Groove Korea 2019 March

SINCE 2006

KOREA • Issue 144 • March 2019

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL GUIDE SEOUL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

DWIGHT SCHOOL SEOUL

DULWICH COLLEGE SEOUL

CHADWICK INTERNATIONAL

BUSAN FOREIGN SCHOOL

BRANKSOME HALL ASIA

LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE SÉOUL

groovekorea.com

SEOUL JAPANESE SCHOOL

/groovekorea

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MARCH 2019 COVER STORY

From the Editor-in-Chief I’ll admit straight up - I don’t have kids. I haven’t really thought about having kids. But I imagine if I did have them and in Korea - I would likely be stressing out to the nth degree (as I do about most things) when it came time to send them to school.

A child’s education is an important thing. Thinking back to my own school years, it was one amazing English teacher in eighth grade that set me on the trajectory for the rest of my life. If it not were for Mrs. Anna Myers telling me at age 14 that I should consider becoming a writer, I’m not sure if or when I would have decided to pursue journalism.

Likely I would have somewhere down the road, but it was most definitely her encouragement of my love of writing and her fostering of my early talent that set me on the road I’m on all those years ago.

Keeping that in mind, it is clearly an important decision when it comes time to consider your own children’s education. For foreign parents living in Korea, the pool of potential schools is thankfully a more manageable number (a little over 40) than Korean parents. Roughly 26 if you’ve decided on a school with English as the primary language. But even then, there is

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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL GUIDE 2

so much to take into consideration that it could still be a daunting decision.

This issue of Groove Korea, we hope to help make that decision a tad bit easier for you by highlighting some of our partner schools. This isn’t a full comprehensive guide, but we hope it helps regardless.

SEOUL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SINCE 1973

Korea’s Premier K-12 International School

Accredited by western association of schools & colleges

Our mission

We develop curious minds, creative spirits, and compassionate hearts...

388-14 Bokjeong-dong, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea 031.750.1327 • admissions@siskorea.org

www.siskorea.org

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MARCH 2019

COMMUNITY

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DEMAGOGUES ARE FOR THE BIRDS Seoul Players brings updated production of The Birds

MUSIC

66 4

K-FASHION

56

GREAT LENGTHS Model proves appearances can be deceiving

FOOD & DRINK

FROM INDIE BAND TO KOREAN IDOLS UK band goes from indie to idols overnight

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WHERE QUIET IS A FRIENDLY COMPANION Coffee shop makes solitude a companion

K-FASHION

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INSPIRING CHANGE IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY FROM WITHIN Event takes collaboration to the next level

FOOD & DRINK

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THE TASTE OF ITALIAN CUISINE Restaurants bring authentic taste of Italy to Seoul

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KOREA

SPECIAL THANKS TO

EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief

EMMA KALKA emma@groovekorea.com

Food & Drink

LORENA JIMENEZ lorena@groovekorea.com

Fashion

DIANNE PINEDA-KIM dianne@groovekorea.com

Travel

WENDY PALOMO wendy@groovekorea.com

Arts & Entertainment

CATE PARK cate@groovekorea.com

Music

BECKY WHITE beckyw@groovekorea.com

Copyeditor

GIL COOMBE gil@groovekorea.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Creative Director

DANIEL KIM daniel@groovekorea.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Design Director

@BLUISH28

Robert Michael Evans, Erica Almquist, Manon Thore, Katherine Martin, Sungchan Kim, Andrew Choi at YOUSER, Joo Won-dae, Alexander Shim at Dwight School Seoul, Jimin Park at Seoul International School, Hell Boy and Ryu at N2RAGE Apgujung shop, Vanessa Allepuz at Busan Foreign School, Jung-eun Kim at Branksome Hall Asia, Becky and Emilio at Salon de Joo, Kim Gun-hyong at Convertor, Enrico and Fiore at Ciuri Ciuri, Al Choc and Marco at Al Choc, Shawn Park at Spark, Julia, Ingrid, Emi, Elena, Udeni, Robin, Souji, Marjohry, and Gail

To contribute to Groove Korea, email submissions@groovekorea.com or the appropriate editors.

To have Groove Korea delivered to your home or business, email subscribe@groovekorea.com To promote and event or share your opinions, please email info@groovekorea.com or the appropriate editor.

STRIKE COMMUNICATIONS Publisher

SEAN CHOI sean@groovekorea.com

STAFF WRITERS / COLUMNISTS Amy Benham, Katie Martin, Jill Robbins, Jiaying Lim

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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. © All rights reserved Groove Korea 2006

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COMMUNITY

Demagogues are for the birds Seoul Players launches mainstage production of Aristophanes’ The Birds Story EMMA KALKA Photos ROBERT MICHAEL EVANS

B We live in a time where seemingly stable governments are flirting with demagogues and dictators who resort to flattery. They promise great things, but it’s their own self-interest with which we should be concerned. As a satire, this play couldn’t be more relevant to contemporary society.

Jamie Horan, director

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y nowThe art of theater is constantly evolving.

From creating more extravagant costumes and set design, to incorporating new technology, with each passing year it just becomes bigger, better and more exciting.

Community theater group Seoul Players is no different with their upcoming production of The Birds by Aristophanes. Originally written around 414 BCE, the play is receiving a 2019 face-lift. However, the story is one that will still resonate with today’s audiences.

Written just at the end of a truce between Athens and Sparta during the Peloponnesian War, The Birds looks at demagogues and their rise to power. The main character Pitheraerus, played by Simon Clarke, convinces the world’s birds to form a new city in the sky and in the process takes control of all communication between the gods and humans.

It asks these questions – “What kind of people thirst for dominance? How do they accomplish their goals, and once they achieve them, are they capable of stopping?”

A fitting concept to mull over, considering the times we currently live in.

“We live in a time where seemingly stable governments are flirting with demagogues and dictators who resort to flattery,” said director Jamie Horan. “They promise great

things, but it’s their own self-interest with which we should be concerned. As a satire, this play couldn’t be more relevant to contemporary society.”

One of the new upgrades is a short prelude film that will open the play. Horan said that The Birds begins with Pithetaerus and Euelpides ending their journey to the King of the Birds, but for this production, he wanted the audience to see that part of their story. The film will not only make the time period more apparent, but also create a sensory rich experience from the very beginning.

“With the help of John Michaels, who’s a fantastic composer and film director, you’re going to see a synthesis of cinema and live theatre,” Horan vowed.

COMMUNITY

Dates March 23 (3 & 7pm) March 24 (3 pm) March 30 (3 & 7 pm) March 31 (3 pm) April 6 (3 & 7 pm) Location Yeolim Hall 136-25 Yeonji-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul

Our crew is quite expansive, considering the range of production elements involved: extensive costumes, puppets, an accompanying film we’re relying on an entire team that’s willing to go the extra mile to make this production a reality.

Sarah Grover, stage manager

Tickets 20,000 won at the door (cash only) 15,000 won in advance

The cast includes a mix of new and veteran actors in Seoul’s community theatre scene, including leads Simon Clarke and Toni Timmons. And, so far, is shaping up to be Seoul Players’ largest and most ambitious production to date, according to stage manager Sarah Grover.

“It has been a joy to work with such a dedicated and talented cast and crew.

Every week, our actors come to rehearsals roaring to go and willing to try new things,” she said. “Our crew is quite expansive, considering the range of production elements involved: extensive costumes, puppets, an accompanying film… we’re relying on an entire team that’s willing to go the extra mile to make this production a reality.”

The Birds will run at Yeolim Hall, located near Jongro-5-ga Station, for three weekends at the end of March and early April. Tickets are 20,000 won at the door (cash only) and 15,000 won in advance.

Group and student discounts are available as well are packages for multiple nights. For ticket information, email seoulplayers@ gmail.com or visit www.seoulplayers.org.

A post-show discussion/Q&A will take place directly after the show on March 31.

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Emi volunteering at her son’s school

COMMUNITY Gail had a great time in Pyeongchang

A glimpse into the lives of

Expat Wives

How expat wives adjust their everyday way of living to Seoul Story WENDY PALOMO Photos CONTRIBUTED BY THE EXPAT WIVES

“How I spend my time depends a great deal on where I’m living, the opportunities available and what stage of the relocation process I’m in. In the early days of living in a new place, it can take all day to complete simple tasks but as time goes on and as experience kicks in, there is more time to explore the culture and community. At various times, I’ve studied, had a full-time job, worked from home, volunteered for school and community organizations….

It’s really the same sort of life as everyone else with an environment that changes every 2 to 5 years.”

- Julia, mother of two and wife of an expat whose work has taken his family to four countries over the past 15 years, sums up how an expat wife and mom adjusts and spends her time while her husband and children are at work and school, respectively.

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Expatriate Living An expatriate, more regularly known as an expat, is someone who leaves their home country to live in another for work. An expat may be moved to a new host country by a local conglomerate, multinational company, embassy, government organization, or international non-government organization, while the military, educational institutions, and news organizations will also post employees overseas for closer ties, partnerships, and access to information.

The number of these organizations moving workers around the globe has increased as the world has become more connected.

The posting of expats requires a lifestyle change. Unmarried expats have fewer issues to contend with than married expats, who generally have a number of things to organize before plunging into the life that of a country transient. These considerations involve uprooting their families and taking them into unfamiliar territory, their spouse’s career, their children’s education, and the distance from family and friends, among other things. To compensate for this disruption, expats more often receive higher salaries and more benefits than local employees, including allowances and other perks such as housing and education at international schools for their children.

Because the total package is designed to benefit the expat and their family, expat living has become attractive to those who are qualified and adventurous enough to experience another culture and re-start their family routine every three to five years, depending on the expat’s contract.

The Expat Wife Undeniably, expat living has a lot of perks for the family members of the expat.

But while the expat is busy with work, especially the long hours and traveling that most expat positions require, their spouse serves as the anchor, especially during the early days and months of their relocation.

The spouses who travel with their partners, known as “the trailing spouse”, have stories to tell. These are not just the stories of countries they’ve travelled to and lived in.

Their individual stories all start from how they ended up in the country their spouse was posted in. Groove spoke to nine women – Julia, Ingrid, Emi, Elena, Udeni, Robin, Souji, Marjohry, and Gail – who generously shared their lives as expat wives. They come from Australia, Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka, Mexico, USA, India, UK and Canada.

They, except Gail whose family has moved again, are all currently living here in South Korea for one reason: their husband’s work.

Marjohry choosing her birthday present at Eden’s pottery

South Korea is not the first country their husbands have been posted in, nor will it be the last. These nine women have collectively lived in Belgium, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the US, the Netherlands, Germany, France, China, Portugal, Poland, Turkey, Spain, Hong Kong, the UK, and Japan. They’ve collected furniture, precious home decor, fabrics, valuable items, friends, and unforgettable memories.

They have also given up proximity to family and friends, the comforts of home, and their individual careers.

COMMUNITY

carry a conversation using the language.

Being the most recent to arrive, Elena plans to learn the language as well. Seoul offers a lot of opportunities for expats to learn its culture. There are many activities and programs that are enticing for foreigners.

For example, the Seoul Global Center has art and craft classes that showcase Korean arts, cooking classes featuring Korean cuisine, and guided tours.

Ingrid has discovered an eye for photography and tells her stories through her photos.

Each season unfolds through the lens of her camera and her friends have come to enjoy the narratives of her mountain trails and city walks. Similarly, Gail has seen some astonishing views from the top of Korea’s mountains from hiking. She has learned to push herself harder towards every mountain top she conquered. She ended her three years in Seoul as a hiking leader, a long way from being a non-hiker prior to living here in Seoul.

Robin’s story is inspiring. She knew she could not legally work here.

Like every expat wife who’s new to the country, she was worried about isolation and boredom. But she didn’t let this apprehension hinder her from meeting people and establishing herself as a leader in the expat community: “I got involved almost right after we arrived, volunteering for the Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA). I started as the Newsletter Manager and later became the Vice President of Brand Communications (for 2 years) and am currently serving as President. It has been an amazing way to make friends, challenge myself and do something that gives back to my host nation of Korea.” She has only been living in Seoul for around 3 years but she has become adjusted and is thoroughly enjoying her family’s stay here. ▶

Elena touring the palace

Souji (right) as an organizer in a gala

Cultural differences cannot be taken lightly but these women carried with them an optimism that overcame any form of cultural prejudice

What keeps them busy?

South Korea, like most countries, does not allow the trailing spouse to work.

Their visa is attached to their expat partners. So, what do these women do while their husbands and children are busy with work and school?

Volunteering tops the list. Their children’s school keeps them busy with volunteer work. Souji has volunteered her time with her sons’ school library, sports clubs and parents’ association. This has kept her busy in all of the three continents, four countries, and five cities she has lived in since embarking on expat life with her family. Church, homes for the disabled, the elderly and homeless shelters have become avenues for some of them to pour their energy into. At these places, they find fellow expat wives that become their friends since they have already something in common.

Emi studied Korean and is now able to

Robin enjoying her stroll in Hanbok

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COMMUNITY

What are the challenges they face as a trailing spouse?

Cultural differences cannot be taken lightly but these women carried with them an optimism that overcame any form of cultural prejudice. Emi acknowledges that “It’s been challenging learning how to adapt to Korean culture at times, and to accept the way things are done here while also keeping my own sense of self.” Emi’s Korean language skills have greatly helped her in adapting to the Korean culture. She is now a big fan of Korean movies, music, and Korean food!

Ingrid sees both the advantages and disadvantages of raising a family in a culturally diverse environment, but she wisely looks at it and ponders, “I learned that not everything will go as planned and this keeps me on my toes. We learn to value what is important. We learn to adapt and be resilient. We learn to respect and be sensitive to the people around us. We learn to live simply and with appreciation.”

The thought of not knowing how long they will stay and what country will be next is Souji’s biggest challenge. When it is decided, her next challenge is getting her son ready for another move. The constant moving has defined their family life for the past 20 years. This isn’t uncommon among expat families, but this doesn’t make it any easier. Souji wishes for a little bit of stability now that her son is in high school.

Elena has just moved to Seoul from Amsterdam, so she is still in the early days of the relocation process. It brings back the cycle of adjustment that she had to do during her family’s move from Germany to Belgium, to China, to Paris, and to the Netherlands.

“Just when I have ‘my structure’, when I know all the places, when I have met nice friends, then I have to say goodbye and start again in a new location. That is also very interesting but sometimes it is tiring, and frustrating specially for my son, to make new friends and join a new school.” Marjohry has lost track of the countless times she has to reestablish her family in a new country, but

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Ingrid doing what she loves to do - hiking

experience has taught her that “it eventually gets better when one learns more about the country and the people.”

Julia accepts it is difficult to maintain relationships with family and friends, both from home and those whose friendship one has “collected” during their expat journey. But you can’t just allow relationships to fade away.

She advises, “Visit people whenever you can, wherever you are. Over time, friends will be scattered over the globe so if there’s a chance to catch up; do it! Social networking helps.”

Udeni makes sure that she speaks to her and her husband’s family so they remain updated on each other’s lives. This is a conscious effort on her part so no one gets left out.

But Udeni has a concern that is perhaps shared by every expat family: “the difficulty in providing roots for my child.” Children born to this lifestyle create their own culture, different from the culture of all the countries their parents have taken them to. Expat living differentiates expat kids due to their lifestyle: they have become Third Culture Kids.

in the same situation, so they know your needs. You are all away from your families and it is easier to bond since you understand being away from family.

Make friends with the locals. Locals are your best guide into their country. Their perspective might change your view and enlighten some of your biases.

Don’t lose track of your own identity.

Don’t forget to remind yourself and teach your children about your own values and culture. This will keep you grounded and make you feel you belong.

Go with the flow. Be open to opportunities. As an expat wife, you may not be allowed to work, but nothing can deter you from doing volunteer work.

Volunteering gives you a wealth of experience and insight.

Explore your host country. Korea has a beautiful landscape and has the safest and most convenient subway system in the world.

This makes it easy to explore the city and the countryside. Seeing and discovering beautiful things and places are essential to your happiness and contentment.

Elena is just starting her new life here in Seoul. She had been busy reaching out and has been proactively seeking people she can connect with. The other women have settled well and have found things they are happy doing. Souji has long accepted that there is nothing more constant and consistent than change so this makes her ready for the constant movement in her life. Robin is leading the largest women’s expat organization. Gail has left Korea for Canada after 3 years of incredible discovery of Korea’s mountain trails, skiing slopes, charming alleyways and interesting museums. She misses the friendships she’s made but is grateful for the meaningful moments she’s had. Theirs is a story of women who, as expat wives, have settled into and become truly appreciative of this chapter in their expat life.

Don’t lose track of your own identity.

Don’t forget to remind yourself and teach your children about your own values and culture. This will keep you grounded and make you feel you belong.

Coping with the Challenges of Expat Living These women’s experiences make them the best sources for future expat wives and for those who are struggling with the challenges of expat living. Collectively, they give these pointers: Reach out. There are many organizations where you can get involved and make friends. Join community groups both offline and online. These are good sources that can possibly make your resettlement process progress faster.

Meet fellow expats. Expats are

Udeni as one of the organizers in a gala

COMMUNITY

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FESTIVALS 14

Jeju Fire Festival March 7-10 Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do Early in the New Year based on the lunar calendar, one of the many hills on Jeju Island is set ablaze to wish for a plentiful harvest and good year. The festival originated from Jeju’s traditional farming custom of burning rice fields and vegetable gardens in early spring to exterminate pests so that the cows can feed on healthy grasses, and ease cultivation.

Gwangyang Maehwa Festival March 10-17 Jimak 1-gil, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do The festival takes place in Seomjingang Village, home of the largest number of plum blossom trees in Korea. During the festival period, visitors can enjoy a walk beneath the plum blossoms, and also sample and purchase local organic plum products.

Gurye Sansuyu Festival

Nonsan Strawberry Festival

Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival

March 16-24 Sanggwan 1-gil, Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

March 20-24

March 21-24 Geumgye-ri, Gogun-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do

Taking place in the hot springs resort area of Jirisan Mountain, visitors to Gurye Sansuyu Festival can enjoy a vibrant taste of spring with the yellow sansuyu (cornelian cherry) flowers.

Nonsan, the largest strawberry production region in Korea, with its rich soil, clean water, and air give the region a perfect environment for growing excellent quality strawberries. It has been making its mark as a strawberry producer for 90 years.

Jindo’s sea-parting is a unique natural phenomenon that occurs every year.

When the tide is low, a 40-meter wide path is revealed, allowing one to walk from one point to another. Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival is held when the tide differences are at their peak, rendering a natural stage for the festival’s great selection of events, such as ganggangsullae (traditional Korean circle dance play), ssitgimgut (shaman ritual), deullorae (farmer’s song), and more.

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EXHIBITIONS 16

From Empire to Republic

Leo Villareal <Cylinder>

National Museum of Korea Centennial Anniversary of March 1st Independence Movement and Korea Provisional Government.

Amore Pacific Museum of Art (APMA)

By taking a closer look at how remarkable freedom fighters overcame the oppression of Japanese colonial rule to found the Republic of Korea, this exhibition reminds us of the indomitable courage and spirit of the patriotic martyrs who sacrificed everything for their country.

The dazzling LED works of Leo Villareal are programmed by computer based on mathematical patterns. Evincing his interest in the underlying structure of systems, his art often involves fundamental units, such as pixels or binary numbers. For this work, about 160 LED lamps were attached to stainless steel poles. The lights shine, dim, and shift according to a program, thus generating abstract patterns. The hypnotic spread and convergence of the tiny units of light eventually takes on the form of a complex organism.

Pierre et Gilles K Museum of Contemporary Art (KMCA), Seoul Adults: 18,000won Children: 15,000won

Museum Therapy: Dear Brain KMCA Adults: 12,000won Children: 8/9,000won

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CONCERTS 18

Years & Years March 10 Blue Square

KODALINE live in Seoul March 10 YES24LIVE Hall

JMSN live

Tom Odell

March 17 MUV Hall

March 18 Blue Square

RUEL March 21 MUV Hall

KhruangbiN live March 24 Understage

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MOVIES 20

Captain Marvel

The Mule

Brie Larson Samuel L. Jackson Ben Mendelsohn Jude Law

Clint Eastwood Taissa Farmiga Bradley Cooper

EK Language Services Translation and Editing services

영어/스페인어/프랑스어

Dumbo February 14 Eva Green Colin Farrell Michael Keaton Danny DeVito

한글

English, French, and Spanish native speakers on 24/7 basis Affordable price Professional and Guaranteed Quality translations 24-Hour Turnaround 10+ years of experience

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Partners with Hyundai Motors, Groove Korea, KIWI Chamber of Commerce, British Chamber of Commerce, Embassy of Finland, GS Shopping and more

COVER STORY

TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCHOOL

Groove Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to international schools In Korea Story WENDY PALOMO, BECKY WHITE, CATE PARK Photos courtesy of BECKY WHITE, FAYE YANG, COURTESY OF SIS, DWIGHT SEOUL, CHADWICK INTERNATIONAL, DULWICH COLLEGE SEOUL, BFS, AND BRANKSOME HALL INTERNATIONAL

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F

or any parent, the idea of choosing the right school for your child can be a daunting task. For foreign parents, that decision becomes even more difficult when deciding whether their children should attend a Korean school or an international school.

Luckily the pool of international schools in South Korea is smaller, narrowing the options down considerably. However, even then it could be tricky to determine just which is the right school for your kids.

There are currently 41 international schools registered, with 40 currently

in operation. Of those, 19 are located in Seoul with six in Gyeonggi Province and five in Busan. English is the predominant first-language with 26 schools choosing it as the language of choice. Following that are eight Chinese schools, two Japanese, two French, one German, and even one Mongolian.

As of 2018, there were a total of 11,735 students attending international school in Korea, which breaks down to 4,129 in elementary school, 2,830 in middle school, 3,743 in high school, and 1,033 in kindergarten.

COVER STORY

Number of international schools in Korea

Ratio (2018) Some of Korean nationalities holds dual nationalities

Number of international school students

11,735

students (as of 2018)

4,129

Korean nationality High school

Middle school Elementary

Foreign nationality

55:1

44:9

45:4

54.6

35:2

64.9

41

school registered

40

currently operating

19 out of 41 located in Seoul

6

in Gyeonggi-do

5

in Busan

PRIMARY LANGUAGES

Elementary school

2,830

Middle school

26

English

8

Chinese

2

Japanese

2

French

1

German

1

Mongolian

Number of students per staff

3,743

High school

6.5

1,033

Kindergarten

5

students lesser than ordinary Korean kindergartens

8

lesser than ordinary Korean elementary schools

10

lesser than ordinary Korean middle/high schools

Indicates, the quality of education of international schools can be superior to the Korean schools.

Admissions to college/university

1,034 out of 1,170 high school graduates (88.4%) from international schools were admitted to colleges/universities in 2017/18.

The student-to-teacher ratio is always important when considering as school, and numbers show that choosing a international school could promise a more intimate experience for children, with the ratio being much lower than at Korean schools. As of 2018, the ratio was 6.5 students per teacher. It is five students lower than Korean kindergartens, eight less than elementary schools and 10 less than Korean middle and high schools.

From the total colleges/ universities admitted,

983 95.1%)

were admitted to overseas colleges/universities

Most schools also include a ratio of Korean to foreign students at nearly 50/50, ensuring there is a good diversity.

International schools still tend to cater towards foreign students, with Korean citizens requiring at least three years of living abroad before they can apply for admission. Initially, international schools were required to limit admissions to Korean citizens to less than 30 percent of the total number of students, though in 2016 this was amended to allow an

51 4.9% were admitted to Korean colleges/universities

additional 20 percent.

Currently the ratio of Korean to foreign nationality admissions stands at 55.1 percent to 44.9 percent at high schools, 45.5 percent to 54.6 percent at middle schools and 35.2 percent to 64.9 percent at elementary schools.

But even with all the stats, it could be hard to choose a school, which is why Groove Korea has chosen seven of these schools to highlight, hopefully helping to ease a bit of the strain. â&#x2013;ś

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COVER STORY

SEOUL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Number of students 870

Number of TEACHERS 99

student to teacher ratio 10:1

average class size 16

GRADES (k-12) PK-12

boarding or day school day

school term semester((MS/HS), trimester (ES)

enrollment dates open enrollment

tutiion Kindergarten: KRW 17,000,000 PLUS

$4,036 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; KRW 19,900,000 PLUS $5,180 ES: KRW 20,200,000 PLUS $5,190

MS: KRW 21,900,000 PLUS $5,667

HS: KRW 24,620,000 PLUS $6,284

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS AP

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15, Seongnam-daero 1518beon-gil, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea 13113

COVER STORY

Mr. EDWARD B. ADAMS Founder

M

r. Edward B. Adams, Seoul International Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founder, had a vision to establish a school in Korea that is does not have any religious, diplomatic, or governmental ties. This vision became a reality on June 5, 1973, when the Ministry of Education of Korea granted him a permit to establish what is now the Seoul International School (SIS) located in Seongnam City, Gyeonggido. SIS became the first international school authorized by the Korean government after Korean liberation in 1945.

SIS started with 45 students. With Mr. Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication, the school has grown into one of the longest-running international schools in Korea catering to the local and expat community.

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COVER STORY

In May 1985, SIS transferred to its present eight-acre location that continuously strives to offer first-rate facilities. The school has computer labs and the buildings have wireless access.

New elementary and middle school classrooms have been completed to offer a wider space to students, in addition to the renovation of the wellequipped science labs and the 350-seat auditorium. There are band and choir rooms and soundproof practice rooms. It has a full range of facilities for its athletics program: three gymnasiums, a fivelane 25-meter heated swimming pool, a soccer field and a fitness room that has weights and gymnastics training areas.

Outdoor recreation areas are available, as well as the option of a relaxing time in the gazebo and the atrium.

Entrance to SIS follows the Korean government’s requirements for international students. The current student population consists of 74.2% foreign passport holders and 25.8% Korean nationals. SIS offers a US curriculum and has consistently passed

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accreditation by the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) based in California since 1979. It is aware of its role in the lives of its international students to infuse multiculturalism and a global focus in its academic and activity programs.

It offers a wide variety of classes and after-school programs they can choose to participate in. The Head of School Mr. Michael Colaianni proudly declares, “There is something for everyone at SIS. High school students have over 30 clubs that they may join, whereas middle school students may participate in a large number of activities including interscholastic sports.

Elementary children are encouraged to take part in after-school activities and Saturday sports programs.”

It is the school’s mission to “develop inquisitive, independent thinkers and collaborative learners who acquire the essential knowledge necessary to be caring and creative contributors to the world around them.” To fulfill this mission, SIS puts its efforts into developing the intellectual, creative, moral, physical and

emotional well-being of its students.

It is guided by its learning expectations as to what a student at SIS should be: T.I.G.E.R.S. Students at SIS are: • Trustworthy individuals • Independent critical thinkers • Global citizens • Effective communicators • Reflective learners • Socially responsible individuals.

To know more about the school, schedule a visit or check its website at https://siskorea.org/

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COURSES OFFERED Elementary School Makerspace Library Aquatics Specialist classes (art, music, physical education and library) Suzuki (special music class for students who play string instruments Spirit Club Sports Jamborees Saturday Sports Boosters After School Enrichment (ASE) Program Academic support EAL (English as an Additional Language) Middle School Supplementary courses, Teacher-led elective classes, Language Arts and Math Extension Library Media Chinese Maker Space Opus Band After School Enrichment (ASE) Program Science Olympics Orchestra MUN Forensics Academic Support

High School AP classes in all subjects including the AP Capstone program Model United Nations (MUN) Habitat for Humanity Forensics Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference (KAIAC) Association of International Schools in Asia (AISA) Varsity & Junior Varsity Sports teams National Honor Society Kaleidoscope Magazine Community Service Club School Councils Music Club Media Club Global Issues Network (GIN) Drama UNICEF Club, AMIS (Association for Music in International Schools), Random Acts of Kindness Club, Forensics and many other clubs

â&#x20AC;&#x153;SIS is unique for many reasons. We have a long history of over 40 years of excellence in our community. Our students are among the best I have ever had the pleasure of meeting over the past 40 years. They are eager to learn, expressive, talented academically, musically and athletically and most importantly have proven to be caring and contributing members of the community. They live the school mission.

SIS offers our students a chance to collaborate among themselves and with their teachers to learn from one another and come to collective decisions.

Students can expect to encounter a fairly rigorous academic environment that will prepare them well for entry to university. They may also expect to work closely with a dedicated, knowledgeable, experienced, and caring faculty that has come to SIS from many top international schools and who bring with them the best and latest ideas that have been successful in their backgrounds. They can also plan on and expect to have a great many opportunities to expand on their knowledge and to grow not only academically but socially and emotionally by joining and participating in such areas as orchestra, sports teams, Model United Nations, and service organizations like UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity.

All of our students can expect to graduate from SIS and attend any of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world. SIS is wellknown to most of the top universities who know that students admitted from SIS will make significant contributions to their programs. Our graduates have one of the highest success rates for gaining entry into the best universities in the US, Europe, and Asia because the reputation of our school is among the highest of any international school anywhere.

Head of School Mr. Michael ColaianniÂ

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STUDENTS’ SAY The school’s history provided a family tradition for some of its students.

Edward, who has been with the school for 12 years, had been attending SIS since first grade. His two older sisters can attest to its excellence, thus the family knew he was going to receive the same kind of quality education.Junie’s sister used to be a student, too but they opted to check other international schools prior to finally enrolling. She realized, “After having visited other international schools in Korea, I knew that SIS would be the best fit for me.

When I first came to this school, I immediately knew that the environment was really welcoming. I especially liked the close-knit atmosphere of the community and I wake up every day feeling excited to meet everyone at SIS.” Both Junie and Edward have fulfilling experiences at school attesting to the good relationships among the students and teachers, thus making it easy for them to develop friendships throughout their high school life. These relationships have been invaluable and encouraging in an academic culture that pushes them to perform their best as students, and they are driven to succeed in many areas, whether it be music, science, or art.

Asked what they like about SIS, Edward likes that the “culture at SIS promotes students to actively engage with course materials and the curriculum.

The majority of the students prioritize academic achievement, which fosters a productive and rewarding learning environment.” Junie confirms this when she says, “As an SIS student, I take pride in the various educational opportunities that the school provides me with. That is, not only does SIS allow students to delve into a deeper academic world where we are all encouraged to use practical skills to engage in different subjects, but the school also emphasizes the importance of the TIGER values, which highlights the need to cultivate trustworthy, independent, and reflective characters. Thus, this unique approach to education helps all of us have a better understanding of both the social and academic world ahead.”

Both students are eager to go to university. In a few months, they will be graduating and will be joining a new environment.

The idea is quite daunting but the training and experiences they acquired from school is preparing them to be proactive university students and global citizens.

JUNIE KAH Student

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EDWARD KO Student

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I

Dwight School Seoul

21 World Cup Buk-ro 62-gil Mapo-gu, Seoul Korea 03919

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gniting the spark of genius in every child since 1872” – This is Dwight’s commitment to every child that walks its walls at all Dwight campuses: New York, London, Seoul, Shanghai, and Dubai. Every Dwight student knows their individuality is respected and their unique spark of genius is cultivated. This is supported by the Three Pillars of Dwight: Personalized Learning, Community, and Global Vision. (see inset of the Three Pillars with description) The tradition of education built on these three pillars dates back more than 145 years when Dwight School was founded in New York in 1872. It built an exemplary network of schools and became a trailblazer for an International Baccalaureate (IB) education. It is this excellent record that Dwight School Seoul proudly took on when it opened in 2012 and became the first IB Model school in South Korea. It received its IB authorization, thus becoming the first international school in Korea to be granted authorization across all three IB programs: the Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle School Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP).

Admission to the school requires compliance with the requirements set by Korean law for entry into foreign schools.

Dwight goes by rolling admissions all throughout the year but acceptance depends on availability. Currently, Dwight has around 38 nationalities making up the student population of over 450. As a school designed to be a small community of learners, Dwight has grown in strength over the years. Students have ample opportunities for growth through the extra-curricular activities offered both within and outside the school as well as within Korea and immersion learning in activities and communities abroad.

Dwight’s athletics programs, including volleyball, soccer, basketball, and swimming, mean the students are busy representing the school in inter-school matches, especially with Dwight’s KoreanAmerican Interscholastic Conference (KAIAC) membership. A wide variety of extra-curricular activities like robotics, broadcasting, film, and media offer more windows for personalized learning.

Dwight’s Makerspace is a haven for students who love to create and innovate.

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Number of students 450

Number of TEACHERS 83

student to teacher ratio 10:1

average class size 18

GRADES (k-12) Age 3 through Grade 12

boarding or day school day

school term 1st Term: August – December;

2nd Term: January – June

enrollment dates Rolling, please contact

admissions@dwight.or.kr

to see if space is available

tutiion please contact

admissions@dwight.or.kr for tuition information It is a place where creations come to life. Dwight also has an annual Traveling Art Exhibition where all the members of the Dwight schools collaborate and chosen art works travel to various Dwight campuses. Entry to the CEMC Math competition, the Science Olympiad and debate matches in the Model United Nations (MUN) add to the choices that students can engage

in and be successful at. There are choral and theatrical productions for students who choose to go the way of performing arts. A highlight of this is the annual musical headed by the school’s Arts Department.

This has become an anticipated annual tradition that the whole Dwight community looks forward to. ▶

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS International

Baccalaureate Diploma Program

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“Dwight has a legacy of innovation and personalized learning that dates back to 1872. From the very beginning, we have set the mark for IB Education. Dwight was the first school in the United States to provide all three IB programs and we are the first school in Seoul to do the same.

This success does not come over night and our unique educational framework is built on experience, tradition, and a deep understanding that cannot be easily copied. We go beyond international education and the International Baccalaureate – all Dwight schools provide options for children who either wish to access the curriculum or extend beyond the curriculum through Quest, our way of personalizing each child’s education. On a personal note, Dwight is unique in Seoul simply because our students are happy.

This happiness shines in the children walking through our hallways.

A Dwight experience is unique. One only needs to look at the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly life of a Dwight student to see this. It is not uncommon for a Dwight student to be working with corporate executives on a future business plan. Dwight students come together annually to perform on the world’s stage at Carnegie Hall. They share ideas with other Dwight students through our global campus network exchange. Our students experience the world.

We can boast 100% university placement. Those who graduate from Dwight have met the rigors of a demanding academic curriculum that provides opportunities in the world’s leading universities. They remain connected not only to their school but the entire Dwight network. This alumni network is rich in history and deep in connections.”.

Head of Dwight School Seoul MR. KEVIN SKEOCH

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In addition, students travel and share the global stage with other Dwight schools during its annual music festival at Carnegie Hall.

Middle school and high school students get a taste of community service on trips to Nepal and Cambodia and community projects here in Seoul.

Dwight School Seoul is located in Digital Media City, a relatively new neighborhood in Seoul, home to a broadcasting and media complex where Korea’s major media and entertainment companies reside.

The school features two indoor gymnasiums, an outdoor soccer

field and playground, a large drama room, two technology labs, a library and gallery, two music classrooms with 8 rehearsal rooms, a rooftop garden, and a 400+ seat auditorium.

Members of the Dwight faculty bring with them a rich IB experience and different cultural backgrounds, enriching the school’s global milieu. They are instrumental in creating a community of learners embodying the IB Learner Profile: Inquirer, Knowledgeable, Thinker, Communicator, Principled, Openminded, Caring, Risk-taker, Balanced, and Reflective.

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STUDENTS’ SAY As one of its original students, James had seen all of the changes that have happened to Dwight since it started seven years ago. He enjoys the use of technology and the school’s adoption of developments geared towards the future. Zac is relatively new, as he had been with the school for only close to two years, but his experience has been very positive. He particularly likes the school’s Makerspace where he is free to design and innovate using a variety of tools. The welcoming nature of all Dwight students across all grade levels and Dwight’s spark of genius made him feel at home. “I may not be the best student in academics, but the sports and afterschool programs have provided me with a way to feel at home here.”

Taryn’s transition from a big school to Dwight made her feel the close-knit community among the teachers, students, and parents. “My favorite thing about Dwight is how involved you can get within the community. There are so many opportunities that allow you to get involved both inside and outside the school. I have been able to be involved in many performances within the Arts Department, which has helped me discover what I love to do, which is acting.

Being a part of the Student Council for the past two years has also helped me get more involved in the community.”

James and Taryn both plan to go to university after graduation from high school. Zac embodies the free spirit of a confident DSS student, “My plan after graduation is to take a gap year. I am considering either finding a job here in Korea (maybe at Dwight) or travelling and doing volunteer work.” Their Dwight education has imparted on them the three pillars that Dwight education was built on: personalized learning, community, and global vision. They are ready to carve their own paths.

Three Pillars of Dwight

Personalized Learning – Dwight knows each student has his/her own spark of genius, so it provides classes and facilities to nurture individual strengths. Teachers and mentors know that they encourage and cultivate this individual spark, thus creating a happy learning environment with happy faces around the school.

Global Vision – Education under the Dwight system allows the students to share cultural experiences through activities that give them exposure and the opportunities to interact.

There are trips arranged within Dwight schools as well as enriching trips to other countries where they get to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Community – An integral part of the school’s IB education is training for involvement in the community through service and leadership. This entails engaging the students to go beyond their classrooms as learning does not cease upon putting down their pens and closing their books.

Instead, the consequential outcomes of learning through community involvement benefits them outside their school life.

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COVER STORY

DULWICH COLLEGE SEOUL

6 Sinbanpo-ro 15-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea 06504

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D

ulwich College Seoul (DCS) is proud of its heritage. This year, 2019, marks the 400th anniversary of its founding school, Dulwich College, which was established in 1619. Through Dulwich College International (DCI), it has established a network of schools that continue to collaborate and support each other’s learning environment. All schools in the DCI network remain true to their guiding statements, producing students that “Graduate Worldwise.” In particular, DCS works around these guiding principles: • Students Come First • Pioneering Spirit • One College, Many Campuses • Building Bridges to the World • Kindest School in the Universe

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As a network of international schools, DCI provides a venue where students can foster their “Pioneering Spirit” so they have the courage to tread unfamiliar grounds because DCI continues to “Build Bridges to the World,” where diversity is respected and celebrated. The emphasis on “One College, Many Campuses” ensures a global outlook in the schools’ educational framework without forgetting that “Students Come First” in an environment striving to be the “Kindest School in the Universe.”

Since its opening on August 20, 2010, with the goal of providing British education to primary school students, DCS is now solidly catering to the full range of the grade levels from Nursery to Year 13 with over 650

students. Classes have an average of 20 students per class until Year 9, during which the students follow the National Curriculum of England and Wales. The average class size for Years 10–12 is 12 students. This is when they begin the rigorous International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) course and move on to the highly competitive International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) from Year 12. Success in these challenging academic programs is supported by the school’s low 7.25:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

The school’s academic programs are complemented by a wide range of extra-curricular activities that students can choose to engage in.

“We have 50–60 students in each grade where every student is known and so are able to provide broad opportunities for action and excellence within an intimate and caring environment. We pride ourselves on offering a challenging, academic curriculum in a school where ‘Students Come First’ and where we strive to be the ‘Kindest School in the Universe.’ Our range of extracurricular program and senior school adventurous expeditions are comprehensive and covered by the tuition.

Students can expect to have their ambitions supported within a strong local community and the large international Dulwich network.

We have been praised for building a school community here in Banpo, and we make great use of our favorable location near the Han River and by the Banpo Sports Centre, in a street with churches, schools, shops, and a police station. Across Asia and to London, we connect with Dulwich students and teachers within a network of schools that have a stellar reputation. We expect students to leave us having experienced challenge and opportunity, confident of their ability to succeed at university and in life beyond. We call this ‘Graduate Worldwise.’

All Dulwich graduates have gone to excellent universities around the world, including to prestigious institutions in the USA (including Ivy League schools), Canada, the UK (including Oxbridge), Hong Kong, and mainland Europe. We will always guide students towards universities of ‘best fit’ rather than chase league tables, as we know environment matters if students are to continue to flourish in their future lives beyond school.”

Headmaster Mr. Graeme Salt

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STUDENTS’ SAY

Number of students over 650

Number of TEACHERS 91 teachers,

27 teaching assistants

student to teacher ratio 7.25:1

average class size Up to grade 9: 20, Grades 9-12: 12

GRADES (k-12) Equivalent Nursery to Year 13)

boarding or day school day

school term Term 1: mid-August to mid-December Term 2: January to March Term 3: April to mid-June

enrollment dates Year-round rolling admissions

tutiion Nursery and Reception: KRW 31.77 million Year 1 to Year 6: KRW 32.37 million

Year 7 to Year 9: KRW 32.84 million

Year 10 to Year 11: KRW 33.80 million

Year 12 to Year 13: KRW 34.93 million

Jessie, this year’s Head Girl, is one of the pioneering students of Dulwich. Having joined when the school opened in 2010, she has seen many changes since. Her family was impressed by the good reputation of the Dulwich family of schools and she hasn’t been disappointed. Her musicality and leadership skills were cultivated here.

“We are regularly visited by world-renowned musicians, performers, and visual artists as part of the Dulwich Diversity program, which has given me the chance to work with and learn from some world-class musicians.

This year, I set up the school’s jazz band and I am enjoying leading the band, working with younger musicians, and sharing my passion with students. The school has provided lots of opportunities for me to pursue my interests outside the classroom and to develop my leadership skills. I am most proud of establishing our school’s debate club three years ago, which continues to grow.”

Jack, this year’s Head Boy, came from a British school in Tokyo. Aside from its British curriculum, Jack was impressed by the school facilities and the friendly atmosphere.

“There is a real sense of community at the school and there is always someone to support me when I need a boost or a helping hand. Although academic success is important here, we are also encouraged to develop interests in creative arts, sports, and music, so we develop as well-rounded individuals. We are also encouraged to take on leadership responsibilities. When I first joined the school, I was disappointed to learn that there was no rugby club, so I set one up. I enjoy coaching the younger students and it has been rewarding to watch interest in the sport grow.

Jack and Jessie both like to play sports. The school’s involvement in KAIAC, a sports league for schools in Korea, has allowed them and other students to participate in tournaments both inside the country and abroad.

They both love the school spirit and support from their community, especially during home games.

The two students are planning to pursue studies in the UK. They have different interests, but both are optimistic that their DCS education has prepared them well.

Extra-curricular activities, day trips, examination fees and Senior School adventurous journeys are included in the tuition fees

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS International General Certificates of

Education (IGCSE) at Grades 9 and 10, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Grades 12 and 13

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JACK Student

JESSIE Student

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There are extra-curricular clubs, sports teams, music ensembles, drama groups, adventurous activities, Saturday sports training, artists-in-residence, and other community activities. Students are highly encouraged to join these extracurricular and after-school activities as they are included in the tuition fee.

More importantly, these activities have given opportunities for students to develop their musical, athletic and leadership skills.

The school has year-round rolling admission that welcomes international students when they arrive in Korea. Currently, the student population is 20 percent Korean, 40 percent Korean heritage, and 40 percent international.

DCS students have a school uniform that they wear with a sense of pride and school identity as this reflects its founding school’s longlasting traditions.

Always in pursuit of its students’ academic advancement, DCS gained recognition this January at the International School Awards 2019. The award for Teaching Initiative of the Year was received by the school’s Head of Mathematics, Chris Krnic. The initiative focuses on the mathematics programs for Years 7 and 8, where math students are grouped by their ability for each unit in the curriculum. This is a very significant achievement by DCS, and the management plans to share this model with other schools in the Dulwich network. This is an example of how students in the DCI network of schools benefit from strong support and collaboration.

What is Graduate Worldwise?

This is an initiative by Dulwich that aims to draw knowledge and inspiration from the past and look ahead with a curriculum designed to encourage new ideas, collaborative learning, and a pioneering spirit. The school believes education must be a bridge to the world, with teachers who put students first so that they become doers, creative thinkers, innovators and leaders of tomorrow creating the best schools with a connected global family so students graduate worldwise.”)

DCS School Facilities All-weather sports field, futsal astro court area, indoor gymnasium, 25-meter indoor swimming pool, 300-seat auditorium, SE21 (STEAM) room, food technology room, art and design workshops, kiln room)

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C Chadwick International

45, Art Center-daero 97 Beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22002

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hadwick International (CI) is located in the eco-friendly Songdo International Business District, a smart city built from scratch and set to be the world’s first sustainable city.

In the spirit of green innovation, CI boasts a state-of-the-art campus and holds the title of Korea’s first LEED-certified school, serving as an example of a new and sustainable development for the future.

The school opened its doors in Korea in 2010 as the international branch of the Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, California, which was founded by Margaret Lee Chadwick in 1935. The two campuses share the same mission—to develop global citizens with keen minds, exemplary character,

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self-knowledge, and the ability to lead. The five core values CI is committed to are Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Compassion, and Honesty.

Chadwick International is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).

The school is an authorized three program International Baccalaureate (IB) world school, offering PYP, MYP, and DP, while 100% of CI students go on to continue their education at fouryear colleges.

Currently, the student body consists of 1270 students from 32 different nations. The 7:1 studentto-teacher ratio allows for individual attention and ensures that each student’s specific abilities and needs are noticed and met. The staff at CI is very aware of the challenges facing international students throughout the process of integrating into a new environment and new culture.

This is why being sensitive and having a full understanding of the difficulties the students could be experiencing is an important factor in the hiring process for teachers— apart from being highly qualified academically, the teachers at CI are ready to cater to the needs of the international students and help them adapt and thrive.

CI offers numerous extracurricular activities, including a variety of clubs and athletic opportunities that are based on the KAIAC and KISAC interscholastic leagues. Starting from Grade 2 onwards, CI offers a Co-Curricular Program that ranges from art and music to sports and health-related activities and crosses the boundaries of grade levels, providing students with opportunities to make new friends, learn new skills, and work with teachers outside an academic setting.

Number of students

average class size

1270

20

student to teacher ratio

GRADES (k-12)

7:1

Pre-K through

boarding or day school

school term

day

trimesters

enrollment dates

ELIGIBILITY

November-January for Korean families.

Foreign passport holders can apply throughout the year if any vacancy becomes available.

Chadwick International as a foreign educational institution can accept Korean nationals regardless of experience residing in a foreign country up to 40% of the total capacity by law. Qualified students from expatriate families residing in Korea will be considered as a priority for admissions. When assessing an application, the Admissions Office considers internal test scores, and prior academic performance and behavioral records, as well as English proficiency.

Entrance requirements Online application, standardized exam results (ISEE, SSAT or MAP), interview with students and parents (Skype interviews are possible.) Pre-K-Grade 2: group observation session; Grades 3-11: set of admission assessments (reading comprehension, language usage, Mathematics, and English written skills,) recent standardized test scores (optional.) Grades 2-11: official transcript (incl. all report cards) for the past two years prior to application as well as the first semester of the current year; Teacher Reference Forms. Grade 1: records from the current year. Kindergarten and Grade 1: Teacher Reference Forms.

12th grade

tuiTion Depending on student’s grade of entry.

Village School (Pre-K - 5th): KRW 21,840,000 + $12,390; Middle School (6th - 8th): KRW 23,470,000 + $13,320; Upper School(9th12th): KRW 25,690,000 + $14,580. Financial assistance for foreign (or international) students and needs-based assistance for local families available through the CI Financial Aid Program.

OTHER FEES Application fee: KRW 350,000; Matriculation fee: KRW 1,000,000; Bus service (optional).

UNIFORMS No uniforms. Dress code.

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years

Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme. Korean Scholastic Credentials program

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The diverse and inclusive school environment and an experiential style of learning are further supplemented by the excellent facilities available to the students. CI facilities include an aquatic center with scuba diving capabilities, two gymnasiums, two performing arts indoor theatres, a television studio that allows production of up to eight channels, a working garden, purpose-built science laboratories, and three design/maker spaces. These facilities allow students to pursue their academic, artistic and athletic interests. The students are also encouraged to learn world languages.

Students in Pre-K and Kindergarten study Korean. Grades 1-5 students may select from Korean or Mandarin. Students in all other grades can choose from Korean, Mandarin, or Spanish.

CI emphasizes experiential and inquirybased learning both in and outside the classroom, which is reflected in their

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carefully put together Outdoor Education and Service Learning programs. The Outdoor Education allows students to develop conflict-resolution abilities and leadership skills through various outdoor experiences and the Service Learning program teaches students to interact with both their local and international communities and encourages problem solving on a deeper level. Both programs are designed to help students transfer valuable lessons learned in the classroom to real-life situations.

As for the in-classroom education, CI utilizes the Socratic seminar method of discussion to foster a safe and positive environment where every student is heard and feels free to contribute to studentled discussions. Through open-ended questions, the class is encouraged to construct ideas and an understanding of the text together, without debate, rhetoric, or too much guidance from a teacher. It

is an organic way for students to learn to provide, accept and incorporate feedback, to develop their ideas and value meaningful participationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;skills that are important and valuable for them as contributing members of society and future leaders.

From the very beginning, as the youngest learners walk through the doors of the school, they are encouraged to engage and inquireâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;first through play and later through a student-directed approach. As the students grow older, Chadwick teachers continue to find ways to encourage inquiring minds and always keep supporting students who ask questions and challenge new concepts.

Teachers at CI are always ready to take the lesson in a different direction and create a more engaging learning opportunity for the students. Chadwick International aims to nurture inquisitive minds and help the students grow into fearless and passionate independent thinkers.

n

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B BUSAN FOREIGN SCHOOL

Embracing Diversity, Striving for Excellence 45, Daecheon-ro 67 beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Korea 48084 / 부산광역시 해운대구 대천로67번길 45 우편번호 48084

usan Foreign School (BFS) was established in Busan in October of 1996 by James F. Haddon, a U.S. military veteran and retiree, originally offering only two grades. Over the past 23 years, the school has grown into a diverse, close-knit community offering top-quality American education to international families residing in Korea.

Currently, the student body consists of 249 students from 21 different nations (76% International and 24% Korean). The staff consists of 32 highly qualified, licensed teachers committed to supporting students’ creativity and empowerment.

BFS is located in the hip and vibrant Haeundae New Town area. It is the only American school in Busan and the main curricular building blocks are based on the “American Education Reaches Out” and “Common Core State Standards Initiative,” providing a solid foundation for students wanting to pursue American higher education. The school offers classes for students at any schoolaged level, including full-day nursery and pre-school programs—particularly convenient if you are a family with several children of different ages and would like to educate all of them in one place.

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COVER STORY BFS strives to use highly effective research-based programs such as “The Units of Study” from Columbia University in Grades K-5, Eureka Math in K-2 and “Math in Focus: Singapore Math” in Grades 3-5. The school is fully accredited from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the United States and participates in the College Board’s AP CapstoneTM program. Almost 95% of BFS graduates go on to post-secondary studies, the majority of which attend high-ranking universities in the United States.

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In addition to a highly stimulating academic curriculum, BFS offers a broad range of artistic, intellectual, and athletic activities. For middle and high school students, the school provides a variety of electives and core courses, such as AP literature, AP Calculus, orchestra, physical education, health, band, art, Korean, Spanish, English Language Learner (ELL), speech and presentation, writing and grammar, language arts, yearbook activities, research methods, and multimedia.

Last year, the students produced the best AP results in the history of the

school’s AP program: 95% of all BFS test takers scored at least a 3 or higher on their AP Exams, which is significantly higher than both the Korean average of 89% and the global average of 60%.

BFS students have also kicked off this year with great academic and athletic performances. Middle and high school students successfully represented BFS in the History Bee and Bowl that took place at Dulwich College Seoul in January, with the 7th grader Ethan Li placing first in the Individual History Bee and the middle school team taking home the championship trophy with an undefeated record of 6-0. The BFS volleyball and basketball teams (both nicknamed the Sharks) have successfully represented the school at the SKAC Divisional Tournament and KISAC South HS Basketball Invitational Tournament, bringing home trophies.

BFS also encourages and provides opportunities for the students to get involved with charity work. One such community service campaign is the annual BFS Orchestra Charity Concert for the Korean Association for Children with Leukemia and Cancer (KACLC). This winter’s concert was a success and the orchestra has singlehandedly raised over KRW 8 million for the children.

BFS is a smaller school that provides all the facilities a big school could offer while pairing that up with an individual approach made possible by keeping a balanced teacher-tostudent ratio. The teachers and staff at BFS focus not only on the students’ academic performance but on nurturing the children’s inquisitive spirit and finding the best teaching practices to suit each child’s personal interests and tendencies. The goal here is not to simply turn children into excellent overachieving students but to provide a safe learning environment where they can thrive and grow into independent thinkers and responsible, contributing citizens.

As evident from the interviews with the students, this inclusive approach proves not only to be effective

COVER STORY but enjoyable and inspiring. Being encouraged to think collaboratively and creatively and to actively interact with the teachers allows the children to find their voices and have confidence in expressing their opinions while learning to be mindful and tolerant.

Educating your child in a foreign country has a lot of positive sides but could also bring a lot of pressure and stress. BFS’s commitment to building a diverse, dynamic and engaging learning community insures a safe transition for expat children coming to live in Korea and provides them with a supportive and joyful environment.

Number of students

average class size

255

14

student to teacher ratio

GRADES (k-12)

8:1

Pre-K through

boarding or day school

school term

day

4 quarters

enrollment dates Rolling admissions

Entrance requirements Online application, standardized exam results (State/Province exams, PSAT, SAT, ACT, MAP, IOWA, ACER, ITBS, Standard Achievement Test, TOEFL, etc.), last two year academic records from last attended school (or currently attending), one letter of recommendation from last attended school (upon request), interview with the Director of Admissions (ideally conducted in person, Internet interviews are possible.)

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS AP CapstoneTM diplomas,

WASC accredited High School diploma

12th grade

ELIGIBILITY At least one parent must hold a foreign (non-Korean) citizenship; A dependent of Korean parents who has lived abroad for 3 years (1095 days or has studied for more than six semesters in a school located outside Korea.

tuiTion Depending on student’s grade of entry.

Consisting of both a KRW portion and a USD portion. From $3,325 and W9,730,000 to $9,525 and W18,180,000.

Admissions fee W1,000,000.

OTHER FEES First Time Enrollment Fees, Existing students one-time fees, pick up and drop off bus service (optional), lunch plan (optional).

UNIFORMS Official BFS school

uniforms, P.E. attire.

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COVER STORY

Number of students

BRANKSOME HALL ASIA The only international school for girls in Korea

900

Number of TEACHERS 122

student to teacher ratio 7:1

average class size 18

GRADES (k-12) Grades K-12) JK Prep G-12

boarding or day school Boarding and day

ENTRANCE RQUIREMENTS Anyone who passes admissions entrance assessment including Korean rationales

school term 2 semesters

enrollment dates open enrollment

45, Art Center-daero 97 Beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22002

tutiion www.branksome.asia/admissions/ our-criteria

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS IB, AP, IB- PYP, MYP, DP

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COVER STORY

“Building confidence and the skills necessary for our girls to become the world leaders of tomorrow.”

I

n 1903, an independent school for girls, was opened in Toronto, Canada. It began with seventy students and over the years has grown to where it is today; a beautiful campus with approximately nine hundred girls receiving a well-rounded education. In 2009, Branksome Hall was invited to establish a campus within the Global Education City on the UNESCO World Heritage listed island of Jeju. In October 2012, the school opened in Jeju Island and since then has done well from taking such an honorable invitation to establish itself as the only international school for girls in Korea and being a leading academic program that builds confidence and the skills necessary for the students to become the world leaders of tomorrow.

The current principal of Branksome Hall Asia, Dr. Cinde Lock, shared with us some some insights into the school.

COURSES OFFERED

Various classes offered (specifically honors/AP/ whatever the European equivalent is) IB courses (High level / Standard level) Language and Literature English Language and Literature (HL/SL) Korean Language and Literature (HL/SL) Chinese Literature (HL/SL) Language Acquisition English B (HL) Chinese Ab Initio (SL) French Ab Initio (SL) - Pamoja Spanish Ab Initio (SL) - Pamoja Individuals and Societies Business Management (HL/SL) Economics (HL/SL) Environmental Systems and Societies (SL) Geography (HL/SL) History (HL/SL) Experimental Sciences Biology (HL/SL) Chemistry (HL/SL) Computer Science (HL/SL) Design Technology (HL/SL) Physics (HL/SL) Environmental Systems and Societies (SL) Mathematics Mathematics: Applications and Approaches (HL/SL) Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL/SL)

1. What do you think makes Branksome Hall Asia unique? Does it offer something other schools don’t?

“I recently led a seminar at the Canadian Embassy in Seoul for educators and parents on the importance of Girls Education. Branksome Hall Asia is the only International School for Girls in Korea. This allows us to tailor our curriculum, learning environment, and course offerings to meet the needs of our students.”

Due to being a Girls’ International School, the students have the advantage of being offered a wide range of development opportunities that support emotional and social development. The challenges girls face are unique. Branksome Hall Asia strives to provide the tools and support needed to help girls develop healthy relationships and help them better cope with the challenges they face on a daily basis.

“We focus on building a strong positive learning environment, a culture of care, access to high tech learning spaces, and layered leadership opportunities to build confidence and the skills necessary for our girls to become the world leaders of tomorrow.”

Dr. Cinde Lock became the Principal at Branksome Hall Asia at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year, and develops the schools’ programs and curriculum based on five differentiators. The acronym SPICE S - Shaping a Better World : Quality learning happens in a context that is meaningful to students.

Our young learners participate in interdisciplinary units and service learning activities that help them to connect their learning to real-world problems and the search for real-world solutions.

P - Pathways of Opportunity : During their time with us, students learn to speak and write English at a high academic level and fully engage with rigorous IB program. Our students graduate with a bilingual IB diploma in English and their mother tongue.

I - Innovation : We inspire our girls and prepare them for the future through a solid program of innovative systems design, one of our signature programs at Branksome Hall Asia. Many of our girls use the innovative skills they develop at Branksome Hall Asia to pursue careers in engineering, computer science, design technology, mathematics, architecture, film studies, and visual arts.

C - Culture of Care : We know that girls thrive in collaborative rather than competitive environments.

One of our mottos is: “I shine when you shine.”

Learning in a positive environment has resulted in happy students with high levels of achievement.

E - Women’s Empowerment : We help our young girls to develop confidence and leadership skills.

They know that their voices and choices will be heard.

The focus at Branksome Hall Asia, is to help students take risks, try new things, and celebrate each others’ successes along the way. ▶

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COVER STORY

Branksome Hall Asia also boasts an impressive Exchange program, called by its acronym BHX. “Each October the entire Grade 9 class embarks on a 3-week learning experience to our sister school Branksome Hall, in Toronto, Canada. The exchange focuses on authentic student leadership activities and broadens students’ global perspectives. They also visit university campuses and meet with Alumnae to learn, first-hand, about their experiences in university.

In February, the entire Grade 9 class from Branksome Hall, in Toronto, Canada, travels to our campus on Jeju to collaborate on a wind-turbine design project.

This cultural exchange develops and transforms our girl’s worldviews in ways which resonate and guide them in their diploma years. Drop-in sessions with counselors, teachers, and academic-support staff provide assistance to students throughout the year. The Boarding Program also offers leadership opportunities such as a council where students come together once a week and discuss concerns and ideas. They learn skills for a lifetime during their time in Boarding.”

2. What can students expect after graduating from Branksome?

“This year, Branksome Hall Asia celebrated it’s 6th anniversary. Since its first graduating class in 2014, Branksome Hall Asia has consistently achieved outstanding results in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Our graduates have successfully entered into Top Universities around the world including Top Universities in Asia and Korea.

Our students earn three diplomas, the prestigious IB bilingual diploma, a Korean high-school diploma, and the Branksome Hall diploma.

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COVER STORY Our main focus is to help our girls find the university which fits them best. Statistics show us that a large percentage of Korean university students drop out in their first year of university. This does not happen for our Branksome Hall Asia alumni. Our girls know what they want and when they attend their university of choice, they stay and they thrive there.”

3. Do most graduates go to universities abroad and then work abroad? Does graduating from Branksome give them an advantage?

“Every student at Branksome, from Junior Kindergarten Prep to Grade 12, benefits from the IB curriculum. As one of the only IB continuum schools in Korea, we promote curiosity and critical thinking, provide for regular assessments and feedback against standardized criteria, and have an integrated interdisciplinary curriculum of study. The IB program has been shown to improve student performance and provide unmatched preparation for university studies.

This is a distinct advantage of Branksome Hall Asia as students thrive in the IB program throughout all of their journey with us.

Approximately 50% of our students attend universities in the United States, 25% choose universities in Canada and the remaining students attend universities in Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan.

At our recent info session in Seoul, a first-year graduate, who is now currently attending Yonsei University, joined our event to share her experience.

She passionately spoke about how it was difficult for her to make her final decision about where to study.

She was accepted into schools in the United States, Canada, and Korea but in the end selected to attend Yonsei University so that she could stay close to home.

It is wonderful that our girls have so many options. “

and more are available. Branksome Hall Asia ensures that their students graduate with an education that is insightful, cultured, and first-rate.

One grade 7 student remarked about her school, “At Branksome, I can experience a variety of cocurricular activities and challenge myself. Also, since there are many great resources and facilities, I can branch out to different subjects to increase my level of understanding.”

Branksome Hall Asia is a unique school, the only one of its kind in Korea with a full IB Program Continuum that offers an environment structured to support girls and their learning and development needs.

Dr. Cinde Lock obviously cares very much about Branksome Hall Asia and has no qualms about emphasizing the school’s many strengths.

“We are very proud of our focus on innovation and our caring and welcoming learning environment. Our goal is for our students to graduate as empowered women who are inspired to make a difference, as leaders with voice, confidence, and a deep rooted compassion for others.”

Branksome Hall Asia recently surveyed their parents and asked what they thought were the strengths at Branksome Hall Asia. The top qualities under “Personal Growth” included “supportive environment, independence development, happy child, respect for others” and under teaching and learning, parents chose “IB Curriculum, quality teachers, creativity;” all qualities schools should aim to achieve to have and what Branksome Hall Asia appears to excel in.

The school curriculum covers a wide range of classes, giving their students the opportunity discover their unique talents outside of the classroom. Creative courses in Orchestra, Dance, and Photography can be found Robotics, Model United Nations and Jeju Traditional Onggi Pottery. The school has no shortage of fascinating lessons to interest and challenge their students. The girls may learn archery, equestrian, fencing and yoga. Service focused courses such as Peer Mentoring, Health and Medical Awareness, Women’s Empowerment, Environmental Protection

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COVER STORY For foreign parents not from English-speaking countries – or those who wish to broaden their children’s horizons by enrolling them in a non-English school – there are several options available in other languages, with two being the French School of Seoul and the Japanese School of Seoul.

French School of Seoul (Lycée Français De Seoul)

O

riginally founded in Itaewon in 1971, the French School of Seoul is now settled in Seorae-maul, long thought of as the French neighborhood of Seoul, in Seocho District. The school is registered to offer classes from kindergarten up through high school. It offers the International Baccalaureate diploma program for high school graduates.

The school is a French educational establishment run by the Parents’ Association and regulated and approved by the Agency for French Education Abroad. It has been registered with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education since 2001. Created in 1990, the Agency for French Education Abroad is a national public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development and ensures the education of French children living abroad. It also helps to spread the French language and culture through welcoming foreign students.

The school itself further contributes to the promotion of the French language and culture by welcoming young people from all over the world. As of the beginning of September 2016, there were 18 percent of third nationalities enrolled in LFS (not Korean or French). The school is currently expanding so that more students will be able to attend.

Currently, the school caters to students of French nationality though depending on available space, they aim to educate students from South Korea and other countries. As of 2015, 72 percent of the student population were native-French speaking students from the French education system. They are automatically accepted as space allows and as long as all financial conditions are met. Beyond that, 12 percent were Korea students and 16 percent were from other countries outside of France and Korea.

Japanese School of Seoul

T

he Seoul Japanese School was founded by the Seoul Japan Club in 1972 with the goal of educating Japanese children who resided in the capital city. Today there are around 400 students, though it originally started with just 32.

Students should have Japanese citizenship to attend, or at least intend to continue schooling in Japan, and the school follows the educational standards set by the Japanese Ministry of Education. The school offers education for kindergarten through middle school and is located in Sangam-dong.

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION To enroll, parents or legal guardians must first submit an online application and pay the non-refundable application fee. They then must submit all supporting documents. The prospective student will then take the admissions test. After deliberation, the school will then inform the parents/legal guardians of acceptance they must submit the final documents and pay the tuition fees.

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

SCHOOL FEES

Online enrollment opens in March. Parents or legal guardians first fill out and submit the online registration form then wait to receive a response from LFS before submitting the requested documents. For those registering for the bilingual curriculum, they will fill out and submit the bilingual curriculum registration form and the request is then looked over by the Commission.

From here, the school then studies all requests and deliberates the acceptance of the student. Once acceptance is granted, an invoice is sent to the parents or legal guardians.

Once the admission fee is paid, the student is officially admitted into enrollment.

Admission Fee + Monthly Tuition Fee

tutiion Annual Admission Fee Kindergarten and Elementary School – 11,500,000 won (Full); 9,180,000 won (Reduced) Middle School – 16,360,000 won (Full); 12,160,000 won (Reduced) High School – 17,130,000 won (Full); 13,820,000 won (Reduced) Annual fee includes cost of tuition and mandatory subscription to the school’s Parents Association. Reduced prices only apply to families that benefit from school grants and scholarships and to children of French nationality who do not benefit directly or indirectly from a company that will bear the cost in some form of educational fees.

First Registration Fee – 3,500,000 won Annual Mandatory Cafeteria Fee Kindergarten and Elementary School – 1,200,000 won Middle School – 1,510,000 won High School – 151,000 won (September Only); 285,000-1,360,000 won depending on meal plan (October-June)

48

For SJC Members Kindergarten – 360,000 won + 340,000 won (Grade 1)/300,000 won (Grade 2)/300,000 won (Grade 3) Elementary School (Grade 1-6) – 360,000 won + 190,000 won Middle School (Grade 1-3) – 360,000 won + 190,000 won For non-members Kindergarten – 2,160,000 won + 360,000 won (Grade 1)/ 320,000 won (Grade 2)/ 320,000 won (Grade 3) Elementary School (Grades 1-6) – 2,160,000 + 210,000 won Middle School (Grades 1-3) – 2,160,000 + 210,000 won School Bus Fee 105,000 won per month School Building Construction Fund 30,000 won per month PTA Fee 30,000 won three times a year

COVER STORY

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The 100th Anniversary

of the March 1st Independence Movement Have you ever wondered why March 1st is a national holiday in South Korea?

Story WALTER STUCKE

The Korean people maintained their identity in spite of Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attempt to assimilate Korea into the Japanese Empire

50

E

ach year expats, along with Koreans, enjoy a national holiday on March 1st.

It is called Independence Movement Day in English and its observance is related to events that transpired across the entire Korean peninsula one hundred years ago. But what exactly is behind this mysterious holiday?

Korean Subjugation to Japan As a result of the Meiji Restoration, Japan became the first country in East Asia to engage in significant industrialization by following in the footsteps of Western nations.

Japan flexed its muscles by defeating China in the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and further shocked the world with her victory over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). With its unmatched strength in East Asia after these two victories, by 1905, Japan was able to force a so-called protectorate over Korea, and by 1910, formally annexed its western neighbor. The Japanese government completely changed the government of Korea, patterning it after the Japanese model. Also, the new education system attempted to force the Korean people to adopt Japanese culture,

The sudden death of the former king of Korea, Gojong, created the perfect environment for the success of the nationwide independence movement.

gathering of large numbers of Koreans as the perfect opportunity to begin the peaceful nationwide demonstrations that they had been planning. Since the kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death was unexpected, the Japanese authorities were less prepared for what would appear to these authorities as spontaneous demonstrations.

history, and language as their own, much to the chagrin of Korean traditions. But lurking behind these Japanese attempts at destroying any notion of Korean identity laid a powerful Korean undercurrent that would not remain indefinitely silent.

A Fortuitous Opportunity to March for Independence The former king of Korea, Gojong (r.

1863-1907) died suddenly in January 1919.

As such, multitudes of Koreans began heading towards Seoul for the kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funeral.

Certain Korean nationalist leaders saw this

The leadership of the movement consisted primarily of Christian and Cheondo (Religion of the Heavenly Way) leaders, the latter of which was developed in Korea approximately 50 years earlier. On March 1, 1919, to start the peaceful demonstrations, one of the leaders of the movement read a declaration for Korean independence in a Seoul restaurant. Thirty-three men signed this declaration, including 16 Christian leaders and 15 Cheondo leaders. The other two signers were Buddhist leaders. With this reading, Korean people by the hundreds of thousands took to the streets, waving Korean flags and shouting manse.

Over the next year, more than 1,500 peaceful demonstrations occurred across the entire Korean peninsula with over a half a million participants. These peaceful demonstrations resulted in the deaths of thousands of Koreans, with the imprisonment of thousands more by the Japanese government, along with the burning of innumerable Korean homes and other kinds of property destruction.

Because of their disproportionately high participation rates in the demonstrations and their close connections to Western Christian missionaries, Korean Christians were specifically targeted by the Japanese authorities because it was through Western learning that Koreans learned of democracy

and Christianity. This is not to say that only Korean Christians suffered during this time, for all Koreans felt the brunt of the Japanese sword.

The Legacy and Lessons The most noticeable legacy of the March 1st Independence Movement is the fact that its date is a national holiday in South Korea.

During this time, thousands of Korean flags are flown from flagpoles at regular intervals throughout the streets and there are also special events commemorating the start of the year-long demonstrations throughout South Korea.

Perhaps even more importantly than the legacy of the March 1st Independence Movement is the lessons that can be drawn from it. First and foremost, attempts at forced assimilation of people groups will always be met with strong resistance.

Secondly, cultural identity can never be fully eradicated from individual societies, nor should it be. Thirdly, resistance to illegitimate authorities is necessary and usually results in violence even if such resistance is peaceful.

So as you enjoy your day off of work this March 1st, take the time to notice and reflect upon all of the Korean flags lining the streets and what they commemorate. Remember the thousands of Koreans who gave their lives one hundred years ago for the country that you now enjoy living in and working in, and also recall the folly of forced assimilation and the resiliency and strength of cultural identity which all people groups in this world possess. No government, no other authority has the right to strip that which constitutes the being of people groups.

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K-FASHION : PROFILE

IN SEARCH

OF

AUTHENTICITY In this brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal take on fashion, the clothes define the wearer and vice versa Story DIANNE PINEDA-KIM Designer YOUSER

52

PROFILE

Our aim is free-styling graphics with wit, and design is the point.

It is based on deconstructionism and emphasizes the process of disassembling and reassembling clothing

H

ow can one be authentic in this artificial world? We live in an age where everything is a reality construct: fake news, a 280-word limit on a person’s ruminations on life, and where the totality of a moment can be summed up in one small squared image. Everyday people thumb through listicles, guides, rankings, and viral videos that seemingly define the daily lives of people who try to escape real life. The world is made more fancy, distorted, exaggerated, or perhaps livable—depending on how you look at it—through the looking glass of advertising and promotions. Nowhere else is this more applicable than in fashion, and Seoul-based brand YOUSER takes these signs of the times head on by asking, “Are you really what you wear?”

A total package For the brand’s last collection, Creative Director Lee Moo-yeol took inspiration from one of the most common methods of selling a product. In this case, however, the product is the person wearing the clothes. “Advertising is the main concept

of last season’s show. In order to make the product stand out, I was inspired by the package and labels wrapped around it. Clothing has a message and that it is a means to advertise yourself,” he explains.

In the outlandish world of advertising, anything is possible: cars can fly, animals can talk, people with supernatural powers exist. This allows any message to make a big impact despite the suspension of reality. YOUSER dove into this world and embedded this concept into the fabric of each item of clothing, presenting a Spring/Summer collection that thrives in organized chaos.

The opening look encapsulated this sartorial inspiration; the black, oneshouldered shift dress with a silver detail and the word “Merchandise” written below the waistline is reminiscent of a labeled tin can that can be found on store shelves. Another little detail that gave this pervading theme away are the words “tear off” on an oversized T-shirt held up by buttons. Clothing, is, after all, your own personal brand. ▶

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K-FASHION : PROFILE

▶ A lesson in deconstruction But unlike advertising, the high-end streetwear brand does not, in any way, aim to dictate ways of dressing and trends as in the cliche of the trickle-down effect of fashion houses. It simply does the opposite. From the name itself, YOUSER is a combination of “you” and “user,” and the motive behind this is, as the designer explains, “from a philosophical ideal about the importance of the relationship between the designers and consumers.” Its official brand profile reads, “With the idea of addition and subtraction of clothes, the products have developed with interactive sensibility that are left to be combined by consumer’s own choice, delivering a new look and feel to the style.”

Lee further adds, “Our aim is free-styling graphics with wit, and design is the point.

It is based on deconstructionism and emphasizes the process of disassembling and reassembling clothing.”

YOUSER

54

PROFILE

DIRECTOR LEE MOO-YEOL

The process of tearing something down in order to create something entirely new is visible on the brand’s signature pieces that seem to have been put together from opposing textiles, updated sporty materials, and ripped denim. There’s also the unexpected long jacket with a rainbowcolored tie dye and the matching two-piece sequin athletic suit. It all seems random at first, but when the collection is seen in its entirety, it still conveys one definitive aesthetic: a modern look with timeless and genderless sensibilities. “It gives importance to fun. I think honesty is more important than seriousness,” Lee says.

YOUSER

Overseas expansion The brand’s offbeat humor and witty designs has caught the attention of the European fashion market, which, ironically has a tendency to take itself too seriously.

YOUSER participated in the International Woolmark Prize, a competition that celebrates and features outstanding fashion talent from around the globe. And its next destination? Paris Fashion Week.

“We have been working abroad for three years in the Romeo Showroom in Paris and we are going to do an off-show there soon.

After that, we will then officially debut at Paris Fashion Week.”

When most fashion designers seek to vie for the attention of onlookers, define one person’s status, style, or mood through adornment, or, with a more familiar purpose, “to make a statement”— YOUSER decides to go in the opposite direction. It lets the clothes speak for themselves.

It gives importance to fun. I think honesty is more important than seriousness

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K-FASHION : PROFILE

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PROFILE

GREAT LENGTHS Don’t let his long lush hair, piercing eyes, and charismatic presence fool you—this model’s personality is larger than life

Photos DANIEL KIM Story and styling DIANNE PINEDA-KIM with english translation by Joo Wondae Model SUNGCHAN KIM Clothing YOUSER Shoes LOST GARDEN Grooming VALENTINA CHANG Hairstyling and Location N2RAGE BARBERSHOP

A

photograph captures the subject in his or her realest form. The best images become indelible records of transient moments, moods, and the general spirit of the time. But sometimes, a photo does not tell the complete story, one that’s far more intriguing than one scene or a person frozen in time.

This I realized a few years ago—2014 to be exact—when I chased after Sungchan Kim, whose long and fast strides overtook us as we navigated the crowded entryway of Dongdaemun Design Plaza during Seoul Fashion Week. At the time, I was with a fashion editor friend who made it a mission to take Instax shots of the hottest models and behind-the-scenes crazes during the week.

To say we were squished and squashed by all the people scurrying to see the shows was an understatement. But even in these dire circumstances, we knew we just had to take a photo of “the male model with the long hair.”

Dressed in all-black and with his hair styled in impeccable waves, Sungchan gracefully indulged our odd, probably impractical, request. He was rushing off to walk down another runway.. He looked straight into the camera and gave us the perfect glare. His cool, nonchalant, and tough exterior in the polaroid belied his outgoing, cheeky, and fun character, all of which he credits for his success as a model. “Fortunately, people seem to like me for who I am and as someone without pretense,” he reveals. ▶

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K-FASHION : PROFILE

Double personality Having made his debut as a fashion model in 2013, Sungchan got his mainstream break in the fifth cycle of “Korea’s Next Top Model Guys & Girls,” a spin-off of Tyra Bank’s reality TV competition “America’s Next Top Model.” Several models from Seoul’s leading agencies and rising talents joined the competition, all with stunning features and gleaming, camera-ready smiles.

But what made Sungchan stand out was his 4-D personality, which is more commonly known in Korea as someone who is eccentric and wacky but adorable nonetheless. He quips, “I was depicted as someone with a unique and strong personality and I am very much the same in person too!”

He would make people laugh and wonder how he comes up with the things he says.

This seems like a contradiction given his serious expression on camera, amplified by his smoldering eyes, high cheekbones, and strong features. But despite having the “look” that lands most models lucrative deals and instant fame, the reality of rejection in this competitive industry was something he couldn’t escape.

“Many people want to do what they want or love to do. But doing this is no picnic,” Sungchan shares. “Sometimes we have to let go of things. In the early stages of my career, I constantly reminded myself that ‘I can do this, I am an awesome person with a unique charm, and I am born to make it to the top’. This self-reminder made my days less hard than they should have been.”

With every “no” he gets, he counters it with a positive affirmation: “I told myself that the role was just not for me and I will get an even more interesting position later.”

His real self Pretty soon Sungchan proved his versatility as a model. He starred in music videos like “How Do I Look” by Beenzino and “Cosmic,” a duet by Ryeowook from Super Junior and Bada from S.E.S. He also participated in a campaign for the apparel and accessory brand Metrocity as the lead male model alongside Rosie Huntington Whiteley. ▶

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PROFILE

“In the early stages of my career, I constantly reminded myself that ‘I can do this, I am an awesome person with a unique charm, and I am born to make it to the top’.

This self-reminder made my days less hard than they should have been.”

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K-FASHION : PROFILE

As for the possibility of being an actor and expanding towards the international market, Sungchan always has his doors open. He brightens up at the thought, “If I have the chance to be an actor, I would do my best to show different characteristics of myself!”

Having started modeling when Korean representation was lacking in the global fashion scene, Sungchan looks back at the immense progress and how the industry has changed since then.

“Only a few years ago, when people saw Asian models, they always mistook them as Chinese, but recently fashion designers seem to specifically look for and recognize Korean models. You can see Korean flags on [international] runways and our language Hangeul is designed as a pattern in collections,” he explains. “I feel proud as a Korean when I see how Korea is being recognized all over the world.”

Nowadays, when he’s not posing in front of the camera or shooting commercials, he enjoys filming YouTube videos of his daily life through his eponymous channel.

“I want to show a comfortable side of myself, Sungchan Kim, full of humanity and humor and not as a high fashion model.”

“Fortunately, people seem to like me for who I am and as someone without pretense.”

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Trained at TONI & GUY and VIDAL SASSOON Academy in UK Color, Perm, Magic Straight, Treatment and more English Spoken For more info, call Johnny Tel 02.363.4253 Mobile 010.5586.0243 3rd fl. 168-3 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu Qunohair Gangnam / Apgujeong Branch Tel 02.549.0335 10-6, Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul www.qunohair.com

www.hairnandjoy.com

K-FASHION

T S A R T N KO Inspiring change in the

creative industry from within

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Cover Photo ERICA ALMQUIST

It is not just fashion and art - it’s a movement

Story LORENA JIMÉNEZ

O

What is Kontrast?

“What is Kontrast?” is probably the most frequently asked question that this group of young entrepreneurs and creators receives on a daily basis. There are plenty of things that could be said about this “Digital Kontent Kreation Agency,” even though in their own mind, Kontrast can never be defined as only one thing.

“We can define the concept of each event but Kontrast in itself cannot be labeled because it is the synergy of many different visions...it is expressed all over our projects but also by each and every single person that takes part into our venues.” Kontrast is the sum of many perspectives because there is always room and space to change, create, and grow further.

Kontrast is a fairly recent movement that hit the creative scene in Seoul a couple of months ago, and it is creating a lot of stir among creators, artists, models, fashion brands and anyone interested in bringing their creative dreams, inspiration, and imagination to reality.

Who is Kontrast?

The group of young artists and entrepreneurs behind this movement could perhaps be called the creative Fantastic Four: @african_seoul, @ppst_q101, @scottfuzion, and @seoul_space, work together as a whole, from brainstorming to execution, but also trying to make best use of their own talents, to do what they enjoy and what they are best at.

Some take care of communication, others are good at giving perspective and finalizing decisions, others are great with ideas and others bring a more creative perspective to the table. They all have a place, but so do you, because that same support and room to grow, to practice your talents, to try new things and to increase your confidence is what they aspire to offer to everyone that takes part in their projects.

Photos credit (clockwise from top) @connorSmiley, @easy_izzy_photography, @mirikku, @heyuchenna

ne of the newest fashion and art events revolutionizing the fashion and content creation scene in Seoul is called Kontrast. In case you have never heard of it, Kontrast is an event in which all types of creators and artists collaborate to create art and content straight out from the heart and creative dreams in the form of creative photoshoots, videos, performances and a lot of socializing. If it sound interesting to you, keep on reading to find out more..

YouTubers, photographers, videographers, models, designers...any type of artist, in fact, no matter the size of their following or how much knowledge they might have on a subject, are all welcome. You do not have to have a million followers, have your products sold or exhibited, or be a size 0, because in Kontrast if you wish to create, there is a space for you. With their venues, they bring opportunities for everybody who wants to create and materialize their thoughts, emotions, art, and who they are into reality through the help of their creative platform. ▶

The team

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K-FASHION

Kontrast is the synergy of many different visions; Kontrast is a bit of all of us

The Fuel of Creating With this platform and their events, they want to bend reality and challenge the current standards, rules, and stereotypes to allow everyone to create from their heart and mind without limitations, titles, or restrictions. It is a space to learn new talents and to try new things that could turn into a passion or even a future job, in a space where people will not judge you for not making the cut and where people will come with an open heart and an open mind to help each other learn, have good conversations, and meet new friends, collaborators, future work or even life partners.

Kontrast is a place where we can all find the artist within us and encourage each other to create art and build talents together. A channel for people to seize the moment and create with the flow, giving

they will not be judged for taking the chance to be more creative and pushing their own boundaries and self-created limitations.

Something that this Fantastic Four call “hearting,” creating not just for the sake of being well-known, accepted, or appreciated, but creating with the heart.

You Can Do all You Want to Do Creation should be natural, never forced or pushed. Art in all its forms, no matter if it is fashion, painting, photography, or music has the power to move us. Content is alive, it is always changing, and it never stops; you create every day of your life, with every interaction, but at times it seems like only big industries create, thus dictating the rules. But @african_seoul, @ppst_q101, @scottfuzion, @seoul_space and I, we all agreed it is about time to realize we can

Fashion, beauty, and art have the power to move us and to create connections if it is done with the heart. We like to call this “hearting.”

event, but also a place to build empathy and gratitude and to enjoy your valuable time among positive like minded individuals.

It is a place to find and provide support, humbleness, and opportunities, while losing the judgement of ourselves and others, our limitations, and the fear that come of our ego. It is a place to make yourself better first, and help others improve as well, but where improvement does not come from the feeling of not being good enough, but of the possibility of knowing that there are no limitations to the things that you can do and accomplish.

everybody that takes part the experience to be part of the behind the scenes.

Their events are partly an collaboration, partly a workshop, and partly a fun reunion, where you can be a model even if you have never modeled before, you can be an example of beauty even if you are not a size 0, you can practice or learn those crazy makeup looks you have been dying to try, not only on you but on others as well. You can be one of the photographers and learn or practice in the event, basically learn, practice and enjoy a talent while also encouraging others explore their own creative side as well.

Their events offer an experience,a reunion where attendees bring not only their talent but also their heart into a safe space where

Message from the team We all bring something to the table.

Everybody is Kontrast, and therefore we want you to have passion and enjoy what you do and what you work on on our events.

There are many creators out there and that is why we want to create a “kommunity” beyond us and expand it to everyone who wishes to have a safe space where they can be whoever they are or want to be through genuine support.

“Come along and contact us if you want to take part in it all. We are going to Kontrast your experience.”

If you want to stay updated with Kontrast news and venues and know how you can attend and participate you can follow them on Instagram at @kontrastseoul.

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change the rules and that is a part of what Kontrast is about.

We are often divided by how we look, our race, our nationality, our religion, orientation or many other added things, but at the end of the day we are all the same internally.

We all are searching for happiness, love, acceptance, appreciation, and support.

Many external things seem to distance us, but what about having a safe space to be ourselves and where fashion, beauty, and creation is not a reason to bring us apart, but a way of creating a connection?

That is what everyone taking part in Kontrast aims to do: build a space to create art and bring the best of what you have in terms of what you want to create but also of who you are. Yes, it is a fashion and art

Photo @MIRIKKU

The team

If you are ready, come along, we are going to Kontrast your experience

Photos credit (clockwise from top) @mirikku, @nondaily, @wowamy2.0, @expressivesoulp, @easy_izzy_photography

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FROM INDIE BAND

TO KOREAN IDOLS British band Karkosa becomes big hit with Korean teens Story EMMA KALKA • Photos DANIEL KIM

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nyone walking passed Rolling Hall in Hongdae on Feb. 22 around 5 pm might have done a double-take, thinking a K-pop idol was about to perform. Even though the concert was set to take place a few hours later, there was already a line of young, Korean teen-aged girls forming – snaking around the corner in front of the CU convenience store.

But it wasn’t an idol. It was actually an indie band from Birmingham, U.K. – Karkosa.

The band admits they were taken completely by surprise last year when seemingly overnight they went from unknown to having a large fanbase across the globe in South Korea.

“We can’t even get people from down the road to come to one of our gigs,” joked lead guitarist Tom Trott.

The way vocalist Michael Warnock – who started the band with his brother Jack – tells it, it’s a crazy story. They started using social media to expand their fanbase and ended up following a lot of people who were fans of bands that sounded similar to their sound. They sent their music to one fan in Korea, he said, who then reached out to them, saying she loved it and was going to tell all her friends.

“We didn’t really think much of it. And all of sudden, our followers go from, like, 200 to 300, to 2,000. And it was such a big jump and we were like, ‘Oh, god. We’ve got to go out to Korea,’” he said. “It’s crazy. And it all sort of started from that.”

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Keyboardist Will Clews adds to that, saying that every day they woke up to more followers and everyone kept asking what was happening. He called it crazy, but exciting.

Karkosa was greeted at the airport by fans waiting with signs and gifts – giving them the full idol treatment. Last year when they came over for a show, they were stopped on the street a few times and asked for photos and autographs.

This trip they had been given so many gifts that they likened it to Christmas.

Tom said he got a whole new wardrobe, while bassist Ryan Trott and Michael said that some fans had gotten tattoos of their signatures – Ryan usually signs his with a little smiley face which one girl had tattooed

on her finger. Michael wrote down a lyric for another fan who had it tattooed across her collarbone.

“It’s really cool. I love it. But, just the idea – you never live life thinking that someone’s going to get a tattoo of your writing,” he said.

“It’s the small things like that that always get me. I find it hilarious, really.”

He confessed that he’s even gotten a couple of marriage proposals.

And while Michael admits that getting famous overseas is something that every band dreams of, it wasn’t something Karkosa had been thinking about seriously.

He and Jack, who plays drums, started the band around 2012 as just two brothers playing music. They then added Ryan in 2015 and a couple months later, Tom joined.

Michael said they had gone through a series of keyboardists before Will finally joined.

They had brought him in to record one song and the band jokes that he just stuck around long enough that they added him to lineup.

“Will just kind of hung around,” Tom quipped.

“Yea, I came to a couple rehearsals,” Will added.

“And then it was like, ‘Do you want to play a gig?’” Michael continued.

“He just kept turning up and we didn’t have the heart to turn him away,” Tom then said just before the group burst into laughter..

“We couldn’t get rid of him, so we were like, alright,” Michael finished.

Outside of being a newer band, the members are rather young themselves.

Ryan and Jack are still in secondary school while Michael, Tom and Will are all in university. They each have their own ways of dealing with the balance - though Will said he often spends about 500 pounds in train tickets - but all seem to agree that doing music on the weekends is something they look forward.

“It’s an exciting challenge, that’s what I feel like,” Ryan said. “It does have an impact on our daily life, being in the band, as well.

So it’s kind of, something to look forward to every weekend. Gets you through the week.”

It’s their ages that they believe is one reason they have so many young Korean fans. ▶

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Michael said that they relate to their music, though they joked that Tom’s hair could also have something to do with it.

“I think the youth is a big one. They like seeing bands that are similar to them or at least a similar age,” Michael said. “I think it’s just the music. It’s really popular over here – alternative rock and indie rock. And that goes down really well.

Our fans are big fans of Oasis, many other bands, so it’s nice to be on that sort of page.”

Tom adds that they relate to their lyrics, with Michael saying that they’ve received a lot of heartfelt letters about how their songs speak to fans. It keeps them going and working for their fans.

Even the many noona (older sister) fans that they have required.

They were also taken aback by just the reaction to their set. Fans held up their phones with “KARKOSA” displayed on the screens which threw them off a bit during the show.

“It didn’t feel real. But then you get here and they actually know all the words and they’re singing along. And they’re all really into the music and everything. And just experiencing that as an artist was an unreal experience for us all,” Tom said.

But even with their already relative success in the country, Karkosa says that they hope to continue working and getting bigger and better. They got into a studio for recording during the trip and hope to release a new single soon.

Sometime in the near future, they hope to get an EP or LP out. They also hope to come back to Korea over the summer and play a few festivals such as Pentaport Rock Festival.

“Onwards and upwards, yea?” said Will.

“To infinity and beyond,” continued Tom. “We’re gonna need a bigger venue.”

“Go to an arena?” asked Will.

“Just a big boat,” answered Tom. “Yacht party with Karkosa,” suggested Ryan.

“Yacht party, yea,” said Michael. “Now that’s a story to tell.”

Follow Karkosa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates on the band and their music.

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AFRO-POP AND AFRO-HOUSE MAKE THEIR WAY TO SOUTH KOREA Dance comes from the soul Story BECKY WHITE • Photos ERICA ALMQUIST

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nyone Nicolas Cardoso is striking in a number of ways. He is tall and has a slim build, easily towering over the average person. His fashion is bold and his good looks combined with his height have given him some modeling jobs in Korea as well. While Nicolas could probably build a fine career out of modeling alone, he is more than just a mannequin; Nicolas Cardoso is a dancer at heart.

Originally from Cap-Vert, or Cape-Verde, Nicolas made his way here from Senegal, and currently teaches dance at his studio Beat Mix. He’s well-versed in a variety of dance styles; hip hop, kizomba, and dancehall, but he confidently states that his main dances are Afro-pop and Afro-house.

What was your initial interest in dance?

I was born in a family where all the members know how to dance, though not specifically Afro-pop or Afro-house.

But everyone was really good at salsa, bachata, kuduro (a type of music and dance originally developed in Angola) and more Latino style dances. Because we are originally from Cap-Vert and Brazil, I can say that we have a bit of the Latino lifestyle.

Why do you dance? What are some of your personal reasons and drive for dance?

I dance because I express myself in dance. I dance because I am free when I dance and make people happy. I dance because it’s my passion and I love listening to music and letting my body feel it, until my soul relaxes and I can show this talent I was gifted from God. What was the reason for coming to

Korea and how has dance helped you get connected here?

I was an exchange student while finishing my Master degree. After that, I got connected with an entertainment agency who asked me to become a model for them. After thinking a lot and seeing the opportunity of my lifestyle as a artist, model and dancer, I decided to come to Korea show my many talents here. Through instagram, I was able to get more connections and share my life with other people. Dance studios have always contacted me via instagram when they want me to come teach or do a workshop in their dance studio, as well as brands who want to work with me.

What makes a good dancer?

What makes a good dancer?! For me, to be a good dancer you first must love dance, you must feel it in your soul, and be open to the other culture, to share it with people and you must practice a lot to be better every day.

What was one of your best performances?

I don’t think I can say I’ve really had a best performance, but I used to dance with my dance group, team Socoman (a big group with seven well-known dancers all with different styles) and we did a lot of good performances and battles together.

What was your worst?

The worst happened on a day I was sick but I was supposed to perform in a high school and the children really wanted to see me. So I went, but my condition was really bad and even though they liked

the performance, I know didn’t give one hundred percent of myself and I was a bit disappointed.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from my soul and also my interest in other cultures and their dance styles. As a dancer, you have to be open to everything, because there will always be people who know more than you.

I always search to find more material so I can be unique.

What is next for you? Do you intend to travel or live elsewhere? Will dance be a part of your future?

For me, I will keep following my destiny, just like it all started. Korea is part of my history and I am really happy for that. I will stay a bit longer here and try to work hard to be someone who they will remember. I will teach my style, my culture and also help all people who want to know more about my culture. After that, I will just follow the wind and go where destiny drives me.

Dance is my beginning and will be my future. My goal is to help all those with talent in Africa to become known. In Africa, there are so many talented people; they just don’t have the chance to show what they have. So one of my goals is to open a big school where you can have all kinds of art (dancing, singing, fashion, design, painting…) and make my contribution to the development of my country and continent.

For those interested in learning dance from NIcolas, check out his instagram @niicolas__cardoso and get connected.

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ERET

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Where Quiet is a Friendly Companion Eert Cafe brings the luxury of solitude Story & Photos BECKY WHITE

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n 1959, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov wrote in his essay on creativity, “My feeling is that as far as creativity is concerned, isolation is required.”

His belief has not yet been proven false, and there are endless cases of how thinkers have been struck by an idea while meandering alone in nature or spending time gazing out a window. In moments of daydreaming and quiet speculation with no distractions, the musings of the mind become less illusory and more real. It takes solitude to make great ideas and it has been shown over and over again through history; Albert Einstein working alone to piece together the theory of relativity, artist Louise Bourgeois living by her statement ”After the tremendous effort you put in here, solitude, even prolonged solitude, can only be of very great benefit,” or the apocryphal story of Newton idling beneath a tree before the apple fell onto his head, knocking the concept of gravity into it.

In Seoul, the luxury of solitude can be hard to find. Every public space offers time to socialize and interact. However, given the right atmosphere, even a public place can provide the right amount of tranquility for the mind to accidentally wander into a good idea. Eert Coffee turns a cafe into a safe place to think alone.

Eert Coffee stands out from other cafes in Seoul with little effort. It’s an interior designer’s dream; all wood and lattice panels, slim bamboo trees by the window, sunlight filtering through the willowy leaves, casting shadows on the table. Delicate tea cups made of porcelain and glass sit on the counter, and the atmosphere is tranquil. ▶

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However, given the right atmosphere, even a public place can provide the right amount of tranquility for the mind to accidentally wander into a good idea. Eert Coffee turns a cafe into a safe place to think alone.

There is a Zen garden off to the side, symmetrical circles and swirls carefully drawn through the sand and small pebbles.

It’s soothing and oddly mesmerizing. It’s curiously soothing to trace the lines with your eyes, following where they end and where they begin, sometimes tapering off until they vanish into the sand again. Serene days like these feel rare in the modern pace of Seoul life; how different the city would be if its residents were occasionally perfectly satisfied with going nowhere.

Eert Coffee’s uniqueness starts with its name.“Eert” is “tree” in reverse, emphasizing the owner’s choice to predominately use wood for the interior. There is a long, smooth wooden table at the center of the room where a group can easily sit together, as well as lower, traditionally Korean-style tables where guests sit without their shoes.

It feels homey and comfortable. Each part of the cafe is distinct, yet blends together seamlessly into a singular, quiet space.

From outside, Eert Coffee is not very visible; it is located in a side alley off a backstreet where a few other cafes and restaurants are. The whole street is secluded and quiet in the afternoons.

Eert Coffee is just right for making that place where solitude feels like a friendly companion, where perhaps just the right idea that has been waiting to be discovered can be found.

Seongdong-gu, Seoulsup 2gil 19-17 | 02-749-9996 | M-Sun 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Plastic Free: Beautifully so. The cafe is predominately made of wood, porcelain, and glass.

Eert Coffee

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THE TASTE OF

ITALIAN CUISINE RIGHT OUT OF SEOUL

Story LORENA JIMÉNEZ • Photos LORENA JIMÉNEZ AND MANON THORE

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estaurants are not just about food anymore. With a lifestyle that is becoming more and more fast paced, where we hardly have time to feel, relax, and enjoy the pleasure of spending time out, eating, and socializing has become some sort of luxury.

You can buy food almost everywhere, especially in a city like Seoul, but sharing good food and a great time with the people you value has become scarce, something often reserved only for special occasions. This is not only due to the busy lives of us customers, but also by how many restaurants seem eager to be quick and efficient, sometimes, maybe, a little bit too quick.

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Dining can represent not just food but an experience and good memories.

Sadly not all places are able to provide the experience of delicious food made with care, accompanied by good service and a lovely ambiance to share with your friends and family. Succeeding in this difficult quest is what this new section is about: finding restaurants that provide an experience.

Korea has delicious food, but we often can crave different cuisines. Sadly, it is not always easy to find dishes from different countries that have an authentic taste without having changed to accomodate the local palate. To help you pin down some

good locations, this month we are doing a run down on the top spots that were able to conquer our heart and palate through the real taste of Italy.

If Italian cuisine is something that you have been looking for, quickly add these spots to your #wanted list to go get some real Italian flavor. I found them to be great choices if you are curious to test some new tasty dishes in a lovely setting, or if you have never tried traditional Italian cuisine and want to check out the real deal. After much research and tries hand in hand with an Italian foodie friend of mine, these are our chosen spots which you can visit to experience all the pleasures of great dishes. ▶

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CIURI CUIRI

Ciuri Ciuri is another Italian spot that brings Sicilian cuisine right to Sangsu, Seoul. Filled with detailed Sicilian charms and accessories and run by Enrico and Fiore (“flower” in Italian). A spot that even when so far from italy, has the power to transport you right into Europe after you cross its doors. Its name which means “Flowers Flowers”, in Sicilian dialect, could be a coincidence or perhaps a love gesture, towards Fiore, the female chef on this lovely kitchen duo.

Enrico from Rome and Fiore from Sicily decided to open this restaurant a couple of years back to bring to the public traditional Sicilian food in the hopes of not only accepting a new challenge in their life, but also to give a wider representation of Italy, their gastronomy and culture that is often hidden or stereotyped. Italy, along with other southern European countries, has a very rich tradition in terms of food, with its cuisine changing quite drastically from Ciuri Ciuri

city to city not only in terms of dishes but also in how those dishes are prepared.

Food in countries like Italy, France, or Spain is a huge part of the culture and a major source of happiness, but can also at times generate slight pettiness in terms of competition. We all take pride in our traditional food, and everyone wants to their food culture to be appreciated.

Even though Fiore and Enrico come from completely different areas with very different gastronomies, they decided to open a Sicilian restaurant due to the richness and variety that they both found in Sicilian cuisine. They have since received three prestigious Gambero Rosso awards, which are similar to Michelin stars, for not only their food but also creating awareness of the diversity of Italian cuisine.

Enrico and Fiore bring to the public traditional Sicilian food in the hopes of not only accepting a new challenge in their life, but also to give a wider representation of Italy.

We started with arancini, one of my most loved, but not so well known Italian dishes. Arancini is basically rice croquettes filled with different ingredients. We tried out the ragu and ham and cheese arancini. Both were delicious but, as expected, the one filled with classical ragu (the type of sauce or filling used in plates like bolognese or lasagna) conquered my heart,. Just a heads up that real ragu contains green peas, so you don’t get super confused while eating it.

The arancini was followed by broccoli and anchovy pasta with traditional Sicilian focaccia bread topped with cheese and caramelized onion that you can dip into the pasta sauce, but also extremely delicious by itself as well. Enrico and Fiore also prepared us some dishes that differed from the traditional Italian stereotype: traditional Italian sausage and baccalá a

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la isolana, which is cod fish with a homemade sauce of tomato and capers. Both were delicious and definitely different from the usual pasta and pizza that we might be used to.

The star of the visit for those with a sweet tooth will be the homemade cannoli, crunchy, sweet, savory, creamy and delicate at the same time.

A definitely must try even if you, like myself, do not tend to enjoy desserts that much.

Also extra information, the clientele at Ciuri Ciuri are apparently quite diverse because we might or might have not be sitting in front of a very well-known Korean celebrity and we might or might have not have taken his picture with one of his fans. Which you might also be if you enjoy all time Korean movie classics. ▶

02-749-9996

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SALON DE JOO

â&#x20AC;&#x153;food is meant to nourish and be enjoyed, not just look pretty.â&#x20AC;?

Salon de Joo is becoming quite a popular spot, having only just opened in November. After our visit, the reason behind its quick success was no surprise, having tasted the drop-dead delicious food while interacting with the lovely couple running the magic behind the scenes.

Becky and Emilio met in Australia, where they worked in hostelry for around ten years.

Now married and with two lovely daughters, they decided at the end of last year to move back to Korea and their own restaurant. Salon de Joo, which

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they have been running since the end of last autumn.

Emilio controls the kitchen making beautiful dishes filled with both flavor and the love for cooking that he learned in childhood from his nonna (grandma in Italian). Becky receives and takes care of their customers to make them feel comfortable, as if they were guests in their own house.w Welcomed with sincere smiles, we enjoyed some cocktails while waiting for the dishes. Our choice was the classic and delicious Italian Aperol Spritz (one of my favorite drinks) and one of Becky´s cocktail specialities made with prosecco. A curated selection of wine choices are also available alongside the freshly made cocktails, which makes Salon de Joo a frequent destination for regulars to not only grab a bite but also have a drink after work. While we were enjoying our drink, Emilio was working among the fires, cooking us some serious food wonders.

We started with some traditional caponata, accompanied by a lovely, crunchy focaccia. Caponata is a popular dish that comes from the south of Italy, but it is cooked very differently depending on the region. Emilio´s caponata follows his nonna’s recipe, a sweet and sour mix of zucchini and eggplant only eaten in the Sicilian capital of Palermo. If you like healthy but delicious dishes, crunchy bread, and the slight flavor of spices like rosemary, this appetizer will satisfy all your needs.

The caponata was followed by one of Emilio´s creations, a mix of all the skills that he has acquired everywhere he has lived and worked,”. A dish made with organic pasta handmade in Sicily by a special artisan, Salon de Joo

containing both truffle for flavor and truffle oil to enhance the fragrance of the dish. And accompanied by a perfectly poached egg that Emilio personally cuts and mixes at the table for each customer. A wonderful delicacy definitely worth the visit, one which as Emilio himself explained he used to be laughed at when serving it to Italians, only to receive an empty dish back with no signs of ever containing food.

Which happened to be exactly how we returned ours as well.

The last dish was a creation

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not on the menu, which is something that Emilio at times does for regular customers when asked if he and Becky have pinned down the clients taste and preferences. He creates special dishes to break down the barrier in between the concept of perceived and italian food, but also the barrier in which restaurants and clients remain disconnected, building some new experiences through his special dishes. And bringing with this one a little bit of the taste of home through the flavor of vongole (clams), saffron, dark

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olives, and cherry tomatoes to give some freshness to the dish.

Every single one of the dishes had a special taste and character, just like Salon de Joo itself. It is a place in which Emilio and Becky make daily great efforts to make the clients feel at home and comfortable, while providing good ingredients no matter the cost since they do not want to sacrifice taste and health for profit.

They search for beauty in imperfections because “food is meant to nourish and be enjoyed, not just look pretty.” ▶

11:30 - until late

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He was surprised at how food that is eaten on the go could be so fresh, and he wished more Koreans could try this type of food.

CONVERTOR Convertor might not be what you’d expect when reading about experiencing real Italian food, especially when it described as “Milano Fast Food,” but the reality is that they provide very authentic focaccia from Liguria, a region located in the north-eastern part of Italy.

How did I know about this, you might ask? Because my Italian friend who comes exactly from this region, was the one recommending this spot.

Convertor is an open space, not a sit-down restaurant to have a special dinner, but the quality of the food is still outstanding. If you are searching for a place to have some good, filling food on the go, grab some take out, or just meet up with friends and have an Italian style aperitivo, this is your spot.

For those of you that might not know, aperitivo is a very Convertor

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common tradition in certain European countries such as Italy, France, and Spain. A very appreciated part of the culture in which you meet socially to have a conversation while grabbing some light drinks and some food in between regular meals. It can be done before lunch, but also before dinner or even before going out on the town. In Convertor, you can grab some extremely delicious Aperol Spritz and get some focaccia that they can cut for you if it is to share, to experience your own Italian apero among friends.

Owner Gun Hyoung Kim, and his team make very authentic focaccia with homemade dough that is crispy on the outside but airy on the inside. Do not let the appearance fool you; this is focaccia, not pizza, so the taste will be very different, but if you enjoy European-style bread, you will most likely adore this dish.

Gangnamdaero 156 gil 12 - 서울시 강남대로 156길 12 1층 |

You might be wondering how a Korean and not an Italian was the one coming up with the idea of opening up such a place… And so was I, so I asked. Apparently the idea came during his first trip to Milan in which Gun Hyoung tried focaccia for the first time.

He found it delicious but also healthy since most ingredients are always fresh and homemade.

He was surprised at how food that is eaten on the go could be so fresh, and he wished more Koreans could try this type of food. So he decided to open his own place to bring to Korea a different style of “fast food.”

We had two Spritzes and two focaccias, one with mortadela, pistachios and mozzarella cheese, and the other with prosciutto di parma and sundried tomatoes. The dough was airy and light but also crunchy on outside, the tomato sauce was fresh and had a good blend

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of herbs, and the cheese, even though not fully 100% Italian was still very delicious, especially the grilled parts that were also slightly crunchy. If you want to try other Italian variations, you also have a mushroom version with truffle oil and - my favorite out of them all, and which I took to go - the margarita.

Convertor may have one or two Koreanized dishes, but the rest is pretty darn real. The Spritz was especially delicious and one slice of focaccia was enough to make you full and I am no light eater. The ingredients were fresh and I could see them prepare everything in front of my eyes from scratch, from the bread to the toppings, and with much care. The bread, probably my favorite part, was another level.

If you like the type of traditional pizza bread made in the oven, you will very much enjoy this dish. So, buon appetito! ▶

11:30am - 11:00pm [Break: 4:30 - 6:00 pm]

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Pushed by destiny or mere coincidence, Marco and his associates decided to jump into the pool and create their new dream together opening a restaurant in Korea.

AL CHOC

Al Choc is an osteria located in Yeonamdong. An osteria is similar to a restaurant but tends to be more relaxed, usually chosen spots to have a drink and a bite to eat, something similar to a French bistro or a British pub, but Italian-style.

The food can still be delicious, but will tend to be simpler dishes compared to fancier restaurants. Osterias usually have all the classic dishes that are the base of Italian cuisine, plus whatever the chef decides to incorporate, which could be anything from a daily menu with changing specials, to the chef’s own creations.

Osteria Al Choc opened in the autumn of 2017, and it seems that Al Choc and Marco, the coowner and chef, were meant to be. Marco, who is originally from the surroundings of Venice, had been living and working in Asia for quite some time, including countries such as China and Singapore. He had never been to Korea, but decided to come and visit after a close friend suggested it.

When he came out to Korea to test the waters, he ended up by chance living in front of Casa di Noa, a former also Italian restaurant, the now Al Choc, whose owner was going to move to Jeju Island. Pushed by destiny or mere coincidence, Marco and his associates decided to jump into the pool and create their new dream together in Korea.

As for the food, Marco tries to stick to his roots in his cooking while also trying to look at his customers with a clear mind in order to adapt what he has Al Choc

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learned until now, because even if Korea is part of Asia in Marco’s eyes, “Korea is not just Asia, Korea is just Korea.” As a result, he estimates that about sixty percent of his dishes seek to enhance the Korean taste experience while he keeps the extra forty percent to experiment and introduce more Italian dishes in his daily specials and his new personal creations.

Lovely Roman-style arancini with homemade tomato sauce, classic caponata with burrata cheese served with bread and a side of focaccia, fragrant truffle gnocchi, and traditional lasagna were some of the dishes that we enjoyed during our visit.

All of them are dishes that an osteria cannot be without; being along with pizza and pasta, the cornerstones of Italian cuisine.

But what makes Al Choc special is not only the traditional dishes but the favorite dish among many of the Italian customers and the chef himself: calamari fritti. This is a dish of fried calamari served with only a slice of lemon and some dipping sauce, but that is nevertheless able to still melt your heart.

If you have a sweet tooth you might be happy to know that Al Choc also has traditional Italian desserts such as panna cotta and tiramisu, but also newer touches such as warm chocolate and pecan nuts topped with a soft vanilla ice cream. Great food, desserts, and a variety of beverages and wine, are all things that you would be able to enjoy in the soft ambiance, perfect to grab a drink and have a tasty bite while trying some of their different specials. ▶

02-3142-1108

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SPARK 82

You can fall in love through a spark, and that is exactly the feeling that he aspires to provide through his dishes

Spark, located in Apgujeong Rodeo, was my last visit on our trip to find the real taste of Italy.

Chef and painter Shawn Park welcomed us on the day of our visit. The restaurant is located in one of the fancier areas of Seoul and has an ambiance worth checking out, exuding a special charm between fancy and rustic and incorporating a traditional European aesthetic.

Art is everywhere, from the walls to the menus and all painted by Shawn himself.

The Korean expression “예술이다” has a similar meaning to “being a work of art” and it is used to describe many things, from beauty to music. I honestly could not find a better world to describe the experience of visiting this place.

Art is everywhere, especially in the food.

Opening in November 2016,Spark gets its name from combining the name of the chef and owner (S. Park), a name not only meant to be a smart game

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of words but also to represent the experience that Shawn would like to deliver to his customers.

Spark can have many meanings, because many things start with a spark, you can fall in love through a spark, and that is exactly the feeling that he aspires to provide through his dishes.

The soft light made it difficult to take beautiful pictures of the delicious dishes, but it made the interview with Shawn more interesting when he talked about his story. He is a Korean chef who makes very Italian food with his own slight twist and who loves cooking because, similar to when painting, when he cooks he can always get out of it what he puts in. He gave me a very different answer to what most chefs tell me when asked why he loves to cook, responding that what he loves the most is knowing that, as long as he puts in the effort and passion, he can make what he feels, and that he can always learn how to make what he wants to make.

With this is a practical approach filled with passion; he talks about how he still wants to give as much back to his customers as he can, not only due to the price they pay for their food, but because he wants to make and deliver food with quality and make it accessible to everyone. He wants to help the industry grow by creating opportunities for people to enjoy eating outside without having to worry so much about the price point, making delicious and good food available to everyone.

Cooking Italian food for him is not only about sticking to tradition and keeping its roots and origins, but also, alike with Italians, about not being afraid or hesitant of bringing something new or creative to the table. This is reflected in his menu that we truly enjoyed. Carpaccio with mushrooms, dark olive powder, and olive oil to start, followed by Spark

spicy nduja pasta and risotto with abalone and seafood ragù sauce.

I wouldn’t be able to tell you which dish was my favorite: the delicate carpaccio, the pasta made with nduja, an Italian spicy sausage that Shawn made himself but my Italian friend was completely astonished by and who could not believe it was not imported from his beloved country, or the delicious risotto

Gangnam-gu, Sinsadong 656-7 / 서울시 강남구 신사동 656-7 |

with a flavor so delicate yet so complex that it kept on getting better with every bite.

On my quest to find genuine Italian taste a lot of the food was extremely delicious, but I truly got goosebumps when eating something in exactly three spots, and Spark was one of them, something I got to experience it through every dish.

02-543-8986

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FOOD & DRINK Ingredients: Serves 2 150g sweet potato noodles (당면) Some topping ideas (pick 3 at most) ¼ red or yellow bell pepper ¼ cup tomatoes, chopped ¼ cup spinach, shredded ¼ cup hard-boiled quail eggs, halved 2 hard boiled eggs, quartered ¼ cup mushrooms, sliced (your preference,) ¼ cup chopped cooked chicken/beef/ pork/tofu For Dressing:

FRESH JAPCHAE SALAD A delicious and simple pasta salad

3 tablespoons soy sauce (간장) 2 teaspoons sugar, maesil (매실) or honey 2 teaspoons rice vinegar 4 teaspoons sesame seed oil ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove crushed garlic (optional) ¼ teaspoon Korean red pepper powder (고춧가루) (optional) ⅛ cup (or less) thinly sliced green onions, the green part Dash of sesame seeds

Story KATHERINE MARTIN

C

ooking in Korea can be hard sometimes with new ingredients, new techniques, and a surprising lack of basics you never thought you’d miss. How many times have you searched for an ingredient in vain?

How many times have you looked at the produce section of your local market or grocery store and only recognized two or three vegetables? In this series, I hope to demystify some of Korea’s most fascinating and delicious local ingredients.

This month’s recipe is a pasta salad made with sweet potato noodles (당면). My first encounter with this ingredient was actually in the USA, when I was searching for glutenfree pasta dishes. I stumbled on japchae (잡채) or the popular Korean stir-fried noodle side dish. However, I underestimated how much chopping there would be! I was cooking for almost three hours the first time I tried to make it, but my family loved it.

When I moved to Korea, then, it was one of the ingredients I was keeping an eye

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out for. After all, it was gluten-free, which meant I could eat it! So, on my first grocery shopping trip, I picked up some sweet potato noodles.

However, once I had them, I realized that my new, busy life as a teacher no longer had huge blocks of time set aside for cooking.

I couldn’t afford to spend several hours chopping and marinating just for a single dish -- not if I wanted any variety in my diet.

So I adapted the delicious, healthy noodles into a pasta salad dish that works in less than 15 minutes!

The springy, slippery nature of the noodles contrasts beautifully with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the firmness of a cooked meat or tofu. Where the traditional japchae is savory, chewy, almost melt-in-your-mouth dish, my Japchae Salad has a much lighter, crisper, fresher taste.

It’s been a huge hit with both Koreans and foreigners alike! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I have.

Fill a medium-sized pot halfway with water and heat on high until boiling. Add sweet potato noodles and boil for 8-10 minutes, or until soft. It’s very difficult to overcook them.

While the noodles are boiling, make the dressing by adding together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, red pepper powder, and thinly sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly, then add the sesame seed oil and sesame seeds.

Slice your three toppings of choice, and set aside.

Once the noodles are finished, drain, and rinse with cold water until noodles are cool to the touch.

Mix the noodles and dressing in a medium bowl and toss to coat the noodles in the dressing. Add the toppings and enjoy!

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FAMILY AND KIDS Eton House Prep (02) 749-8011 • 68-3 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul A unique British-style Prep School for children of all nationalities from 2-13 years of age. A broad, challenging and innovative curriculum preparing pupils for senior school and life beyond. www.etonhouseprep.com AMUSEMENT PARKS Everland Resort (031) 320-5000 • 310 Jeondae-ri, Pogokeup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do Lotte World (02) 411-2000 0 • 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul Pororo Park (D-Cube city) 1661-6340 • 360-51 Sindorim-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul Children’s Grand Park (zoo) (02) 450-9311 • 216 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul Seoul Zoo (02) 500-7338 • 159-1 Makgyedong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do BOOKSTORES What the Book?

(02) 797-2342 • 176-2, Itaewon 1-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul • whatthebook.com Located in Itaewon, this English bookstore has new books, used books and children’s books.

Kim & Johnson 1566-0549 • B2 fl-1317-20 Seochodong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

HEALTH ORIENTAL MEDICINE Lee Moon Won Korean Medicine Clinic 02) 511-1079 • 3rd fl., Lee&You bldg. 69-5 Chungdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Specializes in hair loss and scalp problems and offers comprehensive treatments and services including aesthetic and hair care products.

COSMETIC SURGERY MIZAIN plastic surgery Seoul National University College of Medicine graduate doctors offer the best quality medical services • (02) 515 6199 • Dosan-daero 423 (Cheongdam-dong 91-11), Gangnam-gu, Seoul www.mizainps.com MVP plastic surgery Welcoming environment for foreigners and friendly staff guarantees a pleasant visit for cosmetic surgery related consultations. (02) 3442 6669 •Nonhyeon-ro 819, Gangnam-gu, Seoul JK plastic surgery center Experience the best medical system in Korea. Its superb system allows the minimum efforts for your medical experiences.

(02) 777 0337 • 584-2 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul FITNESS Exxl Fitness Gangnam Finance Center, 737 Yeoksamdong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul www.exxl.co.kr

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UROLOGY & OB Sewum Urology (02) 3482-8575 • 10th fl., Dongil bldg., 429 Gangnam-daero, Seochogu, Seoul Tower Urology (02) 2277-6699 • 5th fl. 119 Jongno 3-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul DENTAL CLINIC Boston Dental Clinic General dentistry / Periodontics / Orthodontics (02) 3482-0028 • 92-12 5F, Banpo 4-dong (Seorae French Village), Seocho-gu, Seoul OPHTHALMOLOGY Dream Eye Center The best eye clinic for LASIK and LASEK. 3,000+ foreign patients over 20+ years of experience with 0 complaints. If you’re considering getting this, make sure to choose the best.

• 1588 9881 • 14 fl., Mijin Plaza, 825 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul ANIMAL HOSPITALS Chunghwa Animal Hospital / Korea Animal Transport (02) 792-7602 • 21-1 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul / www.cwhospital.com

MUSEUM AND GALLERIES National Museum of Korea (02) 2077-9000 • 168-6 Yongsandong 6-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul The NMK offers educational programs on Korean history and culture in English and Korean.

National Palace Museum of Korea (02) 3701-7500 • 12 Hyoja-ro, Jongnogu, Seou This museum has a program called Experiencing Royal Culture designed for English teachers to help learn about Joseon royal culture.

Seodaemun Museum of Natural History (02) 330-8899 • 141-52 Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Don’t know where to take your kids on weekends? This museum exhibits a snapshot of the world and animals.

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea (02) 2188-6000 • 313 Gwangmyeongro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do Leeum Samsung Museum of Art (02) 2014-6901• 747-18 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul • 10:30 am-6 pm Closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays.

Gallery Hyundai (02) 734-6111~3 • 22 Sagan-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul The first specialized art gallery in Korea and accommodates contemporary art. • 10 am-6 pm Closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays.

Plateau (02) 1577-7595 • 50 Taepyung-ro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul • 10 am-6 p. m.

Closed on Mondays.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA SEOUL) (02) 3701-9500 • 30 Samcheong-ro, Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Daegu Art Museum (053) 790-3000 • 374 Samdeok-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu Art space for local culture presenting Daegu’s contemporary fine arts and internationally renowned artists.

EMBASSIES American Embassy (02) 397-4114 • 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul Canadian Embassy (02) 3783-6000 • (613) 996-8885 (Emergency Operations Center) Jeongdong-gil (Jeong-dong) 21, Jung-gu, Seoul British Embassy (02) 3210-5500 • Sejong-daero 19-gil 24, Jung-gu, Seoul Australian Embassy (02) 2003-0100 • 19th fl, Kyobo bldg., 1 Jongno 1-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul Philippine Embassy (02) 796-7387~9 • 5-1 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Spanish Embassy (02) 794-3581 • 726-52 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul French Embassy (02) 3149-4300 • 30 Hap-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

HOTELS & RESORTS Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul (02) 2250-8080 • San 5-5, Jangchung-dong 2-ga Jung gu,Seoul

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Novotel Ambassador Gangnam (02) 567-1101 • 603 Yeoksam 1-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Grand Hilton Seoul (02) 3216-5656 • 353 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Somerset Palace Seoul (02) 6730-8888 • 85 Susongdong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Park Hyatt Seoul (02) 2016-1244 • 606 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Lotte Hotel Busan (051) 810-1000 • 772 Gayadaero, Busanjin-gu, Busan Park Hyatt Busan (051) 990-1244 • 51, Marine City 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan 612824, Korea

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CENTERS

Seoul National University Hospital 1339 • 28-2 Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Seoul Samsung Hospital 1599-3114 • 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Asan Medical Center 1688-7575 • 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpagu, Seoul Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center (053) 250-7167 (7177 / 7187) • 56 Dalseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu

AIRLINES Korean Air 1588-2001

FAMILY AND KIDS Yongsan Intl. School (02) 797-5104 • San 10-213 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Seoul Intl. School (031) 750-1200 • 388-14 Bokjeongdong, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do Branksome Hall Asia (02) 6456-8405 • Daejung-eup, Seogipo-si, Jeju Island Daegu Intl. School (053) 980-2100 • 1555 Bongmudong, Dong-gu, Daegu

Dulwich College Seoul

Asiana Airlines 1588-8000 Lufthansa (02) 2019-0180 Garuda Indonesia (02) 773-2092 • garuda-indonesia.co.kr

University Dongsan Medical Center (053) 250-7167 (7177 / 7187) 56 Dalseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu

Jeju Air 1599-1500

Gangnam St-Mary’s Hospital 1588-1511 • 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul

British Airways (02) 774-5511

Yonsei Severance Hospital (Sinchon) (02) 2227-7777 • 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Delta Airlines (02) 754-1921

T’way Air 1688-8686 Jin Air 1600-6200 Cathay Pacific Airways (02) 311-2700v Emirates Airlines (02) 2022-8400

Dulwich College Seoul offers an exemplary British-style international education (including IGCSE and IBDP) for over 600 expatriate students aged 3 to 18 from over 40 different countries.

6 Sinbanpo-ro 15-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea http://seoul.dulwich.org/ admissions@dulwich-seoul.kr 02-3015-8500

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