Gwangju and South Jeolla International Magazine I November 2019 #213 Mudolgil, Gwangju’s Camino de Jeollado
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1 Gwangju & South Jeolla Intern ational Magazine
From the Editor
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s we enter the month of November, autumn gilt accents the splendor of the season, decorating the ginkgo-lined avenues of Gwangju and blanketing the rice paddies of South Jeolla, while the forested hills are ablaze in fiery foliage. At this juncture, we bring you a dazzling issue of the Gwangju News.
November 2019, Issue No. 213 Published: November 1, 2019 Cover Photo A hiker in Mudeung Mountain Photograph by Kim Yunkyoung
THE EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editors Production Editor Layout Editor Photo Editor Photographer Communications Proofreaders
Online Editor Researchers
Dr. Shin Gyonggu Dr. David E. Shaffer William Urbanski, Karina Prananto Isaiah Winters Karina Prananto Sarah Pittman Kim Yunkyoung Park Min-young Rhiannon Howell-Matwichuk, Elisabeth Loeck, Joseph Nunez, Tara Kulash, Ynell Mondragon, Di Foster, David Foster, Timothy Berg, Gilda Wilson Karina Prananto Baek Ji-yeon, Yoo Yeonwoo
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.
The Gwangju News is published by 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 gwangjunews Registration No. 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date: February 22, 2010 Printed by Join Adcom 조인애드컴 (+82)-62-367-7702
For advertising and subscription inquiries, please contact karina@gic.or.kr or 062-226-2733. Special thanks to Gwangju City and all of our sponsors.
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Gwangju has hosted a busy early autumn. Celebrating a full decade of offering gastronomic delight to the North American cuisine lover is The First Alleyway; read all about this diner in these pages. This month’s culinary tour takes you out of your house for a noodle lunch at Yuhyang and then for an Italian meal on the slope of Mudeung Mountain at Monte Alpha. For those who love eating at home, we give you a delectable short ribs recipe: L.A. Galbi. Our November tour continues. What can be uglier than ugly? The second of two saloons in Gwangju that have shuttered their doors; find out why inside. As our monthly magazine tour leaves Gwangju, it passes the sights of Wonhyo Temple (Photo Essay) and the waters of Mokpo (Photo of the Month) on its way to the wonders of Ulleung Island. And then it’s across the ocean to Washington, D.C., “Capital U.S.A.” Oh yes, we have more for you. How do Koreans today differ from those of the different regions of Joseon times? Find out in “The Eight Regional Traits of Korea.” Discover what “love locking” is and what it could be, and enjoy some poetry by the same author. Meet Korea TESOL’s new president, Gwangju resident Lindsay Herron, in our interview with her. Check out our book review of Nightmare in Berlin and our movie review of Joker. And last but not least, we bring you an opinion piece about red-faced Justin Trudeau in blackface. Enjoy!
David E. Shaffer Editor-in-Chief Gwangju News
November 2019
For volunteering and article submission inquiries, please contact the editor at gwangjunews@gic.or.kr.
At the same time as the Forum, the city’s golden ginkgo roadways hosted the eight-week-long Gwangju Design Biennale. If you missed it in person, you still have the opportunity to experience it through our feature in the pages of this issue of the Gwangju News. As soon as Gwangju’s mayor finished hosting the Forum, he was jetting across the Pacific to the Silicon Valley to ink an AI deal for the City of Light; get all the details in Gwangju City News.
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Copyright © 2019 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.
To imbibe of autumn’s colors, you may trek through Mudeung Mountain over Mudolgil, one of this month’s feature articles. Coming to Gwangju’s gilded avenues last month for the World Human Rights Cities Forum was Peggy Hicks. During the Forum, the Gwangju News caught up with her for a feature interview on the human rights issues that she tackles from her current base in Geneva.
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Photo of the Month
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November 2019
ARTS & CULTURE
By Kim Yunkyoung
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Waiting
This picture was taken in Mokpo. I am already waiting for next year.
The Photographer
Kim Yunkyoung (Hillel) is a priest in the Anglican Church and also a portrait photographer. He just moved in Gwangju with his wife as he was assigned to a church.
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CONTENTS November 2019. Issue # 213
40 Autumn at Wonhyo Temple
EDUCATION 30. Language Teaching: Lindsay Herron Leads Korea TESOL Through 2020 – An Interview 33. Everyday Korean: Episode 23 – 가족 (The Family)
FEATURES 06. Mudolgil, Gwangju’s Camino de Jeollado 10. Peggy Hicks: A Commitment to Listen, Act, and Make Impacts on Human Rights Issues 13. Humanity + Community: The Gwangju Design Biennale 2019 16. A Decade of Deliciousness: The First Alleyway Celebrates 10 Years
FOOD & DRINKS 34. Yuhyang: A Departure from Delivery 36. Montes Alpha: An Italian Mountainside Restaurant 38. L.A. Galbi: Marinated Beef Shorts Ribs
TRAVEL 21. Lost in Gwangju: Ugly and Uglier – A Tale of Two Saloons 25. Around Korea: Ulleung-do – A Mystery Still Untouched 28. From Abroad: Capital U.S.A. – Washington D.C.
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OPINION 52. Justin Trudeau’s Unfortunate Blackface Incident
November 2019
BLAST FROM THE PAST 18. The Eight Regional Traits of Korea
ARTS & CULTURE 02. Photo of the Month: Waiting 40. Photo Essay: Autumn at Wonhyo Temple 46. Gwangju Writes: A Philosophical Survey of Love Locking 47. Poetry: That Stretch of Path 48. Book Review: Nightmare in Berlin 49. Movie Review: A Villain Reimagined – A Review of Joker 51. Gwangju News Crossword Puzzle
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MONTHLY NEWS 04. Gwangju City News 54. November 2019 Happenings 56. Community Board
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Gwangju City News
MONTHLY NEWS
Reprinted with permission from Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall Photograph courtesy of Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall
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November 2019
Energy AI Research Center to Be Established
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wangju Metropolitan City has concluded an agreement with the Silicon Valley in the U.S.A. to establish a No. 1 Energy Data Enterprise in the city. In Silicon Valley, California, on October 19, Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-sup signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the CEO of Encored, Choi Jong-woong, a specialist in artificial intelligence-based energy big data platforms, to establish the Energy and Artificial Intelligence Research Institute.
and development in the energy sector to contribute to the global market. In addition, the company will utilize AI-based smart grid management and IoT in-core sensor solutions to develop the energy industry, one of Gwangju’s main industries.
Encored is a company that was established by receiving technology funds from QSP (Quantum Strategic Partner) in the U.S.A. and from Softbank in Japan. It produces and distributes Energy Talk, an Internet of Things (IoT) smart meter that shows usage fees and electricity bills.
Encored CEO Choi said, “It was like seeing myself in the early stage of the start-up when I saw the clear goals set by Mayor Lee Yong-sup and his delegation who came to Silicon Valley to represent Gwangju as a city of AI and to lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We will use this experience to actively cooperate in establishing an ecosystem of startup-oriented jobs and technology in Gwangju.”
Encored currently operates research institutes in both Silicon Valley and Japan and, based on the agreement, an additional subsidiary will be established in Gwangju, along with the Energy Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, to cooperate in artificial intelligence research
Mayor Lee replied, “Encored is the best partner in terms of innovation management, artificial intelligence, and data technology, all of which are at the core of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We will actively cooperate for this venture to succeed.”
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The 10th World Human Rights Cities More Than 13,000 Foreigners Forum 2020 Seeks to Cohost Event Employed in Gwangju-Jeollanamdo with UN Small and Medium Enterprises
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“Human rights have a special meaning in Gwangju, where we have fought for justice at every juncture of history,” said Lee at the Plenary Session of the 9th World Human Rights Cities Forum held at the Kim Daejung Convention Center, Gwangju. He reiterated, “The spirit of the sacrifice, resistance, and community of people from the May 18 Democratic Uprising has imbued the human rights effort in general.”
Old Jeollanam-do Provincial Hall Restoration to Begin in 2021
wangju Mayor Lee Yong-sup has proposed cohosting the 2020 World Human Rights Cities Forum with the UN Human Rights Council (OHCHR) in order to mark the 40th anniversary of the Gwangju May 18 Democratic Uprising. He also stressed that the promotion of human rights and the realization of human rights in daily life should be an active target of human rights policies.
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he Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism recently announced that ISP Architecture Company has been selected as contractor for the Old Jeollanam-do Provincial Hall Restoration Project. The National Public Building Center, which is an Infrastructure Ministry-designated public construction support organization, has conducted a series of briefings and reviews, and has selected ISP Architecture Company to carry out the project. The Culture Ministry will run specific diagnostics on the building and proceed with administrative procedures in cooperation with ISP by the end of next year. Actual restoration is expected to begin in January 2021 if everything goes to plan.
November 2019
In conclusion, he conveyed a deep sense of meaning by saying, “The spirit of May 18 has made today’s human rights city of Gwangju come to life in the hearts of people around the world with the sound of ‘March for the Beloved’ in Hong Kong. Gwangju will do more to make sure that the precious values of human rights can be shared and enjoyed throughout the world.”
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The mayor has also enacted the first local government human rights ordinance and human rights charter. In addition, he has introduced various human rights polices in Gwangju, which has been reborn as a city of human rights. These policies include the establishment of the department of human rights and the human rights ombudsman system.
ccording to the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs) Gwangju-Jeollanamdo Headquarters, there are 13,466 foreigners working in 4,533 local SMEs, which comes to an average of three foreign employees per business. The federation aids local businesses in hiring foreigners by keeping a list of candidates from the Employment Support Center and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea. A federation official encouraged local businesses to use the service, citing that as of August, a total of 641 local firms were introduced to 1,368 foreign workers.
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▲ A cheerful saunter out of the woods and into the first of many village areas.
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November 2019
FEATURE
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A lone persimmon left as food for the magpies. ▶
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Mudolgil, Gwangju’s Camino de Jeollado Written by Ian Knecht
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Whether or not we understood the full significance of our path, it was akin to a Camino de Jeollado, and its scenery was immediately enjoyable. A pattern of hour-long walks with short snack and drink breaks followed throughout the whole trip. Break times were full of sharing. Everyone was generous with snacks, fruit, kimbap, and cups of makgeolli (막걸리), Korea’s sweet and fizzy rice wine. Likewise, all had open ears for stories as new introductions were made and old friends met. As the sun fell behind the hilltops, we found ourselves in Hwasun-gun below the green slopes of Gyubong-am Temple and Anyang Mountain. Windmills towered out of the hills to our left. Many ended the day there with a quick shuttle to our pension, while a few dour souls hiked further uphill to arrive just before nightfall and just in time for dinner. We
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The whole first day, it looked like it was about to rain, but only a few scarce drops ever fell. Clouds draped the surrounding hilltops mysteriously as we made our way through the Damyang countryside. The air was cool and refreshingly misty, seemingly primeval. Our path meandered in and out of rice fields, traditional stone-walled village alleys, and forests of chestnut, pine, and oak. Persimmon, pomegranate, and apple trees shrugged under the weight of ripening fruit.
Break times were frequent, as our guide would halt us to lecture about the history of each site we visited. Luckily, a few Korean and English speakers were there to interpret. We learned chiefly that the Mudolgil consists of a collection of very old walking paths that once connected the small farming communities surrounding Mudeung Mountain and served the practical purpose of ferrying goods and laborers through the mountainous terrain.
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ome of us fantasize of trekking across the Spanish countryside on the Camino de Santiago. For those of us living in Korea, how about the Mudolgil? The Mudeung Mountain Conservation Council (무등산보산보호단체협의회) offers a guided tour of the Mudolgil (무돌길) every spring and fall to increase awareness and advocate conservation efforts around Mudeung-san National Park (무등산국립공원). The Mudolgil is a trekking path that circles all the way around Mudeung Mountain. This fall’s semi-annual outing took place on the weekend of October 5–6, and it began with a minor procession. We divided into rank and file, carrying flags for the fun of it. Our event coincided with a local band practice in the park below the reservoir, so after enjoying some impromptu fanfare from a troupe of saxophonists, we were off.
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8 sat down to generous portions of heukyangtang (흑양탕), a thick, spicy stew of mutton, vegetables, and ground perilla seeds.
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November 2019
After eating our fill, we readied our sleeping quarters and went right back outside for some evening entertainment. Song sheets, a guitar, and an open microphone were made ready, and we sang together into the night. Folk songs commemorating Mudeung Mountain, old Korean pop ballads, pansori (판소리, Korean musical storytelling), and even The Beatles were featured in our singalong. It was admittedly a little hard to sleep in the pension. We weren’t accustomed to the coming, going, and snoring of a whole cohort of hikers under one roof. Still, it was nothing that an early rise, cup of coffee, and hansik (한식, Korean traditional food) breakfast couldn’t fix. Breakfast was a hearty platter of grilled mackerel, side dishes, and rice. After a bit more coffee, we stepped across the road for a brief appreciation of the Mudeung Mountain Cypress Groves (무등산편백자연휴양림). The cypress trees’ firlike branches blocked out a lot of sunlight and preserved the humidity, giving the atmosphere a rejuvenating effect. As we made our exit from the grove, a clear autumn sky revealed the valley below. Our path next took us down into the valley below Anyang Mountain. There we took an extended break where all the members of our group made their introductions – even we the foreign guests mustered our best Korean to give thanks. Again, we were off straining our legs uphill to the nearby pass called Keunjae, which translates to “Big Pass.” It’s a high place with panoramic views of the mountain valley on one side and Hwasun on the other. A scrumptious kimbap lunch awaited us. Here we shared the remainder of our snacks and began a final, steady climb along the wooded slopes of Manyang Mountain. We were covered by the shade of the forest with intermittent break-outs of stony clearings on the mountainside. These treeless patches of tumbled boulders offered us each time ever higher views of
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the valley below. Some ambled up with bellies full of makgeolli, and others scaled the grade with gusto. Officially, our start in Buk-gu and end point in Dong-gu are connected by a path that leads through the city of Gwangju, though being contented to have hiked the most scenic portions of the trail, we stopped in Gyodong Village (교동마을). Fanfare was in order once again. A trot band played old Korean classics. The singers, guitar, bass, and drums echoed through the local park. We all received a commemorative bandana and were offered our fill of rice cakes, ice cream, and more makgeolli. The celebration was cut short when a monk from the adjacent temple came out to say, “Be quiet!” and doused the celebration with a bucket of water. And so, everyone went back home to rest up for Monday morning and the promise of an invitation to come again in the spring. If you fancy an old-timey, rustic walkabout at a leisurely pace, you can walk with us next time. Photographs by Jehyeon Park
The Author
Ian Knecht (left) is an English teacher, outdoorsman, and world culture enthusiast residing in our very own Gwangju. He’s happy to meet new people out in the woods. Ian originally hails from Erie, Pennsylvania, in the United States. His longest hiking adventure was the Appalachian Trail in 2016. Jehyeon Park (right) is a world adventurer from Gwangju who took up photography to capture his experiences abroad. Jehyeon loves trekking. He has even trekked the slopes of the Himalayas up to the Everest Basecamp.
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November 2019
▲ Topmost: A wide view of Anyang Mountain and the valley below as seen from Keunjae. ▲ A piping hot bowl of heuk-yangtang, mutton stew. ◀ The tour group mills about the countryside, entering villages, forests, and rice fields one after another.
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Peggy Hicks
A Commitment to Listen, Act, and Make Impacts on Human Rights Issues
FEATURE
Interviewed by Nadya Hanaveriesa
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November 2019
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here are a lot of ways to make this world a better place. Being aware and concerned about human rights issues is one of them. Whether it is the past, present, or future, human rights will always be a crucial and critical component because it is related to almost every aspect of the world, aspects such as climate change, economic development, and sociocultural issues. Human rights issues can vary from time to time. One could observe that the issue of human rights will grow in line with the changes that occur in society. As a form of action that would help to address the issue, the United Nations (UN) established its Human Rights Division. This Human Rights Division has collaborated with both local and central governments, as well as with non-governmental organizations, to work on human rights issues. As director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures, and Right to Development Division of the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), Peggy Hicks has been working on human rights issues for almost half of her life. Her career in mastering human rights issues brought her to the World Human Rights Cities Forum in Gwangju, which ran from September 30 to October 2. During the forum, the Gwangju News was able to do a quick interview regarding her career and experience in working towards a better future for human rights around the world.
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Gwangju News (GN): Let us begin with a selfintroduction. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? Peggy Hicks: Sure. I work at the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva. I am in charge of the work that we do on many different human right issues. These issues include women’s rights, the rule of law, economic and social rights (rights to land and housing), and continuing work on sustainable development goals. GN: Basically, you seem to be involved with everything that relates to human rights, correct? Peggy Hicks: Exactly, and then we have another division that works with specific countries. My work in the topic areas is incorporated into the specific country work. GN: Interesting, so how long have you been working in the human rights field? Peggy Hicks: I have been with the UN for a little less than four years, but I have worked on human rights since I graduated from law school, so at least twenty-five or thirty years now. Before working at the UN in Geneva, I worked for Human Rights Watch, which is a non-governmental organization that works on human rights issues around the world. I worked for them in New York, and before
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11 that, I worked for the UN Peacekeeping Missions in Kosovo and Bosnia. GN: So, are you originally from Europe? Peggy Hicks: No, I am from the United States. I grew up in the Midwest and have worked primarily in New York since then. GN: Why did you choose to work with human rights issues specifically? Peggy Hicks: I chose a career in human rights because I grew up in a family where it was important that we looked at how we could make the world a better place and how we could help our fellow human beings. My parents were both social workers. My father worked with children’s rights, so I was aware of these issues from a young age. In looking for a job, my main criterion has always been trying to find the place where I think I can make a difference and where I can help people. I chose to work with the UN because I think it is one of those places. It can be a very hard place to work sometimes, as it is a big bureaucracy. For the UN to work, we need all the member states to be engaged, and my office is only a small part of the big UN system, so we often do not have the money and resources to do everything we want to do. Still, I think that we have a central position that allows us to help a lot of people in a lot of different ways. We work with individuals, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and companies to make sure they are respecting human rights. Some of our
most important work, of course, is done with different governments. We are here at the forum today because of the local government but we work with local, regional, and of course with national governments as well. GN: You said that you have been to Bosnia. What was your favorite experience working there? Peggy Hicks: I worked in Bosnia at the end of the Bosnian War, so I was there when the peace agreement was concluded and lived there for another three years following the war. I guess the most significant thing was being there when the war ended because it was the moment when I had worked on all of the human rights abuses that happened during the war. At that time, I saw the potential for peace and for things to get better, but of course they actually did not. A peace agreement was signed, but it did not change things on the ground for people in the fight itself. Many people were imprisoned, many had committed war crimes, and many had lost limbs, families, or jobs. Following the war, there was plenty of human rights work to do, and it was an amazing experience. I learned a huge amount and was able to work with incredible people – both from Bosnia and the international community. One of the most important things I learned was that there is a set of limitations surrounding what you can do as an international peacekeeper. So much of it comes down to how the local people and the government want to move things forward. GN: What did you do exactly in order to help them?
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November 2019
Peggy (right) during Plenary Session 1 on September 30, 2019, alongside Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-sup (center) and Mayor Fadhel Moussa (left) of Ariana, Tunisia.
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12 Peggy Hicks: That is an interesting story. I got the job originally about three years after the conflict began. The UN at that time did not have the human rights part of its peacekeeping mission, meaning, it did not exist yet. It had what it called “Civil Affairs,” but it did not have human rights specialists. In 1995, the UN decided that it wanted to create a human rights group with three people in it. Luckily, I got a phone call asking if I was interested in working there and wanted to be a human rights specialist with the UN. One of the most interesting things for me was how quickly it moved from that small team to being a part of UN missions everywhere. I started in an office in Bosnia, but I was soon moved to Croatia, which was where the headquarters was while the war was going on. When I moved to Sarajevo, Bosnia, the UN created the office of high representative, which was a whole new national organization for Bosnia. In that organization, I ended up heading the whole human rights component, which was the key part of the mission. I moved very quickly from a small unit to being a big part of the world peacekeeping effort. GN: It is very interesting how you became one of the key people who started the human rights division at the UN. Is this your first time to the forum in Gwangju? Peggy Hicks: It is not only my first time in Gwangju, but it is also my first time in Korea. I feel like I have not traveled nearly enough because I should have come here sooner. I really enjoy being here.
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GN: What do you think of how Gwangju and its citizens has addressed human rights? Peggy Hicks: I find it really interesting. It makes sense that the reason Gwangju is so committed to human rights is because of its history. Now as it grows, it is not somebody else telling them that now is the time to be interested in human rights. The people here feel a real connection with human rights because of the Gwangju Uprising. It is a part of their history and a part of their lives, and now they are looking at how they can take that experience and use it not just in Gwangju. The great thing about this meeting is learning how the experiences of this city can help inspire and inform how other cities handle human rights. GN: How do you think the Korean youth should be involved in improving human rights in Gwangju? Peggy Hicks: I think one of the most important things for the youth is to make sure that they stay informed and engaged. I think sometimes adults make it hard for the youth to feel like they are being heard, and it can be frustrating because if you do not feel like you are listened
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to, then it is easy to just sort of give up and step back. I think when you are not listened to, it instead becomes a time for you to step forward. I think we are at a place where the youth have so much at stake, and we see that with the climate movement, where the youth said, “Wait a minute, you won’t be here to see many of the consequences, but we will.” I hope that the youth of Gwangju will be part of not just that movement, but the movement for human rights generally. GN: Regarding that, what do you think Korean society needs to do to make that happen? Peggy Hicks: I was speaking with one of the conference experts earlier, and one of the things she talked about was how we often think about civil and political rights. Of course, the uprising was very much about having a political voice and being able to have a democracy that represents people; however, I think along with sustainable development goals, it should be recognized that political rights and civil rights need to go hand in hand with economic and social rights. In addition, we have to spend the same amount of energy defending people’s right to a job, an education, and to health care. If we do not, and we allow inequality in those systems, then we are creating the conditions that will then lead to denials of civil and political rights. It is so interconnected, and I think that is one of the things we need to learn and appreciate more. GN: Last question: What is the best insight you have gotten from working with human rights issues that all of us need to know? Peggy Hicks: My most important insight is that you learn more by listening than by talking. Too many conversations start with people having preconceived ideas of who is right and who is wrong. If we are going to be able to build a better world, we have to be able to listen to each other and understand even the perspectives we disagree with. We have to figure out how to do that better going forward. Photographs courtesy of The 9th World Human Rights Cities Forum Secretariat
The Interviewer
Nadya Hanaveriesa is a psychology student from Indonesia who enjoys war history and is currently studying at Chonnam National University. If she could go back in time to experience war, she would want to do it as a war journalist. This article is her first attempt at practicing journalism.
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Human + Community The Gwangju Design Biennale 2019
FEATURE
Written by Cami Ismanova
My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. — Desmond Tutu
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“Humanity Through New Technology” is the corporate exhibition located in Exhibition Hall 3, and it showcases technologies for people’s step-by-step fulfillment. The exhibition consists of three zones: “Technology Shared with Nature” “Technology That Fills Our Hearts,” and “Technology That Challenges for Newness.” How does technology relate to humanity? What kind of role will technology play in realizing humanity? The exhibition demonstrates the role of technology in linking people and society, and people with the environment. Also, it
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“Humanity and Design” is the theme of the exhibition located in Exhibition Hall 1, and it lets visitors observe various aspects of people. The crowd is encouraged to be a part of the artworks and installations, which are designed for visitors to recognize humanity in different forms. It consists of an introduction and three main zones: the song of “Human-ness,” “Hugging Ourselves,” and “Becoming Kind Together.” All of the design works are being curated by Professor of Applied Art Education Lee Dong-yeong of Hanyang University. The idea of this particular exhibition is to find a way to create a coexisting society through design – one where people are more considerate about the feelings of fellow humans in contemporary life,
“Humanity for the Next Generation” is the international exhibition located in Exhibition Hall 2, and it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Bauhaus. The Bauhaus was a German art school which, from 1919 to 1933, combined crafts and the fine arts. The exhibition re-highlights the Bauhaus in this era by overviewing its major works, explaining the history of the Bauhaus, and demonstrating the importance of the role of design for society. Also, it compares the spirit and ideology of the Bauhaus with the spirit and ideology of our present day. The exhibition, which covers the origin of humancentered design over the last 100 years, is curated by Kang Seugn-min, the CEO of Talk and Service.
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umanity – one word with thousands of different manifestations, and yet the best one is to show it, feel it, and share it with others. This is exactly what the Gwangju Design Biennale 2019 offers to its visitors this year: the question “What is humanity?” Using design as “a tool of creativity and innovation,” the Biennale’s exhibitions set a clear image of one of the most fundamental values of mankind. The 2019 Biennale presents five main exhibitions: “Humanity and Design,” “Humanity for the Next Generation,” “Humanity Through New Technology,” “Humancity,” and “Humanity of Local Innovation.”
and where rethinking human values and the validation of emotions are essential to a prosperous, peaceful coexistence. This exhibition attempts to unite people by presenting a possible future for our global village.
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14 gives an opportunity to reflect on how we currently use technology. “Humanity Through New Technology” is curated by Kim Yeong-mi, the director of Miraeseum, and by Park Jung-ho, a professor at Myungji University. “Humancity” is the experience exhibition located in Exhibition Hall 4. It presents the city as a place of life,
where people try to create an organic community of mutual understanding and respect through design focused on humans. This is a big project divided into five parts: (H), (U), (M), (A), and (N). “H” represents the space of harmony where people join forces together. “U” symbolizes the universal design of consideration and inclusion. “M” stands for the minimal values of healing
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
The city as a public living room – Exhibition Hall 2 (Humanity for the Next Generation). ▶
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and regeneration. “A” accounts for the future presented by high technology, while “N” centers on a sustainable vision for generations in the future. Visitors can experience a variety of designs by artists and companies that lead in both social and technological innovations. This impressive project is curated by Prof. Lee Kanghyun of Hongik University and Prof. Choi Min-young of Sungshin Women’s University. Last but not least is the business lounge with the theme “Humanity of Local Innovation,” which is located in Exhibition Hall 5. This exhibition might attract your attention the most because it covers the movement of the people of Gwangju along with future visions and industries of Gwangju. Design companies promote their products in this exhibition, and visitors can buy a great variety of design products in the market in Zone 3: “Store Gwangju.” This exhibition also aims to demonstrate the potential of Gwangju’s growing industries in the world. It includes a convergence design curated by Professor Kim Seong-ho of Jungwon University, a fashion design curated by Prof. Jung Jae-woo of Dongduk Women’s University, and others. The exhibition is divided into three main zones: “Glocal Gwangju,” “Style Gwangju,” and “Store Gwangju.” The Gwangju Design Biennale 2019 is definitely worth a visit. It is hard to describe just how thought-provoking and inspiring it really is. Luckily, the Biennale has a lot of exhibitions to offer throughout the year. So, if you missed this one, you will have a chance to enjoy a variety of upcoming events there in the near future.
The Author
◀ Some of the products displayed and on sale at Exhibition Hall 5 (Humanity and Local Innovation).
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November 2019
Cami Ismanova is a student in Chonnam National University majoring in Economics. Cami writes poems both in English and Russian as one of the ways to express herself. She loves traveling around and reading classics.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Photographs courtesy of Gwangju Design Biennale and Karina Prananto
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FEATURE FEATURE
A familiar entrance.
The King James Poutine in all its glory.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
Tim Whitman, the owner of the Alleyway and the man responsible for all the 10 years of deliciousness.
The cozy bar at the Alleyway.
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A Decade of Deliciousness The First Alleyway Celebrates 10 Years Written by William Urbanski
I
f ever there was a business in Gwangju that acted as a community institution, The First Alleyway would be it. Since first coming to Korea over eight years ago, my experience here has been punctuated by visits to the Alleyway, whether for Sunday morning bacon and eggs or Saturday night pizza. While I was not around for most of its first iteration – a small two-story location that, if memory serves me correctly, also operated a grocery store next door called the Underground – the current location of the Alleyway has been my go-to restaurant since it opened. For the two or three people in Gwangju who may not be familiar with The First Alleyway, it is a foreigner-owned and operated restaurant in the downtown area. It is one of the few places in Gwangju where one can get a decent, true-tasting burger, probably the only place that has poutine, and is without question the purveyor of the best pizza on the Korean Peninsula. In addition to its culinary specialties, it is also a bar and has hosted a wide variety of community events.
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Life in Korea can be exciting, hectic, and unfamiliar, and the Alleyway fulfills a niche market that franchises of other so-called Western restaurants never can. Here is to wishing the Alleyway another ten years of success! Photographed by William Urbanski and Karina Prananto
The Author
William Urbanski, managing editor of the Gwangju News, has an MA in international relations and cultural diplomacy. He is married to a wonderful Korean woman, always pays cash, and keeps all his receipts.
November 2019
There are a couple of items on The First Alleyway’s menu that hold a special place in my heart, as well as in my stomach. While over the past couple of months I have been making my way through all the sandwiches on the menu, on the night of the anniversary, I decided to go for the King James Poutine. Topped with pork, tomatoes, and jalapeno peppers, it was a challenge to finish off the whole serving by myself, even though it was so tasty that I would have liked to keep eating. During my youth in Canada, my family would regularly go out for wings and fries at one of our favorite local restaurants, so naturally, one
Keeping any business going for ten years is an accomplishment, especially a restaurant in the ultracompetitive Korean market. So in a sense, The First Alleyway acts as a case study as to what makes a business here endure and thrive. It is only natural to ask what exactly sets the Alleyway apart from other places that serve “Western” food. First, it is a commitment to the consistent quality of its menu coupled with fair prices. Next is its overall relaxed environment complimented with the friendly servers. Last, the Alleyway is regularly involved with the community and acts as a hub for various foreigner groups. This trifecta means that virtually everyone has a positive impression and good memories of the Alleyway.
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On September 28, the Alleyway celebrated its tenth anniversary. While my wife and I are regular patrons and Saturday is usually a busy night, it was nice to see the Alleyway absolutely bustling and full of familiar faces.
of my favorite Alleyway specials over the past couple of years has been Wing Wednesday. On Wing Wednesday, wings are only 500 won, and any self-respecting person will try to put down at least fifteen, plus a plate of fries.
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18 Blast from the Past
blast from the past
The Eight Regional Traits of Korea The Gwangju News reaches into its archives to bring you this August 2008 article by Prof. Shin Sang-soon (1922–2011) from his column, “The Korean Way.” The article describes the “official” characteristics of the Joseon Dynasty’s eight provinces. — Ed.
W
hen a region, large or small, is long isolated from other regions by geographical features such as wide rivers or steep mountains, it is quite possible that a certain peculiar trait may develop that becomes unique to the residents of that particular region.
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November 2019
During the early period of the Yi Dynasty (1392–1910), Korea was already divided into eight administrative provinces, which remained the same for almost 500 years, until 1910 when the peninsula was colonized by Japan. Area-wise, Korea (North and South combined) is 85,228 square miles, which is a little bigger than the U.S. state of Utah and a little smaller than the state of Minnesota. One might easily think of all Koreans as a whole, but dividing them into eight provincial regions might sound out of the ordinary. However, the entire population of Korea at the time of the Yi Dynasty (a.k.a. Joseon Dynasty) in 1392 is estimated to have been only about eight million (now 70 million for the North and South together). Considering that mountainous areas comprise 70 percent of the total land area, one can easily conclude that the country was very sparsely populated, separated by uncrossable rivers and insurmountable mountains. Besides, the lack of modern means of communication like TVs, radios, and newspapers, and of modern means of transportation such as cars, ships, airplanes, and highways might certainly have rendered people inactive in exploring the outside world, confining them to their small hamlets. These may have given rise to the eight regional traits of Korea, well known among its people.
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During the early days of the Yi Dynasty, the founding king, Taejo, told his trusted courtier Jeong Do-jeon to describe the characteristics of the people of the eight provinces. JEONG’S EIGHT-PROVINCE DESCRIPTIONS
Gyeonggi-do (경기도)
A beauty in the mirror. [鏡中美人/경중미인] Situated in the center of the centralized system of Korea, the people in Gyeonggi-do, in the vicinity of the capital, are known to have good social skills but are inaccessible, like a beauty in a mirror – they are only good to look at. They are looked upon as intellectual, and they value honor.
Chungcheong-do (충청도)
Clear wind and bright moon. [淸風明月/청풍명월] The people of Chungcheong Province are traditionally called yangban (양반, literati). They speak rather slowly and are regarded as high-minded and elegant, rather than competitive, like the leisurely flowing Geumgang River, which meanders through the province.
Jeolla-do (전라도)
Slender willow in the wind. [風前細柳/풍후세류] This original meaning was favorable to the Jeolla-do people. As Jeolla-do was the breadbasket of the country, the people there were noted for their warmth, kindhearted nature, and artistic sensitivity. But, later on, the meaning was twisted to mean that the people were feeble-willed like the slender willow twigs swaying to and fro in the wind. But the people of the province interpret it the other way round. That is, softness overcome stiffness (柔能制剛/ 유능제강). Gwangju was a part of Jeolla-do, and Gwangju citizens pride themselves on beating back the paratroopers in the struggle for democratization in May 1980.
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November 2019
▲ Korea and its eight provinces of Joseon Dynasty times.
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20 Gyeongsang-do (경상도)
Fidelity like pine and bamboo. [松竹大節/송축대절] The ever-green pine and the straight bamboo are the symbols of fidelity and frankness. The people of the Gyeongsang area are noted for their roughness and strong nerve, being labeled as “stubborn.” There is an old saying that when three Gyeongsang-do people talk, they make the whole village noisy. They are often likened to big mountains and steep ranges (泰山峻嶺/태산준령).
Gangwon-do (강원도)
Old Buddha under a big rock. [岩下老佛/암하노불] In spite of its large area, Gangwon-do is very sparsely populated and the rare encounters with neighbors resulted in simplicity and honesty in their personality. Some also interpret it as connoting a person unworthy of note.
Hwanghae-do (황해도)
Throwing a stone into a spring wave. [春波投石/춘파투석] Hwanghae-do is located on the west coast just northwest of Seoul across the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Throughout its history, no noteworthy actions have been observed in this province. Jeong Do-jeon’s comment possibly meant a leisurely fisherman idling away, throwing stones into the waves in the spring, depicting a pastoral, provincial scene.
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November 2019
Pyeongan-do (평안도)
Fierce tiger in the wood. [山林猛虎/산림맹호] This comment depicts the fierce nature of the Pyeongando residents. They were in frequent contact with the Chinese across the border of the Yalu River, either in a friendly or a rivalry situation. There is a saying that when arguing with a Pyeongan-do person, you must watch out, because he will strike you with his head like a bolt of lightning.
Hamgyeong-do (함경도)
Coming to the last province, Hamgyeong-do, Jeong Dojeon refrained from making a comment. Urged by the king several times, Jeong had to open his mouth, telling the king that the residents there were like dogs fighting in a muddy field (泥田鬪狗/이전투구), meaning that the people were very tenacious. Hamgyeong-do was the province where the king was born and raised. The comment denotes a negative image, and the king’s displeasure was apparent. The quick-witted Jeong took notice of the king’s facial color change and added, “But they are like an ox tilling a stony field” (石田耕牛/석전경우), meaning perseverance overcomes hardship. The king was pleased and awarded Jeong a prize.
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Some comments on the characteristics of certain residents in long-isolated ancient regions could still hold, but as mentioned at the beginning, modern means of communication and transportation have erased distance barriers, bringing separated neighbors closer together, which makes differentiation of traits in this country today more difficult. POSTSCRIPT An interesting point is how the names of Joseon’s paldo (판도, 八道, 8 provinces) were created. In most cases, the names of the two most prominent towns in the province were incorporated, using the first syllable (i.e., Chinese character) of each and adding “-do” for “province.” Therefore, Chungcheong-do was derived from Chungju and Cheongju (Chung+Cheong), the two main population areas at the time. Jeolla-do is from Jeonju and Naju (phonological change from Raju/라주). Gyeongsang-do is from Gyeongju and Sangju. Gangwondo is derived from Gangneung and Wonju. Gyeonggi-do is the exception, as it often is: Gyeonggi means “capital area.” If you are wondering about Jeju-do, it was not a province in Joseon times; it was part of Jeolla-do. In the North, Hwanghae-do derived its name from Hwangju and Haeju. Pyeongan-do comes from Pyeongyang and Anju. Hamgyeong-do is from Hamheung and Gyeongseong. An earlier name for the province was Hamgil-do, from Hamheung and Gilju. As has occurred in South Korea, the provinces of North Korea have been divided up so that each country now has nine provinces. Today, Jeong Do-jeon might have very different descriptions of the people of the provinces for the king than he did six centuries ago. Arranged by David Shaffer
An interesting point is how the names of Joseon’s pal-do were created. In most cases, the names of the two most prominent towns in the province were incorporated, using the first syllable of each and adding “-do” for “province.”
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Lost in Gwangju 21
TRAVELTRAVEL
A sweltering karaoke bar occupies the top floor of the DDoDDo-sphere, offering no one an impressive view of the Sangmu District.
Ugly and Uglier Written and photographed by Isaiah Winters
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As for the former, I present to you a three-story biodome encapsulating a café, bar, and singing room that was last named DDoDDo until it, ahem, went the way of the dodo. Still stocked with plenty of lukewarm booze, it’s a wonder that so few inebriates have turned up to drink the place dry even after its closure. To give credit where credit is due, the relative dearth of looting is one of the many facets of Korean society that’s impressed me over the years. Like Japan, there’s something about Korean society that discourages this type of behavior, which is a welcome change from much of the rest of the world.
November 2019
G
wangju has a nearly inexhaustible supply of architecture so ugly that it borders on self-parody. As it’s my monthly privilege to showcase the best of this city’s worst, November’s edition of Lost in Gwangju features two such fugly locales right across the street from one another in the Sangmu District. One’s merely a tasteless display of proletarian aesthetics left unchecked, while the other’s an ostensibly prosperous establishment whose demise exposed the Seo District Office’s failure to conduct biannual safety checks.
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A Tale of Two Saloons
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
▲ An external shot of the DDoDDo-sphere, possibly Gwangju’s ugliest bar.
Though profoundly aesthetically challenged, DDoDDo’s main issue is actually that its glasspaneled exterior causes a serious greenhouse effect inside. The warm fall day when I entered left me pouring with sweat and wondering how much it must have cost to cool the place during warmer months. The singing rooms on the uppermost floor were particularly steamy, though I did admire their impressive view of Sangmu. The silver lining is that winters in DDoDDo must have been fairly warm, for whatever that’s worth. There’s little reference to DDoDDo’s demise online, but judging by its now inactive social media accounts, the bar seemed to have been at its liveliest from 2014–2016 as a place for playing darts. The rooftop deck around the base of the DDoDDo-sphere was also active around the same time as a glamping site overlooking the city. Redundantly named “Hang Out Camping Rooftop & Camping,” the deck is still pitched with tents in the shapes of a teepee, Volkswagen vans, and a badly weather-beaten yurt.
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Though irredeemably tacky, there’s something endearing about these bad ideas that were eventually taken seriously enough to come to fruition. They remind me of the nostalgic episode of The Simpsons where Homer’s carmanufacturing half-brother allows him to design a car for the American Everyman, to disastrous effect. Similarly, when viewed with a sober pair of eyes only a few years later, it’s no wonder that these businesses quickly waned under the strain of their colossal ugliness and impracticality. To their credit, however, these gimmicky failures never got anyone killed, which can’t be said of our next establishment: Coyote Ugly. Last July’s deadly balcony collapse inside Coyote Ugly, a nightclub directly across the street from DDoDDo, took the lives of two revelers and injured dozens more. With the 18th FINA World Championships then underway, the club was filled beyond capacity with both locals and foreign athletes, many of whom were injured when an internal balcony became overloaded and
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▲ The garish stairwell lights may still be on at Gwangju’s now infamous Coyote Ugly nightclub, but nobody’s home.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019 DDoDDo’s bar area is still lined with drinking glasses and lukewarm booze.
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collapsed onto the people dancing below. In the ensuing chaos, partiers attempted to hoist the fallen balcony up, though to no avail. Two Korean men, one in his 20s and the other in his 30s, died as a result.
as relevant witnesses. Even Liliana Lovell, the founder of Coyote Ugly Saloon, issued a statement saying that her attorneys were investigating the nightclub’s unauthorized use of the iconic Coyote Ugly trademark.
November 2019
This wasn’t the first time a balcony had collapsed at Coyote Ugly. According to Lee Suh-yoon’s piece over at The Korea Times,[1] just last year a woman in her 20s fell and suffered injuries after another of the club’s internal balconies, this one made of glass, broke. Lee notes that the club got fined a mere two million won and was made to replace the broken section of the balcony – nothing more. To make up for their prior absenteeism, safety inspectors from the Seo District Office should have taken the opportunity then to inspect Coyote Ugly for other shoddy construction and illicit add-ons, but ultimately failed to do so. As a result, the much larger balcony that would collapse the following year remained a hazard hidden in plain sight.
In order for these investigations to result in meaningful reforms, the more eyes the better. It’s never convenient to have one’s dirty laundry aired internationally, but sometimes that’s the only impetus strong enough to overcome the bureaucratic inertia that slows improvement. Progress is the best restitution we can hope for, and the sooner the better – before things get even uglier.
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▲ The rooftop deck at the base of the DDoDDo-sphere still has themed tents with glamping gear inside.
The fact that many FINA athletes were injured in the collapse drew international attention from media outlets such as the BBC, New York Post, Reuters, and many others. For better and for worse, this heightened scrutiny put Gwangju’s (and, by extension, Korea’s) lax safety standards under the global spotlight once again. In response, a bevy of investigations have been launched into the incident, including the club coowners’ role in the unlicensed expansion, the construction company involved in said expansion, and 16 public officials
The Author
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Reference [1] Lee Suh-yoon (2019, July 28), Gwangju nightclub collapse a “man-made” disaster. The Korea Times. Retrieved from https://m.koreatimes.co.kr/pages/article.asp?newsIdx=272991
Originally from Southern California, Isaiah Winters is a Gwangju-based urban explorer who enjoys writing about the City of Light’s lesser-known quarters. When he’s not roaming the streets and writing about his experiences, he’s usually working or fulfilling his duties as the Gwangju News’ heavily caffeinated chief proofreader.
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Around Korea 25
TRAVEL
Rocky beaches at Hakpo Harbor.
Ulleung-do A Mystery Still Untouched
A
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Probably one of the biggest reasons the island does not hit the top of the tourist destination charts is that it is simply very difficult to get to. Ferries from the mainland depart once, maybe twice, a day, depending on the season, from either Gangneung in Gangwon Province or Pohang in Gyeongsang Province, and both trips sport a travel time of about three hours plus. If the seas are too choppy, the boat simply stays in port and travelers are either forced to wait another day on the mainland or, if already on the island, remain stranded for an extra day on Ulleung-do. Thankfully, my traveling buddy and I faced few to no issues during the maritime portions of our journey; that included a lack of seasickness, which has been known to creep up on passengers in transit.
November 2019
Korean destination that had been on my radar for quite some time was the volcanic island (not named Jeju) located far off Korea’s east coast. Nicknamed “Mystery Island” for the mystical energy it contains, scientists theorize that the cryptic isle first sprang from the sea following eruptions that took place 2.5 million years ago. No problem if there are no mental lightbulbs springing into action at this point (or if you skipped the title) – I will spill the beans: I am talking about Ulleung-do. Though a lot of folks think of Ulleungdo as just a stopover to get to the better-known Dok-do islands (which I admittedly also partook of during my recent adventure), Ulleung-do also boasts rural beauty unlike anything else you will see in Korea.
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Written and photographed by Wilson Melbostad
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Once one arrives at the main Dodong Port, getting around Ulleung-do is possible via either rental car or local buses that circle around the perimeter of the island. If time is not a factor, then a car is not an “absolute must.” I enjoyed our rental car experience, as it did certainly enable us to explore some of the lesser-known areas of the island and, as one might imagine, cover more ground in less time. If you do select the bus option, just be prepared for them to stop running much earlier than you might have become accustomed to in Gwangju or elsewhere in Korea.
On the culinary side, dip into your wellbeing side with a taste of sanchae bibimbap (mountain bimbimbap) at the bottom of Nuri Basin. Ulleung-do is very well known for its wild mountain vegetables, with a selection of more than 700 varieties that attract gastronomical experts from Korea and beyond. What is the secret to the freshness? Though Ulleung-do gets more snow than any other part of Korea, the mountain vegetables still flourish as they are able to absorb rich minerals from the wind, sea, and volcanic soil. Additionally, the lucky cows that get to graze on this heavenly vegetation, as one might imagine, lend themselves to some fairly tasty bulgogi combinations.
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November 2019
Ulleung-do activities can be split into two categories – eating and hiking – both of which we got our fair share of. For the active folk, climbing up Seongin-bong, the large volcanic mountain in the middle of the island, provides a tough but rewarding challenge. Towards the peak of the mountain, the plant life begins to resemble a backdrop one might expect to see in the jungles of Indonesia or elsewhere in Southeast Asia. These “are we sure we’re in Korea?” questions continued on from the top of the
mountain back down through the Nari-bunji (or Nari Basin), with unfamiliar flora springing up every which way, eliciting motifs of the Mesozoic Era. Other mustvisit geological attractions include the Gwaneum Island hiking trail, an easy stroll that provides a solid coastal view of Ulleung-do’s unique, almost fjord-like geological foundation.
▲ Starry skies fill the quiet village town of Taeha.
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If you are the type of guy or gal who lives for introducing your digestive tract to underwater creatures, Ulleung-do also has a home for you. The ocean depths surrounding Ulleung-do range from about 50 to 300 meters. This means that the surrounding fauna are living far more illustrious lives than their shallow-sea counterparts, and thus, you the consumer are able to wolf down some heavenly seafood. Squid are a particular staple here, and you can find laundry racks of them drying in the sun at nearly every turn. But perhaps an even tastier treat is the “Dokdo shrimp,” which are found to be sweeter and softer than any other shrimp found in Korea. Though a little aggressive on the wallet, I must say that diving into these seafood experiences is something one just has to try while dining on “Mystery Island.”
A view of a squid boat docked at Jeodong Harbor.
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My parting advice: Visit now while you can. The island’s mystique might be seriously compromised in the year 2025 when the official Ulleung-do Airport will be opened. Though residents have understandably called for an easier way to get to the mainland and/or have their relatives visit, Ulleung-do’s charm is preserved by the fact that it is so darn difficult to get there. Yet, since airport construction is already underway, I strongly suggest getting out there now while there is still time to experience the island in all its glory.
An overhead view of Dodong Port.
The Author
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The cable car up to Manghyang Peak.
November 2019
Wilson Melbostad is a human rights attorney hailing from San Francisco, California, and is proud to call Gwangju his second hometown. Wilson is a lecturer at Chonnam National University who, in his spare time, works on various pro bono legal cases throughout the country. Wilson also enjoys breakfast food to the point where he feels comfortable putting such information in his bio.
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TRAVEL
28 From Abroad
The Washington Monument
The Lincoln Memorial
The underground subway station
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November 2019
The Capitol Building
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Capital U.S.A. – Washington D.C. Written and photographed by Matt Furlane
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hile teaching English in Gwangju, I was surprised to find that many of my students had visited Korea’s capital, Seoul, several times, yet I (despite being much older) hadn’t visited my own U.S. capital even once. And when Kim Jong-un threatened to destroy it a few years ago, it was kind of a backhanded shout-out to the importance of the city, so I decided I should eventually make the journey to see America’s center of government: Washington, D.C. Like Italy’s capital, Rome, but unlike many other nations’ capitals, the U.S. capital is its own separate area from the other 50 U.S. states. It was founded in 1790 and named “Washington” after America’s first president, and the “District of Columbia” after the voyager Christopher Columbus. Its design by French architect Charles L’Enfant makes it arguably the most European of all American cities; it was inspired by places like Paris and Amsterdam, with long boulevards connecting major points of interest.
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References
Stebbins, S. (2019, September 16). San Diego, Washington D.C. among the cities where people spend the most on alcohol. USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/ money/2019/09/16/how-much-people-spend-on-alcohol-in22-major-american-cities/40114971/ [2] Wainman, L. (2018, September 27). D.C. is the 6th best coffee city in America. DC Refined. Retrieved from http://dcrefined. com/eat-drink/dc-is-the-6th-best-coffee-city-in-america [1]
The Author
Matt Furlane has been contributing to the Gwangju News since 2008. He has a degree in political science and an associate degree in electronics. He enjoys writing about politics, technology, and urban design.
November 2019
Although it was nearly destroyed by the British in 1812, the city recovered and gradually took on its current state by the early 20th century. It now has a population of about 700,000 people and receives nearly 20 million tourists per year, with many coming in the spring to see the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. Some of the more popular destinations include the White House, Capitol Hill, (which includes the domed Capitol building, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court), the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.
If you are visiting from Korea and want to travel as easily as possible, I recommend landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is just south of the city, and getting a hotel with a bus, bike share, or subway station nearby. Although America is primarily an automobile nation, Washington D.C. has good public transportation with hundreds of bike stations, bus stops, and a subway system that is one of the cleanest and most efficient in the U.S. And, despite rumors that the D.C. subway doubled as a Cold War fallout shelter (because of its reinforced concrete ceilings and depth underground) it is actually just a regular subway now that has a unique concrete style to it. But if Kim Jong-un gets angry again, it is not a bad place to take shelter. So, if you have already seen your own capital and want to visit a historical and unique place in the U.S., I would give D.C. a chance to show you the best that America can offer.
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The city’s character has continued to evolve, and in recent years, it has become more unique and maybe even more intense. The 9/11 terror attacks brought heightened security and a sense of vulnerability. Additionally, continued tensions around the world make D.C.’s security a perennial concern. Very few people are actually born in D.C., and even fewer stay to settle down. The majority of people are tourists, bureaucrats, or commuters just passing through, giving D.C. a transient vibe. The city is also the seat of government and decision-making, so every major business is there to lobby Congress, every country wants to have its embassy located there, and it has become one of the spy capitals of the world. According to the newly opened International Spy Museum, it is estimated that there are 10,000 spies roaming the city at any given time.
D.C. has other facets worth mentioning as well. It was named Restaurant City of the Year by the website Bon Appétit in 2016. It has one of the largest repositories of neoclassical architecture in America. It is ranked as a top drinking city,[1] the 6th best coffee city,[2] and has some of the best museums in the word (most of which are free). These include the Smithsonian, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Air and Space Museum. Now that summer is over and fall weather has set in, Washington D.C. is far less crowded and somewhat relaxed, with outdoor festivals and farmers markets each weekend.
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30 Language Teaching
Lindsay Herron Leads Korea TESOL Through 2020 An Interview
EDUCATION
Interviewed by Dr. David E. Shaffer
Korea TESOL (KOTESOL; Korea Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) has a new national president, Lindsay Herron, and she is living and working in Gwangju! Last month, Lindsay received Korea TESOL’s highest service award: the President’s Award. I caught up with her recently for this interview for the Gwangju News.
G
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
wangju News (GN): Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview. To begin with, could you tell us a little about yourself and about what keeps you busy these days? Lindsay Herron: Well, I’m from New Mexico originally, but I attended college in Pennsylvania and lived and worked in New York City before coming to Korea as a Fulbright English teaching assistant (ETA) in 2005. I taught at a boys’ high school in Jeju-do for three years and then in 2008 started at Gwangju National University of Education, and I’ve been here ever since! These days, my time is divided between teaching, volunteering for KOTESOL, and working on a doctorate by distance with Indiana University [USA]. I’ve just completed the coursework for the EdD, in fact; as this goes to print, I’m taking my qualifying exam, and I hope to submit a dissertation proposal by the end of the term. GN: How did you first get involved in Korea TESOL? Lindsay Herron: I first heard about KOTESOL while I was teaching in Jeju-do, and as a novice teacher, I was desperately thirsty for professional development. But at the time, the chapter in Jeju was just getting its footing,
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and their meetings were difficult for me to get to. After I moved to Gwangju, though, I started attending the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter meetings on a regular basis and thoroughly enjoyed them. My involvement got kicked up a notch after the 2012 KOTESOL National Conference in Busan; I decided on a whim to attend the social dinner following the conference, and I discovered the organizers were actually quite approachable, lovely people. Also at that conference, Dr. David Shaffer, who was president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter at the time, recognized me as a chapter member and invited me to write a review of the conference for KOTESOL’s quarterly magazine, The English Connection. He was evidently satisfied enough with the results to later suggest I consider volunteering for the international conference planning committee – and the rest is history, with Dave supporting and mentoring my ever-increasing involvement every step of the way. I took over as the conference registration director in 2013; Bill Mulligan, another Gwangju-ite, recommended me to replace him as Membership Committee chair; and I soon found myself running for first vice-president under President Peadar Callaghan. I’ve served in some capacity on most of KOTESOL’s committees, and it’s always a pleasure to work with our amazing volunteers while honing my own skills in areas not always directly related to teaching. GN: What would you say to those who think that they do not need to join KOTESOL because they have been teaching in Korea for a number of years already?
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▲ Cool Lindsay (right) with Gwangju Chapter President Bryan Hale manning the KOTESOL booth at GIC Day 2019.
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GN: Membership in KOTESOL is not free. What do members get for their membership fee?
November 2019
Now, for some teachers, teaching is only a small part of who they are; they find opportunities for growth as well as challenges in other areas of their life. I can definitely understand that. But for others among us, professional development is an eternal process – and even after one moves from novice to expert, there are manifold new paths for growth: new opportunities to develop as a mentor, for example, or to contribute to the knowledge ecosystem as a researcher; to advance one’s leadership skills, capitalize on talents currently laying dormant, or build new skillsets. KOTESOL offers opportunities to contribute to our community of practice in new, everevolving, personally meaningful ways.
To illustrate: I’ve been teaching for more than fourteen years, but I still benefit from participating in KOTESOL. First, when I attend workshops, I always take away new ideas and inspirations that I can tweak and adapt to my own context. Second, I’m learning how to become a researcher, so I’m fascinated to hear about the various research methodologies and approaches our members are using. I also love flexing skills from my former life in children’s publishing. I spent years planning fetes for authors and award-committee members, coordinating our presence at conferences, and crafting various marketing materials and newsletters; now, more than a decade later, I love being able to revisit and refine these skills for the benefit of KOTESOL. But frankly, even if none of this were true, I’d still participate in KOTESOL; underscoring all the personal and professional benefits I’ve outlined is a foundation of respect and affection for the people involved. KOTESOL is my support network, my community of practice, and my family in Korea.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Lindsay Herron: I believe one characteristic of truly outstanding professionals in any field is that they’re never satisfied; they’re always seeking new approaches and challenges, new ways to evolve and grow, and this helps keep them at the top of their game. When you stop seeking growth and are content to rest on your laurels, you stagnate.
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32 Lindsay Herron: Honestly, I think this is the wrong question. We are a nonprofit organization; first and foremost, what you “get” is the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting a wonderful cause and helping contribute to English education in Korea. If that’s not enough, though, I’d point out the many other perks and benefits of membership. Members get immediate digital access to all our publications, including our quarterly magazine and our research journal, and they can receive hard copies upon request. They also receive special invitations to members-only social and networking events, such as our annual wine-and-cheese membership social each October. They can apply for research grants, travel grants, conference grants, and other awards and support. They get a discount to all KOTESOL events that charge a fee, including our national and international conferences, and discounts or other perks from a variety of local, national, and international supporters, including the First Alleyway and Top Bookstore in Gwangju. And of course, it’s an outstanding professional affiliation to include on a resume! GN: What KOTESOL events are being planned for the coming year?
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
Lindsay Herron: This coming year is going to be a great one for KOTESOL! Our annual national conference will be held in the spring at the beautiful Kyungnam University in Masan. We’re co-hosting the 2020 Asia TEFL Conference, which will be held June 25–27 in Goyang and which should afford some unique opportunities for KOTESOL members. And of course, our international conference, which is held each October and is the largest annual ELT conference in Korea, promises to be a stellar event! GN: It sounds like another great year! Thank you, Lindsay, for the wealth of information that you have provided in this interview, and best of luck to you in your year as KOTESOL president. Lindsay Herron: Thank you very much!
The Interviewer
David Shaffer just completed his term as national president of KOTESOL. He has lived for many years in Gwangju and taught for many years at Chosun University. Dr. Shaffer has been associated with KOTESOL since its beginnings. As vice-president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of KOTESOL, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings. Dr. Shaffer is presently the chairman of the board at the Gwangju International Center and also editor-in-chief of the Gwangju News.
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▲ Registration Director Lindsay working at the 2019 KOTESOL International Conference (Photo by A.C. Parson).
GWANGJU-JEONNAM KOTESOL MONTHLY MEETING Date: November 16 (3rd Saturday) Place: Gwangju National University of Education • Creating a Space for Students with Disabilities and Neurodiversity in the Classroom By Crystal Soo-Jung Cho Jones (Indiana University) • Technology: Critical Tools for the EFL Classroom: By Peter Lucarotti (Jeollanamdo Intl. Ed. Institute) • SwapShop Mini-Presentations: All are welcome to contribute. For full event details: Website: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL
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33
TOPIK GUIDE (topikguide.com) is the most comprehensive website devoted to the TOPIK exam. It has been helping Korean language learners pass the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) for more than eight years. On our website, you can get all the TOPIK updates, grammar and vocabulary material, and study tips.
Everyday Korean Episode 23: 가족 (The Family)
Prepared by Harsh Kumar Mishra
카리나 씨 기분이 안 좋아 보이네요. 괜찮아요?
EDUCATION
정민:
[Karina sshi gi-bu-ni an jo-a bo-i-neyo. Gwaen-cha-nayo?] Jeongmin: Karina, you look sad. Are you all right?
카리나: 네, 괜찮아요. 왠지 오늘 가족 생각이 많이 나서 그래요. [Ne, gwaen-cha-nayo. Waen-ji o-neul ga-jok saeng-ga-gi ma-ni na-seo geu-rae-yo.] Karina: Yeah, I’m fine. I don’t know why, but today I’m missing my family a lot.
정민:
부모님을 보고 싶겠다. 카리나 씨 가족의 누구누구 계세요?
[Bumo-ni-meul bo-go sip-ket-ta. Karina-sshi ga-jo-ge nugu-nugu gye-seyo?] Jeongmin: You must miss your parents. Who all is in your family?
카리나: 부모님하고 남동생 한 명, 언니 한 명 있어요. 가족들 얼굴을 본 지 오래돼서 너무 그리워요. [Bu-mo-nim-hago nam-dong-saeng han myeo-ng, eo-nni han myeo-ng is-seoyo. Ga-jok-deul eol-gu-reul bon ji o-rae-dwae-seo neo-mu geu-ri-woyo.] Karina: There’s my parents, a younger brother, and an older sister. I guess it’s been a long since I saw them. That’s why I miss them a lot.
정민:
그 마음을 이해할 수 있어요. 저도 미국 유학 갔을 때 가족 생각이 많이 났어요.
카리나: 고마워요. 이번 크리스마스 때 고향에 갈 계획이에요. [Go-ma-woyo. I-beon keu-ris-maseu ttae go-hyange gal ge-hwe-gi-eyo.] Karina: Thank you. I’m planning to go home this Christmas.
Grammar ~ 아/어 보이다: Use this with a verb denoting
The weather looks good today.
왠지 ~ : Use this when starting a sentence to convey the meanings “Somehow,” “I don’t know why,” and “For some reason.” Ex: 왠지 그 사람을 다시 믿을 수 없어. Somehow, I don’t feel I can’t trust him again.
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기분 mood 생각 thought 부모 parents 얼굴 face 남동생 younger brother 언니 elder sister (of a female) 마음 feeling, heart 이해하다 to understand 유학을 가다 to study abroad 고향 hometown 계획 plan
Vocabulary Related to Family These are among the most common family members in Korean. 누나 형 오빠 여동생 고모 이모 처갓집 시집
elder sister (of a male) elder brother (of a male) elder brother (of a female) younger sister aunt (father’s sister) aunt (mother’s sister) wife’s side (parents) husband’s side (parents)
November 2019
quality (adjective) to convey the meaning of how something looks. Ex: 오늘 날씨가 좋아 보이네요.
Vocabulary
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[Geu ma-eu-meul ihae-hal su is-seoyo. Jeo-do mi-guk yu-hak ga-sseul ttae ga-jok saeng-ga-gi ma-ni na-sseo-yo.] Jeongmin: I can understand the feeling. I too missed my family when I was studying in the U.S.
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34 Where to Eat
Yuhyang
A Departure from Delivery Reviewed and photographed by Jen Lee
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
FOOD & DRINKS
T
o how many generations must a fusion dish be served in a country before it is officially accepted as a mainstay in the local culture? If there is any dish that has been around long enough to earn such a status in this country, my money is on jjajang-myeon (짜장면, black bean sauce noodles). Though it may have originated from a Chinese dish, evolution and affordability have made what once may have been a foreign experience into a staple that I, along with millions of others, am all too happy to consume on a semi-regular basis. I was invited by one of my favorite dining buddies to check out Yuhyang (유향) to try what he believed was the best version in town of this classic comfort food. As tempting as it was to stay home and opt for delivery as an excuse to not venture outdoors, his high praises combined with my eternal desire to explore more of the food scene in Gwangju made it impossible for me to turn down such a proposition. The restaurant itself is easy to miss. Located in the quiet area of Hanam-dong (하남동), I almost missed its unassuming location due to it being on the second floor of a building that offered very little information about its promised good eating inside. The select number of options on the menu at this fusion restaurant, though lacking in English translations, offered pictures to give me a good idea of what we were ordering. It appeared as if the highlighted items were carefully chosen based on the restaurant’s unique fusion specialties. This lack of details may provide some difficulties for those with specific food allergies, especially when it comes to seafood. Trying to figure out what to choose proved to be somewhat tricky, as there were only two of us and I wanted to try everything. My buddy and I both knew we were there for the jjajang-myeon, but even that put us in the position of having to choose between the Yuhyang jaengban jjajang (유향쟁반짜장) and the Sacheon jjajang (사천짜장), both of which looked equally tempting and different from any take on this dish I had ever had before. Other selections
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that tempted me included the Yuhyang jjamppong (유향짬뽕, Yuhyang’s spicy seafood noodle soup), which the restaurant is famous for due to its abundant serving of seafood, and the mapa dubu (마파두부, tofu in spicy sauce). We ultimately decided to enjoy this meal in the most classic way we knew and ordered the Yuhyang jaengban jjajang (유향쟁반짜장, Yuhyang’s tray of black bean noodles), only available in large portions for two or three people, and the Gwangdong tangsuyuk (광동탕수육, Guangdong sweet and sour pork), which offered both a so (소, small) or dae (대, large) size. (We got the small one.) Shortly after we placed our order, we were treated to a complimentary serving of fried dumplings as a quick appetizer, along with the usual sides of raw onions, danmuji (단무지, yellow pickled radishes), and chunjang (춘장, bean paste), all three of which I am terrible for not normally taking advantage of. The first item to arrive was the Gwangdong tangsuyuk, which came with a side of a deeply colored and thick sauce filled with vegetables and topped with roasted sesame seeds. Making it a point to try the pork on its own before getting into the dipping game, I immediately noticed how light, crispy, and savory the fried batter on the outside was. The black sesame seeds added a striking visual contrast in addition to a nutty flavor that elevated this classically fried pork to another level. I was tempted to eat all of this dish on its own before having to remind myself that it was meant to be eaten with the translucent sauce it came with. Though I have not always been keen on the viscous sweetness that typically comes with otherwise perfectly fine morsels of fried pork, I rather liked this rendition that, though still sweet, was balanced out with a tangy, fruity bite and mellow undertones. The contrasting flavors played together nicely and the pork remained magically crunchy throughout its many dunking sessions. Before we could fill up too much on crispy meat, the star of the meal arrived. Upon a giant plate came our beautifully arranged Yuhyang jaengban jjajang. The three visible layers consisted of a foundation of the more traditional noodles
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35 mixed with a more savory version of the classic black bean gravy, and a clearer and spicier combination of seafood, vegetables, and sauce, with lovely little piles of julienned cucumbers, carrots, and eggs. Considering how pretty the dish was, it was almost a shame to wreck it by mixing everything together, but it did not take long for me to get over the visual loss in exchange for satisfying my appetite. While I have had many different versions of this dish that I could not seem to eat without requiring a pile of napkins, I think it is safe to say that this is now my favorite version. The black bean gravy was flavorful while lacking that sweetness that can often be found in delivery versions, and the spicier sauce added just the right amount of heat that did not send the entire dish into the realm of discomfort. The bits of seafood were also nice, but I especially loved the juicy mushrooms that had soaked up a lot of flavors while maintaining that meaty texture. All in all, my lunch at Yuhyang was a tasty experience that left my hungry dining buddy and me with the sole regret of not being able to finish everything. Though the two of us can usually clean up pretty well with our hefty appetites, the portions at the restaurant were more than generous for even the hungriest of visitors without placing
equally heavy dents in our wallets. For those who may still be on the fence about giving this intimidating dish a try, I recommend making that jump at a quality place like this before settling for delivery. I understand that it may not look so delicious to anyone who does not have a lifetime of nostalgia attached to its brown imagery, but there is a good reason why it continues to maintain its position as comfort food. Yuhyang 유향 t 11:00–20:30 (break time: 15:00–17:00), closed on Mondays P Yonga-ro 400-beongil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju 광주 광산구 용아로400번길 À 062-954-9530
The Reviewer
Jen Lee is a freelance artist, communications consultant, and ex-food blogger who currently lives in the United Arab Emirates while sneaking trips to her old stomping grounds in Gwangju whenever possible. Her hobbies include indulging in activities that leave her with little time to sleep and practice healthier habits.
The Guangdong tangsuyuk
The Yuhyang jaengban jjajang
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November 2019
The menu at Yuhyang.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
The fried dumplings with sides of raw onions and danmuji.
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36
Montes Alpha
An Italian Mountainside Restaurant Reviewed and photographed by Sarah Pittman
I
FOOD & DRINKS
found this month’s restaurant at the base of Mudeung Mountain, just a short drive away from the downtown area, located in a quaint, mountainside resort. The area’s restaurants and shops reminded me of a Swedish fishing village, with brightly painted roofs tucked into the mountainside, as I walked through the quiet streets to my destination. I had ridden the 1187 bus up to Mudeung Mountain past this little area many times, and I feel I have done myself a disservice by never stopping here before.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
Montes Alpha’s exterior is a cheery and welcoming cream color, highlighted with bright orange accents, contrasting with the cool and dark interior of the restaurant. With exposed brick and iron beams, it lends a relaxing and stark modern vibe to the restaurant. It felt like a perfect spot to sit for hours, talking with a friend over a shared pasta dish and glasses of wine.
▲ The outside of the restaurant is quaint.
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I decided to try their tenderloin cream pasta with broccoli and mushrooms, and their “Egg in Hell”: three poached eggs served in a spicy and cheesy tomato pasta sauce with toasted baguette slices. The tenderloin cream dish came to the table first with plumes of steam still rising off of the pasta. The sauce was a perfect, classic interpretation of cream alfredo, and the spaghetti was cooked perfectly, with the right amount of bite behind the soft noodles. Despite my disappointment with the tenderloin, which lacked moisture and tenderness, the mushrooms and broccoli were extremely flavorful and cooked to perfection. I chose to try their “Egg in Hell” dish based on the quirky name alone, assuming that it would at least be an adventure. With a 15,000-won price tag, I was a little concerned with how big
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37
The “Egg in Hell” is daunting to look at but delicious to eat.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
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The sliced baguette that accompanies the “Egg in Hell.”
November 2019
The inside of the restaurant is cozy with exposed brick and steel beams.
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38
L.A. Galbi
Marinated Beef Shorts Ribs Written by Joe Wabe
T ▲ The tenderloin cream pasta looked amazing and tasted great.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
the dish might be, but my worries were allayed when it arrived at the table. While the sauce was spicy, I found it to be delicious, especially when the flavors of the spice and tomato mixed with egg yolk on a slice of baguette to calm and complement each other. Montes Alpha does state that its specialty is Italian food along with a curated wine list. As I was eating brunch before work, I needed to abstain from the wine, but I feel as though I missed an important part of the experience, and would definitely recommend trying their selection should you choose to dine there. Overall, I think that Montes Alpha is the perfect restaurant to visit after a long hike around Mudeung Mountain, either with friends or as a date spot. Whether you stop on your way down the mountain to fill up on carbs after a long hike, or to enjoy some peaceful scenery over a glass of wine with good friends, it will give you exactly what you need. MONTES ALPHA 몬테스 알파 t 11:30 – 22:00 (break time: 15:00–17:00) Closed on Tuesdays P 590 Mudeung-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju 광주 동구 무등로 590 À 070-7793-0622/ 062-233-0622
The Reviewer
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Sarah Pittman is an English teacher with a degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton. She discovered her love for photography while working at Disneyland and has been honing her craft with practice and YouTube videos ever since.
his past Chuseok holiday, one of the main dishes at my parents-in-law’s holiday feast was “L.A. galbi,” or marinated beef short ribs. This variation of galbi (ribs) stands above the rest for a couple of reasons: First, the unique marinate ingredients allow the flavors to penetrate the meat quickly, and second, this galbi style apparently originated in L.A. where Korean immigrants adapted this thin cut to American butchers’ style, making it a specialty. Another theory regarding the name is that the term “L.A.” comes from the fact that these were “LAteral” rib cuts, which is easy enough to understand. In Korea, beef galbi is a very popular dish, and it can be prepared in different ways, including non-marinated (saeng-galbi) and marinated (yangnyeom-galbi). Pork ribs are just as popular, and they come in different forms as well, like non-marinated (dwaeji saeng-galbi) and marinated (dwaeji galbi), the latter of which is the most common way, usually mixed with shoulder meats. One of the most important ingredients of this sweet and savory dish is Korean pear or “bae.” In South Korea, the city of Naju is popular for producing the largest quantity of this pear, and it’s one of the icons of the city. This dish is not seasonal and can be consumed all year long, so without delay, let’s get to it. Photograph by Missy Dee
The Author
Joe Wabe is an established photographer and Gwangju local business entrepreneur. He has been contributing to the GIC and the Gwangju News for more than eight years.
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Korean Recipe 39
FOOD FOOD && DRINKS DRINKS
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(Serves 4-6)
1.5 kilograms of L.A.-style beef short ribs 3 tablespoons of cooking syrup 2 tablespoons of honey ½ cup of soy sauce 2 tablespoons of minced garlic 1 medium onion (grated) 1 teaspoons of minced ginger ½ Korean pear (grated) 2 tablespoons of sesame oil 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds (garnish) ½ teaspoon of black pepper 2 green onions (thinly sliced) 1 medium carrot ¼ cup of rice wine (or mirin)
Preparation Rinse and wash the ribs, then soak them in water with the rice wine for 15 minutes. In a blender, put most of the remaining ingredients except the grated onions, carrots, and green onions. Mix them all, and put the contents in a bowl. Drain the meat, give it another wash, and put it together with the mix. Add the rest of the ingredients (i.e., the grated onions, carrots, and green onions). For optimal results, a 6–8 hour marinate should be ideal, but if in a rush, after one hour you should be able to cook it. Use the sesame seeds as garnish after cooking. These ribs can be cooked in a skillet or on a grill.
November 2019
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Ingredients
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November 2019
ARTS & CULTURE
40
The sunlight through the warm yellow leaves makes me so happy.
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Photo Essay 41
▲ The entrance arch to Wonhyo Temple is easily seen from the bus stop.
Autumn at Wonhyo Temple Written by Colin Farabee
Photographed by Sarah Pittman
Colin Farabee is a 27-year-old Californian working as an English teacher in Gwangju’s Sangmu District. His hobbies include extreme sports, riflery, and teaching historical European martial arts. He also writes adventure modules and plays lots of nerdy games, such as D&D and WH40k.
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November 2019
The Author
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
T
he autumn change of the seasons in Korea always makes me think of California, in a strange way. The boiling hot Californian summer changes to warm winter with no marked difference in the landscape. The Korean autumn is the autumn I have always wanted to see, when overnight the vibrant greens of the trees change into fiery reds, warm yellows, and brilliant oranges that dance in the breeze and carpet the grass in beautiful hues. It was the perfect time to visit the Wonhyo Temple (Wonhyo-sa). With the breathtaking backdrop of the valley behind it, I could sit atop the mountain, coffee in hand, and drink in the living painting of the season that is Mudeung Mountain in the fall.
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
42
The maple trees may be as excited about autumn as I am.
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43
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November 2019
▲ One of the temple buildings peaking through the foliage.
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44
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November 2019
▲ This funny little mockingbird was dancing and strutting in the sun at Wonhyo Temple.
▲ The artfully crafted latte on a gorgeous hand-painted serving tray.
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45
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November 2019
One of the Buddha statues decorating the temple, encircled with the colors of autumn.
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ARTS & CULTURE
46 Gwangju Writes
A Philosophical Survey of Love Locking
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November 2019
Written by Stephen Kagarise
L
ove locking is the shared act of placing one or more padlocks on a cable railing by people who want to signify their commitment to one another. Typically, this railing is on a ledge overlooking a city or other scenic spot. In its current practice, love locking seems to have three main sorts. In the first sort, there is only one lock. Often the names of the people involved will be written on the side of the lock in pen. Sadly, this writing tends to deteriorate over time, as the lock ages and turns to rust. However, this can be interpreted as a corroboration of what the single lock implies – namely, that the two have become one. A loss of name is a loss of individual identity. This sort of love locking seems to suggest the greatest unity of the couple. The second sort involves two locks. They are attached to the railing, as well as to one another. Here we have some
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indication that the couple is in fact two separate people, since there are two locks, not just one. What is interesting is how they are both attached to the railing, which can be taken as a sign of their equality and independence in the relationship. The railing is the world in which they exist as a couple. Neither has lost touch with the reality of that world. The third sort of love locking also involves two locks, but in this case, only one is attached to the railing, while the other is attached to the first lock alone. It has lost its attachment to the railing, or world, and is completely reliant on the other lock to keep from falling into the abyss. Under the circumstances, this would seem to indicate the most dependent of relationships. Deviation from these three sorts is highly limited. Sometimes you may see colored ribbon attached to the
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47 railing, or a heart-shaped piece of plastic on a key ring. But considering how a love lock is meant to signify a particular relationship, and how greatly relationships can differ, I wonder if it might be possible – and perhaps even necessary – to create some new ways of love locking in order to reflect this variety and elevate the practice to an art. An example in this direction is what I call “the message in a bottle.” This is a four-digit combination lock attached to the railing by one person, not a couple. Someone who is searching for a partner, upon finding the lock, tries to guess the correct four-digit sequence. Opening the lock would be taken as a sign of good fortune for both people involved, though only the unlocker would know about it. To remedy this, the locker could include the first four digits of his or her phone number on the lock, with the correct combination being the last four. It is likely that the lock will seize with rust before it is found or opened, so the locker is not actually engaged in a risky form of dating, so much as making a simple gesture of hope. Another possibility is the circle of friends. For this, there would be as many locks as there are members in the group. These could be attached, one to the next, in a loop, which wraps around the railing.
Photographed by Rubén Bagüés on Unsplash
The Author
A wall of thin cinder blocks, speckled with mold and white Buddhist swastikas marks the bend in the path uphill. Narrowing past a concrete ruin and glass paneled doors the path is lined with torn sand bags coarse soil, broken glass and bits of pottery scrawled with blue cryptic characters. Round about here, glancing down at the metal drains, I remember another path once traveled in a green, wet land. There, the rock wall wore a coat of thick moss. A low stone house with a walled-in lawn sheltered yellow and red tents. Stepping down the rocky path, trees part to reveal a curved bay waves lapping and a hill jutting out into the tumult of sky and blue sea.
November 2019
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Stephen Kagarise is from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but considers Greensboro his adopted hometown. He has been teaching English at Chosun University since 2013. He enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music from the 1970s.
Written by Stephen Kagarise
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
The act of clicking a lock shut implies a certain measure of choice in committing to the relationship. It is almost like a contractual agreement. But is this true of all relationships? Sometimes we simply feel drawn to someone for no apparent reason and without being able to control it, and of course, that person may feel the same about us. To reflect this type of relationship, the use of magnets could be incorporated into love locking. Magnets in proximity are drawn to one another by nature. An obvious drawback is that magnets can be detached more easily than locks, putting this type of attachment at the mercy of whoever finds it. But this reflects reality, in which relationships are ended by someone else coming along.
That Stretch of Path
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
ARTS & CULTURE
48 Book Review
Nightmare in Berlin by Hans Fallada
Reviewed by Kristy Dolson
O
n November 11, Canadians honor their veterans and remember their war dead on a day called Remembrance Day. Although it began as a way to mark the end of WWI, it has since evolved into a day of remembrance for all those who gave their lives in times of war. But what of those who never saw the battlefield? What about the people who were on the losing side? I have always been fascinated by the effects of the Second World War’s end on the German people. That is why this month I have chosen to review Hans Fallada’s semiautobiographical novel Nightmare in Berlin. Written in the third person omniscient, the narrative is quite simple. It tells the story of the Dolls, a married couple who once lived in Berlin but left the city during the war due to political pressure. Making a small living in the countryside but filled with contempt for their smallminded neighbors, they are eager to return to their Berlin apartment when the fighting ends. Divided into two parts, labeled “Downfall” and “Recovery,” and translated into English by Alan Blunden, the writing perfectly captures the demoralized psyche of the German people. And this emotional and psychological examination of a fallen and defeated people is why I highly recommend the book to readers everywhere. We should never forget the psychological toll brought on by mass hatred, persecution, and execution. As mentioned previously, the book is semi-autobiographical. Dr. Doll is a fictionalized
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representation of Rudolph Ditzen – Hans Fallada’s real name. As an intellectual living in a small town at the end of the war, Doll is prone to massive depression and spends the book struggling with serious mental health issues. The encounters he has with other Germans are drastically affected by his moods, which impact his ability to navigate his post-war circumstances. When he and his wife move back to Berlin with the hope of starting over, they both fall to illness and morphine addiction yet again due to their inability to cope with the unkindness of the people around them. The Dolls must lift themselves up from the depths of despair and find hope in the future, or risk self-destruction. It was my intention to write this review from a more objective standpoint, but then Doll began describing his experience as a “fog,” and that nothing seemed to matter anymore. There was no help and no hope, and going on was pointless. I identified with this feeling immensely, as I was having a similar experience in regards to my work situation and the teaching profession in general. I felt as though I had come to the end of the road, and there was nothing left for me. I was so burnt out and depressed that everything around me disappeared into a fog – it simply ceased to exist because it no longer mattered. But I was fortunate. I realized that having a supportive community was critical to resiliency in times of struggle. My close friends and colleagues, and the wonderful people at KOTESOL, helped me turn the corner of my
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Movie Review 49 work-induced depression. Unlike the Dolls, I did not have to suspect the motives of the people helping me. The German people in the aftermath of WWII had suffered long years of social conditioning to suspect the worst of each other. It is not surprising that many of them turned to substance abuse or suicide as a way to manage the double-trauma of being a defeated people whose own government intentionally sowed discord among them.
(Photo by Cheyenne Taylor)
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A Review of Joker Reviewed by Katy Ryan
A
lot of films have debuted this year, including the long-awaited Avengers: Endgame, IT: Chapter 2, The Lion King, and Spiderman: Homecoming. By nature, I like to think of myself as a film connoisseur. I love to study the art, camera angles, and acting depth. Having seen Joker, I think I have finally found the best film of the year, but hold that thought until Doctor Sleep comes out next month. Since childhood, I have always been entertained by Batman and his adventures. I had all the action figures of Catwoman, the Penguin, the Riddler, and, most importantly, the Joker. I was born in the 1980s when Tim Burton’s Batman was released. A rather dark movie, it was my first introduction to DC’s main villain and Batman’s biggest arch nemesis: the Joker. In that film, he was portrayed by the fantastic Jack Nicholson, and since then, the character has been portrayed by Mark Hamil, Heath Ledger, and Jared Leto. Each actor has always brought something new to the table and highlighted each one of the Joker’s many characteristics. However, I think that the newest incarnation is the most realistic version to date.
November 2019
Kristy Dolson lived in South Korea for five years before taking a year off to travel, read, and spend time with her family in Canada and Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Education and now lives in Yeosu, where she splits her time between teaching at the new Jeollanamdo International Education Institute and reading as much as she can.
A Villian Reimagined
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
The Reviewer
ARTS & CULTURE
Published in German posthumously in 1947, the novel was neither translated nor published in English until 2016. Author Rudolph Ditzen died of a weakened heart as the result of years of drug addiction not long after the war. Although he did not live to see his optimism grow into reality, he would be relieved to witness Germany pick itself up and eventually flourish again as a wiser and more cautious country. The beginning of this novel is steeped in despair and self-loathing, but in the end, Doll is given new purpose by someone who believes in him. Maybe that is all any of us really needs: one person to believe in our potential who will get us back on track whenever we find ourselves straying. If you are or ever find yourself struggling, I hope that you have a community you can rely on to help you through the dark times.
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50 Joker is directed by Todd Phillips, whose previous works include the Hangover series and A Star Is Born. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, Robert De Niro, and Zazie Beetz. It was released worldwide in October 2019 and so far has positive reviews among critics and audiences. The setting, of course, is Gotham City, a.k.a. New York City. The city is rife with crime, humongous sewer rats, civil strife, unemployment, and overflowing piles of trash. The movie, which feels more like a Scorsese picture than a comic book film, does a fantastic job of putting a spotlight on mental health and the lack of support many people receive. Phoenix portrays Arthur Fleck, who is employed by a clown agency but whose dream is to be a stand-up comedian. Fleck’s struggles to work, articulate, and survive are portrayed in an ultra-realistic fashion. The movie is a slow-burn. The first half of the film is Fleck struggling to keep his sanity, while the second half portrays his descent into madness as he becomes the Joker.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
I was on the edge of my seat during the second half. In most comic book films, namely those by Marvel, you can predict what a character will do. In Joker, you question his next move and every thought process. The fact that you do not know what is going to happen is unnerving. Fleck starts out as a good man. He is loving and kind to his ailing mother, loves to make children laugh, and is chivalrous. Deep down, as a viewer, you know that there is something dangerous waiting to be activated. The soundtrack to the film is majestic, haunting, and sometimes upbeat. The cinematography is captivating, and the city views are reminiscent of Detroit, Michigan. This film is not for children, as it is not a standard comic book film. More than anything, it is a character study. If you took the Joker out of the movie and replaced him with another character, it would be a dark character study about a crime-lord’s descent into madness. The film does an excellent job at making you understand how someone could reach the limit and turn to crime. So many social factors are mentioned: healthcare availability, job stability, urban management, illiteracy, and civility. It shines a light on how important it is for people to be able to show empathy toward their fellow man, instead of apathy. I cannot say too much about this film without spoiling the plot, Easter eggs, and your overall enjoyment, so I will leave it to you to see. I do have to say that in the theater, I was impressed that I saw no one on their phones. The room was half-full, but everyone was silent and transfixed. This is a truly mesmerizing performance, and if you do not mind slow-burn thrillers, I highly recommend this film. I will be watching for this movie to win at the Academy Awards.
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The Reviewer
Katy Ryan is from Memphis, Tennessee. She loves to critique film and has a degree in criminology. She lives in Mokpo.
Support the GIC! Be a Member! The Gwangju International Center (GIC) is a non-profit organization established in 1999 to promote cultural understanding and to build a better community among Koreans and international residents. By being a member, you can help support our mission and make it a reality! Join us today and receive exciting benefits! • One-year free subscription and delivery of the Gwangju News magazine • Free use of the GIC library • Free interpretation and counseling services from the GIC • Discounts on programs and events held by the GIC • Up-to-date information on GIC events through our email newsletter Annual Membership Fee: General: 40,000 won; Student: 20,000 won; Group: 20,000 won (min. 10 persons) Inquiry: member@gic.or.kr / 062-226-2733
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Look for the answers to this crossword puzzle to appear in December in Gwangju News Online (www.gwangjunewsgic.com).
Created by Jon Dunbar
ACROSS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Gwangju News publisher “Like ___-Ahh” Once every two years ACC’s district Some rappers Baby’s bed Latino’s title
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Han Ka-ram drama ___ vera Russian monarch Campy actors Acorn tree Vanished soldier The early bird ___ the worm Goes with Hankook or Dong-A Sphere Riot Games title Fantasy Sesame Street character Goes with echelon or admiral LPs Hyundai Motor partner Santa Fe or Sportage Old Testament section Striped animal Assistance Chomp down on All I ___ wanted Dunham or Horne Musical pair “___ ___ Spartacus” Al-tang ingredient Toothed tool
November 2019
DOWN
8 9 10 11 16 20 21 22 23 27 29 30 31 33 35 38 40 43 45 46 47 48 49 53 54 55
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Mouth PhD holders Pledge “Produce 101” band Shrek’s species 1905 “unwilling” treaty Chuseok sacrificial rite Wander Berate Gwangju’s foreign baseball team Smelly berries source ___ de Janeiro Roth or Lilly WWW address Rowan Atkinson’s “Black ___” Chairlift alternative Central bank Ivy League school Shoe bottoms Mouth part Peruvian singer Sumac Member of the fam Spanish restaurant ___ Bosky “March for the ___” Goes with force or Korean Justin Vernon band Bon ___ ___ and Brainchilds Manage 500 pieces of paper Goes with Black or Cream Epochs Bank machines Cat noise
ARTS & CULTURE
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52 Opinion
Justin Trudeau’s Unfortunate Blackface Incident
OPINION
Written by William Urbanski
A
s you may have heard, my boy and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently got himself in political hot water after photos emerged of him in blackface (or more precisely “brownface,” as the incident took place during an Arabian Nights-themed event). For a bit of context, these photos were taken more than 20 years ago when Trudeau was still a school teacher in the Vancouver area, and long before he’d started his political career in earnest.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
Many people have grown tired of Trudeau’s escapades, and there’s been no shortage of people claiming this incident will mark the end of his political career, a career during which he’s projected a carefully crafted image as a tolerant, enlightened leader of a culturally diverse country. What all these naysayers overlooked is one simple fact: Calling someone out for something they did over 20 years ago amounts to precisely jack squat. Trudeau’s political opponents (who were no doubt in some way responsible for the timely release of the photos) were banking on the foolish “outrage culture” trend to help them achieve their ends. For those unacquainted with said culture, it’s the phenomenon of people getting extremely upset over something someone said at some undetermined point in the past and then making an effort to shame them online. It’s basically using someone’s past foibles or blunders as an excuse to take the moral high ground over them. Outrage culture appears to be somewhat effective because it works on the premise that people should care if you’re offended. But guess who really cares if you’re offended? Nobody, snowflake. Allow me to explain. The foundation of outrage is feeling offended for something that happened to someone else – for something that one isn’t directly involved in. A personal example highlights the ridiculousness of this whole trend.
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When I was doing my master’s degree in Berlin in 2017, one of the classes was a fairly large group of about fifty students from various parts of the globe: Africa, Afghanistan, South America, India, etc. In this class, we had to do short group presentations introducing various topics dealing with diplomacy, and the professor, who happened to be French, made it extremely clear that the presentations were to be no longer that fifteen minutes. Most groups finished at or close enough to the cut off time, but one group, made up entirely of Afghani students, was approaching the 45-minute mark when the professor quipped that “time must work differently in Afghanistan.” While that was perhaps not the most tactful comment, I don’t feel it was particularly discriminatory or anything like that. A group of students, mostly from Europe, didn’t feel the same way. They absolutely lost their minds, accusing the professor of being a racist and proceeded to spend the next hour loudly voicing their ill-informed opinions, creating a confrontational environment that both achieved and resolved nothing. But guess who was not at all offended by the teacher’s comment? All the Afghani students who explicitly said they were not bothered in the least. They even explained that they misunderstood the time limit completely. This neither stopped nor discouraged the contingency of idiots in the room from hijacking the rest of the class time for that day. It also didn’t stop them from complaining to the university and having the teacher replaced. The students that caused the uproar were so focused on punishing the teacher’s alleged faux pas that they never stopped, even for a moment, to talk to the Afghani students they were supposedly fighting for. Getting back to Trudeau’s latest PR disaster, on the same night as the incident in question, Trudeau took photos with two men apparently of South Asian descent who have publicly come forward, stating that they were not
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▲ The Peace Tower dominates the Centre Block structure of the Canadian Parliament buildings.
offended at all. So the people who have been using the Trudeau photo have been doing it out of a desire to morally condemn a man who is actually a pretty good leader and not out of a desire to help a group that was apparently discriminated against.
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Photographed by Saffron Blaze via http://www.mackenzie.co
The Author
William Urbanski, managing editor of the Gwangju News, has an MA in international relations and cultural diplomacy. He is married to a wonderful Korean woman, always pays cash, and keeps all his receipts.
November 2019
“People do stupid stuff all the time.... There’s probably a handful of behaviors that all of you reading this do today that in 25 or 30 years will look offensive, foolish, or racist.”
(The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are not to be construed as the collective opinion of the Gwangju News, the Gwangju International Center, or Gwangju City Hall.)
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Is wearing blackface ever a smart thing to do? Absolutely not. Is it “morally reprehensible,” as Trudeau’s political opponents would have voters think? Well, I feel like it’s a bit of a stretch to encourage the condemnation of any individual based on a picture. People do stupid stuff all the time, and when we see a photo from 20 years ago, there’s no way to determine the context of what happened. There’s probably a handful of behaviors that all of you reading this do today that in 25 or 30 years will look offensive, foolish, or racist even though now nobody gives it a second thought.
In the interest of all of us just getting along for once, what I propose is a statue of limitations, let’s say ten years, on being mad about a stupid thing someone may or may not have done. It looks like my homeslice, J.T., got caught doing something silly a long time ago, but let’s do the world a favor and save our collective anger for a world leader who’s doing stupid things today, like the hopefully soon-to-be-impeached American president.
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Gwangju Happenings
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
MONTHLY NEWS
Compiled by Baek Ji-yeon
THE 2019 YOUTH BIZ-COOL FESTIVAL 2019 청소년 비즈쿨 페스티벌 t October 31 – November 2 (10:00–17:00) P 30 Sangmunuri-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju (Kim Daejung Convention Center Exhibition Halls 1, 2) À 062-611-2213 ` https://bizcool2019.co.kr
THE 2019 GWANGJU INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXHIBITION 2019 광주국제식품전 t November 14–17 (10:00–17:00) P 30 Sangmunuri-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju (Kim Daejung Convention Center Exhibition Halls 1, 2, 3) À 062-611-2213 ` https://www.foodshow.kr
GWANGJU TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 광주국악상설공연 t September 24 – December 31 P 3 Sangmusimin-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju (Gwangju Performance Maru; Gwangju Performance Space) À 062-613-8379 ` http://gjart.gwangju.go.kr/cmd
LET’S PLAY KOREAN MUSIC AT DAECHON! 대촌에서 향악과 놀자 t June 2 – December 1 P 937 Pochung-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju (Daechon Traditional Culture Community Center) À 062-676-3844 ` https://kis9560.blog.me/221634745583
PHOTO EXHIBITION: 2019 REPUBLIC OF KOREA 100 YEARS – 10 SCENES THAT CHANGED HISTORY 2019 대한민국 100년, 역사를 바꾼 10장면 사진 전시회 t February 28 – December 15 P 110 Haseo-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju (Gwangju National Museum) À 062-570-7000 ` https://gwangju.museum.go.kr/
2019 GWANGJU FRINGE FESTIVAL 2019 광주 프린지 페스티벌 t April–November (every Sat. 14:00–19:00) P 245 Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju (518 Democracy Plaza) À 062-223-0410 ` http://fringefestival.kr/
ACC Events t Daily 10:00–18:00 except Mondays P 38 Munhwa-jeondang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju ￦ Free À 1899-5566 ` http://acc.go.kr
JANÁČEK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 야나첵 필하모닉 오케스트라 November 15, 19:30 - 21:20 R seats 70,000 won, S seats 50,000 won, A seats 30,000 won Theater 1 극장1
RAY CHEN VIOLIN RECITAL 레이 첸 바이올린 리사이틀 November 1, 19:30 - 21:00 R seats 70,000 won, S seats 50,000 won, A seats 30,000 won Theater 2 극장2
MALAYSIA POP MUSIC EXHIBITION POP NUSANTARA: LAGU~LAGU 1960s–1980s VOL. 2 말레이시아 대중음악 컬렉션 기획전: 팝 누산타라 노래들 September 6, 2019 – April 19, 2020 Library Park 라이브러리파크 주제전문관
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Gwangju Theater P 62 Chungjang-ro 5-ga, Dong-gu, Gwangju (Two blocks behind NC Wave) ￦ 8,000 won À 062-224-5858 ` http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju (Korean) * Synopses excerpted from Wikipedia, IMDb, and Hancinema. All English language films are presented with Korean subtitles; nonEnglish international films are presented with Korean subtitles only.
THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING 우먼 인 할리우드
Documentary, 97 min., English (Korean subtitles)
An investigative look and analysis of gender disparity in Hollywood, featuring accounts from well-known actors, executives, and artists in the industry. Director: Tom Donahue Starring: Jessica Chastain, Natalie Portman, Gillian Anderson
TAIPEI STORY 타이페이 스토리
Drama, 119 min., Chinese (Korean subtitles)
Lung, a former member of the national Little League team and now operator of an old-style fabric business, is never able to shake a longing for his past glory. One day, he runs into a former teammate who is now a struggling cab driver. The two talk about old times, and they are struck by a sense of loss. Lung is living with his old childhood sweetheart Ah-chin, a Westernized professional woman who grew up in a traditional family. Although they live together, Ah-chin is always weary of Lung’s past liaison with another girl. After an argument, Ahchin tries to find solace by hanging out with her sister’s friends, a group of Westernized, hedonistic youths. Director: Edward Yang Starring: Chin Tsai, Hsiao-Hsien Hou, I-Chen Ko
MAURICE 모리스
Drama, 140 min., English (Korean subtitles)
AN ELEPHANT SITTING STILL 코끼리는 그 곳에 있다
Drama, 234min., Chinese (Korean subtitles)
Four people in a Chinese city live through a complicated day as their lives intersect. Director: Hu Bo Starring: Peng Yuchang, Zhang Yu, Wang Yuwen
Il Deserto Rosso (Red Desert, 1964), directed by Michelangelo Antonioni L’Innocente (The Innocent, 1976), directed by Luchino Visconti Incompreso (Misunderstood, 1966), directed by Luigi Comencini Brutti, sporchi e cattivi (Ugly, Dirty, and Bad, 1976), directed by Ettore Scola
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전남 함평군 함평읍 곤재로 27 À 061-320-1783 ` http://www.hampyeong.go.kr/
2019 HWASUN CHRYSANTHEMUM FESTIVAL 2019 화순 국화향연 t October 25 – November 10 P 85 Jingak-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do 전남 화순군 화순읍 진각로 85 À 061-375-3575 ` http://www.hwasun.go.kr/festival
THE 2019 GANGJIN-BAY REED FESTIVAL 2019 강진만 춤추는 갈대축제 t October 26 – November 3 P 97-111 Namdang-ro, Ganjin-eup, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do 전남 강진군 강진읍 남당로 97-111 À 061-430-3351 ` http://www.gangjingo.kr
THE 2019 BULGYO COCKLE FESTIVAL & TAEBAEK MOUNTAINS CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2019 벌교 꼬막축제 & 태백산맥 문화제 t October 31 – November 3 P 19 Bulgyocheon-1gil, Bulgyo-eup, Bosung-gun, Jeollanam-do 전남 보성군 벌교읍 벌교천1길 19 À 061-857-7676 ` http://xn--9d0b71zkmai96avrs.kr/
November 2019
ITALIAN MOVIES – NEO-REALISM MOVIE SCREENING
HAMPYEONG CHRYSANTHEMUM FESTIVAL 대한민국 국향대전 t October 18 – November 3 P 27 Gonjae-ro, Hampyeong-eup, Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanam-do
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
After his lover rejects him, a young man trapped by the oppressiveness of Edwardian society tries to come to terms with and accept his sexuality. Director: James Ivory Starring: James Wilby, Rupert Graves, Hugh Grant
South Jeolla happenings
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Community Board Have something you want to share with the community? The Community Board provides a space for the community to announce activities and special events. Please contact gwangjunews@gic.or.kr for more information.
Calling All Dance Enthusiasts
The Gwangju Performance Project’s official Dance Troupe is back in session! Our troupe offers classes, workshops, and opportunities to perform for people from all walks of life. NO DANCE EXPERIENCE OR AUDITION NECESSARY. All we require is a strong desire to TWERK and SLAY as hard as humanly possible. * Classes are held twice a month on Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m. at the GIC or from 3 to 6 p.m. at one of our varying studio spaces. * Please Note: On occasion, our troupe holds classes at different dance studios throughout Gwangju. * Once added to our official Kakao Group via our admin, we will be sure to notify you of the location. Granted access to our official Kakao Group may be reached by sending a message to our admin Iman Smith (Kakao ID: @Naima915). We hope to have you join us for this dance extravaganza!
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2019
Baseball in Gwangju
Are you interested in playing baseball? Do you enjoy the sport but haven’t had the opportunity to participate here in Gwangju? Well, you are in luck! For the past six years, the foreign baseball team, the Gwangju Bombers, has been playing competitively in a baseball league in the city. The team is always looking for players to add to the roster. The team consists of both foreign and Korean players, and plays every Saturday from March to October. Come, play, and have fun! If interested, contact Joel Klimas at joelklimas@gmail.com.
Gwangju Inter FC
The Gwangju International Soccer Team (Gwangju Inter FC) plays regularly every weekend. If you are interested in playing, email seehand@naver.com, phone or text 0107126-1207 Facebook: Gwangju Inter FC
Gwangju Spanish Club
Every two weeks on Saturdays, 3:30–5:30 p.m., GIC Global Lounge (1st floor) Spanish – English – Korean language exchange No importa tu nivel de español. ¡Únetenos! Facebook: Gwangju Spanish Club – Int/Adv
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GIC Citizens’ Choir
Are you interested in joining a choir? The GIC Citizens’ Choir is inviting sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. Send your application to gic@gic.or.kr with the following information: name, phone number, email, voice part, and brief self-introduction on your singing experiences. You can also visit and observe the GIC Citizens’ Choir rehearsing on the first floor of the GIC at 10:00 a.m. every other Saturday.
UNESCO KONA Volunteers
KONA Storybook Center (KSC) is a registered small public library supported by UNESCO KONA Volunteers (UKV). UKV is a registered organization that helps disadvantaged children learn English independently through storybooks and story-maps. We guide families and children to develop a love of reading storybooks in English. We also give guidance to volunteers in using storybooks. We are looking for long-term volunteers who desire to enrich their lives. We are asking volunteers to commit to helping at least once a month. For more information, please visit http://cafe.daum. net/konavolunteers or our Facebook pages for KONA Storybook Center and UNESCO KONA Volunteers. Also, you can contact Kim Young-im at 062-434-9887 or email konacenter@gmail.com.
Waygook Chingu
Cultural exchange program where you can build friendships that will last across the borders. Regular meet-up every Wednesday 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 5 p.m. Facebook: WaygookChingu
Volunteer teachers needed for the Gwangju UCC (Universal Cultural Center)
English teachers in the Gwangju area for 2019 with any level of experience are welcome to participate. UCC has a Facebook profile if you would like to see what kind of other services are available. To participate in the international cultural exchange programs, you may email peter.j.gallo@ gmail.com, or phone or text 010-9490-4258.
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Attorney Attorney Park’s Park’s Law Law Firm Firm We're ready to serve your best interests in legal disputes. We provide affordable consultation & representation.
▶ Areas of Specialty contracts, torts, family law, immigration, labor ▶ Civil & Criminal Attorney Park, Duckhee
former judge, GIC board member Services available in Korean, English & Chinese
#402 Simsan Bldg, 342-13 Jisan-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju Location: next to Gwangju District Court
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Tel: 062) 222-0011 Fax: 062)222-0013 duckheepark@hanmail.net
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What is the Gwangju Win-Win Card?
Gwangju Win-Win Card Expanded Special Discount
[Prepaid
The Gwangju Win-Win Card is a local currency that can be used throughout the region. It is issued by Gwangju Metropolitan City in order to reduce the outflow of local funds and stimulate the regional economy by supporting small businesses and the self-employed.
Prepaid & Debit Card]
Expanded support of total expenses paid to small businesses and the self-employed: 500 million KRW or less of annual sales of affiliated store → 1 billion KRW or less of annual sales of affiliated store.
Prepaid Card
Debit Card (Cashback)
(Discount on Card Purchase)
Get 50,000 KRW cashback by spending 500,000 KRW per month with Gwangju Win-Win Debit Card.
Purchase Gwangju Win-Win Prepaid Card at 10% discount. (Buy 500,000 KRW for only 450,000 KRW.)
Benefits of up to
100,000 KRW per person per month.
(Up to 30% income tax deduction from year-end tax adjustment.)
Debit Card (Cashback Service) - Rate of Cashback: 10% of the payment of the debit card from the first day to end of month. (But, the followings are excluded: national taxes, local taxes, public charges & utility bills, apartment management expenses, payments to the 4 major insurance companies, college tuition, prepaid card purchases). - Targets: Individual holder of debit card (excluding corporate card). - Cashback Date: 10th day of following month (next business day if 10th is holiday). - Cashback Limit: 500,000 KRW / person per month.
Prepaid Card (Discount on card purchase) - Discount Price: 10% off original purchase price. - Subject: Gwangju Win-Win Card [Pre-paid]. - Denominations: 30,000 / 50,000 / 100,000 / 200,000 / 500,000 KRW. - Maximum Discount Limit: 500,000 KRW / person per month.
Special Discount Period September 1, 2019 until the special budget is exhausted.
Purchase Route Kwangju Bank (with ID card).
※ Gwangju Win-Win Debit Card can be applied for with mobile and Kwangju Bank’s Internet Banking (www.kjbank.com).
(Apply with mobile: Type ‘Kwangju Bank’ in the search box ▶ select ‘m.kjbank.com’ ▶ Select ‘Cards’ ▶ Apply for ‘Gwangju Win-Win Debit Card).
How to use Gwangju Win-Win Card Available at every store in Gwangju.
※ Exempt Stores: Department Stores, Large Retailers, Super Supermarket, Online Affiliated Stores, Entertainment places, etc.
Use Gwangju Win-Win Card Like This! You can use it conveniently at local stores such as local supermarket, eating out, paying for your children’s private institutes, hospital fees, hair salons, etc. Inquiry: Public Economy Division, Gwangju Metropolitan City ( 062-613-3722) Kwangju Bank Card Help Center ( 1577-3650) 2019�11��_��.indd 4
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