(EN) Gwangju News December 2016 #178

Gwangju and South Jeolla International Magazine I December 2016 Issue No. 178

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Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine

Join the GN Team

December 2016 Issue No. 178 Published on December 5, 2016 Cover Photo: Cho Gye-hyun Cover Art & Design: Joe Wabe 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 Englishspeaking 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

THE EDITORIAL TEAM

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

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GwangjuNews

@GwangjuNewsGIC

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!

December 2016

Volunteering Inquiries and Feedback: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr Advertising and Subscription Inquiries: minsu@gic.or.kr or 062-226-2733~34

Gwangju News always needs volunteers who want to share or gain expertise.

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PUBLISHER Shin Gyonggu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joe Wabe MANAGING EDITORS Kelsey Rivers, Anastasia Traynin COORDINATORS Minsu Kim, Cho Nam-hee LAYOUT EDITORS Minsu Kim, Joe Wabe PHOTO EDITOR Lorryn Smit CHIEF PROOFREADER Joey Nunez COPY EDITORS Laura Becker, Cole Clouse, Joey Nunez, Gabi Nygaard, Kelsey Rivers PROOFREADERS Cheryl Buel, Christie Fargher, Britton Inglehart, Ynell Lumantao-Mondragon, Teri Lyn, Kelsey Minnig, Paolo Mondragon, Joey Nunez, Stephen Redeker, Erin Seales RESEARCHERS Ahn Hyerang, Jang Jaehee, Park Chulhan, Son Serom, Yu Ri

Are you looking for ways to be actively involved with your community while spending time with fun and engaging people?

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Contents December 2016

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www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

18 GWANGJU NEWS

FEATURE

EDUCATION

04. Gwangju City News 05. Upcoming Events 08. GIC Talk December Schedule 09. Adios 2016 10. GIC Tour: Jindo

18. Adopt a Child 22. Visiting Dongmyeong-dong Alley 24. Baek Nam-gi, Symbol of Korean Democracy

46. KOTESOL: How Do We Teach Pronunciation – Or Do We? 55. Talk to me in Korean

COMMUNITY

ARTS & CULTURE

12. International Community: Syrian Family in Naju 14. New in Town: Darren McCracken 16. Local Entrepreneurs: Hertz Guesthouse 48. From Abroad: Christmas Celebrations 54. Expat Living: Staying Warm in the Winter

07. Movie Review: 13th 32. Photo Essay: The First Light 36. Photo of the Month 38. GPP, Gears Up for Theatre Production in December!

43. Sochon Art Factory: New Space in Gwangsan-gu

50. Human Rights Win: NHRCK Backs the UN Ruling against HIV Tests for English Teachers

Cold

TRAVEL

40. Around Korea: Sokcho

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FOOD & DRINKS 29. Korean Food: Oysters 30. Where to Eat: hot dog

OPINION

51. Local Community Meets a Syrian Refugee Family

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Letter from the Editor

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inter seems to be arriving in fits and starts, as the year draws swiftly to a close. This is the time when we reflect on the past year, and close out this chapter in our lives with wonderful winter festivities.

For our final issue of 2016, we wanted to examine end-of-the-year traditions, from around Korea as well as from abroad. Learn about and support local end-of-the-year traditions by reading our feature on the annual Adopt a Child for Christmas - Gwangju event, where we can come together to bring joy to a child this Christmas season.

Discover the traditional ways of celebrating the end of the year by reading our Korean culture article on Korean End-of-the-Year traditions. Or flip to our article on Christmas traditions from abroad, from such nations as China and Hungary.

Beyond celebrating the end of the year, this is the time to look back and reflect, and indeed this has been an unbelievably eventful year.

One important event has been the death of the farmer and fighter for justice, Baek Nam-gi. During one of the largest protests in recent history in Korea in late 2015, Baek Nam-gi was hit by a water cannon and fell into a coma, from which he would never awake. His plight has turned into a rallying point for the examination of police violence and right of assembly. We here at Gwangju News have the privilege of featuring this man for our cover story, and hopefully examining and celebrating his life can inspire us to fight for justice and democracy for all.

Thank you, and enjoy the final issue of Gwangju News magazine of 2016!

Kelsey Rivers

Managing Editor www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

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Gwangju City

News

Compiled by Ahn Hyerang, Jang Jaehee, Park Chulhan, Son Serom, Yu Ri

Number of foreign residents in Gwangju increases by 8.5 percent year after year

Twice as many bullet trains operate at Songjeong Station starting December 2016 The Honam Line High-Speed Train service will double the number of trains, from 48 trains to 86 trains, upon the Super Rapid Train (SRT) opening. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, services will double at Songjeong Station with the new fast train services brand of SRT operating 40 times a day.

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December 2016

Passengers from Gwangju will now be able to board trains departing for Seoul Station via Yongsan 14 times on weekends. Thus, there are more choices for the passengers traveling to Seoul between Yongsan, Seoul and Suseo Stations.

Furthermore, the introduction of a new fast train track will be both time and cost effective. The direct trains from Gwangju to Seoul Station will shorten travel between Gwangju Airport and Incheon Airport, connecting to the City Air Terminal located at Seoul Station. Additionally, the new KTX line which includes Seodaejeon Station will improve Gwangju citizens and residents’ accessibility to the Chungcheong region.

Meanwhile, Gwangju City Hall plans to operate shuttle trains 28 times a day from Gwangju Station to Songjeong Station for East and North District residents’ convenience.

In order to relieve anticipated intensifying traffic congestion surrounding the station, City Hall, along with the police department, Korail and associated organizations, will plan to minimize illegal parking and maintain taxi orders and traffic infrastructure.

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The population of international residents has rapidly grown in Gwangju over the past year.

According to the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs, the number of international residents living in Gwangju came to 26,500 in 2015. The figure is an 8.6 percent increase from 24,000 in 2014.

Chinese national residents make up the largest portion among the entire international population in Gwangju at 10,300, followed by Vietnamese at 4,900, Filipino at 2,000 and Cambodian at 1,300.

Furthermore, most of the international residents reside in the Gwangsan District with 12,700, accounting for 48 percent of the total international population in Gwangju.

Gwangju sees greatest fall in crime rates in South Korea New information shows that over the last year, Gwangju City has recorded the greatest reduction in crime rates nationwide. According to the Gwangju Police Agency, 13,000 major crime incidents — that is, murder, robbery, sexual assault, theft or violent assaults — occurred in Gwangju in 2016, which is an 18.2 percent decrease compared to last year’s numbers.

The results follow a series of new police programs launched by the agency, including a 100-officer patrol group, which was formed for more effective neighborhood patrols. The agency has also increased surveillance on popular hiking trails, subway stations and high-crime areas via the installation of CCTV cameras, security lamps and smart streetlights.

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Upcoming

Events

여수 돌산공원 빛노리야

Dates: December 1 ~ February 28, 2017 Location: San 1, Udu-ri, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, Korea Admission Fees: Free Website: tour.yeosu.go.kr/ Telephone: 061-659-4742

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Yeosu Hyangilam Temple Sunrise Festival

보성 빛축제

여수 향일암 일출제

The Boseong Green Tea Plantation Light Festival will be held in the Tea Culture Park of Korea and Yulpo Beach, starting with a lighting ceremony on December 16. A large Christmas tree, wish tree, themed streets, galaxy tunnel and hanging wish cards are planned as well as various performances and hands-on experiences to enjoy.

Lighting Hours: 6 p.m. ~ 10 p.m. on Sundays to Thursdays / 6 p.m. ~ 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays Dates: December 16, 2016 ~ January 31, 2017 Location: 617, Nokcha-ro, Hoecheon-myeon, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do Admission Fees: Free Website: light.boseong.go.kr Telephone: 061-850-5211~5214

Visit Hyangilam Temple on the last day of December to have your wishes fulfilled! Visitors can end their year and welcome in the next by watching the new sunrise as they make their New Year’s resolutions. The event kicks off with a Wish Parade, followed by traditional dance and singing performances. At midnight, the bell will ring in the New Year followed by fireworks and so much more. Before sunrise arrives, a variety of drums will be played to welcome the dawn.

Dates: December 31, 2016 ~ January 1, 2017 Location: Yulim-ri, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, Korea Admission Fees: Free Website: tour.yeosu.go.kr Telephone: 061-659-4742

December 2016

LED lights illuminate the Dolsan Park of Yeosu. Shapes of animals and trees are wound around with lights.

True harmony is created alongside the Dolsan Bridge and the sea’s night landscape.

Lighting Hours: 6 p.m. ~ 12 a.m. on Mondays to Fridays / 6 p.m. ~ 1:30 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays

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Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival

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Yeosu Dolsan Park Bitnoriya

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Notre Dame de Paris

GWANGJU NEWS

노트르담드 파리

The hunchback Quasimodo is a loyal servant to Bishop Frollo of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Chopin and the beautiful woman Esmeralda live in the square in front of the cathedral. Frollo is caught up in desire after witnessing the dancing of Esmeralda, and Captain Jean Pevis, too, falls in love with her. Quazimodo’s sad love, Frollo’s obsession, Pevis’ desire and their mixed feelings about a woman are the stories that are brought to fateful tragedy.

Dates and Times: Friday, December 9, 2016 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 3 and 7 p.m.

Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 2 and 6 p.m.

Location: Gwangju Arts Concert Hall Telephone: 062-1588-0766

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GWANGJU THEATER Chungjang-no 5-ga 62, Dong-gu, Gwangju (two blocks behind NC WAVE) TICKETS: 8,000 won INFORMATION: 062-224-5858 December 8

Bitch on the Beach <비치 온 더 비치>

Genre: Romance Director: Jeong Ga Yeong Time Length: 99 minutes Starring: Jeong Ga Yeong, Kim Choi Yong Jun, Lee Ha Yoon One day, Ga-yeong’s character walks into her ex-boyfriend’s house and asks for sex. She does not plan on going back home without reaching her goals, so she whines and Jeong-hoon is about to give in. Will Gayeong get what she wants?

December 15

Cezanne and I <나의 위대한 친구 세잔>

Genres: Biography, Drama Director: Danièle Thompson Time Length: 117 minutes Starring: Guillaume Canet, Guillaume Gallienne, Alice Pol This French biographical drama film is based on the friendship between 19th century novelist Émile Zola and painter Paul Cézanne. They admire and love each other with harsh assessment and then they grow together.

2016 Kazumi Tateishi Trio 6th Live in Korea 카즈미 타테이시 트리오 내한공연

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away … What is your favorite Studio Ghibli animation?

Date: December 16, 2016 at 8 p.m.

Location: Bitgoeul Citizen Cultural Center Prices: R Class: 66,000 won S Class: 55,000 won A Class: 44,000 won * Children under 8 years old are not allowed to enter the concert * Tickets are available to buy by calling 02-337-3103 or sending email to jinurock2@naver.com

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December 22

Egon Schiele: Death and the Maiden < 에곤 쉴레 : 욕망이 그린 그림>

Genres: Biography, Drama Director: Dieter Berner Time Length: 110 minutes Starring: Noah Saavedra, Maresi Riegner, Valerie Pachner At the beginning of the 20th century, Egon Schiele is one of the most provocative artists in Vienna. His life and work are driven by beautiful women and an era that is coming to an end. Two women will have a lasting impact on him: his sister and first muse Gerti, and 17-year-old Wally, arguably Schiele’s one true love, who was immortalized in his famous painting “Death and the Maiden.” Schiele’s radical paintings scandalize Viennese society while daring artists like Gustav Klimt and art agents alike are sensing the exceptional. But Schiele is also prepared to go beyond his own pain and to sacrifice love and life for his art, which is art that truly inspires us to day.

For the full November movie calendar please visit: cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju

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Words by Cole Clouse

13th

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vu DuVarney’s follow-up to the acclaimed “Selma” finds her tackling the issue of mass incarceration in the United States, especially its impact on the Black community. Gradually, non-Black Americans are beginning to become aware of some of the harsh realities of life as a Black male in America. Stories of racial profiling and police brutality against racial minorities in the United States are nothing new, but it was not until recently that police body camera and cell phone recordings gave the public a close-up view of these incidents.

The beauty of this work is that DuVarney does not simply make this a conservative versus liberal issue. Attacking both the Reagan administration as well as the Clintons (both Bill and Hillary), DuVarney enlists famed

Even without Gingrich’s cameo, the documentary itself does not come across as propaganda, nor does it take a preachy or condescending tone. DuVarney’s “13th” does what all great documentaries should do: make a claim and present the supporting facts. Never once did I feel emotionally manipulated. Rather than eliciting a feeling of, “Oh, these poor people. We must help them!” the film’s response was measured in tone.

DuVarney presents an argument that people on any side of the political spectrum should be able to realize: The legal/prison system is broken and needs to be changed. And for racial minorities, especially Black men, the system represents a new kind of slavery. The 13th Amendment did not truly end slavery; the terms have merely been changed. The cotton fields of the Antebellum South have been replaced by brick and mortar prison cells.

Writer’s Note: Capitalizing “Black” is a stylistic choice on which I take the lead of many of my activist friends. Black is capitalized to indicate a culture and a social/ political identity, not just the color that absorbs light.

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The movie remedied my ignorance, but it did not shock me. For a long time, I have known of the unfair practices regarding the American prison system. Not until seeing this movie, though, did I realize how easy it was for these laws to be enacted.

Congressmen and women, through the conservative non-profit American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), can pass laws nearly sight unseen to be voted upon in Congress. Politicians then simply tack on their names, play a simplified version of Mad Libs and pass it on to their peers. This action results in a huge number of people incarcerated, with racial minorities, particularly Black males, disproportionately affected and suffering.

conservative Newt Gingrich to give a rallying cry. When a social conservative as deeply rooted in Republican views as Gingrich says a prison system is flawed and needs revamping, the claim that prison reform is merely a “liberal agenda” can be cast aside.

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I assumed that the bulk of “13th” would be about recent tragedies, but to my surprise, DuVarney takes a historical approach to this issue. Arguing that the current prison system is an extension of slavery, she gives the audience a timeline of developments in America’s treatment of racial minorities. Postbellum America, with the horrors of chattel slavery deemed illegal, should have given a sense of safety and freedom to freed Black Americans. As we know, this was not to be the case. Judicial systems already in place were used to disenfranchise Black people. Simple transgressions that are ignored when committed by a white person lead to harsh prison sentences for their Black counterparts.

Fast-forwarding to the Civil Rights era, the movie shows the response to these unjust legal practices: men and women, Black and white, marching in a fight for equality. White America’s response at the time is eerily being echoed today, half a century later: “Don’t those people know how easy they have it? Slavery is a thing of the past. They should be happy for what they have.” These words were and still are being uttered not only by laypeople but by the political elite as well.

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GWANGJU NEWS

December Schedule The monthly GIC Talk will showcase talks from speakers who would like to share their areas of expertise with the GIC Talk audience, with new topics throughout 2016.

Time & Location: Saturdays from 3 – 4 p.m., GIC Auditorium (1st Floor) For more information and for a GIC Talk Application, contact gictalk@gic.or.kr refugees increases, manifold challenges are mounting.

In particular, the influence of the Syrian refugee crisis is posing a serious test for the host community. Come learn more about the refugee situation at this GIC Talk.

For a preview of the Dec. 10 GIC Talk by Kim Young-ah of Seoul-based NGO Migration to Asia Peace (MAP), on the situation of refugees in Korea and more about this Syrian family, see pages 12~13.

:: December 3

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

Speaker:Valentin Tsoy, Mehriniso Holmuratova Topic: Uzbekistan – Pearl of Central Asia This talk will discuss the mixture of different cultures, traditions and ethnic groups, especially focusing on the Koryo-saram people, in Uzbekistan. How and why did the Soviet government deport so many ethnicities? How was Uzbekistan once a part of the Soviet Union? What is it like now, after independence? What is the current economic situation? What role does Korea play in terms of Uzbekistan’s development? What kind of similarities and differences exist between the two countries? Come learn more about Uzbekistan, the pearl of Central Asia.

:: December 10

Speaker: Young Ah Kim Topic: Refugee Protection in Korea and its Challenges Since Korea signed the Refugee Convention and Protocol in 1992, more than 15,000 people have sought asylum in Korea, and since the end of 2015, 576 asylum seekers have been recognized as refugees and 910 people were granted humanitarian status. Despite the enactment of a domestic law relating to refugee protection and efforts of civil society organizations to fill gaps in service provision, Korea remains a tough place for refugees and asylum seekers to start new lives. As the population of asylum seekers and

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:: December 17

Save the Date!

There will be NO GIC Talk due to the Adios 2016 event. You are all invited to the event celebrating a great year with the GIC. We appreciate you and will see you there!

Time: 2-5 p.m.

Location: GIC 1st Floor

:: December 24 & 31

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone! There will be NO GIC Talks.

We will come back and see you again in 2017 with even more interesting topics! See you all next year!

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9 scores and as a result, musical pieces from the invited and commissioned composers will be played at the festival. Moreover, the festival features special ensembles from Japan, China and Hong Kong for the solidarity of Asian culture.

ADIOS 2016!

Words by Nahia Antoranz Photo Courtesy of GIC

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ou are invited to the Adios 2016 End of Year Party!

As this year comes to an end, the GIC invites you to celebrate all the great accomplishments we have accomplished in 2016 as a community.

What better way to celebrate than by getting together one last time in 2016?

We offered 50 Saturday GIC Talks on a variety of topics.

For our culture classes, we held an average of 12 different classes per month, as well as 58 Korean classes with 326 students at varying levels.

The GIC provided internships to 17 Koreans, as well as four internation-

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Last but not least, we have nearly 1,000 fee-paying members, and a countless number of visitors and participants who have used, participated and contributed in some way to the GIC. Do not miss out on this holiday opportunity! Come and share your memories with us at this annual party celebrating the GIC. We will have many activities for you to enjoy, including Korean traditional music, foreign music, delicious food and a presentation with all these and other 2016 highlights.

Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 17, 2 to 5 p.m. AFAF is no exception. The ACC has been calling for distinguished composers from around the world to submit their

Yet another array of ensembles and performances is to be held on Day 2 and Day 3 of the festival. The second day of the celebration will include the famous Korean dancer Hong Sinja’s performance, as well as Japanese modern ensemble and world-renowned composer Michael Daugherty’s special lecture, adding more to the exuberance of the festival. This diverse festival will end with more music performances, special composition contests and music workshops.

Come and enjoy this festival of music and arts, and celebrate the ACC and Gwangju’s cultural advancement. A limited 50 daily admission package tickets are available online until November 11 at the price of 30,000 won per person. Individual tickets for performances will be sold afterward on the Asia Culture Center website at www.acc.go.kr/asiaSymphony.

December 2016

We had nine GIC Tours, gathering 231 participants from 16 different nationalities, with an additional Gwangju Tour that we hosted four times this year, gathering 170 participants from 30 different nationalities.

As for the Gwangju News magazine, this is Issue #178 and in 2016 alone, we printed 48,000 copies!

“Asian Beat” was commissioned to four world famous composers, including Christian Mason, to explore and interpret unique Asian rhythms through the history, religion, culture and climate of Asia, creating a contemporary music piece. The group will have its special world premiere at the AFAF.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Let’s do a quick recap of what has happened.

al residents from France, Malaysia, Spain and Vietnam and also provided volunteering experiences to over 50 different community members.

On the first day of the festival, a series of musical performances representing Gwangju, the Korean peninsula and Asia will be held to celebrate the ACC’s first anniversary. To begin the celebration, the Jindo National Gugak Center’s performance will start off in the lobby of Theatre 1, followed by the Gwangju Symphony Orchestra and the ACC-commissioned percussion performance group “Asian Beat.”

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GIC Tour December

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December 2016

Hwasun Dolmen Site [Lunch] Barley Rice with Cheonggukjang, fermented soybeans - Making Makgeolli

Date & Time: Saturday, December 17, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Registration: By Sunday, December 12 Participation fee: 30,000 won (GIC members), 40,000 won (Non-members) More Info: Jeongmin Lee 062.226.2733 / gictour@gic.or.kr

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GIC TOUR 11

Hwasun Words by Jeong-min Lee Photos courtesy of the GIC Tour

T

his month the GIC Tour will visit Hwasun. Hwasun is close to Gwangju and is located in the center of Jeollanam-do. This county is well known for its green fields with mountains, various cultures and tourist sites such as Unjusa Temple, Ssangbongsa Temple and the Dolmen Park. Three Korea Dolmen Sites, Hwasun, Gochang and Ganghwa were designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2000.

Korea has more dolmens than anywhere else in the world and the majority of them are in Jeollanam-do.

On the tour day, we are visiting the museum where we can learn more about the dolmens and see the grave sites. After visiting the museum, we

will take a safari-style bus trip to the dolmen sites. The trip is in December, so it will be very cold. However, it will still be a fantastic time for everyone who joins!

After the amazing safari-style tour, we are going to have a traditional Korean lunch. The lunch menu will be barley rice with Cheonggukjang, fermented soybeans.

Cheonggukjang is generally known as a healthy food. Despite being a little bit smelly, the taste is still really good. If you have never had the chance to eat Cheonggukjang, join this tour and enjoy the meal with us.

Barley rice mixed with vegetables and Cheonggukjang will give us the

energy to deal with the cold winter.

After lunch, the tour will take us to the charming town of Iseo-myeon to make Makgeolli, a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage. Participants will have a chance to taste fresh local Makgeolli and have hands-on experience making the drink. A week later, participants will get a bottle of Makgeolli that they made during the tour!

This is the last GIC tour in 2016, so do not miss this last chance to enjoy a tour with us! Sign up now. Space is limited.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

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A Syrian Family in Naju Words by Anastasia Traynin

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December 2016

COMMUNITY

Photos by Cho Namhee and Lorryn Smit Special Thanks to Mohammed Laaribi for Interview Translation

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any international residents voluntarily move to the Gwangju area to work or study. For others, the story is more complicated. From around 2011, a small Syrian community has grown around Naju and western Gwangju, mainly coming to work as exporters of Korean secondhand auto parts, popular in Middle Eastern countries. Since 2015, more Syrians have been arriving - not by choice, but as refugees fleeing the worsening conflict in their home country. The existing community cannot return to Syria, and an influx of new families has come to Naju, some moving on to other Korean cities.

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INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY 13 In Korea, the biggest obstacle the family faces is receiving recognition as refugees, which also prevents them from obtaining health insurance. Living with a temporary ID card, they must continuously reapply for refugee status under a G-1 visa, returning to the immigration office every year. Adding to these difficulties, Sharabati’s health problems prevent him from working in the auto parts business. Moving to a bigger house in Gwangju or Naju to find work and support the larger family requires a large key money deposit.

When Hamwi was pregnant and giving birth, a Naju committee provided temporary assistance, but Sharabati says it is not a long-term solution.

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As Muslims, the family continues their religious practice in Korea.

When Sharabati’s condition permits, he travels the thirty-five kilometers to attend services at Gwangju’s main mosque, located near the Lake Park in Yangsan-dong.

When he first began riding the bus between Gwangju and Naju, Sharabati experienced a language miscommunication with the bus driver over the increased bus fare going back home to Naju. Now, Ibrahim and Khadija are also proud city bus riders, showing off the T-Money chips in their plastic watches.

Back in Aleppo, Sharabati ran a successful patisserie and the family owned their own house and land.

During this year’s GIC Day in the May 18 Democracy Square on October 16, he and his son had a food both

As for the situation in his home country, while it has gotten worse year by year, the recent US presidential election is a cause for hope.

“I wish for peace in Syria, like it was before 2011, when everyone lived together. The new US president discussed and said maybe he would find a solution for Syria.”

Interpreter Mohammed Laaribi, a Chonnam National University Business PhD student and native of Morocco, has assisted Omar Sharabati and his family with language and logistical needs, since their first meeting at Gwangju Immigration Office in November 2015.

For a preview of the Dec. 10 GIC Talk

by Kim Young-ah of Seoul-based NGO Migration to Asia Peace (MAP), on the situation of refugees in Korea and more about this Syrian family, see page 51.

December 2016

One year later, Sharabati and his wife Nadra Hamwi are living in a small house in Naju with three of their remaining children, twelve-year-old Ibrahim, seven-year-old Khadija and baby Mohamad Nour, born this past August. Their oldest daughter Majian lives with relatives in another city. On the wall behind their couch hang four awards from nearby Yeonggang Elementary School, where Ibrahim attends school and has quickly learned to communicate in Korean and make friends with his classmates. Khadija has not yet been accepted to school.

Despite the difficulties, Sharabati says they will stay in Korea until the Syrian situation is better.

From the Syrian perspective, looking at Korea’s present situation, Sharabati urges Koreans to preserve their country. “When we were in Syria before, everything was fine. Then, totalitarianism came, demonstrations started and nobody could control it. Koreans will decide what they want. But I see that, in Korea there is more democracy. In Syria, when the people demonstrated, the army killed everyone. So I respect Korean democracy. Here, in Seoul, you can make a demonstration and say what you want and nobody can kill you.”

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In November 2015, called by relatives already settled in Korea and drawn to Naju’s inexpensive housing prices, the family of Omar Sharabati spent five days in Shanghai, China before applying for a visa at Incheon Airport and finally moving to the South Jeolla city. Driving from their home in Aleppo to the airport in the capital city Damascus, the family sustained a bomb attack in which they lost their oldest son, Mustapha. Sharabati’s body, particularly his leg, were badly damaged in the attack, landing him in Chonnam National University Hospital upon arrival in Korea.

“I don’t like looking for help with money. I want to work. If I can work, I don’t need someone to give me the money. The associations promise, but nobody can offer it.”

where they sold many Syrian baked goods, receiving a positive reaction from the community. He hopes to be able to continue selling his breads and desserts in some way while living in Korea.

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COMMUNITY

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Darren McCracken Words by Anne Murray

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www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

here are you from?

I am from Turku, Finland.

Turku is an old coastal town in Southwest Finland with 180,000 inhabitants, making it the sixth largest town in the country. It is the oldest town in Finland and was once the capital. The Aura River runs through it and is an important part of the town. I would even say it is the heart of the town since everything revolves around it.

The market square, Turku Cathedral, Turku Castle and the center itself are all built on the banks of the river. The town has a really nice feeling to it, with a lot of trees and parks, old buildings, roads and boats floating up and down on the river, with some docked by the bank working as restaurants.

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Photos by Jeong So-hee

What do you study in Gwangju?

I attend Gwangju Natural Science High School. My major there is Architectural Landscape; in other words, gardening. The advantages of attending Gwangju Nature Science High School for me are the hands-on lessons like gardening and cooking, and the relaxing atmosphere where students are done by 4:30 p.m. each day, instead of 10pm. As a plus, we exchange students get it even easier, as we usually leave school at 1:30 p.m. and have some other activities like Korean lessons, Pungmul, Taekwando and Archery. A big challenge for me is that the lessons are all in Korean so I do not really understand everything, but in terms of learning the language

it is useful to be exposed to the language.

Communication with my fellow classmates and teachers is quite the challenge, since I only know one person who speaks a little English; but usually we communicate through Konglish and simple sign language. In truth, I love nature, especially gardens and I do love plants. If I had to pick one type of gardening practice, I would pick forest gardening. Forest gardening is the practice of growing plants like trees, shrubs, herbs and perennial vegetables, which are beneficial to humans by yielding fruits, berries and nuts. I like it because it is low maintenance and beautiful and at the same time you get grubs.

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NEW IN TOWN 15

How did you come to be in Gwangju?

Who do you stay with in Gwangju?

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My favorite Korean food is probably samgyeopsal, with kimbap coming second. I do not really have a favorite dish because I love food in general, but if I have to choose, it would either be some kind of Finnish fish dish or lamb pasanda (North Indian or Pakistani meat dish).

What is your favorite place in Gwangju and/or South Korea?

My favorite place in Gwangju is Downtown. I like to meet up there with friends and I just like the general vibe, as there are many people and shops. I do enjoy the university campuses as well, with their sports fields and parks. Sadly I have not seen that much of South Korea yet, but I would say that the mountains are my favorite. The Asia Culture Complex’s grass plot is one of my favorite places to chill out, and if it is too cold out-

What do you like doing in your free time?

In Korea during my free time, I enjoy trekking mountains, going to the gym, visiting new places, playing sports, learning more about Korean culture and just in general hanging out a lot with great company, doing whatever comes to mind.

December 2016

While with the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, we stay with host families which change every few months or so, so right now I am living with my second family in Hwasun.

In my current family we are five altogether: host-father, host-mother, host-brother, host-sister and me. My most memorable times with my host families have most definitely been when we visit new places like festivals,

What is your favorite food?

side, we usually head off to some cafe or tea house like Gong Cha. We play basketball on the Chosun University campus, a comfortable 15 minute walk away from the Gwangju International Center.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

When I applied to become an exchange student, they gave me four options when choosing which countries I would like to spend my year in. I picked New Zealand, Peru, Spain and South Korea. South Korea was then picked to be my host country, and Gwangju just happened to be the city I and five other exchange students would be sent off to. I picked South Korea because I was looking for something very different from back home, a culture which would be new for me.

mountains and towns. I remember on my first day in Korea, we visited the Damyang Bamboo Gardens.

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LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

Hertz Guesthouse Words By Amy Badenhorst

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

COMMUNITY

Photos by Roxy Hutton and Lorryn Smit

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ur “little” town of Gwangju is not so little anymore. In fact, over 20,000 people visit our city annually and for many different reasons. With over 20 historical sites, the best food on this side of the peninsula (dare I say) and many culturalspecific events, our city has become a must-see city in South Korea.

Due to the influx in the tourism industry and also so many international teachers all over Korea coming to visit us, there have been a number of guesthouses that have opened their doors recently. Tucked away in Donggu, Hertz Guesthous is a calm, carefree home away from home that has been welcoming guests from near and far since 2015. Mr. June Soo Hwang, public relations manager, was delighted to share all things “Hertz.”

Hertz opened its doors on May 5, 2015. This was not only going to be a guesthouse but also would be the headquarters for a “Makers Movement,” a platform that celebrates creativity and craft. Creators also have the opportunity to display their art in the exhibition area at Hertz. The name Hertz is derived from Heinrich Rudolf Hertz, the German physicist who first conclusively proved the existence of electromagnetic waves. Hertz

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Guesthouse also promotes itself as a “handmade zone,” which clearly resembles their vision and brand.

So what makes “Hertz” unique? In 2015 they joined the “Korea Stay” program and in 2016 they were selected as part of the South Korean village corporation (마을기업). As part of the village corporation, they are favored among Korean tourists. They also received an official certificate from the Korean Tourism Organization (한국관광공사). Not only is this guesthouse legitimate, it also allows dogs to sleep over (with their owners of course).

The building has three floors and the guesthouse is located on the building’s third floor. The eight rooms are comprised of twin-bed rooms, dormitory-style rooms and a basic traditional Korean-style bedroom where you sleep on a mat. Each room has its own private bathroom and has a communal kitchen and dining area. The spaces are clean, spacious and very comfortable. The guesthouse is 500 meters from Gwangju Art Street, has air-conditioning in the summer season, heating in the winter season and free WiFi is available throughout the property. It is only a five-minute walk from downtown and there is a big

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open field at the Arts Center – great for walking your dog! Breakfast is also included.

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For more information and booking information, visit Booking.com or Airbnb and search for Hertz Guesthouse, visit their own website at: hertzguesthouse.modoo.at (written only in Korean) or contact the hotel directly at 010-2519-2014 to complete your reservation today!

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

If you are a local resident, drop by and have a cup of coffee while you view artists and creatives in the making (or the laser engraving machine at work)!

And if you are from out of town, then why not spend a night or two at this up-and-coming guesthouse?

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Adopt a Child

Reaches Out to Gwangju’s Children Words by Joey Nunez

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

Photos courtesy of adopt a child gwangju

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K

orean children motivate Gwangju’s Adopt-A-Child for Christmas - Gwangju (ACC) volunteers to give generously, as they have this month and every year since 2010.

As the organization’s creator, Al Barnum recognized the importance of helping the next generation of Koreans receive gifts during the Christmas season. According to their website at: www.adoptachildgwangju. org, Barnum was inspired to create ACC by the late Mike Simning, a long-time beloved Gwangju resident who endlessly supported the Sungbin Orphanage. Simning’s legacy will always be honored and cherished, through what ACC provides today for these precious children.

FEATURE

Sarah Hale, current ACC President, shared what and how ACC accomplishes its gift-giving this month and since the program’s creation. “Every year we work to gift children from multiple orphanages [with] Christmas presents. We then deliver them to the orphanages and through small Christmas parties with Santa for the kids.”

during the most-recent Gwangju International Community Day on October 16 at the Asia Culture Complex. “We are lucky to live in a city where Koreans and foreigners can work together in a pleasant environment.”

Hale stated that the Christmas parties “are the culmination of all our efforts throughout the year. It is just the best payoff to finally deliver the gifts.”

Hale likewise delights with Green in watching children receive gifts from the community. “I really look forward to interacting with them at the Christmas parties we throw. It is so fun to see the little ones’ faces when they see Santa.”

Lessons learned from ACC have transformed these and many other volunteers over the years. Hale has learned so much while managing ACC’s efforts during this Christmas season. “I have learned to just take everything one day at a time,” Hale shared. “It is a big project but totally worth it.”

Kayla Edwards, Adopt-A-Child Volunteer, loves helping with fundraising events and acted as a Santa Claus

Green looks to past ACC presidents and organizers for his greatest lessons. “After seeing the difference made by first Al Barnum, Daniel Lis-

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“Without the community donating and attending the events, we would not be able to help anyone. Second, I want to say continue, do not stop. Together we have put many smiles on children’s faces”

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Alongside Barnum was James Green, the current ACC Vice President and a foundational contributor from ACC’s beginnings. Green enjoys the Christmas parties the most. “It makes all the effort seem worth it to see the children opening the presents.”

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Edwards shared a lesson emphasizing how the international community can be involved in ACC, no matter what they see as possible limitations. “I have learned that even if you do not speak the same language as someone, it does not mean you cannot help them. I barely can speak the Korean language but I have always found a way to express myself with the children and they do not all speak English but they find their own ways to say thank you or show their gratitude.”

For the Gwangju community who has always supported ACC, going on seven years now and counting, Edwards, Green and Hale have all expressed their deep appreciation.

“To everyone in the Gwangju community who has ever attended an event, donated money, volunteered or even just gave a kind word of encouragement, thank you. This is an incredible community and I am so thankful to be part of it,” Edwards stated.

“Without the community donating and attending the events, we would not be able to help anyone. Second, I want to say continue, do not stop.

Together we have put many smiles on children’s faces,” Green shared.

“You are the best! We are so grateful,” Hale proclaimed.

All three 2016 ACC leaders shared that there is always room for more people to help with this and future ACCs. To assist with this year’s efforts, visit the ACC’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/adoptachildchristmasgwangju/. Fundraising event information and program updates will be posted to show ACC’s 2016 impact.

FEATURE

ter, Jordan VanHartingsveldt, then Calen Cygan and Sunjin Choi and now Sarah Hale, I really feel that one person can make a big difference to peoples’ lives. I’m really in awe of the amount of work they have put into making ACC a success,” Green said.

The due date for gift-giving will be on Wednesday, December 14. Be the reason that our Gwangju children smile during this Christmas and New Year season!!

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

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Visiting

Dongmyeong-dong

Alley

Photos by Erin Heath Kim

Words by Hee-seung Kim Photos by Lorryn Smit

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

By Kelsey Rivers

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FEATURE

ongmyeong-dong was formed as a hilly landscape outside of the east gate of Gwangju Fortress, comprised largely of fields and cemeteries. Thus, it was called “Outside of East.” But soon it became the center of Gwangju and attracted wealthy families of the city. Many elders still remember the area as one with rows of classy buildings. However, only a decade ago, it was a dilapidated corner of town, lined with deserted houses one after another.

Now, this place is literally “hot” with business. Unique cafes, guest houses and an array of select shops surround the Asia Culture Center (ACC). The alleys of Dongmyeong-dong are filling up with owners thinking hard about ways to please the public, and what will appeal to them most. This is Dongmyeong-dong, an area filled with life between the alleys.

Unlike other areas of the city, Dongmyeong-dong is congested with houses. There are few high-rise buildings among the Korean-style homes, and now these relics of the past are being renovated individually for commercial purposes. Clear skies overhead and the glow of soft evenings on the alleyways make this place even more special.

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At Dongmyeong-dong, there are uncommon restaurants offering Jeju Island, Italian and even Greek cuisine. You can also see small corner shops like those from old movies and

Encircling the ACC are “Chungjangro” for shopping, “Old City Hall” for night life and around Doungbu Police Station, the street of arts. In addition to these features, Dongmyeongdong has emerged recently as an area for cafes and restaurants. Among the four areas, Dongmyeong-dong is notable for its specialized features and feeling of being up-and-coming, in a state of ongoing development. Some people say this is the last remaining “yolk” of Gwangju. However, this on-

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Elders of the village consume fish dishes and drink soju at the shabby restaurant named “Chunjanae.” Just beside it, young people spin forks of spaghetti at the “Grand Hotel,” a place reminiscent of cotton candy.

Empty houses became small craft workshops or quite imposing cafes.

Once a secluded alleyway, “Dongmyeong-dong Street of Cafes” now attracts many well-dressed and trendy young people.

shops of haute couture. Alongside these softer, nostalgic reminders of the past lining the alleys of Dongmyeong-dong, are newer, harder-edged places that leave visitors with a vivid impression, and create a striking juxtaposition.

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www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

going development is not as pleasing as it sounds.

Development and gentrification can have the unfortunate side-effect of destroying the unique and precious places that characterize an area.

There is already a lot of external capital flowing into the district, and these big investors intend to purchase high-class houses too. We can easily recall the lost places, the places that were once valuable but became meaningless in a moment due to eccentric spaces, skyrocketing rent and menus that are dull and common at every restaurant.

Some people have tried to find interesting spaces and create a place where others would want to stay, and enjoy themselves. Such places sometimes become host to many unique fusion cuisines at artsy restaurants, or feature cozy cafés with books. The

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“Empty houses became small craft workshops or quite imposing cafes. Once a secluded alleyway, “Dongmyeong-dong Street of Cafes” now attracts many welldressed and trendy young people.”

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In this way, the alleys are the scenes of life, hence the charm of Dongmyeong-dong. I would like to continue visiting and exploring this fascinating part of Gwangju, and see how it continues to develop in the future. Perhaps the unique juxtaposition of old and new that makes Dongmyeongdong such a pleasure to walk through will become even more beautiful after overcoming this period of change and growth.

FEATURE

numbers of such unique and creative spaces have increased in the alleyways and streets of Dongmyeongdong, and are now well-blended into the original area.

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26

Baek Nam-gi:

Symbol of Korean Democracy

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

Words by Anastasia Traynin Photos by Cho Gye-hyun and Choi Seon-dong

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O

FEATURE

n Saturday, November 14, 2015, the largest anti-government demonstration in over seven years brought over 100,000 people to the streets of Seoul, sparked by the Park Geun-hye administration’s decision to require receiving state-issued middle and high school history textbooks from 2017.

Organized by various farmers and civic and labor groups, other grievances included labor reforms that favored businesses and the opening of the Korean rice market, opposed by many as harmful to local agriculture.

One of the demonstrators to travel to the capital that Saturday was 69-yearold Baek Nam-gi, a farmer in Boseong since 1982 and a member of the Catholic Farmers’ Association.

Baek never returned to his farm after that day. After being hit by a police water cannon, he fell into a coma and became an unexpected national symbol of what many South Koreans consider to be deliberate state violence and a denial of the freedom for assembling by the administration.

After 10 months in a coma at Seoul National University Hospital, Baek Nam-gi passed away on September 25, 2016. Following his death, the

On November 5, the family held an outside funeral mass in downtown Seoul, coinciding with a demonstration of 200,000 people calling for the

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* The three names have unique meanings by themselves or with the family name: Baek added: Baek Doraji for “White bell flower,” an old Korean folk song title; Baek Minjuhwa for “democratization” without a family name; and Baek Dusan for Baekdu Mountain, which represents the yearning of Koreans toward national re-unification.

December 2016

Seoul police raided the hospital with a conditional autopsy warrant, which expired on October 25. Civic groups prevented the police autopsy, since they suspected that the police might try to forge a false reason to avoid their responsibility for the death, which was apparently caused by the excessive use of water cannons. From the time of his death until the weekend of his burial, a mourning tent organized by local civic groups for public condolences was held on the 5.18 Democracy Square outside of the Asia Culture Center.

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The farmer’s three children, Doraji, Minjuhwa and Dusan*, fought for investigation into their father’s injuries and a recognition of misdeeds by the government. Minjuhwa came back to Korea from her home in the Netherlands, bringing along her Dutch husband and their young son. In late January 2016, coinciding with the Rotterdam International Film Festival, Minjuhwa staged a one-person protest outside of the central train station to bring awareness to her father’s plight. She continued to use her international influence on the case, bringing it to the attention of the 32nd United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva in June. The Baek family joined the annual Geumnamro street gathering on the eve of May 18, 2016.

resignation of the president in light of a recent scandal involving confidant Choi Soon-sil. After an evening wake in the farmer’s hometown of Boseong, the funeral procession came to Gwangju in the morning of November 6. After a rally on Geumnam-ro with 5,000 people attending and a public march down Chungjang-ro to the entrance of Seobang Market, the one-day memorial culminated with a 5 p.m. burial ceremony, attended by officials from the Gwangju City Hall and Jeollanam-do Provincial Governments and many members of farmer and civic groups.

Baek Nam-gi Emmanuel (Catholic name) was finally laid to rest in the 5.18 National Cemetery. A one-year anniversary demonstration in his honor was organized for Saturday, November 12, 2016 in Seoul’s City Hall Plaza.

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Knowing Mr. Baek Nam-gi Words by Dr. Hidayat Greenfield

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

COMMUNITY

Photo courtesy of baeknamki1114

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I

t might be strange to travel 7,260 miles to join the funeral procession of a man you did not know. I did not know Mr. Baek Nam-gi, but I attended his funeral procession in Geumnam-no Square in Gwangju on November 6. I flew from a meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, determined to attend his funeral.

Mr. Baek Nam-gi passed away on September 25, 2016 after 317 days in a coma. He was struck down by a police water cannon during the People’s Rally in Seoul on November 14, 2015, while calling on the government to protect the rights and livelihoods of farmers. The reason for Mr. Baek Nam-gi being at that rally is the reason I was in Gwangju a year later.

My organization represents over 12 million food workers, including agricultural and plantation workers, in 127 countries around the world. We struggle to secure the people’s rights to food and nutrition, as well as defending the livelihoods of farming communities. This is very similar to the farmers’ organization of Mr. Baek Nam-gi in Korea.

Throughout the world our members are outraged by the tragic death of Mr. Baek Nam-gi and we continue to support the campaign for justice. Those responsible for his death must be held accountable. At the funeral rally on November 6, I was able to declare this commitment to the thousands of people gathered in Geumnam-no Square and at the same time express our condolences to Mr. Baek Nam-gi’s family.

Given the historic significance of Gwangju in the struggle for democracy, it was fitting that Mr. Baek Nam-gi’s funeral was held here. The struggle against corporate trade deals like the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is also a struggle to defend democracy.

It is for this reason that we must continue this struggle.

I did not know Mr. Baek Nam-gi, but I believe I know what he stood for. Now when I meet with farmers in India, Myanmar, Pakistan and the Philippines, I will tell the story of Mr. Baek Namgi. And they will know him too.

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KOREAN FOOD 29

The Milk of the Sea

Oysters

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Words by Namhee Cho Photo courtesy of GIC

The majority of Korean oysters are produced in farms in Tongyeong.

They can be eaten raw or cooked; steamed as well as fried. This versatile food dish was also used as a main ingredient for some of the most sig-

Rice and soup cannot be removed from Korean cuisine. For many, the taste and smell of oysters determines whether the consumer will love it or hate it. So if oysters are not your favorite, this dish may be a nightmare

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Raw Oysters

Korean custom recommend eating oysters raw for the most nutritional value. Just a squeeze of lemon enhances the taste of its plump flesh and eliminates the ocean-like smell for seafood-eating novices. If you are capable of handling Korean pepperseasoned salads, try gul muchim, raw oyster mixed with greens. But be careful when you have bigger-sized oysters, because they tend to be more vulnerable to Norovirus which causes intestinal inflammation.

Gul guk: Oyster Soup and Rice

to eat. The smell and the taste of the ocean in soup and rice are intensified through the steam. On the other hand, this same intensification makes it perfect for seafood lovers.

Gul jeon: Oyster Pancakes

This dish’s recipe is as simple as all other jeon (pancakes) you can have in Korea and is regarded as the most favorite gul dish for Koreans. The crispy batter of jeon can still hold fresh gul’s creaminess. Fried in little pieces, this delicacy is loved by children as a snack and by adults as a munchie to go with drinks. Likewise, fried gul shares the same taste with pancakes but is especially loved by those who cannot get enough of fries. You can easily find them on the menu at any jeon restaurant, but it is strongly recommended to make it at home. After all, it should be a piece of cake (pun intended)!

December 2016

nificant dishes of the Korean royal court cuisine. So, for this month, we will discuss the different variations of oyster dishes in Korea.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

inter is perhaps the most abundant season of all to enjoy the different variety of seafood in Korea. Among other seafood dishes, creamy oysters or gul (굴) are easily available to purchase and reasonably priced to enjoy all winter long. The only farmed species of oyster in Korea is cham-gul (참굴) which was once called Seok Hwa (or stone flower) among the aristocrats of the past. Oysters also have the nickname “the milk of the sea,” due to their rich balance of zinc, taurine and vitamins. Such historical figures as Napoleon, Casanova and Cleopatra were known to be big fans of oysters, thus contributing to the oyster craze during past harsh-weathered winters in South Korea.

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Where to eat:

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

Words by Sean D’Angelo Photos by Lorryn Smit

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WHERE TO EAT 31

H

alf the time hot dogs are barely warm, there are few condiments available and the only recognizable flavor is the ketchup. This is hardly the stuff of legend that Franklin D. Roosevelt served to King George VI and the Queen Mother of England. But all that is about to change in Gwangju with “Hat Dog,” the sizzling new place to cure your nostalgic cravings.

The flagship shop in downtown Gwangju, with its bright orange banner and dachshund logo, is the first link in a hopefully long chain of hot dog stands that will sell the real deal. Hat Dog’s chef and proprietor, Joe Wabe, is already famous in Gwangju for his many contributions for the Western community, including the conception of the perennially popular Tequilaz and supporting this very publication of Gwangju News. Practically raised in restaurants as a kid, Wabe is leveraging years of experience with scrumptious start-up businesses to bring that Big Apple flavor to our little corner of the world.

First comes the atmosphere. It is hip and clean, and it practically screams America. Orders are to-go only, but with music and lights, Wabe has created a space conducive to chilling outside the restaurant where customers feel like they are just a block away from Battery Park. In the future, he expects to introduce pop-up events like American BBQs.

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광주 동구 장동로 7, 1층

Open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12 p.m.- 8 p.m. and Sundays, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Mondays For delivery, call 070-4142-3281

December 2016

Next comes the food, and here Wabe has spared no effort fine-tuning his menu to strike the perfect balance between sensational tastes and maximum efficiency, so his customers do not have to wait one second more than necessary to get their fix. His franks (hot dogs) are extralong, ready to go minutes after an order is placed and perfectly cooked, right up to the edge of bursting so the juices

Hat Dog

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Of course, Wabe is humble. Anyone can make a hot dog, he says, but making people smile every day is what gets him up in the morning. His ultimate goal is to make the ballpark frank trendy, and that quest begins with an artisan’s attention to detail.

But perhaps the most important detail of all is that he never skimps on the toppings. Who wants to eat a naked hot dog? Wabe piles them high with homemade sauerkraut, nacho cheese, authentic Mexican hot sauce, bacon, onions and pickles. They are almost overwhelming in their grandiosity, but somehow after eating one, you still seem to have room left over for a second and perhaps a third.

The menu offers five different combinations to choose from, with classic soft drinks like Coke, Ginger Ale and Dr. Pepper to quench your thirst. He also runs a catering and delivery service for folks too busy to visit in person.

But do not miss out on the chance to meet the man in person; half the fun of ordering at Hat Dog is experiencing Wabe’s jolly greeting and amicable conversation. Check the shop out, Tuesday to Sunday in Dongmyeong-dong, right under the Munhwa Studio English Café.

FOOD & DRINKS

explode in your mouth when you take that first bite. Split casings are not served but are not wasted either: they go to the neighborhood cats, finally giving the cats a reason to love dogs. Wabe’s pride and joy is his bread, a recipe he worked tirelessly to perfect with five different bakeries before hitting on exactly the right combination of elasticity and crispiness.

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Photo Essay

The First Light: New Year’s Day Sunrise from Atop Mudeungsan

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December 2016

Words by Murdock O’Mooney Photos By Abhishek Sahu

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n Gwangju, Mudeungsan needs no introduction. However, what is less known is the annual hike to its peak that takes place in the early hours of New Year’s Day. While others are partying, a hardy group of hikers gathers at the base of the famous mountain. They leave around 3a.m. and hike through the night to reach the summit by sunrise at about 7:20a.m. It is no doubt a unique (and healthy) way to ring in the New Year.

Inspired by this group of hard-core revelers, my girlfriend Kuamah and I wanted in on the action. Last year we decided to do the hike. Sadly, we overslept. Instead of beginning our hike at 3a.m., we set off at 6a.m. We began by riding the bus to the main entrance of Mudeungsan. From there, you can either take an advanced-level trail towards Soeinbong Peak or an intermediate trail towards Jungmeorijae Pass. We chose the in-

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35 termediate trail, which was still fairly steep. The hike took about 4 hours to Jungbong Peak and covered roughly 5 kilometers, with 1,000 meters of elevation gain. I recommend that you pack a trail map, headlamp, cellphone, snacks, water and warm gear, and do not hike alone.

Last year, there was not much snow on the ground, so the hike was not too difficult. However, it was still dark when we started, so we used headlamps to see when setting out.

The early part of the hike was peaceful, as there was no one on the trail.

The mountain was mysterious at this early hour. It was a secret world that humans rarely see—the world of a sleeping mountain.

Soon we passed the ancient Guardian Tree and climbed up out of the valley. Then it became light and the mountain showed itself. It was beautiful and alive at this early hour. The trail got steeper as we neared Jungmeorijae Pass. The air was fresh and smelled of pine and earth. We reached Jungmeorijae Pass around 10a.m.

Feeling inspired, we hiked on to Jungbong Peak. There we snapped some

December 2016.indd 35

Based on the testimony we heard, as well as our own experience, the hike is well worth it. But be advised, it is not for the faint of heart. You have to wake up early and hike up a cold mountain in the dark. You will be tired and maybe even a little cranky, but your effort will be rewarded. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment and maybe if you are lucky, you will have a new year with prosperity and good-will.

December 2016

We found out that they had seen the peak’s sunrise. I asked why they would work so hard to see the first sunrise of the New Year. The young woman answered, “I want to get a job this year, and if I see the beautiful first sunrise, I feel like I can do anything.” Her partner added, “It means a lot to me. By doing this, I feel like my new year starts in a positive way... anything is possible.”

Heading down, we took a different path going towards Jeungsimsa Temple. This route was less steep and led past boulder fields, bamboo forests and a fresh water spring that people drank from. The whole scene was fantastic and when we reached the end of the trail at the main entrance of Mudeungsan, we wished we had more time on the mountain.

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There we found a fair number of people celebrating. They seemed happy.

People talked, laughed and enjoyed snacks and drinks. It was, after all, New Year’s Day, a time to be thankful and hopeful, to think about the year past and the year ahead. It was here that we found and spoke with a young couple.

photos and found a place to open our celebratory bottle of wine. We had earned it. It was then that I understood the seemingly-crazy choice to climb Mudeungsan in the middle of the night to see the first sunrise of the New Year. It was an empowering experience that set a positive tone for the next 12 months.

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Photos of The Month Words by Ellin Hale

1

I

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December 2016

have my less than inconspicuous camera in one hand and a classy plastic cup full of beer in the other. The couple next to me starts unpacking their small picnic style lunch, consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, apples and, of course, the most delicious-looking fried chicken. Then the sweet smell of dried squid drifts up from a few rows down as the crowd bursts into a cheer, “Everybody say KIA…” which I will surely have stuck in my head and start singing to myself at random occasions in the future.

Watching a game at the KIA Tigers Champions Field is quite an experience. I never thought I would see a car come out of the depths of a stadium to drop a relief pitcher off at the pitching mound. The Korean version of sports is pretty awesome and I am looking forward to next season. Here’s hoping KIA comes out on top.

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3

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2

1. Photo by Ellin Hale 2. Photo by Lorryn Smit 3. Photo by A.P. Tolang 4. Photo by Kudryavtsev Yevgeniy

December 2016.indd 37

December 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 Jeollanamdo-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.

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Gwangju Performance Project

Gears Up for Theatre Production in December!

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December 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

Words by Tasneem Daniels Photos courtesy of Gwangju Performance Project

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T

he second floor of the Gwangju International Center buzzes with musical energy every Sunday as the Gwangju Performance Project (GPP) prepares for their December performance of Little Shop of Horrors.

December 2016.indd 39

Choreographer Thando Mlambo shared about rehearsals. “I am really enjoying working with the cast. Rehearsals have been going great. Taking on this role has been a daunting task because I do not have a background in musical theater, but I was willing to take the challenge.” Mlambo further shared the process being “a hectic trial-and-error phase, [as I try] to bring to life what happens in my head and make sure it looks good. Everything just needs to run its course. Everyone

Cast member Monique Dean-Onyema invites all to the show. “Little Shop of Horrors is guaranteed to be a good time,” she said. “Our cast consists of both Koreans and foreigners.

The show combines all forms of art and is a mix of different decades and promises to be comical and entertaining!”

Little Shop of Horrors’ performances will be on Saturday, December 10 (3p.m. and 7p.m.) and Sunday, December 11 (1p.m. and 5p.m.) at the theater located next to the GFN Radio Station in Sajik Park (Address: 광주남구사동 177-39, 광주콘텐츠산 업지원센터, 구KBS방송국). Tickets

cost between 10,000 - 12,000 won and can be reserved online by filling out the Google Form at: www. gwangjutheatre.com/little-shop-ofhorrors.html For more information, visit GPP’s Facebook page: “Gwangju Performance Project,”on Instagram@ gwangjuperformanceproject, or email gpptickets@gmail.com.

December 2016

This will be the GPP’s second fulllength musical production since its establishment in December 2010.

The previous musical production was The Last Five Years in 2013. Over this 6-year period, the GPP has produced various theatre productions, a few of which are William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, David Auburn’s Proof, and Neil Simon’s Rumors. The GPP has also hosted projects for the broader public, such as the 2016 Pen and Ten competition for playwrights and English-speaking kid’s drama camps, successfully implementing their aim to promote

Little Shop of Horrors is directed by Anissa Ghali and will include acting, singing and dancing. “We brought a variety of talent to this show,” says Ghali, who has been involved in the theatre world since the age of six.

“The show will include a live band on stage, and our cast consists of a range of performers, experienced and new to the world of theater,” said Ghali.

“We have a choreographer and musical director with whom the cast is also rehearsing with every weekend.

We have a great venue and we are very excited to bring this show to the audience.”

is working really hard and we cannot wait to put on the show!”

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Little Shop of Horrors is a 1986 American horror comedy rock musical set in a neighborhood called Skid Row. It tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a florist at Mushnik’s Flower Shop who is tormented by a vicious, human blood-eating plant.

the arts to communities in Gwangju.

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The Mountainous North

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December 2016

TRAVEL

Sokcho

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Words and Photos By Ryan and Stephanie Hedger

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A

AROUND KOREA 41

s the final leaves are long gone from deciduous trees and Korea settles into the cold winter months ahead, many people desire to escape from their homes and apartments to stave off the impending effects of “cabin fever.” Defined as an extreme restlessness experienced during long periods of inactivity, “cabin fever” can act as an incentive to see the beauty of Korea’s winter landscapes. In the face of dropping temperatures and movie marathons, a reminder of monochromatic beauty might be the key to removing the misery of winter months and encouraging some exploration.

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December 2016

Seoraksan National Park Few places in South Korea garnish as much respect and adoration in South Korea as Seoraksan National Park.

For good reason, this preserved and remote wilderness is one of the country’s most revered national parks.

With its stunning geology, views of neighboring North Korea (on a clear day) and some of the best hiking to be found in the country, Seoraksan is in an exclusive league of treasured ar-

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Sokcho City One of the northeastern-most cities in South Korea, Sokcho is about as deep into Korea’s deep winter as you can venture. Blanketed in snow for longer than any other major Korean city, Sokcho is a perfect travel destination in the cold months. As an affront to the seemingly-endless cold, a visit to Sokcho is an act of defiance when all instincts demand us to retreat to a warm complacency until spring arrives. Instead, we believe a trip to the depths of Korea’s winter might be just the adventure needed to gain appreciation for this frigid season. Surrounded by natural beauty and some of the most pristine wild places remaining in South Korea, Sokcho is a perfect destination for anyone wanting to appreciate this often-overlooked season. Although Gangwon Province is less visited, the natural beauty found in this province is second to none.

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December 2016

TRAVEL

42

eas. In the winter months, visitors are not able to hike as they would in the warmer months, but a cable car elevates visitors to a peak overlooking the majority of the Eastern mountain range. Near the top of the icy surrounding peaks, the cable cars are an excellent way to view the park when hiking is almost impossible. Visitors can experience not only the upper mountains with the safety of public transportation, but they can also gain inspiration for warmer months when hiking is more manageable.

Sokcho’s Temples Korea’s Buddhist temples are tranquil oases where time seems to move a bit slower. In the cold depths of winter, with a thin blanket of snow covering the ground, these holy sites are perfect excuses to explore different areas in search of beautiful scenes.

In Sokcho, two temples stand head and shoulders above the rest in their setting and layout. Naksan Temple on Korea’s east coast is a stunning place with beautiful views of both the nearby Taebaek Mountains and the East Sea. This dichotomy of landscapes makes this temple a mustsee for people visiting Sokcho for the first time. Additionally, there is a wonderful temple located within Seoraksan National Park itself that is as beautiful as its epic setting. Marking the arrival at this well-established

December 2016.indd 42

religious site, a Buddha statue sits in the famous Cheonbuldong (Seorak) Valley and has become the symbol of Seoraksan itself, as much as the peaks which so beautifully touch the sky. The temples of Sokcho are perfectly located and some of the most beautiful structures you will be able to experience in the depths of winter in South Korea.

An Unlikely Destination While suggesting a December visit may seem counterintuitive to some visitors, a trip into the cold winter can be the perfect escape for people prone to “cabin fever.” While Sokcho might be cold and blanketed in snow when visiting this winter, we have found it to be the perfect reminder of the beauty one can discover in the coming cold. With mountains, waterfalls, temples and a beautiful coastline, Sokcho might be the most unlikely yet perfect place to rediscover the beauty of Korea’s four seasons.

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.

Blog www.hedgersabroad.com Facebook: /hedgersabroad Instagram: /hedgersabroad

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LIVE IN GWANGJU 43

Sochon Art Factory:

New Space in Gwangsan-gu

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By 2014, the former Kunsthalle Lounge downtown art project, named after a German subculture movement as an initial promotion for the Asia Culture Center, had served its purpose, and its shipping container

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buildings were set to be thrown in the trash. To save and regenerate the facility, Gwangsan-gu District Office paid the relocation costs and transformed the buildings into the new Sochon Art Factory.

Built on the former site of an old post-military training center, which was relocated nearby, Sochon Art Factory is surrounded by the agricultural and industrial area a few kilometers north of Songjeong Train Station. The strong smell of fresh-cut

wood from the nearby lumber mill infuses the area.

Led by Kang Hye Gyeong, District Office staff member, Sochon had its grand opening in April 2016 and set off a series of exhibitions and programs for residents. In a recent visit to the factory, Gwangju News spoke with Kang and Park Hana, a staff member.

According to Kang, until five years ago, Gwangsan was an isolated and

December 2016

wangsan-gu, the district west of the Yangsan River in Gwangju, is now home to half of the city’s population. With more young families moving into the area, it has been undergoing a cultural development.

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Words and Photos by Anastasia Traynin Photos courtesy of Sochon Art Factory

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December 2016

culturally under-developed area, so the district office has made efforts to create a balanced and fair distribution of culture there. Sochon’s location reflects its mission to spread culture into places where it may not yet naturally exist. “The ultimate goal is for not only the residents but also the workers in the area to be closer to culture together,” Kang said.

Collaboration with Asian migrant workers at the neighboring lumber mill has created a special “junk art” piece made of recycled industrial parts that form a tree motif with the letters of the workers’ names. In addition to migrant workers, work by university student artists and local professionals are exhibited throughout the factory as part of the September 24 – November 26 project called 깡통 (Kkangtong), meaning “an empty space being filled.”

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ARTS & CULTURE

Sochon Art Factory also supports and helps coordinate external events in the district. The fourth annual Gwangsan Rock Festival, organized by the district office and held on October 22, 2016 at the Suwan Lake Park outside Lotte Mart, expanded its focus this year and attracted a much larger audience. “Before, it was only focused on the music and only couples and musicians [in the crowd], but this year we had more hard-working musicians, a flea market, youth busking, indie musicians and citizen participation,” Kang explained.

Leading a tour of the buildings, Park explained that the artists featured here are inspired by the look of the buildings, and they also use the space to hold discussions on art. Stopping at a piece at the factory’s entrance, which is a tree hung with aluminum cans, Park said that one artist named it the “Can Tree,” a symbol of the entire project.

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Kang personally sought to include highly regarded independent musicians in Gwangju with recommendations from Sajik Park’s Peak Music studio. One of the two local rock bands featured in the festival, Amazing Visual (AV), is known for their “adult children songs” music style, compelling costumes and live performances. At Gwangsan, they dressed

as prisoners with lead singer Kim DK handing a pair of handcuffs to a couple in the audience. “It was a little more pressure because there were so many people, but when I started performing, I enjoyed it 100 percent,” DK reflected.

Band leader, songwriter and ukulele player Wang Gyeong Tae added: “It is very good to show our performance here. It is the first time to have this number of people. We were the first band, so the reaction was strange, but we did not care because that is normal.” Drummer Giant Jeong commented that since it takes one hour to get to Gwangsan from other parts of Gwangju, there may not be many indie bands who play here, so it was a different and enjoyable experience.

The other band was Kim and Lee, a three-year acoustic duo who have recently added a drummer to expand their sound into electronic psychedelia. Singer and guitarist Lee Se-

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ung Joon enjoyed the chance to go beyond the modest clubs and venues where audiences remain small.

“Common people have no chance to hear Kim and Lee. We want to show how fun rock and roll is for their [lives]. The rock and roll message is not for money.”

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[For more information] Sochon Art Factory

광주광역시 광산구 소촌로85번길 14-9

Sochon-ro 85beon-gil 14-9 Website: 062saf.wixsite.com/sochon Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100009189314454&fref=ts

December 2016

Kang finished by saying she hopes many international visitors and residents will show interest and participation in the Sochon Art Factory project. From next year, promotional

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Another way that local music can reach a wider audience in Gwangsan is through Sochon Art Factory’s “concert delivered to the workplace” project. Lee further explained, “A major goal is to build awareness and positive impressions of art to businesses and enterprises in the area, ultimately turning into contributions towards making art. It is a system for the direct making and creating of art by residents.”

materials, introductions and programs will be available in English, as well. “We want to emphasize that this is not only a local, but also a global and Asian project, [as] a platform to distribute subculture,” Kang commented.

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46

HowDoWeTeachPronunciation – Or Do We?

O

ImageOur brains like to find patterns, and it is from our brains subconsciously analyzing the pronunciation of others that we “learn” our pronunciation of our mother tongue (L1) or a second language (L2). Because of this thought that pronunciation pretty much will take care of itself if our students do a lot of listening, a lack of attention in the classroom occurs regarding these skills. Granted, pronunciation does receive attention in the early stages of language teaching in connection with phonics, but after that, focus on pronunciation seems to have lesser value than the other aspects of English.

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December 2016

EDUCATION

Words and Photos Courtesy of Dr. David Shaffer

Through class surveys in oral skills classes and anecdotally, I have found that nearly 100 percent of students prefer to have all their languagerelated errors, regarding grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary, to be corrected by the teacher. This response comes from the pervasive perfectionist mind-set of the Korean: not wanting to make a mistake of any kind, and wanting to sound like a native speaker of American English. We know that correcting all their mistakes would take up so much time that not much else would get done before the bell rang. We also know that correcting all their pronunciation mistakes would not be the most effective use of class time. The emphasis now is not on teaching English for our students to learn a certain native-speaker accent, but for their English to be easily comprehendible.

This explanation does not mean that we should not bother with pronunciation practice in the classroom, but instead let the students pick up correct pronunciation “naturally.” Placing focused attention on the major

pronunciation problems of the class should lead to quicker improvements than not targeting them.

What to Practice?

I have found in many English classroom situations in Korea that when pronunciation is taught, the emphasis is on teaching individual sounds in isolation: “Okay, Class, now repeat after me: /v/” … “Good, next: /r/.”

Another point to caution against when demonstrating the articulation of individual sounds is not to over-exaggerate lip shapes and the tongue’s placements. While tongue placements are technically “between” (i.e., touching both upper and lower frontal teeth), sticking one’s tongue out three centimeters between them is not good modeling.

Though some individual-sound practice is certainly desirable, it should not be the staple of pronunciation practicing. Sounds very rarely occur in isolation in speech. They occur in syllables, which form words, which then shape expressions, which then

In this month’s edition, we will look at whether this is the right approach to take towards pronunciation or whether we should give it more of our attention, and if we should, how we should go about teaching pronunciation.

How Much Pronunciation Should We Teach?

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2016-12-05 �� 2:24:57

KOTESOL 47 build phrases and clauses, and which finally produce sentences. The point here is that since sounds occur in combination with other sounds, we should practice using them, too. Sounds in isolation have no particular stress, but they sure do when combined into words and larger strings: The two â&#x20AC;&#x153;oâ&#x20AC;? letters in photograph carry quite different stress levels than they do in photography.

How to Practice Pronunciation Drilling troublesome, isolated sounds has an important place in pronunciation, but this method can easily get boring to students. Where possible, I try to introduce a â&#x20AC;&#x153;funâ&#x20AC;? element: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bees go â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;buzzzzzzzzzâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Snakes go â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ssssssssssâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mothers quieting their children go â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shshshshâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boys playing with their toy cars go â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rrrrrrrrâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? I also find the drilling minimal pairs (two words that differ only in the target sound) is productive: faceâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;vase, baseâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;pace, lockâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;rock, dayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;they, sinkâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;think, Jewâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;zoo and so on.

When activities are meaningful, their effectiveness increases. So we can make minimal-pair work into meaningful questions: While holding up a picture, ask â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is this a lock or a rock?â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is there a face on the vase?â&#x20AC;? Other questions might be: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Does a rock sink or think?â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can you shake hands with a Jew or a zoo?â&#x20AC;?

Practice Proper Pronunciation

December 2016.indd 47

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Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Monthly Meeting Date: Saturday, December 10 Place: Gwangju National University of Education â&#x20AC;˘ Morning Reflective Practice Session (Kenya CafĂŠ) â&#x20AC;˘ Two Main Session Presentations of EFL Topics â&#x20AC;˘ SwapShop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Share with the group an activity or teaching idea that you have.

For full conference details: â&#x20AC;˘ Website: koreatesol.org/gwangju â&#x20AC;˘ Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL 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.

December 2016

I hope that you are incorporating some degree of pronunciation practice into your oral English classes, and I hope that the activities presented here give you some ideas on how you can add to the effectiveness of your pronunciation practice activities.

We are happy to welcome you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and to have you comfortable in our church.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Some teachers introduce tongue twisters into pronunciation practices to add fun and meaningful elements (e.g., â&#x20AC;&#x153;She sells seashells by the seashore.â&#x20AC;?), but I suggest that we not rely on these for serious pronunciation practicing. The reason is that tongue twisters are inherently difficult for native speakers to say properly, so what we get when using them with language learners is a higher rate of failure when what we want is for students to succeed. What I like to do is devise what I call â&#x20AC;&#x153;tongue trainers,â&#x20AC;? which are sentences with multiple instances of the target sound without the difficulty factor of tongue twisters. Two examples are â&#x20AC;&#x153;The girl wants to twirl the pearl around the world.â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thelma threw the thin thimble at her thick thigh.â&#x20AC;?

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2016-12-05 �� 2:24:59

COMMUNITY

48 FROM ABROAD

Christmas Celebrations

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December 2016

Words by Laura Becker

F

ei Zhang is from Xī’ān, China and has lived in Gwangju for four years, studying at Gwangju University. He describes Christmas in China as something of a couples’ day.

People enjoy a holiday on December 25th, meet their friends or significant others and go out to eat. Young people exchange jumbo-sized, flawless apples with hand-written notes as tokens of their love or friendship.

Zhang noted that some people like to show off the number of apples they receive by sharing pictures on social media outlets like QQ and Weibo.

Christmas is less important in China than the Spring Festival, or Lunar

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New Year, when people wear new clothes and eat dumplings, as fireworks displays erupt around the country. “We paste new couplets on the doors at that time,” Zhang said, referring to the red decorations that adorn the doors of many homes in China. January 1st is a smaller celebration than the Lunar New Year.

Zhang said that there are some special music programs on TV, but the big celebration and long vacation are still weeks away.

Kristine Estrera is originally from the Philippines and has been living in Korea for three years. Aside from studying TESOL at Gwangju University, she has two shows on a local radio network and is an event manager

of a small private company. “Christmas is the biggest holiday in the Philippines,” Estrera explained.

Typically, all families gather around the table on Christmas Eve and wait for the stroke of midnight, when they will start exchanging presents. “It lasts until everyone is ready to retire for the night,” Estrera said. “Then after a few hours, on Christmas morning, everybody is back on their feet.”

Children are ready to go around to their relatives and godparents’ houses and receive gifts. “All throughout the day, big feasts are ongoing as relatives from far places come to visit,” Estrera said. One dish commonly served on special occasions is lechon, whole roasted pig stuffed with herbs.

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Changgyong is originally from Hungary and has lived in Korea for eight years as a Buddhist monk, the last two and a half years of which have been in Gwangju. Describing Christmas in Hungary, he said, “It is typically celebrated by family members who come together at their homes.”

On the morning of December 24th, families decorate the Christmas tree and put wrapped presents under it.

Young children are waiting for the arrival of the baby Jesus, Jézuska, who is traditionally endowed with the role of giving gifts, Changgyong explained.

Hungarians traditionally go to church to attend mass on Christmas Eve night. Religious practices have deteriorated somewhat as a legacy of 50 years of communist and socialist influence; however, religion has been regaining popularity since 1989, the year that Hungary and other Eastern European countries officially became democratic.

December 2016.indd 49

It lasts until everyone is ready to retire for the night. Then after a few hours, on Christmas morning, everybody is back on their feet.

December 2016

Changgyong additionally explained more about a Hungarian Christmas.

“We could say that Christmas is celebrated twice in Hungary: December 6th is St. Nicolas’s Day, Mikulás.” On December 5th, Changgyong shared that children polish their best boots and leave them out in the windows

“

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Two foods most typical of a Hungarian Christmas are halaszle, “fisherman’s soup,” which is a bright red fish soup prepared with a great deal of hot paprika. Changgyong described it as one of the spiciest dishes in Hungary.

“As for the sweets, traditionally the only pastry that is served on a Hungarian Christmas is bejgli. It is made from a roll of sweet bread, either with a rich and bittersweet filling of poppy seed or a paste of minced walnuts.”

or at the door, so that “St. Nicolas” can put sweets and other surprises in them. This incentive helps kids behave well throughout the year, as Mikulás may only be generous toward “good” kids. Children who have been “naughty” receive a virgács (a bunch of golden twigs) instead of, or perhaps alongside, the gifts. Changgyong explained, “There are written documents about this tradition dating back as far as the 18th century, but it is hard to know exactly when it started.”

“

As the day wears on, most families stay home, while some go to amusement parks or malls. In Estrera’s family’s case, she said, “we stay home and sing our hearts out on karaoke.”

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50

Op-ed

Human Rights Win:

OPINION

NHRCK Backs the UN Ruling against HIV Tests for English Teachers

Words by Jessica Keralis

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

S

even years after it dismissed initial complaints against the Ministry of Justice’s (MOJ) policy of mandatory HIV and drug tests for international English teachers, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has recommended that the MOJ remove this testing requirement. While the decision was certainly a long time coming, it is nonetheless encouraging. Not only is it important pushback on this ongoing affront to human rights from an authoritative institution inside Korea, it also provides a way for English teachers to challenge the testing directly.

NHRCK’s recommendation follows the decision of the UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in May 2015, which stated that the MOJ’s policy requiring a health check, including HIV and drug tests for native-speaking English teachers (those on the E-2 visa) constitutes racial discrimination.

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The complaint, which led to the ruling that was filed by a teacher from New Zealand against the Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education, was initially submitted to the NHRCK in 2009 when the testing policy was first implemented. However, the commission dismissed it, along with 50 others protesting the policy, and cancelled its initial plans for a public hearing on the grounds that the commission was not willing to hear cases of individual complaints. In doing so, however, the commission allowed the case to be taken to the CERD, where it was accepted in 2012. Now the commission has formally backed the CERD’s ruling. This is great news, and not just because it pays lip service to the idea of human rights and nondiscrimination.

First, the commission’s decision calls out the MOJ’s policy as blatant racial discrimination. It specifically cites the fact, also noted in the CERD’s deci-

sion, that the tests have no basis in the protection of public health, because both Korean citizens and non-citizen ethnic Koreans are exempt from the testing requirement. Rather, the tests were being used as a “means to check the values and morality of international English teachers” simply because they are not Korean. Second, it points out that the policy has the potential to stigmatize international residents as being high-risk for HIV and thus has led the general public to believe that they are not at risk for infection. This is important, as stigma against HIV is already incredibly high in Korea, even as the country’s HIV infection rates continue to climb.

The MOJ never responded to, or changed its testing policies in response to, the UN CERD’s ruling.

Hopefully the Korean government will be more responsive to a ruling from a domestic institution, but there is no way to know for sure. However, international English teachers now

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51 have a resource to challenge the testing if they wish. The NHRCK decision explicitly states that the UN CERD decision carries the same authority as domestic Korean law, according to the Korean Constitution. Some English teachers in other parts of Korea were able to use the CERD decision to persuade their employers not to require the HIV test. Presenting that information, along with the NHRCK recommendation, may be enough to get your school to drop the requirement as a teacher in South Korea. If you wish to pursue this route, there are staff members at the GIC that can help communicate this new information to your school or hagwon.

Challenging your employer directly, however, can be understandingly intimidating. For those who wish to push back indirectly, you can file complaints with both the NHRCK (either naming yourself or remaining anonymous) and the UN CERD Secretariat.

The URLs for both of these options can be found below. If you would like a copy of the NHRCK decision, feel free to contact the author directly.

File a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission of Korea at: www.humanrights.go.kr/english/ guide/complaint01.jsp

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O

n Gwangju International Community Day last October, I was soaked not only because of the rain, but also with happiness and gratitude all day standing under the awning of the Syrian food booth set up in the Asian Culture Center Democracy Plaza.

There were five booth members there: a Syrian man and his young son, two NGO workers including myself, and my father.

With a placard-and-menu reading “Tasty Road Syria” hung on the booth wall, we served four kinds of Baklava (traditional Arabic dessert), Nightingale’s Nest (a nutritious Syrian food made with ground beef and vegetables) and cinnamon black tea. Despite the heavy rain, many people visited the booth and enjoyed these home-made foods we had fetched early that morning from Naju. The young Syrian boy helped me with packing and worked as a cashier while his father, a patissier back in Aleppo, greeted passers-by and visitors.

“Migration to Asia Peace” (MAP), is a non-government organization where I work. Based in Seoul where a majority of refugees reside, MAP is committed to raising public awareness of forced migration and to enhancing the social integration of refugees into Korean society. Currently, MAP is taking on the case of a Syrian refugee family living in Naju and has been working in cooperation with many institutions, both in Naju and Gwangju.

Last year the number of migrants around the world surpassed 244 million, and many among them had been forced to flee their homes because of persecution, war or violence. The number of refugees and internally-displaced now stands at more than 65 million, the largest figure ever recorded. Half of documented refugees are children. More than half come from just three countries ravaged by conflict: Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria. In response to the global refugee crisis, Korean individual donors have shown increasing generosity, while the Korean government has doubled its financial assistance from $8 million in 2014 to $16 million in 2015.

South Korea is no stranger to receiving and resettling refugees. However, in recent years, Korea has seen a surge in the number of asylumseekers, from 1,574 people in 2013 to 2,896 people in 2014 and 5,711 people last year. As of the end of 2015, the government has granted refugee status to only 576 people out of a total of 15,250 asylum seekers, putting the refugee acceptance rate at 3.7 percent (far lower than the UN average of 38 percent). On the other hand, Korea launched a three-year pilot project in 2015 where the country would accept refu-

December 2016

Jessica Keralis lived and worked in Gwangju for nearly two years beginning in 2012. She is now a data analyst and has worked on global health research and advocacy projects with APHA’s International Health Section for six years. All views expressed here are her own and not those of any employer.

Words by Young Ah Kim Photo courtesy of MAP

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

See more information about the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at: www.ohchr. org/EN/HRBodies/CERD/Pages/ Contact.aspx

Local Community Meets a Syrian Refugee Family

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OPINION

52

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

gees every year through a UN refugee resettlement system.

Amid the protracted conflicts within Syria, Korea also saw an increasing in-flow of Syrian asylum seekers, but it seems that the government lacks the political will to safeguard the rights of Syrian refugees on the home front. As of the end of last year, only three of the 1,052 Syrian asylum seekers have received refugee status, though another 644 people were granted the right to stay here on humanitarian grounds until the war abates in their home country.

The humanitarian status holders’ predicament warrants our special and immediate attention. While refugee status holders are entitled to social welfare benefits and rights to bring their families and freely travel outside Korea, in accordance with the Refugee Act enacted in 2013, humanitarian status holders are granted the same visa (G-1) as asylum seekers, which only allows them the right to work under permission. Language barriers- a great obstacle to jobseeking - and discriminatory practices in the labor market against international residents hinder them from securing work permits that require an employment contract and an extension every six months. As a result, many applicants end up working illegally. As well as that, humanitarian status holders cannot have local health insurance in Korea. This fact makes them more vulnerable, especially children and the elderly.

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Indeed, it is often the host community that fills in the gaps made by legal loop-holes and unsystematic refugee protection. In the beginning, people may have little understanding of the status and conditions of Syrian refugees, but Korean and international residents, public officers and other citizens can work together to aid those in need.

The GIC Day was one of those days in which refugees, including the Syrian family we are working with, could feel welcome in the host community. Many Korean and international residents showed generosity by purchasing extra cookies. People from neighboring booths delivered dishes made with halal meat. International students from other Muslim countries visited the Syrian family’s booth just to express their support and concern for the Syrians.

To learn more about the refugee situation in Korea, you are invited to hear me share at the GIC Talk on Saturday, December 10, at 3 p.m., entitled “Refugee Protection in Korea and its Challenges.”

For an interview with the Sharabati family living in Naju, see pages 12-13.

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HEALTH

53

Beating the Winter Blues Words by Rachel Hill work too. I am quick to dismiss these sorts of homeopathic remedies, but if it is your cup of tea (which, by the way, is something you can make with turmeric), then it might be worth your time to research.

Exercise is essential to a happier, healthier you. But you always knew that. The harder part, especially in winter, is finding motivation to go outside into the cold, or even worse, to walk into an expensive gym full of potentiallyjudgmental people.

I

am lucky to live in this beautiful country. However, when winter rolls in, the lush and lovely greenery succumbs to the cold, painting the entire country in a matching grayscale patchwork of sky, streets, buildings and people with down-turned eyes. It is a rough transition.

For some, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a very real problem, often treated clinically with vitamin supplements, dietary changes or even light therapy for vitamin D absorption. I am not here to diagnose or treat. Instead, I would like to offer some anecdotal advice and ideas about how to squash your winter blues and find happiness in any season!

Here is my worthless, cliché advice: Join a gym! Get that blood pumping! Eat less junk food. You will look fab as a bonus! Be happy all the time and smile!! SMILE!!!

Yeah, all that stuff sounds great, but these suggestions are about as useful as a New Year’s Resolution: great on paper, but not worth much in practice without hard work.

I have read that cooking with turmeric can be helpful, and eating legitimate dark chocolate, full of antioxidants, can

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My biggest advice: Set REAL goals. Do not set vague, New Year’s Resolution-style goals. I am talking about small, tangible and achievable goals with self-improvement at the core. Learn a new skill or put a certain amount of time each day/week into studying something (maybe the Korean language?).

We live in an amazing time where information is literally at our fingertips, and self-improvement is a matter of discipline, not availability. It is so hard to find motivation to keep up on these things, but take special care to notice that feeling of accomplishment you get when you follow through on a small goal.

Don’t wait it out: LIVE NOW. A lot of people fall into the trap of waiting for the storm to pass, hunkering down in their apartment cave and waiting for spring to come. The bad news is that spring is a long way off. Try to find things to be excited about every week. And most importantly, surround yourself with people. Have a hot chocolate party or organize a weekly dinner with your close friends. Clichés aside, try to turn doing “nothing” into doing “something” and things will turn out okay.

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Though, it is true that what you put in is what you get out.

In winter, we tend to coop ourselves up inside, snacking on cakes or warm, rich food dishes. For what it is worth, you probably should eat less sugar and carbohydrates, because they really mess with your blood sugar and food cravings.

On the subject of sweating, try visiting a jimjjilbang (public bath house). Nothing beats frozen extremities like a hot bath and sauna. As a word of advice, I would suggest traveling to a sauna at least 30 minutes from your home or workplace in order to avoid potentially-awkward situations with people you know. I find that getting naked in a room full of people I do not know is easier than with a bunch of people I see on a daily basis. Spa World in Busan is really great, but there are countless more local places to choose from.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Winters can be rough out here. For those living away from home, an extra level of holiday loneliness is lumped on, as many are here without family, and with friendships that, while perhaps strong, rarely span longer than several months.

Hiking is an enjoyable activity to do with friends, even in winter. The trails are often less populated, and though the trees are bare, the air is refreshingly crisp and the feeling of your heart pumping after defeating a mountain is second to none.

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54 EXPAT LIVING

How to: Staying Warm in the Winter Cold

COMMUNITY

Words by Kelsey Rivers

W

inter in Korea can be pretty harsh, and knowing how to heat your home in the most cost effective way possible is very important in helping you stay warm throughout the cold, without doing too much damage to your wallet. Typically, one must decide between an ondol-floor heating system that is built into most (if not all) homes, and relying on electrical appliances (such as space heaters and electric mats/ blankets) to stay warm. The question then becomes, what is more cost effective: gas or electric?

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2016

When determining the most effective way of heating your home, there are a few things one must consider.

What type of home do you live in?

In some apartments (for example, some Officetels), it does not matter how much gas you actually use to heat your apartment. The total gas usage of the apartment is divided equally among the residents of the apartment building, so changing how you use your ondol will most likely not affect the cost of your gas bill. However, this is not the case with many apartments, and so knowing the type of apartment you live in can help you decide how to go about heating your apartment.

How old is your home?

The age of your apartment can be an important factor in deciding whether to opt for ondol or electrical heating appliances. Older homes may have older boilers that are less efficient than newer boilers. Using an older and inefficient ondol-system could result in ridiculously high gas bills. In this case, supplementing occasional ondol-use with space heaters and electric blankets may be more cost effective.

How big is your home?

Smaller apartments will obviously be easier, and less

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expensive, to heat. In larger apartments, using a space heater might heat only a small part of the space, resulting in a still-cold apartment with the heat escaping to other rooms. Studio-style apartments can be heated quite well by a space heater. However, be warned; the costs associated with electricity can jump quickly. Electricity is billed according to a tiered-system, so if a certain threshold of electricity use is reached, the rate charged for electricity use increases. The actual price of electricity can therefore jump considerably. Limiting your electricity use and staying within a certain tier of use will keep costs lower.

Residing in a large apartment with multiple rooms, it is possible to limit the extent of ondol-floor heating to just a few rooms. Typically, the valve that controls water flow in the ondol pipes is located beneath the kitchen sink. It is worthwhile to ask and find out where this control valve is located, so you only heat the most important or most used rooms.

Important things to know: When leaving home for an extended period of time (i.e. for vacation) make sure to set the ondol-heating system to periodically turn on while away. When the ondol is not being used, the water in the pipes sits still, and all it takes is one nasty cold-front to come through to freeze your pipes and cause them to burst, which could result not only in costly flooding, but also the need to rip out the house’s flooring and replace the broken pipes.

Ultimately, there is no “best way” to heat your home this winter. Every living situation is different, and it is up to you to ask the important questions about your home, and determine what will be the best “bang for your buck” (or, how you spend your won) when it comes to staying warm this winter.

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55 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.

Talk to Me In Korean Talk To Me In Korean and Seoulistic are proud to present to you

Survival Korean!

Make your stay in Korea much easier and enjoy it to the fullest with Survival Korean!

Whether you are just traveling or living in Korea, this book, the perfect size that can fit right in your purse, will come in handy whenever you want something.

Common Phrases 입어 보다 [i-beo bo-da] : to try (something) on Some independent stores do not allow female customers to try on clothes, since make-up can easily be transferred onto clothes. This point is especially true for smaller stores and stores in markets such as Dongdaemun.

Sample Sentences 이거 입어 봐도 돼요? [i-geo i-beo bwa-do dwae-yo?] = Can I try this on? 어디서 입어 볼 수 있어요? [eo-di-seo i-beo bol ssu i-sseo-yo?] = Where can I try this on? 교환 [gyo-hwan] : exchange 환불 [hwan-bul] : refund, return

While major retailers and global brands will allow refunds and exchanges without question, some independent shops will not allow any refunds, even with a receipt. This denial is typical for smaller, cheaper shops that are privately owned. These shops sometimes will allow exchanges, but be aware that at many small shops, sales are final.

Sample Sentences 교환 돼요? [gyo-hwan dwae-yo?] = Are exchanges okay? 환불해 주세요. [hwan-bu-rae ju-se-yo.] = Please give me a refund. 피팅룸 있어요? [pi-ting-rum i-sseo-yo?] : Is there a fitting room? 피팅룸 어디 있어요? [pi-ting-rum eo-di i-sseo-yo?] : Where is the fitting room?

사이즈 하나 더 큰/작은 거 있어요? [ssa-i-jeu ha-na deo keun/ja-geun geo i-sseo-yo?] : Do you have one size big-

ger/smaller?

Most global retail stores will have sizes up to Extra Large (XL). However, for domestic Korean clothing, larger sizes are often difficult to come by.

More Words 남방 [nam-bang] casual button-up shirt

치마 [chi-ma] skirt

자켓 [ja-ket] jacket

바지 [ba-ji] pants

잠바 [jam-ba] jacket (잠바 comes from “jumper”)

청바지 [cheong-ba-ji] jeans

코트 [ko-teu] coat

스웨터 [seu-we-teo] sweater

신발 [sin-bal] shoes

후드티 [hu-deu-ti] hoodie

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This book extract from Survival Korean is available at MyKoreanStore.com

December 2016

티셔츠/티 [ti-syeo-cheu/ti] t-shirt

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

“Fitting room” is the same word in Korean, but the Korean pronunciation is different, since there is no “F” sound in Korean. This word is said with a “P” sound (ㅍ) and should be pronounced accordingly in order for you to be better understood when speaking.

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Community Board Have something you want to share with the community?

Gwangju News community board provides a space for the community to announce clubs’ activities and special events.

Please contact gwangjunews@gic.or.kr for more information.

Advertise with us by contacting gwangjunews@gic.or.kr

UNESCO KONA VOLUNTEERS KONA Storybook Center (KSC) is a registered public small library supported by UNESCO KONA Volunteers (UKV). UKV is a registered organization that helps disadvantaged children to learn English independently through storybooks and story-maps. We guide family and children to develop the love of reading storybooks in English. We also guide them how to volunteer using storybooks. We are looking for long-term volunteers who desire to enrich their lives. We are asking volunteers to commit to helping at least once a month.

The days of KONA volunteering and the facilities are as follows: 1. KONA Storybook Center every Saturday afternoons / 3- 5 p.m.

2. Gwangju Children’s Home 1st, 2nd and 4th Saturday, 3 – 5 p.m.

3rd Sunday, 3 – 5 p.m.

3. Grandmother’s Community Children’s Center 4th Friday 4 – 6 p.m.

For more information, please visit http://cafe.daum.net/konavolunteers or our Facebook page of KONA Storybook Center and UNESCO KONA Volunteers or contact Kim Young-Im 062-434-9887 or email konacenter@gmail.com

COMMUNITY CLASSES AT THE GIC Tuesday Night Yoga – GIC Hall, 1F 7:00 ~ 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays Donation 5,000 ~ 10,000 won encouraged FB: Gwangju Yoga with Emily Gwangju Art Class – Room 3, 2F 12:30 ~ 3:00 p.m. Saturdays Price (vary) 5,000 ~ 10,000 won FB: Gwangju Art Class Gwangju Language Exchange – Global Lounge, 1F 1:30 ~ 3:00 p.m. Saturdays FB: Gwangju Language Exchange

COMMUNITY GROUPS IN GWANGJU

Gwangju – 광주 Gwangju Flea Market Gwangju Pets Gwangju Freecycle Gwangju Performance Project Global Families of Gwangju Gwangju EPIK Teachers Gwangju-Jeolla Job Bank Ladies of Gwangju and Vicinity Gwangju Yoga Gwangju Veggies Gwangju Filipino English Teachers (GFET)

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:Yangim Park, the GIC coordinatior (email: language@ gic.or.kr / phone: 062-226-2733) GWANGJU INTER FC The Gwangju International Soccer Team (Gwangju Inter FC) plays regularly every weekend. If you are interested in playing, email: gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com or search “Gwangju Inter FC” on Facebook.

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