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September 2016 Issue No. 175 Published on September 2, 2016 Cover Photo: Lorryn Smit Cover Art & Design: Joe Wabe Photo provided by: Gwangju Biennale
Gwangju News is the first local English magazine in Korea, first published in 2001. It covers local and regional issues, with a focus on roles and activities of the international residents and local English-speaking communities. Copyright by Gwangju International Center. All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means — graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise — without the written consent of the publisher. Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center 5, Jungang-ro 196 beon-gil (Geumnam-no 3 Ga), Dong-gu, Gwangju 61475, South Korea Tel: (+82)-62-226-2733~34 Fax: (+82)-62-226-2731 Registration No. 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date February 22, 2010 Printed by Join Adcom 조인애드컴 (+82)-62-367-7702
September 2016 www.gwangjunewsgic.com
PUBLISHER Shin Gyonggu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joe Wabe MANAGING EDITORS Kelsey Rivers, Anastasia Traynin COORDINATOR AND LAYOUT EDITORS Minsu Kim, Joe Wabe PHOTO EDITOR Lorryn Smit CHIEF PROOFREADER Joey Nunez COPY EDITORS Timm Berg, Robert Davies, Brian Fitzroy, Joey Nunez, Kelsey Rivers, Jon Ozelton, 8ball PROOFREADERS Jamie Bogdanowicz, Heather Douglas, Christie Fargher, David Foster, Di Foster, Don Gariepy, Eden Jones, Carrie Levinson, Ynell Lumantao-Mondragon, Teri Lynn, Joey Nunez, Gabi Nygaard, Stephen Redeker RESEARCHERS Son Saerom
Volunteering Inquiry and Feedback: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr Advertising and Subscription Inquiry: minsu@gic.or.kr or 062-226-2733~34 Special thanks to the City of Gwangju and all of our sponsors.
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Gwangju News always needs volunteers who want to share their expertise or gain some. We have plenty of opportunities for writers, copy editors, photographers, web and blog editors as well as graphic artists and creators. Please contact our managing editor at gwangjunews@gic.or.kr for volunteering inquiries. Email us today and start getting involved!
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Letter from the Editor
Holiday Inn Gwangju provides the attractive dining experience. Join our seasonal event and get a limited benefit.
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ongratulations to us all! We survived one of the hottest summers Korea has ever seen, and now that the humidity and heat have moved on to other parts of the world, it is time to get out and enjoy what Gwangju does best: art and traditional culture. September in Korea is most famous for the annual Chuseok holiday. This is the time when Koreans slow down to give thanks and enjoy time with their families and hometown friends. For foreigners, it is a great opportunity to delve into some cultural experiences. We have packed this edition of the magazine with loads of tradition: starting with the history of Chuseok, then taking a closer look at Songpyeon (the traditional food of Chuseok) and Yutnori (a traditional game), plus a walk through a trendy, more modern take on traditional Korea through Penguin Village. Perhaps you are looking to get out of the city and explore? Then check out our travel piece all about Andong: the home of Confucianism in Korea. We also visited a traditional Korean restaurant, got some information on oriental medicine and even found a school that hosts an array of classes about Korean arts and culture. This September also marks the opening of the 11th Biennale Design Exhibition. The theme this year is “The Eighth Climate,” which probes into the question of “What does art do?” The exhibition boasts works from 97 international artists and will run from September 2 to November 6, 2016. There will be exhibitions all around the city, so be sure to turn to Feature 1 for more information about what to expect, exhibits and the curators themselves. Have a great September, and safe travels!
Lorryn Smit, Photo Editor
HOURGLASS (1F) TRIPLE B PLAN Enjoy a wide selection of freshly grilled meat and seafood prepared daily to order on the open charcoal-fired grill with unlimited draft beer. You can feel soft summer breeze on the outdoor terrace and savor the dining experience of selecting food from the full buffet spread with great BBQ items. Period : ~ 30th September Price : 45,000 won (VAT included) per person Reservation : 062- 610-7061, 2
LA PLACE (10F)
MODERN & CASUAL CUISINES
Modern & Casual restaurant of the hotel located on the 10th floor, is designed to awaken all the senses. We present a variety of meats and pasta, guests can experience 5 star hotel chefs high quality of cuisines with the reasonable price. The stylish décor and the spectacular view are breathtaking. Period : ~ 30th September Operation hours : 18:00 – 24:00 (Sun-Thu) 18:00 – 02:00 (Fri-Sat)
Our team is committed to producing the greatest Korean and most authentic Western food A Unique Lifetime Experience at Holiday Inn Gwangju For more information: 062-610-7000 www.holidayinngwangju.com
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Contents September 2016 20
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
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GWANGJU NEWS
FEATURE
TRAVEL
5. Gwangju City News 6. GIC Tour 10. Upcoming Events
18. 2016 Gwangju Biennle: The Eight Climate 20. Chuseok
24. Around Korea: Andong 42. Lost in Gwangju: Penguin Village
COMMUNITY
ARTS & CULTURE
13. New in Town: Frederico Pereira de Matos 14. Local Entrepreneurs: Kim Su-jin 16. Community Leaders: Kim Hee-jeong 44. From Abroad: A South African Braai 52. Health: Oriental Medicine Clinic 55. Expat Living: How to Get a Credit Card
22. Bringing Indie Music to the South 26. Yutnori 32. Photo Essay: 105 Days in Korea 36. Photo of the Month 38. Chung Gong Sori FOOD & DRINKS 28. Where to Eat: Hanjeongsik 30. Korean Food: Songpyeon Sports 40. Biking in Gwangju
EDUCATION 46. KOTESOL: The Alpha and Omega of the Lesson 48. Darak: Making Music in Gwangju 54. Talk to me in Korean OPINION 50. World Human Rights Cities Forum
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Gwangju City
News
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Compiled by Son Saerom
could expect to see a huge increase in sales, thanks to the upcoming “Korea Sale Festa.” He added that officials in Dong-gu district will do their best to attract more visitors to the area during the festival.
Citizen-friendly Green Camping Site – Expanding Citizen-Friendly Green Camping Site
Enjoy “Korea Sale FESTA” at Chungjang-ro and Daein Market
The number of Gwangju Citizen Forest’s campsite spaces at the Daesang Community Park near Yeongsan River will increase up to 57.
The 2016 Korea Sale FESTA is an event to be held from September 29 to October 31 and will include the Korea Grand Sale for foreign tourists, large discou nts for Koreans and various cultural tourism events in surrounding regions. Shopping, tourism and hallyu (Korean pop culture) will converge at this event, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The event is organized by the Visit Korea Committee, the KCCI and the Korea Creative Content Agency.
The Daein Market seeks to boost the local economy with a 10 percent discount at restaurants. Kim said that the district
In accordance with the “Supporting and Cooperating Cultural Tour” agreement made last year, Gwangju is continuing to support Namdo’s improvements and tourism revitalization of regional resources. This information is available on the first floor of the Gwangju City Hall and Tourist Information Center.
Gwangju Citizen Forest’s campsite is located near the Yeongsan River across from Cheomdan Gwangju Innobiz Center, 2.5 kilometers away from Cheomdan Bridge. It is considered to be quite accessible because it only takes five minutes from North (Buk) Gwangju IC by car. If a reservation is made on the Gwangju Green City office website (http://grrencity.gwangju.go.kr), prices include the following: general campsite spaces for 10,000 won during the week and 15,000 won during the weekend and busy season, auto campsite spaces for 15,000 won during the week and 20,000 won during the weekend and busy season, while 3,000 won is additionally charged when using electricity.
September 2016
“Chungjang Three Go Shopping Festival” will have bargain sales events, and a raffle. The Chungjang Festival will be held from September 29 to October 9.
Gwangju and its five nearest city districts of Damyang, Hampyeong, Hwasun, Jangsung and Naju announced that they have created a brochure: “Let’s Go to Gwangju and Namdo,” to help people travel around Gwangju and its neighboring cities on a regionally-connected tour.
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Kim Seong-hwan, the head of Gwangju Dong-gu district, has designated Chungjang-ro in downtown and Daein market as public business projects, with the country’s biggest shopping festival named “Korea Sale FESTA.” Dong-gu district is laying plans for various programs by receiving 70 million won for Chungjang-ro and 15 million won for Daein Market to boost tourism and the domestic economy.
Publication of Brochure about Jeollanam-do Tour: Let’s Go to Gwangju and Namdo
Gwangju City will establish an additional 30 campsite space (6 for vehicles and 24 for ordinary campers) to the existing 27 within the Daesang Community Park near Yeongsan River, and these will be equipped with convenience facilities including a kitchen, shower stalls and toilets, along with safety equipment including CCTVs (closed-circuit television), fire extinguishers and defibrillators. These additional spaces will be available from September 9, 2016.
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GWANGJU NEWS
GIC Tour September Sunchang
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
Gangcheonsan County Park - Boiled Chicken (Lunch) - Granite Phallus of Sandong-ri - Sunchang Traditional Gochujang Folk Village - Making Gochujang, Gochujang Pizza, Injeolmi and Traditional Popped Rice Experience
Date&Time: Saturday, September 24 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration: By Sunday, September 18 Participation fee: 40,000 won (GIC members) 50,000 won (Non-members) / 20,000 won (Pre-schoolers) More Info: Jeongmin Lee 062.226.2733 / gictour@gic.or.kr
GIC TOUR
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s the heat of the Korean summer comes to an end, the GIC Tour sets its sights on Sunchang to kick off the fall season!
After a morning filled with exploring the natural wonders of Sunchang, participants will no doubt have worked up quite a hunger.
Whether new in town or a long-time Gwangju resident, with its wealth of natural beauty and emphasis on preserving national cultural heritage, Sunchang is an ideal destination not only for relaxation but also traditional experiences for all visitors.
A restaurant situated just outside the park and right along the banks of the very same stream will provide a hearty lunch of baeksuk, countrystyle chicken. Participants will sit in a covered, outdoor pavilion, right at the edge of the stream, and each table will enjoy a whole chicken, followed by a hearty porridge to end the meal. The nearby rural village of Sandeongri will be the site of our first, brief, post-lunch stop. The scenic agricultural landscapes alone are worth taking the time to enjoy, but even more so, the presence of some unique historical relics provides the primary reason for our visit.
Our first stop on the tour will be Gangcheon Mountian County Park. Waterfalls bookend both ends of the path through the park, which follows along the course of a stream that flows through the valley. Along our way through the park, adventurous participants can ascend the mountain to cross the area’s longest suspension footbridge, which connects two cliffs over a 50-meter-deep view of the valley. The end point of our course will be the “Nine Generals Waterfall,” descending 120 meters to collect in clear pools, which serves as one source for the Yeongsan River.
Photos Courtesy of the GIC Tour
In a fusion of western and Korean cuisine, participants will make and then eat their very own pizza with a crust made from sliced rice cake and topped with a gochujang-infused sauce. The highlight of the experience will be learning the history behind gochujang, and making red pepper paste, with each participant taking home their own 500-gram jar to enjoy at home. So come join us for all of this excitement and see just a slice of what the places in Jeolla province have to offer when the September GIC Tour visits Sunchang!
September 2016
By Nahia Antoranz
Another source of local pride for the residents of Sunchang is producing some of the country’s best gochujang, the red pepper paste condiment served at almost any Korean table. When we wrap up the tour, we will be stopping by the Sunchang Gochujang Village, where the traditional sauce is made using artisanal methods. Activities at the village will center on making and enjoying traditional Korean dishes, including popped rice snacks and a dessert produced by pounding sticky rice and coating it with soybean flour.
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On our way back through the park, we will also briefly visit the quaint Gancheon Temple, built in the 9th century by Doseon, the monk who introduced the beliefs of pungsu-jiri, or geomancy, to the Korean Peninsula.
In Sandeong-ri we will find a legendary stone with a famous folkloric connection. The stone, which also has a twin called Changdeok-ri located nearby, is a large, phallic stone sculpture. According to local folklore, 500 years ago, a widow was carrying the two stones on her way through the region, but when the load got too heavy, she dropped them in the locations where they are currently found. From that point on, these stones were believed to be capable of providing help to women who were having trouble conceiving children.
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September Schedule This GIC Talk Monthly Theme will showcase GIC Talks from Speakers who would like to share their areas of expertise with the GIC Talk audience, with new monthly themes throughout 2016. Time & Location: Saturdays from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., GIC Auditorium (1st Floor) For more information, contact gictalk@gic.or.kr
:: September 3
Speaker: Riann Arkinstall Topic: How to Do Business in Korea as an Expat
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
Riann Arkinstall used to teach math at a high school in Canada. However, he was not satisfied with the results of his teaching methods and the results that his students were having in Canada. When he started teaching English in Korea, he found it very fulfilling. Now he runs his own English school in Gwangju. He will share about his own experience of opening up a business in Korea: starting, how to proceed, success, etc
:: September 10 Swap, Don’t Shop!
There will be no GIC Talk, due to the Free Cycle event, on Saturday, September 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are invited to the GIC to enjoy this event with us!
:: September 17 Happy Chuseok!
There will be no GIC Talk due to the Korean national holiday, Chuseok! However, the GIC will still be open on September 17.
:: September 24
Speaker: Syeda Shamima Nasrin Topic: Evolution: A Theory or a Belief? The 21st Century is widely known as the dawn of Biology. We have the Human Genome printout in our hands, but unfortunately people still have doubts about the theory of evolution. Maybe evolution is the most mistaken concept in science of all time. Some people claim this is just a theory, that there is not any proof of it. During this talk we are going to take a close look at the evolution theory, examine missing links and talk about the popular misconceptions about this theory, along with the future of evolution. Interested? Take a look at the GIC Preview!
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Evolution: A Theory or a Belief? Speaker : Syeda Shamima Nasrin The GIC Talk on September 24, 2016, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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As a result, humanity has come up with different stories and myths to explain our beginnings, and evolution is one such theory that exam-
Evolution is something that shows our real identity and points out connections between humanity and nature. One thing to remember, evolution has nothing to do with the first life on Earth. Evolution concentrates on how life has evolved with time. Evolution does not address how life began – only how it developed thereafter. Since Charles Darwin first proposed his Theory of Evolution, many have debated its validity. In the 21st century, at a time when we have strong evidence of the evolutionary process, some are still influenced by many popular hoaxes and misconceptions. Science always welcomes us to doubt and ask questions, such as, how were
all inventions invented? There is no “silly question� when it comes to science, so even if you are not familiar with science and so think to skip this talk, I assure you that evolution is more like the story of humanity, or more precisely, a story of life. We are now living in an era where we all hold a powerful piece of armor called the Internet. Anyone can learn anything using this technology and justify him or herself, whether the words are true and logical or not. Being a student, I understand how important it is to describe scientific theories in easy and simple language, so that people who have barely any idea about scientific terms can understand them properly. I propose to give an informative and engaging talk that is accessible to all listeners. So, please join me for this GIC Talk on Saturday, September 24, from 3 to 4 p.m.!
September 2016
Evolution is a fundamental part of biological science, but if we dive deep into it, we can see it is no less important in the sum total of human advancement. From the very beginning of human civilization, people have wanted to know where we come from and where we will go, so humans have developed mythologies to explain their existence.
ines the progression of humans and other creatures scientifically. Nobody can deny our past and roots are very much important for our own future.
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s a Global Diversification Scholarship holder from Bangladesh, I am pursuing an undergraduate degree for Biological Science and Technology from Chonnam National University. The topic for the next GIC Talk on Saturday, September 24, will be about evolution.
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Upcoming
Events
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4th Animal Film Festival in Suncheon Bay (ANFFiS) 제4회 순천만세계동물영화제
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
Dates: September 3 to 7 Venue: Suncheon Bay National Garden Admission Fee: Free Directions: Take the intercity bus to Suncheon from U-Square Bus Terminal (50 minutes). Once you arrive, transfer at the Suncheon Express Bus Terminal. Look for local buses 60~63, 65~68, or 88 to the garden. (Travel time should be about 10 minutes) Website: www.anffis.org Telephone: 061-749-6815
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The Sangsahwa Festival is an annual event with beautiful colonies of Sangsahwa blooming around Bulgapsa. You can enjoy diverse Sangsahwa-themed performances, experiences and exhibitions. Dates: September 16 to 18 Venue: Bulgapsa Tourist Zone (450 bulgap-ro, Bulgap-myeon, Yeonggwang-gun) Admission Fee: Free Website: sangsahwa.cafe24.com Telephone: 061-350-5110
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Korea Urban Agriculture Expo 제5회 대한민국 도시농업 박람회
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Shakespeare Opera Collection 셰익스피어 원작 오페라 콜렉션
Dates: September 5 to 6, at 7:30 p.m. Venue: Bitgoeul Citizen Cultural Center, Admission Fee: 10,000 won Website: bitculture.gjcf.or.kr Telephone: 062-651-3404
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2016 Yeonggwang Bulgap MounThe 7080 Chungjang Recollectain Sangsahwa Festival tion Festival 2016 영광 불갑산 상사화 축제
This exhibition is hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Gwangju City under the slogan, “Vegetable Garden! Add the Healing and Art” Dates: September 23 to 26 Location: Pungam Lake Park – Gwangju Seogu Pungamdong 460 Admission Fee: Free Website: http://www.kuae.org/ https://www.facebook.com/5kuae/ Telephone: 062-613-3970
제13회 추억의 충장축제
The 7080 Chungjang Recollection Festival is one of Gwangju’s most representative festivals of Korean culture. The festival theme is the 1970s and 1980s and creates a nostalgic atmosphere with various performances, exhibitions and hands-on programs. During the festival, the streets of the venue are designed in the style of the 1970s and 1980s. The 7080 Chungjang Recollection Festival hosts various programs, such as a street parade, alumni reunions, intangible cultural asset performances and many more programs. Dates: September 29 to October 3 Venue: Asia Culture Center, Chungjang-ro, Geumnam-ro and Hwanggeum-ro, and “Art Street” downtown Admission Fee: Free Website: www.cjr7080.com Telephone: 062-608-3930~3
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ACC
- ASIAN CULTURE CENTER
www.acc.go.kr, 1899-5566
GWANGJU THEATHER
Chungjang-no 5-ga 62, Dong-gu, Gwangju (two blocks behind NC WAVE) TICKETS: 8,000 won INFORMATION: 062-224-5858
SEPTEMBER 18
Rabindranath Tagore: The Art and Life of a Cosmopolitan
This exhibition delves into Tagore’s literary voyage under five themes: “Life Sketch,” “Shantiniketan,” “Gitanjali,” “Tagore the Dramatist” and “My Last Affair.” These themes will lead visitors to have a better understanding of Tagore through photographs, such as Tagore surrounded by students and teachers after he was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature, and with Mahatma Gandhi, Helen Keller and Albert Einstein. Dates: June 10, 2016 to January 8, 2017 Venue: Special Project Space 3, ACC Library Park Admission Fee: Free
Imagining New Eurasia Project Chapter 2, From, To, and In Between: Theatre of Networks
Sang-hyeon, who has been living in the district of Jjokbang (a kind of flophouse) in Yeongdeungpo for 25 years, is working hard, keeping the dream of the day when he will live with his 8-year-old son he has been separated from after divorce. He sees NGOs competitively run their businesses, which are to support people who live in the district but only hinder people from developing their willingness to stand on their own feet. So he leaves this place. But as he fails to get a job elsewhere, he comes back and chooses to help the NGO’s business.
SEPTEMBER 14
Café Society (2016, 96 mins.)
Directed by Woody Allen Comedy, Drama Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Blake Lively Looking for an exciting career, young Bobby Dorfman leaves New York for the glitz and glamour of 1930s Hollywood. After landing a job with his uncle, Bobby falls for Vonnie, a charming woman who happens to be his employer’s mistress. Settling for friendship but ultimately heartbroken, Bobby returns to the Bronx and begins working in a nightclub. Everything falls into place when he finds romance with a beautiful socialite, until Vonnie walks back into his life and captures his heart once again.
SEPTEMBER 22 Han River (2016, 85 mins.)
Directed by Lee Mu-young Drama Starring Bong Man-dae, Kim Hui-jeong, Ki Tae-young Catholic priest, Myeong-jun, climbs up one of the bridges crossing the Han River to commit suicide after learning that a woman who loved him in the past has killed herself. Then Jang-hyo, a homeless person, tells the man on the bridge that he bet with other homeless people that the suicide attempt will fail. Myeong-jun jumps into the river anyway. But Jang-hyo rescues the suicidal priest and lets him join the homeless community. Chu-ja, a transgender homeless person, is on bad terms with his daughter. When he hesitates about attending his daughter’s wedding, two men visit the daughter and ask her to forgive her father. Maria, another homeless person, goes to a soup kitchen at a Catholic church, where she sees the beautiful nun Angela. Maria, who was pregnant at the time, gives birth to a baby later and decides to remain at the church to be a sister. Despite their own painful history, each of these four people find a way to reconcile with the past.
For the full September movie calendar please visit: cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju
September 2016
Dates: September 1, 2016 to June 14, 2017 Venue: ACC Creation Space 3 Admission Fee: Regular Admission 7,000 won, Students (ages 13-24) 5,000 won
Directed by Lee Chang-jun Documentary Starring Missi Pyle, Annie Golden, Yeardley Smith
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
It deals with the ways in which the Old Silk Road, New Silk Roads, and other routes have constructed a grand network that shaped and defined the continent since ancient times. Using historical and contemporary materials, this research-based exhibition presents visual narratives on how wars, religions, trade, and other dynamic forces have created paths that forged relations, and often disturbances, between different cultures and states.
Hide Behind the Sun (2016, 80 mins.)
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016 12
13 Interview by You Min-a
Frederico Pereira de Matos
New In Town
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Why did you come to Gwangju, Korea? Frederico: I came to Korea through a program called K2H (Korea to Heart) Fellowship, which was organized by the Governors Association of Korea (GAOK). K2H Fellowship has been making progress for several years in [many] countries, but it was the first time for us, East Timor, to join. The K2H Fellowship program sent an application form to us. I applied for it, and I was selected to be part of this program! This program is offered to government officials. So in this case, because I was an official back in East Timor as well, I was selected and assigned to work in Gwangju. Before coming to the GIC, I worked in the mayor’s office at Gwangju City Hall. Then they assigned me to work with the international relations bureau. Later on they decided to send me here as an intern. So I
have been working here since last month. I have also begun to take Korean classes as well. What was your first impression of Gwangju International Center? Frederico: When I first came to the GIC, I met Dr. Shin and he explained what the GIC was doing so far. Those activities really impressed me because they were very big events organized by the GIC almost every year. The GIC was also providing a lot of systems in order to organize programs related to human rights issues in Korea and all over the world. So the first impression of the center was that it is a very big organization and that I am really proud of its activities. Why did you decide to participate in the WHRCF? Frederico: It is because human rights are an issue that is neverending. This means that every country has this kind of problem. Our country fought for independence in the past and is all too familiar with human rights issues. So that is why I am very interested in the World Human Rights City Forum (WHRCF).
September 2016
East Timor is located between Australia and Indonesia. Timor is an island, but it is divided into two parts, east and west. West Timor still belongs to Indonesia. We have two official languages, the first one is my mother tongue, Tetum, and the second one is Portuguese. But Indonesian and English are also part of the local languages. So when
we communicate, we usually use Indonesian and English. The most exported commodities of our country are coffee and oil. The total population of East Timor would be around 1.18 million.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
ould you tell us about your country, East Timor? Frederico: The official name of East Timor is the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. We [gained] our independence in May 2002. We had been colonized by the Portuguese for 450 years, and after they left, Indonesia invaded us militarily and we had to fight for 24 years again. Then in 1999, since the issue of our colonization spread throughout the world, the United Nations became involved and decided to have a referendum in Timor-Leste to ask the citizens to decide whether they wanted to be a part of Indonesia or become an independent country. Everyone voted for independence. Finally, we officially declared independence in 2002.
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Modern Jewelry, Rustic Touch: Work by
COMMUNITY
Kim Su-jin
By Sean D’Angelo Photos by Lorryn Smit
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
f you imagine Korean fashion and design as a river flowing from Seoul southwards, then the currents of change are fastest up near the source and slow to a crawl as they travel outwards. Although Gwangju is known as an artistic and cultural city, early adoption of new trends still tends to happen in the capital long before those trends make it down our way. That is why running a cutting-edge start-up outside Seoul takes a certain mental and physical fortitude, like paddling a raft in a sluggish stream. But mental and physical fortitude are two things that CA Studio Founder and Jewelry Designer Kim Su-jin has in abundance. While many Korean jewelry designers pack it up and move north, or even abroad where their work is now more widely accepted, this school-trained, CrossFit designing enthusiast is discovering new frontiers right here in our backyard with nature-inspired pieces that challenge conceptions of consumption. Or that is what critics would say. Kim insists it is really about making fun and attractive pieces of wearable art.
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LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
In an age of metal and machines, man and nature are set at odds, and Kim’s work acts as a bridge to bring us back in touch. And while natural motifs in jewelry design are nothing new, Kim brings a modern flare to her designs, incorporating techniques that produce “chic,” “edgy” pieces. Raw would be a good description.
Traditional values and tastes have deep roots in the south. To spread the word about her work, Kim turned to social media and tapped into markets across Korea and even abroad. As her artwork is more likely to be appreciated by younger generations, social media has proven to be the perfect marketing tool. These days Instagram especially has become a popular outlet for budding Korean artists. And Kim’s work is certainly “budding” in more than one sense.
Tarnished metals, abraded surfaces and natural textures all characterize her aesthetic. Despite the intentionally rustic appearance, Kim keeps it classy with her “smart jewelry,” more colloquially known as “transformer jewelry,” which sounds like something invented by Apple. Forget Bluetooth in your clunky over-priced semi-precious handphone accessory, here smart jewelry refers to multifunctional jewelry. At the dinner party, you can sport a silver and pearl necklace, but at the opera the pearls come off and form into an elegant bracelet. Or two sets of earrings, elegant in and of themselves, that chain to form dangles when you really want to make an impression. Why buy just one piece when you can get two that not only mesh well but also morph into su-
per jewelry? Optimus Prime and the Power Rangers would be jealous. Luxurious, practical, elegant, modern yet natural, Kim’s work is all of these descriptions. And at a fairly reasonable cost considering the intensive labor and quality of her materials, prices range from 60,000 won on the low end up to 600,000 won for the more complicated pieces. Kim also works to order, in just about any material, and brings her extensive experience as both a designer and a wedding advisor to bear for custom pieces. Get in touch with her and check out her work at the addresses below! Instagram at #sujinkimjewelry E-mail at kkssj83@naver.com
September 2016
Kim’s designs and techniques, while diverse, are often connected by a common thematic element: whorled sprouts. Her rational philosophy is that natural symmetry offers one of the purest and most beautiful forms in the world of design. Sprouts are nature distilled to its quintessential form.
“Traditional values and tastes have deep roots in the south. To spread the word about her work, Kim turned to social media and tapped into markets across Korea and even abroad. ”
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Born in Yeosu, Kim moved to Gwangju in 2002 for university, where she met her husband and has been working here professionally ever since. Even though she holds a master’s degree from the Gwangju University of Design, Kim admits that running a business in Gwangju is difficult.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
COMMUNITY
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Kim Hee-jeong Cooperates in Africa
By Anne Murray
K
im Hee-jeong, a Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) volunteer in Africa, is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. In 2014 KOICA offered her a voluntary position in Cameroon, Africa. She took up a position teaching arts and crafts at Ekoudou School. Ekoudou is a bilingual public Elementary School, situated in the small village of Briqueterie which is in the Yaounde area. Here there are 80-120 students in each class, sitting around small desks, and they work right through the morning until their first break at noon. There is no electricity or running water. What Kim enjoys most is that she sees everyone becoming happier after her lessons, which brings changes in school life. She is able to offer some variety by teaching drawing, painting and paper folding, which comes as a relief from the daily drilling, where students just take dictation of words. Kim said that art, music and P.E. lessons are neglected in most schools, and would like to be more involved in promoting these kinds of classes.
Her journey into partnership action started several years ago. Within a
Kim became involved in The May 18 Memorial Foundation in Gwangju, where she volunteered for four years. There she worked with others to gain international cooperation and solidarity action for like-minded organizations and groups. Kim also worked with the Solidarity Team that helped organize the Gwangju Asia Forum and The May 18 Academy. The latter program functions to train activists and human rights defenders so they are best able to share with others through education and conversations. In addition to her work there, Kim helped award the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. What she found most rewarding was meeting diverse groups of people along the way. She befriended citizens of Iraq, Israel and Palestine who are working towards establishing and preserving peace, groups from Cambodia and Thailand who are working for educational rights and ethnic minorities, and people from Afghanistan who are working for women’s rights and democracy. Additionally, she enjoyed meeting the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights laureates, such as Malalai Joya. These people are all inspirations on how she should devote her experiences and knowledge to society. Kim believes in making a difference in Cameroon and wants to do that by being a local leader, where she
can observe what needs there are, and work towards meeting them by not just looking in from the outside or visiting briefly. In the meantime she would like to see more freedom of expression implemented in Cameroon, instead of a rigid hierarchical structure. Kim coordinated a mural painting project in the country at the National Emergency Center during 2014 and 2015. In the future, Kim would like to see more of the world, study and write a book. If you would like to email Kim or donate elementary English or French books that the school does not currently have but needs, she can be contacted by emailing: soyheejeong@ gmail.com Notes: In the field of ODA and international cooperation, we try to avoid writing with such terminology-dividing agents in action, such as donor(s), giver(s), giving-aid(s) and/or recipient(s). Words such as cooperation and partnership are encouraged.
September 2016
Cameroon receives aid from many countries, some of which are things that are being recycled. She says it is not difficult to see Korean products around her. In addition to 30-yearold cars, and low cost agricultural products, she has seen red devil Tshirts from the 2002 Korean World Cup, used Korean cell-phones and Korean Hagwon school-bags and hats. Additionally, Cameroon has Samsung and LG products.
decade of the May 18 Democratic Uprising in 1980, she started elementary school in Gwangju. She became aware of the May 18 Spirit in the 1990s when she was a teenager, as it took 10 years for this Uprising to be recognized and valued. She stated as a child living in the May 18 era, the people outside of Gwangju did not recognize the tragedy that had occurred, which made the people of Gwangju frustrated. She gained firsthand knowledge of how to successfully deal with this tragedy and process what had happened to her as a local citizen of Gwangju.
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Having lived in a small part of West Africa for two years and three months, Kim reflects that a little girl from a rural area of Cameroon and a little boy in Seoul do not have an equal chance or number of ways their lives can go, due to social, historical and global positioning.
17
COMMUNITY LEADERS
18
The Eighth Climate Interviewed by Anastasia Traynin
Photos Courtesy of Gwangju Biennale
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
Gwangju Biennale 11 Asks the Question “What Does Art Do?”
T
he Gwangju Biennale is back this fall with its eleventh installment, running from September 2 to November 6 at the Biennale Exhibition Hall, with special exhibits in other spaces including the Asia Culture Center, Uijae Art Museum, Mudeung Museum of Contemporary Art, Woo Jaeghil Art Museum, the May 18 Archives and local communities. Ninety-seven artists, comprising 119 separate and dual pieces, will display their work together under the 2016 theme “The Eighth Climate: What Does Art Do?”
tional team to lead this year’s show: Curator Binna Choi from Seoul and based in Utrecht, and Assistant Curators Michelle Wong from Hong Kong, Margarida Mendes from Lisbon, and Azar Mahmoudian from Tehran. During their May visit to the city, Gwangju News sat down with Lind, Choi, Wong and Mahmoudian to discuss the significance of the theme and explore the unique collaborations with local Gwangju art spaces and residential communities.
Choi: I always think of the climate crisis or climate change. But this concept we borrowed from a French thinker, who in turn borrowed it from a Persian philosopher. This is a climate that does not exist physically but gives a direction to other climate zones. Henri Corbin used this concept to emphasize the actuality of imagination. Usually, we think imagination is not actual because it is non-existent, but in fact it is enabling us to move forward [to] take the future in our hands. I think it is very poetic and inspiring.
Artistic Director Maria Lind, Director of Tensta Konsthall in Stockholm and a 2013 guest professor for the Biennale’s International Curator Course, has put together an interna-
The theme of this Biennale is the “Eighth Climate” concept of the possibilities of imagination and predicting the future. Can you explain this concept?
Wong: The Eighth Climate is the zone where imagination comes into contact with reality. Maria puts it quite nicely: “That’s what art does.” It shows you what is possible.
How does this concept apply to the current cultural climate in the world and especially in Korea? Wong: I work in Hong Kong, and looking around Asia, it is a general climate of nervousness, but it also is a very interesting sense of liberation in terms of how creatively people are subverting the system and subverting rules. There is a sense of fearlessness as well. My experience has been tinted by the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. Coming from that context to Korea, you see a lot of resemblance. Mahmoudian: The Eighth Climate is a title that speaks to creating meaningful relationships and collaborations, such as local ones with the Infra-school and Mite-Ugro.
How does that atmosphere affect you as an all-woman staff? Lind: I think it makes some people confused, on the one hand that it is an all-female team and that being a topic [is] a subject in and of itself. On the other hand, we know very well what we want and how to make it happen, and I think sometimes people do not know quite how to handle that. Mahmoudian: We need a master class of negotiation. Choi: Life is getting more busy and pressurized with external forces and demands. There is increasingly a lack of time for conversation and deep thinking, which affects art in very weird ways. Mahmoudian: Maybe that is why it is becoming more hierarchical. When you have such a speed, it works much easier to have hierarchy. What is the biggest challenge in directing an exhibit at this scale and time length? Lind: The biggest challenge is to make different organizational cultures collaborate. One based on a lot of preplanning and one based on improvisation. I am confident that we will
How do you answer this Biennale’s central question, “What does art do?” Lind: There was a beautiful moment last night at the [Seoul] artist Bona Park’s screening as part of the Monthly Gathering. Afterwards, people had so many questions and so many comments that they did not want to stop. That showed clearly that there is a desire to engage with art and to do it collectively with people in the space, so that was a moment of slowing down. Choi: I personally have an issue with this slow movement. We cannot slow down. Through this hierarchy, bureaucracy and externalized pressure, we are kind of losing the sense of being with or engaging with something. We do everything by order or by demand. Art makes us sense the world that we live in. Lind: A common denominator is that it relates to contemporary existence and brings about something new based on that. It somehow digests the condition we live under and spits something out that has not been there before. It is an amazing way of dealing with reality. One of the hopes for this Biennale is that this will be palpable for visitors. It will be a kaleidoscopic Biennale in the sense that we are not privileging one medium or genre, but there is an intensity to the work. For more information on the 2016 Biennale, please visit the website: www. gwangjubiennale.org
September 2016
What similarities or differences have you found in the Korean/Gwangju arts community compared to the ones in Sweden and Europe? Lind: A more general similarity is that it is interesting that the relationship to nature here has some simi-
“The Eighth Climate is a title that speaks to creating meaningful relationships and collaborations”
manage. The team has to work harder than before, because of the different approaches that we represent. For the first time ever, the Biennale is paying a fee to each participating artist. In some countries like the Nordic countries, all state institutions have to pay [a] fee, but in large parts of the world, this is not the case but [rather] something that artists are struggling for. We convinced the Biennale that this is a good idea.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
What are your impressions of Gwangju as a cultural city? Lind: There are a number of interesting institutions with strong infrastructure and of course the Gwangju Biennale is famous across the world. At the same time, the cultural scene seems to be a little bit isolated, which is a paradox, considering that the Asia Culture Complex is there to facilitate contacts within Asia, and the Biennale is international. So I think we are trying to wrap our heads around why it’s the case that there does not even seem to be much contact between Gwangju and Seoul. Now that we are working with the Infra-school and the Monthly Gathering, we realize that people are eager to be in touch with others from the outside. I think there is a readiness, and I hope that in the future, the Biennale will continue nurturing the scene and through its own international contacts connect that with what is going on locally.
larities with how people in general relate to nature in Scandinavia. There is an embrace of nature, a desire to go hiking and spending time in nature which I guess is also connected to health awareness. A big difference here, compared to anything I have experienced in the past, is it is more hierarchical, formal and also patriarchal. It goes through everything.
FEATURE
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20
Chuseok By Meg Coast
T
o most international residents, it is a welcome break from the daily teaching grind, but for many Korean people past and present, Chuseok (falling on September 16 this year) is one of the most important cultural and traditional holidays of the year.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
Known traditionally as Hangawi (한 가위), marking the Lunar Calendar’s “great middle of Autumn”, Chuseok is a three-day holiday celebrating the full moon harvest and a longstanding cultural tradition rooted in ancient Korean history. The origins of Chuseok have been traced all the way back to the Three Kingdoms Period; a time when Korea was unrecognizable from today’s fast paced, high-rise metropolitan nation. While there are various accounts as to how Chuseok came about, many believe that it originated from gabae (가배), a month-long weaving contest between two teams of women during the reign of Silla’s Third King, Yuri. The 15th day of the eighth month marked the end of the weaving competition, and the team who had woven the most cloth would be hailed as the winners and treated to a great feast of food and alcohol by their opponents.
Others accounts claim that Silla’s historic victory over the Baekje Kingdom and the celebratory festivities, including weaving, martial arts, archery, and feasting, first gave rise to Chuseok. Experts have also speculated that the holiday may have roots in ancient shamanistic celebrations of the harvest moon, during which offerings of food and drink were given to honor and respect ancestors and deities. To this day, acts of familial worship, believed to date back thousands of years, are still among the most important customs of Chuseok. In the days leading up to Chuseok, families travel en masse to visit ancestral graves (seongmyo) and, as an act of respect and devotion to their forbearers, clear any weeds away from the area (referred to as beolcho). On the morning of Chuseok, a memorial service (charye) is held, during which family members honor and give thanks to their ancestors for a good harvest. These deceased family members watch over their living descendants as they prepare a special meal. Different food dishes are strategically placed on the table, with rice and soup at the north, rice cakes and drinks to the east, fruits and vegetables to the south and meat
dishes to the west and in the middle. In modern-day Korea, it is not just a chance to feast and honor predecessors, but it also serves as a rare opportunity to reunite extended family as they enjoy spending time together. Though a traditional Chuseok meal differs significantly from a standard Western Thanksgiving dinner, there are staple dishes that always have a place at the table, including (but not limited to) japchae (sweet potato noodles), bulgogi (marinated beef), vegetable side dishes and fruits. Songpyeon in particular (colorful, half-moon shaped rice cakes stuffed with honey, nuts, chestnuts and other fillings) are worth a mention for their important symbolic significance to many Korean people. The name songpyeon translates as “pine tree” in Korean, in reference to the cooking method, whereby rice cakes are steamed over pine needles for an aromatic fragrance and texture. There is also significance behind the half-moon shape, which has been associated with the Silla Kingdom’s victory over Baekje and has since come to symbolize victory and the sign of a successful future. As with many other important holidays, feasting goes hand-in-hand with festivities and Chuseok is no
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photo by joe wabe
These days, Chuseok is a somewhat different affair, but the essence of the holiday is still upheld by many; on September 16, cities will empty out and traffic will come to a standstill. Families brave the highways and drive across the country to pay respect to their ancestors and spend quality time with their loved ones. They are easily spotted as they bear gift packs containing Spam® and other highly valued items that baffle the average waygook. Despite Korea’s whirlwind transformation in the last century, many of
the historic customs of Chuseok are still followed by the people of Korea, as part of a desire to preserve their nation’s rich cultural heritage.
September 2016
Later in the night under a full harvest moon, the ganggangsullae dance takes place. Women wearing traditional Korean hanbok join hands and sing while moving around in a wide circle. Some believe that this dance dates back to the Joseon dynasty, originally as a “scare tactic” used by the Korean army to defeat their opponents. By dressing the women of the village in military uniform and
having them circle the mountains, they created an illusion that the military was larger than it actually was. According to legend, the ploy worked and led to many successful victories.
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exception. Ssireum, or Korean wrestling, has roots stretching back 5,000 years and is a key part of the celebrations. Two male contestants must wrestle each other in a ring, with the aim of knocking their opponent to the floor. The first person whose upper body touches the ground loses, while the winner is traditionally rewarded with a bull and some rice for their efforts.
FEATURE
“On the morning of Chuseok, a memorial service (charye) is held, during which family members honor and give thanks to their ancestors for a good harvest”
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
ARTS & CULTURE
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Bringing Indie Music to the South: An interview with Rough Cuts
By Colt Compton
F
or a lot of music fans in Korea, finding a good Indie show can be a pretty tough sell. Indie fans in Seoul may have the luxury of the thriving musical community of Hongdae, but those of us living in other areas of the country have limited options: long trips to Seoul, missing out on weekday shows or just going without. Even in Gwangju, a city known for its wide variety of art and culture, few bands from other areas are part of the nightlife. But bilingual webzine DOINDIE (www.doindie.co.kr) is trying to change that. On September 10, Speakeasy bar will host a live musical event featuring three bands (Rough Cuts, 57, and Nametag) from Seoul. The event, organized by DOINDIE, marks a new
attempt to bring alternative music to venues outside of Seoul. Rough Cuts, a band comprised of international residents but based out of Seoul, is a new Indie band on the scene, but they have quickly become veteran performers on the Gwangju scene. They emphasized their motivation for setting up the Speakeasy show, and why they want to encourage their Seoul brethren to start making the trip south. How is the music scene, particularly the Indie scene, in Seoul? Do you think Indie music is becoming more popular in Korea, or is it still a niche? Patrick: I think the quality of the music is really good. There are a lot of great bands lurking around, both in Seoul and out in the other cities as
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Pavement, Modest Mouse and Yo La Tengo. I really appreciate the catchy hooks and simple chord progressions. I will go for a simple guitar lick over a two-minute solo any day. Mike: I have been told the songs I write sound like The Pixies by a few people, which I am obviously well happy with. I really love simple songs. Photos by David Vautour Photography
What are your musical influences? Tyler: I’m really into 1990s/2000s Indie and Alternative Rock, bands like
Rough Cuts, Nametag, and 57 will play at Speakeasy on September 10. For more event information, visit “Speakeasy Gwangju” on Facebook.
September 2016
Honestly, that is one of the reasons we have set up this show with two other bands. We want them to see how much people want and appreciate music outside of Seoul. It is my belief that for the scene to grow and develop here in Korea, the one thing it needs more than anything is for bands to play more and more shows outside of Seoul.
You have played in Gwangju before. How are Gwangju audiences different from those in Seoul? Patrick: Speakeasy in Gwangju is my favorite place to play in Korea, I think. I have played there six or more times ... The audience is always really supportive. I do not mean that they sit there and clap… I mean, they get up and come right up to the stage and dance about. It is really cool to see and it is nice to know that people appreciate you coming to play live for them. I guess the difference is that perhaps the people in Gwangju are a bit more appreciative of good music as they do not get the quantity.
This show was originally just going to be a Rough Cuts show, but we got drunk at our CD release party and invited Nametag and then quickly decided to turn it into an all-out party and invited 57 as well. It is an unbelievably good line-up for 5,000 won. www.gwangjunewsgic.com
well. You just have to know where to find them. I guess Indie music by definition is always going to be a bit of a niche, but it is still a very small scene here in Korea ... I would say [though] that there are definite movements these days to spark the growth of the music scenes in other cities as well.
What should people expect when they come to your show? Mike: They should expect us to be on a sliding scale of tipsy-drunk. I am in a band to have fun - too many bands I have been in in the past take it too seriously, and that sucks the fun out of it. We all get on really well and we give off that energy on stage.
Tell me about the show on September 10. Patrick: The show on September 10 is being put on by DOINDIE (www. doindie.co.kr). DOINDIE is a bilingual webzine / Korean indie music portal / booking agency. We have been working in the Korean scene now for almost four years. If you want to discover some bands in Korea, DOINDIE is a pretty good place to start.
24
TRAVEL
Andong
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
Photos and Story By Ryan and Stephanie Hedger
F
ew places in South Korea maintain and preserve traditional Korean culture quite like Andong. Located in North Gyeongsang Province, this small city is home to the famous Hahoe Folk Village, the Mask Dance and some strong food and drink options. Often, we are pressed to answer which city in Korea we are most often drawn back to visiting, and our answer is always Andong. Visitors are sure to find many things that typify Korean culture; with all the modern conveniences of modern-day Korea, as well as a perfect look into this country’s past. To begin with, the folk village is as
magical as it is sprawling. A walk through the streets of Hahoe is a step back in time to an era when things were made slowly, deliberately and (most importantly) by hand. Traditional craftsmanship and methods are still used to build and maintain houses in this village, and this feature absolutely increases its charm. Getting lost in Hahoe is a charming return to a bygone era but with modern conveniences like cafes, restaurants and stores. The streets wind from one beautiful estate to another, following the mud and tiled walls for which folk villages are known. To enhance any visit to Andong’s Hahoe
Folk Village, we recommend booking a night in one of the traditional Hanok houses to get a real feel for the area after a long day exploring. People visiting this great city can also visit a beautiful temple housing the oldest wooden building in Korea at Bongjeongsa. Located at the foot of Cheondeung Mountain, this temple complex is the largest in Andong and quite peaceful. Typical Korean temples are painted extensively with patterns unique to Korean Buddhism, but Bongjeongsa’s buildings are largely un-painted. This uncommon design shows the raw beauty of temple construction without the normal
AROUND KOREA
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that few other places can match. When the Queen of England visited South Korea, she asked to see the most traditional place the country had to offer. If legend holds true, she was taken to Andong to see the beautiful village and have tea in a Hanok house. The reason for this choice is easy to understand and any amount of time in Andong will almost guarantee a love affair with this city. The culture and food to be found in Andong surpass most other places and they are conveniently located in the same location. Regardless of the season, Andong is a terrific destination. With charm around every corner, visitors can expect to enjoy every aspect of this city.
About the authors: Two wanderlusts from Oklahoma, Ryan and Stephanie sold all of their belongings and moved to South Korea in 2013. They are the duo behind Hedgers Abroad and have fallen in love with travel, photography, and South Korea. Be sure to head over to their blog for more of their travels.
The food, folk village, stronger-thanusual soju and natural beauty are qualities we have found in Andong
Blog www.hedgersabroad.com Facebook: /hedgersabroad Instagram: /hedgersabroad
September 2016
Aside from the folk village, Andong is also the home to some of the best food dishes Korea has to offer. Andon jjimdak is a braised chicken dish with glass noodles and vegetables in a savory/spicy broth. The broth you will find in this city specifically is what makes it stand apart from other ver-
sions of the dish. While you can get jjimdak in many forms throughout Korea, the Andong variety straight from its source is the best you can possibly hope to find. Paired with this dish is the specialty soju you will find to be more potent than regular soju. Andong soju is 40-percent alcohol instead of the typical 16-19 percent. Both the jjimdak and the soju can be found in town as well as in the folk village, but the latter location is the obvious choice for a complete “Andong Experience.”
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
myriad of colors. While some people start to say that temples begin looking alike after seeing several of them, Bongjeongsa’s exposed wood buildings certainly differentiate it from the “typical temple” and remind visitors of the intricate beauty and woodworking skills found in these buildings.
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ARTS & CULTURE
The Roots of a Korean Traditio
by bradley weiss photo by joe wabe
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
T
he Chuseok holiday is an important time for Korean families to come together and celebrate their many deep-rooted, cherished traditions. Although more closely connected with the Lunar New Year, or Seollal, the traditional Korean board game of yunnori is just one such tradition. For those who might be unfamiliar with the game, yunnori closely resembles many modern board games in which players take turns moving pieces around a board, with each person striving to be the first to have all his/her pieces reach the finish, and thereby be declared the winner. However, there are a few unique features which set yunnori apart. Unlike most modern games, the board or malpan is normally made of stitched cloth. The game is played by just two sides, being either two
individual players, or two teams comprised of multiple, cooperating players. Each side navigates four tokens, or mal “horse,” across various course options consisting of 29 total stations. The most salient feature of the game, however, is the use of yut, whence the name yut-nori (pronounced as yunnori) is derived, rather than dice to determine each player’s number of moves across the board. The four yut, which are sticks split into halves with one rounded side and one flat side, are tossed during each player’s turn. The number of yut which land flatside facing up determines the number of spaces the player can move that turn. There are five possible combinations, which, in increasing order, are referred to as do, ge, geol, yut and mo. These terms are usually interpreted as the Korean words
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onal Game for “pig,” “dog,” “sheep,” “cow” and “horse,” respectively.
on rock carvings dating back to the Stone Age.
The current social significance of yunnori is clear. At gatherings during traditional holidays, the game often functions as a social centerpiece, with bystanders and teammates alike offering exuberant encouragement and advice concerning strategy. Less clear, however, are the game’s historical roots.
Similarly, Lim is unconvinced with the conventional explanation that the names for the various combinations of thrown yut, do, ge, geol, yut, and mo, refer to various domesticated animals. He posits an alternative theory, that these five words might actually refer to the ancient names for the numbers one through five in the Old Korean language.
There is literary evidence of yunnori being played as early as the Three Kingdoms Period (57 – 668 B.C.E.), and into the modern period, and is known to have been used in fortunetelling. According to Dr. David Shaffer’s “Seasonal Customs of Korea,” during the Lunar New Year, yut was “employed as a method of divination to foretell the coming year’s fortunes with three throws of the sticks.” According to Shaffer, “whether an [entire] town’s year would be good or bad was foretold by playing yut.”
Ultimately, it might never be possible to find out the exact origins of yunnori, as is true with the traditions of almost any culture. However, whatever its origins, thanks to a recent resurgence in popularity, today the game of yunnori remains an enduring and cherished part of Korean culture, particularly when families come together for traditional holidays. It is nice to imagine, however, when you hear the clack of the wooden yut being shaken together and the enthusiastic cries of “Yut!” or “Mo!” during this month’s Chuseok holiday, that we are partaking in an unbroken cultural tradition that stretches back into the murky depths of history.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
Professor Lim Chae-woo, director of the Korea YUT Culture Institute, supports this theory of yut’s evolution, in which gambling and gameplay stem from origins rooted in Korean shamanistic belief. The design of the game board itself is often understood to reflect this belief, with the inner and outer stations representing the terrestrial and celestial realms, respectively. However, Lim rejects another interpretation, that the 29 stations symbolize 28 stars surrounding a central node, representing the North Star. Instead, Lim believes these cosmological notions reflect a much later cultural importation, and that the basic design of the yunnori board can be connected with the native Korean astronomy represented
In trying to find the ultimate cultural roots for this important piece of Korean tradition, Lim even looks to similar ancient rock carvings and the shape of traditional board games played in the Americas. If his theories are correct, then the roots of this piece of Korean culture might extend quite far back indeed.
28 WHERE TO EAT
Hanjeongsik:
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
A Meal of a Hundred Dishes
By Sean D’Angelo rryn smit photos by lo
M
ost people who have been in Korea for longer than a few hours have tried banchan (반찬), the infinitely-varied side dishes that are served with just about every meal. The tradition of having these side dishes is based on principles of purity and balance that began with the introduction of Buddhist cuisine over a thousand years ago.
These meals, like the one you can get at Arirang House, which is located on the second floor of the Gumso International Hotel, almost always start off
Here is what you can expect from Arirang House in the late summer and early fall. First up, there is a stew served with cockles, a kind of bivalve mollusk. This stew comes with sides of sea squirt soup seasoned with sweet plum vinegar and a spicy sea snail salad. Then salmon and halibut sashimi arrive, a sweet succulent goodness! Dried sea cucumber dumplings stuffed with shrimp paste join the
Getting full yet? I am not, because here come the main dishes. Pork ribs stewed with jujube, both sweet and rich; finely-pounded Alaska pollock and beef pancakes; fried squid that tastes like nachos; braised pumpkin in a spicy fish broth. And for the final course, dried croaker, split in half and served whole with pepper flakes and a bowl of rice to mellow the extreme salty taste of the cured fish. For dessert, some sliced fruit and green plum tea. Then, double punch your high-roller card with a trip to the Bordeaux wine bar on the first floor of the hotel, which is run by a highly knowledgeable and heavily decorated Korean sommelier. With all the fun food, prompt service and great atmosphere offered at upscale Korean restaurants, traditional Hanjeongsik meals are an entertaining experience, especially for large groups on special occasions. Budget permitting, it is definitely something everyone should try at least once. Happy feasting!
September 2016
Hanjeongsik restaurants usually employ the most practiced chefs and pride themselves on the presentation and quality of the food that they serve. As such, they tend to run on the pricey side, with meals costing anywhere from 30,000 to 200,000 won per person! But do not worry, you get what you pay for: first-class treatment and some of the finest traditional food Korea has to offer.
Arirang House’s menu heavily features fish and strong flavors that should appeal to the most adventuresome foodies out there, while other restaurants may serve pork or even a hot pot as their main dish. Despite different seasonal and local varieties, food at Hanjeongsik restaurants follow a certain pattern: cold appetizers like soups and pickled dishes first, then a selection of kimchi and sautéed vegetables, followed by the main dishes of steamed, boiled, fried or cured meats served over rice. It all depends on what is available and what is popular. But, this is not nearly enough detail to satisfy real food-loving readers! Let us dive into the more minute elements.
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Of course historically, there were differences between the sorts of banchan served in peasant homes or temples, and the sort of banchan expected by members of the elite class. When served together as a meal, peasant banchan were called baekban (백반), meaning hundred dishes, while royal meals of the same sort were called hanjeongsik (한정식), which today means a set meal designed for nobility.
with tea and cool rice stew to cleanse the palate and whet the appetite. Then anywhere from 10 to 50 dishes appear in rapid succession based on seasonal ingredients, as well as the restaurant’s own particular specialties.
mix. Sea cucumber is usually quite chewy but becomes almost jelly-like when dried and steamed. Fermented skate makes two appearances, one as a mild steamed dish with aromatic herbs and one as an aggressive “samhap” rolled together with kimchi and pork. Be careful if you have never tried fermented skate before, the ammonia can make you cry. A smorgasbord of vegetables hits the table while you munch away, with offerings like pickled sesame leaves, sweet potato stems, eggplants, dried turnip and of course, more kimchi.
FOOD & DRINKS
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30
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
“According to legend, these two shapes have ruled the destiny of the two kingdoms of Baekje and Silla. An encrypted turtle’s back was found with the following inscription: “Baekje is a full moon and Silla is a half-moon,” which was a prediction for the reign of the King Uija of Baekje”
Delicacy Under the Moon
Songpyeon
By Namhee Cho
KOREAN FOOD 31
The history of songpyeon dates back to the era of the Three Kingdoms, Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla. The
According to legend, these two shapes have ruled the destiny of the two kingdoms of Baekje and Silla. An encrypted turtle’s back was found with the following inscription: “Baekje is a full moon and Silla is a halfmoon,” which was a prediction for the reign of the King Uija of Baekje. The prediction was a signal of Baekje’s impending decline and Silla’s rise. This prophecy came true when Silla defeated Baekje in war. Ever since then, Koreans regard a half-
moon as an indicator of a bright future or victory. Not only does this narrative make songpyeon unique for Chuseok, but its ingredients also showcase its uniqueness. Sesame seeds, adzuki beans, black beans, mung beans, cinnamon, pine nuts, walnuts, chestnuts, jujubes, honey and even healthy ingredients can be stuffed inside. However, what makes the dish even more special are pine needles. It is critical that the songpyeon is steamed on top of layers of pine needles in a pot. Songpyeon’s original name is Songbyeong, which is derived from the Chinese characters of “song” as in pine tree and “byeong” as in rice cake. This practice of steaming the cake not only gives it its identity but also this practice contributes to its sweet aroma and beauty.
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So, why not wish for a good spouse and a beautiful child this coming Chuseok by crafting your own songpyeon?
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An old Korean tale says that the person who makes beautifully-shaped songpyeon will meet a good spouse or give birth to a beautiful baby. This story used to raise small competitions among family members in the past, when they used to gather for large Chuseok celebrations. Sadly, this practice is disappearing. Steaming songpyeon at home is becoming more uncommon, since it requires so much time and effort. However, it is the best way to experience the atmosphere of a traditional Korean Thanksgiving Day.
FOOD & DRINKS
K
shape of the rice cake’s skin used to wrap the various fillings resembles a full moon, and its final shape resembles a half-moon.
orean rice cake tteok is meaningful deep within Korean culture. During days of famine, this most precious treat has been served only on the tables of celebration. Also, the major Korean harvest festival, Chuseok, cannot be completely celebrated without making Songpyeon. This half-moon shaped rice cake stuffed with various ingredients can be found all-year-around at rice cake stores, but this quintessential food is best served during the “great middle of autumn.”
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Photo Essay
105 Days in Korea
“ Words and photos by Fabien Garel
F
Five Months in South Korea
Fabien already knew how to handle video through his previous experiences in the French cultural magazine “Les Inrockuptibles”, and he set a goal to control the photo part on this journey. To learn more about photography, he came with his Canon 7D and two lenses, a Sigma 30mm f / 1.4 and a Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8. But once back in France with hundreds of photos, Fabien decided to animate some of them. A Parallax Video “I had the desire to give life to a selection of pictures, to share [the strongest] emotions felt during my stay” he said. This formatting is explained in a few words: “This technique consists of shaping and separating from the
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photo what you want to see move, and then animating them using a 3D camera” (Use of Photoshop and After Effect). We invite you to discover these photos and his other work relating to his travel through Asia and Europe on his Facebook page and his Instagram account. (@ David Bynch).
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Last year, he spent five months with his backpack and his photo/video gear crossing the country, from Seoul to Yeosu through Jeju Island and Busan. But none of this would have happened if he had not met his faithful Korean friend during a first trip to Australia in 2010. “I made him a promise that one day, I would come to his country … it took me five years! But it is worth it because I felt the real Korean culture thanks to him.”
“Travel to learn”
I made him a promise that one day, I would come to his country … it took me five years!
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abien Garel is a 29-year-old video maker based in Paris. This former video journalist graduated from the International Film School of Paris (EICAR) and has always had an attraction for discovering and unlocking the Far East and South Korea in particular.
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Photos of The Month
Photo by Martin Bennie
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
aving lived in Mokpo for two years and in a house out in the countryside near Jindo, I have spent a lot of my time exploring both Jindo and all the coastlines in that area. On this particular day, I was trying to take some shots under the bridge that connects Jindo to the mainland. If you have never been there before, be warned; it has to be one of the most treacherous channels I have ever seen, with a ferocious flow of water coming in or out to the bay. It is also the famous location where General Lee Sun-shin defeated the Japanese Navy by luring them into these treacherous waters. The flow of water here lends itself very well to long exposures, and as I was looking for a better vantage point, I saw this guy just standing stock-still under the bridge. Standing behind him, I saw he was there with a hand fishing net, but he just stood staring at the waters. So setting up my tripod, I lined the shot up to in-
clude both him and the bridge, and after about a dozen shots, I began to see when he moved and thus adjusted my exposure for his movements to about 15 seconds. Having fitted a Lee “little stopper” to my camera, I did not want to make a motion blur out of him. I never saw him catch anything, but his bucket was overflowing with hefty looking fish. I had never seen anyone fish this way before, and it has got to be one of the most dangerous ways to fish on your own, since one slip could land you in the water. Although his life jacket might save him, God knows where he might have ended up. The Gwangju News is now going to feature a few photos .of the month instead of only one on a regular basis. By making this change, we hope to create more opportunities to promote more photographers based in the Jeollanamdo-region and to show off our beautiful province from different areas and angles. Submissions can be posted in the “Photography in the South” Facebook group throughout the preceding month
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Photo by Tim Van Der Merme
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September 2016
Photo by Vlad Pya
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September 2016
ARTS & CULTURE
By Anne Murray
Chung Gong Sori
Chung Gong Sori Address: 1 beon-Gil, Donggye-ro, Dongmyeong-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju Phone Number: 062-226-5777 Cell Number: 010-7247-7506
W
hile Gwangju may be on the cutting edge when it comes to the contemporary art scene, it may not be known that Gwangju is also home to institutions that try to foster and maintain the traditional arts of Korea. Chung Gong Sori is one such place. Chung Gong Sori is a house/hagwon in Gwangju that teaches many aspects of traditional Korean culture. This place is where the married duo, Taekkyeon-master Lee Sun-mi and Master-of-Crafts Kwon Chun-soo, live and conduct their cultural activities and host classes with other teachers. What is unique about this hagwon is that you can see the family’s lifestyle and philosophy. Traditional Korean culture reflects the long history and
brilliant spirit of the Korean people, and was originally passed down through special occasions in Korean palaces, but eventually took root amongst the general populace as well. Such ceremonies and traditional arts include folk music and folk religion (shamanism and exorcism), Sinawi (traditional Korean music accompanying shamanistic rituals), Buddhist Classical music and Confucian Gwan-hon-sang-jae, which are the four ceremonial occasions of coming of age, marriage, funeral and ancestral rights. Lee and Kwon stated that they feel proud of their Korean culture and heritage. They find it rewarding when others gather to learn Korean culture and traditional arts and try to understand — even if just a little. They also stated that it is fulfilling to actively
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instruct others and to be able to be true artisans. They feel passionately that traditional Korean arts need to be inherited, used, developed and passed down to future practitioners of the arts and crafts, marital arts and culinary skills in order to maintain a strong Korean identity and culture.
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- Making Daegeum 대금 (large bamboo flute) or Danso 단소 (smaller vertical flute) - Taekkyeon 택견 (a type of soft martial art) - Making Tteok (rice cakes for every-day and special occasions) - Dyeing natural fabrics using traditional Korean dyes - Making Sotdae (a duck-shaped good-luck charm for the village entrance) - Learning Guk-Gung (Korean archery) and using traditional Korean bows - Tea etiquette is taught by example, and tea is served the Korean way. Participants can hear the Daegum during the tea ceremony - Play traditional Korean instruments - Recreational climbing at a Korean Hanok
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photos courtesy of chung gon sori
If you would like to explore and learn a Korean art, then the courses offered are:
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September 2016
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
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Biking
in Gwangju
Words and photos By Murdock O’Mooney
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hen I arrived in Gwangju last year, I was surprised at the lively bike scene I found. For those who ride, the city and surrounding area has an extensive network of bike paths to explore. Furthermore, Gwangju’s valleys and rural roads offer some great hidden biking spots. Arguably, the most well-known path in the city is the Gwangju Stream path. This urban route offers good riding and follows the Gwangju Stream through the middle of the city, going from east of Chosun University all the way to the Yeongsan River. Here, the Gwangju Stream path becomes the Yeongsan River path, which is part of the massive 4 Rivers Cycling Project that links Incheon to Busan via 630 kilometers of cycling paths. The Yeongsan River section spans 146 kilometers, running from Damyang all the way to Mokpo. The Gwangju to Naju section is a popular half-day ride and takes about twothree hours each way.
exposed granite rock on mountains and a lot of wildlife.
Another rural biking gem is the Noriche Old Road (너릿재 옛길). This old forest road takes some effort to get to, but is well worth it. Take the Gwangju Stream trail as far east as you can (this requires crossing a couple of small bridges), and go past Nokdong subway station to the road Seongyo-ro, going towards Mudeungsan. This section is great in itself as you pass small farms, with
Overall, Gwangju offers some excellent biking. With a little effort and planning, anyone can escape the business of the city for some fresh air and beautiful scenery. Half the fun can be setting out and finding newto-you areas to explore. Wear a helmet, watch out for cars and do not be afraid to take the road (or path) less traveled.
Once on Seongyo-ro going towards Mudeungsan, turn right at the first bridge you come to and you will see signs for Noriche. This wonderful old road goes up and over a mountain. It is lined with cherry blossom trees and is closed to cars.
“For a more rural biking experience, head towards the Hagun-dong neighborhood on the road Uijae-ro going towards Mudeungsan. Turn right onto the somewhat hidden road Dongsan-gil. This road offers excellent biking, as it has minimal traffic and follows a stream up a flower-laden valley towards hiking trails.”
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For a more rural biking experience, head towards the Hagun-dong neighborhood on the road Uijae-ro going towards Mudeungsan. Turn right onto the somewhat hidden road
Dongsan-gil. This road offers excellent biking, as it has minimal traffic and follows a stream up a flower-laden valley towards hiking trails. The gentle 3-kilometer ascent takes you past small farms and Buddhist temples. While you will encounter some walkers and hikers here, the numbers pale in comparison to the main entrance of Mudeungsan.
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Another path in the city that offers plenty of green space and solitude is the Purun-gil (푸른길) or “Green Road.” Most of this path runs adjacent to busy Pilmun-daero (Daenamdaero south of Gwangju Stream), but the section that starts near Chosun University front gate offers 3 kilometers of biking goodness. Heading northeast, the path veers away from the road and runs along old railway lines. The path is lined with trees and cool cafes and goes through historic Jisan-dong. Watch elders play Baduk and do Tai Chi in the small park at Gyeongyang-ro, or just enjoy the fresh air and car-free riding.
SPORTS
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September 2016
TRAVEL
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hat do old people, bad weather, Batman and Gwangju all have in common? Not a lot, but if you go over to Penguin Village in Yangrim-dong, you might just see DC’s classic supervillain with his trademark umbrella lurking around the corner ready to getcha! This place is borderline creepy, with its pre-revolution derelict houses, suspicious old store keeps and weirdly-unsettling mix of madhouse folk art and early 1990s American cinephilia. Oh, and penguins. Did I mention the penguins? Penguins everywhere. It is like “Chucky” met “Happy Feet” and they had a Korean baby. How could I resist? How can anyone resist? Plus, apparently there is live music on Saturday nights. Score! According to legend, the story of Penguin Village began when a house burned down in an otherwise unremarkable part of town. The district
office said: “Not our problem,” and the site became a landfill for local residents. Day after day scrap metal, broken toys and who-knows-what piled high in the burnt husk. Tired of the eyesore, a local dogooder started a community project to restore the wreck into a beautiful garden. Being of an artistic bent, he cleverly recycled the trash into decorative works of art. Soon all the retirees with nothing better to do were lending a hand. Presto! A garden and six blocks of theme art appeared out of the void. But why penguins? Inquiring minds want to know. According to the same legend, all the geriatrics waddling around collecting trash reminded people of a colony of penguins. Whatever the truth behind this story, Penguin Village is a popular spot for couples to take a stroll and grab a drink. Tucked between the Yangrim Community Center (양림동 주민센터)
LOST IN GWANGJU
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“According to legend, the story of Penguin Village began when a house burned down in an otherwise unremarkable part of town”
Penguin Village story and photos by sean d’angelo
and Hakgang Elementary School (학 강초등학교) , it features an old-style jumak (주막) pub, an arts workshop, several galleries, a couple of cute cafés and two eclectic gardens. The entryways are well posted, but still easy to miss, and the alleys are tight.
To get there, grab a cab to the Yangrim-dong Community Center, or take any bus to Yangrim Humansia 2-cha 양림 휴먼시아 2차 Bus Stop (Numbers 01, 17, 25, 27, 48, 59, 76 or 98 will do nicely), and then backtrack a block and take a left up Jeongyulseong-ro 정율성로. The back entrance will be on your left.
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The thing that makes Penguin Village charming rather than scary is the obvious humor behind the whole affair. The walls and even the streets themselves have been converted into canvases of weird self-expression with an almost random array of exhibits. Penguins holding water guns face off against clocks and ripped fans and old faded posters. In one spot empty
If you go, be sure to go with company. Penguins do not fly solo, and neither should you (some of you are already thinking, “Wait, penguins don’t …” forget about it!) It is the perfect place for taking hilarious photos with friends and making unforgettable memories.
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Fun fact - Penguin Village is the actual center of the universe (I am quoting the road signs here), so if you get lost, just ask a local and they should know how to find the place. Try not to go on a rainy day like I did, as shelter is scarce. Torrential downpours are fun for penguins, not so much fun for people.
Sunkist and Coco Palm cans even join the mix as what seems to be a recent community addition courtesy of a visitor with tired hands. They have not been taken down yet so people must like them!
44 FROM ABROAD
COMMUNITY
By Amy Badenhorst Photos by Marco Devon
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
A South African Braai
A
braai. Can you smell it? Possibly – if you have ever been to one featuring a colorful South African flag, laughs, great people, an acoustic guitar and incredibly good food! I refer to the smell because among all the succulent features of this traditional South African dish, the smell is the delightful part that gets your taste buds all warmed up and excited for something really good to come. Every Friday night, all over South Africa, the smell is burning up like incense from every backyard where charcoal is turning from earthen black to red hot balls of fire, ready to cook mouthwatering T-bone steaks, lamb chops, boerewors (sausage), sosaties (usually lamb or mutton as meat cooked on skewers) and skilp-
adjies (lamb’s liver). Name it and we braai it! What is a braai? The word braai (pronounced “bry”, rhyming with the word “cry”) is Afrikaans for “barbecue” or “roast” and is a social custom in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. It originated with the Afrikaner people but has since been adopted by South Africans of many ethnic backgrounds. The word vleis is Afrikaans for “meat.” The word has been adopted by English-speaking South Africans and can be regarded as another word for barbecue in that it serves as a verb when describing how food is cooked and a noun when describing the cooking equipment, such as a grill.
The traditions around a braai can be considerably different from a barbecue, however, even if the method of food preparation is very similar. No gas! All natural! So, who is the brilliant mind behind this cultural phenomenon? The theory is that the first braais happened when meat was accidentally dropped into fire, later removed and then eaten. Early humans found that the meat not only tasted better than raw meat, but it could also be chewed easier. The rest is history, as they started dropping meat on and into fires on a regular basis. The “Bring & Braai” Similar to a potluck party, this is a grand social event (but still casual and laid-back) where family and
45 friends converge on a picnic spot or someone’s home (normally the garden or verandah) with their own meat, salad or side dish in hand. Meats are the star of the South African braai. They typically include boerewors, sosaties, kebabs, marinated chicken, pork and lamb chops, steaks, sausages of different flavors and thickness and possibly even a rack or two of spareribs. Fish and crayfish (kreef in Afrikaans) are also popular in coastal areas. The other main part of the meal is pap (porridge), or the krummelpap (“crumb porridge”), traditionally eaten with the meat. This dish is a staple of local African communities and may be eaten with tomato and onion sauce, monkeygland sauce or the more spicy chakalaka at a braai. Sometimes this activity is also known as a “chop ‘n dop” (dop being Afrikaan slang for an alcoholic drink, literally meaning “cap” or “bottle top”) when more drinking than eating is done.
Social Norms A braai is a social occasion that has specific traditions and social norms. In black and white South African culture, women rarely braai (cook) meat at a social gathering, as this is normally the preserve of men. The men gather round the braai or braai-stand (the fire or grill) outdoors and cook the food, while women prepare the pap, salads, desserts and vegetables in the kitchen. The meal is subsequently eaten outside by the fire/braai, since the activity is normally engaged in during the long summer months. The braaing (cooking) of the meat is not the prerogative of all the men attending, as one person would normally be in charge. He will attend to the fire, check that the coals are ready and braai (cook) the meat. Other men may assist but generally only partake in fireside conversation. The person in charge is known as the braaier (chef), and if his skills are recognized, he could be called upon to attend to the braai at other occasions, as well.
But I’m a vegetarian! Although images of sizzling sausages and sumptuous steaks may be causing your taste buds to tingle right now, believe it or not, it is not all about the meat. There are delicious vegetarian options, too, and it is not uncommon at all for vegetarians to take part in braais. The most popular vegetables are probably corn and braaibroodjies. The latter dish is a type of toasted sandwich made with cheese, tomato and onion, then buttered on the outside and braai’ed in a hinged grid, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden on the outside. This is an extremely popular side dish with meat eaters, too. This summer, make a South African friend and have yourself a good braai!
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September 2016
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The Alpha and Omega of the Lesson EDUCATION
By David Shaffer
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2016
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esson plans! As a teacher of English as a foreign language (EFL), we are all familiar with them. One teacher’s plans may be a five-page, neatly typed document; another’s may be a web of hurried ideas clinging to the busy neurons of the cerebrum. In either case, what we have planned is most likely only the “body” of the lesson. Just as in a letter, the body is the main part of the project, but it does not include the beginning and the end – the Alpha and the Omega, we might say. Though a minor portion of the lesson time-wise, how we begin and end a lesson may have a more lasting impression on the class than the core lesson itself and therefore should not be overlooked.
first impressions are lasting ones. The impression you give as you meet your class could easily be the impression your students leave the class with. We may walk into class serious in thought about how we will conduct the class, upset about something that happened before class, tired from too much work in too few hours or stifled by a cold or other malady. What expression does our face carry? It should be a smile! (I doubt if I am the only one who has been unpleasantly surprised by the facial expression I was projecting on those candid photos or videos that students have taken.) Be aware of the impression you are telegraphing to your class, and be sure it is a positive one! Smile, and speak in a jovial tone of voice.
Make a Favorable Impression What do you look like when you enter the classroom? Remember that
Clearly Demarcate the Beginning and End of the Lesson Lessons very rarely begin as soon as
the teacher walks into the room (with a smile on her face, of course!). The teachers need to arrange materials, set up the computer, arrange desks or strike up some small talk with a couple of students as the others are filing in. How do we seamlessly get from here to the lesson? Well, we could try to shout above 25 exuberant student voices, but we already know how well that works. Instead, we could just stand quietly facing the class; they will take the cue surprisingly quick. Or you could have a particular spot that you stand in when you’re ready for class to begin. Or ring a small bell, or tap on the board. Whatever the sound, it should be the same every time: the same ding-ding-ding of the bell or the same tap-tappa-tap-tap on the board. Whatever you choose, make it a routine that you use each lesson. Routines are great to end the lesson with too. It may be something as simple as a set phrase: “Shall we call it a day?” “Okay, class, who knows what time it is?” Use routines to begin and end class smoothly and effortlessly. Preview and Review the Lesson Once you have the class’s attention (with that smile still on your face), you could go to the first page of the day’s lesson, but this beginning would start the students off on their day’s journey like a tourist without a map. Start the lesson off with a preview of what is going to be covered and the goals of the lesson. These points could all be listed on a designated corner of the board and left there for the duration of the class. At the end of class, review the new material cov-
47 ered that day, and any problematic items that may have presented themselves. Preview and review should be routine parts of the lesson. End Class on a Positive Note The last impression is also a lasting impression. Ensure that the class ends with the students feeling good. If the class ends on a sour note, that is the note that the students will walk out of the class with, and that is the note that they will continually hear ringing, possibly until they walk back into your classroom days later. Do not hurriedly announce homework as the bell rings. Assign it sometime in the middle of the lesson when they can be sure they understand exactly what to do. End the class with praise for what the class did well, and do it with that smile that you have been wearing since the start of class. Have the class walk out of the room the way you want them to walk back in for their next lesson – the Omega is the Alpha.
The Author David E. Shaffer is 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 (2nd Saturday of the month). For many years, Dr. Shaffer has been a professor of English Language at Chosun University, where he has taught graduate and undergraduate courses. He is a long-time member of KOTESOL and a holder of various KOTESOL positions, including First Vice-President and Publications Committee Chair. He credits KOTESOL for much of his professional development in English language teaching.
Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Monthly Meeting Date & Time: September 10 (Sat.) – as part of the ALAK-GETA International Conference Place: Honam University Featured Presentation on Tech Tools – Lindsay Herron Doing Reflective Practice: Awareness-Raising for Empowerment – Jocelyn Wright Understanding Our Learners – Bryan Hale For more details: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL
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September 2016
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September 2016
EDUCATION
Darak:
Making Music in Gwangju
By Natale Ryan
M
usical performances have always been a big part of Korean culture and tradition. Great emphasis has been placed on talent, and many work long hours to achieve their dreams of becoming the next prodigy. Most musical academies center around the gifted, with musical acting and producing being sadly disregarded. However, in Gwangju there is a small academy dedicated to enhancing talent named Darak Musical Academy. Darak became a reality when a group of friends — all aspiring musical actors — found it difficult to find resources to help them practice. Park So-yeon had just become interested in music and relished the idea of
studying musical acting. She — along with her friends — began to acquire members in order to study. They began with only five members, but over the years they have had as many as 20 people sign up. Darak is not a typical Korean academy, as the name suggests. It is, instead, made up of young adults in their 20s who enjoy musical acting, as well as the staff members. The academy focuses on providing resources to individuals that have been overlooked in colleges and universities. The specifics of operating a musical production are not easily understood, which can be frustrating to
49 actors like Park. This is why she has chosen to operate an academy every year — as a way to lend a hand in her community and reach out to other struggling students. “[On] average, we produce four to five performances every year,” said Park. “Also, there are [a] few performances and concerts [that can be] requested, and workshops and regular performances are entirely organized by us.” Darak also offers workshops to better prepare actors for the stage. They offer assistance with clarifying speech, theory and presentation. Since the academy is not well-known among the Korean population, they have not had the chance to acquire many international residents to participate, but they are interested in becoming more foreigner-friendly. The academy is tuition-free. The sole purpose of Darak is to assist individuals who want to pursue a career in musical production.
When asked about any future plans or a vision for Darak, Park stated, “I do not have a specific vision or plans for the academy. I hope my passion towards music [will always be] as new as in the beginning, without any greed. “Then, I believe something [miraculous] will happen. Something unexpected and beyond our imagination.” If you want to follow Darak on Facebook, then you will be treated to photos of teamwork and dedication. There are no set business hours for the academy, and many of the presentations and classes are flexible. The academy is located at 39-1, Daeuidong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, on the 5th floor, and is called the Musical Lab Darak. It is requested that you make inquiries about the program through their Facebook page. Facebook: facebook.com/gjdarak
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“[On] average, we produce four to five performances every year, also, there are [a] few performances and concerts [that can be] requested, and workshops and regular performances are entirely organized by us.”
September 2016
Op-ed
COMMUNITY
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World Human Rights Cities Forum
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September 2016
By Di and David Foster Photos courtesy of Gwangju International Center
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ince our attendance at the Sixth World Human Rights Cities Forum turned out to be one of the highlights of our visit to Gwangju, we wanted to share some reflections about its content and organization. The Forum was held in July at the new Asia Culture Center and was organized by the Gwangju International Center (GIC) on behalf of the City of Gwangju. This massive undertaking with numerous speakers in simultaneous sessions all led to a final “Declaration.” Every session had appropriate signage, directions, printed papers (in both Korean and English), an electronic question system and si-
multaneous translation into several languages. From a participant’s perspective, everything went really well, which is a reflection of the enormous effort of the GIC staff. With a unifying focus being the human rights of those living in cities, the Forum steered the attention of participants to the plight of the underprivileged of all kinds living in cities. Given that 55 percent of the world’s population now live in urban areas, this is a particularly significant issue. Never before in human history have so many people lived in cities, many of them with populations larger than
small countries. As governments at all levels struggle to cope with this new phenomenon, the rights of the less powerful can often be forgotten. Topics included: the difficulties faced by disabled people attempting to use public transport, providing adequate housing for the poor, addressing the needs of marginalized youth, ensuring adequate care for the growing number of elderly, gender issues such as the plight of single mothers, equal opportunity and the plight of sex workers. Speakers demonstrated to those previously uninformed that the situation faced by many of the underprivileged
51 is dire. Others outlined what is happening around the world to address these issues, and what lessons can be learned from these initiatives. A good way to reflect on the significance of a Forum of this type is to think about the factors that influence policy-makers attempting to deliver services in these dynamic urban environments. These drivers include efficiency, ecological principles, economic growth or even health and safety. When decisions are made about urban design, transport development or the like, these factors influence outcomes. Human rights should sit alongside those listed above as equal factors to be considered. These issues should not be left for consideration only among activists, social progressives or others. Rather, human rights discussions should be an inherent consideration in all urban policy determination. A Forum such as this one ensures that such action will be taken. At the opening ceremony, a number of senior officials outlined what they
were doing to address the problem of the underprivileged in their respective cities. The Mayor of Gwangju demonstrated his City’s claim to be the “City of Human Rights.” Reference was also made to many policy areas where human rights have been considered as an integral component, including employment policies where consideration is given to migrant workers, transportation policies where new buses have access for wheelchair-bound people or housing policies encompassing the special plight of the elderly. Significantly, the Mayor acknowledged that much more still needs to be done to help those in need. Totally unexpected was the revelation that the city has constructed a hospital in Cambodia to provide health care for the urban poor, and a new hospital has been proposed to help out in earthquake-ravaged Nepal. At the Forum’s end, a “Declaration” was delivered, outlining the outcomes of the Forum. This document will be forwarded to participants of the next
Forum and the UN Habitat Meeting in October, in an attempt to ensure that progress can be further achieved. After the “Declaration” had been read to those assembled, participants were asked to comment on their experiences at the Forum. One or two individuals suggested that they would like the next Forum to focus more on practical solutions to the issues raised. The desire to fix obvious wrongdoings is most admirable and something that every participant would want. What we need to realize is that raising these issues and bringing them to the attention of the policy-makers and government organizations is itself a very practical action that an event like this can achieve. We now have various city officials and elected representatives from cities around Korea and the world who are much more aware of the plight of people in their midst who are, at best, unseen and, at worst, ignored. In summary, the forum was a success by any measure!
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September 2016
52
Health
Ancient Practices with a Modern Twist: An interview with an Oriental Medicine Doctor
COMMUNITY
By Kelsey Rivers Translated by Yoon Sun-young
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September 2016
hen I first walked into Dodam Oriental Medicine Clinic (도담한의원 원 장) in Mokpo, what hit me was the absence of sound, the gentle silence of the room. This quiet peacefulness seems characteristic of “Oriental Medicine.” Dodam is a calm place, where you feel like you can truly relax. Since it was my first time, I did not go for the more frightening treatments such as acupuncture (although I know many people who swear you must get it), but tried a simple, gentle electrotherapy session, as little cups were suctioned to my shoulders, and a safe frequency of electricity pulsed through my muscles. It created an odd tingly sensation at first, and my muscles disconcertingly jerked and spasmed on their own. After a while, however, the treatment felt a bit like a gentle massage. After the electro-therapy cups were
removed, glass, bell-shaped cupping devices were suctioned to my shoulders. This is called “cupping,” and a vacuum is created within the cups, which pulls on the skin and draws blood to the area. This process increases the blood flow, which also reduces pain and inflammation. My muscles felt relaxed and loosened afterwards, but be warned, the cups can leave some very interesting bruises! Throughout the treatment, I reflected on how fascinating it is that this ancient form of medicine remains still to this day, but has acquired a modern twist to meet the needs of contemporary life. In order to better understand this practice of medicine, Gwangju News interviewed Dr. Kim Seong-bin, the head doctor at Dodam Oriental Medicine Clinic. How popular is traditional Korean medicine these days? People prefer Oriental Medicine, due to the fact that it has fewer side effects, and helps our bodies to naturally heal. Since this practice of medicine comes from ancient times, some aspects of it cannot be easily interpreted or understood. As a result, this type of medicine is undergoing a revision, to fit within the current
environment. In order for Oriental Medicine to thrive, it needs to undergo more scientific study, with more restrictions placed on medical devices used. It is a very attractive area of study these days. You can better understand Oriental medicine by watching videos on the topic on the popular Youtube channel ‘영국남자 (UK Man).” What kind of services does your clinic provide? We provide general physical therapy and oriental treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, herbal acupuncture and Chuna Manual Therapy (massage). Acupuncture is when needles are inserted into the skin at key points, to treat internal diseases or other affected areas by stimulating trigger points. Moxibustion is the burning of mugwort or other herbs to facilitate healing. And herbal acupuncture is when extracted herbs are injected hypodermically or into muscles. What types of illnesses do you treat at your clinic? How do the treatments you provide help patients? We treat for acute and chronic pain, as well as after-effect relief, with physical therapy, acupuncture and herbal acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion. Acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal treatments can treat a diverse array of illnesses, ranging from digestive system illnesses (acute indigestion, dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome) to respiratory diseases
53 (colds, Allergic Rhinitis, asthma) to disorders suffered by women (period pain, irregular periods and postnatal and menopausal symptoms). For acute pains and aftereffect management of car accidents: acupuncture, moxibusiton, cupping, herbal acupuncture, Chung Manual Therapy and herbal treatments can all be applied. For obesity treatments: fat break down, reabsorption and excretion can be prompted by way of electric stimulation to muscles and fat layers. How expensive are treatments, usually? The typical fee is around 7,000 won to 10,000 won per visit if you have health insurance. And depending on the clinic, the fees for acupuncture and herbs may vary, with herbs costing between 200,000 won to 300,000 won, and consumed two to three times a day for 15 days. No additional fees are necessary for car accident victims at our clinic. If you are interested in seeking treatment from an alternative style of medicine that emphasizes natural healing, then be sure to visit your local 한의원! Dodam Oriental Medicine Clinic 도담한의원 Telephone: 061-282-0100 Address: 401-ho, Jaeil Plaza, 2141 beonji, Namhak-ri, Samhyang-eup, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do
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September 2016
54 Survival Korean includes the most essential Korean phrases you need to know while traveling or living in Korea. The expressions come with detailed explanations as well as fun and useful information about the situation where they are used.
Talk to Me In Korean Subway Station
Common Phrases (Station Name) + 역 [(station name) yeok] : ... station This is one of the most essential words for surviving in Korea and one of the first words learned by those who come to live in Korea. It is used in regards to navigating subway routes, but subway stations are also used when directing taxi drivers to a certain destination. Additionally, subway stations are used as meeting points and as reference points when giving directions.
Sample Sentences
이번 역 [i-beon yeok] = this station/stop 다음 역 [da-eum yeok] = next station/stop 무슨 역에서 내려야 돼요? [mu-seun yeo-ge-seo nae-ryeo-ya dwae-yo?] = Which station do we have to get off at? ~호선 [ho-seon] / ~선 [seon] : line When referring to subway lines, you will need to add either 호선 or 선 to the line you are talking about. Subway lines that are numbered from 1 to 9 have 호선 following the number (e.g. 4호선 [sa-ho-seon]). For subway lines with names, 선 is added to the names (중앙선 [jung-ang-seon]).
…번 출구 [beon chul-gu] : Exit (number)...
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September 2016
Directions in Korea are often given in relation to subway stations and their exit numbers (i.e. first right out of exit 3, Gangnam Station). Subway station exits are also often used as meeting points. Some subway stations are very large and have multiple exits that seem miles away from each other. Each exit is marked with a number.
Sample Sentences 3번 출구 [sam-beon chul-gu] = Exit 3 5번 출구 [o-beon chul-gu] = Exit 5 This is an extract from the book, Survival Korean, available at MyKoreanStore.com
Talk To Me In Korean and Seoulistic are proud to present to you
Survival Korean!
Make your stay in Korea much easier and enjoy it to the fullest with Survival Korean!
Whether you are just traveling or living in Korea, this book, the perfect size that can fit right in your purse, will come in handy whenever you want something.
EXPAT LIVING
55
How to: Get a Credit Card
By Nahia Antoranz
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hether you are settled in or still in the process of settling, having a credit card in Korea helps a lot when it comes to online shopping, transportation and other needs. This can get a bit tricky if you are not familiar with the local banking system, so here are some tips and tricks on getting a credit card without a hassle.
Once at the bank, you have to communicate! Using the handy Korean words and phrases at the end of this article will help you sail smoothly. You will be required to sign various documents, fill in any and all necessary blanks, as well as follow any other instructions they might give you. All of the different credit cards types offer benefits in
Happy banking! 신용카드 - credit card 외국인등록증 - Alien Registration Card (ARC) 여권 - passport 이자 - interest 할인 - discount 수수료 - fee 공인인증서 – electronic public certificate from the bank,
used as identification 지불 – payment, make a payment 인터넷 뱅킹 - internet banking
September 2016
Find the nearest location of your bank, gather your documents, and head over to open your credit card account. The most common documents needed are your passport, ARC, bankbook and work contract, however this list changes depending on the bank. That is why it is important to know what is required by your specific bank.
Once you are all set, you will have to wait for the credit card to be processed and sent to your residence. This process could take up to three weeks, so do not worry if your card does not show up the next day. When the credit card is being delivered, you will need to be there to show your ARC and sign the delivery confirmation. www.gwangjunewsgic.com
First things first. Get in contact with your bank in advance and figure out what documents are required to get a credit card. This will save you from an unnecessary trip later. A lot of banks will have a simple English website or customer service hotline with English speakers you can use to find the information. However, if that does not work, you can call 1330, a travel hotline, and they will help with translation when you are on-site at your bank.
different fields and in endless varieties, such as discounts, cash back, points or even free upgrades. You just need to choose the option that best accommodates your needs. With this step, make sure you understand what is going on, and choose the best option for you.
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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 clubs’ activities and special events. Please contact gwangjunews@gic.or.kr for more information. 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.
COMMNUNITY CLASSES AT GIC Weekends Art Club – Room 5, 2F 12:30 - 3 p.m. Saturdays Participation fee varies depending on Class theme and material FB page: Gwangju Art Class
UNESCO KONA VOLUNTEERS Our group is a registered organization that helps underprivileged kids to learn English Independently through storybooks and story-maps. We are looking for long-term volunteers who desire to enrich their lives. We are asking volunteers to commit to helping at least once a month.
GWANGJU Petit à Petit 쁘띠 따 쁘띠 프랑스 그룹 – Room 5, 2F 4 - 6 p.m. Saturday, December 5 FB page: GWANGJU Petit à Petit
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September 2016
For more information please visit http://café.daum.net/konavolunteers or our Facebook group UNESCO KONA VOLUNTEERS or contact Kim Young Im 062-434-9887 or email konacenter@gmail.com
쁘띠 따 쁘띠 프랑스 그룹
GIC Book Club – Room 3, 2F 4 - 6 p.m. Saturdays FB page: GIC Book Club COMMUNITY GROUPS IN GWANGJU
Gwangju – 광주 Gwangju Flea Market Gwangju Pets Gwangju Freecycle Gwangju Performance Project Global Families of Gwangju Gwangju EPIK Teachers Gwangju-Jeolla Job Bank Ladies of Gwangju and Vicinity Gwangju Yoga Gwangju Veggies Gwangju Filipino English Teachers (GFET)
2016 GWANGJU INTERNATIONAL CENTER KOREAN CLASS The Gwangju International Center (GIC) provides Korean classes to international residents in Gwanjgu and Jeolla provinces. which help them learn Korean and understand Korean culture. Please join our Korean classes to improve your Korean skills with our awesome Korean teachers! Tuition Fee: Weekdays classes 120,000 won (100,000 won for GIC Members) Saturdays classes 90,000 won (70,000 won for GIC Members) - How to register: Try online registration through the GIC website www. gic.or.kr or drop by the GIC - More information: Jeongmin Lee, the GIC coordinatior (email: language@ gic.or.kr / phone: 062-226-2733) WE ARE LOOKING FOR WRITERS! Get involved and make Gwangju News an outlet for you to express yourself. For more info: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr Gwangju News is only as great as it is because of the community it serves, and the writers, photographers, layout designers and proofreaders within it who regularly volunteer their services.