(EN) Gwangju News December 2013 #142

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www.gwangjunewsgic.com

December 2013 Issue No. 142

On The Cover:

Yiombi Thona Congo Native finds Korean Sanctuary

Create and Gift Art For Free, Free For All

Adopt A Child Be the Reason for Cheer!

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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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Gwangju News December 2013

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December 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: Professor Robert Grotjohn Editor: Joey Nunez Layout Editor: Karina Prananto Coordinators: Karina Prananto, Kim Minsu Photo Editors: Karina Prananto, Simon Bond Chief Proofreader: Bradley Weiss Copy Editors: Heinrich Hattingh, Jessica Keralis, Kaley LaQuea, Joey Nunez, Jon Ozelton, Jenn Tinoco, Bradley Weiss Proofreaders: Timm Berg, Vanessa Cisneros, Christie Fargher, Brian Fitzroy, Jessica Keralis, Dhyana Kim, Fellin Kinanti, Jannies Le, Carrie Levinson, Michael Moak, Gabi Nygaard, Jennifer Peedin, Stephen Redeker, Samantha Richter, Pete Schandall, Johnathan Sonnen, Teri Venable, Gilda Wilson Creative Consultant: Warren Parsons Researchers: An Se-in, Jeon Se-na, Kim I-seul, Park Seong-yeop Illustrator: Faiz Alban

Professor Yiombi Thona Photograph: Simon Bond Flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo courtesy of Craig Lowe

[ Professor Yiombi Thona ]

Enduring Dark Turmoil before Experiencing Bright Peace

By Joey Nunez

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

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: November 25, 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

This Month in Gwangju Upcoming Events

contents

features 12 16 18

Enduring Dark Turmoil Before Experiencing Bright Peace Revolutionary Jeolla Province Cooking Up Change

community 20 28 34 35

Free Art for All Birds and Place Birds and Bewilderment Adopt a Child for Christmas

photography 24 25 26

Photo of the Month: Caught in the Wind Smart Phone Photography Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk

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Photo by John Smith III

Revolutionary Jeolla Province

culture 11 32 36 37

Dear Korea KOREA: In the World – Myanmar Korean Myths: Invasions of Korea Korean Sayings: Flipping Hoddeok

travel 22 30 31 45

Trans-Siberian Railway GIC Culture Tour to Hampyeong GIC Culture Tour 2013 in Review My Korea: Jirisan Mountain

health 38

The Smartest of Smartphones get to Play Doctor

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Photo by Simon Bond

Cooking Up Change

fashion 40

Wickedly Cool

poetry & language 42 44 46 48 49

Early Winter Poems by Kim Yong-taek and Chung Ho-seung Postcards Poetry What to do with the EFL Learner Without Motivation?

Language Study: At the Hospital Learn Korean Idiomatic Expressions with TTMIK

food 50 51

Miss Saigon: Vietnamese Noodle, Rice & Wrap Golbimmyeon 골빔면

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52 54

Crossword Community Board

Free Art for All

Photo by Adam Greenberg

Gwangju News December 2013

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Meet a GN Contributor Kaley LaQuea (Copy Editor, U.S.A.) I hail from Orlando, town of tourists and oranges. My mother was a journalist with an incurable case of wanderlust for most of her youth; my father is still the freest spirit I know. My sister and I both take after these two incredible people. The apple does not fall far from the tree, so it seems.

I have been teaching English in Gwangju since February of this year and it has been a fantastic experience. I have met great people and have been afforded wonderful opportunities to become involved in an already vibrant community. I am currently a Copy Editor and Writer for Gwangju News, a publication that consistently goes above and beyond for its readership. I am happy to be part of such a great team.

Outside of the classroom so far this year, I have spent my time helping to organize a new chapter of Hollaback in Korea, an international organization focused on raising awareness about street harassment, and working with the GFN Show, City of Light. I am a novice knitter, an intermediate Spanish speaker and an origami expert.

In my spare time I enjoy cave spelunking and occasionally sleeping upside down like a bat. My dog, Gatsby, has a Napoleon complex. I hope to one day own a fat cat, the Great Catsby, to be his sidekick. Once, while on vacation in the Bahamas, I managed to talk down a group of pirates who had taken over a coffee shop. On weekends, I practice urban parkour and tend to my peanut farm.

Do you want to experience Korea?

Then this program is for you!

Experience Korean culture at Hyanggyo, a traditional Confucian school.

Experience Programs (2 hours, at least 10 people) Basic Programs (2 Hours) - Experience wearing Hanbok (Traditional Costumes) - Learn the etiquette of hand gestures, greetings and bowing - Drink green tea - Explore Hyanggyo and watch movies Optional Programs (additional cost) - Experience a Korean traditional wedding ceremony - Experience a coming of age celebration - Watch a performance of Korean Classical Music and Fan Dance - Make kimchi, traditional confections and rice cakes - Play traditional Korean games such as Tuho and Yut 7-8, 95 Angil, Jungan-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju 503-818, South Korea E-mail: swk2013@daum.net Website: www.swk2013.com Tel: 062-431-6501

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This Month in Gwangju A brief roundup of news stories from in and around Gwangju

Words by Carl Hedinger Photo Courtesy of the Kimdaejung Convention Center Feedback on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)

Students organized movement to pursue their dreams and liberated lives Image courtesy of mpva.tistory.com

Student Independence Movement Memorial Day Commemoration

The annual CSAT (수 능 ) has been deemed “too difficult” this year, as a majority of students reported the exam questions were trickier than expected.

Students and teachers in Gwangju said that both versions of the Korean language section were more difficult than last year, while questions for math were the same as expected, compared to previous years. Students also gave a substantial amount of negative feedback regarding the English portion of the exam. The bottom 31 percent of test takers in that subject chose to take version A of the test.

However, it was only noted that questions in version B were more difficult than expected.

Several ceremonies were held in Gwangju to celebrate the Student Independence Movement Memorial Day, the most notable event being the Gwangju Youth Independence Festival, held on November 2 on Geumnam-ro. This festival is significant because it is planned and hosted by students and youth organizations. They aim to encourage fellow young people to pursue their own dreams and live independent lives by remembering their predecessors' liberal spirits.

Additionally, this day was designated as a national memorial day to remember the Gwangju Student Independence Movement against the Japanese occupation on November 3, 1929. Due to discrimination against Koreans at that time, much anti-Japanese resentment was brewing amongst students and the anger exploded into a conflict between Korean and Japanese students in Gwangju. The fighting transformed into an independence movement among students across the country and is still a point of historical pride for Koreans today.

Women's Film Festival Held at the Gwangju Visual Content Center, the 4th Women's Film Festival was held on November 6 through 10, featuring 20 films. This year's theme centered on healing women who are suffering from discrimination and neglect. Kim Seong Hui's Roh Lah-no was chosen to close the festival. The film is named after Korea's legendary fashion designer and focuses on the dramatic changes in the local fashion industry during the 1960s. Each movie was available free of charge and audience members were encouraged to make donations to support the festival.

Major Business Convention held in Gwangju The 12th Annual World Korean Business Convention (Hansang Convention) was held in the Kimdaejung Convention Center from October 29 to 31. Its purpose is to build a global business network based on spontaneous participation of domestic and Korean overseas businesspeople and to enhance global competitiveness among Koreans. In Gwangju, more than 400 enterprises participated in the business exhibition, and 120 business leaders from 30 countries joined as well.

This year's convention saw the highest number of participants and in addition has been recognized for improving the local economy and invigorating the global business network. The 13th Hansang Convention will be held in Busan next year.

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Upcoming Events: December 2013 Compiled by Karina Prananto, An Se-in, Jeon Se-na, Kim I-seul, Park Seong-yeop

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

Farewell, My Queen 페어웰 ,마이퀸

Genre: Drama Director: Benoit Jacquot Starring: Diane Kruger, Lea Seydoux, Virginie Ledoyen Language: French Synopsis: The movie tells about the last days of Marie Antoinette, the French queen who died during the French Revolution. The story is seen from the perspective of Sidonie Laborde, a young servant and a supporter of the French royal family.

Promised Land 프라미스드 랜드

Genre: Drama Director: Gus Van Sant Starring: Matt Damon, Chris Moore, John Krasinski Language: English Synopsis: Two salesmen are sent to visit a rural town to get the rights to obtain the natural gas resources in the area. Feeling positive that they can easily seal the deal, the pair faces objections from the local citizens.

そして父になる (Like Father, Like Son) 그렇게 아버지가 된다

Genre: Drama Director: Hirokazu Koreeda Starring: Masaharu Fukuyama, Machiko Ono, Yoko Maki Language: Japanese Synopsis: Ryota is a successful businessman and plans to hand over his business to his son.

However, after finding out from the hospital that his son was switched after birth, Ryota must choose between his real son or the son who has been living with him all these years.

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Gwangju News December 2013

Mud 머드

Genre: Drama Director: Jeff Nichols Starring: Matthew McConnaughey, Tye Sheridan, Reese Witherspoon Language: English Synopsis: Mud is an eccentric man who lives in a boat on a small island in the Mississippi River.

Two young boys who happen to be playing near the boat see Mud. Mud asks for their help, but the boys are hesitant to assist. Later on, the boys find out that Mud is a fugitive, so what secret does Mud hold?

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advertisement

Welcome to December! See what is happening at the Holiday Inn Gwangju this month!

Performances

Hourglass Restaurant Hourglass Christmas (booking is essential):

Yiruma Concert 이루마 콘서트 – 광주

Venue: Gwangju Culture and Art Center Date: December 29 Time: 3 p.m.

Admission Fees: VIP seats 88,000 won, R Seats 77,000 won, S Seats 66,000 won, A Seats 55,000 won.

Kenny G Concert 케니지콘서트 – 광주

Venue: Kimdaejung Convention Center Date: December 8 Time: 6 p.m.

Admission Fees: RVIP seats 198,000 won, VIP seats 176,000 won, R Seats 143,000 won, S Seats 121,000 won, A Seats 99,000 won.

Phone Numbers: 1544-1555 (Interpark Tickets), 1588-7890 (Ticket Link)

Air Supply Live in Gwangju 에어서플라이 – 광주

With Christmas day falling on a Wednesday this year, we have decided to extend our special Christmas buffet from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, December 25.

Smoked salmon, oyster bar, roasted turkey, honey glazed ham carving station and chocolate pudding will be available.

Lunch: 42,000 won (including tax) per person Dinner: 55,000 won (including tax) per person Reservations are necessary, so please call: 062-610-7061~2

Buffet with fresh scallops, mussels and crabs for dinner

Venue: Kimdaejung Convention Center Date: December 21 Time: 7 p.m.

Admission Fees: VVIP seats 176,000 won, VIP Seats 154,000 won, R Seats 143,000 won, S Seats 110,000 won Phone Number: 1544-1412 (Interpark Tickets)

Sports The 2013 seasons for the Gwangju FC and the KIA Tigers have ended. Both teams thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you in 2014!

Enjoy our Hourglass Dinner Buffet with fresh scallops, mussels and crabs.

A complimentary glass of red wine is included at the regular price of 41,500 won (including tax) To make reservations and for more information, please contact: 062-610-7000 or www.holidayinngwangju.com

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Festivals

Boseong Green Tea Plantation and Light Festival 보성차밭 빛축제

Venue: Dahyanggak Pavilion Observatory Area: Yeongcheon-ri, Hoecheon-myeon, Boseong, Jeollanam-do.

Dates: December 13, 2013 - February 2, 2014 Times (Lights on): Mon. - Thurs. 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. / Fri. - Sun. 6 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Programs: Lighting ceremony, Street of Lights, Milky Way Tunnel, Theme Street, Performances.

Directions: Take the bus to Boseong from the USquare Bus Terminal (Frequency: every 30 minutes).

From the Boseong Bus Terminal, take a local bus bound for Yulpo and get off at the Boseong Green Tea Plantation.

Phone Number: 061-850-5211~5214 Website: http://festival.boseong.go.kr/index.boseong

Yeosu Hyangiram Temple Sunrise Festival 여수향일암 일출제

Venue: Hyangiram, Impo Village, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do.

Dates: December 31, 2013 - January 1, 2014 Program: New Year's Eve Party, making Wishes with Candles, Campfire, Sunrise Ceremony, Talent Contest, share Tteokguk (rice cake soup).

Directions: Take the bus to Yeosu from the U-Square Bus Terminal (Frequency: every 20~30 minutes).

From the Yeosu Bus Terminal, take the local buses, no. 111, 113, or 116, and get off at the Impo Bus Stop (Hyangiram).

Phone Number: 061-690-2041~3 Website: www.ystour.kr/kr/festival/hyangilam.jsp

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Gwangju News December 2013

2014 Ttangkkeut Sunset Sunrise Festival 2014 땅끝해넘이해맞이축제

Venue: 42 Ttangkkeutmaeul-gil, Songji-myeon, Haenam, Jeollanam-do.

Dates: December 31, 2013 - January 1, 2014 Program: Music Festival, Sunset and Sunrise Ceremony, Lighting of the Torch, Korean Traditional Dance Performance, Disco Party, Fireworks, Candlelight Ceremony.

Directions: Take the bus to Haenam from the U-Square Bus Terminal. From the Haenam Bus Terminal, take a local bus bound for Ttangkkeut (Frequency: every 50 minutes).

Phone Numbers: 061-530-5919, 061-532-1330 Website: http://tour.haenam.go.kr/index.do

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Exhibitions The Wind Blowing on the Bamboo Grove 대숲에 부는 바람 風竹

Venue: Gwangju National Museum Dates: November 12 February 2, 2014 Times: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. / Closed on Mondays Admission Fee: Free Directions: For Buses no. 29, 48, 63, 84 or 95, get off at the Gwangju National Museum or the Gwangju National Museum Entrance Bus Stops.

Phone Number: 062-570-7000 Photo courtesy of Gwangju National Museum

Joint Exhibition of Korean and Chinese Painters 수묵월류를 찾아서

Venue: Uijae Art Museum, Mudeungsan Mountain Dates: November 19 - December 31 Times: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission Fees: Adult 2,000 won, Youth 1,000 won Directions: For Buses no. 09, 35, 50, 51 or 54, get off at Jeungsim-sa (the last stop), then walk towards Jeungsimsa. The art gallery is located on the way to the temple.

Phone Number: 062-222-3040

Photography of Choi Min Shik Childhood 최민식 사진전 '소년시대'

Venue: Lotte Gallery Dates: November 15 December 11 Times: 10 a.m. - 7: 30 p.m.

Admission Fee: Free Directions: By taking buses 19, 38, 57, 70, 160, 170, 184 or 1187, get off at the Lotte Department Store.

Photo courtesy of Lotte Gallery The gallery is located on the first floor of the main office of Kwangju Bank, which is located next to the Lotte Department Store.

Phone Number: 062-221-1807

Artist Ju Hong Private Exhibition: “Pattern - Inspiration” 작가 주홍 '무늬 - 영감' 개인전 Venue: Culture and Art Space May Hall Dates: November 27 - December 10 Times: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Closed on Sundays) Admission Fee: Free Directions: Take the subway to the Culture Complex Station, and take Exit no. 1. Go across the street towards the Printing Company Street, which is just on the opposite side to the right. The art gallery is located on the second floor of the May Hall Building. For buses no. 09, 12, 36, 45, 51, 55, 59, 61, 98, 151 or 518, get off at the Culture Complex Bus Stop. Then walk to the Printing Company Street.

Phone Number: 010-6791-8052

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feature

[ Professor Yiombi Thona ]

Enduring Dark Turmoil before Experiencing Bright Peace Words by Joey Nunez Photos by Simon Bond and Jung Heesu

C

an you imagine?

First, picture yourself at school, living kilometers away and crying yourself to sleep.

Second, visualize traveling over 700 kilometers, on foot and by car, waiting for bridges to be repaired, moving with swollen legs and suffering from sickness. In the course of two months, you finally arrive, only to be told that you will have to apply next semester in order to get into your desired university program.

Last, envision fleeing your own country, because another country's government has turned against you. You must gain refugee status while not knowing a new county's language or culture.

How would you feel? Professor Yiombi Thona does not have to imagine, as they are portions of his story. Despite these adverse scenarios, Thona still considers himself a positive person, only describing the negative for contextual purposes.

On November 9, Thona shared his perspectives on life as a refugee during a GIC Talk. The title of his presentation: “From dog feeding to University Professor: A trip to 'benchmark,'” allowed Thona to show his transition from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Republic of Korea. Thona “benchmarked” his talk, as summarizing his own life story has proven to be challenging. During an additional interview on November 1, Thona described, in specific detail, how he came to Asia from Africa.

Thona's life began in Western Congo born into a kingdom family, as royalty comes from both sides.

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Still today, his brother and other family members are tribal rulers in the Congo. If Thona were king, his highest value would be placed on people rather than materials. “People living as humans are money. And everyone I see, they are human beings, like me. So I would never support injustice,” Thona explained.

Changes occurred in Thona's childhood when Thona's father, the king, was “arrested” and deported to Belgium to pursue further studies.

Thona's father, a doctor, later returned to his village, not desiring to stay overseas or in one of Congo's major cities, so that he could provide free medical aid to his people. This fond memory of loyalty and service is one that Thona proudly remembers of his dad.

Thona's first challenge was moving against his will to study in school at the age of 13. His father feared that if Thona stayed in his village any longer, Yiombi would not have otherwise received an education. So Thona was educated, at a costly price. Since school, Thona has never returned nor ever intends to return to his village.

After high school, Thona decided he wanted to go further, educationally and geographically.

Making the two-month trek to apply at the University of Kinshasa in Kinshasa, Congo, only to be rejected, was discouraging, as Thona desired to walk in his father's professional footsteps. Those in administration checked availability in several of the university's programs, despite the school year already having begun. They found an opening in the Economics department. Thona knew he could not make the return trip without even attempting university, so he applied and was accepted into this department.

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University residents were informed of Thona's financial situation, and a priest graciously supported him financially during his time of studying. After a fully-funded first year and with the second just about to begin, the priest died in a car accident. Thona once again lacked support, but he still wanted to study. Finding a temporary solution, Thona left school, moved into the city of Kinshasa, started teaching high school mathematics part-time for one year and saved enough money to return to university the next year.

He finished his university degree four years later (Typical Congolese undergraduate programs take five years to complete). Thona then went on to pursue his Masters.

While finishing his Doctorate, one of Thona's professors asked him about another type of job. “I changed my life,” Thona stated, after explaining how he agreed, applied and was accepted to work with the National Intelligence Agency as a spy. The first year Thona was trained as an informant to access information regarding professors and students. While supervisors said that Thona was great at his line of work, his reaction looking back is, “I am sorry for what I did.”

For the first time, everything seemed to be going in his favor. He knew life would change slightly, especially during his second year when he traveled for work. Everything, however, changed.

“I got support from colleagues and directly bought my car,” Thona explained, as he also became more trusted with classified information that very few in the Congo knew.

For eight years, Thona stated that he felt like a human being while working for the government.

Before and after that time, up until his current work at Gwangju University as a professor, Thona felt he was just struggling. “Since the first grade, I had one pair of trousers and one t-shirt. If they were dirty, I would wash them at night. And the next morning, I would put them on and go. And if the weather was a little bit cold and the clothes were not dry, I had to wear them.”

The greatest challenge Thona has faced was escaping the Congo. According to Thona, the Rwanda Genocide weakened Congo's government. Rwanda's former Tutsi and Hutu tribes (in the name of peace, all Rwanda citizens are now classified as Rwandan) were in conflict, especially in 1994. After the assassinations of the Presidents of Rwanda and Burundi, the minority Tutsis (estimated at 15 percent of Rwanda's population) gained national control, forcing the majority Hutus (roughly 85 percent) to leave Rwanda. Thona stated that the United Nations was

responsible for funneling all refugees into the Congo.

Having the Rwandan army, bank and government officials present in the Congo influenced and transformed Thona's government. Thona could no longer report what was really happening with the internal reorganizing of his government. His estimates claim that 60 percent of officials in the Congo were actually Rwandan.

Thona thus had three options: “jail, die, or refugee.” Choosing the last option, he escaped, after his third period of imprisonment and then headed to Beijing, China, which Thona described as a non-viable option for staying. The world's most populated country has never accepted refugee applications. Furthermore, the Congo and China have strong ties diplomatically, so with Thona as an enemy of the Congo, he was an enemy of China, too.

After failing to find refuge at the Thai and Ethiopian embassies, Thona approached the Korean Gwangju News December 2013 13

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embassy. Three days later, he was approved for a Korean visa and boarded ships, which he thought were heading to Pyongyang. Instead, Thona found himself between Incheon and Seoul, mistaking the cities as “one big city, with buildings and roads everywhere.”

Thona's first word for Korea was “strange.” “The people were strange. In my country, when you pass people, people on the streets walk slowly. If you see people walking fast, there is a problem.

But, everyone was walking quickly in Seoul, so I thought, 'Oh, is there a problem here? Is there war? What is going on here?'”

It was 2002, and Thona started to adjust to his new life in Seoul, learning Korean by using French as a medium, and later, teaching himself English.

Despite experiencing multiple misfortunes, Thona kept going. On his third day in Korea, consuming a bottle of soju, mistaking it for a bottle of water, left him recovering from his first and only hangover.

(Remembering his Catholic upbringing at age 13, he does not drink alcohol.) During his first month in Korea, his first job, dog-feeding, was technically illegal. During his first few years in Korea, Thona was promised work that never materialized. Thona had also been hospitalized twice for serious injuries acquired while working temporary jobs.

The greatest mishap though, Thona claims, was his misunderstanding and incorrectly answering 14

Gwangju News December 2013

questions during his preliminary application for Korea's refugee visa status, delaying his refugee visa for six years. Compared to three of Thona's friends from Congo, who were arrested the same day, and who fled the same day and applied for refugee status in Europe around the same time, applied and were granted the same status after five months.

Despite the darkness, Thona has kept walking toward the light, now having reached a piece of it in Gwangju, the City of Light. Thona even agreed that it is right for him to be within the “Human Rights heart” of Korea. His faith in God as a Christian, and the support of his own family, a wife and now four children, have inspired him to persevere. Once in Korea, Thona received overwhelming support as a refugee spokesperson from multiple television, newspaper and magazine

December2013 2013.11.253:48PM Page15

affiliates asking him to share his story. During that period, Thona was approached by Dr. Kim HyukJong, the current president of Gwangju University, to teach as a professor in Gwangju. The interviewing committee was so impressed with Thona that instead of contacting him after the usual two weeks, they asked him 30 minutes after his appointment to return and sign his contract as a professor.

Now in Gwangju, Thona spends most weekdays teaching over 200 university students every semester, while other weekdays he spends in Seoul teaching in other capacities.

After moving from Africa to Asia, learning from past mistakes and starting to follow cultural differences, Thona showed he wanted to learn from the beginning of his time in Korea. “My point was to understand this country. I studied and listened of how these people live, and I made my own strategy. 'How can I live with them?' So, I gave up some [parts] of my culture, just to agree with them, and then found out, 'Oh, this country is not difficult.' If you understand this culture, if you try to integrate, there is no problem. You can live peacefully.”

Thona additionally explained that life is short. “So, since we don't know what will happen, make peace with everybody.” His vision for peace starts with the foreigners in Korea, then, it moves toward assisting citizens in other countries. Then, someday, Thona expressed, “I want to go back home” to Congo, where he can be on the forefront forces advocating for peace.

His work with the Red Cross to assist those in and near Seoul affected by flooding demonstrates how helping in small ways provides significant breakthroughs with people's thought processes.

“After they saw me helping, Koreans invited me to their humanitarian institute to talk about why I did this. They said, 'Oh, African people, they are kind.'

If we can change how we share, I think we can live more peacefully. … We can change, so we need to move from instability to stability.”

Thona's first book, written in Korean, has been released and is available at the GIC at a discounted cost. Thona's second book, also written in Korean, will be released in early 2014. Thona looks forward to speaking again at the GIC in the future. “I would like to keep talking as friends,” he said to properly conclude his GIC Talk.

Gwangju News October 2013

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feature

Revolutionary Jeolla Province Words by Kelly Stavrides Photos by Kim Ji-eun, Joe Wabe and Joey Nunez

O

ne of the most common assumptions about South Korea is that non-conformity does not really exist. It is an easy, if incorrect, assumption to make. South Korean society is very homogenous, and with an emphasis on the collective instead of the individual, it can sometimes seem like there are no non-conformists.

This is patently untrue. In regards to ideas of conformity and rebellion, one of the most interesting stories in Korea is the story of the Jeolla province.

The Jeolla province and the city of Gwangju have a very interesting relationship with the rest of Korea.

Many Koreans from other regions comment on the “country-style” of Jeolla, which is often just a nicer way of saying something is backwards or rural.

People from the Jeolla province in turn talk about the apathy, and in some cases, hostility of people from other regions.

This regional rivalry can be traced back to the period of the Three Kingdoms around the sixth

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Gwangju News December 2013

century of the Common Era. The three Kingdoms were Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje. Goguryeo was in the northern part of the peninsula, in the current area of Seoul and North Korea. Shilla was along the East coast, in the area now known as the Gyeongsang province. Baekj e was along the West coast in the area currently known as Jeolla.

While the three Kingdoms shared a common language and similar religions, they were at odds with each other. Likewise, the culture between the three kingdoms also had some marked differences. In both Goguryeo and Silla, women held less power than men (excluding the wonderful exception that was Queen Seondeok of Silla). Women in Baekje had more freedoms, one of the most notable being the ability to host and entertain other women within their own homes. Of course, compared to the later Joseon dynasty, where women had to cover their faces and not leave the house, women during the three Kingdoms were relatively equal to men and lived rich lives.

Gurye’s landscape help guard Jeolla Photo by Joey Nunez

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The beautiful blue sky of Jiri Mountain, Jeollabuk-do Photo by Kim Ji-eun

Jeollanam-do’s Autumn foliage Photo by Joe Wabe

The Silla kingdom eventually invaded the Baekje Kingdom and then the Goguryeo Kingdom, uniting all three under the reign of Silla. There were several failed revolutionary movements to bring back the Baekje Kingdom, and in 900 CE, one finally succeeded. The former area of Baekje broke away and became Hubaekje. One year later Hugoguryeo also broke away.

Even in the 21st century, this regional rivalry still exists. The past few elections have shown a stark divide between the Korean people. In 2007 Lee Myung-bak beat Chung Dong-young in a landslide.

Looking at the numbers, Lee defeated Chung in every province except Jeolla. In the Jeolla province, Lee only received nine percent of the votes. In the 2012 election, Park Geun-hye ran against Moon Jae-in. Moon Jae-in won in only two areas: Seoul and the Jeolla Province. In Gwangju, Moon Jae-in received 92 percent of the vote.

Today the Jeolla province is still suffering from the many injustices of its past. Jeolla has many of the poorest urban centers in Korea (excluding Gwangju and Jeonju), and the province only gained highway connections to the rest of Korea a decade ago, courtesy of past Korean President Kim Dae-jung.

In 936 the founder of the Goryeo dynasty, Wang Geon, re-conquered the area. Wang was a benevolent ruler and gave land and money to the former Silla Kingdom and their king. He gave nothing to the former Baekje Kingdom as he despised them. Wang declared the region to be a “perverse and rebellious land.” He then decreed that no one from that area was allowed to hold a government job, which was the most lucrative of all jobs at that time.

The rivalry between the Jeolla and the rest of Korea continued in the 20th century. After the Korean War the Jeolla province was put under a military government from 1961 to 1987. This government was run by military personnel from Gyeongsang. No one native to Jeolla was involved at the upper echelons. During the economic boom of President Park Chung-hee, the Jeolla area was often overlooked when it came to money and supplies, leaving their infrastructure floundering and causing it to develop slower than the rest of the country.

And of course, there is the Gwangju Massacre.

After Park Chung-hee's assassination and Chun Doo-hwan's rise to power, the uprising in Gwangju was brutally crushed by the military. The military that was sent to crush the civilian protest was personally sent by Chun Doo-hwan, a native of Gyeongsang.

This suffering has had an interesting effect on Jeolla and its people. The importance of democracy and human rights cannot be overstated in Gwangju.

While the Jeollanese are often seen as rude and contrary by the rest of the country, the reality is that the people in Jeolla are full of life. Koreans from Jeolla fully experience both han (sadness) and heung (great happiness). Jeong (the pride of being Korean) is also high in Jeolla, and there is a strong sense of sharing and responsibility, which leads to close relationships. In Jeolla, instead of calling older female workers ajumma, which often carries a stigma, they are called imo or Aunt. According to Korea, the Jeolla region is home to some of the most opinionated and fiery people in the country, but the same people are also the kindest and most generous people.

The Jeolla province would have been better, if it had not suffered so many injustices. But without suffering through those injustices, Jeolla would not be what it is today.

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feature

Cooking Up Change Words by Bradley Weiss Photos by Simon Bond

“M

y life now is amazing, very different. I couldn't even imagine. It's like a dream,” explained Rudra Sharma, who has found success as the owner of a number of restaurants serving food from his native country, including First Nepal in downtown Gwangju. “I'm from a very, very remote part of Nepal,” Sharma explains.

“When I was born, there was no electricity, no road to travel by.” He has journeyed far from those humble roots, both geographically and in terms of his economic situation. Despite the fact that his path has taken some unexpected curves, the one constant has been his desire to improve not only his own situation, but also that of his fellow countrymen.

Simply pursuing an education presented many hardships. His schools sometimes lacked textbooks and later on Sharma had to “walk almost one day to catch a bus to come to the city to attend university.” However, he persevered and earned a diploma in English. Lacking resources to pursue an advanced degree, he went into teaching middle school English.

Sharma at Gwangju’s First Nepal

published in Nepal at the end of 2003. Sharma relates that 15,000 copies of his book were sold in Nepal and in Korea: “In my mind and heart I published it to help my fellow citizens, like friends.

But it became a very, very good business for me, and an honestly unexpected earning.”

Sharma had once viewed Korea from afar and was “really impressed” by its fast economic development. So, in 2002, he decided to come to Korea to escape economic hardship as well as political problems. “I didn't have a specific plan,” explained Sharma. “I made some friends and started a small business in Seoul ... a mini-mart where I could meet many fellow Nepalese. I used to sell Nepali ingredients, magazines and newspapers.”

Sharma decided to turn this windfall into a further opportunity. “I thought if I open a restaurant [then] maybe I can introduce Nepali food and culture, and have a business as well to make money.” So, in 2005, he opened his first restaurant in Incheon and invited his brother to help him run the business.

Sharma's venture into the restaurant business was a success and he explains, “After my first restaurant I opened seven [total] restaurants under the name First Nepal,” opening them one by one between 2005 and 2010.

Like many immigrants to a new country, Sharma admits to “facing a language problem.” However, he received the opportunity to attend a six-month, Korean language course offered by Seoul National University. After completion, he says, “I could communicate well, I could write well.” Sharma thought to put his language teaching experience to use to aid other Nepalese migrant workers. He compiled a book of everyday words and situational phrases in Nepali, English and Korean titled “First Korean Language Tutor,” which he

Most of Sharma's business is centered in Seoul, but First Nepal came to reside in Gwangju due to urging from a few sources. He related, “Some of my Nepalese friends [were] doing Ph.D. here in Gwangju, and sometimes they would say, 'Gwangju is a very popular city, a historical city, but there is no [Nepali] restaurant here.'”

Subsequently, in 2008, Gwangju became a sister city to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. After further urging from friends – and even the mayor of

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A few offerings from the restaurant with the book that helped make it all possible

Sharma shares his book with a member of his staff

Gwangju at the sister cities signing ceremony – to rectify the lack of a Nepali restaurant, Sharma opened the Gwangju First Nepal in 2009.

but Sharma was a member of organizations such as the Lions Club back in Nepal. “I have been contributing to my society with pride all the time.”

In Korea, he is actively involved in organizations such as the Nonresident Nepali Association and is an organizer for the Help Nepal Network. Through his efforts and leadership, these and other organizations have been able to send thousands of dollars to development projects and disaster relief in Nepal. Sharma said, “I've found the Nepali community in Korea very active, because we are always talking about practical philanthropy. Like, let's do it. If we make money, let's do it.”

Though Sharma admits, “I don't have any family members outside my brother [in Korea],” he still runs his restaurant business as a family affair. “Most of my kitchen staff is from Nepal, but I don't treat them as my staff. ... I think they are my family as well.” The living situation reflects that reality, as Sharma explains, both here and in Seoul, “We live in a house and have four or five rooms. I also live with them, together.”

Sharma's care for his fellow countrymen extends beyond his employees to other migrant workers here in Korea, but especially to those back in his native land. “I always have in my mind and heart that I have to contribute something for my nation or for my society.” Sharma adds that these values were instilled in him during the hardships of his upbringing: “My father used to say even a dog can't find food. So we have to think for others, for people in need.”

This commitment to community involvement does not just coincide with his recent economic success,

Starting in 2014, Sharma plans to spend 70 to 80 percent of his time back home in Nepal pursuing his social programs. He has already turned over management of all but three of his restaurants to others in preparation. He is a man who moved far from home to improve his lot in life, and having done so with good fortune, he now seeks to focus on improving the fortunes of others. Sharma summarizes his philosophy in this way: “We need practical social work. When you make something, donate something. When you make $1000, donate $1. It will bring you happiness, happiness, happiness.”

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community

Free Art for All Words by Lianne Bronzo Photos and graphic by Adam Greenberg

N

o, there is not a typo in the title. Indeed, there is a free way to acquire art to hang on your studio's brightly colored wallpaper.

Free, really.

CREATEandGIFT.org is a new concept budding not only in Gwangju, but across borders. Create & Gift (C&G) is an international forum “to share your art (whatever medium it is) and to gift it to another person, completely for free (yes, shipping is free too).” According to the Facebook group, it is an “opportunity for artists and 'non-artists' alike to spread art and appreciate the real gift in creating and giving.”

The process is simple: people are encouraged to dig into their creative side by constructing a piece of art and posting a picture on the page. If members are interested in receiving the piece, they can leave a comment requesting it. The artist and recipient then privately negotiate the details of shipping the art to the recipient's own doorstep.

C&G was recently founded by Gwangju EPIK teacher, Adam Greenberg. Greenberg might have spent most of adulthood calling himself a volunteer and activist among many things, but “artist” was not a label with which he identified.

It all changed on January 1, 2010 when he came across an old watercolor set. He dusted it off and painted for the first time since middle school. He painted another on January 2, and again on the

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Gwangju News December 2013

3rd. Inspired by this new creative expression, Adam made a New Year's resolution to foster his creativity every day that year. He shared his nightly creations on a Facebook page titled Tonight's Watercolor.

Shortly after, a catastrophic earthquake swept Haiti, affecting thousands. Greenberg decided to give his art away to those who donated to the earthquake relief. He quickly raised more than $500. It was a win-win for everyone: the earthquake victims, recipients of art and for Greenberg, the “non-artist.”

Tonight's Watercolor and a hope for others to experience the benefits he has enjoyed by making creative time for himself led Greenberg to found CREATEandGIFT.org. In just a few weeks after its creation, dozens of art pieces were posted, a handful gifted and more than a thousand members joined.

Some members have already reported benefits in creating. Lauren Groh of Florida was looking for a hobby when she purchased paints one day. She shyly posted a painting of the galaxy on CREATEandGIFT.org, commenting, “I am by no means an artist.” Sure enough, Groh collected more than a dozen “likes” and a few requests for more. “I have come to find that painting is very therapeutic for me,” she added, discovering she really is an artist.

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A father and son creation

Groh's case fulfilled one of C&G's core missions: to promote creativity, a trait that often becomes dormant after childhood for many adults. As Picasso is famously quoted for saying, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Throughout his year creating Tonight's Watercolor, Greenberg often invited his roommates and friends to join him. A typical response was “No thanks; I can't paint.” “Yes, you can,” Greenberg states, “you just don't.”

It is a common misconception that some people are born without an artistic aptitude and there is nothing one can do about it. Sure, art seems to come easier for some, but like for anything else, one has to practice. Besides, it does not matter if a person's art is suited for the Louvre or a refrigerator.

Greenberg declared, “Give me Kindergarten. A simple 8-color watercolor set and printer paper makes creating less intimidating. I like to paint like I'm 5 again.”

Masterpiece or not, the mere act of creating something – anything – has mental and physical benefits. For one, participating in art is a great way to channel energy into a creative focus, ridding one's mind of distractions. Creating as a relaxing activity can serve as therapy in stress management. Further, art is a medium of selfexpression.

C&G had its first exhibit at the Daein Market Art Night in October. The wall was open for anyone to share their own art and viewers were invited to literally take the pieces right off the wall. Within a few hours, more than half of the pieces found new owners.

Ana Traynin, a Damyang high school teacher, was

Helen Howell Priest gifts a watercolor portrait

one recipient. She remarks, "Create & Gift is a great way to promote the gift economy and Do-ItYourself art. When I picked up a colorful image of hot air balloons and nature, it instantly made me want to create something too."

The Daein Gallery proved an interest, so why not encourage more people to participate? Two weeks later, C&G had an interactive booth at the 19th Gwangju International Community (GIC) Day. With provided art supplies, visitors of all ages created dozens of beautiful works to be added to the pool of gifts. The gallery transformed every half hour as art was continually being added and gifted. Not surprisingly, Gwangju boasts some very talented individuals. The creating and gifting really brought the community closer, so C&G looks forward to more events with the Gwangju community.

Greenberg reflects on Tonight's Watercolor, “I saw throughout that year how amazing creativity can be if we make that time for ourselves. There were nights when I was completely uninspired. And it showed. Those pieces are terrible! But that is not the point. I am colorblind after all.”

Want to get involved? If you are a “non-artist,” try dabbling in different mediums to see which form is most expressive for you. It does not have to be on paper; dance, poetry and theater are certainly also means to also express your creativity. Consider joining the Gwangju Photography Club, Stitch and Bitch (Knitting Club), Gwangju Performance Project or the Artist Collective. And do not be shy to share your creations on the Facebook group at www.CREATEandGIFT.org. All art is welcome.

Gwangju News December 2013

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travel diary

Trans-Siberian Railway Words and photos by Jordan VanHartingsveldt

I

had the incredible experience of riding the TransMongolian Railway, starting in Beijing with a terminus in Irkutsk, Russia. It was an amazing journey rife with delectable food, interesting travel mates and thrilling adventures.

For those interested in traveling along any branch of the Trans-Siberian, take note that layovers lasting more than the regular rest stop require individual tickets. For example, if you are taking the rail from Vladivostok to Moscow and wish to have a three-day stopover in, say, Irkutsk, you will need to purchase a ticket first from Vladivostok to Irkutsk, then another from Irkutsk to Moscow. The more stopovers you make, the more individual tickets you will need to purchase.

Booking is relatively painless, provided you do it in advance. The website www.seat61.com proved an invaluable resource. It links you to all the reservation sites needed to organize the seemingly-daunting trip across more than 6,000 kilometers of rail.

Another thing to consider before traversing the TransSiberian railway is the number of visas you will need during your travels. Use www.visahq.com to make your final decisions. My trip required a roughly 300,000 won investment in single-entry tourist visas for China, Mongolia and Russia. While researching the respective application procedures, I nearly abandoned the plans for a much simpler vacation itinerary. Luckily for me, Lee Eun-ju of Rtour Inc. looked after all my paperwork and got it back to me before I departed.

If you find yourself starting off in Beijing as I did and hope to see the Great Wall, consider visiting the Mutianyu area, which is not nearly as busy as Badaling, yet still refurbished enough to give an idea of how the wall originally looked. If you walk far enough in any direction, you will be able to find “dead wall� sections that have been left to the elements and are in various states of decay. I actually found these much more beautiful than the rebuilt portions. One gets a real sense of history bringing closure to itself.

Wander around the streets and find yourself some authentic street fare. There are sections where you can sample oddities such as deep-fried starfish, seahorse on a stick or filleted snake, but these are tourist grabs and do not represent traditional Chinese 22

Gwangju News December 2013

The four-berth compartment on the Trans-Mongolian

food. For that, look for tiny hole-in-the-wall shops to play the Asian food lottery.

The rail between Beijing and Ulan Bataar, Mongolia takes roughly 34 hours to traverse but is well worth visiting. The Chinese landscape changes every couple hundred kilometers from gorgeously rugged mountains to elegantly vast plains and back again.

One interesting experience is the changeover of the train carriage wheels. They do this because the rails in Mongolia are slightly wider than the rails in China. The process takes several hours, so passengers are encouraged to disembark and wander around the Sino-Mongolian border. However, many people stay on the train, despite the serious border officials, just to see the procedure.

There are several sleeping arrangements available on the Trans-Siberian: the two-berth, the four-berth and the six-berth. Couples who value privacy should invest in a two-berth room. The four-berth is excellent for some amount of privacy, since each compartment can be closed off by a door. I personally opted for

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1

4

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1. A shaman totem; 2. Mongolian gers; 3. A giant Lenin head; 4. Crossing the Mongolian plains; 5. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall

this arrangement and enjoyed some hearty conversation with my roommates, a jovial New Zealand couple and a talkative British gentleman.

Most travelers along the Trans-Mongolian branch will end up in the highly recommended Ulan Baatar.

Travel there for a last chance to see the old Mongolian tradition before it is replaced by shiny new international development. The Mongolian capital has been contracting Korean engineers to design and oversee the development of a vast modern infrastructure.

If uncharted lands are your preference – and you have limited time – consider making your way to Terelj National Park. This gorgeously-rugged reserve covers thousands of square kilometers, featuring green hills and rocky plateaus as far as the eye can see. Toss in the chance to encounter wild horses and camels, and you have got yourself a trekker's paradise. There are numerous Mongolian families looking to rent out one of their gers to visitors. The easily assembled ger is the traditional sheepskin tent used by Mongolian nomads for traversing the plains.

My next destination was Ulan Ude, a relatively quiet city with few offerings in the way of flashy tourist traps.

Rather, it is a wonderful backdrop as you read a book and sip freshly brewed Russian coffee. Do take a walk around, however, as the monstrous Lenin head in the central square and the various Russian Orthodox

churches are well worth seeing.

The train ride between Ulan Ude and Irkutsk, my final destination, took roughly eight hours. I opted for a third class ticket, just to see what the journey would consist of. While not deplorable, the experience left me relieved I had not opted for the cheap ticket for the Beijing-Ulan Baatar leg. The fold-down beds were narrower than the average school desk.

As for snacks on the train rides, I was fortunate enough to sit with an elderly Russian woman and her grandson. Using gestures and small phrases I had picked up over the previous few days, we managed to agree to split some smoked salmon and fresh strawberries sold to us through the windows of our train at one of the rest stations. It was a curious experience to see men and women basically lunging out windows with fists full of cash and coming back in with packets of fish and berries.

Upon arriving in Irkutsk, I made a split-second decision to visit Olkhon (Orkhon) Island, a spit of land in the middle of the sacred Lake Baikal, the largest body of freshwater in the world. The water was clean enough to drink directly from the source; crisp and refreshing.

The trips back to Irkutsk and the airport were bittersweet. Sweet because I was excited to see my loved ones in Korea again, but bitter because I had enjoyed myself so thoroughly on the Trans-Mongolian Railway. I will be sure to return.

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Photo of the Month

Caught in the Wind

By Lorryn Smit

This photograph was taken at Baekyangsa Temple in Jangseong. This particularly windy day, the movement of the leaves and the different color mixes that were produced fascinated me. This was the product of my fascination.

I discovered my love for taking pictures about a year and a half ago and have been hooked ever since.

Photography to me is more than just telling people a story. It is putting yourself and your personal vision out there. Essentially it is like sharing your feelings as you would to a close friend. Some people will get you, others will not – just as it goes in real life.

Through my photography I seek to document my own personal experiences, to capture scenes and events as I see them and to share with others the beauty and diversity of the world I have seen. As the images of other photographers have inspired me to explore the world, I hope my own contributions will inspire others to do the same.

To view more of my work, you can visit my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LorrynSmitPhotography.

CORRECTION In November's edition of Photo of the Month, the contributor’s name was spelled incorrectly. It should be Relja Kojic.

We apologize for the errors and we thank you for your continued support of Gwangju News.

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 background information to gwangjunewsphotos@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing what you have captured on film!

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photography

Smart Phone Photography Words and photos by Simon Bond Simon Bond is a professional photographer living in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do. He has traveled throughout Asia, and his work has been published in multiple publications. This article and others are available online through Simon's website: www.simonbondphotography.com. Simple Scene, Sensational Shot was written by Simon Bond and is available on Amazon, both as an e-book and as a paperback.

From left: With the iSync app, you are able to use strobes to create better lighting; This is an 8-second long exposure using the slow shutter app; Smart phone photography still uses techniques to produce nice images, in this case, reflection.; The AutoStitch app was used to make this panoramic image at Baegyangsa.

T

his month it is time to look at smart phones and how they can be used to make great photos, and in the process dispel the myth that the camera is what makes a good photograph.

possible to expose from 0.5 all the way to 15 seconds. As with any long exposure, the camera still needs to be steady, so the use of a tripod might be necessary.

Almost everyone has a camera on his or her phone these days, and modern smart phones have increasingly good cameras. Once you have the phone, look around for some good apps to take your pictures with, as they are often better than the standard phone app. Good photos are about good compositional skill, which is discussed in May 2013's Photo Column. This month we will look at how to take photos one may have thought impossible with a smart phone, and how those images can be enhanced.

iSyncFlash – Studio photography with a smart phone, now this is really pushing the limits! With this app you can use strobes to light your subject.

When the strobe app is triggered, this program tells the camera to take the photo when the light levels change dramatically.

The apps

Instagram – This app has an accompanying camera, and some post processing filters. However, it is better to take photos with other apps. The main use for Instagram is to share photos with other people, since it is more of a social network site than a camera app. For more information, you are invited to follow me at: http://instagram.com/simonbondphotography.

Note – The apps discussed here are for the iPhone, though some of these may be available on other devices. This list is selective, and there are many alternative apps that will have the same functionalities.

Camera + – This a great app that allows more options concerning the way the photo is taken; it includes a grid that lets the user line up the photo and also shows the exit data that the camera will expose at. It also contains some different shooting modes; like “stabilizer,” for when the shutter speed is slow; “timer,” for moving in front of the camera for a self-portrait; and “burst,” for multiple shots at a sports event.

Slow shutter – Ever wanted to do a long exposure with a camera phone? Well now with this app, it is

AutoStitch – This app can take a panorama, a group of shots of a landscape scene, and the picture can be stitched together as a panoramic image.

Post processing

When it comes to processing images taken with a smart phone, there are two options. The first option is to use one of the apps listed above with its filters, which is quick and easy to do. The second choice is to upload the image to Photoshop or another program, such as the NIKS Efex software. Postprocessing on a computer might seem too much for a smart phone image, but for better results, this is the way to go.

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photo essay

Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk Words by Lorryn Smit Photos by Simon Bond, Dan Frashan, Relja Kojic, Chanelle Marais, Lorryn Smit, Kelzang Tashi and Jordan Van Hartingsveldt

Elegant Trash by Lorryn Smit

O

n September 5, 2013, photo enthusiasts took part in photo walks around the globe. The walk is a social photography event where photographers get together in any public area to walk around, take some photos and generally have fun with other photographers.

Scott Kelby, the creator of this event, is an American photographer, author and publisher of periodicals contributing work towards Photography and Adobe Photoshop software. His public work is utilized by design professionals, photographers and artists.

In Korea, four expats led walks: Joe Wabe (Gwangju), Matthew Theron (Gwanghwamun, Seoul), Zelri Coetzee (Gangnam, Seoul) and Jason Teale (Ulsan). For Gwangju, Wabe recruited his friends and fellow photographers to capture these pictures.

The walk presents the perfect opportunity to capture Korea at its finest in the beautiful October weather, while everybody is going about their everyday life.

26 Gwangju News December 2013

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Looking to the Future by Chanelle Marais

Urban by Simon Bond

Reach by Relja Kojic

Front Row Seats by Kelzang Tashi

Harvest by Dan Franshan

High tide market by Jordan VanHartingsveldt Gwangju News December 2013

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community [This Month for the GIC Talk]

Birds and Place Words and photos by Professor Robert Newlin Professor Robert Newlin teaches Medieval and Classical Literature at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, with a specialization in the cultural (especially poetic) representation of animals. He is also a bird photographer: his images have been widely published in Asia, Europe and the United States. Recently, Seoul Selection published his book: Korea through her Birds: Windows into a World. This talk will be based on that book and will also venture around and beyond this concept. The two photographs (previously unprinted) illustrate an important theme from that text.

T

hat theme is simply told: a bird belongs to its place. Indeed, that may strike us as too simple – “we all know that!” is a reasonable response.

But how well do we really know the connection between bird and place? How will the place help us to better know the bird, and, perhaps more significantly, the bird to the place? To pause on such questions brings great benefits to us.

Consider the first photograph: a splendid male Black Paradise Flycatcher, photographed on a June morning in the lush forests at the foot of Jejudo's Hallasan Mountain. The bird had flown down from the tall trees to drink at a small pool of water.

We cannot see the pool in the frame, but careful observation will tell us it is there: the tumble of dark volcanic rocks suggests the presence of water, as does the profusion of ferns. And knowing our birds helps as well. The Paradise Flycatcher likes it up there in the tall trees and rarely ventures down so low except to drink at the local fountain.

On Weyeon Island we find another fountain and another bird. It is mid-May, the height of migration season, and a far-travelling, Red-Throated Pipit has

Black Paradise Flycatcher 28 Gwangju News December 2013

Red-Throated Pipit

come to drink at the island's only significant patch of fresh, open water. At times, this patch is merely a puddle or less, surrounded by cracked mud and drying weeds; after a good spring of rains, the water is deep and cool.

The Red-Throated Pipit is half a water bird – it breeds on the tundra well north of Korea, in wet meadows near willow-fringed streams, but it is neither a long-legged wader nor a diving duck. But all birds need to drink, and a migrating Pipit will take what a place offers. On this day, the pond is flush with water, and our bird finds a haven that may hint at home. Home! Our thoughts fly ahead to far-off Siberia, where the bird has hatched, where it now labors to return. The landscape expands, as if by magic, and the meaning of bird and place expands too. The bird is here, before us, but it is also there as well, and a continuum is revealed.

CORRECTION In November's edition of Birds Korea, we attributed all photos to Andreas Kim. Instead, the top-left bird photo was from Professor Robert Newlin, the top-right bird photo was from Tim Edelsten and the river image was from Dr. Nial Moores. We apologize for not printing this information correctly, and we thank you for your continued support of Gwangju News.

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[ GIC Upcoming Talks ] Schedule for December Time & Place: Every Saturday, 3 p.m. - 4 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 GIC Talks welcome your proposals for presentations on topics, such as society, culture, politics, science, education or any topic of your interest. If you would like to be a presenter, please contact us at gictalk@gmail.com / +82-(0)62-226-2734.

December 7 Speaker: Professor Robert Newlin Professor Robert Newlin teaches Medieval and Classical Literature at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He specializes in medieval Beast Literature and the relationships between humans and animals, especially as revealed in culture. He will talk about cultural aspects of Korea's birds, using excerpts from his recentlypublished book, Korea through her Birds: Windows into a World.

Topic: Birds and Place Korea is blessed with enormous natural beauty, and Korean birds provide a window into that beauty. Korea's geographical location and topography, temperate climate and wealth of diverse habitats combine to support an equally diverse and attractive avifauna (birds of a specific region or period). At the same time, Korea's birds and their habitats face urgent threats as the country joins an increasingly global economy. The swiftness of Korea's positive gains in industrialization, modernization and standard of living parallels an equally rapid, equally multiform, far more permanent narrative of loss. To lose a place is to lose the birds that live there; to have the birds assures us that the place, with all its natural beauty, history and meaning is still there. By placing birds within human context-their place within the habitat, culture and our consciences – we better keep this connection.

Once such awareness is in place, more positives follow – a growing understanding of the birds, a growing love and a growing determination to protect them from further harm.

December 14 Speaker: Jeremy Azurin Jeremy Azurin is a foreign exchange student from Washington, D.C. and a current Intern at the GIC. After initially planning to stay in Korea for one semester, he has extended his stay to attend a second semester at Chonnam National University. Outside of his studies and intern duties, he also volunteers at the Chonnam Tribune as part of the English-speaking series on Friday mornings.

Topic: My Nth Attempt: Getting Asia Right This talk illustrates some of the challenges and blessings the speaker has encountered during his backpacking travels and studies in Southeast Asia. What started as a study-abroad program at CNU slowly morphed into a pilgrimage to explore, not only the speaker's family heritage in the Philippines, but also to see Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. In addition to highlighting his travels, his talk will provide personal insight as an AsianAmerican and the personal challenges he has faced in Asia.

December 21 No GIC Talk (Adios 2013) Adios 2013 will be held instead . From 1 - 5 p.m. at the GIC.

December 28 No GIC Talk Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Boxing Day, and Happy New Year!

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event preview

[GIC Culture Tour] GIC Culture Tour

Hampyeong

Words and photos provided by Warren Parsons Date: December 21, 2013 Price: GIC Members: 35,000 won/ Non-members: 45,000 won/ Pre-scholler: 25,000 won Itinerary: Gomak Stone Bridge - Lunch at Hampyeong Market - Sea Water Spa Experience Registration: Please sign up at the GIC website (www.gic.or.kr) by December 14, 2013 For more information, e-mail: gictour@gic.or.kr

D

ecember announces the end of the year with its cold weather and urges people to enjoy the warmth of good company and good food. This month the GIC Tour has planned a special trip to Hampyeong for a steamy seaside adventure and a festive meal to celebrate the coming New Year!

On the road to Hampyeong, there are many bridges crossing the streams and tributaries of the Yeongsangang River on its way to the sea. One such bridge, Gomak Bridge, stands quietly in its place, as it has for the last 700 years. Originally built in 1274 during the Goryeo Dynasty, reputedly by the magic of a monk named Gomak, this rare bridge has miraculously survived the ensuing centuries of invasion, war and modernization intact.

After testing the elements outdoors with a brief walk, the tour transfers by bus to the Dolmeori Coast and Hampyeong's famous Sea Water Spa. For more than 100 years, travelers have come to enjoy the soothing and healing effects of this spa, which helps relieve soreness and clarify the skin. Using sulfuric stones heated in a wood fire stove, sea water is warmed in a bath to a steaming 80 degrees Celsius, along with wormwood, pine and straw. This concoction provides a roomful of effervescence where participants can relax, unwind and enjoy each other's company.

Top: Gomak Bridge Bottom: Sea water spa experience

Invigorated from the heat of the sauna, participants will have raw beef bibimbap for lunch at the Hampyeong Market, a treat in one of Korea's best cattle-producing areas. Finally, relaxed and reenergized, the tour heads back to Gwangju to join the end-of-the-year party at the GIC. Please come out this month and celebrate the winter, food and friends with 2013's final GIC Culture Tour! *** For this spa experience, the GIC Tour has reserved private steam rooms for its participants. Towels and clothing are provided for use while participants are in the sauna and there are separate men's and women's changing rooms with showers.

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Gwangju News December 2013

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[GIC Culture Tour]

2013 in Review Words and photos provided by Warren Parsons

2

013 was the first year of the new and improved GIC Culture Tour. Building on the itineraries and destinations of past years, this year's program added exciting experiences to the already fantastic mix of food, understanding and nature that are the cornerstones of each GIC Tour outing.

Food provides the tastes and fragrances of the land and the people of Jeolla-do. Namwon, besides being a romantic spring destination, is also home to mudfish soup, a great way to start the season on a healthy note and to get participants ready for a year of traveling! Naju, with its undulating countryside, offers its delicious beef stew and organic soybean farming. Jirisan's deep valleys proffer fresh vegetables and mushrooms great for making pancakes and side dishes, as well as providing the ideal climate for growing tea.

Understanding allows participants to learn about the culture and history of each destination. During the summer months, the GIC Tour visited coastal areas important to the life and livelihood of the province. Boseong's tradition of earthenware pottery making has attracted a new generation of artists to share their knowledge of porcelain making and glazing. Buan's proximity to seaports and isolated mountains gave Korea's earliest Buddhists the perfect location for a temple, and its beaches a fine place for summer's pilgrims to have fun. Bogil Island lends insight into Jeolla-do's history of exile and into the workaday lives of its fishermen.

Nature transcends what people can make with its flawless beauty. In the autumn, Sunchang and Damyang bless visitors with their golden fields, mountain colors and twisting landscapes.

Suncheon Bay's wetlands serenade with the sound of reeds blowing in the wind, while the dawn at Songgwangsa Temple approaches serenity.

March Tour to Namwon: Gwanghallu

July Tour to Buan: Jikso Waterfall

August Tour to Bogildo Island: on the boat

These are just some of the highlights of a great year of traveling, and they are meant to inspire further adventure, alone, with friends and with the GIC Culture Tour!

June Tour to Boseong: Tea Plantation Gwangju News December 2013

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culture

[KOREA: In the World]

Jeong Ju-A: Korean Cuisine Pioneer in Myanmar Words by Jeremy Azurin and Jeong Hyosun Photo by Shin Gyonggu In this segment, we examine how Koreans live in other countries, and how Korean culture is making a global impact. This month’s writers are current interns at the GIC. 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.

F

or Jeong Ju-a, living in another country has helped her demonstrate her identity as a Korean, who bakes for a living. Ever since Myanmar opened its borders to foreign investments, Jeong has not only started her own bakery company but brought Lotteria to its waters, marking it as the first foreign fast food chain to take root in the country. Now managing 18 Moon Bakeries, thousands of employees and three Lotte Mart branches in Myanmar, Jeong has carved out a name for herself as the pioneer for Korean food culture in Myanmar.

Before diving into the food business, however, Myanmar was already familiar with Korean culture from the dramas that portrayed traditional Korean dishes, such as kimchi jjigae, kimchi and kimbap.

“Because Burmese people love Korea and I love Myanmar, I'm always thinking of growing together a relationship between Myanmar and Korea. This is the only thing I can do in Myanmar,” Jeong affirmed.

Since both Korea and Myanmar share similar cultural qualities, in respect for elders, an emphasis on education and the idea of keeping a close-knit family, it was not hard for her to unite her heritage with the Myanmar citizens' desire for new, imported products from overseas.

Jeong married into a Chinese family living in Myanmar whose business specialized in the garment-exporting business that formerly worked with the United States. When the Burmese government implemented a sanction to close its doors to the U.S., they had to look elsewhere for business, primarily Europe. Unfortunately, European consumers were not as interested as the American market was. “What business could I work with?” she 32 Gwangju News December 2013

Jeong at the 12th Annual World Korean Business Convention

asked herself. With the orders continuing to dwindle, Jeong had to act fast.

Reflecting upon her past experiences, she remembered her childhood and how her family would attend picnics and family gatherings where everyone shared and engaged in conversation

December2013 2013.11.254:0PM Page33

With tour friends

over food, particularly with milk and bread. With that thought in mind and the influence of Korean culture already planted in Myanmar, the first Moon Bakery was born in Yangon, which still serves both bakery items and Korean food.

Before the Korean wave, however, Japanese and Chinese shows were more prominent among Burmese television. When Autumn Fairy Tale (가을동화) and other dramas debuted, however, hallyu, or a Korean culture wave, washed through the country like a tsunami, as did the demand for more Korean products. Consequently, many people kept asking Jeong for topokki, bibimbap and other traditional Korean dishes at her restaurant. Jeong added, “The government opened the gate to foreign investors. This was the right time, right chance, right item. Myanmar loves Korea and Korean culture.”

Jeong moved onto Lotteria when she asked Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency to contact her if any Korean investors were interested in opening any overseas branches. McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Burger King had not even touched the country yet, so Jeong believed that Lotte was the right partner for her. Ever since the country reopened, the people of Myanmar have been waiting for new items and products from overseas.

“My staff believes that Lotte is a good brand.

[Myanmar] loves Korea, its food and its culture.”

As a large company, Lotteria has established itself in countries such as Japan, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and now, Myanmar. This restaurant chain serves traditional Burmese cuisine. “Lotte is very experienced and is always positively listening to the people's opinions,” Jeong stated. “We give the best quality of food, reasonable prices and good service. We will carry on.”

For Jeong, food is not only a means to start a business and promote Korean culture, but also to have happiness and relaxation. When the

government lifted its curtains, opportunities for more channels opened in mobile phones and car license imports, as well as for other businesses, she cited. But food was the key she used to take advantage of the market situation. “Food is the main thing to live, and it is the main thing for happiness. If you're very hungry or tired, you're thinking of: what you should drink, what you should eat or where you should go to relax after work with family, friends or other people.”

The main challenge for Jeong was and continues to be giving the people of Myanmar the right product after so many years of being closed off to the rest of the world. “Korea is an ocean and Myanmar is a lake. Lake fish cannot imagine the ocean, but the ocean fish can imagine a lake. The lake fish imagine that their world is it – they don't know the world; people don't have an idea.”

Jeong further explained this point, as she gave the Myanmar citizens a challenge. “The world is judging the people of Myanmar. They are comparing. They prefer the developed countries because they are more experienced. As an owner, I challenge them and [I think of how I can help them] to develop themselves, because now more people are coming.”

When Jeong is not managing her restaurants, she is with her husband and triplet daughters, who speak English and Burmese and are learning Korean and Chinese, and cites that her family members are her “main fans.” “They know why Mommy is busy. They are very proud. They are supportive of me,” she stated.

Jeong has been both a bridge and an ambassador between Korea and Myanmar, as she has broadened her role and relationship overseas.

From the start, Jeong hopes Korea and Myanmar will coexist in their economies, as well as develop their cultural relationships.

For you to cut out and keep handy!

Gwangju News December 2013 33

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community

Birds and Bewilderment Words and photo by Professor Robert Newlin Professor Robert Newlin holds literature degrees from Wesleyan (BA) and Rutgers Universities (PhD). He teaches Medieval and Classical Literature at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, specializing in the cultural representation of animals. His recent book, Korea Through Her Birds, has been published by Seoul Selection. He is a lifetime member of Birds Korea.

T

hese days, literary theorists love to talk about the way that the words we use and the tales we tell not only convey meaning, but fracture and dissolve it as well. Consider the Osprey, that handsome fish-catching raptor, and the many things we call it.

The Osprey's Korean name, Mulsuri, translates into “Water-Eagle.” Although technically not an eagle, neither of the Aquila clan nor of the Haliaetus group, the Osprey combines some characteristics of both-the dashing athleticism of a Golden or Imperial Eagle, and the seafaring, fish-loving ways of a White-Tailed or Steller's Sea Eagle. What results is a species in a family uniquely its own, with an unusually widespread distribution throughout the world – Ospreys are found on all continents except for Antarctica.

Such success is no surprise: Ospreys are big, fast and very good at what they do. Laser eyes, long supple wings, long sturdy legs, x-shaped feet, razor talons, waterproof plumage of chocolate brown and creamy white (even the plumage pattern has a function: it breaks up and disguises the Osprey's form from fish underwater), a fearless soul – bane to almost any fish in the water. There is nothing in the world quite like an Osprey.

But the words we use and the tales we tell complicate matters. The legend of Ovid tells us a bird story: that Scylla, daughter of Nisus, betrays her father and city by cutting off his special lock of purple hair. She is turned into a Shearwater, and her father into an angry Osprey; both haunt the ocean to this day. Confusingly enough as far as etymology goes, the Osprey's genus name recalls a different Greek myth (also in Ovid) about an unhappy king of Athens, Pandion. Pandion was father to Procne and Philomela, the Swallow and Nightingale, respectively, of Tereus the Hoopoe's outrageously bloody tale. Literature's birds have become a bewildering flock.

But it does not end there. In Chinese mythology, the Osprey is also associated with Ch'in P'ei, a god who 34

Gwangju News December 2013

conspired with a mountain to murder a river; he was executed for his crimes, then changed into a new type of eagle, the Osprey. Shakespeare's Coriolanus is pictured as like “the Osprey to the fish, who takes it by sovereignty of nature” – a parallel description of a man's dominance of a nation and a bird's mastery of its habitat and prey.

Other etymologies confuse even more. The word Osprey itself derives from the Old French Ossifrage, which means “bone-breaker.”

Medieval encyclopedists like Brunetto Latini say this comes from the Osprey's habit of dropping bones from a great height in order to crack them and get at the marrow. But our fish-eating Osprey does not do this while certain Vultures do. Some sort of mistake has been made.

How to resolve these complexities? Look at the bird. Even then, impressions begin as mixed. To me, the Osprey is simultaneously awkward and graceful: disheveled and sleek at the whim of the wind it rides. But look further, and longer: ride with the bird, and all uncertainties fade away.

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community

Adopt a Child for Christmas!

Words by Calen Cygan Photos provided by Daniel Lister

W

hen the first cold nip of winter hits, minds immediately turn to thoughts of Christmas.

For me, Christmastime is filled with the warm glow of twinkling lights, with the smells of evergreen and freshly-baked cookies engulfing me as I scour the department store shelves looking for the perfect gift for everyone on my list!

But not everyone has someone out there to buy them a present.

That's where Gwangju's Adopt-a-Child program comes into play. To adopt a child, send a message to the Facebook page (www.facebook. com/adoptachildgwangju). You can adopt as many children as you want, even specifying age range and/or gender. You will receive your adopted child's details and their wish list, and then it is time to hit the shops! Gifts are around 30,000 won, and most of the children have requested winter apparel (coats and/or scarves) or school supplies, like book bags – things which orphanages may not always have the money to cover.

If you think time constraints prohibit you from participating in the program (“I work too late to go shopping!”/ “I don't know where to find such a thing!”), fear not!! You can also adopt a child by doing a bank transfer of 30,000 won.

Gifts do not have to be wrapped (but can be if desired), as there will be a team of wrappers at particular drop-off sites. Stay updated by visiting the Facebook page for dates and times, especially for the orphanage Christmas parties which every gift-giver is invited to attend.

In its fourth year, the program was started by Al Barnum in 2010. Daniel Lister took charge of the program last year, and this year, the program is being coordinated by a team of volunteers. With over 300 orphans to be “adopted,” this is the largest the Adopt-a-Child program has ever been.

So check the Facebook page to adopt a child (or two or more), and help make the holidays more meaningful for the orphans of Gwangju by giving them Christmas gifts they will never forget!

Gwangju News November 2013

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culture

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

INVASIONS OF KOREA Does Korea have a history of invasion by other countries?

Words and photos provided

by Adam Volle

Left: Invasion of Busanjinsunjeoldo; Right: Invasion of General Jung Bal

“I

f one were to ask an average, collegeeducated Korean about the major factors and trends in Korean history,” writes Mark Peterson, associate professor of Korean Studies at Brigham Young University, “it is likely one would hear a narrative about war, chaos and invasions as the dominant themes of Korean history.”

“Likely,” he says! “How silly! In fact it is certain – for few Korean sentiments are more popular than the sense of historical victimization behind Korea's old saying, “A shrimp's back breaks in a whale fight” (Korea is the shrimp, caught between whales like China, Japan and the U.S.). Depending on who you ask, you may hear Korea has been invaded “numerous” times or even “hundreds” of times.”

But in a 2006 article for the Korea Times (“War of Details”), Andrei Lankov tests the myth of an ofteninvaded Korea by comparing the military history of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) to European military history during the same period. “The last four decades of these five centuries were turbulent indeed [for Korea],” he agrees. However, “Throughout the Joseon Dynasty period, Korea fought three wars against foreign invaders.”

Of the three wars, only one – the Imjin War from 1592-1598 – caused great loss of life. The other two wars were short, unsuccessful struggles against China's Manchu Dynasty in 1627 and 1636. Since Korea lost the other two wars quickly, few people died, and the consequences were not dire. The 36 Gwangju News December 2013

Manchus only forced Korea to sign unfair treaties.

So Korea suffered six years of war in almost 500 years' time, with only four years involving serious hardship. Lankov compares this record to Germany's in the same timeframe. “[For Germany] the period under consideration is marked by at least four major military conflicts,” he says, “each lasting for one or several decades, and resulting in mass death and destruction.”

Before 1950, Korea experienced only one conflict in its whole history as long and bloody as a great war of Europe: its resistance against the Mongol Empire from 1231-1259. And if we are being honest, having been attacked by the Mongol Empire is not a very special distinction. Literally a quarter of Earth's population received the same treatment.

Mark Peterson therefore summarizes Korea's history in this way: “periods of war were relatively few, and the intervening spans of peace were long.

Dynasties in Korea were long-lasting and transitions between dynasties were remarkably smooth.”

That smoothness disappeared after 1865. The next hundred years were filled with colonization, civil war and military coups. The tragic century may explain why modern Koreans believe the myth that Korea has always suffered so much. Many people have a tendency to read the present into the past.

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culture

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

Flipping Hoddeok Words by Won Hea-ran Photo courtesy of bellecys (egloos.com)

호떡 뒤집듯 하다 Flipping Hoddeok (Sugar-filled Korean rice pancake)

I

t is winter. Cold drives in deeply through the familiar streets of Korea. People pass by, playfully blowing their white breath into the cold night air and rubbing their hands together near a 20-hour hand warmer. Fluffy hats and cute gloves are everywhere. Pancake houses greet their customers as more people are roving around the streets, looking for such Korean traditional as pancakes, hoddeok (호떡). They are made by flattening rice dough, tucking inside brown sugar.

Korean pancakes are known as ho-ddeok, because you breathe out as you eat them, making a “ho” sound, as they are quite hot.

However, technically the ho comes from the Chinese character “ho” (胡 ), which means barbarian or stranger. As its name suggests, hoddeok is said to be derived from 40 Chinese merchants who visited Korea in 1882. When the Chung dynasty of China fell apart around the same time period, these merchants stayed in Korea and started restaurants that sold pancakes and dumplings.

quite easily, like flipping flimsy pancakes. Therefore in Korean culture, a change in something, like flipping a hoddeok, signifies sudden, abrupt changes.

These days, hoddeok is also going through trials and evolution. The common belief that ho-ddeok is rice dough with black or brown sugar is a stereotype. The current method is to put some flour in the dough to prevent sugar from rolling down or to include peanuts to increase the melted brown sugar's viscosity. Some hoddeok houses produce colored hoddeok. Green tea pancakes and corn pancakes are very popular, both for taste and chewy texture. Other houses produce specialized hoddeok, such as pizza hoddeok and diet hoddeok. Nevertheless, the best advantage of hoddeok is its cost (some cost only 500 won), and it is almost always accessible in the snowy streets of Gwangju and throughout Korea.

The recipe for pancakes gradually changed over time with adjustments to Korean preferences, such as putting sugar, honey or other sweets inside these rice pancakes. The resulting pancake showed recognizable differences from Chinese pancakes, which have chopped pork or leeks instead of sweets and was thus called hoddeok, or “the pancake of strangers.”

It is a bit ironic considering that this “pancake of strangers” has now become one of the most beloved winter snacks for Koreans. Hoddeok tastes fabulous on a cold winter day. It is also enjoyable to watch hoddeok specialists flip the flattened ho-ddeok almost in an instant. Because it is so flat, hoddeok is easy to flip, which might suggest how some people change their minds Gwangju News December 2013

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health

The Smartest of Smartphones get to Play Doctor Words and graphic provided by Kristal Lee

W

ith almost three out of every four inhabitants possessing a smartphone, it is hardly a stretch of an assertion. South Korea has the highest smartphone penetration in the world aside from the United Arab Emirates, trailing them only by a fraction of a percent.

The widespread use of smartphones has not only changed the way people live their daily lives; it is transforming the landscape of society. The mobile trend is too titillating for new markets not to capitalize on. To stay relevant, niche fields (such as travel, religion, education and fashion) maximize their interaction potential with their target audience by making smartphone apps, and healthcare is certainly no exception. From conception to death, there is an app, and this phenomenon of health – and healthcare-related apps is called mobile health, or mHealth.

Popular U.S. Fitness/Health Apps: - Calorie counters: a log for meticulous individuals who draw joy from logging everything ingested into a tabulator.

- Cycle meters: a distance log for cycling enthusiasts.

- Nutrition watcher: a way to get interactive with the pyramid of food groups.

- Jogging/running apps: a way to organize and store the locations of your favorite trails (with GPS) along with time, distance, pace and max speed.

- Workout coach: provides diagrams or video clips of new exercises, rep counters and even words of encouragement.

- Social motivators: platforms to share fitness information with friends (examples include Fitsby, which allows groups of friends to place bets on fitness goals, and FitID, which harnesses the power of peer pressure by uploading your meal plan, workout and post-workout status into a “fitness Facebook”).

Popular Fitness/Health Apps commonly used in Korea: Good Sleep, While You Were Sleeping, 7 Minute Work Out Challenge, Personal Hypnosis, All-in 38 Gwangju News December 2013

Image: Greg Wood/AFP/Getty Images

YOGA: 300 Poses & Yoga Classes, Diet Diary Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock, Meditation 108 Bows, Period Tracker Deluxe , Stop Smoking Manager, Runtastic Medical Applications and Clinical Uses Smartphone apps in Korea have transcended fitness and diet. Not long ago, doctors found it revolutionary to bring up and search medical dictionaries with sweeps and taps, but now smartphone technology has been increasingly integrated into their daily routines. Staff at Asan Medical Center use smartphone apps to bring up patient medical history, personal information (e.g., height, weight, blood pressure and allergies), immunization records, prescriptions, lab results and even insurance information. At Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, staff members make their rounds with Galaxy tablets or use tablet-equipped “Smart Rooms.” The tablets allow health providers to use visual aids during consultations, which helps build patient understanding and confidence in the doctors and hospitals.

Beyond the Hospital and at the Speed of Light Cultural anthropologists of the next millennium might

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state that the smartphone was a highly mechanized extension of a South Korean's forearm. However, it is precisely that portability, inhand access and prowess of smartphone apps, which will allow the expansion of mHealth in Korea. The channels of communication between health providers and patients are open 24-7. In an instant, patients can locate health facilities and specialty centers, schedule and change appointments, ask questions, give feedback and make complaints or suggestions. Doctors can monitor patient progress in real time, send new directives and prescribe new medications.

Streamlining Mobile health can simplify complex medical issues. Apps consolidate, update and store health information pertinent to specific health conditions. For instance, the “My Cancer Note” is a diary where patients can record and report problems by clicking icons (e.g., pain, inability to eat, hair loss, fatigue) that their doctors can view. The app also has a cancer handbook, FAQs, directory of chemotherapy facility amenities, survival stories and a list of scenarios in which the hospital should be contacted immediately. “My Medication” reminds patients when to take their medication, brings up an image, highlights dosage and warns of any drug interaction. These kinds of applications make complicated and prescription-heavy ailments, such as cancer, more manageable, which will hopefully lead to better outcomes.

“Baby Note” and “Mother Note” are similar diary-type apps that track or monitor progress.

Users see the progression of the pregnancy and compare it to a standard healthy pregnancy.

For example, they can look at images of their sonogram and compare it to a sonogram of an infant in the same developmental stage. Users can learn about expected symptoms and also report discomforts or complications.

Legal Obstacles The most apparent limitation is the security of information stored and made accessible on health apps. Private health information (PHI) is a large source of legal and security concerns for health administrators, thereby reflecting the risk of the “other edge” in the double-edged sword of ease of access.

What do you think about this month's Health article? Would you like to see something specific covered in Gwangju News? Please email gwangjunews@gmail.com with your ideas.

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fashion

Fash-On with xxl jjdp

Wickedly Cool Words by jjdp Photos by Brian Klein

“I

'm through accepting limits, 'cause someone says they're so/Some things I cannot change/But 'till I try, I'll never know!” -“Defying Gravity,” Wicked

Season's Greetings! It's Christmas time. Mistletoe and wine?

Yes, the time for festivities has come, but what are you going to do to keep your spirits up in the icy cold? Sadly for some, there are no long holidays, but a well-planned weekend can make all the difference. How about planning something special like going to see a theatrical masterpiece?

Wicked is back in Seoul and it is one of the most beloved reimaginings of the story of the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz. This show has long been hailed as a must-see for theater lovers and I would also say it's a great choice, if it is to be your first-ever musical to see. The story is universal and the staging is magnificent with 54 scenes, over 350 spectacular costumes, a gigantic time dragon and even some flying monkeys. A true spectacle, and performed by an all Korean cast, the power of theater prevails and you will have a great time watching it.

And that is what inspired this month's Fash-On. Christmas is usually about red and green, with red as the most dominant, but as always, try to turn things on its head and give your look a fresh flavor. Like Elphaba who was born with green skin, make the most of your uniqueness and use it as an opportunity to live like there is no tomorrow, and never let anyone bring you down!

Remember to keep warm and keep it simple. Even though winter is known for dark and dreary colors, stand out and invite some color into your wardrobe. You are going to need it as the grey December skies promise freezing weather and snow. Get cracking and line up some waterproof outerwear for your comfort and ease. Also try to choose a jacket with a hood which will protect your ears and face from some rather blunt chill drafts that are notorious for this part of the country.

Why waterproof? The reason is snow usually just sits on your clothes, and even though it can be quite beautiful, it can also become quite annoying when it melts and you are left with cold, wet and freezing garments. In the past few years Gwangju has received a few unexpected snowstorms; be forewarned. Preparation is key, so start getting your winter 40 Gwangju News December 2013

December2013 2013.11.254:0PM Page41

gear now, because before you know it, negative 15 degree temperatures will be unavoidable. Easy wearing jeans are also a must, providing a relatively good layer of protection from the cold.

The pants also don't need as much washing, so you will save yourself time and money from visiting the laundry department too often.

about 80 percent of heat is lost from the head, so keep that in mind as you walk around outside.

Something as simple as a hat can help you conserve your much-needed heat. Snapbacks are quite popular this season, try getting one in a neutral color that you can mix and match with most of your wardrobe.

Now might also be the time to purchase some heat tech, thermal underwear from UNIQLO for perfect heat regulation without wearing layers and layers of heavy clothes which might make you look bulky. Use this as your first layer and you might be surprised as to what a difference a heat tech vest and long johns make to your winter outfit. Prices are relatively cost effective, if you factor in that this winter season is expected to last until April 2014. No point in freezing, is there?

Wicked the musical is now showing at the Charlotte Theatre near Jamsil in Seoul and will run until the end of January 2014. So make sure to book your tickets early; they are anywhere between 60,000 to 140,000 won.

Also, protect your ankles this winter and think, high tops. They are fun, classic and very street style that can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood. I also find that high tops tuck nicely under jeans to keep you nice and toasty. They also work very well with long warm socks that will keep your toes frostbite-free during your outings. Finally,

Stay Wicked, peace, xxl jjdp [CLOTHING] Green Padded Parka - 8 seconds Blue jeans - Dsquared Green chino's - H&M Emeral Nike's - Shinsegae Department store Hat - Hat's on NC Wave

Gwangju News December 2013 41

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poetry

Early Winter Poems:

Kim Yong-taek and Chung Ho-seung Translated by Song Chae-Pyong and Anne Rashid Background photo by Mason Robinson

Kim Yong-taek was born in 1948, in Imsil, Jeollabuk-do. With lyrical (often regional) language, Kim has written many poems about undamaged agricultural communities and the profound beauty of nature. His poetry collections include The Sumjin River, A Clear Day, Sister, The Day Is Getting Dark, The Flower Letter I Miss, Times Like A River, That Woman's House and Your Daring Love. He also published essay collections such as A Small Village, What's Longed for Exists behind the Mountain, A Story of the Sumjin River and Follow the Sumjin River and Watch. He was awarded the Kim Soo-young Literary Award (1986) and the Sowol Poetry Award (1997). He retired in 2008 after teaching nearly 40 years at elementary schools.

Chung Ho-seung was born in 1950, in Hadong, Gyongsangnam-do. Since his debut in 1972 with a poem featured in the Korea Daily News, Chung has published many poetry collections, such as From Sorrow to Happiness and Jesus of Seoul. Dawn Letter, another collection, has achieved both critical acclaim and mass appeal. His minimal verse style interweaves the everyday and the fantastic, proposing the possibility of lyrical revelation in even the most prosaic encounters.

The Blind Singing Couple by Chung Ho-seung With the snowfall, it was getting dark, and they lost their way.

On this winter night street without even a snowman nobody made any visit, so they sang.

There were only some others milling around out in the world, being snowed upon.

They sang, calming the cries of the child on the mother's back with a long way to go, the snow falling in large flakes; they sang, to love the unlovable, to forgive the unforgivable, waiting for the snowman.

They sang all the songs of waiting in the world.

Their songs became roads and led the people walking in darkness, shivering in snow.

They forged a path through the snow that made it impossible to return.

They sang the songs that love indifference, 'til beauty rescues the world from drowning, 'til joy visits the despairing.

With a long way to go, snow falling in large flakes, singing the songs awaiting the snowman, they became snowmen on this winter night street– they became snowmen that will not melt even when spring comes.

42 Gwangju News December 2013

맹인 부부 가수/ 정호승 눈내려 어두워서 길을 잃었네 갈 길은 멀고 길을 잃었네 눈사람도 없는 겨울밤 이 거리를 찾아오는 사람 없어 노래 부르니 눈 맞으며 세상 밖을 돌아가는 사람들뿐 등에 업은 아기의 울음소리를 달래며 갈 길은 먼데 함박눈은 내리는데 사랑할 수 없는 것을 사랑하기 위하여 용서받을 수 없는 것을 용서하기 위하여 눈사람을 기다리며 노랠 부르네 세상 모든 기다림의 노랠 부르네 눈 맞으며 어둠 속을 떨며 가는 사람들을 노래가 길이 되어 앞질러 가고 돌아올 길 없는 눈길 앞질러 가고 아름다움이 이 세상을 건질 때까지 절망에서 즐거움이 찾아올 때까지 함박눈은 내리는데 갈 길은 먼데 무관심을 사랑하는 노랠 부르며 눈사람을 기다리는 노랠 부르며 이 겨울 밤거리의 눈사람이 되었네 봄이 와도 녹지 않을 눈사람이 되었네 “서울의 예수”(민음사, 1982)

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The Snowy Village by Kim Yong-taek Have you entered a snowy village in the evening?

Have you seen a snowy village where snow falls from the sky and the village quietly receives it?

As you enter the village, all the roads of the world end, even those to the rice paddies and farm fields.

It is useless to turn around to see the road I have traveled.

It lies in white.

Everything is of no use any longer.

The life of no return quietly lies ahead of me, without any roads.

Oh the snow falls, filling the evening sky!

If you look closely and push away the snow, there is nothing you will not see in this world.

Only the snow that has come to this world after living in the sky carefully descends, dropping its feet on the dark roofs of this world, with its two eyes closed.

눈 오는 마을/김용택

The Snow Path by Chung Ho-seung

저녁 눈 오는 마을에 들어서 보았느냐 하늘에서 눈이 내리고 마을이 조용히 그 눈을 다 맞는 눈 오는 마을을 보았느냐 논과 밭과 이 세상에 난 길이란 길들이 마을에 들어서며 조용히 끝나고 내가 걸어온 길도 뒤돌아 볼 것 없다 하얗게 눕는다 이제 아무 것도 더는 소용없다 돌아설 수 없는 삶이 길 없이 내 앞에 가만히 놓인다 저녁 하늘에 가득 오는 눈이여 가만히 눈발을 헤치고 들여다보면 이 세상에 보이지 않은 것 하나 없다 다만 하늘에서 살다가 이 세상에 온 눈들이 두 눈을 감으며 조심조심 하얀 발을 이 세상 어두운 지붕 위에 내릴 뿐이다

I see someone's footsteps that have walked on the all white snow path.

They belong to a bird.

Good heavens.

눈길/정호승 희디흰 눈길 위로 누가 걸어간 발자국이 보인다 새의 발자욱이다 다행이다

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.

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poetry

Postcard Poetry Words and photos by Doug Stuber Doug Stuber was first published in a K-12 yearbook when he was 10 years old Since then he has published 12 books of poetry, four since moving to Korea. He holds an MFA from Hollins University.

44

Gwangju News December 2013

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travel

My Korea My Korea is a column representing the voice of a Korean or a Foreigner who is eager to share his/her stories and experiences within Korea.

From left: The valley in front of the place we slept; Chicken BBQ at the Piagol area; My friends

Jirisan Mountain Words and photos by Kim Ji-eun

O

n a quiet night in the middle of October, I received a phone call from my best friends living all around Korea, announcing, “We will be arriving in Gwangju tomorrow night.” Their plan was to spend a night in Gwangju on their way to Jirisan Mountain. I was glad to hear the news, as I had been anxiously waiting to see them again.

Upon their arrival in Gwangju, our family treated them with the best hanjeongsik (King’s table) around the Sangmu area. The Jeonnam region is famous for its Korean food, one of the reasons for our regional pride. When an outsider visits, it is our duty to treat them with the best. All my friends were in awe of the taste of Jeonnam. Since my friends had little time to travel, they were planning to leave for Jirisan Mountain in the morning. To my surprise, I found out after work that they were waiting for me at a café. I ran to meet them and hopped into the van without any travel preparation. I felt light.

Tired from work, I fell asleep on the empty back seat looking up to the sky. A sudden stop at a rest area awoke me. One of my friends started to point up at the sky at a mysterious feather-like light. We were just in awe of the sight. I felt as though the hundreds of disturbances inside of me quieted down, and a sense of serenity surrounded me. It was warm.

Since it was getting dark, we sped up to the Jirisan National Park to see the sunset. The view of the mountain, sky and sunset that spread right before my eyes made me think of Heaven.

Soon after, we ate Chicken BBQ on a charcoal fire around the Piagol area. Upon our arrival, the chicken was almost already cooked, and numerous side dishes made from the ingredients found around Jirisan Mountain were served. I must say it was the best dinner I have ever had in my life. The side dishes with the chicken just melted inside my mouth. Delicious!

That night I slept well with the sound of the water flowing from the valley. I woke up early and went for a short hike near the pension by myself. It was amazing to see how houses were built in almost every corner of the mountain. It reminded me of a mother's arm embracing a child; the mountain was embracing the people, the houses and everything else in it.

Tired from the hike, I looked up at the sky, laying down on a big rock. My heart was free. I was surprised to find myself not worried about time. It almost seemed as if time stopped for eternity: no worries, no plan, I did not have to know what was next, just following, trusting. I believe life is meant to be this way. But it is not a life I can try to live. It just happens.

Gwangju News December 2013

45

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language teaching

What to Do with the EFL Learner without Motivation?

Words and photo by Dr. David Shaffer

W

henever the learning of a subject is required, there are bound to be some who have little or no interest in the subject that is being taught – and EFL in Korea is no exception.

In the public schools, English is a required subject beginning in grade 3 and remains so into the tertiary level. Furthermore, parents require their children to take additional English classes outside of school and even before grade 3. When a student is placed in an environment where they are compelled to learn English for so many hours over so much time, one should not be surprised that motivation becomes an issue in the classroom. One should also not fret as there are a number of tools that the teacher can apply to increase learner motivation.

Put Interest into the Lesson It is somewhat obvious that raised interest leads to raised motivation, but the teacher may unintentionally allow interest to fall or never really create the amount that could be created. The teacher needs to know what interests his or her students. Often the teacher merely makes assumptions about student interests, but the difference in student and teacher age can easily lead to mistaken assumptions. Students' interests also vary greatly with differences in student age.

The students themselves need to be tapped to learn their interests. This could be done in the form of a student survey. It could also be cloaked as an oral or written class activity or given as a homework assignment. Find out who their favorite singers and actors are, what they do on weekends, what they like to eat ‌ Variety is the spice of life. It can also be the spice of the English lesson. Rather than planning a single activity to span the entire class period, plan several. Remember that the younger the student is, the shorter the attention span. Three different activities or different action phases of the same activity may work well for the high-teen, but for the young learner, a change-up in activity may be needed about every five minutes. The activities, and the teacher, should be well organized. One activity should lead into the next, 46 Gwangju News December 2013

Low motivation in EFL students is a condition that can be effectively treated.

and the teacher should be well prepared. Do not rely on the same types of activities class after class.

Change things up by providing variety through new and different activities.

Put Relevance into the Lesson Interest alone is often not enough. Many students need to see a connection between the English lesson of the classroom and their life outside the classroom – no connection, no motivation. Keep your students well informed. Explain your lesson and course goals to them. Let them know why you are doing what you are doing and how it may relate to their lives. It is also important to let them know how an activity, a task or a project relates to their assessment in the course.

Have the students reflect on what they have done, how much their language proficiency has improved and the strategies that they have used to make the improvements they have made. In recent semesters, I have been building more and more reflective activities into my skills courses, having students keep reflective language learning journals and language learning portfolios, as well as having reflective in-class discussions on their personal language learning methods and practices. In-class activities and homework must not be perceived by the student as meaningless work. All coursework must have a language

December2013 2013.11.254:1PM Page47

learning goal, and the students must be made aware of this goal. Personalize coursework as much as possible. Each student is different, with diverse interests, a wide spectrum of goals and different levels of English proficiency in the various language skills. Shape activities that allow students to speak and write about their own thoughts and experiences. Rather than have the entire class report on King Sejong, have them write about the person they most look up to. Allow them to write poems on a free topic with unrestricted word length. A lot of discussion can be generated out of a mere 4-word, 4-line poem (e.g., “Life: / birth / growth / death”). Furthermore, it can have a different relevance to each of the students discussing it.

Create a Non-Threatening Classroom Environment Confidence is a common and significant problem for the Korean learner of English. There is the fear that they will make a speaking error in front of the teacher and peers, resulting in a loss of face.

Accordingly, for the average English learner, any English classroom setting is a potentially threatening environment. To counteract this, the student will often resort to the easiest and most efficient method of not making mistakes in spoken English: no speaking! This, however, has obvious disadvantages. It is necessary for many teachers to convince their students that the English classroom is a non-threatening environment.

To do this, it is important to first inform students of the nature of language learning errors. The student needs to know that error-making is a natural part of language learning (L1 and L2), that it is a byproduct of rule-formation, and that one can learn from their mistakes to improve their language proficiency. Students should also be informed that laughing at and making fun of students when they make errors is not polite, is not warranted and is not acceptable in the English classroom. A helpful atmosphere needs to be created where the students assist each other to recognize and correct each others' language errors.

Grading student performance also adds to the threatening nature of a classroom environment. To lessen this threatening impression, the teacher may decrease the number of assessment recordings made in class, or at least do the assessment out of the view of the students. The type of activities done in class can also significantly increase the feeling of safety in the classroom. Rather than spending much time on individual work (where the entire class is listening to the student called on), small group work is much more stress free. The teacher can gradually add reporting back to the class as a final step of group work and gradually prepare students for

short individual presentations before the entire class as a confidence-building activity.

Not a single one of these suggestions is guaranteed to significantly increase student motivation in the English classroom, but when applied together, the chances are much higher that student motivation will increase appreciatively – not only in the less-motivated student, but in the rest of the class as well. But remember: in order to motivate one's students, the teacher must also be motivated. Students are very quick to pick up on a lack of genuine interest on the part of the teacher in teaching and in the students being taught. It may very well be that a lack of motivation on the part of the teacher is the cause of low student motivation. Teachers may also contribute to low student motivation through poorly prepared lessons, lessons containing material that is too difficult and by setting unrealistically high goals. For motivating students, the teacher needs to be on top of his or her game, and by following the suggestions above, teachers are more likely to keep students on top of their game.

Gwangju-Jeonnam Monthly Chapter Meeting Date & Time: December 14 (Saturday), 1:30 p.m.

Place: Chosun University, Main Building, Left Wing, Rm 4211 Featured Workshops: o Approaches to Teaching Listening. By Stafford Lumsden (Sookmyung Women's University) o Experiencing Culture: The 5th Skill. By Tory Thorkelson (Hanyang University) Swap-Shop: Share your teaching ideas and activities with the group.

Admission: No Charge Year-End Dinner, 6:00 pm; GIC (Jeon-il Bldg.)

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

Dr. David E. Shaffer is the President of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL). On behalf of the Chapter, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings and special events. Dr. Shaffer is a professor of English Language at Chosun University, where he has taught graduate and undergraduate courses for many years.

He is a long-time member of KOTESOL and a holder of various KOTESOL positions, including Publications Committee Chair. He is also a seven-time recipient of the KOTESOL President's Award and a recipient of the KOTESOL Lifetime Achievement Award.

Gwangju News December 2013 47

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language study

At the Hospital Words by Karina Prananto and Hong Song-i Illustration by Faiz Alban

[National Health Check] 국가건강검진 Michael

안녕하세요, 좀 도와 주세요. 건강검진을 받고 싶은데요. (annyeonghaseyo, jom dowa juseyo. Geongang geomjineul batgo sipeundeyo.)

Hello, can you help me? I need to have a national health check.

Staff

네. 양식을 작성해 주세요. 그리고 혈액검사와 소변검사를 할 거예요. 그 다음에 혈압검사와 청력검사를 할 겁니다. 채혈실은 저 쪽에 있으니, 가셔서 이름을 부를 때까지 기다리세요.

(Ne. Yangsik-eul jakseonghae juseyo. Geurigo hyeoraekgeomsa-wa sobyeongeomsa-reul halgeoyeyo. Geu daeu-me hyeorapgeomsawa cheongryeok geomsa-reul hal geomnida. Chaehyeol-sireun jeo jjok-e isseuni, gasyeoseo ireumeul bureul ttaekkaji gidariseyo.)

Certainly. Please fill in this form accordingly. Then go to the blood-testing station to get your blood test, and then, you will need to give a urine sample. Afterwards, we will take your blood pressure and administer a hearing exam.

The blood drawing station is over there and wait until your name is called.

(After all the examinations are done)_모든 검사가 끝난 후 Staff

2주 정도 결과를 기다려 주세요. 우편으로 보내 드릴게요. (i-ju jeongdo gyeolgwa-reul gidaryeo juseyo. Upyeon-euro bonae deurilkkeyo.)

Please wait about two weeks for the results. We will send them to you by post.

Michael

알겠습니다. 감사합니다. (Algetseumnida. Gamsahamnida.)

Thank you very much.

[General Check/ Illness] 일반검진 Michael

열이 있는 것 같아요. 콧물이 나고 한기가 있어요. (추워요) (Yeo-ri itneun geot gachayeo. Kotmu-ri nago hangiga isseoyo. (Chuwoyo.)

I think I have a fever. I have a runny nose and I am feeling chilly.

Doctor

여기에 누우세요. (진단 후) 처방전을 써 드릴게요. 알레르기 있으세요?

(Yeogi-e nuuseyo. (Jindan hu) Cheobangjeo-neul sseo deurilkeyo. Allereugi isseuseyo?)

Please lay down here. (After the examination). Thank you for coming in today. I will write you a prescription. Do you have any allergies to medication?

Michael

아니오, 없습니다. (Anio. Eobseumnida.)

No, I do not.

Doctor

병원 뒤쪽에 있는 약국에 이 처방전을 가져 가세요. 빨리 나으세요.

(Byeongwon dwijjok-e itneun yakguk-e I cheobangjeo-neul gajyeo gaseyo. Bbali naeuseyo.)

Here is a prescription which you can take to the pharmacy just behind this hospital. Get well soon.

Useful Vocabulary 건강 혈액검사 소변검사 열이 나다 한기가 있다 혈압검사 청력검사 48

Health Blood Test Urine Test To have a fever To feel chilly Blood pressure check Hearing Test

Gwangju News December 2013

알레르기 우편 검사 처방전 약국 주사 감기 배가 아프다 머리 아프다

Allergies By mail Examination Prescription Pharmacy Injection/ shot Cold/Flu To have a stomachache To have a headache

소화가 안 된다 기침 치과 산부인과 안과 피부과 내과 한의원 한약

To have indigestion Cough Dentist Obstetrician/ Gynecologist Ophthalmologist Dermatologist Internist Korean/ oriental medicine clinic Korean/ traditional medicine

December2013 2013.11.254:35PM Page49

language study

Words and photos provided 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.

가슴에 못을 박다 [ga-seu-me mo-seul bak-tta] Literal translation: to drive a nail into one's chest Actual usage: to say something very hurtful to someone; to do something that makes someone feel deeply hurt 가슴에 못을 박다 describes the intense feeling one gets when something is said or done that causes a person to feel as if someone is stabbing him or her in the heart. This expression can be used when talking about heartache or a relationship break-up, but it is used more when someone is very direct, harsh and unfiltered when speaking to another person, or when a child does something bad and the parent responds with the phrase:“가슴에 못을 박다.”A related English colloquialism is: "Stab me in the heart, why don't you?!"

For example: A: 울지 마세요.

B: 내가 너를 어떻게 키웠는데. 내 가슴에 못을 박는구나.

A: 앞으로 효도하면서 살면 되잖아요. 죄송해요.

A: Don't cry.

B: I worked so hard to raise you, and you are breaking my heart.

A: I will be a good child from now on. I'm sorry.

급할 수록 돌아가라 [geu-pal su-rok do-ra-ga-ra] Literal translation: The more urgent (something is), the more detours (there are).

Actual usage: The more you rush, the longer it takes.

People often try to find shortcuts when they are in a hurry to make it easier for themselves, but most of the time, things are not done correctly in this manner, because they are completed in a rush and no time has been saved. Sometimes people need a reminder that it is better to step back, breathe and take it one step at a time. In Korean, you can advise someone that to "haste makes waste" by saying,“급할 수록 돌아가라”.

For example: A: 정신이 하나도 없네.

B: 오늘 집들이 때문에 그래?

A: 청소도 해야 하고, 음식도 만들어야 하고, 옷도 갈아 입어야 하고. 아...

B: 급할 수록 돌아가라는 말도 있잖아. 하나씩 천천히 해 봐. 파티 전에 끝낼 수 있을거야. 그렇지?

A: 그래. 고마워!

B: 아니야.

A: Things are so busy that they are driving me out of my mind.

B: Is it because of the house warming party today?

A: Yes. I have to clean the house, make the food and wash the clothes.

B: And they say haste makes waste. So, I suggest, do each task one by one slowly, and then, you will finish the work before the party starts. Does that sound like a plan?

A: Yes, it does. Thank you for your help.

B: No problem.

Gwangju News December 2013 49

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food

[Miss Saigon]

Vietnamese Noodle, Rice & Wrap Words and photos by Catherine Stark

A

piping hot bowl of savory, slightly spiced broth packed with chewy rice noodles and sliced beef, sprinkled with green onions and covered in bean sprouts. What is this wonderful mix of comfort and flavor? The Vietnamese street food favorite: Pho Bo. Usually slurped roadside on tiny stools for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, this bowl of goodness can really be devoured anytime. Craved worldwide, this newest addition to the Southeast Asian restaurants in Gwangju serves up cheap and tasty eats and offers a variety of Vietnamese and fusion dishes. You will leave satisfied with a full stomach and pocketbook. 미스사이공 Miss Saigon By taxi: Tell the driver “상대 뒤” (Sangdae dwi). He or she will drive around the edge of the Chonnam National University campus, turning right at the 711. Tell him or her to stop when you see Seattle Expresso on the corner on your left hand-side and Biggs Coffee on your right. Walk in front of Seattle Expresso. Take the first right at Tous les Jour, and Miss Saigon will be on your left.

Buses: Take either buses 419 or the Yongbong 83 bus to get off at the Yongbong Woomi Apartment (용봉우미아파트) stop. Look for the park on your lefthand side and walk to the first intersection. Turn right, and walk straight for two blocks. Walkthrough the next four-way intersection and the restaurant is next to Tous les Jour on your left.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere is welcoming with warm bright colors, a simple sleek style and succulent smells. Wooden tables and chairs are arranged on an open floor set which allows guests 50 Gwangju News December 2013

their own space and a stellar view into the kitchen.

It is definitely a good low-key place to grab a bite on a weeknight or before heading out at the nearby Backgate area.

Service: This family-owned restaurant provides efficient service. You are seated immediately if dining in. Even if “pho-to-go” is what you fancy, it will be yours in five minutes flat.

Food: Aside from Pho, Miss Saigon offers a variety of fried noodles, rice and wraps. You can choose beef, chicken or seafood. Some dishes are spicy, while you can add heat or sweetness to others with extra sauces. All dishes are garnished with peanuts, spring onions or bean sprouts. While the seafood options are splendid, my personal favorites are the standard Beef Pho and Fried Pho Noodles with Chicken.

Prices: Appetizers range from 2,000 won for rice balls to 3,500 won for Cha Gio (crispy spring rolls). Beef and chicken dishes are 4,500 won, and for 1,000 won extra, you can bump up to a larger size. All seafoodbased dishes are 5,500 won. If you are feeling creative and want to split a dish, splurge and opt for the unique make-your-own-spring-rolls set.

For cheap, quick and flavorful Vietnamese eats, this place is worth the go! 미스사이공 Miss Saigon Address: 광주광역시 북구 용봉동 356-8 (356-8 Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju) Opening Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Buses: 83, 419, get off at the Yongbong Woomi Apartment (용봉우미아파트) Bus Stop Phone Number: 070-8191-2295

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Golbimmyeon 골빔면

food

Words and photos by Park Seong-yeop

G

olbimmyeon is an abbreviation of gol-bang-e (turban shell) and bibimmyeon. You can cook this food in a short time very easily. This food was introduced to Korea by the TV program: “Happy Together's Yaganmaejum” (which means “Nighttime Cafeteria” in English) and received a good reputation among judges and the public, because even though it is simple to make, it tastes awesome. You can get canned turban shell in any market.

Things to prepare

(serves 2 persons) 2 packets of bibimmyeon (noodles with assorted mixtures) Canned turban shell 2 tablespoons of hot pepper paste 2-3 tablespoons of sesame oil, Small amounts of cucumber and lettuce (to your preference)

Cooking Steps 1

2

Mix the 2 tablespoons of hot pepper paste, 2-3 tablespoons of sesame oil and 2 bibimmyeon sauces. (Put a teaspoon of vinegar if you want the food to taste a little sour.) Rinse and drain the turban shells.

Bring the water to a boil. Cut the vegetables you want to add and add them to the mixture.

Boil and drain the noodles, rinse them with cold water a few times and pour them into a bowl. Mix noodles in with the mixed sauces and vegetables, and enjoy!

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[CROSSWORD]

By Mike Schroeder

[Across]

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1. Expected result [Down] 4. Biggest bird 6. Hair product 7. Military gone missing 10. Bar snack 13. Most NASCAR wins 14. No 15. To throw in a high arc 18. Maurice Bernard Sendak's famous book had wild __ 20. Cash spitters 22. Rowing races 24. 5-time Super Bowl winners 25. Paid to a bookie 26. What you're doing 28. “We need to talk about your TPS reports” 31. Bad thing to have in your veins 32. Grain used to make horchata 34. Comic Lenny ______ 35. “Counting Blue Cars” artist 38. Snag 41. Sprinkle with holy water 43. Largest Asian city 44. Sandman author 46. Step between “lather” and “repeat” 47. Small Barrel

Gwangju News December 2013

1. Christopher Robin's pal 2. Hitchhiker's best galactic buddy 3. Weight training units 5. 2012; Farrell, Harrelson, Rockwell 8. Largest UK stadium 9. Cereal or whiskey base 11. With deleted scenes included 12. Wrestling duo 16. The Australian flag has six 17. The “m” in e=mc2 19. Uncooked 21. Insane 23. “Closing Time” artist 27. Musical Dr.'s real name is Andre Young 29. 1st baseball team to field 9 Black or Latino players 30. Foul-mouthed bear of film 33. Capital of Afghanistan 36. Korean vehicle brand 37. “___ Just Not That Into You” 39. Explosive 40. Asian pan 41. Tweezer targets 42. Lyrical Poem 45. To annoy

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[CROSSWORD] Last Month’s Answers

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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.

Wanted: Expat Stories: Accounts of your experiences living and working in Korea are requested: encounters of comedy, tragedy and anything in-between.

The stories will be used in an ongoing documentary project entitled “Expat Asia.”

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

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/1106873 425068670027990

Gwangju Inter FC The Gwangju international soccer team (Gwangju Inter FC) plays regularly every weekend. If you are interested in playing, email: gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com or search ‘Gwangju Inter FC’ on Facebook.

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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Gwangju News December 2013

AMURT India Interested in volunteering in India and/or with helping support volunteers to serve in India? The Basumukul (UNESCO) Group will visit Gwangju during January 6-15, 2014. Any support will be greatly appreciated. For more information to stay informed and to help out, please visit: http://amurt.net.

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.

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 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.

Gwangju Ice Hockey Team 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

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