The 2024 Gwangju Biennale A
Soundscape of Pansori
August 2024, Issue 270
Published: August 1, 2024
Cover Photo
The 2024 Gwangju Biennale: A Soundscape of Pansori
Photo courtesy of the Gwangju Biennale
THE EDITORIAL TEAM
Publisher Dr. Shin Gyonggu
Editor-in-Chief Dr. David E. Shaffer
Content Collection Chiara Sicca
Copy Editing Dr. David E. Shaffer, Catherine Sasmita
Layout Editor Lee Hwadahm
Online Editor Lee Hwadahm
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 Englishspeaking communities.
Copyright ©2024 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.
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
From the Editor
As the July rain front crossing the peninsula recedes, giving way to the month of sultry sensations, the Gwangju News brings you its August edition, full of the hottest in reading enjoyment. As always, we try to reach the varied dimensions of our readers’ interests – from the art world to the medical world, from the environment to entertainment, and much more!
Our cover-feature event comes around only once every two years, but this is an occasion you won’t want to miss! Attracting artists and visitors from the four corners of the globe, the 15th Gwangju Biennale opens on September 7 at sites all over our City of the Arts. We introduce you to this year’s “Pansori Soundscape” and the location of each country’s pavilion.
It’s been some time since we’ve had a prolonged strike affecting the nation, especially a medical one, but the current doctors’ strike has dragged on for over six months. Read one writer’s commentary on why this standoff should end: “Physician, Heal Thyself”!
Two tragedies have occurred on a university campus this year, the most recent one involving an international student. Read about what so many people – both Korean and expat – are so reluctant to talk about, while at the same time, it is affecting so many people: “A Long-Standing Taboo – Mental Health in Korea.”
We bring you physical health also. Rock climbing indoors – it’s called “bouldering.” Find out all about it in “Gwangju’s Bouldering Scene.” Read our interview with one taekwondo instructor who caters to expats [“Kicking Beyond Borders”]. Learn where you can do some tranquil swimming in nearby mountain streams [“Tale of Two Valleys”], and bring yourself up to date on Gwangju baseball, volleyball, and soccer with “Area Sports Round-Up.”
Email: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr gwangjunews
Registration No. 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 20935315)
Registration Date: February 22, 2010
Printed by Jieum 지음 (+82)-62-672-2566
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.
For expats struggling with a foreign language and an unfamiliar culture, learn about the apps that can make life easier in “Feeling Lost in Translation?” Discover “Agro-Ideas for Carbon Reduction” in our Environment column, and get the details on the truly international English teachers’ conference coming to Gwangju this fall [Language Teaching].
We also have articles on how Korea’s French pastries are and aren’t like France’s pastries, the latest new music to hit the air waves, and August’s upcoming culture events around the city.
We hope you enjoy August with this month’s issue of the Gwangju News!
David E. Shaffer
Editor-in-Chief Gwangju News
Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine
A picture of the Jungbang Waterfall on Jeju Island.
The Photographer David Jona Richter, born and raised in the extreme south of Germany, is a current graduate student at Chonnam National University. Before coming to Korea in late 2022, he spent about three years in the U.S. midwest in Chicago. Besides his studies, he tries to engage in local communities in Gwangju and Korea.
Feeling Lost in Translation? (Apps for Expats)
Language Teaching: International English Teaching Conference Comes to Gwangju
Gwangju City News
Gwangju Living Guides Created
The city of Gwangju has assembled the Gwangju Living Guides volunteer group to support initial settlement and improve living conveniences for foreign residents in Gwangju. Comprised of 30 members, including Gwangju citizens who have lived in the city for over a year, as well as foreign residents from countries such as Thailand, China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Sri Lanka, the Gwangju Living Guides aim to share their experiences while adapting to the city. They will introduce their home countries’ societies and cultures to facilitate mutual communication between local and foreign residents.
Through the Gwangju Living Guides, information about social security systems, transportation, administration, healthcare, and other aspects of daily life will be provided to support the timely adaptation of foreign residents in the local community. Gwangju is continuously
improving its foreign policies with efforts such as the establishment of the Foreign Residents Department dedicated to foreign affairs and the opening of the Gwangju International Residents Center.
Target: Foreign residents and workers living in Gwangju Operating Period: July 15, 2024 (summer) – December 16, 2024 (winter) *Always How to Apply: Homepage → Government → Government link → Book → Submission Website: https://girc.or.kr/notice/41 Contact: 1644-3828 / rn9254@gic.or.kr
Nam-gu Provides Educational Support for Multicultural Children
Nam-gu is supporting educational activity expenses for Korean-national children, aged 7–18, from multicultural families with incomes below 100 percent of the median income threshold (excluding those receiving other educational benefits). Points are scheduled to expire after November 30, so applicants are suggested to use their points within the specified period.
Application Period: Until August 30, 2024 (Friday)
Target Beneficiaries:
• Multicultural families residing in Nam-gu, Gwangju
• Children aged 7–18 with Korean nationality whose families do not receive other educational benefits (based on a health insurance premium self-payment standard for a family of four)
Support Details:
• Issued once annually in the form of card points
• Purchase of necessary textbooks and materials for learning
• Support amounts: Elementary school 400,000 won, middle school 500,000 won, high school 600,000 won
Distribution Date: Applied to September
Method: Reservation by phone, followed by in-person registration (Location: 2nd Floor, 80-1 Hyou-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju)
Inquiries: Nam-gu Family Center, Phone 070-4202-7939
2024 ACC World Music Festival to Be Held
2024 ACC World Music Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. The festival will take place from August 30 to September 1, throughout the Asia Culture Center (ACC). The lineup of 16 teams from both domestic and international
acts who will be showcasing their talents include performers from Japan, Mongolia, Morocco, Iran, and the Czech Republic. Collaborative acts between Korean and foreign performers are also being planned. Tickets for the performances are available for purchase on the ACC website.
Free Health Check-Ups for Migrants Gwangju Stream Reopens
Gwangju has temporarily reopened the Gwangju Stream as a waterpark for the public this summer. The stream, which had been closed for four years due to COVID-19, has been drawn upon as a source of water for the region. The Gwangju Health and Environment Research Institute has conducted inspections to ensure its safety. Additionally, to prevent incidents, 3 to 5 safety management personnel will be on site daily.
•Location: 18 Hwasan-ro 350-beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
•Operating Period: Until August 31, 2024
•Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
•Open to all citizens.
The Gwangju Institute for Public Health and Equity will be providing free health check-ups for migrants in Gwangju in August. Participants are required to bring their ID cards for this program, and the health examination results will be distributed at the Gwangju International Center on August 22.
Location: Gwangju International Center (2nd Floor, 5 Jungang-ro 196-beon-gil, Dong-gu)
Date and Time: August 2, 2024, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Target: International residents in Gwangju
Examination Items: X-ray, body measurement, blood and blood pressure tests, and urine test
Gift: Onnuri Gift Certificate (worth 30,000 won)
Inquiries: Gwangju Institute for Public Health and Equity, Phone 070-4184-2194
Summaries and translations by Lee Hwadahm.
Introducing the 2024 Gwangju Biennale
Pansori, a Soundscape of the 21st Century
By Kang Hyunsuk “Jennis”
The 15th Gwangju Biennale, opening in September, will feature thirty-one unique pavilions, including contemporary art exhibitions across cultural venues in the city of Gwangju. The highly anticipated event will take place for 86 days, from September 7 to December 1.
Established in 1994 to commemorate the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and the 50-year anniversary of Korea’s liberation, the Gwangju Biennale is now one of the leading art biennales in Asia. The Biennale fosters international cultural exchange and discourse
Madang – Where We Become Us (2024). Installation in the 5.18 Gwangju Democratization Movement section.
on contemporary art, embodying the “Gwangju Spirit,” which encompasses the principles of revolution, democracy, and community. Over the past three decades, the Gwangju Biennale has challenged Western-centric art narratives, celebrated cultural diversity, and tackled global issues, such as climate change, race, gender, and democracy.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Biennale’s pavilions will unfold across a variety of locations in Gwangju, including art museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and everyday venues frequented by local residents, as well as sites associated with Gwangju’s history, such as the May 18 Archives and the May 18 Memorial Culture Center. The Biennale provides a platform for domestic and international art and cultural institutions to connect, exchange ideas, and curate exhibitions and performances that reflect the global contemporary art scene.
For 30 years, the Gwangju Biennale has been a beacon of diversity and complexity. Having grown from a local city event to an influential sensation across Korea, Asia, and the global community, it aims to continuously introduce innovative themes that enrich discourse around civilization.
The Gwangju Biennale has tackled global issues such as climate change, race, gender, and democracy, striving to reshape the future of humanity from a planetary perspective and crossing geographical boundaries. Extending beyond a chronological recounting of the Gwangju Biennale’s history, the curatorial vision of the exhibition aims to reaffirm the Biennale’s contemporary relevance by delving into the essence of the “Gwangju Spirit.”
Artistic Director Nicolas Bourriaud titled the 15th Gwangju Biennale “Pansori, a Soundscape of the
Para Olvidar (In Order to Forget), by Alexis Leyva Machado, 1995. Wooden boat and beer bottles.
21st Century.” Pansori is a form of music originating from southwestern Korea in the 17th century. The meaning of the name itself is “the sound of the public place,” or in other words, “the voice of the common people.” The Biennale aims to build a narrative on the spaces we live in, in the same way as pansori singers practice storytelling with an epic lyrical style, accompanied by drumming in which
different beats are related to specific regions of Korea.
Proposing a journey into contemporary space, the Biennale will gather artists whose works reflect our new spatial conditions and the upheavals of the Anthropocene. To draw a topology of our times, the exhibition will take an operatic form, structured by musical metaphors. “Pansori, a Soundscape of the 21st Century” presents itself as a visual symphony composed by international artists.
Compared to past renditions, the 2024 Gwangju Biennale’s scale and number of participating institutions has steadily grown. The 15th Biennale’s pavilions will be spread throughout Gwangju, including areas such as Yangnim-dong and Dongmyeong-dong. It is hoped that many Gwangju residents and out-of-town visitors will enjoy the soundscape of the Gwangju Biennale.
Dolmen, by Nam June Paik, 1995. Mixed media.
Artistic Director Nicolas Bourriaud.
The Biennale Main Exhibitions
Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall, Yangnim Culture Center, Podonamu Art Space, Han Boo Chul Gallery, Han Hee Won Museun of Art, Yangnim Salon, Yangnim Old Police Station, Empty House, and Horanggasinamu Art Polygon
These are the venues of the pavilions of this year’s Gwangju Biennale with visiting times (in parentheses are the exhibiting countries and/or associations).
The Biennale Pavilions
1. Africa: Gwangju Arts Center Annex Building
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
2. Argentina: The 5.18 Archives
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
3. Austria: Leekangha Art Museum
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
4. Canada: Yangrim Gallery
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
5. CDA Holon: Miro Center
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
6. China: Geumbong Museum
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
7. Denmark: Seeum
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays
8. Germany: Gwangju History and Folk Museum
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
9. Finland [British Council–Korea Foundation]: Ha Jung-woong Museum of Art
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
10. Italy: Dong-gok Art Museum
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
11. Japan: Gallery of Laam
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
12. Japan: Gallery Hyeyum
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
13. Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam [ASEAN-Korea Center]; Indonesia [Korea Foundation–Gwangju Biennale Foundation]: Asia Culture Center, Creation
Spaces 5 and 6
Open 10:00–18:00 (Tue., Thu., Fri., Sun.), 10:00–20:00 (Wed., Sat.)
14. New Zealand: Suha Gallery
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays
15. Peru: Kimnetgwa
Closed on Mondays and holidays
16. Poland: Leeleenam Studio
Open 11:00–19:00 (weekdays), 10:00–19:00 (weekends)
17. Spanish Art: Yangnim Penguin Village Craft Street
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
18. Sweden: Chungjang22
Open 10:00–18:00 except Mondays
19. Union: Eunam Museum of Art
Open 10:00–17:00 except Sundays and holidays
20. The Netherlands: Gwangju Museum of Art
Open 10:00–18:00, except Mondays and holidays
21. United States: May 18 Memorial Culture Center
Open 10:00–18:00 except Mondays
22. Qatar: Kwangju Bank Art Hall
Visitors can purchase tickets at a discounted rate during the advanced booking period, available until September 6. For more details on the Gwangju Biennale, visit https://gwangjubiennale. org/en/exhibition/biennale/pavilion.do
Photographs courtesy of Gwangju Biennale.
The Author Kang Hyunsuk (Jennis) is an explorer of art galleries and museums on weekends. She has been doing oil painting for almost a decade, and she has learned that there are a lot of fabulous artists in this City of Art. On weekdays, she loves to play with kids at her English school in the Suwan area of Gwangju. Instagram: @jenniskang
Physician, Heal Thyself!
By Park Nahm-Sheik
Iam borrowing this title message from Luke 4:23 of the Bible. The current article is meant to be a commentary on the Korean Medical Association’s (KMA) nationwide strike at present. I should like to lead off by stating that the strike seems to be in breach of the Hippocratic Oath, whereby doctors have all been sworn in as full-fledged medical professionals. According to the pledge, they are all duty-bound to serve, protect, and defend their patients to the best of their ability. Although, as they sometimes say, promises are made to be broken, the ongoing doctors’ strike apparently crosses the line by way, way too much.
Taken hostage here are legions of care seekers all over the land, many in need of intensive and/or critical emergency care. In complete violation of trust, the doctors are baldly turning a blind eye even to those who may already be playing hideand-seek with the Grim Reaper (aka the Angel of Death) with one foot inextricably stuck in the grave.
Under these circumstances, I feel an urge to say to the striking doctors, Don't you have eyes to see all those in desperate pain and urgent need of help? Though the issue under discussion here is secular, “Physician, heal thyself!” is especially apt in the present context.
Don’t ever lose sight of the fact that doling out your healing skills for the suffering sick in the less well-off pockets of our community is an ennobling act of humanity. Not leaving any members of our community behind in any way at all is an act of noblesse oblige, a manifestation of humanitarianism at its very best.
It sure isn’t for nothing that we in Korea often
refer to medicine as insul (인술/仁術), literally “a humane and gentle art” of curing. Medical practitioners should always be mindful of their obligation to care for their brothers and sisters in need of their help.
Strike or no strike, there is no way the striking doctors can rationally justify their refusal to see those in such desperate need. They have no right to turn away people who so desire to be seen by a duly licensed doctor. They are entitled to quality care. None of us should be made to go through tormenting aches and pains of sickness just for their doctors’ sake. Above all, doctors must never forget the Hippocratic Oath, whereby they pledged to take care of all patients to the best of their ability. The striking doctors are in apparent violation of this preeminent code of medical conduct. They should fully realize, prize, and appreciate their duties as trustees of public health.
With so many essential and indispensable services MDs are equipped to render to everyone everywhere 24/7, there is a never-ending demand for them. The result is that there is no cap that can reasonably be put on the size of a medical corps adequate for a given community. But it is the current cap that the striking doctors are striving to keep. When it comes to the quality of care administered, however, the rule of thumb is “the more, the better.”
In this connection, we can learn a great deal from the examples set by such eminent forerunners as Saint Don Bosco (1815–1888), Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965), and Fr. Lee Tae-Seok (1962–2010). Saint Don Bosco founded and guided the Salesian order in order to care for the poor and
sick children of the Industrial Revolution. Albert Schweitzer was a medical missionary in Gambia, located on the western coast of Central Africa.
Lee Tae-Seok, the Korean Catholic priest, who was an M.D., went over to South Sudan to live with the native residents there and shepherd them and care for them. He brought a couple of young Sudanese to Korea on his way back and helped them get a medical education. Upon completion of their M.D. programs, they returned home to Sudan to care for their fellow villagers. In this way, Fr. Lee Tae-Seok helped lay the foundation for a rural pocket of Sudan to stand on its own feet in the field of medical care. By the way, Fr. Lee was a member of the Salesian Order, which Saint Don Bosco founded.
Chang Kee-ryo (1911–1995) is still another Korean M.D. widely remembered for his selfless service for the poor and helpless people in the port city of Busan in the years following the outbreak of the Korean War. He paid his wholehearted attention especially to the care of the disabled poor. For that, he may very well be called the guardian angel of the poor and disabled in dire straits. He is often referred to as the Schweitzer of Korea, a title that he rightly deserves.
Numerous other Korean doctors have been following in the footsteps of the late Dr. Chang. The late Dr. Ahn Young Mo of Busan was an early adopter of his humanitarian medical practice. It is to be hoped that many of those on strike right now also have plans to do the same sooner or later. And I believe that emulating these humanitarians is perhaps the best way to fertilize the national community we all love and belong to.
MSF or Doctors Without Borders best symbolizes the spirit of noblesse oblige in the world today. MSF is an invincible legion or a field army, so to speak, under the command of a leader on the order of Saint Don Bosco, Dr. Schweitzer, or Fr. Lee. It may not be totally coincidental that the United States Peace Corps, as originally envisioned, was to comprise a fair-sized medical contingent as well.
The U.S. Peace Corps may perhaps have been a template for MSF itself. All these stories should sound an alarm loud and clear for the KMA to lend its ears to. Let’s all pray that it boldly decides to turn its strike scheme around and do its due share in a campaign to help eradicate disease from the surface of the planet.
While the KMA strike persists, we can still manage to go marching on. “The best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet and Dr. Merryman” seems to suggest a way to do this. Sensible eating, peace of mind, and plenty of laughter can keep us afloat awhile, enabling us to not only survive but also thrive despite the virtual absence of clinically delivered medicine. That said, shall we all subscribe to the “survival of the fittest” gospel?
The only thing that stands in the way of this sensible strategy is lack of resolution to partake of this noble idea, which is not just lifesaving but economical as well. In the meantime, let’s wait patiently until the current situation plays out. “Nature, time, and patience are the three great physicians” is what a time-honored witticism recommends. Everything comes to him who waits.
Admittedly, the current system of medical care is far from perfect and can use some reform for sure. The government authorities and the medical community need to put their heads together and work toward a mutually acceptable compromise that will eventually bring about a win-win resolution for not just the two parties directly involved but for all of Korea.
The Author
Park Nahm-Sheik is a native of Gwangju. After graduating from Chonnam National University, he went on to receive a master’s degree at the University of Hawaii and a PhD (applied linguistics) at Georgetown University, both in the U.S. Upon completing a long career at Seoul National University, Prof. Park served as president of the International Graduate School of English.
A Tale of Two Valleys
Swimming Deep in the Mountains of Namwon
By Isaiah Winters
Last summer, I spent a week in Gokseong scouring Dongak-san’s best valleys for swimmable pools of pure, mountain spring water. Being a creature of habit, this summer I’ve drifted just a hair north to Namwon to do the same in the valleys of Goribong. Fortunately, the new
pair of valleys I’ve found are no less impressive than those featured last summer, thanks in large part to these areas’ shared proximity and geography. So, in this Namwon edition, we’ll take a deep dive into Saejeok Valley (새적골) and Manhakdong Valley (만학동 계곡).
1. This excellent pool in Manhakdong Valley is just a stone’s throw from the trailhead.
2. A Korean fire-bellied toad keeps an eye on me.
3. The bifurcated waterfall in Saejeok Valley.
To get to Saejeok Valley, it’s as easy as parking at the bottom of the valley right next to the waters of the boulder-strewn Seomjin-gang and hiking up. The drive from Gwangju takes about 50 minutes, while the hike only takes about 15 minutes. I stick to the right side of the valley when hiking up, as that’s where the trail is clearest. You’ll see a few boulders spray-painted in red that mark the way. The first has a large number “380” on it, and the next has a wedge-shaped symbol that looks like a caret pointing roughly towards the water. Not long after the caret, you’ll see a few burial mounds in the distance, which is too far; the best pools are somewhere in between on the left. Sadly, the more trash you see, the closer you are. I normally
wouldn’t share this location in such detail, but I doubt many will be making the journey.
Saejeok Valley is straight, narrow, and stunning. The pools are long rather than wide, and they feature many terraced cascades that spill into a series of swimmable pools. Go higher and the valley forms a tight, high-walled gorge with denser vegetation, deeper pools, and higher cascades. The best pool I reached featured a bifurcated waterfall that flowed on either side of a giant boulder and had a depth of about three meters. I couldn’t hike any higher due to the steep, slippery rocks surrounding this pool, and I never found a clear trail leading beyond
the aforementioned burial mounds, but if you do manage to find a path beyond this point, I suspect the pools get even better. There are some drawbacks to this valley, however. While the steep valley walls provide sufficient shade, the tradeoff is that the boulders below remain extra slippery because they never dry out, so you have to watch every step. Also, beware that there’s poison ivy along the trail.
Moving slightly north, Manhakdong Valley couldn’t be more different. It’s flatter, wider, and stripped clean of most vegetation as it gradually snakes its way up the face of Goribong. It’s as if a meandering glacier carved it out of the mountainside, leaving only the distant margins with any hint of shade. This valley’s pools are generally shallower and warmer, as the waters flow over a larger surface area of smooth, sunbaked rocks. Though mostly placid, I discovered that a fork at the high end of the valley had a lot of loose boulders and sediment, indicating there had been a significant landslide just a few years before. After seeing this, more than once I imagined a flash flood triggering a deafening rockslide of crackling boulders and uprooted trees surging down at me with unstoppable force. This ambient fear kept me vigilant whenever I sensed a change in the clouds or a sudden chill in the air.
One of the many shallower pools in Manhakdong Valley.
Not wanting to get pulverized by loose debris, I headed back down to the lowest point of the valley to scout for any more pools. Along the way, I encountered about a dozen poisonous firebellied toads, which display their bright red bellies and secrete a milky toxin when threatened. Many of these little amphibians were generous enough to pose for the camera, so I’m quite chuffed with how several of my pictures turned out. Anyway, once you get back down to where the trailhead first meets the valley, keep going down the valley a bit further for the best pools. One is especially wide with plenty of adjacent rock walls to jump from, making it among the best pools I’ve ever found. As it’s only about a minute or two below the
trailhead, after your swim, you can conveniently hike back to the parking lot at the tiny tea farm of Maewoldang (매월당). To make the most of the experience, maybe try some local tea beneath the shade of the farm’s traditional thatched roofs. You’re welcome!
Photographs by Isaiah Winters.
The
Author
Born and raised in 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 for over six years. More of his unique finds can be seen on Instagram @d.p.r.kwangju and YouTube at Lost in Honam.
The best and most remote pool I found in Saejeok Valley was narrow but deep.
A Long-Standing Taboo Mental Health in Korea
By Yousra Feriel Drioua
The discussion surrounding mental health was and remains a taboo subject in many societies around the world for various reasons. For Korea, its deep-rooted Confucian heritage and history serves as one reason. However, with the country’s remarkably rapid development, reliance on Confucianism decreased and has been replaced with the centralization of individualism and capitalistic values. The problem is that despite sharing these virtues with Western society, Korea struggles with an alarmingly increasing mental health crisis in comparison. This year, according to the Hankyoreh newspaper, seven in ten Koreans reported struggling with their mental health.
A 3,000-participant survey’s findings released by the National Center for Mental Health highlighted stress and depression as the main culprits. The struggles surrounding mental health continue to rise, yet the overall attitude towards the issue doesn’t seem to be improving. Over half the participants in the survey believed that they would be shunned by friends if they were to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
In order to prevent the public’s mental health from deteriorating any further, the Korean government is providing counseling services through the 2024 Nationwide Mental Health Care Investment Support Project, launched by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Korea’s health services are affordable for the most part, and if you live in a relatively large city, access to these services is not a problem. Yet, the biggest obstacle for foreign nationals in Korea lies in finding facilities that operate in one’s native tongue or at least in English. This is why foreigners in Korea resort to using online forums and reviews to discuss such matters. Platforms such as Reddit and Quora are full of reviews from expatriates discussing their personal challenges and successes with navigating mental health in Korea.
Similar to the broader context of South Korea, Gwangju is not exempt from the national trends of high stress and mental health challenges. The city has been making efforts to address these issues through local government and community initiatives. For example, the Gwangju
International Center often hosts events and workshops concerning mental health awareness and accessibility. On that note, it is important to mention two heartbreaking incidents which took place at Chonnam National University during the first half of this year. One tragedy took place in April in which a freshman student was found dead in one of the dormitories at CNU. The second incident involved an international student in their twenties who was found dead following an earlier incident the day before in which the individual was sighted riding a bicycle with no clothes on and then captured by the police. As stated by the latter, the student’s drug test came out negative, and he stated that his behavior was due to academic stress.
These incidents highlight the pressing need for enhanced mental health support and crisis intervention services in Gwangju, especially for the student community. Unfortunately, further investigation results have yet to be released after the initial news of these incidents. It seems that both cases have been silently pushed out of sight. In response, CNU’s Graduate School students organized a march in honor of their bereaved friend and peer but also held the institution accountable and demanded better mental health resources and support systems.
Overall, criticism has been directed towards the societal stigma surrounding mental health in South Korea, which often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need. It is clear that there are disparities between mental health struggles of foreign nationals and Koreans. But it is also just as clear that both communities are impacted by society’s negative view on the subject. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach to better understand the roots of this problem, in addition to policy changes and implementation, especially when it comes to employment disadvantages for diagnosed individuals. Existing support systems must be further improved to match survey results and local case studies. Last but not least, societal awareness and education needs to be enhanced in order to break down the stigma associated with mental health.
So far it seems like the main responsibility of improving the mental health dialogue is put on governmental entities and institutions. While that may be valid to an extent, let’s ask ourselves when the last time was that we corrected ourselves after consciously or unconsciously judging a friend for opening up about their own psychological struggles. When was the last time we took time to do our own research on mental health and understand how it truly effects individuals and their daily lives? When was the last time we did not feel uncomfortable when mental health was brought up in the middle of a conversation? Let’s sit with these thoughts and reflect on our own behavior and attitude towards mental health. Let us mirror the change we want to see.
Photographs by Park Ra-on.
The Author
Yousra Feriel Drioua is an Algerian Global Korea Scholarship awardee currently residing in South Korea and majoring in media communication and journalism. She loves writing, coffee, and intriguing conversations. She wishes to become someone useful to society and others. Instagram: @myyigli
Memorial service for CNU international student.
Gwangju’s Bouldering Scene
A New Face to Scale
By Catherine Sasmita
Recently dubbed one of the trendiest ac tivities, bouldering has seen consistent growth in community size over the past few years. South Korea is home to prominent competition climbers, such as Chon Jong-won, Kim Ja-in, and Lee Do-hyun, and it’s high time that more attention was brought to the sport. The hype has extended beyond the capital with more communities and gyms forming in various parts of the country.
Often referred to by the broader term “rock climbing,” bouldering differs from other forms of climbing sports. The most noticeable difference is that only crash pads are used for safety without
the addition of ropes and harnesses, with most problems reaching a maximum height of only 4.5 meters. This extreme sport requires not only strength and endurance but also a set of techniques, flexibility, and creativity.
Byun Jin-uk, 27, shared what drew him most to bouldering. Having just started a year ago, the avid boulderer has seen quick and consistent progress. “When I boulder, I have to focus on nothing but the route itself. Where you start and where you finish – everything is already laid out for you,” he explained. He added that the sport’s low bar for entry allows beginners to easily experience its thrills.
Moving on to Gwangju, with its vibrant and dynamic community, the city is not immune to the trend. Although there have been several well-known bouldering gyms established for several years in the city, such as Handwerk and RedOne, the popularity of the sport presents an opportunity for new contenders to emerge. Earlier this year, the Sangmu district welcomed the pristine Incave (인케이브) climbing gym.
Incave first opened its doors on February 7 with various events, such as lucky draws and open festivals for both Instagram followers and visitors. On top of their floor-to-ceiling windows, the gym differentiates itself by providing guests with a stylish interior and even a garden to accompany the guests as they enjoy a short break. Route settings are scheduled on Thursdays, up to three times a month, allowing even frequent gym-goers to experience fresh problems during their visits.
The climbing gym offers various packages for guests to choose from, with their one-day pass priced at 20,000 won and their one-year pass at 1,000,000 won. Similar to any other gym in Korea, climbing shoes are required, and the gym offers shoe rental at 3,000 won and chalk at 2,000 won. For first-timers, they offer a oneday experience package that includes a lesson and equipment rentals for an intriguing price of 25,000 won. Walk-ins are very welcomed, but it is recommended to book the one-day package in advance through Naver due to its high demand.
Incave regularly hosts exciting events, such as the Outcave Beer Party and an outdoor bouldering session in May. For the latest updates and event registrations, it’s best to follow their Instagram account. Incave could be the perfect hub for those looking to challenge themselves and be a part of an active community in the heart of the city.
Photographs courtesy of Incave.
Incave Sangmu (인케이브 상무)
Open: Monday–Friday: 11:00 a.m. –11:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Address: 6th Floor, 46 Sangmu Jungang-ro, Seo-gu
Contact: 0507-1366-4305
Instagram: @incave_sangmu
The Author
Catherine “Cat” Sasmita is a master’s degree student at Chonnam National University studying business administration. Originally from Indonesia, Cat enjoys bouldering, reading, and of course, searching for all types of spicy food.
Byun Jin-uk during one of his bouldering sessions.
Area Sports Round-Up
A monthly overview of local sports, featuring area teams and brought to you…
By Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius)
Kia Tigers’ Resilient First Half of Season
After a seven-season hiatus, the Kia Tigers have secured the mid-season championship once again. The Tigers started the season strong with four consecutive wins and solidified their position at the top despite having their pace slowed in May.
The team’s outstanding performance can be attributed to the exceptional efforts of its players. Kia boasts a formidable starting lineup. The starting pitchers have an average ERA of 4.09, ranking first among all teams, with a win contribution rate of 10.76, also leading the league.
Kim Do-young was named the KBO League’s June MVP, contributing significantly to Kia’s top ranking by hitting safely in 19 of 24 games and achieving multiple hits in 10 games during June. Choi Hyoung-woo, showcasing remarkable resilience, was selected as one of the “Best 12,” and participated in the All-Star Game, even hitting a homerun to become the oldest all-star MVP. The performance of veterans like Choi will remain crucial in the second half of the season. Whether they can lift their 12th championship trophy remains to be seen.
Gwangju FC Bids Farewell to Key Player
Gwangju FC head coach Lee Jung-hyo recently made a tough decision: allowing key offensive player Eom Ji-sung to transfer to Swansea City. On July 5, Gwangju FC held a farewell ceremony for Eom at Gwangju City Hall.
Eom joined Gwangju in 2021, appearing in 108 K League matches, scoring 20 goals, and providing 8 assists. This summer, he received an offer from Swansea City, where Ki Sung-yeung once played. After some negotiation, Gwangju FC accepted the transfer.
Unlike last season’s success, Gwangju is currently mid-to-low in the rankings. This summer, Gwangju FC could not strengthen their squad through the transfer market due to not meeting the K League’s financial regulations. Without the option of registering additional players, Coach Lee places high hopes on Asani who showcased his skills in the 2024 European Championship representing Albania.
AI Peppers Welcome a Problem Solver
The AI Peppers announced the official arrival of Zhang Yu, the top pick in this year’s Asia Quarter Draft and a Chinese women’s national volleyball team member. The 197-cm tall middle blocker has been playing for the Beijing Baic Motor Women’s Volleyball Club in the CVL since 2013 and was named the league’s best middle blocker.
Zhang brings extensive experience, including winning the AVC Volleyball Championship with China’s U23 team in 2015. AI Peppers Head Coach Chang So-yun stated, “Zhang Yu will elevate our team’s height and diversify our offensive options,” adding, “We will help her quickly adapt to the team and prepare thoroughly for the off season.”
Zhang remarked, “Coming to Korea is a new beginning for me,” and added, “I want to do my best to help the team achieve its goals.” She plans to undergo a medical examination and participate in a training camp upon her arrival, with plans to meet fans before the season starts.
The Author
Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius) is from Harbin, China. He began writing in 2022 and has contributed to the Chinese media in Gwangju. He concurrently serves at a sports data company. He is pursuing a master’s degree in media and communications and is responsible for the Chinese Students Association at Chonnam National University.
Feeling Lost in Translation? Helpful Apps for International Residents in Korea
By Daniel Sanchez
South Korea, with its bustling cities, stunning landscapes, educational and working opportunities, and culture, has become a preferred destination for travelers and expats alike. However, for most foreigners, especially students, navigating a new country can be difficult, even more so with such a scary language barrier. But fear not, daring foreign fellows, as we will provide a short summary of the must-have applications that will help you navigate Korea. Recommendations ranging from translation, transportation, and finance to daily life will help you enjoy your experience in Korea smoothly. So, ditch all the misunderstandings and prepare to delve headfirst into everything Korea has to offer.
First, the most basic applications to have while living in South Korea are the translation titans, the most common being:
Papago
Naver’s AI-powered translator is useful for texts, websites, images, and voice translations. This app works well for English–Korean and Korean–English translations, but unfortunately it is not as accurate for other languages. However, the app is very handy and a great addition to have in advance.
Google Translate
This app can be used to complement other translators due to the feature that enables users to download a language onto the app. It is especially useful when you are new to the country and struggle to
find a good internet connection. Once you have downloaded the language, live translations can function offline. Additionally, this app is used in many other countries, offering better translations for non-English speakers.
Waygo
It is one of the lesser-known translator apps, despite being a powerful translator app specifically designed for East Asian languages (Korean, Japanese, and Chinese). The application uses optical character recognition (OCR) for its English translation features, which could be very useful for songs and menus. Similar to Google Translate, this app can be used without an internet connection.
Now after being able to understand the language a bit, moving around is the next priority. Foreign residents and locals rely on maps and transportation apps.
Kakao Map
With a friendly user interface in English and Korean, this app is widely used due to its high accuracy and real-time information about public transportation schedules, routes, and locations. It can also be integrated with other apps within the Kakao group like KakaoTalk and Kakao T (taxi), making location sharing with friends or requesting a taxi possible with one click.
Naver Map
The expats’ favorite Naver Map offers extensive information and search options in English, including bus stops, station details, and ETAs. It also offers route suggestions depending on the preferred mode of transportation. Even though some features might be exclusively in Korean, it remains a valuable app for expats.
Kakao T
Taxis in Korea are usually clean and well maintained, comparable to Uber’s services abroad. Kakao T makes getting rides easy, providing an estimate of the wait time and ride cost in advance. As the destination is given to the driver in advance, communicating this is not necessary most of the time, making it especially useful for expats who do not speak Korean. The app offers an English interface and integrates seamlessly with KakaoTalk, the country’s primary messaging app, making cost-sharing and rides with friends effortlessly easy.
KorailTalk
Everyone will eventually reserve and book train tickets in Korea, especially during vacations. If you are traveling around the country, it can be difficult to understand train schedules and fares because this information is most often presented in Korean, especially outside of Seoul, and it can be difficult to find the English translation button at counters or to use the translation app. To overcome this, KorailTalk is an excellent alternative for knowing fares and train departure times in advance. This app lets you book and buy train tickets online for Mugunghwa (무궁화호), ITX, and KTX trains using domestic and international cards, but a personal account, which can be created through the Korail website, is necessary. If you enjoy traveling by train, this app is for you.
TmoneyGo
TmoneyGo is an alternative for transportation. This Naver app is a hub for transportation services, from buses, taxis, and bikes to STR train ticket reservations. However, its interface in only in Korean, so a basic understanding of the language is necessary to navigate the app. Fortunately, the app is well illustrated and intuitive, so once you have familiarized yourself with the services offered, this will be a handy app to reserve bus tickets for both general and express services, with the option to pay using either domestic or international credit cards.
Although every bank in South Korea accepts applications for account management, in some cases, opening a bank account can take some time. The option of opening a Korean bank account is also unavailable for travelers. Here are two interesting finance apps than can help you with money management in your early days in Korea.
Namane
Like Handpass, Namane app is designed in a simple way to manage personal finances more efficiently by presenting a user-friendly layout. The interface is in English and a package of tools that includes pay card transfer, transit card service, and pay card top-up is available.
One of the most interesting features of this app is the possibility of designing your own physical card at multiple kiosks located in Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwangju. For online and offline payments, the physical card can be charged using the app and the mobile phone by different methods, such as KakaoPay, wire transfer, and via international debit or credit card. Toppingup the card using cash at convenience stores is also possible. Users need to create an account within the app when designing the card and authentication can be done using phone number or email.
Last, but not least, apps that are useful in everyday life for entertainment or safety:
Namane App Printing and Design Kiosk
Open: 11:00 a.m. –10:30 p.m.
Address: : 81-3 Chungjang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju (Artbox Store)
Handpass
This is an all-in-one finance management app with an English interface, including a virtual wallet, overseas remittance services, and prepaid cards for online and offline payments through personal authentication using either a residence card (ARC) or a passport. Once the authentication is approved, the user can request and top-up physical cards, request dedicated accounts (with local banks) for virtual wallets or transfer money and recharge the virtual wallet in convenience stores and selected ATMs. Their customer service can be accessed via phone call or via English chat for different countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, China, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, and others.
Emergency Ready
This is an official app, launched by the Korean government in 2014. It is an application completely in English for emergency contact numbers and safety information, such as location of emergency shelters, safety tips, and information about CPR methods for emergency situations. This app is especially recommended for tourists but also for international residents and multi-cultural households.
WAUG
For everyday activities, WAUG is very popular among expats. This app enables users to find information about housing, healthcare, and Korean culture
as well as reservations for travel, festivals, and restaurants. The app presents content in English and also manages an English blog (https://blog. waug.com/).
Navigating life in Korea as a foreign resident can be difficult, especially due to language difficulties and unfamiliar surroundings. However, a number of useful apps can help to provide a smoother transition. Language translation apps like Papago, Google Translate, and Waygo can help bridge the language gap, while navigation apps like Kakao Map, Naver Map, and Kakao T make traveling easier. Financial apps such as Handpass and Namane can help you manage your money in your early days, and apps such as WAUG can also help to improve daily living by offering information about events and pastime activities, but also offer help in emergency situations. Using these tools can improve your experience and help you to make the most of what Korea has to offer.
The Author
Daniel Sanchez is a Colombian graduate student in the Department of Library and Information Science (LIS) at Chonnam National University, where he is a Global Korea Scholarship awardee. He has been living in Gwangju since 2022 and in Korea since 2020. As a librarian, he has been focusing on the development of digital competences in both information users and consumers, and in LIS undergraduate students in Colombia.
Differing Tastes French vs. Korean Bakeries
By Alice Rigaud-Modelin
What has struck me in my culinary journey is the differences between my country, France, and South Korea. In Korea, we look more for sweet and sour mixtures with sticky textures, a lot of caramelized sensations, I would say, and broth as well. In traditional French culinary culture, we stick to simple textures like the natural product and tastes that I would say are also natural. For example, let’s take a chicken dish in France: roast chicken. The meat is in its natural state, with no real preparation other than draining it and brushing it with butter for those with a sweet tooth. Often accompanied by potatoes cooked in the meat’s cooking juices, it is a very simple dish. Now let’s take, for example, samgyetang (삼계탕), chicken and rice soup, a traditional dish during the heat of summer. We prepare a stuffing with rice and vegetables already cooked or rinsed. Cooked in a pressure cooker, then served in broth. Two very similar and yet very different dishes, each with products typical of its territory (potatoes in France and condiments in South Korea).
I have had the opportunity to check out a lot of bakeries in South Korea, and I have been able to discover products such as a type of hot dog with vegetables and hot sauce on top. In South Korea, you can find many bakeries claiming to
offer French products. Certainly, the background is French; I would say that half of the products offered are historically French. Unfortunately, the execution is not always very close to a genuine French product.
Take the croissant, for example. We find the fundamentals (shape, color, crispiness), but the most interesting thing in a croissant that you could taste in France is the mixture of softness and crispness as well as the taste of real butter. I think that one of the things that French people living in South Korea miss the most is one of the French’s favorite pastries for breakfast, similar to the croissant, which, I think, could have great success in Korea too. This is pain au chocolat. It’s not really bread; the Americans translate it into a chocolate croissant. It is a reproduction of a croissant, but in a shape closer to a square and with two chocolate bars inside!
The products are already very different, as are their serving methods. In Korea, when you enter a bakery, you take a tray and choose your items directly. In France, the items are displayed behind a window, which gives a feeling of prestige, like at a jeweler’s: “No touching!” The staff will ask what we want to eat, and it is only the staff who can come into contact with the food.
Korean and French restaurants are also very different. In France, we arrive,
a waiter seats us, gives us the menu and gives us time to choose. The cutlery is already set on the table. The goal is for the customer to no longer want to move. In South Korea, the atmosphere is more family style and simple. Customers come in, sit down, give each other their table cutlery and choose from the displayed menu. Then, we call a waiter just to tell them what we want to order. The way of eating can also be very different. In France, everyone orders their own dishes, though sometimes they can be sampled by those you are dining with, but everyone has their own plate and their own dish. In South Korea, it is very common to have large dishes to share together. The portions are often very large. This is why, unfortunately, it is sometimes undesirable to eat alone in a restaurant.
Photograph of breads by Pixabay; other graphics by Microsoft AI Image Generator.
The
Author
Alice Rigaud-Modelin is a French student who has been in Korea for three months. She is an intern at the Gwangju International Center and its Gwnagju International Residents Center, where she will participate in the realization and creation of projects around cultural diversity and the presentation of French culture.
Top of the Drop
By Daniel J. Springer
This is our monthly installment of soon-to-drop and recently dropped releases from the music world. The best of the best that may not yet be on your radar, sly favorites and audio gems selected by “Danno,” longtime host of GFN’s The Drop with Danno. — Ed.
Hiatus Kaiyote – “BMO Is Beautiful/Everything’s Beautiful”
This is the cut everyone is talking about from the Aussie future funk outfit’s latest album Love Heart Cheat Code, which dropped in full June 28. As one would expect, the record itself overall is a very solid experience, even if a bit disjointed in feel between tracks and in the overall narrative. However, this medley is rightly getting a ton of hype and praise, as it’s a gorgeous downtempo that continually blooms as it develops.
Falle Nioke – “Weatherman”
This is a remarkable artist out of Guinea, with this being the lead single to a compilation from a boutique label in London called Eat Your Own Ears Recordings. Volume 1 of their label comp will drop later this year, but we just adore Nioke, who sings his songs in eight different languages and is a real talent who’s collaborated with the likes of Sir Was and others over the past several years.
Cool Heat – “Little Romance”
Chicago’s Eden Sierotnik returns with this new single after releasing an EP and an album over the last couple of years. This one also shows that the Chicago-based indie soloist isn’t slowing down, with a new album called Abandon set for release later this year, “Little Romance” taking the lead in the upcoming singles.
Magdalena Bay – “Image”
You never quiiiite know what to expect from this outfit. Except for high quality, that is. They also have a knack for sounds that are both futuristic and vintage simultaneously, which fits this vaporwave-meets-chanson feeler. After their stellar 2021 debut album sent shockwaves everywhere, they’re now ready to drop their sophomore effort Imaginal Disk, which is out later this month.
Kate Bollinger – “To Your Own Devices”
Virginia native Kate Bollinger just always makes it seem so easy. From the breezy vocal deliveries to the melodies, it is remarkable how artists like Bollinger and Faye Webster just make their songs feel like a summer drive. This one is going to be a bit pensive and slow for some, but a worthy listen. More importantly, this song will feature on Bollinger’s upcoming album Songs from a Thousand Frames of Mind, due out September 24 via Ghostly International.
AUGUST INCOMING
Khalid – Sincere (Aug 2)
Meshell Ndegeocello – No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin (Aug 2)
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Flight b741 (Aug 9)
Osees – SORCS 80 (Aug 9)
Beabadoobee – This Is How Tomorrow Moves (Aug 16)
Post Malone – F-1 Trillion (Aug 16)
Fontaines DC – Romance (Aug 23)
Magdalena Bay –Imaginal Disk (Aug 23)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Wild God (Aug 30)
The Author
Daniel J. Springer was the creator, host, writer, editor, and producer of “The Drop with Danno,” formerly broadcasting seven nights a week on GFN, now an independently released weekly affair. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook: @ thedropwithdanno
International English Teaching Conference Comes to Gwangju
It’s not often that a truly international conference comes to Gwangju. This year, however, Korea TESOL has teamed up with ESBB and the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of KOTESOL to organize an international language teaching conference to be held at the Gwangju National University of Education (GNUE) on October 12–13. Chairing the conference is Lindsay Herron, a professor at GNUE and an officer of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of KOTESOL. She is also KOTESOL’s national president this year. The Gwangju News caught up with Lindsay recently to bring you this interview. — Ed.
Gwangju News (GN): Hello, Lindsay. Thank you for making time for this interview. You’re the chair for this upcoming joint conference. What prompted you to take on this heavy responsibility of conference chair?
Lindsay: When ESBB first approached me about chairing this event, I leaped at the chance. It seemed like a wonderful opportunity to showcase our lovely city on a global stage, to make international perspectives accessible to local educators for a reasonable price, to increase the global reputation of my university, and to introduce KOTESOL to a new community of scholars. Chairing the conference appealed to me on a personal level, as well; planning conferences is something I’m familiar with and enjoy, so I was excited to take on this new challenge. Actually, I believe this will be KOTESOL’s first national conference in Gwangju and ESBB’s first international event in Korea; it’s a privilege to be at the helm of this truly unique occasion!
GN: Korea TESOL (KOTESOL) is partnering with English Scholars Beyond Borders (ESBB) for this upcoming conference. ESBB was actually off my radar until recently. Could you tell us what kind of organization ESBB is and how KOTESOL came to partner with them for this joint conference?
Lindsay: ESBB describes itself as “a not-for-profit academic circle of international scholars” devoted to facilitating the global exchange of ideas and research. They have a Scopus-indexed, openaccess journal, and they collaborate with local organizations worldwide to co-host their annual international conference, bringing together diverse scholars and educators from around the globe.
KOTESOL has partnered with ESBB in smaller ways in the past to support their conferences. We have provided speakers, served as consultants as needed, and promoted the conferences to our members, while our members, in return, enjoyed a discount on conference registration fees. I had also, independently, been in touch with one of ESBB’s leaders about opportunities to collaborate – and when he mentioned ESBB was looking for a host for the 2024 conference, I took it to my university and then the KOTESOL National Council. The rest is history!
GN: The theme of the ESBB-KOTESOL Conference is “Transcending Borders, Building Bridges: Compassion, Connection, and Criticality
in the 21st Century” – quite a mouthful, and seemingly quite broad in meaning. Would you explain what message the theme entails?
Lindsay: ESBB, as you might guess, has a particular interest in themes related to crossing borders – as do I! In creating this theme, I wanted to complicate the concepts of barriers and belonging in a broader sense, promoting permeable perspectives and reshaping and redefining boundaries in all their forms. I sought to craft a conference that would encourage participants to consider education beyond the confines of the classroom, beyond traditional notions of research, beyond narrow definitions of what “counts” as learning. Of course, we’ll have sessions presenting more traditional research, but I am particularly excited about the sessions that break free of more customary approaches to challenge convention and explore divergent perspectives. With this theme, I ultimately hope to highlight what I consider foundational to education: questions of what we’re actually doing as teachers and scholars, and how our work makes the world a better place. In an increasingly interconnected – yet often isolating – world, how can educators encourage more empathetic, responsive, critical perspectives and give our students, the global citizens of tomorrow, the tools they need to face the future with flexibility, respect, kindness, and creativity? I’m eager to see how the tendrils of these topics infuse the presentations over the course of the weekend.
GN: More specifically, who are the invited speakers to the conference, and what kinds of talks can we expect them to be presenting?
Lindsay: I’m delighted with the variety of featured speakers and the disparate ways they’re interpreting the theme! The featured speakers representing KOTESOL are Dr. Kevin Kester (Seoul Chapter) from Seoul National University and Jocelyn Wright (Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter) from Mokpo National University, both respected scholars in the still-nascent area of peace education and peace linguistics. The expertise of ESBB’s featured speakers, meanwhile, spans an impressive range of topics. The founder of ESBB, Dr. Roger Nunn, will be introducing the work of his organization and addressing topics such as
intercultural principles and translatability across borders. Dr. Charles Browne, globally renowned in particular for his work in vocabulary acquisition, will be presenting two sessions, one on integrating critical thinking skills into the English classroom and another focusing on corpus-based activities and resources for vocabulary learning. And finally, at the time of this writing, Dr. Jack C. Richards has just accepted a speaker invitation!
GN: It is not often that a truly international ELT conference comes to the Gwangju area. Would you tell us why an EFL teacher living in the Gwangju area should consider giving up their weekend to attend this conference?
Lindsay: This conference is a unique opportunity for local teachers to engage with global perspectives for a reasonable price and with minimal travel required. Our presenters will be visiting from all over the world, including from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Oman, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Vietnam, and more. Commensurate with this variety of presenters is an impressive spread of session topics. Besides the featured sessions I’ve already mentioned, the conference will include interactive workshops for teachers of students of all ages; research presentations to help practitioners make informed pedagogical decisions; and a technology-focused strand offering insights into, among other things, generative AI in the language classroom.
This will also be an inimitable chance to make connections of all kinds – not just in terms of professional inspiration but also on a personal level! We’re incorporating multiple social opportunities into the weekend, so participants will have many chances to make new friends or team up with international collaborators.
GN: How does one go about registering for this conference, and how should attendees prepare for it?
Lindsay: Pre-registration will be open through September 20, just after Chuseok. To get the best price and to reserve both lunch and a printed program booklet, definitely register by that date on the KOTESOL website (http://koreatesol.
org/nc2024). You’ll need to log in or create an online profile in order to view the registration form, but the procedure is fairly simple, and the payment instructions are on the last page of the registration process. If you choose not to preregister by September 20, you can register onsite on October 12 or 13, but the price will be a bit higher; it’ll take a little longer to get through the registration process upon arrival; and we’re not able to guarantee the availability of either lunch or a program booklet.
For all attendees, I’d recommend taking a look at the presentation offerings in advance to plan your time. Descriptions of each session, including the abstracts and the presenters’ biographical profiles, are currently available, and a complete timetable and detailed PDF program book will be available by mid-September. Asynchronous digital sessions (pre-recorded videos) will also be available until the end of October – but those are free and open to all, so you don’t have to register to watch them! If you only watch the online videos, though, we can’t provide a participation certificate; for all in-person attendees, in contrast, digital certificates will be available upon request.
GN: What have I missed… ? Ah! Other than a plethora of ELT-related presentation sessions, what else might be available at the conference that would be of interest to the attendee?
Lindsay: We’ve got a few things in the works right now that aren’t quite set as I write this, including an optional group dinner on Saturday night; a “Highlights of Jeollanam-do” tour on Friday, thanks to our partners at the Gwangju Universal Culture Center (UCC); booths for participants to browse; and opportunities for students to showcase their own talents, insights, and perspectives.
GN: Thank you, Lindsay, for shedding so much light on what to expect from the upcoming KOTESOL-ESBB conference. I’m sure that many in the TESOL field here in the Gwangju area will be interested in attending.
Interviewed by David
Shaffer.
Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Upcoming Events
Summer Potluck Picnic
· Date: August 31, 2024 (Saturday)
· Venue: Gwangju National University of Education
Monthly Chapter Workshops
· Date: September 7, 2024 (Saturday)
·Topic 1: Creating Teaching Materials with Lisa MacIntyre-Park
·Topic 2: Previewing the ESBB-KOTESOL National Conference
· Venue: Gwangju National University of Education
ESBB Intl. TESOL Conference & KOTESOL
National Conference
· Date: October 12–13, 2024 (Saturday)
·Venue: Gwangju National University of Education
·Registration Deadline: September 20
·Website: https://koreatesol.org/NC2024
Check the chapter’s webpages and Facebook group periodically for updates on chapter events and additional in-person and online KOTESOL activities.
For full event details:
· Website: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju
· Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL
Kicking Beyond Borders A Taekwondo Master’s Journey
with International Students
Teaching taekwondo to international students presents unique challenges and rewarding experiences. Lee Seo-Jeong, a taekwondo master, shares her journey, insights, and the cultural exchanges she has fostered through her teaching. This interview highlights her experiences and the impact of taekwondo on promoting global understanding and cultural integration.
Gwangju News (GN): Thank you for sharing your time with us. Could you tell us a little bit about your taekwondo experience? How did you start practicing?
Taekwondo Master: My father was a taekwondo instructor, so I grew up in a taekwondo studio from an early age. I wanted to be a taekwondo practitioner when I was young, but due to my father’s opposition, I couldn’t pursue it as a career and took a break from taekwondo. However, I started practicing taekwondo again in middle school and exercised regularly. When I was in high school, I hoped to study taekwondo in college, and so, I was able to enroll in the Taekwondo Department at Chosun University’s College of Physical Education.
GN: How long have you been teaching taekwondo, and for how many years have you been teaching international students?
Taekwondo Master: I began teaching students in my third year of high school. Since then, I have been teaching taekwondo continually, so this year marks my nineteenth year. Since college, I have had the opportunity to teach many foreigners due to the many taekwondo events. This year is the sixth year that I have been teaching foreign students.
GN: How do you apply teaching methods for international students with different cultural backgrounds and different martial arts experiences?
Taekwondo Master: Taekwondo teaching methods are not much different for foreigners than for Koreans. The important factors are the number of class attendances and the number of kicks practiced during that period. Students who have learned other martial arts or sports have slightly different angles and speeds in their body movements compared to taekwondo moves. However, those with some exercise experience tend to learn taekwondo a little faster. Therefore, I personally divide my students into groups based on their exercise abilities and attendance frequency. I try to make them understand taekwondo moves theoretically and encourage them to practice. For example, explaining why using knees in a spinning kick is important helps them understand and produce a stronger kick when their body rotates.
GN: What are the unique challenges you face when teaching taekwondo to international students compared to local students?
Taekwondo Master: The main challenges are Korean etiquette and language. Bowing is something that foreigners are usually not familiar
Foreigner’s Taekwondo Competition at the Kukkiwon in Seoul.
with, and all taekwondo masters start and end with Korean greetings, which can be difficult for foreign students. In the past, I made students memorize greetings, but now I give them time to naturally acquire them while practicing taekwondo.
In terms of language, taekwondo movements and techniques, including simple-looking ones like jireugi (지르기, a punching technique), involve complex dynamics. Explaining these things in Korean is not difficult, but delivering them in English can be challenging. The English used in taekwondo is often different from general English taught in textbooks or online. Students learn American pronunciation in Korea, but they have to learn British pronunciation when interacting with exchange students. Some students struggle with both Korean and English, making it difficult to progress to advanced stages of learning.
GN: How do you help international students overcome language barriers and fully participate in the training and cultural aspects of taekwondo?
Taekwondo Master: While I can’t completely overcome the language barrier myself, I strive to ensure that my students don’t feel hindered by it during taekwondo practice. I continue to study English to facilitate communication. Taekwondo’s etiquette and values, such as greeting and patience, are integral to Korean culture, and students often find it easy to adapt to Korean cultural norms. I frequently ask about their difficulties in Korea and try to empathize and explain.
GN: Can you share any memorable experiences or success stories while teaching international students?
Taekwondo Master: All the time spent teaching students is memorable, but the most heartbreaking experiences are when students get hurt. Injuries are rare, but they are especially challenging when teaching foreign students. The biggest success and reward as a taekwondo leader is when students obtain their first-degree taekwondo certificate. Although none of the international students have obtained this certificate in the past six years, high attendance and competition participation rates indicate success. In 2023, the attendance and competition participation rates were the highest, demonstrating strong solidarity among students. This positive environment allowed me to teach happily. Also, I did a presentation about how the taekwondo class is conducted at Chonnam National University during an event at the Kukkiwon, and I won the 2023 Best Taekwondo Master Award!
GN: What advice would you give to international students who are new to taekwondo or martial arts?
Taekwondo Master: Starting out in any new field, including taekwondo, can be boring and difficult at first. Overcoming this initial challenge is essential to progress. Many students come with high expectations from what they have seen online or on TV, but the reality of training can be harder and less glamorous. It takes years of dedication to reach high levels of proficiency. I advise students to focus on consistent and quiet training, understanding that taekwondo is about hard work and effort rather than instant results.
Photographs by Lee Seo-Jeong.
Interviewed by Dhivyaa S. P.
Dhivyaa S. P. is from India and resides in Gwangju, where she explores Korean culture and history. Living there for over a year and half, her interests include hiking, volunteering, and relishing green tea lattes. Her writings aim to intertwine her adventures with insights into Korean heritage.
The Interviewer
Taekwondo Master Lee Seo-Jeong.
Great Agro-Ideas for Carbon Reduction
By Chung Hyunhwa
Agriculture is a significant source of greenhouse gases, largely due to the increased energy required for modern farming. This energy is used to create optimal conditions for crops, even when they’re out of season, to fetch higher prices. This means that farmers control conditions such as temperature and humidity at the expense of energy. I call this “agriculture for desires.” Two decades ago, who would have thought of having watermelons and strawberries in December? (Do we really need to eat watermelon in the winter?) I decided to search for some sustainable, energy-efficient agricultural practices that also cut costs.
One great sustainability example is BIGH in Brussels. BIGH (Building Integrated Greenhouses) is a pioneering urban farming project that combines aquaponics with hydroponics to grow fresh produce in the heart of the city. Located on the rooftop of the Foodmet market in Anderlecht, the facility features a state-of-the-art greenhouse that utilizes sustainable farming methods to produce a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fish. In aquaponics, the nutrient-rich water from raising
fish provides a natural fertilizer for plants, and the plants help to purify the water for the fish. BIGH aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, promote local food production, and demonstrate the potential of urban agriculture to enhance food security and sustainability. Urban farming is a muchdiscussed topic nowadays because it reduces transportation distance between the production field and the end customer, to cut energy costs. I don’t think urban farming can be applied to all crops, but it is one way of maximizing production efficiency. Utilizing abandoned buildings in cities and adopting natural energy sources will also have carbon-saving effects.
I have also become interested in “carbon farming.” Carbon farming refers to practices that increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil and vegetation. One technique that challenged my commonsense is “no-till farming.” In conventional agriculture, plowing is required to turn the soil under, but in no-till farming, seeds are sown directly into the residue from the previous crop, leaving the soil structure
Photograph courtesy of BIGH. (https://bigh.farm/en/our-project/)
undisturbed. Eventually, it is supposed to be better for weed management as well because plowing places weed seeds deeper into the soil and thereby increases germination. By contrast, weed seeds stay on the surface of the soil with the no-till technique, making it easier to remove them.
Weeds have always been the farmer’s foe, but with the no-till method, weeds can become beneficial. Weeds are quite viable and hard to eliminate. They can develop roots that reach deep into the soil, which actually create paths for the water, nutrients, and air that are necessary for the target crops. In this regard, weeds should not be removed entirely but managed to be short enough so that the target crop will receive the necessary sunlight. Weed-filled soil is soft, and this facilitates the crop’s development of a better root system. Heavy machinery use is discouraged because it compacts the soil. Weed roots hold the soil in place, protecting it from erosion. Wellmanaged weeds provide food and shelter for insects and pests, making the crop itself of lesser interest to them and thereby lowering the use of pesticides. Even cut weeds can be beneficial, as they can be left on the soil to keep it from drying out.
Some farmers intentionally grow cover crops to discourage common weeds as an alternative to covering the soil with plastic sheet, which seems convenient but creates trash. No-till farming is labor-saving because it does not include plowing or removing weeds. Some call it “lazy farming.” Its biggest challenge is convincing farmers to make the transition from conventional cultivation. It may take some years for the soil to become soft and healthy again after no-till farming is initiated. The purpose of this method is to revive the soil with beneficial microorganisms to provide nutrients to the plants in more easily absorbed forms. If the soil contains chemicals, it takes longer to build bio-allies of the crops, so they may initially suffer from diseases and pests. It takes time, and it can be a difficult decision for the commercial farmer to make because there is the potential of less profit for a few years. But it is the correct decision to make, as it helps mitigate
climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide in a more natural way and is healthier for humans, too. Fortunately, there are also bio-products for pest and disease control to help in the transition.
Advancements in breeding technology also play a crucial role in adapting plants to the planet’s changing climate. Improving plants may mean developing varieties that are less sensitive to temperature fluctuation and more resistant to pests and diseases. CRISPR technology, a genetic “scissors” technique to edit genes, can be used for this purpose. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is also used to shorten the time needed to see results in the conventional breeding sector as well. Instead of observing plants from bloom to maturity, PCR is used to check genetic accordance. Good plants become more economical by requiring less pesticides and fungicides in addition to reducing the carbon footprint and improving human health.
We hear about climate-related disasters more and more frequently – calamities such as the recent tornadoes and huge floods following heavy rains in China, for example, and high temperatures of above 50 degrees Celsius in India this summer. What can be done to ease the situation more quickly than the pace of past progress? Individuals need to be aware and act, but without changes in our systems and laws, it is a daunting task. Maybe the “money principle” should be applied as well. If sustainable options make sense economically, people will take note because “money talks.” The EU’s carbon tax is one such example. Of course, if we decide to focus on sustainability for survival in our climate crisis, there will be the cost. Are we willing to pay that price for our survival?
The Author
Chung Hyunhwa, originally from Gwangju, currently works for a horticultural company. She led the international eco-hike group Gwangju Hikers at the GIC in 2020 and 2021. Previously, she taught English at Yantai American School and Yantai Korean School in China and worked in school administration at Branksome Hall Asia in Jeju. She holds a master’s degree in TESOL from TCNJ in the U.S. and a license to teach Korean. She loves plants, birds, and repurposing items creatively.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MUSIC CONCERTS
Gwangju City Changgeuk Company of Korea [Pansori]
광주시립창극단기획공연[판소리감상회]
Date: August 28 (Wed.)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Gwangju Arts Center, Small Theater
Admission: All seats 10,000 won,
Reservations: Gwangju Arts Center website
Phone: 062-526-0363
Gwangju City Symphony Orchestra’s 386th Annual Concert [Leggiero]
광주시립교향악단 386회 정기연주회
Date: August 29–30 (Thur. & Fri.)
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Running time 80 min.)
Venue: Gwangju Arts Center, Small Theater
Admission: R seats 30,000 won, S seats 20,000 won, A seats 10,000 won
Reservations: Gwangju Arts Center website
Eligibility: 8 years of age and older
Phone: 062-613-8241
PERFORMANCES
Family Opera [Child of Water]
판타지 가족오페라 [물의 아이]
Date: August 24 (Sat.)
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Running time 60 min.)
Venue: Asia Culture Center, Arts Theater 2
Admission: All seats 20,000 won
Reservations: Gwangju Arts Center website / Interpark / on-site reservation
Eligibility: 5 years of age and older
Phone: 1544-4641
ACC International Cooperation New Development
Demonstration [The Breath Factory]
2024 ACC 국제협력 신작개발 시범공연 [숨공장]
Date: August 17 (Sat.)
Time: 2:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Gwangju Arts Center, Art Theater 1
Admission: Free
Reservations: Gwangju Arts Center website
Eligibility: 7 years of age and older
Phone: 1899-5566
ACC Fantastic Theater
ACC 신비한 극장
Date: August 2–3 (Fri. & Sat.)
Time: : Friday 7:30 p.m. / Saturday 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Asia Culture Center, Arts Theater 1
Admission:Free
Reservations: Asia Culture Center website
Eligibility: 7 years of age and older
Phone: 1899-5566
Candlelight Concert [Coronation Performance]
캔들라이트 콘서트
Date: August 17 (Sat.)
Time: 4:00 p.m. – Queen 7:30 p.m. – Joe Hisaishi (Running time 65 min.)
Venue: Asia Culture Center, Arts Theater 2
Admission: A Zone 55,000 won, B Zone 44,000 won, C Zone 33,500 won
Reservations: Fever website (Link found on ACC website)
Eligibility: 12 years of age and older
Phone: 080-352-8774
EXHIBITION
AUGUST 2024
2024 MMCA Lee Kun-Hee Collection [Picasso Ceramics]
Date: Until September 29, 2024 (Sun.)
Time: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m (Closed Mondays)
Venue: ACC Creation Space 4
Admission: Free Phone: 1899-5566
Crossword Puzzle Answers for the July Issue
Ubuntu Prints [Jang Won-seok, Park Ilgwang]
판화 작품 전시 [장원석, 박일광]
Date: Until August 11, 2024 (Sun.)
Time: Regular viewing hours, 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m
On evening performance days, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Gwangju Art Center Gallery
Admission: Free
Phone: 062-613-8357
Summaries and translations by Lee Hwadahm.
The first three people to complete the monthly crossword puzzle correctly and send us a photo of the completed puzzle will receive a cultural gift certificate for 5,000 won! A gift certificate will be sent to prize winners online on the 5th of the following month. - Email via gwangjunews@gic.or.kr or DM via Instagram at Gwangju International Center.
Created by Jon Dunbar
ACROSS
Hanwha Ocean’s former name 52 Type of chart or dessert
Gilels or Jannings
DOWN
1 Peach center
2 More committed than FWB 3 Springsteen’s “Born in the ___”
Reducing spending
5 Planned Marvel film
6 Summit Yoon attended in July
7 ___ Christian Hospital in Nam-gu
8 Korean dollar store
9 Research giant in Daejeon 10 Deep sleep 11 Muscat’s nation 16 Cutting
19 Way to play retro games
20 Slimy mollusk
21 Currency in Germany
22 “___ That a Kick in the Head”
25 Risk management consultancy
26 Forum on civic duty
27 More expensive alternative to pork
28 Global health emergency last decade
31 Adornment for the unpierced
36 Traditional festival in Gangneung
37 Small mythical being found in gardens
38 Smooth transition
39 Student going for a master’s
40 Many ___ to skin a cat
41 Driver or Carolla
42 “___ only known” (2 words)
45 Politician Sang-jung
46 ___ Lanka
47 Suspected to be found in Yeongil Bay
WANGJU 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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