(EN) Gwangju News March 2014 #145

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www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2014 Issue No. 145

On The Cover:

Chung Dong-chae

Korea's former Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Sports

The History of Gwangju How Gwangju became an East Asia Cultural City

The Art of Busking Performances on Gwangju's streets

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editorial team

#145

March 2014 Publication Date: February 24, 2014

ON THE COVER Chung Dong-chae, Korea's former Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Sports Photograph: Jordan VanHartingsveldt

Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com E-mail: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr Registration No.: 광주광역시 라. 00145

(ISSN 2093-5315)

Registration Date: February 22, 2010 Printed by Logos (Phone +82-62-444-8800)

Gwangju News is a monthly English magazine written and edited by volunteers. We welcome your contributions for proofreading, copy editing, administration, layout/design and distribution. Please write to gwangjunews@gic.or.kr to tell us your area of interest.

THE EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher: Dr. Shin Gyonggu

Gwangju News also welcomes letters to the editor regarding articles and issues. Articles and submissions may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.

GWANGJU NEWS PRINT Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Robert Grotjohn Editor: Adam Volle Layout Editor: Karina Prananto Coordinators: Karina Prananto, Kim Minsu Photo Editors: Karina Prananto, Simon Bond Chief Proofreader: Bradley Weiss Copy Editors: Heinrich Hattingh, Joey Nunez, Jon Ozelton, Samantha Richter, Jenn Tinoco Proofreaders: Timm Berg, Christie Fargher, Brian Fitzroy, Don Gariepy, Angie Hartley, Britton Inglehart, Fellin Kinanti, Jannies Le, Joey Nunez, SS Puri, Stephen Redeker, Pete Schandall, Kelly Shepherd, Teri Venable Creative Consultant: Warren Parsons Researchers: An Se-in, Jeon Se-na, Kim I-seul, Park Seong-yeop

Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center Address: Samho Center 1-2 Fl. 5, Jungang-ro 196beon-gil (Geumnam-ro 3 Ga) Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-023, South Korea Phone: +82-62-226-2733~4 Fax: +82-62-226-2731 Website: www.gic.or.kr E-mail: gic@gic.or.kr

GWANGJU NEWS ONLINE Editor: Ana Traynin Online Administrator: Carl Hedinger Online Editorial Assistants: Brittany Baker, Rebecca Weber

ADVERTISING For advertising enquiries, please contact: Karina Prananto at karina@gic.or.kr or 062-226-2733~34

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

Copyright 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 publishers.

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contributors Born in Paris, France, I lived half of my life in English speaking countries and particularly in Australia. Aside from proofreading for the Gwangju News, I spend most of my time in my studio either painting or drawing.

Meet Our Proofreaders

Gilda Wilson

After teaching English in Gwangju for two years, I returned to the United States where I currently work with international exchange students while pursuing my passion for dance.

I came to Gwangju from the US and taught at a hagwon for a year and a half. A public health professional by training, I decided to teach English in Korea to gain international and cross-cultural experience (and as a bit of a career vacation).

Angie Hartley

Jessica Keralis

I am 27, live in the southeast of England, and work in publishing. Iived in Gwangju from 2010 to 2011, and it was the best thing I ever did.

Part-time student, full-time traveler, forever dreamer.

Samantha Richter I did GN writing and proofreading when I was in Gwangju (2005-2007), and Seoul (2008-2009), and I still do some proofreading now and then. I live in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

Fellin Kinanti

Kelly Shepherd

Gabrielle Nygaard

I’m from Mississauga, Ontario Canada.

I'm an event planner and fundraiser.

Gwangju is my 2nd home and I miss it every day!

I am a Canadian who does my proofreading from Seoul, where I live with my wife and cat. I teach English at Seokyeong University.

Pete Schandall Jannies Le

I teach at a Gwangju middle school through the Fulbright Program (USA).

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contents

contents Gwangju City Hall News Upcoming Events

features 11

14

Chung Dong-chae Korea's former Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Sports The History of Gwangju

community 16 24 34

“What Did You Like about Gwangju That Is No Longer Here?”

An Open Letter to the Mayor of Gwangju GIC Talk Preview: Building a Bridge to North Korea

living tips 22

Guide to the National Pension for Foreigners

photography 27 28 29 30

A Tribute to Cheongsan Seunim Photo of the Month: The Mokpo Coastline Portraits Korea International Photo Exhibition

20 40 41

42

44 45 46 48 52

18 32 49

39

CORRECTION

Gwangju's Six Sisters GIC Tour Preview: Jangseong My Korea: The Secret Gate to Family Land

11 Man of Culture: Chung Dong-chae and the East Asia Culture City Forum

14 The History of Gwangju

food 51

Is My Korean Dentist Afraid of Me? Birds Korea: Poultry Flu

Postcard Poetry Tribute to Professor Song Chae-Pyong and Anne Rashid Festering Frustrations of the EFL Teacher Inserted into the Korean Context Language Study: Finding Your Way Crossword

travel

36

health

Fresh First Impressions

poetry & language

50

Ice Hockey in Gwangju

The Art of Busking in Gwangju Korean Myths: Did Baekje Once Rule Japan?

Korean Sayings: “He Or She Who Gives A Disease Then Gives Medicine”

fashion

sports

38

Cover Story

culture

news 6 8

5

Restaurant Review: Daewang Kimbab Recipe: Kimchi Roll

announcements 4 54

Meet Our Proofreaders Community Board

On page 36 in the February 2014’s edition of Gwangju News, Dr. Ho throughout the article should be Dr. Kwak. We apologize to the person concerned for this error.

20 The Art of Busking in Gwangju

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news

Gwangju City Hall News Words by Carl Hedinger Compiled by An Se-in, Jeon Se-na, Kim I-seul and Park Seong-yeop Photos courtesy of Gwangju Metropolitan City

The KIA Tigers’ new baseball stadium is almost ready for this year’s season!

Photos ⓒ KIA Tigers

KIA Champions Field Opening Ceremony in March Mayor Kang declared that construction of the new baseball stadium is in its final stretch before the Grand Opening. Gwangju citizens have been involved in the new stadium since its infant stages. Starting with the Citizen Baseball Stadium Construction Promotion Committee in 2010, Gwangjuites have been adding input and staying involved throughout the whole process. For now, citizens can help with the stadium's opening ceremony just before the 2014 baseball season begins. Lim Hee-jin, general construction director, said, “I hope Gwangju citizens can make it out to the opening ceremony on March 8th to make it truly a citizens' event.”

Gugak Broadcasting Foundation to start in Gwangju A Gwangju-based Gugak (Korean traditional music) Broadcasting Foundation (GBF) will open in March. The city has been making efforts and gathering signatures to start a local GBF since 2012. Finally the city has gained admission to the Broadcasting and Communication Commission. Gwangju becomes the eighth official local network for GBF, as well as the first local broadcast to create its own programs. Gwangju's GBF will be located in the KBC building in Nam-gu and transmit on 99.3 FM. People living in Naju or Damyang can also listen, allowing an estimated two million residents to enjoy Korean traditional music. Broadcasts will include general traditional culture and Korean traditional music excluding commercials and current news. GBF CEO Chae Chi-sung said, “This organization has been delivering Korean classical music since 2001. Once Gwangju's GBF commences, 65 percent of Korea will be in range.” To coordinate with the launch, the GBF plans to hold a celebration with master singers and local Korean classical musicians at Gwangju's Culture and Art Center in the future.

Pay for Water and Drainage through ARS Gwangju citizens can now pay water bills and drainage charges by calling locally at 1899-3888.

The city will implement the Account Resolution Service (ARS) in February, specifically for customers not familiar with the Internet payment system or who are unable to pay in person. The ARS can be utilized by first calling the number listed above, then inputting (via phone) the bill number provided or the virtual payment account number through Kwangju Bank. Customers can also check usage statistics and send messages through the ARS.

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Honam Rapid Railway First Stage Completed It has been 115 years since the first railway was constructed on the Korean peninsula. In 2014, Gwangju is entering a new era of transit with the completion of the first stage of the Honam rapid transit railway. “The time revolution on the railway” serves as one of the route's slogans for this new wave into the new era. The system hopes to be a groundbreaking change for locals' lifestyles. Honam representatives can barely hold back their excitement, with the news coming five years after the first shovel dug out the Ohsong-Gwangju-Songjeong section in 2009. Updates will be announced on this exciting new era in transportation in Gwangju.

60,000 Visitors to new Skating Rink More than 60,000 people have visited the outdoor skating rink at Gwangju City Hall since it opened its doors on December 21st. The skating rink has received an average of 3,000 visitors on the weekends, with roughly 1,000 visitors coming daily during the week. The rink has space for some 300 skaters and admission fees include skate rental fees at around 1,000 won. Various amenities are located around the skating facility, such as a book café, convenience store, information center and lockers. City Hall is reportedly considering constructing an additional outdoor skating rink in Gwangju by the end of 2014.

Mount Mudeung Web Ecology Museum Coming Soon An online effort known as the M o u n t Mudeung Web E c o l o g y Museum will seek to preserve the famed mountain's natural and cultural legacy.

Services are set to begin in November. This museum will City Taking Stand Against Bird Flu further distance Due to the recent spread of avian influenza (AI) from itself from Gochang to North Jeolla, South Jeolla and South typical natural Chungcheong, Mayor Kang is heading a drive to take history museums preventive measures. The city recently held an and nature “emergency preventive measures” meeting and parks by mixing administrators have been closely watching chicken culture and humanity with nature. At the time of and duck farms in surrounding areas. Gwangju has writing, no such museums exist in Korea. When it is also organized pest control vehicles to regularly completed, the museum will provide a digital archive fumigate areas with heavy poultry concentrations. In comprised of text files, images, videos and sound files. addition, disinfectants will be installed in terminals, This venture's potential seems limitless; as one airports, railway stations and other locations with participant said, “People can experience Mt. heavy prevalences of travelers. Gwangju officials are Mudeung from a new perspective. We will do our best trying to implement as many measures as possible to not only to preserve an online cultural legacy combat the epidemic but have also asked for help but also to provide a new tour resource to from local citizens. In case suspected symptoms are visitors.” discovered, contact either 1588-4060 or 1588-9060.

For more news on Gwangju:

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upcoming events

Upcoming Events March 2014 Compiled by An Se-in, Jeon Se-na, Kim I-seul, Park Seong-yeop and Karina Prananto

Movies @ the Gwangju Theater Address: Chungjang-no 5-ga (two blocks behind NC WAVE) Phone Number: 062-224-5858 Films change weekly to bi-weekly Fee: 8,000 won per person per film Check online for the theater’s calendar and prices at: http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju (Korean)

Ernest et Célestine 어네스트와 셀레스틴

Genres: Comedy, Drama Directors: Stephane Aubier, Vincent Patar, Benjamin Renner Starring: Lambert Wilson, Pauline Brunner Language: French Synopsis: Celestine is a young mouse who lives in an underground rodent orphanage. There she listens to many scary stories of bears that live outside, although she does not really believe them to be true. To prepare for her working world, Celestine has to go above ground to collect bear cubs' lost teeth. But she is caught by the cubs' family and has to stay in a trash can where she meets a starving bear named Ernest. Both soon become friends.

The Empire of Shame 탐욕의 제국

Genre: Documentary Director: Hong Li-gyeong Language: Korean Synopsis: People are protesting against the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Services to protect the welfare of workers. This documentary reveals the lives of workers and how they discover the horrible truth behind a global leading company.

Age of Uprising: The Legend of Michael Kohlhaas 미하엘 콜하스의 선택

Genre: Drama Director: Arnaud des Pallières Starring: Mads Mikkelsen Language: French Synopsis: Based on Heinrich von Kleist's novella Michael Kohlhaas, the movie tells a story of the Kohlhaas who was turned into an outlaw after he became a victim of robbery.

舟を編む The Great Passage 행복한 사전

Genres: Comedy, Drama Director: Yuya Ishii Starring: Ryuhei Matsuda, Aoi Miyazaki, Joe Odagiri, Kaoru Kobayashi Language: Japanese Synopsis: Mitsuya Majime is an unsuccessful salesman whose love for reading catches the attention of Masashi Nishioka and Kouhei Araki, dictionary editors who are looking for a replacement for Araki. With Majime now on the editing team, he has been given a task to develop a dictionary called “Daitokai” (A Great Passage), which is meant to bridge the gap of people and the sea of words.

MANSHIN: Ten Thousand Spirits 만신

Genres: Documentary, Drama Director: Park Chan-gyeong Starring: Kim Sae-ron, Ryu Hyun-gyeong, Moon So-ri Language: Korean Synopsis: The story follows a woman who was thought to be possessed by a spirit when she was a girl, but who later becomes a great shaman. The documentary shows how this woman sharing how she is honored as a national treasure of Korea for her outstanding artistic talents.

Sports Gwangju FC and the KIA Tigers thank you for your past support, and they look forward to seeing you in the new season, coming soon in 2014!

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advertisement

Welcome to March! Here's what's happening at Holiday Inn Gwangju.

Festivals

Hourglass- Chirashi Sushi & Bibimbap Lunch: (Mon-Fri) 31,500 won (Inc Tax), (Sat-Sun) 34,500 won per person Dinner: (Mon-Sun) 43,000 won (Inc Tax) per person

Gurye Sansuyu Flower Festival 제15회 구례 산수유꽃 축제

Venue: Jiri Mountain Hot Spring Tourist Spot, 825 Jwasa-ri, Sandong-myeon, Gurye, Jeollanam-do Dates: March 22 - 30 Programs: Performances, a traditional Korean music concert, various Sansuyu related activities, such as Sansuyu foot bath and making Sansuyu tea.

Directions: Take the bus to Gurye from the Gwangcheon Bus Terminal (the trip takes one hour and a half, with a bus fare of 7,800 won). From the Gurye Bus Terminal, take a local bus bound for the Jiri Mountain Hot Springs Phone: 061-780-2726 Website: http://sansuyu.gurye.go.kr/sanflower/

Gwangyang International Maehwa Flower Festival 광양국제매화문화축제

Venue: Dosa-ri, Daap-myeon, Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do Dates: March 22 - 30 Programs: Performances, international events, exhibitions and activities.

Directions: Take the bus to Gwangyang from the Gwangcheon Bus Terminal (the trip takes 2 hours, with a bus fare of 6,600 won). From the Gwangyang Bus Terminal, take a local bus bound for Daap-myeon.

Phone: 061-797-3715 Website: www.gwangyang.go.kr/gymaehwa/

Get ready and catch the first glimpse of Spring Foods at Hourglass Restaurant, produced from local and seasonal ingredients – to produce dishes such as mung bean soup, apple, celery aloe salad, chirashi sushi, sea squirt bibimbap, a Geoje Island speciality, seasoned wild vegetables, steamed fish `Chinesestyle', green tea tiramisu and more.

Lobby Lounge Double feature `High Tea` and `Happy Hour`

‘High Tea’ daily from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., tea or coffee with pastries, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam and finger sandwiches 29,500 won for TWO people (including tax).

‘Happy Hours’ every Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 6.30 p.m. - 9 p.m. - free flow of draft beer, selected wines or soft drinks, and snack buffet 29,700 won per person (including tax).

To make reservations and for more information, please contact: 062-610-7000 or www.holidayinngwangju.com

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upcoming events

Performances 2014 Steve Barakatt Whiteday Concert in Korea 2014 스티브 바라캇 화이트데이 콘서 트 – 광주 Venue: Gwangju Culture and Art Center Grand Theater Date: March 16 Time: 6:00 p.m.

Directions: By taking buses 16, 18, 27, 58, 63, 83, 84, 85 or 192, get off at the Gwangju Culture and Art Center Entrance Bus Stop.

Admission Fee: VIP Seats 88,000/R Seats 77,000 won / S Seats 66,000 won/ A Seats 55,000 won Phone: 1544-1555 Website: http://ticket.interpark.com/

Family Musical PETERPAN 2014 특선 가족 뮤지컬 피터팬 Venue: Gwangju Culture and Art Center Small Theater Date: March 8 Time: 11 a.m./ 2p.m. / 4 p.m.

Directions: By taking buses 16, 18, 27, 58, 63, 83, 84, 85 or 192, get off at the Gwangju Culture and Art Center Entrance Bus Stop.

Admission Fee: 25,000 won (All seats) Phone: 1666-7584 Website: http://ticket.interpark.com/

Exhibitions 12 Animals Story 열두 동물 이야기 展

Venue: Lotte Gallery Dates: February 21 - March 18 Times: 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Directions: By using Buses no. 19, 38, 57, 70, 160, 170, 184 or 1187, get off at the Lotte Department Store. The gallery is on the first floor of the main office of Gwangju Bank, which is located next to the Lotte Department Store.

Admission Fees: Free Phone: 062-221-1807~8

Solar, Wind & Earth Energy Trade Fair 2014 신재생 에너지 전문 전시회 SWEET 2014

Gwangju Spring Flower Show 2014 광주 봄꽃 박람회

Venue: Kimdaejung Convention Center Dates: March 28 - April 6 Times: All Weekdays, except Fridays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m./ Friday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Directions: By using Buses 38, 64 or 1000, get off at the Kimdaejung Convention Center Bus stop, or by using Buses 19, 20, 38, 62, 64, 69 or 1000, get off at the Kimdaejung Convention Center (Mareuk) Subway Station Bus Stop.

By using the Subway, get off at the Kimdaejung Convention Center (Mareuk) Subway Station.

Admission Fees: Adults 5,000 won, Children 3,000 won Parking Fees: 15 minutes: 250 won, 30 minutes: 500 won, 1hour: 1000 won, all day: 5,600 won Phone: 062-611-3500 Website: www.flowershow.kr

Venue: Kimdaejung Convention Center Dates: March 12 - March 14 Times: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Directions: By using Buses 38, 64 or 1000, get off at the Kimdaejung Convention Center Bus Stop, or by using Buses 19, 20, 38, 62, 64, 69 or 1000, get off at the Kimdaejung Convention Center (Mareuk) Subway Station Bus Stop.

By using the Subway, get off at the Kimdaejung Convention Center(Mareuk) Subway Station Admission Fees: Free Website: www.sweet.or.kr

Leave and Meet 떠나고 만나고

Photography and History 사진과 역사

2012-2013 Beijing Blaze 2012-2013 북경질주

Venue: Gwangju Museum of Art (3,4,6 Exhibition Hall) Date: February 6 - April 13 Time: 10 a.m. -6 p.m. / Closed on Mondays Directions: By using Buses no. 64 or 83, get off at the Gwangju Biennale Bus Stop, or by using Buses no. 29, 48, or 63, get off at the Gu-jeonnamdo Office of Education Bus Stop.

Admission Fees : Adult 500 won / Youth 300 won / Children 200 won Phone: 062-613-7100 Website: artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

Venue: Hak dong, Dong gu 253 'Haewa Culture and Art Space' Dates: February 6 - March 9 Times, except Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. / On Sundays, 12 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Directions: By using Buses no. 9, 35, 51 or 54, get off at the Younjinhoe Art Museum Bus Stop.

Admission Fees: Free Phone: 062-233-9011 Website: http://blog.naver.com/haewaspace

Venue: Gwangju Museum of Art Sangrok Exhibition Hall Dates: February 14 - March 23 Times: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m./ closed on Mondays Directions: By taking buses no. 19, 36, 37, 39, 72, 160, 1187, get off at Sangrok Exhibition Hall Admission Fees: Adult 500 won / Youth 300 won / Children 200 won Phone: 062-613-5393 Website: www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

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feature

Man of Culture:

Chung Dong-chae and the East Asia Culture City Forum Words by Ana Traynin Photos by Jordan VanHartingsveldt

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feature

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t is a big year for Gwangju. The city has held the special status of Hub City of Asian Culture in Korea since 2003, but this spring kicks off the 2014 East Asian Cultural City project, a year-long celebration and intercultural exchange with two other designated cities – China's Quanzhou and Japan's Yokohama.

Signed by the culture ministers of China, Japan and South Korea, the 2012 Shanghai Action Plan represented an unprecedented commitment to overcoming historic regional conflicts in Northeast Asia through strengthening cultural ties. It laid the groundwork for this year's first annual East Asian Cultural City trilateral exchange.

On September 28, 2013, Gwangju hosted the fifth ministerial conference between the three countries' culture ministries, who officially nominated Quanzhou, Yokohama and Gwangju as 2014 East Asian Cultural Cities. Gwangju was among six Korean cities, including Busan, Daegu and Jeonju, judged by the culture panel to receive the designation.

On January 27, 2014, Gwangju News sat down with the East Asian Cultural City committee chairman Chung Dong-chae in his office at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center. He highlighted the fortunate timing of this year's event, which might build momentum for the opening of another landmark in downtown Gwangju.

“The East Asian Cultural City is important, but I consider it even more important because it can highlight the Asian Cultural City Complex which is opening in 2015,” Chung said. “Even though it wasn't planned that way, it was a coincidence.”

A Gwangju native, Chung brings to his new role as committee chairman a strong commitment to the city. As the 2004-2006 Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sports, Chung invested in building the Culture Complex as part of the then-evolving Gwangju Cultural City Project.

Chung believes Gwangju is the right choice to be Korea's East Asian Cultural City. According to him, Gwangju and the larger South Jeolla region are considered to have three characteristics: justice, art (in particular, traditional painting) and food. In addition, he mentions the designation of South Jeolla's pansori theater as a UNESCO World Heritage item.

“Another characteristic of Gwangju is justice and human rights,” Chung said. “Whenever the nation was in peril, this place was active to save the nation. In the past, when in 1592, the Japanese invasion was here, the most famous admiral Mr.

Lee said: 'Without Jeolla Province, there is no hope.'

Then, under the Japanese occupation of the 20th century, the Gwangju Student Movement spread to the nation as a nationwide independence movement. We also had the Gwangju May Uprising against the military government.”

Beyond his contributions to Gwangju, Chung has played a significant role in revitalizing Korea's cultural market and promoting mutual communication with neighboring countries.

“While working as minister, I focused on two things: cultural content and tourism development,” Chung said. "I was creating cultural content, including drama, animation, games. At the same time, I made Korea more strong in the world cultural market. I'm proud of that. I also began to develop tourism. Until then, the Korean tourism industry was poor, but I made it develop further."

Chung's progression into government service began with a journalism career at Yonhap News (formerly Hapdong News Agency) from the late 1970s. As a journalist under the military regime in 1980, Chung refused to be censored by the government and was removed from his job. “I was imprisoned and tortured as well. So after the transitional government, I was involved in the democratic movement.”

In 1988, Chung joined other fired and repressed journalists to form the Hankyoreh, Korea's first independent, publicly-funded progressive newspaper. He stayed with the paper until 1993 before moving into politics.

“I was invited by Mr. Kim Dae-jung when he created the Asia Pacific Peace Foundation in 1994, as a general secretary,” Chung said. “So it was the beginning of my political career.”

Chung served for two and a half years in the Asia Pacific Peace Foundation, until the start of Kim Dae-jung's presidency. He would take up the general secretary position again under Kim's successor Roh Moo-hyun, who while campaigning for the presidency invited Chung to rejoin the Asia Pacific Peace Foundation board. It was during this campaign that Chung proposed to Roh the idea of the Cultural City project.

“As secretary general under Mr. Roh's candidacy, I proposed the special law,” Chung said. “As the Minister of Culture, I bought the real estate for the Culture Complex and the construction was initiated. I managed to establish a special law for [Gwangju as] the Cultural City, 2003-2023.”

Before joining the Ministry of Culture and working

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future

Besides additional smaller events, Chung explained that the 2014 East Asian Cultural City forum will build on three of Gwangju's most popular annual festivals. “The World Music Festival has included many different countries, but now this time we want to focus on China and Japan. We will have an extended Arirang festival and the Chungjang-ro festival will have performers from China and Japan as well. That festival has been designated by the national government. The central government is also advising the existing festival to be more East Asian.”

Beautiful city of Quanzhou, China (top) and night scene of Yokohama, Japan (above)

with President Roh, Chung was elected to the National Assembly in 1996 and was re-elected until he had served three consecutive terms in 2008. “As an Assemblyman, I was always on the committee of Culture and Tourism. That's why I began to have a lot of interest in culture and tourism so as minister, I implemented what I wanted to do before.”

Chung's new role as committee chairman is a fulltime job. “The East Asian Cultural City was designated in the previous government. In the process of the status of Gwangju to be designated as an Asian Cultural City as well as East Asian Cultural City, I was invited to be involved. Now, after the designation, I am working the whole year.”

While Quanzhou and Yokohama's opening ceremonies were set for February 15 and February 25 respectively, Gwangju will kick off the East Asian Cultural City celebration on March 17.

“In the opening ceremony, Chinese and Japanese performers will be invited and of course we will send our performers to China and Japan,” Chung said.

“Forty members of the performance group will come and we will also send forty. People who come to the opening ceremony will enjoy the artwork from China and Japan. The closing ceremonies will take place in October in three countries. There will be a variety of events during this year in all three cities.”

Since the announcement of the 2014 East Asian Cultural Cities, Chung has seen cross-cultural interest grow, with Korea showing more interest in Chinese and Japanese culture and China and Japan expressing a growing appreciation for what Gwangju has to offer. “After the designation, the interest of Gwangju city has grown, both in China and Japan. The mass media began to show interest in Gwangju.”

In 2007, the ministers of the three major East Asian countries launched annual ministerial conferences to focus on building what China's Minister of Culture Cai Wu has called a “shared East Asia value” that could bring better cooperation and stability to the region. The Shanghai Action Plan was signed in the year that marked the 40th anniversary of normalized China-Japan diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of China-South Korea diplomacy. The next minister trilateral meeting takes place in Yokohama in September 2014. Through 2017, each country will continue annually selecting a representative East Asian Cultural City.

“Two years ago, we decided to do it with the Shanghai Action Plan, but this is the first year we are doing it and it will continue,” Chung said. “The Cultural City Project will continue, more cities will be invited to join. Through this project, I hope that more cultural understanding will be created with other countries, and a promotion of understanding that will help reduce the possibility of conflict.”

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feature

The History of Gwangju Words by An Se-in cooperation with Hong Chang-woo Gwangju River photo courtesy of Gwangju Metropolitan City Songjeongri Station Today photo courtesy of Anmi Mitsuki (hosii.tistory.com) 광주랑블로그) Yangdong Market Today photo courtesy of Choi Chan-kyu (광

W

hat is Gwangju? Gwangju has been called the city of 'Uihyang (의향)', 'Yehyang (예향)', and 'Mihyang (미향)'. From the Imjin War (1592-1598) to the May 18 Democratic Movement (1980), Gwangju has taken pride in being a righteous city (Uihyang), growing as a city internationally renowned for its commitment to human rights. As a city of art (Yehyang), Gwangju is the home of artists such as Im Bang-ul, who was a master pansori singer, and painter Heo Backryeon. Gwangju is also the host city of the Biennale, which has been drawing attention from contemporary artists across the world. Finally, Gwangju is well-known for its delicious cuisine (Mihyang), not least for its annual World Kimchi Culture Festival.

The history of Gwangju started in prehistory.

Human artifacts from the Stone Age, as well as from the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. have been discovered in the region. Many examples of the “jar burial,” a unique style of tomb, have been discovered in Gwangju and the Youngsan River area.

The Samhan states (Mahan, Jinhan, and Byeonhan) eventually developed in the southern part of the Korean peninsula. Of those three states, Gwangju belonged to Mahan. After that period, the three ancient kingdoms Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla were established, and Gwangju came under the control of Baekje (18 BCE-660 CE). At that time, Gwangju was called Mujinju.

In 668 CE Silla unified the three kingdoms by joining hands with the Tang of ancient China. In Unified Silla, Gwangju remained Mujinju for a while, but eventually changed its name to Muju. At the end of the Silla Dynasty many new powers rose up and began the Later Three Kingdoms Period. In 892, the king Kyeon Hweon established posts in Baekje.

The three kingdoms were finally reunified by Goryeo in 936. During the Goryeo Dynasty, the name of Gwangju began to be used for the first time in 940, but often changed to various other names due to elevations or degradations of the city's status.

In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire invaded Goryeo. At the time, Goryeo's government was dominated by military officials called Musin.

Because of the endless war and the Musin's exploitation, many revolts occurred across the country. In Gwangju, Lee Yeon-nyeon rebelled against his people's harsh treatment (1237).

Goryeo continuously stood against the Mongols, but had to surrender in the end. However, the Sambyeolcho, the Musin government's special forces, fought against the Mongolian army to the last (1270-1273). His men rose up in Ganghwa Island and then moved to Jindo Island in modern South Jeolla Province, influencing the Gwangju area.

After the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392, the name of Gwangju continued to be used, but just as in the Goryeo period it frequently changed. Since Gwangju rests in a large plain and is located at a traffic point, it was rich in agricultural products, and trading was brisk.

Through the Joseon era, Gwangju became known as a town of loyal troops and Confucian scholars called Salim. New groups of Confucian trscholars influenced the progress of Neo-Confucianism in the Honam region. Arguments between Lee Hwang and Ki Dae-seung, particularly over explanations for the Neo-Confucian idea of sadanchiljung, had important influence on Confucian ideas. As a Gwangju scholar, Ki Daeseung put emphasis on practice rather than theory. This period was a prime time for Confucianism and literature in Gwangju.

During the Imjin War, Ko Gyeong-myeong and Kim Deok-ryeong led loyal troops from the Gwangju region and played an important role in the war.

South Jeolla was also the region where Admiral Yi Sun-shin famously defeated the Japanese navy.

In 1894, the Donghak (Eastern Learning) Peasantry Movement occurred in Jeolla as a response to imperialist countries coercing Joseon to open its ports to trade. Son Hwa-jung was one of three key figures of the Donghak Uprising in Gwangju. Even though the rebellion against Japanese influence

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feature

Chosun University (1946)

Yangdong Market today

Yangdong Market (1950s)

Songjeongri Station (1951)

A train arrives at Songjeongri Station

Traveling in style (1947)

A military truck passing by rice fields (1950)

Gwangju River today

Doing laundry together at the Gwangju River (1965)

and the feudal system ended in failure, it was an important historic event.

Gwangju was designated as a provincial capital of South Jeolla in 1896. Thereafter most public institutions were moved from the former capital of Naju to Gwangju.

During the Japanese occupation (1910-1945), the size of Gwangju grew and grew, since a lot of modern urban facilities like banks, schools, a train station, and hospitals were built. Under the banner of modernization, however, the Japanese also destroyed traditional roads and buildings.

Nevertheless, Gwangju played an important role in the era's independence movement. There were huge demonstrations during the March 1 Movement of 1919 and during the Student's Independence Movement in November, 1929, which started in Gwangju and spread throughout the country. To commemorate this, November 3 is designated as a memorial day for the Student's Independence Movement.

After Korea gained independence, Gwangju

developed in many new ways. From 1946 to 1958, 94 schools and two universities (Chonnam National University and Chosun University) were established, as well as courts, a newspaper company, and a broadcasting station. The population of Gwangju rose rapidly from 50,000 in 1939 to nearly 500,000 in 1970.

Last but not least, the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Movement exploded in 1980, a strong representation of the Uihyang spirit. After President Park Chung-hee was assassinated and Chun Doohwan seized power by coup, only Gwangju refused to cease demonstrating in the face of martial law. Students and citizens of Gwangju fought against the ROK Army, resulting in a lot of casualties. This is why May means a lot to Gwangju and Korea.

As the central city of the Honam area from old times, Gwangju has become one of the six metropolitan cities of Korea. In the future Gwangju hopes to be a host city for international sports, since Gwangju is going to host the Summer Universiade in 2015. It also plans to be a hub city of Asian culture, building its Asian Culture Complex in downtown.

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community

[Gwangju Talks] Each month, a select panel of Gwangju residents gathers to discuss a topic of interest. What topics would you like to see discussed, and from what viewpoint? E-mail your requests to gwangjunews@gic.or.kr.

“What Did You Like About Gwangju That is No Longer Here?”

Compiled by An Se-in, Jeon Se-na, Kim I-seul and Park Seong-yeop (GIC’s Gwangju News Team)

G

wangju News asked the Gwangju Talks panel members and GIC Talk attendees what they liked about Gwangju that is no longer here. The panel participants were Chonnam University students Kim I-seul (IS), Jeon Se-na (SN), An Se-in (SI), and Park Seong-yeob (SY), who will soon study in the U.S.

Secondhand Bookstores at Gyerim-dong, Dong-gu

SY

SI

SN

IS

The panel: GIC Gwangju News Team

Hong Gil-dong/ 50 y.o.

I miss secondhand bookstores around Gwangju High School in Gyerim-dong. Some of the secondhand bookstores are still there, but they are not as lively as in the old times. I used to go there with my friends to get cheap textbooks or books of poetry. Stores were so tiny and narrow then, but there were tons of books that made us excited. For some reason, the smell of old dusty books reminds me of the good old days in high school. Finding books there was such hard work since there were so many books here and there, but it was enjoyable to spend time there and discover rare antique books.

These days, there are a lot of fancy bookstores full of new books in Gwangju. It seems like only a few people like to go to used bookshops.

Damyang Bookstore, which was originally opened in front of Gwangju High School in 1969, is one of the old secondhand bookstores. The owner of this bookstore donated almost a hundred old books, which have historical value, such as a genealogy and a collection of works to Chonnam National University's Honam Chinese classic research team.

Although secondhand bookstores are decreasing, they are the nostalgic memory that I miss a lot.

Photos: blog.naver.com/dkgk3016

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community

17

Gwangju Girls’ High School

Photo courtesy of Gwangju Girls’ High School

Lee Mi-seon/ The 28th graduation year Gwangju Girls’ High School was established in 1923.

Gwangju’s national high school representative led a long tradition. The school, which had to relocate due to construction around it, moved to Hwajeong-dong in 2010. The discipline of the school, maintaining integrity since the time of Japanese imperialism, didn't disappear. Many Gwangju Girls’ High School graduates missed the previous school. after the move. The students attending the newly built school upheld the beauty and old traditions which their predecessors wished to protect.

Photo: Outdoornews.co.kr

Photo: blog.joins.com/liberum

Mount Mudeung’s Barley Rice Restaurants Anonymous Mount Mudeung is well known in Korea as Gwangju's mountain located in a national park. However, from 2002 to 2010 there was a lot of change around Jeungsim Temple. First of all, there were a lot of small restaurants which were famous for boribap that is a Korean traditional dish which is similar to bibimbap.

These restaurants caused disorder around the paths near Jeungsim Temple. As a result, most of the small restaurants were changed to modern-style buildings, which resulted in a change in atmosphere from old charm to a modern hustle. Now, even though the streets are cleaner than in the past and the taste of the food still is the same, many people miss the old mood. Formerly people would be warmly welcomed by the old ladies and their rural boribap meals in Jeungsim Temple. Now, however, as a result of the changes this atmosphere has disappeared.

Dae-in Market Park Jin-seok/ 52 y.o.

I miss the atmosphere of Dae-in Market a lot. Dae-in Market was the first conventional market in Gwangju. It was the historical place where Gwangju people shouted for democracy together and merchants supported them with food. In the past there was Gwangju Station, and until early 1990, it was always crowded due to the Gwangju Bus Terminal. These days, there are not many people who go to Dae-in Market like in the past. I sometimes recall the memory of a crowded Dae-in Market while sitting on a chair watching the empty Dae-in Street. The trace of the past remains faintly as traditional art works, and many modern arts have been created on the street. I'm very pleased that Dae-in Market is making a good effort to revive the dying market through many programs and being a place to tour in Gwangju.

Photo: blog.daum.net/k9705022

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travel

Gwangju's Six Sisters Words by Joey Nunez Photo of Gwangju Pavilion courtesy of The Word Online Photo of Gwangju Street Plaque courtesy of Pius Silvanus Logo courtesy of Sister Cities International

T

he advantages of alliances between countries are well-known, but what additional benefits are there when countries' individual cities join together too?

define itself and show its efforts, but what have their other sister cities said and done for the City of Light to illuminate new thoughts on their relationships?

Sister cities and twin towns have been part of global history since 1951, and Gwangju has taken part since 1968. After World War II finished, the Association du Monde Bilingue, a French organization founded by Jean-Marie Bressand, stepped forward with an innovative concept that advocated education and understanding between any pair of interested cities. According to this organization's website, peace is the measure by which all ties, relations and trading occurs between cities.

Gwangju's sister city linking began with Tainan, Taiwan in 1968. According to the Gwangju Metropolitan City (GMC) website, Gwangju and Tianan have held youth orchestra visits and concerts, Tianan has participated in the Gwangju Design Biennale and both countries have held cultural exchanges. Also, Daenam-ro(대남로), the street that passes Chosun University and connects the Namgwangju-sa (4) and Nongseong's subway stops, was named to honor Tianan (the Korean equivalent is from Chinese) in their sister city agreement. In Tianan, there is also a street entitled “Gwangju-ro.”

The differences between twin towns and sister cities begin with the terms themselves; the United Kingdom (U.K.) and the United States (U.S.) respectively have deemed such relationships by different standards. According to the online forum Chacha, the U.K. and some European countries use the term twin towns for partnerships with other cities in Europe, whereas the U.S. uses the term sister cities for partnerships with cities that share similar cultures and/or historical backgrounds.

Gwangju follows the American standard, claiming five cities around the world for sisters. Each relationship has continued to be advanced and reaffirmed since its inception. Gwangju can easily

According to the Saint International Relations website maintained by the city of San Antonio, Texas, Gwangju is considered “an important governmental, cultural and artistic center.” Since 1982, San Antonio has officially valued the preserved records of Baekje culture and the Chosun Period, along with the modern exhibition of the Gwangju Biennale, among Gwangju's highlights. Information from the GMC website states that San Antonio has planted trees in remembrance of the May 18 Uprising, sent delegates to exchange economic ideas and provided public servants as everlasting gifts to

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travel

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The Gwangju Pavilion was dedicated at the Denman Estate Park, San Antonio, USA in October 2010.

develop the cities' bond. San Antonio states that Gwangju “offers many incentives to foreign companies looking to establish a base in South Korea.”

Gwangju and Guangzhou, China formed their sister bond in 1996. Sharing very similar pronunciations, Guangzhou representatives have visited the Biennale and both countries have hosted cultural arts events. According to the GMC website, “Guangzhou Street” runs in front of Gwangju's World Cup Stadium and has a monument honoring the Chinese soccer team for playing a preliminary match in the 2002 World Cup competitions. In Guangzhou's Undae Park, Gwangju has been honored with a symbolic monument. Additional information from Wang Xianmin, the new Chinese Consul-General of Gwangju who was profiled in February 2014's edition of Gwangju News, affirms these facts. “The relationship between Gwangju and Guangzhou will have the same connotations on economic and social development, leading people to have wonderful lives, maintaining peace, stability and development of these regions and for the world.”

Medan, Indonesia has shared a sister relationship with Gwangju since 1997. Listed on the GMC website, the two cities' relationship has developed through student home stays, entrepreneur visits and observation of industrial complexes in both countries. Translated from the Indonesian website Pemko Medan, an article discussing the development roles within Medan extending to other country's cities shows that after a Medan cultural dance team performed at the World Cup, Medan representatives were then invited to attend and perform again at Gwangju's GIC Day in 2008.

Also, both cities have streets honoring each other, with Medan Street near the World Cup Stadium.

A plaque erected in Medan City, declaring cooperation between the two cities and the establishment of Gwangju Street in Medan

A strengthening link between Gwangju and Sendai, Japan began in 2002. According to the GMC website, to incorporate Korean culture into Japanese society Senia has installed the “Lake Gwangju” city bus line, operational since April 2002. An interesting fact is that Sendai also has an official agreement with Tainan, Taiwan. According to the Sendai Half website, this partnership is a different type of program and was finalized in 2006.

Tainan is also the same city that Gwangju first became sisters with, showing that a full-circle effect of global bonding is possible and has indeed begun.

In addition, Gwangju has entered into a friendly partnership with Torino, Italy. What the two countries do not have in terms of a sister bond, they are presently formulating, as Torino artists from the Politecnico di Torino and Gwangju artists from the Biennale have exchanged work.

Gwangju News is pleased to run a special miniseries profiling the relations between each of the cities in various ways. We will share more details of current relations between Gwangju and its sister cities, what future prospects are in store for Gwangju and what Gwangju residents can do to help with relations overseas. The “Sister City” series will begin in April's edition of Gwangju News.

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culture

The Art of Busking in Gwangju Words by SS Puri Photos by Jordan VanHartingsveldt

B

usking is street performance for gratitude or money and is perhaps the best-known form of street theater. Since it is street entertainment, anything goes; singing, comedy, music, juggling, even fire-eating and sword-swallowing. Buskers have existed in one form or another since the olden days.

Busking was the most common means of making a living for entertainers before the advent of recording and personal electronics. It is still a great way to build your confidence as a musician. It'll give you the best training you can get in dealing with people and overcoming any fears of performing in public.

The modern idea of busking was introduced to Korea by the Irish movie “Once” and the musicbased movie “August Rush”. However, traveling public performers are a part of Korea's traditional culture. The Korean movie “The King and the Clown” shows a scene in which actors hold madangnori, a traditional outdoor performance.

The first modern busker band in Korea, Busker Busker (Hangeul: : 버 스 커 버 스 커 ), got people interested in busking. Busking is mostly done in Seoul, especially in places around Honsik University and Itaewon. The most famous buskers are Kim Jeong-Hee, the band 10cm and, of course, Busker Busker.

However, buskers do regularly play in downtown Gwangju, around Uncheon Reservoir and in the Chonnam National University area. One band that

has played outside of Chonnam's back gate is Street Light Music. It consists of CNU students and staff. One of their performers is Park Jin-hyun of CNU's Department of Civil Engineering; another is Park Jae-hyung of the Department of Korean Language and Literature. Other popular busker groups include #23 (named after a calling line identification restriction number) and 1% (named for their hope to be ranked in the top percent of bands in Korea).

Another of Gwangju's popular acoustic bands is The Frog in the Well, who minimize their instruments to help listeners easily listen to their songs. The band plays three basic instruments: the acoustic guitar, the djembè and a piggy bank filled with coins. The four-member band busks in the streets of Gwangju almost 100 times a year.

Obviously the best locations for busking are places with a large and continuous amount of pedestrian traffic, such as parks, fairs, stations, shopping areas and important streets. Conflicts between bands over venue locations do take place. There can also be problems with local residents or business owners. CNU buskers have received complaints from student-residents that have sometimes been sorted out with the help of police. So buskers seek alternative places to play, like cafes and clubs – especially the Soft Straight-Line Café owned by Park Il-nam, opposite CNU. Nowadays there are busking competitions, festivals, events and associations to popularize and protect buskers.

If you are talented, busking is an ideal way to

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collect money for a trip or contribute towards the purchase of your textbooks. It can also be used to raise funds for charity or for conveying social messages. In 2013 an English teacher named Sarah Graydon was seriously sick and due to insurance rules she could not manage to pay her hospital bills.

Foreign buskers organized charity shows to collect money for her.

Taking a similar approach, the project Hum With Me, Korea was created not only to support aspiring artists in gaining exposure but also to come to the rescue of anybody in need. So hum and hum anywhere you like!

Often, busking is mistaken as another form of begging, which it is not. Nor is it adopted by people who do not have enough education.

Many famous musicians and entertainers – Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Eric Clapton and Simon Garfunkel, to name a few – started their career on the street corner. Busking can be a stepping stone to stardom.

If you are looking to get a sense of the local culture, street performances are a great way to do it.

Previous page: Gwangju residents, Sean Stanley (left, center) and Sean McGrath busking near Uncheon Reservoir, Gwangju.

This page: Famous Korean busker band Busker Busker Photo courtesy of acrofan.com

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living tips

Guide to the National Pension for Foreigners Words, photo and logo by National Pension Service

About the National Pension Scheme The National Pension Scheme is a social security system implemented by the Korean government to ensure a stable livelihood for residents by collecting contributions and paying pension benefits for those insured or their dependents and to help them prepare for retirement or unexpected calamities, such as disabilities and deaths.

Compulsory Coverage of the National Pension Scheme Like Korean nationals, foreigners aged between 18 and 60 who reside in Korea are subject to the compulsory coverage of the National Pension Scheme. Foreigners whose countries do not cover Korean nationals under their public pension schemes, however, are excluded from coverage under the NPS. Despite the above provisions, if there are relevant provisions under the Social Security Agreement between Korea and any foreign country, those provisions will be applied.

Payment Contributions For workers, the employees and their employers should each make contributions for the employees amounting to 4.5 percent of the employee's standard monthly income, based on the employee's' earned income, for a total contribution equal to of 9 percent of the employee's monthly income.

The individually insured should make contributions amounting to 9 percent of their reported standard monthly income.

There will be no discrimination in terms of the contribution rates between foreigners and Koreans. The payment should be made no later than the 10th day of the following month.

Benefits If insured foreign individuals are entitled to Oldage, Disability or Survivor pensions, they will receive pension benefits according to the same standards as Korean nationals.

National Pension Service International Center staff will help non-Korean speaking nationals get the help they need

Old-age Pension The Old-age Pension is paid monthly to those whose insured period is for 10 years or for those who are over 60 years old. The pensionable age will increase by one year every five years, starting from the year 2013 until those insured reach 65 in 2033.

Disability Pension The Disability Pension is paid to those left with a disability after the treatment of diseases or injuries incurred during the insured period, according to the degree of their disabilities. Annuities will be paid to those with 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree disabilities and lump-sum benefits will be paid to those with 4th degree disabilities.

Survivor Pension If currently insured persons or pensioners are deceased, a Survivor Pension will be paid every month to their surviving dependents whose livelihood was supported by the deceased person.

Lump-sum Refund In principle, a lump-sum refund is not paid to foreigners. However, in the case of foreigners meeting any of the following criteria, a lump-sum refund equivalent to the amount of contributions is paid when they leave Korea or reach the age of 60,, plus the fixed interest is paid to them or to their

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living tips survivors should they die. The following insured individuals apply.

- A foreigner whose home country has concluded a social security agreement with Korea to secure benefit rights by combining the insured period in each country.

- A foreigner whose country grants Koreans a benefit corresponding to a lump-sum refund.

- A foreign worker whose visa is either E-8, (Employment for Training) E-9 (Non-Professional Employment), or H-2 (Visiting Employment).

Applying overseas, after departing Korea: The application form is to be notarized by a notary agency of the country in which the person resides and attests to living in by the Korean Consulate or Embassy. Also required are a copy of passport and a copy of the insured's bankbook.

Countries eligible for lump-sum refunds: Via Reciprocity: Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bhutan, Cameroon, Colombia, Congo, El Salvador, Ghana, Grenada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Togo, Turkey, Tunisia, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela and Zimbabwe

By Agreement: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the United States.

Application for Lump-sum Refund at the Airport Who can apply: A foreigner who is scheduled to depart for his/her own country through Incheon International Airport within a month of his/her application.

Application for the Lump-sum Refund Required Documents - Completing the application process in Korea, before departing Korea.

Required documents include: an application form, a copy of the person's ID card (both Passport and Alien Registration Card), bankbook and plane ticket.

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When applying for a lump-sum refund through an agent in Korea, the application must be submitted only by mail in order to avoid extra administration fees and incorrect or false applications.

- The Airport Payment is applicable only if the flight's departure time is between 11:00 through 24:00 on weekdays.

- After applying for the Lump-sum Refund at any of the NPS regional branches, those applying must receive a "Direction for Payment of Lump-sum Refund" from the Incheon Airport Office on the date of departure.

- Those applying must also receive a "Receipt of Currency Exchange" from the Shinhan Bank Incheon International Branch after handing in their "Direction for Payment of Lump-sum Refund".

- Those applying will be eligible to receive the Lumpsum Refund after going through the immigration departure procedure.

Information about Regional Offices in Gwangju Gwangju Regional Office Address: 3rd Floor, Kukminyeongeum Gwangjuhoegwan Building (국민연금 광주회관), 1582-4 Usan-dong, Gwangsan-gu Phone: 062-958-2081 Directions: Buses No. 20, 29, 37 or 196, get off at the Odung Elementary School Bus Station.

Then walk straight about 200 meters to Honam Hospital.

The Kukminyeonkum Gwangju Building is visible near both the Kookmin Bank and the Honam Hospital.

off at the Lotte Department Store Bus Stop.

Subway: Travel to the Geumnam-ro 5 Ga station and use Exit No. 1.

Reaching the office takes about 2 minutes.

Buk-Gwangju Regional Office Address: 12nd Floor, Songgang Building (송강빌딩), 80 Geumnamro, Buk-gu Phone: 062-520-8126 Directions: The office is across from HanGuknochong (한국노총) at the Yudong Intersection. Go to the second floor.

Dong-Gwangju Regional Office Address: 8th Floor, Amore-Pacific Building, Geumnam-ro 5 Ga Phone: 062-230-0784 Directions: Buses No. 19, 38, 52, 57, 70, 170, 184 or 1187, get

For more information, visit http://english.nps.or.kr/

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community

An Open Letter to the Mayor of Gwangju

D

ear Mayor,

I am writing this letter as a foreign student to say that I'm really thankful and grateful to the people in the Korean society for being kind, helpful and thoughtful. I have been living in Korea since 2009. From 2009 until now, I have met very many helpful people and without them it would have been impossible to continue my studies while staying with my family in Korea. However, it was not any particular organization which helped me, it was a combination of many different people from several places: professors, businessmen, social workers and other people in the community. I and other students like me would be very interested and grateful if an organization could be set up to offer a hand in assisting foreign students in Gwangju. International students are struggling with many of the following challenges simultaneously, some to a greater degree than others.

After five years of experience, I feel that language is the main barrier to study and survive for foreigners in Korea. It is always a struggle to accomplish simple tasks, or to obtain things which should be easily obtained, due to language difficulties. Therefore, I think that foreign students need a platform where they can learn the Korean language without fees for a long period. Even though many universities offer free Korean language courses at a basic level for international students which is helpful to learn some basic words and sentences, these basic lessons are not enough to understand a university-level lecture. Before coming to Korea, foreign students are led to believe that most of the classes related to their major will be conducted in English. Once they are here, however, they find the situation is just the opposite, as many classes are conducted in the Korean language.

In addition to the language barrier, international students also face difficulty in obtaining proper medical treatment. In Korea, being hospitalized or receiving medical treatment is more expensive than in underdeveloped countries. A majority of the foreign students in Korea are from underdeveloped countries and this costly medical care can be a great difficulty for them, as their scholarship does not provide enough money to cover living expenses here. If we take a look at Japan, Europe or other developed countries, we find medical treatments are free for foreign students. Korea and the city of Gwangju might want to follow in the footsteps of these countries.

Another difficulty which international students face is that of finding a place to live. The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) provides family dormitories to students who have a family with them, but Chonnam National University, Chosun University and others do not. It is a big problem for foreign students to stay outside of a campus with their families. To get a home, students have to pay more than university family dormitory monthly fees, in addition to a large deposit fee. In GIST, family dorm fees are only 80,000 won per month, whereas international students living off campus must pay upwards of 400,000 won plus “key money�. As previously stated, the scholarship provided is not enough to provide these families with a place to stay.

Child care is also a financial challenge for foreign students as students who have children are unable to send their children to kindergarten for lack of Korean government support. Korean law does not provide support for children attending daycare or kindergarten as it does for Koreans, even if the children were born in Korea and their parents pay taxes to the Korean government. If international students want to send their children to kindergarten, they must pay around 300,000-400,000 won (depending on age) per month. Generally, foreign students receive scholarships from different channels – on average about 500,000 won for

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community Masters students, 900,000 won for Doctoral students (NIED 900,000 won). Due to shortages of finances, foreign students' children must stay with their mother or another family member at home, which is not a proper environment for child development after they reach the age to attend school like their Korean peers.

Finally, many foreign students want to work in a Korean company after graduating, but due a lack of proper information or guidance they are unable to find jobs inside Korea. So, I would like to propose that an international job fair be arranged in Gwangju twice a year which would benefit both the students and the city of Gwangju by giving a boost to the economy.

In closing, I would like to make clear my feeling that Korea is now a very welcoming country to international societies in different sectors. I would like the Korean government to consider these problems and requests to help make Korea an even more inviting school environment to international students. I believe not only that the students will benefit from changes made by government and/or nongovernment organizations, but also that universities within Korea will gain more popularity on an international scale.

Many thanks, and best regards.

Soumitra Kumar Kundu PhD Candidate, Financial Accounting Chonnam National University

Do you have letters to the editor?

Do you ave any comments or feedback about our articles? We welcome all letters to the Editor.

gwangjunews@gic.or.kr

Child Abuse Prevention Fund Raising Contemporary Craft Exhibition 아동학대예방 기금마련 현대공예 展

An exhibition, to raise funds for child abuse prevention and to encourage local craftsmen, a contemporary art exhibition is soon to be held in Gwangju in early March sponsored by Gwangju MBC. Sixty craftmen from Gwangju will participate in this huge event. We invite you to join in this event and support a good cause.

Exhibition Overview: Date : February 27 - March 5 (7 days) Venue: Mudeung Gallery, Art Town Gallery Directions: Both galleries are located in Art Street downtown. To get there, take buses no. 06, 07, 39, 49, 57, 58, 61, 74, 87, 98, 151, 419 and get off at Art Street Entrance bus stop.

Opening hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Programs: Exhibition of artworks depicting daily life; ceramics, carpentry, metal, fabric, hanji, natural dyeing, etc.

These artworks will be for sale. Sixty percent from the sales will be used for donation to prevent child abuse.

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photography

A Tribute to Cheongsan Seunim Words and photos by Simon Bond Some months ago I was sitting in a glade. The area felt at peace. The place was home to Cheongsan Seunim, a man with a wealth of knowledge and warmth toward others – a man who touched my life in just the short time I knew him. It's hard to accept that he has passed away, given that the last time I saw him he led an active, healthy life on the mountain with his wife Bori Seunim. Cheongsan, you'll be sorely missed, and the next time I visit Geumseongsan Fort, I will sit in the glade where I found peace, and wish that you will rest in peace.

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photography

Photo of the Month I took this photo beside Mugo-ri, which is about five kilometres from Jindo Island. I took the photo because I had never seen a spine like this, and at about 6m long, it was very unusual. I wanted the movement of the waves to drift over the spine like a mist. I got the look I wanted with a ND filter, graduated filter and a camera set on a tripod, at f22 and half a second. I call it: “The Spine of Mokpo.�

I am a commissioning manager for a Norwegian company called Seadrill and we are building a new semisubmersible oil rig in Mokpo's Samho Shipyard. It is a very stressful job and I find that photography gives me release, as I tend to focus my thoughts on where I want to go and how I want the photos to look, depending on my mood. I do not really follow any rules. I just take photos for my own pleasure. It is a form of meditation for me, as I switch off all my thoughts. When I see something, I have the right feelings.

The Mokpo Coastline

By Martin Bennie http://www.flickr.com/photos/mokposnapper/

I have been taking photos for about 30 years now, so it has become second nature to me. I am also an early morning person, as I find things tend to be calmer in the mornings.

Along with my dog, a malamute husky, there are very few places I have not been in and around along the coast of Mokpo, Haenam and Wolchulsan National Park. I have been in Mokpo since June 2013, but before then, I was living on Geoje Island for four years.

Share your photography in Gwangju News!

Interested in having the spot for Gwangju News' Photo Of The Month? Send your pictures of Korea and background information to gwangjunewsphotos@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing what you have captured on film!

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photography

Portraits

Words and photos by Simon Bond Simon Bond is a professional photographer living in Suncheon, South Jeolla. He has traveled throughout Asia, and his work has been published in multiple publications. This article and others are available online by visiting Simon's website: www.simonbondphotography.com. Simple scene, sensational shot was written by Simon Bond and is available on Amazon, both as an e-book and as a paperback.

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his month I will discuss portrait photography, though this is a much larger area of photography that cannot be covered in one article. Still, there are easy steps you can take to improve your results, such as applying the “rule of thirds�, using good lighting, keeping the focus sharp and telling the story.

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The rule of thirds As with landscape photographers, the rule of thirds can be applied to portraits as well. When composing a head photo, position the eyes of the person in the top third of the image. If the photo is showing more of the person, normally position the person off-center in the image and position the left or right thirds of the shot.

Using good lighting Lighting is a huge subject, especially when using strobes. Usually softer lights work best for portraits – for example, light that comes in from the window or light during the hour before sunset and the hour after sunrise. When using strobes, use the light from something that diffuses the light, like a soft box.

Keeping the focus sharp The best lenses for portraits are the prime lenses with a large aperture, allowing the use of a shallow depth of field to isolate the person from the background and to create bokeh in the background. When using a shallow depth of field, it is important to get the focus point correct, as the focus point will normally serve as the eyes of one's subject.

Telling the story There are times when the face of the pictured person tells a story, but usually some context is required to avoid the photo looking technically good and also a bit like a passport photo. Previous thought about how to frame the photo to provide the context and use other elements in the frame to tell the person's story is important. A person wearing a hanbok, or perhaps performing a task related to their job, might provide enough context.

3 1. Context: Here the lady looks after her stall in the fish market, and the scene gives the image context.

2. Composition: Keeping the eyes in the top third of the photo and the face slightly off centre helps the image.

3. Focus: Using a lens with a shallow depth of field creates nice bokeh with the cherry blossoms, making sure the focus is sharp on the model.

Things to avoid When taking portrait shots, avoid the following: 1. Do not chop off people's fingers, limbs or forehead. The tight crop can work in some situations but usually chopping off body parts does not appear natural and is not appreciated by the person being photographed.

2. Do not use a flash. No one looks good when they look like they have just seen a ghost. Try and avoid this hard light, and if using hard lights try underexposing the shot by two or three stops.

3. If there are people in the background not related to the story of the photo, wait for them to move, or if you know them well then politely ask them to move out of the frame. Lurkers in photos might be funny on Facebook, but such shots make for bad portraits.

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photography

Korea International Photo Exhibition In Memory of Cheongsan Seunim Words by Simon Bond

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his month's photo essay is a showcase of Korean photographers and an upcoming exhibition hosted by their group in Busan. The exhibition includes one photograph from me, a tribute to the recently-deceased Cheongsan Seunim, who was profiled on the cover of September 2013's edition of Gwangju News.

Previously, only one photograph was going to be of Cheongsan, but the group has agreed that the exhibition itself will be dedicated to his memory. Photographs are indeed a way of recording peoples' memories, so if you happen to be in Busan in early March, please come and see some of our memories from the last year.

During the month of March, the exhibition will be held: CafĂŠ Salve in Kyungsung University, Busan: March 1 - 31 (An opening party will be held on March 8 starting at 7 p.m.)

Ben Weller

Simon Bond

Jason Teale

Douglas MacDonald

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photography

Scott Rotzoll

Tatyana Mandzy

Keith Homan

Alla Ponomareva

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travel

[GIC Culture Tour] GIC Culture Tour

Jangseong

Words and photos by Warren Parsons

Join ou r tour in first 2014!

Date: March 22 (Saturday) Price: GIC Members 40,000 won/ Non-members 50,000 won Itinerary: Naejang-san National Park - Namchang Valley - Maple Water Festival - Lunch at Jayeon Bapsang - Pilam Confucian School - Chukryeong-san Cypress Forest - Phytoncide Natural Soap Making Experience Registration: Please sign up at the GIC website (www.gic.or.kr) by March 16 (Sun.) For more information, e-mail: gictour@gic.or.kr

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arch welcomes the spring with warm optimism and brings back another exciting year of traveling with the GIC Culture Tour.

To start the season off with renewed energy, this month the Tour explores the contours, the culture, and the aromas of Jangseong County.

Far in the north of Jangseong, at the very edge of South Jeolla, sits majestic Naejang Mountain Park.

Among the many superlative picturesque spots, Namchang Valley enchants visitors with its long winding landscape and gorge-like formations leading deep into the interior of the park. From the

trailhead, participants will trek along the boulderstrewn path to a stately cypress forest surrounded by groves of goroswae maple trees to learn about the spring tradition of harvesting “maple water.”

Walking back down to the park entrance, participants can enjoy the yearly Goroswae Festival and try this sweet, maple syrup scented, natural vitamin drink that is good for sore bones after a long winter.

Transferring by bus into the lowlands of the country, lunch will be served at Jayeon Bapsang – an award-winning restaurant with a conscientious

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Previous page: Pilam Confucian School This page: 1.Lunch; 2. Writer (center) with the restaurant owners; 3. Drinks made from acer mono trees extract, a healthy beverage; 4. Phytoncide natural soap making experience

chef who insists on using the finest local ingredients and upholds time-honored Korean preparations full of subtle flavors and the magic of fermentation.

The meal is almost entirely vegetarian, all natural, and will be sure to surprise with its quality and intensity of flavor.

After lunch and a short drive away, the tour next visits Pilam Confucian School. Founded in 1590 to honor the Neo-Confucian scholar Haseo Kim In Hu, this shrine/academy impresses with its multitude of 17th century extant structures, interconnected courtyards, and erudite atmosphere. Participants can enjoy a postprandial walk through the grounds while learning about the philosophy and history of this important institution.

To end the day, the tour moves to the Chukryeong Mountain Cypress Forest for an aromatheraputic

soap making experience. This cypress forest was the life work of Im Jong-guk, a naturalist and teacher from Jeolla. Devastated by the ravages of the Korean War and colonialism, he set out to reforest the denuded mountains. He planted trees throughout the county and is especially remembered for his towering cypress trees. Not only lovely to look at, cypresses are known to emit healthy phytoncides that help soothe and relax visitors. In this grain, participants will be visiting a wood workshop to make natural soap using oil extracted from the cypress trees. In this way, it will be possible to take home the freshness of nature for days to come!

Please come out this month for the first GIC Tour of the year and enjoy the essence of adventure: beautiful nature, profound history, fragrant food and fun.

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community [This Month’s GIC Talk]

Building a Bridge to North Korea Words by Amy Badenhorst Logo courtesy of LiNK www.libertyinnorthkorea.org www.facebook.com/gwangju.rescueteam

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ight now 24 million people in North Korea face one of the most oppressive regimes in the world. They are denied even the most basic human rights-including freedom of speech, movement, and information-because the ruling elite prioritizes regime survival over all else. This elite uses a brutally repressive system of political control to ensure their domination over society, employing such extreme measures as collective punishment, public executions and political prison camps. One fourth of all children in North Korea are chronically malnourished.

This poverty is not the result of a lack of conditions for economic development. North Korea has the same potential that enabled South Korea to transform within 50 years from one of the poorest countries into the dynamic economy it is now. North Korea's enforced poverty is the tragic consequence of the ruling elite's absolute prioritization of their own political stability, maintained through micromanaged restrictions on society and the ruthless repression of alternative views, which stifles the people's potential and denies the entire population any chance of economic and social progress. The media reports that international politics are currently deadlocked. Such coverage affects North Koreans because their country's highly politicized and securitized image makes the issue seem hopeless. It appears as if there is nothing you or I can do to support the North Korean people.

While parts of the outside world have ignored these people, unique agents of change have been quietly emerging both inside and outside of North Korea. The people are breaking away from the control of the regime and are transforming their society from the bottom up. The people have driven the growth of markets across the country and created new ways for North Korea to connect to the outside world. Since the collapse of the state economy in the 1990s, unofficial markets have not only enabled the North Korean people to make a living but also provided the people with goods outside the government's control, including new technologies such as DVDs, USBs, laptops and

Hard life in North Korea is depicted in the South Korean movie “Crossing�

cellphones. These new resources provide the people with new perspectives and possibilities.

North Koreans are not as isolated as they once were, and they are gaining physical and psychological independence from the regime. Tens of thousands of North Koreans have risked their lives to escape to better living conditions outside the country's borders.

Many North Koreans have also emerged as agents of progress by sending money and information back to their home communities through illicit channels. This progress helps to accelerate social change, fuels grassroots marketization and weakens the regime's control. Driven by and for the North Korean people, these grassroots changes are irreversible and longterm; they will lead to a transformation of North Korea.

The North Korean PEOPLE have shown incredible resilience in the face of their challenges, and they have emerged as a unique force of human progress.

Members of Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) has made it their mission to come alongside the North Korean people and act in the most effective ways possible to help them accelerate these positive changes, so that they can gain the freedom and living conditions necessary to pursue their hopes, talents and potentials to the fullest. Thousands of people around the world are fundraising to help rescue North Korean refugees. You can help! Come to the GIC's first Talk in March for more information.

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[ GIC Upcoming Talks ] Schedule for March Time & Place: Every Saturday, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m., New GIC Talk room (Samho Center 1st Floor) For more information visit www.gic.or.kr or contact gic@gic.or.kr Watch highlight clips of previous GIC Talks at www.youtube.com/GICTALK Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/GICTALK GIC Talks welcome your proposals for presentations on topics, such as society, culture, politics, science, education or any topic of your interest. If you would like to be a presenter, please contact us at gictalk@gic.or.kr / +82-(0)62-226-2734.

March 1 No GIC Talk In recognition of March 1st Independence holiday, GIC will be closed

interested in poetry? Why should we read poetry? What might it teach us about the world? About ourselves? What are the pleasures of poetry? For the discussion, you are invited to bring your own favorite poem and tell everyone why you like it. The one rule is it cannot be a poem that you have written. If you do not have a favorite poem, that is fine, too. You can still join the discussion.

March 8 Speaker: Amy Badenhorst English teacher

Topic: Building a Bridge to North Korea The shocking truth of North Korea, as illustrated in Camp 14 by author Shin Dong-hyuk, was the propelling force that helped Amy Badenhorst learn more about refugees and affiliations such as Liberty in North Korea. LiNK, as they are called, believes that North Korean refugees have the potential to not only succeed in their new lives but even become agents of progress. Financial, personal and career development strategies, such as the Resettlement Assistance program and capacity-building services, help in the adjustment periods aimed in establishing selfsustaining individuals. LiNK's mission to assist in mediation and assimilation is illustrated through supporters such as Amy while at the same time professing the realities of North Korea.

March 15 Speakers: Lianne Bronzo B.S. Psychology, University of North Florida Facebook Group: Gwangju Freecycle English teacher at public elementary schools

Adam Greenberg

B.S. Psychology, University of Miami Facebook Group: CREATEandGIFT.org English teacher at public elementary schools

Topic: Enhancing Community through Gifting Two local organizations have recently been founded to promote a gifting community here in Gwangju and around the world. The Gwangju Freecycle group has two aims - 1) to reduce waste through re-use and 2) to promote community through generosity.

CREATEandGIFT.org is an international free art forum for artists and “non-artists” alike. Based on the simple premise, “Art is a gift.

And here, that's literal,” CREATE and GIFT is your invitation to share original art and the real gifts to be enjoyed in creating, giving and receiving, all for free (yes, shipping too).

Conveniently, this GIC Talk is at the same time and location as Gwangju Freecycle's Clothing Swap. Guests are invited to exchange their “gently-used” goods (clothing, books, household items) and enjoy art with CREATE and GIFT.

March 22 Speaker: Dr. Robert Grotjohn M.A. & Ph.D. in English Literature from U of Wisconsin Madison Professor, Dept of English Language and Literature, Chonnam National University

Topic: Why Poetry?

Professor Grotjohn, whose field is in the study of American Poetry, will discuss the importance of poetry from a more personal than academic perspective. Why does he read poetry? What got him

The mirror of Lake Baikal Photo by Jordan VanHartingsveldt

March 29 Speaker: Michael Jordan VanHartingsveldt BA with Honors in English Language & Literature and Art History English teacher at Samyook Elementary School

Topic: Following Tracks Across Three Countries The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of those legendary journeys on which many affected by travel-lust must embark. Those especially entranced with the prospect of boarding a train and riding it for days on end will find the notion particularly exciting. However, though the branches all fall under the umbrella term of “TransSiberian,” there are specific rails that pass though areas that are not Siberia. One branch, for example, traverses the landscapes between Beijing, China and Irkutsk, Russia, where it finally meets up with the larger – and more famous – Trans-Siberian. This branch is called the Trans-Mongolian, and it is, in the presenter's opinion, a much more interesting path to follow through the continent of Asia.

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sports

Ice Hockey in Gwangju Words by Shay Meinecke Photos courtesy of Gwangju Hockey Club

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local expat, Andrew Dunne, has for some time now captained the effort of getting the local Gwangju community involved with the sport of hockey. Andrew and other like-minded people have created a hockey trend currently skating its way through Korea.

The Canadian native, with his fellow Korean and expat teammates, have been competing in games, tournaments, and scrimmages since 2009.

They currently play near the World Cup stadium in Yeomju on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. They also have traveled around the country to compete in games – namely in Jeonju, Gwangyang, and Daejeon. Additionally, to really get the blood flowing, they have competed in tournaments around Seoul, Namwon, and Ulsan. It seems the team will go wherever they can to show their camaraderie and fighting spirit.

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The Gwangju team is a winning team – they have won a trophy at a tournament in Seoul – but they are open to players who want to join in on the fun.

This openness to let players compete has created a strong team. Anyone can join. Everyone is invited. Any level of skill, or lack of skill, is appreciated. The team is open to coaching interested players and helping them with their game. This level of openness has created a following that many have shadowed, and because of this, a team of about 20 members now joins together to compete and have fun.

Males and females alike are invited and have played. While Gwangju is still looking for eager women players, teams in Daegu and Jeonju currently have girls competing on the adult and youth teams.

In fact, there are currently 124 professional ice hockey ladies competing in tournaments around the globe. Korea's national women's team is currently ranked twenty-fifth in the world and has competed in Olympic qualifying tournaments.

While they were not able to make the tourney this year, a strong push will be made for the 2018

2 1. A face-off during a game in Jeonju 2. Some members of the Gwangju team taking practice shots before a game against Gwangyang

Winter Olympics that will be hosted in Pyeongchang, so now is the time for women to get involved.

The men's national hockey squad has made strides, too. Like the women's team, they are also ranked twenty-fifth in the world, according to the International Ice Hockey Federation, and they too are preparing big-time for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Six professional players have joined forces with a Finland team to better their efforts and to learn as much about the sport as possible.

There are big expectations in 2018.

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3. Members of the ice hockey team line-up after a game against Jeonju.

4. Celebrating the third-place finish at an outdoor inline hockey tournament in Seoul. from left to right: Chris Wilson, Brandon Lucky, Quentin Boehr, Andrew Dunne and Pil Young.

5. Korea national hockey team players celebrating winning at the 2012 International Ice Hockey Championships in Poland (Photo â“’ Sports Seoul)

For those that are more interested in competing for fun, one obstacle must be hurdled – the equipment. Shin pads, helmet, shoulder pads, protective shorts, gloves and other essentials are crucial for proper protection. This protection ensures an enjoyable experience. No one wants to get hurt or hurt another player.

If you are missing a piece or two, fear not.

Equipment can be shipped and the shops in Seoul can easily do that. Also, there are many people

willing to help with anyone having problems with finding or shipping gear necessary for the sport.

Getting around to playing is no problem at all.

Getting involved in something like hockey will keep the blood pumping and provide awesome opportunities for making new friends. Attending a session at the Yeomju arena as a spectator is certainly welcomed and playing as a first-timer is encouraged. Message Adam Dunne at atdunne@gmail.com for a warm reception.

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health

Is My Korean Dentist Afraid of Me? Words by Kristal Lee

“Trips to the dentist – I like to postpone that kind of thing.”

– Johnny Depp

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on't we all? Unfortunately, we aren't all pain-tolerant bad boys like Depp's characters Cry-Baby, Tonto, and Sands.

Brushing off a toothache is like trying to ignore a charging rhinoceros: damn near impossible and not very smart. What's more, even the strongest resolve may snap at the thought of having to sit in the chair of terror in a foreign country.

itself. “Should dentists rapidly study up on foreign language skills? I don't think so,” says Dr. Kim. “We can deliver brief explanations using relevant terms for treatment.” Korean dentists often feel shy, awkward or apologetic in wondering whether the explanation was complete enough for the patient, but this does not affect the confidence they have in being able to treat the ailment.

But is this fear mutual? How can foreigners in particular communicate with their Korean dentists?

Is there anything you can do to make sure things go accordingly?

Go with what you know Acquaintances go a long way in Korea, and the number one thing Dr. Kim recommends all local and foreign patients bring with them to a new office is trust. Using a personal connection, patient referral or recommendation, you must find a clinic and a doctor you can trust.

These are questions that Kim Joung-il, DDS, of Yonsei Woori Dental Clinic in Maegok-dong helps shed light upon.

Talk baby to me Dr. Kim says he doesn't have any preconceptions or fears of foreign patients, nor has he heard of these kinds of biases or fears from any dentists he knows. Admittedly, though, there is a little worry, he confesses. Dentists worry whether they will be able to communicate medical terms of complex processes, but that concern exists even when working with Korean patients. Communicating to foreigners is the same challenge as explaining medical terminology or complex procedures to very young or elderly patients.

“When I first meet a patient, I don't ask 'Do you feel pain in the second tooth on the right side?' and take that as word. I speak with him or her simply.

When I check the painful spot with my finger and they say 'Ah,' I know they feel pain or soreness.”

A good dentist applies professional knowledge and cues into universal signals to locate and diagnose problems. Dr. Kim pays close attention to body language and facial expressions in judging a patient's level of pain and can then ask them to measure it using their hands and words like “high”, “middle”, or “low.”

Overcoming the language barrier The biggest barrier for Korean dentists when working with foreign patients is lack of confidence in their speaking abilities, rather than the language

“Once you decide to receive treatment from a clinic and its doctor, you must have confidence in him 100 percent. If you have perfect trust in him, does any language make a difference?” Dr. Kim asks.

A fish with chopsticks Foreigners need not worry that they will be treated differently, or that dentists will be hard on them, Dr. Kim assures us. “We may both feel a bit like a fish out of water, but we Korean dentists are trying to understand you, make you comfortable and kindly proceed to treat you.”

As in all other medical fields in Korea, nearly all dental facilities are equipped with sophisticated medical technology, and only the most qualified students with extensive clinical experience become practitioners. The delicacy of physicians' hands is noted*. Dr. Kim attributes it to “chopstick culture.” *This was first mentioned in January 2014's health article “Sight Seeing,” where a corrective eye surgeon describes Korean physician manual dexterity as 'having a light touch,' stemming from the ancient tradition of handcraft.”

Kim Joung Il, DDS, Yonsei Woori Dental Clinic 연세우리치과 Address: 32-2 Maegok-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju (광주 북구 매곡동 32-2) Phone: 062-573-2822

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health

Poultry Flu Words by Dr. Nial Moores Photos by Spike Millington, EAAFP and Dr. Kim Shin-hwan

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iodiversity is the web of life. We are part of it and it surrounds us, so degradation and loss of biodiversity has multiple implications for us all.

Take the latest outbreaks of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or “Poultry Flu”. In mid-January, a poultry farm in North Jeolla Province, only 50km from downtown Gwangju, reported an outbreak of disease that was killing hundreds of domesticated ducks. Within a few days, the poultry flu outbreak had spread from the farm to a nearby agricultural reservoir and also to other farms. Although this virus at present poses no danger to people, for over a week TV screens have broadcast sinister-looking images of officials in white biohazard suits, blocking roads and spraying vast quantities of disinfectant into the environment. And we are told without hesitation by national media: “Migratory Ducks [are] To Blame for [the] Outbreak” (Korea Times, January 20).

What has this to do with loss of biodiversity?

Reference to scientific literature confirms that the present strain of this virus (H5N8) has never before been found in wild birds. It also reveals that in order for Low Pathogenic strains of avian influenza to become High Pathogenic (when the disease becomes deadly), the virus usually needs to first pass multiple times through the respiratory tracts of other birds. This can only happen when birds remain in very close proximity to each other, in unnaturally confined conditions. These are not the conditions of natural ecosystems. They are, however, the typical conditions of modern, industrial-scale poultry farms, where many thousands of chickens and ducks are held dreadfully cramped and confined, effectively

A Baikal Teal

sealed off from the outside.

In the wild, most birds are quite fastidious about hygiene. They spend long periods preening to maintain feather condition; adults of most species remove faecal sacks from the nest; and some, like cranes, prefer to roost in running water so that their droppings are washed away. Therefore, while Low Pathogenic influenza strains are common in wild birds (as they are in people), they very rarely develop into High Pathogenic strains.

The nationwide loss of most natural wetland to agriculture and industry means that the majority of Korea's waterbirds are now forced to use agricultural areas for feeding and roosting. The Baikal Teal, a spectacularly patterned bird honoured in Birds Korea's logo, is one such waterbird species. Baikal Teal have no choice but to feed on spilled rice grains left over from the last harvest. This can bring them close to poultry farms and to infected manure or droppings.

There is already abundant evidence that poor biosecurity within the poultry industry has enabled the transfer of poultry flu both to other farms and to the wider environment. There is, by contrast, no documented case of a Baikal Teal flying in and out through sealed entrances into a poultry farm.

Baikal Teal are not infecting poultry.

A banner displays warning to prevent the spreading of AI by staying off the habitat for migratory birds

These disease outbreaks are the result of human actions that have degraded the natural environment and wild birds and poultry are the victims.

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culture

Behind the Myth: Exploring Korean Tradition “Behind the Myth” explains the origins of Korean myths and traditions.

Did Baekje Once Rule Japan?

Words by Blake Bouchard Photo by Julien Gouiric (Wikimedia Commons)

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his controversial question centers on the relationship between the Baekje Kingdom, which occupied the southwestern portion of Korea from 18 BCE to 660 CE, and the Japanese state often known as Yamato Japan, which developed around the same time. Some Japanese and Korean scholars have taken rather extreme views regarding historic relations between their two countries. Baekje ruling Japan is one of these assertions, but it arises out of a very complex historic relationship between the two states.

The once-popular “horse-rider theory” posited by Professor Egami Namio suggests that Yamato Japan was created when a group of mounted warriors from Korea conquered Japan in the fourth century and established the kingdom. However, this theory has been refuted by archaeologist Walter Edwards, who pointed out that the theory is “chronologically inaccurate” and relies on a “mishandling of the archaeological data” by attempting to attribute evidence from the fifth century to the fourth instead. Much more likely, according to Edwards, is that increased social stratification, use of horses and military advancements were a domestic development influenced by ties to the continent. Significant migrations did pass from the Korean peninsula into Japan, but there is no evidence that this population movement took the form of a hostile force taking Japan as a vassal state.

Inscriptions on Chiljido, the Seven Branched Sword, have created another arena for debate. Chiljido was a fourth-century gift from Baekje, likely from King Geunchogo, to the ruler of Japan. A reference to an “enoeffed Lord” has led some scholars to argue that Japan was a Baekje vassal state. Others contend that the use of an honorific before referencing the Japanese ruler indicates a respectful gift from a vassal state to the Japanese ruler. Still others contend that the sword was a respectful gift from one ruler to another with no undertones suggesting inequality between them.

Given the difficulty in reading and interpreting the Chinese script on the blade, consensus is unlikely.

A Korean gilt-bronze Buddha triad from the Baekje Kingdom (6th-7th Century) and currently displayed at the Tokyo National Museum

We do know Baekje provided Japan with technological advancements and cultural influence. It is generally agreed that Buddhism, Confucianism and Chinese writing systems crossed to Japan through Baekje envoys and teachers. As early as the fourth century, Baekje sent scholars, technicians and diplomatic envoys to Japan in exchange for military goods and support against Silla and Goguryeo, demonstrating Baekje's importance in the development of Yamato Japan.

However, as historian Jonathan Best points out, the regular presence of Baekje hostages in the Japanese Imperial Court certainly does not point to Baekje as being the dominant partner in the relationship.

Ultimately, there is no evidence that Baekje ruled any part of Japan. Migrations, cultural exchange, ambiguous inscriptions and diplomatic ties do not vassal states make.

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Korean Sayings

“Korean Sayings” expresses the meaning behind traditional Korean phrases.

병 주고 약 주고

“He Or She Who Gives A Disease Then Gives Medicine”

Words by Won Hea-ran Photo courtesy of ndquangr.wordpress.com

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here are times when it is not clear whether a person besides you is a friend or an enemy because he or she gives disease, then the medicine. One day, he could say horrible things to you or talk to your boss about your mistakes. On the other day, he might just be a good man and then buy you presents, encouraging you with warm words. You might think, “What is the matter with him? One day he has bullied me and now he is being so kind!” In Korea, people say this month's Korean Sayings” to show that a person is playing a game with someone else and that person is not being sincere.

Other times, the proverb is used to describe a ridiculous situation. If you say you are on a diet and your friend brings you first to a family restaurant and then buys you a running machine, that situation gives someone a disease, then medicine. Either way, giving both diseases and medicine is an annoying situation.

Don’t forget to cover your mouth and nose if you are coughing from the flu!

Mugwort

All diseases needs medicine, so what kind of particular medicines do Koreans use for actual afflictions? These days, standard medicine is a tablet containing antibiotics and other artificial treatment materials.

However, many Koreans still have faith in their traditional medicine called 한약 (Han-Yak) and concurrently utilize it with Western techniques. Instead of targeting the total cure of a particular disease, traditional Korean medicine promotes continued well-being (health).

Korean treatment has shown that stabilizing the patient’s mental state is effective.

There are several kinds of treatments used in traditional Korean medicine. Herbal medicine is a liquid or powder extract of dried or fresh flowers, mushrooms, shrubs, trees, fungus and sometimes even deer antlers. Herbal medicines are prepared in infusions where these herbs are soaked in water for a long period of time. Sometimes, the doctor suggests patient's direct involvement in making the medicine as he or she believes that the intellectual and emotional attentions can be better for the patient's health.

Another famous method is acupuncture, which is a method of withdrawing blood from specific pressure points to stimulate the flow of vital energy, or qi. Other methods of stimulating Qi include moxibustion, which is a method used to apply heat to pressure points using a stick or a cone of burning mugwort without hurting the patient, and meditation, concentrating on a single word or thought to relax and calm oneself.

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42

fashion

Fash-On with xxl jjdp

Fresh First Impressions Words by jjdp Photos by Brian Klein Shot on Location at Chonnam National University

I

t's March, and Spring is here! Well, according to the calendar it is. So are you ready? More importantly, is your wardrobe ready? No use in waiting, as it's time to start percolating and making moves to update your closet. March can mean going back to work, or a new semester for teachers and students alike with new locations, new co-workers, team members and classmates. In my book it simply means a great chance to rework your wardrobe and create a great fresh first impression.

You don't need to spend all of your pennies, but if you have some money to spare, it is a great time to take advantage of pre-spring sale season. Or, if you are running low on funds, just reuse some of the styles from last season, like I have done in this month's edition.

First, evaluate what you already have in your closet and work to incorporate these items into your spring look as much as possible. A huge trend last year was horizontal stripes and it is set to be even more popular this year, so start by repurposing your horizontal stripy tees. The bad thing about horizontal stripes is that wearing them as-is might make you look wider, but there are ways to create a slimmer look for yourself by color blocking.

Also, if the stripes are worn with the correct items, they can broaden your shoulders, as well as create a narrower waistline, so try wearing these stripes under a dark blazer or a cardigan, which will distract the eye and refocus the attention to parts of your body that you wish to highlight. In addition, if you are going for a sleeker look, I would suggest going for a thinner stripe in classic colors to give you a clean-cut look, which is always fresh and light. You don't want to go out looking segmented in stripes that are too thick and will add unwanted visual pounds (or kilograms) to your look.

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fashion

After the stripes, get yourself a dark blazer in black or navy, which you can use for almost any spring outfit. Get one that is fitted and in a light-weight fabric, which will carry you through spring into early summer. It will also come in handy once the weather starts to cool down again after August.

I've chosen a thin corduroy which has slim vertical stripes that are almost unseen to the eye but help elongate your torso. The corduroy can also take your look from day to night, doubling as a suede look and working brilliantly for a night out. Never underestimate the power of a blazer to turn a regular casual look into one that is a little bit more refined and formal.

Next, I am as always a stickler for skinny jeans that suit most body types. There are various cuts to take into consideration, such as the tapered leg or legging types which are also now in stock and hugely popular. Although these types work best for a skinnier frame, there is no reason for you not to try them out and see how they feel. Don't feel like, “Oh, skinny jeans are not for me,” just try them out at your local store and find out which works for your body type. I can assure you that a slimmer silhouette favors everyone and creates a much better impression than bulkier “mom jeans” or flat fronts. Another plus is that if you are a fan of Chino

jeans, these now come in all colors and shades to breathe new life into your wardrobe. They are available in both men's and ladies' for under 30,000 won.

Complete the look with some leather brogues with updated rubber soles, a staple for any wardrobe, and then add a handy backpack for all those notepads, textbooks and other items of necessity.

The bag shown is in tweed and leather for a classical twist. Always remember to wipe leather using soft cloths and apply shoe polish to keep the leather maintained. Finally, round off your look with some reflective sunglasses for those harsh rays, which will soon be out!

So here's to a brilliant new work year!

Peace, xxl jjdp [CLOTHING] Stipe T's - 8 Seconds, H&M and Uniqlo Skinny jeans - Uniqlo Shoes - Camper Back Pack - Gmarket.com Sunglasses - Rayban

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44

poetry

Postcard Poetry Words and photos by Bom Dae-soon Translated by Park Yeon-seong Background photo courtesy of Gwangju Metropolitan City Bom Dae-soon, a native resident of Gwangju, is an English literature scholar, poet, and emeritus professor of Chonnam National University. He has published 15 books of poetry and eight other books of criticism, academic study and translation, winning poetry and essay prizes from Denison University, the Korean Poets' Association, Kumho Academy and the Gwangju Citizens.

He has climbed Mt. Mudeung 1,100 times and its summit Seo-seok Dae 150 times.

The Old Trail of Mt. Mudeung

무등산 옛길 / 범대순

The sound of rippling unfrozen water in winter, Mountain birds next to the brook, A roe, an elk, trees, skies, and the free Mountain – they are the same as yesterdays.

겨울에도 얼지 않은 물소리 물 옆에 산새와 노루 고라니 나무들 하늘과 자유로운 산은 그 옛날 큰 산이었다

Rocks were frolicking with the sun, playing with the moon, stars, playing with cloud and the sound of wind, missing human beings all the time.

바위는 해와 놀고 달과 놀고 별들과 놀고 구름 바람 소리와 놀면서 늘 사람을 그리워했다

When Mt. Mudeung was the sky, there was a winding path; It was trodden on by monks, woodcutters and mountain thieves.

무등산이 하늘이었을 때 꾸불꾸불 오솔길이 있었다 그 길은 스님과 나무꾼과 산 도둑이 다니는 길이었다

The narrow path of old days, of Mudeung mountain was Trodden on in his heart By a poor poet from Jeollado.

오솔길이었던 옛날 무등산 옛길은 가난한 전라도 시인이 마음속으로 다니는 길이었다

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poetry

A Tribute to Professor Song Chae-Pyong and Anne Rashid A Thank you Note from Professor Robert Grotjohn

Professor, Department of English Language and Literature at Chonnam National University Gwangju News Editor-in-Chief

First column published in GN January 2011

Translated poetry about May 18, GN May 2012

Last poetry translated by Prof. Song, GN March 2013

Last poetry column, GN February 2014

I remember Song Chae-Pyong as an intelligent young student with a ready smile and great sense of humor. When I left Korea 30 years ago, I lost track of him, and one of the most happy surprises of my return a few years ago was meeting him again as a returning speaker at the GIC. I recalled the young man I had known years before: the same ready smile and great sense of humor.

I hoped to have more time to become reacquainted, but that was not the case. It has been just over a year since he passed; still, his spirit is with us in the translations that he and Anne Rashid have given us.

Last month’s issue marks the last of the translations to appear in Gwangju News. They have been a great gift to us, and that gift continues on the poetry blog that is maintained by his wife and daughter, jaysong. wordpress.com. I invite everyone to explore the poems posted there and to read them with thanksgiving for the generosity of Professors Song and Rashid in sharing them with us. His is a great spirit, and the fact lives with us in the words of those poems.

Professor Song and Seth Pevey, former Gwangju News Editor, sat down and talked about his experience living in the USA and his love for his hometown Yeosu in 2011, one of his last visits to his home country. Later that evening, he gave a special lecture for the Korean youth about poetry and translation.

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language teaching

Festering Frustrations of the EFL Teacher Inserted into the Korean Context Words by Dr. David Shaffer Photos courtesy of KOTESOL

L

ooking back on when I was new to the EFL teaching scene in Korea, I remember that it was not easy to adjust. In addition to English-as-aforeign-language (EFL) pedagogy being new to me, there were a number of other things concerning the people I worked with – colleagues, administration, and students – that baffled and frustrated me, and continued to do so for quite some time. Over the years, I have tried to sort out these frustrations, creating for them the best rationalizations that I have been able to. Here I visit some of the ones that are most confounding and most shared by those coming to uri-nara and inserted into the Korean EFL context.

Gaining Acceptance One of the first things that a new teacher in a new school looks for is acceptance from their colleagues, but this is very often difficult to achieve to the degree that the non-Korean teacher would desire. Likes attract, but while Koreans are most likely of the collectivist mindset, the westerner is conditioned to individualism. Collectivists are group formers and welcome into their group only those like themselves. (The public school phenomenon of wang-tta, outcasts, is a prime example of this). The native English-speaking teacher (NEST), however, is different in a number of important ways.

One of the most obvious differences of the NEST is their mother tongue. It is almost always easier to speak to someone whose first language is the same as yours; if their dialect is the same, it is all the easier. For Koreans, even Korean English teachers, to speak in English is a bit of a chore, even for the most proficient speakers. Learning Korean, at least some, goes a long way for the NEST towards attaining the acceptance they seek.

Another obvious difference of most NESTs is their appearance. While facial features are pretty much constant, what NESTs decides to wear as clothing, hairstyles, piercings, or tattoos can greatly affect the degree of acceptance they may gain. Wearing clothes similar to the styles worn by your colleagues will find favor. Wearing shirts unbuttoned halfway down the chest will not. Neither will wearing cargo

pants hanging six inches below the waist, or thongs sticking six inches out of one's skinny jeans. Beards and moustaches have been out of fashion in Korea for a long time (and moustaches especially still spark flashbacks of the Japanese during the harsh colonial period.) Long hair for guys and shaven heads are also out of the norm. Piercings, other than ears, and visible tattoos can categorize one as a member of a fringe group. I recall one very qualified EFL teacher who couldn't get hired here because of his arm tattoos. If you want to be accepted as a professional by your colleagues, following the professional dress code of the teacher will go a long way.

A third and less visible difference is the dissimilarity in culture and way of thinking. The NEST who persistently insists that the way they think and the way they do things is right and that the Korean way is wrong isn't going to make many friends.

When one lives in a culture and society different from the one they were raised and indoctrinated in, they need to be broadminded and accept different ways of looking at things – viewing things as being different, not as being wrong. Being understanding leads to acceptance by those you understand.

Hurry Up – bballi, bballi Many NESTs pride themselves on coming from a

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language teaching something that the NEST needs to learn to expect and to deal with.

Student Study Efforts NESTs teaching academic courses – courses taught for a grade – are often surprised at the apparently lackadaisical work ethic exhibited by many students as well as their surprisingly high expectations for top-level grades. There are several possible reasons for this. The easy answer is societal differences. More specifically, students are used to associating grades with scores from written tests, so participation in classwork does not readily relate to affecting their course grade. In co-taught

modern, fast-paced country only to get to Korea to find a type of fast-pacedness they are not used to: extremely short deadlines. It is not uncommon to be asked to do a time-consuming task and told that it needs to be done by the next day, or even the same day. The NEST may be accustomed to deadlines being set back home well in advance, given plenty of time to do the necessary planning and research to get the job done well. In Korea however, advance planning is not so much in advance. I remember one NEST jokingly complaining that in Korea “plan” is a four-letter word. I've also heard that the first Korean word waiters in Thailand's restaurants learn from Korean tourists is bballi-bballi. I'm not sure what has given rise to Koreans wanting things done so quickly – it may in part be due to the former master-servant hierarchy persisting in a present-day hierarchical society. It may also be due in part to the Korean War and its aftermath, where it was impossible to plan ahead but necessary to live a hurried day-today existence. Regardless of its origins, it is

courses, students often expect that the non-NEST is the teacher in charge of assigning all or most of their course grade and exert more effort in that teacher's portion of the course. Different levels of schooling carry different levels of expectations in terms of student effort. In western educational systems, the greatest academic rigor is expected at the tertiary level, while in Korea greatest student effort is arguably required at the high school level.

In all cases, what is required of the NEST is an understanding of the system they are working in and adapting to it in the manner they deem best.

Gwangju-Jeonnam Monthly Chapter Meeting Date & Time: March 15 (Saturday), 10:30 - 17:00 Place: Chosun University, Main Building, Left Wing 10:30-11:50 Pre-Conference Workshops 12:00 Registration // 13:00 Plenary Session 13:45 Concurrent Sessions // 16:45 Special Sessions Details on Korea TESOL website.

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

David E. Shaffer is the President of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL). On behalf of the Chapter, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings, their March 15 chapter conference, and other special events. Dr. Shaffer is a professor of English Language at Chosun University, where he has taught graduate and undergraduate courses for many years. He is a long-time member of KOTESOL and a holder of various KOTESOL positions, including Publications Committee Chair. He is also a multiple recipient of the KOTESOL President's Award and a recipient of the KOTESOL Lifetime Achievement Award.

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language study

Finding your Way 길 찾기 Words by Karina Prananto and Park Yang-im Photos by Jeremy Azurin Special thanks to Kim Sanghyeok and Tom Reid Sanghyeok

저기요. (Jeogiyo.)

Excuse me. 삼호센터가 어디에 있는지 아세요?

(Samhosenteo-ga eodi-e itneunji aseyo?)

Do you know where Samho Center is?

Tom

아니요, 잘 모르겠어요. (Aniyo, jal moreugesseoyo.)

No, I don't.

Sanghyeok

SK브로드밴드 뒤라고 하는데 어딘지 아세요?

(SK Beurodeubaendeu dwirago haneunde eodinji aseyo?)

Ah, my map says it's behind SK Broadband Building.

Do you know where it is?

Tom

네, 알아요. 금남로4가 역 옆에 있어요.

(Ne, arayo. Geumnamro 4(sa)ga yeok yeo-pe isseoyo.)

Yes, I do. It is just next to the Geumnam-ro 4 Ga Station.

Sanghyeok

감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.)

Thank you.

A while later.. At Geumnam-ro 4 Ga Station Sanghyeok

저기요..(Jeogiyo..)

Excuse me.

SK브로드밴드가 어디에 있는지 아세요? (SK Beurodeubaendeu-ga eodi-e itneunji aseyo?)

Do you know where SK Broadband Building is?

Tom

4번 출구로 나가면 오른쪽에 보일 거예요. (4(sa)-beon chulgu-ro nagamyeon eoreunjjeo-ke boil geoyeyo.)

You need to go through exit 4. The building is on the right side of the exit.

Sanghyeok

감사합니다. 그런데 혹시 삼호센터는 어디에 있는지 아세요? SK브로드밴드 근처라고 하던데요.

(Gamsahamnida. Geureonde hoksi Samhosenteo-neun eodi-e itneunji aseyo?

SK Beurodeubaendeu geuncho-rago hadeondeyo.)

Ah, I see. By chance do you know where Samho Center is? My map said that it is near SK Broadband Building.

Tom

SK브로드밴드에서 커피숍이 나올 때까지 직진하다가 우회전 하세요. 커피숍에서 1분쯤 걸으면 나와요.

(SK Beurodebaendeu-eseo keopisyo-pi naol ttaekkaji jikjin-hadaga uhwejeon haseyo.

Keopisyo-peseo 1(il)bun georeu-myeon nawayo.)

From the building, go straight until you see the coffee shop, then make a right turn.

The building is around one minute’s walk from there.

Sanghyeok

감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.)

Thank you.

Useful Vocabulary 직진 (jikjin): Go straight 좌/우회-전 하다 (jwa/uhwejeon hada): To turn left/ right 왼쪽/오른쪽(으로) 가다 (weinjjjok/ oreunjjok): To turn left/ right 옆에 (yeo-pe): Next to 근처 (geuncheo): Near

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travel

The Secret Gate to Family Land Words and photos provided by Choi Na-rae

L

et's get on the train to Family Land through my memories. Family Land was opened in 1991.

Family Land is located in Saengyong-dong, Bukgu, Gwangju. There is a reservoir next to the park, and there is a small village called Ji-nae along the banks of the reservoir. My grandparents' home is in this village. Once upon a time there were many homes here, but when the park was renovated, most homes disappeared. My grandparents' home did not because it is located in the highest place in Ji-nae village. Most people left for the city, so only about ten homes remain here.

saying “Hello, BOBO!” it moved and said, “Welcome to this amusement park with dream and hope.

Hello, I'm BOBO.” Surprised, I used to stand beside BOBO and wave my hand for a while. However, the robot no longer works. Nevertheless I'm really thankful that BOBO remains there unchanged.

I don't often visit my grandparents these days, but I visited them almost every weekend when I was a child. Because my grandparents' house is high on the hill, I could hear music, announcements, and the DJ's voice coming from Family Land while just sitting in the garden. When I went up to the roof I could see the Viking ride directly, and going to the mountain behind their home I could see the entire landscape of Family Land. So sometimes I would sit and just watch the view. I also went to the park to play with my relatives. Generally, people pay admission at an initial entry point, and from there to the main entrance there is a train ticket cost. But Jinae villagers can enter Family Land free of charge through a secret gate.

One of my favorite rides was in the shape of an airplane called 'Desert Storm.' This ride spins many times and suddenly stops at the peak. My heart used to flutter with thrill.

Once I looked through the pictures of my childhood and I realized that more than half of them were taken at Family Land or on the riverbank next to it.

Memories from that time are still vivid.

In front of the park a robot named 'BOBO' stands like a guardian. In the past, BOBO recognized people's voices and behavior, so when I screamed aloud

Recently when I visited Saengyong-dong, I noticed a convenience store had been built that wasn't there before. It used to be a small restaurant where my grandma worked. I recall the jajangmyeon, which my grandmother cooked for my sister and me.

When I became an adult, my favorite ride became 'Chaos.' When you hold the safety bar, this ride turns 360 degrees. I could feel real chaos, it was so exciting.

I went to the pool and used the water slide in the hot summer. At the zoo, I gave a banana to the monkey and grass to the giraffe, and I saw many animals like peacocks, tigers and elephants. I also went to Botanical Gardens next to the zoo.

In this way, Family Land is where many of my memories live. In recent years, it's said that Family Land is a little old-fashioned and has some safety problems because the facilities are old. But it's a very special and important place for me. I hope that a good management company cares for this amusement park so that it can become more popular and not disappear.

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food

Daewang Kimbap Words and photos by Catherine Stark

F

inding a place for weeknight eats or takeout treats that uses quality ingredients and offers a variety of hearty portions bursting with flavor, all for a low cost, can be a challenge. But Daewang Kimbap boasts just that. Bustling at all hours, this local favorite offers delightfully quick and fresh Korean fast food.

Location: Daewang Kimbap is near the main gate of CNU. If you are coming out of the main gate, cross the street on the right-hand side (look for Nanta Pizza) and walk for about 5 minutes. The small restaurant will be on your right, nestled next to Paris Baguette.

Atmosphere: This hopping hotspot is filled with tiny wooden tables that are always packed. It is an exciting and fast-paced atmosphere, but while eating you don't actually feel rushed. Daewang Kimbap is the perfect pit stop for lunch, and catch up with friends during the week.

Service: The service is quick, friendly and efficient.

The menu is a simple sheet of paper with the list of eats in Korean, so a bit of basic reading is required.

Just check the items you would like to demolish and voila: within minutes they will appear before you. Takeout is also very popular and at prime time or on a sunny day is a particularly valid option.

Food: The menu is packed with a plethora of platters, soups, rolls, and noodle options – udon, ramen, kimchi jigae, piping hot mandu and everything in-between. All dishes are prepped, rolled, boiled or fried right before your eyes. Main dishes are also served with sides of kimchi and pickled radish to munch on.

I've sampled many dishes and have settled on a few favorites. First and foremost is the California roll (캘리 포니아롤), starring the rare and revered avocado.

This roll, combined with a bowl of the spicy pork and tofu-packed kimchi jigae, makes for a beautifully balanced meal. My friend's faves include the manduguk (만두국) and the deliciously different donkatsu (돈가스). Be forewarned: portion sizes are large and most dishes are best attacked by two.

Prices: The food ranges from 1,500-4,500 won.

Don't be fooled by the low cost as the price is not a reflection on the quality of grub being served. Two people on average might spend about 8,000 won in total, and walk out with seriously full bellies and smiling faces.

This local Gwangju favorite is not your average kimbap shop and is well worth searching out. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Daewang Kimbab 대왕김밥전대정문 Address: 477-29 Shinan-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju (광주 북구 신안동 477-29) Hours: Daily 7 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Buses: 26, 30, 57, 64, 180, 78 get off at Chonnam National University Main Gate (전남대) Bus Stop. If you are facing the main gate when you get off the bus the restaurant it will be on your left-hand side.

Phone: 062-514-0867

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food

Kimchi Roll Words and photos by Kim I-seul

W

hen your pantry is bare, kimchi rolls are great to cook, and very few ingredients are needed to make them. Kimchi is a food children who are sensitive to heat might not enjoy, but they will find these rolls very easy to eat. It is not too spicy because the red pepper has been washed from the kimchi. These kimchi rolls would be great for a lunchbox, a field trip or just a picnic in the park.

Cooking Steps Things to prepare (serves 1 person) Prepare the washed kimchi or white kimchi, sesame leaves, ham, cheese and rice.

1

3

2

4

1. Heat the ham in a pan (for five minutes) 2. Lay the kimchi flat to prepare the roll.

Place the sesame leaf, then ham, cheese, and rice on top of the kimchi in that order.

3. Roll everything up tightly like a kimbap. Repeat steps two, three and four as needed.

4. Cook the rolls in a pan until crispy.

Serve and enjoy!

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crossword

CROSSWORD

By Mike Schroeder

Across

Down

6.

8.

10.

11.

13.

14.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

24.

26.

27.

29.

30.

33.

34.

35.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

9.

12.

15.

16.

17.

23.

25.

26.

28.

31.

32.

Makers of 'Frozen' New hite beer '_____ Home Companion, NPR Telescope part Satirical newspaper Having a sharp tip Warriors of Japan How some sit by What you pay 623-624= 'Rump Shaker', artist, 1992 The clear beer Flamingo color Use needles Viking language No money Top layer of soil Drop in on Like some UNO cards

Lee of Marvel comics Argentina dance Tarentino, 2012 Apartment contract Chill, so to speak A bad student wears this cap 'Bart _____' GJ Turkish grub PC key below home Something to talk about White house office shape Must have Korean app Average Had a taco Coke rival Brooklyn team '____ Speedwagon' Medicine form

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[CROSSWORD] Last Month’s Answers

crossword

Gwangju Guidebook Korean Version Available Soon!

Gwangju Guidebook provides information about living in Gwangju and was first published in 2009. To date, Gwangju Guidebook has been released in English and Chinese.

The Gwangju Guidebook will soon be available in Korean!

Compact and easy to use for those comfortable reading Korean, the Gwangju Guidebook offers the most upto-date information about Gwangju!

For accessing the Guide online, please visit: www.gwangjuguide.or.kr

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community board

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

Gwangju News’ community board provides a space for the community to announce club’s activity, special events and so on.

Please send us the information to gwangjunews@gic.or.kr

VOLUNTEERING

UNESCO KONA Volunteers UNESCO KONA Volunteers is a registered organization that helps underprivileged kids by teaching English through storybooks.

We are looking for long-term volunteers who desire to enrich their lives. We are asking volunteering to commit to helping at least once a month: one Friday afternoon, Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning or Sunday afternoon per month. Foreign volunteers who are interested in practicing their Korean and learning more about Korean culture are welcome to stay at the center on any Saturday afternoon for a short cultural exchange.

If you have any picture books, storybooks, puppets or any educational items, we accept all donations in order to distribute them to the local children's homes or community children's centers in Gwangju. We also accept any used storybooks and educational items For more information, please visit: 1) http://cafe.daum.net/konavolunteers, 2) www.facebook.com (UNESCO KONA Volunteers) 3) contact Kona (Kim Young-Im) at 062-434-9887 or at konacenter@gmail.com.

For you to cut out and keep handy!

Sungbin Home for Girls Sungbin Home for Girls is looking for creative/ active/ energetic/ outgoing/ enthusiastic longterm volunteers to join in our regular Saturday program. We would like you to give at least two Saturdays per month. Meet every Saturday at 1p.m. in front of downtown Starbucks, opposite Outback Steakhouse. All are welcome. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please find the “Sungbin Volunteers” group on Facebook.

COMMUNITY CLUBS Photo Gwangju Plus For photographers, Google+ has become a tool and part of their overall social media strategy.

There is a lot to love. If you are an aspiring photographer that is looking for inspiration, education and other individuals to connect with and share your passion for photography, we have an opportunity for you. If you are serious about photography and want to walk a couple steps higher, there is a community that shares pictures that you are more than welcome to join. For more information, please visit “Photo Gwangju Plus” at #photogwangjuplus

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

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

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community board

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Call when you are in need!

Ambulance/ Fire Police/ Crime Report 출입국-외국인정책본부 Korea Immigration Service 국민연금공단 National Pension Service 국민건강보험 National Health Insurance 이주여성긴급지원 광주센터 Emergency Support Center for Migrant Women (Gwangju) 광주원스톱지원센터 Gwangju One-stop Support Center (medical, legal consultation) 대한법률구조공단 Korea Legal Aid Corporation 한국소비자원 Korea Consumer Agency

119 112 1345 Gwangju office: 062-381-0015 02-2176-8707 02-390-2000 (English) 1577-1366/ 062-366-1366 062-225-3117 132 02-3460-3000

Gwangju Inter FC The Gwangju international soccer team (Gwangju Inter FC) plays regularly every weekend.

If you are interested in playing, e-mail: gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com or search ‘Gwangju Inter FC’ on Facebook.

Volunteers with the GIC Gwangju International Center (GIC) relies on its volunteers to run its services.

We welcome anyone interested in joining our team of high-spirited volunteers. Your contribution will help the program reach its potential to help the community.

OTHERS Wanted: Expat Stories: Accounts of your experiences living and working in Korea are requested: encounters of comedy, tragedy and anything in-between. The stories will be used in an ongoing documentary project entitled “Expat Asia.”

I am Jacques Sheard, a photographer/filmmaker and a former resident of Gwangju, now based in Melbourne, Australia. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Please send all correspondence, including any questions to jacquessheard@hotmail.com.

Gwangju's Young Adult Cross-Cultural Exchange The following programs welcome volunteers to help running: Gwangju News (gwangjunews@gic.or.kr) GIC Library (library.gic@gmail.com) GIC Talk (gictalk@gic.or.kr) Counseling Service/ Gwangju Guidebook (counseling@gic.or.kr) Translation/ Interpretation (gic@gic.or.kr) Language Class Programs (angelapark@gic.or.kr) For more information, please contact the respective programs’ email address(es).

Korean students from Chonnam and Chosun Universities and foreign English teachers from Gwangju and Jeollanam-do meet together to engage in Gwangju's Young Adult Cross-Cultural forum. Events are held at the American Corner at the Mudeung Library, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. These forums serve as a means for people to come together and discuss issues in a culturally comparative lens. So far, topics have included Education Inequality and Food, Health and Sustainability. All are encouraged to attend.

Please contact Connor Dearing at connordearing@gmail.com for more information.

March2014 2014.2.2410:14AM Page56

Rank Institution

Country

core

1

Weizmann Institute of Science

Israel

100

2

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

United States

100 100

3

Rockefeller University

United States

4

Harvard University

United States

100

5

Stanford University

United States

100

6

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

South Korea

100

7

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

United States

100

8

University of California, San Francisco

United States

100

9

Karolinska Institute

Sweden

100

10

University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

United States

99.9