Gwangju and South Jeolla International Magazine
Gwangju and South Jeolla International Magazine November 2023 #261
November 2023 #261
San Antonio Sister-City Mayor, Ron Nirenberg, Visits Gwangju
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1 Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine
November 2023, Issue 261 Published: November 1, 2023 Cover Photo
Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio Photo courtesy of The City of San Antonio
THE EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Chief Copy Editor Layout Editors Online Editor
Dr. Shin Gyonggu Dr. David E. Shaffer William Urbanski Isaiah Winters Kim Sukang Kim Sukang
The Gwangju News is the first English monthly magazine for the general public in Korea, first published in 2001. Each monthly issue covers local and regional issues, with a focus on the roles and activities of the international residents and local English-speaking communities. Copyright ©2023 by the Gwangju International Center. All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means – graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without the written consent of the publisher.
For volunteering and article submission inquiries, please contact the editor at gwangjunews@gic.or.kr.
Special thanks to Gwangju City and all of our sponsors.
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t’s finally that time of year! There’s that faint chill in the night air – that crispness that signals the street-lining ginkgoes that its time to tint their summer fleece to the brilliant golden hue that only ginkgoes can showcase. The hillside verdure is soon to follow with a kaleidoscopic array of pigments that no other month of the calendar can create. It’s November! As the penultimate month of the year displays its colors, the November issue of the Gwangju News is here to show its own, with a whole new edition of all-new content to share with you, our much-appreciated readers. When you read this, the mayor of San Antonio, Texas, will have just wrapped up a long-awaited visit to Gwangju. San Antonio and Gwangju are sister cities with a four-decade history of sisterhood, and the two cities’ mayors will have discussed everything from economics to the environment. Gwangju News was fortunate to be able to schedule an interview with San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg just before the mayor-to-mayor talks were to begin (see our cover feature). Concrete – that rock-hard staple of urban development – has taken on new meaning, and it has done it right here in Gwangju! A research lab at Chonnam National University has created a stronger form of concrete that is 2,200 times more pliable than regular concrete. You will be fascinated by our interview with the leader of the research team, Prof. Lee Bang Yeon [Bending Beyond Steel]. November is one of the few months of the year lacking a national holiday. However, it does have a day of observance of particular interest to people in the Gwangju area – November 3: Student Independence Movement Day. What started nearly a century ago as the harassing of Gwangju schoolgirls on their way home spread into a nationwide student protest against colonial rule. Read all about it in “School’s Out for November.” Our Lost in Honam scrivener takes us on roads less traveled to destinations less known that pique the curiosity – from murky mudflats to hanging bridges, to an abandoned high-rise hotel. Follow him on his solitary journey to areas unknown, void of other human presence. “Cheon-go, Ma-bi” is a well-known Korean saying designating the autumn season, when the azure sky is cloudless and horses grow fat on the abundant harvest. It is our hope that this late-autumn issue of the Gwangju News will also contribute to filling out our readers cravings. Enjoy!
David E. Shaffer Editor-in-Chief Gwangju News
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
The Gwangju News is published by the Gwangju International Center: Jungang-ro 196-beon-gil 5 (Geumnam-ro 3-ga), Dong-gu, Gwangju 61475, South Korea Tel: (+82)-62-226-2733 Fax: (+82)-62-226-2731 Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com Email: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr gwangjunews gwangju_news Registration No. 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date: February 22, 2010 Printed by Jieum 지음 (+82)-62-672-2566
From the Editor
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GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Photo of the Month
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Migratory Bird By Park Tae-sang
A Kazakhstan woman dances at Gwangju International Day. Her vivid blue costume calls to mind the plumage of some exotic bird in flight. The Photographer
Park Tae-sang is a Gwangju native. He is a freelance photographer with a passion for travel and bringing people together. He runs Dreamers music space in Daein Market.
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November 2023
Contents
ISSUE 261
01 From the Editor 02 Photo of the Month 04 Gwangju City News 06 Sister-City Mayor of San Antonio, Ron Nirenberg, Visits Gwangju 10 Bending Beyond Steel: CNU Professor Lee Bang Yeon Develops World’s Most Bendable Concrete 14 Lost in Honam: Forgiveness over Permission – Three Places You Probably Shouldn’t Visit, Unless You Do 17 Interview with Talk to Me in Korean Founder, Sun Hyun-woo 20 Gwangju History: School’s Out for November 24 Gwangju Writes: A Fleeting Moment 26 Ponderings & Contemplations: Less Is More 29 Meeting Friends in Gwangju 30 Opinion: The (Un)reliable US? 32 Opinion: Some Idiot Stole My Bike 34 Fostering Global Education Through the Korea–Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme (KOMTEP) 36 Myth-conceptions About Children Learning a Second Language 39 Everyday Korean: Episode 71. To lock the stable door after the horse is stolen 40 Working on the Radio as an International Student in Korea 42 Gwangju Kimchi Festival 2023 44 Book Review: Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty 46 Music: Top of The Drop 49 Upcoming Events 50 Comic Corner: Episode 28. Alan and Me – My Life Is Finally Perfect 52 Crossword Puzzle
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Gwangju City News Gwangju to Restrict Driving for Certain Vehicles
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Gwangju will limit driving for vehicles without a low-emission filter rating of 5 (the poorest rating on a scale of 1 to 5 according to oil type, year of manufacture, and pollutant emission level) from December 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. This policy is designed to reduce the amount of fine dust in the period when it is highest throughout the year. Vehicles with a “5” rating are those that release high air pollutants, leading to bad air quality. For example, vehicles that use gasoline and LPG without a low-emission filter fall under this “5” rating. The vehicle rating is calculated by a general network of vehicle emissions that can be viewed in further detail at https://www.mecar. or.kr/. Locations of CCTV surveillance cameras in Gwangju are as follows:
▶ Nammun-ro, Dong-gu (over the Hoban Verdium in Wollam-dong)
▶ Mujin-ro, Seo-gu (next to Mujin-ro Post Office in Yuchon-dong) ▶ Seomun-daero, Nam-gu (near Hyocheon Station in Songha-dong) ▶ Dongmun-daero, Buk-gu (Gakhwa-dong Cultural Intersection) ▶ Bukmun-daero, Buk-gu (near the Culture and Arts Center in Unam-dong)
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▶ Sangmu-daero, Gwangsan-gu (in front of the Songjeong Funeral Home in Sinchon-dong) ▶ Hanam-daero, Gwangsan-gu (in front of the Gwangsan Employment and Welfare Center in Wolgok-dong) ▶ Bukmun-daero, Gwangsan-gu (near Sanwol IC in Sinchang-dong) ▶ Mujin-daero, Gwangsan-gu (Sochon Industrial Complex exit in Sochon-dong)
Gwangju will conduct two trials for monitoring cars during October and November. The first trial will be held during October 16–27, and the second trial will be held November 6–24. During these periods, notifications to indicate enforcement of each trial will be sent out, and owners of the vehicles under surveillance will not need to pay penalties. Furthermore, Gwangju encourages the use of obsolete diesel vehicles to be discontinued, attaching DPFs (diesel particulate filters) to vehicles, and the use of electric and hydrogenfueled vehicles. Source
Gwangju Metropolitan City. (October 12, 2023). 광주시, 12 월부터 5등급 차량 운행 제한 환경부 정책 따라 수도권 이어 광주 등 특·광역시로 확대 [Gwangju City to restrict operation
of class 5 vehicles from December, expanding to special and metropolitan cities such as Gwangju following the capital area in accordance with policy of the Ministry of Environment]. https://www.gwangju.go.kr
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MOE Increases Applications Public Arboretum Opens in for TOPIK Gwangju The Ministry of Education announced on October 11 a plan for administering the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) in 2024. According to the plan, the number of applications for the TOPIK is to be increased in accordance with the rising demand by international students. The TOPIK is a test to validate the Korean language proficiency of those whose mother tongue is not Korean, including the four macro skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing Korean. The result of the test can serve as a language certification for either a job or academic qualification. In accordance with a plan, the TOPIK will be conducted nine times in 2024, and eight of these will take place simultaneously in and out of Korea. The PBT (paper-based test) will increase to five of these nine dates, and the CBT (computer-based test) will increase to three, both in and out of Korea simultaneously. Source
Newsis. (October 11, 2023). 외국인 유학생 확대, 토픽 해외 현지시험 2배 늘린다 [Increase in international students; TOPIK at home and abroad to double]. https://www. newsis.com
The Gwangju City Arboretum, a public urban park-style arboretum, opened on October 20 in Yanggwa-dong in Gwangju’s Nam-gu district. It houses a tropical plant greenhouse, a Korean garden, a grass square, and a thematic garden consisting of a wildflower garden and a fivesenses garden. The arboretum has been established for the city’s residents to improve the public perception of the metropolitan sanitary landfill around the arboretum. This 75,000-pyeong (61-acre) public arboretum collects and preserves local plants in order to secure the diversity of plant species, and it offers an adventure and educational program for citizens as well. • The Gwangju City Arboretum 광주시립수목원 • Address: 1270-3 Yanggwa-dong, Nam-gu, Gwangju Source
Gwangju Metropolitan City. (October 17, 2023). 광주 도심에 7만5000평 공공수목원 문연다 [75,000-pyeong public arboretum opens in Gwangju]. https://www.gwangju. go.kr Summaries and translations by Kook Hyuna.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Gwangju City Arboretum (Photo by the Gwangju Metropolitan City)
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FEATURE
Sister-City Mayor of San Antonio, Ron Nirenberg, Visits Gwangju By Gwangju News Staff
Gwangju has seven sisters – seven sister cities, that is. And one of the longest of these sister-city relationships is with the city of San Antonio, Texas, in the United States. Just ahead of a planned visit to Gwangju by San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg in late October, the Gwangju News was able to connect with the San Antonio mayor to bring you this interview. — Ed.
G
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
wangju News (GN): Thank you for making time for this interview with the Gwangju News ahead of your visit here. We have much that we are eager to ask you. To begin with, since Gwangju and San Antonio have quite similar populations, at about 1.5 million each, and since their populations are the sixth and seventh largest in their respective countries, has this fact been beneficial in collaborations between the two cities in the exchange of ideas, policymaking, and policy implementation? San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg: Gwangju has implemented many important actions after receiving its UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts designation, and this is an area where our cities are able to exchange and learn from each other. Furthermore, Gwangju has played an important role on the global stage in promoting human rights and democracy, and this is also an area where we can learn and exchange ideas. On the economic side, San Antonio is a city proud to have a diverse economic portfolio that includes target industries like cyber security,
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aerospace, bioscience, mobility, and technology, to name a few. I understand Gwangju is focused on similar industries including cybersecurity and AI. Collaborating on these important industries that we share will provide many opportunities for future exchanges. In fact, joining me on this visit to Gwangju is the CEO of our 8-km2 premier tech and innovation campus, Port San Antonio, that is home to several well-known and new innovative cybersecurity companies. This campus is also home to a stateof-the-art e-sports arena that has been visited by a recent delegation from Gwangju. I hope there will be an opportunity for e-sports diplomacy between San Antonio and Gwangju and its worldclass e-sports facility. I think our comparable size was especially helpful when we discussed Covid-19 policies and best practices during the pandemic, as we had many of the same concerns and challenges. GN: What are the main objectives that you wish to accomplish during this visit to Gwangju?
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San Antonio Mayor Nirenberg (left) at the Monarch and Pollinator Festival pictured with The Nature Conservancy representative, October 7, 2023. (Photo by Gabrielle Herrera)
Mayor Nirenberg: In 2019, I had planned to come to Gwangju with a San Antonio delegation, but unfortunately my trip was cut short due to an unanticipated emergency that required my attention as mayor. My colleague, City Councilman John Courage, continued the mission to Gwangju and participated in the presentation of the San Antonio public art installation created by one of our local artists, Cakky Brawley, to honor our relationship with Gwangju. I was sorry not to have been able to join that important moment.
GN: What areas has the Gwangju–San Antonio sister-city relationship been most concentrated
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Mayor Nirenberg: Gwangju and San Antonio celebrated forty years of sister-city exchange in 2022, and it is fair to say that there have been all types of exchanges over the last four decades. There have historically been a diverse range of educational exchanges. For many years, the University of Incarnate Word would send students to teach English in Gwangju, but they have also received students from Gwangju at their campus at both the high school and university level. They had a longstanding exchange with Salesio High School. In 2014, the International School of the Americas in San Antonio established an annual exchange with Seongdeok High School in Gwangju, which was interrupted by the global pandemic in 2020. Last year, Gwangju City initiated a virtual exchange program called “Making Friends at Gwangju,” which was embraced by students from our higher education institutions, especially the University of Texas in San Antonio, which
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Last year, we celebrated forty years of our relationship, and I resolved to visit Gwangju to honor these four decades of relationship that have bound our two cities. I am looking forward to meeting Mayor Kang Gi-Jung and exchanging our ideas about our respective priorities as bigcity mayors. I also look forward to discovering Gwangju and learning some of the stories that characterize this city.
in – city infrastructure, business investment, employment, climate change, human rights, or possibly other areas?
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drew attendance from throughout the city and beyond and inspired young musicians and local residents alike. It was a wonderful tribute to our sister-city relationship and a much-appreciated gift from Gwangju. GN: You seem to be a very popular mayor, being recently elected to a fourth term in that position. What do you think are the main reasons that San Antonians continue to vote for you?
“East Meets West” Concert with the Gwangju Symphony Orchestra at San Antonio’s prestigious Musical Bridges Around the World “UNITYFest 2023.” (Photo by the Gwangju Symphony Orchestra)
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
subsequently took a group of students to Gwangju for a few days during their summer program in Korea. Additionally, the Students of Service, another organization in our city, plans to bring a group of 30 San Antonio high school students to Gwangju in the summer of 2024. This will be an opportunity to connect a group of students with young people in Gwangju. Another important area of engagement in recent years has been in the creative industries and culture. Both Gwangju and San Antonio are members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), each representing different disciplines in the creative arts. The UCCN encourages transversal exchanges so, as a creative city of gastronomy, San Antonio hosted Gwangju chefs An You-seong, Jung Won-sang, and Oh Myung-jin in September last year for a culinary exchange with San Antonio chefs and students as part of our World Heritage Festival. This year, we hosted Mr. Park Sang-hwa, an artist from Gwangju, at our Luminaria Arts Festival, which aligns with Gwangju’s creative city of media arts designation. Our most recent engagement with Gwangju was the “East Meets West” Concert with the Gwangju Symphony Orchestra at San Antonio’s prestigious Musical Bridges Around the World “UNITYFest 2023” in February of this year. This was a hugely successful and popular activity that
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Mayor Nirenberg: I have spent my tenure working to ensure economic mobility for San Antonio residents by establishing our workforce development program, Ready to Work, and by instituting an aggressive approach to housing affordability so that San Antonians will have an opportunity to be prosperous. Our voters approved funding for these initiatives, demonstrating that my policy priorities are in step with the people of our city. During my tenure, we have budgeted through an equity framework so that historically underserved areas of the city have equal infrastructure, services, and opportunities. Voters appreciate our efforts to improve the lives of San Antonians. GN: As a former chairman of Sister Cities International, how effective would you say sistercity relationships, like that between Gwangju and San Antonio, are in facilitating positive change? Mayor Nirenberg: Sister-city relationships build mutual understanding and a deeper recognition of the challenges and opportunities facing each city and their residents. These relationships foster economic development and educational and cultural opportunities. There is broad recognition in international business and diplomatic circles that economic partnerships, for example, do not just happen. They require lots of work and relationship building that happen at the civic level and citizento-citizen level – from student exchange to cultural engagement to trade. Sister-city relationships are a crucial tool to establishing new connections and nurturing existing relationships. GN: What has been the most impactful moment of the exchange between the two cities so far?
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What do you expect as outcomes in the mutual development of the two cities? Mayor Nirenberg: There have been so many impactful moments. I do not think we can single one out. This is a historical relationship that has involved so many important people over time. The arts exchange between Gwangju and San Antonio has produced memorable moments such as the opening of the beautiful Korean Pavilion at Denman Estate Park gifted to the citizens of San Antonio by the City of Gwangju. Another very special recent memory for me was the performance of the Gwangju Orchestra in San Antonio earlier this year in our state-of-theart performing arts center. The performance was beautiful, and we were so happy that the orchestra was able to add San Antonio to their US tour this year. It was a magnificent way to close out our forty-year anniversary commemoration. We should also ask our local students and residents about their fascination with Korean culture and language and their interest in learning about Gwangju. We had a tremendous response to the “Making Friends at Gwangju” virtual program and anticipate that this and our other programming is instilling a lifelong curiosity and awareness of Gwangju in San Antonians, and, we hope, a love of kimchi!
We understand Gwangju’s truly exemplary model of democracy building and study your history for inspiration and lessons to be learned. Our municipality fosters partnership and growth opportunities in aerospace, bioscience, cybersecurity, green technologies, healthcare, and information technology. San Antonio’s famed Riverwalk and Alamo are the top tourist attractions in Texas, and its historic missions are a designated World Heritage Site – the first and only in Texas. We share with Gwangju a UNESCO Creative City designation and an unbending commitment to democracy. GN: Thank you, Mayor Nirenberg, for your time, and we at the Gwangju News hope you enjoy your time in our lovely sister city. Interviewed by David Shaffer and William Urbanski.
More broadly, we know that these municipal, personal, and organizational ties have built a rock-solid foundation that serves not only our cities, but also our countries as we support global peace. We understand Gwangju’s truly exemplary model of democracy building and study your history for inspiration and lessons to be learned.
Mayor Nirenberg: That we are a vibrant city with a thriving economy, deep cultural heritage, and communities that are compassionate, inclusive, and proudly diverse. We are the seventh largest city in the U.S. and one of the strongest fiscally managed cities in the country, nurturing entrepreneurship, encouraging investment, and funding infrastructure.
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Korean Pavilion at Denman Estate Park. (Photo by the Gwangju Metropolitan City)
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
GN: What would you like the people of Gwangju to know about San Antonio?
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FEATURE
Bending Beyond Steel CNU Professor Lee Bang Yeon Develops World’s Most Bendable Concrete Inter view by Isaiah Winters
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Gwangju attracts an impressive array of academics from around the world whose contributions often go unnoticed. To shed some light on just one area where Gwangju leads the world, I wound up at Chonnam National University’s Advanced Building Materials Lab headed by Professor Lee Bang Yeon who, together with his research team of graduate students, is perfecting a unique type of eco-friendly bendable concrete with a deformation capacity the world has never seen. What follows is our interview there.
PhD student Lương Quang-Hiếu holds a specimen of the lab’s most bendable concrete yet created.
Isaiah Winters (IW): Thank you for taking the time to discuss your cutting-edge research on environmentally friendly bendable concrete. Few may know that Gwangju’s Chonnam National University has one of the world’s leading labs for advanced building materials. So, to fill our readers in, please introduce yourself and talk about your lab’s position at the forefront of this revolution in building materials.
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Lee Bang Yeon (Professor Lee): I joined the School of Architecture at Chonnam National University in 2011 and have been conducting research on concrete, the most widely used construction material. Concrete is an economically viable construction material, with relatively high strength and durability. It is the most frequently used construction material alongside steel. Concrete’s performance can also be easily adjusted by selecting its constituent materials and varying their proportions in the mixture. However, concrete has inherent drawbacks, such as low tensile strength and brittle behavior (deformation capacity: 0.01%). This arises from the fact that concrete is composed of inorganic materials similar to glass and ceramics. Therefore, steel rebar, which exhibits ductile behavior with a deformation capacity over 15%, and concrete should be used together in buildings and infrastructures. The research focus of our lab is to develop new high-performance concretes that overcome the shortcomings of conventional concrete and to elucidate the mechanisms behind their superior performance. So far, our research has yielded
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Bending and uniaxial tension test results of newly developed bendable concrete.
world-class achievements in the areas of highly ductile fiber-reinforced concrete, eco-friendly concrete, and high damping concrete.
So far, our research has yielded world-class achievements in the areas of highly ductile fiberreinforced concrete, eco-friendly concrete, and high damping concrete.
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IW: Talk about the eco-friendly benefits of bendable concrete. What materials are recycled in the production process, and how does this new form of concrete reduce emissions? Professor Lee: Every year, over 1 billion scrap tires are improperly discarded. Because tires are non-
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
IW: Can you give us an idea of just how much stronger your patented bendable concrete is compared to regular concrete? What makes it so strong, and what else can it do that traditional concrete cannot? Professor Lee: We developed a novel bendable concrete – technically known as highly ductile fiber-reinforced concrete – that possesses a deformation capacity of up to 22% of its original length. This performance is 2,200 times higher than that of normal concrete (0.01%) and even higher than that of steel rebar (15%). The research
findings have been published in a prestigious academic journal, Ceramics International: “Quang-Hiếu Lương, Huy Hoàng Nguyễn, Phương Hoàng Nguyễn, Su-Tae Kang, Bang Yeon Lee (2023); Extremely-ductile alkali-activated slag-based composite with a tensile strain capacity up to 22%.” To develop this new bendable concrete, crumb rubber powder (recycled rubber produced from automotive and truck scrap tires) was incorporated into the mortar (a mixture of binder, water, and sand), and polyethylene short fibers were reinforced at a volume ratio of 1.75%. A new mixing method and curing method were developed to enhance the performance of the bendable concrete. The new mixing approach ensures a more homogenous dispersion of fibers, resulting in the exceptional deformation capacity observed in our new bendable concrete.
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biodegradable, a proper solution to dispose of waste tires is paramount. Furthermore, the burning of waste tires without proper handling contributes to air and soil pollution. Adding to the environmental concerns, around 8% of all carbon dioxide emissions comes from cement production. To address this, crumb rubber particles and alkali-activated slag (a by-product of the steelmaking process) were used in our newly developed bendable concrete for the improvement in deformation capacity and material greenness. The new bendable concrete not only has superior structural performance compared to normal concrete and previous high-performance concrete, but it is also eco-friendly, with reduced carbon dioxide emissions and embodied energy. These environmental attributes were evaluated using material sustainability indicators. IW: Besides these advantages, what other significant benefits can bendable concrete have around the world?
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Professor Lee: The repair and rehabilitation of aged and deteriorated structures have become important issues in the field of construction. In addition, the magnitude and frequency of both natural and manmade disasters appear to be growing. To try to address these issues, there is a need for technological advances that improve either the condition or performance of existing structures. Bendable concrete has been developed to meet this technical demand. It can be used in structures subjected to extreme loads due to natural (earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, etc.) or man-made disasters (terrorist attacks, explosions, collisions, etc.) because it has high deformation capacity and toughness (energy absorption capacity). IW: Of course, we would be remiss if we did not address the drawbacks of using bendable concrete, like the high cost. As we saw during the Hwajeong I-Park collapse, construction companies are always looking to cut costs by relying on subcontracting and cheaper materials. Therefore, what might prevent construction companies from using bendable concrete? Professor Lee: Bendable concrete has a high deformation capacity and toughness that surpasses normal concrete by hundreds of times.
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Even when cracks occur, the width of these cracks is smaller than the thickness of a human hair (about 100 micrometers), making the concrete more resilient and durable for use in buildings and infrastructures. However, in order to achieve such performance, high-performance synthetic fibers must be used, and as a result, the price of the concrete we developed is about 10 times higher than that of normal concrete due to the high cost of the fibers. Additionally, specialized equipment and techniques must be employed to manufacture it, and the variability in strength and deformation capacity is higher than that of normal concrete due to the reduced homogeneity and orientation of fibers included in the bendable concrete. Although the newly developed bendable concrete may not be practical at this juncture, our achievement is noteworthy in terms of establishing the feasibility of attaining extremely ductile behavior, surpassing 22% in concrete – again, higher than the deformation capacity of steel rebars used in reinforced concrete. We will continue to conduct research not only to improve the performance of bendable concrete, but also to reduce the cost and variability of performance to facilitate its practical application.
Our achievement is noteworthy in terms of establishing the feasibility of attaining extremely ductile behavior, surpassing 22% in concrete – again, higher than the deformation capacity of steel rebars used in reinforced concrete. IW: Bendable concrete is not just used for new construction projects, but also for reinforcing and retrofitting existing structures. How feasible is this, and are there any well-known buildings in the world that have been retrofitted or reinforced with bendable concrete already? Professor Lee: Bendable concrete has been widely applied to both new and existing buildings, as well as civil infrastructures. Notable instances include the repair of the Mitaka Dam
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in Japan, the spray repair of irrigation channels in the Western U.S., China, and Japan, retrofitting of the Japan Rail tunnels in Japan, the patch repair of bridge decks in the U.S., retrofitting of bridge decks and road pavement link-slabs in Michigan and Virginia in the U.S., retrofitting of viaduct dampers in Japan, and the use in coupling beams (typically added to a structure to improve its lateral force resistance) in structures like the 27-story Glorio Tower, 41-story Nabule Yokohama Tower, and 60-story Kitahama Tower in Japan. The application methods for bendable concrete are as versatile as those for conventional concrete, encompassing self-consolidating onsite casting, spraying, precasting, injection pumping, and hand troweling. IW: Gwangju is very fortunate to have such a forward-thinking lab right here at home. Have any local businesses or government institutions expressed interest in your research?
IW: What is next for your lab and its research? Also, is there anything you would like to add that we have not already addressed? Professor Lee: Upon becoming a professor at Chonnam National University, one of my goals was to develop bendable concrete with a deformation capacity greater than 10%. At that time, most bendable concrete exhibited
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IW: You must be proud of your research lab’s exceptional results. I wish you great success as you continue to perfect the world’s most ductile concrete, saving lives and the environment in the process.
Professor Lee Bang Yeon demonstrating how the concrete is tested for tensile behavior in his Advanced Building Materials Lab.
The Interviewer
Isaiah Winters is a guy in Gwangju whose curiosity leads him to places way beyond his depth, like advanced building materials labs. When he is not embarrassing himself by asking stupid questions to far smarter people, he is either working, proofreading the Gwangju News, or seeking novelty somewhere in Korea.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Professor Lee: As previously mentioned, bendable concrete, with its high deformation and energy absorption capacity, is highly resistant against extreme loads such as those induced by earthquakes, tsunamis, and acts of terrorism. In Korea, where the incidence and intensity of natural and human-caused disasters are relatively low, there exists a limited awareness of the need for bendable concrete. However, thanks to the R&D funding provided by the Korean government, we have been able to develop bendable concrete with the world’s best deformation capacity of 22%. Recently, the Engineering and Construction group at Samsung C&T asked me to give a presentation on the newly developed bendable concrete, and we engaged in discussions regarding its future practical applications.
a deformation capacity of about 3%. As highlighted earlier, we achieved far beyond my goal by developing a new bendable concrete with a deformation capacity of up to 22%. Moving forward, our lab plans to conduct research on the practical application of various versions of the bendable concrete we have formulated. We plan to incorporate alternative recycled fibers to mitigate costs, optimize the material and formulation to reduce performance variability, and automate the manufacturing method so that it can be applied to real buildings and civil infrastructures.
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LOST IN HONAM
Forgiveness over Permission Three Places You Probably Shouldn’t Visit, Unless You Do By Isaiah Winters
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
The view of Dongbok-ho from cliff ’s edge.
I
wish I stuck to normal hobbies. I do like hiking, golfing, and swimming, but my inner Mr. Hyde always hijacks these and veers them off course. To provide some examples, in this recidivist edition of “Lost,” Mr. Hyde will take the wheel and steer us to three places in Honam where we probably shouldn’t be. As they say, it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, so here goes nothing.
As they say, it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, so here goes nothing.
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ONGSEONG-SAN'S UNFINISHED SUSPENSION BRIDGE There’s a suspension bridge overlooking Dongbok-ho in Hwasun-gun that’s so new, I might have been the first to cross it. Of course, the engineers and builders working on it surely crossed first, but for unaffiliates like myself, I think it’s never been done, and that feels awesome. When I stumbled upon the bridge in late October, two workers were just finishing the final drilling and lacquering on the wooden staircase leading to it, so in my usual trance of brazen curiosity over common sense, I approached them and started asking questions about the bridge and whether it was okay to cross. They didn’t like me being there initially, but within a minute, I managed to pry a contradictory “You can’t, but hurry up and do it anyway” from the man in charge. Don’t mind if I do. The view is absolutely killer. Though the bridge dead-ended at a huge
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concrete block without stairs yet leading to it, I found a bypass and made it to the edge of the cliff beyond, where the view over the protected waters below is among the finest in the country. Dongbok-ho is an offlimits reservoir for both Gwangju’s drinking water and flood control on the Hwasun side of Mudeung-san. Having visited the area many times without ever finding such a perfect vantage over the waters, all I could do was film, photograph, and stare in awe at the superlative scenery. I’m sure the view will be just as beautiful on the day they complete the bridge’s full hiking infrastructure, but something about being there alone at the edge of where I should and shouldn’t have been made it seem better.
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Swinging solo at Gwangju’s most exclusive country club.
Adjacent to the driving range is a huge, abandoned hotel that the city doesn’t know what to do with. It’s got a massive indoor swimming pool and tile mosaic of Baekdusan, pristine suites still with crisp (albeit dusty) bedding, a horribly vandalized Chinese restaurant, and spacious wedding halls, one of which still has a banner announcing the hall’s final couple to wed there. Even before closing, the hotel seemed to have had lots of wear and tear, as evidenced by the long, white tarps lining the ceilings along its lengthy corridors. Using these, the owners were likely trying to hide extensive water damage. The nicest rooms were naturally on the top floor and provided excellent views of the city, but if you reach these VIP suites, beware that one of them has the biggest active hornet’s nest I’ve ever seen. You really should see it, except you shouldn’t.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
SWINGING SOLO AT GWANGJU’S ABANDONED DRIVING RANGE Somewhere on the outskirts of our fair city is an open gate sans “No Entry” signs leading to an abandoned driving range. Using my usual devil-may-care rationale, I recently sauntered in, scooped up a few dozen balls, and found a club – the first I’d held in ten years. I used to golf on the weekends back home because my area had a few unpretentious, dirt-cheap courses, but golfing in Korea always felt too formal for me, so I gave it up and let a decade of rust accumulate. Predictably, I was atrocious at my newfound range, hooking left, slicing right, and even flat-out missing a few times. For some reason, I decided to film all my flailing swings and put them on YouTube, granting my mediocrity digital immortality. Still, it was great fun and an excellent stress reliever.
The yet unfinished suspension bridge at Ongseong-san.
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An abandoned hotel room still with nice beds and views.
DESERTED JINDO BEACHES THAT’LL KILL YOU Jindo is Korea’s third-largest island, and yet its beaches suck. Kagye Beach is great if you like to feel mud ooze between your toes as you lurch half a kilometer through murky water teaming with sea creatures you can’t see just to get waist deep. Geumgap Beach is better, but that’s only because Kagye Beach sets the bar so low. However, there is a trio of good beaches along one stretch of the island that are more or less “secret,” but only one ever attracts any visitors. So, I recently took it upon myself to visit all three in one day to see why nobody goes to the other two. After a twohour drive from Gwangju, a long coastal hike in the blazing sun, plus a pinch of heatstroke and dehydration, I concluded that the other two beaches remain deserted because there’s a good chance they can kill you.
Anyway, that’s it for this month’s transgressions. Please forgive me. The Author
Hailing from Chino, California, Isaiah Winters is a pixel-stained wretch who loves writing about Gwangju and Honam, warts and all. He’s grateful to have written for the Gwangju News all these years. More of his unique finds can be seen on Instagram @d.p.r.kwangju and YouTube at Lost in Honam.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
The deserted pebble beach and short jetty that creeped me out.
The first is a crescent-shaped pebble beach that is calmed somewhat by the adjacent concrete jetty extending out into the sea. This area of Jindo is the most exposed to the open sea, so the waves crash quite hard against the jetty’s outer side, and what’s even more disconcerting is that the waves don’t just crash in a uniform line, but tend to crash, swirl, and crash again, making the choppy waters look very eerie. I’m no doyen of jetty architecture, but my guess is that nobody visits this beach because the jetty is too short to sufficiently tame its turbulent waters. Just a five-minute hike from this pebble beach is the second deserted beach that, although prettier and sandier, is even more exposed to the open sea, as it lacks any jetty. It was absolutely beautiful yet terrifying as the waves came crashing in at odd angles. In the end, I decided to only go in knee-deep at both beaches, even though I’m a strong swimmer. If you manage to find them, you should pay a visit to enjoy their beauty, but you definitely shouldn’t swim.
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GWANGJU PEOPLE
Interview with Talk to Me in Korean Founder, Sun Hyun-woo Inter viewed by William Urbanski
P
retty much anyone who has come to Korea and studied the language knows about Talk to Me in Korean (TTMIK): the learning platform that breaks down complicated parts of the language into easily digestible tidbits of knowledge. To say that TTMIK has been successful is a bit of an understatement; the YouTube channel alone has more than 1.6 million subscribers. Sun Hyun-woo, who was born and raised in Gwangju, is a familiar face to the Korean-learning community, as he has appeared in countless TTMIK videos and is also the CEO. In early October, he gave a couple of talks at the GIC that coincided with GIC Community Week. Those who were lucky enough to attend got excellent tips on how to become more effective language learners.
William Urbanski (WU): A lot of foreigners, especially English teachers, come to Korea with the notion that Korean is not an important international language, and that it is also
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Sun Hyun-woo: Learning a new language has a profound positive influence on your life and your perspective of the world around you. So, if you have any kind of opportunity to acquire and use a new language, I believe you need to absolutely make the most of it. Although Korea happens to be a country where it is fairly “possible” to live without speaking the local language, that will make your experiences very limited. If anyone has a reason to visit or live in Korea, or is interested
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
The Gwangju News was lucky enough to be able to ask Sun a couple of questions about the past, present, and future of TTMIK, as well as about some other things that the managing editor had been wondering about.
extremely difficult. As a result, they generally do not learn much Korean, and it is common to find people who have lived here for a long time and have trouble stringing a sentence together. In short, why should people learn Korean?
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in Korean pop culture, learning Korean will be one of the best decisions you will make in your life, especially if it is very different from your own native language.
Now, I believe we have established ourselves as a team that offers both: a systematic curriculum and social media-friendly content. There are few other teachers or organizations that can offer the same.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
WU: TTMIK has been quite successful and is very well known among the foreign community. What do you think sets it apart from other learning platforms? Sun Hyun-woo: We have gone through and witnessed various phases in the development of Korean education over the years. At first, our main competitive advantage was that we were a young group of content creators who were experimenting with a lot of new ideas and pumping out a ton of resources to fill the gap between traditional academic resources and more casual materials. Now, I believe we have established ourselves as a team that offers both: a systematic curriculum and social mediafriendly content. There are few other teachers or organizations that can offer the same. WU: Starting any business and especially one in the extremely competitive education market in Korea is difficult and comes with many challenges. Why did you decide to start TTMIK? Also, what educational gap was it trying to fill?
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Sun Hyun-woo: I really only had one goal in the beginning, which was to create and offer great Korean learning resources for everyone. Out of all the people in the world who wanted to learn Korean, only a fraction of them were able to actually enroll themselves in a class or come to Korea. Most other people had almost no systematic resources available online. So that is why we started building as much content as possible, even though we did not have a tech team or barely any capital at first. I firmly believed that if our content was good, everything else would be sorted out naturally. WU: When learning European languages like French, German, or Italian, there is a plethora of books and learning resources. But it seems that Korean learning materials are a little harder to come by. What are your thoughts on this? Sun Hyun-woo: 2022 and 2023 have seen a huge increase in the number of Korean language content creators on TikTok and Instagram. So, it is hard to say now that there are “less” Korean learning materials online anymore compared to other languages, but when it comes to systematic resources and curriculums, there is still a large gap to fill. Our team is working on several new projects right now to solve this problem in better ways. I cannot wait to share the news with everyone soon. WU: Recently, TTMIK underwent a pretty major change. Now all the learning materials are only available by subscription. Why do you think this was an important and necessary change to make to the platform? Sun Hyun-woo: We have always been happy to offer free learning resources for everyone, but we wanted to upgrade our curriculum and platform to make them much better. After careful consideration, this was an inevitable change we had to make, but we still have a ton of free resources available on our YouTube channel. Also, we have some great visions for much better Korean education, and our transition into a paid-only platform is enabling us to make that become a reality sooner. Thankfully, the vast majority of all of our customers were very supportive of this decision.
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Our team is working on several new projects right now to solve this problem in better ways. I cannot wait to share the news with everyone soon. WU: Practically everyone who gets serious about studying Korean eventually takes the TOPIK. What do you think about this exam in general, and is it a good metric to gauge a person’s Korean ability? Sun Hyun-woo: With any language, there is bound to be a gap between someone’s test scores and their actual verbal or written fluency in the target language. But I think studying for the TOPIK can be a great way for a learner to focus on a clear goal and make the necessary efforts. Also, the TOPIK passages can be a lot of fun as reading materials, too. So, as long as you are also learning Korean through other methods and not just exclusively studying for the TOPIK, I think everyone should give it a try! WU: As a Canadian, I find it quite interesting that you actually majored in French at university. Do you manage to keep up with your French at all, and if so, how do you do that here in Korea? Sun Hyun-woo: I do not get to speak French very often here in Korea, but just exposing myself to French movies or literature helps me maintain it to a degree. I try to read a French novel every now and then and also watch one or two episodes of French TV shows each week. It is always a lot of fun and makes me very happy.
people around the world speak vastly different languages. This made me interested in learning to speak English as my second language and expanding my horizons. Being born in Gwangju also gave me a desire for exploring, because although Gwangju is a fairly large city, I always knew that I would eventually venture out to Seoul and have more diverse experiences. WU: Are there any spots in Gwangju that are special or memorable to you? Can you explain why? Sun Hyun-woo: My family moved to Bongseondong when I was ten years old, and my parents still live there. That area is special to me because I have been able to witness the changes Gwangju has gone through over the years right in front of my eyes in Bongseon-dong. What was once a freshly built neighborhood at the edge of the city is now the center of traffic in the Nam-gu district and also a hub for private institutes. WU: What are your future plans for TTMIK? What can people expect from the website in 2024? Sun Hyun-woo: Now that we have completed transitioning to a paid-only platform, our customers expect more from us, and we will certainly deliver! We have more resources coming in 2024, but more importantly, more diverse ways for people to learn Korean!
Sun Hyun-woo: This would certainly not apply to everyone, but sometime in my early childhood, although I only spoke Korean, I realized that the people on TV spoke with a different accent from everyone around me in Gwangju. I also realized that my relatives in Busan also spoke in a different dialect. I think this opened my eyes, or more precisely, my ears, to the fact that there are different dialects in Korea and, more broadly,
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(Photos courtesy of Sun Hyun-woo)
The Interviewer
William Urbanski is the managing editor of the Gwangju News. Once upon a time he passed the TOPIK Level 3.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
WU: How would you say that coming from Gwangju has shaped you as an individual?
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GWANGJU HISTORY
School’s Out for November By Jonathan Joseph Chiarella
Museum (Photo by Jonathan Joseph Chiarella)
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
PART I: THE HISTORY In 1929, the birthday of Meiji (the emperor of modern Japan) and the Korean National Foundation Day (reckoned by the lunar calendar) fell on the same day. The imperial authorities demanded everyone honor Meiji and had decreed the Korean holiday illegal. This day also marked the third anniversary of the founding of the student association Seongjinhoe. Salt in the wound of occupation came when crowds and Japanese flags crowded the streets as colonial masters celebrated their bountiful take of that year’s silkworm harvest. In the preceding days, brawls had broken out between local and Japanese teenagers in South Jeolla, and the previous year of organizing among students helped to spread and sustain the Korean reaction. As news spread in early November of
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the incident at the Naju Train Station on Thursday and Sunday’s protests, so did sympathetic strikes, as a fresh blaze of nationalist fervor swept every province. The resistance to imperial oppression and colonial education sparked the largest social movement since the March 1st Movement of 1919. It was also the second greatest overall. The demonstrations even grabbed the attention of newspapers in Japan and further afield. The Brewing Passion Breaks Out Nine years after Japan annexed Korea, nationalists drew inspiration from the conclusion of WWI (namely, the Fourteen Points and the principle of self-determination). They drew up a declaration of independence on March 1, 1919. When Sunjong, the last ruler of independent Korea, died in 1926, the Manse Movement saw students start and lead their first national movement. The next year, Japan intensified its military aggression in China and enacted more restrictive policies in Korea, but this precipitated another outbreak of resistance. In 1927 and 1928, students throughout Jeolla created nationalist organizations. In February 1927, approximately 150 students at Gwangju Normal High School demonstrated, issuing slogans demanding that schools teach the history of the Korean people and that they
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abolish the “slave indoctrination.” In April the next year, students there issued a declaration of independence. In November, female students in Gwangju made a secret pact for national and women’s liberation. Into 1929, students staged collective walkouts. Days before the most significant Japanese and Korean holidays coincided in 1929, tensions were high. On October 30, at the Naju Train Station, Japanese students yanked the hair of several Korean high school girls from Gwangju while mocking and verbally abusing them. One girl’s cousin led a group of boys from Gwangju Normal to fight the Japanese. On November 1, Japanese at Gwangju Station challenged their Korean peers to brawls. Korean teachers arrived to break up the fighting, but the Japanese teachers egged on their co-nationals. The government stepped up its supervision the next day, but it could not contain what would come next. On that serendipitous November 3, 1929, Gwangju students refused to honor the late Japanese Emperor, chanted slogans, and clashed with police as they demonstrated. The students later declared a three-day strike, which they then extended. In the following days, street demonstrations proliferated. Members of the Girls’ Normal High School cheered on their comrades on November 12. Attempts by police and school authorities to curb activity only raised the spirits of the protesters. By December, dozens of students in Gwangju had been arrested, investigated, temporarily jailed, or expelled.
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Koreans were led through the dark night of occupation by the innumerable shining stars. Why Commemorate Unconventional Politics? Far from being a long-celebrated commemoration, the pre-democratic era saw little research into the 1929 Independence Movement. Concerns of inspiring resistance among the nation’s students meant that throughout the twentieth century, the events garnered more attention outside South Korea. One can retrieve this episode from the memory hole for instrumental reasons, too. As Dr. Cho Jung-kwan argues, the parliamentary element has helped broker the early retirement of authoritarians. However, as Dr. Kim Jae-kyun has also written, parliamentary acts of significant reform usually come after street politics. If you misremember the past, you may reverse the causal logic. For example, if you believe that a pro-labor political environment breeds a culture of strikes, then you may also erroneously conclude that the Treaty of San Francisco of 1952 caused Koreans to resist the Japanese Empire. History is the sequence of causally linked events, not a list of happenstances. PART II: THE 1929 SITES IN GWANGJU The four principal schools of the Gwangju Students Independence Movement were Gwangju Normal High School (now Gwangju Jeil), Gwangju Girls’ Normal High School (Jeonnam Girls’), Gwangju Teachers’ School (Gwangju National University of Education), and Gwangju Agricultural School (Gwangju Natural Science High School). At each of these sites is a cenotaph to mark the sites where
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
The news of the initial outbreak hit Mokpo and ignited protests there, after which students in Seoul and across the country also staged their own strikes and demonstrations. In the wee hours of December 2, university students in Seoul organized demonstrations in sympathy. Even with the new school year in January, students in Boseong and Seoul repeated their strikes. At this time, approximately 54,000 students from 194 schools had taken part in the Gwangju-inspired movement. Its magnitude showed the immense power of youth in the national movement and
strengthened the swelling national feeling of the previous decade. The veterans also became nation-builders after liberation sixteen years later. As a 1959 film on that November said, Koreans were led through the dark night of occupation by the innumerable shining stars.
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students led marches and demonstrations. The large, dedicated space at the Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial Hall in Seogu boasts the most impressive monuments and an exhibition hall.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Monument at Gwangju Jeil High School. (Photo by Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial Hall)
Gwangju Jeil High School One of the two schools close to downtown, Gwangju Jeil (formerly, Gwangju Normal) has a walkway near the students’ entrance that leads to some markers, stone descriptions, and the first spire (from 1972) commemorating the struggle. Students here were among the first to fight with the Japanese at Naju Train Station and took the first leading role in the movement. At the southeast entrance is the Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial Park and the Historical Museum (open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday to Friday), which began hosting visitors in 1997. In addition to the uniforms of the day, the museum includes artifacts and the broader context of the national occupation and
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annexation of Korea. (For those wondering, the uniforms are largely copied from Meiji Japan, who in turn copied the military school uniforms of Prussia.) Large artifacts include signage, bells, and medals. Near the students’ gate at the northeast, take note of the bust of the teacher and poet Song Hong (“Un-in”), whom Moon Jae-in posthumously awarded the presidential medal in 2022. Song, who himself was wanted by police after the March 1st Movement, later supported the 1929 Independence Movement; he resigned in protest in February 1930. Hwasun, his hometown, erected a memorial last year. Jeonnam Girls’ High School Formerly known as Gwangju Girls’ Normal High School, this is the other school very close to downtown. Japanese students assaulted girls from this high school at the Naju Train Station, igniting the feelings that gave rise to the movement three days later. This site has a commemoration spire, as well as a small museum for visitors. In 2017, Gwangju unveiled a bright metal statue just inside the front gate. The museum displays old papers, awards, and photographs, as well as uniforms from the period, showing the struggle but perhaps more significantly the life and times of people who had a society they wanted to defend and lives they were risking with rebellion. (Be aware that the building has limited visitor hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:00–3:30 p.m.) Jeonnam Girls’ is also significant for being one of the three leading schools in Gwangju during the April 19 Revolution (1960) that deposed the corrupt Syngman Rhee. Just a kilometer north lies a memorial hall where one can learn more. Monument Memorial Hall In Seo-gu lies the main memorial site for the Gwangju Student Independence Movement, a large site on a hill above Seonjin Elementary that hosts large monuments, exhibitions, and staff facilities for the movement as a whole. The English signage is not always clear, but the ginyeom-hoegwan (기념회관) is the meeting hall for administration; it houses a research and records library. Behind it lies the ginyeom-gwan (기념관), the visitors’ museum.
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The first floor hosts a large chamber for paying respects to the fallen students and those who later passed. The second story boasts many explanatory texts. Even where English subtitling is not available, the visuals, such as pie charts, graphs, and re-created prison cells highlight the inequalities between natives and colonials. Notably, Japanese imperial authorities executed various leaders during the many acts of resistance in the 1920s and tortured several youths to death in prison – 1929 was no exception.
the visits by political VIPs. Jeolla native and then-Prime Minster Lee Nak-yeon paid his respects at the monument, as had President Kim Dae-jung before, but the movement was also commemorated by Syngman Rhee and Park Chung Hee despite the latter’s previous allegiance to Japan and his administration’s usual reticence on the event. The museum also recounts overseas reactions to the movement, such as those among the Korean diaspora in China.
The artifacts and myriad photographs drive home the fierceness of the movement as police swung their clubs at the throngs of youth pouring into the streets. Researchers also collected scattered bits of media related to the incident. There are the two movies (Nameless Stars, Kwangju Calls Out) and contemporary newspapers in Korea and Japan, but also documentation of
Back outside, one can ascend a large staircase (or use the sloped side entrance) to see the official monument. At the summit is a flat plaza, upon which stand art installations: a group of spires reaching 39 meters in height, flanked by metal statues of groups of students marching on both sides and to the rear, as well as two sculptured murals. Further Information Those wanting to know more can visit the main historical sites, read placards, and read research from the past two decades. Various memorials have rosters of students who died in the movement, veterans, and those who organized the memorials years later. In addition to the two main high schools, the present Nature Science High School and the University of Education have memorials worth seeing if time permits. Those comfortable with reading Korean can find analysis essays compiled by Chonnam Professor Kim Jae-gi or visit the photography-laden web resources “Encyclopedia of Korean Culture” and “Korean Land and Culture Electronic Grand Dictionary” (한국향토문화전자대전).
Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial (Photo by Gwangju Student independence Movement Memorial Hall)
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Jonathan J. Chiarella grew up in New York. He holds a BA in history (Rochester) as well as two MAs (Chonnam, Florida) and a PhD in politics (Florida). You can spot him riding the river trails or read his analysis of current affairs related to Honam or international relations.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
The Author
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GWANGJU WRITES
24
A Fleeting Moment By Francesca Duong
had. Who was performing? Was the event free? Could I go as a simple audience member or was it only for participants? Almost as if a mystery, the poster lingered in my mind for the rest of the week.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
When the day came, I made myself downtown and entered the Jeonil Building for the first time, half expecting to be turned away at the entrance. I wandered around, confused, before following the flow of people into the elevator. They pressed the button to the top floor, and slowly, the elevator ascended.
M
y eyes scanned the advertisement stuck to the pole as I waited for the crossing signal to turn green. A simplistic, large, brown guitar was imposed against a gradient, green background. The poster merely said “Singer Songwriters” in large English letters with the Korean translation underneath. At the top, the date of the event and “Jeonil Building 245” were clearly stamped. Aside from those details, the poster lacked the answers to the questions I
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It was like a scene from a television show. When I stepped out of the elevator unto the terrace of the Jeonil Building, the sky was a gorgeous, vibrant blue spotted with soft, wispy clouds. The artificial, rolled-out grass sparkled in a deep green as people were lying on top of their brightly colored picnic blankets. Plastic chairs were nestled farther back, and the staircase leading to the top platform of the rooftop had comfortable cushions for those who wanted to rest there instead. Aesthetically, it seemed like a perfect television set for a calm rooftop gathering. The emcee was dressed in a beautiful purple dress as she introduced the singers. When they took the stage, the lights illuminated the performers in a dazzling glow. Each audience member sat there, listening intently to the messages the songs were conveying. The soothing atmosphere wrapped everyone in a blanket of warmth and tranquility.
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Music connects people. It brings community through its melody and touching lyrics.
It was like a dream. I used to stare at the ceiling of my childhood home and, like any eight-year-old, complain I was bored. I craved something more than our outings to the grocery store. Going to the mall was the closest experience I had had to seeing a space packed with people and filled with electric energy. When I watched television, I was fascinated by the “big city life” often popularized in shows and movies. Every weekend, there would be events filled with families and fun. Every corner would have new delicious street food to try, and art decorated the sides of buildings. It was as if the cities were a living entity of their own. With each inhale, one could sense the joy and happiness of the community. The exhales brought a sense of warm calm and peace.
It was like having a true sense of belonging. Moving to a new country comes with a few sacrifices, as well as a boosted newfound sense of independence. With language barriers and a completely clean slate, one has to be comfortable with being alone.
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Additionally, there is something special about live music that cannot be boiled down into one sentence. Maybe it is the pure, unedited rawness or the vocals, or the way that the music flows and enters the room. Maybe it is the dazzling stage presence of the performer that increases the intimacy of the performance. There is something that makes live music incredibly captivating, soothing, and addictive at the same time.
It is bittersweet – these moments. Knowing that they are temporary and fleeting, but also trying to live in the present and enjoy life to its fullest. It was like a feeling of satisfaction. A moment so simple, but so precious that it forever lingers in my memory. It is bittersweet – these moments. Knowing that they are temporary and fleeting, but also trying to live in the present and enjoy life to its fullest. The Author
As a writer, Francesca Duong, strongly believes in the power of narrative as a platform for truth and discussion. She loves lengthy conversations, being involved in the community, and discovering delicious foods.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
When I came to Gwangju, it was the first time I truly felt like I lived in a big city. Gwangju had a little bit of everything – a national park, a bustling downtown shopping area, and a vast variety of restaurants. With events such as the Gwangju Asia Content and Entertainment Fair, Asia Culture Week, and the Busking World Cup, there never seemed to be a shortage of things to do. Each weekend is packed with possibilities for people to enjoy the wonderful city.
Music connects people. It brings community through its melody and touching lyrics. Throughout the performance at the Jeonil Building, people were swaying left and right to the soft ballads being sung. When the performers signaled for the audience to clap their hands or shine their phone flashlights, they obeyed. It felt as if we were in a trance, completely at peace and flowing along to the music.
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CONTEMPLATIONS & PONDERINGS
Less Is More By Park Nahm-Sheik
L
ess is more is often attributed to Chilon of Sparta, one of the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece. This phrase comes up even oftener in the same breath as such High Renaissance polymaths as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Be that as it may, the expression sure does have an intriguing ring to it. Does it not?
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Less is more puts moderation front and center in all things we do. It has forever been drilled into our collective memory that “Measure is treasure” and “Measure is medicine.” Parenthetically, I love the way either phrasing here sounds, thanks to the nice-sounding rhyme of the former and the resonant alliteration of the latter. Significantly enough, things of great value tend to come in moderate packages. Among cases in point are the diamond, the ruby, and the sapphire. We may remind ourselves at this point that a similar case is made by a couple of other pithy sayings like “A little body often harbors a great soul,” “Small is beautiful,” and “Little fish are sweet.” By the way, less is more casts a shaft of light on some beloved refrains of literary significance. “Brevity is the soul of wit” is one of those oftquoted phrases due originally to the Bard, a.k.a. William Shakespeare the Playwright. Shakespeare’s recommendation here is for us to deliver our words not by number but by weight.
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If we are to do as he tells us to, we must make sure that our speech and writing always stay lean and mean to the utmost. To faithfully abide by this dictum, we must incessantly ward off any extra linguistic fat. Whether prose or verse, good language ought not to leave any room for verbosity. Otherwise, whatever we say or write would not amount to anything quite as good as we wish it to be. Brevity is the soul of prayer as well. “A short prayer penetrates Heaven" is a saying common among practicing Christians. “The fewer the words, the better the prayer” is a more symmetric version of this religious quote, which is just as popular as the first one. The underlying rationale here may be that a shorter prayer has a sharper focus and consequently a greater power of delivery. It is interesting that brevity is apparently the soul of art as well. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and other prominent Renaissance men demonstrated that simplicity was the ultimate sophistication. Displaying their scintillating genius to heavenly dimensions, those High Renaissance polymaths created an entire galaxy of the most sublime art. Their glitter literally shocked and awed not just Rome but also the rest of Europe and the remainder of the world. Representing the high-water marks of their respective realms, these beautiful minds of the
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Renaissance era were genuinely the brightest of stars of all time in the firmament of human civilization. They all pursued and attained the pinnacles of their spheres via ultimate simplicity. Parenthetically, it may also be no accident that glimpses of this simplicity flicker from Vincent van Gogh’s and Pablo Picasso’s paintings. It may be an indication that they too may have been in pursuit of ultimate simplicity in their art. It may be noted in passing here that brevity was also at the core of minimalism, an abstract art form that briefly flourished in the 1960s in the United States. It featured a pattern of simple geometric shapes like squares and rectangles, making for a direct, straightforward, and forceful artistic communion and/or communication. It is interesting that less is more also is instrumental in accounting for very much of our behavior as food consumers. Shall we begin our discussion here by attending to gluttony as a matter of direct and urgent concern to everyone everywhere? “Much meat, much malady” fires the first warning shot. Parenthetically, “meat” here refers simply to food in general, not necessarily beef, pork, venison, poultry, or fish. “Greedy eaters dig their graves with their teeth” sets off a far more serious alarm. There is really no turning a blind eye to this kind of red alert, is there? We may be overstating it a bit here. Not really that much, though, I hope. At any rate, “If in excess, even nectar is poison” says it all. We would do well to always keep it in mind that those that eat the least eat the most. Indeed, we should all eat to live and not live to eat.
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By the way, a slow lifestyle as a whole is much to be preferred to a fast one. Too much food, especially too much fast food, runs the risk of making Jack a dull boy. Furthermore, it might usher him into the country of dimwits and weaklings to boot. And even of zombies. The dietary avarice prevalent in the world today is more than enough to rain tears of concern and sorrow on the faces of all thinking beings.
Let’s be crystal clear here that enough is always as good as a feast and that more than enough is too much. Truth to tell, too much of aught is good for naught. Rapacity is the root of all evil, indeed. Whoever grasps all loses all. We can always have such a thing as too much of a good thing. That said, we must never ever allow ourselves to get
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Running rampant everywhere, greedy eating is threatening to run us into the ground at any moment. While we are at it, we may as well call attention to the challenges posed by fast food in the hustle and bustle of the contemporary world. Don’t you be too surprised if I say that fast food is the highway to obesity, which in turn is a shortcut to a premature exit from Planet Earth. None of us would love to leave this beautiful world of ours behind, would we?
(Photo by David Gavi on Unsplash)
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caught in the trap of catching at the shadow and losing the substance. Let’s be crystal clear here that enough is always as good as a feast and that more than enough is too much. When taking in food, we must also constantly remember to stay away from any man-made harm masquerading as science. We should make it a practice to think twice before allowing artificially tainted stuff down the hatch, much less into the alimentary canal. Chemically and/or biologically manipulated stuff is normally not exactly either fit or good for human consumption. Which is why GMOs, food supplements/additives or the like are generally not favorably received in most knowledgeable circles.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
A word or two about the relevance of less is more to environmental conservation does seem to be in order at this point. We all know that major rainforests such as the Amazon Rainforest are the lungs of Spaceship Earth that can make or break all planetary living beings, humans not excluded. Daredevil behavior like illegitimate logging, such as that allowed and even promoted under Bolsonaro’s watch in Brazil, was nothing less than a crime against nature and consequently against humanity. His irresponsible Amazonia management amounted to an attempt on a premeditated genocidal massacre of nature. He deserves to stand before the international tribunal of criminal justice. In one way or another, he needs to be called to account and be done justice to in the public square of the global community.
By the way, the term jomdori is suspected to originate in the regional variety of the Korean language specific to the Jeolla provinces, which may be one more reason that the current writer feels sentimentally attached to this particular trait of Korean culture. As it were, jomdori is “sharing is caring” writ large. It is Korea’s very own ancestral way of less is more in action. In a way, it is also aligned with the Biblical teaching that it is more blessed to give than to receive. By the way, the term jomdori is suspected to have originated in the regional variety of the Korean language specific to the Jeolla provinces, which may be one more reason that the current writer feels sentimentally attached to this particular trait of Korean culture. The Author
Park Nahm-sheik has a BA in English from Chonnam National University, an MA in linguistics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, U.S.A., and a PhD in applied linguistics from Georgetown University. He is now a Professor Emeritus after a long and illustrious career at Seoul National University as well as President Emeritus of the International Graduate School of English.
Before ending our tale of less is more, let me briefly touch on Korea’s time-honored tradition of jomdori (좀도리). Solidly grounded in the agrarian roots of Korea, it consists in rural housewives setting aside a little portion of rice, barley, and/or wheat prior to cooking for each and every meal so as to share it with their neighbors in need. AKA sipsi-ilban (십시일반, “ten spoonfuls reserved can make a square meal”), jomdori is an eloquent demonstration of what true community spirit is all about.
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EXPAT LIVING
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Meeting Friends in Gwangju By Konno Hideko,Nur tia Pratiwi Siahaan, and Renelle Marsh Meeting Friends in Gwangju is a virtual language and cultural exchange program to promote civic exchanges between Gwangju residents and citizens of sister cities. Five channels of this program were operated in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese through ZOOM for five months in the first half of the year. In October, Gwangju invited seven foreign participants who are most actively engaged in the program to meet and exchange with Gwangju participants for five days. Below are accounts of the experiences of three of those invited participants. — Ed.
いましょう！ Translations by Lee Chang-hee.
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Renelle Marsh (San Antonio, USA): The Gwangju International Center Cultural Exchange Program was an absolutely amazing experience! After meeting for months on Zoom, we were able to meet in person in Gwangju. Gwangju is a beautiful city with so many things to see and do! All of our activities, transportation, and meals were carefully and thoughtfully planned out to give everyone a true taste of the culture. The staff were so very kind and helpful, and having a translator was also helpful for me, as I lack Korean speaking ability. All of the participants were so lovely, and I now have friends for life! Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime, and I cannot wait to go back!
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Konno Hideko (Sendai, Japan): First of all, thank you very much for inviting me to Gwangju this time. I had such an amazing time here for the last five days through the program. Initially, I thought I would only meet other Japanese, but actually, I was also able to interact with Americans and Indonesians. Besides, it was meaningful for me to be able to contemplate the meaning of the May 18th Gwangju Democratic Uprising. I would like to give my special thanks to all the staff who organized various cultural experiences, a baseball stadium visit, and a local home visit for so much help. Most of all, it was so amazing to meet people in person with whom I had only been communicating online. Once again, thank you, everyone. Hope to see you all again. また会
Nurtia Pratiwi Siahaan (Medan, Indonesia): Gwangju is one of the dream cities that I wanted to visit because of its comfort and the fact that it is neither too crowded nor too noisy. The city has everything. Alhamdulillah (“praise be to God”), my dream was achieved after participating in the Meeting Friends in Gwangju program and being able to meet many people from various countries. I always thank God for all the staff who managed to make this program. I learned and got a lot of new things while living in Gwangju. And the best experience was to wear a hanbok in the style of real Korean films – and I even got styled like a queen!
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POLITICAL OPINION
The (Un)reliable US? By Jonathan Joseph Chiarella
A
s disagreements continue over the relocation of the Gwangju military air base and the construction of new facilities, we can be certain of this: In Korea, the US will not “abandon” its position.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
ERADICATE TERRORISM OR BUST! (UNTIL SOMETHING ELSE COMESALONG) Three decades of history point to the US being in East Asia for the long haul. The geopolitical factors that precipitated a South Korean panic over abandonment no longer apply. The gravity of the world is no longer concentrated in the transAtlantic, nor does the USSR stand as the US’s
greatest threat. (Russia may be the most flagrant violator of the liberal rules-based order, but the US always keeps an eye on its more “personal” rival, China.) Even the War on Terror in Central and Western Asia did not upend the US’s grand strategy. During the so-called “surge” in Afghanistan in 2009, the total number of US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan fell as deployments to South Korea and Japan increased. As The Hankyoreh reported in 2013, the US actually exceeded official maxima on troop deployment with “creative accounting.” (It did this by rotating its soldiers between bases in the two countries more quickly.) The allure of Afghanistan or Syria was rather minimal, which foreshadowed future US policy. Two recent cases of “abandonment,” where the powerful US links up with a partner and then leaves its former ally to fight the battle alone, are with the Kurds in the Levant and with the nonTaliban in Afghanistan. These episodes engender fears over US involvement .
PRC’s claimed Nine-Dash Line (red) and national borders as per UNCLOS (blue). (Graphic by Goran tek-en; CC-BY-SA)
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Imagine this worst-case scenario: The US paints a target on the ROK’s back, clumsily sparks a war in East Asia, and quits the region. The US would then leave everyone to their fates. We saw how that last part worked out in Afghanistan for women and collaborators with the US. The US packed up and left in 2021. The resurgent Taliban did not turn the other cheek.
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THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY IS NOT THE TWENTIETH This nightmare, however, will not come to pass because of East Asia’s strategic value. Because of the economic growth and demographic size of East Asia in this century, the region is impossible to ignore. With the PRC and the US in competition, the importance of East Asia is impossible to overstate.
The implication for the Jeolla region is thus. Rather than worry about making accommodations for the US and be left holding the bag when the US drops out, it is more likely that the US will use any facilities it can for as long as possible. The implication for the Jeolla region is thus. Rather than worry about making accommodations for the US and be left holding the bag when the US drops out, it is more likely that the US will use any facilities it can for as long as possible. And I predict that the US will protest loudly if the Gwangju military base relocation is of less capacity. The National Assembly writing a law is one thing. Implementing that act is another.
Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is alarming, yes, and it has breathed new life into the US-dependent
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Additionally, Ukrainian territory seems to be a hill that few outside of Ukraine will die on – or be inconvenienced by. “Ukraine fatigue” has already gripped most conservative voters in Poland and the USA only a year and a half out from Russia’s full-scale invasion. Even if things continue to heat up in Europe, the only thing to make the US prioritize Europe over Asia is the US and Russia engaging in direct combat. This is unlikely to happen. THE CHOICE For Asia, the uncertainty surrounding the US no longer surrounds the resoluteness of its commitment. Anyone can see the strategy to encircle China. (Even if either power harbors non-hostile intentions, their maps show how both the PRC and the US are drawing maximalist lines.) The uncertainty now concerns if a US presence helps or hurts regional peace and Korean unification. There are strong arguments for both sides, and the issue is more abstract than “will the US withdraw all troops in the next five years?” Because the US will faithfully and indefinitely seize upon opportunities in Korea, residents have to wisely plan the extent of partnerships. (The ideas and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are not to be construed as being endorsed by the Gwangju News, the Gwangju International Center, or Gwangju City Hall.)
The Author
Jonathan J. Chiarella grew up in New York. He holds a BA in history (Rochester) as well as two MAs (Chonnam, Florida) and a PhD in politics (Florida). You can spot him riding the river trails or read his analysis of current affairs related to Honam or international relations.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
All of this will stay true even as the US’s glory days fade into the past. The US will continue to be a powerful presence in international affairs. Additionally, if the US has to focus its hard power in any single place, then it will be East Asia. (Two oceans and two much weaker neighbors have shown that the US can be secure with only a small army at home.) As a positive for US allies in the Pacific, however, the US is not going to draw the wrath of hostile countries while being too weak and understaffed to deal with the consequences.
NATO, but NATO has not expanded or engaged in combat yet, and as long as fighting drags on, Ukraine is ineligible for NATO membership. No one can join NATO while in the middle of a war.
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OPINION
Some Idiot Stole My Bike Is the theft of my bike a sign of societal decline? Almost certainly, yes. By William Urbanski
W
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
hen I was an exchange student in Italy more than two decades ago, a student stole something from the changeroom while everybody was in PE class. The theft was reported and news of the thievery spread quickly around the school, but to the best of my knowledge, the culprit was never caught. Later that afternoon, the French teacher (who was about as grizzled an individual as I have ever met) summarily took the opportunity to berate the entire class (in French) about why stealing is bad, uninterrupted for the full fifty-minute class.
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I have to say, he made some pretty good points. While many details of his ferocious and completely warranted tirade have been lost to the ether of time, the point that sticks in my mind to this day is this: “When you steal an object, what you really steal is social trust, which is much, much worse.”
“When you steal an object, what you really steal is social trust, which is much, much worse.” Recently, when my rickety, old bike that had been sitting unlocked in the bicycle bay of my apartment building for nearly two years was pilfered, I realized that something intangible had also been lost. It is hard to define exactly what that is, but let us call it “my belief that nobody in Gwangju would ever steal my bike.” Canada is idealized in many ways – so much so that over one million people immigrated there in 2022 alone. But alas, it is not all sunshine and roses in the Great White North. An uncomfortable fact of life is that theft in general is rampant. In Canada, if you do not lock your bike, it is gone. If you do not lock the door to your house, someone will come in and steal your
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stuff. If you leave your car window open while you run into the store, you can count on your valuables disappearing. You get the picture. Contrast this to Gwangju, where I regularly leave my backpack unattended at the ACC (and nationwide for that matter) and never, not even once, has anyone so much as laid a hand on it. I think living in a place where stealing is not the default option has actually made me a better person in some ways. On no fewer that three occasions, I have come across debit and credit cards that have been misplaced or forgotten, and whereas curiosity may have gotten the better of my younger self, now, I do not even touch them. I think, by and large, this attitude of “I should not take things that are not mine” has largely been lost in Canada and been replaced with the age-old axiom “finders keepers, losers weepers.” Is this that dark road that Gwangju wishes to follow? ALTERNATIVES TO STEALING MY BIKE To the dirty rat who stole my bike, I think it is time for a little public service announcement: It turns out the city of Gwangju offers a couple of viable alternatives to stealing my bike. In no particular order some of these are...
And just in case the dirty bike thief thought that my bike was fair game because nobody was using it, there is actually a kind of litmus test to determine if it is okay to take a bike. It goes a little something like this: Did you pay for the
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MY OLD BIKE SUCKED ANYWAY AND NOW I HAVE A NEW BIKE My old bike had tiny tires, the brakes barely worked, the seat was too low, it looked stupid, and I hated riding it. If someone really needed that bike so bad they needed to steal it, then I feel sorry for that person. All that being said, it served an important purpose and made my life better and easier on many occasions. My bike getting stolen was actually the push I needed to follow through on a long-overdue upgrade. So, the day after I realized some dirty rat punked my bike, I bought a new one from Tangun Market. While by no means Tour de France quality, it is much better than my old one. While bikes come and go, the social trust that is degraded with theft of any kind is something that should concern all of us, lest we want to live in a society where we expect our things to be stolen, and not the opposite. In the end though, a bike is a just a bike, and even if the thief were caught, he would probably just get a slap on the wrist. However, all crime is a slippery slope, and if this successful heist emboldens the individual to attempt more daring escapades, such as stealing iPhones for example, the thief would almost certainly… face time. ( •_•) > ⌐■-■ / (⌐■_■)
The Author
William Urbanski is the managing editor of the Gwangju News. He hates it when people steal his bicycle.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
• Not stealing my bike. • Asking if you can use my bike for a while, then bringing it back when you are done. • Asking someone else (maybe in a KakaoTalk chat group) if anyone has a bike you can use for a while. • Buying a cheap bike from Tangun Market. • Renting an electric scooter for like a dollar, then leaving it either in the middle of a sidewalk or a crosswalk when you are done with it.
bike? Did someone give you the bike? Is there a sign on the bike that says “Free”? If none of these conditions are met, the bike is not yours and you should not take it.
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TEACHING & LEARNING
Fostering Global Education Through the Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme (KOMTEP)
Building Bridges Between Malaysia and South Korea By Rusydi bin Ruslan
initiative has garnered participation from several other regional countries, including the Philippines, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Cambodia, Mongolia, Thailand, and Vietnam. KOMTEP’s primary goal is to enhance the capabilities of educators in both Malaysia and Korea, fostering deeper insights into each other’s education systems and cultures, honing intercultural communication skills, and building robust educational networks.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
The DIY cleaning agent produced by students using tangerine scraps.
T
he Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme (KOMTEP), launched in 2014, serves as a beacon of educational collaboration between Malaysia and South Korea. The Ministry of Education Korea hosts the programme, which is operated by the AsiaPacific Teacher Exchange for Global Education (APTE), expertly managed by the UNESCO AsiaPacific Center of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) in partnership with Malaysia’s Ministry of Education. This ambitious
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In the current 2023 edition of KOMTEP, ten Malaysian and ten Korean teachers are embarking on a unique educational journey. Korean educators find themselves in the educational precincts of Terengganu, while their Malaysian counterparts immerse themselves in the vibrant landscapes of Gwangju, Gyeongnam, Jeju, and Daejeon in Korea. This exchange transcends conventional classroom boundaries, offering a dynamic experience. Participants actively engage in various activities, including curriculumaligned teaching sessions, where they share insights into their respective countries’ education systems and cultures. KOMTEP, however, goes beyond a typical teacher exchange program. It embraces the
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principles of Global Citizenship Education (GCED), aiming to instill a sense of global responsibility in educators and students. This framework encourages participants to initiate personal projects to foster mutual understanding between Malaysia and Korea. One remarkable project within this context is the Zero Waste Programme , a pioneering initiative that aligns with KOMTEP’s broader mission to empower educators from both nations. EMPOWERING THROUGH “ZERO WASTE” A Journey Towards Sustainability The Zero Waste Programme is a visionary initiative that seeks to cultivate awareness among young minds about the critical importance of conservation and the urgent need to minimize waste. To grasp the significance of this program, it is essential to understand its origins. In today’s world, we face the formidable challenge of climate change, primarily driven by the relentless rise in global temperatures, known as global warming. This environmental crisis has inflicted significant harm on our shared home, Earth. Despite its undeniable consequences, progress and development continue unabated. As Earth’s inhabitants, it is our duty to take action to protect it.
“Zero Waste” practices. My previous experience at SK Kiaramas in Malaysia showed encouraging results, motivating students to adopt these practices in their daily lives. Now, my goal is to expand “Zero Waste” beyond the classroom and engage the wider community, fostering collaboration between schools and communities. To further this effort, I am creating a comprehensive teacher’s handbook, offering guidance to educators interested in initiating “Zero Waste” projects in their schools. This handbook encompasses strategies and ideas for project sustainability, benefiting both teachers and students. Successful “Zero Waste” activities at Sinchang Elementary School include recycling initiatives, art competitions focused on saving the Earth, student-led recycling teams, origami sessions using recycled materials for marine conservation, digital quizzes on zero waste, and DIY cleaning agents made from tangerine scraps. During my stay in Korea, I plan to collaborate with the Gwangju community to promote the “Zero Waste” concept. My initiatives include creating a “Zero Waste” infographic poster and exploring innovative ways to repurpose food waste into useful products. I extend an open invitation to the Gwangju community to join me in the successful execution of the “Zero Waste” project, benefiting students at Sinchang Elementary School and contributing to a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and inspire positive change.
Teachers have a unique role in shaping students’ values and inspiring change. I aimed to introduce the concept of “Zero Waste” to young learners, encouraging them to embrace sustainable living and nurture their love for our planet.
Rusydi bin Ruslan, a Malaysian educator with 15 years’ experience, fervently believes in the power of education to change the world. He emphasizes the importance of instilling noble values in youth, ensuring these principles become part of their daily lives, echoing the saying, “Start early for lasting impact.” Instagram: @rusydi231984
At Sinchang Elementary School, I witnessed the enthusiasm of students who eagerly embraced
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The Author
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
While discussions about global warming are widespread, action is required to make a real impact. Every individual must assume responsibility for positively impacting the environment. Motivated by this belief, I embarked on a personal mission to transition from a passive observer to an active advocate for change. My aim was not only to change my own habits but also to inspire others, leveraging my role as an educator.
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LANGUAGE TEACHING
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Myth-conceptions About Children Learning a Second Language By David Shaffer
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
hypothesis, which states that the first few years of life are critical to acquiring a language; if one is not presented with L1 input until after this critical period, they will never become fluent. This hypothesis is for one’s L1; things are not the same for learning a second language (L2).
M
When learning an L2, the child already has their L1 language system in place, just as an adult learner does, which interferes with L2 learning. Also, a child’s cognitive abilities are not yet fully developed, whereas those of an adult are, putting a child at a disadvantage in this respect. However, children are not constrained by the worry of making errors that is so common among adults. The effort that children put into learning an L2 is not much different than that of adults. Children are not really better L2 language learners; they just go about it in a different way. There is one area in which children do, however, seem to excel in L2 language learning: the ability to acquire native-like L2 pronunciation.
MYTH 1: Children Are Better Language Learners We have all seen how children learn their first language (L1): without taking classes, without a tutor, without a coursebook, an expensive app, or a dictionary. There is the critical period
MYTH 2: Children Are Like Sponges for Any Language While this may be true for anyone learning their L1, when learning an L2, children already have an L1 in place just as an adult does, and this L1 may interfere to a greater or lesser degree in learning an L2. The ease of learning an L2 depends a lot on the degree of similarity of the L2 to the L1. For example, the Romance languages (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, etc.) are considered to be the easiest languages for an L1
yths die hard. Myths in general are misconceptions held by a culture or society, large or small, and persist in almost any area of endeavor that one can think of. They are very difficult to dislodge even if they can be proven to be false. So it is with the field of second language learning. Here we will present several of the many myths related to children learning a second language as well as the truth that debunks them.
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English speaker, child or adult, to learn because of their lexical, grammatical, pronunciation, and writing system similarities with English. In contrast, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and yes, Korean are considered to be the four most difficult languages for an English speaker, young or older, to learn due to the differences in their writing and phonetic systems as well as in their lexis and syntax. The same holds true for Korean L1 speakers: English is among the most difficult languages for them to learn. There are additional factors that play a role in determining the ease and speed with which an L2 is learned, both for children and adults. How much exposure they have to the language is one factor. The type of exposure is another: Is the exposure via TV or the internet, or is it face-to-face interaction? A third factor is how relevant the input is to their daily lives. So, “for any language” is the most untrue part of this myth: Some children and some adults may act like sponges for some L2 languages, but for other L2 languages, those sponges are much less absorbent. MYTH 3: You Need to Have a “Language Gene” to Be a Good Language Learner The truth is that there is no “language gene.” Even Chomsky’s proposed LAD (language acquisition device) as an innate biological module of the brain has been losing support over the five decades since it was first proposed. Learning a language, L1 or L2, is more of a skill than an innate gift. Take basketball for example: Though some individuals may have more inborn talent than others, it takes much practice and dedication to acquire the skills needed to be a proficient basketball player.
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MYTH 4: The Earlier, the Better for a Child to Begin L2 Learning Granted that there are some advantages to learning an L2 early in life (good L2 pronunciation, feeling comfortable with the foreign language), the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Remember that children’s brains are still developing: The younger the child, the lower the cognitive development. In other words, younger children are less able to analyze linguistic input. What might take a ten-yearold 10 hours to learn, might take, for example, 25 hours for a five-year-old to master. When thinking of the costs involved in instructed language learning, this efficiency factor becomes quite important – for parents deciding on private tutoring for their young one as well as for public school policy-makers. Because older children are more developed cognitively, it would not take too long for the ten-year-old beginner to reach the L2 proficiency level of that five-yearold who had started their L2 learning five years earlier. So, the earlier a child begins to learn an L2, the less efficient they are at the beginning of their language learning and the more expensive their language learning is in terms of amount of uptake occurring. MYTH 5: Learning an L2 When Young Interferes with L1 Learning This was an argument that was voiced by those opposed to instituting English as a subject in Korean elementary schools back around 1997 when the government did decide to begin English teaching in Grade 3. The argument went that because children were still learning their first language, Korean, learning English would hinder their L1 development. However, in reality, this would not be the case. For one thing, the input of the two languages was to be greatly imbalanced: 3rd- and 4th-graders were to get two hours of English instruction per week, while the rest of the week, the children would be in a Korean speaking environment. Even if a child were beginning to learn both Korean and English
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Yes, there is a gene called FOXP2, which is believed to play a role in language acquisition. The gene, however, has a much more general role than merely language learning: This gene is thought to be responsible for transforming new experiences into routine procedures, and language learning is merely one of the gazillion new experiences that a person may have. The gene is believed to be responsible for developing motor memory – whether that motor memory
is in L2 learning, bicycle riding, or swishing a basket from half-court Steph Curry style. Practice and dedication are the main factors in learning each of these skills.
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at the same time, with this input imbalance, their Korean learning would far surpass their English learning, and it would thus be their Korean that would be interfering with their English learning! This was just a hypothetical example. In actuality, by the age of about four or so, children have already developed the basic framework of their L1 language system (learning additional vocabulary, expressions, and advanced structures, of course, continues through adulthood). So, when a child begins learning English at age 8 in elementary school (or even younger), they already possess a highly developed L1 system, which a couple of hours of English input per week will not interfere with.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
MYTH 6: Learning Two Languages at Once Is Too Difficult This misconception is related to the one above. It differs, however, in that it assumes that for the two languages being learned, the onset of learning begins around the same time and the amounts of input are more or less equal. What is important to consider here is the number of synapses that a young child’s brain contains in addition to its neuroplasticity. The brain of a three-year-old is thought to have somewhere around 1,000 trillion synapses (no, that is not a typo); this is so many more than any brain uses that by the time the child reaches adulthood, the number of synapses has been reduced by about one half through synaptic pruning (but still retains so much more than any human needs). This information is presented to illustrate that the child’s brain has far, far more capacity than that needed to learn two, or even more, languages at the same time. Let’s consider multilingual countries and the languages that children in these countries learn. India, for example, is said to have almost 20,000 languages and dialects (no typo here either). It is quite common for children in India to naturally learn multiple languages before ever going to school to receive instructed learning. The specific languages and the number are dependent upon which languages are spoken in the child’s linguistic environment. The same is true of Nigeria with its 500-plus languages. Ditto for South Africa with its 11 official languages and for Switzerland with its 4 official languages.
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Learning two or more languages at once does not markedly slow the rate of language learning, nor does it appear to be difficult. This language learning is occurring naturally; if it were sensed to be difficult, the learning would not occur. So, learning two languages, or more, at the same time is not too difficult – especially for children with their super-wired brains. We hope that the explanations set down here help to dispel these six common myths about children and language learning that have continued to persist in what we consider to be a world based on scientific principles. The Author
David Shaffer, PhD, has been involved in TEFL, teacher training, writing, and research in Gwangju for many years as a professor at Chosun University. As vice-president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of KOTESOL, he invites you to participate in the chapter’s monthly teacher development workshops and other events (in person and online), and in KOTESOL activities in general. Dr. Shaffer is a past president of KOTESOL and is the editor-in-chief of the Gwangju News.
GWANGJU-JEONNAM KOTESOL UPCOMING EVENTS Participation in KOTESOL National Conference • Date: November 11, 2023 (Saturday) • Venue: Kangnam University, Yongin, Gyeonggi December 9th Workshop • Topic: Drama Activities for Language Learning • Venue: Gwangju National University of Education Check the chapter’s webpages and Facebook group periodically for updates on chapter events and other in-person and online KOTESOL activities. For full event details: • Website: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju • Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL
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LEARNING KOREAN
Everyday Korean Episode 71
소 잃고 외양간 고친다 To lock the stable door after the horse is stolen
By Harsh Kumar Mishra
The Conversation
Grammar
네하: 언니, 나 사기당했어요. Neha: Eonni, I got scammed.
~(으)려고 해요: This grammar point is attached to a verb stem and is used to describe some intent or plan for doing something. When the verb stem ends in a batchim (받침, final consonant), use ~으려고 해요, and when it ends in a vowel, use ~려고 해요.
정민: 사기를 당했다고? 어떻게? Jeongmin: Scammed? How? 네하: 중고물품 사이트에서 카메라를 주문했어요. 파는 사람이 사전 결제하면 가격을 깎아 준다고 해서 돈을 먼저 보냈어요. Neha: I bought a camera from an online secondhand store. The person selling it said that if I transfer the money in advance, they’ll give me a discount on the price, so I ended up sending the money. 정민: 큰 실수를 했네. 그럼 카메라가 안 왔어? Jeongmin: You made a big mistake. So, the camera didn’t arrive? 네하: 2주일 났지만 카메라도 안 왔고 이제는 그 사람과 연락도 안 돼요. Neha: It’s been more than two weeks, but there’s no sign of the camera, and the person is also unreachable.
Ex) 다음 주부터 일찍 일어나려고 해요. I plan to get up early beginning next week. 소 잃고 외양간 고친다: This proverb, which literally means “Fixing the cowshed after losing the cow,” is a sarcastic way to say that someone is too late in taking some action, or that it’s useless doing so now. It’s also used to emphasize the need to work on a solution for some problem before it causes regret. Ex) A: 패스트푸드 너무 많이 먹어서 배가 자주 아파요. 이제 덜 먹으려고 해요. I frequently have stomachaches because I eat too much fast food. I’m planning to eat less from now on. B: 소 잃고 외양간 고치지 말고 건강은 건강할 때 잘 지켜요. Don’t try to fix the door after the horse gets stolen – try to take care of your health when you’re healthy.
Vocabulary
네하: 네, 내일 오전에 가려고 해요. Neha: Yeah, I’m planning to go tomorrow morning.
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사기를 당하다: to get scammed, 중고물품: secondhand items, 주문하다: to order, 사전 결제: advanced payment, 가격을 깎아주다: to reduce the price; to offer a discount, 실수하다: to make a mistake, 연락이 안 되다: to not be able to contact someone, 잃다: to lose, 외양간: barn, 고치다: to fix, 경찰서: police station, 신고하다: to file a complaint
The Author
Harsh Kumar Mishra is a linguist and Korean language educator. He volunteers with TOPIKGUIDE.com and Learnkorean.in. He has also co-authored the book Korean Language for Indian Learners.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
정민: 소 잃고 외양간 고치는 식이지만, 경찰서 가서 신고 해 봐. Jeongmin: It might be like locking the stable door after the horse is stolen, but do make a complaint at the police station about it.
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AROUND GWANGJU
Working on the Radio as an International Student in Korea By Shara Perez Sanchez
additional guests to join the hosts throughout the season. Seeing this as an invaluable opportunity, I eagerly prepared necessary documents and obtained permissions from my university and the immigration office. Subsequently, I commenced my role at GFN (Gwangju Foreign Language Network) as part of the program named K-Pop Fiesta.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
K-Pop Fiesta airs from Monday to Friday between 12 and 2 p.m. While the program runs daily, I participate as a guest twice a week, ensuring that there is no interfering with my university schedule. As implied by its title, the focus of the show revolves around K-pop, encompassing not only music itself but also current news related with idols and popular dramas.
(Photo by Leo Wieling on Unsplash)
I
n late July 2023, I received exciting news from a friend who informed me about her upcoming radio program in August. The producers of the show were in search of two
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In our dynamic radio program, K-Pop Fiesta, we embrace the rich blend of languages and cultures that define the global appeal of K-pop. The show seamlessly weaves together both Korean and English, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of our hosts and audience. This linguistic fusion adds a unique flavor to our conversations, allowing us to connect with listeners from various parts of the world. I must confess that during my initial week, I experienced a mix of nervousness and confusion. Stepping into the radio world for the first time,
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everything appeared daunting. To prepare, I studied the provided script, incorporating additional information, suggesting relevant songs, and practicing my delivery. Perfecting my voice was an important thing for me; emulating the tone and mannerisms of the host, Dave, became my goal. On our live broadcasts, we engage with messages from our listeners, with prompts displayed on screen by the production team. These prompts guide us, indicating when to discuss specific topics or introduce the next song. While occasional chaos ensues, particularly when I make a mistake, the audience graciously alerts me to my errors, giving us an opportunity to address the slip-up, adding humor into the situation. This also has to be one of my favorite parts of the journey. Not just the correction of my mistakes but their enthusiastic responses, song requests, and heartfelt messages remind me of the impact our show has on people’s lives. It is incredibly fulfilling to know that the hours of preparation and on-air dedication translate into a source of joy for someone. In instances where pre-recorded episodes are necessary, a different dynamic unfolds. Although the advantage lies in the ability to rectify mistakes effortlessly, there is an occasional lapse in remembering the release schedule, leading us to remind ourselves of the pre-recorded nature of the program.
Nearly two months into this program, I can confidently assert that this experience has significantly improved my speech and communication skills. In the radio realm, voice takes precedence; because of the lack of visual cues,
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I rely solely on my speaking abilities to captivate the audience. As I said, I strive to emulate the professionalism of Dave, which moves as fast as lightning whenever online information is needed during a live show while keeping his “radio voice” without problems, yet acknowledge that I am still on a journey toward mastering this art. Embracing the challenges of live radio, I find myself continually adapting and growing. Each episode provides a unique learning experience, teaching me to think on my feet and respond promptly to unexpected situations. The synergy between the hosts, including myself, has evolved into a seamless collaboration where our personalities complement one another, creating an engaging atmosphere for our listeners. I really enjoy my position at GFN; the atmosphere is always fun, and I want to believe that the two hosts and I get to make an enjoyable program for everyone that is listening. I will remain on the air for many months, so I encourage you to tune in whenever you have the opportunity.
The Author
Twenty-two-year-old Shara Perez Sanchez is a driven student from Spain. Upon completing high school, she ventured to Korea, where she is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and literature at Chonnam National University. Shara’s passion extends beyond Chinese; she aspires to translate in various languages, making her journey one of diverse linguistic exploration and global connection.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Also, contrary to common belief, the show’s hosts do not generate weekly topics. A designated writer and program director (PD) prepares the themes, news segments, songs, and quizzes. While we follow the script as a general guide, the majority of our conversations and content are improvised, with the script serving as a framework for the opening, ending, and quizzes.
(Photo by Alexey Ruban on Unsplash)
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PREVIEW
Gwangju Kimchi Festival 2023 By Olivia Laurel
Kimchi (김치) has gained popularity all over the world, and millions of people are celebrating it. But what makes kimchi so great? Let us take a look…
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Originally from Korea, this traditional side dish is fermented, and the main ingredients are most often Napa cabbage or Korean radish with seasonings to add like chili powder, ginger, and garlic, to name a few. There are over 100 types of kimchi, and when you are traveling within the different regions of Korea, you will discover that each area has perfected its own style and flavor of kimchi. In the past, people would store their kimchi in earthenware jars and sometimes put them underground to slow the fermentation process during the summer months. But these days, there are kimchi refrigerators that can be outfitted for any modern home, which makes things very convenient and easy. It is a yearlong process to prepare and make kimchi. Starting in the springtime, seafood is preserved in a salt brine to be added later in the year. Then the summertime is when people will dry mass quantities of chili peppers outside of their homes and shops. In suburban and rural areas, it is very common to see a large tarp of chili peppers drying in the side streets. And when the autumn season arrives, it is time to put everything together to make the kimchi. This process is called kimjang (김장). It is a lengthy process because people are making a family supply to last for the entire year. Many people will come together and
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create different stations to make the process fast and efficient. I remember helping a church one year in making their kimchi, and I was assigned to stir a giant vat of chili pepper paste. It was hard work, but I enjoyed the excitement and energy everyone had in working together. Kimjang is a wonderful opportunity to share the culture and keep the tradition going for the younger generation. The hope is that this art and skill will be passed down for numerous generations. I think it is this enthusiasm for kimchi that has made it now into a popular global commodity. Even in some states of the USA, they celebrate Kimchi Day on November 22. Kimchi is also so versatile and can complement meals in so many ways. Some of the well-known kimchi foods include Korean pancakes, fried rice, and various stews. The famous Army Stew (부대찌개) was created during the Korean war as soldiers were scrounging together rice, seasonings, sausage, and kimchi to make a dish that reminded them of home. They even introduced this stew to their American allies and used the ingredients they provided, such as Spam. As the kimjang season is coming upon us, Gwangju is prepared to cover everyone’s essential kimchi needs, and the Sangmu District is ready to party this year for its annual Kimchi Festival! Located at Citizen’s Park in Kimchi Town, it is going to be amped up with a variety of activities and performances for people to enjoy.
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(Photos by the Gwangju Kimchi Festival.)
To kick off the festivities, an opening ceremony will be held on Friday, November 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Featured at this show will be traditional Korean fusion performances, modern B-boy dances, and even a kimchi meokbang (먹방, “eating show”) to get you into the fermented mood. When you are ready to eat, the Kimchi Table area will be able to host more than 500 people to try out the many flavors of kimchi provided by numerous restaurant booths. There will also be a plethora of performances to observe at this venue.
Then venture over to the All-in-One Market, which will provide you with the best quality ingredients needed to make your favorite style of kimchi. Sourced from local farms, items like chili powder, cabbage, green onions, and radish, to name a few, will guarantee delicious dishes every time.
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Do not miss out on this festival, as it will continue only until Monday the 6th. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned expert in kimchi, you can be assured to have a great time! GWANGJU KIMCHI FESTIVAL Dates: November 3–6, 2023 Opening Ceremony: 11:00 a.m., November 3 Closing Ceremony: 5 p.m., November 6 Location: Sangmu Citizen’s Park Website: kimchi.gwangju.go.kr/ (KOR)
The Author
Olivia Laurel is an English professor at Gwangju University and has been residing in South Korea since 2009. When she is not teaching, she enjoys creating art and has participated in several different art shows across the country. Her favorite medium to work with is painting with mixed media designs.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
To feel cultured, you can head over to the exhibition that will showcase books and documentaries to learn more about the history and traditions of kimchi. This illustrative and contextual experience will help in bringing awareness to the beauty and benefits that kimchi has to offer.
And if you are feeling unsure about the making process, there will be classes available for all ages to participate in how to make kimchi as well as other wonderful recipes to complement kimchi flavors.
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BOOK REVIEW
Reviewed by Michael Attard
O GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
fficially, Jay Shetty was a monk for three years. So, one might ask, “If being a monk is so great, then why did he quit?” Simply put, being a monk was not his calling. And it probably is not your calling either. But the mindset of a monk transcends time and cultures, enabling all of us to become wiser and to hopefully find our personal calling.
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Part One is entitled “Let Go.” We are all products of our history, which begins at least a generation before we are born. Two of the first questions he addresses are “Who do we think we are?” and “Where do our values come from?” The author does not shun modern psychology and often uses it to provide evidence for what he states. Regarding who we think we are, he claims that our identity revolves around “what we think others think of us.” In other words, generally, we do not determine ourselves. It follows then that our values are not our own
creation, but rather are defined by what we experience. Thus, in order to become wise, it is that which we are, not which we must let go of.
The author suggests that we let go of negativity through understanding that “the grass is greener where you water it.” More easily understood is the idea of letting go of negativity. Comparing, complaining, and criticizing often come from within when we feel threatened. Negativity is contagious and can lead to a victim mentality, which in turn, studies have shown, leads to a sense of entitlement. The author suggests that we let go of negativity through understanding that “the grass is greener where you water it.”
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According to the author, we need to let go of fear, and the cause of fear is attachment. We often see ourselves as “I am afraid.” In your mind, detach the fear from yourself. You may have fear, but the fear is not you. The Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca observed, “Our fears are more numerous than our dangers, and we suffer more in our imagination than reality.” In Part Two, with an unencumbered slate, we are ready to “Grow.” But the path to wisdom is still far from clear. We may know that we are seeking a purpose, but where do we search? And we cannot just choose a purpose. In his words, “You can’t be anything you want. But you can be everything you are.” Your calling can be seen as your natural state, but “its range is further than your comfort zone.” Chapter Six is entitled “Routine.” There is a wealth of knowledge in this chapter. He tells us that for the monks, “Our morning routine never varied. The simplicity and structure… spared us from the stressful complexity of decisions and variation.” He says it was like taking “a mental shower.” Waking up early was difficult for him at first, but he quickly came to see it as a very important routine. The intention is not to control or to deprive the body, but the exact opposite. “The goal is to give you enough time to move with intention and to do things completely.” For the monks, a lack of sleep “is a profound failure of selfrespect and of priorities.”
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In Part Three, entitled “Give,” the focus shifts from looking inward to looking outward. With all of our senses wide open, we begin to appreciate everything, “especially the ordinary.” With appreciation comes gratitude. And gratitude is like a key, as it opens us up “to opportunities, not obstacles.” To be clear, gratitude is not just saying thank you; “grateful living is trust in life.” What better place to give than in a personal relationship? And where can we be more disappointed than in a relationship? The author reminds us that we often meet people for a season, a reason, or a lifetime. We must remember: “Love is like a circle. Whatever love you give out; it always comes back to you. The problem lies with your expectations. You assume the love you receive will come from the person you gave it to.” The book’s concluding chapter is called “Service.” This really is the epitome of what it means to be a monk. Service connects us to other people, it amplifies gratitude, it increases compassion, and it builds selfesteem. We can achieve all of this without joining a temple or a monastery. All we have to do is “Think Like a Monk.” The Reviewer
Michael Attard is a Canadian who has lived in Gwangju since 2004. Though officially retired, he still teaches a few private English classes. He enjoys reading all kinds of books and writes for fun. When the weather is nice, you may find him on a hiking trail.
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
In the following chapter, the author advises that we see the mind as a separate entity. The competing voices in our mind always present a dilemma. Which ones we choose to listen to will determine whether we become wise or not. Not only should we listen, but we should also talk to ourselves. Referring to studies, he says, “Talking to yourself helps clarify your thoughts, tend to what’s important and firm up any decisions you’re contemplating.” He also adds that when talking to yourself, do it with love.
The last chapter of Part Two is about the ego. He clarifies that ego is really our essence. It is the false ego that is a crafted identity. To keep the ego on an even keel, and to keep us humble, we should remember two things, and forget two things. “Remember the bad you have done to others, and the good, others have done to you.” Then “Forget the good you have done to others, and the bad others have done to you.” At the end of the chapter, he offers more good advice. “Believe those who search for the truth; doubt those who have found it.”
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Top of The Drop By Daniel J. Springer This is our latest monthly installment by Daniel Springer of the Gwangju Foreign Language Network (GFN), where “Danno” picks his favorite newly released tunes that you may have missed, along with some upcoming albums and EPs that you might want to keep on your radar. — Ed
BASTARDS OF SOUL FEAT. KEITE YOUNG – “THIS LOVE”
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
In the follow-up to one of the most gut-wrenching stories in music over the past year, we have redemption supreme. The Dallas-based band seemed to be on the cusp of big things two years ago when lead singer Chadwick Murray passed away rather suddenly. Murray left behind a wife he adored to no end and an unborn child he never had the chance to hold, but the Dallas singer left one last gift for his woman before passing on, which was this song. The Dallas band are also ready to drop a third album this month, titled Give It Right Back.
Murray left behind a wife he adored to no end and an unborn child he never had the chance to hold, but the Dallas singer left one last gift for his woman before passing on, which was this song. BAIRD – “ANGEL HAIR” This joint dropped late September with an interesting background to the process in tow from the LA-based musician and producer Baird. The artist expounded a bit on how this track came about, saying, “It was the fastest
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song I ever wrote; I just sat down with a sink full of dishes, belly full of pasta, had one drink, and the song wrote itself. Later, I realized that I must have borrowed some inspiration from that William Carlos Williams poem This Is Just To Say, but I can’t say it wasn’t autobiographical either. I tapped my dear friend and bandmate Buck Raines to play some drums and finish out the production with me. We played it live together a few times and picked the best take.” Easy, right? FAYE WEBSTER – “LIFETIME” The extra-soft-touch artist out of ATL has released this standalone in late September, which is Webster’s second single of the calendar year. Although just a standalone, both this and a tune called “But Not Kiss” have both been fantastic. The video dropped with the tune simultaneously, with the visuals directed by Kyle Ng of fashion collective Brain Dead. It also features Webster’s more aged selves in the process, thus completing the concept of this tune. Check out the artist’s I Know I’m Funny, Haha, if you’re not familiar – one of our favorite albums of 2021.
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NEAL FRANCIS – “BNYLV” (DERRICK CARTER REMIX) In a titanic team-up of two Chicago legends right here, we have a dance-floor-ready remix of a killer joint off Neal Francis’ In Plain Sight LP, which dropped in 2021 and was the artist’s debut on ATO Records. Here we have Chicago house maestro Derrick Carter adding that trademark “boompty boomp” to really get the heads nodding and floors moving on the late-night hype. SUFJAN STEVENS – “WILL ANYBODY EVER LOVE ME?” This is one of the very last singles to drop prior to the artist’s latest album release, which came out in full over the Chuseok/Hangeul Day madness on October 6. The album is called Javelin and might be the veteran singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s career best. Much like this single, which is one of the 10 chapters on the album dealing with the concept of love, the record overall is a brilliant and touching odyssey through the veteran storyteller’s mind and an obviously complex subject. A great album of the year candidate. THE SEXTONES – “LOVE CAN’T BE BORROWED”
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For those unaware, this is a top name in Aussie indie and Royel Otis might just be on the verge of a massive international breakout, as the artist was just nominated for an ARIA award prior to releasing this single. This would be the second single of the calendar year thus far, and next year will see the duo of Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic release their debut album Pratts and Pain on February 9. Produced by Grammy Award-winning Wet Leg studio maestro Dan Carey, this one promises to be a treat for the cold months early in the year after the holiday cheer has long since faded. FLORENCIA ANDRADA – “NADA MAS POR HOY” This is a soul singer out of the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires that continues to surprise with the quality of singles that have been dropping the past few years. This one is certainly no exception and is the title track to the artist’s new album that dropped in full on September 20. Helping the soul stalwart carry the torch into the Argentine night is Charles Bradley and Menahan Street Band producer Tommy Brenneck. Nothing More for Today, indeed! LUNAR ISLES – “ARRIVAL” It just never stops for one of Korea’s busiest and most high-quality indie artists, as Lunar Isles has just delivered this new and quite upbeat offering as of October 6. The artist is David Skimming, who originally hails from Scotland, and earlier this year saw Skimming drop his latest album Right Way Round, putting the soloist’s surfinflected dreamy tally at three LPs and two EPs in just a handful of years. With this absolutely
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
This is the titular track to this band’s latest album, which dropped via Record Kicks on September 29 after a yearslong process. Produced by veteran Monophonics frontman Kelly Finnegan, the self-described “intrepid soul crusaders from Nevada’s high desert” really deliver the vintage touch with deft energy and perfectly composed arrangements on this record, leaving just enough wiggle room for some more modern moments and twists along the way.
ROYEL OTIS – “FRIED RICE”
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incredible volume and quality, it almost defies belief that we’re talking about one man doing all of this independently. MANNEQUIN PUSSY – “I GOT HEAVEN” Ah yes, the band has returned that our rock guru and Gwangju’s man on the beat Dan Lloyd calls “Mannequin Pussycat without the cat” to avoid trouble with the on-air censors, and we couldn’t be happier. This is just a standalone single, but the Philly-based band’s first new tune since 2021’s highly lauded and cheekily named Perfect EP. “I Got Heaven” flips the idea of modern Christianity on its head – or, rather, strips it down to its core beliefs. If God’s creation was indeed perfect, Mannequin Pussy seem to argue: Why treat anything, ourselves included, as anything less than divine? Amen.
If God’s creation was indeed perfect, Mannequin Pussy seem to argue: Why treat anything, ourselves included, as anything less than divine? Amen.
October Release Sufjan Stevens – Javelin (October 6) L’Rain – I Killed Your Dog (October 13) +++ (Crosses) – Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete. (October 13) The Menzingers – Some of It Was True (October 13) The Drums – Jonny (October 13) Jamila Woods – Water Made Us (October 13) Allah-Las – Zuma 85 (October 13) Metric – Formentera II (October 13) Bombay Bicycle Club – My Big Day (October 20) The Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds (October 20) Sampha – Lahai (October 20) Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond (October 27) Shabazz Palaces – Robed in Rareness (October 27) The Gaslight Anthem – History Books (October 27) Crime in Stereo – House & Trance (October 27) DJ Shadow – Action Adventure (October 27)
November Incoming (Watch Out!)
Bar Italia – The Twits (November 3) The Struts – Pretty Vicious (November 3) Beirut – Hadsel (November 10) Scream – DC Special (November 10) Dolly Parton – Rockstar (November 17)
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
The Author
Daniel J. Springer (aka “Danno”) is the creator, host, writer, editor, producer, troublemaker, and Mr. Fix It of “The Drop with Danno,” broadcasting weeknights on GFN 98.7 FM in Gwangju and 93.7 FM in Yeosu from 8–10 p.m. Prior to this, he was a contributor to several shows on TBS eFM in Seoul, along with being the creator and co-host of “Spacious” and “White Label Radio” on WNUR in Chicago.
Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday 2 (November 17) The Polyphonic Spree – Salvage Enterprise (November 17) Spector – Here Come The Early Nights (November 24)
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook: @gfnthedrop Show RSS Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/thedrop-with-danno
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EVENTS
Upcoming Events in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do for November 2023 Compiled by Kook Hyuna
HAMPYEONG GRAND CHRYSANTHEMUM FESTIVAL 대한민국 국향대전 Dates: October 20 – November 5, 2023 Location: Hampyeong Expo Park and Urban Areas (Hamjang-ro, Hampyeong-eup, Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanam-do) 함평 엑스포공원 및 시가지 일원 (전라남도 함평군 함평읍 함평로)
Telephone: 061-320-2238 Website: www.hpftf.or.kr (KOR)
GOHEUNG YUJA FESTIVAL 고흥유자축제 Dates: November 3–5, 2023 Location: Yuja Festival (701-7 Handong-ri, Pungyang-myeon, Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do) 유자축제장 (전라남도 고흥군 풍양면 한동리)
WOLCHULSAN CHRYSANTHEMUM FESTIVAL
광주극장, CGV광주금남로
Telephone: 062-515-6560 Website: www.wffig.com (KOR)
PHOTONICS KOREA 국제광융합산업전시회 Dates: November 15–6, 2023 Location: Kim Dae Jung Convention Center 김대중컨벤션센터
Telephone: 062-605-9621 Website: www.photonicskorea.org (KOR/ENG)
GWANGJU STARTUP FESTIVAL
월출산 국화축제 Dates: October 28 – November 12, 2023 Location: Gichan Land (Yeongam-eup, Yeongamgun, Jeollanam-do)
광주창업페스티벌 Dates: November 2–3, 2023 Location: Kim Dae Jung Convention Center
전라남도 영암군 월출산 기찬랜드, 영암읍 일원
김대중컨벤션센터
Telephone: 061-470-2346 Website: www.yakukhwa.com (KOR)
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Telephone: 062-364-9141 Website: www.gjsf.kr (KOR)
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
Telephone: 061-830-5658 Website: www.goheungyuja.com (KOR)
WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL IN GWANGJU 광주여성영화제 Dates: November 8–12, 2023 Location: Cinema Gwangju, CGV Gwangju Geumnam-ro
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COMIC CORNER
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
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Yun Hyoju was born and raised in Gwangju and somehow ended up married to an Irish guy named Alan. She has been working on her short comic, “Alan and Me,” which is about their daily life. She publishes a new comic every week on Instagram. It can be found here: @alan_andme.
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GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
The Author
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CROSSWORDPUZZLE Created by Jon Dunbar Look for the answers to this crossword puzzle to appear in December in Gwangju News Online (www.gwangjunewsgic.com).
DOWN
GWANGJU NEWS, NOVEMBER 2023
ACROSS 1 WWI battle site 6 Central building in Gwangju 9 Fitting 12 Stadium-like building 13 “___ humbug!” 14 The Man Who Knew ___ Much 15 Hyundai’s rolling stock company 16 Seoul’s foreign area 18 Autonomous education method 20 Dollar store in Korea 22 Remote control button 23 Rival of Asiana (2 words) 25 Driver’s license and passport 28 ROK healthcare provider 29 Fish’s appendage 30 Sherryl Sambo’s group 31 ___ thai
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32 Method of drying 36 Across 34 Marines’ ride 35 Rice cake 36 Edible fruits 40 Genie rescuer 41 Type of salt 45 “The ___ is up!” 46 Actress Keats 47 “Taken for ___” (2 words) 48 Utilize 49 Rival of LG Uplus 50 Christopher or Ryan
1 Star Trek’s Tasha 2 Opposite of con 3 To be aged out of a company 4 Opposite of friends 5 South Asian dumpling 6 “This won’t hurt ___” (2 words) 7 Targeting as an audience (2 words) 8 Na Hong-jin’s 2008 movie 9 “A-one and ___” 10 Opposite of rich 11 Braxton or Morrison 17 Keyboard key 19 Skimmed dairy product (2 words) 20 Qatar city 21 Desertlike weather 23 National cop 24 Rhone tributary 25 Kelly Clarkson’s “___ One Will Listen” (2 words) 26 Found in a cubicle 27 Syphilis or chlamydia 30 Makes a career of it (2 words) 32 They often come with hit singles 33 Volcanic, in Italy 34 Acid 36 Gyeonggi Province’s book city 37 Roth and Manning 38 ___ Against the Machine 39 CJ E&M’s channel 42 The S in RSVP 43 Money sent overseas 44 At Work or Without Hats
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community
culture
exchange
communication
sharing
GIC
GWANGJU INTERNATIONAL CENTER
For only 50,000 won/year, you help the GIC provide a space for exchanges for the local and international communities to learn and experience various cultures from around the world and to promote respect for diversity and inclusivity. Bene�its as a GIC member: Receive the Gwangju News every month by email. Priority for participation in programs. Get discounts on paid programs and space rentals. Borrow books and materials from the GIC Library. Get receipts for contributions provided for year-end tax settlement. (61475) 5 Jungang-ro 196-beon-gil (Geumnam-ro 3-ga), Dong-gu, Gwangju, Korea Tel. 062-226-2732 Email. gic@gic.or.kr Web. www.gic.or.kr
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