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Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine
August 2016 Issue No. 174 Published on August 2, 2016 Cover Photo: Ravid Kahalani of Yemen Blues Cover Art & Design: Joe Wabe Photo provided by: Gwangju World Music Festival
Gwangju News is the first local English magazine in Korea, first published in 2001. It covers local and regional issues, with a focus on roles and activities of the international residents and local English-speaking communities. Copyright by Gwangju International Center. All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means — graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise — without the written consent of the publisher. Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center 5, Jungang-ro 196 beon-gil (Geumnam-no 3 Ga), Dong-gu, Gwangju 61475, South Korea Tel: (+82)-62-226-2733~34 Fax: (+82)-62-226-2731 Registration No. 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date February 22, 2010 Printed by Join Adcom 조인애드컴 (+82)-62-367-7702
August 2016 www.gwangjunewsgic.com
PUBLISHER Shin Gyonggu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joe Wabe MANAGING EDITORS Kelsey Rivers, Anastasia Traynin COORDINATOR AND LAYOUT EDITORS Minsu Kim, Joe Wabe PHOTO EDITOR Lorryn Smit CHIEF PROOFREADER Joey Nunez COPY EDITORS Timothy Berg, Robert Davies, Brian Fitzroy, Katy Ryan, Jon Ozelton, 8ball PROOFREADERS Lianne Bronzo, David and Di Foster, Don Gariepy, Sydney Gay, Angie Hartley, Eden Jones, Carrie Levinson, Joey Nunez, Gabi Nygaard, Stephen Redeker, Gilda Wilson RESEARCHERS Lee Hye-yoon, Lee Tae-beom, Lim Byeong-ji, Son Saerom
Volunteering Inquiry and Feedback: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr Advertising and Subscription Inquiry: minsu@gic.or.kr or 062-226-2733~34 Special thanks to the City of Gwangju and all of our sponsors.
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Are you looking for ways to be actively involved with your community while spending time with fun and engaging people? Gwangju News always needs volunteers who want to share their expertise or gain some. We have plenty of opportunities for writers, copy editors, photographers, web and blog editors as well as graphic artists and creators. Please contact our managing editor at gwangjunews@gic.or.kr for volunteering inquiries. Email us today and start getting involved!
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Letter from the Editor Holiday Inn Gwangju provides the attractive dining experience. Join our seasonal event and get a limited benefit.
HOURGLASS (1F) TRIPLE B PLAN
It
is a true honor for me to write to you as a Korean contributor of Gwangju News. Last September, it all started off for me when I was a GIC Intern interpreting for English-speaking, passionate and enthusiastic contributors, but now I am proud to introduce myself as a part of the team of writers serving for the community’s advancement. This City of Light is not my city of origin. However, there are many reasons as to why Gwangju is perfect for me, as opposed to any other city. I remember the days when I first started settling in. Those feelings of mine have inspired me to think of what information I could provide to newcomers, and how this city might feel alien to them. More and more I keep meeting people through Gwangju News, and I feel and see the need of supporting both the Korean and international communities here. Therefore I am meeting these needs by recognizing spaces where I can personally help. It is disappointing to see the dwindling number of permanent foreign residents staying in Gwangju. However, it will be another challenge for our team to overcome, as we also recruit new members of our team who are looking for a place to help too. Our current team of volunteers aims to do our utmost with providing both informative and entertaining stories of our Gwangju neighborhood. We always welcome and are seeking out to bring in more helping hands to our team. There is still more to be discovered in Gwangju. Thus, I will continually serve by providing a medium for residents to keep making discoveries about our beautiful city. Sincerely, Namhee Cho Coordinator, Gwangju International Center
Enjoy a wide selection of freshly grilled meat and seafood prepared daily to order on the open charcoal-fired grill with unlimited draft beer. You can feel soft summer breeze on the outdoor terrace and savor the dining experience of selecting food from the full buffet spread with great BBQ items. Period : ~ 27th August Price : 45,000 won (VAT included) per person Reservation : 062- 610-7061, 2
LA PLACE (10F)
MODERN & CASUAL CUISINES
Modern & Casual restaurant of the hotel located on the 10th floor, is designed to awaken all the senses. We present a variety of meats and pasta, guests can experience 5 star hotel chefs high quality of cuisines with the reasonable price. The stylish décor and the spectacular view are breathtaking. Period : ~ 27th August Operation hours : 18:00 – 24:00 (Sun-Thu) 18:00 – 02:00 (Fri-Sat)
Our team is committed to producing the greatest Korean and most authentic Western food A Unique Lifetime Experience at Holiday Inn Gwangju For more information: 062-610-7000 www.holidayinngwangju.com
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Contents August 2016 24
44
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
20
16
GWANGJU NEWS
FEATURE
TRAVEL
5. Gwangju City News 6. GIC Tour 8. Upcoming Events
18. ACC World Music Festival 20. La Chiva Gantiva 23. Gwangju Soundpark Festival
24. Around Korea: Byeonsanbando National Park 42 . Lost in Gwangju: Music Street
COMMUNITY
ARTS & CULTURE
11. New in Town: Jared Gutkin 12. Latinos in Gwangju 13. Expat Living: How to Rent a Car in Gwangju 14. Community Leaders: Kristen Alice 16. Local Enterprise: Butlers Korea & Mac PC Guys 44. From Abroad: Beans of Costa Risa 50. Health: Summer Season Vision Correction
26. The Geomungo 32. Photo Essay: 37 Years Later 36. Photo of the Month 38. From a Different Angle
EDUCATION 46. KOTESOL: Science and Language Teaching 53. Talk to me in Korean
FOOD & DRINKS
OPINION
28. Where to Eat: Floria 30. Korean Food: Patbingsu
48. Brexit and Korea
Sports 40. Gwangju Yoga
issue
#174
Gwangju City
News
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Compiled by Lee Hye-yoon, Lee Tae-beom, Lim Byeong-ji, Park Seong-yeol
Gwangju to start Mobile App Service
The Gwangju Folk Museum will be hosting the “Culture Plaza with Museum” event, to provide accessible opportunities for visitors to experience the museum, from July 2 to August 20, every first and third Saturday. This event features traditional folk performances, bamboo craft experiences and permanent exhibition rooms. The traditional folk performances consist of four acts: Korean traditional music and a Korean traditional percussion quartet (Institute for Korean Traditional Music), traditional performing arts and performances (Institute for Traditional Performing Arts and Performance Mask Dance), fusion Korean traditional music (a fusion mixed group, “Ryun,” on August 6) and “Brave Fights” song performance (an art troupe, Deulnorae “Noromnori,” on August 20) from 5:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. From 5 to 7 p.m. there will be bamboo craft experiences such as making bamboo flutes, rings, wish lamps and quilts. The permanent exhibition is open until 8 p.m. Also, the “Summer Art Picnic” will be in operation in the whole area of Jungoe Park, which is holding the museum culture plaza event, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Varied art programs will be run, including a bookstore operated by different art museums, Artist Atelier, Art Playground, Picnic COOK, Art Salon, Art Picnic Concert and Cinema Art.
Gwangju Metropolitan City has committed to reduce food waste by 30 percent by 2020. Gwangju City has revealed that food waste is not just an environmental problem, but also an issue in both energy and the economy, and consequently they have unveiled the “Food Waste Reduction Practice Plan”. In the proposed plan, the final goal is to reduce waste by 30 percent. This year’s goal is a reduction of 5 percent, and 2018’s target is 15 percent. This plan reduces waste step by step. Gwangju City has seen that high participation is required for a successful beginning, and so it has cooperated with various organizations and institutions to get better plans and fix original problems. The plan is divided into four steps. The first is “Spread the Word”, spreading awareness about the problem amongst organizations and institutions. The second is “Feel it”, bringing people to waste disposal plants and educating them about the problems of food waste. The third is “Do it”, giving out dehydration containers and running a clean plate campaign. The last is “Spread it”, finding a role model and giving benefits to all departments, teams and houses which have achieved the 30 percent mark. This plan will have departments, associations and divisions participating directly, so it is expected to be a large success. If the plan succeeds, around 150,000 tons of waste will be saved, reducing the cost of clean up by 22 billion won and reducing green-house gases by 220,000 tons. This has the same effect as planting around 8,000 pine trees.
Gwangju Metropolitan City has launched a “Mobile Gwangju” App to keep their citizens better connected. “Mobile Gwangju” contains information about the city that citizens look out for, such as traffic, culture, tourism and safety, making a total of nine different categories and 40 different information sectors. Besides giving citizens the whereabouts of public bathrooms, free Wi-Fi service and great restaurant locations with the “Nae Jubyeon Jungbo” corner, the App also allows citizens to submit questions via the “Baro-Eungdap” corner. Essential information such as weather or air quality, economic information such as tests, bids, jobs or real estate, as well as cultural events, nearby attractions and leisure activities, can be found very easily. Gwangju City is providing free external battery rentals to all who install the App in order to celebrate the event. The batteries can be borrowed from the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center, Songjeong Station, the Asian Culture Center and libraries, among other locations. Additionally, opening ceremonies, bug finding missions and contests will go on throughout July. Free coffee tickets will be given out to those who write on the event board. Anyone who finds a bug in the App will receive a reward in the form of a transportation card. The “Naega bon Gwangju” corner will hold picture contests showcasing Gwangju’s diverse and beautiful scenery. To install: Android: search “모바일 광주” on the Play Store. iPhone: search “모바일 광주” on the App Store. Mobile Page: http://m.gwangju.go.kr
August 2016
Gwangju to Reduce Food Waste by 30 percent by 2020
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Pass the Summer with Korean Culture in Gwangju Folk Museum
GWANGJU NEWS
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GIC Tour August Wando
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
Hamel Memorial Museum - Jeolla Military Fortress - Set Menu with Barley Rice & Charcoal fire grill - Wando Myeongsasimni Beach - Teamwork Western-style Cookout Burgers and Hotdogs
Dates&Time: Saturday, August 27 9 a.m. to Sunday, August 28 12:30 p.m. Registration: By Sunday, August 21 Participation fee: 55,000 won (GIC members) 65,000 won (Non-members) / 35,000 won (Pre-schoolers) More Info: Jeongmin Lee 062.226.2733 / gictour@gic.or.kr
GIC TOUR
This
month, we are going to Wando where the most beautiful beach in all of Jeolla-do is located. This tour will be one night and two days! You can stay overnight at the beach!
After we visit Hamel Memorial Museum, we will move on to Jeolla Byeongyeongseong, a fortress and the former high command center of the army during the Joseon Dynasty. Hamel stayed in this place for around 8 years.
The first destination of this tour is Hamel Memorial Museum, which was established in 2007 to pay homage to Hendrick Hamel (1630-1692). He was the first to introduce Korea to the West. In 1653, Hamel, who was a bookkeeper with the Dutch East India Company, was shipwrecked on Jeju Island while heading to Japan. During his 13-year stay in Korea, Hamel lived in Seoul, Gangjin and Yeosu. In particular, he stayed for around 8 years in Gangjin.
After we visit the Hamel Memorial Museum and Jeolla Byeongyeongseong, it is time to have lunch!
The Hamel Memorial Museum displays 150 artifacts related to him. It serves as a regional educational institution to study the historical meaning of Hamel’s stay during the Joseon Dynasty, to research international relations in the 17th century, to enhance education through exhibition of relics and to promote cultural exchange between Korea and the Netherlands.
The menu is a set menu with Barley Rice & Charcoal fire grill! Mixing vegetables with the barley rice and grilling over a charcoal fire will refresh you! Our final destination is Wando Myeongsasimni Beach. First, we will visit the pension where we will stay overnight and stow away our luggage. And then, the only thing we must do is enjoy some beach time! There are many beaches named “Myeongsasimi” in Korea. While “Myeongsa” refers to “soft sandy beach,” it has a different meaning in the name of Myeongsasimni Beach in Wando; here, it means “echoing beach,” because the sound of silvery sand swept by waves is known for spreading
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over 4 km (“Simni” means “4 km” in Korean). This is one of the most exquisite beaches along the southern coast. The beach is also shallow, ideal for family tourists. Bathing in the sand here is believed to be effective for treating neuralgia, arthritis, skin diseases, and athlete’s foot. After enjoying the beach, we will have dinner. Oftentimes, the GIC Tour prepares special dinners that feature famous specialties of the region we visit. However, for this particular dinner, we will make “teamwork western-style cookout burgers and hotdogs”. All of the participants will talk and make dinner together, for a wonderful time of friendship. After spending a sweet night in Wando, we will go back to Gwangju in the morning. If you would like to spend a relaxing time at the beach, please join the Wando tour in August!
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
phots courtesy of GIC Tour
August 2016
By Bradley Weiss
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Upcoming
Events
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Musical “My Bucket List” 뮤지컬 마이버킷리스트
05
Gochang Mudflat Festival 고창갯벌축제
Dates: August 5 - August 7 Location: Aehyang Mudflat 320, Simwon-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do Directions: Take the intercity bus at the Gwangju Bus Terminal and get off at the Gochang Terminal (one hour, ten minutes). From the Gochang Bus Terminal, take a taxi to the Mandol Mudflat Experience Center. Admission Fee: Free Phone: 063-560-2731 Website: mud-exp.gochang.go.kr
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MuanWhite Lotus Festival
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
무안연꽃축제
Dates: August 19 - August 21 Location: Bitgoeul Citizen Cultural Center Genre: Musical Phone: 010-3625-3166 Website: bitculture.gjcf.or.kr
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ACC World Music Festival ACC월드뮤직페스티벌
The ACC World Music Festival is an international music event held every summer that is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Korea and the promotional group Asian Hub City of Culture. The festival celebrates various genres of music from all over the world such as Korean traditional music, Latin jazz, African music, and more. Dates: August 19 - August 20 (4 p.m. to Midnight) Dates: August 12 - August 15 Venue: Asia Culture Center Location: Baengnyeon-ro, illo-eup, Admission Fee: Free Muan-gun Website: www.acc.go.kr/worldmusic Admission Fee : 4,000 Won Website: tour.muan.go.kr/toureng/fes- Phone: 1899-5566 tival/korea_muan Phone: 061-450-5473
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Mokpo International Madang Art Festival 목포세계마당페스티벌
Thematic performances, featuring participation of international performers will showcase performance, circus stage, an acrobatic performance and a live concert. Also, a Madang Play, or Madangeuk in Korean, which refers to a street performance. Dates: August 25 - August 28 Location: Mokpo City down town / Mokpo Modern times Street Website: www.mimaf.net/ Phone: 061-243-9786
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2016 Gwangju Home Living Fair 2016 광주 홈리빙 페어
Dates: August 25 - August 28 Location: Kim Dae-jung Convention Center (first floor of Exhibition Building) Admission Fee: Free (if registered in advance on the website) Phone: 1899-4013 Website: www.gjmbchousing.com Display Items: -Interior furniture, bathrooms, landscape architecture, DIY items, home networks and interior pieces -Indoor landscape architecture, home fashion and bedding
첼리스트 김규식과 무누스앙상블의 탱고 스테이지
9.11
Dates: September 9 – September 11 Location: Asia Culture Center, May 18 Democracy Square Participants: 15,000 members (amateur bands, schools, clubs, cooperative associations, residents) Contact: 062-651-7709 [Program details] - Proclamation ceremony of the Ocarina Music City: Orchestra connection - Green Way parade with ACC: Orchestra connection ·Parade Route: Green Way - Yangrim Village – ACC Square (amateur bands, performance groups, cooperative associations, schools, etc.) - The World Music City Forum: 2 p.m., Friday, September 9 in ACC Theater 3 ·Forum on revitalization of a music city, case presentation - Ocarina Music Original Theater Performance: 7 p.m., September 10 ·Collaboration between amateurs (resident actors) and professional performance team - Ocarina Orchestra Performance: 17:00, September 11 ·Amateur Band Festival, performance of professional Ocarina concert party and band, exhibition ·Invited overseas performance group
August 2016
Date: August 31, 11 a.m. Location: Asia Culture Theater 2 Genre: Talk Concert Language: Korean Artist: Cello – Kim Kyu-sik Guitar: Park Yoon-woo Double Basses: Oh Jeong-taek Accordion: Jung Tae-ho Percussion: Parker Admission Fees: 20,000 won (Booking scheduled July 19 at 11 a.m.) Age Requirement: 7 Years + Phone: 1899-5566 Website: www.acc.go.kr
2016 남구민 오카리나 대합주
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
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Cellist Kim Kyu-sik and Munus Ensemble’s Tango Stage
2016 Ocarina Orchestra with 15,000 Namgu residents
10 UPCOMING
ACC - ASIAN CULTURE CENTER
GWANGJU
THEATHER
Chungjang-no 5-ga 62, Dong-gu, Gwangju (two blocks behind NC WAVE) TICKETS: 8,000 won INFORMATION: 062-224-5858 AUGUST 4TH A Bigger Splash, Directed by Luca Guadagnino, 125 mins. (Mystery and Crime)
ACC Commission: Light Barrier Third Edition
The ACC Commission “Light Barrier Third Edition [2016]” is a new installment in this series of works, expressing the ambiguous confusion and nonconformities at the boundaries between materials and non-materials, reality and illusion, and existence and absence, whilst crafting an incredible surreal vision that stretches the human understanding of time and space. Dates: June 23 – October 23 Location: ACC Creation Space1 Admission Fees: Free (until August 31) Operating Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (9 p.m. on Wednesdays). Closed on Mondays Phone: 1899-5566
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
Gwangju International Art Fair
Local media artists have been invited to display creative pieces combining art and media to explore the boundaries of formative arts at the 5-day event. This year’s fair also encourages more participation from new creators, increasing the number of booths for individual young local artists. It is hoped that the 2016 Gwangju International Art Fair will help overcome regional divisions by bringing together artists and organizations from across the nation. Dates: August 24 – August 28 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Location: Asia Culture Center Admission Fee: TBA Website: artgwangju.org Phone: 062-226-8057
Starring Tilda Swinton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Ralph Fiennes Rock Legend Marianne Lane is recuperating on the volcanic island of Pantelleria with her partner Paul, when iconoclast record producer and old flame Harry unexpectedly arrives with his daughter Penelope and interrupts their holiday, bringing with him an A-bomb blast of nostalgia from which there can be no rescue. It is a sensuous portrait of desire, jealousy and rock and roll, under the Mediterranean sun.
AUGUST 11TH Creepy, Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, 120 mins. (Thriller)
Starring Hidetoshi Nishijima, Yoko Takeuchi, Teruyuki Kagawa Former detective, Takakura, now works as a professor of criminal psychology at a university. An ex-colleague requests his assistance on an unsolved six-year-old case involving a missing family. Meanwhile, Takakura and his wife Yasuko move into a new neighborhood. One of their neighbors, Nishino, has a sick wife and a young daughter, Mio. While on one hand Takakura is solving the missing family case, events in his neighborhood “get strange.” Things go even more berserk after Mio reveals to Takakura a secret about her family. As the past and the present collide, Takakura is not just solving a case anymore.
The Island of Shadows, Directed by Kim Jung-Keun, 98 mins. (Documentary)
Starring Kim Jin-suk and Park Seong-ho Hanjin Heavy Democratic Trade Union appeared in the late 1980s, and accomplished glorious struggles during the 1990s and 2000s. Workers Kim Jin-suk and Park Seong-ho were at the center of it all, and were sent away in fear for their lives. Amidst the collapse of unions, the democratic union still stands. As a democratic union created in the 1980s, in the context of other more formal unions, it has helped inform promoters, who want to share the views of people currently in the labor movement, and who are still defending the democratic trade unions. The value of democratic unions is what this documentary showcases.
AUGUST 18TH Miles, Directed by Nathan Adolff, 90 mins. (Comedy and Drama)
Starring Missi Pyle, Annie Golden, Yeardley Smith Miles (Tim Boardman) a high school senior who wants nothing more than to graduate, leaves his rural town and moves to the city to enroll in film school. Unfortunately, Miles’ father has squandered his college fund on his mistress. With no cash and staring a dead-end future right in the face, Miles searches desperately for a way out, coming across a volleyball scholarship program that exists between his high school and the well-regarded Loyola University in Chicago. The catch? The only volleyball team that exists at his school is a girls’ team.
For the full July movie calendar please visit: cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju
11 Interview by Joe Wabe
Jared Gutkin
New In Town
A
Gwangju, I have been avidly studying Korean, so that has taken up a lot of my time. I like to have a drink on the weekends as well, and then when I am tired of everything else, I like to casually play Overwatch. I purchased it on a whim one day and have not regretted the purchase.
getting to experience it in person has been awesome. I enjoy the food, particularly. It is such a pleasant change from the American food I had gotten used to in the past. I also love K-Pop, so being able to hear my favorite songs everywhere I go is just awesome.
Even though he had many different options to choose from in Korea, Gwangju was one of the best, and within a month, his journey from Chicago to the City of Light began. “It was a big shock to many people,� he said, but it was a decision that he feels happy about.
What gives you motivation every day?
Do you have any struggles adapting to Korean culture?
How do you spend your weekends?
What do you enjoy the most about living in Korea? I enjoy a lot of things about living in Korea. I was a big fan of Korean food, media and culture before I came, so
The biggest struggle I have faced is the language, but I am getting better. I have gotten used to pointing and making gestures to really show what I want to say to people. Also the time difference still messes me up [even after] a month.
August 2016
Although my hobbies have changed quite a bit since I have moved to Korea, I still spend my weekends doing many of the things I did back at home, like running. A month before I arrived in Korea, I ran a half marathon. And I have started training again in hopes of tackling some races here as well. Since I moved to
My motivation every day comes from knowing that I am living my dream of living in another country. I am motivated to start each day and see what new surprises I encounter. Also, the children are a big motivation. I teach English to children from kindergarten to fourth grade. The children are a joy to teach, and there are always new surprises every day, so I am never bored.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
fter working at a law firm with plans to go to law school, Jared decided to pursue one of his dreams: to live outside the United States and travel places. The opportunity to teach abroad was something he had heard about, and so he decided to take the plunge.
12
by Joe Wabe
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
COMMUNITY
photo courtesy of Douglas Baumwoll
A
ccording to the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs (MOGAHA), in comparison with 17 other metropolitan cities and provinces, Gwangju hosts one of the biggest international resident populations in Korea. As of September 2015, Korea’s foreign population was recorded as being 1.74 million, with international residents being attracted by South Korea’s strong economy and successful international student exchange programs. Chinese, North American and Southeast Asian residents currently comprise the largest groups with the highest number of residents. However, there are smaller groups as well, including a small “Latino” community – mostly university exchange students completing masters, Ph.D. or undergraduate degrees that from time to time get together to mingle in fellowship somewhere in the City of Light. According to Celeste Veloso, an international student from Peru, some other Latinos with double citizenship from the USA also come to teach English. “Latino,” a term well-known in the West, is a word used to describe people with cultural ties to Latin America (a group of countries where Romance languages are predominant). From Mexico to the southern end of South America, 20 countries and several territories and dependencies are usually defined as “Latin America,”
which is a term that also includes the Caribbean – a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. Latin America is the mother of worldwide influential music genres such as Bossa Nova, Merengue, Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Son and Tango, arising out of the different religions, cultures and philosophies intermingling in this region. It is also home of such immortal writers and artists as: Ruben Dario, Frida Kahlo, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Pablo Neruda, among many others. So where are the Latinos in Gwangju? Even though there is not a specific club or place for regular meetings, since March 2015 Douglas Baumwoll, an American citizen, has been hosting regular meetings with advanced Spanish speakers that includes a large portion of the Latino population, and it has become one, if not the biggest, gathering of its kind in Gwangju. “I started this group for a couple of reasons,” Baumwoll explained. “First, I wanted to speak Spanish myself, as I only read and listen to [a little] Spanish on my own. Second, I wanted to give native speakers, as well as nonnative speakers who have lived in Spanish-speaking countries, a chance to speak Spanish, something we all love to do. Finally, I was delighted when some Koreans who had lived in Spanish-speaking countries came, practicing their Spanish and meeting some foreigners living here through
the mutual love of Spanish language and culture.” Some of the nationalities from the group include people from Peru, Spain and Venezuela, as well as firstgeneration North Americans with parents from Colombia and Guatemala. The group is also composed of many other Spanish speakers from Canada, multiple countries in Europe, Jamaica, Korea and the United States. “Our gatherings are not really [language learning] meetings,” Douglas pointed out. “I am not interested in teaching anyway, as I already do enough of that in ESL! We meet at restaurants, cafes, bowling alleys and in my house for potluck dinners. There are no pre-determined topics for conversation, and we just chat about whatever comes to mind. Our only rule is that we speak (mostly) in Spanish!” So even though the current Latino population is not big enough yet to host a parade or a big “fiesta” in Gwangju, the number of people interested in the culture and the Spanish language is large enough to host fun and memorable get-togethers, all in the name of a culture and language that has helped shaped Latin America Want to join the group? You can join the Facebook group: Gwangju Spanish Club. For now, adios!
EXPAT LIVING
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How to:
Rent a car in Gwangju
By Im Byeong-ji, You Min-a and Jeong Woo-jin
S
ummer has finally come to Gwangju, and it is bringing the heat! It calls for lazing around in the air-conditioned office while having some ice cream or going on an adventure. To the beach, to the mountains or even to a temple, you could go anywhere! But public transportation has its limits, and that is where rental cars come in.
Insurance can be a touchy subject, so you should always check the details beforehand. You will have to pay compensation for any damage when renting cars without Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance. So it is recommended to rent a car with CDW, even though it might be a little bit more expensive than cars without this coverage.
Major rental car companies also provide long-term rental services. You can use the car for up to four years, and anyone who is over 26-years-old is able to do this. However, the conditions for long-term rental are more complex, so check with the company beforehand. There are countless rental car companies all over Korea, but private companies might put extra charges upon international residents. Some rental companies are also known to be rather shady, using cheap ploys such as damaging the cars themselves after you have returned them. So rather than using private rental car companies, go to large-scale, major rent-a-car companies if possible. In addition, having Korean friends will help by accompanying you and consulting with the company, as conversations about conditions and charges can be complicated. Always remember that the cheapest way is not always the best, so drive safely and have fun in Gwangju!
August 2016
The vehicle will be covered by the insurance policy, but you will still be contractually liable to compensate the rental company for the loss-of-use (unavailability of a rental car and consequent loss of revenue by the rental company due to damage or theft). A daily loss-of-use charge will be half of the car’s daily rental fee. For instance, if a damaged vehicle with a daily rental rate of 100,000 won took three days to repair, a payment of a
There is one more important insurance policy—indemnification. Major rental car companies offer three different indemnification costs, ranging from 50,000 won to 300,000 won. If an accident occurs where the car is damaged, only paying the indemnification cost should be decided upon before signing the contract. Be aware that the indemnification policy is only relevant to accidents that do not involve any damage to humans and/or buildings.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
In Gwangju, there are numerous local rental car companies waiting to be at your service. To rent a car, a driver must be over the age of 21. Most rental companies also require a driver’s license to have more than a year remaining. The driver should also have an International Driving Permit (IDP) ready, a driver’s license from his/her country and a passport.
150,000 won loss-of-use fee will be imposed.
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Kristen Alice
COMMUNITY
Finding your Voice
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
Th
is month we have had the pleasure of talking with Kristen Alice, a woman who has devoted herself to helping others find their voice both in and out of the classroom. Through her work as a teacher, an active participant in Toastmasters and her talks on human rights on Gwangju Foreign Language Network (GFN), Kristen has made a lasting impact on the Gwangju Community. GN: Could you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from, and how did you wind up in Korea? I am originally from a small town called Acton, which is near Los Angeles (California). I studied Communication and competed in debate and public speaking tournaments during college. My cousin had been teaching in Seoul and encouraged me to apply to teach in Korea. I ended up at a small, rural, elementary school in South Chungcheong Province and
loved it! After living there for a year, I moved to San Francisco for graduate school—and when I finished, I returned to Korea. I was hired at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, where I have been teaching speaking and argumentation classes for almost 3 years. GN: How do you engage with the community in Gwangju? I am a weekly contributor on GFN Radio where I do a segment on human rights. I also coach the debate team at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, and we periodically host outreach events such as debate workshops for local high school students. Additionally, I participate in Toastmasters. GN: What is Toastmasters? How does it help people? How can people get involved? Toastmasters is a club that aims to
help people improve their communication and leadership skills. It has been around for close to 100 years, and there are clubs all over the world. When you join a club, you can participate in speech and leadership projects that aim to improve specific skills. For example, in one speech, you might work on improving your body language, while in another you would focus on persuasion. Usually between one and three people give prepared speeches at each meeting. Members and guests who are not giving speeches are welcome to participate in table topics where they answer impromptu questions on a given topic. Finally, at the end of the meeting, there is an evaluation session where participants receive feedback on their roles in the meeting. This [assistance] allows members to get an outside perspective on what they did well and what they can improve. The goal is for Toastmasters meetings to be a safe environment
COMMUNITY LEADERS 15
By Kelsey Rivers
“We allow and encourage taboo topics, as well as light heckling and audience participation�
GN: What has been your role in Toastmasters? How has being involved in this organization benefited you? I have been a Toastmasters member since 2010 and have visited many clubs, as well as serving as the Vice President of Education twice in my own clubs. Toastmasters has allowed me to make connections with people all over the world, and network both personally
Toastmasters also has a competitive element, with speech contests being held every spring and fall. I have competed in national speech contests twice, and in 2014, I was the Korea Toastmasters National Evaluation Contact Champion. Currently, I am on the founding committee for Gwangju Real Toastmasters along with Hanbyeol Lee, Mallory Droit, Hyungseok Song and Ryan Hodgson. GN: What are your future plans and goals, in Korea and elsewhere? I love teaching, but I would also like to do non-profit work helping people to empower themselves by improving their communication, negotiation and public speaking skills.
August 2016
People can get involved by looking online at Toastmasters.org, and simply dropping in and visiting a club. Gwangju has three active clubs: JNU Toastmasters, which meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the Chonnam National University Museum Building; Mudeung Toastmasters, which also meets at Chonnam National University on Fridays at 5:30 p.m.; and my club, Gwangju Real Toastmasters, which meets the first and third Wednesdays of every month at 8 p.m. at A Twosome Place in Suwan.
and professionally. I have made some of my closest friends through this club.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
where people can try different things and get better and better each meeting.
One of the things that differentiates GRT from most other Toastmasters clubs is the relaxed and free environment. We allow and encourage taboo topics, as well as light heckling and audience participation, and, members are welcome to drink coffee and beer during our meetings. Contact us to find more information about our upcoming meetings via our Facebook page (facebook.com/GwangjuRealToastmasters).
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By Anne Murray
Daniel Choi
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
Butlerskorea.com and Korea MacPC Guys.
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aniel Choi likes to help people find their way around the city, and he easily identifies with new arrivals to Gwangju. He moved from Seoul to Gwangju when he was ten, so he can identify with international residents because he was once one himself. He helped by translating and assisting international students with obtaining their visas so that they could study in Boston, and he has been down that road himself, as he studied in Australia. You could say that he is culturally literate as he has travelled to over 40 countries — including countries in: Europe, North America and East Asia.
After his globe-trotting, Choi finished his studies in Australia and returned to Gwangju in 2003. Shortly after, he met Heino and Steven — computer engineers who were in the process of founding Korea Mac PC Guys, a computer sales and repair service, in downtown Gwangju. The one thing they needed most was a business license to start their commercial operations, and Choi came to their rescue and obtained one on their behalf. He once helped a woman in distress in the early morning hours who had lost her handbag. He accompanied her to where she had lost it her be-
longing and found it for her. The police now often call on him to act as a translator. When Danny does have free-time, he enjoys listening to hip-hop, ballads, playing soccer and his favorite App.s to play are MLB (Major League Baseball) and EPL (English Premier League). Choi is also a business entrepreneur and has recently started up Butlerskorea.com — a service for international residents living in Gwangju and offering assistance in a variety of ways suited to international needs. Choi helps with such services as: re-
LOCAL ENTERPRISE
Choi began his work on Butlers by networking and making contacts. For the past two years, he worked on building his business and gained a business license for onsite assurance.
Choi is a man of action. He is selfmotivated and passionate. He would like to act as a liaison to bridge the language and cultural gaps for inter-
His advice for others wanting to go into business in Gwangju is to talk to him first, he is willing to help them progress through the steps in order to receive and maintain a business license. In the next few months he has big plans to take Butlerskorea.com to Busan, Daegu and Seoul. In the meantime, he invites any feedback so that he can improve other areas where international residents are requesting assistance.
If you are ever in need of top-notch assistance, Danny is your go-to man in the downtown area and can be reached by visiting his website: www. Butlerskorea.com. He is also available on Facebook and Kakao talk.
August 2016
When asked what his favorite quote is, he stated “to do my best and never regret.�
national residents living in the area. He hopes that international residents will feel more comfortable working and living in Gwangju and wishes for them to stay longer. He can see the positive pay-offs for the city and believes that the economy can be bolstered at the same time, when more international residents come to stay.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
location assistance, translation, vehicle services, job-seeking assistance, tours, shopping assistance, trips to the Daejeon Costco Supermarket, house cleaning, booking, ticketing, community, a food market, a news board and a flea market. With Choi, things are done fast and efficiently.
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18
Gearing Up for the
ACC World Music Festiv
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
By Katrin Márquez
Photos courtesy of ACC World Music Festival
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longside wiping melted ice cream from one’s chin, squinting tightly in the bright sunlight while reaching for sunglasses, and diving into salty ocean waters, swaying rhythmically to sounds blasted through massive speakers at an outdoor music festival is a quintessentially summer-time joy. While massive concerts like Ultra Korea allow participants to enjoy chart-topping hits from world-wide famous artists, we, with easy access to Gwangju, are particularly lucky as our city annually serves as the venue for the Asian Culture Center (ACC)
World Music Festival — a gathering of established and emerging musicians from all over the world performing a wide variety of genres, both traditional and contemporary. The ACC World Music Festival, commonly called the Gwangju World Music Festival (GWMF), was started in 2010, when the festival featured artists from 15 different countries. GWMF is part of the larger Hub City of Asian Culture project that led to the construction of the ACC, the largest art center in Korea and one of the largest in Asia. The project is sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as well as the ACC.
As such, the GWMF allows participants to not only enjoy great international music but also witness otherwise unlikely cross-country musical collaborations intended to bring traditional art forms into the twenty-first century. Prior iterations of the GWMF have included artists from such countries as Cuba, India and the Netherlands. Faithful attendants expect this year’s festival to be just as exciting. “I would definitely recommend [the festival] to others,” says Rachel Hill, a foreign resident who has attended the festival previously. She added that the atmosphere of the festival is augmented by the unique-
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val
ness of the experience. “ Just for one night, [a lot] of different cultures are being experienced together. Koreans are experiencing a new thing, and expats are experiencing a new thing ... At this festival, we can all experience new cultures together as a community.” This year’s festival promises to allow for the novel cultural experiences that Hill so greatly appreciated due to the diverse line-up. This year’s performers include:
- Don Juan. Unlike other performers at the festival, this group of young men mesmerize through their hip-hop dancing rather than music. Previous performances can be viewed by searching for “Pilipinas Got Talent, Season 5, Mastermind” on YouTube. - Kalaha. According to their recording company’s website, this Danish quartet “embraces jazz, afrobeat, and electronic music” in ways that allow for performances which can “ induce both acute dance tendencies as well as food for thought.” Since the mission of the ACC is to promote artistic collaborations between various Asian nations, attend-
The 2016 ACC World Music Festival will be held on August 19 and 20 outside the Asian Culture Center. Tickets are free. More information about the Aseana Percussion Unit, Kalaha, La Chiva Gantiva and Yemen Blues can be found at www. apu.com.my, www.rump-recordings. dk/artists/16, www.lachivagantive. com and www.yemenblues.com, respectively. To best enjoy the show, Hill recommends to “bring something to sit on, and get ready to relax and see a great mix of music” as a perfect close to the summer.
August 2016
- La Chiva Gantiva. Though the group started in Brussels, it actually stemmed from the desire of three Colombian students to retain a closeness to their culture as their website describes their music as a “
- Aseana Percussion Unit. Founded in 1998 and hailing from Kuala Lumpur, this group is composed of 12 artists fusing the sound of traditional Malay percussion instruments with the sounds of various ethnic groups found both in Malaysia and abroad.
ants should also be prepared to see performances embracing Korean and other Asian styles of music. One such performance this year will be a collaboration between The Barbarettes, the Kim Sisters and a Czech drummer.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
- Yemen Blues. As their name suggests, the group hails from Yemen, though they are composed of an international helter-skelter of vocalists, percussionists and other musicians. Their Facebook page describes their sound as “mix[ing] Yemen and West African influences with contemporary grooves from funk to mambo and the deep soul of old chants.”
blend [of] Afro-Colombian rhythms with other styles of music they loved: rock, afrobeat and funk.” Regardless of the band’s Colombian roots, they have since gained members of various nationalities.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
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La Chiva Gantiva By Katrin Márquez
Photos courtesy of ACC World Music Festival
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his year’s World Music Festival is bringing a plethora of talented performers to Gwangju from all over the world. Among the international bands that will perform is La Chiva Gantiva. Created in 2009, La Chiva Gantiva organically emerged from the desire of three friends—Natalia Gantiva, Felipe Deckers and Rafael Espinel— to reconnect with their Colombian roots while living abroad in Belgium. While playing music in the house they shared, they noticed the popularity of the music they created through the many parties and gatherings they hosted. Gwangju News was fortunate enough to hear from the band about their music, style and expectations for the festival; here’s what they had to say:
GN: Do you try to incorporate other international musical influences in your music? La Chiva Gantiva: We are very open to other international musical influences, especially when international music is very rhythmic. But, it is not necessarily party music, we can also love dark songs, very sad songs. It is also a very natural process. We try to play music with the musicians of any part of the world and are always happy to be inspired by them. Then if those sounds remain in our head, we incorporate them in our music. GN: Are there any ideals that you try to communicate through your music? La Chiva Gantiva: Tolerance between people. GN: What are the biggest challenges your band faces?
La Chiva Gantiva: The biggest challenge has always been to create together and keep on being a collective. So we always try to understand each other the best we can and learn to communicate better and better. GN: In terms of the World Music Festival, what are you most looking forward to? La Chiva Gantiva: It is our first time in Korea, and we are really very happy to come! It is a beautiful gift for us to come to Gwangju and have the opportunity to share our music with the Korean people. We would like to create a communion with everyone in the audience in Gwangju and to create a big connection between them and us. We hope it will be the first of several times we perform in Korea. GN: What is one thing you would like to tell festival attendants to know? La Chiva Gantiva: We are going to make a collective and explosive party together. Come dance and jump with us!
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
GN: What are the major influences on your musical style? La Chiva Gantiva: After years of experience with La Chiva Gantiva, we realize the importance of Colombian music in our music with different elements: the power, the energy and the spirit of this music. All of these elements have always been key for our band. Even if sometimes the Colombian influence is not really apparent, it is always there. For sure we cannot say that our music is 100% Colombian. The band was born in Brussels, Belgium, and consists of 3 Colombians and members of other parts of the world. But we also can’t say that we are a Belgian band. Even if the band was born in Belgium, we are children of the world, we have been
lucky enough to travel all around the world and it has allowed us to make music with others. And so it was very natural to bring traditional Colombian style to other types of music.
FEATURE
An Explosion of Funk and Afro-Colombian rhythms
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PeakMusic’s Soundpark Festival: Continuing the Sajik Park Music Legacy By Anastasia Traynin Photos courtesy of Peak Music
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gainst the backdrop of Gwangju’s historical Sajik Park, known for its folk music café-lined street that represents the sounds of the 1970s and 1980s, a new music project is gradually taking shape. In 2015, Nam Yu-jin, who has run the rock venue Culture Club Nevermind since 2012, opened the PeakMusic Company on the first and second floors of the Gwangju Foreign Language Network building. As the director of the project, Nam has created a recording studio, listening lounge, an “Incubating” musicians project followed by performances, a music academy that includes MIDI recordings and music businesses for burgeoning musicians and live performances. Peak is working to grow the existing Gwangju independent music scene and bring other musicians to play in the city.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
“Seoul has many studios but other cities do not have as much, so I wanted to support musicians in Gwangju and other places,” Nam said. “For several reasons, I wanted to make albums, labels, human resources and engineering support for musicians. When musicians from other cities come to Gwangju, they financially support busking and recording of independent musicians here.” For the past two years, Sajik Park has been host to the Sajik World Folk Festival. This year, the weekend of September 3 to 4 will see the outdoor performance event
rebranded as the Soundpark Festival, with an expanded array of musicians coming from around Korea, as well as Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand. “There is a connection between the Sajik Folk Festival and the Asia Culture Center, so the new brand name makes more of a connection to Sajik Park as a ‘soundpark’,” Nam said. “Sajik is everywhere in South Korea and the Sajik Folk Festival is only for folk, so beginning this year, we want other genres like pop, rock, hip-hop and electronic music.” Some highlights from the Soundpark Festival will include well-known pop-rock singer-songwriter Lee Seung Hwan, a 2-hour hip-hop party and electronic dance group Idiotape. The Soundpark Stage will have the national and international touring acts, whereas the smaller PeakMusic stage will see Gwangju indie musicians showcasing their wide range of genres, including jazz, folk, punk and hard rock. “In Gwangju, there are not that many music festivals,” Nam said. “This is the first major paid ticket festival, so the sound and overall experience will be much better. It is a kind of synergy and start-up and will lead to other music productions. When people get something for free, they do not care as much, but with a paid festival, it will be attractive.” Alongside the Soundpark Festival performances, there will also be a Record Fair in the PeakMusic parking lot, featuring remakes of classic albums from Korea and abroad. With so many projects coming from PeakMusic, Nam’s biggest challenge is getting people involved. “The concern is that there are many projects but not many people working on them. It would be nice to have more support from Gwangju citizens,” Nam stated in conclusion. Tickets for the Soundpark Festival are now available through Interpark. For more information, visit the PeakMusic website at peakmusic.co.kr.
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
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Byeonsanbando
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
TRAVEL
National Park
Photos and Story By Ryan and Stephanie Hedger
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ew places in South Korea are as spectacularly balanced as Byeonsanbando National Park. While many parks have bigger mountains, longer beaches or greater popularity, this park located west of Buan is not without its own notable characteristics. Blending both the lovely Korean shoreline with the iconic mountains that dot this country’s horizon, Byeonsanbando is as prototypically Korean as maybe any other park. Although designated as a Marine National Park, visitors will be delighted to find a wide range of landscapes beyond gorgeous beaches. Truly a place
where mountains, beaches, temples and forests come together in sublime harmony, this park is one that continually calls to us. To begin with the beaches, it is only fair to pause in complete awe. Gosapo Beach is arguably the most beautiful and trafficked of the area, and for good reason. With a sizable grove of pine trees skirting the beach to provide a camping habitat, visitors can feel that this beach is closed off from the ocean and the rest of Korea. This tree curtain makes for a secluded and relaxed environment in which to enjoy the sand and surf.
Camping on this beach is beautiful as well, as the elevated tent area grants unobstructed views of the ocean spreading to the horizon. On the south end of this beach is an impressive cliff that frames the beach spectacularly. With the whole scene and certainly with all of its sounds and smells, Gosapo Beach is difficult to describe accurately. It is a place that must be seen to be understood and appreciated. While probably unexpected in a Marine National Park, Byeonsanbando also has a beautiful mountain range covered in lush forest. While not the largest hiking mountain around, the
AROUND KOREA
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the area, but certainly the largest and most beautiful.
“With a sizable grove of pine trees skirting the beach to provide a camping habitat, visitors can feel that this beach is closed off from the ocean and the rest of Korea.”
An added bonus to hiking Byeonsanbando is ending the trail at Naesosa Temple. With a massive painted gate in traditional Korean Buddhist style, this welcome sight at the end of the trail offers rest, relaxation and reflection after a day in this lovely park.
Blog www.hedgersabroad.com Facebook: /hedgersabroad Instagram: /hedgersabroad
August 2016
With large prayer halls, beautifully painted buildings and several water fountains, Naesosa Temple is a welcome respite after a moderately physical hike. Ancient trees in spacious courtyards are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sounds of nature. Located within a peaceful valley alongside a serene creek, this temple is one of many to be found in
About the authors: Two wanderlusts from Oklahoma, Ryan and Stephanie sold all of their belongings and moved to South Korea in 2013. They are the duo behind Hedgers Abroad and have fallen in love with travel, photography, and South Korea. Be sure to head over to their blog for more of their travels.
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forest surrounding Gwaneumbong Peak is artfully designed to maximize the landscape. Not just an up-andback hiking park, the trail is a rolling path experience with jaw-dropping vantage points. Literally every rise in the hiking trail shows another vista and beckons you onward for the next stellar view. Surrounded by towering trees and rolling hills as far as the eye can see, hiking this 433 meter peak is a lovely experience. The trails are not overly strenuous, but they should not be taken for granted. Approaching the peak is a winding path that ascends as often as it descends. Gwaneumbong Peak is a bit more than a “walk in the park.”
Of all the parks we have visited in this beautiful country, Byeonsanbando is probably the most iconically Korean. We have enjoyed this park immensely in our visits and it is not hard to understand why. Perfectly balancing the most prevalent elements of Korean geography in its beaches and mountains, this park is a wonderland in the coastal countryside. There are few places that can harness Korea’s essence as aptly as this park, but that makes it all the more special and unique.
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The Geomungo
ARTS & CULTURE
by Kelsey Rivers
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
photo by dylan goldby
D
espite being the oldest of Korean instruments and dating back to the 3rd century B.C.E., the geomungo, compared to the gayageum, is significantly less well-known among Koreans and international residents alike. Similar to the gayageum, the geomungo belongs to the zither-family of instruments. The name geomungo is believed to relate to the color black, in reference to “blacknecked cranes.” Legend has it that when the instrument was first played, a black-necked crane flew down from the sky and landed beside the geomungo player. And from that moment, the name geomungo was born. I was grateful to speak with Seo Deog-eun, the only Master Geomungo player in Gwangju and learn a little more about this historical instrument
The geomungo has uniquely both string and percussion instrument qualities. The musician plays while seated, with the geomungo across his or her lap. The geomungo has six strings, each with its own name and meaning. The first string is called Munhyeon, the second Yoohyeon, the third Daehyeon, the fourth Gwaesangcheong (“above the gwae”, or the frets), the fifth Gwaehacheong (“below the gwae”) and the sixth is Muhyeon. Munhyeon is the “literature” string, or the pen, and Muhyeon is its opposite, a thicker string with a different sound, and is known as the “military” string, the sword. The Yoohyeon string is very fine and thin and is associated with the feminine voice, while Daehyeon is very thick and is associated with the masculine voice. These strings most clearly showcase a unique principal built into the structure of the geomungo, that is, the ying-yang philosophy. No other Korean instrument so fully encompasses this principal.
27 photos by Shin Dong-il
“The geomungo has uniquely both string and percussion instrument qualities. The musician plays while seated, with the geomungo across his or her lap”
The first strains of the instrument come as a shock, as the player, who in moments of stillness seems delicate and
In each province of Korea, there are only about five to six Master Geomungo players, and Gwangju is blessed to have one of its own. So, keep your ears open, and perhaps you too will have the opportunity to hear the distinctive tones of this ancient instrument of the Land of the Morning Calm.
August 2016
With the right hand, the musician plays the strings with a small, pencil length piece of bamboo wood, called the suldae, plucking and stroking the strings with vigor. A piece of leather beneath the area where the suldae is applied protects the instrument from damage. Besides the suldae, a finger guard is required to play the geomungo, for the strings could cut into the fingers as they press down on the strings.
Perhaps due to this instrument’s difficulty, its popularity since the Joseon era has waned. In the past, this instrument was the preferred instrument of scholars and aristocrats, helping soothe the troubled thoughts that interfered with their studies as they prepared for national exams. This fact, coupled with the fact that strength is required to play, has historically made this an instrument exclusively played by men. However, nowadays, both men and women play this instrument.
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Three of the strings rest on “frets,” or bridge-like pieces of wood, upon which the musician presses down with his or her left hand to achieve different pitches, or to create vibration. There are also a number of moveable bridges at the base of the instrument that resemble birds’ feet, which the three strings without frets rest on.
graceful, suddenly plays with surprising force. The geomungo must be played with strength, as the snapping of the strings and the constant pressing and vibration require a great deal of physical power, lending itself to this instrument’s reputation as a difficult instrument to master.
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WHERE TO EAT
Florida Hip, Young & Exciting
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
By Sean D’Andelo
photos by Joe Wabe
Florida! It is hip, young, exciting and overflowing with modern class and charm. Surprise, surprise, I am not talking about the state! I am talking about Gwangju’s cabana café in metropolitan Dongmyeong-dong (동명동).
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It looks as if a Caribbean wedding planner might have designed the interior. Picture lacy drapes, pure white walls, broad-leafed plants and a subtle lily-scented perfume permeating the air. During the day, sunlight floods in through large windows and floral patterned wall cutaways. At night, the atmosphere is subdued with soft pink and tan color tones. The furnishings are lavish, colorful and festive, with high ceilings and exposed piping that bespeaks an almost art deco style. Popular among old and young alike, the sound space is filled with bubbling chatter and a relaxed mix of popular music. Definitely an attractive location for a date. The best way to imagine the dining experience is to actually attend a Caribbean wedding — the reception anyway. At the core, Florida is a dessert and beverage café that heavily features tropical fruit, but the major players are really the drinks. Only about 10 percent of the menu is devoted to food: roll cakes, fruity yogurt snacks, ice cream and sensuous traditional bingsu. For the best and freshest cookies, aim to arrive on the early side as by nightfall they tend to become stale. The bulk of Florida’s flirtatious offerings are coffee and summery cocktails.
The Santori Whiskey highball is another noteworthy star
Like so many of the venues in Dongmyeong-dong, Florida is an experience that could easily fill an evening all by itself. But why stop there? The area is full of fun and eclectic ways to pass the time away. Grab a cocktail at Florida then browse the artist’s shops, watch a play, grab some grilled lobster and then enjoy some music or good beer elsewhere. You cannot go wrong in this area! Florida is located near the Gwangju Central Library but can be a little tough to track down when making your first visit. We recommend plugging the address into your map App. Once you get close, the bright neon sign is hard to miss.
August 2016
The Super Ades are works of art by themselves: rosemary lemon “Palm Beach” for sophistication, frutti di bosco “Berry Berry Thank You” for fun and blue lemon “Oceanade” for refreshment. The MVP drink is undoubtedly the “Florida Punch,” a mix of tropical juices and soda, with a guava kick and a mountainous presentation of fresh fruit that dwarfs all other drinks in Gwangju. Be careful though to only eat the fruit, the herbaceous decorations are not edible (I learned this lesson the hard way.).
For the truly adventuresome, there is even a red-bean bingsu-themed latte called the “Prince Latte.” Herbal teas, iced or hot, are also on the menu for those interested in a lighter flavor.
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The choice of coffee is fairly run-of-the-mill, good lattes and macchiatos at an average price of 5,000 won. The cocktails come in two classes, non-alcoholic “Florida Super Ade,” and adult drinks like beer, a bevy of mojitos and even a unique spin on a highball. They will set you back a solid 6,000 won and even 7,000 won, but the prices are worth it. In case you forget, Florida labels all the adult drinks with a chic “over 19” cup-holder.
on the menu, but beware when ordering. My date for the evening was paying more attention to this drink than she was to me! I started to get jealous. Not jealous of the attention, mind you. Jealous because she was hogging all the good stuff!
FOOD & DRINKS
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he neighborhood that is so hip, it cannot see its own feet! So cool, Santa is building a summer home, and so fresh it is raw. We have already praised Dongmeungdong for its attractions like Timi’s Triangle, Bubba’s BBQ and Monday Off Please. Florida adds another point to the scoreboard: homemade cookies, check! A drink that looks like a fruit salad, check! Punch that actually packs a punch, check! All of these items are truly luxury.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
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Patbingsu:
Summer Getaway in a Bowl
KOREAN FOOD 31
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The initial idea of the shaved ice dessert dates back to ancient times. There are theories that the Chinese once consumed snow and ice mixed with honey or fruit juice. In 3,000 B.C.E., King Alexandros of Macedonia used this treat as a restorative snack for his soldiers during the battles in Persia. According to Joseon Dynasty records, an icehouse in Seolbinggo at one time offered government officials shaved ice mixed with a fruit-milk punch called hwachae. Then, the Japanese introduced this dessert in Korea during their colonial rule (1910-1945) which led Koreans to develop the dessert further into combinations of red bean paste and shaved ice.
By Namhee Cho Photo by Joe Wabe
Despite price increases, patbingsu and bingsu are still the most popular summer treats in Korea today. Local bakeries sell classic patbingsu at more reasonable prices than the average café. The evolution of the dessert can easily be experienced through just a few scoops in a bowl.
August 2016
Bingsu’s chilled sweetness is attractive and a tempting treat for all people. The colorful presentation indulges those in need of refreshment during hot Korean summers. Depending on one’s personal taste, bingsu has infinite possibilities in terms of mixers or toppings — but these preferences do not have to be sweet or mixed. Also, frozen milk, coffee, green tea or yogurt can be replaced for the traditional ice shavings. Imported fruit, rice cakes, cheese, goji berries and mulberry fruit have also become popular ingredients for the dessert.
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At first, only dessert bakeries in Korea sold this tasty morsel. However, due to the dish’s popularity and growing array of varieties, all types of cafés began to put this summer treat on their menus. Eventually, bingsu franchises opened in the cities’ busiest shopping areas.
FOOD & DRINKS
he craze for cold ice desserts returns every summer in Korea. Patbingsu, a shaved ice and red bean dessert (with additional toppings such as fruit, condensed milk and various syrup types), is regarded as the most popular summer dessert in the country. With ice shavings and adzuki beans, patbingsu still continues to evolve into more varieties.
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Photo Essay
37 Years Later:
Son Reshoots His Father’s Photos of Jeju Island Story by Oisin Feeney
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
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outh Korea was a very different place 35 years ago. Park Chunghee, the president then, had just been assassinated and the country was in a very turbulent situation. It was not the power horse that it is today, nor was it very accessible for foreigners. Jeju Island, in particular, was largely inaccessible due to the fact that it was so isolated from the mainland. It was here that Pete DeMarco’s father found his calling: “My advisor, Dr. K.L. Koh, asked me to go back to his home island of Jeju to begin an exchange relationship teaching English at Jeju National University. In addition I wanted to write an article for National Geographic and continue a Korean art business I started with three of my army buddies and Jeff.” There were very few foreigners living on Jeju Island during this period. He was bringing his young family over
Photos by Pete DeMarco
with him for the year that he was intending to stay, but it would not be easy. There was scarcely any English spoken on the island, and the standard of living was very different compared to the cozy lives that they were accustomed to in America. To DeMarco’s father, though, it was worth it. He loved the beauty of the island and the utterly unique world that he found himself a part of. However, he felt that change was coming. In his own words: “I knew that Jeju was going to change forever. Dr. Koh told me about the billions of won that the government was going to pour into the island for development. Being ‘modern’ was more important to them than preserving the unique culture of Jeju. I knew a lot would be lost forever, so I wanted to preserve a small slice with my shots.” With this in mind, DeMarco’s father
“
I felt like the project wasn’t finished. My dad wanted to show how Jeju was changing, and now that so many years have passed we could do that.
”
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took hundreds of photos, portraying wonderful and vivid insights of the island as it was. Two years ago, Pete and his father sifted through these photos and digitized them. Pete then posted a photo story online which was very well received around Korea. www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
Today, two years later, he feels that the story still has not been fully told. DeMarco has had a fantastic year so far in 2016. Photography has always been a huge part of his life, but like most of us, making the transition to a new full-time job can be intimidating. After traveling to over 60 countries and working many jobs along the way, DeMarco finally took the plunge and quit his teaching job to become a full-time photographer. His website is a fantastic resource for photographers, documenting his many travels around the globe, as well as posting tutorials on how to recreate some of his more unique images.
34 With this new life-purpose, he has found the time to return to Jeju. So, why did DeMarco feel the need to go back? In his own words: “I felt like the project wasn’t finished. My dad wanted to show how Jeju was changing, and now that so many years have passed we could do that. I lived on the island again from 2007 to 2008. And just in the time since I have been there, I could also see the changes taking place. Also, the original story connected with many people. I got comments from both Koreans and foreigners saying how they appreciated the photos. I felt in some way that putting these photos together was like closing the circle.”
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
DeMarco returned to Jeju Island and began a treasure hunt of sorts. He started looking for the original locations of his father’s pictures. Today, when he finds the right locale, he takes his own photo and then blends the two photos together, so one can see the condition of the location as it was 35 years ago and in present-day times. The old, drab buildings are wearing brand new paintjobs. The people and the vehicles may be different, but the mountains and rock formations are the same. DeMarco’s photos go well with his father’s. His father’s photos are time capsules of the past —preserving the old; whereas DeMarco displays the changes that have taken place through comparison with his own shots. This project is one that I am very excited to see, and I am sure it will generate a lot of interest around the world when it is published in full. As for DeMarco, the future is bright and the possibilities are endless. Maybe one day, 35 years from now, there will be another DeMarco making the trek back to Jeju to continue the family tradition. I would love to see those photos!
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
36
Photos of The Month Words by A.P. Tolang
I shot this photo at the Seoul Tower observatory, on an evening during Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year Festival 2016). Seoul Tower is a very famous place to visit in Seoul City. It was a great moment to catch an airplane passing against the red sunset. I have always been passionate about taking snapshots of sunrises and sunsets, because it gives me strength and new hope.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
The Gwangju News is now going to feature a few photos of the month instead of only one on a regular basis. By making this change, we hope to create more opportunities to promote more photographers based in the Jeollanam-do region and to show off our beautiful province from different areas and angles. Submissions can be posted in the “Photography in the South� Facebook group throughout the preceding month.
Photo by A.P Tolang
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Photo by Ryan Bentley
Photo by Abhishek Sahu
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
ARTS & CULTURE
By Anastasia Traynin Photos courtesy of Angle Magazine
From a Different Angle Angle Magazine Highlights Culture Scenes South of Seoul
F
our years ago, Philip Brett, 31-year-old Angle Magazine co-founder and editor, moved to Korea from his hometown of Galway, Ireland, a city known for the annual International Arts Festival, to work as an English teacher in the southeastern industrial city of Ulsan. In terms of art and music culture, he remembers finding “nothing happening” there. Brett wasted no time digging in, discovering the thriving independent music and arts scenes in the southern part of the country and working to make a space for creators without a place to create. Following a vision to connect the Korean and international musicians and artists working outside of the Seoul scene, Brett, along with co-founders American Josh Hanlin and a Korean friend,
launched Angle Magazine in September 2013. “Everything was very Seoul-focused, there was not a huge amount covering what was going on in the South, from a different ‘angle,’ if you will,” Brett said. “It was a way to explore the independent scene going on around us.” Three years after starting, Angle Magazine has become one of the premier, award-winning promoters of independent music and culture in Korea, with Brett as the main driving force and a rotating all-volunteer group of collaborators. Yet the vision for the project remains the same. “We are still looking for art, music and places where people want to do that and support them. We just want
39 L’Abbe summed up the importance of expanding south of Seoul to find culture and creativity.
to link people together. Get yourself some cultural action. We could be the Tinder for the artists. “You should match with this person.”
Having known about the cultural history of Gwangju, Brett was also excited to branch out into this southwestern city.
Beyond a bilingual website of interviews, media and events, Angle has expanded into making art exhibits and innovative live performances. The annual Big Day South festival had its April 30 debut at art residence Barim and Club Nevermind in Gwangju.
“The thing that struck me most, compared to Daegu, Ulsan and Busan Angle events, was how welcoming the Korean community was. They really got behind it and supported it.”
Angle collaborator Cindi L’Abbe, a dancer and English and yoga teacher based in Busan, has held affection for Gwangju since her first dance performance here in 2013, before starting with the magazine.
“People are connecting across mediums, not so much nationalities,” Brett said. “At the Big Day South that just happened in Gwangju, we have seen performance artists connect that will hopefully work together. People are joining bands, putting on shows together, hopefully making art together.”
“Trying to make sure what we say in one language can be read in another language [can be difficult],” L’Abbe said. “It can be fascinating and really hard. Also, I am exhausted because I go to shows every weekend and I never rest. First world problems!”
August 2016
The rewards of connecting with a diverse range of people and events within the Angle community are balanced by some unique challenges.
Angle Magazine is an all-volunteer run collective, online at anglemagazine.co.kr. To get involved as a writer or promoter, send a message to the Facebook page Angle Magazine. To submit your artistic work, email submitangle@gmail.com.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
“My friend was a dancer with me in university and she had some Gwangju International Center (GIC) and Gwangju Performance Project (GPP) connections,” L’Abbe said. “I went there for rehearsal and performance. I was excited about the cross-cultural support and engagement, just in the little moments. People showed up off the street. I was really smitten with Gwangju. I also stumbled on a punk show afterwards and I saw BettyAss - it was wonderful. When we decided to go to Gwangju for Big Day South, I was really excited because I definitely wanted to showcase the bands. I wish that it was closer, because it is one of my favorite cities in Korea.”
By putting on collaborative cultural events, Angle remains committed to bridging the gap between contemporary Korean culture that is often hard to access by foreigners coming to Korea, as well as transcending the language and cultural barriers between creative people working in the South.
“We know from living here and working with Angle, [that] there is a lot of interesting and valid stuff happening in our local communities and small cities throughout Korea. A lot of people are so concerned about making it [in Seoul], [that] they try to please their audience more and they lose some of their quirkiness, [that which] makes them local and unique. I find it really fascinating, so I am really interested in that and I think other people would be interested in it too.”
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
40
Gwangju
by Maddy Miller
Photos
by
Lorryn Smit
Y
oga is more than stretchy pants and low-key contortionism. It is, broadly speaking, a lifestyle highlighting the importance of spiritual enlightenment through mental peace. The core practice is meditation; stretching is only the physical preparation to allow for hours of stillness. This being the case, many who are not Yoga followers see its value as “yoga” simply for stress relief and developing flexibility for other forms of exercise. As an increasing number of people realize the value of emotional and mental balance, particularly when juggling a crazy work life, the practice of yoga is growing in the fast-paced Western world. Yoga is a belief system originating in India, reportedly a few thousand years ago. International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21 each year in Korea. And not to mention, Korea’s Indian Ambassador, Vikram Doraiswami, has been working towards promoting yoga in Korea since his appointment to the position in April 2015.
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“an increasing number of people realize the value of emotional and mental balance, particularly when juggling a crazy work life”
Recognizing stress in my own life and the need to remove it, I decided that finding a yoga class could be a great solution. I had owned a yoga mat for a while, but, as with many other areas of life, I did not usually find motivation to practice until there was some accountability involved.
I love my gym because of the flexibility in its schedule. Classes are offered at 10 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. every weekday. Wednesday is special, offering Pilates sessions. The instructor generally focuses on different areas of the body each day and rotates through different stretches and exercises making every class different. She also has a great sense of humor, which really helps
As I am sure most other international residents (especially those of the blonde-haired, blue-eyed variety) can sympathize, people at the gym will stare at a new face. The first few weeks, some gym-goers were relentless, curious about this American woman. After the natives got used to me though, the stares were soon replaced with smiles. Every now and then, I even have a terribly broken conversation with one of the body-building staff members. Overall, other than being a little taller than average and less flexible then the general crowd, I feel like I fit in well there. For me, my yoga adventure thus far has been all I could have hoped for. Rhythmic breathing with others and doing the downward-dog a few times a day may sound overrated, but trust me, practicing yoga is worth every awkward moment.
August 2016
Finally, a friend of mine recommended A-Top Fitness in downtown Sangmu in the same neighborhood where I live. It was a full gym which offered many amenities as part of a 50,000 won monthly membership fee. Now in my second month of attending, I have yet to utilize the weight machines, but the showers are both convenient and a blessing because hot yoga really makes you sweat.
with the language barrier. It is a good thing I have been attending Korean classes as having the ability to count backwards has never been so important (it lets me know when I can let go of the stretch). The instructor can be pretty tough, but that is part of the price tag of learning something new. No pain, no gain. www.gwangjunewsgic.com
So, my search for a yoga class commenced and I soon discovered a few places in Gwangju where English-led yoga classes were being offered; one being at the GIC on Tuesdays (7 p.m.) and Thursdays (9:30 a.m.). I had also found that a few workshops were being offered at Chosun University, but I was looking for something that I could attend on more of a weekly basis. While there are many standard gyms in and around Gwangju —and even a few independent studios which offer both yoga and Pilates— very few yoga classes were being offered on late weeknights (the only thing my hectic schedule would allow for).
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Lost in Gwangju Music Street
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
TRAVEL
Words and Photos by Sean D’Angelo
L
ast month we introduced readers to the wonderful wandering potential of Sajik (사직) Park, with its impressive views and lush greenery. It is truly a daytime delight. However, when night falls most people head back across the river to “the downtown hustle,” and miss out on one of Gwangju’s secret portals to the past. Actually, regular readers might notice we did briefly mention this little gem last time as a friendly pit stop for
anyone interested in music cafes. After due consideration, we have decided it really deserves a proper feature. At the base of the park is a nondescript street humbly named the “Street of Sajik Folk Music” (사직 포 크음악의 거리), informally known as “Guitar Street,” or to people familiar with the area as “that annoying little hill in front of GFN.” During the daylight hours, it is easy enough to overlook. After dusk this area comes alive with the sounds of the 50s, 60s and
70s, as nearly a dozen classic karaoke and live music bars, with names like Miles, Twin Folio, Casa Bianca and Music Village, open their doors and pay tribute to musical legends. Here instrumentalists, singers, hippies, artists and happy drunks mingle over cheap beers, traditional anju and the anthems of the past. The architecture and atmosphere which appeal to an era before nightclubs and head banging is like a portrait of Korea’s formative years, when
43
“Aspiring musicians are welcome to bring their own instruments, though guitars, drums, microphones and speakers are available courtesy of the house” music and art were the only escapes from tough-as-nails reality. This place is for the local talents to relax, catch up with old acquaintances, play a few songs and escape from the daily grind. Every one of the bars breeds its own community and has its own unique chorus going, sentimental for rainy days or ebullient on days of celebration. Applause is kept light and sincere, as it should be among friends. Indeed, without exception, the patrons are all music aficionados on intimately familiar terms.
In other bars, the stage is the main
focus, and the audience takes turns performing with whichever bands show up that night. The pleasures of Guitar Street are a far cry from the hip-hop and fruity cocktails across the river and should appeal to those in the mood to straight-up chill. Don’t be shy, pop on by! After an eventful night of sharing songs, stories and laughter, all that is left over is a pile of dried fish heads,
raw emotions and irreplaceable memories. To get there, head to the Sajik Park (사직공원) Bus Stop and walk up the hill next to the police station.
August 2016
Aspiring musicians are welcome to bring their own instruments, though guitars, drums, microphones and speakers are available courtesy of the house. In many of the bars, the music is informal, with performers jumping in to accompany from the adjacent tables or striking up a new song whenever there is a lull. Spanish fingerstyle playing mixes with classic Beatles and Korean love ballads.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Despite the clique, it is easy to get swept away by the current of song and revelry. Before long, a casual visit becomes an acoustic duet with the owner, and the bar acquires another regular. Performances in these venues are practically obligatory, and if the entertainment comes at the price of a hefty bar tab, remember that no expense is too great for an unadulterated taste of true local culture.
COMMUNITY
44 FROM ABROAD
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
Beans of Costa Rica
by Eden J. Jones Photos by Joe Wabe
45
O
ne thing the waygookin will quickly notice upon setting foot in Gwangju is the overwhelming plethora of coffee shops found on any given street. They come in all shapes and sizes, from big-name, four-story towers like Coffeesmith and Starbucks, to small, charming boutiques with lesserknown labels. I was told before coming to Korea that it would be difficult to find good coffee here, but I am still not entirely sure what my informant could have meant by this statement. Was she referring to the Koreans’ apparent loveaffair with Maxim? Or the fact that so many cafés — for unknown reasons — seem to prefer Americanos to drip coffee? If you are a Canadian, being unable to purchase Tim Horton’s at the supermarket is what it means to have an epidemic lack of good coffee. Although I am sure many find Korea’s absence of Tim Horton’s to be rather upsetting, there are, in fact, a variety of good coffees to be had here.
Aside from clean processing and successful experimentation, perhaps the most impressive aspect of Costa Rican bean production is what Huffington Post has called “revolution.” These days, there has been a lot of talk about fair trade for farmers, ethical growing methods, clean environment matters and other factors. One of the biggest problems among coffee farmers has been the imbalance between the prices at which farmers are able to sell their cherries and what the mills, which purchase and process these cherries, make as
Nowadays, buyers want to know where their beans are coming from to ensure the quality of what they have brewed. What Costa Rican farmers have now begun to do is take out loans to purchase equipment that will enable them to do their own processing, converting their own farms into what are being called macro-mills. The coffee beans can then be sold directly by the farmer to the roaster with the help of an exporter, thus yielding a higher profit for the farmer. The result? An extremely highquality bean with decent returns for its laborers, not to mention an incredibly bright and full-bodied cup for its consumers — beans which, by the way, can be found at your local E-mart, and probably in at least one of those many cafés on Gwangju’s streets.
August 2016
Coffee production in Costa Rica dates back to the end of the 18th century and today accounts for just 1 percent of the world’s total coffee production, but you know what they say about quality over quantity. Costa Rica’s most famous growing regions are Tarrazu, Tres Rios and
Not only does Costa Rica lead the coffee industry in its clean, highquality processing, but it also serves as a pioneer in experimentation. For example, the country has developed a process of creating pulped natural coffee types, such as honey coffee, which is made from a bean that is processed with a portion of its sugary components and left to dry with it on the parchment, resulting in an ultrasweet and fruity cup.
profit after shipping the final product off to roasters. Not only do the farmers make a fraction of the selling price that the mills receive, but a certain quality is also lost. These precious cherries are collected by the mills from multiple different farms and then clumped together before processing, making the exact origin of the beans eventually sold to roasters less traceable and therefore perceived as having a lower quality.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Coffee beans from all over the world can be purchased in local cafés and supermarkets. Starbucks alone offers beans from at least five different countries at any given time. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which source of caffeine to choose for your daily wake-me-up/ pick-me-up or otherwise emotional stability needs. While different country origins offer beans characterized by many distinct flavors and aromas, Costa Rica’s beans stand out as being considered among the finest qualities in the world.
Herediá, whose coffee types are most commonly characterized as “bright and full-bodied.” These Costa Rican beans are wet-processed and exceptionally grown in the country’s unique, densely volcanic soil. According to coffee experts, Costa Rica sets the standard in their clean production methods, from harvest to processing at the mill.
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Science and Language Teaching
EDUCATION
By David Shaffer
W
hen we think about reading the latest information on teaching English as a foreign language, we do not usually go to a science magazine for our enrichment, but we should take note that there is much to be gained from doing so.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
At a recent KOTESOL meeting, a collaborative workshop was set up in which several recent articles from Science Daily (www.sciencedaily. com) – articles that were to some degree related to English teaching – were discussed in small groups simultaneously, with participants rotating at intervals to the topic “stations” they were most interested in. What follows is the article title, the research findings and my take on the impact that these findings could have on teaching English in the Korean context. “Gestures Fulfill a Big Role in Language” This study found that gesturing contributed to the understanding of what was said. “Not at all surprising,” you may say. People gesture all the time when speaking their first language. For example, some Westerners nod their head when saying “yes,” shake their head when saying “no,” shrug their shoulders with “I don’t know,” and point when saying “over there.” Accordingly, it makes sense that, as language teachers, we can make ourselves better understood, and more easily teach new expressions, by us-
ing additional gestures: spreading our hands further apart when saying “increase,” bringing them closer together with “decrease,” and pointing our heads with “think.” However, the surprising finding of this study was that gestures were more effective than actually doing actions for increased understanding. This fact would suggest, rather than modeling instructions to students, accompanying instructions with gestures would make comprehension easier. For example, rather than actually turning a page in a book when saying “turn the page,” a gesture would be more easily understood by the learner. “Teaching a Foreign Language? Best Teach in the Accent of the Learner” Oftentimes, my students can understand each other speaking English more easily than I can. This study found this fact to be the case: the listener could understand the speaker better when the second language was spoken with a speaker’s accent. For example, a Korean speaker could understand English better when the English was spoken with a Korean accent. The article goes on to suggest that it is best to teach in an accent that listeners will understand. In our context, that would suggest that it would be best for Korean English teachers to teach English to Korean students with their native Korean accent.
However, what would the results be? Learners are better able to understand and see examples of Koreans speaking English, but they may have more difficulty understanding other accents of English (for example, American, Australian, Filipino, Japanese and Vietnamese, among others). It is the opposite of what the learner needs. Koreans can speak Korean to other Koreans; it is those speaking other accents of English that the Korean learner needs to learn to understand. Exposing learners to a variety of English accents is what benefits the learner. “Learning Is Not a Spectator Sport” MOOCs (massive open online courses) generally rely on the viewing of videos by the learner for content delivery. This study showed that learning was six times more efficient when using specialized software that was interactive and provided adaptive feedback to the learner. That interaction in learning is more effective than sitting quietly and listening to the instructor should be of no surprise to the EFL teacher. Teacher–student and student–student interaction is regularly emphasized in TESOL training programs. This study does however serve to validate that approach. What would be interesting to know, through a subsequent study, is how effective student-to-computer interaction is in comparison to student-to-teacher/ student interaction.
47 “‘I’m Bored!’ – Research on Attention Sheds Light on the Unengaged Mind” This study suggests that in addition to short-term boredom, there is chronic boredom that can cause long-term stress and negatively affect the mental and physical health of students. For the teacher, these facts suggest that if our lessons are boring, we are not only depriving the students of learning, but we are also endangering their health and well-being. The main causes of boredom were stated to be uninteresting messages, uninteresting surroundings and uninteresting tasks. For the EFL teacher, this suggests that we should embed material to be learned onto topics of interest to our students; that a pleasant learning environment be maintained, including the classroom facilities, the ambience and the teacher and students; and that the learning activities be challenging as well as interesting.
The Author David E. Shaffer is President of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL). On behalf of the Chapter, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings (2nd Saturday of the month). For many years, Dr. Shaffer has been a professor of English Language at Chosun University, where he has taught graduate and undergraduate courses. He is a long-time member of KOTESOL and a holder of various KOTESOL positions, including First Vice-President and Publications Committee Chair. He credits KOTESOL for much of his professional development in English language teaching.
Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Monthly Meeting Date & Time: August 13th, 2016 (Saturday), 1:45 p.m. Place: Gwangju National University of Education Workshop: Finding Solutions to EFL Teachers’ Real Problems Presentation: Game Design and Activity Design Reflective Practice Morning Session For more details: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
48
Op-ed
Brexit and Korea By Matt Furlane
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
On
June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom surprised the world and voted to leave the European Union (EU). Although the referendum results were controversial (Scotland still wants to remain) and fell within a close 48 percent ‘for’ to 52 percent ‘against’, the decision is final.
However, no matter what the exact reasons are, the Brexit vote seems to indicate that the world is shifting towards a form of populist nationalism and away from many aspects of internationalism.
The UK’s decision to leave is now reverberating around the globe from Brussels to Beijing. Britain’s new Prime Minister, the former Home Secretary Theresa May, has clearly stated that, “Brexit means Brexit,” so the UK political leadership is fully committed to finalizing the exit process and invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.
Global insecurity created by terrorism, the 2008 US subprime fiasco, the failed “Arab Spring” states and the inability of the EU as a political union to meet the needs of its people are all issues pushing governments and their citizens back within their borders. Many believe that the “leave” trend will continue in Europe and that there could be exits on the cards for countries such as France and the Netherlands in the next few years.
Understandably, the referendum has been interpreted in many ways.
But will “Brexit” matter at all to Korea when economic growth has been
stuck at around 1 percent for the last 5 years? And what about the need for economic reform and the problem of high youth unemployment (currently at about 9.5 percent)? Korea is facing many challenges that are simply outside of its control. Uncertainty about North Korea, the devaluing of the Japanese Yen and Chinese Yuan, global stagnation and increasing isolationist sentiments abroad are all creating economic headwinds that are beyond the reach of Korea’s government. Can anything positive come from Brexit? Perhaps. First, Brexit helped highlight some of the flaws in the EU. Korea can learn from the mistakes of Europe and seek a more moderate political middle ground between free trade and economic nationalism follow-
49 ing the UK’s example. That is, instead of embracing globalism recklessly at the expense of the domestic economy, Korea can start supporting its local economy with equal amounts of effort. More investment in farms, cities, lower taxes and increased infrastructure spending can all help boost domestic growth. Additionally, as a sovereign independent nation, Korea can continue to negotiate favorable trade deals with China, Iran, Vietnam, France, Mongolia, Mexico and multiple African nations, all while considering its own domestic responsibilities. Korea does not have to fall into the trap of trying to save the world while neglecting its own people. Europe has made that mistake already. Second, the Brexit vote has not only inspired other Eurosceptics to leave the EU, but has also indirectly encouraged anti-free trade sentiment in America. In a volatile presidential election year, Donald Trump has frequently stated that he wants better trade deals and an “America First” policy. Meanwhile, Hilary Clinton has come out against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP) trade deal.
Third, now that the UK is free from what some of its people felt was the bondage of EU bureaucrats in Brussels, they are ready to pivot east towards Asia. Countries like India, China, Japan and Korea will all be first in line for new free trade agreements with the UK. Australia and New Zealand have also expressed interest in these deals. One of the underlying facts about the UK was that it was the EU’s largest trading partner and had the most to offer in terms of economic stability and products. According to The Guardian, the current trade deficit between the UK and the EU, as of July 2016, is about 24 billion Euros. However, with the “Leave” vote, the British feel they can get better trade deals not only in Europe but in Asia as well.
Korea would definitely benefit from a new, individual partnership with the UK, adding to its ever-increasing number of countries with trade relations. As the UK economy grows, it will boost Korea’s economy as well. Brexit as a whole will likely benefit and inspire Korea to diversify its foreign trade relations and to stimulate its domestic growth as a hedge against uncertainty abroad. Although Britain has left the EU, it will still be a part of the world and, hopefully, an integral part of Korea’s future as well.
August 2016
There needs to be more spending on items like high-speed rail to increase inter-city trade and more tax incentives for smaller businesses that do most of the hiring at the local level. Up until now, export-heavy com-
panies like Samsung, SK Hynix, Posco and Hyundai have carried the Korean economy, but this model alone is no longer sufficient in the current weak economic climate.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Regardless of the outcome of the US elections, there will be more political pressure for America to strengthen its domestic economy and renegotiate what it perceives as unfair free trade deals, especially with China. This should be a wake-up call for export-oriented Korea to not only expand its trading partners beyond the US but to seek to create a more robust domestic economy by connecting cities and fostering small and medium-sized independent business growth.
“Brexit as a whole will likely benefit and inspire Korea to diversify its foreign trade relations and to stimulate its domestic growth as a hedge against uncertainty abroad.”
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Health
Summer Season Vision Correction: Just Pay Attention to These Things and Everything’s Going to be OK!
By Dr. Yoon Gil-jung Translated by Yoon Sun-young
COMMUNITY
surgery. Also, upon deciding to undergo surgery, for about one to two weeks before the surgery, refrain from using contact lenses and, as much as possible, avoid alcohol and smoking.
B www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
efore surgery a precise safety check-up is needed. Protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays by using sunglasses and a cap.
As the summer season begins, more and more people are getting Lasik, or Lasek, vision correction surgery. After recent vision correction surgery, it is possible to return to completing your daily life activities, because the recovering process after Lasik surgery is fast, and so there is more time to enjoy the summer vacation season.
After the surgery, it is good to use UV protected sunglasses. When choosing sunglasses, instead of choosing based on the color and design, one should pay more attention to its UV features, which help prevent xerophthalmia, abnormal dryness and inflammation. Make sure to buy and use these sunglasses for your post-operation recovery, as well as taking the prescribed medications. Strong ultraviolet rays during the summer time can cause damage to our eyes’ and skin’s health. Especially after Lasik and in situations where one has not yet fully recovered from the surgery, direct exposure to ultraviolet rays after Lasik surgery may result in a degradation of vision. To prevent this medical scare, wear sunglasses and a cap during the summer season after the Lasik surgery in order to naturally care for your eyes.
Infectious eye diseases and a decline in eyesight are reasons to have Lasik done. However, before and after the vision correction surgery, there should be strict compliance with the precautions for having a safe eye surgery and recovery period.
During these summer holidays when travelling by car, you should pay attention to whether you are experiencing eye fatigue. When an air conditioner is in use, frequent blinking of the eyes or using products that help create artificial tears are great ideas for recovery. Also, frequent opening of windows to ventilate the interior, and frequent drinking of water, may prevent xerophthalmia.
Above all for safe Lasik surgery, there should be familiarization with the necessary precautions before undergoing any surgery. Before the surgery, there should be precise and meticulous examinations of the eyes, since correct testing is important for accurate eye vision correction
You should be careful during the steamy summer season because of strong and contagious eye diseases. After Lasik surgery, even if you contract an infectious eye disease, the results of the surgery will not be affected, so there is no need to worry. However, if serious keratitis, or cornea in-
51 flammation, occurs after the surgery, the cornea recovery may be affected. So, as much as possible, for about three to four weeks after the surgery, refrain from swimming, and when going out, do not touch your eyes. Balgeun Eye Clinic 21, Director Yoon Gil-jung says: “… [We should] protect our eyes’ health, which is more sensitive than the skin and can easily be damaged. The more time you spend doing outdoor activities, [the more you increase your] exposure to ultraviolent rays, which can lead to eye diseases.” Be extra careful in your basic lifestyle after surgery, and by following these precautions, you can manage and maintain the health of your eyes after surgery.
Dr. Yoon Gil-jung BALGEUN - EYE CLINIC 21
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
52
Talk to Me In Korean Place
Common Phrases
EDUCATION
(place) + 가요? [(place) ga-yo?] : Does this bus go to (place)? Buses have destinations written on the side panels of the bus that faces the sidewalk. The bus routes can be found at every bus stop, but they are only written in Korean. If unsure if a bus goes to a certain destination, ask the driver using this phrase before getting inside. Change the destination at the beginning of this phrase to fit what is needed.
Sample Sentences
홍대입구역 가요? [hong-dae-ip-kku-yeok ga-yo?] = (Does this bus) go to Hongik University Station? 광화문 가요? [gwang-hwa-mun ga-yo?] = (Does this bus) go to Gwanghwamun? (number of people) + 명이요. [(number of people) + myeong-i-yo.] : I’m paying for … people. On buses, payment for several passengers with a single transportation card is possible. Before putting one’s card on the sensor upon boarding, tell the driver if paying for more people than oneself. The driver will adjust the fare accordingly. When transferring to the subway after paying for multiple people on the bus, free transfers will not be accepted since everyone needs an individual card or ticket to use the subway. * 명 [myeong] is a counter for people.
Sample Sentences 두 명이요. [du myeong-i-yo.] = Please charge for two people on this card. 세 명이요. [se myeong-i-yo.] = Please charge for three people on this card.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2016
정류장 [jeong-ryu-jang] / 정거장 [jeong-geo-jang] : (bus/subway) stop 이번 정류장은 …입니다. [i-beon jeong-ryu-jang-eun… im-ni-da.] = This stop is …. 다음 정류장은 …입니다. [da-eum jeong-ryu-jang-eun… im-ni-da.] = The next stop is …. Bus/subway stops are announced inside the bus/subway through automated announcements. Although there are announcements in other languages for select bus stops, the majority of them are announced in Korean, so knowing these phrases will be useful for getting around on public transportation. The most important matter to know is to differentiate between 이번 [i-beon] and 다음 [da-eum], because 이번 means “this time” and 다음 means “next.” Many people make the mistake of getting off at a bus stop, as soon as they hear the name of their stop, so then they realize too late that it was going to be the “next” stop.
Talk To Me In Korean and Seoulistic are proud to present to you: Survival Korean! Survival Korean includes the most essential Korean phrases you need to know while traveling or living in Korea. The expressions come with detailed explanations as well as fun and useful information about the situation where they are used.
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COMMNUNITY CLASSES AT GIC Weekends Art Club – Room 5, 2F 12:30 - 3 p.m. Saturdays Participation fee varies depending on Class theme and material FB page: Gwangju Art Class GWANGJU Petit à Petit
쁘띠 따 쁘띠 프랑스 그룹 – Room 5, 2F
4 - 6 p.m. Saturday, December 5 FB page: GWANGJU Petit à Petit 쁘띠 따 쁘띠 프랑스 그룹
GIC Book Club – Room 3, 2F 4 - 6 p.m. Saturdays FB page: GIC Book Club COMMUNITY GROUPS IN GWANGJU
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2016 GWANGJU INTERNATIONAL CENTER KOREAN CLASS The Gwangju International Center (GIC) provides Korean classes to international residents in Gwanjgu and Jeolla provinces. which help them learn Korean and understand Korean culture. Please join our Korean classes to improve your Korean skills with our awesome Korean teachers! Tuition Fee: Weekdays classes 120,000 won (100,000 won for GIC Members) Saturdays classes 90,000 won (70,000 won for GIC Members) - How to register: Try online registration through the GIC website www. gic.or.kr or drop by the GIC - More information: Jeongmin Lee, the GIC coordinatior (email: language@ gic.or.kr / phone: 062-226-2733) WE ARE LOOKING FOR WRITERS! Get involved and make Gwangju News an outlet for you to express yourself. For more info: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr Gwangju News is only as great as it is because of the community it serves, and the writers, photographers, layout designers and proofreaders within it who regularly volunteer their services.