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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2013 Issue No. 139
On The Cover:
Kumdo Guardian Protecting and Preserving History
Birds Korea Helping Our Flying Friends from the Ground
The Colors of Hanji Exhibiting the Light through Craftmaking
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Advertise with Gwangju News! Target Your Customers! Gwangju News is the longest-running English magazine in Korea and is the representative English magazine in Gwangju and the Jeollanam-do area. Its print and online versions bring Gwangju to the world. Does your business cater to the international community? Target your customers by advertising with us.
Please contact us for more details: 062-226-2732~34 karina@gic.or.kr or minsu@gic.or.kr
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September 2013
ON THE COVER
www.gwangjunewsgic.com 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@gmail.com to tell us your area of interest. Gwangju News also welcomes letters to the editor regarding articles and issues. Articles and submissions may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.
THE EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher: Dr. Shin Gyonggu
GWANGJU NEWS PRINT Editor-in-Chief: Kathleen Villadiego Editor: Joey Nunez Sub-Editor: Shay Meinecke Layout Editor: Karina Prananto Coordinators: Karina Prananto, Kim Minsu Photo Editors: Karina Prananto, Simon Bond Chief Proofreader: Bradley Weiss Copy Editors: Heinrich Hattingh, Kaley LaQuea, Joey Nunez, Jenn Tinoco, Kathleen Villadiego, Bradley Weiss Proofreaders: Christie Fargher, Brian Fitzroy, Don Gariepy, Dhyana Kim, Carrie Levinson, Jennifer Peedin, Stephen Redeker, Pete Schandall, Kelly Shepherd, Johnathan Sonnen, Teri Venable, Gilda Wilson Creative Consultant: Warren Parsons Researchers: Choi Junyong, Cheon Soyeon, Cho Haeri, Lee Jungmi, Park Kyungjin Illustrator: Faiz Alban
Cover Photo: Cheong San, the warrior monk of Geumseong sanseong, Damyang Photograph: Simon Bond
Warrior Monks By Simon Bond
GWANGJU NEWS ONLINE Editor: C. Adam Volle Online Administrator: Carl Hedinger Online Editorial Assistant: Brittany Baker Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center Address: Jeon-il Building 5F, Geumnam-no 1-1, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, South Korea
Phone: +82-62-226-2733~4 Fax: +82-62-226-2731 Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com E-mail: gwangjunews@gmail.com Registration No.: 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date: February 22, 2010 Printed by Logos (Phone +82-62-444-8800) Publication Date: August 27, 2013 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.
Special thanks to the City of Gwangju and all of our sponsors.
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news 7 8
contents
This Month in Gwangju Upcoming Events
community 20 22 30 45
Gwangju Community Helps Others Help Themselves with KIVA The Judiciary in South Korea Nepal - Korea Relations Rock Climbing
photography 24 26 27 28
Memorias: Joe Wabe Style Photo of the Month Flash Suncheon Bay Garden Expo Performance Show
12 Warrior Monks
culture 32 36 37 53
KOREA: In the World Korean Myths: Dragons Korean Sayings: Money or Friend Dear Korea
travel 34
GIC Culture Tour to Sunchang
health 38
Stay Protected
16 Birds Korea Spreads Sustainable Awareness
fashion 40
Chuseok: Long Weekend Away
language & poetry 42 44 46 48 49
Selected Poems by Kim Nam-ju Korean Postcards Because That’s the Way It’s Always Been Done Moving Houses Learn Korean Idiomatic Expressions
food 50 51
Camping Fun All Year Round Biji Stew
52 54
Crossword Community Board
18 The Colors of Hanji, in the Art of Woo Jae Gil
Gwangju News September 2013
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Meet a GN Contributor
Adam Hogue (U.S.A., writer) Gwangju is a city I have come to love and call my own. There is community here. It was a place that welcomed me in from all sides, whether it was at work, in the foreign community, in my neighborhood, as an artist or as a runner. I was absorbed, and in turn, I found a place that I could make uniquely my home. That is not a rare thing, but it is nice when you can take the time to recognize it for what it is. For the past two years, I have not set foot in my home country. But, aside from the occasional desire for an Italian sub, Gwangju slowly opened itself up as my home that took away my homesickness. Coming back from vacations in Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam, there was a distinct feeling of comfort that came to me every time I landed on the runway in Incheon and an even deeper level of comfort that came when my bus pulled into USquare. Gwangju was my home and I still love it.
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Don't take the Gwangju Art Museum, the Biennale or Mudeung Mountain for granted. Don't overlook a stroll down Art Street or the Daein Night Market (to buy soap, or eat 전). Never pass up a chance to see good local music at Club Nevermind, Bu-jik or Under 99. Go to the Chonnam University Back Gate and drink there for a change. Eat a lot of 희. Eat a lot of 막창. Always practice Korean. It never gets boring and you'll get to know people on a deeper level everyday. Gwangju has a lot to give if you're open to it. I'm so grateful to have had the chance to be a featured writer in the Gwangju News for the past two years. It is a wonderful magazine working out of the best place any foreigner could hope to have in their city, the Gwangju International Center. Gwangju is a home I will never forget. Thanks for two great years.
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This Month in Gwangju A brief roundup of news stories from in and around Gwangju
By Carl Hedinger Photo courtesy of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Driving License Written Test Exam in Gwangju No need to read the title once more. You read it correctly the first time. Those interested in acquiring a Korean driver's license previously had to travel to Naju but not anymore. As of August 12, one can visit the Road and Traffic Corporation Office in Yongbongdong, Buk-gu (first floor of the Exam Room). Before taking the test, a compulsory three-hour traffic safety education course (10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) must be completed. The written test can be taken between 9 11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. for 6,000 won from Monday Friday. No appointments are necessary. Register online (http://dl.koroad.or.kr/license/en/index.jsp) or visit the Office directly. Here is the address: 1198-6 Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju Tel: 062-530-6114
Fun and Frugal Summering in Uchi Park!
Gwangju Develops a “Nice Driver” Agreement While time is something always on our minds, arriving at a destination in one piece is on the minds of some local officials. In Gwangju, a 'Non-violation and nonaccident driver practice agreement' was established that would allow local residents to take part through signature. Through the accord, Gwangju City administrators hope that many residents will participate in this policy and help promote safer driving practices in the area. If a licensed driver signs the agreement, an additional 10 points will be added to the participant's license. Officials believe that this measure will be the way to move towards a more advanced traffic culture. In order to do so, one Gwangju City representative commented, “We will do our best to encourage drivers to take part in this policy.” The system is also available through the GIC so please feel free to ask about it when visiting.
Construction on Gwangju's Uchi Park is now complete and provides citizens with Honam's only zoo and representative amusement park. Operators hope to bring in families and to give teenagers a place to visit during vacation and for the remainder of the summer. Uchi Park has 20 different kinds of amusement facilities, such as 607 types of animals from 129 species, an outdoor pool and biking facilities. Around the park, there are 288 different tree species that not only provide nice scenery but also can be used as shade shelters throughout the park. Visitors are welcome to enjoy an exclusive avenue made up of a lawn of Metasequoia (dawn redwood) and open spaces where people can lay down a mat, relax, talk with friends or even read a book. A Gwangju official commented that he hopes families can enjoy the summer together in Uchi Park for 15,000 won.
Gwangju Hosts English Camp for the Less Fortunate The City of Gwangju held the “2013 English Experience Camp” from August 5th to the 21st. This English Experience Camp was made available for students who are interested in English, but especially for those considered “socially vulnerable,” children of single parents and families facing financially difficult times. The camp was held in the Seoseok, Gwangcheon, Ojeong and Cheomdan Elementary Schools. To accommodate the nearly 600 elementary school students from grades 4 and 5, it was divided into two terms of six days each. Participating students learned English through a variety of cooking experience classes and art activities with a native instructor. Through the English Experience Camp, city officials hoped that the camp “provided an opportunity and eliminated the disparity within English education and reduced the burden of private education expenses.”
“Forest City” in Unam, Buk-gu, Gwangju
Plant 20 Million Trees by 2015 Gwangju is continuing efforts towards creating a pleasant green city as a mixture of woods and water by launching an initiative known as “Plant 20 Million Trees by 2015.” The campaign started in 2002, and at the time of writing, Gwangju has planted over 15 million trees. So far in 2013, the city has planted 640,000 trees and plans a further 860,000 in the last half of the year. In accordance with this campaign, Gwangju will also develop a green belt of flowers and trees for the 2015 Gwangju Universiade. This ambitious action by Gwangju further demonstrates its prominence as an environmentally-friendly city. Gwangju News September 2013
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Upcoming Events: September 2013 Contributors: Choi Junyong, Cheon Soyeon, Cho Haeri, Lee Jungmi, Park Kyungjin (GIC Gwangju News Team)
Movie @ the Gwangju Theater Address: Chungjang-no 5-ga (two blocks back behind Migliore) Phone: 062-224-5858 Films change weekly to bi-weekly Fee: 8,000 won per person per film Check online for calendar and prices: http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju (in Korean)
The Bling Ring 블링 링
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Crime Director: Sofia Coppola Starring: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson Languages: English, French Synopsis: This is an impertinent teenagers' story in LA's Hollywood Hills school, which has many problematic children. Marc and Rebecca get along with each other through “fashion.” Rebecca sometimes robs empty houses in a spirit of fun. One day, Marc joins in with her criminal activity and they then decide to rob celebrities' houses. After the robberies, they take pictures of themselves, wearing the luxurious stolen items, with the hopes of becoming popular. How long can their unlawful activity be kept a secret?
Moebius 뫼비우스
Genre: Drama Director: Kim Ki-duk Starring: Jo Jaehyun, Seo Yeonju, Lee Eunju Language: Korean Synopsis: This story is about one family which falls into ruin because of sexual desires. One man grows up in a family whose head of the house has a forbidden affair. So, he lives by turning his back on the world.
On the Road 길 위에서
Genre: Documentary Director: Lee Chang-jae Starring: Lee Chang-jae, Minjae Hangja, Monk Sunwoo Language: Korean Synopsis: Four people tread a difficult path as monks. First, there is Sang Wook, a pilgrim who graduated from a prestigious university and went abroad to study. The second monk is Sun Woo, who started his journey as a Buddhist after he was abandoned by his family. The third pilgrim, Min Jae, came to the temple after searching for it on the Internet. Last, Young Won, who is a monk who still does not know the meaning of Buddhism, although he has practiced and studied it for 35 years.
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Our Seonhee 우리 선희 Genre: Drama Director: Hong Sangsu Starring: Jeong Yumi, Lee Sungyun, Kim Sangjung Language: Korean Synopsis: This is a story about Seonhee and her three men. Seonhee is a student whose major is Film. One day, Seonhee goes to school to receive a reference from one of her professors. On that day, Seonhee encounters a junior movie director named Mun-su and a senior movie director named Jae-hak. These three men are who she meets and talks to give Seonhee good advice for her future. Seonhee, however, is not impressed with the advice that is given to her and she leaves after four days.
Exhibitions
Art Gwangju: 13 아트광주: 2013 Venue: Kimdaejung Convention Center Dates: September 5 - 8 Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission Fee: 7,000 won Phone: 062-670-7983 Website: www.artgwangju.com
2013 ACE Fair 2013 에이스 페어 Venue: Kimdaejung Convention Center Dates: September 26 - 29 Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission Fee: 5,000 won Phone: 062-611-2241~2249 Website: www.acefair.or.kr
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advertisement
Welcome to September! The new Holiday Inn Gwangju is excited to announce its current events.
Hourglass Restaurant Every Sunday is Three Generation Day for Lunch or Dinner
Sports
Lunch 33,500 won; Dinner 41,500 won (includes VAT)
Gwangju FC September Match Schedule Date
Match Team
Time
1 15 28
Bucheon FC Anyang FC Suwon FC
4 p.m. 4 p.m. 2 p.m.
Venue: Gwangju World Cup Stadium (광주월드컵경기장) Directions: Buses 6, 16, 20, 26, 47 or 74, get off at the World Cup Stadium bus stop. Admission: VIP 10,000 won, GOLD 5,000 won (10% discount for online ticket purchases)
For more information, visit: www.gwangjufc.com
On Sundays, when families with three generations are present to have the buffet at the Hourglass, the senior generation (grandparents) will be offered lunch or dinner free.
Every Monday is Ladies Day Lunch 29,700 won; Dinner 41,500 won (includes VAT) Each group of four ladies will pay for only the price of three meals and each will be provided with one free cocktail. Per person, the cost is 22,275 won for lunch and 31,125 won for dinner (excludes VAT)
KIA Tigers Baseball Team September Match Schedule Date
Match Team
Time
1 7-8 10 - 11* 17 18
NC Hanhwa SK Nexen Hanhwa
5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 5 p.m.
Venue: Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium (무등경기장) Directions: Buses 16, 38, 51, 53, 58, 89, 95, 98, or 151 get off at the Mudeung Stadium bus stop Admission: Adults 9,000 - 13,000 won Website: www.tigers.co.kr * September 10 -11 Matches: Venue: Gunsan Baseball Stadium (군산야구장) Directions: Take the bus to Gunsan from the Usquare Bus Terminal. From the Gunsan Bus Terminal, take buses 33, 34, 38 or 85, and get off at the Kumho Apartment Bus Stop and walk for about 5 minutes. Ticket Prices: Adults 9,000 - 13,000 won Website: http://sports.gunsan.go.kr
The Autumn Night Room Package Period: June 1~Sept. 29, 2013 We still offer a great accommodation package that includes a full buffet breakfast for two, free Internet access, free use of our indoor pool and fitness centre, sauna for two people and a complimentary culture gift card. The package price for King(Deluxe) room is179,000 won per night (SVC & TAX included) For reservation and more information, please contact: 062-610-7000 or www.holidayinngwangju.com
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Performances
This annual music festival celebrates international musicians collaboration with Korean artists, allowing cultural exchange through music. 2013 Gwangju World Music Festival 2013 광주월드뮤직페스티벌 Venues: Chonnam National University, Gwangju Biennale, Bitgoeul Citizen Culture Hall Date: September 6 - 7 Time: 6 p.m. - 10:50 p.m. Ticket Price: Free Phone: 062-410-3458 Website: www.gwmf.com Sungha Jung Concert 정성하 콘서트 Venue: Dongsan Art Hall, Gwangju U-Square Culture Center Date: September 15 Time: 6 p.m. Admission: 44,000 won Phone: 070-8271-5549 2013 Yuhki Kuramoto Autumn Concert 2013 유키구라모토 가을 콘서트 Venue: Grand Theater, Gwangju Cultural and Art Center Date: September 23 Time: 7:30 p.m. Admission: VIP Seats 88,000 won / R Seats 77,000 won / S Seats 55,000 won / A Seats 44,000 won Phone: 1588-0766 Violinist Lim Jehong Nationwide Tour Concert 바이올리니스트 임재홍 전국투어 리사이틀 - 광주 Venue: Kumho Art Hall, Gwangju U-Square Culture Center Date: September 13 Time: 7 p.m. Admission: Adults 40,000 won / Students 20,000 won Phone: 02-6404-3569
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Festivals
Photo courtesy of the Great Battle of Myeongryang Festival
2013 The Great Battle of Myeongryang Festival 2013 명량대첩축제 Venue: Jindo Bridge, Jindo, Jeollanam-do Dates: September 27 - 29 Program: Archery Experience, Korea Traditional Songs (Pansori) and Traditional Ship Experiences Directions: Take the bus to Mokpo from the USquare Bus Terminal (Interval Time is 10-30 minutes). From the Mokpo Bus Terminal, take a bus to the fairground. Phone: 061-286-5258 Website: www.mldc.kr
Photo courtesy of Maryang Port Festival
The 6th Maryang Port Festival 제6회 마량마항축제 Venue: Maryang Myeon, Gangjin, Jeollanam-do Dates: September 13 - 15 Program: Catching live fish with bare hands, O and X Quiz and Rowing Competitions Directions: Take the bus to Gangjin from the USquare Bus Terminal (Interval Time is 60 - 80 minutes). From the Gangjin Bus Terminal, take the bus to Maryang. Get off at the Maryang Bus Terminal and walk for 5 minutes to the venue.
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The 19th Gwangju International Community Day 제19회 광주국제교류의 날 Venue: Gwangju World Cup Stadium (parking lot of the Lotte Mart/ Outlet) Date: October 26 Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. [Program] - Country Pavilion: Culture Exhibition and Traditional Food Sales - Culture Experience Zone: Play and experience activities in other countries - Information Center: Foreign Consultation and Information Services - Global Stage: Music and Talent Performances - Flea Market For more information and how to receive volunteer/ participant application, please refer to our website or contact the GIC in person or by phone: Phone: 062-226-2733 Website: www.gic.or.kr
Gwangju Design Biennale 2013 광주 디자인 비엔날레 2013 This year, Gwangju Design Biennale explores cultural habits, shared knowledge, and coded contexts of many unspoken ways we communicate with one another. Venue: Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall Dates: September 6 - November 3 Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission Fee: Adults 10,000 won (purchase at the GIC for 7,000 won)/ Youth 6,000 won/ Children 4,000 won Phone: 062-608-4114 Website: www.gwangjubiennale.org Gwangju News September 2013 11
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feature
Words and photos by Simon Bond Interview translated by Shin Jun-hyun, Choi Junyong, Cho Haeri, Park Kyungjin, and Cheon Soyeon
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H
idden high in the Korean mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of Korean culture, is a place many Koreans aspire to be. It is not without reason that hiking is so popular in Korea. It was on one of these hikes that I discovered a hidden Korean secret, and a portal to another time in this country. The place is Geumseongsanseong Fort, and I met Cheong San, a monk, at the entrance to the fort. Cheong San greeted me and we headed for the temple on the hills where he lives. He is a peaceful
man and very engaged in what he does. I later learned that his family is more or less self-sufficient on the mountain as I was treated to a hearty meal straight from the land. All that healthy food makes for a strong healthy man as well, which is just as well because Cheong San is no ordinary monk. He comes from a line of warrior monks who once fought the Japanese during the Imjin Wars of 1592. It is this heritage that has drawn me back to see Cheong San again. I am looking to discover some of Korea's hidden history and to hear tales of honor Gwangju News September 2013 13
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and valor. While I am with Cheong San, he told me: “I started martial arts [when] I was 10 years old. I have been trained in martial arts for almost 40 years. My martial arts is not kendo. It is the oldest Buddhist Army Martial Arts. The Buddhist Army is the starting period of Korea.” A little research shows that indeed when Buddhism came to Korea in 347 CE and when it became established in the Goguryo Kingdom, it brought with it a form of martial arts practiced by Buddhists. This was known as Bulgyo Musul. It is an ancient martial art, and though what Cheong San uses has no doubt evolved considerably since those times, the original practice started centuries ago. This history also goes on to explain why Cheong San wears a phoenix symbol on his clothes, because this is a symbol represents the Goryeo Kingdom. He also told me: “When I became a Buddhist priest, I knew the 'Seosan' Buddhist master really liked [the] phoenix and he loved Korea. I respect the 'Seosan' Buddhist master.” Seosan Daesa is an extremely important and influential figure when one is considering martial arts in Buddhist Korea. When Korea was in its hour of need and fighting the Japanese during the Imjin Wars, he organized a Buddhist army of around 5,000 into a guerilla fighting force that could
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undermine the weak spots in the Japanese army. Though basing his army in the mountains of Heungsuksa, Seosan's monks were involved in conflicts that took place around the Geumseongsanseong Fort, fighting alongside the righteous Korean army. Cheong San then is an important figure when thinking of conserving Korea's cultural heritage and his studies of this Buddhist martial arts are as important as preserving this country's many other cultural relics. Indeed this is a phoenix rising from the ashes of the Gabo reform act of 1894, which disbanded the Korean monk army that had served its country during the Imjin Wars of 1592.
How to get there: By Bus Take the bus from Gwangju Bus Terminal to Damyang Bus Terminal. From there take a taxi to the path that leads to the fort. It will take about 40 minutes to hike to Geumseongsanseong Fort. By Car: Take the Honam National expressway, go through 'Dong-gwangju Tollgate' and when you meet intersection, take the '88 National Highway'. Exit at 'Damyang interchange'. If you go straight in the Sunchang direction, you can see 'Geumseongsanseong' sign. Go along the way until you see the fort.
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feature
Birds Korea Spreads Sustainability Awareness By Kaley LaQuea Photos courtesy of Lee Jung Kyu, Robin Newlin and Andreas Kim
D
espite the fast-paced urban life that consumes the majority of Korean society, many citizens might be surprised of a thriving and essential ecosystem that exists just beyond the hustle and bustle. Since 1980, more than 515 species of birds have been recorded throughout Korea's diverse natural habitats. More than 90 percent of these birds are migratory, birds that travel north during the winter and south during summer. Some even migrate along the East AsianAustralasian Flyway, which stretches from Alaska all the way to New Zealand. With such a significant expanse, birds are an imperative part of not only Korea's ecosystem, but that of many other nations as well. Active since 2004, Birds Korea, a registered nonprofit organization, has maintained a clear focus on the conservation of habitats and has kept a close eye on future visions of development in Korea, with an interest on making these projects environmentally sustainable. “We have to make decisions as a species, also as individuals and populations of a city or province on what is good to do, what is harmful to do and why. Sustainable development essentially means not destroying things that cannot be replaced,” Dr. Nial Moores, Director of Birds Korea, explained. The organization aims to garner interest and support through well-documented research of the issues facing birds and their environments. From 2006-2008, Birds Korea worked with the
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Gwangju News September 2013
Australasian Wader Studies Group to conduct the largest shorebird research project to date in the Republic of Korea, the Saemangeum Shorebird Monitoring Program. The organization has worked on numerous projects throughout the country and has conducted research on tidal flatlands as well as in wetland and mainland habitats. “[Birds Korea] is one of the main NGOs in Korea with a focus on conservation, and not just on birds. The work that they have done with the Spoon-billed sandpiper, and continue to do, has undoubtedly been instrumental in raising awareness and support for this critically endangered species. Birds are also a terrific indicator species, so a healthy bird population indicates a healthy ecosystem,” Patrick Blake, bird enthusiast and Gwangju resident, said. The Spoon-billed sandpiper, a unique species, has had a declining population for many decades. It is estimated by the organization that there are fewer than 3,000 globally. Active members of the Gwangju community, such as Chosun University professor Maria Lisak, have helped raise awareness and funds for the endangered species. “Fundraising for 'spoonies' is the best investment I can make for my future. Fundraising to save and protect the critically endangered Spoon-billed sandpiper is the best retirement and insurance plan around. I would rather raise and spend money on a species like SBS than continuing to Birds Koreans in the field, Yubu Island Photo by Lee Jung Kyu
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support bloated, corpulent multinational corporations that mismanage my money,” Professor Lisak wrote, raising more than 1 million won for Birds Korea to save the Spoon-billed sandpiper. Eleven bird species have currently been given a status of critically endangered or endangered by Birds Korea and are threatened by habitat loss and pollution. “We have a small country with a high population of rapid economic growth, and that means there are huge pressures on everything that remains. Even places that we think we've managed to conserve or prevent from being destroyed by one project are then targeted by another. It is absolutely relentless. Compared to many other developed nations, we have rather weak environmental laws,” Dr. Moores said.
Scaly-Sided Merganser Mergus squamatus Photo by Robin Newlin
Development projects such as the Grand Canal or Four Rivers Project have decimated fragile bird and wildlife habitats, despite strong cautions against such ventures by multiple wildlife and environmental organizations. “This is not in the national interest, and it's not in the global interest. We are a Korean organization, so we want our nation to achieve sustainable development. The rate of habitat destruction is overwhelming and there's really no reason for it. Economically it doesn't make sense, socially it doesn't make sense [and] environmentally it doesn't make sense,” Dr. Moores further stated. Although a relatively young organization, Birds Korea has already been recognized with two prestigious awards for its conservation efforts and achievements. In 2008, Dr. Moores accepted recognition as the Leading Light of Korean Society by a leading panel of civil society leaders. Dr. Moores accepted the award on behalf of the organization for its work on the Saemangeum Program. In 2011, Dr. Moores was also given the Asian Environmental Award, presented by the Chosun Ilbo, on behalf of the organization for its “distinguished contribution to protecting the environment.” Birds Korea also places emphasis on the future of sustainability and wildlife conservation through education. The organization has hosted multiple English camps throughout Korea for elementary to universitylevel students to learn about birds and their delicate ecosystems in the field. Regular eco-classes are also held by the organization in their Busan office. Dr. Moores stresses the importance of the organization's work and its broad spectrum impact. “As an ecologist, you really get to appreciate that every single thing is interconnected …We want people to be happy with their lives. We want people to be able to appreciate the most beautiful natural landscapes and want important aspects of culture to be conserved,” Dr. Moores said. For more information about the work of Birds Korea and ways to get involved, visit their website at birdskorea.org. Starting in October's edition of Gwangju News, Birds Korea will contribute a one-page submission each month discussing how we can help sustain the bird population and the environments in Korea.
Spoon-billed sandpipers Photos provided by Andreas Kim
Gwangju News September 2013 17
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art
The Colors of Hanji, in the Art of Woo Jae Gil By Bradley Weiss Photos by Simon Bond This article is the final of a three-part series about the art form that is Hanji Craftmaking
P
rominent Gwangju artist Woo Jae Gil relates an amusing anecdote about unexpectedly finding hanji (traditional Korean paper) outside the confines of its native origin. In 1987 during one of his overseas exhibitions, the artist visited a gallery in Tokyo. Woo says, “Among thousands and thousands of kinds of paper, I found a very special one, so I bought it for my work. After returning home I realized that the paper was exported from Korea and was hanji.” A few years later Woo first started to work with hanji. In 1992 he began to print Chinese characters and other shapes on hanji and also incorporated it into collages. In addition, he wrote an art collection book about hanji printing and patching. However, Woo is probably better known for his work in various other media, including both twodimensional and three-dimensional art. It was not until recently that he rediscovered his passion for hanji. Woo describes this rekindling. “One summer day last year, while visiting a gallery in Insa-dong in Seoul that specialized in hanji, I was attracted to its color. That day I once again was touched by hanji's pure color and texture and I made up my mind to work with hanji.” The artist elaborates about the special nature of the texture and color: “Hanji is like skin – very soft and versatile. And the color of hanji is more natural than other colors, so it gives a feeling of softness.” Woo cites color as the only criterion when he is purchasing hanji for his work; he chooses sheets according to his favorite colors. This focus on color is actually a departure from his artistic beginnings. Woo describes much of his early work as being “dominated by the color black.” However, his goal is to try to “find light in the darkness.” But, as he explains, “Nowadays, I want to use more colored hanji for my work.” He arranges hanji sheets of different colors onto panels to form collages that represent farm fields in the southern part of Korea. Woo has also found a connection with two of the four seasons in the colored hanji, with yellow representing flowers in springtime and 18
Gwangju News September 2013
Woo Jae Gil
green representing the fields and vegetables of summer. A number of these hanji collages, along with some of Woo's other works, including similar panels with acrylic paint, were on display for a month-long exhibition in May at the Lotus Book Cafe and Gallery at the entrance to Mugaksa in Sangmu. Woo tells how the exhibition was strongly recommended by a monk at the temple, and how its timing coincided with the festivals that occur during the month of May, especially Buddha's birthday. The artist explains that the focus of the
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Woo Jae Gil’s art gallery
exhibition was collage, specifically light and lines. The hanji collages, however, have torn, fuzzy edges on the individual sheets, in contrast to the crisp, clean edges of the acrylic paint panels. Woo accounts for this difference, explaining, “I put water along the line and then the hanji is separated naturally.” From the work that was on display in the exhibition, it was evident that what Woo creates is very much modern art. He says, “Even though I am a modern artist I like the materials of the past. We ourselves are developing from the past to the present.” Woo cites part of what makes hanji so special and qualifies it as a “material of the past” is its traditional manufacturing technique. He further explains, “Hanji is manufactured differently from western paper. Western paper is made from materials turned into powder and pressed. But hanji ... first blends the pounded inner bark of paper mulberry in water and then scoops it out with a bamboo sieve to then be dried in the sunshine. That is why every natural texture is alive there. It is nature itself.” Woo even says his work with hanji provides him with what could be described as a kind of natural high that is the reward for all the hard work that goes into the creative process: “I feel a rush of
endorphins when working with hanji. As an artist I believe that artwork is quite a laborious process, but once you create something satisfying, the happiness is quite extreme.” Woo has also been known to find satisfaction in his artwork through community involvement. The exhibit's introduction near Mugaksa states: “He has played a pivotal role in the contemporary arts of Gwangju, supported young artists, educated disenfranchised groups and pursued the community life through the sharing of art at the intermediate space of community 'Woo Jae Gil Art Museum.'” This museum has been closed for several months for renovations but is scheduled to reopen in September. For those that missed the small exhibition in May, a visit would provide the opportunity to experience Woo's work with hanji and in other media. Woo is not sure how long his recent surge in outputfeaturing hanji will continue, but he admits, “Several years have passed by, but it is amazing that I am fascinated working with hanji so I can do several months in a row working without becoming bored.” Even if his passion for working with this traditional Korean material ends tomorrow, the works he has already created will serve as a testament to the vibrant, living nature of hanji well into the future. Gwangju News September 2013 19
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community
Gwangju Community Helps Others Help Themselves with Kiva Words and photos provided by Adam Greenberg
T
wo roads diverged in a yellow wood... wait, nope. Sorry, yes; that opening is taken already.
Kiva. Maybe you have heard of it? Kiva is a socialchange, non-profit organization on a mission to connect people by lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva empowers any individual with Internet access and a spare $25 (or close to 28,000 won) to help create opportunities around the world. It is called to “microcredit” – the crowd-sourced lending of a low-interest loan directly to borrowers who are looking to improve their lot in life – and it is the basic principle that earned Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in founding the Grameen Bank. At the time of this writing, Graciela in Camicachi, Peru is requesting $675 to invest in the purchase of small sheep and alpacas, which would provide wool and fiber for her fabric business. A loan of $1,275 will help Vicente in Paraguay buy construction materials to fix his home's leaking roof. There are thousands of people just like Graciela and Vicente looking for help. Fortunately, Kiva has built a network for thousands of people looking for help, just like Graciela and Vicente. According to their website, Kiva.org “envisions a world where all people – even in the most remote areas of the globe – hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others. Providing safe, affordable access to capital to those in need helps people create better lives for themselves and their families.” Lianne Bronzo, a Gwangju EPIK teacher, agrees. “I like the idea of people from around the globe contributing a small amount of money to a complete stranger. Each small amount can help make a difference in that person's life, family and community.” Bronzo is a member of the Gwangju-lending team on Kiva.org, a small but growing group of ex-pats
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and Korean natives who have, to date, collectively loaned $575 to people in 21 countries. As a Kiva lender, you will not earn any financial interest on a loan, but in addition to the return of your full $25 principal at the end of the designated repayment term (variable, but typically six months), you do earn the return on investment of knowing you have helped someone in a big way, today. That is what you get. That is it. That is what you give. A friend told me about Kiva in 2007. During the nearly two years he participated in Kiva, he provided a small part of 12 separate loans to people throughout our world who lacked access to conventional banking services, often women. Each loan was paid back to his account in regularly-scheduled increments each month. Ten
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were already paid back in full, 2 outstanding loans were current. Kiva has a 99 percent repayment rate for $348,752,900 in "already-ended" loans and offers still a fair bit more due diligence throughout the site. I came across Kiva again a few months later, at age 22, remembering the seal of approval from my oldest sister's cool, tattooed and sociallyconscious boyfriend was all the “due diligence” I needed. Kiva has made the sign-up and subsequent lending process simple. PayPal handles all transactions at no cost to Kiva, so your full contribution goes to the borrower. In March 2008, I zealously began three $25 loans to Maura in Peru and Rogelia and Lea Teresa in Paraguay. A month later I got an email notifying me that a portion of each of my loans had been repaid and I could put it all toward another loan or withdraw it back to my bank account. The end, if I so chose. That was five years and 34 loans ago. I have never experienced a defaulted loan nor delayed repayment and have instead enjoyed the regular journal updates from some of the borrowers who were very grateful. Chris Morin, an English teacher, studied microfinance in college, but he said that he still had no idea how one might deliver those funds. “Kiva represents everything that is good with social
networking,” Morin said. “Kiva facilitates that connection and it's amazing mainly because it so easily bridges the gap between good intentions and actions - people all over the world recognizing problems and taking action; not governments or banks, but ordinary people lending a hand. It's beautiful.” If being part of Kiva strikes your fancy, you are welcome to join our Gwangju team; all are welcome. Simply sign-up and search the “Teams” tab for Gwangju, or use the link below. Sure, you will not receive any interest on that $25, but what was that return on investment mentioned earlier? ... And that has made all the difference. Still interested? Feel free to register with this link at any time, Kiva.org/invitedto/Gwangju/by/ AdamGreenberg, and your new account will receive $25 to make your first loan – therefore, literally zero risk to you whatsoever. Also, the author will receive $25 in his account to make another loan as well, so thank you! In the past, ex-pats have expressed issues using PayPal in Korea [unrelated to Kiva]. I have been using a U.S. bank account or a KB debit card to fund Kiva loans through PayPal. If you have any trouble-shooting questions, feel free to e-mail me at Kiva@AdamGreenberg.com. Gwangju News September 2013
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community
The Judiciary in South Korea By Kelly Stavrides
L
iving in a foreign country can be at times daunting. Cultural differences and the language barrier can turn a simple trip to the bank into a long ordeal. Of course, there are difficult and nerve-wracking circumstances that arise every once in a while, no matter where a person lives. And some such circumstances that have been in the spotlight are experiences of foreign residents with the Korean legal system.
Overview of the Korean Court System There are three levels of court in Korea: District Court, High Court and Supreme Court. The District Court is the first level and has a specialized subcourt for Family Law. The High Court is an intermediate appellate court, hearing appeals from the District Court. The Supreme Court is the highest court in Korea. The District Court hears both civil and criminal cases, although low-level civil cases are often tried in local municipal courts, similar to an American small claims court. The main courts in Korea do not hear cases regarding the constitutionality of certain laws and the impeachment of governmental officials. These and similar issues are handled by a separate Constitutional Court. Civil Court Michael Simning and Tim Whitman, long-time Gwangju residents, recently found themselves in civil proceedings regarding their leasing of restaurant space. Simning and Whitman are the proprietors of The First Alleyway. During their interview with Gwangju News, the most commonly expressed emotion by Simning and Whitman towards the proceedings was irritation. The other claimant had not returned their deposit money after the lease was finished, forcing them to pursue the matter in civil court. In a Korean civil court, both parties submit all evidence before the hearing. It is important that paperwork is filed correctly the first time to speed up the proceedings. Civil Court in Korea can be fast-paced and impersonal. As all evidence is submitted 22
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Cafe24.com
beforehand, little deliberation is necessary. The judge will ask a few basic questions before rendering a ruling. Simning and Whitman told GN that the hearing was quick and relatively painless. The judge asked some quick questions before turning to the other claimant and chastising him for being ill-prepared and clearly in the wrong. Criminal Court Criminal Court proceedings are different than Civil Court proceedings. Criminal proceedings can be extremely nerve-wracking, whether you are the victim, the defendant or a witness. One major difference in the Korean Court system when compared to most Western systems is that the accused does not have the right to confront their accuser. Most criminal cases in Korea are not jury cases but bar cases, meaning a judge decides the verdict. A prosecutor, a defense lawyer and a court stenographer are present in the courtroom. As a victim or a witness who does not speak Korean, a translator is also provided. Having had experience with the criminal court in Gwangju, I can personally testify that it is much less intimidating than I imagined and all of the court employees were extremely professional. Everyone I encountered was extremely courteous and understanding of the fact that my Korean was very limited. At the end of the trial, I felt confident in my testimony and confident in the fact that I had been listened to fairly. Blood Money One defining trait of the Korean legal system is the idea of blood money (hapuigeum, 합 의 금 ) or restitution. It is most often used in criminal proceedings to try to keep the case from going to trial. If the victim accepts the money, the perpetrator is usually exempt from other punishment. This exchange is often brokered by the police and is perfectly legal. It is seen as a way to settle cases outside of court, rather like a plea bargain.
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Tips for Court Proceedings by Kelly Stavrides 1. Hire a lawyer Most foreigners who end up in court do not know or understand another country's legal system. It is easy to be taken advantage of by opposing counsel. Even if you do not desire a lawyer for the actual proceedings, it is much easier to hire a lawyer to fill out and file paperwork on your behalf. The Gwangju International Center can help locate multi-lingual lawyers. An online resource of theirs is: www.gwangjuguide.or.kr/2010/08/qa-on-working-in-gwangju/.
2. Know your rights If you find yourself involved in either a criminal or a civil case, it is important to get the proper information and support, no matter the context. There are numerous migrant/immigrant support centers around Gwangju which provide translators and basic legal information. They can also help you find a lawyer that suits your needs and assist with police procedures and medical assistance. And finally they can help with police procedure and medical assistance. More information is available at: www.gwangjuguide.or.kr/2011/01/multicultural-and-migrant-centers/. The Jeolla Safety Alliance, which was created to help victims of violent crime in the Jeolla area, is also a good resource. They can help with legal representation and medical assistance. Their website is: http://jeollasafetyalliance.com. Get a JSA Card handy in your wallet on page 31/
3. Be Respectful South Korea has a culture and language that is heavily based on an age/seniority hierarchy. This aspect is very evident in the Courts. A very high level of polite language is used in the courts. Even if you cannot speak Korean, it is important to be polite and respectful toward the judge, lawyers and other aides. This includes proper conduct within the court room and professional dress.
4. Do not miss your court date Missing or being late to court gives a negative impression of you to the members of the court. In civil court, if you miss your court date, it is entirely possible that the judge will rule in favor of the opposing party. If you miss your court date in criminal court, it is often difficult to reschedule and will push the entire proceedings back weeks, if not months.
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photography
`xÅÉÜ|táM
Joe Wabe Style By Jenn Tinoco Photos by Lorryn Smit and Joe Wabe
F PDG Gallery 460-33 Nongseon-dong, Dana Medical Arts Building Gwangju Metropolitan City
To see Wabe's exhibit, the PDG Gallery is right across the street from E-Mart and the Shinsegae Department Store, located near the U-Square Bus Terminal. You can easily see a Mr. Pizza in the same building. Enter through the blue frame doors into the lobby and take the elevator up to the 5th floor.
riends and family gathered at Joe Wabe's opening reception for “Memorias,” which took place on August 10 at the PDG gallery in Nongseong-dong.
"Memories are the only real treasure that we can keep forever,” was a statement Wabe gave regarding the Spanish title for his photography exhibit. Many of his black and white shots are currently displayed in the gallery for Memorias which will be running until mid-September. “Where I come from I can only experience one, super-hot, long season year-round. But in Korea, I went from seeing snow in the winter, emerging flowers in the spring, followed by summer blossoms and the foliage in the fall. The temples and the people, especially [older] people, have all been my main point of inspiration,” Wabe said. Most of Wabe's photos consist of the elderly, all from Korea, whom he established some kind of connection with: through a conversation, a helpful gesture or just by chance. And by conversation, yes through Korean, perhaps through English or, if he was lucky enough, Wabe may have stumbled upon a Spanishspeaking Korean. Trilingual at his finest, Wabe hails from San José, Costa Rica and later resided in the United States, where he studied in Florida and later developed his interest in professional photography. “One of the first pictures I ever took was during my last year of high school in Miami. It was a black and white photo taken downtown of a homeless guy and his dog. I gave him two dollars for letting me photograph them and it really wasn't my finest work. The image was out of focus and overexposed. In addition to that, I got into trouble with my art teacher because of it,” said Wabe. Now a loving husband, respectable father and an intuitive English teacher, Wabe is a busy and productive individual who has traveled extensively throughout Asia. He has captured images consistently for 15 years and been a resident of Gwangju for the last decade. “Photography is all about sharing a moment. Being able to move someone's heart and create inspiration [within] others - it becomes a chain reaction. Knowing that I put a smile on other individuals
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Lorryn Smit
Lorryn Smit
Lorryn Smit
when they look at my photographs gives me more power to continue sharing and creating memories. Korea has been a mother to me, the least I can do is give a little back in return to so much I've received,” said Wabe. His never-ending passion for art, music, culture and photography has inspired Wabe to pursue other side projects, such as covering events for Gwangju News and later beginning his own publication: Art Elemento. “How we use our brains is not only crucial to our survival, it also determines whether we succeed or fail. Daily inspiration is vital to staying focused, and keeping a healthy brain,” stated Wabe in the 9th edition of Art Elemento. “Remember you are holding in your hands a piece of history. History that was written in Gwangju. Get inspired. Get creative.” One of the exhibition attendees was a former student of Wabe and said that his former teacher's work has always been inspiring and has led the
student to believe, “anything in life is possible as long as there is room for creativity.” Brooke Lembke, another attendee stated, “Joe Wabe has the ability to capture an image that could tell a thousand stories. I am truly an admiring fan.” Monica P. Sawyer Martinez, who is Chicago-born to a Salvadoran mother, stated that her favorite shot was entitled “Primavera.” “The way the image was washed out, you still can see the beauty of the flower. As a Latina here in Gwangju, having a fellow Latino artist show his work is an eye opener because we need different cultures here. We can learn from each other and also see different types of artists, to see what they see through their very own eyes.” Wabe is not only well known here, but has an incredible presence elsewhere. He has exposed much of his own culture and art fundamentals through his work, projects and individualism.
Gwangju News September 2013
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Photo of the Month
Irresistible India By Joey Nunez
Imagine one of your favorite places. Take in what you see. Camera or not, the images captured draw you in, making you recall the amazing, urging you to return to that place, both in thought and through travel. The feelings are so new, yet, bring with it a sense of urgency: to see more, to refrain from being apart, for opening the door to what, for each of us, is irresistible. India is now one of those places for me, and this picture reminds me of my special time on vacation seeing the Qutub Minar in New Delhi. However long your summer break was, I hope you are now able to look back too and find something irresistible. About the Artist: Joey Nunez has served as Editor of Gwangju News since June 2013. He has traveled to 10 nations, so far, enjoys reading many types of books and has been blessed while living in Gwangju since August 2012. Photo taken within the Qutub Minar, in New Delhi, India.
Share your photo with the world! "Interested in having one of your pictures as Gwangju News' Photo Of The Month? Send your pictures of Korea and any background information about them to gwangjunewsphotos@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you, by seeing what you have captured on film!" 26
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photography
Flash
Words and photos by Simon Bond Simon Bond is a professional photographer living in Suncheon, Jeollanamdo. He has travelled throughout Asia, and has been published in many publications. This article and other ones are available online through Simon's website: www.simonbondphotography.com.
Using a second flash to light the Hanji paper makes the texture stand out.
The eyes “smile” because of the “catch light.”
E
veryone who has owned a camera has used the flash, which is usually built into the camera. However, it can leave your friends looking like they are from a vampire movie because they have bleached white faces and red eyes. If you are good at using flash though, you will really see a marked improvement in your work.
well as being able to use more than a single strobe if available. Using off camera flash is a little bit like having a studio set-up on the go. Using off camera flash can be wonderfully creative if practiced over time, but to reach a good craft, one must begin with trial and error.
The types of flash available:
1. A flash will have a synced speed, and it is usually about 1/200th. Although the flash and the camera can be synchronized not only to this speed, but it can be adjusted to a slower shutter-speed as well. 2. The aperture controls the light from the flash, and the shutter speed controls the ambient light that comes into the camera. Having the perfect balance for the shot is important. 3. Remember different color temperatures that various lights produce. Flash light is usually colder, so the “flash light” setting is needed for white balance.
1. Built in camera flash If nothing else is available, and the light is too low for the camera, then using a built-in flash might be the only option. Reduce the power of the flash so that you will not blow out the faces of the people you are photographing. 2. A flash gun These are much more flexible than built-in flashes and will give far better results. They are sometimes referred to as strobes. The ability to control the strength of the flash and the direction of the light means there is an ability to get a softer, balanced light on the subject matter. One of the easiest ways to soften the light is to bounce it off a surface, such as a ceiling or wall. If the wall is not white, be careful dealing with the color cast from the bounced light. 3. Off camera flash When using off camera flash, it means the device will use a “trig and receive” system to allow the flash and the camera to systematically communicate with each other. In this framework, placing and directing the flash in any direction is encouraged, as
Some basics about using flash light:
Controlling the light Using flash can cause the light to become hard or soft. Most of the time it is best to soften it. Softer light is more diffused and produces fewer shadows. Using a soft box or a white shoot thru umbrella can diffuse the light. In nature, soft light is the type of radiance caused from a cloudy day when the sun hits the clouds and then the light diffuses down producing less shadows, whereas on a clear, sunny day, the light is much harder and strong shadows appear. Gwangju News September 2013
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photo essay
2
1
Suncheon Bay Garden Expo Performance Show Words and photos by Simon Bond
W
ith the arrival of the Garden Expo in Suncheon this year, there has also been a marked upturn in cultural performances throughout the city - even better still that they are free. This set of photos shows the performers both on and off stage, together with the people who came to enjoy the shows. The shows in the city are happening at a hanok style building in the downtown area on Suncheon's relatively new Art Street. There is also another location at the Lake Park where you can enjoy exhibits. This park is located on the other side of town in the Jorye-dong area of Suncheon. If you come to Suncheon to see the Expo, then it might be worth getting to one of these performances as well. They usually start at 6:30 p.m.
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1. Being entertained The local Korean community enjoy these shows, coming back every day.
2. Rhythm and movement This performer, with her drum and hanbok, moved with a lot of grace.
The Hanok house This backdrop is to the performances in Suncheon's downtown area.
It's a serious business Preparations before going onstage show how focused everyone is.
The scene from a movie This photo makes me think of a Korean version of reservoir dogs by the way they walked down the street.
The modern jazz band This quintet shows that not just clothes have color. Gwangju News September 2013
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community
[This Month for the GIC Talk]
Nepal - Korea Relations By Joey Nunez Photo courtesy of the Embassy of Nepal in Korea
O
n September 28 at 3 p.m. at the GIC, his Excellency Kaman Singh Lama, Ambassador of Nepal to the Republic of South Korea, will give a GIC Talk that will discuss the “opportunities on mutual cooperation on trade, investment, tourism and education” between his country and ours. “Nepal and Korea are good friends and they are working closely in bilateral and multilateral forums. They need to work together to make the people prosperous, as well as to maintain international peace and harmony.” Through e-mail, Lama first expressed his gratitude to both Mayor Kang Un-tae and the GIC for the invitation to travel to Gwangju to share his views on the bonds between these two Asian nations. “I am extremely delighted to be in this most enchanting and beautiful city and to share in this memorable event with you.” Lama's main purposes for coming to Korea are dual-faceted. First, Lama desires to develop the already-shared mutual trust, goodwill, cooperation and partnership that exists between Nepal and Korea. “My efforts [are to] build a more concrete foundation over which our successors can stand proudly and [then] create beautiful structures.” Nepal considers India and China as its major trading nations, because they are next-door geographically to Nepal. As much as Nepal benefits from them, Lama knows Nepal would like to attract Korean investments as well. “The twoway trade volume could be augmented if the production from the Korean investment in Nepal could be exported to Korea. To this end, I am working forward to promoting Nepal in Korea.” Second, Lama cares enough not to limit his approaches exclusively to developing work relations. He also wants to invest in closer personal ties, especially within Gwangju. “Bonding friendship is [what] we can foster during such visits and sharing information through such a platform could result in a long-term positive impact on our future cooperation and assistance.” Lama additionally stated both countries geographically contain mountainous landscapes and are culturally
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The ambassador speaking earlier this year at Nepal and Korea Partnership
bonded with centuries-old Oriental social values and practices. Nepal has developed in remarkable ways over the past decade to strengthen its credibility as a viable trading partner. Lama confirmed that indeed Nepal is the least developed country among developed Asian empires, so Lama and other government members have started to resolve this dilemma. Lama explained that the model of PPP (Public, Private and People) motivates participation from all Nepalese parties involved, ranging from government agencies and partners to local and international non-governmental organizations. Child vaccinations, maternity services, neonatal care and medical care for tuberculosis and HIV are among the government's successful programs. And with these changes, Nepal's poverty has decreased from about 50 percent in 1990 to 25 percent, so far, in 2013. According to Lama, the government's goal is to lower poverty to 10 percent by 2020. Lama credits Korea for its successful example, because as a result, Nepal is following in this empire's footsteps. “The developmental speed that Korea has achieved is worth emulating.” Lama is thrilled to share these and other thoughts from the Nepalese perspective during his Talk. Thus, he invites you personally to this special Talk on September 28 at 3 p.m. at the GIC.
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[ GIC Talk ] Schedule for September Time & Place: Every Saturday, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., GIC office (Jeon-il Bldg 5th Fl.) For more information visit www.gic.or.kr or contact gic@gic.or.kr Check out pictures from previous GIC Talks at http://picasaweb.google.com/gictalk Watch highlight clips of previous GIC Talks at www.youtube.com/GICTALK There is now an open discussion group following every talk in which the audience can talk about the day's topic with the speaker. GIC Talk welcomes your proposals for presentations on topics such as society, culture, politics, science, education or any topic of interest. If you would like to be a presenter, please contact us at gictalk@gmail.com / +82-(0)62-226-2734 September 7 Speaker: Professor Robert David Grotjohn Robert Grotjohn is a Professor of English at Chonnam National University. He teaches courses in Literature, with an emphasis in Poetry and a course in American Society and Popular Culture, in which he usually covers American Sports. He played a variety of youth sports himself and was a soccer dad, coach, and referee for many years.
Topic: Youth Sports in the U.S. America as a country is consumed with sports at all levels. No other country in the world has college sports like those in the U.S. About 75-80 percent of American children join some sort of organized sport. What are the most popular sports for young people in America? What are the differences in participation between boys and girls? Why do children play sports, while some actually quit playing sports? What are the benefits and the problems with youth sports? Come and learn the answers and more about the sports culture in the U.S. September 14 Speaker: Paul Robert Foskey Paul Foskey has an undergraduate degree in Sociology, with a minor in Drama. He also has an M.A. in Business, specializing in Human Resources Management. He arrived in Korea with his wife in March 2012 and works at a private academy in Gwangju. He has participated in various community events and maintains an active, healthy lifestyle. He has many interesting hobbies. He loves making new friends, teaching others, as well as sharing his knowledgeable skills with them.
Topic: Small Changes for a BIG Impact This talk will use a personal experience to explain the benefits of moving from an unhealthy lifestyle to a healthy one. It will give examples of healthy foods and make a case for adopting a more plant-based diet. In addition, Foskey will give examples of how making small changes in one's life, especially with one's diet, can lead to better health, happiness and enjoyment of life. Moreover, different types of vegetarianism will be cited in an attempt to give a balanced view of the pros and cons of adopting a vegetarian or plant-based eating lifestyle. Additionally, he will demonstrate that by making a major lifestyle change only through very small changes in one's daily life can have a tremendous affect. With a touch on the topic of social effects on dieting and lifestyle changes, Foskey will give specific examples on how to follow a vegetarian diet in Korea. September 21 There will be no Talk on this date due to the Chuseok holiday September 28 Speaker: Kaman Singh Lama, Ambassador of Nepal to South Korea Topic: Nepal-Korea Relations (See preview on page 30)
For you to cut and keep handy!
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culture
KOREA: In the World By Joey Nunez Photos courtesy of Helene Charbonnier and Yonhap News In this new monthly segment, we examine how Koreans live in other countries, and how Korean culture makes a global impact. So, if you know someone who sees Korea in another country or if you yourself are such a person, please e-mail gwangjunews@gmail.com.
H
elene Charbonnier recalls her first trip to Korea in 2006 as being a good experience, as well as a journey of both happy and sad emotions.
She was grateful to have visited while on business: surveying publishing houses for children's books in Seoul. Still, the happiness originated from what she saw. “It was really for me to discover what it is to be a Korean, to see other Koreans and to see how they look.” And yet, the sadness emerged because of what she did not have. “I could not speak Korean, I didn't move like a Korean, I didn't think like a Korean. So to be connected to Korean people, it was so hard because I knew that I was different, that I am from elsewhere.” Charbonnier, the president of Racines coréennes, a co-founder of the Conseil National des Adoptés, a children's book publisher and a faculty member at the University of Paris, is a Korean-born adoptee who calls France home. As a result, she has learned to live life incorporating both French and Korean cultures. “The purpose of life is to find equilibrium between these two [national] thoughts, to find my own way. Integrating a bit of Korean culture, to be more Korean and to be from what country I come from.” During her university career, Charbonnier discovered Racines, became a member, served in the Communications Department and was elected and now serves as President. Since having discussions with other adoptees at Racines, Charbonnier developed a curiosity concerning Korea. This intrigue led Charbonnier to find more Korean knowledge “without any judgment.” “Year after year, my interests grew more and more, and then, I thought I needed to go to Korea: at first not to have some answers, but just to discover Korea, to get the experience of what it is to be there.” That led to her initial visit in 2006. 32
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Charbonnier's fifth visit to Korea involved a visit to the Gwangju International Center (GIC) on July 24 in order to raise advocacy for her organizations. Gwangju News, MBC TV and Yonhap News all conducted interviews with Charbonnier, so she was satisfied with her time in Gwangju. Racines coréennes (translated as “Korean Roots”) is a French non-profit organization that has existed since 1995. According to Charbonnier, Racines' aim is: “to create a community with activities for Korean-born adoptees in France to gather, not specifically to talk about adoption, but just to make them reassured … that when they are gathered, they are not alone.” Translated from their French website, Racines strives to help adoptees find “a legitimate interest in their roots, without [rejecting another] country, much less the adopted family [and] to have a better understanding of the Korean reality and the abolition of all prejudices [that] can help them feel better about French life.” Charbonnier has considered the experience of finding one's original country for adoptees as “something universal to discover, to know more about the place that you come from.” And Racines desires to help interested French Koreans who possess this desire to achieve this discovery. Joel Meissonier's thesis findings, posted on Racines' website, summarized his interviews with several Koreans who had returned to Korea. His research showed major changes occuring when adoptees from Korea returned to their birthplace, with some even meeting their birth parents and families. According to Meissonier, as a result of their journeys, two interviewees stated: "My life is in France. But there is still a place for my family in Korea,” and “I had been so well received that I now have two families." Yet, Meissonier also concluded that idealizing “the Korean family” could be shattered by the actual meeting between adoptee and his/her family. As
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2 1. Helene, then Kang Chan-ok, taken in 1978 for adoption papers (photo courtesy of Helene Charbonnier) 2. Helene, 36 years later, on her visit to Gwangju to create awareness to the public about adoption (photo courtesy of Yonhap News)
a result, he had also concluded that the cultural differences of France from Korea can cause adoptees to be unexpectedly hesitant about learning any more about one's identity and interest in Korea, while also possibly leading adoptees to question and rebel against being French.
Inspired by Racines' success, Charbonnier has created her own organization, with the help of fellow adoptees Cecilia February and Ivann Lamy: the Conseil National des Adoptés (translated as “the National Council of Adoptees”), also headquartered in Paris, France.
Despite the benefits and disadvantages, Meissonier alluded to the fact that if adoptees are cautious, the experience is all in how one makes it. “The fact remains that identity is never 'given' once and for all, and the journey he/she makes no answer to something that is never irreversible.”
Charbonnier's personal journey of discovering her Korean identity started as a university student with Racines and will continue now and into the future, even with the help of Gwangju's GIC. “It is a center of resources, and we [adoptees] may have some questions about the city or a district. I need some connections in every single city in Korea, to connect my members … who have an intimate link with Korea.”
Among other honest testimonials, Ae-ja, a Frenchadopted Korean, shared her journey to Korea on Racines' website. Ae-ja traveled to Gyeongju for what she deemed her most important reunion. “My mother, I immediately recognized. She had not changed at all.” Ae-ja and her mother exchanged memories, with Ae-ja learning that her father had passed away and Ae-ja also understanding that they both had suffered, even while apart. “We have been through a lot together,” she stated.
For more information on Racines coréennes and the Conseil National des Adoptés, visit: www.racinescoreennes.org and www.conseilnational-adoptes.fr. English is available on both websites by clicking on “Translate this page” before accessing either website.
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event preview
[GIC Culture Tour] GIC Culture Tour
Sunchang
Words and photos by Warren Parsons
Date: September 28 Price: GIC Members 55,000 won/ 65, 000 won (non-members) Itinerary: Sunchang Red Pepper Paste Village - Granite Phallus of Sandong-ri - Lunch at Gangcheon Valley - Gangcheon Mountain County Park Registration: Please sign up at the GIC website (www.gic.or.kr) by September 15 (Sun.) For more information, e-mail: gictour@gic.or.kr
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eptember kicks off the busy harvest season and preparations for the autumn moon festival. Chuseok invites people to share the fruits of Korea's agricultural landscape with friends and family surrounded by hometown scenery. This month the GIC Culture Tour visits the rural beauty of Sunchang for an engaging culinary experience, legendary country folklore, and some twistingturning gorges through the mountains.
The menu consists of four courses and starts with a fusion style “bulgogi� pizza made with rice cake. While the pizzas are baking, participants will make popped rice snacks and pound sticky rice cake, coating it with soybean powder to make a classic imjeolmi. Finally, for the last course, participants can make gochujang from scratch and also receive a half kilogram of pepper paste to take home!
A visit to Sunchang demands a taste of the county's signature product, gochujang (red pepper paste). The Sunchang Red Pepper Paste Village, a -collective of sauce and paste makers, upholds time-honored production methods using local ingredients. In the village, participants will take a mini-cooking class that includes demonstrations and a short lecture about the ingredients.
After a morning spent in the kitchen, the tour transfers by bus for some fresh air in Sandong-ri. This village is the quintessence of Korea's agricultural heritage, but a large granite phallus beside a quiet pavilion provides a unique glimpse into the country's folklore.
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According to legend, more than 1,500 years ago, a lonely widow was carrying two giant phallic
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3 1.Red pepper paste pots at Sunchang Red Pepper Paste Village 2. Bridge at Gangcheon Temple 3. Three kinds of gochujang at the Sunchang Red Pepper Paste Village; barley, sticky rice cake, plum 4. Baeksook, the lunch on the tour 5. Granite phallus of Sandong-ri
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stones in her skirt while on her way home. When the load became too heavy to bear, she placed one stone in Sandong-ri and threw the other to Changdeok-ri. Traditionally, women who have trouble conceiving or who would like to give birth to a healthy son come to the stone to perform rites. Even up through to present-day, every January 15, women who seek help for their well being come annually to the stone to make offerings. Whether or not participants believe the legend, the stone lends insight into Korea's folk beliefs. Moving from the fields into the mountains, lunch is an invigorating meal of braised-country chicken beside a cool brook. After eating, the tour follows the stream on foot and enters Gangcheon Mountain County Park. This convoluted, deep valley has a sculpture park and several waterfalls, including clear pools of water where fairies dance
and a scenic suspension bridge connecting two sides of the gorgelike cliff walls. Within these narrow rocky confines also sits the attractively small Gangcheon Temple, built in the 9th century by the monk Doseon, who introduced the idea of pungsu-jiri, or geomancy, to the Korean Peninsula. At the end of the valley floor, “Nine Generals Waterfall� stands sentinel overall, lending its fresh spring water as one of the sources of the Yeongsan River. Swimming in the water to be refreshed is allowed and participants are invited to enjoy the afternoon at their leisure. Sunchang holds on to the kind of rural charm that makes Jeolla-do so attractive: a farming lifestyle that ensures readily available ingredients, a healthy traditional food culture and fresh open areas. It is no wonder that this region has more one-hundredyear-old residents per capita than almost anywhere else in the country. Please come out for some after Chuseok eating, exploring, forktales and nature in the undulating countryside with the GIC Culture Tour! Gwangju News September 2013
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culture
Behind the Myth: Exploring Korean Tradition This series of articles sheds light on Korean myths, folklore, traditions and superstitions. Fact or fiction, Koreans and foreigners alike will start to understand more as these myths are analyzed.
용) are important in Korean Dragons (용 mythology, so how did they come to Korea? Words and photos provided by Adam Volle
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he simplest answer is China. Archaeologists have discovered dragon statues in Henan that date back to the Stone Age. The culture that made those statues probably shared the dragon concept with the ancestors of ethnic Koreans. But China is only the birthplace of the dragon's appearance and basic associations (power, rain and luck). To truly understand Korean dragons, look to the birthplace of its stories: India.
India is the home of Buddhism, one of Korea's major religions. India is also the home of the naga, a spirit which usually takes the form of a King cobra and sometimes that of a human. The naga can fly but does not make a habit of it, for the understandable fear that a bird might attack it. As one of India's old gods, nagas have a place in most Indian religion, and Indian Buddhism is no exception. One famous naga in Indian Buddhism is Mucalinda, king of snakes. Legends say that when a storm rained upon the Buddha during his meditation, Mucalinda covered the Buddha with his hood. Afterward, Mucalinda invited the Buddha to his underwater palace and became the Buddha's first follower. If you are acquainted with East Asian dragon stories, this story sounds familiar. Chinese, Korean and Japanese mythologies all have dragon kings who live in underwater palaces. In all three countries, dragons are also the Buddha's first believers. Yes, many Buddhist stories about dragons in East Asia are actually naga stories. Moreover, every dragon story in Asia is influenced by them. Like the teachings of the Buddha, the stories of nagas told by Indian missionaries became very popular with Chinese people, and it is not hard to understand how they heard the Indians talk about large, flying snakes and thought they must be talking about dragons. 36
Gwangju News September 2013
The misunderstanding greatly changed East Asian concepts of dragons. Before Buddhism, Chinese people understood dragons controlled rain, but they did not believe a dragon might live in any river, lake or ocean. Nobody believed in dragon kings. Dragons certainly did not have the wish-fulfilling orbs which in Korean are called yeouiju yeouiju (여의주). The orbs are from an Indian legend about a jewel called the Cirimani. Most importantly, the job of dragons changed; they became protectors more than rainmakers. Indeed, dragons even became the guardians of Buddhism's Three Gems: the Buddha, the Buddha's teachings and the sangha (monks). As Korea became a Buddhist land, dragons logically became guardians of Korea itself – and though Buddhism later declined, Korean interest in dragons never has.
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culture
Korean Sayings This series of articles explores the meaning behind traditional Korean phrases. Written by a Korean, Koreans and foreigners alike will grasp more as these words from history are further explained.
Money or Friend? By Won Hea Ran 돈 잃고 친구 잃는다 You lose your money and friend Presumably, one of the hardest things to decide is lending money to a friend. Ms. Kim (32) works at a fabric manufacturing company and received a phone call one day from her 10-year-long acquaintance asking her whether she had some money. Ms. Kim, suspecting her friend's strategic request for money, decided to say no. This in turn was followed by relentless questioning about her financial state. At last, Ms. Kim answered briefly that she had about 500,000 won worth of money in surplus, which her friend immediately asked to lend her. After the first lending, Ms. Kim had been asked multiple times for money, which made her distressed because her friend was taking the money and never giving it back. In another incident, the money never came. Mr. Park, who works in a trading company, could not deny his friend's desperate request for money after being told that his mother was afflicted with an illness and he had no money to pay the required medical bills. Nevertheless, not only did his friend fail to return the money at an appointed time, but also he gave blatant excuses as having problems with his credit cards or having transferred the money into a wrong bank account. Oftentimes, what adults say during Chuseok or Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) half-jokingly seems to be the ultimate verity of some human relationships. Unless someone is being a coldhearted fellow, it is often thorny to deny a friend's earnest request, but one should always consider the ramifications, because it is much worse to lose both money and a relationship at the same time than to lose either one. The elders always advise to make an assurance by filing a formal document or just giving money as a gift. But first, one should always consider his or her financial state, because nothing is worse than falling into monetary recession after such giving.
닭 잡아 겪을 나그네 소 잡아 겪는다 You kill a cow to treat the traveler when it is ok with chicken Once, a butcher had a sore leg. It was bearable at first, not so conspicuous from the outside. The careless butcher was optimistic and left the situation as it was without visiting the hospital for a closer look, and the injury exacerbated to the point where his whole leg rotted and swelled up to a purplish bruise, even threatening his life. The trivial indifference to his little injury prompted him to cut off his right leg and live forever without it. A big fire starts with a small ember, as well as severe casualties can be caused by insignificant problems. In this proverb, the host kills the cow for beef when he could have just killed a small chicken instead. What this adage tells us is one should deal with small problems as fast as he/she can, before they multiply into causalities. A famous tragic Korean tale resulted from one small mistake known as the Utuli (아기장수 우투리, the name signifying the upper side of the body, the leader). Utuli was a conspicuous prodigy from the beginning of life. He was strong and had wings, living up to his name, Utuli, which means “the head of the tribe.” One day, Utuli asked his mother to roast beans on the fire, instructing his mother not to touch any of the beans. Nonetheless, the mother ate three beans to see whether they were fully roasted. Utuli, without knowing what happened, took the beans to a cave and stayed there for a long time. The king, fearful of Utuli, inquired several times as to Utuli's whereabouts to his mother until she told the king that Utuli was in the cave. When the king took his soldiers and attacked Utuli in the cave, Utuli came out with impregnable bean armor, which protected him from arrows and swords. However, some of the arrows pierced him through the holes made when his mother ate the beans. Utuli died because of his mother's small mistake.
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health
Stay Protected: What to look for in your sunscreen By Kristal Lee Illustrations by Faiz Alban Summer is not over yet but we are in the homestretch. Temperatures peak this month, making it much more important to stay protected in the Land of the Morning Calm, especially when it comes to your skin. Know your sunscreen and learn what to look for when purchasing a new bottle, tube, spray or stick.
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n a country which seriously focuses on skin care, it is no wonder that images of visor clad ajummas spring up when the rest of the world thinks of South Korea. Additionally, a different South Korean tradition has emerged as the new Western rage – the “secret of Korean celebrities,” BB cream. Originating in Germany in the 1960s before hitting Korean markets 25 years later, this sunscreen moisturizes like a lotion, corrects rosacea (uneven skin tones), primes the face, provides protection, acts as a balm to heal the skin and has been formulated for use in sensitive post-surgery procedures. For decades no one paid much attention to the protective potential of cosmetics, but the wide-spread use of BB Cream by Korean women (prized for their youthful, dewy and porcelain complexions) helped popularize makeup fortified with UV protection. Great News! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have enacted new labeling regulations that make it more difficult for manufacturers of products with an SPF value to deceive consumers. This includes items such as make-up, lip balms and sunscreen, as well as a variety of other beauty products for the skin. Things to keep your eyes, not skin, peeled for: “Sunblock” – Where did all the “sunblock” go? Sunscreen does not “block” the sun, so manufacturers are no longer able to use this term on the premise that it is misleading, opting for the term “sunscreen.” SPF (sun protection factor) – Use products with an 38
Gwangju News September 2013
SPF of 30 or more. Anything with an SPF of 15 or lower must contain some type of warning: "Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging." Broad Spectrum – In order to be labeled “broad spectrum,” the product now must past testing, meaning it has to be proven to protect against both UVB (sunburn causing rays) and UVA (skin cancer and premature aging inducing rays). Nonbroad spectrum products must also include the “Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert” warning. Water/Sweat Resistance – Sunscreens are neither waterproof nor sweat proof. Manufacturers are no longer allowed to label them as such. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every two hours and more frequently if you are swimming or sweating. According to new regulations, “water/sweat-resistant” sunscreens must state the amount of time it will remain protective while users swim or sweat.
Summertime Skin Myths: Myth #1: Sun tanning is perfectly fine, as long as you do not burn. Reality: Any sun/UV/tanning bed-borne tan is damaging to the skin and chances of developing skin cancer increases with sun exposure regardless of sunburn or not. Myth #2: Having a tan helps prevent sunburns. Reality: Some people prefer tanning salons for
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some skin bronzing action before hopping off to a sunny vacation destination or the beaches for summer vacation because they hear getting a “base tan” will help prevent sunburns. This statement contains little facts and more fiction. This theory is not widely substantiated, but pretanning may give protection that is equivalent to an SPF of 4. However, the single-digit number of potentially increased sun protection hardly offsets the larger damage done to skin during the initial tanning process. Myth #3: Beach umbrellas, hats and long sleeves block the sun. Reality: It is not foolproof but covering up and staying in the shade is a great way of protecting yourself while outdoors. In fact, clothing is more protective than sunscreen but remember that sand, water and even grass reflect UV. This means UV rays bounce up from the ground under or around you and can still harm you, so you should still apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Myth #4: The sun cannot penetrate through windows. Reality: Glass filters out only one kind of radiation – UVB rays. UVA rays, the type that causes skin cancer and premature aging, penetrates deeper and can get through any piece of glass. Sidenote, this explains why many drivers have more freckles on their driving-side, the side that is closer to the car window.
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fashion
Fash-On with xxl jjdp
Chuseok: Long Weekend Away Words and photos by jjdp Shot on location at the Haevichi Hotel and Resort on Jeju Island and at the Double Dragon Falls near Daegu.
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he weather in August this year has been crazy hot and, without rain to cool things down for a bit, I found myself going insane. Being a water sign myself, I have to indulge in the liquid pleasures of summer by lounging poolside with a refreshing tropical juice in hand. That is quite a hard task as Gwangju is situated in the mountains and the outdoor pools for frolicking are hard to come by. But with a little planning, you too can soon chill out and relax visiting a nearby valley or stream or hop on either a ferry or plane to visit the lovely Jeju Island.
Keep it basic. Think light vests, shorts and flip flops, but with a twist. Black swimming trunks with oversized vest is my number 1 pick as it helps to hide some of those kilos some of us might have put on over the winter. A vest in the water might seem strange, but remember in some places in Korea, flashing skin might not be appreciated very much. Therefore rather err on the side of modesty, although this depends on the situation and what those around you are wearing. But mostly feel comfortable and try not to make those around you too uncomfortable either.
Celebrate the end of summer with a long weekend away near the water's edge. And the perfect opportunity is just around the corner. This year Chuseok falls on a super long weekend, so start booking flights and hotels to an island where September temperatures hover around 28 degrees.
A quick visit to the valley is refreshing and with a lot of fresh mountain water to cool you down. Just sit back and relax with the flowing water. For my visit to Double Dragon Fountains near Daegu, I paired a black vest and swim trunks with a floppy hat and some sunglasses.
A quick weekend get-away is no biggie ,whether it is to top up your tan or just relax, but remember to look good. Not too sure? I have a couple of options for you. Enjoying the last of the warm weather and going down to the water doesn't mean that you “just� have to wear that old swimsuit. By all means, look good and feel good.
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Don't forget your sunscreen as you don't want a late sunburn that will leave you in more pain than intended. Sunglasses may vary in shape and just make sure that they protect you from the glare of the UV rays. Alas, one weekend at the valley was not enough and I decided to board a liner to Jeju Island.
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Ferries run daily from Mokpo and other southern coastal cities, but you have to book in advance during this high peak season, and they take between two to four hours. Flying is quicker but is more expensive. For the boat ride there, a pair of comfy shorts and a t-shirt combo will suffice. Opt for a light color as it will keep you cool but once on the island feel free to get as tropical as you want. The next outfit of choice is a poolside combo with a different feel from dark to bright. Go for shorterlength swim shorts for men and quick drying material for women. Also remember to rinse off your swimming attire in cold water and leave to air dry, especially if you are coming from a dip in the ocean, as the salt from the water can degrade fabric. Also, allowing it to stay moist for a long time will leave your clothing musty and can likewise lead to damage and discoloration. So be careful. Now that you have the clothing under control, just enjoy. Feel the breeze through your hair, sun on your face and sand between your toes. This is the last of summer, so soak it up! peace, xxl jjdp
Clothing: Jeans - Tommy Hilfiger Vests - H&M Blue swim shorts - H&M Hat - NC Wave White T-shirt - Uniqlo Sunglasses - Timezone
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poetry
Selected Poems by Kim Nam-ju Translated by Song Chae-Pyong and Anne Rashid Background photos by Joey Nunez Kim Nam-ju (1946-1994) was born in Haenam, Jeollanam-do and studied English at Chonnam National University. He is known as one of the Major Resistance Poets in South Korea, leading the People's Movement in the 1970s and 80s that ultimately toppled the dictatorship in Korea. Due to his activism, he was imprisoned twice, for more than 10 years in total. In prison where paper and pencil were not allowed, he wrote many poems on milk cartons with the nail he made by grinding a toothbrush. These poems were later published in two collected volumes of his prison poetry, The Sunlight on the Prison Bar. Kim's poetry bears witness to the tyranny of dictatorship and the hardships of the oppressed. He published such poetry collections as Requiem, My Sword My Blood, One Fatherland, The Weapon of Love and In This Lovely World. He received the Yun Sang-won Literary Award in 1993 and the National Literary Award in 1994. Korean activist and rock singer, An Chi-hwan, memorialized his poems in his album titled Remember.
Translators Brief Biography Song Chae-Pyong was an associate professor of English at Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan, where he taught from 2001 to 2012. He published articles on modern fiction, as well as translations of Korean poetry and fiction. His translations of Korean literature have appeared in Gwangju News, The Korea Times, New Writing from Korea, Illuminations, Metamorphoses: Journal of Literary Translation and Azalea: Journal of Korean Literature and Culture. Along with Anne Rashid, he won the Grand Prize in the Poetry Category of the 40th Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards for translating Kim Hyesoon's poems. His fields of interest included twentieth-century English literature, postcolonial literature, translation studies and globalization of culture. He sadly passed away in February of 2013. Gwangju News is proud to publish Chae-Pyong’s translated work posthumously. Anne M. Rashid is an assistant professor of English at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She and Chae-Pyong Song received the 40th Korean Literature Translation Award in Poetry Translation given by The Korea Times. Rashid and Song have published translations in New Writing from Korea, list, Gwangju News, Azalea: Journal of Korean Literature, Women's Studies Quarterly and Illuminations.
As Falling Leaves Pile Up
지는 잎새 쌓이거든
You are my longing– come over; gently push the ferry across the river– come, driving the short rain.
당신은 나의 기다림 강건너 나룻배 지그시 밀어 타고 오세요 한줄기 소낙비 몰고 오세요
You are my longing– when the falling leaves pile up between the pines, come over, gently step over a dozen piles of them.
당신은 나의 그리움 솔밭 사이사이로 지는 잎새 쌓이거든 열두 겹 포근히 즈려밟고 오세요
Come, you are my light– before the first snow melts, come, hurry, carrying a match in your chest.
오세요 당신은 나의 화로 눈 내려 첫눈 녹기 전에 서둘러 가슴에 당신 가슴에 불씨 담고 오세요
Come, come, hurry across the field, when new buds sprout– come, run, carrying an armful of news because you are my joy.
오세요 어서 오세요 가로질러 들판 그 흙에 새순 나거든 한아름 소식 안고 달려 오세요 당신은 나의 환희이니까요
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Like Water, I Flow
물 따라 흘러 가면서
On and on, where does water flow? I ask the water, following water myself. As I meet the new spring carried in by the brisk eastern wind, I will flow on and on into a stream, moisten the pebbles, wash away the dead skin on the naughty boy's feet that have sat all winter.
흘러 흘러서 물은 어디로 가나 물 따라 나도 가면서 물에게 물어본다 건듯건듯 동풍이 불어 새봄을 맞이했으니 졸졸졸 시내로 흘러 조약돌을 적시고 겨우내 낀 개구쟁이의 발때를 벗기러 가지
On and on, where does water flow? I ask the water, following water myself. As I meet a farmer in the draught under summer's penetrating sun I will flow on and on into a ditch to ease the farmer's worry and to dampen the rice stalks in the burning field
흘러 흘러서 물은 어디로 가나 물 따라 나도 가면서 물에게 물어본다 오뉴월 뙤약볕에 가뭄의 농부를 만났으니 돌돌돌 도랑으로 흘러 농부의 애간장을 녹이고 타는 들녘 벼포기를 적시러 가지
On and on, where does water flow? I ask the water, following water myself. Since the half moon rises upon the hill, soon Chusok will come. I will flow on and on over the shallows holding moonlight to run the water mill and pound rice into flour.
흘러 흘러서 물은 어디로 가나 물 따라 나도 가면서 물에게 물어본다 동산에 반달이 떴으니 낼 모래가 추석이라 넘실넘실 개여울로 흘러 달빛을 머금고 물레방아를 돌려 떡방아를 찧으러 가지
On and on, where does water flow? I ask the water, following water myself. Summer followed spring, and now fall deepens. I too will flow into a deep river gently and go to a warm port to hibernate.
흘러 흘러서 물은 어디로 가나 물 따라 나도 가면서 물에게 물어본다 봄 따라 여름 가고 가을도 깊었으니 나도 이제 깊은 강 잔잔하게 흘러 어디 따뜻한 포구로 겨울잠을 자러 가지
Freedom
자유
I am free when I work for all the people. I can't sing that I am free unless I work with everyone sweating.
만인을 위해 내가 일할 때 나는 자유 땀 흘려 함께 일하지 않고서야 어찌 나는 자유다라고 노래할 수 있으랴
I am free when I fight for all the people. I can't sing that I am free unless I fight with others bleeding.
만인을 위해 내가 싸울 때 나는 자유 피흘려 함께 싸우지 않고서야 어찌 나는 자유다라고 노래할 수 있으랴
I am free when I struggle for all the people. I can't sing that I am free unless I share the blood, sweat, and tears.
만인을 위해 내가 몸부림칠 때 나는 자유 피와 땀과 눈물을 나누어 흘리지 않고서야 어찌 나는 자유다라고 노래할 수 있으랴
Everyday people shout freedom, democracy, and the people while inside they work for their own self-interests.
사람들은 맨날 겉으로는 자유여 민주주의여 동포여 외쳐대면서도 속으로는 제 잇속만 차리고들 있으니 도대체 무엇을 할 수 있단 말인가
What in the world can we do? What can one become when one deceives oneself?
제 자신을 속이고서 도대체 무엇이 될 수 있단 말인가 제 자신을 속이고서 Gwangju News September 2013
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poetry
Korean Postcards Words and photos by Park Yeon-seong
Park Yeon-seong: Known for her instructional skills and astonishing research, Yeon-seong Park is also a creative poet and has written seven books, including W. H. Auden (co-authored, 2005), Creative English Practice (2009), Dances with Anticipating Ants (2010) and Understanding British/American War Poetry (co-authored, 2010). She resides in Gwangju with her husband, who has love for music and Korean history.
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community
Rock Climbing By SS Puri Photo by Jannies Le
A
fter rock climbing became popular as a sport in Europe and the U.S.A., the manufacture and design of rock climbing walls has evolved. Climbing is considered to be an exciting and energetic challenge that has been gradually shifted to gyms as a medium for exercise. A rock climbing wall is the best solution to your regular gym woes, as it is considered exercise for the whole body. It is a fantastic workout, with maximum pressure laid on an athlete's back and overall physique. Climbing is physically demanding. It requires strength, dynamism, balance, power, speed, endurance and focus. It is an activity that would challenge even the most-in-shape people. Going climbing is fulfilling though, because it is the act of conquering an obstacle. In addition, sport climbing is a lifetime activity. It provides enough levels of skill that it can never be mastered. It is not a high impact or contact activity, so you can continue doing it until you reach an older age. It thus is never too late to begin climbing. If you are looking for a way to include this exercise in your daily routine and do not have enough time to do so, the best possible option is to bring the exercise home. All you need to do is to erect and maintain a rock-climbing wall at home. Now mobile sport climbing walls are available. They can be moved from any location and offer a great deal of freedom to anyone thinking of organizing a climbing event or festival. The walls can be set up in less than 10 minutes.
In South Korea, physical fitness is a primary fashion statement for youth, harabojis and ajummas, as an increased number of weekend warriors have taken up rock climbing as their sport. This is in turn beginning to translate into a big business opportunity. Adventure sports-themed companies are growing steadily and the sports equipment manufacturers assert that sales have increased by as much as 10 times over the past five years. Korean sport climbers have achieved top positions in World and Asian Championships. As a result, many schools have included the activity in the sports curriculum and climbing walls have been popping up like mushrooms all over the country. It is heartening that young female climbers are on par with young male climbers. Also, the corporate sector has embraced outward-bound style leadership programs to enthuse confidence and team spirit. In our own city of Gwangju, there are many sport climbing walls. One popular wall is in Unam-dong, Buk-gu, managed by Lee Yoon Jae. With his ingenuity, Lee has converted an apartment into a climbing space, featuring challenging endurancestyle bouldering problems to conquer. In the nearby province of Gyeonggi-do, there are scores of walls that suit everybody and their varying skills. The Korean and foreign communities frequent these walls both for physical exercise and for quality time with family and friends. Due to its inherent advantages and enthusiastic participants sports climbing has a great future in Korea.
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language teaching
Because That's the Way It's Always Been Done By Dr. David Shaffer Photo courtesy of KOTESOL
Joseon Dynasty State Examinations: The Joseon Dynasty state officials' examination was the predecessor of today's high-stakes exams in Korea.
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hange is often hard to come by, and that aptly applies to the field of education in Korea. It is almost always easier to do things the way they have been done in the past, rather than to forge new plans and new methods of execution. As educators, though, we have to continuously look at current practices to ensure that they are the best practices, rather than just commonplace practices that people are satisfied with only because they are the most familiar. Here we will discuss several of the English-as-a-foreignlanguage teaching practices that are still prevalent mainly because “that's the way it's always been done.”
acquired skill. By spoon-feeding students, the teacher is only conveying information about the language, not nurturing the English skills themselves. We need to give students a lot of exposure to the language itself – not just in the receptive skills of reading and listening, but also in the productive skills of speaking and writing. We need to present material to the students so that they can inductively discover patterns and meanings on their own rather than being spoon-fed. Information that is discovered on one's own is information that is retained much longer than information that comes direct-delivery from a teacher. Spoon-feeding of language is not even best for babies.
Why Not Spoon-Feed Students?
Why Not Test, Test, Test?
In EFL classrooms here, the dominant metaphor for teaching is "the teacher as information giver;” knowledge flows one way: from teacher to student. The stereotypical English teacher conveys knowledge about English grammar, about English vocabulary or about English usage to the student, who in turn, records it, memorizes it and regurgitates it on the ubiquitous written English test. One good reason not to do this, which applies to all areas of education and not just EFL, is spoon-feeding is not nurturing. If you give students information, they might be able to recall that information for testing purposes, but for little more. They will not be equipped with the strategies and techniques needed for discovering the information on their own and thus will not be equipped for life in the real world. A second, very important reason is that English is an 46
Gwangju News September 2013
Testing in Korea is deeply rooted - in education and in history. During the Joseon Dynasty (the 15th19th centuries), securing positions in state officialdom was based on performance on stateadministered examinations on the Confucian classics, and a lot of the preparation for these high-stakes exams involved the memorization of lengthy Chinese-character texts. Little has changed over the centuries: memorization for high-stakes tests. In this tradition, English language testing has centered on vocabulary and grammar testing for two reasons: discrete item testing is easier for question making and marking, and vocabulary and grammar lend themselves to discrete item testing. As preparation for this type of test, teachers convey grammar- and vocabularyrelated factoids to students who are expected to memorize these factoids for testing purposes. Sound
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familiar? As stated above, what is happening is that students are being tested on knowledge about English, not on their ability to communicate the language. It is communication that is the fundamental reason for the existence of language. By relying on discrete item testing that focuses on grammar and vocabulary, the system produces high school graduates with 10 years of formal English education who can select the correct form of the verb to be used with a plural subject in the past-perfect tense but cannot carry out a simple oral exchange in English. Rather than focusing almost exclusively on frequent summative assessment, which this type of testing is, we need to concentrate much more of our efforts on formative assessment. We need to concentrate our efforts on assessing these skills. Summative assessment occurs at the end of a learning period; formative assessment occurs during the learning period. Summative assessment is characterized as assessment of learning and is contrasted with formative assessment, which is assessment for learning. What we need to do is concentrate more on giving our students practice in the four skills, especially in the productive skills of speaking and writing and giving them ample feedback on what areas they need to work on most and how to go about it. For language learning, discrete item testing has only very limited value, as does summative assessment.
Why Not Use Korean in the Classroom? The use of Korean in the English classroom by Korean EFL teachers is commonplace. If asked why they have opted to do this, the most prevalent response would likely be “because it is easier.” However, the unspoken reason that many do it is because of a lack of confidence in their own English-speaking skills. Korean society tends to glorify perfection but disparage anything less, and many Korean teachers would feel a loss of face if they made a mistake in using English. Using Korean in the homogeneous Korean-speaking classroom does have its advantages. It is the easiest means of communication – for not only instructions, but also for things like grammar explanations, vocabulary meaning and classroom management. The advantages of using English in the EFL classroom, in my opinion, far outweigh those of using Korean. To begin with, if the target language of English is not used for communicative purposes in the classroom, the learners will not recognize it as a real language that can be used to communicate ideas and meaning. They will think of English as merely an academic subject, as they do History, Science or Mathematics rather than a
communicative device. EFL students have few opportunities to use English outside the classroom, so they should be provided with such opportunities in ample dosages in class. By properly using English not only during the lesson, but also for classroom management activities (roll call, arranging seating, setting up equipment and tidying up the room), students' exposure to English can be greatly increased in a non-threatening environment. Students will hear and pick up language effortlessly in a natural setting. They will not only increase their English skills, but they will come to the realization that English is a living and useful language, not just something to be translated into Korean. Korean does have a niche in the EFL classroom, though. If something is just too difficult to explain in English, such as abstract vocabulary meanings or complex grammatical explanations, Korean can make a task easier, but English, combined with simple gestures and distinctive tone of voice, can make quite a lot intelligible sense and make Korean use unnecessary. Conducting second-language classes in the mother tongue and spoon-feeding students information to be memorized for discrete item testing are all vestiges of the past. We as English teachers need to espouse modern teaching techniques that have been proven to be much more effective, and lay to rest the dinosaurs of a past era. Gwangju-Jeonnam Monthly Chapter Meeting Date & Time: September 7 (Saturday), 1:30 p.m. Place: Chosun University, Main Building, Left Wing Featured Workshop: Getting Students Involved Outside of the Classroom, Tim Thompson (KAIST; Daejeon-Chungcheong Chapter) [2-hour workshop] Swap-Shop: Share your teaching ideas and activities. Admission: No Charge Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Website: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju Email: gwangju@koreatesol.org Twitter: @GwangjuKOTESOL
David E. Shaffer is the current 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 and special events. Dr. Shaffer is a professor of English at Chosun University, where he has taught graduate, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses for many years. He is a long-time member of KOTESOL and holder of various positions. He is also the recipient of the KOTESOL Lifetime Achievement Award. Gwangju News September 2013
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language study
Moving Houses By Karina Prananto and Hong Song-i Illustrations by Faiz Alban
Min-jeong : 안녕하세요, 저는 김민정입니다. 포장이사 서비스를 이용하고 싶어요. (Annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun Kim Minjeong-imnida. Pojangisa seobiseu-reul iyonghago sipeoyo.) Hello, my name is Kim Min-jeong and I am calling to ask for a complete moving service, please. Staff
: 네, 주소가 어떻게 되세요? (Ne, jusoga eotteokke dweseyo?) Certainly. Where do you live now and where do you want to move to?
Min-jeong : 현재 아파트는 5층이고 10층으로 이사할 거예요. 금남로 1가 500-101번지이고, 충장로 4가로 이사할 거예요. 이사 비용이 얼마예요? (Hyeonjae apateuneun 5(o)cheungigo 10(sip)cheung-euro isahal geoyeyo. Geumnamro 1(il)ga 500-101beonjiigo, Chungjang-ro 4(sa)garo isahal geoyeyo. Isa biyong-i eolmayeyo?) Currently I am in a 5th floor apartment, and I will move to the10th floor. I would like to move from Geumnam-ro 1Ga, number 500-101, to Chungjang-ro 4 Ga. How much is it for the service? Staff
: 먼저 짐을 확인해야 해요. 이번 주 토요일에 가도 될까요? (Meonjeo jim-eul hwakin haeya haeyo. Ibeon ju toyoi-re gado dwelkkayo?) Well, we have to see how many items you have before giving you a cost estimate. Will this Saturday be convenient for you, so we can come over and see?
Min-jeong : 네, 10시 반에 오실 수 있어요? (Ne, 10(yeol)si ban-e osil su isseoyo?) Yes, please. Can you come at 10:30 a.m.? Staff
: 네, 알겠습니다. 토요일에 가겠습니다. (Ne, algetseumnida. Toyoi-re gagetseumnida.) Sure. We will come over on Saturday.
On Saturday ... Staff
: 짐을 봤는데 가구가 좀 많아요. 더 높은 층으로 이사하시니까 이사 비용이 60만원입니다. 언제 이사하실 거예요? (Jimeul bwatneunde gaguga jom manhayo. Deo nopeun cheung-euro isahasinikka isa biyong-i 60(yuksip)man won imnida. Eonje isahasil geoyeyo/) We have seen the items and you have quite a lot of furniture. Also, because you are moving to a higher floor, the price for the complete service will be 600,000 won. When would you like to move?
Min-jeong : '손 없는 날'이 9월 4일이니까 그날 할게요. ‘ ( Son eobneun nal’-i 9(gu) wol 4(sa)il inikka geunal halkeyo.) September 4. I heard it is a“No Spirit Day.” Staff
: 알겠습니다. 8 시쯤에 짐 싸러 가겠습니다. (Algetseumnida. 8(yeodol)si jjeum-e jim ssareo gagetseumnida.) Sure. We will come over on that day around 8 a.m. to start packing.
LIVING TIPS – Moving House within Korea If you would like to move within the country, you can call a moving company (이삿짐센터). Costs for the moving service vary on the following conditions: location, amount of items and labor. Before a company can quote a price, a representative may want to see how many items you have by visiting your house in advance. There are several kinds of moving service, but the most popular ones are the packing service (포장이사) and the standard moving service (이사서비스). If you choose the packing service, the moving company will do everything from packing items, moving them to unpacking at your new location. The latter just provides the moving service. The moving agency will come a few days in advance to your current location to provide some boxes for you to fill and will simply move it on your chosen day. In Korea, there is a “no Spirit Days” (손 없는 날) culture, which is very popular for moving. On these days, spirits are believed to “stay” at your old house and not move together with you. Therefore, moving companies may be booked solid, so you should book far in advance. If you want to know when it is a “safe” day to move, you can give the company a call and ask to know what are the “safe days.” These days are usually the same throughout the country. 48
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language study
Words and photos by Sun Hyunwoo There are a lot of interesting idiomatic expressions that stem from cultural backgrounds and are difficult to translate literally. Every month in collaboration with「Talk to Me in Korean」, you can read about some fun and useful Korean expressions.
물 만난 고기
[mul man-nan go-gi]
Literal translation: a fish that met water Actual usage: be in your comfortable field, be like a fish in the water
물 [mul] means water and 만난 is the past tense of the verb “to meet.” 고기‚ [go-gi] in this case means “fish.” It can also be translated into “meat,” but here 고기 refers to 물고기‚ which means fish. So literally, this expression means “a fish that met water.” In English there is the expression: “fish out of water,” which means you are feeling uncomfortable in a certain situation by being away from your familiar surroundings. With this expression, however, the opposite is true. We know that fish are most comfortable in water. When you are good at something, you feel very comfortable doing it, and people can say that you are a 물 만난 고기. In English you could translate this as: “being in your element” or being good at what you are doing “like a fish in the water”. It is usually a sudden occurrence as in entering a certain field and suddenly feeling completely comfortable in it. For example, you might not have known that you were born to be a broadcaster, but then you try it out and feel completely at ease. You are in your element. If you have been doing something for a very long time and are good at it for that reason, you would usually not use this expression.
입이 짧다
[ib-i jjalb-da]
Literal translation: the mouth is short Actual usage: to have a small appetite, to eat like a bird
입 [ib] is the mouth, and 짧다 [jjalb-da] means “to be short.” You cannot, however, literally have a “short mouth.” 입이 짧다 is an idiomatic expression and means that someone has a small appetite. In English you could also say “입이 짧아요” about someone who “eats like a bird.” If someone can never finish their meals and only eats a tiny amount each time, they are an 입이 짧은 사람, a person with a small appetite. In some cases it can also refer to picky eaters, because when you are picky about your food, you do not each much. You only choose the things you like, which is often the case with children. A lot of children can be 입이 짧은 children. Variation and example: 그 사람은 입이 짧아서, 뷔페에 가면 돈이 아까워요 [geu sa-ra-meun i-bi jjal-ba-seo bwi-pe-e ga-myeon do-ni a-kka-wo-yo.] = He has a small appetite, so when we go to a buffet, it feels like a waste of money. Gwangju News September 2013 49
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food
Camping Fun All Year Round Words and photos by Jannies Le
B
arbeque is a staple in today's Korean cuisine. Customers sit at communal tables and grill beef, pork, chicken, duck or seafood on tabletop grills. Interesting fact: Korean Barbecue was not invented until after the Korean War in restaurants. A popular way to eat any meat is to wrap it in a piece of lettuce with some garlic, ssamjang (a mix of pepper paste, fermented soybean paste, garlic and other seasonings), and spring onion salad. Most restaurants provide banchan (side dishes) with the meat, with rice available to order. The Back Yard Kitchen: This new concept restaurant lets you camp and barbeque for dinner, by recreating the experience within a relaxed restaurant atmosphere to be enjoyed year-round! The Backyard crew takes pride in their meat, also importing Kingsford charcoal from the United States and furnishing the restaurant with Korean camping equipment. Atmosphere: The atmosphere incorporates the theme well. The restaurant has decorated the “front yard” to include a mini-pool, camper chairs, a hammock, lights from trees and patio barbecue tables. Inside, the same camper chairs and dark steel tables appear. The menu is printed on plaques of wood. After dark, the restaurant provides lanterns at each table. It is relaxing to just sit with a group of friends, barbequing, eating, drinking and talking. The Back Yard Kitchen Address: 광주 서구 쌍촌동 986-3번지 (986-3 Ssangchon-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju) Opening Hours: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Buses: 16, 19, 69, 72, 760 Direction: The restaurant is close to the Ssangcheon Subway Station. Take Exit Two and walk straight. When you reach Ssangcheon-ro, make a left. At the Volvo dealership, make a right and then another right. From the Honam University Entrance (호남대 입구) Bus Stop, walk away from the McDonalds and make your first right at the Volvo dealership. Then take your first right again and the restaurant is on your right hand side. For more info: 062-376-9282 or www.facebook.com/backyardki
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Service: The service was friendly and attentive; once seated, you receive a plate of side dishes, good kimchi, lettuce, garlic and sauces. We even got some soft drinks and chicken wings as “service.” Food: The menu includes chicken wings, beef, shrimp, barbecue pork ribs, sausages and neck meat. They also have ramen and rice, both cooked on the grill. For drinks, vodka, soju, wine, and draft and bottled beer are available. I tried their frozen beer, where they freeze the foam on top. It makes the drink extra refreshing and I would recommend it during this season. I got to try the chicken wings, pork ribs, neck meat and sausages. The chicken and ribs were marinated with rosemary and a simple but savory barbeque sauce. The potato salad was creamy and light. The pork neck meat was not seasoned, which was perfect because the charcoal and accompanying vegetables complimented it well. Six types of sausages came out, each having its own distinct taste. Prices: The prices range from 3,000 won for ramen, 10,000 won for sausages or shrimp to 25,000 won for two racks of ribs. The beer prices are the same every day. For the atmosphere and service you receive, the price is more than fair.
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food
Biji Stew 비지찌개 Words and photos by Lee Jungmi
O
ne food that must be eaten every meal is beans. Beans are known to be rich in vegetable protein. They prevent disease and contain nutrition that menopausal women need, in particular. While making Biji Stew, you can eat the stew separately, but it will be more delicious if you eat it mixed with rice.
Things to prepare (serves 2 - 3 people) 300 grams of beans, 200 grams of kimchi, 200 grams of pork, 200 milliliters of anchovy and kelp meat broth, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of crushed garlic, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and a bit of salted shrimp
Cooking Steps 1. Prepare 200 milliliters of anchovy and kelp meat broth. 2. Keep beans soaked in water, then grind them. 3. Drip some sesame oil into a pot. Fry the pork, kimchi and crushed garlic. 4. Put the meat broth, biji (ground beans) and salted shrimp in the pot. 5. Boil for 20 minutes and serve when cooled.
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[CROSSWORD] By Mike Schroeder
[Across]
[Down]
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Leather factory Folk music shindig Guessing game Mac messaging program Party for Palin Winter Olympics races NBA official Headline maker of April 1912 1985; Christopher Lyod; DeLorean Coin of many countries 1978 FIFA World Cup winner Huxtable family mom South Jeolla city Poppy drug Sentence rules Pohang company You may precede it, but I can't Green Bay _______. Japanese industrial center Drink served in a masu Gwangju News September 2013
1992 World Series winner 1998, Coen Bros Chinese "way" Montreal-based show brand 2011 superhero movie Gift for a lucky graduate Camera setting Game in which the highest cards are the bowers They may be saturated 1995, Kevin Spacey film High school course Alternative to convertibles Appliance sound Worries risk, they say Opposite of nope “You are __ ______ beautiful� Joe Cocker hit Authentic Kwik-E-Mart propretor
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[CROSSWORD] Last Month’s Answers
Gwangju Guidebook Want to do, see and experience more in Gwangju? Find out what to do, what sights to see and what fun to be had through Gwangju Guidebook. Or if you need information on the go, the Gwangju Guidebook is now available through its mobile version. Easy to read and navigate, now you can have all the information about Gwangju, in your hands on your phone! For accessing the Guide, please visit: www.gwangjuguide.or.kr
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Community Board Have something you want to share with the community? Gwangju News’ community board provides a space for the community to announce club’s activity, special events and so on. Please send us the information to gwangjunews@gmail.com.
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.
Sungbin Home for Girls Sungbin Home for Girls is looking for creative/ active/ energetic/ outgoing/ enthusiastic long-term 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.
Gwangju Ice Hockey Team
Cats to have
Looking for men and women of all ages to join us every Saturday night from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Yeomju Ice Rink near World Cup Stadium. If you are interested, contact Andrew Dunne at atdunne@gmail.com
They are free, but you need to vacinate them. They are Korean short hairs. The cats are 19 months old. Contact Lynne at 010-8692-9101 or e-mail lelie0072003@yahoo.com
Gwangju Meditation Group Gwangju Meditation Group meets every Monday at the GIC between 7:30 and 9 p.m. We begin with some gentle yoga stretches and then introduce basic Buddhist meditation techniques and read passages from selected Buddhist teachers. Email ross.chambers29@gmail.com or search for Gwangju Meditation Group on Facebook for more information.
The Gwangju Photography Club The Gwangju Photography Club is a place where many different people can meet, share advice, give ideas, and practice photography. Every month, the Photography Club goes on a photo outing to different places around the city and country to capture the moment and practice new techniques. Anyone is welcome to join the photography group and help share in the experience. To join the group, search Gwangju Photography Club on Facebook.
Translation Services Available at the GIC Translation services are now available at the GIC. Languages include English and Korean for reasonable prices. Types of documents that can be translated are: certificates, newsletters and/or reports. For more information, please contact the GIC at 062-226-2733/34 or gic@gic.or.kr
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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 (#photogwangjuplus)” at: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/11068734 2506867002799
Gwangju's Young Adult Cross-Cultural Exchange 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.
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