Gwangju and South Jeolla International Magazine Gwangju and South Jeolla International Magazine
March 2022 #241
March 2022 #241
NINE :
The Novel Interview with the Author
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1 Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine
From the Editor March 2022, Issue 241 Published: March 1, 2022 Cover NINE By J.D. Wabe
THE EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Chief Copy Editor Layout Editor Photographer Online Editor
Dr. Shin Gyonggu Dr. David E. Shaffer William Urbanski Isaiah Winters Karina Prananto Kim Hillel Yunkyoung Karina Prananto
The Gwangju News is the first English monthly magazine for the general public in Korea, first published in 2001. Each monthly issue covers local and regional issues, with a focus on the roles and activities of the international residents and local English-speaking communities. Copyright ©2022 by the Gwangju International Center. All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means – graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without the written consent of the publisher.
Registration No. 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date: February 22, 2010 Printed by Jieum 지음 (+82)-62-672-2566
Special thanks to Gwangju City and all of our sponsors.
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With this issue, we will be saying farewell to our ever-sointeresting column People in the Arts, which has adorned our pages for nearly two years with an array of colors and an assortment of art styles. We will also be saying “thank you” to Kang Hyunsuk (aka “Jennis”) for a superb selection of artists from Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, most of whom she interviewed in person and visited their exhibitions or studios. My knowledge of the local art scene has been broadened by Jennis’ artist interviews and thoughtful commentary. Jennis’ contributions to the Gwangju News will be missed, but aging parents and familial duties must take priority. Thank you, Jennis. With every sorrow comes a joy. In this issue you will find an article on Jeong Yak-yong (aka Dasan), a renowned Joseon period scholar exiled to Jeollanam-do. This interesting piece was penned by Diane Dooley, whose name you may be familiar with from her earlier articles in the Gwangju News on Joseon women’s hairstyles and Joseon men’s hats. Diane has a university degree in Korean and a graduate degree in Korean literature, and she will now be contributing monthly articles to the magazine on things Korean. Thank you, Diane. There is so much more inside that deserves mention: the Expressions art exhibition by six local expat artists, an exposition on the meaning of Korean han, a tutorial on the use of automobile turning signals and why everyone should master their use, the making of environmental-friendly soaps, discovering veganfriendly restaurants, discovering an abandoned university, a book review on “Korean cool,” a film review of Round and Around, and a restaurant review for an “earthy” eatery. We bring you the writing of a young author that is “out of this world” and also our monthly regulars. Thank you, everyone! As always, stay Covid smart, stay Covid safe, be Covid protected, and enjoy the Gwangju News.
David E. Shaffer Editor-in-Chief Gwangju News
March 2022
For volunteering and article submission inquiries, please contact the editor at gwangjunews@gic.or.kr.
he new year is marching on, the chill of winter will soon be marching out as the warm breeze of spring marches in, and of course, the Gwangju News is marching forward with its March issue! This month we bring you an interview with a new novelist in our midst, the author of NINE. Joe Wabe has been a fixture in the Gwangju community for well over a decade as photographer, writer, and entrepreneur, but this is his first foray into the world of novel-writing.
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The Gwangju News is published by the Gwangju International Center: Jungang-ro 196-beon-gil 5 (Geumnam-ro 3-ga), Dong-gu, Gwangju 61475, South Korea Tel: (+82)-62-226-2733~34 Fax: (+82)-62-226-2731 Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com Email: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr gwangjunews gwangju_news
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Photo of the Month
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March 2022
CULTURE & ARTS
By Karina Prananto
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First Bloom A detour from Nagan-eupseong took us to the small, remote temple of Geumdunsa (금둔사) in Suncheon. It was here that I set my eyes on my very first bloom of the year! It was still in the chill of winter, but this blossom had already bloomed and quite a few other buds had already appeared. The temple was deserted except for a couple of photographers snapping away at the first blossoms of the year with their micro lenses. I consider myself lucky to have witnessed this beautiful early spring sight.
The Author
Karina Prananto is from Indonesia, an archipelago at the equator where snow is nowhere to be found. Having been living in Korea for 15 years now and having seen enough snow, spring and autumn have become her favorite seasons, where she can see the world turning into a colorful tapestry. She loves traveling to see these colors with her family. Instagram: @karina.prananto
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Contents
ISSUE 241, MARCH 2022
NEWS 01. From the Editor 04. Gwangju City News FEATURES 06. NINE: An Interview with Its Author J.D. Wabe 09. “Expressions” Art Exhibition 14. People in the Arts: Painting the Co-existence of Contradictions – Interview with Lee Doohwan 18. Blast from the Past: The Essence of Han (한) – That Indescribable Emotion TRAVEL 20. Lost in Honam: Odds and (Dead) Ends – Four Years of Getting Lost TEACHING & LEARNING 24. Language Teaching: The Jeollanamdo Language Program – Still Going Strong 29. Everyday Korean: Episode 51. 입에 맞아요? Does it suit your taste? FOOD & DRINKS 30. Restaurant Review: Feeling Earthy COMMUNITY 32. Local Entrepreneur: Orsoap – “To Do My Small Part” 36. Environment: Turning a Minus into a Big Future Plus – The Gwangju Vegan Tamsikdan 39. Opinion: What Is a Turn Signal? 42. Expat Living: Trust the Process
02. Photo of the Month: First Bloom 44. Focus on Jeong Yak-yong – The “Heart” Behind the Great Thinker 47. Gwangju Writes: Dear Mother, We Write to You from Under the Stars 48. Film Review: Round and Around – Drawing an Arc of Korean History Through the May 18 Democratic Movement 50. Book Review: The Birth of Korean Cool by Euny Hong 54. Comic Corner: Alan and Me – Episode 9. A Rainy Day in the Maldives, Part 2 56. Crossword Puzzle
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March 2022
52. GFN Radio: Top of the Drop
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CULTURE & ARTS
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Gwangju City News From the Gwangju Metropolitan City website (http://gwangju.go.kr)
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
MONTHLY NEWS
Photo courtesy of Gwangju Tourism website
Gwangju to Create Clean and Safe Public Toilets
alarms, and toilet stall safety screens in buildings or commercial areas with large populations, and to renovate damaged urinals, flush toilets, washbasins, and tiles.
To provide safe and comfortable toilets to citizens, Gwangju Metropolitan City will invest a total of 3.1 billion won in improvement projects such as the expansion of public toilet safety facilities, other communal toilet support projects, and toilet supplies support.
Gwangju City is making every effort to create safe and comfortable public toilets by forming a joint inspection team with the Gwangju Police Agency to check whether illegal cameras are installed and whether safety alarms are operating.
First is a project to expand and improve public toilets through an annual needs survey of autonomous districts. This year, a total project budget of 2.07 billion won is set to build eight public toilets in high pedestrian traffic areas, including parks and river trails. In addition, safety and convenience facilities such as designated cars for the disabled, CCTV cameras, and safety emergency alarms will be provided to further enhance the satisfaction of citizens. In particular, as citizens’ anxiety about hidden-camera crimes is increasing, the city plans to install safety screens in 163 public toilets, as well as install safety screens in all public toilets by next year. A safety screen is an insert for the open space at the bottom of toilet stalls, and the safety screen will prevent hidden-camera crimes by blocking filming by mobile phones and other cameras, and they will make it possible for citizens to use public toilets without worries. For other communal toilets, the city plans to install safety equipment such as CCTV cameras, emergency
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Gwangju Again Ranked “High” in Gender Equality Index Gwangju City announced on February 10 that it received a ranking of “high” in the regional gender equality index for the second consecutive year by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. According to inspections conducted in 17 cities and provinces, five cities and provinces received this highest ranking: Gwangju, Seoul, Daejeon, Busan, and Jeju. Since 2010, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has identified the level of gender equality nationally and by province every year to establish policy implementation directions from the perspective of gender equality. The gender equality index consists of evaluations in three areas – gender-equal social participation, women’s rights/welfare, and gender equality awareness – totaling 100 points. Gwangju has been steadily managing gender-equal social participation, such as the ratio of civil servants and managers above Level 5, and since 2019, it
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5 has been striving to increase the social consensus on work–life balance and familyfriendly management, including support for employment maintenance for pregnant women and maternity leave through the “'Make Gwangju a Good Place to Have and Raise Children” policy.
Gwangju Conducts Bicycle Road Management Audit
From February 14 to March 15, Gwangju City is conducting a specific audit on the overall management of bicycle paths for the safety and convenience of cyclists. In this audit, the city audit committee, relevant autonomous districts, and citizen auditors plan to jointly inspect the entire 661.39 kms of bicycle paths in Gwangju.
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The Dong-gu District Office has recently published Walking Through Time in Chungjang and Walking Through Time in Gyerim, which contain the stories of the neighborhoods of Chungjang-dong and Gyerim-dong. These books are part of a series of publications following Walking Through Time in Hak-dong, which was published in 2019. Walking Through Time in Chungjang contains stories about the ups and downs of theaters, department stores, bookstores, coffee shops, and old shops on Chungjang Street, which once boasted of being the best commercial district in the entire Honam area, as well as the history of the democratization movement. Walking Through Time in Gyerim contains topical stories of “Gyeongyang-bangjuk” (경양방죽, an artificial lake located in the old city hall area of Gyerim-dong); the railroads, schools, and markets that have protected the lives of the residents; the old stores and Literature Club of Gwangju High School; and the secondhand-book street. The newly published books have been distributed to small libraries in Dong-gu (including the GIC Library), and you can also get your own copy by contacting the Dong-gu Humanities Urban Policy Division by phone at 062-608-2173.
March 2022
Translated by Karina Prananto.
Dong-gu Publishes Books of Neighborhood Stories
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The main inspection items are 1. bike path safety, path markings, and pavement status; 2. air injector operational status; 3. whether illegal obstacles are left unattended; 4. whether vehicle entry-prevention facilities are properly installed; 5. bicycle storage and bicycle base terminal management status; 6. shared bike use status; and 7. appropriate use of budget.
Gwangju Dong-gu (East District) Office News
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NINE
An Interview with Its Author J.D. Wabe
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
FEATURE
Inter viewed by William Urbanski
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W
riting a novel is something that virtually everyone thinks about at some point but very few people actually do. This is probably because it is one thing to have a great idea but another thing entirely to sit down, put pen to paper, and produce a cohesive and compelling narrative with a beginning, middle, and end. Joe Wabe, a friend of the Gwangju News who has lived in Korea for about twenty years, recently completed his first novel entitled NINE. The Gwangju News was happy to have Wabe shed some light on the thought process as well as the practical “nuts and bolts” considerations that went into this gargantuan project. Gwangju News (GN): Congratulations on your first book! I really liked it! J.D. Wabe: Thank you for the kind words. It’s been almost two years since I started this project, and it’s very heartening to hear those simple but encouraging words – words that inspire me to continue to share the story with as many people as possible.
GN: Without giving away too much of the plot, the book is critical of certain pedagogical techniques. One of the quotes that stood out to me was “‘The role of students is to learn from their masters, the role of the masters is to teach, and these roles are not interchangeable until the student becomes a master itself. Learning from other scholars who are not ready to provide knowledge can only lead to confusion and deception,’ one of the elderly masters in our Faculty had said.” Were these criticisms in any way influenced by your encounters with the Korean education system? J.D. Wabe: It’s a simple answer: yes. And not just the education system; you can see this hierarchical paradigm in all corners of Korean
March 2022
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GN: There were several prominent themes in the book such as the significance of dreams and the importance of having a personal connection to nature. Why were these themes important to you, and were you able to draw on your own experiences when incorporating them into the book? J.D. Wabe: I wrote NINE originally intending to create a memorable gift for my daughter and the people I love. It was going to be a story with an inspiring message of love and hope. A story that could tell a little of my past and present emotions. The journey of a little boy, his fears, dreams, and transformation through love, wisdom, and bonding with nature. This is a metaphorical reflection of how I see the metamorphosis of my life. So, it was important to include all these essentials in order to create a story that truly expressed who I am. www.gwangjunewsgic.com
GN: NINE, in my opinion, had a little bit of a post-apocalyptic tone and reminded me of some classic books like The Giver and The Hunger Games trilogy. What works – literary or otherwise – provided the inspiration for NINE? J.D. Wabe: Although there’s a bit of this postapocalyptic world that you mentioned, the book isn’t based on any such background. The story takes place in Nine’s newly discovered world, which is full of life, freedom, and love. The flashbacks of his dystopian world exposed the contrast between two worlds: one dark and frigid, and the other picturesque and vivid. As for the roots of my inspiration, rather than being inspired by other works of literature, the influence mostly came from my own experiences and emotions throughout the trials of my life. If I have to mention a few books that contributed to the shaping of NINE, I can name a couple: The Little Prince, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night. They all have one thing in common: The main character embarks on a quest to find answers to the wonders that trouble souls. I also like to read the teachings of Buddha, and you can probably notice an enormous influence in the story as well.
GN: What was your target audience with NINE? Korean speakers? Young adults? J.D. Wabe: I didn’t have an audience target when I started writing the book. That would have been a distraction and limited the process. I wanted to write the book in a voice that was accessible to all, regardless of whether it was here in Korea or the Himalayas. When I read a book that’s too complicated or descriptive, I lose interest right away. I wanted the story to flow smoothly, to be elaborated and detailed but not to where someone would say, “Okay, okay, I get it. Move on!” But once NINE was completed and the book was accepted for publication, it had to be categorized. The closest genre we found to match its content was young adult fantasy fiction.
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8 culture. Masters and followers, and those roles are hardly interchangeable. GN: There was a strong juxtaposition between the Faculty (which was high-tech, rigid, and adultoriented) and the village in the forest (which was somewhat primitive, organic, and youth-focused). Why was it important to you to include such sharply contrasting backdrops to the story? J.D. Wabe: It was important to emphasize the big contrast between where Nine came from and the new world. The sense of freedom and comradery he learned through the villagers helped him develop his new personality. This new self he transfigured into was a critical point in the story.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
GN: Some of the critical characters in the story were anthropomorphized animals. Why do you think it was important to incorporate these characters into the story? That is to say, what do you think they add to the story that human characters could not have? J.D. Wabe: I’m an animal lover and an aficionado of fables. To me, animals or nature represent a direct link with creation and are sources of inspiration. These lifeform voices represent enlightenment – an inner opening into the realm of spirit. By having these elements in the novel, I wanted to create an emphatic impression with its characters and a stronger bond. GN: The ending of the book was quite unexpected, and again, without giving away too much of the plot, alluded to the circular nature of time. Do you think that there is too much of an emphasis in contemporary society placed on the adherence to a linear concept of time? J.D. Wabe: To be honest, the ending was quite unexpected for me as well. I had an idea for a different ending, but once I began writing, the book wrote itself and the events that followed opened a gate for its finale. Our society places too much emphasis on clocks that aren’t accurate and made-up calendars, which are very linear. I wanted to incorporate principals of time relativity – time that was irrelevant. That’s how time gave birth to an end – an end that gave birth to a new start. GN: You mentioned NINE will be produced by a publisher in New York. What is happening with the publishing process? J.D. Wabe: I submitted NINE to different literacy agencies and publishers last year in January. It wasn’t until April 2021 that I received an email of acceptance by a publisher in New York and a follow-up contract. To
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produce a book, it’s a slow process that takes anywhere from 10 to up to 18 months. According to my contract, NINE was supposed to be released somewhere at the end of February. But because of the impact of COVID-19 in America on standard manufacturing processes (production, demand, and supply), the book might be released a bit later than expected. Most of the crucial steps have been completed (ISBN registration, in-house formatting, cover design, and manuscript editing), and I’m basically waiting for the printing process and delivery. I keep my hopes up that it’ll be released early this year. GN: Do you have any plans to expand the NINE universe? Perhaps with a sequel or a prequel? J.D. Wabe: Not at the moment. The idea quickly passed through my mind. It didn’t stay long, though. I like the way NINE turned out, a standalone short but elaborate novel. But who knows? Maybe one day I’ll wake up with an idea for a sequel or prequel and embark on another writing journey with the same character. Currently, I’m working on a new project, a recent novel with two new characters: a boy and his half-brother. It’s a contemporary story based on the golden 1980s, but I guess we can talk about that a few months later. Thank you for taking the time to read the book, for your review, and for this thoughtful interview. I hope NINE can soon be in everyone’s hands. Happy New Year of the wolf! – I mean, Tiger. Photographs and graphics courtesy of J.D.Wabe
The Author
William Urbanski is the managing editor of the Gwangju News. Instagram: @will_il_gatto
“This is a metaphorical reflection of how I see the metamorphosis of my life.”
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FEATURE
” s n o i s s e r p x n E o “ i t i b i h x E t r A l i a L a u re By Oliv
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March 2022
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March 2022
he Expressions exhibition at Gwangju University is a collaboration of six talented foreign women who are currently residing in Gwangju. The theme “Expressions” came about as an opportunity for each to share their own perspectives on expat living, as well as to express their thoughts on the current global climate, both in public and personal ways. Each artist, with her own creative liberties, was able to reflect and form beautiful revelations for her artwork. Here are some insights and introductions to who these artists are.
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ARTIST ÁINE BYRNE – DUBLIN, IRELAND (Four mixed-media art pieces)
Route Enroute series: My abstract expressionist works explore the local environment and my experiences as a foreigner in the Jeolla area. The sunsets, complex journeys, barriers, and seoye (서예, the Korean tradition of artistic writing) shed light on the highs and lows experienced by me as a foreigner.
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ARTIST DAYNA MABIN
– INDIANA, UNITED STATES (Three macramé [fiber art] pieces) The vision for my art in the show centers around the “Expressions” theme of “to be,” and how my emotions and the things that I like have all come together during a time that is so chaotic. This involves learning how to just “be” while also moving through life and what that looks like through my eyes. Emotions ranging from darkness to the glitters of hope that I see each and every day are what I am hoping to portray.
– FLORIDA, UNITED STATES (Four abstract acrylic pieces on canvas}
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March 2022
I think that living in Korea has allowed me to discover my true artistic style. I love to include line work and botanicals in my abstract pieces to represent my whole growth. In the past, I was always so used to going down a set path I imagined for myself, but I have since learned to just go with the flow, be free, and trust the process.
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ARTIST KRISTEN BEDASSE
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ARTIST OLIVIA LAUREL
– BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES (Three series, acrylic on canvas)
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March 2022
For this particular theme, I drew into the emotions that were roaming around inside of me while dealing with the current circumstances of the pandemic. A lot of hopes and dreams in 2020 were dashed, while also having to process living so far away from my family during this time. So, my series does not convey actual images but rather the expression of my emotions through paint. This was a very new concept for me, but it has helped me to see things as they are, accept the new normal, and hope for the best in my future.
ARTIST LISA MAY CASAUS
– ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, UNITED STATES (Three ink and acrylic art pieces) Art is a natural way to communicate our fears, joys, and confusions, if not to others, then at least to ourselves. For me, there is a lot of this “not knowing.” What do I want to do? Who am I trying to be? And art is a way to stop thinking so much and just see what happens. It might not be completely clear what the result is at the end, but the act of expression is a goal in itself.
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ARTIST TAYLA NATASHA BOTHA
– GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA (Four digitally illustrated pieces [digital media]) My inspiration for this body of work stemmed from a variety of people expressing their feelings and thoughts during the pandemic as well as my own personal experiences throughout. These two sources of inspiration have led to two very contrasting series of works. One series expresses the heaviness of voids, dissociation, and isolation, whilst the other expresses a more positive message of growth and hope during dark times.
The Author and Exhibition Curator
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March 2022
Olivia Laurel is an English professor at Gwangju University, and along with her passion for teaching, art plays a big role in her life. From a young age, she learned many techniques from her father, who is also an artist. Throughout her life, she has explored creativity in many different mediums and venues in the United States. But during her time in South Korea, she has been able to participate in several different art shows located in Jeonju, Iksan, and Gwangju. She is the curator of the Expressions art exhibition. To follow more of her creative journey, you can find her on Instagram @ gallerybluespot.
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Indeed, living during the age of the pandemic has been quite challenging, and exhausting at times. But with the creative outlet of this exhibition, these artists have successfully opened their hearts and minds to the emotional process of it all. The Expressions exhibition will go on from March 10 to 24 with an opening ceremony starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located on the Gwangju University campus at the Hoshim Art Museum on the first floor of the Geukgi-gwan (극기관) building. Please come out and show your support to these lovely artists!
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14 People in the Arts
Painting the Co-existence of Contradictions Interview with Lee Doohwan Inter view by Kang Jennis Hyunsuk
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March 2022
FEATURE
“H
ow are Korean paintings different from Western paintings?” Have you ever given this a thought? Well, Korean paintings can be divided into three traditional types: sumuk-hwa (수묵화, ink paintings), sumuk-damchae-hwa (수묵담채화, lightly colored ink paintings), and chaesaek-hwa (채색화, traditionally colored paintings). In the olden days, neoConfucian scholars, called seonbi (선비), considered the four noble plants to have the virtues that scholars should pursue. So, they would paint cherry blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, and bamboo, (mae-nanguk-juk, 매난국죽) in ink; this is sumuk-hwa. Sumukdamchae-hwa is simply adding light colors to ink paintings, and chaesaek-hwa is painting with thick, bright colors. This last type of painting was used in Joseon Dynasty times mostly for royal court paintings and portraits by professional artists rather than a painting style for seonbi. Chaesaek-hwa is also the type of painting that has strongly influenced the modernday paintings of Lee Doohwan. I recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk with artist Lee. This month, I share with you the contents of that interview with Lee, who asks us through his art, “How are you living in this modern society?” Jennis: Thank you for your precious time. Looking at your artworks in your studio, it is not easy to distinguish whether they are Western paintings or Korean paintings. Lee Doohwan: Not many people can tell. I think the classifying of paintings has been created for the convenience of critics, though. I majored in Korean painting. Specifically chaesaek-hwa, traditional colored painting. Jennis: I am curious about the painting process for chaesaek-hwa.
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▲ Lee Doohwan
Lee Doohwan: In order to paint chaesaek-hwa, I should first make a foundation, like the canvas of Western painting. Chaesaek-hwa is painted on traditional Korean paper, hanji (한지). Hanji is made of the complex fibers of mulberry, so the paper has many natural holes. To make it strong, I layer several papers together by applying gelatin glue. This thick paper is called jangji (장지). Jangji is also a standard type of paper. It absorbs quite a lot of paint, so I coat the jangji with gelatin glue. Jennis: In Western painting, a surface treatment called gesso is applied to the canvas before painting to help express the colors well. In Korean traditional color painting, the gelatin glue coating plays the role of gesso, right? Lee Doohwan: That is right. If the gelatin glue is mixed with alumn (명반) and is applied as a coating to the jangji paper, the degree to which the paint permeates lessens. The number of times the gelatin glue coating is applied creates diverse tones in chaesaek-hwa. If the glue coating were applied a dozen times, the jangji
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15 would become shiny like glass, and the paint would not permeate the base paper at all. Then the uniqueness of Korean painting would disappear.
academy teacher painting. He had majored in Korean painting, and he painted with only one brush. Putting several different colors on his brush, he painted without stopping. Amazingly, colorful flowers appeared from that single brush as it navigated the paper. I was fascinated by Korean painting from that time on, and that is why I majored in Korean painting. Jennis: Your profile says that your hometown is Incheon. I wonder how you decided to come to Gwangju to major in art at Chonnam National University.
▲ Inner Portraits of Modern People – Rosinante, by Lee Doohwan, 2019.
Lee Doohwan: My older brother was an officer at that time, assigned to an army unit in Gwangju. The art college I had in mind was in Seoul, but my brother recommended that I apply to the College of Art at Chonnam University. Luckily, I was accepted to both art colleges at the same time. But the tuition of the art college in Seoul was expensive for me. My parents, who had six children, therefore, recommended that I go to Chonnam University. Thanks to receiving a scholarship for a year, I decided to take time to think about my future for a couple of semesters. As I moved to Gwangju, my brother was assigned to another area. Suddenly, I was left alone in the world with no one to share my past with.
There is another role of the gelatin glue in chaesaekhwa. Most often, traditional Korean paints are extracted from the minerals of diverse stones. Another role of gelatin glue is making fine mineral powder into paint colors. When the gelatin glue is double-boiled, it melts into watery gelatin. The mixture of the watery gelatin and mineral powder makes paints.
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▲ The Blue Room, by Lee Doohwan, 2016.
March 2022
Lee Doohwan: As is true of most artists, I liked to draw when I was young. When I drew cartoon characters, my classmates asked me to sell them my drawings. Perhaps, I have wanted a job related to painting since then. Along the way, a friend of mine told me that I should go to an art academy to prepare for majoring in art when it was time to enter college. My parents opposed my entering art college because they thought it cost a lot and that an artist’s future was uncertain. But I persuaded them and started studying painting at an after-school academy. One day, I observed my
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Jennis: Thank you, I have learned a lot about chaesaekhwa coloring techniques. Now, I would like to ask you why you chose Korean painting for your style.
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▲ Contemplation, by Lee Doohwan, 2021.
Jennis: So, you have been living in Gwangju since then. How was life in an unfamiliar city?
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March 2022
Lee Doohwan: Being introverted, it was not easy for me to adapt to unfamiliar spaces. I think the overall theme of my art was created in those days. I started to express my thoughts and feelings in paintings while observing my strange surroundings. And I have been living and observing in Gwangju for 25 years now. Jennis: Wow! So now, you have been residing in Gwangju longer than you have lived in your hometown of Incheon. I want to next ask you what the theme of your art is. Lee Doohwan: The theme of my paintings is the inner portrait of human beings. When I entered the art college, I drew some characters with ink. In particular, I drew my self-portrait in a gloomy-looking way. At the time, I sat on the fence, thinking about whether to stay here or leave. Living an isolated life with little interaction with others, I painted dark self-portraits of me trapped in loneliness. Then, I turned to observe the people around me for the purpose of looking inside myself. Doing so, I noticed a lot of things that I had not observed before. The
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process of observing and painting the people around me helped me to understand them. When I found a close resemblance with someone else or others, I felt that we were sharing the inner world of humans living in the contemporary era. Jennis: You said that you had painted a lot of selfportraits with ink. From when did you start your painting in colors – when did you start painting chaesaek-hwa? Lee Doohwan: As I got to know the world and experienced the absurd reality of society directly or indirectly, I painted portraits of depressed people in modern society. I had no choice but to make such paintings, even though I knew they would not be something that I could sell. Then one day, I read the contorted writing in the guest book at an exhibition. The writing looked like that of a child. It said, “Lee Doohwan’s paintings are so scary. I hope you paint pretty ones next time.” The words of the child were shocking. I pondered whether a painting that only the artist himself was satisfied with could be a “good” painting. I could not work for a while. Then, although I kept the same topic of examining modern people, I tried to reverse the expression. I tried to solve the problem that the child had pointed out with a twist:
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17 brightness – a 180-degree turnaround. That is why I started adding bright colors to my paintings. Jennis: When I ask artists what they want to express in their works, they often say that there is no answer because it depends on the viewer’s mind. Nevertheless, I would like to ask what you want to express through the hats and creatures that appear in your works. Lee Doohwan: It is said that the inner mind has no form, but expressed in another way, having no form means that it may exist anywhere, or everywhere. So, I paint combined figures to represent people’s inner mind. My favorite motif is the magician’s hat, which hides a lot of things in it. Like the magician’s hat, people hide various inner thoughts within themselves. Magicians can retrieve the items from their hat at the right time, but most people cannot hide or reveal their thoughts and emotions freely like magicians. Our actions pop out like sneezes, unintentionally, unexpectedly. And sometimes, we cannot help revealing our hidden selves. I synthesize
people’s inner minds into several images and express them in my paintings. I consider them to be the portraits of modern people. Jennis: So, you have been working on seeing yourself through other people. There is a work of yours called Boundary Man. What does that represent? Lee Doohwan: I think I have always been on the boundary. Anyone can face a situation in which they have to make a choice but are undecided, that is, standing on the boundary between two possible choices. I express the situation in the form of rabbits. Rabbits are herbivores, but unexpectedly, they will eat meat, depending on the situation. Through images containing a twist of some type, I express the coexistence of contradictions. Jennis: From listening to your story, your artworks seem to be talking to me. One more question: What does painting mean to you? Lee Doohwan: Well, I think my painting is a process of finding myself while understanding others through observation. I hope my artworks are “read” by many viewers. I would be glad if the viewers took a pause to think about themselves for a moment. Jennis: Thank you for making time for this interview. I am looking forward to seeing your artworks in many exhibition halls this year!
Photographs courtesy of Lee Doohwan.
The Interviewer
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▲ Boundary Man – Portrait of Modern Man, by Lee Doohwan, on jangji paper, 2019.
Kang Jennis Hyunsuk has been writing on local artists regularly for the Gwangju News for over a year. As a freelance interpreter and art lover, she loves to introduce the diverse sphere of Korean art to everyone who may have an interest. Instagram: @jenniskang
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AFTER THE INTERVIEW… Lee Doohwan’s works (bbojogi@hanmail.net) have been shown in over 200 exhibitions, including nine individual exhibitions. He has devoted himself to expressing the inner portraits of modern people in a traditionally Korean artistic manner. The motif of his paintings is not light; he paints in bright colors that draw viewers to his works to “read” them and to ponder.
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18 Blast from the Past
The Essence of Han (한)
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March 2022
blast from the past
That Indescribable Emotion
Some words just don’t translate. If you’ve ever tried to translate from Korean the emotion of han (한, 恨) or just tried to explain it to someone, you’ll understand what I mean. Wikipedia’s attempt goes like this: “Han, or haan, is a concept of an emotion, variously described as some form of grief or resentment, among others, that is said to be an essential element of Korean identity by some, and a modern post-colonial identity by others.”1 As you see, they too are having difficulty with being concise. In this Blast from the Past, Adam Volle discusses whether han is distinctively Korean (“Is ‘Han’ Uniquely Korean?” March 2015), rather than a one-syllable word that has no one-word counterpart in English. This is followed by a piece by Jonathan Chiarella on expressing han in song by pansori singer Lee Im-rye (“The Voice of ‘Han,’” April 2016) for your reading enjoyment. — Ed.
IS “HAN” UNIQUELY KOREAN? One fact well established by the globalization of our age is that emotional experiences are universal among peoples, if not individuals. Nevertheless, many Koreans and students of their culture somehow continue to accept the existence of what the popular blog “Ask the Korean!” once satirically called “super special Korean emotions.”2 Much hay is particularly made of han – the emotionally burdensome sense of having been badly wronged and being helpless to ever rectify the injustice. No nonKorean should have trouble understanding that idea, yet in a 2009 article for The Korea Times, columnist Jon Huer wrote that han is a “uniquely Korean” concept that “explains much of ‘Korean-ness.’”3 John M. Glionna defined han for The Los Angeles Times as “the ineffable sadness of being Korean” and claimed, “For outsiders, grasping the notion is key to fathoming the Koreans themselves.”4 For all that such writers have attempted to weave an air of oriental mystery around the concept, people throughout the world would nod their head knowingly at its description. In fact, an entire genre of American music arguably coalesced around the notion: the Blues, sung by African-Americans in the Deep South. Ironically, even the word han comes from outside Korea. Han is actually the Korean pronunciation of the classic Chinese word hen, meaning “regret” or “unresolved revenge.” Mind, it’s understandable that Koreans believe themselves particularly cursed. Another universal tendency among all people is to self-centeredly assume
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one’s own troubles are unique or rare. Rather than fight this negative impulse, however, the concept of han indulges and elevates this mistaken feeling into a national virtue. Like other exaggerations promoted by Korean nationalism (for example, the idea that Koreans are pure-blooded or the supreme righteousness of Admiral Yi Sun-sin), Koreans’ overemphasis on their difficulties through han probably dates back to the Japanese colonial period. Prior to Japan’s annexation of Korea in 1910, there was little reason for Koreans to feel sorry for themselves. Until then, the history of the peninsula had been relatively peaceful. Only two truly devastating invasions had occurred in over a millennium. It’s of course impossible to begrudge the men and women who lived through the colonial period, war, and dictatorships the bitterness they defined as han. Like so much else in South Korea, however, han is fast becoming dated. South Koreans now live in a highincome, advanced economy frequently listed among the world’s top ten by various metrics. It’s now a privilege to be a South Korean. Regardless, han cannot be called a myth; how can a felt emotion be a myth? The feeling is real. Say instead that in the twenty-first century, the concept of han is in need of some reconceptualization. THE VOICE OF HAN While South Jeolla has produced baduk (aka go) legends seen in the news so much lately [in 2016], North and
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19 South Jeolla have also been the birthplace or adopted home of the legends of pansori (판소리), a traditional Korean performance art that can be thought of as an emotional, somber musical play performed by a singer (traditionally female) and a percussionist (traditionally male). Jindo, specifically, is the birthplace of Lee Im-rye, a renowned pansori singer. While the drums and singers are tangible, the practice of pansori itself is listed as Korea’s 5th Important Intangible Cultural Asset, and Lee became Gwangju’s Important Cultural Property No. 15 in 1987. Her story even formed the basis for a TV drama in 1994.
▲ Lee performing pansori. (Photo: Gwangju Culture Foundation)
After a few years in Seoul, Lee adopted Gwangju as her home, where she has long performed at the Gwangju Traditional Culture Hall at the foot of Mt. Mudeung, in addition to performances abroad, usually in the USA. She specializes in the Gangsanje (강산제) style, a branch of the Seopyeonje school born in South Jeolla – the softer and smoother school – as compared to North Jeolla’s Dongpyeonje school, known for is staccato and sharp crescendo. It’s the especially lyrical and poetic content and clear enunciation of Gangsanje that drew Lee to the Gwangju area.
“What is the best environment,” I asked, “to hear pansori?” Lee recommended not the austere or even majestic and quiet performance halls. The real spirit of pansori, she suggested, is best enjoyed outdoors – not only in the mountainous surroundings of the semi-secluded cultural hall where she works, but also within the outdoor festival scene, where a large crowd will spontaneously gather round in a circle. Her reason for choosing pansori as her vocation is the same as the reason she recommends that non-Koreans experience pansori: It captures the essence of the Korean spirit in a very distinctive manner. Lee still actively performed and conducted traditional one-to-one instruction [in pre-pandemic years], and she has also taught classes at the Gwangju Performing Arts High School and Jeonnam State University. References 1
2
3
4
Han. (2021, December 10). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Han_(cultural) T. K. (2008, April 25). Super special Korean emotions? Ask a Korean. http://askakorean.blogspot.com/2008/04/superspecial-korean-emotions.html Huer, J. (2009, March 23). Psychology of Korean Han. The Korea Times. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/ opinon/2012/08/272_41770.html Glionna, J. M. (2011, January 12). A complex feeling tugs at Koreans. The Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes. com/archives/la-xpm-2011-jan-05-la-fg-south-korea-han20110105-story.html
Arranged by David Shaffer.
March 2022
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Much like Western opera, all the music is performed live and the songs are long and narrative. Key differences in the performance are that while the drummer or drum may cut out for an interval, the singer continues in a long solo. Qualitatively, the songs are somber and tragic, unlike the classical Greek division of comedies and tragedies, and the music is far different, of course. The theme of han (한, 恨) is a most distinctive hallmark of pansori. With Seopyeonje being no exception, Jeolla has produced the most pansori performers and the four main schools of pansori. Lee believes the reason is due to Jeolla’s history as a region of national neglect and repression; the area also has a long history as the destination for Joseon Dynasty exiles. (More recently, the Jeolla area was not afforded government funding during the Park Chung-hee industrialization period and was infamously repressed during Chun Doo-hwan’s grip on power.)
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She began her pansori journey at the age of 15 in the 1950s, studying under Lee Byeong-gi in Sunchang for seven years, but the initiative was on her own. Local schools were not promoting pansori as cultural revival, nor was pansori a family legacy. In fact, like several musical and sports masters, it was her dedication and passion that drove her, despite the fierce opposition of her parents to her career choice. In addition to her status as a Gwangju cultural asset, she has been honored in industry awards ceremonies locally (1969, 1990) and nationally (1984, 1993), and even received a presidential award (1991). In her experience, the sound of pansori has stayed traditional; the changes have been in the lives of pansori performers, owing largely to differences in Korean society at large over the years. Performers had to practice all day and perform almost every day to eke out a living. Young people’s schooling ended much earlier,
and they set out on their path in life at a younger age. Contrasting with her own childhood, everyone learning pansori nowadays enjoys a full high school education.
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20 Lost in Honam
Odds and (Dead) Ends
Four Years of Getting Lost
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March 2022
TRAVEL TRAVEL
By Isaiah Winters
▲ A jumble of dusty desks in an insolvent university somewhere in Honam. Next page: One of the many great beaches in Goheung – this one with tons of sand dollars. ▶
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21
M
y involvement with the “Lost” column began this month back in 2018, and as much as I’d like to have a single, significant topic to cover, this fourth anniversary has fallen during a creative slump. As per tradition, whenever this happens, I’m left to cobble together a few half-baked ideas with little rhyme or reason to them. And so, here it is – an underwhelming medley of odds and (dead) ends that have been crowding my workspace these past few months. COUNTRY ROADS A recent passion project of mine has been scouting affordable beachfront properties in Honam. I’m particularly keen on Goheung, but one issue keeps complicating things more than any other: country roads, i.e., unregistered roads that create a maze of Mad Max-style access disputes. Sure, there’s nothing to stop me from buying a certain property, but if the road to it isn’t a public asset, then whoever owns the road has me by the short hairs. In fact, even if a local landowner doesn’t own the road, they can still unilaterally block it, as exemplified below. One instance of this is a cheap plot of land I found on a bluff overlooking an excellent, obscure beach. The road to
it, however, is unregistered and crosses through a patchwork of some eight other properties along the bluff. Years ago, one of the landowners threw up a chain across the road to keep out the trickle of fishermen who’d skulk down to the beach now and then and leave a bunch of trash behind. With the problem apparently persisting, said owner recently erected a second chain a few hundred meters up the road, entirely blocking access to the plot of land for sale – which they don’t even own. It’s not unlike how people in the city toss all kinds of bulky objects onto the margins of public streets to prevent anyone from parking there. It’s a Mad Max mentality. This mentality has denied that obscure little beach a potential resident who was hell-bent on personally cleaning it up. And so, the area remains strewn with garbage to serve some local’s notion of NIMBY-ism, and I’m left landless with money burning a hole in my pocket. Of course, I could try talking to the chaincrazy owner and working out some sort of beach clean-up quid pro quo, but even if that were to somehow work, what about the seven other property owners who each own a piece of the road? Sadly, this sort of deadlock proves that not all country roads take us home.
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March March 2022 2022
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22 BANKRUPT U. Honam has a lot of bankrupt educational institutions that have caught my attention over the years, and recently I discovered the region’s latest: an entire university that’s just gone belly-up. Driven to insolvency by the nepotism, mismanagement, and embezzlement of the tight-knit group of con artists who oversaw it, the university and its founders are a key part of a book I’m slowly writing about some of the region’s most infamous derelicts. Without exposing too much, in this section I’ll share my favorite discovery from among repeat visits to the campus.
Said founder is now in Gwangju Prison for embezzling an absurd amount of money from his many educational institutions over the years. Interestingly, he kept a low profile in said yearbook, as I could only find a few uncaptioned images of him on a single page towards the end. In one image, he’s languidly inspecting artwork with his hands behind his back at some sort of staff dinner party. It’s all so understated that if you didn’t know whom to look for, he’d never stand out. Given that I’m still gathering more details on this corrupt power couple for a separate book, I’ll have to leave it at that for now. WHERE VULTURES DARE On a recent hike in Jeollabuk-do, I realized that Korea looks exactly like parts of Southern California – particularly Riverside County – if you simply burn it to a crisp. For example, the impressive trail up to Gori-bong, just north of Dongak-san, suffered a forest
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My most prized discovery was in a backroom adjacent to a science lab frozen in time with beakers, chemicals, washbasins, and instruments left out as though class had just gone to lunch. Despite the highly photogenic, Breaking Bad aesthetics of the main lab, the backroom had a few books that arrested my attention far more. Chief among them was a yearbook containing details related to my ongoing research into the frauds who ran the institution into the ground. Two full pages at the beginning featured glamor shots of the university’s
esteemed chancellor, who also happens to be the spouse of the university’s founder – a power couple if there ever was one.
▲ A stairwell view of Honam’s latest abandoned university.
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23 fire back in 2020 that left one side of the mountain treeless and charred, while the other remained perfectly unscathed. Despite the difficult terrain, the latter side was salvaged thanks to the two helicopters and 200 firefighters that responded to the blaze. No casualties were reported, and an investigation concluded that the fire likely began naturally. Now just a ridge of exposed boulders and sparse vegetation, the way to Goribong has become particularly good for one impressive animal: the vulture. These massive, black scavengers fly down from parts of Mongolia, Siberia, and Manchuria every
▲ The flame-licked side of a ridge to Gori-bong, Jeollabuk-do.
year to winter in Korea, and as they feed mainly on carrion, wide-open spaces offering good visibility are ideal habitats. I spotted one above this very trail hovering with help from an updraft rising from the mountainside, but I’ve got nothing to show for it because I’d forgotten to bring my long lens camera that day. My most impressive encounter with these massive vultures in Korea was on the highway north of Sunchang, when two flew down surprisingly low above my car. At first, I thought they were just a pair of crows – until I realized their wingspan was about as wide as my highway lane. I guess they were trying to score some roadkill.
Photographs by Isaiah Winters.
Born and raised in Chino, California, Isaiah Winters is a pixel-stained wretch who loves writing about Gwangju and Honam, warts and all. He particularly likes doing unsolicited appraisals of abandoned Korean properties, a remnant of his time working as an appraiser back home. You can find much of his photography on Instagram @d.p.r.kwangju.
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March 2022
The Author
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There’s one interesting point worth mentioning about what Koreans call these gigantic raptors: doksuri (독수리), which means both “vulture” and “eagle,” according to Naver Dictionary. However, I never hear Koreans refer to these birds as vultures – only eagles. Why this is I don’t know, but a friend of mine suggested it was because “eagle” is far more majestic sounding than “vulture.” Ironically, in California, we hold our state’s majestic vulture in extremely high esteem, but maybe that’s because we gave it a cooler name: the California condor. Perhaps it’s time Korea’s visiting vultures get a cool name of their own. My only request is, please, don’t just slap a lazy prefix on it to make “K-condor.” It’s time to retire this K-prefix cliché – and this overlong article!
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24 Language Teaching
The Jeollanamdo Language Program Still Going Strong
Gwangju has its GET (Gwangju Guest English Teachers) program, first-language expats teaching English, and Jeollanam-do has its JLP (Jeollanamdo Language Program). While last month’s interview dealt with the GET program (Gwangju News, February 2022), this month we interview the coordinator of the JLP, Chris Devison, to get a firsthand account and status report on the JLP, and on its coordinator, too! — Ed.
K
OTESOL: Hi, Chris, and thank you for making time for this interview. In this interview, we will soon be getting to questions about the Jeollanamdo Language Program, but first, could you tell us a little about yourself before coming to Korea?
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March 2022
TEACHING & LEARNING
An Inter view with Chris Devison
▲ Chris Devison, JLP Coordinator.
Chris Devison: Thank you for having me. It is a pleasure to share some info about the Jeollanamdo Language Program [JLP] with your readers. I am originally from a small town in Eastern Canada, close to Kilometer 1 of the TransCanada Highway, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
for my parent’s generation to head to central Canada (Ontario) and for my generation to go West (Alberta) to work in oil and gas. I guess I just went a little further and now find myself as far away from home as possible here in Korea. I’d like to note that this was completely unintentional, and I didn’t realize this until after being here for a few years. Actually, I considered myself fortunate coming out of university with two decent positions in my home city of Sydney (yes, Canada has a Sydney, too), both in the social work field. This meant long hours and little free time. However, it also gave me my introduction to working in schools through the various educational programs I was running and my first coordinating experience for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada.
KOTESOL: What prompted you to move from the western shores of the Atlantic to the western shores of the Pacific, to Korea? Did you originally come in JLP? Chris: Unfortunately, my home area saw its heyday in the early 1900s with both the coal and steel industries. Unless you were involved in fishing, it was common
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▲ Chris’ hometown of Sydney, in far far-eastern Canada.
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25 The reality was that after student loans, car payments, and rent, I had very little money and time left for exploration. After a few years of this grind and the growing feeling that something was missing, I met someone who had just come back from Korea and spoke highly of the experience. Although this was something I would normally never do, to many people’s surprise, a couple months later, I was boarding a plane for my first trip abroad with little knowledge of what I was actually getting into. Much younger than I am now, I found myself in the thick of things working at a larger academy in the center of Busan. As you can imagine, this was a stark difference to the quiet area I grew up in. My first year was full of excitement and so many great memories. This left me with the desire to continue in Korea. Although Busan is a great city, it was not a place I wanted to be living in for a lifetime, and I found myself missing the quieter surroundings I was accustomed to. I left Busan for Suncheon, Jeollanam-do, and started my journey in the public school system. This is where I have been since, first as a teacher, and eventually as the JLP provincial coordinator.
(MOE). JLP could and did change somethings (usually small adjustments such as additional vacation days or higher salaries) in an attempt to attract people to our more rural area, but things were nonetheless the same. Over time, things changed a lot, and not that much at all, if that makes sense. Newer guidelines around recruitment made it difficult for non-EPIK affiliated recruiters to meet the government standards pushing out the smaller non-Korean outfits. In addition, the continued pressure from increasingly stringent standards set by the MOE made it difficult for provincial or regional offices of education to maintain or initiate their own programs that stood out from the crowd. Today JLP and EPIK are synonymous. EPIK looks after all of Jeollanamdo’s recruitment; other agencies are only used as a last resort when EPIK cannot meet demand. The contracts mirror each other with a few minor differences in favor of JLP teachers.
KOTESOL: JLP got its start, I hear, because Jeollanamdo did not want to be part of the nationwide EPIK program. Is that correct? How is, or was, JLP different from EPIK, and what exactly is the current relationship between the two?
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KOTESOL: So, in a nutshell, JLP is the Jeollanam-do version of EPIK. What are the main differences for native English speakers working in the Gwangju Guest English Teachers (GET) program and the JLP? Chris: I think I would need to see a GET program contract to answer confidently on the specifics, but I believe they are very much the same. Both have to meet the standards set by the MOE and the Korea Immigration Service. I’m not sure about GET’s transfer policy or if they have one, but JLP does offer the opportunity for our teachers to transfer within our province at the end of their one-year contract.
March 2022
Even in times when JLP seemed most separated from the EPIK program, they were still heavily influenced by them. National standards, guidelines, and the standardized contracts that we have become familiar with in Korea were still set by the Ministry of Education
▲ Chris, The Coordinator, leading a JLP teacher orientation session.
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Chris: This is a tough question to answer because it could have been answered differently throughout the various stages of my career. Its origin story would be something along the lines of what you said though. I believe the higher-ups here at the time felt Jeollanamdo could be better served if they looked after things themselves. Korea tended to, and still does, favor Seoul and the other larger metropolitan areas, leaving Jeolla as less of a priority or even forgotten. This, coupled with Jeolla being the most rural province, presented many problems. The work-around was to manage things themselves, so they could better look after the province’s unique English education needs by being independent.
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26 KOTESOL: I believe co-teaching or team-teaching is one of the main purposes of employing native speakers in JLP? How well is that working? Chris: I would say there is very little team-teaching happening. It looks great on paper, but when it comes down to orchestrating the planning and comfort with one’s teaching partner, it seems to be thrown to the side for the ever-too-common and much more practical “one teach, one support” model. This generally works and, with the right team, can work extremely well. However, I feel other co-teaching models are highly underutilized in our classrooms, especially for troubleshooting the common difficulties that many of us face, such as behavioral issues or discrepancies in fluency levels. KOTESOL: JLP places expat native English-speaking teachers in public schools. Are placements made to elementary, middle, and high schools? If so, how are selections made to these different school levels? Chris: Yes, all three levels and at foreign language centers, otherwise known as English Towns. Our office receives the incoming teachers’ files from EPIK to review. During this process, we look at each applicant’s qualifications, experience, and even age. Considering these factors and anything else that stands out in their file, the supervisor tries to choose the most suitable placement for each.
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March 2022
KOTESOL: As JLP services the entire province, some placements can be to quite rural areas, including the provinces many remote islands. How well do expat teachers cope with such rural placements? Chris: There is no doubt that remote positions can be much more challenging. I think some people excel there, but unfortunately, some can struggle. The general trend is for a rural placed teacher to transfer to a more populated area of the province at the end of their first contract. Some people enjoy the quieter and often more laidback nature of a rural school. This, paired with the improved infrastructure linking many islands with bridges to the mainland, has improved the renewal rates of rural positions. KOTESOL: What aspects do JLP teachers like most about the program? And what are the biggest challenges for them – in or outside of teaching in Korea? Chris: I think the program here, as well as the many others in the country, offer a great opportunity to live
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and work abroad. It really is an amazing experience! I am reminded of this every time I have a group of wide-eyed newbies entering Korea for an orientation. With this, though, there is a lot of uncertainty, so I think our teachers feel better knowing they have a tight-knit supportive foreign community. It is a bit of a small-town mentality, and the teachers we have are each other’s best resource. When I polled our teachers about what they liked most about living in Jeollanamdo, the results reinforced this. Other reasons why our teachers preferred Jeolla were the local Korean people, food, and nature. As for challenges, there are many, but I think the main challenge is navigating Korean culture. Most can do this successfully on a day-to-day basis, but over time, an accumulation of little issues can build up, manifesting into a larger issue if left unchecked. To counter this, it is great to be aware through selfreflection and continued research. Some things I have found to be extremely helpful to me have been info on tight and loose cultures and Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory. KOTESOL: Yes, six dimensions – collectivism, power distance, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence – each being a continuum with two extremes as bookends. You have spent quite a few years now as JLP program coordinator. What exactly does that position entail? Chris: I jokingly consider myself a handyperson of English education in Jeollanamdo as my duties can sometimes seem limitless. I take pride in coordinating, trying, even if in a small way, to make the lives of our teachers better. With a caseload of over 300 teachers, this alone keeps me busy, but it is something I truly enjoy. Unfortunately, I have a vast range of other duties that can take me away from this. Honestly, I do not know what to expect when I enter the office in the morning. My well-intentioned plans might need to be thrown to the wayside to look after an issue that arises or some task someone else deems to be more urgent. I also take an active role in teaching through my office, at the Jeollanamdo International Education Institute, the JIEI, also in Yeosu. I teach in our English camps, KET [Korean English teachers] and GET [guest English teachers] training, online programs, and communitybased programs. I may do an elementary camp in the
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27 morning and teach adult Korean English teachers online in the evening. KOTESOL: How big is the JLP program, and has it been effected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Chris: We are currently at just over 300 teachers. This number is on a slow decline, but this is mostly due to population decline, a prominent issue in Jeollanamdo, not due to COVID-19. Of course, COVID-19 has complicated things a lot, but we still have been able to have full intakes of new teachers, each February and August, minus the odd last-minute cancelation. KOTESOL: I heard that the TaLK [Teach and Learn in Korea] program has been completely discontinued in Korea due to the pandemic. I believe most TaLK teachers were placed in rural schools, does the termination of that program in any way impact your program?
KOTESOL: And a distinguished service award! Looking forward, what changes might be coming in the future for JLP? Chris: After the last few years, I find it more and more difficult to try to predict the future. However, I think we will surely see some changes. As I mentioned, I expect we will see slightly reduced numbers, slightly being the key word. I think, and hope, Korea will start to embrace various teaching models better utilizing the co-teaching team. Technology will become a more prominent part of our lessons with online teaching becoming an integral part of Korean education. KOTESOL: Yes, I think the pandemic has fastforwarded our acceptance of technology for education. Let’s move outside of the classroom and the office. What do you do in your spare time, if spare time is something that you actually have?
Chris: TaLK is a completely separate program from JLP, but you are correct in hearing that it has been discontinued in Korea. This was something that was coming for a long time, and the MOE finally cut funding. I want to add that this is a nationally funded program, whereas regular public schools are provincially and regionally funded. To my knowledge, there are no plans for this to happen to JLP or any other program. We fully expect to keep teachers in our province’s schools in the future. Also, although TaLK was cut, I’m happy to say that Jeollanam-do will continue the program for at least one more year, if even in a reduced capacity. Our office even took on a few transfers from other provinces.
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Chris: It is something I wish I had more of, but it comes with the territory. My free time is dedicated to my lovely wife and our two beautiful children. We have a son (age 2 and a half) and a daughter (7 months old). With our children being so young, we are rather busy, but we couldn’t be happier. They bring us so much joy. Both my wife and I enjoy cooking and gardening. We grow almost everything imaginable that is suitable for this climate and even have some chickens that provide
March 2022
Chris: Initially when things first happened, it was a disaster. This was no fault of our teachers. Nobody was prepared for it, and it was difficult to get clear guidelines on how to proceed. As the pandemic has progressed, people have become accustomed to the last-minute changes and comfortable with the software and online classroom. The teachers still lack sufficient resources and training, but they sure have done a great job, given the circumstances. I think all teachers should be given a handsome raise because of this mess.
▲ Chris, The Family Man.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
KOTESOL: Well, that’s good to hear. TaLK has serviced some quite rural areas that had never before had a native English-speaking teacher. Turning to Covid, how difficult was it for JLP teachers to suddenly have to adjust to teaching in a pandemic?
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28 us with eggs. We also like getting out to some of the beautiful coffee shops that seem to be all over Yeosu. We do not really have much time for anything else to be honest. KOTESOL: Providing the family with fresh eggs and fresh produce, though that can be time consuming, it can also be relaxing, enjoyable, and eco-friendly. Now, one last question – and probably the hardest one – what are your plans for the future: the near future and the not-so-near future? Chris: My main priority is being a great dad and not driving my wife too crazy. So far, I think I have been successful, and I might even be getting better at it. Admittedly, I still have a lot to learn though, but I continue to try. “A student of life,” as they say. ▲ Chris, The Kitchen Man.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
I take this approach to my life in Korea, and my work also. There is still so much to learn, but I think that makes it enjoyable. Although work presents regular challenges, I enjoy them and the diversity in what I get to do. I feel satisfied with my job and life in Jeolla, especially in Yeosu. It feels like home again, next to the ocean. KOTESOL: The challenges of teaching, the challenges of coordinating English teachers, the happiness of a family, the scent of the ocean breeze, the feeling of “home” – that sounds like a quite satisfying combination! Well, thank you, Chris, for this indepth look into the Jeollanamdo Language Program, your activities as program coordinator, and even a peek into your personal life. It has made me more knowledgeable, and I think it will do much the same for our readers!
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Interviewed by David Shaffer. Photographs courtesy of Chris Devison.
GWANGJU-JEONNAM KOTESOL UPCOMING EVENTS The 29th Korea TESOL International Conference • More Than Words: Teaching for a Better World • April 30 – May 1, 2022 (virtual) • https://koreatesol.org/IC2022 Check the Chapter’s webpages and Facebook group periodically for updates on Chapter events and other online KOTESOL activities. For full event details: Website: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL
The Interviewer
David Shaffer has been involved in TEFL and teacher training in Gwangju for many years. As vice-president of the GwangjuJeonnam Chapter of KOTESOL, he invites you to participate in the chapter’s teacher development workshops (now online) and in KOTESOL activities in general. He is a past president of KOTESOL and is currently the editor-in-chief of the Gwangju News.
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Learning Korean 29
Everyday Korean Episode 51
입에 맞아요? Does it suit your taste? By Harsh Kumar Mishra
Grammar Points
네하:
오늘 한국에 온 지 일년 됐어요.
Neha:
Today, it’s been one year since I came to Korea.
V~은/ㄴ 지 This grammar point is attached to a verb stem and expresses “it has been (some amount of time) since that activity took place.” If the verb stem ends in a vowel, add “~ㄴ 지,” and if it ends in a consonant (patchim), add “~은 지.”
정민:
우와! 벌써 1년? 시간이 참 빠르네. Jeongmin: Wow! It’s one year already? Time flies so fast. 네하:
맞아요. 저도 믿을 수 없어요.
Neha:
Right. I can’t believe it either.
정민:
이제 한국 음식이 입에 좀 맞아요? Jeongmin: So, does Korean food suit your taste now? 네하:
Neha:
Yeah. When I first came, it was a little difficult because the food didn't suit my taste.
다행이네요. 네하 씨가 한국 생활에 많이 익숙해져서 보기 좋아요.
Jeongmin: That’s good to hear. It’s good that you’ve got used to life in Korea. 네하:
Neha:
Ex: 고등학교를 졸업한 지 3년 됐어요. It’s been 3 years since I graduated from high school. 한국을 떠난 지 4개월 됐어요. It’s been 4 months since I left Korea.
입에 맞다 This isn’t a grammar point but rather a commonly used Korean language idiom that means “to suit one’s taste.” It’s frequently used with foods suiting someone’s taste but can also be used to express work one likes. Ex: 저는 매운 음식이 입에 맞아요. I like spicy food. (Spicy food suites my taste.) 회사 일이 입에 맞아요?
다 언니 덕분이네요. 늘 도와줘서 고마워요.
All thanks to you. Thank you for always helping me out.
Do you like your (office) work?
Vocabulary
The Author
Harsh Kumar Mishra is a linguist and Korean language educator. He teaches Korean with TOPIKGUIDE.com and LEARNKOREAN.in.
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빠르다 음식 믿다 처음
already to be fast food to believe first time
to be difficult 생활 life 익숙해지다 to become familiar with 도와주다 to help 힘들다
March 2022
벌써
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
정민:
그렇죠. 처음에 왔을 때 음식이 입에 맞지 않아서 좀 힘들었어요.
TEACHING & LEARNING
The Conversation
2022-02-23 �� 12:29:09
FOOD & DRINKS
30 Restaurant Review
Feeling Earthy
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
By Melline Galani
K
orean coffee culture has ascended in a great way, with visitors now being able to choose from a multitude of trendy cafes, each equipped with fancy decorations and matching menus. Whether you want a cappuccino or just want to sit back and relax in a pleasant atmosphere, the wide offering satisfies even the most demanding tastes. For all of us living in Gwangju and its suburbs, Mudeung Mountain is not only the closest and most accessible hiking destination but also a recreational one. As a Gwangju resident, I often find myself driving to the mountain just to admire the scenery, take a breath of fresh air, eat something appetizing, or just take a walk in the woods. On one of my journeys, I discovered what is now the main attraction of the mountain: Café Earthy!
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It is located just a two-minute drive from the Chungjangsa (충장사) shrine or a ten-minute walk from the bus stop with the same name, on the left side. Its huge garden is among the attractions one can experience there. I would argue Café Earthy is basically a small park in itself rather than a mere coffee shop. The main building has two floors, wide windows, and simple but beautiful decorations. There is another glass building situated near the main one and a lot of tables situated all over the garden. During winter, some of the outside tables are covered with a special vinyl and transformed into heated igloos for those who still want to enjoy having coffee outside in a glamping-like environment. In summer, the shade of the trees not only protects against the sun’s rays but also provides coolness. Hence the place is always filled with visitors despite the season, time of day, or weather.
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31
Nowadays, Café Earthy is very popular and a must-see destination. Being a pet-friendly place (in the garden only), one will see many cute dogs playing joyously outside together with children. During nighttime when the lights are on, it transforms into a magic place perfect for taking Instagramable pictures. The menu covers a variety of beverages from coffee to ades, teas, smoothies, and other special drinks. However, the price range for drinks is between 5,000 and 8,000 won. In my case, I found the cappuccino there to be tasty. They also serve desserts, and my favorite, which is also their signature dish, is the fruit waffle. The prices for desserts vary from 7,000 to 15,000 won. It is a bit pricey, but compared to other expensive coffee shops I have visited in the area, I would say their taste is the best. For those who want to combine a relaxing time over coffee with outdoor activities, there are trails nearby that lead to other villages in the area. The coffee shop is also a popular destination for a romantic date.
Photographs by Melline Galani. w
Café Earthy
(카페얼씨)
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Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, and now living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges, learning interesting things, and is incurably optimistic. She loves living life to its fullest and spending a relaxing time at Café Earthy. Instagram: @melligalanis
March 2022
Address: 939 Geumgok-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju 광주 북구 금곡동 939 Operating Hours: 10:00–21:00 (daily) Phone: 062-266-2006 Instagram: @cafe__earthy
The Author
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Visiting Café Earthy is a healing experience. As their slogan says, “Incorporate Nature” into your coffeedrinking experience, or just relax in a beautifully fresh environment.
2022-02-23 �� 12:29:11
www.gwangjunewsgic.com www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March March 2022 2022
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
32 Local Entrepeneur
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I
t is obvious that environmental pollution is rising, and the coronavirus has made it more severe by increasing plastic take-out container waste and waste from soap, handwash, and detergents. Although it is inevitable, it is important for each of us to play our part in reducing the amount of waste created. One example of someone in our community who is doing this is our entrepreneurial focus this month. As we entered the small yet cozy room, we were greeted with the pleasant aroma of oils. Orsoap is still new – it was founded in November 2021 – but Lee Yeon-jin, the owner, has been interested in contributing to a healthier environment for a while. She has shown her concern while also taking her hobby to a higher level by opening Orsoap, a natural soap workshop, to help spread awareness and to satisfy her yearning for learning and teaching others what she knows. Lee is from Gwangju, a graduate of the Chemistry Department at Chonnam National University. She loves
handcrafting and learning, and she chose to make soap. When I asked her “Why soap?” she said that she once saw beautiful soap landscapes from Jeju that depicted Jeju tangerines or Jeju’s natural landscapes and thought they were beautiful. The interest started from there and, combined with knowledge she gained from school, she decided to make soap. In my conversation with Lee, she said, “I studied soap-making for three months and got my license from Mori Soap in Seoul. However, after that I keep learning and studying to find the perfect recipe for my soap. The name Orsoap itself has no special meaning. I just want the name to be easy to remember and easy to pronounce for Koreans.” Currently, there are five products being made by Orsoap: CP Soap, MP Soap, Kitchen Soap, Laundry Soap, Shampoo Bar, and Rinse Bar. CP Soap stands for “cold process soap.” It is made by mixing vegetable oil, caustic soda, purified water, and essential oils, but there is also an important phenomenon called “trace” that occurs
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3333
ORSOAP
“To Do My Small Part” By Karina Prananto
www.gwangjunewsgic.com www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022 2022 March
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34
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
▲ Various soap designs made at Orsoap.
during the soap-making process. Traces are affected by oil type, temperature, blender strength, and/ or time. At this point, depending on the degree of strength of the trace, Lee can make various designs on the soap. When the mold is filled with the soapy mixture containing the design, it is kept at 30 degrees Celsius in the warm soap storage area to harden for 24 to 72 hours, and after taking it out of the mold and drying it at the proper temperature and humidity for four weeks, the process is complete. Unlike ordinary soap, CP Soap contains natural glycerin that is released during the reaction, making the soap moist. This particular soap product can be used over the entire body, including as a face wash, and for all skin types, making it Orsoap’s best-selling product to date.
Kitchen Soap is an eco-friendly (Type 1) dishwashing detergent that uses natural oil, no preservatives, and is degradable. This kind of soap has good cleaning properties and can produce lots of foam even when used in small amounts.
MP Soap is short for “melt and pour soap,” and like the name suggests, it is literally a soap made by melting and pouring. Unlike CP Soap, caustic soda is not used in the process, so it is safe to be made by anyone, including children. MP Soap takes only a short time to make: only about four hours before it hardens, so it can be taken home on the same day.
All products offered at Orsoap are part of Lee’s zerowaste movement. For example, by using a solid or powdered detergent, the amount used is reduced compared to using liquid detergent. The products that can be made in the workshop comprise seven types of detergents, including two types of powder detergents, solid laundry soap, solid kitchen soap, shampoo bars,
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Laundry Soap is a solid laundry detergent that also contains no preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, or surfactants. Lee also develops a Shampoo Bar and a Rinse Bar to help reduce the amount of liquid shampoo and conditioner that we use in daily life. It is a product that allows the natural active qualities of the ingredients to be used on people’s hair.
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35 conditioner bars, and solid toothpaste. People can make soap in 1-kilogram or 500-gram quantities. Her class is designed to be taught one to one, but she can also teach three students at one time. People can leave the soap at her workshop until it is ready, as she keeps all the soap at a special temperature and humidity. Lee stated, “We tend to choose convenience, but now that we are being affected by serious environmental pollution, the practice of preventing this is growing. In Korea, large corporations are participating in reducing the unnecessary use of plastic bags and removing plastic labelling. If we only pursue convenience, the change will not only affect us but also all living things on our planet. So, I started zero-waste soap production because I wanted to do my small part [to help protect the environment].” She also recommended that we use a citric acid and water solution for general disinfection and cleaning at home.
know of it. But I hope that in the future, Orsoap will be known whenever people think about soap workshops in Gwangju.” She added that since her products are no longer just soap, she plans to start branding her products as “Osarop,” an anagram of “Orsoap.” As I left that cozy Orsoap room and Lee, the sweet fragrance of the soap lingered. I returned home having gained more knowledge of not just chemistry but also of how I can do my small part in making a contribution to saving our planet. Photographs by Kim Hillel Yunkyoung. Special thanks to Ki Hyunsoo for translation assistance.
The Author
Lee said that instead of having new products, she prefers to develop better recipes for her soap. She does not want to be too ambitious with her workshop either. “My workshop is small, so not many people
Karina Prananto is from Jakarta, Indonesia, and has been involved with the Gwangju News since 2007. She is a special-needs mother and loves Harry Potter, dinosaurs, watching true crime documentaries, and traveling with her family.
Orsoap (오아솝)
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Address: 2F, Yuanchodeungbuk-gil 7-16, Nam-gu, Gwangju 광주 남구 유안초등북길 7-16 (2층) Open Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Class consultation hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.) Telephone: 010-6838-2465 Kakao Channel: Orsoap(오아솝) Instagram: @orsoap_official Website: https://blog.naver.com/orsoap_official
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March 2022
▲ Lee Yeon-jin
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36 Environment
Turning a Minus into a Big Future Plus The Gwangju Vegan Tamsikdan
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
COMMUNITY
By Chung Hyun-hwa
W
orldwide, more people are converting in veganism for mostly three reasons: health, love for animals, and an effort to fight against the climate crisis. Here, I would like to introduce a group of young pro-vegans who are discovering vegan-friendly restaurants in Gwangju, investing their own funds to find “other” options in their spare time: They are the Gwangju Vegan Tamsikdan (광주비건탐식단) or Gwangju Vegan Explorers. THE MOTIVE The harsh truth is that Gwangju is not the easiest city for vegans or pro-vegans. The Gwangju Vegan Tamsikdan decided to group together to find vegan-friendly restaurants for themselves. Their idea was not to convince restaurants to create additional new vegan menus but to convince them to serve vegans by excluding animal ingredients. It was certainly not about money but rather the intention to reach out because it would cost nothing. THE ACTIONS Most restaurants in Gwangju serve dishes containing animal-based ingredients such as animal-based stock, oyster sauce, fish sauce, fish soy sauce, and honey, in addition to meat, eggs,
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shells, and dairy. The Gwangju Vegan Tamsikdan explains and asks restaurant owners nicely if it is possible to exclude these animal ingredients from some of the menu items, and some kindly agree. This information about veganpossible restaurants was shared on their Instagram page (@vegantamsikdan) with its 500 followers and their personal SNS pages. They have created maps for these restaurants on the KakaoMap and Notion apps. Not only that, the members also chipped in some money to make vegan stickers to attach to the restaurant menus, with the owners’ approval. This was done for everyone who wishes to practice “one plant-based-meal-a-day,” whatever their reasons are, be they related to health and allergies, animal rights, and/or climate and environmental issues. Their efforts are slowly changing restaurants to recognize this demand for vegan options and providing these options so that vegans can eat out with their not-yet-vegan friends without having to bring along packed food from home. 1. Veganism in Korea Korea is known to have about 2,500,000 vegans as of 2020. The number has gone up greatly compared to 150,000 in 2008.
scan for more!
Notion Map
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37 Besides these people, more people are choosing plantbased dishes at least one meal a day. (Meat-based food culture is so dominant in Korea at the moment that it is quite difficult to become strict vegans. Thus, most people who are pursuing veganism would like to refer to themselves as “pro-vegans.”)
Alkong Dalkong 알콩달콩 Address: 광주 북구 설죽로 217번길 8 Open Hours: 11:30–21:30 (Closed Sundays) Vegan Possible Menu Options: 청국장 (cheonggukjang – originally vegan), 순두부찌개 (sundubu jjigae – exclude dadaegi sauce, meat broth, and egg)
Some say this is just a trend. However, more enterprises producing cosmetics, clothing, and food that used to manufacture products containing animal-based ingredients are jumping into the vegan product market, responding to the increase in such demand. More media are releasing articles about vegan culture as well. Just a year ago, most of the searched articles about veganism were from personal blogs, but now there are pages of search results on Naver under the same keyword by businesses, newspapers, broadcasters, and organizations. The major broadcasters and newspapers carry contents related to veganism, viewing it as a good-will action. Now veganism is not just a subculture of some minority group, but is related to “value-conscious consumption,” especially in the times of carbon neutrality. There may be some businesses that are using veganism to “greenwash” their activities, but even this may be considered as evidence that veganism is on the rise.
Memil Jeongwon 메밀정원 Address: 광주 북구 일곡마을로 173-1 Open Hours: 10:00–21:00 (Closed 2nd & 4th Tuesdays) Vegan Possible Menu Options: 서리태콩물 (seoritae kongmul – originally vegan), 짜장모밀 (jjajang momil – originally vegan), 비빔모밀 (bibimmomil – animal origin stock)
2. The Restaurants Gwangju Vegan Tamsikdan has discovered 50 veganfriendly restaurants in all of Gwangju to share on their official Instagram page since April 10, 2021. From November 2021, they are now monitoring these 50 places, and the 16 listed below have been confirmed as following vegan-friendly guidelines. (Note: These restaurants are not only for vegans, so cross-contamination may occur.)
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Dareuda Kimbap, Jumeokbap Sangmu Branch 다르다김밥주먹밥 상무직영점 Address: 광주 서구 치평로 86
Open Hours: 9:00–22:00 (Last order 21:20) Vegan Possible Menu Options: 다르다김밥 (dareuda kimbap – exclude egg and fishcake), 새싹야채김밥 (saessak yache kimbap – exclude egg and mayonnaise), 감태김밥 (gamtae kimbap – exclude egg and mayonnaise), 생야채비빔쫄면 (saengyache bibimjjolmyeon) Mahyang Bibim Guksu 망향비빔국수 광주서구점 Address: 광주 서구 상무연하로 112 제갈량빌당 A동 1 층 101호 Open Hours: 11:00–17:00 (Sat. until 21:00) Vegan Possible Menu Options: 비빔국수 (bibimguksu – exclude kimchi topping) Alain 알랭 Address: 광주 동구 동명로20번길 17-6 Open Hours: 12:00–22:00 (Break time: 15:00–17:00 / Closed Tuesdays) Note: Vegan course (Reserve three days in advance)
March 2022
4. List of Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Gwangju Vegan-friendly places are marked on Google Maps and Notion. This will be on Kakao Map in March, too, and the link will be shared on their Instagram.
Dawon Myeongka 다원명가 Address: 광주 서구 시청서편로 4번길 19-12 Vegan Possible Menu Options: 된장찌개 (dwenjang jjigae) Note: Always mention that you are vegan. Confirm the use of fish sauce in the side dishes. VeTam stickers are attached to vegan-possible dishes.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
3. Goals Their goal in 2022 to contribute to vegan culture expansion is discovering 100 vegan-friendly places for food and drinks, including the 50 places they have already found. They are planning to have a “challenge” with other citizens to speed up the process, and then have a ceremonial event when the goal is accomplished. These activities will all be uploaded on their Instagram, so further attention will be appreciated. Though a humble beginning, I applaud their efforts.
Jungkukseong 중국성 Address: 광주 서구 상일로 54번길 9-10 Open Hours: 10:00–20:30 Vegan Possible Menu Options: 간짜장 (ganjjajang – ask for only veggies), 마파두부밥 (mapadububap – exclude meat and oyster sauce)
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38 Daejeop 대접 Address: 광주 동구 서석로 85번길 8-7 Open Hours: 11:30–21:00 (Closed Sundays) Vegan Possible Menu Options: 라면 (ramyeon), 떡라면 (ddeok ramyeon), 돌솥비빔밥 (dolsot bibimbap), 대접비빔밥 (daejeop bibimbap), 비빔국수 (bibim guksu) 냉국수 (naengguksu), 냉비빔국수 (naeng bibim guksu),콩나물국밥 (kongnamul gukbap), 애호박찌개 (aehobakjjigae) Note: VeTam stickers are attached to vegan-possible dishes.
Taehwa Banjeom 태화반점 Address: 광주 광산구 광산로 6-4 Open Hours: 10:40–20:30 (Break time 15:30–17:00; Closed Thursdays) Vegan Possible Menu Options: 간짜장 (ganjjajang), 고추짜짱 (gochu jajang), 중화비빔밥 (junghwa bibimbap), 버섯잡채밥 (beoseot japchaebap), 양장피 (yangjangpi), 고추잡채 (gochu japchae) Note: VeTam stickers are attached to vegan-possible dishes.
Cafe Barie 카페바리에 Address: 광주 동구 서석로7번길 14 Open Hours: 11:30–21:30 Vegan Possible Menu Options: 알리오올리오 (alio olio, vegan option), 지구파스타 (jigu pasta), 감자샐러드 (potato salad)
Sinseonjip 신선집 Address: 광주 광산구 광산로 30번길 7-1 Open Hours: 11:00–15:00 (Reserve a day before) Vegan Possible Menu Options: 백반 (baekban, rice with side dishes – vegan on request)
Owol Babjip 오월밥집 Address: 광주 동구 예술길 15번길 10-1 1층 Open Hours: 11:00–22:00 (Break time: 14:00–17:00 / Weekends off) Note: Vegan marks on the menu Landori 란도리 Address: 광주 동구 동명로 45-1 Open Hours: 11:30–21:30 Vegan Possible Menu Options: 란도리텐동 (landori tendong – exclude fried shrimp, eggs, jangkuk soup, and kimchi. Replace sauce with soy sauce.), 바질토마토 (basil tomatoes) Simmani Chinguga Daoneun Mudeungsan Mushrooms
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
심마니친구가 따오는 무등산버섯 Address: 광주 동구 증심사길 30번길 21
Open Hours: 11:00–20:00 (Closed Sundays) Vegan Possible Menu Options: 버섯전골 (beoseot jeongol – exclude meat. Ddeok and sukju namul at the self-service bar are plant-based.) Note: VeTam stickers are attached to vegan-possible dishes. Seoul Jangsu Guksu 서울장수국수 Address: 광주 광산구 송정로8번길 41 Open Hours: 11:00–21:00 (Closed 2nd & 4th Mondays) Vegan Possible Menu Options: 얼큰비빔국수 (eolkeun bibimguksu – exclude egg) 달콤콩물국수 (dalkom kongmul guksu – exclude egg), 잔치국수 (janchi guksu – call for veggie broth two hours in advance), 설탕국수 (seoltang guksu), 야채전 (yachaejeon) Note: VeTam stickers are attached to vegan-possible dishes.
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Yeokjeon Pizza 역전핏자 Address: 광주 광산구 송정로 8번길 23 Open Hours: 11:00–22:00 Vegan Possible Menu Options: 알리오올리오 (alio olio), 토마토스파게티 (tomato spaghetti), 프렌치프라이 (french fries) Note: VeTam stickers are attached to vegan-possible dishes. Carbone Seonun Branch 까르보네 선운점 Address: 광주 광산구 선운로 16 금호빌 1층 Open Hours: 11:00–21:00 (Last order 20:00) V e g a n Possible Menu Options: 토마토소스 스파게티 (tomato sauce spaghetti), 아마트리치아나 스파게티 (amatriciana spaghetti – exclude bacon), 알리오올리오 (alio olio), 그린샐러드 (green salad), 샐러드파스타 (salad pasta – exclude cheese), 치아바타 (ciabatta) This article was written based on a written interview with Gwangju Vegan Tamsikdan, and the images are from the official Instagram page and the Notion map with permission.
The Author
Chung Hyun-hwa is from Gwangju and is currently leading Gwangju Hikers, an international eco-hike group at the GIC, and getting ready to teach the Korean language. Previously, she taught English in different settings, including Yantai American School and Yantai Korean School in China, and has worked for the Jeju school administration at Branksome Hall Asia in recent years. She holds a master’s degree in TESOL from TCNJ in the U.S.
2022-02-23 �� 12:29:19
Opinion 39
What Is a Turn Signal? By William Urbanski
Nearly one hundred years after its inception, the blinking automobile turn signal has, incredibly, not fully caught on in Gwangju.
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HOW TO OPERATE THE TURN SIGNAL ON YOUR CAR In the vast majority of vehicles, the device that controls the left and right turn signals is located behind the steering wheel and to the left. It resembles a thin, plastic stick. To activate the right turn signal (which indicates that your vehicle will be turning right), a driver must gently push the stick up. It will click into place and most likely (but not always!) a little light on the dashboard will start flashing. Do not be alarmed! This simply means the turn signal is working. But what
March 2022
The other important time for a turn signal to be activated is when a driver wishes to make a left or right turn at an intersection (the place where two roads
A BRIEF HISTORY OF TURN SIGNALS To further understand the importance of using an automobile’s turn signals, it is instructive to look back into history. Early motorists indicated to other drivers which way they would turn by using arm signals similar to the ones still used by bicycle riders.1 Naturally this was not much fun when it was raining or snowing. Around the year 1920, the “trafficator” was invented, which was a mechanical arm that swung out on either side of the vehicle. Trafficators were seen as an unnecessary luxury by many and not adopted universally. In addition, they were fragile and often got stuck.2 The first blinking turn signals were patented in the 1930s, and by the 1950s, they were widely available on most vehicles, although as options. It was not until 1965 that in America turn signals became mandatory for all cars. Now mandated by virtually all countries, failure to use the turn signal is punishable by fines in addition to being just kind of a jerk thing to do.
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In a nutshell, the best way to understand the purpose of a turn signal is by looking at a road, which, as you may or may not have noticed, has lines that are either yellow or white. A common misconception is that these are purely for decoration or aesthetic purposes, but they are, in fact, meant to help drivers safely navigate the roadways. The idea is that when the car is in motion, the driver should try to keep it in between the lines on the road. The area between these lines is called a “lane.” A road can have one, two, or many lanes – I have even seen roads with as many as five lanes! Occasionally, a driver must change between lanes. The myriad reasons for this are unimportant at the present time, but what is very important to understand is that this act of changing lanes presents a challenge from a safety point of view, especially when there are other cars also on the road. In order to “signal” and warn other drivers that an automobile will be moving into a different lane, a driver is supposed to activate blinking lights on the front and back of the vehicle. This system of blinking lights which, unbeknownst to many, all cars are equipped with, is what is colloquially known as a “turn signal.” If the lights on the left of the vehicle are activated, that means the car will move to the left. If the lights on the right side of the vehicle are activated, that means the car will move to the right.
“intersect” at ninety degrees). Many people seem to believe that it is not necessary to use a turn signal at an intersection, but this is simply not the case.
COMMUNITY
A
ll over the world, but notably in Jeollanam-do and Gwangju, there seems to be considerable and ongoing confusion about what a turn signal is and how it is to be used.
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40 Yes. Even if it appears there are no other cars near you, it is possible that a car could be hidden from your view or rapidly approaching in a manner you do not see. For example, there could very well be a car in your “blind spot” (the area around the car that cannot be seen by using the “rear-view mirrors”). For these reasons, please remember to always use your turn signals when changing lanes.
▲ When changing between lanes, regardless of the circumstances or the driver’s illusions of grandeur, the turn signal must be activated in advance of turning.
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March 2022
if a driver would like to turn left? In this case, a driver must gently push the stick down. A simple phrase that can help you remember how the turn signal works is “Up is right, down is left.” This aspect of operating a vehicle is a little tricky and not very intuitive, but do not give up. If you practice, you can master it. If you are entering or exiting a roadway, you need to use your turn signal. If you are changing lanes (that is to say, moving your car from one lane to another while the vehicle is in motion), you need to use your turn signal. If you are making a right or left turn at an intersection, you need to use your turn signal. If your car is making a one hundred and eighty degree turn, there is also an excellent chance you need to use your turn signal. This is, no doubt, a lot of information to take in at once. So, perhaps the best way to get a clearer understanding of when to use a turn signal is through the Socratic method, informally known as the “question-andanswer approach.” What if I want to change lanes and there are no other cars around? Do I need to use my turn signal?
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What if I am driving a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, or some other imported and expensive luxury vehicle? Do I need to use my turn signal? Yes. Regardless of the make and model of your vehicle, you have to use your turn signal whenever you are entering or exiting a roadway, changing lanes, or making a sharp turn. I know that many owners of expensive luxury vehicles (particularly German ones) believe that they are special and that the rules of the road, of society, and of common human decency do not apply to them, but the make and model of a vehicle do not exempt the driver from using the turn signal.
Among luxury car owners (particularly those who own German ones) there is the often-implied but also sometimes outright stated belief that they do not have to be careful drivers because nobody in their right mind would dare collide with their expensive vehicles since it would be so expensive to repair. This misguided belief overlooks the fundamental nature of driving: Collisions can and do happen no matter how much money you had to borrow to buy an overpriced imported vehicle. I know where I am going perfectly fine, and I think using turn signals is a waste of effort since they do not help me get to my destination any faster. Do I need to use my turn signal? Yes. This question actually addresses the issue of why it is necessary to use your automobile’s turn signal: It is for the benefit and safety of the other drivers. Even if you know where you are going, the turn signal lets other cars know where you are going, creating safer driving conditions overall. What if I am passing other cars while barreling through an intersection in downtown Gwangju during rush hour? Do I need to use my turn signal?
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41 First of all, you should never, ever pass another vehicle while traveling through an intersection. This is because an intersection, by definition, is a place where the paths of vehicles intersect, and it is extremely difficult for a driver to approximate the position of all the other cars in that area. In the split second that it takes for you to switch lanes, another car could be pulling into your path because it does not see you, resulting in a collision. So, even though passing another vehicle in an intersection while speeding through Gwangju during rush hour is an extremely reckless way to operate a vehicle, if you must urinate all over the social contract by doing so, I would say, yes, use your turn signal.
▲ This often-overlooked feature between the steering wheel and the dashboard is called the “turn signal lever” or “turn signal” for short.
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The use of this mysterious mechanism has been shrouded in mystery for decades. Located behind the steering wheel and to the left, this device is called the “turn signal.” IN CONCLUSION As anyone who has driven in Gwangju or Jeollanamdo surely knows, most drivers are completely confused by what a turn signal is and how it is used. Although the amount of technical expertise required to use a turn signal is daunting, I would encourage all drivers to experiment with using it at least once in their lives. You can do it! Footnotes 1 See https://www.cartalk.com/blogs/jim-motavalli/ strange-true-history-turn-signal 2 See http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/ history-of-turn-signal.cfm Additional Source https://globalnews.ca/news/977161/road-rulesproper-signalling/ Photograph by William Urbanski.
The Author
William Urbanski is the managing editor of the Gwangju News and sees a strong correlation between the failure to use turn signals and societal decline. Instagram: @will_il_gatto
March 2022
What if I am the best driver I know? In fact, I may even be the best driver in the world. Do I need to use my turn signal? Your driving prowess does not preclude you from the responsibility of using your automobile’s turn signal. Keep in mind that the turn signal increases safety for all drivers using public roads. Also, please remember that if someone T-bones your car on the driver side
What if I am looking at my smart phone while driving? Do I need to use my turn signal? Yes. Even if you are watching a really interesting YouTube video on your phone and are worried that in the fraction of a second it takes to activate your turn signal you might miss the best part, you need to activate the turn signal when appropriate.
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What if my arm is broken, and I cannot properly operate the stick behind my steering wheel that controls the turn signal? Do I need to use my turn signal? If your arm is broken or just really, really tired and you cannot activate the turn signal properly, it is unsafe to operate a motor vehicle. Please refrain from driving until your arm is healed or fully rested.
door, resulting in your car being unceremoniously wrapped around a telephone pole because they had no idea you were changing lanes, you will be just as injured as someone who had a lesser driving ability.
2022-02-23 �� 12:29:20
42 42 Expat Living
Trust the Process
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
COMMUNITY
By Yousra Feriel Drioua
H
ave you ever thought it was too late? That you have become too old to do something different for yourself? Or that your pace has declined compared to the outer world’s, and so trying anything new would be too risky? Well, if you have experienced this type of emotion, here is a familiar story that just might be the kick to get you off your seat or, at the least, be of some comfort.
ever applying, and I could not tell my head from my toes! Therefore, I was rejected. In 2020, I was so eager to apply again that I missed the deadline. After managing to not tear my hair out, I decided to give South Korea one last shot in 2021. I already had my college degree, so the only risk I was betting on was honestly time.
My name is Yousra Feriel Drioua, and I am choosing to redraw my path at 22 years old. I arrived in Korea last August and am currently enrolled at Chonnam National University as a Korean language scholar under the KGSP-G scholarship program (Korean Government Scholarship Program: Graduate). Before enrolling, I had spent the previous five years of my life studying science. To be fair, it was something I sincerely enjoyed. But, here is the thing: I enjoyed only studying science. It was not until I got a bachelor’s degree in biology and signed up for a master’s in toxicology that a realization hit me. While interning in a lab and watching the people around me, I discovered that this was not what I wished to do in the future. I could not fathom another place that could dull down my spirit and chip away at my happiness for the rest of my life more than that lab. I had already let go of a dream at the age of 13 due to lack of support and financial issues (which my current self considers as excuses). The latter experience is why I crave no more regrets in my life as I go on. So, when applying for this scholarship, I chose the highest risk possible by using the one opportunity I had in front of me. The application period for the graduate scholarship usually starts in February. I remember that moment vividly. I sat down in front of my computer and asked myself, “What is the major that fits me best – the one that will still have my heart beating no matter how long I do it?” I sincerely believed that I would rather get rejected again trying to pursue a different path than be accepted into a major that would continue to suck out my soul. I first applied to the GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) in 2019; it was my first time
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2022-02-23 �� 12:29:21
43 Even at 22, I felt too old to pursue something new, but I knew it was now or never. I will spare you the application details and personal struggles, but in case you are interested, feel free to check out the studyinkorea.go.kr website and your country’s Korean embassy for more information. For more personal questions, just send me an email at yousra.f.dria@gmail.com! However, if I were to share some tips about applying for this scholarship, they would be (a) do not underestimate your extracurricular activities, (b) if your grades are not great, focus on polishing your personal statement, especially the starting line, (c) choose your universities carefully, and (d) do not be afraid to choose a different major. Trust yourself, your abilities, your newfound passion, and mostly trust the process. No matter how long you have spent on a career or academic path, it is not worth
continuing if it does not spark any joy in your soul. It is okay if you are still not 100 percent convinced with your new choice. However, accepting a new challenge is much more thrilling and motivating than sticking to one’s comfort zone, no matter how comfortable it may be. Now, let us speak of Korea – the country I craved for so long to visit and study in with such high hopes. Just as I was about to give up on it after the aforementioned ill-fated encounters, Korea finally called my name. When I first arrived, the most appropriate word to describe how I felt would be natseolda (낯설다, unfamiliar). Korea was almost everything I had expected it to be, but there was just something about how insular everyone was. Back where I am from in Algeria, we smile at strangers, greet people everywhere and anywhere we go, and are nosier about each other’s business (for lack of a better expression). Yet with time, I was adjusting to it little by little while making new friends, joining a university club, participating in local events such as GIC Day, and traveling to other cities. I was creating memories all over this country and, most importantly, sharing bits of my culture and learning other cultures simultaneously. What I sincerely love about Korea is the diverse opportunities it offers. No matter what your background is, if you search hard enough, you will almost surely find whatever it is you are seeking. I am personally on the look-out for major-related experiences and knowledge before starting my new adventure this coming September. However, my biggest concern at the moment, as with any other GKS scholar, is the TOPIK exam. This is because GKS scholars are required to attain at least a TOPIK Level 3 during their language training if they wish to continue to their chosen universities.
The Author
March 2022
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Yousra Feriel Drioua is an Algerian citizen and a new expat. She’s left behind a five-year major to seek a new adventure as a 2022 GKS Scholar in Korea. She enjoys discussing various topics with people, learning new things, and gaining different life experiences. Her goal is to leave no regrets behind. Instagram @myyilgi
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
To be honest, I have no idea how my next two years in Korea will turn out, especially concerning how or if I will even manage to survive studying a completely new major in graduate school entirely in Korean. What matters now is that I have left no regrets behind for my future or younger self by making that choice. Whatever will come and whatever happens, I will handle it at the given time. I have handled everything life threw at me before through my trust in God, resilience, passion for new things, BTS songs, and buckets of tears! In short, I will trust the process.
2022-02-23 �� 12:29:22
44
Focus on Jeong Yak-yong CULTURE & ARTS
The “Heart” Behind the Great Thinker By Diane Dooley
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
W
ho was Jeong Yak-yong? Jeong Yak-yong (정약용, 1762–1836) was a prominent intellectual in late Joseon Korea (1392– 1897). Jeong is also frequently referred to by his pseudonym “Dasan” – a reference to the small mountain valley located here in our very own Jeollanam-do, where he spent some years in political exile from the Joseon court. In this article, I hope to reveal the more sensitive side of this renowned intellectual, who also happens to have a very unique connection to Jeollanam-do! “PRACTICAL” LEARNING Dasan belonged to the emerging Practical Thinking (Sirhak, 실학) school of intellectual thought. This school of thought arose out of a growing call for change that swept Joseon society in the wake of several devastating invasions. As noted by various scholars, “intense self-examination and self-criticism inevitably follow in the wake of national calamities, for nothing else so clearly exposes the roots of a society’s ills.” The devastating Japanese invasions of 1592–1598) and the
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Manchu invasions of 1627 and 1636, during which Joseon Korea was repeatedly laid to waste, exposed long-accepted abuses of power and privilege, gross inequities in society, and the inefficiency of established institutions. These are the things Dasan and his contemporaries hoped to tackle – no small feat! At the time of these invasions, the Joseon court was consumed with the factional power struggles of the elite, rendering the government incapable of both defending the country against its invaders and restoring it in the aftermath. For some, the only solution was a complete overhaul of Joseon’s governmental institutions, and so the Practical Learning movement arose. Most Practical Learning scholars were from the Southerner faction, whose adherents had been prohibited from taking government posts for generations, but whose status as perpetual outsiders placed them in a good position to call for change. In order to root out what they perceived as their society’s problems, Practical Learning scholars undertook exhaustive studies of Joseon society, including everything from its political
2022-02-23 �� 12:29:22
45 and economic institutions to agricultural technology and its language and literature. For Practical Learning scholars, truths could be verified “factually” through their own studies and lived experiences. Dasan himself produced several studies throughout his lifetime, including Admonitions on Governing the People, which is by far his most celebrated work. This work had a large impact on late Joseon society and is so well known that its title has inspired novels and a television miniseries. Admonitions is a poignant reflection on Joseon society and its perceived shortcomings, as well as Dasan’s solutions. Although its content is focused on late Joseon society, the cases of local government inefficiency, corruption, and irregularities are universal, and much of Dasan’s thought can be applied to problems faced by leaders today. This is all presented to readers in Dasan’s unique style – Dasan does not merely describe social problems and offer some solutions, but he incorporates his own experiences and sincere desire to rectify the social problems of his day. POWER AND EXILE Dasan was from a distinguished family of Southerners and became one of the leading Practical Learning intellectuals of his day. His scholarly prowess was evident from a young age. He published his first volume of poems, titled Three-Eyebrow Collection, when he was only nine years old, and successfully participated in various state examinations and received recognition and praise from King Jeongjo, who later became his mentor and friend. This allowed him access to public roles despite being prohibited from the highest of government positions due to his familial background.
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GANGJIN: FROM TEA TO ZIP LINES Many of our readers in Jeollanam-do will not be surprised to learn that the province was a popular location to send political untouchables during the Joseon Dynasty due to its relative distance from the center of power. Gangjin is a county that is famous for its tentative World Heritage Site, the Gangjin Kiln Sites, a complex of over 100 kiln sites that produced Goryeo celadon. Gangjin’s location beside the sea provided easy distribution of Goryeo wares to China and Japan. Today, Gangjin boasts a Goryeo Celadon Museum, several popular restaurants, including Suingwan, a traditional Korean restaurant offering the classic baekban (백반) spread, as well as a zip line, for those looking for a quick trip back to reality after exploring the peace and quiet of Dasan’s place of exile. Dasan was eventually exiled to Gangjin in the summer of 1802, where he spent almost 18 years in the solitude of a small mountain valley famous for its tea. Today, you can visit the complex of small thatched structures that were built by Dasan, known as Dasan Chodang, or Thatched House on a Tea Mountain. After a short, easy hike, you will find the small thatched house in which Dasan spent most of his exile, continuing his scholarly
March 2022
Interest in Catholicism, or “Western Learning,” among the Southerner faction was already well established by the time of Jeongjo’s reign. Catholicism had spread among Dasan’s family and friends, too. Dasan’s brother-
This and similar incidents provided the opposing Old Doctrine faction with the perfect pretext for removing Southerners, who had begun to rise again with Jeongjo’s support. Its members accused Dasan and his associates of violating the royal decree on Catholicism, and many, including Dasan, spent many years in a cycle of being exiled by Jeongjo for their own safety and then recalled to court when it was politically safer to do so, only to be exiled again.
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King Jeongjo’s favor was, however, both a blessing and a curse. King Jeongjo was, of course, the son of Crown Prince Sado, who was put to death by Jeongjo’s grandfather, King Yeongjo, in 1762. Jeongjo spent the majority of his reign coping with the political and emotional fallout of this incident. Due to the complicated situation surrounding the king’s personal tragedy and the ongoing factional strife, Dasan naturally became a primary target for the king’s enemies. Instead of directly attacking Jeongjo, they chose to weaken him by attacking those who were most loyal and beneficial to him. Dasan’s family history and association with Catholicism made him particularly vulnerable.
in-law was baptized by a Western priest in China, who then baptized his colleagues upon his return to Korea. Most of Dasan’s brothers converted to Catholicism. However, King Jeongjo proscribed Catholicism in 1785 when the Roman Catholic Church ruled that ancestor worship and the belief in Christianity were incompatible – placing Catholicism in direct opposition with Confucianism, the thought that underpinned Joseon government and society. Several years later, Dasan’s maternal cousin destroyed the memorial tablet for his mother in accordance with the papal decree of 1742. In a society based strongly on ancestor worship, this naturally outraged the government, as well as the public, due to its challenge to traditional Confucian morality. Dasan’s relative was quickly arrested and publicly executed.
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46
▲ Jeong Yak-yong's Dasan Chodang. (By Cho's; CC BY-SA 3.0)
work, as well as teaching. On the right side, there is a small structure that offers a tranquil view of Gangjin Bay, and a small pond located to the left side.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
In the front yard, there is a stone that is said to have been used by Dasan to make tea. Dasan’s health had suffered during his exile in Gangjin, and it is said that, among other things, he suffered from chronic digestive problems. Aware of the potential medicinal value of tea, Dasan wrote a poem/letter requesting tea leaves from a nearby hill. Several letters sent between his students detail Dasan’s tea-making adventures and his unique method of preparation. These have been translated by Brother Anthony:1 “It is essential to steam the picked leaves three times and dry them three times, before grinding them very finely. Next, that should be thoroughly mixed with water from a rocky spring and pounded like clay into a dense paste that is shaped into small cakes. Only then is it good to drink.” The early 19th century interest and popularity of tea in Joseon is often attributed to Dasan and his experiments with tea-making. THE PERSONAL COST OF DISEASE: FROM SMALLPOX TO COVID-19 In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we can again turn to Dasan’s work and find an abundance of relevant content. One issue in particular that Dasan passionately evaluated was the Joseon government’s (mis)management of smallpox. Despite his heavy workload and many ongoing projects, Dasan wrote and published the Comprehensive Study on Smallpox, which was designed to save children dying from smallpox. Dasan lost several children to the disease, as well as being a victim himself as a small child. Because of his personal experiences with smallpox, Dasan was especially interested in finding a treatment for the disease. In one of his more personal prose compositions, My Young Daughter, Dasan commemorates one of his
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children who died from smallpox. It is an extremely intimate look into the personal life and emotions of this renowned scholar. He writes, “Because her filial devotion for her mother was clearly demonstrated by her smooth birth, we chose the name Hyo-sun.”2,3 Here, Dasan is implying that his daughter’s birth was so easy that it should be considered an act of filial devotion towards her mother. He continues to list the ways in which her “filial devotion” toward her parents was exemplary: Whenever her mother and father became angry with each other and bickered, her mere presence would cause “both parties’ hearts to melt,” and Dasan admired how she would refuse to eat until her parents had first had a proper meal. Dasan also describes the way in which her adorableness would “twist” his tongue, almost against its will, whenever he or his wife called her name: Hyo-sun became Hoh-dooong. This doting father’s loving description of an idyllic young family is followed quite sharply by a description of her illness: Her skin became “black as charcoal” and, after a particularly severe case of diarrhea, she passed away. The composition ends with the names of two of his sons who also died from smallpox. It is Dasan’s personal compositions that bring life, as well as a sense of passion and urgency, to his scholarly evaluations, and perhaps what contributes to the longevity of his work. If you ever find yourself in Gangjin, I encourage a visit to Dasan’s place of exile to enjoy some good tea, an easy hike, tranquil views of the river, and to experience what it might have felt like to be Dasan in his moment of exile. And do not forget about the zip line for when you have to be brought back to reality quickly! Footnotes 1
2
3
Korean Tea Classics. (2010). [Trans. Brother Anthony of Taizé, Hong Keong-Hee, & Steven D. Owyoung.] Seoul Selection. The Chinese character used for the first syllable of her name, 孝 [hyo], means “filial piety”; the second, 順 [sun], means “gentle.” Unattributed translations of My Young Daughter are by the author, Diane Dooley.
The Author
Diane Dooley is originally from Glasgow, Scotland, and has a BA in Korean and an MA in Korean literature. She enjoys reading, coffee, and talking about Korea to anyone willing to listen. She currently lives and works in Gwangju as an English teacher and is passionate about education. Email: dianedooley@naver.com
2022-02-23 �� 12:29:23
Gwangju Writes 47
By Grace (Yeonwoo) Ryoo
D
ear Mother,
We have arrived. After a seemingly never-ending journey with numerous difficulties, we have arrived at our destination. Just one careless mistake might have spelled the failure of the whole journey, and yet we have made it to the end. It was worth it.
down forests and chased wildlife out of them. Now, we nurture the forests and welcome life into them. Before, we poisoned the very air we breathed and the water we drank. Now, we preserve the astonishingly clear air and water found here. Before, we feasted on animals and used them to make medicine. Now, they walk alongside us as fellow neighbors, and we make medicines for them. And we try to keep in mind what consequences each of our actions may bring.
We made a house out of the wood we found here, like the old times. It is sort of a cultural thing. But do not worry, Mother. Man knows his blessings. We understand now about life and about nature. Man now holds in his hands both the power to destroy and protect life. Before, we might have realized our mistakes too late, but never again shall we make such mistakes. For we now know the true purpose of humankind’s abilities. Before, we cut
The Author
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Mother, I guess we are like children who have finally moved out of their parents’ house. But we would also like to return to you someday. When the time comes. Until then, be safe and be healthy, Mother. We love you, Mother Earth.
Grace (Yeonwoo) Ryoo is a college student majoring in global affairs. She volunteered to translate articles for the GIC for three years in high school. In her spare time, she likes to read, draw, write, and take pictures. She also likes to imagine and look at the world from a different point of view. Instagram: @grace_ryoo
March 2022
The small wooden house sits on the plains. No one actually lives there, of course – not when we have The City, where it is much safer and more comfortable. But that house is like a historical monument. Humanity’s first “home” on another planet.
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It has been almost a year since we settled here. It is beautiful. Mountains rise along the horizon, rivers run down from them and form crystal, glassy lakes, and millions of stars shine in a sky that glows violet at dusk. The whole place is filled with life, just as we hoped. The plants and trees here are similar to home, Mother. Outside where we stay, there are fields of lavendercolored flowers. Even their aroma is similar. So, we sit under the stars and look out at the lavender fields, dreaming of home. We let the sweet scent of nostalgia take us back to you.
CULTURE & ARTS
Dear Mother, We Write to You from Under the Stars
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48 Film Review
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
CULTURE & ARTS
Round and Around
Drawing an Arc of Korean History Through the May 18 Democratic Movement Reviewed by Ashley Sangyou Kim
W
hen my film professor introduced Round and Around to me, he furrowed his brows, tilted his head to one side, and ultimately settled on the words “austere” and “abstract.” The official description of Round and Around uses the term “audio-visual project,” and the stated purpose is to “reflect [on] the significance of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.” This 90-minute film combines archival footage and photographs with chorus music and amplified sound effects to revisit different moments of state violence in 1980s South Korea. Director Jang Min-seung offers a fractured yet intimate representation of May 18 through an interplay between sight and sound. I will go through some of the
▲ Figure 1. The opening ceremony of the ’88 Olympics presents South Korea as a peaceful utopia. (Jang 19:03)
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thoughts I walked away with from watching this film. One of the most remarkable things about Round and Around is that it shows how wide the scope of state violence is. State violence can mean neglect after natural disasters, inhumane labor conditions, or the symbolic violence in a false representation of harmony (see Figure 1). All of these events point back to Gwangju, where state violence reaches senseless heights. Although this film is very specific to South Korean history, it does not require the audience to have previous knowledge on the subject. In fact, the unconventional and abstract style asks those who are familiar with modern Korean history to see the 1980s in a different light. In this film, history is not told through narrative. There is no logical procession from one event to another; although events are shown roughly in reverse chronological order, the footage frequently jumps back and forth between events. The film operates on a rhythm that is at times overwhelmingly fast and at others uncomfortably slow. This mimics how time is felt by the people who live through the history and thereby breaks the critical distance that often accompanies depictions of past events.
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▲ Figure 2. The opening scene shows a single candle for six minutes. (Jang 3:30)
Take the two opening scenes, for example. The first is a six-minute-long take of a candle lit in a pitch-black space (see Figure 2). At around five minutes in, the candle is blown out, but the screen stays on the curly white smoke rising from the candlewick. The image of a candle lit and subsequently blown out brings up many questions about who is being mourned or honored and what caused the light to go out. With these thoughts, six minutes do not feel so long. This eerily still and quiet shot cuts to a drastically different second scene, which shows the brutal labor conditions in South Korea’s factories. Here, the clanking of sewing machines and quick flashes of packed factory floors (see Figure 3) convey the orderly chaos that laborers live in. This scene has a quick pace but is long and repetitive, so that time feels fast but moves slowly. Contrast this with the first scene, where time feels slow but moves fast.
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Round and Around includes curious reflections on many more topics: doubts about the relationship between humans and God, the unreliability of official narratives, time as a linear concept, and so on. Because the film is “abstract” and “austere,” to borrow my film professor’s words, the audience can fill in the gaps with their own thoughts and experiences related to state violence. Watching this film provided me with the mental space to process what remains from the collective trauma of May 18. Round and Around opens this space by refusing to let go of the lost sensory details in state violence – what these events looked and sounded like can point to the contradictions within a state’s promise of a homogenous and harmonious community.
The Reviewer
Ashley Sangyou Kim is a senior at UC Berkeley studying rhetoric. She loves reading Toni Morrison, hiking, and baking with her little sister. She currently lives in Brea, California, but spent her early childhood in Gwangju. Her hope is to return to the city after graduation and work with the youth there.
March 2022
The film runs through the 1980s roughly in reverse chronological order, and this movement from the late 1980s to May 18 seems like peeling the layers around a well-kept open secret until it explodes. More specifically, the film’s representation of May 18 feels like a poisonous explosion contained within silence.
▲ Figure 4. The negative photograph of protesters in Gwangju makes the scene hardly recognizable. (Jang 50:39)
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▲ Figure 3. The second scene shows female laborers at sewing machines. (Jang 8:45)
When the film directly deals with the protests of May 18, loud warning signals and negative photographs suggest that these images are too hazardous and strong to confront directly (see Figure 4). The film brackets this intense representation of May 18 with two solemn scenes before and after it. In these two scenes, long silences and low-humming chorus music express the undercurrent of resentment, fear, sorrow, and numbness that flow around May 18. I found that these moments helped me prepare for and absorb the shock of the photographs.
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50 Book Review
The Birth of Korean Cool By Euny Hong CULTURE & ARTS
Reviewed by Michael Attard
E
uny Hong is a journalist, graduate of Yale University, and author of three books. The Birth of Korean Cool, her second book, was published in 2014. She is Korean by race but was born in the United States in 1973. At the age of twelve, she moved to Seoul with her family. She states that Korea in 1985 was not cool. Note that throughout her book, Korea refers to South Korea.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
After reading the first few chapters, I was wondering where she was going. One chapter is about “school thrashings” (i.e., corporal punishment). This was interesting but I did not see what this had to do with the Korean Wave, or Korean cool. The chapter on, han, a purely Korean concept, did not enlighten me. This apparently is normal as, so I am told, only Koreans can understand the concept. Han arises from being wronged. Thus, “Koreans have han toward the Japanese.” Also, “Han is never-ending.” But Hong, quoting someone else, writes, “Han only occurs when you cannot achieve proper vengeance.” I was left pondering whether the Korean Wave was some kind of retribution. In a chapter on kimchi, Hong continues on a path of negativity, discussing the inferiority complex that many Koreans outside of Korea had because of “smelly” kimchi. But then, like a bird changing direction in mid-flight, kimchi was discovered as
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being healthy. Ah, there was a click in my brain. All of these not-so-cool things of the past, actually, were driving Korea, to become “cool.” I went back to the introduction and read it again. It is a quick history, from the poverty of post-war Korea to the modern day, where there are two Wi-Fi hotspots in every subway car. Hong’s message became clearer to me. The frantic pace of economic development, a total about-face from the normal modus operandi of the “Hermit Kingdom,” was actually a well-thoughtout government plan. The wiring of the entire country for internet was not because Korea was ready to be barraged by uncensored and possibly seditious material, but rather “what Korea was planning to send out to the world.” Korea had discovered the concept of soft power. But in 1997, the Asian Financial Crisis occurred. In Korea, this is referred to as “the IMF Crisis.” According to the author, Koreans felt shame. Years of effort to pull the country out of poverty ran into a wall. Something had to be done. President Kim Dae-jung came to the rescue. He called in a public relations firm and tasked it with convincing the world that Korea was “on course and open for business.” No longer, he hoped, would Samsung be known as “Samsuck.”
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Hong then redirects into what I was expecting. One specific topic, of course, is K-pop. But she also provides a wealth of interesting facts pertaining to Korean music, which I think most readers would enjoy. She addresses the accusation that K-pop has been turning out singers and dancers factory style. The fact is that most of the songwriters behind K-pop are European. And those who do the editing have studied in the United States. The choreographers are from everywhere. But for years, especially in the 1970s, censorship stifled musical talent. This was a time when miniskirts were banned. Young men with long hair, if found on the street, would have their hair cut off, right then and there. If Korea was to have a pop music industry it would “have to be created from the ground up.”
“She tells an interesting story about the beginning of Korean television dramas.”
The chapter on Korean cinema is titled “The Journey from Crap to Cannes.” In 1994, Korea’s Presidential Advisory Board on Science and Technology noted that the movie Jurassic Park made as much money as
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The book’s final chapter is called “The Ministry of Future Creation.” It actually exists today as the Ministry of Science and Information Communication Technology. The creation of the ministry had been one of Park Geun-hye’s core pledges during the 2013 election. At the center of success for this initiative has been cooperation between large and small companies. Hong refers to this as “voluntary coercion.” It is a model that has transformed Korea, so why argue with success? Without the proactive stance of the Korean government, we might still be waiting for “the birth of Korean cool.”
The Reviewer
Michael Attard is a Canadian who has lived in Gwangju since 2004. Though officially retired, he still teaches a few private English classes. He enjoys reading all kinds of books and writes for fun. When the weather is nice, you may find him on a hiking trail.
March 2022
She tells an interesting story about the beginning of Korean television dramas. It began as a diplomatic mission, entrusted with the purpose of getting a Korean drama aired on Hong Kong television “by any means necessary.” Korean companies in Hong Kong were convinced (although that might not be the correct word) to buy ad time during the show. The Korean government paid for the dubbing into Cantonese.
No story of Hallyu, the Korean Wave, or “Korean cool” would be complete without a look at video gaming. According to Hong, it was the IMF Crisis and subsequent high unemployment that gave birth to the Korean video game industry. Government and private enterprise once again joined forces. There were more tax incentives, and venture capital was found.
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Several aspects of Korean culture and history favored the expansion of K-pop. For example, Korean culture is perceived as puritanical and conservative. In most parts of Asia, this is a good thing. Historically, Korea’s victimization is something that many other countries can relate to. Korea never invaded anyone. Korea has not been an economic occupier. Other countries are already inclined to like Korea.
selling 1.5 million Hyundai cars. Korea consciously decided to go after some of that blockbuster action. Censorship rules were relaxed and tax incentives created. Still, building a Korean film industry had challenges. For a long time, Korean culture did not accept that show business could be for respectable people, and, “it wasn’t all that lucrative.” According to Hong, it was the founding of the Busan International Film Festival by government official Kim Dong-ho in 1996 that was the catalyst for change.
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Top of The Drop
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
CULTURE & ARTS
By Daniel J. Springer
Each month, Daniel Springer of the Gwangju Foreign Language Network (GFN) picks his favorite newly released tunes that you may not have heard yet, along with some upcoming albums and EPs that you might want to keep on your radar. — Ed.
SANCHEZ. – “BURGUNDY” While we usually dedicate this column to singles, rules are made to be broken. Local singersongwriter Oisin Magee, soon to return to Ireland, is out with his debut album Burgundy, which is both a stylistic surprise and a diverse LP that showcases both the talents of Magee and our music community here in Gwangju. Produced on the main by Gwangju’s Man on the Drums Dan Lloyd at his Jiri-san studio, the album goes from the indie folk sound that those who know the artist will be familiar with on tunes like “Knock Them Down” to the out-and-out hard rock of “Paranoid.” The production work of Kindle Records maestro Andrew Vlasblom also cannot be denied on his single production on the album, with “Sadness (Never Felt So Good)” featuring a male–female duet and a piano and string arrangement that is so sentimental and warm that you would be well advised to bring a tissue or two on first listen. Overall, a very solid debut album and absolutely brilliant showcase of the talented artists and wildlings that call Gwangju home. BIG THIEF – “TIME ESCAPING” The Brooklyn-based indie folk outfit had an extremely busy 2019 with the release of two albums just months apart, and now comes a full double album in Dragon
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New Warm Mountain I Believe in You. While typically there is a lot of chaff and filler on 2xLPs, this one is not only beautiful and crafted to perfection as a whole, but every single song also stands very well on its lonesome, even if totally unconnected to the overall narrative and other songs. SPOON – “FEELS ALRIGHT” Lucifer on the Sofa, the veteran band’s tenth career album is here, and it is a banger. In what is definitely the Austin band’s most raucous record to date, it seems like the band has finally gone to unabashed rock without the electronic extras of their last couple of records. Huge plaudits all around for this record, with even the notoriously snooty Guardian giving it five stars, which previously I had only thought was a target for artists to aim for but never attain. KHRUANGBIN & LEON BRIDGES – “MARIELLA” Texas Moon has finally arrived, and while it is arguable whether this follow-up EP to Texas Sun from early 2020 indeed measures up to that classic, this one indeed has moments of mega catharsis and beauty that, like the day and night, might not match up completely, but that is indeed why the two exist separately. On “Mariella” in particular, the instrumental arrangement from the Houston-based galactic funk trio and vocalist Bridges dance in perfectly complementary balance. DEHD – “BAD LOVE” Chicago-based trio Dehd have continually gained profile with each release since their debut, with their last LP, Flower of Devotion, being a pointed example and one of the best albums of 2020. Now, the band have announced the release of Blue Skies this spring with “Bad Love” being the quick-hitting though massive lead single. Lead singer Emily Kempf is really howling out the lyrics on this one, with the band’s signature maximum twang and reverb going underneath on a tune that has a good bit more drive than what is found on Flower. ARJUNA OAKES – “THE TEACHER” While this artist is still building a profile, the release of Recovery, Pt. 2 was indeed a lengthy and drawn-out
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53 process but a highly anticipated one that makes for another new chapter to a past EP. The Wellington, New Zealand-based Arjuana Oakes and partner Serebii really left a mark last year with their First Nights EP, which was one of the best mini albums of the year and highlighted by some big people in the know. This tune is closer to the EP, and you will find the artist further tightening the balance between his soul and electronic influences. CAROLINE POLACHEK – “BILLIONS” Back in 2019, the artist put out Pang, which was very much in the indie pop rubric and an extremely solid record. Fast forward to last year and you had a notable change with “Bunny Is a Rider,” which was almost a whisper compared to the boisterous and cheeky tunes on the previous LP. On “Billions” you have a continuation of this new incognito tease sound, and it just seems to get better with each listen. It is certainly one of the best singles of February, although nothing further has been announced as far as a new album or larger release.
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MARCH RELEASES Nilufer Yanya – Painless (3/4) Stereophonics – Oochya! (3/4) The Weather Station – How Is It That I Should Look at the Stars (3/4) Rex Orange County – Who Cares? (3/11) The Districts – Great American Painting (3/11) Widowspeak – The Jacket (3/11) Babeheaven – Sink into Me (3/18) Charli XCX – Crash (3/18) Yumi Zouma – Present Tense (3/18) Aldous Harding – Warm Chris (3/25) Barrie – Barbara (3/25) Placebo – Never Let Me Go (3/25)
The Author
Daniel J. Springer (aka “Danno”) is the creator, host, writer, editor, and producer of “The Drop with Danno,” broadcasting nightly on GFN 98.7 FM in Gwangju and 93.7 FM in Yeosu from 8 to10 p.m. Prior to this, he was a contributor to several shows on TBS eFM in Seoul, along with being the creator and co-host of “Spacious” and “White Label Radio” on WNUR in Chicago. You can find “The Damyang Drop,” his monthly collaborative playlist with The Damyang House, on YouTube and Spotify. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook: @ gfnthedrop
March 2022
RYAN EGAN – “SOFT POWER” The artist is originally out of New York but is now based in Paris. This is the title track to his upcoming album, which is out April 8. The track itself features a boom bap drum line paired with woozy guitars, with the lead singer crooning seemingly through a heavy filter. While still an artist building his profile, Egan here shows a lot to be excited about with the future and this upcoming release.
Animal Collective – Time Skiffs (2/4) Black Country, New Road – Ants from Up There (2/4) Mitski – Laurel Hell (2/4) Cate Le Bon – Pompeii (2/4) The Districts – Great American Painting (2/4) Alt-J – The Dream (2/11) Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You (2/11) Spoon – Lucifer on the Sofa (2/11) Foxes – The Kick (2/11) Sanchez. – Burgundy (2/6) Kendra Morris – Nine Lives (2/18) Oliver Tree – Cowboy Tears (2/18) Khruangbin & Leon Bridges – Texas Moon (2/18) Broods – Space Island (2/18) Beach House – Once Twice Melody (2/18) Avril Levigne – Love Sux (2/25) Gang of Youths – Angel in Realtime (2/25) Tears for Fears – The Tipping Point (2/25) Soft Cell – Happiness Not Included (2/25)
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DUST IN THE SUNLIGHT – “FORMER LIVES” This is another pensive beauty from February, with the Londonbased co-ed duo performing a beautiful duet harmony. “Former Lives,” which is the group’s lead single to an as-yet-unnamed EP to be released later this year, is about the mania of modern life pulling everyone everywhere all at once, with the real message being to take things at your own pace and not get caught up in the mania. While pensive, the song does have an epic quality and cinematic buildup to it that feels like it should be part of a montage in a great film.
FEBRUARY RELEASES
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2022
CULTURE & ARTS
54 Comic Corner
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March 2022
Yun Hyoju was born and raised in Gwangju, and somehow ended up married to an Irish guy named Alan. She has been working on her short comic, “Alan and Me,” which is about their daily life. She publishes a new comic every week on Instagram. It can be found here: @alan_andme.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
The Author
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CROSSWORDPUZZLE Created by Jon Dunbar
Look for the answers to this crossword puzzle to appear in April in Gwangju News Online (www.gwangjunewsgic.com).
DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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March 2022
ACROSS 1 4 7 11 12 14 15 17 18 20 22 23 24 27
Movie music South Koreans count this differently than everyone else Air base in Pyeongtaek Paddle “Beam ___, Scotty” (2 words) Korean double-reed flute Location of latest apartment construction accident Tolkien’s sentient trees Win-win card Covered in fire residue List entry French director Besson “Thank you for not ___” US sports coupe
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30 32 34 35 36 37 40 42 45 46 47 48 49 50
American laws (2 words) “Die ___ Day” Jjimjilbang Color-changer Annoying one Monthly GIC event Bridges or Biden Sexy pajamas “Daydream” Korean indie band Serial killer Ed Nonprofit organization, usually Mgmt. helper Located a bit north of LAX 1999-formed K-pop group
8 9 10 13 16 19 20 21 24 25 26 28 29 31 33 36 37 38 39 40 41 43 44
“Like ___ Ahh” Jigsaw killer movie franchise Place to put garbage (2 words) Final word in prayer Mapmaker’s subj. “Mother of June” Bae Amateur performers’ event (2 words) Perform vocal music What Yesul-gil is known for ROK spy agency Men’s golf event in US (2 words) Homer Simpson’s middle name Shrieking sounds Pie ___ mode (2 words) Fiji capital City of Oido, Sihwa Facial piercing (2 words) Countries’ economic figures Gwen Stefani’s band (2 words) Online farewell “Let them ___ cake” Reyes Jr. and Sr. To ___ it mildly Cauldrons Weekend welcome Oops (2 words) Sheep sound Pengsoo’s channel Sense of self-worth Grass or turf
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GIC광주국제교류센터 GIC’s
Ch GIC광주국제교류센터
new Kakao Talk Channel!
Now, with our new Kakao Talk Channel, you can get the latest information on GIC’s events or inquire on any of GIC’s programs! Add us now on Kakao :) Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 5p.m. Or leave us a message anytime and we will get back to you as soon as we can!
Supported Languages
Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian
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