 10 for 3,000won.

Happy Hour Every Fri & Sat @ Yaletown in Sinchon. 6-9pm 2-for-1 Cass Draft! Sound Day - 2nd Friday of month in Hongdae

White Day Party @ lipSTICK in Itaewon. No Cover Charge, Special Cabaret Show with gogodancers and diva. 1drink order/person

Nakadia @ elune (Busan) PINK MARTINI-White Day Special @ AX-Hall Opera: Macbeth @ Seoul Arts Center (March 13-18)

Pina Bausch @ LG Arts Center (March 18-21)

St. Patty’s Day Party @ Roofers

Beer Olympics 2010@ Rhythm & Booze

Lune @ Liveclub Ssam

Kingston Rudieska @ Sangsang Madang

Jeff Beck @ Olympic Hall

Tanztheater Wuppertal @ LG ART Center (March 18-21)

Drag Bingo Night Every Fri @ Bar Bliss in Itaewon. 9pm

Pizza Night Every Thur @ Pub Scrooge in Itaewon. 1,500won a slice

Special Buffet @ Chakraa in Itaewon. Every Fri-Sun

Wing Night Every Thur @ BIG ROCK in Gangnam. 1dz wing 5,000 won

Ladies Night Every Fri @ Jane’s Groove in Hongdae

Yang Yang @ Liveclub Ssam 3PM “Beat the Clock” Every Sat @ Beer O’Clock in Sinchon. Max starts at 1,000 won

19 Seoul Fashion Week @ SETEC in Gangnam Kai @ elune (Busan)

Wing Night Every Thur @ Phillies in Haebangchon

Club Day - Last Friday of month in Hongdae

Ladies Night Every Thurs-Sat @ The Loft Pub in Itaewon

Bucket Night @ Beer O’Clock in Sinchon. 5 shots with mix... in a bucket 12,000w. Every Fri.

jeff beck march 20th

brian mcnight april 1st

20 NANTA Special Saturday Brunch Show Half price tickets with FREE brunch Email to bisous@nanta.co.kr or call 721-7636 for further info Auditions for Seoul Players Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee @ Roofers - seoulplayers@gmail.com Pia, YB, Tomikita, No Brain @ V-Hall

Martini Night Every Fri @ Berlin in Itaewon

Asia Metal Festival @ Sangsang Madang

18 Roger Dean Exhibition @ Daelim Museum (March 25-30)

‘Find Your Czech Mate’ Speed Dating @ Castle Praha in Hongdae at 5pm email thefreshcatch@yahoo.com

Cafe de los Maestros @ LG Art Center

Shooters Night Every Thur @ Gecko’s in Itaewon. Every shot 4,500 won.

Shakespeare Show @ Roofers in Itaewon (March 6 & 13)

Alley Kat “ALL You Can Drink” @ Beer O’Clock in Sinchon. 30,000w. 7-10pm

tom jones april 2nd & 3rd

events in march

St. Patrick’s Day By Tom Coyner On Saturday, March 20, the Irish community and friends will hold the 10th Annual Irish Festival in Seoul. This year most of the activities will be centered at Cheonggyecheon Plaza, near Gwanghwamun, from 12:00 p.m. Irish festivals and parades have become a global phenomenon, operating on the understanding that “on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish.” The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Korea took place in Myeongdong in 2001. Over the years, the venue has shifted to Itaewon, later to Daehagno and now to Cheonggyecheon. Performers for the event at Cheonggyecheon Plaza include the Andrea & Fee Band, a traditional/ folk/rock outfit who once regularly performed at the now gone O’Kims in the Chosun Hotel. They bring with them two other professional musicians and a very small, but talented dancer who left Korea as a toddler with her Irish musician parents. Other acts include Cheerleaders, Samul Nori, the Police band, the Lotte band, Inisheer (a fivepiece traditional Irish band), Deafening Street (a U2 tribute band), Bard (Korean musicians playing traditional Irish music) and Piper. Thanks to help from Guinness, the Irish Government, Korean Air, the Grand Hyatt Hotel and other sponsors, this year’s festival will feature performers flown from Ireland for the festival. As in the past, the festival will feature traditional and contemporary music, Irish food and beverage sampling, dance and a parade that will leave Cheonggyecheon Plaza at 2:00 p.m. Saturday night will feature a proper Irish Hooley (dance party)

featuring all-you-can-drink Guinness, other beverages and live entertainment, including the Andrea & Fee Band, from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. for 50,000 won per person. From 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., bev-

erages will be available at a discount on a pay-asyou-go basis. The venue is the Dublin Terrace in Gangnam (Gangnam station, exit 7. Take the second right at Paris Baguette). Speaking of dancing, an increasingly popular feature of past festivals is Irish folk dancing, where the audience is encouraged to join in the fun. During the festival’s first years, the Irish had to drag “reluctant” Koreans to join in the dance. But for the last few years, there has been a noticeable drop in inhibitions, with many young Koreans now requiring no coaxing to participate. So, by popular demand, folk dancing, open to everyone, will take place following the parade at Cheonggyecheon Plaza. The Irish Association of Korea, organizers of the festival, is negotiating with other Korean organizations to feature St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. One event will be the illuminating of Namsan Tower with emerald green lights from March 17-20. This year’s theme will focus on raising money for a monument for the several Irish, serving in various UN armies, who gave their lives for South Korea’s freedom during the Korean War. There will be a variety of opportunities for people to donate small amounts of money for this neglected cause. Also on St. Patrick’s night,Wednesday, March 17, there will be a traditional Irish music session at the Wolfhound in Itaewon from 9:30 p.m. * Coming in April the hit Irish comedy “Stones in His Pockets.” For further information contact BH Productions thebphcompany@yahoo.com Phone: 019-802-2474 For up-to-date details, go to www.iak.co.kr

Actors Without Barders in association with Seoul Players presents:

A Night of Shakespeare Have you ever had your eyes plucked out for receiving letters that never existed? Accidentaly murdered your son? Plotted to kill your stepfather? Been forced to cut off your own hand to save your sons from execution, only to have the hand, along with their severed heads, sent back to you by return of post? These are just a few of the everyday trials and tribulations faced by Shakespeare’s characters, and you can witness them all first hand in Seoul this March. All the world’s a stage... A Night of Shakespeare is a diverse show of selected scenes and speeches from the Bard’s greatest plays. Whether you’re an ardent theater buff or a Shakespeare newbie, this show is an excellent opportunity to enter the world of Shakespeare. An international cast — working mainly in English, but with a smattering of Korean and French for good measure — will present something for everyone: tragedy, comedy, romance, history, and plenty of blood and guts. For those who love drama, there will be scenes from Hamlet, Titus Andronicus, Othello and Macbeth. Comedy fans will be tickled by choice cuts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Measure for Measure. Scholars can pour over excerpts from Julius Caesar, Henry V and VI, and Richard III and romantics will swoon to a smattering of sonnets. ...and all the men and women merely players A Night of Shakespeare is presented by Actors without Barders, a group of over 30 expat and Korean theater lovers, united through one common passion: The Bard. Kevin Connors, the brains behind the show, brought the group together to create a lively, accessible showcase of Shakespeare’s work. Audiences will be given a taste of many well-known and not so well-known plays, watching talented actors get a bite at some of the most electrifying scenes ever written. So, if you’d like to see hands chopped off and eyes plucked out, be choked with laughter and moved to tears, be sure to sample some Shakespearean delight at Roofers in Itaewon on the first two Saturdays of March.

Photos by Michele Farley

Directions to Roofers: Itaewon Station, Exit 3. Walk straight one block, turn right at Dunkin’ Donuts.Walk up the hill 3 blocks. Roofers is on the right, on the 3rd floor, across the street from the Foreign Food Mart and What the Book. No advance reservations! Please arrive early for good seats! Listings Information: • Venue: Roofers in Itaewon • Dates: Saturday March 6 and 13 • Times: 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. (2hrs, 30 mins, 1 intermission) • Tickets: 10,000 won Further information and photos available at seoulplayers@gmail.com or visit www.seoulplayers.com

movies

Kim Ki-duk: auteur, WanGtta

Korean Film

Reviews By Daniel Vorderstrasse

By R. Treat A casual mention of Kim Ki-duk, one of the most divisive figures in contemporary Korean cinema, can stir a variety of responses. On one hand, Kim Ki-duk represents the prototypical auteur, creator of films with a deliberate visual sense where metaphors of the marginalized indict... though it’s not always clear-cut what or how much. Art-house fare for the pissed off. Sometimes introspective, sometimes surreal, sometimes brilliant. His best films manage to create a world that is both visually stunning and intuitively sincere, filled with characters that are morally unpredictable and, sometimes, uncomfortably round. A drop-out of an agricultural school who later considered becoming a preacher before going to Paris to study art, Kim Ki-duk is an iconoclast who doesn’t fit in either the mainstream or the art-house crowd. He is a Korean director who, ironically, enjoys more popularity abroad than in his home country. In 2004, for instance, he received international attention by winning two awards, one for Samaritan Girl at the Berlin International Film Festival, a second for 3-iron at the Venice Film Festival. However, the following year his film The Bow flopped at home, selling a meager 1,100 tickets. The poor reception of his films domestically has led Kim Ki-duk to threaten to stop releasing them in Korea. Consequently, one of Korea’s most famous directors has been rendered somewhat of a wangtta, or outsider. Critics have passed judgment on Kim Ki-duk’s films for a variety of reasons — accusations of animal cruelty, for one. In 2000, the release of The Isle was delayed in the U.K. as a result of scenes where fish are mutilated and a frog is skinned. His work has also been criticized for misogyny. Female prostitution, for example, is a theme in Birdcage Inn (1998), The Isle (2000), Bad Guy (2001), and Samaritan Girl (2004). However, such depictions seem to point a finger at an everyday actuality. The crux lies in the films’ ambiguity. While there does seem to be a verdict buried somewhere, regularly ‘his message’ doesn’t fit into binary notions of right and wrong, which turns off viewers wanting a clearer message. Is the point of Samaritan Girl, for example, actually to condemn teenage prostitution in Korea? Is it a story about forgiveness? Etc. Like a painter, his films are impressionistic. Some may not appreciate his style of filmmaking, which relies on sparse dialogue and stylistic choices that may come across as contrived when less successful. Nevertheless, when Kim Kiduk is on — 3-iron, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…And Spring — he is a very adept director. Twenty years from now, it would be a shame for revisionists to have to explain why one of the most famous Korean directors was ignored at home.

3-Iron (2004) 빈 집 A young transient who breaks into houses, living in them while the occupants are gone, fixing them up, meets a battered housewife with whom he builds a somehow convincingly heartfelt relationship without speaking.A movie where the surreal atmosphere doesn’t seem contrived and somehow makes the relationship between the characters more believable.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…And Spring (2003) 봄, 여름, 가을, 겨울 그리고 봄 Divided into five sections, based on the life of a Buddhist master and apprentice, the film marks a change in that it is more ‘contemplative’ and less angry than previous works.

Thirst (Bak-jwi) The vampire craze reaches Korea in this dramatic story intertwining the lives of a priest and his consequential prey. A rural priest volunteers for a medical experiment helping to advance care for others, but everything goes awry when he transforms into a vampire. He sacrifices his righteous values for a sudden lust for blood while he manipulates the ones around him as his body and mind undergo changes to transform himself into the hunter instead of the hunted. Priest Sang-hyeon (Song Kang-ho) transforms himself into a seductive manipulator who feasts on those closest to him. He engages into an affair with a childhood friend’s wife and seduces her into a downward spiral of all proportions. Instead of taking her blood, and coincidently her life, he saves her and brings her over to the dark side. Now the two lust not only for the blood of each other, but for the blood of everyone around them. Song Kang-ho and Kim Ok-bin, who plays the vampire’s mistress, act off each other very nicely to create an emotional struggle that transcends any felling of normality. The director (Park Chan-wook) does an amazing job maintaining a suspenseful balance between a basic lover’s struggle between demons and a chaotic feeling of treachery and violence between the two and their lust for blood, and ultimately survival. The movie is well worth viewing and anyone seeking a quality movie full of cinematography will be greatly impressed by a movie which flew under the radar, but came out with a theatrical performance better than its predecessors. One could do worse in picking a viewing, but for an independent feeling drama, this could satisfy one’s palate.

march 4th Crazy Heart

Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Alice In Wonderland Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway

Dear John Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried

Invictus Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman

march 11th Up In The Air

George Clooney,Vera Farmiga

From Paris With Love John Travolta, Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Complicated Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

march 18th Shutter Island

Leonardo Dicaprio, Mark Ruffalo

Daybreakers Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe

march 25th Solomon Kane

James Purefoy, Rachel Hurd-Wood

april 1st

Clash Of The Titans Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes

groove spotlight

Diva and proud of it

Rose Jang Brings ‘Popera’ to the Masses in Korea By Bhamika Bhudia With so many aspects of culture and music seemingly clear cut in this day and age, Groove sets its sights on someone breaking the mould. Korean American Popera singer Rose Jang has not only added the tinges of gray with her blend of pop and opera music, but is also on her way to merging the Korean and Western worlds as an ambassador for Korea Tourism. Jang has spent the last four years in Korea as a singer performing various songs in what she dubs a crossover genre between perhaps the two most contradicting kinds of music around – pop and opera. She is now in the process of adding a third ingredient to the mix – traditional Korean folk songs.

Starting in the spotlight

Originally from New York City, the vocalist was intrigued by music from an early age, “I started playing the piano, violin and training in voice when I was four years old. I played the violin for a long time, I even performed it in Carnegie Hall.” She studied art history at university, yet maintaining her voice training, and upon graduating, returned to her musical roots. “I got a couple of parts. I did a gospel off-Broadway musical called ‘Go Back and Get God’ and another called ‘Club World.’” It was at this point the Land of the Morning Calm came knocking at her door with promises of new lands and opportunities.“I was asked to come to Korea by songwriter Ji Bark, who had written all the music for the Korean movie ‘Spring, Summer, Fall,Winter and Spring.’ He asked me to come to Korea and sing. He said ‘You have a talent so come to Korea and make a pop opera album.’” Jang moved to Korea with Bark and entered the music scene. Starting as an understudy in a Korean musical, she has gone on to perform at the 2006 World Cup, on the Gwangwhamun stage, she has sung the National Anthem at big baseball games and more significantly, at the inauguration of President Lee Myung-bak.

Popera

According to Jang, pop opera is a “cross between pop and legit classical music.” She adds,“Opera music is very legitimate – it’s sung in a style that’s very controlled whereas with pop opera, you could really sing whatever you want to. You could sing pop songs, you could sing musical theatre, Broadway show tunes, you could even sing jazz.” “There’s a crossover artist,” she says “who recently performed ‘Autumn Leaves’ as a soprano. It’s basically that opera singers sing only opera repertoire, whereas Popera singers sing anything and it doesn’t have to be an area, it doesn’t have to be an art song. It can be ‘Autumn Leaves’ or ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.’ Opera singers perform in a way that is very limited in terms of what they sing and how they can sing it. With pop opera, the sound produced is very light compared to legitimate opera – it’s very light, delicate and a lot more lyrical, so it’s more appealing to mass audiences.That’s why it’s becoming so popular and it’s also why more opera singers are becoming popera singers.” She says the genre is blossoming particularly in Europe, “The pop opera scene is very big in Europe, especially in Italy and the UK. You have the originals, Andrea Boccelli, Sarah Brightman, Josh Brogan in the U.S., and now you have all of these new artists popping up: Katherine Jenkins, Hayley Westonra, Natasha Marsh and Il Divo, which is the modern day version of the three tenors.They’ll take a song like Toni Braxton’s ‘Unbreak My Heart’ and sing it pop opera style.” It goes without saying however, that considering the main ingredient of the blend is an age-old art, critics aren’t always too kind to its modern evolution. “If I’m singing a musical theater song I don’t really get much flak, but when I sing legitimate opera aria like ‘O Mio Babbino Caro,’ which is very legitimate, some people say, ‘this shouldn’t be sung like this. This is Puccini - Puccini should be performed in a certain way.’ There are so many opera purists out there who say Puccini should only be performed in an opera style. Nowadays I would disagree with that – there’s all this controversy where opera should be sung as opera, but I think now that we’re in 2010, Puccini is no longer alive and I think we can sing opera however we want to sing it.That’s my take on it. But you still have those critics out there who say it’s wrong and that opera should be kept the way it is.”

Intertwining Worlds

Jang will be the first non-opera and crossover singer to hold a concert in the Seoul Arts Center.The concert is aimed at not only broadcasting the popera genre but also incorporating Korean music.“I’m an honorary ambassador for the Korea Tourism office, so my job is to promote Korea all around the world. In this concert, I’ll be singing Korean traditional folk songs and popularizing them and making them more listenable for foreign audiences. I’ll be singing them in English and Korean, but in a western style. I hope to help foreigners understand the beauty of them so they will be able to listen to them and say ‘wow this is a really nice song and it could be popular internationally.’ Because these Korean traditional folk songs are performed in what’s called the chhung style, which is very, very Korean. I think if you brought these songs outside Korea, people wouldn’t understand the beauty of them, so hopefully if things go well with this concert, I’ll bring it to Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and maybe the Shanghai Grand Theater.”

concertS Jeff Beck is coming to Town In a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, slow handed guitar legend Eric Clapton announced his third Crossroads Guitar Festival, to take place in Chicago in June. Among the artists scheduled to wield their axes, so to speak, in aid of Clapton’s addiction-treatment facility, the Crossroads Center, will be Jeff Beck. Clapton admitted in the interview that although the concert is primarily to raise money for the charity it is also for selfish reasons “I can go to one place and hear all of my favorite musicians in one day.” Recommendations don’t come any better than that. Serious music lovers will know Beck from his days with The Yardbirds. Beck joined the already established group replacing none other than Eric Clapton and on the recommendation of none other than Led Zeppelin supremo Jimmy Page, who he shared guitar duties with for the Yardbirds for a short period before leaving the group. Beck was wanted by Pink Floyd after their own guitarist, Syd Barrett, left and he was asked to join the Rolling Stones. Neither move came off however as nobody in Pink Floyd had the guts to ask him to join and Beck himself said nobody ever turned up to rehearsal with the Stones. He also had Blow By Blow in the pipeline, arguably his best album to date and didn’t want to give it up. Voted number 14 in a list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time by Rolling Stone Magazine, Beck has been associated with a range of musical styles over the years including Blues-rock, jazz fusion, instrumental rock, hard rock and electronica. To fans uninitiated with Beck, cast your mind back to 1984’s rockumentary “This is Spinal Tap” and Christopher Guest’s portrayal of Becka-like, Nigel Tufnel. Beck is said to have been used as the basis for the character and it is Beck’s famous fiery temperament and perfectionism that Guest borrows for his portrayal. Beck both perfomred and won an award at the 2010 Grammy awards, beating Booker T. Jones, Brad Paisley, Brian Setzer Orchestra and Steve Vai to the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. Beck and his band, imaginatively called The Jeff Beck Band, will be at Seoul’s Olympic Hall on March the 20th. Tickets are still available at the time of writing and go from 55,000 won to 165,000 won. They are available from Interpark’s ticket website but if you want to see one of the greatest living guitarists play Beck’s Bolero and Hi Ho Silver Lining (although Beck admits that he hates singing this song so you may not hear it) you will have to be quick as tickets have been on sale since January.

Rob McGovern http://robmcgovern.wordpress.com

Brian McKnight to perform in seoul Renowned for his ability to capture both musicality and popularity in his songs, Brian McKnight is not only a superb composer, but also an inimitably R&B talented singer. McKnight has recorded seven platinum albums and sold over 20 million records worldwide. Numerous Korean musicians admire his musical genius and frequently perform his R&B hit “One Last Cry” at their concerts and on TV.World-famous pop stars such as Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake have all shared the stage with him in the past. Brian McKnight’s refined composition and arrangement skills add a trendy touch to his songs while preserving the charms of African-American music. In recognition of this exceptional talent, he received multiple nominations and awards at the Grammys, the MTV Video Music Awards and the Soul Train Awards. This concert is part of McKnight’s world tour for his latest album “Evolution of a Man,” where he will perform new songs as well as some of the older hits, such as “Back At One,” “One Last Cry” and “Anytime.” If you are a music fan craving for a true musical experience, this concert will quench your musical thirst with an overflow of R&B. April 1 (Thu) 8 p.m. @ Jamsil Gymnasium Box Office: Interpark 1544.1555 /Yes24 1544.6399

s e b i v l u o e s h t i w GROOVe

n a h t r e h t o none

a i D a k a n

racThe cliché “p t,” ec tice makes perf e fin seems to de ork w ’s Nakadia sm ia us th en ethic and Her t. af cr r towards he e nabl m hu modesty and e most in ture would leav e has played disbelief that sh more than ts in over 300 even air le racking up 200 clubs, whi countries over 45 miles across ars! ye w the past fe like a Nakadia reads in the The story of ut o played en be s ha at th imfairytale witness. Born to l al r fo ge hern global villa paddies of nort ce ri e th in nt to poverished i beauty was se ha T g in m ar ch e was Thailand, this odel. There sh m to pe ro Eu f fter bethe runways o and club life. A ic us m e nc da that it first exposed to ectronic music she decided el by ion and ing captivated thing but pass no h it W J. D anyto was her calling eved more than hi ac s ha ia ad Nak determination, on. si vi en one could of the dance floors e th ed ay pl g Havin to has the ability h world, Nakadia it d and react w read the crow ity. Her musical t un them in perfec e alities behind th qu l and technica aN by plimented decks are com rsonality and pe kadia’s vibrant esence. She ab strong stage pr d from the crow sorbs the vibe r creating a mirro and returns it n is only betwee of energy that s ha ty ili This ab her and them. dance floors s left countles iration. The soaked in adm r for Naove tale is far from to be seen kadia- an artist and surely and heard –not forgotten. 18

What is the definition of a DJ to you? For me there are two kinds of DJs — the typical DJ that is playing music that people know: this is an entertainer. And there is the DJ that is playing sets that are different from others. This DJ aims to take people on a trip through sound: this is an artist.

Who has influenced your music the most? Timo Maas.When I started spinning I got records from friends and they all gave me trance. In the first year of my career I met Timo Maas. I really loved his music and started buying House records. Later Timo gave me promos that he got from labels, so I had great tunes in my bag.Timo really changed my life!

Which club suits your style the most? “Watergate” in Berlin. This is the perfect club for me. Most of the Berlin clubs are very underground and pretentious. Watergate is not like that at all. The sound system is incredible — that is the most important thing for my style of music. A great sound system and an open minded party crowd that love music — that is my perfect club.

Is there a track that you never get tired of playing? Normally I play a track for six or eight weeks, but there are a few tracks in my playlist that I have played for over a year. Swing 16 is one of those — I love it!

Do you think genres are killing dance music? I don’t think so. Many years ago music split into genres and sub-genres. At the moment I see it going back

to basics. Techno and House — the two genres where it all started are coming back. Even the most minimal DJs around the world are going back to House.

How do you overcome the gender inequality that exists in the industry? For many years, I was promoted as a female DJ. I am not a female DJ — I am Nakadia. I play my sets and my goal is to make a great party every night. Every successful night brings more success — I am now proving myself as an artist — not as a female DJ.

Do you have any advice for female Djs? Play music that you love and because you love it. Do not become a DJ because it is cool or you can make a lot of money. If you love what you do and you have the talent for it — everything is possible. Don’t let somebody else control you because then you will be just one of those girls that people look down upon

What was your first impression after playing in Korea? Korea is different from most Asian countries. Korean people really love music and follow the scene. In most other Asian countries there is no club culture [yet]. I always enjoy playing in Korea.The quality of clubbing is similar to Europe.

What is your take on Korea’s present dance culture? Some of the most amazing clubs in the world are being built in Korea and the festivals are getting bigger and bigger. Korea is going off — that is easy to see!

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

1917

music We here at Groove Korea have compiled perhaps the most comprehensive look at the expat music scene the peninsula has ever seen. The following pages take an in-depth look at everything from punk to experimental to jazz to tango and everything in between. Do you have what it takes to be the next big â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ROKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; star?

PAGES 22-61 23

mirror house

the geeks

rock tigers

animal dads el-skel

rabihem

captain bootbois

seoul city suicides

Band links for those who want even more than we have in this issue! Thanks to Koreragigguide.com for most of these links

ska sucks

Mirror House www.myspace.com/mirrorhouse Animal Dads www.myspace.com/animaldads LRD www.lrdmusic.com The Rock Tigers www.rocktigers.com Captain Bootbois www.myspace.com/bootbois2006

solitaire love affair

The Moonshiners www.myspace.com/themoonshiners123 Galaxy Express www.myspace.com/galaxyrocknroll

the moonshiners

Ska Sucks www.myspace.com/vvskasucksvv The Geeks www.myspace.com/thexgeeks Rabihem www.myspace.com/rabihem First Round Heroes www.myspace.com/firstroundheroes Seoul City Suicides www.myspace.com/seoulcitysuicides first round heroes

Solitaire Love Affair www.myspace.com/solitaireloveaffair El-Skel http://soundcloud.com/el-skel The Pines www.myspace.com/thepinesfamilyband

the pines

galaxy express

lrd

Women

in Music

Pictured: Mia Zepeda www.miazepeda.com, Kari van der Kloot, Pheobe www.myspace.com/therance , Allison Millar, Sinae www.myspace.com/throughbyus, Jenny Jang http://www.myspace.com/thewillmanband , Rebecca Cant www.myspace.com/thedharmaclub or www.myspace.com/rebeccacantmusic

By Allison Millar

Photos by Lee Smathers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; www.ls-studio.co.kr Special Thanks to Olde Stompers Rock Spot for location.

eptember 2007, that’s when I first arrived to Korea. Coming to this strange and unknown place, I anticipated the mysteries I would solve, and the experiences I would learn from. Turns out, I ended up gaining more than I bargained for. As a musician, I was going stir crazy hanging out with my coworkers from my hagwon, and not having any access to a guitar shop, and worst of all, an open mic.

So after talking to a few veterans here, I discovered Nogwan in Insadong. If you are a musician and you haven’t been there, you need to go. Four floors of musical instruments enough to drive you crazy. It is one of the most magical places to go to in this city. Then one day, I discovered Groove magazine. I read it from cover to cover looking for something that would suit me. I had a cheap guitar with no pick up, but it had six strings and after three weeks of surviving without a guitar, it was nice having that friend by my side. As I was reading through the magazine I discovered an ad for an open mic. Let me tell you, I’ve been going to open mics since I was sixteen years old, so I was ecstatic. HBC Open Stage it said, VFW and Time Out on alternating Sundays. Of course the venues changed over the next few months, starting from Orange Tree, to Time Out, to Woodstock, and of course VFW. Sunday nights became my savior. I was able to play guitar, and even though I attended these open mics by myself, the people that were there were always so friendly and welcoming. Eventually, I made some musical friends. I used to meet up with another female, Aisha Boyce.

Turns out we both played and sang “Me and Bobby McGee.” It was great being a female, and being able to jam with another female that had the same ‘good’ taste in music. As time progressed, my appreciation for my own musical talents as well as others progressed. Mentally, psychologically, spiritually, and intellectually I grew as a person. As this was happening I was constantly meeting new people.

with The Pines. (www.myspace.com/thepinesfamilyband). This girl sings, plays guitar, piano and of course the viola. Talk about one impressive chica. Rebecca Cant is a well-known musician within the ex-pat community. I first saw her perform at an open mic a couple of years ago, and she is getting more brilliant all the time. Rebecca is now a singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist in a band called “The Dharma Club,” (Facebook: The Dharma Club) a musical comedian, and a solo artist. She is a leader in the fight for Korean women’s rights through volunteer work and fundraising for women in need. She organized the “Wild Women’s Festival” (on Facebook). Which not only supports women’s rights, but it also exposes a lot of female talent in Seoul. Rebecca Cant is an inspiration to us all, and there should be more people like her. After meeting these girls, I realized how special it is to be a female musician. Through music we can all be heard, and possibly understood. From the beautiful voice of Mia Zepeda, the kickin’ drum beats from Carys Jones, and the soulful keys played by Jenny Jang, it makes me proud to be included in the same category as these women.

It was great being a female, and being able to jam with another female that had the same ‘good’ taste in music.

After regularly attending these weekly open mics regularly, I found I was constantly impressed by the ‘local’ ex-pat/Korean talent. Zee Kang who performed solo at the time, blew us away with her powerful soulful voice. Zee sings “Me and Bobby McGee” too. You can see Zee now performing

Punked! By Jacob Verville

Photos by Dylan Shalrath - shalrath@gmail.com and Aaron Brown - www.aaronbrownphotos.com Special thanks to Club Spot - cafe.daum.net/clubspot

he Seoul punk scene was born in the mid90s, when democracy (or something like it) began to show up in the ROK. It was fueled by Club Drug, which hosted countless bands, the most famous being Crying Nut. During this time, many punk compilation albums were released, and many of these bands eventually broke up and moved on from the scene with few marks of these days remaining. Club Drug closed in early January 2004, after years of suffering without Crying Nut, who were fulfilling their military obligations in the early 2000s. During that time, Skunk Hell was operating near the railroad tracks by Bowie, the gray area between Shinchon and Hongdae, and just as Drug closed and the owner moved on to open up DGBD, Skunk Hell moved to the main street that connects Hongdae to Sangsu station, a stone’s throw from FF.The years from 2004 to 2007 marked a serious golden age in Korean punk rock. Skunk Hell originated as a place for Won Jonghee (singer of Rux) to have a place where his band

could jam whenever he wanted, and quickly evolved into the only venue that mattered for many people. Friday and Saturday was always constant punk rock from 7 or so until 11 or so, and Skunk Hell often hosted all night parties or special events. It would be hard to begin to even name all the bands that played there and left an impact on the Korean scene: Rux, The Geeks, Couch, Suck Stuff, 13 Steps, Samchung, Shorty Cat, Dirty Small Town, Captain Bootbois, Cock Rasher, Ghetto Bombs, etc., ad nauseum infinitum. At that time, going to a Skunk Hell show could best be described as descending into a dungeon with an eardrum bursting sound system populated by a combination of punks, skins, hardcore kids, shady foreigners and curious teenagers. You’d always find an overly drunk crowd doing their best to avoid smashing stage diver’s heads into the pillar that stood awkwardly in the middle of the mosh pit (though I do say it did add an element to circle pitting). Skunk Hell operated until the beginning of 2009. They played a Christmas Show and a New Years show, and then quietly closed their doors forever. The event was full of people ripping the old flyers off of the walls and reminiscing, with free booze and free food; a sad ode to a place that stands out in our hearts. The place was and always will be the ground zero of Korean Punk in my mind – there is nothing quite like going to a show and meeting folks who traveled all the way from Gwangju, Jeollanamdo, or Chuncheon, Gangwondo, just to see punk music. From the period between 2005 and 2007, there was not a strong presence of foreign punk bands on the scene; they would show up from time to time, but few would play often. However, that is not to say foreigners were unwelcome. The first ever Oi!

Band found in the early 2000s was formed by an American named Burke, a shortlived project by the name of the Goryo Bootboys. An American named Joey played in Rux for quite a time, and Burke had a band called Order No. 27. Later Paul, yet another American, played with Suck Stuff, and Captain Bootbois still have a foreign drummer. It was not that there was a lack of foreigners, but rather that foreigners were proportionally represented on the scene, as members of bands and not as bands themselves. When Skunk was closing, we’d already been doing punk shows at Spot and DGBD for well over a year, and we’d had shows at venues like Minor League (found near the Hongdae Police department). Throughout 2009 we went strong with shows at even newer venues that opened their doors – Badabie and Bowie, up near the Shinchon area, and Free Bird near the park and even a previously unknown venue called FB tucked away near Bobo’s Hotel. We’d seen the doors of FF open more than once to punk bands, and even Stompers has hosted punk bands on more than one occasion. The punk scene is still strong, but has not experienced the sense of unity and purpose we had in the basement of Skunk Hell. There, bands of all subgenres under the punk umbrella played weekend after weekend, and a sense of unity flowed through us all. Now, the divisions within the scene are as clear as ugly fissures in a statue. Currently, the hardcore scene thrives at Townhall Records & GMC Records shows, and punk rears its head from time to time, whether it is Whatever That Means or First Round Heroes playing the more pleasant side we can call ‘music,’ or bands like Chadburger and Join The Circle reminding us of the unadulterated spirit that lives on in punk today.

Pictured: Jeff - Whatever That Means www.myspace.com/whateverthatmeansmusic

Trash - Through By Us www.myspace.com/throughbyus

Ki - The Geeks www.myspace.com/thexgeeks

Jin-Yong - Matae-o club.cyworld.com/ClubV1/Home.cy/53378026

John - First Round Heroes www.myspace.com/firstroundheroes

Photos by Steven Adoranti

PINNACLE & THE ANTIDOTE

PINNACLE & THE ANTIDOTE display an exhilarating live performance and have been making waves all over Seoul since February 2009. Emcee Pinnacle and the stellar instrumental quartet known as The Antidote meld the sounds of rock and hip-hop with the live musicianship of funk, jazz, and blues to create an eclectic style of music that is easily recognizable but not easily categorized. Imagine a stylish vocalist with magnetic charisma and dynamic lyricism that make him comparable to none; a guitarist that â&#x20AC;&#x153;sears through the mix with some flame throwing ... solosâ&#x20AC;? (Groove Korea, May 2009); lush harmonies and vocalizations from the keyboardist that soothe the soul; a bassist who lays down the groove as he would his lover, and pulsating rhythms from the drummer that invite your inner dance machine to come out and play. With carefully composed songs, freestyles, instrumental solos, and infectious street jams, this eclectic ensemble of musicians provide more than an amazing live show; they create a truly memorable experience.

Contact Information: Pinnaclethehustler@gmail.com Facebook: Pinnacle & The Antidote Additional information: www.pinnaclethehustler.com

‘This Month in Music History’ This month is Groove’s big music issue and so while the other pages celebrate the best of the present and the future, this article will take a look back at the musical births, deaths and cataclysmic occurrences, as well as a lot of insignificant and sometimes ridiculous events, that have helped shape the world of music we all inhabit in 2010. Starting with perhaps the most significant event of any March in musical history, John Lennon puts his foot in it! It was March 4 1966 when Lennon made his now infamous “We’re more popular than Jesus now” quote. The controversy, however, didn’t erupt until some months after the original interview was published in The London Evening Standard. An American “sensationalist, disposable fan mag” called DATEbook published an excerpt of the interview which turned out to be enough to enrage Christians in America and eventually in other parts of the world. Records were burnt, threats were made and the Ku Klux Klan even nailed a few of their albums to a few crosses. Since then two very interesting things have happened. To mark the 40th anniversary of The Beatles’ White Album, the Vatican’s unofficial mouthpiece, L’Osservatore Romano, forgave Lennon for his transgression and said Lennon’s comments were “showing off, bragging by a young English working-class musician who had grown up in the age of Elvis Presley and rock and roll and had enjoyed unexpected success.” In perhaps a more significant development (or maybe not) in the Beatles vs. Jesus debate was the revelation that for a brief moment in September last year Google Trends traffic stats revealed that The Beatles were in fact more popular than Jesus (yes it was because of the release of The Beatles Rock Band and yes Kanye West’s VMA stunt drew more hits than both Jesus and Beatles combined but the whole debate is stupid anyway!) Lennon went on to marry Yoko Ono on March 20th 1969 before heading to Amsterdam for their honeymoon to stage their now famous week long bed-in. On St. David’s Day 1966, or March 1 if you like, Gene Clark of The Byrds gave many people a chuckle when he announced he was leaving the group due to his fear of flying. Byrds and flying. Well I thought it was funny. In a slightly less funny incident in 1994 Nirvana played their final ever concert at The Terminal Einz in Munich, Germany, in front of 3,000 fans before Cobain blew his own head off a month later. Back to funny again with Michael Jackson’s visit to Madame Tussauds Waxworks in London to unveil his waxwork look-alike. Jokes about the ensuing confusion between Jackson and the waxwork on a postcard to Groove magazine. On the 5th in 1998 Mancunian muppet Liam Gallagher was released on $10,000 bail after being charged with head butting a fan and on the same day in 2004 another muppet demanded money she was in no way entitled to.The estranged wife of Lionel Richie went to court seeking $300,000 a month in maintenance support. She had the bold faced cheek to ask for money to pay for things like plastic surgery ($20,000 a year), $15,000 a month for clothing, shoes and accessories and $600 on massages. In 1973 Paul McCartney was fined 100 pounds for growing cannabis at his farm in Scotland but probably made more than that selling it, so that worked out fine. He did try to claim that some fans gave him the seeds and that he didn’t know what they would grow into, which is a complete lie but McCartney was in The Beatles so it’s OK. March 10 1977 at 7 a.m. in the morning and The Sex Pistols signed to A&M Records outside Buckingham Palace but the contract lasted for just six days. More drugs and more former Beatles now with George Harrison and wife Patti. In 1969 they were arrested after police found 120 joints in their house. In 1982 Randy Rhoads died in a plane crash while ‘buzzing’ Ozzy Osbourne’s tour bus and on the 20th in 1991 Eric Clapton’s 4 year old son fell from a 53rd story New York City apartment window, inspiring Clapton to write one of his best loved songs. 12 years earlier Clapton married George Harrison’s ex-wife Patti Boyd, who inspired Clapton to write Layla, based on Layla and Majnun, a classical Arabic story of star-crossed lovers. Interestingly Boyd is also said to have been the inspiration behind Harrison’s, “Something” and “For You Blue” as well as Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” and “Bell Bottom Blues” although Harrison denied he had written “Something” for Boyd, claiming instead “ when I wrote it, I was thinking of Ray Charles.” More Jackson madness with his interior decorator telling a newspaper on March 21 in 2001 that that he kept 17 fully dressed life size dolls in his bedroom for ‘company.’ Freaky as it is, why would Jackson tell a bloody decorator anything? Five days and Five years later readers of Total Guitar magazine voted Jimmy Page’s solo in ‘Stairway To Heaven’ as the greatest guitar solo of all time. The Boss jumped a Graceland fence in 1976 to get a glimpse of his idol and on the 30th in 1967 perhaps the greatest album cover of all time was shot in London. The cover for Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was comprised of cardboard cutouts, a few wax works and a few homages, notably a nod to the Rolling Stones, who later returned the favour. The cover won a Grammy. Almost at the end, but first a story about The Clash being naughty and the greatest rock guitarist ever. On the 30th in 1978 four police cars and a helicopter were sent to arrest Paul Simonon and Nicky Headon after they shot down racing pigeons with air rifles, enter your own ‘they fought the law’ jokes. And finally on the last day of the 3rd month in the year ninteen hundred and fifty five, Angus McKinnon Young was born in Glasgow. In 2006 Young received Kerrang! magazine’s Legend Award and the magazine’s editor called AC/DC “one of the most important and influential rock bands in history” and to prove they can still cut the mustard, AC/DC won the 2010 Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance, beating pretenders to their crown Alice In Chains, Linkin Park, Metallica and Nickelback. Rock ‘N’ Roll. Rob McGovern http://robmcgovern.wordpress.com

by Michael J. Oakley

Photos by Lee Smathers - www.ls-studio.co.kr Special thanks to Yogiga Gallery for our location

Pictured: Lauren E. Walker, Sato Yukie, Wouter Jaspers, Lee Bon-kyo, Michael Oakly, Lee Han-joo, Jo Young-min, Cheryl Ann Borja, Kona Kim

Screw What Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Heard: An introduction to the Seoul ExperimentalNoise scene

Working definitions of experimental and noise music, as used throughout this article:

Experimental Music:

Music which is performed by traditional instruments (ones used in music time and time again) or non-traditional instruments (self-made or objects not usually considered in performing music) with the intent of constructing new concepts or to elaborate pre-existing concepts, while strongly altering these concepts in the process.

Noise Music:

Music which is performed by traditional instruments in a fashion which differs from the conventional methods of how they are played (think cello being strummed with a handsaw), or music performed by means of non-traditional instruments to create a dissonant sound that is, for the most part, unappealing to the human ear.

Only an Introduction:

I begin with Yogiga Gallery, not because it is the only venue in town which showcases experimental music; there are a number of others that also do this; but because it has been the greatest proponent of musical evolution and one of the few actual community-based art and music scenes in Korea. At times it seems to be nothing more than a bare concrete room, only to serve as a lounge for the owner (Lee Han-joo) and his drinking buddies. Then there are times when Yogiga transforms into a stage where the purest form of musical expression and the most innovative art on this peninsula occurs. The people of Yogiga are a unique conglomerate of artists, musicians, performance artists, writers, dancers etc., from a handful of different countries. To call this crew an “artist co-operative” would be misleading; there are no preconceptions of what the group is and no manifesto. These people could just as easily drink makgeolli and shoot the shit together as they could make art and music. Lee Han-joo has created an environment which is open for everyone to participate through whatever talents they possess and, at the same time, removed all of the pretension which usually plagues an artists’ movement. Within the same breath as mentioning Yogiga Gallery one must broach the Bulgasari concert series. In a way, this event is the life blood of Yogiga and the artists/musicians involved. Bulgasari, created and maintained by Japanese born Sato Yukie, is a music series occurring on the last Sunday every month presenting ... well it is difficult to describe the music that is performed. At the core of this event is a staple group of Seoul experimental/noise musicians (including: bassist Kim Young-jin, musician Jo Young-min, jangu player Lee Bong-gyo), but outside of that core is a rotating cast of Korean psychedelic groups, twee-pop outfits, singer-song writers, indie bands, electronic performers and a cornucopia of others from all over the world. Bulgasari is somewhere between an open-mic and a structured, typical concert. It regularly hosts touring bands and world renowned musicians (Australia’s Justice Yeldam, Japan’s Sakamoto Hiromichi, the U.S.’s Laundry Room Squelchers, to name few), but there is also never a cover charge and if one wants to play Bulgasari, all that is needed is a plea to Sato Yukie. The dedication of so much text to Yogiga Gallery isn’t to dismiss the efforts of others.Another branch I have worked closely with includes the

owners and artists of the Balloon & Needle record label. If Yogiga and Bulgasari are the freespirited sisters of the experimental-noise scene in Korea, then the musicians of Balloon & Needle are the no-nonsense brother. To label this group of musicians as “Balloon & Needle” is an oversimplification; these musicians (most notably Hong Chulki, Choi Joon-young, Park Seung-jun, Jin Sangtae, Ryu Hankil and Joe Foster) have organized countless concert series — the most current being the Dotolim — and have released a massive catalog of records. Going to one of their events is more of an academic affair than that of Bulgasari. With tables crowded with signal generators, mixers, laptops and homemade electronics these musicians create a delicate din of bleeps, twips, drone and static. This is in direct contrast to Sato Yukie and Company’s brand of psychedelia inspired music, with instruments ranging from children’s toys to Tibetan singing bowls. There has also been a recent appropriation of the words “experimental” and “noise” by local promoters to describe bands who are neither experimental nor noise. However, these minor confiscation of terms are negated by the growing endeavors taken on by people like Nicholas Anzivinao (his music moniker being GT Arpe) in Daejeon, and other galleries and venues around the country like Space Beam of Incheon and Lab 39 located in the factory district of Mullae-dong. These people are building artist communities from the ground up and assisting in the expansion of underground experimental art and music in Korea. In addition to these efforts, 2010 will see the proliferation of the Dokkaebi record label, one of the few cd-r labels in Korea specializing in local experimental music, and the 2nd installment of the decade-old International Noise Conference. Screw what you’ve heard, been listening to and what you’ve seen. If you want to actually participate in a scene, then come to one of these shows and introduce yourself. No one is denied if they are enthusiastic and willing to explore the fringes of their artistic and musical selves.

Within the same breath as mentioning Yogiga Gallery one must broach the Bulgasari concert series.

Venues: •

Yogiga Gallery (yogiga.com)

•

Dotolim (dotolim.com)

•

Mudaeryuk (club.cyworld.com/mu1224)

•

Bowie

•

Theater Zero

•

Space Beam (Incheon, spacebeam.net)

•

Byong Cafe (Incheon, blog.naver.com/ everlast82)

•

Obeg (cafe.naver.com/obeg.cafe)

•

Badabie (cafe.daum.net/badabie)

•

After Hours Record Store (Gangnam)

•

www.cborja.com

•

www.wouterjasper.nl

•

http://satoyukie.com

•

www.seouldreamers.com

Record Labels/ Organizations: •

Bulgasari group on Facebook.com

•

Balloon & Needle Records (balloonnneedle.com)

•

Dokkaebi Records

•

Naebang Records (naebang.net)

•

Korean Performance Art Spirit (KoPAS, kopas2000.co.kr)

•

Lab 39 (Mullae-dong, squartist.org)

club ta

Live Music Venues in Seoul By Andy Sirvio Photos by Dylan Shalrath - shalrath@gmail.com and Aaron Brown - www.aaronbrownphotos.com

he live music scene in Seoul is alive and well thanks to a host of good venues and a community of talented musicians. When I arrived in Seoul just over two years ago to start a new chapter in my life I was concerned that I would have trouble finding opportunities to play my electric bass. I was coming from Detroit, a city with a rich music history and a lively scene, and I was leaving a good rock band behind. I arrived in Seoul with a suitcase and a bass guitar, and I was skeptical about whether I’d have any real opportunities to play. I soon found that I was worried over nothing. My wife and I moved into our apartment on a Monday and I was on stage rocking with a good band on Friday night. They were happy to have me and I was thrilled to find them. I’ve played in a couple of bands in Korea since then and we’ve played in venues in Itaewon, Hongdae, Bucheon and Songtan. Here’s the good, bad and the ugly truth about some of these places. 36

club ff

Hongdae

The undisputed live music hotspot in DGBD This is one of the larger live music venues in Hongdae. A DGBD show is Seoul has dozens of venues hosting all almost like a scaled down rock concert. The club has a big stage and sound sorts of bands. The venues usually have system and showcases some of the best bands in Seoul. Website: http://cafe.daum.net/dgbd a cover charge.

Club FF

One of the most popular venues in Hongdae with a big stage and sound system.Weekends are usually busy with several bands performing in a single evening. The club plays host to a variety of Korean indie, punk and expat rock bands. Overall FF is a good place to find live music and a juiced up crowd. E-mail: ianbrown@naver.com

Club Spot

Spot is THE premier punk venue in Hongdae. Yes, there are other places that offer punk, but Spot specializes in it. On Saturdays, they open earlier than other venues, usually around 6 or 7p.m. There is a tight schedule of local acts and quite often a few out-of-towners as well. Every now and then you can catch acts from overseas like Electric Eel Shock out of Japan. http://cafe.daum.net/clubspot

Club Freebird

A more intimate venue with comfortable seating. Tucked away down a quiet side street, Freebird has a nice stage and dance floor. The sound is usually very good for a smaller venue thanks to the good quality equipment and the experienced staff. Expect to see a few different bands performing each night on the weekends. The vibe is comfortable and the crowds are a little more laid back. Website: www.clubfreebird.com

Club Ta

A very intimate basement venue that has a great stage and excellent sound. Ta is more of a special events club for hosting CD release parties or charity fundraiser events in addition to their regular live music schedule. Very cool club with a hip vibe. http://cafe.daum.net/liveclubta

club freebird

Itaewon

choice when bar hopping through Itaewon. Facebook: Rocky Mountain www.rockymountaintavern.com

The music scene in Itaewon is lively and on most weekends you can hop between a couple of venues to see who’s playing. Woodstock This is an old school rock and blues bar right on the main street. The bar Most Itaewon music venues usually have no cover charge unless there is a special is pretty dark with black lights and odd graffiti on the walls. Most of the band equipment is in rough condition but somehow bands manage to rock out in event. this dive every weekend.

Olde Stompers Rock Spot

The musicians bar in Itaewon. Stompers is a gritty down to earth place that has a proper stage and dance floor. The bar prides itself on having the best live music scene in the area. The venue hosts an annual Battle of the Bands every November as well as other special events throughout the year. The drinks are cheap and strong, and the overall vibe is friendly. The location on Itaewon’s infamous “Hooker Hill” makes a night out with a visit to Stompers an adventure. Facebook Groups: Ole Stompers & Stompers Battle of the Bands

Rocky Mountain Tavern

RMT is more of a sports bar than a music venue but the second level does have a small stage and bands perform on most weekends. The drinks are reasonably priced and the place is comfortable and clean. RMT is always a good

Songtan

The best kept secret for live music lovers is less than an hour south of Seoul. The 99 Bar Just a few steps from the Osan Air Force Base main gate The 99 has the best live music scene in Songtan.This well-run club has a small stage with dance floor and a proper sound system. The owners are serious about their live music and it shows.The vibe is intimate, clean and comfortable and the crowds are usually very enthusiastic. With two excellent house bands and other musicians coming down from Seoul to play the quality of the music at The 99 is usually impressive. Website: www.the99bar.com

Open Mic Nights in Studios Seoul Around Seoul By Andy Sirvio

Photo by Dylan Shalrath - shalrath@gmail.com Special Thanks to Olde Stompers Rock Spot

Although Hongdae is the hotspot in town for live music it’s Itaewon that has the best options if you’re looking for a place to hone your chops and meet other players.

Woodstock

The Seoul Artists Network (SAN) has been hosting their open mic night at Woodstock on the first and third Sunday of every month. The scene here is hit or miss with a mix of acoustic music, bands, poetry and spoken word. The mix of spoken word and music creates an eclectic vibe that can be quite a bit of fun. The equipment and sound and Woodstock can be a bit dicey at times but somehow it all works out. (02-749-6034)

Olde Stompers Rock Spot

The open mic at Stompers is arguably the best of the bunch. Every Tuesday night at about 9:30 or so, the regular crowd of local musicians start working their way up Itaewon’s infamous “Hooker Hill.” The scene is always friendly and solo artists and bands get three songs each. The sign up sheet usually fills up quickly so it does pay to arrive early and get on the list if you’re on a tight schedule. It’s not unusual to have bands form on the spot and improvise their way through a quick jam. The quality of the players is what makes the difference at Stompers. The bar is a regular hangout for the best in town. (02-794-1198)

Tony’s Aussie Bar

Tony’s is not the smallest bar in Korea but it’s probably the smallest with an open mic stage. Every Monday night musicians head up the hill on the west end of Itaewon. Tony himself gets in on the action and jams on the drums with whoever shows up. The bar is clean, cozy with good food and a no smoking environment. On Wednesday nights, they have comedy/poetry night from 8-11. Tony says, “We make it welcoming and very inviting to just about anybody who wants to participate.” They also have 6,000 won Guinness all the time.

Roofers

They have an open mic night every Wednesday from 9 p.m. This is brand new, but they are open to poets, rappers, musicians, comedians … you name it. Facebook group: Roofers Rooftop Bar

Dublin Irish Bar

In Bundang, Dublin has been a staple in expatdom for years. Their open mic night is every Wednesday at 10. It’s first-come-first-play, and there’s always a good crowd, so get your name on the marker board early. They have an acoustic and electric guitars available for use. (031- 708 7942)

A Compilation by Garan Fitzgerald Photo by Flash Parker

Baekseok

Studio Rock www.strock.co.kr / 031 901 9033

Cheonho

Music Factory Koon www.mfkoon.co.kr / 070 7517 9005

Gangnam

Sam Studio cafe.daum.net/samstudio / 02 501 9821

Gyodae

Chemi Studio 02 581 2848 (No English) Also known as “Grandad’s.”

Haebangchon

Deeleebob Music www.deeleebob.com / 010 3730 4716

Hongdae

Brown Sound www.brownsoundstudio.com / 02 337 4289 Bubblegum Sound www.bbgsound.com / 02 322 5491 Orange Studio http://club.cyworld.com/orange-studio / 010 3764 2320

Itaewon

Studio Naisu B1, 559 Itaewon-dong,Yongsan-gu. opening March 1st

Sadang

UCK Music Studio cafe.naver.com/uck833 / 010 5670 2366

Yangjae

Time Sound cafe.naver.com/timesound / 02 3462 6235

Konkuk Univ. Rio Studio 016 236 7028

Special thanks to: Bubblegum Studios, Solitaire Love Affaire, seoulpracticespaces.blogspot.com, and Flash Parker www.flashparker.wordpress.com

wherto find

live music in

ilsan By Matthew Graveline

Kim Sung Yup strums the in house guitar as he waits for patrons just before opening his Ilsan pub La Mia Cucina.

La Mia Cucina

Popular among ex-pats and Koreans alike, this basement pub is unique in its service approach and in its music atmosphere. Straight out Baekseok Station Exit 6 tucked away on the left after two blocks, the sign and a single door leading down a steep set of stairs is the only indicator for this venue. The owner Kim Sung Yup was frustrated with the lack of community in the Ilsan area. As a 7-year veteran of Ilsan he decided to create a place where everyone could come and be cozy like home.With customers serving themselves out of an actual fridge and payment on the honor system, the music atmosphere of this pub reflects its clientele. Busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, live music is typical on Saturday night with customers taking up the in house guitar and singing with the microphone and amp provided.

Elvis Yoon, one of the owners, strums out a classic Korean tune at his Ilsan music cafe, Once.

Once Café

Continue down the promenade of La Festa and take the elevator on the right hand side up to Once Café on the second floor. Owned and operated by musicians, this little café is more upscale then the Baekseok café. The weekend is when the owners take to the stage in force with duets and single performances but during the week performers take to the stage at the request of the customers. Aside from the interior’s relaxed décor, this café features something unique to many of the other musical venues. This relatively new venue has so far mainly catered to Korean clientele but they can do English acoustic music by request. If you get lost follow the sound of live music as it can be heard along the promenade every day of the week.

Hof and Small Live

A local musician plays an old Korean classic at the popular Hof and Small Live in Baekseok near downtown Ilsan.

Patrons of the Frog and Toad enjoy the indie sound of Murder She Wrote during open mic night at this La Festa foreigner bar.

Frog and Toad

This bar is the most popular foreigner bar in the downtown Ilsan area. The pub style venue was designed with the story of the American children’s story the Frog and Toad in mind. It is known as the place where foreigners gather on Fridays and Saturdays but also Wednesday for open mic night. Wednesday has become so popular with the customers that now Saturdays are becoming a second night to hear live music on what’s locally called “meat street,” for its many Korean barbecue restaurants along the last section of La Festa. Owners Steve Lim and Zin Kyung are big fans of all kinds of music with Steve often taking to the stage himself as the singer for the unofficial foreigner house band, Murder She Wrote. Their original music has the sound of guitar heavy indie rock, with band member Sam “The Hammer” Mitchell saying a lot of his inspiration for composing the music comes from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Heading back towards the subway station out of La Mia Cucina take your first right. You will walk down a long street with restaurants on both sides. Almost to the end of the street to the right is a small café. White exterior with a sign in Korean, Hof and Small Live, the café is the place to be for Korean live music in Baekseok. The atmosphere is nice and comfortable, and the crowd typically lively. It seats maybe 30 people.

The 7-member R.E.D House band plays for the customers at Rosen Brau in Ilsan.

Rosen Brau

La Festa is well known in Ilsan as the place to go on a Friday and Saturday night. Go to Jeongbalsan Station Exit 2. Once out of the station make a left at the Lotte Department Store across the street. From there you can’t miss La Festa on the right hand side. Walking down the shopping promenade, take the escalator after the Dunkin Donuts to the second floor, there you will find Rosen Brau. Well known to the local ex-pat and Korean community for great beer, food and most importantly music. This German beer hall is the only Ilsan venue with a house band. The band’s name is R.E.D, short for Rhythm and Dance. It is made up of seven musicians, three main singers; a bassist, a guitar player, keyboard, and drums. The group was created 5 years ago in the Philippines and five months ago started as the Rosen Brau’s house band. Mostly playing covers the instrumental section study classic and modern techniques to add to their music.They also try to play a range of music from rock to ballads to rock, reggae, soul and R&B.

Don’t Forget Bucheon By Ray Grimes of Fan Death (pictured)

ucheon is Korea’s eleventh largest city, with over 8,000 foreigners living there. Although Bucheon is less than an hour away from Seoul by either bus or subway, many foreigners do not know much about Bucheon night life. The Bucheon live music scene for foreigners originated back in 2006 with a little bar named Canada Buddy. Partners split and locations changed, but Canada Buddy grew in popularity. With a larger venue, cheap drinks, and great food, Canada Buddy began attracting bands from all over Korea. Like any concept, Canada Buddy ran its course, and closed its doors. About the same time that Canada Buddy was on its way out, one of the original owners “Kyu” refused to give up on Bucheon’s live music scene. Kyu wanted to open an expat bar so foreigners could feel at home and at the same time give Koreans the experience of interacting with foreigners. His plan came to fruition in August of 2008. Rhythm and Booze became Bucheon’s landmark for live music. This bar was centrally located next to Hyundai Department store, offered a great foreign menu, affordable drinks and eclectic Expat and

Korean bands. What sets “RNB” aside from most bars is its “Cheers” like environment. When you walk into this bar the bartenders remember your name and what you drink. In addition to a great staff they have a lot of talented bands coming in to play. Local favorites include: Fandeath, Drunk & Disorderly, Mike Brumm, Matt Humm, and Hodge Kim. R n B also attracts bands such as G Jay from as far away as Cheonju. R n B and its foreign clientele are also dedicated to giving back to their community. They have hosted large annual live music events such as ROK for Bucheon, and Christmas for Kids. All proceeds from these events were donated to local charitable organizations. In addition they hosted the Battle for Bucheon, a battle of the bands, which gave away 2 million won in cash prizes. The latest new comer to the Bucheon music scene is Pub in the Park, or The Park. Located just a block away from R n B, The Park is another great concept with amazing foreign food, inexpensive drinks and great live music. With these two Expat bars so close to one another, Bucheon is becoming another hot destination spot.

Facebook Group: Rhythm & Booze Facebook Group: The Park

g-jay 2.0

Rockin’ Out in Cheongju

By Tony Boyd

heongju is the capital of Chungcheongbuk Province and is home to around 650,000 people. It may not have the hustle and bustle of Seoul or Incheon, but Cheongju boasts a thriving music scene and some popular live venues.   The music scene is concentrated in the entertainment district around Chungbuk National University. Among the bars, restaurants, singing rooms and other staples of Korean nightlife three venues vie for the attention of music fans.   The largest and best known bar promoting live music is MJ. Boasting a raised stage and an impressive light show, MJ is a firm favorite with bands and music fans alike. MJ hosts bands from all over Korea. Recently, Attacking Forces and Apollo 18 played to a sold out audience of ex-pat and Korean music fans. MJ’s rooftop beer garden provides a nice opportunity to chill out away from the crowd.   Just a street away, Pearl Jam is the most intimate of the live venues in the city. Folk and acoustic sessions are on offer as well as board games and an extensive food menu.  Those who like their music loud head to Road King. Road King is the longest running ex-pat hangout bar in Cheongju and has an authentic pub atmosphere. It specializes in half hour sets by metal and punk bands on Friday and Saturday nights.   Cheongju-based bands include funk and soul boys G-Jay 2.0 (www. myspace.com/gjayband) and classic rock specialists The Papa Bears (on facebook). For a more relaxed evening, local Jazz combo JFK offer a repertoire that includes mellow jazz standards and up-tempo Latin grooves.  With an eclectic mix of local bands, regular DJ appearances, and a local population who know how to party, live music is alive and well in CheongJu.

The Venues:   MJ 043-273-8366   Road King 043-265-1340   Pearl Jam 043-274-2577

the papa bears

Tango de la Muerte by Shawn Parker Photos by Flash Parker www.flashparker.wordpress.com

hat’s 6’2”, has been carefully handcrafted through years of laborious work in a prestigious workshop, has a penchant for quartet tango and wields one heavy piece of lumber? If you guessed a Latin Pinocchio on steroids, you’re way off. Garan Fitzgerald is as equally hard to peg as that long-nosed charlatan. He’s 28-years-old and he’s in a good place. You can feel that when you speak to him, hear it in the booming crescendo of his voiceover baritone. He’d have a job hosting Dirty Jobs if they didn’t have that other guy. But there’s an edge to him, a passion that bubbles just below the surface. He looks rock, in his finger-less gloves, scuffed boots and blue jeans. Yet Garan does things a little differently than your ordinary expat. First, he’s not a teacher nor is he serving in the military (Gasp! Awe! Shock!). He’s a musician, a Juilliard-trained multi-instrumentalist with dreams of entering the fashion market with his designer wife. He’d like to open a New York-style ice cream shop in Seoul one day, run the business himself, put in an honest day. He reads suicide rabbit comics and he loves tango. If you don’t know anything about tango culture, you’re not alone. I’ve never been to Argentina. I can’t dance (the only thing about me is the way that I walk). Garan insists it’s not a problem. “The

only introduction you really need, before you come and see my band play, is Ástor Piazzolla’s Adiós Nonino. He made composing tango a cerebral process, worked hard to make it classically acceptable. We’re trying to follow that tradition.” The “we” is Coamorous, the tango outfit Garan has been associated with for the past two years here on the peninsula. They play regularly throughout Seoul and have been garnering more than their fair share of notice the past few months. Like their trip to Japan late last year. “Oh, that,” Garan says, sheepishly. “It was cool. But not a huge deal.” There are a few other people who would likely disagree with that sentiment – like every other tango group that didn’t place first at the 10th Osaka International Music Competition, one of the largest of its kind in the Eastern world. “I

didn’t even want to go,” Garan says, a laugh rolling out of his chest. “I didn’t expect to place, didn’t have the money to play around in Japan, so I was pretty adamant about passing on the competition.” It’s a good thing he allowed himself to be dragged across the pond. Coamorous – Garan and his three classically trained Russian contemporaries – beat out the hordes of Chinese, Korean, German and Japanese acts to take home the top prize. “I had to eat my hat after that,” Garan says, slipping into a story of how easy it is to party in Japan when you’re a hit international band. He opens up, the sensitive storyteller coming to life. Ten minutes, then 20 burn away before we realize we’re way off topic. Hard not to when Garan’s plucking anecdotes out of the air like the heavy strings on his bass. Garan is also the bassist for Solitaire Love Affair, a rock fixture of the Seoul Scene, though he acknowledges the deep crevasse between the rock shop and Coamorous. I want to know if his work transcends genres, the labels inherently affixed to his music, but he’s not sure. He doesn’t think of it that way. “They’re two very different worlds. In a way, I’m two different people on stage. The one thing I do try to take from Solitaire Love Affair is a presence. I need to be more visible when I’m on stage with Coamorous.” I can’t imagine it’ll be long before we all get a look at Garan, on stage or slinging gourmet ice cream in his own shop downtown.

For more on Garan Fitzgerald and Coamorous, including videos and upcoming shows, visit www.coamorous.com

A Bellydancer’s Guide to Seoul Indie Music By Eshe

eoul’s small but flourishing indie scene is one rich in variety and character. Not sure who to check out? I’ve been bellydancing with artists in the Hongdae music scene for the past two years. I’ve seen hundreds of performances by an uncountable number of acts. I’ve narrowed it down to these 10 picks for your listening pleasure or weekend out.

The Plastic Day (rock/shoegaze — http://theplasticday.com) In one sense this trio is straight up rock and roll: dirty, gritty, driving beats, whiskey, cigarettes and hair. In another, their fans call them “Seoul’s only modern philosophers”. Anti-government, pro-peace, antiwar, pro-people, the list goes on and while the message may be classic it remains timely – as two of the members, vocalist Sun-ho and bassist Ho-seong, are still completing their mandatory military service. I performed live with them at last year’s Love Camp festival where the admission fee was a candle or a flower and the fans pelt you with petals to show appreciation. It was an amazing experience. I believe their 2009 release “30 Seconds From the Dreamer to the Realist” is one of the best Korean indie CDs ever released. It has absolutely no filler. Every track is amazing.

Apollo 18 (post-rock/post-hardcore/psychedelic — http://www.myspace.com/apollo18official) I first worked with Apollo shi-p’al (십팔) while filming their music video for “Orbis” in Hongdae at Bowie. Vocalist and guitarist Hyun-seok saw me bellydance at one of my Love Dance parties and subsequently penned “Orbis.” At an after-party a month later they asked me if I’d be their “Angelina Jolie.” Since then they’ve evolved to become one of the best live rock bands in Seoul. This award winning trio have a deep sense of music as art, which is reflected in their earnest work ethic. Formed in the summer of 2008, they’ve had four releases since February 2009. I listen to “High Stepper” at least once a day.

Orgeltanz (folk/world — http://orgeltanz.wo.to) Before joining Orgeltanz as their bellydancer, I fell in love with their bohemian aesthetic and world rhythms on a cold February night in 2008 from a cozy bench inside Salon Badabie. We rehearsed intensively together for six weeks in local record label Electric Muse’s painted pink, afgan-covered studio with cats Jerry and Atom before our first show in March. I’ve performed throughout South Korea with Orgeltanz on stages big and small and still picture Paris, floating carpets, rainbows and sunshowers when I hear their sweet imagination-inducing offerings from their 2008 debut full-length “From the Cradle to the Grave.”

Cocore

Kingston Rudieska

(rock/country/reggae — http://cocore.com/) Although I’m a member of Orgeltanz, the first band I ever worked with in Seoul was Cocore. We performed live together at 2008’s Festival Bo:m, and I’ve thankfully had the chance to collaborate with them a handful of times since. One of the pioneers of the city’s underground scene, they started as a heavily Nirvana-influenced band and have morphed into musical chameleons flowing through all genres – reggae, ambient, blues, country and straight up rock. My personal rock-driven faves are “Moon Patrol,” “Only You,” and for a dreamy change of pace cue up “Out of Body Experience.”

(ska — http://www.kingstonrudieska.com/ ) It’s impossible not to be charmed by this talented and lively brass band. Vocalist and percussionist Lee Suk-yeul works up a sweat getting the crowd singing, dancing and winking along with him. This band really brings the sunshine. It’s impossible not to feel uplifted by their songs and showmanship. Hold off those Monday blues with a listen to their bubbly “My Cotton Candy.”

The Sagitta (folk rock — http://thesagitta.com/) This husband-and-wife duo (Lee Woo-sung and Lee Jung-eun) are not only insanely charming onstage, they also run a website that chronicles their adventures as a couple, as musicians and as artists. Photographs, videos and cartoons are among the virtual treats they serve up. Cocore’s captivating frontman, Woo-sung, shows a softer side while collaborating with the love of his life, Jung-eun. He once told me that all of Cocore’s songs start out as love songs, but sometimes they mature into something else. With Sagitta you can sense the emotion’s essence a little more clearly. No matter the weather, their beach jams like “Okinawa Love Song” will take you away to the places that inspired them. They can also morph into a folksy rock act doing rock kicks to gems like “Hello World.”

Oriental Lucy (indie pop – http:// club.cyworld.com/orientallucy) Arguably the best front woman in Seoul,Yeon Suhee has it all: swagger, soul and sensuality. She’s a tiger who’ll make you enjoy being eaten alive. We bonded over papaya vodkas at Hongdae’s finest chain restaurant, Reggae Chicken. I read a blog once comparing her to Tia Carrere in Wayne’s World and perhaps that’s not far off the mark. This indie-pop with jazzy and electronic undertones will have you grooving to tunes like “Did You Come?” from this year’s “Midnight Hotel” release.

Sato Yukie (folk/experimental — http://satoyukie.com/) Yukie has two distinct performing personas. The first is his own brand of classic Korean covers, which he performs with an unmatched and unchecked gusto, of which, my own fan request is always “Last Woman.” It was his deep admiration of Korean music that brought him to Seoul so many years ago. Since then he has also branched off as an experimental performer energetically banging rubber ducks, spoons, half a guitar and basically anything you can hold in your hand, together. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with him and other soloists at his free monthly event Bulgasari at my favourite art gallery Yogiga (run by another wonderful, oddball Bulgasari artist Lee Han-joo). It’s a great chance to experience Seoul’s artistically minded avant-garde crowd.

Windy City (reggae — http://www.windycity.co.kr) I like to call Kim Ban-jang South Korea’s answer to Marvin Gaye. I met him briefly when Orgeltanz and another of his projects (I&I Djangdan) were featured on MBC Gwangju’s Nanjang music program – and he was just as charismatic in person as his stage persona would suggest. Windy City songs are sung half in English, half in Korean and everyone in every metropolis to whom I’ve played their music from Toronto to Tokyo always asks, “Who is this?” Born out of the ashes of Asoto Union (definitely worth a YouTube search) Windy City are Jamaica-cizing the streets and hearts of Seoul with their one-love anthems in the most infectious of ways. Zip out of bed with “Carnivale (I’ll Tek Kyu Deh)” and cuddle back in with “Silky Silky Love Song.”

National Pigeon Unity (punk/emo — www.myspace.com/nationalpigeonunity ) These are some of the newest and youngest kids on the block who formed in 2006 before they were even of legal age. Originally taken by their incredibly enthusiastic live shows, I was later charmed by their talent and sincerity. Like Estella Records labelmates Apollo 18, their short career has been prolific. They’ve released three EP’s in as many years. Interlink your thumbs and throw your pigeons up for these gifted newcomers.

When are they playing?

Check out http://koreagigguide.com for Seoul performance dates. A labour of love, this site has found the concerts and translated the info to make it easier than ever for you to support local artists.

Where can I buy their music?

In 2009 there was a push by DFSB Kollective to make more Korean music available internationally and now many of these bands are available on iTunes. If you’re old school and prefer a CD in hand, head to Sinchon’s very helpful Hyang Music (http:// hyangmusic.com).

Eshe is the bellydancer for Seoul band Orgeltanz. She teaches bellydance at the Well Being Studio in Itaewon on Saturday, Sunday and weekdays. Classes and performances are listed at http://eshebellydancer.com

orgeltanz

One Drop East By Adam Gunn

ne Drop East has been entertaining ex-pats in Busan with a unique sound and style that appeals to everyone who’s ever seen them. From small venues to larger shows, the band gets the audience into their music and on their feet. People hit the dance floor, while those sitting bob their heads and tap their feet as the drinks flow.

The music is almost undefinable. With an eight member band that mixes many of the greatest styles of music. Angela Crebbin’s intense lead vocals tingle your spine and the brass section elevates the audience’s sense of style and venue. The name One Drop East is doubly appropriate. One Drop is a musical term referring to a reggae rhythm created by the Barrett Brothers from Bob Marley’s rhythm section where the bass guitar and bass drum do not play on the “1” of the beat. The band routinely plays at most of Busan’s better ex-pat bars. Their Busan schedule generally runs from March to June and September to December with a performance almost every weekend. They generally don’t have a cover charge because they actually “do it for the music.” The following is a chance to get intimate with this international collection of musicians with both a long history of music and experience on the Korean peninsula. You’ve recently won the Busan Battle of the bands what are some other high moments for the band? Most of the gigs we’ve played this year have been kind of special. It just feels like the band has come together and is creating something new and we’re all just enjoying the music. What’s the best gig you’ve played in Korea? This past New Year’s Eve bash at Vinyl Underground was unbelievable. What’s it feel like to have a crowd tearing up the dance floor while you perform? The greatest, unless they get too close and try to start playing the instruments or grabbing the mics. When people are dancing and having a great time, you just get lost in the energy. Do you get into the performance more when people are dancing to your music? No doubt. For me, it’s kind of like a metronome, the crowd is moving, keeping time for the band, it brings everyone together and allows you not to think about it, you just feel it and kind of play around in the spaces in between. With a mix of reggae, soul, jazz and funk, and maybe memories of rock relating back to the former popular Busan band Mojo, have you come up with any way to name or describe your sound and style? There’s no one word for it, though our style reflects us and where we come from, both our countries and former bands like Mojo and Bfunk. Most of the members in your band are long veterans on the Korean Peninsula,

8 members of One Drop East: Angela Crebbin (Aus) - vocals, Russell McConnell (NZ) - vocals, alto sax, Sean Devlin (NZ) - guitar,Vasana Haines (NZ) - keyboards, Ben Adriance (U.S.) - tenor sax, Gordon Bazsali Jr. (U.S.) - trumpet, Ben May (U.S.) - drums, and Jeffery Beattie (Can) - congas. Check them out almost any weekend in Busan.

between all of you how many collective years experience do you have in Korea? I’ve been in Korea for 12 years. Collectively, in dog years, close to 500. It’s a great life here, and we appreciate all that we have, especially the free time we have to do things like play in a band and do something we all love to do. Any low moments for the band or has it been a good ride in Busan so far? It’s been a great ride. I just hope it never stops. Most of us have played together in various incarnations for years. These are just some of the best people to play with for personality and musicianship. With an eight person band is there ever tension or disagreement among band members? Inter-band romances, partying, shared hobbies, crossovers in your non-music life? We actually get along really well. There’s been many a night where after the show we’ll all go off and have a few drinks together and just talk about travel and music, and before you know it, we’re the last ones there and the sun is coming up. We have a lot in common and we’re all kind of smart asses, so we never take anything too seriously. What original One Drop East song are you most proud of, or is most popular among fans? The Busan Battle of the Bands turned out to be a great thing for the band, not because of the result, but because it got us to write some original material as a band. Probably our favorite one of the new tunes is “The Message.” It’s our first real collaborative effort. When do you expect to hit the studio and put together a CD? We’ve just started thinking about that actually, hopefully, some time this summer, before we all take another break. When and where is your first show when One Drop East members return to Busan from traveling the globe this spring? We’re having a show in the middle of March. Check out our Facebook page for specific dates this spring.

Nagwon Sanga (Arcade) By Garan Fitzgerald Photos by Aaron Brown www.aaronbrownphotos.com

If you’re a musician in Seoul, you find out pretty quickly about Nagwon. It’s a giant concrete box that sits over the road just north of Jongno 3ga. Inside you’ll find pretty much everything a gigging musician will need. Good. Now that that’s done let’s get to the important part: getting a good deal. 1) Do your research.

And I don’t mean look only at sites back home. Almost everything you’re buying here is imported and subject to VAT and other tariffs. Popularity also factors in to the cost. General rule of thumb: multiply back-home prices by 2 to get an idea of your base-line cost. Useful websites: Musician’s Friend, gearlounge.com.

2) Never accept a stated price unconditionally.

Shopping in Nagwon is interesting. Very rarely are prices listed clearly, and so customer knowledge and haggling ability are big factors in your final price. Tips: Start by asking for the cash price. Then try to lower that by pointing out defects/undesirables or competitor’s prices. If you can’t get them to budge on price and you still must have that piece of gear, try to get as many freebies as possible.

3) Be a regular but make ‘em sweat.

Found a store that treats you right? Great! Be friendly, be courteous, always say hi even if their store isn’t your destination for the day, but still check all of the stores. Even if it seems like you’re getting a great deal, look around just to make sure. If you’re doing all of the research you need to be doing (ie: looking online, checking other stores, reading reviews, talking to other musicians) you’ll know what’s up in terms of pricing and availability. What’s more important is that they’ll know you know what you need to know, know what I mean? Nagwon Navigation Tip: Every store has a number. Write ‘em down if you can’t remember the name! Also, the main floor is the 2nd floor and it’s chock full of shops in the aisles and smaller shops. The 3rd floor is where you’ll find some larger high-end shops. On the 5th floor are offices and also Gear Lounge. Their website was listed above.

Photo by Lee Smathers - www.ls-studio.co.kr

The Willman Band By Summer Walker

Over the last six years, Willman has had performers on stage or in the studio with him from among such groups and artists as The Black Eyed Peas, Issac Hayes, Macy Gray, Dream rock band, The Breath of Life Tribe, Carlos Santana, smooth-jazz saxophonist Joe Sha-Shaty and Mexican pop recording artists Ana Victoria.

Photo by Summer Walker

On a certain steep slope in Itaewon, a sound quite different from the local In September 2008, he came here to coach youth soccer and after they indie music scene has emerged. Audiences who are used to punk acts and had some problems in the program, he decided he wanted to reach out classic rock cover bands now have a reason to move their feet. The Willman and get involved in the local Latin and Salsa dancing scene to keep himself Band has brought a Latin flavor to bars we know and love. Although they motivated. That is where he started meeting people, leading him to Stomphaven’t been together that long, they are tight. In November they beat out 13 ers in Itaewon where he met Fred in May and Charles in August 2009. He other bands at Stompers Battle of the Bands to take home first place. Now, met Jenny at Salsa class in July 2009. The four of them are now together they are gigging all over Seoul and are ready to take Korea by storm. and word is they are getting more and more exciting every time they play. The Willman Band actually started Willman takes pride in saying that in Los Angeles back in December at every gig they pull in at least 2003. It was called “Willman Morcillo two or three hardcore fans, and At the moment, the band is writing and and his Friends” due to the fact that sometimes more. revamping material for their first CD as well as Willman hired different people for There is no doubt that Willman looking for funding to record and release their different occasions and nobody knew has found some talented musicians music and tour the world in support of it. You what else to call it. to work with. can find out more information including gigs, Over the last six years, Willman Fred is no stranger to the local pictures and samples of their music on their has had performers on stage or in scene. He is a professional bass playthe studio with him from among such er and has performed in America, website: myspace.com/thewillmanband or groups and artists as The Black Eyed Africa, Europe, the Middle-East and email at the.willman.band@gmail.com. Peas, Issac Hayes, Macy Gray, Dream Asia. Hailing from Canada, he has They are also on Facebook. rock band, The Breath of Life Tribe, lived in Korea since 2005, playing Carlos Santana, smooth-jazz saxowith several bands since then. Few phonist Joe Sha-Shaty and Mexican will forget his run in the Funk Ups pop recording artists Ana Victoria. On one occasion, Willman’s performances or Rabihem, his metal band. were even compared to the legendary Chick Corea, after which he had the Jenny is a local girl who has studied piano since she was three years old. pleasure of meeting the man himself. Originally, she studied classical piano, but quickly learned that she was happier Willman’s style is unique in that he likes to take exceptionally talented, ac- playing her own style. She was in a rock band in England while going to school. complished musicians and blend them into an all-star team. He also likes to Playing Latin songs is a new challenge for her, but nobody can tell because she show off everyone’s unique personal and musical qualities, preferring to let does it so well. each person’s true identity come to light while at the same time being able to Charles was the last member to sign on to the Willman Band. He has blend and mix together their different influences to create a new and fresh learned the drums from several different sources, including the Seoul Jazz sound for the Latin and World music scenes. Academy and the while in the army. He has played all over Seoul with artists Willman’s current musical situation came together by accident in Korea. such as SG Wannabe.

Playin’ in the Park By Chris Backe

Photos by Dylan Shalrath - shalrath@gmail.com

etween a club’s light show, a 32-channel mixer, and perhaps a bit of makeup, most bands can put a show together — yet Soundbox does a show in Hongdae Park with little more than some guitars, a few drums, and tap dancing. Yes, tap dancing — the kind you tried in third grade, only faster and far more rhythmic. If you’ve been near Hongdae Park on a weekend in the last two years, there’s a good chance you’ve heard them perform. Between covers of popular English songs (“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan and “No Women No Cry” by Bob Marley are two of their favorites) and a few Korean songs, their high energy sound can be felt anywhere you hear them. It’s almost impossible to pass by if you hear the crowd or the tap, tap of dancing. On an average night, several dozen passersby form a semi-circle around the band’s preferred place —

near the covered pavilion, opposite from the main road, not far from the park’s bathrooms, and just up the stairs from the mixed-drink-in-a-bag lady. The band gets started every weekend around 8 p.m. after some setup. It’s an impressive collection of mics, a few light stands, and a heater during the colder nights for their dedicated fans. After warming up while the crowd is still forming, they get right into their first song — usually covering a popular English song that brings the crowds in. Before long, the band finds its groove as the lead guitarist calls out “one, two, three, four!’” to cue in the next jam soloist. Not every band can make “Rollin’ on the River” last ten minutes, but it’s a fun ten minutes. The variety of covers is impressive — “I Feel Good,” “Stand by Me,” and “I’m Yours” were just a few of the songs heard during one recent show. Their show changes each time — no set list to steal here, folks — and even if you’ve heard them cover a song before, they change it. Feeling the energy of the players is one unique facet that makes Soundbox stand out. If a beatboxer, a tap dancer, or a jam soloist isn’t already making a song come alive, someone from the crowd might get up and start

playing their flute or dancing on stage. Both happened during the same show not too long ago. One highlight of this jam band is watching the “battles.” Before you know it, the drummer battles the guitarist, the tap dancer battles the beatboxer, and so on.The call of “one more time!” rings out to give an excellent soloist some more time to show off.You never know what’s going to happen next. Although no admission is charged, tossing some gratitude in the tip-boxes near the audience is the most obvious way to show your appreciation. They’ve also been talking about producing some CD’s, so stay tuned for that. For more information, check out their official website at http://club. cyworld.com/soundbox (Korean only) or check them out in person. Soundbox usually plays every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening starting around 8 p.m. and going until 10:30 or later. To get to Hongdae Park, go to Hongik University Station (Line 2, Exit 5), then turn left. Walk until the T in the road, then turn right. When you get to the tourist information center, turn left and walk up to the streetlight. Turn right, then go up the hill with the street vendors — the park is on your left.

The Recording Tour of Love By Shawn Parker

ach Bardon’s Recording Tour of Love is coming to your city. Literally. You might awake one morning to windowshaking sonic boom, a drum kit, a bazantar and a clackamore strewn across your front lawn. Zach will be there, in the middle of the mess, swinging a microphone above his head and mashing a recording track with his palm. Music moves him. Everywhere. Zach, worn out from another long night on stage with Solitaire Love Affair – the post-apocalyptic steam punk voodoo outfit he drums in – slinks down into the cream folds of the worn leather sofa of the rented recording studio, yawns, rubs his eyes and pulls one of the two caps he’s wearing low over his eyes. He doesn’t tell me why he’s doubled up on the head gear. I don’t ask. I’ve seen Zach work. He’s mercurial, calculating, demanding. His bandmates listen to him.The frontman defers. He has a deft touch and a sharp ear. He’s not what you think of when you picture the typical drummer; he’s verbose, eloquent, a people person. I ask him about the tour of love and he opens up. “I started writing and recording in school,” he tells me, and immediately I’m discouraged, anticipating the same sycophantic deluge from someone that views themselves as an artist through amber glasses. But Zach surprises me. “I always knew that the key to making better music was in the people I made music with,” he says, thinking back to what started his adventure. “I had 40 songs written and needed to do something with them.” His dream germinated out of that seed, inspiration sprouting from eclectic gardens. Zach studied music at two universities, played in a pile bands, met a lot of musicians. “I wanted to fly all the awesome players I knew into my studio and record my music. Just like Sting.” Lacking the space and Spanish villa of everybody’s favorite officer, Zach took his studio on the road. Four months, a $15 budget for housing and 47 states (sorry, North Dakota) and the 1st Recording Tour of Love was born. Zach created what he calls the first American mobile recording studio in an attempt to “…make my music as good as we can make it,” by following two rules on the road. First, he played with everyone that responded to the adds he posted in papers and online. Second, he found space for everyone he recorded on the final album. Simple enough, until you realize that through 47 states Zach recorded 120 musicians on 85 instruments. “Most people couldn’t name 85 instruments,” Zach says, laughing.“Putting this together has been tough. Mixing the final album has taken more than a year, but it’s amazing to revisit the tracks I made with everyone on the road.” Taking collaboration to levels unimaginable to the average musician, experiencing the music scene across America, those are the fringe benefits. Ask Zach about the people, he buzzes. “Working with that many people – that many egos – has the potential to break you down. But I never had one negative experience in all that time. If anything, I’m far less cynical about people now than when I started.” As the release of the album (all three of them) draws near, Zach feels the road calling again. The second Recording Tour of Love will roll out across Korea sometime next year. There aren’t as many provinces here as states where Zach’s from, so he’ll have to get creative. And he’s fine with that.

To follow Zach and the recording tour of love, visit www.zachbardon.com Special thanks to Bubblegum studios and Flash Parker - www.flashparker.wordpress.com 54

“Right when we think we have a song down, we find some way to make it even cooler — to us at least — so we go back in and get the newest version down.”

by Christopher Madden

e Need Surgery’s debut album is finally in the can. Two years of off-and-on recording, the band’s very own Chinese Democracy was completed at E-Sound Studios in February. After several false starts and pre-mature announcements, the band eventually earned the moniker “We Need an Album” in the local press.

The guys attribute the long delay mainly to being perfectionists. “A lot of bands have cranked out albums in one or two days here, some good and some not, but we wanted this one to sound as good as anything out of a top London or New York

studio,” said guitarist Valentino. They also say that never-ending song changes are a factor. “Right when we think we have a song down, we find some way to make it even cooler — to us at least — so we go back in and get the newest version down.” Don’t look for the CD in stores. You’ll have to check out a show in Hongdae or Itaewon and get a free copy because the band wants to share this music with the people who have waited patiently for so long. They also hope that people will share the music and help get it out to the world before their planned relocation to Vancouver this summer. But you might not want to wait too long to get your hands on one.The CD will be released in a hand-numbered, limited edition. And you know it might be 10 years before their next CD comes out…

Tony B By Terry Stone Photos by Jhon Gun

n a music industry that often specializes in manufactured stars, neatly wrapped packages that look the right way and do and say all the right things, it is a rare event to witness the emergence of a true artist. Antonio Robinson, Jr. (aka Tony B) was born April 24, 1983 on a military base in Camp Lejune, N.C., to Adell Harris and Antonio Robinson, Sr. Educated in public schools, Tony was drawn to the freestyling crowds, sparking his interest in music and poetry. His poetry later became lyrics. In 1999, after his father’s death, loneliness took its toll on the 17-year-old Tony and left him with so many questions still unanswered. He turned to God for guidance and after years of praying, he finally found his calling. He realized that he needed to stop complaining and get up and start doing something with his life... He knew that it would be a never-ending battle to get to the top and he would never give up. While still in his teens, he discovered beat making and would sit for hours perfecting one track. At age 19, he performed at numerous clubs and recreational centers – Party Zone, Coconuts, The Roadhouse and Club Envy just to name a few. In 2003 after performing in a church near his hometown, a kid walked up to him and said he loved his music and could listen to it freely without being questioned from his parents about the lyrics and content. With that being said, this was inspiration for Tony to set out to change the game. He knew that you didn’t have to involve sex, drugs and violence to sell a hot track. Hitting 21 was a milestone for Tony – that’s when he really got his foot in the door. He was older, wiser, more focused and more fired up. It’s also when he met Daniel, an 18-year-old producer and beatmaking prodigy.Working with both Daniel and producer/songwriter Jessie Redmond, they created a style that was clean and unheard of. Currently in Daegu working on his first official album, Tony is focused now more than ever with not becoming a part of the stereotypical trend of an average rap artist. He’s creating a trend and a category of his own and will continue to reach out to the general audience grasping the true, real meaning of “fame.”

music

gizmos By Lance Reegan-Diehl

Recording artist & music industry specialist

Onboard True Bypass Chromatic Tuning This device is straight from the NAMM 2010 Music Expo. If you plan on playing outside of your bedroom, playing in tune is the key to having people want to listen to you. Timing is also another good part of the process. What we have here is a tuning system built into the guitar. It will fit to any style guitar and does not interfere with sound, and there is no routing or drilling. The makers are from the Pacific West Coast region, Bellingham Washington U.S.A. The main reason Tom and Seth came up with the tuner was because of always misplacing and loosing theirs. Never having a tuner when needed, this product came to realization through that necessity. The N-Tune on-board chromatic tuner is specially designed to fit most electric guitars and basses that have a 3-way toggle switch and humbucker pick-ups. Conveniently placing the N-Tune display ring around the toggle switch, the Artist Series tuner is activated by pulling up your volume control knob, which also mutes the output signal of your instrument while tuning. Once you’re tuned up, simply push the knob back down and play! • Fast, accurate tuning, installs right into your guitar or bass • For use in most 3-way toggle switch guitars and basses with humbucker pick-ups • Pull your volume knob to tune up silently; push knob back down to play • Includes black and Gibson Creme colored tuning rings & switch caps and a specially designed, high quality 500k push-pull potentiometer • True bypass design preserves your instrument’s original tone • No drilling or permanent modifications required • Installs easily using standard soldering tools • Auto shut off to preserve battery life The price for N-tune is at $49.99 Installation is best handled by a repair technician. As well you may find it already installed in production guitars and basses out there. For more information: www.ntune.com and you may also check www. deeleebob.com

Reviews are provided by - Lance Reegan-Diehl. Recording Artist, Producer, and Music Industry Specialist. www.LRDMusic.com More to come next month from Musik Messe Frankfurt 2010. 57

Behind The Spotlight:

Shinae An By Brad Wheeler

Photos by Jeremiah Hill - www.jeremiahhill.com

hinae An is a young Korean singer, songwriter and educator. At only 23 years of age, she has amassed a musical resume thick enough to fill a phone book. Well, OK, maybe not a phone book, but it’s really thick. Over her short career she has had the opportunity to work and record with a countless number of Korea’s musical elite. Such artists as BOA, SG Wanna Be, Lee Hyo Ri , Kim Jung Kook, MC Mong and too many others to even name. Some nights you may see Shinae, singing background vocals with major label artists at sold out stadium concerts. Other nights you may see Shinae singing her own original music at small clubs in Hongdae, with small captivated crowds of 20. To her it’s all just another day at the office.

How did you get so involved in the music industry at such a young age? Well, I knew I wanted to become a singer for as long as I can remember. When I finished middle school I auditioned and got accepted into a special high school for musicians. You still had to do a lot of the regular subjects but mostly you learned about and practiced music. I started recording background vocals for major label artists when I was 16. While I was in high school I auditioned with some singing groups. I was told that my voice sounded a bit different from other female Korean singers at the time. Some of those people remembered my voice and got me in contact with some producers and songwriters. Eventually, through word of mouth I started to get other calls to work with other people. The first artist’s CD I sang on was with a guy called “Fly to Sky.” After that I got a call to sing some back vocals with BOA. It went on from there. After high school I auditioned and got accepted into one of Seoul’s oldest and most prestigious contemporary arts schools called “Seoul institute of the Arts.” What accomplishments that you’re proud of? When I was really young I entered into a Seoul, city wide singing competition. It was a youth singing competition for teenagers. I won that competition and was presented a trophy from President Lee Myung-bak who was then mayor of Seoul. But what makes me especially proud are my students. It’s rewarding when I can help someone really improve. Most of my students practice hard all year long just for their college audition. For most top schools only 1 in 200 people who audition get accepted. So, when a student gets into the school they want, I feel proud for being a part of that. But, when students don’t get into a school, I share in their disappointment as well. What keeps you busy these days? Well, most recently I have been playing shows with Kim Jung Kook and a group called 8eight. It’s really fun. You get to play some exciting shows and you also get to travel a bit. But, it’s hard work. We practice and rehearse very long hours in order to get ready for the tours. I’m also writing songs when I have the time and I hope to

eventually release my own Indie record. I also work part time for TBS.efm (radio). I host a segment every 2nd Thursday on K-popular devoted to Indie music in Korea. How has the Korean music industry changed over the years? It has change a lot. When I was young I really only listened to Korean music. After the internet became popular it changed a lot of things. Because of the internet, myself and many other young people got exposed to new kinds music and singers. Korea’s music industry is a bit different from America’s. If you’re a singer in the U.S., there are many cities and places where you can play. Korea is a small country that doesn’t have a lot places for new artists to tour. This is why the labels are so focused on TV promotion. Because it’s TV driven, artists need to be visually pleasing. That’s why it’s mostly all dancing boy and girl groups. Indie music is becoming more popular though. Also, in the 60’s and 70’s there was a hippy folk movement in Korea that was suppressed by government force. If you played your guitar in the street the police would take your guitar and arrest you. Also, if a guy’s hair was too long the police would cut it off in the middle of the street. And if a woman’s skirt was too short she would be arrested. You couldn’t sing anything that had any sort of political content. So, yeah, I guess it has changed a bit. Last question. Do you have any advice to give to any young singers who are interested in becoming a singer? Well, first, I think if you sincerely want something then the whole universe will help make your dream come true. Learning singing and practice will help, of course. But believing in yourself will help you even more. Breaking into the music business is pretty much all about connections. You need to knock on as many doors as you can and hopefully one will eventually open for you. In the end you just need to be brave and more importantly love what you’re doing.

Jazz it up!

By Kari van der Kloot

Photos by Dylan Shalrath - shalrath@gmail.com

everal years ago when I was first invited to teach jazz in Seoul, my first thought was “Does Korea even have a jazz scene?” I quickly learned that Korea does have a jazz scene—and it’s thriving! There’s something here for everyone, from the casual listener looking for a classy date night, to the seasoned aficionado. There are jazz clubs scattered all over Seoul, three well known ones can be found in Hongdae. Club Evans is a sleek spot on the main road. Here, you can catch a wide variety of music, from straight-up jazz standards to tango. Evans is often the place where young jazz players get stage experience, and you’ll probably see some great up-and-coming artists here. Evans is also affiliated with a jazz hagwon. Around the corner, you’ll find Palm, which is one of my favorite clubs. Palm has great wine, and you’re likely to hear the most cutting-edge modern jazz here. Serious jazz fans should make their way here on Thursday nights, where saxophonist Kenji Omae, bassist Chang Hyun Kim and drummer Chris Varga have a regular gig. Often these nights resemble a “who’s who” of the Korean jazz scene — Kenji, Chris and Chang Hyun regularly invite musicians to jam with them on these nights. You may come across German bassist Martin Zenker, pianist Nam Kyung Yoon, guitarist Han Woon Ki, or saxophonist Kim Ji Seok. Palm also frequently hosts musicians from Europe and North America. In addition to Evans and Palm, I also recommend Watercock, which is a little more difficult to find, but will definitely reward those who make the effort. In Itaewon, check out All That Jazz for decent food, warm ambience and

good tunes. Here, you’re just as likely to hear jazz-fusion as you are to hear original tunes. All That Jazz is often a good place to check out vocalists — look out for Sunny Kim and Jo Hye Jin. South of the river, Apgujeong is teeming with little wine bars that host jazz trios on a nightly basis. One of the bigger and most famous jazz clubs in this area is Once in a Blue Moon. I wouldn’t recommend it for modern jazz fans, as you’re more likely to hear cabaret style singing than you are to hear original jazz tunes. This is a good place to go on a classy date, and it’s great for the casual listener. A little more off the beaten track, but well worth the journey, you’ll find Jazz Alley and Mo’ Better Blues near Nakseongdae Station. The owner, Park Chang-deok speaks English well, and is very warm and friendly. These two clubs have a huge following of regulars, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to hear some of the best musicians in Seoul anytime you venture out here. Please be aware that most jazz clubs will add a cover charge of 5,000 to 10,000 won to your bill, and generally, jazz clubs are quiet “listening” kind of places. This is by no means an exhaustive list of places to hear jazz in Seoul, so get out there and see what great music you can find!

Club Evans: www.clubevans.com 02 337 8361 Palm: www.clubpalm.co.kr 02 336 9016 Watercock: www.watercock.co.kr 02 324 2422 All That Jazz: 02 795 5701 Once in a Blue Moon: www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr 02 549 5490 Jazz Alley: cafe.naver.com/clubjazzalley 010 9268 7704 Mo’Better Blues: cafe.daum/mbbpark 010 9268 7704

A book that rockS! Hit Hard

A Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top By Joey Kramer, drummer of Aerosmith

In this autobiography Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer opens up about the music business, drug and alcohol abuse and his relationships with family members and band members alike. While he talks about being a musician, the focus seems to be more on addiction and recovery. When he revealed in an interview in 1997 his ongoing struggles with depression and other mental-health issues, Kramer was met with an outpouring of support from his fans. This book may have been written as a form of therapy for a man who has seen, done, suffered and overcome more than most people will in five lifetimes. While the band itself isn’t really the focus of the book, there are plenty of anecdotes and photos of the obviously-drug addled rockers. The rise and fall and rise of Aerosmith (a name chosen by Joey) and an eventual collective sobriety make for a good read. Kramer’s style is very straightforward and he doesn’t hold back. — Review by Terry Stone

groovedining Dining Editor: Daniel Gray - seouleats@gmail.com

The Field of Dreams

Philosophy of Marketing By Daniel Gray Often Groove Korea and I are asked to go to restaurants that desperately want media attention. They tend to contact us two or three months after they’ve been opened. I am often reluctant to go to these places for I can sense the desperation from the owners and the restaurants. They have “The Field of Dreams” philosophy for marketing, “If you build it, they will come.” It’s not enough to build it. Marketing is just as important as the décor, the food, and the service. If you don’t have people in your restaurants and stores, everything is pointless. So today, I would like to give you tips for potential restaurateurs and those that already have restaurants. So... • New restaurants, before you open, you should have a plan of action. You should have a marketing plan. You could have the most amazing food in the world, but if no one knows about it, then it’ll all end up in the trash. Jumping on a trend is not the best way to succeed because everyone else will jump on the same bandwagon. • Location, location, location. Don’t follow “The Field of Dreams” mantra. Remember, in the movie, the family almost lost their home, their farm, and their sanity. • Plan for the long term. Have enough money saved for 1 year of operation, because there is a good chance it will take 1 year for your restaurant to take off. • You must differentiate yourself from the crowd, so make a signature dish that will grab people’s attention. For example, Tartine’s in Itaewon’s signature

tart is the Rhubarb tart. Primo Baci Baci has pasta served in a bread bowl, Outback has brown bread…etc. This signature dish should have an attractive price to get people excited about it. Now even if you don’t make as much money off it, don’t worry, for it will bring you more business. • Find your target demographic. Think about the people you want to attract to your restaurant. Many restaurants that I’ve talked to say “everybody.” Sure, that sounds like a great idea, but it doesn’t work. For example, the restaurant Agra in Itaewon specifically targets young Korean couples. The atmosphere is romantic and a tad dark. The interior furniture is modern Indian. This restaurant doesn’t have the best food (honestly, I think it’s the worst Indian in Itaewon) but they are constantly busy and they recently opened up a branch in Myeongdong. Think of your specific target audience, and how to market to them. • ADVERTISE! Have a budget for marketing. Most restaurants think they can do it themselves; but honestly, they can’t. Build partnerships with people in the media. Advertise. Groove Magazine is a great resource as well as online websites (www.seouleats. com hint, hint). Also get consulting from people in the field. Take notes of how these people market your business and next time, you will be able to do it yourself. Restaurants are hard businesses to manage, so it’s important to have someone dedicated to marketing your business.

Daniel Gray is a food and restaurant consultant for O’ngo food communications. He is a regular contributor to the Korea Herald newspaper and to the Seoul Tourism Website. You can follow his food adventures at www.seouleats.com

grooveDining

Bites from Distant Lands:

Cambodia Eats By Bryan Fox

Quick â&#x20AC;&#x201C; name a dish from Cambodia. Give up? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re probably not alone. For a country with a long (and often troubled) history, Cambodia is known for many things, but food is not generally one of them. However, a brief trip to modern-day Cambodia could go a long way towards changing all of that. At first glance, a Cambodian menu would seem to fall somewhere between Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese food, with a bit of Indian influence thrown in for good measure. 64

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grooveDining Savor the sweet, creamy goodness of “amok,” the national dish, fish fillet stewed in coconut milk with lemon grass and galangal, cooked in a banana leaf. Spoon a ball of sticky rice and drop it into the amber sauce, close your eyes and smile. Delight in the unique sweet/sour interplay of a tamarind-flavored curry or a lemon grass soup. Dine on “lok lak,” stir-fried beef with a piquant dipping sauce. Enjoy chicken spring rolls, pork spring rolls, and vegetarian spring rolls, fried or fresh-wrapped, with sauce so good you won’t feel bad about double (or quadruple) dipping. Indulge in barbeque. Barbeque a chicken, barbeque a steak, barbeque a pork loin and when you’ve tired of cooking up the normal animals, move on to the others. Delight in the lean goodness of an ostrich steak, savor the tender meat of a kangaroo, mull over the gamey flank of a crocodile, a bizarre taste sensation falling somewhere near the intersection of chicken, beef, and the river from which it came. Then go to market. Eat a skewer of hot fried bananas, empty a bag of pineapple sliced fresh before your eyes. Marvel at pyramidal piles of mango, rambutan, dragon fruit, mangosteen and other fruits that are as fun to say as they are to eat. There are things that look like limes but aren’t, and things that look like grapefruit but aren’t, and things that look like plantains but aren’t, fruit stands that seem transported from another world, another time. Get brave. Eat a grasshopper. Eat a locust. Eat a roach. Buy them by the bag, buy them salted, buy them sauteed, and buy them seasoned with scallion and chili pepper. Bite down on a head, munch on a thorax, close your eyes and contemplate the crunch of a long, spindly leg, and try not to be overwhelmed by the cognitive dissonance the act entails. And if you tire of the local fare, worry not. Five dollars in your pocket means you can sample cuisine from all over the world and still walk away with change. Thai curries and $3 thalis too big to finish, English breakfasts and pancakes that have no right to be as good as they are. Fifty-cent tacos at a Mexican joint which proudly serves “The Best Mexican Food in Asia” and may not be presumptuous in the assertion. Pizzas with 3 dozen toppings, including one special herb that might just keep you happy from dinner time through till the next morning. Thirsty? Happy hour runs from 5-9 p.m., from 4-8 p.m., from 3-12 p.m. Happy hour never ends. Down local beers at two for a dollar. Quaff ornate, fruited cocktails that remind you you’re on vacation. Drink $2 mojitos and $3 Long Island iced teas. Dispel the sweat on your brow with the sweat on the side of your glass. Wash away the heat of the day with the cool of eight-page cocktail menus. Drink with impunity, because your hotel is only a tuk tuk ride home, last call is when you make it, and the riels in your pocket will go a long, long way here. Food isn’t the reason most people go to Cambodia, but it might be one of the reasons you’ll be sad to leave. So bring your bug spray, bring your sunblock, bring an open mind, and, most of all, bring your appetite – whatever flavor you desire, you’re sure to walk away sated…

www.cambodiapocketguide.com – great guide for nightlife and dining in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap http://www.phnomenon.com - food blog (very comprehensive, but not many new entries) – the ‘Seoul Eats’ of Phnom Penh… PHNOM PENH – Vego Salad Bar – excellent, made-to-order salads with dozens of possible toppings Dosa Corner – excellent dosa (well-named) and great Indian food all around Khmer Surin – wonderfully atmospheric place, great amok and local food Happy Herb Pizza – very decent pizzas, 30 different varieties, “happy” topping included at no extra charge… SIEM REAP – Chamkar – amazingly creative vegetarian/vegan dishes Viva – voted “Best Mexican Food in Asia 2006” (at least a banner proclaims this) – great margaritas, 50 cent tacos! Angkor Palm – voted best restaurant in town some years ago, great amok and set menu Curry Walla – nice Indian place, $4 vegetarian thalis Cambodian BBQ – good place to try local version of hot pot – meat from a dozen different animals to try (really!)

grooveDining

Culinary Tours By Julia Sun

On Feb. 20, O’ngo Food Communications launched the first culinary tour in Korea. For the first tour, there were 16 members which were a mix of professional and amateur cooks. Chef Ciaran Hickey from the W-Hotel was in attendance and so was Sommelier Thomas Scheidt. There was even a New York chef, Carlos Sorrano. Carlos was in Korea on vacation for a week. There was also a mix of novice cooks such as Ron and Jill Handel and Ginny Lee. The tour started at Eumma Market in Daechi-dong. The first stop was a little store selling “Mehju,” fermented soybean blocks that are used to make soy sauce. We then tasted pumpkin rice cakes and learned about how sesame oil was made. We also learned about different ground powders — made from beans, vegetables, and seeds — and how they can be used. Apparently, 68

the powders can be mixed with yogurt or honey to make facial moisturizing packs or to whiten the skin. The big hit of the tour was black bean and black sesame seed drink that can, apparently, stop the balding process. (I overheard quite a few people saying they were planning to come back for that item.) After the tour, everyone headed over to M-cooking studio to take part in the cooking lesson. The menu was impressive in its simplicity. The appetizer was a potato pancake; the salads were spinach and bean sprout side dishes, the main course was a Spicy Braised Chicken (Daktoritang); and dessert was persimmon ice cream. I asked Jia Choi, one of the organizers, why these items were chosen; she answered that these were the dishes that nonKoreans seemed to be drawn to. Jia, who got a degree in cooking in New York City, said “chicken seemed to be preferred by nonKoreans to pork, and we picked veggies that are popular and easy to find overseas. The concept was to teach easy to make food that the novice cook could make at home in less than 1 hour.” The Spicy Braised Chicken recipe was modified for the Western

palate. The chicken was boneless and it was first seared to crisp the skin and add a buttery flavor to the dish. It was also impressive to see the explanation of how to make the sauces. It was made in an assembly line fashion, which emphasized the ratio of each ingredient. The vegetable side dishes were also easy to make; they just needed to be blanched and then seasoned. One hour and 20 minutes later, everyone was sitting and enjoying the dishes they had made. The vibe in the room was of positive accomplishment and everyone was talking about how they planned on making these dishes for their friends and family. For the first attempt at culinary tourism, I can say that it was a success. Of course, there were things that could be improved on â&#x20AC;&#x201D; there were little mistakes here and there (for example the potato pancake could have tasted better). I think that the team at Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ngo Food Communications is on the right track and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to attending the next event they have. Julia Sun is a freelance writer based in Seoul.

grooveDining

Dolsot

Bibimbap

on Namsan By Daniel Gray “Dolsot Bibimbap” is one of Korea’s most enjoyable and distinctive dishes. A “dolsot” is a stone pot and “bibimbap” means mixed rice, and that’s exactly what the dish is: warm rice, served in a heated stone bowl and topped with various vegetables. The latter vary according to the season and whoever’s making it — they could be throwing in cucumber, carrot, mushrooms, bean sprouts, bellflower roots, alfalfa, sprouts, egg, beef or tofu. You then add a bit of “gochujang” (spicy red pepper paste) to the rice and mix everything up before eating, well, almost everything. I recommend you leave a small layer of rice on the bottom of the bowl – this will crisp up during the meal and add a caramel-like crunch when you are getting near the end. 70

One of my favorite places to get this dish is at Sanchae House, on Namsan. It’s near the Myeongdong side of Namsan, right next to the famous cable cars that ride up to the peak. Sanchae House has a rustic, woodsy interior and their bibimbap is the perfect meal after long day of hiking around the mountain. The menu focuses on popular, healthy Korean fare. You will find dishes like barley bibimbap; green tea “bossam” (poached pork seasoned with green tea); and an acorn jelly salad called “dotorimuk.” Now just because it’s “healthy” doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious. I went with dolsot bibimbap because after a long day of walking, I want a hearty and scrumptious meal. At Sanchae House, they start you out with a warm rice tea, which is made from the crispy bits of rice on the bottom of the rice cooker. The creamy bits of rice have a slightly sweet flavor and the heartier bits of rice have a satisfying pop. This is followed by a large fresh leaf salad with spiced soy dressing, black sesame seed porridge and a chilled water kimchi soup. Korean food is all about balance, so the warm, nutty porridge should be eaten with a sip of tangy, chilled kimchi soup and then with a bite of the crunchy salad. A couple of minutes later, the main courses arrived: a bowl of bubbling soybean stew and the dolsot bibimbap. The bubbling soybean stew had chunks of tofu, noodle-like straw mushrooms, onions, and other vegetables. This soybean stew, called “toenjang jjigae,” is a very flavorful stew and a staple at most Korean meals. The dolsot bibimbap at Sanchae House has fresh lettuce, bean sprouts, julienned turnip kimchi, bracken fern stems, ground pork, an egg yolk and dried, roasted seaweed. Before you eat, it’s important to mix — an intricate skill for which you should use both hands. Your writing hand should hold the spoon and your other hand the chopsticks. First scoop at the rice with the spoon, but, again, remember to leave a thin layer of rice at the bottom (you’ll thank me later). Also be sure not to touch the stone bowl with your hands — it’s hot! As you scoop with your one hand use the chopsticks to disperse the different vegetables. Do this over and over until you have the rice, vegetables, and red pepper paste thoroughly mixed in. Then taste your bibimbap. If you need more spice, add a bit more red pepper paste. That’s the great thing about bibimbap – you are completely in control of the taste. I recommend you eat the dish like a Korean would. Have a bit of bibimbap, followed by a sip of soybean stew; then have a bite of salad, and follow this with some kimchi. Each dish has a distinct flavor that compliments each other. When you are nearly finished with the bibimbap, use your spoon to scoop out some of the crunchy bits of rice on the bottom of the bowl. These crunchy, caramel-like bits are my favorite part of the meal, a tasty end result of patience and forward thinking for which your palate will thank you. Telephone: 02.755.8775 Price: 8,000 won for the Dolsot Bibimbap, 10,000 won for the Barley Rice set menu, and 15-25,000 won for large specialty platters such as bossam. Directions: Go up around Namsan from Myeongdong Road to the base of the Namsan Cable Cars. 71

grooveDining

Chef Profile: Oscar Martinez

By Brian Dye http://kissmykimchi.com Fish out of water. That’s one way to describe Oscar Martinez, the man behind the grill at Taco Rico. A long way from home he’s a genial guy with an easy smile and a big heart. It shows in his cooking. His food has the ability to transport you to the high northern plains of the altiplano. It’s there, all the way across the ocean, where his journey to the land of morning calm began. Back in Ciudad Juarez, Oscar honed his cooking skills beginning at home where he watched his father, Jesus, who owned a small restaurant. Oscar, an eager student, learned all the tips and tricks he could and used them, beginning at the age of 14, to jump start a career in the kitchens of Mexican restaurants. After years of cooking for restaurants, Coyote Invalidio and Torta Don Chuy, restlessness set in. He’d never left his country before. When his friend Allen bounced the idea of cooking for a Mexican restaurant in Seoul Oscar put aside his fears, put his faith in his friend, and leaped. He left behind friends and family for a grand adventure overseas, bringing authentic Mexican cooking to a different corner of the world. In a strange land for the first time, Oscar has embraced his new city. He’s sampled the local food and kimchi wins out as his favorite dish. He’s also partial to “galbi tang.” Though he’s learned to stays away from soju. Oscar’s not content to rest on the already tasty menu at Taco Rico. He’s got plans. We’re talking about dishes like “Molcajete,” a big bowl of cheese strips with chicken, beef, shrimp and nopal cactus leaf. It’s a stew so hearty that you’ll stay warm the rest of the winter. Then there’s the chorizo Mexican sausage he also hopes to bring to the menu. Mr. Martinez wants more Korean folk to visit and try Taco Rico. He believes the authentic flavors of a true Mexican dish will convert just about anyone without having to Koreanify any dish. So far he’s had a great reaction from seoulites and wins over the majority of customers. So if you’re in the area give him the chance to win you over too. Taco Rico: Go out Exit 8 of Gangnam station and make the first left at the GS25.Walk straight and follow the curve in the street and it will be on your left. Phone: 02-558-4525. 72

Restaurant

groove

Directory

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. #:02-333-9733 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, make the first right and head up the hill past the GS25. www.bigrockbeer.co.kr. Prices: 5-15,000 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. #:796-2384. Price: 9,000 to 25,000 won. Korean Beef and Pork Barbeque, and home-style favorites. Try the Wine Marinated Pork Belly. Gogitjip Noksapyeong Exit 2 (Line 6), 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 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 The Naked Grill is located at Yongsan-gu, Hannam Dong 29-21 towards the UN 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: 5,00018,000 won. Authentic Arab food made by a certified chef. Excellent Falafel, hummus, and Sultana style lamb and chicken. 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. #:02792-3383. Price: W4500-22,000 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: 500-30,000 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 from Myeongdong. 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. 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. #:02-7960509. 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. Vin Vino Go out Itaewon Exit 2 and walk straight. It is across from Cheil Communications. English Spoken and English Menu Available: 02-7907034. The price is 10-25,000 won for food, 30,000 won and up for wine. Sheik Wine Bar in the heart of Itaewon with a wide selection of wine and tapas. 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.

international travel

It’s a long road if you don’t weaken By Shawn Parker

usic may not always lead us down the road less traveled, but it helps us pass the time while we’re on it. Few travelers embark upon a journey today without an iPod or a bible on tape read by Larry King playing softly in their ear; though in this mode music is relegated to the singular, an isolating contrivance, akin to reading a book by candlelight in a cabin in the woods. It is the antithesis of what music means, a betrayer of the spirit of sound. The intrepid traveler knows this. He makes his own music on the road, and he shares it with the world.

I spent a month on the road in Southeast Asia this winter, crushing coconuts in Cambodia, trailing longboats in Thailand and venting with the pushcart mavens in Vietnam. I witnessed prayer at ancient temples, children bathing in sacred waters and lecherous foreigners cavorting at all hours on sandy beaches. Through this, ever-present was the sound of music. Forget the figurative sense for a moment; I’m not talking about the roar of the rushing Mekong or the howl of the lar gibbon at the temples of Angkor. I’m talking about that which we create, that which moves us in those wide open spaces. My travel companion, Adam, a fellow Canuck, picked up a cheap guitar in Thailand. It was made out of something resembling wood, the strings were too thin and Johnny Cash couldn’t have tuned it, but it didn’t matter. The thing made music. Wherever we stopped, that symbol of youth, vitality and spirit brought us closer to people. We roll into Maya Bay with the setting sun. Our ship drops anchor and we’re ferried to the shore in longboats, wind in our faces, the heat of the day sucked off the sand like a vacuum. We trade in buckets of cheap rum and cola like pirates trade in contraband silk. Annan, captain of our longboat, pitches himself out of his hammock and saunters towards us, sits down, cross-legged on the sand, and joins our circle. Adam had been plucking at the guitar absently, the rest of us talking through our straws. “I can play,” Annan says, taking the guitar. The notes come smooth from his lithe fingertips. We don’t know the words, but the tune is familiar. We’re not talking anymore, engaged, involved in the moment. There’s a pair of bongos nearby and in moments it’s a bad Hollywood writer’s idea of a beach party in Thailand. And that’s fine, because that’s what it is. We sing, badly, into the night. On a decrepit coastal highway in Cambodia, hundreds of kilometers from the nearest city, telephone, PC Bang or repair shop, we’ve run out of gas. We decided days ago to forgo the traditional – tourist – route from Cambodia to Vietnam in lieu of our own merrymaking. We found a taxi willing to take us from Sihanoukville, way down on the southern coast, through Kep, Kampot and into the Vietnamese border town of Chau Doc. What we

didn’t realize was that the road would be fraught with peril. 1993 Toyota Corolla’s were never designed for the bang and crash of the Cambodian dirt lane and we left our bottled water at the hotel. At least the battery isn’t dead; all Cambodian techno, all the time. Our driver fishes an empty jerry can out of his trunk where it shares space with myriad broken speakers, cell phone parts and candy bar wrappers. “I’ll fix the tire. Who wants to get the gas?” he asks casually, as if this is some sort of college road trip and we’re all taking turns. Our navigator returns from the nearby village with a few baguettes, Dixie cups and a pail of brown water. I’ve been staring dysentery in the face for weeks so I don’t

“Piss on this car,” our driver says, helping our navigator out of the ditch. “I never liked it anyway.” An hour later the four of us are atop an ox cart, slowly making our way to the border. It’s a couple hours out, the driver tells us. Just sit back and relax. Our navigator, mud caked to his leathery face, turns a wicked tune. Though none of us are American, Sweet Home Alabama seems oddly appropriate. We’re riding a long stretch of open road in Southern Vietnam in search of the desert. We’ve heard it’s out here. This is the last leg of our trip and the plan is to light the guitar on fire and reminisce. Our own personal spirit quest. Gear strapped to our steel horses, we ride for hours. We’re flagged off the dusty road 100 km outside of town. The hustlers are young, but they’re intuitive and crafty. They can deal with anyone, even the most jaded traveler. “You don’t wanna go that way,” red scarf says. “There’s nothing to see that way.” “How do you know what we want to see?” I ask, laughing off their game. We’ve already stopped, so in a way they’ve won. They’ll get a cut of whatever the shopkeeper can sell us; cola, fuel for our motorbikes, cigarettes, girls, automatic weapons, explosives: the list goes on. “We want to see the sand dunes,” Adam says, as the hustlers shove him off his bike to fill it with gas we didn’t order. “Sand dunes are closed today,” red scarf says, winking at his friend.“You should stay here and have some beers with us.” What the hell. We sling off our packs and resign ourselves to a break from the road. It’s hot and the desert’s only going to get bigger. We whet our appetites with cola and seafood rolls at extortionist-level prices and chat with the hustlers. The ubiquitous travel jargon. Where you from? What your name? Why you come to Vietnam? Give me money. By now, I know the script as well as our hosts. Until the game changes. “You play the guitar?” red scarf asks, nodding at Adam. “You play me a song,” he says, smiling. He shouts something in Vietnamese and a skinny girl, maybe eight-years-old, rushes around the corner in a torrent of dust to deliver us two cold beers. She asks for money, but he shoves her away. “Leave them alone,” he says. “They’re playing for me.” It’s a close assessment of the situation. Adam’s playing; I’m gorging myself on rolls and fish sauce and chasing it with beer. Thirty minutes later, Adam’s fingers are raw and the sun is setting. I give red scarf two bucks for the gas and try to settle the rest of the bill. He shakes his hand at me and pats me on the shoulder. “Thanks for the song,” he says.

I spent a month on the road in Southeast Asia this winter, crushing coconuts in Cambodia, trailing longboats in Thailand and venting with the push-cart mavens in Vietnam. hesitate when he comes around with my serving. “Do you want to get the gas?” our driver asks Adam, patience stretching little by little. Adam shrugs and slumps down against the side of the car. “I’m not sure,” he says. “It’s pretty hot out here.” Our navigator laughs and our driver doesn’t like it. Soon they’re arguing, pushing and shoving like school children, then rolling down the embankment into the wet rice paddy. We don’t think they’re really trying to hurt one another, and we’re laughing too hard to help if they are. Adam’s hammering away on the guitar to the rhythm of their fisticuffs as I pound out a sloppy beat on the jerry can with a tire iron. Our driver looks up at us, the navigator writhing below him, his face submerged in the muck. Short of his last breath, our driver sets him free.

76 | aroundkorea

Looking for Bold Creativity

Busan’s International Performing Arts Festival is looking for you. Every year the Busan International Performing Arts Festival (BIPAF) held in May holds a side festival aptly dubbed “The 10 minute Open Plays.” By Adam Gunn The plays consist of individuals and groups putting together a ten minute performance.They are looking for any one who loves performance art or who has ever dreamed of being on stage. There is no limit to theme, style or art. There are three categories Youth (children to high school students), Student (University Students), and Adult.There are prizes and the top five performances from each category will move on to the final competition. English language performances are encouraged but there is no restriction on language and any and all are welcome to perform. If you know an acting troupe or have a routine or performance you’ve always wanted an audience for, the 7th International Busan Performing Arts Festival wants you. While the thrill of performing and expressing yourself may be enough for many, there are also great prizes for the winners. BIPAF (the Busan International Performing Arts Festival) provides lighting, stage, sound and technical support, as well as offering some coaching if needed. If you are confident and polished, you can download the application on the website and e-mail in an application. The plays are truly open and can be any type of performance art such as dance, mime, music, or theater, to name a few examples.

If you want coaching and assistance in putting together your act, it is available free of charge from drama professors at KyungSung University and Dongseo University through BIPAF. The 10 minute Open plays are an essential part of every year’s festival. They bring the audience closer to the performance and to art, while also giving the public a great opportunity to perform and discover hidden talent. Every year they discover groups of passionate and creative people who are given a chance to perform and compete for prizes. If this is you or you know anyone interested: Please apply quickly, the deadline is April 2nd. To apply download an application from at www.bipaf.org and send in the application by e-mail (in English is fine) to play@bipaf.org or a fax to (051) 802-8033. They are also looking for adult volunteers and children who speak English well to introduce the plays and help out. For more info, phone BIPAF at 070-8672-9009 and ask for Nam, Hyun-ju. Check out BIPAF’s website at www.bipaf.org Or send me an e-mail at firstgunn77@hotmail.com

aroundkorea (77)

aroundkorea (78)

Chungju Lake District

Chungcheongbuk-do is the only Korean province with no coastline. This, however, matters little. With its lakes, attractive resort towns and national parks visitors are still lured to this province rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Chungju city, only a two hour bus ride from Seoul, is the perfect access point to explore some of the area. Words and photographs by Catherine Witten Boyd www.blogspot.com As with many Korean cities intent on celebrating their culture and history, Chungju plays host to several annual festivals. In memory of Urek, the musician who invented the traditional stringed instruments the “gayageum,” Chungju hosts the Urek Cultural Festival. It is also home to the Martial arts festival, an event held every October which is geared towards harmonizing the history of marital arts in Korea with martial arts from around the world. But it’s not just the rich cultural history that Chungju boasts. The natural setting comprised of mountains, lakes and hot springs are assets that draw millions of tourists to the area every year. Chungju city is the gateway for Chungju Lake ferries to Danyang, Woraksan National Park, and Suanbo hot springs. Chungju Lake, really a dam, was built by blocking the valley between Jongmung-dong and Dongnyang-myeon. It is the largest multi-purpose reservoir in Korea. The two hour boat ride across the artificial lake to Danyang is a must do, with artist inspiring scenery that has been likened to landscape paintings from the Joseon-era. Danyang, nestled in the mountains on the edge of Chungju Lake, is perhaps one of the most special places I’ve visited in Korea to date. The town possesses a tranquility not usually available in most Korean towns over the hum of traffic. There is a lovely lakeside walk along a promenade lined with trees and flowers, and a rather mesmerizing (though again, artificial) waterfall. Danyang provides the perfect base-camp to visit Sobaeksan National Park, the temple complex Gu-Insa, or

one of the several famed limestone caves in the area, the most celebrated of which is Gosu Cave. Gosu Cave was inhabited in prehistoric times, but wasn’t discovered by the current inhabitants of Korea until the 1970’s. It now contains endless catwalks and spiral staircases allowing visitors to the cave close access to the more special formations. The rich hues of the limestone are highlighted beautifully by careful lighting. Gosu cave lived up to its reputation of “most impressive cave in Korea” and far exceeded my expectations. The cave system is 1.7 km long, and deserves a nice slow meander, so be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to make your way through. Suanbo hot springs, 21 km south east of Chungju and a 35 minute bus ride away, is a small town comprised of hotels, restaurants and a scattering of singing rooms. Most of the hotels have “oncheons”

(hot spring baths) that are available to both guests and non-guests. Treating yourself to a therapeutic soak and a massage is a requisite when visiting. In the evening the town lights up like it’s Christmas — enough to cause a little flutter in the heart of even the least romantic visitor. But it’s not just the hot springs and the pretty lights that keep visitors to this resort town returning. The area is also known for its rabbit and pheasant dishes — both of which are outstanding, and worth the trip themselves. There’s nothing quite like 7 courses of pheasant (including kebabs, dumplings, mandu, meatballs, raw, noodle soup, and shabu shabu style) to leave you feeling satisfied. When you’re soaked, massaged and fed, buses run back to Seoul hourly. With regular buses running to and from Seoul, this lake district provides the perfect indulgence for a weekend retreat for city folk.

aroundkorea (79)

Taste the Love by Roy Early

The number of vegetarian restaurants in Busan continues to grow. In general, if the restaurant says vegetarian it is actually vegan. The Loving Hut’s second incarnation is no different in that respect. However, it offers a much different dining experience than most of the chain’s thirtyplus venues. While The Loving Hut’s Seomyeon branch is a fast food styled vegan restaurant, the PNU location could not be further from fast food style.With no veggie burgers, french fries, or fake meat sweet-and-sour-pork to be found on the menu, this is the place to enjoy traditional style Korean food without meat or the lovely fish sauce that keeps vegetarians and vegans from indulging in Korean food with their friends and coworkers. They do offer a soybean based “dunkass” (pork cutlet), but other than that offering, the use of fake meats is very minimal. This minimal use of fake meats makes this location stand out from other vegetarian places in a big way. With that menu item taking a major backseat, it leaves the wonderful Korean side dishes to play the lead role in every menu choice. Side dishes at The Loving Hut taste wonderful. Only here they come without that pesky anchovy sauce. Like any worthy Korean establishment, they offer a set menu. At 8,000 won and a two person minimum, this is the best choice when dining. The set menu offers the largest display of side dishes. This is Korea, so feel free to ask for more of any dish that tickles the tonsils. Indulge with a great sense of safety, too, for they do not recycle food here. Visit The Loving Hut and find out why vegetarians rave about the place all the time. It is a great place to feed before a night on the tiles at the Basement or Crossroads. How to get there: Get off subway line one (orange line) at stop #128.Walk forward out Exit 3 and continue about 60 meters until the first main street. Turn right and walk through one stoplight (at a major intersection) until you come to a second traffic signal, turn left there and walk two blocks. The Loving Hut is on the left. The walk takes about 11 minutes and you are near popular foreigner bars, as well. www.lovinghut.com

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For the Love of

Books

Head to Busan Public

English Library By Julia Park

Long gone are the public libraries in Busan only accessible in the highest mountain tops or winding roads that—almost always—deter you from ever going there in the first place. Located on the fifth floor of the newly-constructed Busan Global Village, Busan English Library (BEL) is a goldmine for anyone longing to read a novel left behind at “home home” or dying to get their hands on the latest Oprah’s Book Club selection for free. As the English subset of its parent institute, Jungang Library, this unquestionably smaller branch prides itself through the sole fact that it’s the first one of its kind in Korea. Since its establishment in the Seomyeon neighborhood of the Busanjin district in July 2009, BEL has become fairly popular with the Busanites for its large collection of Western literature and other non-book resources at hand. There are more than 28,000 books (fiction, non-fiction, reference, comics, textbooks, periodicals, and teaching guides) in its collection as well as 1,279 non-book materials, which include DVDs, audio CDs, classroom support materials, and board games. Not only does it house popular contemporary fiction from Hemingway to Palahniuk to Meyer’s Twilight series, but also major bodies of work from Dickens, Austin, Faulkner, Shakespeare, and more. For many of these internationally acclaimed authors, you have the option of their abridged, unabridged, or edited novels to your liking. To borrow books, all that is needed is your Alien Registration Card to get a free membership. Just present your Alien Registration Card to the librarians at the “Ask Here!” information desks located at the east and west entrances. They will gladly set you up with a BEL Library Membership Card. Five books can be checked out every two weeks for no charge. The only caveat is that you must be a Busan resident, whether short-term or longterm, to obtain BEL’s approval. If you have toddlers needing some jolt of English in their lives, BEL can help you with that as well gratis. On a first come, first served basis, numerous monthly children’s classes are offered and program registration is required on its homepage. Passion for learning English flourishes with children here, as they are certainly the main patrons of this and many other public libraries. Don’t hesitate to visit the Busan English Library for any reason other than that you’re not interested. It’s a haven for book-starved English teachers, foreign residents of Busan and a place to learn and gather information for questions that need answers and a source of entertainment for the young and old. You will slowly but surely realize that books aren’t that bad after all.

Busan English Library (부산 영어 도서관) Homepage: www.bel.go.kr Telephone: (051) 818-2800 Business Hours: Mon-Sun, 9:00-21:00 Directions: Subway Line 2, Buam Station, Exit 1. Enter Busan Global Village and take the elevator to the 5th Floor.

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Smell the Warm Feel of Vinyl at The Crossroads By Roy Early

Fans of the blues know the story of the crossroads and Robert Johnson. In Busan, The Crossroads is known as a great place for all things music related. Located in the happening PNU area of Busan, The Crossroads makes everyone happy. While crossroads has a rich history in the blues, The Crossroads holds a significant place in the expat scene of Busan. It was the first foreigner bar in the city. Owner Dong Ha did not plan it that way, but his laid back personality and fantastic taste in music drew English speakers from the establishment’s beginning in 1997. The word fantastic is not used here lightly. While many bars that attract expats feature an enormous collection of compact discs or use internet streams for music, The Crossroads takes it to another level. The place casually boasts over three hundred vinyl LPs. Well, at least that is all that are in view to the general Cass consuming public. No one really knows how many records Dong Ha owns. The only thing that matters is that when The Crossroads is not hosting live entertainment, the records keep spinning. Want to hear some Stones, Muddy Waters, Beatles, Doors,Tom Petty, or any other band that comes to mind when the words “vinyl records” are thrown together? This is the place. For a real treat, ask specifically for some Dylan, whether new or old. The Crossroads has it all. He even has some Jerry Jeff Walker (for those that dig the real seventies country sound). The Crossroads hosts a groovy music open mic every Thursday and a wonderful comedy open mic on the first Fridays of every month. Bands grace the stage from time to time on weekends, but the real draw is the warm crackling sound of vinyl. Standard Happy Hour from 8 to 11 p.m. with Cass mugs at two for 5,000 won and three shots for 10,000 won with other drink specials changing daily. One hoppin’ night at The Crossroads calls for another and another. How to Get There: Take subway Line 1 (orange) and use Exit #3 at stop #128. Walk forward about sixty meters and turn right at the first major street. Walk forward through one major stoplight/intersection and continue to the next stoplight.Turn left at that light and The Crossroads is at the first intersection on the right and on the second floor, above a German beer and salad bar joint and SoulTrane’s.The whole walk takes less than ten minutes. Get lost? Just ask any foreigner you see.

korea

LISTINGS

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 010-36482861 or stm@iis.or.kr

commercial ads Hard and Soft massage Rehabilitation of Physical Dysfunction, and Corrective targeted streches for muscle Imbalances, Shiatsu and trigger points therapy massage, Swedish blending with Deep Tissue and Traditional Ayurvedic, Foot Massage and Thai Yoga massage. Please contact Mel010 2892 9190. Learning center Opened in Itaewon, Seoul! Have you ever wanted to teach a workshop on your favorite hobby or interest? Do you have something to share? Well Being Studio is a place where people can teach and share subjects of any nature. Whether you are a potential instructor or participant, drop us an e-mail at: wellbeingstudio@gmail.com Check out www.wellbeingstudio.com Well Being Studio Looking for a place for meet-ups, gatherings, workshops or practicing/ teaching dance, performance, yoga, meditation etc? Well Being Studio 1 & 2 might be the place you’ve been looking for! 7 min walk from Itaewon subway station exit 3. Check www. wellbeingstudio.com or call Jiyoung 011 9580 7430 handmade gifts Looking for special handmade gifts? Well-being Shop sells beautiful Himalayan salt lamps and mud masks, 100% essential oils, handmade candles and soaps, well-being products and unique handmade gift items made in Korea. For Itaewon show room visit, call Jiyoung 011 9580 7430 Check www.wellbeingshop.org for Korea, international shipping and show room direction. International Yoga school Further your personal and professional experience and growth with a real Yoga Teacher Training in the only IYF Yoga school in Korea. Dutch teacher, 26 years experience, Yogacharya and secretary of the IYF for Korea. Yoga is not a rigid exercise/theory/discipline; Yoga is alive and very practically applicable in your daily life! www.magicpond.co.kr 3,000 New & used cars (Buy & and sell) near downtown Seoul/ USAG Yongsan, Insurance, English language navigation, mechanic facilities, accessories, Korean auto inspection services, email Century Motors at century.kr@gmail.com for more info or call Son Young-chan at 010-3143-1344 Relax, revitalize & rejuvenate! “Soft Hands” Massage Service. We are an exclusive in home massage service. Relax in the privacy and comfort of your own home as our therapists come to you. Massages starting from W20,000! Please phone 010-2892-8747

teams Handball - Team Handball - Olympic 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 w w w. handballinkorea.org

email:

info@groovekorea.com

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 Itaewon, 7.30pm. (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? Would you like to meet fun and interesting people? 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

St Pats FC — Looking for players for the upcoming season. If you can play a bit, contact 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. Please visit www. seoulgaels.com Touch Rugby - contact seoultouch@gmail.com and more information can be found at touchtagrugby. blogspot.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 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. We welcome players of all skill levels, from complete newbies to seasoned veterans. We also run leagues during the spring and fall. For times and locations, please visit www.koreaultimate.net Disc- G olf in Seoul - Look ing for something dif ferent 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 L acrosse A ssociation 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 are a competitive team that also places a keen emphasis on social activities off the field as well. 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 - Interested in rugby? Want to meet people from many different countries? 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 The Seoul Sunday Football League, 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. Besides playing together, we have numerous social gatherings and occasional foreign trips every season. Please contact lokogoyang@yahoo.co.uk or check www.lokomotivgoyang.com

clubs B ellydance Clas se s in S e oul Tues night s & 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 Ko re a L at in & S a l s a Kore a L at i n a n d S a l s a 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, t wice a month. My focus is on shor t f ic tion/ prose at the moment, but I would be open to non-fiction/longer works as well. email Bryan at scriptingends@gmail.com 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 Seoul Fencing Club — Seoul Grand Park in Ichondong. Please go to www.seoulfencing.com or email seoul.fencing.club@gmail.com.

Belly Dance Classes in English. Learn f i n e m u s c l e c o n t r o l o f t h e t o r s o, a r m s a n d hips, and interpretation of intricate music in English with an interesting group of women. C l a s s e s o n Tu e s d a y n i g h t s a n d S a t u r d a y 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! I ntere s te d in T he at re? S e oul Pl a yer s 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 contact Nathan or Jack at Seoulboardriders@hotmail.com Bazzer’s Buddies Dog Walking Club Namsan, Han River and other outdoor areas around 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. 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 PMS H3 – This is a running club for women that is also part of the Hash House Harriers. We meet one Saturday afternoon 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 A r e y o u a v e ge t a r i a n o r v e g a n i n Ko r e a? 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/ Conser vatives Abroad – For suppor ts of the British Conservative Party, and others who are interested. We will host social events, fundraisers and possibly public speakers from London. For more information, please visit groups.yahoo.com/ group/Conservativesabroadkorea/ orcontact Ian at koreanianr@yahoo.co.uk or 016-897-6282 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, consis t s of people who are mos tl y over 4 0. 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 taking par t in a group exhibition? Contact 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. Living in Korea with people from around the world, it is a great opportunity to better understand and learn from each other. Contact yupggiklub@hotmail.com or check out seoulcircle.com Fusion Art: Seeking members involved in various arts (painting, drawing, illustration, sculpture, p hotos and more) for re g ular me et ings and exhibitions to share information about colors and opinions. Please contact bakerycorner@yahoo. co.kr, chubbyhubby@hanmail.net or 010-64236037 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 just a minute from Sinchon Station. Please contact koreanmovieclub@yahoo.com or www.geocities. com/koreanmovieclub

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 countr y. Please contact raskb@kornet.net or visit www.raskb.com 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. T he Aus tralia & New Zealand A ssoc ation (ANZA) me et s at t he G rand H yat t Hotel at 9:30AM on the third Tues of the month. For more information, please visit www.anzakorea.com or events@anzakorea.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. The Seoul International Women’s Association (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 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 t a ke p ar t in t he m ovem ent to p rom ote an d

protect human rights for all people around the world. The group's main activities include writing appeal let ters, sending online urgent ac tion mails, organizing street campaigns, human rights education and holding regular meetings on the first Saturday of every month from 4 - 6pm in central Seoul. 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. Details at w w w.eshebellydancer.com or email eshebellydancer@hotmail.com Looking to start a La Leche League in Seoul. Anyone interested in joining thisgroup or with p rev io us ex p er ien c e in l ea d in g on e, p l ea s e email:sondancer23@yahoo.com Sunday Salsa Class @ You Can Dance! Studio in Itaewon / Beginner I - 1~2:30PM / Beginner II 2:30~4PM. Go to www.youcandancekorea.com or call 749-3262 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. Democrats Abroad in the ROK - Different ways to get involved. Official membership open to US Citizens. Social events open to all nationalities. contact demsabroadseoul@gmail.com Seoul Global Center - Seoul Help Center for foreigners has been renamed and relocated to the Korea Press Foundation Building floor.

VOLUNTEERING

PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity & Respect)

Giving Back: How to Get Involved in Korea By Shannon Heit Many expats come to Korea and, after getting adjusted, want to volunteer and get involved in charitable or human rights organizations. The language barrier can sometimes seem like an insurmountable obstacle when it comes to finding organizations and how you can help. Here’s a short list of expat volunteer groups in Korea who have created a place for others to give back to the community while living in Korea. Leaders of the groups all stress the same things when describing their motivations for their volunteer and activist work while in Korea – to refute negative stereotypes of foreigners in Korea, to create bridges between expat and Korean communities, to give voice and bring attention to marginalized segments of Korean society and to support the international human rights community. Amnesty G48 This group coordinates a litany of events to keep members active in human rights events, online actions and other campaigns run through Amnesty International Korea and related human rights groups. They hold a regular meeting on the first Saturday of each month at the Seoul Women’s Plaza from 4-6 p.m. to discuss, organize and plan upcoming events. According to the Amnesty G48 coordinator, Tom Rainey-Smith, the group has also brought speakers from as far and wide as Myanmar, India, Iran, the Occupied Territories and many other places to present first-hand accounts of their experiences. The group, which is one of many Amnesty International Korea chapters around the country, is the only one that communicates in English, which gives expats who can’t speak Korean an opportunity to get involved. The group’s members come from all over the world: Nepal, Myanmar, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Iran, England, the United States, Canada, Germany, Malaysia and Korea, just to name a few. Rainey-Smith, who has been coordinating the group for two years, said although he wanted to, “It was difficult for me to connect with human rights groups at first due to the language barrier, so I was very excited when I found out about Amnesty G48.” 84

provide a positive impact in the community, but also experience Korean culture as well as interact with Korean people.” In this vein, the group also typically organizes monthly social events for its members. For more information about getting involved, visit their Facebook page, listed under “BEAN Seoul.”

BEAN Seoul Rainey emphasizes both the need to and benefits of getting involved in Korea. “It’s an important way to give back to the community during your stay here. Whether you’re here for a short time or a long time, you’ll find your time spent much more rewarding if you give something back.” For more information about Amnesty G48, please email Rainey-Smith at amnestyseoul@gmail.com. BEAN Seoul The Seoul chapter of this international volunteer and networking organization only started up this past July but is off to a fast start in spreading good will. The new group splits its time between both charitable and social activities, but their major volunteer work involves monthly visits to teach English at SeongMo JaAe Orphanage and bi-monthly visits to another orphanage, Oryu Ae Yook Won. The SeongMo JaAe visits are typically on Sundays, while the Oryu Ae Yook Won visits typically fall on Saturdays. While there are no specific requirements to volunteer, due to placing an emphasis on creating a close rapport with the children, the group prefers that those interested are looking for a regular volunteer commitment. The group’s leader, Jure Majnaric, also states community as the motivation for his work. “I always try to give back to the community I live in, no matter where I live. In Korea, this involves volunteering and helping create opportunities for others to volunteer as well.” Majnaric, who first started volunteering in Korea at the Seoul Global Center, says that for expats, volunteering is a win-win situation. “[Expats] volunteering in Korea can have the opportunity to not only give back and

House of Sharing – International Outreach Team (IOT) This group takes foreigners on visits and tours of the House of Sharing, a house for the survivors of the Japanese army’s “Comfort Women” sexual slavery camps during the time of the Japanese occupation of Korea. The tours are typically scheduled once or twice a month alternating between Saturday and Sunday tours, to try to accommodate visitor’s schedules. The group started when a Canadian reporter named Saroja, went to the House and realized that there was no easy way for English speakers to visit and gain information about the women, affectionately called “Halmoni” (Korean for grandmother). She began offering the tours, which developed into the IOT, now a team with seven volunteers. The group also hosts fundraisers and documentary screenings about the House and its survivors and continues to research, in order to keep the international community up to date about events and news about the issue. To get involved with the group, you should first come as a visitor to the House during one of the tours. To reserve your space on the tour, email visits@ houseofsharing.org or find the group on Facebook. After experiencing the tour, you can apply to be a volunteer. Requirements include a long-term commitment, free weekend days once a month, and some background knowledge of the history of the issue. To be a tour guide, Korean is not necessary, but is a plus. Translators for the Halmoni’s personal testimony are also always helpful. The group is currently in the process of producing materials for a free history curriculum for international use and volunteers interested in research, transcription and translation work are needed. Heather Evans, one of the coordinators for the IOT who has been volunteering there since 2005, says she was compelled to volunteer after going on a tour

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HuShu (Who’s Who) clinic in Apgujeong offers luxury, state-of-the-art care, combining the services of a dental, eye and skin clinic. The dental clinic has two dental surgeons who are fluent English speakers. With services ranging from general dentistry for both children and adults to more complex treatments such as whitening, implants and veneers, both doctors offer a comprehensive service. The skin clinic also offers a range of treatments including anti-aging, acne and cosmetic dermatology. Dear Dr. Chang, I am interested in fat reduction, and in particular Body Line Contouring based on Smart Lipo. What is the advantage of Smart Lipo? — Edward Dear Edward, How many cellulite “cures” have you tried? Unfortunately, cellulite affects most of us who are over the age 20. While no one knows the exact cause of cellulite, since it usually does not affect men, hormones, poor circulation and lymphatic congestion, together with a weakening of connective tissues that allows fat herniation are thought to play a role. Smart Lipo is a cutting-edge alternative to liposuction, plastic surgery and other invasive cosmetic procedures. Smart Lipo is a fat removal technique that has been gaining more popularity for the pasgt several years as more individuals are choosing it over other procedures. The procedure involves using laser lypolysis techniques to get rid of excess or unwanted fat deposits in various parts of the body. As a non-invasive fat reduction technique, it breaks down your fat cells and reduces them to an oily substance, which your body absorbs and expels. This procedure, which results in a new and slimmer you, is preferable to traditional liposuction. Smart Lipo treatment can be applied to the cheeks, chin, arms, neck, tummy, inner and outer thighs, love handles and your bottom. It can also be applied to males who want to have breast reduction. Improvements from this procedure will be significantly visible within a few weeks and up to four months. These results are permanent because the body will no longer create fat cells in the treated areas. Check out Smart Lipo at Hus’hu clinic to find a full range of laser liposuction options. Do not hesitate to ask Hus’hu doctors questions if something is not clear for you. Doctors don’t usually charge you anything for a SmartLipo consultation and a full assessment. The Smart Lipo fat reduction treatment or other laser liposuction procedures may not be suitable for everybody, and if you are obese or excessively overweight, it is not advisable for you. Smart Lipo’s costs depend on several factors and will vary from one individual to another. It also depends on how many sessions will be required for your treatment and how big is the area to be treated. Find out if laser liposuction suits you and then go for it. You will experience a whole new world and expand your horizons when you feel confident about yourself. — Dr. Chang

For more information, call the English phone line at 1588-7464 or go to www.hus-hu.com for more details. Email your questions to: international@hush-hu.com

Central Seoul-based, well-established, comprehensive, affordable and designed for expatriates and travelers. The Hus’hu health clinic offers a wide range of services together with high-end medical services.

Dental clinic

Hyung-gu Im, DDS

• Seoul National Univ. College of Dentistry Graduate • Prosthodontics (CE), Columbia Univ. Dental School

Skin clinic

SEUNG HO CHANG, MD., Ph.D. • M.D., College of Medicine, Seoul Natl. Univ. • Specialty in Dermatology, Seoul Natl. Univ. • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Chungnam Natl. Univ. • Director, Department of Dermatology, Chungbuk University Hospital

INVISALIGN IMPLANT LAMINATE VENEER ALL CERAMIC CROWN TOOTH WHITENING TMJ GENERAL DENTISTRY HEE-JONG KWAK, D.D.S.

• D.D.S., College of Dentistry, Seoul National Univ. • Korean Academy of Prosthodontics Member • Korean Academy of Stomatognathic Function and Occlusion member

THERMAGE INJECTION LIPOLYSIS (PPC) BOTOX WRINKLES LUMENIS ONE AFFIRM MEDICAL SKIN CARE ACNE Kwang- ho Han, M.D., Ph.D • M.D., College of Medicine, Seoul National Univ. • Ph.D in Dermatology, Seoul National Univ. College of Medicine • International Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology

For Appointments 1588-7464 (English) Apgujeong Branch (Seoul) Subway Line #3 to Apgujeong Station, Exit #3 3rd Floor of the Gujeong Bldg Bundang Branch (Gyeonggi) Bundang Line to Sunae Station, Exit #3 2nd Floor of the Humax Village

VOLUNTEERING

House of Sharing in 2005. When asked about her reasons for her volunteer work, she said, “Coming from a place of privilege in terms of being a Caucasian, English-speaking American citizen, it is my responsibility as a global citizen to assist those who are not as privileged. My privilege is linked to other people’s lack thereof.” About her motivations for volunteering in Korea specifically, she said, “I want to give back to the community that is supporting me, and especially segments of the community that are disadvantaged and marginalized.” Mustard Seed Mustard Seed is a new group, only a couple of months in the making. The group volunteers to teach English to underprivileged children from low-income or single parent families. With the competitiveness of the Korean education system and the increased need for English to succeed, families who can’t afford expensive study abroad programs or extra after school hagwon English classes can find their children already at a disadvantage from a young age. While the increasing wealth gap in Korea threatens to perpetuate this trend through rising education costs, Brad Curtin’s group attempts to alleviate some of the problem. Curtin, who has been living and volunteering in Korea on and off for 10 years, says that volunteering “gives a unique perspective on [Korea]… I think foreigners should volunteer in Korea to have a more rounded experience here.” Mustard Seed meets roughly twice a month on Saturdays for three hours in the afternoon near Sindaebang station. To find out more information or to get involved, you can find them on Facebook under “Mustard Seed Seoul.” North Korean Human Rights volunteer groups (3) “Justice for North Korea” holds an awareness campaign in Insadong every Saturday from 3-5 p.m. near Anguk Station, exit 6, where they hold a small performance exhibition and distribute information about North Korea. In addition, the group also hosts and participates in screenings, demonstrations, panels and fundraising for partner organizations that rescue North Korean refugees hiding in China. “Helping Hands Korea” hosts an informational meeting called “Catacombs” each week in Samgakji on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. Participants can learn more about the humanitarian crisis in North Korea and how to get involved in supporting North Korean human rights. “People for Successful Corean Reunification” (PSCORE) provides complimentary tutors to North Korean defectors and also holds conferences to “promote awareness, friendships and unity between North and South Koreans and foreigners in Seoul.” Lauren Walker, who has been volunteering with all three of the above North Korean human rights organizations, says, “I am motivated by the desire for others to experience the freedom and love and fulfillment of needs that I have always had.” For more information on how to get involved in Justice for North Korea, Helping Hands Korea, or PSCORE, find them on Facebook under “RescueNK” or by emailing laurenewalker1@gmail.com. PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity & Respect) This group meets every Friday and Sunday to go to a soup kitchen and help serve dinner and wash dishes. The group also has another volunteer opportunity every Sunday in Seoul Station, where they buy and distribute food to the homeless around the subway station. In addition, they organize a monthly orphanage visit to Hyang-ae orphanage in Eumsong. To get involved, you don’t need anything more than “an open, compassionate mind and a willingness to help others,” says Liz Oh, who has been volunteering with the group for about a year. 86

Oh, says she thinks it’s important for foreigners to volunteer during their stay in Korea because, “Foreigners can bring attention to issues that would normally be overlooked in Korean society. If Koreans see that foreigners are interested in an issue like homelessness, they begin to question the lack of attention and perhaps their own attitudes towards it.” She also emphasizes the ways that volunteering can bridge the gap between expats and Korean society, saying, “There are so many of us who are interested in helping the Korean community and volunteerism is a great way to challenge negative stereotypes of foreigners.” For more information, you can find them on Facebook under the group name, “Volunteer for PLUR!” Seoul Global Center The SGC has a variety of volunteer opportunities for expats living in Seoul. From being a Daily Living Consultant, a Cultural Ambassador, volunteering for the Medical Referral Service, or teaching English, the SGC offers many opportunities for expats to give back and get to know more about the city they’re living in. As a Daily Living Consultant, you can help your fellow expats get the information they need to make living in Seoul more comfortable and enjoyable. For more information, contact Heekyoung Han at 02-2075-4138 or by email hotline@sba.seoul.kr. To be a Cultural Ambassador, you will be able to teach Korean elementary students about the culture of your home country through the Neighbors from Afar program. To learn more, email hyunseonahn747@hotmail.com As an expat, getting reliable health care is a reasonable concern and by volunteering through the SGC’s Medical Referral Service, you can help ensure that all members of the international community are able to get the health care they need in a language that’s comfortable for them. To get involved, call the MRS team at 010-4769-8212 or email medicalreferral@seoul.go.kr. And finally, you can volunteer to teach English to children of low-income families through community centers each Saturday. For more info, contact aihouse@naver.com. While these opportunities are typically reserved for expats who are interested in a long term commitment, the SGC and its affiliate, Global Village Centers, also offer a rotating schedule of volunteer events, so be sure to check the unofficial blog www.seoulcityblog.com for updates on volunteer opportunities. Women’s Human Rights Korea This group runs the “Wild Women’s Performing Arts Festival” twice a year to raise money for the Korean Women’s Associations United (KWAU). Acts are performed by both expat and Korean talent and are woman-centered, but men are more than welcome in the audience. The most recent Wild Women’s Performing Arts Festival was held in Hongdae on Saturday, Feb. 27, in conjunction with events to celebrate International Women’s Day 2010. Women’s Human Rights Korea also helps connect volunteers to various women’s organizations in Korea – teaching English, editing, etc. Most recently, they’ve been working with Duraebang, an NGO that supports women who have been trafficked into prostitution around U.S. military base towns. Volunteers are both expats and Koreans and it’s helpful to be able to speak English and at least a little Korean, although it is not necessary. Volunteers who speak Tagalog would be particularly helpful at Duraebang. For more information on volunteering with this group, you can find info on both the Wild Women’s Performing Arts festival and Duraebang through Facebook or contact Angela Lytle by email at angela.firefly@gmail.com. Lytle, who has been a volunteer in Korea for three years, said that for her, volunteering gives her an opportunity “to be an ally to the local women’s movement and to support gender equality in Korea.” Although the language barrier may sometimes be intimidating, there are still plenty of ways for you to get involved. Volunteering is one way for you to meet and interact with Korean people who have similar ideologies. All of the groups above were started by and have a large number of expat members, but all have a sizeable portion of Korean volunteers working alongside them. Volunteer work in Korea is a great way to become an active, positive member of Korean society and enrich your experience while living here.

health care SEOUL EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION CENTER

(02) 3675-5178 or 3675-5179 Jongno-gu, Seoul

GLOBAL MEDICAL FACILITATOR

StarParks www.medicalkorea.asia (02) 6337-1000. Emergency: (010)9991-0888. Yeoido, Seoul

INTERNATIONAL CLINICS

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 Samsung Medical Center (SMC) english.samsunghospital.com International Clinic: (02) 3410-0200 or 3410-0226 Emergency: (02) 3410-2060 Ilwon-dong, Seoul Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) www.snuh.org/eng International Clinic: (02) 2072-2890 Jongno-gu, Seoul Yonsei University Severance Hospital www.severance.or.kr/en/index.asp International Clinic: (02) 2228-5810 or 392-3404 Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

ORIENTAL MEDICINE / ACUPUNCTURE Jaseng Hospital www.jaseng.net (02) 3218-3167 Apgujeong, Seoul Dr Yoon’s Oriental Medical Clinic (02) 790-9578 or 790-9577 Itaewon, Seoul Gangnam IN Oriental Medical Clinic www.inisgood.com/content/c_view.asp?c_idx=399 (02) 547-8575 Gangnam, Seoul

CHIROPRACTORS

Itaewon Chiropractic Center www.createwellnesscenter.com (02) 798-1446 Itaewon, Seoul

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 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 Samgakji, Seoul — Xi Apartment Building D-907 www.healinghands.co.kr. 010-3158-5572 / 02-2071-8090 Samgakji Station Exit #9

Aries

Taurus

You are certainly regaining your confidence this month, dear Aries. While the changes may not be dramatic, they are definitely indicating that you are moving forward and coming out of your shell. You have been more introspective recently and you are building towards a rather exciting and action-packed spring and summer. Decisions are coming to you more clearly, plans are straightening out, and your romantic life is less confused. You know your position. Excellent days for good favor, partnering, and personal appeal are the 7-31, but especially the 7-8, 16-17, and 20-21

Fr iendships are esp e cially dear to you this month, dear Taurus. You are meeting new people and enjoying making contact. For some of you, your romantic life could involve some sacrifices from the 7th for ward. Others are keeping your love life secret just for the time being and enjoying your privac y. Home life is becoming more and more straightfor ward. In the next few months you will be pouring a lot of energy into your home and family, seeing to it that an y complic ate d or conf using mat ter s at home are straightened out.

Gemini

Cancer

Yo u r c a re e r i s o n t h e upswing in March, dear G e m i n i . T h e 7- 8 a n d 1 5 -17 a r e e s p e c i a l l y strong periods for material and professional success. Pleasantly surprising events are happening in your career midmonth. The 7-8 is also good for positive energy in love and partnership. In general, people in your life are becoming more accommodating from the 10th forward. March should be quite prosperous for you. A friendship is becoming clearer and less complicated. You are ironing out your differences. Wonderful conversations with friends and lovers this month help to lift your spirits.

Practical matters, including finances and career, are beginning to clear up for you this month, dear Gemini. You are putting confusing situations and insecurities about your earning power or career path behind you, particularly after the 10th. Some of you might even enjoy a promotion or other type of honor in your career. Others are appreciating your knowledge and breadth of vision. You are making beneficial connections and finding it easy to take problems in stride. Some of you are considering taking courses that will boost your professional appeal.

Leo

Virgo

A f ter s om e mont hs of introspec tion and perhaps hesitancy, dear Leo, you are regaining confidence. You are figuring out what it is you want, personal plans are beginning to move forward, and your decision-making ability is now back on track. Itďż˝s easier to find support from others, and for some of you to obtain or manage loans, particularly from the 14-16, when you are pleasantly surprised by the help you receive. The people in your life are generous with their time and energy, and their happiness ricochets back to you.

Strong energ y for love is with you this month, dear Virgo. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about reconciliation, fixing problems, enhancing a partnership, or attracting a new relationship, the cosmos are lending a helping hand. The 14-17 brings pleasant surprises in love. Complications in your intimate life or with shared finances begin to disappear this month, and you are beginning to see some real progress. While March is not the most energetic period of the year for you, many of you will be feeling revitalized through the support and generosity of others.

Libra

Scorpio

Yo u c o n t i n u e t o w o r k hard and get your practical af fairs into order in March, dear Libra. Many of you are living up to your New Yearďż˝s resolutions and paying more attention to health and fitness routines. Changes are in the air for your personal relationships this month, and you will be thoroughly enjoying the increased clarity. After some months of not really knowing where you stand in a friendship or partnership, matters become clearer and the people in your life more straightforward. The 7-8 and 21-22 are stronger days for opportunities.

Work and career matters are starting to move for ward for you in March, dear Scorpio. Af ter some months of delays, st alled plans, and perhaps lack of enthusiasm, you are starting to regain confidence, passion, and interest in your work. You can prepare yourself for a busy and active professional life in the next few months. For the first half of the month, however, you are able to take a break from the rigors of competition and pressure, finding more time for recreation. The 15-17 brings pleasurable surprises and attention your way.

Sagitarius

Capricorn

A very pleasing and h e a r t- w a r m i n g m o n t h is in store for you, dear Sagittarius. After months of conf using signals in the romance department, love becomes clearer and you are rebuilding your faith and confidence in people around you. From the 7th forward, in fact, your personal charisma skyrockets. Travel and educational plans are beginning to show movement forward. Some of you are meeting romantic interests from a different cultural background than yours. Home life is rewarding and supportive, especially since you are giving back and taking the time to make family feel special.

You are feeling empowered and productive this month, with energ y to spare, d ear C ap r icor n. Fam i l y and domestic conditions improve this month, as do finances, especially money and property shared with a partner or coming from outside sources other than your personal income. You begin March with a lot of little things to do. errands, returning phone calls and emails, appointments, and paperwork. The 15-17 brings surprising but pleasant news. As the month advances, much pleasure is derived from family and home life, even if the pressures of work still call you!

Aquarius

Pisces

Focus continues to be on finances, possessions, comfor t, and practical matters this month, dear Aquarius. Pleasant financial surprises may be in store on the 15-17. March is a strong month for taking charge of your finances and for monetizing creative projects or hobbies. Studies, learning, communication, and transportation matters are moving forward after the 10th, when you will be feeling more mobile, cheerful in attitude, and communicative. After a few months of some confusion or lack of clarity in your love life, relationships begin to regain momentum.

March is an energizing month for you, dear Pisces. Others are paying special attention to you and the feedback is good! You are beginning to feel more confidence about money making abilities and your work, and this confidence will only increase in the next few months. You are getting into a more practical routine that helps you to feel grounded and enthusiastic about the future. New Moon energy from the 15-17 gives you a boost. You feel that you can easily shed the unproductive or unhealthy attitudes that have been weighing you down.

Mar 21 - Apr 20

May 21 - June 21

July 23 - Aug 22

Sept 23 - Oct 22

Nov 22 - Dec 21

Jan 20 - Feb 18

Apr 21 - May20

June 22 - July 22

Aug 23 - Sept 22

Oct 23 - Nov 21

Dec 22 - Jan 19

Fe 19 - Mar 20

konglish of the month winner:

runner-up:

The winner will receive a food or entertainment voucher worth 50,000 won

info@groovekorea.com

Crossword

64 Satiate 65 Fleshy fruit 66 Forehead feature 67 Egg producers 68 Hydroxyl compound 69 Codger

Across 1 Manchuria-North Korea border river 5 Mardi __ 9 Pokes 13 Saudi neighbor 15 Fissure 16 “A Prayer for __ Meany” 17 “Winning Bridge Made Easy” author 18 On __ with 19 Restrain 20 SF writer Asimov 21 Exodus participant 23 Break the news 25 Wobble 26 Belgian airline

29 Russian emperors 31 Pretoria’s province 33 Omit 37 Sound of disgust 38 Pioneer aviator Amelia 41 Election winners 42 One and the other 44 Indian axes 46 Type of daisy 49 Expert in law 50 Lingo 53 Choral part 54 Smithsonian specialty 57 Simulate 61 Mag editor Brown 62 Terminates 63 Exasperate

Down 1 Cartoon bear 2 Singer Tori 3 “Doctor Zhivago” heroine 4 Left on the plate 5 Holy chalice of legend 6 Tears 7 In the distance 8 Rock layers 9 Unemployed 10 Lie in store for 11 Midler or Davis 12 Jibe 14 Holy smoke? 22 Always in verse 24 Volcanic discharge 26 Stumpy remnant 27 Jason’s ship 28 Thai tender 29 California-Nevada resort lake 30 Close noisily 32 Pretentiously artistic 34 NZ bird 35 Writing fluids 36 “Want to hear a secret?” 39 Indian prince 40 As yet 43 Cheers 45 “_ and Old Lace” 47 Top of a clock dial 48 Breakout 50 Planted area 51 Miss by __ 52 Part of a joint 53 Swiss city 55 Neural fiber 56 Commander of the Nautilus 58 __-European 59 Kind of dancer 60 Russian refusal

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.

itaewon directorY Kabinett Chiropractic Clinic (1F) International Clinic (5F) Global Village Center (5F) La Bocca Villa Sortino

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

Rocky Mountain Tavern Sortino’s

Chiropractic Sports Med Clinic 02-798-1446 American and Australian trained, doctors are fluent in English, Spanish & Korean.

Old Town

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.

Silom Petra Los Amigos

Helios

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.

Queen Fire Station What The Book

Spice Table Tiffany Nail La Cigale/Hollywood/Spy Moksha Belsize Park (1F) Bungalow (2F) Chakraa

Roofers The Loft Pub Panchos

JONNY DUMPLING 02-790-8830 Enjoy different styles of healthy, handmade dumplings made fresh everyday. Meat as well as vegetarian dumplings are available.

Evan Tattoo

Jun Pharmacy

9 Timo

Don Valley

Unique Travel

Gecko’s Garden 7 Bonji

Seoul Pub/ Nashville

TMAS

Wolfhound

Jonny Dumpling

Outback

McDonald’s 02-790-6413 Open 24 hours with breakfast served from 5 – 11 AM

Pub Scrooge / Dickens Lounge / Patio

3 Alley Pub/ Sam Ryan’s You Can Dance Urban

La Plancha

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.

Bar Bliss Reggae Pub

groove korea

Pita Time

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. 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.

Copacabana Loca Loca/ Bar 22 (2F)

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. 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.

Gecko’s Terrace B1

GORGEOUS MACHO’S KITCHEN 02-6403-7781 Homemade American-style diner. All-day brunch, sandwich, and salads. A perfect spot for private parties. A reservation is required.

Photo by Ronny Kick

Pita Time 02-790-8891 Providing fresh healthy food, Pita Time offers the choice of pitas, pita pizzas, salads and more. Delivery service. 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! Rocky Mountain Tavern 010-5775-2327 With a Canadian feel throughout, RMT attracts a crowd for sports coverage, trivia, wings, weekend brunch & live music.

Post Office

Solutions 02-795-0827 The friendly English-speaking staff offers PC sales & repair as well as mailboxes and safety deposit boxes.

Bu ddh a’s Be Ist lly anb u l Vid eo Ta Store co Ta co

McDonald’s Marakech Night 2 Solutions Bistro Corner

All-American Diner

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.

Aussie Shop Gorgeous Macho’s Kitchen

Berlin 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.

honGdae directorY Unit@Bluespirit

El Plato

Cafe / Bar Club Restaurant Clinic

Nomad’s Pool Starbucks

club daY last fridaY

of the month

Harlem

Cargo

360@ The Liquid NB2

Tinpan 2

NB1

Joker Red

Tinpan 1 Gogo’s/FF Myungwolgwan Ska2

Zibe Sub-zero Oi

Brix

Agio VIA Buy The Way

M2 Yonsei Miplus Dental Clinic

Gr8 Hookah/ Ska

Addiction Castle Praha

groove korea

Photo courtesy of VIA

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month Winner: Neil Alexander Mireukdaebul at Bongeunsa, Gangnam, Seoul re.flec.tion - noun 1. the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected. 2. an image; representation; counterpart. 3. a fixing of the thoughts on something; careful consideration. 4. a thought occurring in consideration or meditation. 5. an unfavorable remark or observation. 6. the casting of some imputation or reproach. Synonyms: meditation, rumination, deliberation, cogitation, study, thinking

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Frank Ottaviano - Tiger

Lydia Goold Verschoyle - Birds The challenge theme for next month is ‘Bus(es)’ Probably the most ubiquitous form of transport in Korea is the bus. Everywhere we look there seems to be at least one bus in view. For next month, give us your take on the bus in Korea. One or many, old or new, dirty or clean, it doesn’t matter as long as ‘the bus’ features prominently in your image.

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, 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.

entries will be displayed online at the SPC for the 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. How do I enter? Entries must be at least 2000 pixels There are two ways. Just join the on the longest side and 300dpi to meet Seoul Photo Club on Flickr – www.flickr. printing requirements. com/groups/seoulphotoclub - and add For further info, visit the your pic to the competition, or email your entry to raisey@hanmail.net. All Seoul Photo Club on Flickr

Contest Rules: 1. One entry per person. 2. Entrants can either: Upload their pics to the competition discussion thread at the Seoul Photo Club on Flickr.com. They can create a free Flickr account and join the Seoul Photo Club at www.flickr.com/groups/ seoulphotoclub. This is recommended. OR Email their submission to raisey@ hanmail.net. The pics will be uploaded to the SPC discussion thread so everyone can see all entries. (email submissions must be at least 2000 pixels wide or high and have a resolution of 300 dpi to maintain high quality printing).

The winner will receive a food or entertainment voucher worth 50,000 won

tHe last lauGH

BY Brian AYlward

On Feb.12, 21-year-old Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, lost his life during a training run of the luge at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. This was a tragic event. However, the biggest tragedy was not that a man died but that luge is considered a sport in the first place.

luGE Your lIfE Putting on a helmet, jumping on a sled and going down a man-made, icy track at 90 miles per hour is not a sport. It’s crazy people playing in cold weather. An activity cannot be categorized as sport if sleeping pills are considered performance enhancing drugs. Actually, it could be argued that you don’t have to be alive to compete in the luge. This would truly demonstrate the Olympic spirit. There is another Olympic sport similar to luge, called skeleton. In skeleton, competitors ride their sleds face down and head first. I consider skeleton tobogganing for idiots. Seriously, if someone dies while participating in the skeleton, are we supposed to be surprised? It’s called skeleton! The word skeleton could be considered foreshadowing for the frozen fools who decide to slide their silly asses down a hill at 5 G. If someone dies in a car accident on Christmas Eve, it is truly tragic. Diseases like cancer, AIDS and malaria tragically claim the lives of millions of people around the world each year.

Death by sliding is borderline ridiculous. Luge was a bad idea from it’s beginnings at the 1964 Innsbruck Games in Austria. During the Innsbruck Games, Polish-born, British luger Kazimierz Kay Skrzypecki died in a training run accident. This tragedy should have led to the immediate realization that luging was the dumbest idea ever put on ice. However, the Winter Olympics need a ridiculous event such as luge for ratings.The world does not want to watch male figure skaters jump, spin and spiral around on ice. Other stupid sports include curling and biathlon. Curling combines the geriatric games of lawn bowling and shuffleboard. Brooms and rocks should not be considered valued sporting equipment. Biathlon involves cross country skiing and shooting shit with guns. Really? Why not a good, old fashioned snowball fight? Yes, I believe snowball fighting should be an Olympic event. Who are these people who love luge? I have never met a luger. Do they walk around with born to luge tattoos proudly displayed on their bodies? Lugers are not athletes. They are simply a bunch of lugers. Finally, when somebody wins a gold medal in the luge at the Winter Olympics, are they considered The Biggest Luger?

Who are these people who love luge? I have never met a luger. Do they walk around with born to luge tattoos proudly displayed on their bodies?

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94 | GROOVE KOREA | march 2010

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