(EN) Gwangju News February 2015 #156

Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine

# 156/ February 2015

Right Up Your Alley How The First Alleyway Chefs Made Their Mark

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February 2015 #156 Published on January 26, 2015 Cover Photo: Jang Boin, Tim Whitman, Na Jihui Photograph by Joe Wabe

GWANGJU NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher: Dr. Robert Grotjohn Editor-in-Chief: Adam Volle Print Editor: Karly Pierre Online Editor: Ana Traynin Senior Coordinator: Kim Minsu Coordinator and Layout Editor: Karina Prananto Photo Editor: Joe Wabe Chief Proofreader: Bradley Weiss Online Editorial Assistants: Mathew Jacob, Amanda Miller, Jacqui Page, Adriano Salamone Copy Editors: Laura Becker, Kate Blessing, Kate Jarocki, Anthony Manley, Joey Nunez, Jon Ozelton, Benjamin Grady Young Proofreaders: Christie Fargher, Don Gariepy, Jannies Le, Jessica Keralis, Fellin Kinanti, Gabrielle Nygaard, Joey Nunez, Stephen Redeker, Gilda Wilson Creative Consultant: Warren Parsons Researchers: GIC Foreign Support Team: Lee Jeonghwa, Kim Hyunyoung, Han Jeongbong, Han Juyeon, Yong Yurim Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com E-mail: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr Registration No.: 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date: February 22, 2010 Printed by Join Adcom 조인애드컴 Address: Gwangju International Center 1-2 Fl., 5, Jungang-ro 196 beon-gil (Geumnam-ro 3 Ga), Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-023, South Korea Phone: +82-62-226-2733~4 Fax: +82-62-226-2731 Website: www.gic.or.kr Email: gic@gic.or.kr 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. gwangjunewsgic.com

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CONTENTS features

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A Savory Exchange: Korean food to and from the World

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Right Up Your Alley: The First Alleyway’s Chefs

local 18 20 23 24 26 28 30 31

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The Gwangju Filipino Community: Welcoming All

Gwangju City Hall News Gwangju Talks: “What Does Seollal Mean to You?” Sewol Update February 2015 Right to the City: Two Successes For Safety In Transportation Emergencies Gwangju Plays: Discovering the Korean Kitchen Gwangju Works: The Private Academy: An Owner’s Perspective Gwangju Cooks: Bacon & Kimchi Bokkeumbap Gwangju Eats: Manila Town

places to see 32 Departing Gwangju: Jodhpur, India 35 Korea in the World: The Arabian Peninsula

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14

16

The Minister of Happiness

Love Without Borders: Interracial Marriage in Korea

photography 36 Photo Essay: Moon Castle Lake 39 Photo of the Month: Nami Island

culture 40 41 44 45

Korean Poetry by Ch’on Sang-Pyong Gwangju Writes: Cypress-Pine in Winter Behind the Myth: Do Byeongyeong Koreans Have Dutch Ancestors?

Jeolla History: The Donghak Peasants Rebellion - Part 2

gic 46 GIC Talk Preview: The Truth About Love: A New Community Theatre Project in Gwangju 47 GIC Talk February Schedule

general & info 48 Health: Fight Misdiagnosis 49 Green Korea: Nurturing Future Advocates: The Importance of Gwangju’s Greenseed Program 50 KOTESOL: Reflective Practice: What Exactly Are Teaching Portfolios?

53 Community Board 54 Upcoming Events February 2015

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[Cover Story]

Right Up Your Alley: The First Alleyway’s Chefs Words by Kate Jarocki and Eddie Hackworthy Photos by Joe Wabe

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o many Westerners in Gwangju, The First Alleyway is a culinary gem. From the ritzy establishments inside Gwangju’s finest hotels to the local McDonald’s, no other restaurant in the province provides such an authentic and varied North American dining experience.

“I actually had a guy come here last Sunday with his family,” said Tim Whitman, owner and head chef of The First Alleyway. “And he came to talk to me. He said, ‘It doesn’t feel like Korea in here.’”

Whitman has now spent five years cultivating his business as an oasis for lovers of Western cuisine.

He originally crossed the Pacific to teach English, though. “I had just lost my job at the bank that year.

I was doing construction at the time. That’s when my two friends came back — one came back from Korea and one came back from Japan — and we just sat down and talked and asked, ‘What are we going to do with our lives?’ Next thing we know we’re all on our way to Korea.”

Whitman later met fellow Canadian Michael Simning, to whom he commented that Gwangju needed a mart for foreign foods. Simning later asked if Whitman was serious and The Underground Grocers was born. For six years, their little shop offered a more diverse selection of imported food than Korea’s big-box stores.

For Whitman, however, it was starting The First Alleyway that offered him a sense of fulfillment he had only found piecemeal in his other jobs. “Teaching is all mental. I was in the Army, I was in construction, which is all physical. And the restaurant is both. It’s the challenge of how I can put things together into something people will want to buy, but also making it.”

He has never received training. “No licensing or training — just do. Mike and I talked about it one time… I talked about going to NAIT [the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, which has a culinary program] but in the end, he said ‘That’s stupid, just stay here and play in the kitchen.’”

PARTNERS The First Alleyway originally started in a much smaller space at the end of a narrow alley, from which the restaurant takes its name. For its first three years, from 2010 to 2012, The First Alleyway cultivated a boutique kitchen approach that took longer to make meals and served only a limited number of guests.

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Since relocating in 2013, the new First Alleyway has aimed for the opposite. Along with expanding the space, the co-owners trio of Whitman, Simning and James Green expanded the number of items available and decreased the waiting time.

2014 saw changes no one predicted. In February, Michael Simning sadly passed away from medical complications related to cancer. At the end of the year, James Green ended his partnership in order to spend more time with his family. Now Whitman is the sole owner.

Which is not to say he has no help. As head chef, he works with two other full-time cooks and three parttime cooks. Fellow chefs Na Jihui and Jang “Bobo” Boin have been working with The First Alleyway for several years. Na received her culinary education largely from her trade school, where she focused on hotel food preparation. Jang, a former English student of Whitman’s, learned culinary fundamentals from her high school and worked in both Canada and Australia.

“They work so well together, and they’re such hard

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workers,” said Whitman.

The appreciation is mutual, assured Na. “I am really lucky to work for Tim. Bosses can be really hard … But Tim is like my friend. So gentle and nice.”

“He’s really charming. I love him,” agreed Jang.

Even after years of working at The First Alleyway, Jang said she still enjoys eating at the restaurant everyday. Na only halfconcurred. “At first it was heaven: pizza and burgers,” said Na laughing. “Two years later, I need rice and kimchi.”

THE PROCESS One of The First Alleyway’s strengths is its constantly changing menu; Whitman loves experimenting with new food. “I do watch some cooking shows, I do look at stuff online. I’m always trying to find new ideas.”

Many of his ideas for new dishes come from his international clientele. Whenever he hears someone wish aloud for a certain meal from back home, Whitman writes out an ingredient list and checks to see if everything on it is accessible. Therein often lies the first snag.

“Most of my ingredients for non-alcoholic stuff come from four suppliers,” he explained. “That’s it. And to put that in perspective, when we ran the grocery, we were using 20 different suppliers.”

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4 1. From left: Tim Whitman, Jang Boin, Na Jihui 2 and 3. Preparations in The First Alleyway kitchen.

4. Pizza is an Alleyway staple.

5. The full English breakfast, available only on Sundays.

6. One of the Alleyway’s many sandwich options.

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reality, of course, is the taste test. Whitman is more than serious about this step. “We dumped twenty liters of hot sauce last week… That’s almost eight kilos of pepper.”

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Items which have recently passed all these obstacles, or are undergoing them, include food as diverse as lasagna, cold sub sandwiches, pork belly reubens, pierogies, shepherd’s pie, scalloped potatoes, chicken parmesan and chicken cordon bleu. One thing you will never see at The First Alleyway, however, is spaghetti. On this point the owner is adamant.

“Mike [Simning] used to say, ‘If you want noodles, there are 25 noodle shops over there where you can get noodles.’”

THE FUTURE So what does 2015 have in store for The First Alleyway?

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The problem is that key differences exist between most Korean and Western ingredients, for example in sugar content. “I’ve had to deflect a lot of supplies from my suppliers because they’re sweet. Like pizza sauces that were sweet, really sweet. It’s funny, the cheese we use on our pizzas, our suppliers tried to change it on us three times. Their argument is, ‘The other restaurants are using it.’ I say, ‘I don’t care.’”

If a supplier can offer what he needs, the next step is ensuring that the dish can be prepared quickly.

Can parts of the dish be prepared ahead of time?

Does it have to be made to order? “Part of choosing the food we make is finding overlap with the things we make already. If we’re using something on only one food, that becomes a problem.” And is there enough space on the steam line — the water-heated table in the kitchen that keeps certain ingredients hot — for the necessary items? If the answer to this last question is no, Whitman evaluates sales of other items to see if he can make the space. “We keep a point-of-sale list in the kitchen to track sales of orders. Getting rid of one slow item allows room for others.”

The last phase in a new dish’s journey from idea to

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“I really want to try and hit the projects that we started a year or a year and a half ago that got sidelined for one reason or another. Like new glasses,” he said, holding up a brandy-filled glass with a smile. “The direction the restaurant went in was more ‘restaurant’ and we want to be more ‘diner,’ more casual, more relaxed.”

And while Whitman appreciates the business of native English speakers, he is brainstorming ways to increase Korean traffic. He has considered introducing a menu written in Korean. “I see where it would have a value. It would certainly make it easier for the servers.”

But he is dedicated to maintaining the unique environment that has made this restaurant a success in the Gwangju community.

“I think that’s part of the appeal,” Whitman mused.

“We’ve created a different atmosphere.”

THE FIRST ALLEYWAY 광주 동구 충장로안길 5-2(1층) Chungjang-ro Angil 5-2 1st Floor, Dong-gu, Gwangju Wednesday - Thursday: noon to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: Noon - Midnight Sunday: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

070-4127-8066 06, 07, 12, 45, 55, 59, or 74 get off at Chungjang Public Office (충장치안센터) bus stop Geumnam-ro 4ga Exit 1, walk for 5-10 minutes

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A Savory Exchange: Korean food to and from the world Words by Karly Pierre

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hough the Korean diaspora has a significant presence in many major cities worldwide, Korean culinary traditions have only recently begun to pique the interests of high-profile chefs and foodies.

According to a 2014 IBISWorld Marketing Report, the Korean restaurant industry in the United States has grown faster than the restaurant sector as a whole over the past five years. Business Insider listed kimchi as one of the top food trends of 2015, and in 2013 Bon Appetite magazine noted gochujang, or red pepper paste, as a rising culinary darling, po-

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sitioned to topple the king of Asian hot sauces — sriracha.

The Korean food trend can appeal to both the cheap eats and high-end culinary sectors. In Los Angeles, the iconic kimchi taco was born from Roy Choi’s humble Kogi food truck. In New York, David Chang’s upscale Momofuku restaurants serve up kimchi and steamed pork, or bossam. In the U.K., the food exporter and grocery chain Korea Foods has been a leader in popularizing Korean products, and Kimchi Chronicles, a television program, has introduced

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viewers to the Korean kitchen.

While the globe is developing an appetite for Korean cuisine, let us take a look at how a mixture of cultures has shaped the Korean menu.

CHINA For millennia, through trade and occupation, China has exchanged everything from philosophy to language with inhabitants of the Korean peninsula. This long relationship has had an especially profound culinary impact. Two staples of the Korean diet, rice and cabbage, were originally cultivated in China.

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Exact dates for the arrival of rice from China to Korea are unknown, but it is estimated to be between 2700 BC and 1100 BC. Until then, the people of the Korean peninsula subsisted on millet, a variety of beans including soy and vegetables. Korea’s oldest dish is juk, a porridge made of boiled grains.

Though a form of kimchi existed prior to the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC – 668 AD), these first versions consisted primarily of pickled vegetables like eggplant or leeks. The Napa cabbage, or Chinese cabbage, which is used to make the most popular varieties of kimchi, made its Korean debut during the Goryeo Period (918 AD – 1392 AD).

SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA The kimchi taco is a savory reunion between Korea and the Americas. Chili pepper flakes, a fundamental ingredient in gochujang and kimchi, made the voyage from the Americas to Korea via Portuguese and Spanish merchants in the 16th century. Previously, kimchi had been seasoned only with salt.

Tongbaechu, the familiar Napa cabbage and chili pepper kimchi, was invented around the 1800s.

JAPAN Kimbap restaurants are abundant in Korea, wrapping the tightly-rolled seaweed-skinned, rice-stuffed snacks at lightning speed for waiting customers.

While a version of a seaweed and rice ball called kimssam is a traditional Korean dish, modern kimbap emerged during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910 – 1945) and was influenced by futomaki, a Japanese dish. The key difference between futomaki and kimbap is that vinegar is used in futomaki, while Koreans use sesame oil in kimbap.

came on the heels of the Mongol army’s charging steeds around 1256. The Mongols swept through Asia and the Middle East, acquiring skills and goods from the lands they conquered. Upon devastating Persia, the Mongols acquired a taste for a local drink known as “aragh-e-sagi,” which translates to “dog sweat.” By the time the drink arrived in Korea, the Mongols had made some modifications to the drink that would evolve into “arakju” and eventually soju.

UNITED STATES During the Korean War (1950 – 1953), much of the Korean population found itself starving in the wake of destruction. Rifling through discarded food on U.S. Army bases, they found cans of Spam, hot dogs and even whole salted hams — food rations abandoned by U.S. soldiers. Koreans initially called the soup created from these rations Johnson tang, after President Lyndon B. Johnson, or army base soup.

Today we know it as budae jjigae.

The United States also influenced the popularity of fried chicken in Korea. In the 1960s, rotisserie chicken was introduced at Yeongyang Center in the Myeongdong area of Seoul. After the chicken was roasted to remove excess fat, it was deep-fried. This new cooking technique made Yeongyang Center famous nationwide; prior to this, Koreans had primarily prepared boiled chicken. With the arrival of the first Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1984, fried chicken gained overwhelming popularity. American-style fried chicken, itself a fusion of Scottish and West African cooking traditions, has roots in the southern region of the U.S. and employs a thick seasoned batter. Koreans have expanded upon this version by adding a variety of sauces and creating unique recipes that express their newfound devotion to the fried bird.

Photo credits: Budae Jjigae: Hyundae Chuksan Rice: Popsugar Food Kimchi: Portland Farmers Market Futomaki: Sushi Oishi Soju: Bohae Brewery

IRAN Soju fuels the vibrant nightlife and lively social gatherings that Koreans cherish. Its arrival in Korea

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The Gwangju Filipino Community: Welcoming All Words by Joey Nunez Photos courtesy of Ynell Lumantao

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he main purpose of the Gwangju Filipino Community (GFC) is to serve the greater Filipino community from its headquarters at the Gwangsan Multicultural Family Support Center, which is located in the Songjeong neighborhood of Gwangsan in Gwangju. The GFC brings together people from all over the Philippines, primarily migrant workers and school teachers, who are living and working in Gwangju.

No matter what language they speak or what religion they practice, GFC welcomes all Filipinos to join as its leaders host social gatherings, offer passport assistance by organizing trips to Mokpo or Seoul to meet with Filipino embassy officials, run clothing and food drives to help the unfortunate in Gwangju and the Philippines, manage sports leagues, go on church retreats, participate in GIC events and more.

The GFC also creates Filipino cultural events for all Gwangju residents, both Korean and international, to enjoy while learning about Filipino culture.

In order to promote its purpose and programs, the GFC has appointed 10 officers and delegated responsibilities for planning activities throughout 2015. Gwangju News was invited to attend an early 2015 planning meeting in order to understand the group’s structure.

The GFC’s leadership is comprised of 20 Filipino volunteers who attend the Apostolate to Migrants Center. The Catholic Church shows its support of GFC by offering space, volunteer aid and funds to help the Filipino community come together. The church’s priest approves and enhances the prelimi-

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nary plans created by the GFC, which then proceeds accordingly. GFC meetings are conducted in Tagalog, English and Korean, so all those in attendance can understand the meeting’s agenda and issues raised.

When asked why these GFC officers are a part of the 2015 leadership, themes of advocacy, assistance, and advancement emerged as responses.

One Filipino GFC officer said: “We organize this group to help others with their problems, with a set of officers to bring any Filipino’s problems to the Migrant Center, as the first cause. The second cause is that hundreds of Filipinos are coming into Korea, and our services have helped them during their time in Gwangju.”

A Filipina GFC officer replied: “We are far from our families back home, and this is the only time when we can talk together in Tagalog. If we have problems, we can open up. It is a really good help to us

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1. The GFC’s passporting project where they bring the Filipinos who need to renew their passport or other things to the Philippine embassy 2. The GFC members and officers 3 and 4. The GFC members during GIC Day 2014

also.”

A Korean GFC officer stated: “Since 2003, I have known about this organization. We as Koreans have been here to help, as friends. I came here, as I don’t want them to think that they are alone.”

Both Filipino GFC officers additionally offered, “There should be unity for all Filipinos. If we have no unity, no community exists and we all have our own agendas. We are organized in order to have one voice.”

During a separate interview with two of 2014’s GFC officers, Gwangju News saw how committed, both outgoing GFC president Bong Malabanan and outgoing internal vice-president Baste Villanueva expressed their commitment toward GFC and its future. The leaders said: “It is a pleasure to help. What

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we are doing in the Philippines is what we are wanting to do here in Gwangju.”

The officers are now training the next set of emerging leaders and preparing future opportunities for the Gwangju community to enjoy, including a community day, summer games, picnics, and retreats.

Gwangju News will be announcing these events when details are made available.

The first major GFC event of 2015 is the Post-Valentine Comedy Show, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the PINOY Mart, a 5-minute walk from the Songjeong Park Subway Station.

Modeled after the American television program Saturday Night Live, this night of entertainment will be filled with comedy sketches and live singing performances. Tickets for the show cost 15,000 won, and the whole Gwangju community is invited.

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Love Without Borders:

Interracial Marriage in Korea Words by Katrin Marquez Photos courtesy of Amy Badenhorst

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n a Boseong cafe, Amy Badenhorst looked with appreciation at her happy mother-in-law as they shared a bowl of patbingsu. Amy moved from South Africa to Korea in 2011 and met her husband Kwangil shortly thereafter while working as a substitute English teacher.

Amy is one of a growing number of foreigners with a Korean spouse. A Statistics Korea study found that in 2011 alone, about 30,000 international residents married Koreans. Increased numbers and visibility have polarized public perception of interracial dating. Some Koreans welcome greater diversity while others worry about resulting social issues. Some interracial couples experience legal hardships; others are embraced by caring in-laws.

Though Amy admits to facing challenges while adjusting to some cultural practices, the “love and acceptance from strangers, acquaintances and family” she and her husband have received has been

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comforting. When they got married, only one of Kwangil’s six siblings spoke English well enough to comfortably communicate. Two years later, Amy has worked on her Korean while other family members have improved their English so that they can now better communicate. This has led Amy to feel especially close to Kwangil’s youngest sister and mother, but it has required effort.

Amy and Kwangil have never been openly antagonized because of their relationship, but curiosity is common. She describes Koreans’ reaction to her relationship as “curiously entertained” while noting that Westerners stare more often. She has noticed that Westerners are more uncomfortable asking “sensitive questions” than her Korean friends and that Western girls are likely to ask how to start a relationship with a Korean man, emphasizing just how rare Amy’s relationship is.

As a Western woman married to a Korean man, Amy

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4 1 and 2. Amy and Kwangil on the day the marriage certificate signed.

3. Amy and Kwangil on a Jeju trip on their first year of dating 4. Kwangil’s family

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is insulated from some of the harshest stereotypes and legal challenges that some interracial couples can face in Korea. The Korea Joongang Daily reports that of the more than 22,000 Korean men that married women of different nationalities in 2011, 77.5 percent married Vietnamese, Chinese, or Filipino women. That same year, only about 7,500 Korean women married non-Korean men, but they were much more likely than Korean men to marry a Westerner. Nearly thirty percent of those marriages were to American, Canadian or Australian men. These differences in spousal ethnicity have led to other social issues.

Prejudices against some interracial couples exist.

Stereotypes lingering from the Korean War, when some American GIs abandoned Korean girlfriends or even wives to return to the US, cause some Western men to be perceived as preying on Korean women.

Research suggests that Korean women dating Western men are more likely to experience disapproval than Korean men dating Western women. Meanwhile, Korean men seeking to marry non-Western foreigners face other challenges.

Due to demographic shifts, middle-aged men in rural regions are sometimes incapable of finding Korean wives. This has led to an increase in “mail-order

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brides” from poorer Asian countries. According to a report in The Diplomat, in 2009 about 45 percent of rural inhabitants who got married in the South Jeolla region did so to foreign brides. Increased domestic disputes in these areas, believed to result from these couples’ lack of a common language or cultural practices and expectations, led the Justice Ministry to announce increased restrictions on international marriages which make it much harder for multi-ethnic couples across Korea. Though explicitly intended to increase marriage stability, marriage brokers argue that these much stricter regulations actually reflect prejudices. The prejudices are clear in a recent Asan Institute survey that found nearly a third of Koreans thought mixed-race marriages are a threat to social cohesion.

All relationships require effort to thrive. Even by the standards of a single-culture relationship Amy and Kwangil have been lucky. It was Amy’s mother-in-law’s own painful memories of being a new bride that made her so welcoming to Amy as a new member of the family. Interracial relationships have the added hardships of cultural and linguistic differences, which are sometimes aggravated by legal and prejudicial issues. Being an interracial couple in one of the world’s most racially homogenous countries is particularly difficult. However, if couples are willing to work together to overcome large and small challenges, they can thrive together because — as Amy says — “cultural differences should not hinder the building of an understanding in any relationship.”

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The Minister of Happiness Words and photos by Benjamin Grady Young

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he South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, held in Gwangju last year, saw many international dignitaries visiting Gwangju to discuss development and direction for 2015 and beyond. Mr. Damcho Dorji, Bhutanese minister of home and cultural affairs and chairman to the counsel of the Royal University of Bhutan, took the time during his visit to Gwangju to discuss Korea’s relationship with Bhutan, the current cultural climate in Bhutan and his role therein.

“We look to South Korea to send our unemployed youth in the future, to gain experience… so employment is one [factor] and also training of our people,” he explained. “Especially in the vocational institutes in Korea. For me personally, I would like to engage more in cultural exchanges because both Korea and Bhutan have very rich art traditions and culture and of course Korea is more advanced in the art of preservation of the culture, so we could learn from their experience.”

While he believes that Bhutan has a lot to learn from Korea’s example as an industrialized and modernized nation, he was also adamant about drawing distinctions between his country’s philosophy of growth and Korea’s rapid development.

“Bhutan… opened its doors to modernization quite late but not because we did not want to. We wanted to shut ourselves in because we wanted to learn from the experiences of others and then make a very informed decision. Therefore, in the early 70’s His Majesty the fourth King of Bhutan promulgated this concept of ‘gross national happiness.’ By this term his majesty meant that in a materialistic world where everybody is competing for material wealth, Bhutan has come to realize that this is a futile endeavor.

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You may become the richest country in the world but at the end of the rat race, if the result is that people are not really happy, then what is the point of this mad rush? We stepped back and said ‘Maybe there’s a way of arranging things in such a way that at the end of the game people are happy with what they’ve achieved.’ We want to go forward but we want to go at our own pace, without losing our own happiness, without being blinded by wealth.”

This concept of gross national happiness (GNH), rather than its more common counterpart gross national product (DP), has become the cornerstone of Bhutanese politics. The minister credits his country’s perspective with a number of important initiatives, such as his government’s unusually strong commitment to its people’s health. Any disease or injury that Bhutanese hospitals can manage is treated domestically, of course, but the small country “does not have very big hospitals, so when we get [too many] patients we have to send them out for treatment, so… when they cannot be treated in Bhutan we [pay to] send them outside Bhutan to India or Thailand.”

The government also banned tobacco outright in 2010. “We found out that because of tobacco the government had been incurring a huge expense every year due to tobacco-related diseases.”

According to Human Rights Watch, however, other Bhutanese policies severely detract from its people’s health and happiness. The minister downplayed these problems. “Any developing country will have some human rights issues. Of the violations of certain human rights, well, it has a lot to do with certain religious beliefs… As such, we do not have any serious human right violation issues in Bhutan.”

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Damcho Damcho Damcho Damcho

Dorji, Bhutanese minister of home and cultural affairs Dorji and the writer during the interview Dorji and GIC director Dr. Shin Gyonggu (left) presenting each other with small gifts from their countries Dorji said that Bhutan looks to Korea for inspiration for development

On the matter of women’s issues and leadership, he said that “it is not that women are not offered equal opportunity,” it is just that the women in Bhutan have “started quite late into taking part in public life.” He went on to enumerate the services and committees funded by the government to cater to women, as well as Bhutan’s stance against domestic violence and for equal education opportunities.

Bhutan also has a decades-old dispute with Nepal that has resulted in many native Bhutanese fugitives living in Nepalese camps, waiting to be repatriated to Bhutan. The minister shifted a lot of blame for those people’s suffering onto an instable and inconsistent Nepali government, while also highlighting ongoing discussion with Indian and Nepalese officials. He

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noted that more than 92,000 refugees have been resettled in the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand among other countries, and suggested the camps may be a better alternative “for some people who are living hand to mouth.”

On paper Bhutan’s policies seem promising, but history suggests that the implementation and enforcement of civil rights in a developing country is easier said than done. To be fair, however, that is why the minister said he visited Korea.

“Coming from a developing country to see a lot of development, it gives you a lot of inspiration,” he mused. “We look to Korea for inspiration and for help to follow the same path.”

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[This Month in Gwangju] Our municipal government would like to share some information with you.

Gwangju City Hall News Words by Benjamin Grady Young Compiled by Lee Jeonghwa, Kim Hyunyoung, Han Juyeon, and Yong Yurim Photo courtesy of Gwangju Metropolitan City

LET’S MAKE TRADITIONAL GAYANGJU For Gwangju’s foodies and wine lovers, the next few months will provide a unique opportunity as the Gwangju Kimchi Academy hosts a series of lectures on the production of gayangju, a traditional Korean wine. During the Joseon dynasty, gayangju was produced by nearly every household to be consumed during national and family celebrations. While the lecture in Korean will last three hours on Tuesdays starting at 1 p.m., the actual production of the wine will take much longer, as it relies on the primary fermentation of natural sugars. The lecturers will be Jeong Seok-tae, a researcher in rural development and administration, No Jin-yang, a professional of traditional Korean wine, and Lee Seok-hyun, the CEO of NCS Food Service Corp. Participation in the seminar will be on a first-come, first-served basis and costs 400,000 won. To apply, call 062-672-8447 or visit Gwangju Kimchi Academy at 40-9 Buk-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju.

OPENING GWANGJU TO A BETTER FUTURE The Gwangju Metropolitan City held its official endof-year ceremony on December 31 on the first floor of City Hall. Awards were given to those named excellent government officials.

The mayor said: “The day we came to this office, July 1, was precious. I am really thankful to all government officials for always working for the citizens devotedly.”

He added: “All officials and I share a common responsibility for about 1.5 million current Gwangju citizens, and all of Gwangju’s future citizens. Let’s work vigorously to focus on human rights and peace for a more open Gwangju.”

The mayor added he believes only the government’s dedication and enthusiasm can make creative and innovative changes for Gwangju’s future.

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7080 CHUNGJANG FESTIVAL SELECTED AS THE BEST CULTURAL TOURISM FESTIVAL The 7080 Chungjang Festival of Memory has been selected as the best cultural tourism festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The Gwangsan Woorimil Festival was also selected as a promising festival. This honor means each festival will be supported with 250 million won from the Ministry of Culture and 90 million won from the Tourism Promotion Fund.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism selects 44 festivals, which includes two representative festivals, nine grand festivals, 10 excellent festivals and 23 promising festivals for sponsorship.

In particular, the 7080 Chungjang Festival of Memory is expected to lead street festivals in Korea on the opening of the Asian Culture Complex this year, following its selection as the best cultural tourism festival.

The Woorimil Festival is likely to be a family-focused festival that brings together all that is great about the South Jeolla Province and downtown Gwangju into one magnificent celebration.

THE ASIAN CULTURE COMPLEX’S OPENING The arrival of the 2015 Universiade in Gwangju marks the opening of Gwangju’s new Asian Culture Complex (ACC). The ACC symbolizes the dreams and hopes of Korea and the future of Gwangju. The ACC’s vision is to share the diversity of Asian culture with citizens and visitors to Gwangju in accessible ways. Almost all facilities are under the manicured park and include the cultural information center, the culture creation center, the art theater, the children’s culture center and the performance square.

The official opening will be in September 2015.

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www.holidayinngwangju.com

Welcome to February!

KTX TO OPEN COMPLETELY MARCH 2015 Starting in March, the KTX (Korea Train Express) lines from Gwangju to Seoul and from Gwangju to Incheon, which have been partially operational, will be completely operational. It will take one hour and 33 minutes to travel from Gwangju Songjeong Station to Seoul Yongsan Station and two hours and nine minutes to travel to Incheon Airport. This rapid connection to Seoul and the largest international airport in Korea will make Gwangju more accessible to the world and the world more accessible to Gwangju’s citizens. These new lines will be safer and more convenient and will feature more leg room, less noise and the use of high-speed internet access.

2015 BITGARAM INNOVATION CITY Since 2010 there has been a global surge in preplanned, eco-friendly, sustainable cities. China, Japan and the UAE seem to be leading the charge but the Bitgaram Innovation City in the Honam area throws Korea’s hat into the ring. Thirteen national institutions have sprung up or relocated to the area, including the Korean Electric Power Corporation and three other institutes related to the energy industry: KEPCO KDN, KEPCO KPS and Korea Power Exchange. Other new arrivals include five agricultural institutions, three communications and IT companies — the Korea Post Information Center, Korea Internet and the Security Agency — and three institutions focused on culture, including the Arts Council of Korea and the Korea Creative Content Agency. The local community and government officials hope that the arrival of these business and technology leaders will promote growth in the area and attract talent back to the South Jeolla Region where such opportunities are now more commonly found in Northern South Korea and even internationally.

Please scan the QR Code for more info on Gwangju

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February is such an exciting month!

We will start the year by introducing our Valentine’s Day specials.

LA PLACE (10 FL.) VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL DINNER Make your Valentine’s Day one to remember. Fall in love all over again and give your loved one the gift of our limited special dinners on Feb 14th 2015.

Price: 93,000 won (VAT included)/ person

HOURGLASS (1F) CHINESE DIM SUM PROMOTION Enjoy the mystique of Chinese cuisine! We invite you to Holiday Inn Gwangju’s Chinese dim sum promotion!

Period: 22nd to 28th of February.

Price: From 38,000 won (VAT included)/ person

WELCOME MR. ALLEN CHA EXECUTIVE CHEF A master of Western and Asian cuisines, Chef Cha started his journey studying tourism and the culinary arts in his homeland of South Korea. He has since spent the last 19 years honing his skills at a variety of fine-dining restaurants, resorts and hotels including the Sheraton and most recently the Ritz-Carlton in USA. Chef Cha thrives on creative menu planning and has served his share of celebrities.

Our team is committed to producing the greatest Korean and most authentic Western food possible.

A Unique Lifetime Experience at Holiday Inn Gwangju For more information: 062-610-7063~4 www.holidayinngwangju.com

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[Gwangju Talks] Each month, Gwangju News surveys a particular demographic of Gwangju’s residents for their perspective on a topic of interest. What topics would you like to see discussed, and from what viewpoint?

Email your requests to gwangjunews@gic.or.kr.

“What Does Seollal Mean to You?” Compiled by Lee Jeonghwa, Kim Hyunyoung, Han Juyeon, and Yong Yurim Photo courtesy of Gwangju Metropolitan City

What do you personally do on Seollal?

HAN MIN-WOO (12, MALE) Our family is going to Seoul to meet our relatives.

My father’s parents live in Seoul, so we gather there.

We make some food and bow to our ancestors. Also, my mother’s parents live in Suncheon. After visiting my grandparents in Seoul, our family visits our relatives in Suncheon. This is really meaningful because we are able to meet the whole family only on this day and on Chuseok, but the trip makes us tired. It takes a lot of time to move around.

YOON EUN-JI (25, FEMALE) I usually make traditional foods with my mom, for example, galbi, ddeokguk, and so on. While making them, I learn how to make food in my mother’s way and share intimate moments with her. On Seollal, I go to Jeonju, the city where my grandma lives, and prepare for a special ceremony honoring my ancestors. After this ceremony, I bow to my elder relatives, receive some money, and spend time with them.

BACK JUN-WOO (13, MALE) I visit my paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents on the same day because I live near the town they live in. So, we meet the whole family in my grandparents’ house. We make food and bow to our ancestors. We also exchange well-wishing remarks, and visit our family’s ancestral grave.

KIM JEONG-NAM (52, FEMALE) My family and I spend time together and we visit our family members’ graves in order to pay our respects.

KIM SEON-NAM (50, FEMALE) I normally make ddeokguk and play yutnori or gostop with my family.

KIM JIN-CHEOL (52, MALE) I visit family members’ graves. I can meet not only distant relatives but my old friends sometimes.

KIM MYUNG-HA (34, FEMALE) Before getting married, I used to get along with relatives and parents while eating delicious foods.

After getting married, it changed a little bit. On Seollal, I first go to my parents-in-laws’ home and spend time with them. The next day, I go to my parents’ home and spend time with them.

Ddeokguk, jongha.com

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What do you not enjoy about the holidays?

HAN MIN-WOO (12, MALE) As I admitted in the first question, it’s tiring to move around. On holidays, the traffic is bad, so it takes more time than usual. Even though I’m not driving, it is still very tiring.

BACK JUN-WOO (13, MALE) I do not enjoy going somewhere far away. I would rather rest or play with my cousin at my grandparents’ houses or my own house. I think we have to relax on holidays.

YOON EUN-JI (25, FEMALE) Generally what I don’t enjoy about the holidays is the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. In Korea, daughters-in-law have to go to their mother-in-laws’ homes and make traditional foods all day. Maybe it is due to the Confucian culture that has lasted for such a long time in our society. I love it, but to be honest, I don’t like that the daughter-in-law always has to put her parentsin-law above her own parents and work for them.

We should consider that the daughter-in-law has her own parents to take care of and respect her decision freely.

KIM MYUNG-HA (34, FEMALE) I don’t like what only women have to do during the holidays; for example, women must do all house chores, make food for everyone, and take care of the children.

KIM JEONG-NAM (52, FEMALE) I do not like making traditional food and clearing the table. I know those are sort of my duties, but they stress me out.

KIM JIN-CHEOL (52, MALE) There is only one thing I dislike about the holidays: I do not like the traffic jams.

KIM SEON-NAM (50, FEMALE) There are several things I do not want to do on Seollal, such as preparing food and clearing the table. Even though I feel happy and know it will be worth it when I see my family enjoy the food, it is quite stressful. I also want to relax like other family members.

What do you like about Seollal?

HAN MIN-WOO (12, MALE) I like to eat the different foods on Seollal. My grandparents make delicious food for us, and they look so happy when we go to their homes. I like to meet the whole family. I have a lot of cousins who are the same age as me. It is so much fun to play with them.

KIM JEONG-NAM (52, FEMALE) I love to play go-stop with relatives because it usually breaks the ice and makes us laugh. Visiting ancestral graves is also my favorite. It is the only way I can meet distant relations. Talking with them, I can recall my past, especially my childhood.

BACK JUN-WOO (13, MALE) I like to meet the whole family. Also we have long vacations from school during the holidays. It doesn’t take a lot of time to go visit my grandparents’ houses so I can take a rest on holidays. Also, our family sometimes travels after visiting my grandparents.

KIM SEON-NAM (50, FEMALE) Meeting relatives is my favorite. We can only do this on national holidays like Seollal. We spend time catching up on each other’s health, how we have lived in the last year and the like.

YOON EUN-JI (25, FEMALE) What I don’t like is to make foods with my mom. For sure, it has a benefit that I can chat with my mother longer than usual, but it’s too hard to enjoy. So if I make less food, Mom and I will have a great Seollal.

KIM JIN-CHEOL (52, MALE) Visiting family members’ graves is a rare chance to speak with my relatives in person and I love it.

KIM MYUNG-HA (34, FEMALE) I just prefer to watch movies with my husband and daughter or drive around.

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What do you wish your family would do on Seollal?

HAN MIN-WOO (12, MALE) I wish the whole family would go traveling. That would take less time than traveling to Seoul. Also it would be so much fun.

BACK JUN-WOO (13, MALE) I want to make food with the whole family and take a rest as usual, because that is exactly what this holiday is for. Also, the family gives well wishes to each other. I like to spend time with the whole family, especially my cousins.

YOON EUN-JI (25, FEMALE) I want to take a trip with my family. Even though we have long holidays, lasting three or four days, because of the ancestral ceremony, we don’t have enough time to take a trip. So I wish our family would go to Europe for our vacation.

KIM MYUNG-HA (34, FEMALE) I would like to go abroad with my family and parents. Because holidays are off days for all people, we can have enough time for our family.

KIM JEONG-NAM (52, FEMALE) I want every family member to make food and clear the table together. Maybe some conservative people, especially elderly men, cannot accept or understand my wish. However, the culture that only women should set up and clear the food needs to be changed, and fortunately it is being changed these days.

KIM SEON-NAM (50, FEMALE) I wish they would help me make the food. If we divide our work up, with some preparing food while others wash the dishes and clear the table, it would be perfect. And I would also want to do some activities with my family such as visiting ancestral graves, going to the movies, and hiking up a mountain. As time goes by, it gets harder to gather together and spend time.

KIM JIN-CHEOL (52, MALE) I wish my family members and other relatives would get together at the same time and place. We usually start by visiting our cousins and relations on the father’s side. Depending on whether the sibling is a father or a mother in his or her family, the visiting time is always different. In my case, for years now I have hardly met my sister.

What did your family do on Seollal that it does not do now?

KIM SEON-NAM (50, FEMALE) We used to visit each relative’s home and pay our respects to them. Back then, we thought more about the importance of family. Nowadays, the tradition has become dull. Each person’s life has become more significant as individualism has developed.

KIM JEONG-NAM (52, FEMALE) We used to prepare lots of traditional food in the past, but it is simplified nowadays. We are even able to buy the food that is too much work to prepare ourselves. And I do not remember when this changed, but people barely visit relatives to pay their respects anymore.

KIM JIN-CHEOL (52, MALE) When I was young, meeting friends and spending time with them was not difficult. However, after I started my family and became a father, it became the hardest thing to me. Sometimes I miss those times.

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Sewol Update: February 2015 The Sewol Update provides the latest information on events related to the sinking of the MV Sewol on April 16, 2014, which left 295 dead and 9 missing.

Words by Kim Singsing Translated by Kim Dong-hun

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s of January 2015, the Sewol Ferry Disaster Special Investigation Committee has officially commenced its operations. However, the bereaved families have called for voluntary resignation of five of the seventeen committee members recommended by the ruling party, the Saenuri Party, because of their alleged political and ideological biases. For example, lawyer Cha Ki-hwan is said to have demeaned the bereaved families of the Sewol Ferry disaster in Twitter posts and has regularly uploaded posts from Ilbe, a far-right-leaning social media website. Lawyer Go Young-joo, formerly a public safety prosecutor, has made comments that the government should not be held accountable for the Sewol Ferry disaster. Lawyer Jo Dae-hwan was a key member of the National Future Research Institute, the President Park’s former think tank. As a close aide and champion of President Park, Jo was also an adviser on the presidential transition team.

On January 8, 2015, the Bereaved Families Committee for Victims, Missing Persons and Survivors of the Sewol Ferry Disaster held a press conference in front of MBC broadcasting station, denouncing MBC’s treatment of victims and bereaved families.

Their accusations included MBC’s false report on the day of the occurrence that all the Danwon High School students on board were saved, despite this claim’s lack of credibility; MBC’s absence from the

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governmental investigation; and MBC’s labeling of the bereaved families, who protested around Ganghwamoon calling for the enactment of the Sewol Ferry Disaster Special Law, as a rogue group. In addition, the Bereaved Families Committee urged the government to conduct search operations for those still missing and salvage the sunken ship for evidence that could lead to future investigations.

An American university student, Austin Orecchio, posted a 14-minute documentary on YouTube titled “Day of the Living Dead” regarding the Sewol Ferry disaster and Korean mass media. The Bereaved Families Committee left a note on the video:

Hello Austin, we deeply appreciate this documentary and social message.

We uploaded that precious video in our official web and fb page.

If necessary, you can get in touch with us by 416family.org@gmail.com Austin Orecchio responded, I’m grateful for your appreciation! My heart goes out to all the families affected by this tragedy. I only wish to remind people that we must remain aware of our responsibilities as citizens, we must fight for freedom.

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[Right to the City]

Two Successes For Safety In Transportation Emergencies Words and photos by Joey Nunez

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afety is a human right and crucial for urban cities like Gwangju. As our city continues to develop, safety needs to be preserved and promoted, especially concerning public transportation. Adam Greenberg agrees, and this is his success story of reporting a problem to the Gwangju City Government.

While riding the bus to school in July 2014, Greenberg noticed that all of the emergency hammers on buses were at the front and none were at the back.

He realized the necessity of distributing these emergency hammers throughout the entire bus so that people would be able to escape from any location within the bus.

But how does an international resident report something of this nature to the correct Korean authorities? Greenberg explored different options before contacting the 1330 Korean Tourist Information Center, a phone service that international residents can call for assistance at any time. A receptionist gave Greenberg the email address of a staff member in the Problem Solving Department.

In the initial email to the department employee, Greenberg stated his view that having four emergency hammers next to each other above the entrance door was not ideal, and that it prevented those in the back from properly escaping. Attaching pictures to prove his point, Greenberg also recommended that spreading the hammers throughout the buses would be the best resolution.

Emailing from Seoul, the staff member stated that his complaint would be forwarded to the right person within the transportation division of the Gwangju

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spread out, there were now screws through the safety handles, preventing their usage. Greenberg again contacted his source at the tourist office.

Two days later, his source responded with a picture showing that these screws had been drilled out.

Showing his great appreciation for Greenberg’s efforts, he mentioned that if Greenberg had any other suggestions for how to make Korea a better place to visit, he would always be available through e-mail correspondence.

“I appreciate how quickly the Gwangju city government responded. I sent an email with pictures, and the gentleman from the call center said, ‘Thank you and we will change it.’ The Gwangju Transit Authority was also receptive, and I am appreciative of how easily things got done.”

Metropolitan City. Greenberg was informed that regular inspections would be carried out in September, and knowing the specific bus numbers with these side-by-side hammers, the staff member stated that a Gwangju representative would “definitely have the bus company fix the problem immediately.”

The staff member later informed Greenberg by email of the change in the system, and within two weeks of their conversation, Greenberg started seeing buses with emergency hammers strategically placed throughout buses. “The speed with which they responded, and also how they were open to hearing these suggestions from a foreigner, was encouraging,” Greenberg said.

Then, while riding the bus again in December 2014, Greenberg noticed that while the hammers had been

Sometimes, citizens may distrust those responsible for city management. Greenberg said, “People think that the government separates itself from the people. But the government appreciates when people give their feedback. Individuals have an important role to play in improving our city.”

Greenberg stressed that change is in the hands of Gwangju residents, international or not. He advised Gwangju residents to reach out and let the city government know if a change should be made. Englishspeaking residents can do this by calling 1330, the Korean Tourist Information Center. In any case, he stated that it is better to give photographic documentation of the needed changes. This way, officials will have a better understanding of the problem.

Greenberg’s actions and the governments’ response have affirmed that everyone has a right to a safe commute.

Jeolla Safety Alliance is a group of Koreans and international residents alike to create awareness of crimes.

This safety card is for you to cut out and keep handy!

FB group: Jeolla Safety Alliance

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Discovering the Korean Kitchen Words by Emma Hillian

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Photo by Joe Wabe

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ee Eun-ju’s stylish and inviting kitchen offers a spectacular view of Gwangju’s city lights in the distance. This kitchen is the reason I’m here. Last year Lee decided to share her passion for Korean food with foreigners and began teaching cooking classes from her home. It is one of only a handful of Korean cooking classes in English offered in Gwangju.

“I’ve got many foreign friends in Gwangju,” said Lee while sipping a steaming cup of rooibos tea. “They love Korean food and they wanted to make it at home. I gave them English recipes, but it was still too difficult to make, so I invited them to my home.

A friend suggested I start giving classes.”

Lee perfected several main dishes and 49 side dishes, or banchan, to become a government-certified chef. Currently, she is working toward completing cooking certifications in both Chinese and Japanese cuisine as well. However, Lee feels her first cooking experience was her best.

“I learned to cook from my mom,” said Lee, smiling brightly as she nibbled on a biscuit. “She is 85 years old now and makes the best kimchi in Korea. My mom learned from her mom. It’s a family tradition.”

Lee enjoys sampling different foods when she travels and appreciates the variety and flavor of cuisine wherever she goes. Korean food, however, remains her favorite.

“I’m very proud of Korean food,” said Lee. “It has a lot of vegetables, and it is colorful, tasty and nutritious.”

She encourages her foreign students not to be intimidated by Korean cuisine. Most Korean recipes are simple and based on a few fundamental ingredients.

“To be honest, making most Korean food is super easy, actually easier than Western food,” said Lee. “There are six or seven basic seasoning ingredients: soybean sauce, ginger, garlic, hot pepper, sesame oil, chili paste and bean paste. When you understand how to use these ingredients, you can make most Korean dishes.”

Lee’s classes are casual and friendly. During class, students take notes while Lee demonstrates. Her students’ favorite dish in the course is jjimdak, or simmered chicken. Lee enjoys watching her students gain more confidence in the kitchen.

“I enjoy every single moment, every class,” said Lee. “In

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the beginning, my students think making Korean food is difficult, but I teach them the easiest way to make it.

Then we get together to eat and they think it’s delicious — much more delicious than restaurant food!”

Lee believes that food is an essential part of building relationships in Korea. She points out that bar culture in Korea includes both alcohol and food, and long working hours make meals with the family an important affair. Some foods are prescribed as cures for particular aliments, and others are associated with special events or seasons.

“Miyeokguk, or seaweed soup, is called birthday soup because new mothers drink it for two weeks after giving birth,” explained Lee. “My favorite food in winter is maeuntang (fish soup) and in summer naengmyeon (cold noodles). But to be honest you can have these soups at any time.”

Lee is looking forward to meeting a new group of students eager to learn about Korean cuisine when the next session of her class begins.

“I love other cultures, and sharing food is really fun for me.”

To join Lee’s cooking class call 010-8300-1700 or email eunju710804@gmail.com .

• 4-5 students/class • Morning and afternoon classes • One month of four classes: 180,000 won • Learn to make 12 main dishes and kimchi

Eun-ju’s Rice Cake Soup Recipe (Ddeokguk) INGREDIENTS 400 g ddeokguk ricecake, 200 g beef, 1/4 carrot-shredded, 1 egg, 1/2 thin green onion (sliced), 1 tbsp. sesame oil, 2 tbsp. Joseon Soy sauce (조선간장 - not normal soy sauce), 1tsp minced garlic, 900 ml water, 1/2 sheet seaweed (김-layer), pinch Black Pepper COOKING METHOD 1. Mix beef, Joseon soy sauce (조선간장), sesame oil and garlic. Fry until meat is cooked.

2. Add water. When water comes to a boil add ddeokguk rice cake and boil for 5-10 minutes more or until the rice cakes are soft.

3. Add carrots, green onions, whisked egg and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

4. Serve in a large bowl. Garnish with seaweed strips on top.

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The Private Language Academy: From an Owner’s Perspective Words by Kate Jarocki Photos courtesy of mu:m English Academy

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he private academy is a mainstay in Korean culture, both depended upon and a constant target of criticism. The challenges of running an academy receive far less discussion however.

In Gwangju’s neighborhood of Sinchang-dong sits mu:m, an English academy. Gwangju News recently had the opportunity to interview Na Yeon-jeong, its owner and operator, about what it is like to run her academy. The exchange was quite educational.

GWANGJU NEWS (GN): Tell me about your academy, mu:m.

NA: mu:m is a private English language academy, and we have been open about three and a half years.

Three teachers, including myself, teach our roughly 50 elementary and middle school-aged students. I teach the middle school students and the other two teachers educate the elementary students.

your own academy. Can you walk me through the preparations it took in order to open mu:m? What went into that initial groundwork?

As teachers, we are able to cover all areas of language learning with our students, such as listening, writing, reading, grammar and phonics. However, we focus on different areas with different students depending on their level. For example, lower level students study phonics.

NA: I spent about two months getting everything together. First, I had to find a good location. Then, I needed to decide if I wanted to start a new hagwon or buy an existing one. Once I decided to go with an existing brand, so I took some time to decide which style I wanted.

GN: Why did you decide to open your academy?

GN: Did you have any struggles in opening Mu:m?

NA: I worked as a private academy teacher for many years, but I wanted to be my own boss. In Korean society, it is more and more difficult to gain employment as one gets older and older. As such, the owner of a hagwon, or private academy does not typically want teachers to be older than he or she.

NA: Yes. Finding the money to be able to open the academy was the biggest struggle. Another problem was finding teachers that I felt I could trust to do a good job. Also, when I took over the existing hagwon, I decided to change the name and the brand.

I had to meet with all of the parents beforehand to introduce myself and then explain the new system and how it would benefit their child’s education.

GN: It seems age is a definite advantage in owning

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One more thing that I do is call the parents of existing students. I spend about 30 minutes a day talking to parents and discussing how their child is doing in class. Each set of parents is called at least once every month, but I try to call them more often than that.

GN: Do you have any experience running another type of business other than a private academy? If so, what are some differences?

NA: I have only ever worked in hagwons teaching English so I cannot comment on what goes into running another type of business.

GN: I imagine it was difficult to get all of the existing parents on board with the changes. Will you describe for our readers what a typical day looks like for you?

NA: When I first come in, before my classes start, I have to do a good deal of tidying up and cleaning.

Then I prepare for my classes, and then my classes begin.

Another thing that comes into the equation is that I do all of the administration work myself. I do not employ anyone to do it. I take all of the phone calls, meet potential new students and their parents and perform other administrative work. I also make the daily, weekly and monthly plans for the hagwon.

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GN: Wow, so you have a lot of experience in operating your own English academy as well as working at other English language schools. What would you like our readers to understand about the work that you do?

NA: I believe many foreigners might think that, given the time and money spent on learning English, many Koreans are not very good at English. But this isn’t true. It simply comes down to personality, and many Koreans can be very worried that their English must be perfect before they can say anything, and that if their English is not perfect, it is better to say nothing.

For more information and tips for the classroom, check out page 50 for our KOTESOL article.

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[Gwangju Cooks] Gwangju Cooks equips would-be cooks with recipes for both classic Korean dishes and innovative fusion food.

Bacon & Kimchi Bokkeumbap Recipe and photo by Joe Wabe

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imchi bokkeumbap is of course a popular dish in Korea. It is made primarily with kimchi and rice, along with other available ingredients, such as diced vegetables or meats. In this recipe, I wanted to give the original version a little twist that includes a combination of Western and traditional Chinese fried rice styles by adding soy sauce and bacon. Easy and tasty.

INGREDIENTS (1 SERVING)

PREPARATION

½ red pepper (chopped) ¼ big carrot (chopped) ¼ onion (chopped) 1 tbsp. soy sauce 1 tbsp. beef or chicken stock 4 slices of bacon (cut in small pieces) ½ cup of chopped kimchi 2 cups of cooked white rice 1 tbsp. Sesame oil

In a frying pan at medium heat, add the sesame oil and bacon. Stir for about three minutes. Add red peppers, carrots and onions. Stir fry all ingredients for another three minutes. Add the rice and continue to mix for about one minute. Then, add the soy sauce and stock. Make sure to mix well until the rice turns to a golden-brown color. Finally, add the kimchi and continue stirring until well blended.

Do you have an original kimchi recipe you would like to share? Share it with us and let Gwangju know how good it is! Email: recipies@kimchitales.com

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[Gwangju Eats] Gwangju Eats highlights the best and most unique dining experiences in Gwangju and South Jeolla.

Manila Town Words and photos by Cody Jarrett

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ot long after opening in mid-November, Manila Town soon began to receive rave reviews. With just one visit, it is easy to see why it got so much attention so quickly. Serving delicious Filipino food in a comfortable setting, Manila Town is one of the best new restaurants to come to Gwangju in a while.

ATMOSPHERE AND SERVICE Manila Town occupies a small space, but the service is some of the friendliest in town. The owner welcomes guests and instantly makes them feel at home. There is no menu to look over, as the restaurant features only one meal set, making this the perfect place to take someone who suffers from menu indecision.

FOOD The one meal set available includes roasted pork, chicken and lumpia, or fried spring rolls, along with soup, rice and a drink. What the restaurant lacks in selection, they make up for in quality. The soup served has the first hint of this. Deceptively simple, the soup was not much more than a rich chicken broth with a few slices of leek and a hint of lemony sourness. It was a great way to open the meal and chase away the chill of a cold winter night. The chicken was another highlight. Every bite was tender and juicy with a fair amount of crispy skin. Several pieces had small bits of bone hidden in them, so eat carefully. The roasted pork was also good, with a slightly sweet soy glaze.

Two of the best things on the plate were the fried spring rolls. Fresh and crisp without being greasy, the spring rolls were filled with vegetables and soft chunks of meat. While a lot of spring rolls tend to have a mushy filling that tastes suspiciously like the inside of a freezer, these were obviously homemade and cooked with care. They came with a sweet chili sauce, but really needed no accompaniment. Just savor each crunchy bite and try not to start any fights by stealing from your dining partners.

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The set menu costs 9,900 won and includes a soft drink. A small range of beer is also available.

DIRECTIONS Enter Chungjang-ro at the police station (충파).

Walk toward the post office. Manila Town is located down a small alleyway to the right across from Zara.

Just look for the red and blue sign. 광주 동구 충장로 3가 26-3/ 26-3 Chungjang-ro 3ga, Dong-gu, Gwangju 010-2470-7326 Monday - Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. (midnight) 7, 9, 36, 39, 49, 51, 57, 61, 80, 95, 518, 1187, 1000 (Geumnam-no 4ga Stop) Geumnam-no 4ga

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[Departing Gwangju] Departing Gwangju is Gwangju News’s monthly travel column. To submit your own adventure, email: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr

Jodhpur, India Words and photos by Richard Wilhite

I

n Jodhpur there is sand everywhere except for where it should be. Sand in your shoes, sand in your socks, between the folds of your skin. Sand in the blanket of your bed. It is a bit like being at the beach except the nearest ocean is more than 600 kilometers to the south, and the only girls in bikinis are at private pools or pixilated on computer screens at the seedy internet cafes along the Nai Sarak.

The sand is blown in from the Thar Desert, which rises in the west along the border with Pakistan and covers some 200,000 square kilometers within the Indian state of Rajasthan and spreads into parts of Punjab, Gujurat, and Haryana. It is not, however, the endless expanse of sand and sky I had expected.

White dune after white dune. Sprawled like a silk sheet under the murderous sun. For that, one must travel four and half hours further west, to Jaisalmer.

At Jodhpur, the desert is a low gravel plain dotted with pipal trees and small clumps of thorny scrub.

It was overcast and cold the afternoon we arrived.

The mud embattlements of the Mehrangarh Fort towered over the city. The tuk tuks fought the cars and camel carts in the streets for a few feet of shattered asphalt. The first thing we noticed was the smell, which is the smell of India, and depending upon your pluck and spirit for adventure is either heinous or exhilarating.

After we climbed the winding dirt road up Bhaurcheeria Hill we went into the fort. Its stone walls are some 400 feet and the foundations date from 1459 when Ruo Jodha became ruler of the city. In the museum we saw a collection of howdahs, a kind of seat fastened to the back of an elephant, once used by the royalty of Rajasthan. We saw palanquins which had carried queens and bent the backs of foot slaves. Outside atop the parapet of the Fateh Pol gate we saw out over the city and

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the expanse of blue buildings at its center across a plain to the barren folds of the Aravali Mountains.

A falcon perched on the rampart folded its wings and fell in a blur along the sheer red sweep of the fortress wall and was bore away on the wind.

At lunch we sat in the courtyard of an outdoor cafe and talked with other travelers about what we’d seen since arriving in Rajasthan. On my left was a lady billionaire and Adweek’s woman of the year 1985. She was the CEO of some company. They told me later which company, but I’ve since forgotten.

On my right was Armando, my travel companion, and a duo of carpet dealers from Dalton, Georgia.

They were husband and wife, the husband slim with a black pompadour and the wife, a plump blond who smelled of shopping mall. It was just the sort of company I’d pictured for our Indian adventure.

“Oh you should absolutely go to Ranthambore,” said the wife. “There are so many tigers you can’t toss a rock from the truck without hitting one.”

We had already been on the tiger part of our trip, and we had seen no tigers. I told her we’d have to save it for next time.

An errand boy appeared and opened a box at the table and the lady billionaire selected from an assortment of jewels a diamond pendant and a set of gold bangles. A man stepped out from behind her and sent the boy away with a wad of rupees. I went to the bar and got a beer.

The man beside me was drinking a single malt. He was leaned with his back against the bar looking gallant and cheerfully nonchalant, and I thought he had on perhaps the most interesting garb of any man I’d ever seen.

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3 Author (left) and guide Indian wedding band Guests at the Indian wedding Elephant ride

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He wore jodhpurs and a pair of pashmina scarves flowing over a field jacket, and he had dark eyes and wore his hair long under a straw Stetson hat. The center of his forehead was daubed with a blood red bindi and his long black moustaches swept along the sides of his face in the manner of a Rajput prince.

He adjusted his ascot and introduced himself as Sandi Rathore. I complimented him on his clothing and asked him what he did.

“I’m a shepherd from the desert,” he said. I knew there had to be more to it than that, but I only nodded and turned back towards the table.

“I see you’ve met my guests,” he said.

“Guests? I thought you said you were a shepherd?”

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“I am. But I sometimes also guide people.”

“We came to see the real India,” I said. “Where can you guide us?”

He tossed back his whiskey and sat the tumbler back down on the bar. “Come with me,” he said.

We drove across town in his old Indian army model Mahindra jeep. The top was down and Armando and I rode in the back while Sandi blasted some indipop song and boys waved to us from motorbikes. The road led past a great marble ganesh and mud houses slumped into ruin. A few slat-ribbed cattle got up from the middle of the road. Sandi shifted into low gear and pulled down a dirt track lined with prospopsis cineraria and stopped before a large canvas

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ries had served his caste, the Rajputs, at marriages, births and birthdays, by setting the mood with songs of love, songs of the desert, of praise for the family.

One had a hand drum and the second a shenai and the third a mashak bin, a kind of goatskin bag with a bamboo blowpipe. The melodic drone of the music sounded almost psychedelic.

When the music stopped we finished our drinks and Sandi show us inside the house. The first floor was filled with women. All wore embroidered veils and ankle length lehengas appliqued with colored ribbon and strips of gold and silver lace. Armando fell in love with a pretty girl in a pumpkin-colored dupatta.

We were both invited for dinner the next day.

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wedding tent. There were cars all up and down the drive and a man atop a camel answered his iphone.

The wedding had lasted an entire week and we had arrived for the finale.

Inside the tent a trio of red-turbaned troubadours welcomed us with a song of the desert. Sandi introduced us to everyone at the tables. They were all men. Like all men we asked about the women.

“They’re inside another tent,” Sandi replied.

Outside came the sound of women wailing. Sandi motioned to the window so that we should see. The sisters and aunts and grandmothers of the bride all stood under a mandap strung with marigolds.

Some whispered mantras and some were embracing the bride while others watched and wept into their hennaed-hands.

It was the departure ceremony. A white sedan adorned with roses and rangoli stood ready to whisk the bride away from her family to the family of her husband. We walked outside. Someone opened the door for the bride, and women swarmed the sedan.

Rockets went up whistling from behind the wedding tent and blossomed overhead.

When the car was gone we were invited for more food and more drinks. Sandi and the girls would not hear of our departure. Armando was already in love.

I considered not coming back to Korea.

“Are we allowed to seem them?”

Sandi laughed his big open laugh. “Of course,” he said. “But first let us liquor.”

A bottle of good English whiskey together with three glasses were set at our table. Also on the table were trays of lamb and chicken tikka along with a splattered Rorschach of sauces, capsicum and coriander and tamarind chutney. Armando and I had already had a free lunch once that afternoon, but we saw no reason not to have another.

A man at the far side of the table rose and proposed a toast. We drank. Someone showered the musicians with money and they smiled and struck up a tune. Sandi leaned and spoke into my ear. He said they were a caste of musicians that for centu-

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“So this is the real India?” I asked Sandi. It was the same question Adela Quested had asked her Indian companion in E.M. Forester’s classic “A Passage to India.” And here I was, another western traveler a hundred and fifty years later asking the same question, and it occurred to me that every Indian guide since the invasion of Alexander the Great had probably fielded the same question.

Sandi did not seem to mind. He sat forward in his plastic lounge chair and began to roll a cigarette on one of the wedding tables. He looked up at me.

“India is like any other country,” he said. “Except that it isn’t any other country.”

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[Korea in the World] Korea in the World is a look at the varied experiences of the Korean diaspora.

The Arabian Peninsula Words and photo by Eddie Hackworthy

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, primarily built

by Samsung.

I

n 2014, every second day saw the death of another Nepalese laborer in the Middle Eastern monarchy of Qatar, where long working hours, high temperatures and unsafe working conditions combined to create the sort of working environment that is primarily identified with slavery.

This oppression may strike a cord with Korean men of a certain age; once upon a time, their countrymen were in the same position. Prior to 1959, no record existed of Koreans visiting the Arab peninsula, but they entered en masse in 1974 to win its building contracts. As “economic soldiers” tasked with conquering the world of international construction for the Republic of Korea, employees of Hyundai, Daewoo and other conglomerates worked day and night there for an average of three years each — hard enough that, on at least one occasion, Hyundai called in the Saudi military to put down a riot.

Like the Nepalese, Koreans still flocked to these health-ruining jobs because of the lucrative pay.

Since they could earn twice what they might expect at home, no less than 1.5 million Koreans flooded the Middle East’s labor market between 1975 and 1985. For context, 40.5 million people lived in the Republic of Korea in 1985, according to that year’s census.

Culturally, South Korea has little to show for this massive, if brief, migration. Little interaction was al-

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lowed between the laborers and their Arab hosts.

Thousands of Koreans did become Muslims, offering some much-needed company to the small number already converted by Turks during the Korean War. In 1976, Saudi Arabia donated the money to build the first mosque in Seoul, and now 12 more masjids dot the Korean peninsula. Gwangju’s mosque opened in 1981.

As for the Middle East, only its cities’ impressive skylines testify to the former presence of Korea’s labor pool. Korean companies still bid for contracts in the area — Saudi Arabia awarded no less than 25 percent of its construction jobs to South Korean companies in 2011, according to MEED — but they are fighting a rearguard action in a marketplace that is much more competitive than it used to be. The Financial Times reported on January 5, 2015 that both GS E&C and Samsung Engineering have posted losses and are refocusing on Asia.

North Korean laborers, on the other hand, are said to be increasing in number and to be even more oppressed than the Nepalese. The Guardian reported on November 7, 2014, that perhaps 3,000 North Koreans are working in Qatar as plasterers and bricklayers. Unlike their South Korean predecessors, however, their pay is almost entirely withheld by the North Korean government. There is little chance that their time in the desert will pay off at all.

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[Photo Essay]

Moon Castle Lake Words and photos by John Keaton Jackson

W

as it mere chance that led me to Moon Castle Lake? The signs I followed were common enough: a glimmer of light, a sparkle on ice, a glow from a far shore. Faint impressions. Vibrations pulsing in cold air. Tiny waves of meaning. Small, but significant. I pulled over, got out of my car, grabbed my Pentax I spied a small house, sitting alone on the far shore.

Raising my camera, I adjusted the focus, zoomed in for a look. Would I find, as the signs down the road had forecast, a castle? Alas, no flags on turrets flapped in the breeze. I did see, however, a single, worn banner, hanging from the front. A wan winter smile, feebly seeking attention. And on it, two words that sent thrills through me: “For Rent.”

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A glimmer, a sparkle, a glow! A kingdom waiting to be claimed! A sign with one meaning for me: “Home!”

Despite lacking a moat and a drawbridge, Moon Castle, where I’ve lived these past two years, is special. And, the mystic in me likes to think it was more than mere luck that led me here. Surely, spiritual forces were at work. Some grand design? Divine plan? How else could I have stumbled upon this “picture perfect” spot?

A Taoist sage might attribute my good fortune to “wu-wei,” the mysterious force in those true to their natures. Whatever the cause, in Moon Castle magic

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is in the air. Each morning I open my door; spirits sit waiting to serve me. Folding Screen Mountain, tall in the east, sends them on breezes; they fill my sails. Sticky Spider Web Mountain, stands in the rear, eager to trap them. Me? I stroll through these mountain trails, pressing my shutter. Mother Nature serves as my personal chef, constantly tempting me: “Pull up a chair,” she says. ”Loosen your belt. It’s all on the house.”

So, the key is to find the table. Otherwise, I’ll never be handed the menu. And, if I don’t fine-tune the heavenly hi-fi, I’ll dine in silence. But, the piece de resistance must certainly be this: if I can’t move to the heavenly sway, I’ll probably miss the earthly way.

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS WITH GWANGJU! Interested in having your pictures as Gwangju News’ photo essay? Send your pictures of Korea to our photo editor at info@photographersinkorea.com. We look forward to sharing your work.

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[Photo of the Month] By Jeong Ae-sun

“I

went to Nami Island for the first time for a motivational speaking program I participated in. I woke up early one morning to get some pictures at dawn. The island is very peaceful, especially at that time. The air is fresh and there are animals roaming around. This spot intrigued me because the scene had a mysterious feeling to it. The fog affected the appearance of the trees past the clearing and enhanced the sense of being surrounded by nature. It was the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and healing, and I felt like I could live there at that moment.�

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[Korean Poetry] Korean Poetry translates the works of Korea’s prominent poets into English.

Letter Words by Ch’ŏn Sang-Pyŏng Translation by Brother Anthony of Taize (An Sonjae) and published with his permission.

Photo by Joe Wabe

Letter With a full stomach after eating lunch I write this letter to the once hungry me It used to happen sometimes You won’t be upset, will you?

There were times of luxury too, you know I hope you won’t forget that I was sure of tomorrow For twenty years!

Now that I’m full I’m worried I might forget all that So I write this letter.

편지 점심을 얻어 먹고 배부른 내가 배고팠던 나에게 편지를 쓴다 옛날에도 더러 있었던 일 그다진 섭섭하진 않겠지? 때로 호사로운 적도 없지 않았다 그걸 잊지 말아주길 바란다 내일을 믿다가 이십년 배부른 내가 그걸 잊을까 걱정이 되어서 나는 자네한테 편지를 쓴다네

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[Gwangju Writes] Gwangju Writes presents the poems, short stories and creative nonfiction of South Jeolla residents.

Views and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily supported by Gwangju News or even the author.

To submit your own work, e-mail: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr

Cypress-Pine in Winter A short story by Billie Pritchett

L

auren’s friends called her on New Year’s Day, asking her what she was doing and what time it was in Korea.

“I’m at work right now, in the office. It’s 2:15 pm,” Lauren said, “already Thursday.”

“What’s the future like?” Shell asked. “Can you read my fortune?”

“So, what, you’re not celebrating right now?” Bertie asked.

“No, Bertie, it’s a work day,” Lauren said. “Besides, I’ve already had my fun. I went out with my friend Gyeong-un last night.”

“I can’t believe it,” Michelle said. “You’re in a totally different country.”

“Yeah, I know,” Lauren said.

“What’s it look like there right now?” Evelyn asked.

“Right now?” Lauren said. “It’s really white outside. There’s a lot of snow.”

“I saw your pictures on Facebook,” Shell said.

“So how much money you make there, about 1000 yen?” Bertie asked.

“Yeah, they pay me in Japanese currency,” Lauren said. She heard the others laugh at Bertie and Bertie laugh at herself. “So, what are you girls doing?”

Lauren had come to Korea to do a paid internship at a nonprofit organization in the city of Gwangju. She had been in Korea for six months and would be staying another six. This was her first time away from home. After she’d graduated from her hometown university, Bradley, she got hooked up with the job through a Korean classmate who became her friend.

One day over dinner, her Korean friend Gyeong-un said, “You had better come to Korea and see me.”

She said, “I will,” but she didn’t really believe herself.

Her friend was only there at Bradley for a short while, and she left a semester before Lauren graduated, but they kept in touch through Facebook and email.

Over the months, Lauren mentioned in passing to Gyeong-un that it was really difficult to find a job in her hometown and that her mom was giving her a lot of pressure to do something to get out of bed and out of the house.

Then one day, she saw Gyeong-un’s chat box pop up on her computer. “You know, I can help you find a job,” Gyeong-un wrote.

“How?” Lauren asked.

“You can get a job in Korea!” Gyeong-un wrote.

“What kind of job?” Lauren asked.

“You can be an English teacher!”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not qualified.”

“Yes, you are,” Gyeong-un insisted.

“No, I’m really not,” Lauren wrote. “I’ve got a degree in Business.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Gyeong-un wrote. “You can get a job at an English academy. You only need to

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be a native English speaker at many places.”

“But I don’t speak the language.”

“That doesn’t matter.”

“I don’t understand,” Lauren wrote. “How can I teach English if I don’t speak Korean?”

“You’re going to teach elementary and middle school students, probably,” Gyeong-un wrote. “So it’s going to be easy.”

“I’m sorry,” Lauren wrote. “I don’t want to be a teacher. And I don’t think I’m qualified to teach.

Thank you for trying to help, though.”

“One more thing!” Gyeong-un wrote. “There’s a job at the international center here. They want to hire a foreign intern!”

There was an exchange of emails and international phone calls with the NPO, but after a week, Lauren had the job. Even so, there were some further delays that took about a month to work out, delays involving where and when and how to send the proper documentation: diploma, criminal background check, curriculum vita, and health check. So about a month later, Lauren found herself at Incheon International Airport, meeting her friend and her friend’s father.

Gyeong-un gave Lauren a big hug, and Gyeong-un’s father took Lauren’s luggage by the handle and was going to roll it for her.

“Oh, no thank you,” Lauren said. “You don’t have to.”

“Let him,” Gyeong-un said. Then she said something to her father in Korean, and he began to roll the luggage. As he walked on in front of them, Gyeong-un said, “My dad doesn’t speak English, really.”

Then she leaned in. “But if he says something in English, tell him his English is good. He’s going to like that.”

“My mom says you’re beautiful,” Gyeong-un said.

“Oh, thank you,” Lauren said and blushed.

She was sitting on the living room floor of Gyeong-un’s family’s apartment. Gyeong-un had put down newspapers on the large wooden table, and Gyeong-un’s brother was bringing a small gas grill over.

Gyeong-un’s mother was smiling. Then she said something to Gyeong-Un.

Gyeong-un said, “She wants to know if you have any brothers or sisters.”

“I have one brother,” Lauren said. “He’s my younger brother.”

Gyeong-un’s mother nodded.

Lauren felt a little nervous and she was sweating more than usual. Plus, she felt guilty that she couldn’t speak Korean. She wondered if she would even be able to learn a new language. She was never very good at it. More than anything, she just wanted to be able to communicate and feel closer to them, Gyeong-un’s family.

Gyeong-un’s mother got up and came back with some meat and vegetables and set them on the table, and she made another trip to get plates, spoons and chopsticks. Gyeong-un’s father put the strips of meat on the grill and went into the kitchen and brought back bowls of rice in turns, and finally he came back with some beer and soju.

“Soju,” Gyeong-Un’s brother said and pointed to the bottle.

Gyeong-un spoke to her brother in Korean and smacked his arm. Gyeong-un’s brother affected an exaggerated expression of pain and rubbed his arm. “You know about soju,” Gyeong-un said to Lauren.

And Lauren knew about samgyeopsal. Gyeong-un had cooked this meal for Lauren before, back at Bradley. It was the first Korean dish Lauren had ever eaten.

Lauren felt compelled during the dinner to relay as much as she could to Gyeong-un’s family without being overbearing. She told the family they had a lovely home and that Gyeong-Un was very smart and a good friend. Lauren said she was grateful to Gyeong-un for helping her find the job.

The dinner was going well. Gyeong-un’s family seemed as curious about her as she was about them. They asked her how old she was (22), what

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her favorite Korean food was (she hadn’t tried a lot of Korean food but right now samgyeopsal was her favorite), and what her father and mother did.

“My mom is a homemaker,” Lauren said. “And my father passed away.”

Gyeong-un’s parents looked surprised.

“I’m sorry,” her father said.

Lauren was going to say in response that his English was good but thought the moment wasn’t appropriate. So she just said, “He passed away a couple months ago.”

“Oh,” Gyeong-un said. “I didn’t know. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know,” Lauren said. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Actually, I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell the world. I wanted to send a message to everyone and let them know. I just sent a message to a few friends to let them know.”

“If you tell people, it’s okay,” Gyeong-un said.

“Maybe,” Lauren said. “It felt so weird, when it happened. I can’t describe it. It felt like — I don’t know. It felt like a piece of myself went away and that I needed to tell everybody. I don’t mean to sound selfish, but I wanted the world to stop and take a moment and pay attention. I thought, like, my father died and respect must be paid. But everybody just kept on doing what they were doing.” She began to cry.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Gyeong-un said.

Lauren sobbed and exhaled a breath she didn’t know could even reside in her lungs. Then she inhaled in stuttered gasps. This is what it must feel like to begin to face it square, she thought.

Gyeong-un went over to Lauren and hugged her. She rubbed her hair and told her that it was okay.

She told her that when her father died, the world really did feel the loss. Lauren didn’t know if this was true but she needed to hear it.

“Hey,” Gyeong-Un said. “It’s okay.” Then Gyeong-un held Lauren’s face in her hands. “You have such a small face,” she said.

Lauren laughed and rubbed at her eyes. Gyeong-un’s father handed her some tissues.

“I always said that, right?” Gyeong-Un said. “You know that, right? I envy you. Really.”

“Sorry,” Lauren said.

“Don’t be sorry,” Gyeong-un said. “You know, I’m your family too.”

“What she said is true,” Gyeong-un’s father said.

“Wow, your English really is good!” Lauren said.

“He learned that phrase from TV,” Gyeong-un said.

Lauren sat looking at the background of her work computer, a picture of some nestled tress, cypress-pine in winter. She cradled the phone to her ear.

“‘What are we doing?’” Bertie repeated. “We’re thinking about you. Happy New Year, Lauren.”

“Happy New Year.”

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[Behind the Myth: Exploring Korean Tradition] Behind the Myth examines the origins of Korean myths and traditions.

Do Byeongyeong Koreans Have Dutch Ancestors?

Words by Adam Volle Photos by Warren Parsons

S

ome people in Byeongyeong in the county of Gangjin are said to look different from other Koreans. They have markedly larger bodies, smaller noses, and lighter hair. A few supposedly even possess blue — or bluish — eyes.

The common explanation for these unusual features is the seven-year stay of the Dutch trader Hendrick Hamel and his fellow sailors, who had the misfortune to be shipwrecked on a Korean beach in 1653.

Hendrick and eleven of his men were captured and sent to Byeongyeong, where they were expected to spend the rest of their lives performing community service for an endless series of short-term governors. According to Hamel’s journal: “One governor wanted us to stamp rice for him all day. The next one ordered us to twist 100 fathoms of rope for him.”

The crew eventually escaped to Japan because, Hamel explained, “We didn’t feel like doing slavery work for the rest of our lives.” However, Byeongyeong officials say you can still find signs of their influence on the town today, such as its unusually high walls and a unique canal.

And of course, there are the people. No wonder that one of the three Nam family names of Korea originates from the town; Nam means “outsider” in Korean after all!

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Like so many popular myths, it all makes sense — until you start asking questions. We know from Hamel’s journal that only twelve Dutchmen lived in Byeongyeong. They were all “accommodated in a scarcely furnished house.” Is it likely that a dozen poorly treated prisoners, all living together, were allowed enough access to Korean women that their genetic influence is still clear 250 years later?

With regard to blue eyes, that is particularly hard to accept, since they are a recessive genetic trait.

To maintain the genetic potential for blue-eyed descendants, the sailors would have needed enough progeny for interbreeding.

Is that also possible? Yes, but a more believable explanation for people’s supposedly unusual features in Byeongyeong is simple confirmation bias: everyone’s psychological habit of interpreting information as a confirmation of what they already believe to be true. That is, it is unlikely that anyone would consider the townspeople to look Dutch if a silly rumor had not already spread that the people do look Dutch. This tendency explains why the theory has only subjective and usually anecdotal evidence.

For their part, Byeongyeong’s people are proud of Hamel’s visit, but have not reacted well to the suggestion he is their ancestor. Dr. Kim Tae-jil of Chonnam National University tried to interview them about their family trees in the ’70s and ’80s. He complained then: “People are dismayed, yes even deeply shocked, when I only suggest that they might have descended from the Hollanders.”

Until they are more at peace with the idea, perhaps it would be best if this particular myth kept being shared.

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[Jeolla History] Jeolla History examines history and culture unique to Jeolla.

The Donghak Peasants Rebellion Part 2 Words by Won Hea-ran This article is the second part of a two-part series.

T

he first Donghak Rebellion, initiated by a small village uprising, brought many great democratic changes. The reform plan signed by the government, as well as rebels burning documents of slave ownership, prevented any tyranny caused by corrupt officials, gave widows permission to have a second marriage, and divided unfairly taken government land equally among farmers. The most noteworthy reform was the establishment of Jipkkang Hall in 54 Jeolla Province villages. The Jipkkang Hall was an independent commoner organization that supervised village officials and continuously worked on democratic reforms.

With the rebels’ power dominating in the Jeolla Province, the Jipkkang Hall performed most of the village politics in place of government officials, such as maintaining security and public order.

However, the first Donghak Rebellion also opened the country up for foreign intervention. Fear of the first Donghak Rebellion led the government to call upon China for help, which not only brought 2,000 Chinese soldiers, but also brought 8,000 Japanese soldiers who had been eagerly looking for a chance to take part in Joseon politics. The Japanese military intervention greatly surprised the Joseon government. The government hurriedly signed the reform plan with the rebels to return the Japanese soldiers, but the Japanese force remained and continuously bullied the Joseon government. The Japanese force conquered Gyeongbok Palace, threatened King Gojong, and established a pro-Japanese group inside the government. Adding insult to injury, the Japanese force defeated China in the following Sino Japanese War (1894), making Korea completely isolated and vulnerable to the Japanese.

The leader of the Donghak Peasants Rebellion, Jeon Bong-jun, realized that he could not overlook the situation and gathered his men from the former rebellion and the entire Donghak force to fight against

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Gyeongbok Palace

the Japanese. In this second Donghak Peasants Rebellion, the rebels fought against the union of Japanese and Korean royal forces in Gongju Ugeumchi, the region in Chungcheong Province between Jeolla Province and Seoul. The battle turned out to be a desperate struggle for the rebels. They faced disadvantages in both weaponry and position. The Japanese force fired down on the rebels from the mountain, mercilessly killing anyone climbing the ridge.

The Japanese also had advanced modern weaponry like machine guns and cannons that were superior to the agricultural equipment the rebels had. The massacre lasted about a week, leaving only 500 people alive out of the original 20,000 in the rebel army.

Jeon Bong-jun was able to escape and prepared for his revenge in Soon Chang but was arrested in December 1894 and executed. The rebellion was extinguished soon afterwards.

Although the rebellion failed, it cleared the way for modern reforms. The Donghak Peasants Rebellion was noteworthy because it was not only one of the fiercest struggles by commoners for democratic reforms, but it was also the beginning of the Anti-Japanese Movement. Several of the later participants of anti-Japanese movements were originally involved in the Donghak Rebellion, including the leader Kim Gu, and its legacy extends as far as the March 1 Independence Movement of 1919.

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[GIC Talk Preview] GIC Talk Preview samples the discussion being had at this month’s GIC Talk.

See the GIC Talk Schedule for more information.

The Truth About Love: A New Community Theatre Project in Gwangju Words and photo by Tori Brown and Jamie Oliver Jones

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he Truth About Love has one main objective: to bring together the Korean and foreign community here in Gwangju through theatre. It holds no auditions and opens its doors to anyone, regardless of experience or ability.

In 2013, Unpuzzled Theatre Company (UTC) was created by Tori Brown and Jamie Oliver Jones in Bangkok, Thailand. Its projects have focused on combining ESL and drama, showing how drama can contribute positively toward learning English as a second language. During their GIC Talk on Saturday, February 28, this team will explain how The Truth About Love aims to break down the barriers of language through performance.

The Truth About Love is a compilation of different theatre pieces, ranging from traditional theatre to interpretative art pieces, all while encompassing thoughts on what love means from the participants and the audience. Workshops started on January 18 to provide a chance for the program’s facilitators and participants to get comfortable working together. The group plans to perform on Saturday, March 28, with a venue and show times to be determined soon.

Here in Gwangju, Brown and Jones have staged two performances in children’s theatre. Brown directed and Jones performed as Robert in Gwangju Performance Project’s adult amateur production of David Auburn’s “Proof.” The GPP is always looking for new ways to connect with the community, so the UTC is pleased to be working with such a great creative organization to bring something new to theater in Gwangju.

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For The Truth About Love, the two are working closely with Kim Eunkyoo, a drama teacher in Gwangju who studied in the United States and has a masters in drama therapy. He is a part owner of Cafe Haewan near Chonnam University, where rehearsals for the project will take place.

At the GIC Talk, Brown and Jones will explain the nature of and inspiration for this project, while showing video and photography footage from rehearsals.

They will also discuss their numerous past acting experiences.

After graduating from the acting and community theater program at East 15 Acting School in the U.K., Brown and Jones had some tough decisions to make. Both had dreams of acting in London, but also a strong desire to travel and pursue theater opportunities abroad. They are happy that they decided to travel, as it has opened many doors and given them opportunities to work with so many inspiring people along the way.

Brown and Jones invite you to and look forward to seeing you at this special GIC Talk on Saturday, February 28, at 3 p.m.!

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[GIC Talk Schedule] Are you a fan of TED Talks? Koreans and internationals gather weekly to hear and discuss a variety of presentations.

GIC Talk February Schedule Theme of the Month: All About Love Time & Location: Saturdays from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., GIC Auditorium (Samho Center, 1st Floor) For more information, contact gictalk@gic.or.kr FEBRUARY 7 Speaker: Heather Aitken (English Teacher from Brighton Junior English School, Main Campus) Topic: Community – Love of the Broadest Kind In November 2014, Heather moved to Gwangju from Suncheon. It was her love of this community that drove her to stay for another year in Korea. She is not the only person to make this decision, as it happens time and time again. Through her story and others that she has collected, she hopes to showcase the diversity of our community and express that, just like the collective itself, the love of community does not exist for a singular passion or individual, but for a collection of moments and conversations that make us whole.

FEBRUARY 14 Speakers: Ynell Lumantao (Ph.D Candidate at Chonnam National University) and Calen Cygan (Teacher at Langcon English Academy) Topic: A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer: V-Day Gwangju 2015 V-Day is a worldwide campaign that works to unite people of all genders, ethnicities and cultures in the fight against sexual abuse toward women. “A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant and a Prayer” is a series of monologues by both male and female actors, and it will be performed for the first time in Gwangju this year. Come join this GIC Talk to learn what the group is doing to combat violence against women, and to learn more about this play and how you can get involved!

FEBRUARY 21 There will be no GIC Talk, due to the Seollal Holiday.

FEBRUARY 28

Speakers: Tori Brown and Jamie Jones (ESL Teachers at the Gwangju International English Village) Topic: The Truth About Love Please see the GIC Talk Preview Article on the previous page for more information.

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[Health] The health column is written by a health professional to inform on health-related issues.

Fight Misdiagnosis Words by Kristal Lee

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n January’s edition of Gwangju News, we covered the phenomena of thyroid cancer over-diagnosis in Korea and promised to return to provide action items that will help you circumvent being misdiagnosed.

The population as a whole is healthier, but is increasingly being told it is sick. “Over-diagnosed: Making People Sick in the Pursuit of Health” argues that diagnoses today are made based on variations from a standard, despite symptoms of illness being non-existent and unlikely to occur, whereas in the past, diagnoses were based solely on the presence of symptoms. With diagnostic thresholds for many diseases having been lowered and the technological capability to screen and test patients for more conditions, people who would previously have been categorized as “normal” are now being told they are diseased.

Not only are patients inconvenienced by unnecessary emotional stress, they are also less likely to benefit from treatment and are put at serious danger by taking needless medication and treatment.

When the Journal of the American Medical Association (Vol. 258. No. 3) reports you standing a 50 percent chance of being misdiagnosed, it may be comforting to know there are things you can do to mitigate the odds.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? • Stick with a doctor. These days individuals are less likely to have family doctors, but having a doctor as a single point of contact who knows your health history and health progression helps.

• EHR. Keep an electronic health record (EHR), which enable individuals to control the totality of knowledge that can provided by healthcare providers. The information is on hand and available at the touch of a button. Medical IT systems are not standardized, so EHRs allow sharing of individuals’ records of medical information, di-

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•

•

•

• •

• •

agnosis, test results, existing conditions, allergies and medications with all care providers.

Be wary. Maintain a healthy skepticism about premature diagnosis, especially when being prescribed medication. Use evidence-based research to help make informed decisions.

Ask. After a diagnosis, do not be embarrassed to ask what else it could be and why such other findings were ruled out. Ask about treatment options and alternatives. Have them explain the diagnosis to you in layman’s terms.

Follow up. Physicians are being assigned more patients and are so busy that they often do not review the diagnostic testings that are ordered in a timely manner. Call for important lab results. Do not wait for the doctor to get back to you.

Get a second opinion. Or third, if the diagnoses still do not converge.

Resist hype. Do not guilelessly give into new screenings, tests and procedures that are being pushed.

Do not be overly anxious. Health consciousness is beneficial but hypochondriasis is detrimental.

Finally, focus on prevention rather than pursuing early detection.

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Nurturing Future Advocates: The Importance of Gwangju’s Greenseed Program Words and photo by Blake Bouchard

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ecent alterations to educational priorities have resulted in significant discussion, much of it about the apparent reduction in the long-term security of native-teacher jobs in return for free kindergarten programs for all families. A quieter victim has been the Environmental Awareness Education Program, informally called Greenseed.

Although it was originally slated for cancellation, advocacy by international department staff members may have granted the program a reprieve, allowing it to continue in a reduced form for another semester, thus preserving an important tool for developing environmental awareness in Gwangju’s youth. programs focused solely on environmental issues.

Greenseed, a volunteer program created by two Canadian teachers in 2010, takes place Saturday mornings at elementary schools around Gwangju. Since the program has grown in popularity since the fall of 2011, some schools now unfortunately have to turn away students.

Greenseed consists of a short opening presentation, a game where students race to match potential solutions to problems, watch an interactive puppet show where students alter the environment to reflect changes being made by current practices and a postcard writing activity to help students grasp the implications of environmental degradation.

Students leave not only with a sense of the problems, but also with a concrete idea of the small, everyday solutions that everyone can implement to help reduce environmental impact.

During times of financial constraint, it is easy to lose sight of the importance of programs like Greenseed, as they make relatively easy targets for budget cuts with minimal backlash; however, increasing awareness around environmental issues is essential to reducing cumulative impact. While arguably not an important English budget line item, emphasis on math and English can prevent parents and teachers from valuing

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Having native teachers teach Greenseed in English not only serves to increase its sales appeal, but also helps expose students to a variety of cultural perspectives about the environment.

Korea has a mixed relationship with environmental stewardship. In the last 10 years, significant strides have been made in reducing solid waste, with over 58 percent of all solid waste recycled, instead of previously dumping food waste into the sea.

However, the vast majority of these changes were imposed through government regulations, which is why trash bags and compost stickers must be purchased, rather than through grass roots movements. Limited public engagement is evident in the magnitude of Korea’s littering problem.

Such a huge dilemma requires public education and buy-in to combat it. A few of the other issues include wetland destruction and ballooning vehicle emissions.

Thus, young learner education programs, such as Greenseed, are essential in helping raise public awareness and understanding which are central to addressing these issues.

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[KOTESOL] KOTESOL promotes scholarship, disseminates information, and facilitates cross-cultural understanding among persons concerned with teaching and learning English in Korea.

Reflective Practice: What Exactly Are Teaching Portfolios?

Words and photos provided by Tyson Vieira

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he term “portfolio” varies dramatically depending on one’s career. Specifically for teachers, a portfolio can be a coherent collection of materials that represent one’s teaching philosophy, experiences, achievements and practices. Another outlook can be a teacher’s evidence of knowledge and skills that is used for self-appraisal and teacherdirected learning. Either way one defines a teaching portfolio, the content will vary greatly depending on one’s audience, purpose, context and individual needs. The way a teaching portfolio is collected and presented can also be greatly altered by the individual it is representing. S.M. Evans, author of books on professional portfolios, describes a professional portfolio as being, in a way, like storytelling, stating that “a professional portfolio is an evolving collection of carefully selected or composed professional thoughts, goals and experiences … that represents who you are, what you do, why you do it, where you have been, where you are, where you want to go, and how you plan on getting there.” To provide something that represents a teacher’s philosophy, goals and career accurately and openly can seem daunting at first, but, like a resume one would start basic and build up continuously over time.

PORTFOLIO BENEFITS There are enough benefits that one can gain from a teaching portfolio to fill an entire book. Through the scope of reflective practice, portfolios can provide an organized, comprehensive assessment of one’s own practice. Like a teaching journal, this assessment can provide a clearer focus on specific and/

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or multiple areas that a teacher can use to grow upon. This source of record-keeping and clarity can help teachers prioritize their future decisions, goals and development.

However, portfolios are not just used for the future but can also be used in one’s current employment. In many institutions, teachers are required to provide various evidence showing class curriculum, participation, assessments and future plans. A teaching portfolio can contain such evidence while highlighting a teacher’s thinking, creativity, resourcefulness and effectiveness. An opportunity to provide such evidence to a supervisor and co-teachers might not be applicable very often or in any other way. Authors J.C. Richard, and T.S.C. Farrell highlight that a teaching portfolio can also be used to collabo-

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rate with another teacher. In this way, two or more teachers produce a joint portfolio to accompany classes they both teach. This approach to a portfolio can be extremely beneficial to those who work with co-teachers, such as native and non-native speakers, which is still the most popular set-up in Korean public school English education.

BEING MARKETABLE More than ever, teaching jobs are becoming more difficult to obtain. There are more hoops to jump through and a higher demand for proof of teacher performance. University teaching in Korea provides a great example of this change. A decade ago, English teaching university jobs were easier to come by, and almost anyone with a bachelor’s degree and a couple years of experience at a public school or private language institute could get one.

Now, even with a master’s degree and a few years’ experience, such university positions are harder to come by. The latest Korean policy in higher education is that universities are now looking to hire teachers who already have at least two years of college teaching experience. Extra elements containing proof of teacher performance are also expanding on job listings. Which elements are needed for the job depends on the institution hiring, but common items include teaching philosophy, lesson plans, a syllabus, a class curriculum and/or student assessments. If one looks at ESL job sites, such as Dave’s ESL Cafe, Waygook.org, esljobs.com, and other teaching-abroad programs, for many jobs (public, private or university), one can find several job applications requiring such items, all of which are commonly used in teaching portfolios.

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RISING POPULARITY A teaching portfolio, as a form of teaching reflection and development, is becoming more prevalent amongst teaching communities and academic fields.

Over 1,000 colleges and universities are now experimenting with and using portfolios in their undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of these institutions are using portfolios as an alternate graduating achievement to the traditional thesis or are cutting their thesis programs entirely.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? An advantage that professors are claiming when training teachers in regards to teaching portfolios is that they provide a demonstrative competence in a variety of areas related to the teaching field.

Compared to writing a thesis, a portfolio provides a more holistic approach to preparing and training.

The rising prevalence of technology, increasing globalization and a changing world of teachers carrying multiple roles during one’s professional career demonstrates the importance of a holistic approach towards reflective practice, growth and representation. The teaching field is advancing and changing quickly, and a thesis might be viewed as traditional or secondary in the future when dealing with teacher training. The bottom line to why many are favoring portfolios over theses is that great researching skills do not guarantee great teaching skills.

TIPS ON STARTING YOUR PORTFOLIO 1. Know your purpose.

• What is the reason for creating the portfolio? Is it to achieve a specific goal or goals? (working portfolio)

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2.

3.

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• Is it for a new job or promotion? (showcase portfolio) • Is it personal? (reflection portfolio) 2. Know your audience.

• Is the portfolio for you, supervisors or students?

• When providing a portfolio for a specific job, do not overload the interviewer/ recruiter with a massive portfolio. It can be overwhelming, which can be viewed unfavorably. Instead, look at their requirements and give a little more than expected, but not too much.

3. Take baby steps • Looking at all the possibilities and elements a

Reflective Materials from a workshop on reflective journals A Just-Completed Reflective Practice Workshop of Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Examples of the variety of Reflective Practice materials

teaching portfolio can have might make it seem too burdensome. Focus on one element at a time. The first week, work on your teaching philosophy. The next week, focus on a lesson plan example. Your resume content was not built overnight, was it?

4. Explore e-portfolios • Some are more tech savvy than others, but now there are plenty of website builders that make such a project easier to make, including Weebly, Google Sites, Square-space and uploading documents and presentations to Google Docs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KOTESOL MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING

Tyson Vieira is a chapter officer of the GwangjuJeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL).

On behalf of the Chapter, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings and special events, as well as to attend the monthly Reflective Practice workshops that he cofacilitates. Tyson is an instructor in the Jeollanam-do Language Program, teaching at Muan Englishtown.

He is also a 2014 recipient of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter’s KOTESOL Service Award.

For more details: Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Website: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju Email: gwangju@koreatesol.org Twitter: @GwangjuKOTESOL

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Date & Time: February 14 (Saturday), 1:45 pm Place: Chosun University, Main Building, Left Wing, Rm 4211 Admission: No Charge Morning (11:00) Reflective Practice Session 1. Presentation: Creativity and Theatre in Language Education

By Caleb Sekeres (Chosun University) 2. Roundtable Discussion: A discussion of your questions and issues

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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.

UNESCO KONA VOLUNTEERS UNESCO KONA Volunteers is a registered organization that helps underprivileged kids to learn English independently through storybooks and story-maps.

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 (please check the days and locations below).

Foreign volunteers who are interested in practicing their Korean and learning more about Korean culture with Korean children are welcome to stay at the center on any Saturday morning or Saturday evening for a short cultural exchange.

If you have any picture books, storybooks, puppets and any educational items, we accept all donations in order to distribute them to the local children’s homes or community children’s centers in Gwangju and Jeonnam province.

The days and locations of the facilities are as follows: 1. Every Saturday mornings / 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Every Saturday afternoons (evenings) 5-7 p.m.

Location: UNESCO KONA Volunteers Center (Ssangchong-dong, Seogu, 062-434-9887) 2. 3rd Sunday afternoons / 3-5 p.m.

1) Location: Youngjin Children’s Home (Imgok-dong, Gwangsangu, 062-952-8040) 2) Location: Gwangju Children’s Home (Dongrim-dong, Bukgu, 062-513-0859) 3. 4th Friday afternoons 3-5 p.m.

Location: Grandmother’s Community Children’s Center (Punghyang-dong, Bukgu, 062-524-2076) 4. 3rd Sunday mornings and afternoons/ 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (Lunch is provided) Location: Haein Temple (Jangseong, South Jeolla, 061-393-5135) For 1.

2.

3.

more infomation, please visit: http://cafe.daum.net/konavolunteers www.facebook.com (UNESCO KONA Volunteers) contact KONA (Kim Young-im) at 062-434-9887 or at konacenter@gmail.com

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GWANGJU ICE HOCKEY TEAM Looking for men and women of all ages to join us every Saturday night from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Yeomju Ice Rink near World Cup Stadium.

If you are interested, contact Andrew Dunne at atdunne@gmail.com 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.

INTRODUCTION TO YOGA Introduction to Yoga program at Chosun University’s Lifelong Education Center starting March 3rd. Class is every Tuesday from 7-8:30 in English, all levels welcome. Registration is between January 19th- Feb 26th and more information and sign up can be found at www.chosun.ac.kr/lifelong JOIN THE GWANGJU PERFORMANCE PROJECT CHOIR No experience is necessary and all are welcome.

The choir will be learning and singing a wide variety of material, including pop, jazz, choral, and musical theater!

The GPP Choir meets every Saturday from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Gwangju International Center.

For more information, visit our Facebook page or e-mail at gwangjuplayers@gmail.com

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Upcoming Events February 2015 Compiled by Lee Jeonghwa, Kim Hyunyoung, Han Jeongbong, Han Juyeon, and Yong Yurim

EXHIBITIONS

Sehee Sarah Bark Solo Show <Nomadic Landscape> 박세희 초대전 <Nomadic Landscape> Sogno Gallery Cafe (154-54 Dongmyeong-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju) January 15 - February 15 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. ￦ Free Bus no. 74, 81 or 1187 and get off at the Donggu Senior Welfare Hall bus stop 062-232-2012, 010-2370-1818

Senior Artist invitation Exhibition <Choi Jong-seob > 원로작가 초대전 <최종섭> Gwangju Museum of Art November 25, 2014 - February 22, 2015 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. / Closed Mondays ￦ Adults 500 won, Youth 300 won, Children 200 won Bus no. 64 or 83 and get off at the Gwangju Biennale bus stop, or take bus no.

83 and get off at the Gwangju Biennale Entrance bus stop 062-613-7100 http://artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

Ha Jeong-woong Young Artist invitation Exhibition <The Light 2014> 하정웅 청년작가 초대전 <빛 2014> Gwangju Museum of Art November 27, 2014 - February 22, 2015 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. /Closed Mondays ￦ Adults 500 won, Youth 300 won, Children 200 won Bus no. 64 or 83 and get off at the Gwangju Biennale bus stop, or take bus no.

83 and get off at the Gwangju Biennale Entrance bus stop 062-613-7100 http://artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

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SUPERHERO ASSEMBLE 슈퍼히어로 어셈블전 - 광주 Kim Daejung Convention Center, 2nd Hall December 25 - February 22, 2015 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Adults 13,000 won/ Children 10,000 won Bus no. 01, 38, 64, 518, or 1000 get off at Kim Daejung Convention Center bus stop Kim Daejung Convention Center (Mareuk) 02-1566-1369/ 1600-6689 http://www.kdjcenter.or.kr

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2015 Teddy Bear World Museum in Gwangju 2015 테디베어월드뮤지엄 Kim Daejung Convention Center, 1st Hall December 24, 2014 – February 23, 2015 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Adults 13,000 won, Students 12,000, Children 11,000 won Bus no. 01, 38, 64, 518, or 1000 get off at Kim Daejung Convention Center bus stop Kim Daejung Convention Center (Mareuk) 062-650-3046 http://www.kdjcenter.or.kr

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Kim Bo-hyun <New Life> Exhibition 김보현 <새로운 생> Gwangju Shinsegae Gallery January 23 - February 24 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. weekdays, 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. weekends Free Bus no. 12 or 37, and get off at the Northern Shinsegae Department bus stop. Or take bus no. 9, 16, 30, 31, 48, 65, 84, 89, or 518, and get off at the Hyundai Motor bus stop 062-360-1271 http://department.shinsegae.com

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Ha Jeong-woong’s 6th Donation Celebrating Exhibition <Kang Keong-Ja> 하정웅 6차기증기념<강경자-人間萬事> Gwangju Museum of Art November 25, 2014 – March 22, 2015 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Closed on Mondays Free Bus no. 64 or 83, and get off at the Gwangju Biennale bus stop, or take Bus no.

83, and get off at the Gwangju Biennale Entrance bus stop 062-613-7100 http://artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

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PERFORMANCES

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Do Not Believe Her (Play) 그녀를 믿지마세요 – 광주 U-square Dongsan Art Hall January 1 to February 22 7:30 p.m. Weekdays / 3, 7p.m. Saturdays / 3p.m. Sundays (No shows on Mondays) All Seats, 30,000 won Bus no. 01, 09, 16, 25, 26, 30, 36, 38, 47, 48, 64, 65, 69,89, 151, 518 or 1187, and get off at the U-Square Gwangcheon Bus Terminal bus stop 062-360-8437 http://ticket.interpark.com

If Only (Play) 이프 온리– 광주 Chunjangno Good Feel Theater(충장로 기분좋은극장) January 8 to February 8 8 p.m. Weekdays / 4, 7p.m. Saturdays / 3:00, 6:00 p.m. Sunday (No shows on Mondays) All Seats, 30,000 won Bus no. 09, 12, 36, 45, 51, 55, 59, 80, 95, 98, 150, 151, 518, 1000 or 1187, and get off at the Asian Culture Complex bus stop 1600-6689 http://ticket.interpark.com

Attorney Attorney Park’s Park’s Law Law Firm Firm We're ready to serve your best interests in legal disputes.

We provide affordable consultation & representation.

▶ Areas of Specialty contracts, torts, family law, immigration, labor ▶ Civil & Criminal Attorney Park, Duckhee former judge, member of GIC board Services available in Korean, English & Chinese

#402 Simsan Bldg, 342-13 Jisan-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju next to Gwangju District Court

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Tel: 062) 222-0011 Fax: 062)222-0013 duckheepark@hanmail.net

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FESTIVALS

Yeosu Bitnoriya 여수밤바다,빛노리야 Geobukseon Park & Dolsan Park,Hak-dong, Yeosusi, South Jeolla December 19,2014 – February 25, 2015 Eco-friendly LED lights adorn areas around the lake, trees and buildings and winter activities.

Take the intercity bus at the Gwangju Bus Terminal and get off at the Yeosu Bus Terminal (2 hours).

Then, take the local bus no. 88 at the Yeosu Bus Terminal and get off at the Yeocheon Registry Office (여천등기소건너)(30 minutes). Or, take the local bus no. 28 at the Yeosu Bus Terminal and get off at the Jeil Bookstore (제일서점)(30 minutes).

061-659-4549, 1899-2012 http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

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Gwangju Welcoming the New Year Celebrations 광주설맞이행사 Gwangju National Museum and Gwangju Folk Museum February 18 - 22 Free Traditional Play Experiences, Free Screenings, New Year Fortune Telling Bus no. 29, 48 or 63 and get off at the Gwangju National Museum bus stop 062-613-5364, 062-570-7000 http://gjfm.gwangju.go.kr/index.do?S=S22, http://gwangju.museum.go.kr/index.do

Jirisan Namwon Baraebong Snowflake Festival 지리산남원바래봉눈꽃축제 Jirisan Mountain Herb Valley area of Baraebong Peak, Unbong-eup, Namwon-si, North Jeolla December 27, 2014 – February 15, 2015 Activities include: Ice and Snow Sledding, Snowman Making, Snowball Fights and Kite-flying Contest Take the intercity bus at the Gwangju Bus Terminal and get off at the Namwonbus Bus Terminal (1 hour). Then, take the local bus no.112 for Unbong at the Namwon Bus Terminal and get off at the Resident Rest Area (주 민쉼터)( 1 hour). Then, walk to Herb Valley (about 20 minutes).

063-634-0024, 063-620-6161~5 http://korean.visitkorea.or.kr/

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MOVIES AT GWANGJU THEATER ￦

Chungjang-no 5-ga 62, Dong-gu, Gwangju (two blocks behind NC WAVE) 8,000 won per person per film Bus no. 06, 07, 12, 45 74, or 170 get off at Gwangju Tax Office Bus Stop or 06, 07, 12, 45, 55, 59, or 74 get off at Chungjang Public Office Geumnam-ro 4ga Exit 2 062-224-5858 cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju

French Classic Specials Period: February 12-15 Movie List: 1. Zero De Conduite (1933) 2. La Grande Illusion (1937) 3. Jour de Fete (1949) 4. Casque D’or (1952) 5. Madame De (1953) 6. Pickpocket (1959) 7. Les Yeux Sans Visage (1960)

The Homesman 더 홈즈맨 / Drama Director: Tommy Lee Jones Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Hillary Swank Language: English Synopsis: A strong and independent former teacher journeys to the Midwest for more opportunities but still suffers from depression.

God Help The Girl 갓 헬프 더 걸 / Musical, Romance Director: Stuart Murdoch Starring: Emily Browning, Olly Alexander, Hannah Murray Language: English Synopsis: A girl who begins writing songs as a way to overcome her emotional problems meets two young musicians who share the same passion.

A Matter of Interpretation 꿈보다 해몽 / 15+, Drama, Comedy Director: Lee Kwang-kuk Starring: Yoo Joon-sang, Shin Dong-mi, Kim Kang-hyeon Language: Korean Synopsis: An actress, who is caught in many unfortunate situations, storms out of a theater after throwing a fit at her troupe members when no one shows up at her play.

The Basement of Satellite 망원동 인공위성 / 12+, Documentary Director: Kim Hyoung-ju Starring: Song Ho-jun Language: Korean Synopsis: Media artist Song Ho-jun has a dream of launching a satellite made on his own in the basement by selling 10,000 t-shirts.

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