(EN) Gwangju News April 2012 #122

april2012_8 2012.3.245:44PM Page1

April 2012 Issue No. 122

Kim Jaram From Gwangju, New York to Florence

Water Fluoridation spreading in Korea?

Haenam Dinosaur Museum get up close with these prehistoric wonders

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

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Gwangju News April 2012

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April 2012 ON THE COVER Photographer: Jimmy McIntyre Cover Photo: Butterfly on flowers You can see more of Jimmy’s picture at strange-lands.com The photo has been edited for layout purpose.

See related article about Spring Festivals on page 18

THE EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher: Gyonggu Shin Editor-in-Chief: Julian Warmington Editors: Seth Pevey, Kathleen Villadiego, Minsu Kim Assistant Editor: Stephen Redeker Copy Editor: Emma Dooley Coordinators: Karina Prananto, Jihyun Kim, Jayeon Jung Layout and Design: Karina Prananto Proofreaders: Jon Ozelton, Erin Stewart, Rob Smith, Samantha Richter, Gina Covert, Tom Barber, Aaron Damrau, Emma Dooley, Pete Schandall, Greg Narajka

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Online Editors: Andrea Galvez, Caitlin Jacobs Researchers: Hyeon Kim, Dongjun Yang, Jinseon Jang, Hyejung Jeong, Changho Yoon

Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center Address: Jeon-il Building 5F, Geumnam-no 1-1,

Supporting Jeju’s cause

Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, South Korea

Phone: +82-62-226-2733~4 Fax: +82-62-226-2731 Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com E-mail: gwangjunews@gmail.com Registration No.: 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Printed by Logos (Phone +82-62-444-8800)

Photo by Van Hoang

Gwangju News is written and edited by volunteers.

We welcome your contribution for proofreading, copy editing, administration, layout/ design and distribution. Please write to gwangjunews@gmail.com and your area of interest.

Special thanks to the City of Gwangju and all of our sponsors.

Copyright 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 publishers.

Gwangju News welcomes letters to the editor (gwangjunews@gmail.com) regarding articles and issues. All correspondence may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.

18 Get ready for Spring Festivals Gwangju News April 2012

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CONTENTS Features

4

Regular Columns

11

Feature An Afternoon with Kim Jaram

By Caitlin Jacobs

7

Local News This Month in Gwangju

By Stephen Redeker

14

Feature Uhang-ri Dinosaur Museum

By Mark Liebenthal

8

Upcoming Events

Feature A Revolution Without Dancing is a Revolution Without Having

By Alfian Zohri

28

Photo Contest

16

30

Photo Essay

By Kezia Garling Chee

18

Events Spring Festivals

By Emma Dooley

32

International Home Pages

36

Culture Behind the Myth: “Beat the Heat with Sam-gyetang”

By Stephen Redeker

40

Language Study Letters to KOTESOL

By Dr. Dave Shaffer

42

Language Study It Turns Out That; It is Arranged That

By Soo-a Jung

45

Movie Review The Executioner

By Seth Pevey

46

Literature Selected Poems by Ra Hee-duk Translated by Chae-pyong Song and Anne Rashid

20

National Don’t Drink the Water

By Michael Bielawski

22

Community 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade Tells EPIC Story

By Gwangju Universiade

23

Community Gwangju Universiade Athlete’s Village

By Gwangju Universiade

24

Perspective ESL Teaching: Keeping the Fire

By Charles Murray

26

Perspective The Language Barrier

By Adam Hogue

34

Interview Egypt, One Year On

By Gabriel Ward

48

Fashion Fash-on with xxl jjdp By jjdp

37

Employment Little Known Ways to Find Justice in Korea

By Will Wiggle

50

Food and Drink Ko-goong Soo-ra-gan

By Gabriel Ward

38

Perspective Speedy Koreans, Hold Your Horses!

By 8ball

51

Food and Drink Black Sesame Gangjeong

By Dongjun Yang

43

Perspective Feeling the Seasons

By Kerri Strothard

52

Puzzle Puzzle Pages

By Emma Dooley and Brian Paredes

44

Event The 10th GIC May Concert

By Karina Prananto

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Community Board

Gwangju News April 2012

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Meet the Contributors!

Kathleen Villadiego (Australia, Editor) has been living in Gwangju and volunteering for GN since 2009. She works at Gwangju Women’s University, and lives in an area considered by many Koreans as the countryside. She does muay-thai to keep fit and hopes to fight in a tournament some day.

Emma Dooley (Ireland, Copy Editor) has been in Korea for almost a year, and has been volunteering with Gwangju News for almost all of that time. She teaches elementary kids in Yangsan-dong and likes to bake and read in her spare time. She spends her Sundays making tasty treats with the kids at MDream Children’s Home.

Stephen Redeker (USA, Assistant Editor) comes from the USA and spends most of his time doing a variety of activities, including volunteering for Gwangju News magazine. "Community" and "contribution" are two words which pretty much sum up what he's about.

Caitlin Jacobs (USA, Gwangju News Online Editor) has been teaching in Gwangju with EPIK since September 2010. In addition to contributing to this magazine, she feels privileged to serve as Editor of the Gwangju News Online.

Previously, Caitlin worked in communications for a small nonprofit in Washington, DC.

Hyeon Kim (Korea, Researcher) started out as a GIC volunteer almost a year ago. He is now an intern, who, as well as performing many tasks, has been supporting writers and editors of Gwangju News. He likes going for drives and singing. He also enjoys meeting people and helping visitors at the GIC, “It’s a great chance to develop my people skills.”

Gwangju News April 2012

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[ GIC Talk ]

Time & Place: Every Saturday, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., GIC office (5th floor of Jeon-il Bldg) For more information: visit www.gic.or.kr or contact gic@gic.or.kr Check out pictures from previous GIC Talks http://picasaweb.google.com/gictalk Click for the highlight clips of GIC Talk at www.youtube.com/GICTALK

April 7 Title: Vagina Monologues Talk and Exhibition “The VWord: The Vagina Monologues and Why It’s Come to Gwangju” Speaker: Lisa Mynhardt, Assistant Director of The Vagina Monologue

The speaker will give a joint presentation/photo exhibition on our Vagina Monologues project. Topics will include the history of The Vagina Monologues, The Vagina Monologues in Korea, the aims and goals of The Vagina Monologues and of the larger V-Day movement, the specific aims and goals of Gwangju V-Day 2012’s Vagina Monologues project, highlighted statistics of women’s issues in Korea and ways the Gwangju community can support this project as well as address these issues in their own lives.

Lisa will also present her connected photo exhibit.

April 14 Title: The State of Globalization as realized by the G-20 in the year 2012 Speaker: Doug Stuber

election, the Occupy movement, free trade agreements and how these effect the value of labor worldwide.

April 21 Title: Bohol, A Province in the Philippines.

Speaker: Maria Ynell Lumantao April 28 Title: The L.A. Riots – My Connection and Yours Speaker: Sam Winters (ELS Instructor, B.A. in Political Science)

With the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Riots just around the corner, this talk will focus on the chaotic events of that time, with a particular emphasis on the speaker’s family’s connection to L.A. in the decades leading up to the riots. Attention will also be paid to the KoreanAmerican community in L.A., which suffered tremendously as a result of the riots. The purpose of this talk will be to connect both the speaker and the Koreans in the audience to the riots in a visceral way.

The United States role in Globalization and its effects. This talk includes economics, geopolitics, the environment, US interventions, and small snippets of the upcoming US

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Gwangju News April 2012

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news

This Month in Gwangju

A brief roundup of news stories from in and around Gwangju

By Stephen Redeker

weekdays until 9 p.m. This is the first time in Korea that health examination centers will be open for business at night. Three health centers will be included in this program: Suhgwang hospital (Seo-gu Kumho-dong), Gwangju Ilgok hospital (Buk-gu Ilgok-dong), and Eun hospital (Buk-gu Duam-dong). According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the National Statistic Office, Gwangju citizens rank among the highest in overall health in all of Korea. Compared to the rest of Korea, Gwangju actually ranks low in percentage of people who get regular medical checks (56%). One possible reason is that those working a long day shift don’t have enough time to get a medical exam. Thankfully, these people now have the ability to receive this service with more convenience and comfort.

Michael Shultz: Honorary Citizen of Gwangju City Michael Shultz became an honorary citizen of Gwangju city. Mayor Un-Tae Kang paid recognition to him at a ceremony held at City Hall on February 24th to recognize Schultz’s efforts in promoting Gwangju’s art community to the rest of the world. He is one of the more powerful figures in Germany’s art scene; establishing the “Munich Arts Fair” and serving as a member of the Germany Gallery Union. Schultz heads the Michael Shultz Gallery, among the best art galleries in Germany. He played a big role in bringing the contemporary art of Joseph Beuys to Gwangju last year, and also paved the way for local artists Sugyeong Seo, Bongchae Son and Yuseob Kim to be recognized internationally. Having an infinite affection for Gwangju, Schultz will continue to promote the culture and art scene of this city.

Google Map of Gwangju There’s an online map of Gwangju that will continually be updated and edited, located at http://gwangjumap.blogspot.com/. Strict guidelines apply, but anyone may edit the map to include fresh, timely information to help expats and Koreans alike find points of interest. Historic sites usually remain intact, however, many shops and other locations change over time so the benefit lies in being able to update this information. That way we won’t be stuck looking around for a store that closed a few months ago. Take a look at the map and contribute today.

Medical Checks at Night The Mayor of Gwangju announced that citizens will have the ability to receive medical checkups on

Gwangju Groups Educating Migrant Families and Tourists The Gwangju Sightseeing Bureau and Gwangju Multi Cultural Network Association started a program to hire talented Koreans who can speak foreign languages in helping foreign visitors. There are over two hundred thousand visitors coming to Gwangju annually, so the need is apparent for such a service. With plans in the future for a second Kim Daejung Convention Center, as well as the National Asia Culture center, help for foreign visitors will be in high demand.

In Gwangsan-gu, a multi-cultural family support center was opened to provide Korean language education for married migrant women. The class covers beginner and intermediate levels as well as a TOPIK class. The classes are three times a week for two hours and run until November. The center also provides remote education options for those who cannot attend the classes in person. Childcare is also provided. The center hopes to add stability to these families by helping migrant women be educated about and comfortable in their local community.

Seo-gu will also provide an educational opportunity for low-income multi-cultural families during this next year. Seo-gu, in collaboration with Woongjin Thinkbig (Home Study Material Inc.), will select twenty five households containing women and children (ages 3–7) who cannot speak Korean. A home-study teacher will visit their home every week and teach private lessons. Inquiries: 062-360-7959 Gwangju News April 2012

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Upcoming Events

This month’s Upcoming Events contributors: Hyeon Kim, Dongjun Yang, Hyejung Jeong, Jinseon Jang, Changho Yoon (GIC Int’l Residents Support Team)

Movies @ Gwangju Theater Chungjangro 5-ga (two blocks behind Migliore) Phone: 062-224-5858 Films change weekly to bi-weekly.

Check online for more movies, schedule and prices. (http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju)

days. He begins to remember his childhood, and goes to look for those old friends.

The Dearest 은실이 Genre: Animation Country: Korea Language: Korean Synopsis: Eunsil, suffering from a mental disability, loses her life giving birth to a baby whose father is unknown. People in her calm village start to be agitated by the incident, without sadness or sympathy for the baby; people just want to avoid it. Nobody will help find out the identity of the baby’s father. What are they hiding?

Choked 가시 Genre: Drama Starring: Taegu Eom, Sejin Park, Hyeyeon Kil Country: Korea Language: Korean Synopsis: Yunho, working in a restructuring company, passes his days in preparing for his marriage, after his mom disappeared with all his property. One day, a woman whose name is Seohee comes to him requesting he pay back some money that his mom had borrowed.

Mother 어머니 Genre: Documentary Starring: Soseon Lee Country: Korea Language: Korean Synopsis: Changshin-dong - between narrow streets, people make a living. There is an old lady called Soseon, meaning “little angel”, who has a warm heart. Her first son, Taeil Jeon, was killed, and after that she has shared the pain and sorrow of her neighbors wisely for forty years on her own.

Romance Joe 로맨스 조 Genre: Drama, Romance Starring: Yeongpil Lee, Dongmi Shin, Chaeeun LeeCountry: Korea Language: Korean Synopsis: Mr. Lee, a film director, comes to stay in a cheap inn in a rural area to write a new movie scenario.

When a popular actress, Juhyeon Woo, commits suicide, there are rumors surrounding the incident.

Mirage 밀월도 가는 길 Genre: Drama, mystery Starring: Jeongwoong Moon, Jaeseung Shin, Country: Korea Language: Korean Synopsis: Dongjo, drunk, opens his eyes in a subway. He suddenly realizes his bag is lost, looks for it, and strangely finds another red bag that he had lost in his high school 8

Gwangju News April 2012

Sympathy for Us 태어나서 미안해 Genre: Drama, Comedy Starring: Junsik Lim, Chaeseon Lim, Sangho Country: Korea Language: Korean Synopsis: Juan with his limp, Yoda with the blue Mongolian spot, and Dukjeong who longs for Kurt Cobain and his yellow hair, are always together. However, they are miserable youths who don’t know what they should live for, and how they should make a living.

Sports Gwangju FC Soccer Team April Match Schedule Date

Match Team

Time

1 8 15

Gangwon FC Ulsan Hyundai Jeonnam Dragons

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

Venue: Gwangju World Cup Stadium (광주월드컵경기장) Directions: Take bus 6, 16, 20, 26, 47 or 74 to the World Cup Stadium bus stop Ticket Prices: VIP 10,000 won, GOLD 5,000 won (If you buy a ticket on the website you will receive a 10% discount) Website: www.gwangjufc.com

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KIA Tigers Baseball Team April Match Schedule Date

Match Team

Time

10 11 12 20 21 22 24 25 26

Samsung Samsung Samsung Lotte Lotte Lotte Hanhwa Hanhwa Hanhwa

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

There are exhibition matches in March. The regular season will start in April.

Venue: Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium (무등경기장) Directions: Take bus 16, 38, 51, 53, 58, 89, 95, 98 or 151 to the Mudeung Stadium bus stop Ticket Prices: Adults 7,000 - 13,000 won; Students (13 18):4,000 - 9,000 won; Children (under 13): 2,000 - 6,000 won Website: www.tigers.co.kr

This Month at Holiday Inn Gwangju Dear Friends, Welcome to the April! Here’s what’s happening and what’s new at Holiday Inn Gwangju Spring at last We have a great Blossoms in Spring package from195,000won. This provides one night’s accommodation, full buffet breakfast for two and Happy Hour for two people on the 10th floor at Cloud Lounge. This is a wonderful night for two and for an additional 65,000 won, you can upgrade to a Junior Suite

Performances Two Nights and Three Days with My Mommy Location: Grand Theater, Gwangju Culture Art Center (광주문화예술회관) Date: March 31, April 1 Time: 31st 7 p.m. / 1st 2 p.m, 6 p.m.

Admission fee: Seat VIP 77,000 won, Seat R 66,000 won, Seat S 55,000 won Phone: 010-4710-7235

Lobby Lounge Our Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights rendezvous place. Full Snack Buffet and unlimited local Draft Beer, Red & White Wine or soft drinks from 6.30pm to 9.30pm all for just 21,500 won per person.

Muse 30th Anniversary Concert Location: Small Theater, Gwangju Culture Art Center (광주문화예술회관) Date: April 2 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Admission fee: 10,000 won Phone: 010-3377-4981

Hourglass Restaurant -The NEW Chocolate Fountain and more Our great buffet at Dinner time features a new triple-deck chocolate fountain. Dip your Marshmallows plus other delights on a stick. We are also featuring great new dishes including some new Chinese choices. Dinner is 35,200 won per person and lunch is 29,700 won per person

The Arts Stage on Tuesday 화요예술무대-봄맞이 한국가곡의 향연 Location: Small Theater, Gwangju Culture Art Center (광주문화예술회관) Date: April 3 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Admission fee: 10,000 대화 Insooni & Denis Sungho Concert My...대 Location: Small Theater, Gwangju Culture Art Center (광주문화예술회관) Date: April 12 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Admission fee: Seat R 80,000 won, Seat S 50,000 won, Seat A 30,000 won Contact: 02-749-8821

Spring Cocktail Our Lobby Lounge is again offering wonderful Spring Cocktail Promotion for 13,200 won.

We all look forward to seeing you at Holiday Inn Gwangju.

Best wishes, Michael Wilson General Manager Holiday Inn Gwangju Michael.Wilson@ihg.com

Gwangju News April 2012

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Festival Cheongsando Slow Walk Festival Date: April 1-30 Venue: slow city Cheongsando and environs Activity: Walk like characters in “Seopyenje”, slow food experience, traditional Korean fishing experience, clam handcraft etc.

To get there: Take the bus to Wando bus terminal from Usquare and take a ship to Cheongsando form Wando ferry terminal (from Wando to Cheongsando 7,700 won) For more information, go to: http://island.haewoon.co.kr http://www.slowcitywando.com/ Shinan Tulip Festival

Date: April 20-29 Venue: Deagwang Beach , Imja-myen Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do Activity: picking Tulips, kite flying, walking through the blossoms To get there: take a bus to Muan from a U-square bus terminal and take a ferry to Imjado from the Jeomam dock of Jido Inquiry: 061-240-8880-1 For more information, go to: http://www.shinantulip.co.kr/ Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival Date: April 6-9 Venue: Dr. Wangin historical site, Gurim village, pottery museum Yeoungam-gun and environs Programs: Mega Parade “Wangin goes to Japan!”

Performances and lighting ceremony To get there: take a bus to Yeongam from U-square Bus terminal (1hr / every 20 min) For more information, go to: http://wanginfs.yeongam.go.kr/

Making Luck From Five Colors 오방색으로 福을 만들다 Location: Gwangju Shinsegae Gallery (Gwangju Shinsegae Department Store, 1st floor) Date: April 17-30, 2012 (opening on April 17 at 6 p.m.)

Admission fee: free Phone: 062-360-1630 A Large Number of Landscapes 풍경이 多 Location: 577-2, Sotae-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, Korea (갤러리 생각상자, Gwangju Nam Elementary School Bus stop, Buses no. 15, 25, 45, 52, 76, 150, 151, 152) Date: until April 10 (Closed every Sunday) The private exhibition of Park Seongwan Admission fee: free Phone: 062-676-8986 Fancy Outing 특별한 외출 展 Location: Nampo Art Museum (Yeongnam-myeon, Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea) Date: until April 26 Admission fee: free Phone: 061-832-0003 For more information go to: www.nampoart.co.kr

GIC Tour with Warren

Naju

Exhibitions A Secret, The Margin of Error 비밀 , 오차의 범위 Location: Gwangju Museum of Art 광주시립 미술관 (1st, 2nd exhibition) Date: Until April 15, 2012 Admission fee: 500won Phone: 062-613-7100 For more information go to: www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr The Animal Friend Coming to the Art Museum 미술관에 온 동 물친구 Location: Gwangju Museum of Art 광주시립 미술관 Date: until June 10 Admission fee: 500 won Phone: 062-613-7100 For more information go to: www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr Jeolla-do in Pictures 그림 속 전라도 展 Location: Lotte Gallery (Gwangju Bank Building, next to Lotte Dept. Store) Date: until April 9 Admission fee: free Phone: 062-221-1808 10

Gwangju News April 2012

Date: April 28, 2012 Tour Highlights: - Walking tour of historic Naju center - Lunch at a Naju gomtang restaurant - Naju Confucian academy - Traditional tea drinking ceremony - Wansa Cheon - Bannam Go Bun - Visit soy sauce and bean paste farm Price and registration period: TBA For more information contact GIC at gictour@gic.or.kr or 062-226-2733

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feature

An Afternoon with

Kim Jaram

By Caitlin Jacobs Photos by Christina Green

K

im Jaram sits in the Beethoven classical music listening café in downtown Gwangju, sipping on a cup of plum tea. She has made the long journey back to her home town for her brother’s wedding and has extended her stay with the hope of getting some rest. This hasn’t happened, however, as word got around that she was in town and many hopeful young musicians began requesting lessons with the top-schooled, internationally experienced violinist. “No more TV dramas for you, Jaram!” she jokes.

But Jaram is no stranger to hard work. As any musician knows, hours and years of practice and rehearsals, sweat and calluses, are required for even moderate success. Jaram has been diligently studying music since she was nearly four years old and playing the violin since she was six. The now 27-year-old’s dedication has seen her travel to the other side of the world and back, where she now tells Gwangju News about the success and struggle she has seen in her studies, her work, and her personal life.

Teachers and travel “I don’t remember really falling in love with music,” Jaram muses. As a child, she was interested in many other kinds of art in addition to music. What was it then that motivated her to stick with the lessons and practice for so many years? “It was, I think, teachers,” she recalls. “Teachers always really pushed through for me.” Jaram’s teachers recognized her talent and guided her in the right direction. She feels lucky to have met good teachers who kept referring her to better and better teachers rather than trying to keep her within their own studios. They encouraged Jaram to reach for higher goals, apply for increasingly prestigious schools, and attend the best-known music festivals around the world. Though her parents had no musical background themselves, they trusted those teachers and let Jaram do what she needed to do to advance.

Gwangju’s thriving arts community also helped to nurture the young Jaram. She was able to compete in the Honam University Art Competition

Gwangju News April 2012

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at the age of ten, and won the gold medal. “The opportunity to perform on a real stage is rare for young people,” she says, and it gave her a clear goal to work toward in her music lessons.

Not too long after winning the Honam competition, Jaram met Professor Kang Hyo at the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. Professor Kang, a Korean musician who was teaching at Julliard Pre-College in New York, suggested that she apply for the Julliard program. Jaram’s mother asked her if she’d like to live in New York. Jaram was 11 years old at the time and had just changed schools from Seoul to Gwangju. “I was like, I don’t have any friends here, so what’s the difference? I didn’t know that it was miles and miles away in a completely different place,” she says. “I don’t think I knew what America was at all.”

Whether or not she knew how much her life would change, she auditioned and was accepted.

Jaram and her mother moved to New York. Jaram is careful to give credit to her mother for all of her support throughout the process. “It was really scary for my mom, too,” she says. Jaram’s mother spoke no English and had never imagined living thousands of miles away from her husband and son, who remained in Gwangju. Yet she nurtured her daughter through one of the most exciting and difficult periods of her life.

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Gwangju News April 2012

English and jazz The first major task for Jaram when she began her life in New York was to learn how to communicate with her teachers, classmates, and everyone else around her. Her father expressed concern for his loquacious daughter in a country where she did not speak the language. Would she be happy when she couldn’t talk to anyone? But within just two months, Jaram was chattering away in English to anyone who would listen.

Having no private tutor, Jaram had to learn to speak English on her own. She spent hours in Barnes & Noble book stores, working her way through any book she found she could understand. “I was in 6th grade, but I was reading those baby books with the fuzzy stuff that you can feel,” she laughs. From book to book, she gradually worked her way to the fluent, unaccented English she speaks today.

Jaram believes it’s very important that she learned English in this way -- naturally. “It’s like learning jazz,” she says. The rules of jazz music are quite complicated, and Jaram found them to be an obstacle in her own studies. “I started with theory of jazz, but when I had to play it, I got this block because it didn’t come naturally. I know the rules, but it doesn’t come out.” Language is similar, she believes. If a language student begins with grammar, the new language can quickly become overwhelming. The student must want to communicate, not just memorize vocabulary and

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rules. “If you start with very easy books and just enjoy speaking with many people, you can do well,” Jaram advises.

She found a similar kind of enjoyment in the vastly different education system she encountered in the U.S. “In Korea, it’s very good, organized, methodical teaching, but not creative or inspiring,” she recalls. Students learn by memorization, but have little opportunity to digest the information they are studying. “It’s all in the head, but not so much in the stomach,” she says.

Jaram’s schoolteachers in America, by contrast, were very inspiring. She recalls her English literature teacher, from whom she learned to appreciate Shakespeare -- not an easy task for any high school student, let alone a non-native English speaker. “Her passion seeped through and we got so inspired,” Jaram says, a little bit of her own passion strengthening her voice.

Identity and culture shock The biggest challenge in moving abroad, Jaram recalls, wasn’t the language barrier, which she overcame in leaps and bounds. It was finding her identity between two cultures. “I lived with my mom and I ate Korean food every day, and all of those things were very Korean, but then when I stepped out of my household, the rest was another [culture],” she remembers. “So I sort of lived a double identity.” During her teenage years, this was very difficult to handle. Because of the diversity of people living in New York, she never felt like an outsider because of her race, but she struggled constantly with questions about which parts of her would be Korean and which parts would be American. “I sort of get to choose a little bit, since I have both,” she explains.

These days, she describes herself as a Korean American, and seems quite confident and comfortable with this blended identity. Jaram considers America her home, as that is where all of her friends are living and where she spent her formative years. But when she is sick and needs comfort, she still craves Korean food. “There’s nothing else that makes you sweat and opens all your airways!” she advises.

She admits, however, that she has experienced a little bit of culture shock during this visit to Korea, her first in two-and-a-half years. “I’ve romanticized Korean culture,” she says. “It’s something I learned but never lived as an adult.” She feels just slightly out of place in a country that is not quite as she remembered it from childhood. Jaram admires the Confucian ideas of morality and how to treat

one’s parents, elders, strangers, and others. “To me, these ideas seem very noble,” she explains.

She has found, however, that not all Korean people keep to this system, or that, even more frequently, it is carried out to an extreme. “Of course parents should protect children and children should respect the opinion of parents, but I think it’s overly considered,” she says. Frequently the freedom of young people to make their own decisions and live their own lives can be stunted for fear of angering or upsetting a parent or teacher.

Playing her own tune Jaram plans to c o n t i n u e embracing her own freedom, however.

Though her music has taken her from Korea to the U.S. to her current home in Florence, Italy and to many other countries in between, she has so much she still wants to accomplish. Jaram doesn’t see herself settling in any one place. “I have the blood of a Gypsy,” she jokes. Although her parents wish she would get married and start a family, she feels she won’t be ready for at least another five years. She wants to open her own violin studio so she can bring her own students to the kinds of festivals that opened so many doors in her career. She also plans to make a recording of solo work within the next two or three years. If even a little bit of her passion and confidence seeps into that recording, it’s sure to be a bestseller.

The video of this interview will be available around mid-April at www.gwangjunewsgic.com.

The Beethoven listening café is located above the new German Bar downtown. They serve traditional Korean beverages and take requests for music played over their sound system. They also occasionally host small concerts and screen movies.

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feature

Uhang-ri Dinosaur Museum Words and photo by Mark Liebenthal

T

he Uhang-ri Dinosaur Museum is south of Gwangju and Mokpo, near Haenam. It is set in rolling hills with life-sized dinosaurs placed around the parking lot and the sidewalks on the way to the museum. From one’s car to the front door of the museum, visitors are awed by the sight of such large dinosaur displays. One feels a sense of high expectation that they will be impressed after these immediate sightings of four-story brontosaurs. The exhibit actually begins as soon as you emerge from your car and reaches far beyond the main building, which is a pleasant fifteenminute walk from the parking lot. The scale of the exhibit is as vast as the landscape.

From the parking lot, one can almost see the main building where dinosaur skeletons are set up inside.

Along the wide, winding walkways there are plenty of opportunities for picture-taking. The immense dinosaur displays are not roped off, so enthusiasts may stand knee-high to a brontosaurus, or risk their neck in the jaws of prehistoric proto-crocodile.

Photography lovers could easily spend an hour taking pictures in the front, outside display, especially during spring and summer, as the landscape will be green and the fountains will be operating.

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The museum building is itself a display. The façade has two life-sized brontosaurs “breaking” through the wall as they escape from the museum. It is an extraordinary, life-like display of a pair of brontosaurs in a contemporary setting.

Inside the building is an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, habitat displays, informative signs, a children’s play area, a life-like robotic dinosaur and a cafeteria.

The curator of the museum spared no expense with the exhibits. There are a variety of sizes of each dinosaur on display. There are impressive Triceratops, Pterodactyl, Stegosaurus, and many others to view.

The middle of the museum is a large habitat display of a life-sized, robotic Tyrannosaurus rex eating another dinosaur. The roar of the T-Rex is chilling; it can be heard (and felt) throughout the entire building. This habitat room is dark, making it the perfect setting for walking into a carnivore’s lair.

Next to the T-Rex room is a Pterodactyl room and a glass floor display. Again, the curator spared no

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Top: Mark’s family with a triceratops

expense, as there is a skeleton of a Pterodactyl the size of a truck suspended from the ceiling, surrounded by other smaller Pterodactyls. The floor, walls and ceiling are used to display the impressive remains.

In between the exhibit rooms there are places to pose with Trick Art. The dinosaur museum is located at the site where thousands of fossilized footprints are found. The museum is built over the foot prints, with a glass floor, for easy viewing and for the preservation of the site.

The main building has a small selection of footprints with glass-floor viewing, while further back along the shoreline, there are large viewing halls.

The viewing halls are long buildings set along the hills of the shoreline and have both glass floors and open viewing of the shore line. The large windows facing out toward the ocean, allow full scenic viewing of the shore.

The viewing halls are sizeable enough to accommodate large groups comfortably. There is ample room on both sides of the display to allow pedestrian traffic to flow freely, while other groups may stand along the rails without blocking those who are strolling through. Enthusiasts may take the time to study the tracks and take pictures, while the merely curious may pass by at a faster pace.

The walking area behind the museum is extensive.

There are many life-sized dinosaurs waiting to be discovered and photographed. Having the giant dinosaurs outside is perfect for photography as they are set in natural surroundings. The colorful giants are perfect to the smallest detail.

Also behind the museum is an observation tower on a hill. A short walk up a wide, winding paved path is an enclosed observation platform. The observation platform is round and glass-walled, allowing for a panoramic view.

The Uhang-ri Dinosaur Museum is an hour and a half drive south of Gwangju. The area has much to offer a visitor, such as: hiking, bird watching, temples, local cuisine, mountain-top observation platforms (with cable car rides), beaches, islands and more.

One may also easily visit Haenam, Wando, Jindo and Mokpo while in the area. Then you won’t want to miss it!

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feature

A Revolution Without Dancing is not a Revolution Worth Having Words and photos by Alfian Zohri

A

s Russian-born American writer Emma Goldman once said “If I can't dance, it's not my revolution! If I can't dance, I don't want your revolution! If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution.” Emma was absolutely right about dancing and celebrating a revolution. These two elements were born together and without having both, a movement can’t be called a revolution.

The Egyptians were dancing jubilantly as soon as Mubarak’s regime fell and the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters were singing on the streets with their AK-47s on their shoulders after they took over Benghazi. We must also remember how the Cubans celebrated when Castro and El Che liberated them from the US-aligned dictator General Batista.

Libya is in a transition period after its revolution, Mubarak is now facing trial, and Cubans are still living peacefully despite having their own political disagreements. On Jeju Island however, the struggle continues. A 400 year-old fishing village on Jeju Island called Gangjeong is currently being demolished to build a military naval base despite being recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Since the protest started, large numbers of peaceful activists have been arrested, numerous demonstrations have been organized, petition after petition has been sent and yet the construction work is still ongoing.

Although many activists have been arrested, the number of people joining the cause has increased day by day, and to raise more awareness among the South Koreans, a charity concert organized by both local and international activists took place in Seoul recently. The gig was held at a small rock club in Hongdae on March 1st. As many as 11 bands from various genres played at the concert, including Cosmos Sound, ReSka, Hwang Boryung

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Smacksoft, Eshe & Navah with Juk Juk Grunge's Ahreum, Goguryeo Band and GJ Flower Band, a band from Gangjeong, performed to support those fighting against the construction of the military naval base. Over100 people turned up at the concert to enjoy the work of so many talented musicians.

Also present during the charity gig was Angie Zelter, a prominent peace activist from the UK who has been arrested more than 100 times in several different countries. She was also one of the female activists who disabled the Hawk Jet that was

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nonviolent protests while heavy fines have been imposed on many in attempt to silence the movement.

“Police and construction workers have assaulted elderly members of the community and [have even] arrested middle and high school students. This is not only an issue of protecting the environment or preventing military expansion; human rights and free speech are also at stake.”

ReSKA, Korean reggae and ska band performing during the charity gig in support against the Naval Base in Gangjeong

labeled for sale to the Indonesian military to be used against the East Timorese.

According to one of the organizers of the concert, almost 200 villagers have been arrested during the

Gangjeong villagers are not the only community currently being oppressed. Palestinians mainly in Gaza and Ramallah are facing the same treatment. Papuans and Tibetans have been fighting for their rights for years. Yet they still dance, they still have beautiful music and they are still able to write wonderful lyrics. Emma Goldman was definitely right when she said “A revolution without dancing is not a revolution worth having. If there won't be dancing at the revolution, I'm not coming.”

Gwangju News April 2012

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events

Spring Festivals

by Emma Dooley

K

orea is famous for its many and varied festivals and spring is the perfect time to go festival hopping, as the number of events taking place around the country reaches its peak at this time of year. There really is something for everyone from the Boseong Green Tea Festival to the Jeonju International Film Festival to the Haeundae Sand Festival in Busan. There are many festivals taking place within easy reach of Gwangju, making day trips cheap and hassle-free, but if you want to travel further afield and make a weekend of it, there are plenty of options for that too! Below you will find details and travel information about a selection of the most popular spring festivals around the country Flower festivals are perhaps the most-visited festivals in spring. The festivals begin in March and run until late April, so there is still plenty of time to ring in the warmer weather and walk among the blossoms!

The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is the largest cherry blossom festival in Korea.

It runs from April 1 to April 10 and attracts over 2 m i l l i o n visitors

each year. Many cherry blossom related events to choose from, including “cherry blossom lighting” and a multimedia fireworks show. The festival also commemorates Admiral Yi Sun Sin with a military band parade (April 6-10).

How to get there: Take a bus from Gwangju to Masan, then take local bus 162 or 760 and get off at Jinhae Station (40-50 minutes). From Jinhae Station it is a 10-minute walk to the festival area.

There are two flower festivals on Jeju Island in the month of April: the Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival runs from April 6 to April 8, and the Jeju Canola Flower Festival takes place from April 20 to April 29. Jeju’s blossoms are of the King Cherry Tree variety, and their petals are the largest of all the cherry blossoms around! The festival takes place in downtown Seogwipo in the Jeju Citizen Welfare Town Area.

How to get there: Fly to Jeju Island (try Jeju Air or Asiana Airlines), then take bus 100 to the bus terminal.

Cherry Blossom Festival: Transfer to bus 5 and get off at the Health Center Bus Stop. Alternatively you can take a 10-15 minute taxi ride from the airport to the festival.

Canola Flower Festival: From Jeju Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Beonyeong-ro to Pyoseon.

You can then take a shuttle bus from Pyoseon to the festival venue.

The sea parts and forms a walkway at the Jindo Miracle Sea Festival

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One of the more unusual spring festivals is the Hampyeong Butterfly Festival, which runs from April 27 to May 8. During the festival, Hampyeong is awash with butterfly decorations, butterfly lights and, of course, the butterflies themselves! The festival uses butterflies to teach visitors about the ecology of the region and there is a plethora of butterfly-themed events and activities to choose from. There is also a “hands-on” area for kids (big and small!) for festival-goers to see and touch a variety of animals and plants. The admission fee is 7,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for kids.

How to get there: Take a bus from Gwangju to Hampyeong (3,400 won, 7:10a.m. to 8 p.m., 30 minutes). From the bus terminal in Hampyeong it is a 10-minute walk to Expo Park, the festival venue.

Cherry blossom tree by the stream

If movies are your passion, then the Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) is the one for you!

JIFF runs from April 26 to May 4 and the keywords for 2012 are “Sympathize and Change.” The motif for this year’s festival is that of a butterfly effect, which symbolizes how Jeonju, a small city, can change lives through its screenings and become the premier film festival in Korea. There are plenty of films for international visitors to choose from, and almost all the movies that have non-English dialogue are subtitled in English. Tickets can be bought online (although the schedule is not yet available online) and cost 5,000 won for general screenings (10,000 won for opening and closing films). For more information visit http://eng.jiff.co.kr.

How to get there: Take a bus from U-square to Jeonju (6,300 won, 90 minutes, from 6:55a.m. to 8:20 p.m.)

If you want to experience a miracle during your time in Korea, then pay a visit to the Jindo Miracle Sea Festival, which runs from April 7 to April 9.

Once a year in Jindo, a tidal phenomenon occurs and the sea miraculously “parts”, creating a 2.8km-long road measuring 40 to 60 meters in width, making it possible to walk through the sea to a nearby island! The then-French Ambassador to Korea visited Jindo in 1975 an observed the sea parting and claimed that the Moses Miracle could be seen in Korea. International media picked up the story and the festival has been famous ever since!

How to get there: Take a bus from Usquare to Jindo Terminal (11,400 won, 2 hours, 5:50a.m. to 7:30p.m., 12 buses daily). During the festival, shuttle buses will run from Jindo Terminal to the festival venue.

Van Hoang

If tea is what you’re into, there are a couple of festivals to choose from. The Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival takes place from May 2 to May 6.

Hadong is famous as the first tea plantation site in Korea and continues to use traditional tea processing methods. During the festival, visitors can sample the tea free of charge and purchase it at reduced prices. Festival activities include a tea etiquette ceremony, making tea bowls, seminars on farming tea and tea bowls, as well as a tea etiquette competition for international tourists!

How to get there: Take the Mugunghwa train from Seo Gwangju Terminal to Hadong Station (2 hours 50 minutes, 9,300 won). From Hadong Station, take bus 35-1 to Hagae Stop (52 minutes,1,200 won) The Boseong Green Tea Festival is a little closer to Gwangju and takes place from May 16 to May 20.

Boseong Green Tea Plantation is the largest producer of tea in Korea. During the festival, visitors can take part in several hands-on activities, from picking tea leaves, to making tea, to making and eating green tea snacks! There will also be a number of performances during the festival.

How to get there: Take a bus from U-square to Boseong Terminal (7,800 won, 90 minutes, 6:30 a.m. to 9:40 p.m., 21 buses daily). From Boseong Terminal take a local bus for Yulpo and get off at Boseong Green Tea Plantation.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. For a more comprehensive list of festivals, visit the Korea Tourism Organization at http://english.visitkorea.or.kr.

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national

Don’t Drink the Water!

By Michael Bielawski

E

very day we shower, brush our teeth, and many of us take medications... and what do all three activities have in common? They often involve ingesting or absorbing fluoride. In the US it's considered one of the all time great medical achievements in modern history that approximately 70 percent of the water supplies now contain fluoride for oral hygiene. It's also one of the most controversial public health policies as fluoride is a neurotoxin and carcinogen which has been linked to several severe health risks including cancer and brain damage.

Now it's time for Koreans to get into the debate.

Currently, less than five percent of the nation drinks fluoridated water, but according to a recent report by the Korea Herald if the Ministry of Health has their way soon all of Korea will be forced to use fluoridated tap water.

Before even getting into the debate about the pros and cons of fluoride with respect to our health, it should be established that adding fluoride to water constitutes forced drugging, which violates any nation's constitution, federal law, common law as well as the Nuremberg Code, which was implemented after the WWII Nazi war crimes trials. So even if we were to assume that fluoride is good for our health overall, it still can't legally be added to a public water supply.

Now let’s look at the history of fluoridated water.

Fluoride was first added to drinking water in Russian Soviet and Nazi concentration camps during World War II. After the war ended, the US picked up the trend and now several modern nations around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Chile, Ireland, Malaysia, Vietnam and South Korea all fluoridate their water to varying degrees.

So where does fluoride come from? Many different variants of fluoride are the industrial byproducts of the production of cement, aluminum fertilizer, steel and nuclear weapons. In total there are over 300 chemicals all under the blanket term "fluoride" including arsenic and

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uranium. These industries would have to pay to dispose of these chemicals at a toxic waste site, but instead cities pay millions to buy the chemicals for their drinking water.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has labeled fluoride as a level four hazardous substance (the highest level) meaning that it’s "life-threatening, major or permanent damage may result from single or repeated exposure..."

Other warnings include a memo from the American Dental Association warning parents not to make baby formula using fluoridated water.

And if you check the label on a tube of fluoride toothpaste, it says if a child swallows any amount to call the emergency room.

Many people may also be surprised to learn that fluoride is also the main ingredient in most pesticides such as rat poison, and it's a main ingredient in military nerve gas. In fact, one of the most potent sources of fluoride in our diets may not be drinking water at all, it may be fruits and vegetables which are sprayed with fluoride-based pesticides.

So what health defects has fluoride been linked

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in the US the National Defense Authorization Act was passed legalizing the secret arrest and killing of Americans anywhere in the world without trial.

Then in early March 2012 the US military announced to the US Senate that their orders will only come from the President and the United Nations, which is effectively a foreign coup not unlike Caesar's dismissal of the Roman Senate during the Roman Empire.

to? A seven-fold increase in bone cancer (New Jersey Department of Health 1992 study), lower IQ (Environmental Health Perspectives 2010 study), Alzheimer's and memory loss (Journal of Brain Research 1998 study) and kidney and thyroid damage (National Research Council 2006 study) are some of the most common harmful side effects. And speaking of being good for our teeth, it also causes dental fluorosis, or the yellowing of teeth with brown spots (CDC 2002 study).

So are there any pros to having fluoride in drinking water? Fluoride when topically applied to teeth does harden the surface, so the notion that adding fluoride to water supplies fights cavities may in fact be true. This was recently backed up by a study carried out in Korea's Wonkwang University which showed a slight decrease, by about ten to twenty percent depending on age group, in cavities among fluoridated populations. But that begs the question... when everything is considered is it really worth risking cancer, brain damage and so on just to prevent some cavities? Remember you can still use the toothpaste with fluoride without drinking it.

Either of these historical events should, in theory, cause riots at least in the US if not around the world.

Now most people probably aren't even aware of these events to begin with as a result of controlled media. The fact is, most people when they hear this kind of thing call it conspiracy theory. Or they say there is nothing we can do.

In 2008, when Korea made a deal with the US to import beef that probably isn't safe, Koreans hit the streets and demonstrated as if they were protesting a war. Well, this is more serious than US beef, because you can choose not to buy or eat US beef. How is anyone going to avoid fluoride when they need to take a shower and it's in the water?

The opposition to water fluoridation ranges from grassroots activism to opposition within the very government agencies that enforce the policy. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency's Union of Scientists petitioned that fluoride be removed from the water supply. Across the US active citizens are successfully convincing their local governments to remove fluoride from their cities and towns, but the federal government is countering by lobbying the state governments to reinstate water fluoridation.

Finally there is the big question...why? Why put something so apparently dangerous into water supply and in an illegal fashion? Remember what the Nazis said, “It makes people easier to control�.

Consider just these two events of the past three months and the public response (or lack of response) resulting from each. This past December

Gwangju News April 2012

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community

2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade tells EPIC story

By Gwangju Universiade

G

wangju, a relatively small city in Asia with wonders quite unrevealed to the world, is set to reach out to the young people of the world. The concept of the 2015 Gwangju Universiade is ‘EPIC’. EPIC symbolizes the special story of the city of Gwangju and its dedication to the Universiade. As the acronym for Eco-friendliness, Peace, IT and Culture, EPIC strives towards a great epic celebration filled with striking impressions and fervent passion.

These four visions are the principal concepts of the Universiade.

Eco-versiade…for sustainable development The indispensable factor in modern-day sporting events is the preservation of the environment.

Gwangju Universiade has formulated a strategy that combines the reduction of costs and preservation of the environment by minimizing new construction.

Of the 77 competition venues needed during the Universiade (42 competition venues, 35 training venues), 97.4% of the venues will be provided through the refurbishment of existing facilities. Only the swimming and gymnastics venues need to be newly constructed to meet international standards.

The first strategy in making preparations for Gwangju Universiade is to minimize the financial burden while enhancing economic efficiency through the implementation of environmentally friendly and sustainable methods.

Peace-versiade…declaring the values of democracy, human rights and peace to the world Gwangju is a historic city that advanced Korea’s democratization process through the democratization movement that took place there on May 18, 1980. The spirit of Gwangju citizens dedicated to democracy, human rights and peace rising up against the dictatorial regime has become the model of democracy in Asia. A single interKorean team will be organized in the city of Gwangju where the festival of peace will unfold. The

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young people of South and North Korea will participate as one team to leave a deep impression on people around the world, and make progress for achieving peace on the Korean peninsula.

IT-versiade…a ubiquitous sporting event enjoyed anytime, anywhere The Gwangju Universiade will hold the most efficient IT sporting event by broadly applying Korea’s renowned cutting-edge telecommunications technology together with Gwangju’s state-of-theart photonics. Details on the operation of the Universiade including the schedule and results of the sports events, as well as management and information on the Universiade will be integrated to be organically linked to the Internet interface and mobile information management system. The Total Integration Management System (TIMS) enabling service anytime, anywhere by any device will be instituted.

Culture-versiade…a feast of global culture unfolded in the cultural city of Asia Gwangju is Korea’s representative city on art and has turned out quite a number of renowned artists.

The Gwangju Biennale, held since 1995 with the vision of passing on the tradition of art, is considered one of the world’s three major biennales. With the opening of the Asian Culture Complex in 2014, Gwangju is poised to take a quantum leap forward in becoming a major global cultural hub. The 2015 Gwangju Universiade will become the sports and cultural festival for university students worldwide. It will offer them the opportunity to experience the diverse culture and art of Korea as well as to share and enjoy the diverse culture of the world by integrating the cultural contents of the Asian Culture Complex. Gwangju Universiade will become a cultural Universiade that is rich in culture and filled with more artistic enjoyment than any other sporting event staged to date.

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community

Gwangju Universiade Athletes’ Village – an eco-friendly and sustainable construction Words and photo by Gwangju Universiade

T

he 2015 Gwangju Universiade has chosen a new path. It is not the large-scale development chosen by cities in the past, nor the temporary facilities abandoned after a one-time use. The financial burden for large-scale development is enormous, while temporary facilities encompass the problem of wasting resources as it is used merely once and torn down. The method chosen by Gwangju was the reconstruction of aging apartment complexes. Hwajeong and Yeomju Jugong Apartment Complexes are located within five minutes of the Gwangju World Cup Stadium, which is the main competition venue, and were thus chosen to be reconstructed. These thirty-year-old apartments will be completely renovated, used as the Athletes’ Village during the Universiade, and afterwards returned to the residents.

It is the first time in the history of sports competition in Korea that the Athletes’ Village will be built through a reconstruction project. The project is attracting attention from Korea and abroad as a means of reducing the budget and revitalizing a dilapidated urban area. Last year, the city of Gwangju gathered the opinions of local residents wishing for reconstruction, and has undergone procedures for the construction of the Athletes’ Village. Based on the consent form for reconstruction submitted by the residents in November of last year, the Gwangju City Council passed the motion supporting the construction of the Athletes’ Village last April, which provided the impetus for the project. Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. was chosen as the general contractor for this reconstruction project, which will start early next year. The subscription rate for housing by the residents who wished for reconstruction reached 96%, forecasting success for Korea’s first-ever apartment-turned Athletes’ Village.

Some 14,000 athletes from 170 nations will be housed in the Hwajeong Jugong Complex. It will be converted into lodging for athletes in 35 buildings housing 3,727 units. Included in the complex will be a cafeteria, fitness center and medical facilities for the athletes. To this end, relocation of the residents will be completed by April 2012 and the reconstruction will be completed by March, 2015. Yeomju Jugong

The Korean delegation team entered the opening ceremony of the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzen, China on August 2011

Complex, meanwhile, will be torn down by the first half of 2013, and subsidiary convenience facilities will be built including the Cultural Plaza, parking lot and the Universiade Plaza to be used during the Universiade. Following the Universiade, more apartments will be built on this area. When the Athletes’ Village is successfully completed in March of 2015 through reconstruction, it is expected to open a new era in the history of sports facilities in Korea.

2015 GWANGJU SUMMER UNIVERSIADE Period – July 2015 (13 days) Main Venue – Gwangju World Cup Stadium Host – International University Sports Federation (FISU) Organizers – Korea University Sports Board(KUSB) 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade Organizing Committee Sports – 21 (Compulsory 13 / Optional 8) Compulsory sports – Athletics / Basketball / Fencing / Soccer / Gymnastics(2) / Swimming(3) / Tennis / Volleyball / Judo / Table tennis Optional sports – Taekwondo / Badminton / Golf / Handball / Archery / Shooting / Rowing / Baseball Participants – 20,000 people from 170 countries (including 14,000 athletes & officials)

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perspective

ESL Teaching: Keeping the Fire

By Charles Murray Photo by MaryKay Severino

T

here are times when ESL teachers, much like any other teachers, can question their own efficacy as teachers. This can lead to doubting one's abilities, as well as feelings of hopelessness about one’s performance as a teacher. Any ESL teacher who cares about giving the best-quality instruction they can to their students will face this dilemma at some point in their careers.

I would advise that if you have found yourself doubting your own abilities as a teacher, you needn't feel depressed, but rather positive, for the uninspired teachers who do poorly in teaching are the ones who don’t question their own performances. The very act of doubting means that you care about teaching and the education of your students. Questioning one's progress is the sign of a healthy mind which is trying to grow.

Whenever I hear an ESL teacher say: "I'm just an English teacher," I always know that person is not serious about teaching. It's much same when I hear teachers say, "I'm just here for the money, I'm not trying to change anything." These are uninspired and lackluster phrases which let us all know that teaching ESL to Koreans, or anyone for that matter, is nothing special to you.

Hence, your dreary attitudes will be on display to your students, (you can never fool the students!) and they will not look forward to attending your classes. I have queried many students, as well as my Korean wife Myong, about whether their ESL teachers use any class greetings, such as, "How are you today?" or "What did you do today?" and most told us that their teachers, Korean and foreign, never asked them how they were, or what they did on the weekends. Many, they informed us, didn't even bother to say "hello" but simply told their students, robotically, to open their books to such-and-such a page and began the class.

It may sound trivial to some, small things such as class greetings, and basic questions like, "How is the weather today?" or "What is the date today?" but I beg to differ. Establishing a rapport with your students is one of the most important things a teacher can

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Brainstorming with students

do. And to actually "care" about what they tell you - that is best of all. Attitudes are contagious; people who emit a negative mood will be received with a negative mood. And nothing galvanizes young minds more than a teacher filled with positive energy and a lust for life.

Humor is an indispensable tool in any form of teaching, and it makes students pay attention with more focus. My eighth grade history teacher was telling us about the Quakers in Pennsylvania in one class, and he went on with grave, deadpan delivery to say, "And, of course, we also had the shakers, the bakers and the takers." He was so serious in his tone that it took me a second or two to get that he was, in fact, joking. One time, he told us how Daniel Boone, after killing three black bears one after the other armed with just a knife, went home to be horsewhipped by his wife for being late for dinner (which was not true!). My teacher, Mr. Schwamberger, was a livewire for sure, and it was small anecdotes like this that made us students always pay more attention in his class, if for no other reason than to hear what strange and colorful comments he would make.

I've found humor to be a great motivator, and I'm

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always on the lookout for new ways to make my students (1st grade through adult level) laugh. One of my 4th grader's last names is Shin, so I call him Ee Sun Shin, Korea's greatest military hero, and the kids love it. When students do well, I say "Oobi doobi" and "ooh-wah" and it gets them energized and playful. I was asked by one of my adult students what Oobi-doobi means, and I told her it was a nonsensical utterance Roy Orbison used in one of his songs. "Ooh-wah" was a shout of spirit we used in the United States Army, which is also used in the same way in Korea, so my wife told me.

It is important to be silly sometimes. GermanAmerican sociologist and famous author Eric Hoffer discussed in his book The True Believer how the greatest intellectual minds must have repose, and just be plain foolish sometimes, if they are to keep their minds sharp for serious intellectual pursuits.

Albert Einstein and Orson Welles were both known to be hams, (comical, silly people) much to the surprise of many onlookers.

Nothing motivates me more than hearing the laughter of my students as they use English to respond to something I said. For example, in my 5th and 6th grade class, I have a boy that likes to heckle this one girl sometimes (he has a crush on her). I said to him, "Oh, she is your Jaagi!" (sweetheart). The class roared with thunderous guffaws as the boy explained that he didn't like her. Scientifically, it has been proven that when human beings laugh, their minds are more alert. I told one class that I would create a taekwondo gorilla to defeat King Fu Panda, and then asked them who they thought would win the battle, and they became very

engaged, and everyone had an opinion (about 80 percent said my taekwondo gorilla would win!).

If you simply go to your class and teach a given lesson with nothing of your personality added, then realistically, a robot could replace you. What's the difference? But if you tap into your own sense of humor, and pay attention to what makes your students laugh, you will find that you are, in fact, teaching with fire!

If you do this, you will find teaching an endlessly fascinating and rewarding experience. Learning some Korean is really advised as well. The "English only" school of thought in ESL teaching doesn't work unless you have very advanced students. If you're going to teach in a foreign country, take the time to at least learn the basics of your host country's language. This helps to show the students that you don't know everything, and that, in fact, they can teach the teacher as well. I speak Korean at a lowintermediate level, and I am by no means fluent in the language, but what I have learned is that by using what I know, my students warm up to me much faster, and are less shy about talking. One day we were talking about potatoes, and the word for potato in Korean is kamja. So I drew a picture on the board of kamja namja (potato man) and the kids laughed heartily. When my pronunciation is wrong, the kids love to correct me, and I encourage this. I want them to know that I am not a great, flawless English teacher, but someone who can learn from them as well. Everything we do or don't do will affect these kids' lives, and we can all feel that we did our part if we remember that everything, no matter how small, can have a positive effect.

Gwangju News April 2012

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perspective

The Language Barrier Words and photos by Adam Hogue

T

he job description promised adventure and that is what most people who come are looking for. Out of college with no job, taking a break from a career, a desire to travel; all of these can lead to this place. Korea: A land that welcomes foreigners to work without having to know the language.

What does it mean to pack up and come to a country without having to know the language?

Distance from a community is never part of a plan.

Perhaps it is the adventure of it all that wins in the end; the desire to radically transform our realities into something new and exciting, something that might be uncomfortable but promises growth in the end.

These are big ideas that lead to many, many questions, but what really sticks out is the fact that the vast majority of English teachers in Korea arrived with little or no knowledge of the Korean language, vague generalities about the culture and a strong desire of some sort. And so the question arises: is arriving here with so little knowledge or preparation a positive or negative force?

The reality of any situation is so gray, but being in a situation that is the same as that of many others is

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beginning to show some similarities both among my co-workers and my fellow English teachers. English teachers come here knowing, to an extent, what they are getting into. Korea is a country with a unique language that is not spoken anywhere else in the world and as a fellow EPIK teacher pointed out, “Koreans should expect us to not know the language.” But are foreigners (English teachers and visitors) just here to passively observe Korea at an arm’s length? A resounding sentiment among EPIK teachers seems to be that by coming here to learn in an immersed environment we are being brought into the culture.

Coming to Korea ill-prepared and waiting does not mean that the language will be automatically picked up by immersion alone. It takes years to master a language at a level where deep ideas and emotions can be exchanged without having to think about grammar points or pronunciation.

However, it is the learning itself, even the beginning steps that make a difference.

On both sides of the fence, EPIK teachers and Korean co-workers at 본촌학교 expressed admiration for the process of learning the Korean language.

Even conversational fluency can make a big

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difference. As one EPIK teacher put it, “If nothing else, just because they don't have to translate everything now, it makes all basic situations better. I think especially in Korea where they make statues of the guy who created the alphabet, speaking some of the language puts you into a different footing with the locals.” This sentiment was reflected by a Korean co-teacher when he said that the effort showed a desire to learn and it would also show to the students that I need to learn just like they need to learn.

But over time, being the human beings we are, we might want to know more. Conversational Korean and conversational English leave everyone standing in a middle ground. Foreigners are only on the surface and that leaves a lot to be desired. Personal relationships, for the most part, depend on English if English is your first language. But learning Korean on our end meets Korean people halfway and it is fulfilling to see relationships progress through learning each other’s language. As a Korean coteacher said, “We are trying to understand each other and that is important to show”.

From the view of another Korean co-worker, coming to Korea without a basic understanding of Korean culture and history is adding to what he sees as a rapidly declining culture. “It is all like Europe and America and we are losing our culture very quickly.” And while he praised learning Korean and visiting Korea, he also stressed the importance of studying the roots that led to where Korea is today. “The history will lead to a better understanding of Korea.”

In some ways, foreign English teachers could just be modern day waves of conquistadors spreading the western lifestyle to every pocket of the world.

Gwangju, Seoul, Busan; all of these cities have the international appeal of the worldwide metropolis.

The collection of commerce and ideas embracing the new, working towards a common metropolis vision; New York could be London could be Paris could be Tokyo could be Tel Aviv could be Seoul.

They all have small differences with the same big picture. He recommended that foreigners travel to the country and do a home-stay away from the cities to get a more full understanding of how Korea was to understand Korea now.

white noise: advertisements, conversations, cell phones, words. It consumes us and we forget that it is influencing everything we do. In Korea, we are separated and detached from it all. We can see it, but we can also block it out. We are given only the most important information filtered through in the simplest terms possible.

This experience is also shared by Andrea Edwards, who came to Korea in August 2011: There is something slightly liberating in not being able to read signs and know what conversations are happening around me. Perhaps you could call that ignorance but in London you are so overwhelmed with information everywhere you go it is quite nice to ignore it all here.

Other EPIK teachers have expressed a similar “ignorance is bliss” attitude and this attitude leads to a final point: we are all human and language is far from the only way we communicate. Despite not fully knowing Korea, there are many other ways to connect to the community and show your true self. Playing “vigorous volleyball,” as Michael DiSpigno puts it, is one of many ways to connect within your school or larger community without saying a word.

In the end, the language barrier is a complex and ever changing entity. What works one day might not work the next and what was once positive can suddenly turn negative. The importance lies in the desire to embrace and learn while maintaining a sense of identity.

A special thanks to: Michael DiSpigno, Andrea Edwards, Andrew Vlasblom, Steven and Miranda New, Gi-nam Lee and Young-gil Park for their thoughts and interviews.

The language barrier also places foreign teachers in a unique situation of dependency that is not at all a bad thing. With so much information in the atmosphere, it is nice not to be bombarded 24/7. In the western world we are given so much English Gwangju News April 2012

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PHOTO CONTEST Photo of the Month

Snow in Gwangju

Photo by Ally Nguyen

Up close at the Pine tree forest in An Myeon Do 28

Gwangju News April 2012

Photo by Jannies Le

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This month’s photo contest was judged by Mark Eaton.

Mark Eaton has exhibited his photographic work in art galleries as well as other public and private venues in the United States and South Korea.

Submit your best shot of Korea!

To enter the Photo Contest, simply send your name, photo and picture description to gwangjunews@gmail.com.

The Photo of the Month will be displayed at the GIC for that month.

Painting a traditional Korean fan Photo by Stefan Mittig

Seoul Crossing

Photo by Austin Malone Gwangju News April 2012

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photo essay

Creative

Photos by Kezia Garling Chee

ezia Garling Chee is a self-taught, freelance, American photographer specializing in creative and concert photography. She is currently living and working in Pungam-dong, Gwangju. You can see more of her work online at keziagarlingphoto.carbonmade.com, or follow her blog at kinkorealand.wordpress.com.

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Gwangju News April 2012

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international

Home Pages Want to write about news from your country?

Contact the Editor for more information: gwangjunews@gmail.com.

Nepal 72-year-old declared world's shortest man Chandra Bahadur Dangi, a 72-year-old man from a remote village in southwestern Nepal has been declared the world’s shortest man, after being measured by Guinness World Records officials on Feb 26, 2012. He stands 54.6 cm (21.5 inches) tall which is shorter than the length of a broadsheet newspaper. Dangi has spent his entire life in the remote Nepalese mountain village of Rhimkholi, about 400km west of Kathmandu. Until now, his stature has been a burden; he has been acutely aware of the difficulties of fitting into an average-sized world. However he is hopeful that the new title will see a change in his fortunes. "I'm very happy that I'm being recognized by Guinness World Records and that my name will be written in the book. It's a big thing for my family and my village. I am very happy,” said Dangi. Dangi ousted former record holder Junrey Balawing (18 years old), of the Philippines, who measured 59.9 cm (23.6 inches) in height. "What I find equally remarkable is his age - if he really is 72, he is by far the oldest person to be awarded the shortest-man record in Guinness World Record's 57-year history," said Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday.

By Nipun Tamrakar

New Zealand

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U.S.A

Noisy New Zealand Normally known for the wonder of its silent majestic mountains, peacefully flowing rivers and typically silent flocks of sheep, New Zealanders recently revealed their true noisy selves. For a population slightly smaller than Gwangju, the national noise control branch of the police in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, received more than 50,000 complaints last year. The local council issued more than 13,000 written directions (orders for people to keep the noise down). Police seized a total of 745 items from noisy neighbors, including stereos, amplifiers, speakers, Playstations, mobile phones and one ukulele!

When Turkeys Attack!

Have you ever watched the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie “The Birds”? Well, a Michigan woman is living her own version of the movie.

Edna Geisler has named a 25-pound (55kg) wild turkey “Godzilla” because it attacks her nearly every day. This turkey is no dummy and has strategies including circling her minivan every day at the same time. Wild turkeys are like any other wild animal when it comes to defending their territory; they will use any method possible. Ms. Geisler, I don’t know what you did to this one but it may be time to think about an early Thanksgiving dinner!

By JJ Parkes

By Aisha Hobbs

Gwangju News April 2012

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Wales

Korea Transformers falling in love?

Seemingly good-looking couples were televized on a cable TV channel called “Martian Virus.” The couples underwent a variety of plastic surgeries including double-eye lid surgeries, Botox and nose jobs. They chattered continuously about how eager and desperately they have wanted to change their appearances. More surprisingly, they spent a lot of cash on plastic surgery – almost 100,000 dollars. The couples said that they had a firm belief that the more they tried to transform themselves through the surgeries, the closer they became while dating. During the show, they even tried to encourage others to do the same as they had done. According to them, they could share their faults and pain during the recovery after the surgeries. They feel that plastic surgery is the best short cut to a successful long-term relationship.

Wales’ Famous Trails The western coastal paths of Wales have always been famous for their rugged beauty and dramatic vistas. Now, according to National Geographic, the 180 mile trail it is one of the world's best places to visit this Spring. The hikes, which can take two weeks to complete, take in wildlife-rich nature reserves, several Medieval and Norman castles, as well as Britain's smallest city Saint David’s. Other destinations on the list include Yeosu's 2012 Expo and the newly-accessible Myanmar. The accolade for the region comes after similar recognition last year when the same magazine reported Pembrokeshire as the second-best coastal destination in the world.

By Andrew Thomas

By Kim Dong-hun

India WHO has declared India Polio-Free India achieved a milestone when it was removed from the World Health Organization’s list of countries plagued by the disease polio. This milestone was achieved when there was no new case of polio registered for the past year. It was a proud moment for more than 230,000 volunteers who actively took part in the Pulse Polio Immunization program of the country, the seed of which was sown some 30 years ago in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. "This gives us hope that we can finally eradicate polio not only from India but from the face of the entire mother Earth," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The credit for the eradication has been given to the combined efforts of Government, WHO, UNICEF and Rotary International.

By Sreejith

Gwangju News April 2012

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interview

Egypt, One Year On Words and photo by Gabriel Ward

G

wangju News recently met with Mahmoud Abdul Ghaffar, a man from Egypt and Professor of Arabic at Chosun University, to discuss the situation in Egypt and how things are going there since last year’s uprising, which saw Egypt’s president Hosni Mubarak resign. He also shares his thoughts on what the year 2012 holds for the country.

GN: One year ago we met amidst demonstrations in Tahrir Square. People were calling for the thenpresident Hosni Mubarak to step down after three decades of rule. He did in fact resign the day after we met. The generals who head Egypt’s military council assumed Mubarak’s power upon his resignation. They have repeatedly promised to hand over power to a civilian government in the past year but have postponed this action. What is the general feeling towards the military council in Egypt?

Mahmoud (M): The military council is not trusted in Egypt. Mubarak served on the military council before he became president; the two presidents before him were [also] on the military council. During the revolution last January and February, people had hope that the military council would side with the Egyptian people. This changed when they started tampering with the country’s constitution.

Furthermore, they began fostering conflict between Egyptians, for example those of different religious beliefs. People believed that they were doing this to keep everyone divided, therefore making it easier for them to remain in power. Finally the head of the military council, Tantawe, said that the council would step down six months after they initially assumed Mubarak’s powers last year. They didn’t and this caused people to return to Tahrir Square in protest.

GN: It was announced this morning that presidential elections will be held in May of this year. If no presidential candidate receives fifty percent of the vote then there will be a run-off election between the two most popular candidates. The new president will be announced on 21st June. The

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military council will hand over power to the newly elected civilian government. Do you remain hopeful that the military council will finally relinquish power at this point?

M: Something has changed among the people of Egypt. They’re not afraid to talk anymore. I am hopeful because people understand what is going on. The military council has no excuses this time either. They can’t hold onto power if Egypt elects a new president. Right now the majority of people are keeping silent and remaining patient. They will run out of patience if the military council continues to hold on to power after June 21st.

GN: Why is the military council taking so long to step aside?

M: Mainly I think because they don’t want Mubarak to go to prison, and he will not go to prison while they are in power. It is believed that Mubarak has a lot of evidence against the generals on the council in relation to the huge salaries they have [received] over the last thirty years. Not only this but the large amounts of money that the military has been receiving from the Egyptian government, and also US aid, has been mysteriously disappearing.

Mubarak will also likely have evidence of this. All this will not look good to the Egyptian people, who struggle to make ends meet, and have seen the cost of living skyrocket over time. Mubarak and some of the generals look like a gang.

GN: You said that the Egyptian people are no longer afraid to talk, and that they have more awareness about their situation. Has anything else changed in Egypt in the past year?

M: There is less corruption and bribery that goes on now. Before the revolution if you wanted a government official to do anything for you, such as sign a document, you had to pay them a lot of extra cash under the table, or they wouldn’t do it.

That kind of culture has disappeared. The people of Egypt also feel more empowered. Before the

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revolution, no -one cared about society; everyone was just focused on their own life. Now if something unjust happens people take action, they care about each other.

GN: The Internet has played a crucial role in Egypts revolution. Facebook was instrumental in organizing the demonstrations in Tahrir Square last year. Do you think all this would have been possible before the advent of the internet and social media?

M: No, people could be easily isolated and talk of politics contained. With the Internet, people can communicate and organize themselves in a matter of minutes. More importantly, they can do it without being traced. We had mobile phones before the Internet but they could easily be traced. With the Internet, one can just go to an Internet cafe and then leave again. The computer can be located but not the person who used it, not easily anyway.

GN: People could be isolated? How? M: During Mubarak’s reign, the police had the power to arrest people for no particular reason other than that they were meeting in a group. With computers people can communicate without physically meeting.

GN: The revolution last year called for Mubarak’s resignation and a new president to be put in place.

What difference will this make?

M: It will make a huge difference because Mubarak had complete control of the country. The constitution is being re-written again before the president takes power in June. Under the new constitution, the president will have less power and regional governors will have more. The governors will also find themselves more accountable to their people and power will be more widely distributed, not just concentrated in the president.

GN: How will you know when the revolution has succeeded?

M: Obviously the revolution will have succeeded when a new democratically-elected president is put in place and a new constitution is established.

But also, I will know the revolution will have succeeded when people can peacefully disagree.

When two friends with different religions, or with different political affiliations, can disagree with each other and remain friends, then I will feel like the revolution has succeeded.

Gwangju News April 2012

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culture

Behind the Myth: Exploring Korean Tradition This series of articles will shed light on some Korean myths, folklore, traditions and superstitions. Every country has their own share of beliefs, fact or fiction, and many foreigners living in Korea are yet to hear or understand the basis of various Korean beliefs as they become apparent.

“Beat the heat with Sam-gye-tang?”

By Stephen Redeker

S

am-gye-tang (삼계탕) is a popular dish in Korea which consists of a whole boiled chicken filled with rice, ginseng root, jujube, and garlic, served in broth. It’s eaten all year round, but Koreans especially enjoy eating it on three “special” days in July and August, called "Chobok" (초복), "Jungbok" (중복), and "Malbok" (말복). These days symbolize the three hottest days of summer.

Traditionally, Sam-gye-tang is eaten for the purpose of restoring stamina and health to a person who is exhausted from the summer heat. On the days mentioned above, crowds line up outside restaurants just to eat this meal.

Is Sam-gye-tang really the best thing to eat on a hot summer day? Is the Korean belief that it recharges the body and mind really true, or just a tradition that continues today without real proof that it works? In western culture, some people believe eating chicken soup will help cure a person of the common cold. Science leans more towards vitamin C as the common cold killer, but people still make a habit of eating delicious chicken soup when they get sick. In Korea, people also believe that a whole chicken combined with other healthy ingredients can prevent sickness and revitalize the body. However, there are a number of different things which can be eaten that would better relieve the body on a hot day than Korean chicken stew.

In the old days, escaping the summer heat was a difficult task, so naturally people turned to food for relief. Originally, Bo-shin-tang (∫∏Ω≈¥Á, dog meat soup) was served to eager Koreans looking for health benefits during the “dog days” of summer.

This meat is full of protein, low in cholesterol and generally softer than beef, pork or chicken, which makes it easier for the body to digest. These days, dog meat is not as popular as it used to be, so the switch to boiled chicken occurred.

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We should get a variety of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins when our bodies are drained.

Obviously a must have on a hot summer day is a glass of water because the body perspires much more and becomes dehydrated. When it comes to protein, whole grains are a good source and also contain iron and vitamin B. Brown rice and wholegrain bread is one way to get that in your system. The same content can be obtained from meats like beef or pork liver, turkey (unfortunately rare in Korea) and seafood such as clams, shrimp and fish. Steering clear of meats with high fat content will strengthen the health benefits of the proteins and essential vitamins.

Vegetables also play a big part in supplying the body with much needed nutrients. Cooked soybeans contain a large amount of protein, iron and vitamin-B. This also extends to other soy products like soy milk and tofu. Kale, broccoli and collard greens are all good sources of energyboosting nutrients, but none can top spinach.

Cooked spinach boasts the highest iron content among plant-based foods. It also delivers vitamins A, C and E, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and dietary fiber (according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture).

Even though Sam-gye-tang is not the most potent way to revive a tired, energy-depleted person on the hottest days of summer, there is little doubt that it’s a healthy food to eat all year round. Reserving special days to eat something so delicious should continue, regardless. If we really wanted to make a meal super-powered enough to charge our bodies with what it needs, it would probably look like this: take the traditional Sam-gye-tang recipe but switch the white rice with brown rice, stuff the skinless chicken full of spinach, broccoli, tofu, with sides of fish, beef and pork meat and serve it with two glasses of soy milk. Now that’s a hearty meal worth sweating for!

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employment

Little-Known Ways to Find Justice in Korea

By Will Wiggle

I

f you are an ESL teacher in Korea, you are probably blissfully unaware of Korean law and how it affects you. On the other hand, this topic may have been of significant concern to you, but there have never been any solid answers to the legal questions you might have asked. Whichever it may be, you have a right to know about the laws in existence that apply to your job, and you have the right to hold your employer accountable for following those laws as they affect you.

been perpetuated in this country mainly because no one has stood up and done anything about it … until now.

The essential questions that are at stake:

A recent amendment to a law entitled Korea’s Private School Act was revised in 2007. This revision positively affects many of us living and working in Korea. I came to know of this law when a friend of mine found himself abruptly and unjustly fired from his university position. They gave no real cause for his dismissal, and needless to say this came as a shock to us all. Well, the silver lining in this cloud is in knowing that the law is on our side, and can be used to fight and thus win. This has been exactly the case for my friend. He has now been issued another contract, but the year to come and how he will be treated by management is another story yet to play out.

Q: Can Korean e m p l o y e r s terminate the employment of whomever they want for whatever reason they want? A: No

As mentioned above regarding the Private School Act, a specific part of that act—Article 53, Section 2, Line 4—was used to win a case where the individual discussed above fought his unjust firing by his university. It states that “any teacher/instructor/professor working at a private school [not hagwons] or a private university who is going to be non-renewed must be notified in writing at least 4 months in advance and be given a chance to appeal in a hearing.”

I would like to include few comments in my friend’s own words. He states, “Many of us have heard that there are practically no legal protections for foreign contract workers in this country regardless of title, institution, visa status, nationality, length of employment, or any other conditions that might provide some refuge from arbitrary terminations and other abuses of power. This misperception has

Q: Do employees have any recourse? A: Yes” It is paramount that foreigners living abroad know not only local customs but also the laws, as they can affect you in a myriad of ways. A great way to start is simply to consult with a professional. Many Korean lawyers will give either free consultations or charge a minimum fee. It is well worth the time and effort. I would like to suggest contacting a firm that I have had personal experience with: They are very professional and genuinely seem to be interested in their clients’ situations.

The Private School Act can be downloaded at: http://wiggleenglish.com/wiggleblog/?p=44 For legal advice, I recommend the following: Yang and Park Lawfirm - 062-222-0011 E-mail: duckheepark@hanmail.net Kim & Yun (Law Firm Jungjin) – 02-567-4611 reyes.galvan@gmail.com If you’d like to know more, you can contact me at: hello@wiggleenglish.com Gwangju News April 2012

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perspective

Speedy Koreans, hold your horses!

By 8ball

P

op Quiz: Superman, The Flash, Usain Bolt, Korean people What do they have in common? Are they heroes? Are they all famous? Nope! They are all awfully fast.

Here’s another test for you. If you fall into more than two thirds of categories listed below, then you are definitely Korean or you are in the process of becoming one. But don’t take it too seriously. It is just for fun.

1. While using the Internet, if the window doesn’t open within 3 seconds, you quickly close it and reopen it.

2. You wash your hair and take a bath at the same time.

3. You start to eat or drink your purchases at the mart or convenience store whilst you are paying for them.

4. You leave the seat right after the movie ends without even looking at the end credits.

5. You eat ramyeon (cup noodles) without waiting for 3 minutes.

6. You keep pushing the button until the elevator comes to your floor.

7. You eat pork or beef before it is properly cooked.

8. You start unzipping before you enter the men’s room.

9. You run towards the bus coming to the bus stop even before it comes to a complete stop.

10. You take the paper cup out of the vending machine before it is ready.

So, what did that tell you about yourself? I think it is safe to say that Korean people, including me, seem to be hasty in many things. So why are we like that and since when have we become like that?

In a previous article, I talked about Korean people’s diligence and so on. This is how foreigners view us in a positive way. Ironically, Koreans’ diligence is also associated with their hastiness. It appears that being hasty or fast (빨리

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빨 리 “bali bali”) has become a behavioral philosophy for Korean people and it has settled as a form of culture.

In my own opinion, such a trend has a relatively short history, contrary to expectations. Believe it or not, some foreigners who came to Korea during the Joseon Dynasty described Korean people as lazy, slothful and slow. Then what happened? In 1950 the Korean War broke out and the Korean Peninsula became devastated, which heavily affected our way of life and economy. In other words, people had to do things faster and faster in order to feed themselves and their families, because it was a matter of life and death at that time. So since then there have been less lazy, slothful and slow Korean people.

Of course, there are pros and cons to this hastiness.

From one point of view it can be seen as dynamism, which indicates that Korean people don’t do things in a hasty manner but that they

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manage to finish things faster and more diligently than other people without any mistakes or faults. In the “Information Age”, speed is one of the most significant factors in competition. Korea is wellreputed as a digitally strong, competitive country in the world with high-speed Internet and somehow this can be attributed to Korean people’s hastiness.

However, there is a huge downside to it.

Unfortunately, Korea has set a very dishonorable world record – the highest car accident-related mortality rate. There is no denying that Korean people’s hastiness leads to tragic accidents and casualties. Have you ever had a chance to drive a car in Korea? At least you have all had a chance to watch Korean people driving on the road. Even though I am Korean and I think I am quite accustomed to it, I am still afraid of taking a taxi late at night, and especially after midnight when some speed-drunk taxi drivers turn into speed racers. Previously Gwangju was known as the city with the highest car accident rate in Korea. Some people even jokingly say that having no car accidents in Gwangju proves his or her excellent

driving skills. Even pedestrians cross the street when the light is red, or jaywalk when there are no cars coming.

If you are stuck in a densely populated area such as a subway station during the rush hour, stadium, movie theater and so forth, you can easily experience inconvenience and discomfort in an attempt to buy tickets or move from one place to another because people try to cut in line or nudge others merely to go faster. But do they really make it? I don’t think so at all.

I think there is a thin line between diligence and hastiness. If you are diligent and quick at things, you can accomplish much more. However, if you are just hasty, you will achieve less and lose more.

Try to take a deep breath and look around. You might not notice what you are missing while you do things faster.

These are just my opinions. If you have any ideas, thoughts or opinions, then please share them with me via e-mail: eightballkim@yahoo.co.kr.

2012 GIC 3rd Korean Language Class (May 1st ~ June 16th)

Saturday Classes

Weekday Classes Level

Days and Times

Intensive Beginner (Beginner 1 & 2)

Tuesday to Friday 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Cost 150,000 won

Beginner 4 Advanced 1

Tuesday & Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

80,000 won

Intermediate 4 Beginner 1 Beginner 2

Tuesday & Thursday 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Days and Times

Basic

Tue 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Intermediate

Tue 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Basic

Sat 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Intermediate

Sat 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Level

Cost

Beginner 1

50,000 won

Beginner 2

50,000 won

Beginner 4

50,000 won

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) 80,000 won

K-entertainment Class Level

(10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Cost 50,000 won

50,000 won

If you are interested in having a certificate of TOPIK, you can take a class at the GIC and register for the test through the GIC. If your level is between Beginner 1 ~ Intermediate 2, you can take this class.

(Registration cost for the TOPIK is exclusive: 40,000won) TOPIK Level 1 to 4 (Tue and Thurs) from 7 - 9 p.m.

Class fee: 100,000 won.

Please contact Boram Lee at boram@gic.or.kr (or by phone 062-226-2733/34 and www.gic.or.kr for more information.

Gwangju News April 2012

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language study

Letters to KOTESOL

By Dr. Dave Shaffer

If you have a question for Dr. Dave, please send an e-mail to gwangjunews@gmail.com letting us know your question, students’ age and proficiency level.

Dear Dr. Dave, I’d like to know what you think about discussing politics in the classroom. When I teach adults, this topic often comes up. Some students have very strong views which I welcome them to share, but sometimes other students seem to get a bit uncomfortable with what is being said. That’s usually when I try to steer the conversation somewhere else, but many times these more outspoken students continue giving their opinions. How do you think this can be managed?

BM Dear BM, Politics, like religion, can be a very touchy topic in any situation, not just the classroom. Like you, I have found that on a political topic some students will have fervent views to express, others will have opposing views that they may or may not wish to express, and still others will sit silently wishing that some other topic were being discussed. Political topics of discussion often don’t readily lend themselves to getting the whole class actively involved in the discussion. I therefore tend to stay away from them as class activities. For managing outspoken students, you may wish to try group work. You could arrange for the talkative students who like political discussion to be in the same group or groups, and give other topic discussion options to the remaining students. Group work gives more students more time to talk and more options on things to talk about.

-- Dr. Dave Dear Dr. Dave, I teach university students and adults, and sometimes my students in the adult program want to go out especially at the end of the course for dinner and drinks. I don’t see any harm in this, but I have different views on socializing with university students outside the classroom even though some of my colleagues do this. Do you think that’s appropriate? Should I treat university-aged students the same as I treat the adult students?

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Gwangju News April 2012

Dear Unsure, It is common in Korea for university and adult students to want to take their instructor out for dinner as a thank you after completion of a course, and it is common for the teacher to accept. However, since university students and older adults are different, you do need to treat them differently. With university students, I would make it clear that I would be happy to go out with them to “dinner,” as long as the dinner is at a place that is more a respected restaurant than it is a drinking place. If the students are comfortable with this, I would be, too. But if they don’t want to go to such a restaurant, I would know that they are more interested in having an excuse to go drinking than in spending time with me and would politely decline the invitation.

Dr. Dave Dear Dr. Dave, I teach at a university and every semester we debate over the most efficient and accurate ways to place students into the correct level for our general English program. Currently we are using the placement test which accompanies the course book. The test consists of grammar, reading and listening. However, we’re finding that this is not sufficient because we’re trying to encourage more speaking in our classes and students’ speaking skills are generally lower than their other skills.

We’re considering doing individual speaking tests with our students but we have so many students, and I feel that not all the teachers have the same idea on leveling. Do you have any ideas on accurate and efficient ways to measure a student’s speaking abilities?

Anon Dear Anon, Tracking students into classes in an effective way is a very difficult thing to do. When tracking students for English courses, the students are often placed according to their English skills alone, or just some of their English skills, as your placement test does. But there are many additional variables that may contribute to realizing a student’s potential. Tracking is generally based on overall achievement in public school systems, not just on one skill or just some of its

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sub-skills. Being placed in a high track allows for higher achievement; however, students placed in a low track are deprived of this opportunity. It must be remembered that students progress in language learning at highly varying rates, thus limiting the benefits of tracking. Being placed in a high track may create high self-esteem in students, motivating them in their learning. However, it can have the opposite effect on low track students. Observing the higher skills levels obtained by one’s peers can have an effect on one’s own achievements. Other variables that may have an important effect on a student’s achievement are the class teacher and his/her attitude toward teaching the track assigned to him/her, and whether a student’s friends are placed in the same track.

From the above, and the problem you mention of reliable placement of students into tracks, I see little advantage of tracking students for a university general English course, if the tracking is of students within the same major. If it is decided that they be tracked, I would suggest that not more than two tracks be made. If the tracking is based on English skills, I suggest that oral/aural skills be an important part of the placement test, that a detailed rubric be created for placement and that testers be properly trained.

If students of greatly varying departments are presently allowed to register for the same section of the same course, I would suggest that registration for a section be limited to one department or several similar departments, since students in different departments frequently differ in average academic achievement. A problem that tracking gives rise to, especially at the university level, is grading. If tracking is applied, course books are often different for different tracks, but since different tracks are taking the same course the grading criteria should be the same. This creates a problem with fairness in grading.

Have you experimented with methods of placement other than the grammar/reading/listening placement test? It just might be that an overall academic achievement test score such as the students’ college entrance examination score might be just as effective a way of placing your students into tracks as a much more involved English skills placement test. The entrance exam score already exists; the English placement needs to be created and properly administered.

Dr. Dave

Dear Dr. Dave, I am a course coordinator, and my question has to do with frequency vs. length. For example, one of our English courses is two hours a week. Last semester, we split the two hours over two days (Mondays, Wednesdays). This seemed to somehow shorten the time we spent with our students (we do 50-minute sessions).

I’d like to go back to the old schedule of having the class once a week for two hours (with the usual short break in-between of course), but when it was like this, the teachers complained that the students weren’t retaining enough because there was a whole week in between classes. Which way do you think is better?

Course coordinator Dear CC, You’re asking me to make a difficult decision between two not-so-desirable choices. A highly effective oralaural skills program meets often and for much more than 100 minutes per week. With parameters of 100 minutes of class time and that being scheduled for either one or two sessions per week, there are disadvantages of each.

When meeting once a week, there are 166 long hours of time to forget what was covered in the two-hour class.

That time is lessened greatly by meeting twice a week.

However, the shorter classes often limit what you can present in class and how you can present it. My preference is to meet with the students twice a week and to maximize the effectiveness of the shorter class periods by making it clear to the students what will be happening in the next class and what they are expected to be doing in the interval between classes to prepare for the next class.

Dr. Dave “Dr. Dave” is David E. Shaffer, current President of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL). Dr. Shaffer is a professor of English at Chosun University, where he has taught, graduate, undergraduate and postgraduate courses for many years. He has recently received the KOTESOL Lifetime Achievement Award.

Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL April Chapter Meeting Date & Time: April 14 (Sat.), 1:30 p.m.

Place: Chosun University, Main Building (Bon-gwan) Featured Presentation: Phonological Pitfalls for English Teachers in Korea Swap-Shop: Share your teaching ideas and activities Admission: Free Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Website: www.koreatesol.org/GwangjuJeonnam Email: gwangju_kotesol@yahoo.com Gwangju News April 2012

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language study

-게 된다: It turns out (that); It is arranged that-, (the situation) makes something to beBy Soo-a Jung Soo-a Jung is an instructor of the GIC Korean Language Class

Dialogue 존

: 여러분, 이분이 GIC에서 온 소라 씨입니다. [y e o r e o b u n , i b u n i G I C e s e o o n S o r a s s i i m n i d a . ] John : Ladies and gentleman, this is Sora of GIC. 소라 : 처음 뵙겠습니다. 강소라입니다.

[C h e o e u m b o e p g e t s e u m n i d a . K a n g S o r a i m n i d a . ] Sora : It's very nice to meet you. I am Sora Kang. 미나 : 반갑습니다. 김미나입니다. 같이 일하게 되어서 기뻐요.

[B a n g a p s e u m n i d a . g i m m i n a i m n i d a . g a c h i i l h a g e d o e e o s e o g i p p e o y o . ] Mina : It's very nice to meet you, too. I'm Mina Kim. It's a pleasure to work together. 소라

: 환영해주셔서 감사합니다. 여러분 모두 만나서 반갑습니다. 그리고 잘 부탁합니다. [hwanyeonghae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida. yeoreobun modu mannaseo bangapseumnida. geurigo jal butakhapnida. ] Sora : Thank you for welcoming me. I'm glad to meet all of you.I appreciate your support. 직원들 : 환영합니다. 소라 씨. [h w a n y e o n g h a m n i d a S o r a s s i ] co-workers : Welcome Sora!

Reference: 김성희 외. (2009). 서강한국어2A 서울: 도서출판 하우 서강한국어. Retrived March 6, 2012 from http://korean.sogang.ac.kr

Vocabulary 여러분[yeoreobun]:“ladies and gentleman." This word used when you want to address a group of people. 일하게 되어서[ilhage doeeoseo]: 일하(다) + -게 되(다) to work (it) is arranged + -어서 connective(because) 한 달쯤[han daljjeum gippeuda]: for one month 기쁘다[gippeuda]: to be joyful, delighted, happy

Grammar The Pattern '- 게 되다 .': (it) turns out (that), It is arranged that -, (the situation) makes something to be This pattern -게 되다 is used to express the idea that the situation has been arranged by certain environmental facts or conditions.

It is used with verbs and 있다.

Example _ 제가 서울에서 한 달쯤 있게 되었어요. (It turns out that I have to be in Seoul for one month.) _ 이사를 가게 되었어요. (It turned out that I (should) move.) _ 언제 광주에 가게 됩니까? (When are you going to Gwangju?) _ 저는 미국에 못 가게 되었어요. (It turns out that I can’t go to America.) _ 열심히 공부하면 한국말을 잘 하게 됩니다. (If you study hard, you will speak Korean well.)

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perspective

Feeling the Seasons

By Kerri Strothard

J

oin Kerri Strothard as she explains Korean expressions.

If you’ve ever read a Korean poem or read a Korean book, you are probably familiar with the great focus placed on connecting nature and emotions. This connection is found in languages around the world, and the Korean language too has many everyday expressions showing the romantic connection between emotions and the seasons.

Have any of your Korean female friends told you they are feeling the spring? There is a romantic expression in Korean, 봄 탑니다 , or more casually, 봄 타냐? , which gets right at the heart of how we feel near the end of winter.

My friend explained to me, “After the long winter, everything starts moving and melting”. We hugely anticipate the arrival of spring and in Korean there is even a specific word for the first day when insects come out from their winter homes, called 경칩. After this day, we start to look forward to the warmth of Mother Nature, and might even pick the first fresh flower we see out of our delight that spring is coming.

Feeling the spring was originally used to describe girls and women who are excited by the arrival of warmer weather. These days, though, it can also be used to describe boys and men. If we ask a friend if they feel the spring, it has a different meaning than just being excited by the weather. It has an implied meaning closer to “Do you have someone in mind to share this new spring feeling with?”

We can express a similar mood change in the fall, by saying I feel the fall, or in Korean 가을 탄다 . To feel the fall means something different though than feeling the spring. Fall comes after the bright and lively summer.

As the cool nights approach, and the leaves fall off the trees, it is said that people consider their lives, and might feel a sense of loneliness when watching a leaf fall from a branch. For those who feel the fall, they usually say 가을 탄다 in the hopes that their friends might set them up on a blind date.

If your friends seem excited and happy at the arrival of spring, go ahead and ask them “너 봄 타냐?” And if you’re feeling like you’d like to meet someone to enjoy the spring with, say to your friends “난 봄 타요.” and you’ll probably have a blind date before you can choose an outfit.

Photo by: Sean Dailey

Gwangju recommended spots for those feeling the spring For those of you who can’t wait to dance hand-inhand in the grassy spring fields, you can try to find someone to share spring with at the back gate of Chonnam University. This is a very popular area for night clubs and bars, and there are even some romantic restaurants around there too. If you seek a good spring atmosphere, you can go to JukNokWon bamboo forest and take in the fresh air. Once you’ve found someone, Jungoe park is a great place for a first date since there’s something for all tastes, including a few art galleries, an amusement park, and a biennale museum.

Other nature-related expressions in Korean - When someone stares blankly into space, you can ask them “먼 산을 바라보면, 무슨 생각을 그리 하냐?” which is directly translated as “what do you think of when you stare at a mountain?” It means that the person appears to be contemplating something very serious.

- When I taught a group of Korean children about the four seasons, I asked them to pick a season and do a drawing. I was blown away by the consistency of their art, as nearly all of the students who chose autumn drew a picture of someone reading a book outside. I later found out about the Korean proverb 가을은 독서의 계절이 다 which translates as “autumn is the season for reading.”

- 꽃추위 is when we experience a week of cold weather right before the arrival of spring. It is said that the flowers make the coldness jealous, so the cold persists for one final week before surrendering to the spring.

Gwangju News April 2012

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event

The 10th GIC May Concert

By Karina Prananto

G

IC May Concert is held every May to raise funds for third-world countries or victims of natural disasters around the world and to promote cultural exchange through music between the local musicians and foreign community. Since its first concert back in 2003, the GIC May Concert has sent proceeds to support human right campaigns and disaster victims in other countries such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia and Japan.

The May Concert is going to hold its 10th Concert this year on May 13 at 5 p.m. GIC’s board of musicians, led by Prof. Kay Pahk, promise to deliver their excellent performance.

Seven parts will form this year’s concert, opened by trio of flute Ji-hye Choi, cello Seung-seok Oh and piano by Jin-hee Park . Soprano by Myung-jin Lee will follow, accompanied by violist Yang Se-mi and piano by Sang-rok Lee. Violin duo of Se-mi Yang and Do-yeon Kim and two Sopranos of Kay Pahk and Ae-ryeong Gil (with pianist Su-jeong Dong) will perform next. 4 Hands of Piano by Su-jeong Dong and Ui-hyuk Park and finally solo Soprano by Kyung-suk Park accompanied by cellist Seung-seok Oh and pianist Sang-rok Lee will complete the Concert, and the lovable kids from GFN Children

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Gwangju News April 2012

Choir will perform famous music from the Sound of Music. Different kinds of music from other countries will be presented in this concert. One who attended last year’s concert will surely remember all of the artists’ outstanding performance.

This year concert will guarantee a much more appreciation of art and culture of other countries, whether or not you really enjoy classical music. So make sure you mark your calendar for May 13 and stay tuned for more details on the Concert in next month’s Gwangju News, drop by to support a cause while enjoying beautiful music with families and friends and make a memorable night worth the cause.

CONCERT OVERVIEW Title: The 10th Gwangju International Center May Concert (제10회 광주국제교류센터 오월음악회) Date and Time: May 13, 2012 at 5 p.m.

Venue: Gwangju Art and Culture Hall (Small Theater) 광주문화예술회관 Buk-gu, Gwangju Direction: Bus 12, 16, 18, 27, 48, 49, 51, 58, 72, 84, 85, 95, 101, 192 (get off at 광주문화예술회관) For inquiry, please contact GIC at 062-226-2733 or refer to our website at: Ticket prices will be notified at a later date.

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movie review

The Executioner 집행자

By Seth Pevey

T

his month’s film takes a somewhat unoriginal setup and uses it to explore the heated and controversial topic of capital punishment. Now, while South Korea technically still has execution on the books as a legitimate form of punishment, the country has been under a lot of pressure internally to do away with the practice, making this a very delicate and sensitive subject for a current film to tackle.

As happens with so many prison films, the storyline revolves around the relationship between a wetbehind-the-ears rookie and a hardened veteran of the prison system. While this dichotomy is somewhat recycled, the film does a good job of not relying too heavily on it to push things forward. Instead, it seems more concerned with the eternal question: When, if ever, is it ok to take a human life?

There are two inmates featured prominently in the story that try not to answer, but explore, that question.

One is a completely psychopathic serial killer who has no remorse and seems to only want to kill again.

The other is a guy who has been on death row for 15 years and is now reformed into a pensive, kind and trustworthy man. He even stands up for the guards against the other inmates.

The two contrasted death row inmates, as well as their relationships with two contrasting prison guards, help to really explore every facet of the controversy.

This is done in a really cool and original way, despite the somewhat rehashed setup.

The director is Jin Ho Choi, who has yet to make another film. His style is very somber and typical of the kind of genre mixing we have seen rendered so well in Korean film. When tackling this heavy subject, it is clear he didn’t want to become overly melodramatic, therefore there are some really light moments, particularly early on. Even though it is a very serious film, the jokes blend in quite well and

never seem to be out of place. He did a nice job here, and the direction is solid.

If you’re interested in the topic of capital punishment, this is probably the most interesting attempt to broach the subject I’ve ever seen. There is flatness to a few of the characters, but the script and direction are strong. At about an hour and a half running time, it never loses the forward momentum that keeps it so interesting. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.

Gwangju News April 2012

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literature

Selected Poems by Ra Hee-duk Translated by Chae-Pyong Song and Anne Rashid

Author’s Brief Biography

나희덕) was born in 1966 in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do. She received Ra Hee-duk (나 her Ph.D. in Korean literature from Yonsei University in 2006. She has published six books of poetry: To the Root (1991), The Word Dyed the Leaves (1994), The Place is Not Far (1997), That It Gets Dark (2001), A Disappeared Palm (2004), and Wild Apples (2009). She also published one collection of essays, A Half-filled Water Bucket (1999), and a volume of literary criticism, Where Does Purple Come From? (2003). Among her many literary awards are the Kim Suyoung Literature Award (1998), Modern Literature Award (2003) and the Sowol Poetry Award (2007). As a result of growing up in an orphanage (her father was an orphanage administrator), she developed a strong sympathy for those less fortunate than herself. She currently teaches creative writing at Chosun University in Gwangju.

ef Bios

In the Island’s Sunlight The sunlight of the island resembling a young deer was warm.

One can reach the island in five minutes by boat from Port Nokdong, but you can only get to this place after crossing unfathomable waves of the heart.

On the near yet far island, the wounded deer lived.

Apparently inside the island’s sunlight the sounds you could not hear anywhere else melted away.

But I can’t say I understood the light.

Just now, coming out of the autopsy room the pouring sunlight seemed to shout something.

Boys who stand in a circle holding the net with their fingerless hands produce a few fluttering fish.

The man who jumped into the sea, relied upon a raft.

The old lady knitted flowers with only three fingers left.

The sobbing mother had to meet her children only with her eyes, without ever holding their hands, separated across a street.

The pine trees stood in the place where eighty four lives were burnt.

All lived as if they didn’t exist at all, not at all.

Didn’t they weep across the sea, overwhelmed only with their pain?

Under the sunlight, hot like a roar, a crab with red legs was crawling.

The shadow of a forest where a lost crab hid-the trees pruned by these rotting hands were beautiful.

The laughing sound of a young woman walking with a wheelchair, carried her mother missing two legs.

I couldn’t enter into either the sunlight or the shadow.

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그 섬의 햇빛 속에는 어린 사슴을 닮았다는 섬의 햇빛은 따가웠다. 녹동항에서 배로 오 분이면 닿을 수 있는 섬 이지만 수심을 알 수 없는 마음의 물결을 건 너야만 이를 수 있는 곳, 그 가깝고도 먼 섬 에 상처 입은 사슴들이 살고 있었다. 그 섬의 햇빛 속에는 다른 데서 들리지 않던 소리들이 녹아 있는 것 같았다. 그러나 그 햇 빛을 이해했다고는 말할 수 없다. 시체를 해 부했던 검시실을 막 나왔을 때 쏟아지는 햇 빛이 무어라 외치는 것처럼 들렸을 뿐이다. 몽당손으로 그물을 잡고 둘러선 소년들이 파 닥이는 물고기 몇 마리를 소출로 내놓은 모 습도, 뗏목 하나에 의지해 바다로 뛰어들었 던 남자도, 세 개밖에 남지 않은 손가락으로 꽃수를 놓던 노파도, 길 양쪽으로 갈라선 채 손 한번 잡지 못하고 눈으로만 피붙이를 만 나야 했던 어미의 흐느낌도, 여든네 명의 목 숨을 불태웠던 자리에 서 있는 소나무들도, 없는 것처럼 없는 것처럼 살아오지 않았던 가. 바다 저편에서 단지 제 고통에 겨워 읊조 리지 않았던가. 굉음처럼 따가운 햇빛 아래 다리 붉은 게 한 마리가 기어가고 있었다. 길 잃은 게가 숨어든 숲그늘, 썩어가는 손으로 전지해놓은 나무들은 아름다웠다. 두 다리가 없는 어머니를 휠체어에 태우고 걸어가는 처 녀의 웃음소리. 나는 햇빛 속으로도 그늘 속 으로도 들어갈 수 없었다.

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He was in the Dark Cloud I couldn’t see him, so I couldn’t see the burn on his chest either From the eastern window, I see Mudeung far away, his dark green eyes look slack yet serene but afraid of looking into the crater of my memory, I couldn’t come near him, not even once. His eyes that witnessed such ghastly death: how could they look so peaceful? How could his wounded chest look so green? But today he sat inside a dark cloud.

Though I couldn’t see him, I woke to the sound of breathing nearby.

When I returned every night to the village tucked under his arm and slept like a wounded animal, he would walk down step by step and watch over my giddy sleepy head. I have seen him many times, yet it’s as if I didn’t see him.

As the dark cloud lifted, I saw his back walking up.

Mudeung slowly, who returned to Mudeung-though I couldn’t see his burn mark in the green, my hand was stained by his wound. I woke up tucked under his arm.

그는 먹구름속에 들어 계셨다 그가 보이지 않으니 가슴의 火傷 또한 보이지 않았다 동쪽 창으로 멀리 보이는 無等, 갈매빛 눈매는 성글고 그윽하 였으나 그 기억의 분화구를 들여다보기가 두려워 한 번도 가까 이 가지 못했다 너무도 큰 죽음을 보아버린 눈동자가 저리도 평화로울 수가 있다니, 진물 흐르는 가슴이 저리도 푸르다니, 그러나 오늘은 그가 먹구름 속에 들어 계셨다 그가 보이지 않았지만 아주 가까이 숨소리에 잠이 깨었다 밤마다 그의 겨드랑이께 숨은 마을로 돌아와 상처입은 짐승처 럼 잠이 들면 그는 조금씩 걸어 내려와 어지러운 내 잠머리를 지키다 가곤 했으니 그를 보지 않은 듯 나는 너무 많이 보아온 것이다 먹구름이 걷히자 천천히 걸어 올라가는 그의 등이 보였다 無等에게로 돌아가는 無等, 녹음 속의 화상은 보이지 않았지만 내 손에는 거기서 흘러내린 진물이 묻어 있었다 그의 겨드랑이께에서 깨어났다

Renting a Room

방을 얻다

I wanted to rent a room somewhere in Damyang or Pyongchang, to scurry in and out like a squirrel.

Every time I saw a quiet village, I peeped into it.

Passing by a house in Jishil Village, I saw a yard with ordinary flowers blooming between an old traditional house and a newly built annex.

Without knowing myself, I stepped into the open doors.

The ajeossi* was sharpening a scythe on the whetstone.

The ajumoni’s** kerchief was wet as if she just returned from the field.

“Uh, I would like to rent a room here.

I am looking for a space where I can come a few days a week to work.”

I carefully gestured toward the old house, and the ajumoni responded with a smile.

“Well, the kids all left for Seoul, an’ the house’s empty, ‘cause we live in the annex.

But our Yi’s family history is livin’ within, so we’re still usin’ it with our hearts.”

Upon hearing these words I could see the clean floor and the evening sunlight settling on it.

I simply turned around without further asking to rent.

Would the couple know that I had already rented the room when she told me their hearts still occupy that empty house?

담양이나 평창 어디쯤 방을 얻어 다람쥐처럼 드나들고 싶어서 고즈넉한 마을만 보면 들어가 기웃거렸다. 지실마을 어느 집을 지나다 오래된 한옥 한 채와 새로 지은 별채 사이로 수더분한 꽃들이 피어있는 마당을 보았다. 나도 모르게 열린 대문 안으로 들어섰는데 아저씨는 숫돌에 낫을 갈고 있었고 아주머니는 밭에서 막 돌아온 듯 머릿수건이 촉촉했다. ㅡ 저어, 방을 한 칸 얻었으면 하는데요. 일주일동안 두어번 와서 일할 공간이 필요해서요. 나는 조심스럽게 한옥쪽을 가리켰고 아주머니는 빙그레 웃으며 이렇게 대답했다. ㅡ 글씨, 아그들은 다 서울로 나가불고 우리는 별채서 지낸께로 안 채가 비기는 해라우. 그라제만은 우리 이씨 집안의 내력이 짓든 데라서 맴으로는 지금도 쓰고 있단 말이요. 이 말을 듣는 순간 정갈한 마루와 마루 위에 앉아계신 저녁 햇살이 눈에 들어왔다. 세 놓으라는 말도 못하고 돌아섰지만 그 부부는 알고 있을까, 빈방을 마음으로는 늘 쓰고 있다는 말 속에 내가 이미 세들어 살기 시작했다는 걸.

*a common term for a middle-aged man **a common term for a middle-aged woman

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fashion

Fash-On with xxl jjdp 같이 놀자 ! We like to PARTY!!

By jjdp Photos by Brian Klein

T

ime for this months edition of fashon with xxljjdp. Are you surviving the bitter cold? Are your ready to lighten up? Well this month we are taking a look at how to upgrade your wardrobe for the coming brighter months with textured layering for comfort and sophistication utilising one color.

I am a huge fan of gray. Some might think of it as a gloomy color or a non color actually, but it, along with other neutral colors are one of the easiest and most functional hues to wear with unlimited mixing potential taking you from casual to formal and refined in no time. And because it is a neutral it also fits well with any accent from the color spectrum.

Grey in commonwealth countries, and Gray in America, different spellings for the same great seasonal transition color, has already been seen predominantly on the runway of Burberry for next season. Why wait so long to bust out in the finest, when you can wear it well now?

Gray can be described as an achromatic color as it can become a warmer or cooler shade when more pigments are added to it. Gray with a tinge of yellow or orange create a warmer tone, whereas if you add a touch of blue it becomes cooler. In eastern cultures gray is mainly used as an accent color in Feng Shui, bringing clean and crisp energy to space and emphasizes the dynamic properties of Metal elements.

In this feature I have played around with various hues and tones to showcase the versatility of gray and how you can also create your own definite style. From Charcoal, slate, ashen, lead, silver, dove gray, powder gray and even oyster, get some good Gr(ey)des for this March.

With all of this in mind and considering that gray is pretty much its own palette, when dressing all you have to do is ensure that your clothing create a great contrast and that it fits well. From light to dark you can easily make and outfit for any time, no mess, no fuss. As always never forget to customise your outfit and I have used many different fabrics, layers and details to make the looks appear less dull.

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Also in this edition we are looking at proportion. I have particularly concentrated on this in the form of trousers and have first played around with a more bulky voluminous trouser and then showed how to work with a skinnier tapered leg. It is always very important to keep balance in mind as too much volume can be very unflattering and make you look heavier than you are or if everything is too skinny or fitted you might look very uncomfortable and rigid. Therefore like from Winter to Spring we have to gradually create a fine balance.

For the main look I have taken vintage Thierry Muglier pure wool draped trousers and paired it with a simple black t-shirt and cardigan combo.

Here you can clearly see the shape contrast. The bulk in the trousers perfectly compliments the fitted style of the cardigan. Also the gray palette of this look is darker and thus creates a more casual look.

I have also finished off the look with a one of this seasons most sought after accessories, the wide brimmed hat.

If you are brave and you purchase one of these it will be one of the new season’s defining statement pieces. Here it is a bit more like an oversized fedora but you can work it into many wardrobe combinations adding a regal edge to your look.

For the second look, I have switched proportions and created a lighter ensemble with dove gray as the palette. Skinny ash gray jeans are placed side to side with a bulkier cardigan and blazer combo. Like I mentioned earlier do not be afraid of

individualizing the look by adding texture and contrast. This is easily achieved by using different fabrics. First take a 100% cotton pinstriped poplin shirt and then add and oversized slate gray cardigan. Try and get a longer cardigan so that you can play around with proportion. Round off the look with a fitted Merino wool blazer contrasted with tweed elbow patches. Complete the look with a silk scarf, fedora and a pair of detailed military boots with three buckle detail in suede.

The point here is to create visual interest because of the similarity in the palette. Therefore I tried to get as much detail into the styling of the outfits without letting it overpower the look. Remember to go for harmony.

Well now that you are set to tackle the new month with some new looks, what are you waiting for?

Go out and have an adventure utilising your A+ Gr(ay)des and your new perspective on proportion.

Guys Acid yellow t-shirt - Uniqlo, black jeans - Diesel, denim jacket Vintage, green leather jacket - Hyundai department store, black leather jacket - Migliore, grey t-shirt - The Gap, black V-neck Emart, blue shirt - Shinsegae Girls Tangerine dress - Vintage, orange coat - Vintage, boots - ABC Mart, lace black dress - Zara, ruffled black dress - Forever 21, leopard print blouse – G-market, black skirt - H&M

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food and drink

Ko-goong Soo-ra-gan Words and photo by Gabriel Ward

I

found myself waiting for a few buses at the bus terminal over the winter holidays. There are three good Korean restaurants where you can get a good meal right by the bus departures gates.

I went to one of them again recently.

Ko-goong Soo-ra-gan is a small Korean restaurant which specializes in bibimbap. I love bibimbap. It’s one of my top three Korean dishes, and I feel it’s probably one of the easiest Korean foods for expats to like.

Ko-goong Soo-ra-gan has a modern yet traditional feel, probably due to the wooden furnishings.

Seating is comprised of tables and chairs as well as an area with low tables and floor seating.

I was greeted by one of the waitresses and took a seat at a table. The lighting was dimmed a little, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The menu wasn’t huge by Korean standards, which I consider to be a good thing. A small menu is often a signal that what is on the menu is done well. As mentioned, this place specializes in bibimbap, with a couple of extra meat dishes available as well. The three standard varieties of bibimbap are available – Jeonju bibimbap, dolsot bibimbap, and nak-ji bibimbap. All three of these consist of vegetables and a red bean spice paste mixed with steamed rice. Where the three differ is how they are served and what protein they have.

Jeonju bibimbap usually has an egg and is served in a metal bowl. Dolsot bibimbap usually has beef and is served in a hot stone pot and nak-ji is also usually served in a hot stone pot and has a mixture of seafood in it. I like all three of these, and they are all certainly worth a try.

Looking over the menu I came across a variation of bibimbap called ham-ji-pak bibimbap, which I had never heard of before so I enthusiastically ordered it. It was described as rice topped with vegetables and served in a wooden bowl. The wooden bowl in particular intrigued me as I’d never heard of or seen bibimbap served in one. Furthermore, the type of bowl that bibimbap is served in usually indicates a particular flavor, so I was excited to try a new one.

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The waitress brought my bibimbap out in a large salad-sized wooden bowl. My mouth watered with the anticipation of trying a new variety of bibimbap. When it was put it in front of me, I felt reassured as it looked delicious. I eagerly mixed everything together with my spoon and tried my first mouthful. It had a different taste to the other three varieties of bibimbap. Instead of having a spicy, salty taste to it, it had a slight sweetness to it.

It was bibimbap heaven for me and I enjoyed it immensely.

My friend got the Jeonju bibimbap which was also great. The Jeonju and ham-ji pak had similar descriptions on the menu; however their tastes were definitely different. I’d recommend trying both of them if you find yourself at the bus terminal.

Admittedly some of the varieties of bibimbap are a little more than what you would usually expect to pay, for example the Jeonju bibimbap was 8,500won. Interestingly, as it was the same size as the Jeonju, my ham-ji pak was only 6000won. Kogoong Soo-ra-gan is perpendicular to gates 7 and 8 at the bus terminal. There are two other decent Korean restaurants close by as well, so check any of these out next time you’re waiting for a bus.

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food and drink

Black Sesame Gangjeong

By Dongjun Yang

깨강정

G

angjeong is often served during important events such as weddings, ancestral rites and Lunar New Year (Seollal). It is covered with white sesame, black sesame, white soybean flour and black soybean flour.

Gangjeong is a Korean traditional confectionery popular with women as a low-calorie snack. Black sesame gangjeong is especially good for balding because black sesame includes abundant amounts of lecithin, so it helps metabolism and promotes good blood circulation. It also includes calcium and phosphorus, which can help prevent diabetes and anemia.

Things to prepare (for two servings) 1 cup of black sesame, 1 cup of crushed peanuts, 3 three tablespoons of starch syrup, plastic wrap

Cooking Method: 1. Put the starch syrup in the pan, heat it for 1minute on medium heat.

2. Add peanuts and black sesame to the syrup and boil it down for 1minute while stirring.

3. Coat the surface of the plastic wrap. Spread the boiled syrup on the plastic wrap.

4. Cool for 10 minutes in refrigerator.

5. Cut into 2cm-wide and 3cm-long strips.

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puzzle

PUZZLES

By Emma Dooley and Brian Paredes

Please submit your answers to: gwangjunews@gmail.com.

The winner of this month's puzzle pages will be published in the next issue.

Winners will receive a collectors' edition GIC mug which can be picked up at the GIC.

CROSSWORD Across 3. Currency of Armenia (4) 4. Frozen rain (4) 6. Dull continuous pain (4) 7. Seoul's foreigner district (7) 9. A British nobleman next in rank above a viscount (4) 10. The highest or most distant point; climax (6) 11. Become wearisome (4) 13. Wicked, sinful (10) 15. Animal skin (4) 17. Part of a flower (5) 18. National Hunt racing festival held every March (10)

Down 1. Person employed to drive a car (9) 2. Site of the pyramids (4) 4. Gardener's tool (3) 5. A herb, Mentha piperita, of the mint family (10) 8. Winner of the 2012 Academy Award for Best Picture (3,6) 12. Bewail (6) 14. Possessed (5) 16. Australian national airline (6) 19. Swirling current (4)

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Visual Puzzles

Rearrange three golfballs so that the triangular pattern points down instead of up.

Brain Teaser

If teapot A holds 32 ounces of tea, approximately how many ounces does teapot B hold?

’s Puzzle Solution Last Month’ Crosswords Across: 4. Hummus 7. Bonny 8. Vedder 9. Dante 12. Einstein 14. Ares 15. Hallasan 16. Grope 18. Relentless Down: 1. Oxytocin 2. Jerome 3. Tsunami 5. Mars 6. Nosegay 10. Peanut 11. Moa 13. Troll 17. Pluto

Visual Puzzles

Visual Puzzles

Congratulations to Jill Kristine Dona who won last month’s puzzle and will receive a complimentary mug from GIC.

Source: www.puzzles.com

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community board The Vagina Monoloques Are you interested in pushing personal expression towards a bigger purpose? Want to spark dialogues on race, gender and sexuality? V-Day Gwangju 2012 will be holding workshops and events leading up our April performance of 'The Vagina Monologues' and we're looking for community members to share their passion and stories with us. If you want to get involved, please contact Leigh Hellman at gwangjuvwarriors@gmail.com. And keep a lookout for our upcoming activities--we hope to see you there!

Gwangju Zen Meditation Group The group will meet weekly from Saturday 14th April at the GIC between 5:30pm and 6:45pm for meditation and readings from books written by the Korean Zen master Seung Sahn Sunim. For details email ross.chambers29@gmail.com or call 010 3439 7725. You can also search for Gwangju Zen Meditation Group on Facebook.

Sung Bin Orphanage Sung Bin Orphanage is looking for creative/ active/ energetic/ outgoing/ enthusiastic long-term volunteers to join in our regular Saturday program. We would like you to give at least two Saturdays per month. Meet every Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in front of downtown Starbucks. All are welcome. For more volunteering information please contact Daniel Lister at: daniellister7@hotmail.com.

The Gwangju Photography Club The Gwangju Photography Club is a place where many different people can meet, share advice, give ideas, and practice photography. Every month, the Photography Club goes on a photo outing to different places around the city and country to capture the moment and practice new techniques. Anyone is welcome to join the photography group and help share in the experience. To join the group, search Gwangju Photography Club on Facebook.

Brazilian Jiujitsu in Gwangju 522-3 Jisan-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju (Basement of the 20000 Eyeglass shop near Salesio Girls High School.)

Phone: 010-9354-6279 Buses: 1, 15, 17, 27, 28, 35, 36, 55, 80 (bus stop: 살레시오여고 - Salesio Yeogo) Taxi directions: "Salesio Yeogo jungryu jang gajuseyo".

Method of instruction is in Korean-English.

Weekday Classes: 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. (from Monday to Friday) GIC Gallery is looking for Artists GIC Gallery is an exhibition area provided for international artists or foreign artist community to share their artworks to both local and expats. For more information, please contact boram@gic.or.kr or call 062-226-2733.

Gwangju Men’s Soccer The Gwangju international soccer team plays regularly most weekends. If you are interested in playing, e-mail: gwangju_soccer@ yahoo.com.

Gwangju Ice Hockey Team Looking for men and women of all ages to join us every Saturday night from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Yeomju Ice Rink near World Cup Stadium. If you are interested, contact either Andrew Dunne at atdunne@gmail.com or Chris Wilson at: kreeco@rogers.com Gwangju Irish Club The group has existed since the late 90s but is currently growing in numbers rapidly due to social networking sites such as facebook and meetup.com. The Christmas fundraiser in Seoul was once again a success and now attention is focused on the upcoming Saint Patrick's Day Festival, also held in the capital. However the group is anxious to spread it's reach nationwide so a new fb page 'Gwangju Irish' has been started. The hope is to have a monthly meeting of Irish and Irish-loving people in Gwangju, with the founding of a GAA sports club here as another goal.

GIC Journal: Social Discourse of Disquiet Got something to say that’s deeper than the latest travelogue? Wondering about the space in between cultures and have some lessons to share? Have art that people generally don’t ‘get’? You have a home at SDoD. A space for artists, photographers, writers, pundits, and critics to share about Gwangju, the art scene, art without a capital A, and expressing your confusion, clarity and kookiness through your creative ventures. Get involved. Check out the website: http://gicjournal.wordpress.com. Contact us to contribute: selina.gicjournal@gmail.com 54

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Midway between Kunsthalle and the Grand Hotel, across the main street at the traffic lights from the Crown Bakery.

On the 3rd floor of the T World building.

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