(EN) Gwangju News January 2016 by Gwangju International Center

Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine

January 2016 Issue No. 167 Published on December 28, 2015 Cover Photo: Al Barnum Cover Art & Design: Joe Wabe Photographed by: Joe Wabe 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

THE EDITORIAL TEAM PUBLISHER Shin Gyonggu MANAGING EDITOR Karly Pierre ONLINE EDITOR Callum Holmes COORDINATOR AND LAYOUT EDITOR Minsu Kim PHOTO EDITOR Joe Wabe CHIEF PROOFREADER Bradley Weiss ONLINE EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Jacqui Page, Sam Page COPY EDITORS Joey Nunez, Kelsey Rivers, Victoria Lee, Brian Fitroy, Timm Berg, Robert Hinderliter, Laura Becker PROOFREADERS Carrie Levinson, Stephen Redeker, Jannies Le, Teri Venable, Gabrielle Nygaard, Joey Nunez, Pete Schandall RESEARCHERS Cho Nam-hee, Choi Shin-ae, Jang Dong-ha, Jung Yun-hee, Kim Dae-yong

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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Content s January 2016 Issue No. 167

News and info

Feature 7 It was All a Dream

5 Gwangju City News 10 Upcoming Events

12 The Joy of Service: Al Barnum Leaves a Legacy

58 Community Board

16 Faith and Action

Local 6 Gwangju Talks

18 A Level Playing Field 20 Stories Add Colors to Our Imagination

39 A Royal Dish Tteok-galbi

24 Whose History?

43 Horanggasinamu Hill Guesthouse

26 4 Tips for a Good Relationship With Your Korean-in-Laws

44 Innocem Korea

28 Neutralizing Power

46 TeaAT

30 The Devil’s Workout

48 Fit for Royalty Geumo-do Island

32 Creative Cities in Japan and Beyond

50 The Players’ Collective

34 John Jackson’s Farther East Gallery Moving

GIC 8 GIC Talk Review 9 GIC Talk January Schedule

Photography

22 Small Steps

Culture 53 Courage 54 The Big Brown Swirl Poop’s Place in Korean Culture 55 The Nosa School and Western Influence

36 Fall: A Golden Season 38 Photo of the Month

Places to see 40 Shiver Me Timbers! Chilling in Aruba 42 Yangdong Market

General 52 On the Download 56 Looking in on Your English Class

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Gwangju City News Compiled and Edited by Cho Nam-hee, Choi Shin-ae, Jung Yun-hee , Kim Dae-yong and Joey Nunez

GWANGJU FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT AWARDED PRIZE Gwangju Food Safety Management was presented with Best Organization award by the 2015 Food Safety Management Evaluation. The evaluation consists of eleven criteria: the number of food hygiene inspectors per 100,000 people; the frequency of company checks and their violations; the rates of consumer inspectors, bad food collection rates; collection target achievements and more. Gwangju has been recognized for its multilateral efforts in food safety after receiving the award for the Best Food and Medicine Management in April 2015. The City was also awarded top honors for food poisoning prevention in 2015 and food safety satisfaction for two consecutive years. Gwangju has made efforts to employ more officers in sanitation for food safety inspections and reinforce their professional abilities through rigorous training. A City Hall officer explained: “I’m proud of completing the Universiade successfully and receiving these awards after the games. That is the result of careful food safety management. We will do our best to continue quality sanitary controls and sanitary service improvements.” WOOD-FIRED BOILERS HAZARDOUS Gwangju Fire Safety authorities asked residents to be careful when using heaters and wood-fired boilers in order not to cause fires. A wood-fired boiler was the cause of a recent fire at a storage located in Shinchang-dong, Gwangsan-gu on Nov. 14th. Estimated damages of that fire were at 33 million won. There has been another wood-fired boiler fire a few days before at a factory located in Hasan-dong Gwangsan-gu on Nov. 6th. In order to prevent such incidents, nonflammable barriers must be installed before installing stovepipes and fire extinguishers must be in place. A Gwangju Fire Safety officer stated: “When you use wood-fired boilers, you should make sure it does not overheat, and always clean around the boiler. Sometimes, flammables surrounding the remaining embers after using a boiler may catch on fire. So, we recommend spraying water on the dying embers to completely put them out.” CHINESE AND KOREAN ELDERLY CULTURAL EXCHANGE About 140 Chinese senior citizens visited Gwangju through the Elders’ Art Culture Exchange between Korea and China. A Chinese Art Culture Group from Beijing, China also participated in the cultural exchange event and toured the Bitgoeul Senior Sports Center. Chinese and Korean seniors enjoyed traditional Chinese music and dances, Arirang performances, line dancing and accordion music. Since the start of the Elders’ Art Culture Exchange Festival between Korea and China, 25,016 Chinese have visited Gwangju a cumulated 183 times since 2009. The program exists to promote tourism in Gwangju among Chinese visitors. Despite the MERS scare last year, Gwangju held the Elders’ Art Culture Exchange Festival 24 times, attracting 2,660 Chinese citizens. In addition, Gwangju City officials went to Beijing to sign new contracts with Chinese tourism companies for the Elders’ Art Culture Exchange Festival between Korea and China. These new contracts will expand the festival to Jiangsu (江苏), Wuhu (安徽), Hunan (湖南) and to Hubei (湖北). Kim Incheon, chief of the Tourism Promotion Department in Gwangju, said: “We have some plans to attract the Chinese. We are developing diverse high-value products like beauty care tours, life physical sports and exchange programs to attract more of the young and old to Gwangju.”

For more information on Gwangju, please scan the QR code

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Gwangju Talks Think about the needs of the Gwangju community. If you could create a social program or charitable organization, what would it be? Who would you help? How? Translated and Complied by Cho Nam-hee, Choi Shin-ae, Jung Yun-hee, Kim Dae-yong

★ Kim Gwang-jin, 33 I would create an organization for people in their twenties, where members organize events and cultural programs. Because unemployment has become a social issue in Korea, young Koreans have neglected their local community. The youth should lead Korean society in creating a more charitable environment. Gwangju City could fund projects like these and offer more chances for those involved in youth organizations to create social programs officially. Additionally, similar community-based organizations could collaborate with them. ★ Han Sae-byeol, 25 I would organize guides to help foreigners who want to travel around Gwangju. Many college students want to participate in the local culture and make foreign friends. If we made a college student organization that helps foreigners, it would help everyone involved. ★ Jin Yoo-soon, 49 I want to create a children’s social program to provide education about multi-cultural families. Even though Gwangju has many immigrant families, most citizens do not know how they live. We need to give them more attention. I know the GIC can help. Other than GIC, I would ask neighbors to support families who seek assistance. Small ideas make big changes. We should teach Korean language, culture and lifestyle—what school does not teach. In addition, the neighborhood could help them with basic needs. We all have the ability to help those in need. ★ Choo Jae-geun, 20 I want to make a student program for those who want to become politicians. Korean politicians are getting older. They do not know how the youth think. Furthermore, the Korean government oppresses the opinions of young people. I think if we made a political youth group, it could open a communication channel to express our opinions and prevent the government from oppressing us. ★ Racheal Bryson, 27 I would say a teenager-assistance program to address typical issues of academics, popularity, acceptance and peerpressure. A hotline service where teens can anonymously get good advice without judgment. ★ Ashlyn Winter I would like to initiate a group for expat women who are married to Korean men, especially Filipinos. They often are forced into marriages for whatever reason and they have no choice but to move here to Korea and start their lives here with their new husband. They do not speak the language and they are work in terrible conditions for long hours with low pay. We could provide these women education and training to support themselves.

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It was All a Dream Witten and photographed by Ben Robins

he Gwangju Performance Project’s (GPP) end-of-the year production of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream delighted audiences with its two-weekend run in November at Chosun University’s Seosuk Hall. With a cast and crew of over 50 people, this was GPP’s largest production to date.

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Restore Biodiversity! Save the Earth! Written and photo contributed by Atonu Chakrabortty

ur planet is simply amazing. Many cogs, pulleys and wheels — animals, plants and environments — work together, depending on each other in so many ways, creating a green, blue, healthy world that you, us, everyone depends on. For food, fuel, medicine and other essentials that we simply cannot live without, this machine is sure to take some knocks and bruises. It can bounce back! This is the part of what makes it so marvelous. But we are beginning to pull and stretch it further than it has ever been stretched before. We are entering into unknown territory where some of the extinctions we are causing may have deep and profound effects on how we live our lives. In the grand scale of our planet, these effects may be currently seen as the equivalent of storm clouds gathering on the horizon. But let there be no doubt, the storm is coming. Unless we change course, it has the power to stop us now! Biological diversity is the resource upon which families, communities, nations and future genera-

tions depend. It is the link between all organisms on earth, binding all into an interdependent ecosystem, in which all species have their roles. It is the web of life. The Earth’s natural assets are made up of plants, animals, land, water, the atmosphere and humans! Together we all form parts of the planet’s ecosystem, which means if there is a biodiversity crisis, our health and livelihoods are at risk too. I am going to speak of the details about the biodiversity of Korea and Bangladesh, my home country, and will tell the story about: * What exactly is biodiversity? * How much of this biodiversity are we losıng? * How do biodiversity losses affect everyone in the world? * What exactly is causing these losses? * The story of the Korean and Bangladeshi animal kingdoms I am very proud to have this opportunity to share my presentation in Gwangju. It will be my pleasure to talk with people about this memorable and evergreen part of my life. So, everybody is welcome to come on this wonderful journey to love this planet!

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GIC Talk January Schedule

Theme of the Month:

nEW yEAR kNOWLEDGE Time & Location: Saturdays from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., GIC Auditorium (1st Floor) For more information, contact gictalk@gic.or.kr JANUARY 2 There will be no GIC Talk due to the New Year’s Celebration. Enjoy the time with your family and friends, and we will see you for the first GIC Talk of 2016 Jan. 9!

delay? Come to hear these and more thoughts during Jonathan’s GIC Talk.

JANUARY 23

JANUARY 9

Speaker: Chakrabortty Atonu Topic: Save Biodiversity! Save the Earth!

Speaker: Ryne Santos Topic: Pecha Kucha Night

More information about this GIC Talk is included in the GIC Talk Preview.

Pecha Kucha Nights are a fun and informal way to gather, share and listen to other people’s ideas or stories. It is a simple presentation style that allows for both limitations and freedom with a strict 20 slides or images for 20 seconds each. This provides a steady tempo for presentations to keep speakers from sharing too long. There are more than 880 cities around the world officially sanctioned by the Pecha Kucha brand, and Gwangju is finally among those cities. The beauty of this program at the international level is that with visual aids, language is no longer a barrier. Come to hear more from this Speaker.

JANUARY 30 Speaker: Joey Nunez Topic: Work Highlights, Moments, & Memories: Life as the First Westerner GIC Coordinator

JANUARY 16 Speaker: Jonathan Chiraella Topic: U.S. Control of ROK Forces In 2007, President Roh Moo-hyu secured an agreement for the U.S.A. to finally turn over operational control of USFK and also ROK Forces to the ROK, thereby making Korean forces controlled by Koreans by 2012. However, the handover was delayed in 2010 and again in late 2014. The 2014 delay is an indefinite delay that works in the interest of Korean conservatives and America, now deep in its “pivot to Asia.” So, what were the motivations for the October 2014 agreement and what are the political and geostrategic implications of the

Never would Joey Nunez have thought that he would have acquired his dream job so quickly: working and helping others while also writing and proofreading multiple documents. This blessing of employment truly happened, and Joey has enjoyed his two years of working at the GIC, a place he will always love and treasure. Come and hear the highlights, moments and memories on his entire experience, during his last day of work, before he travels and returns to the United States. His travels begin in mid-February.

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Upcoming Events Namdaecheon Ice Festival 남대천 얼음축제

Go, Go, Riding the Time Machine 타임머신 타고 고고씽! Go, Go, Riding the Time Machine is an exhibition for children and adults. Here you can reminisce about your childhood through interesting pieces of artwork using all five senses. You can travel to the past through art.

Folk games, ice sledding, trout fishing on ice, ice sculptur making and other activities Dates: Jan. 8 – Jan. 17 Locations: Namdaecheon, Muju-eup, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do Directions: Take the intercity bus at the Gwangju Bus Terminal and get off at Muju-gun Bus Terminal (3 hours, 30 minutes). From the Muju Bus Terminal, take a bus from the Muju-Seomyun bus stop and get off at the Muju-Daedae bus stop. Phone: 063-320-5703~5704 Website: http://tour.muju.go.kr

Yeosu Hyangilam Festival 여수 향일암 축제 For Koreans it is meaningful to make their New Years’ wishes at the sunrise just as a Korean mom would make her wishes for her family with a bowl of water. Before sunrise, the samulnoli (Korean traditional percussion music) wakes up the dawn. This is followed by rituals for the sunrise, sending wishes into the sky and water, and sharing words of blessing. At last, you can see the first sunrise of the New Year. Address: 69, Hyangiram-ro, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, Korea Dates: Dec. 31, 2015 – Jan. 1, 2016 Location: Hyangilam Temple, Yeosu-shi Directions: Take the intercity bus at the Gwangju Bus Terminal and get off at the Yeosu Bus Terminal (1 hour, 50 minutes). From the Yeosu Bus Terminal, take the No.111 Bus and get off at the Impo (Hyangilam) Bus Stop. Phone: 061-659-4743~4745 Website: http://www.ystour.kr

Dates: Dec. 4, 2015 - Feb. 21, 2016 Venue: Gwangju Museum of Art ￦ Admission: Free Directions: Take buses No. 64 or No. 83, and get off at the Gwangju Museum of Art bus stop. Phone: 062-613-7149 Website: http://www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

Gwangju Symphony Orchestra 2016 New Year Concert 광주시립교향악단 2016 신년음악회 Date: Jan. 15th, 7:30 p.m. Gwangju Art and Culture Center ￦ Admission: 30,000 won (R seat), 20,000 won (S seat), 10,000 won (A seat) Phone: 062-524-5086 Website: http://gso.or.kr

Special Exhibition: Uijae Hu Baik-ryun 전통회화 최후의 거장, 의재 허백련 Dates: ~ Feb. 21st Venue: Gwangju National Museum ￦ Admission: Free Phone: 062-570-7000 Website: http://gwangju.museum.go.kr

Cultural Assets in Photographs 사진으로 보는 문화재 Dates: ~ Feb. 28th Venue: Main Hall, Gwangju National Museum ￦ Admission: Free Phone: 062-570-7000 Website: http://gwangju.museum.go.kr

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@GWANGJU TEATHER

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Asia Culture Center Schedule

Chungjang-no 5-ga 62, Dong-gu, Gwangju (two blocks behind NC WAVE) 8,000 won per person per film 062-224-5858 http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju

Hsiao-hsien Hou Special Show (January 1st ~ 11th) Sandwich Man (1983) The Boys from Fengkuei (1983) Dust In The Wind (1987) The Time to Live and the Time to Die (1985) The Assassin (2015) An assassin accepts a dangerous mission to kill a political leader in seventh-century China.

January 1st Our Last Tango - Un Tango Mas (Documentary)

신화와 근대, 비껴서다 Interrupted Survey: Fractured Modern Mythologies Dates: Sept. 3, 2015 – Sept. 3, 2017 Location: Creation, Complex 4. ￦ Admission: Free Website: http://acc.go.kr/Bokhapgwan “Mythology and Modern, Stand Aside” allows visitors to consider the meaning of cycles and to accept the conflict which occurs at the cross between traditional and modern societies.

German Kral, 85 min Johana Copes, Juan Carlos Copes, Alejandra Gutty A story of love between the two most famous dancers in tango’s history, and the story of their tremendous love of tango. Marí a Nieves Rego (80) and Juan Carlos Copes (83) met when they were 14 and 17, and they danced together for nearly fifty years. In all those years they loved and hated each other and went through several painful separations but always got back together. No other man danced like Juan and no other woman danced like Marí a! Eventually, he left her for good for a woman 20 years younger with whom he fathered two children. Now, at the end of their lives, Juan and Marí a are willing to open up about their love, their hatred, and their passion.

For this exhibition, ACC invited 10 artists to invent a work of art only for ACC. They considered the meaning of “modernity” in Asia and Korea and deep conflicts that have arisen during ancient times, colonization by the West, liberation, the foundation of a nation and the Cold War.

January 7th Song of the Sea (Animation, Family, Fantasy)

Today, artists are trying to create a vision of a connected Asia to overcome the division of nations and conflicts of the past. These artists acknowledge that modernity brings progress, but also pain. Even though there are conflicts with modernity and cultural identity, the past has been imprinted into the spirits and minds of people.

Youth (Drama)

It is important to develop a new style of understanding the process of modernism critically. Ten artists show alternative histories against Asian modernity at this exhibition. They make people connected over boundaries made by the violent conflict.

Tomm Moore, 93 min David Rawle, Brendan Gleeson, Lisa Hannigan Ben, a young Irish boy, and his little sister Saoirse, a girl who can turn into a seal, go on an adventure to free the faeries and save the spirit world. Paolo Sorrentino, 124 min Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz A retired orchestra conductor is on holiday with his daughter and his film director best friend in the Alps when he receives an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to perform for Prince Philip’s birthday.

January 14th Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter (Drama) David Zellner, 105 min Rinko Kikuchi, Nobuyuki Katsube, Shirley Venard A jaded Japanese woman discovers a hidden copy of Fargo (1996) on VHS, believing it to be a treasure map indicating the location of a large case of money. source: imbd.com

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The Joy of Service Al Barnum Leaves a Legacy Written by Karly Pierre Photographed by Joe Wabe

uri doesn’t fidget in Mi-rae’s arms. The toddler softly coos as she bounces on the teenager’s hip. Mi-rae lifts the little girl and hands her to Minsong, her doting mother. Al Barnum smiles as he watches them in the restaurant—their tenderness natural and unconditional. A stranger would guess they were a typical family: a mother and her two daughters. For Barnum, a dream will be fulfilled when in a few months that stranger’s guess will be right.

This year, Minsong’s family will adopt Mi-rae, now 18 years old. Mi-rae has lived at the Sungbin Girls Home in Gwangju since she was 3 years old. She knows nothing about her birth parents. Despite her beginnings, Mi-rae is a bright and energetic teenager who enjoys spending time with her friends and weekends traveling the countryside with Minsong’s family. Someday she hopes to be a nurse or kindergarten teacher. Minsong is excited about the day she will see Mi-rae off to university.

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“When I met Minsong, I felt like she understood my mind,” said Mi-rae. “I always appreciated that.”

and behold, service was joy’...To me, there is no greater joy than service.”

Mi-rae and Minsong first met seven years ago, and Barnum played a critical role in that connection. Since arriving in Gwangju to teach at Chosun University in 2008, Barnum has been a committed supporter of Sungbin Girls Home and has raised awareness of adoption in Korea through Adopt-A-Child For Christmas, a program he created.

As a young student at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, Barnum was profoundly influenced by the school’s focus on community service. The school’s motto, “Enter to learn. Depart to serve,” rallied the student body to donate their time to local charities. He volunteered at Harris Home for Children near his college. One Christmas, he bought a gift for a homeless child and spent the day with her. This experience would later be the model for the program with Sungbin.

Barnum met Minsong after frequenting her restaurant near his apartment. She owned it with her mother, who was a single parent. Because of the initial language barrier, a friendship was struck up with only smiles and kind gestures. Soon, Barnum became a fixture at their family outings. “I was looking for female mentors for the girls at Sungbin and extended an offer to Minsong,” said Barnum. “She became one of our elementary teachers and developed a strong relationship with many of the girls, especially Mi-rae...When I began AdoptA-Child for Christmas, I wanted the word ‘adopt’ to resonate not just for Christmas.” During the years that she mentored at Sungbin, Minsong got married and eventually had her own daughter, Guri. But Minsong never forgot the promise that she made to Mi-rae the first day they met. “She was so full of life,” said Minsong. “So full of positive energy...We made a promise that one day we would be a family. Years later, when I met my husband, I talked to him about her and he agreed.” When she made the announcement to Barnum, he was overjoyed. “Bloodlines are very important in Korean culture, so many children are not adopted here,” said Barnum. “A Korean man usually will not raise another man’s child...When I heard the news I felt like the cycle was completed.” Barnum believes in cycles. The teachings of karma yoga, which dictate that selfless acts of service come back to you, have led him on a journey that has touched the lives of many along the way. “Service is like giving someone a rose petal,” said Barnum. “You can’t give someone a rose petal without the fragrance getting on your fingers...There is a poem that says, ‘I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted,

Barnum believes in the impact one person’s love can make on a community. As a teacher, he has interacted with students from all walks of life and places around the world, including Honduras, Bermuda, and the United States. But at the core of his teaching career has been a passion to reach out to at-risk youth. Shortly after arriving in Gwangju, Michael Simning, a community leader, introduced Barnum to the weekly Saturday programs hosted by expats at Sungbin. Barnum began attending regularly and joined a Christmas party for the orphans later that year. The Korean military hosted the party, providing oranges and other food, but Barnum noticed that there were no presents. “I’m always looking to see how I can fill in the gap for what the government or a church isn’t doing in the community,” said Barnum. “So the next year, in 2009, I simply went by myself to Sungbin and asked the co-director what the girls needed. She said warm hats and gloves. I asked her how many, and she told me 50. So I decided to buy them.” Later, a coworker asked Barnum to hang out that Saturday. When Barnum explained his plans for that day, the co-worker asked to join him. “I bought the hats and he bought the gloves,” said Barnum. “We had two bags. We dropped them off at Sungbin and that was it. My co-worker told me, ‘Thanks for that. That felt good.’” The next year, Barnum was more ambitious. He asked each orphan to make a wish list of four things she wanted for Christmas. “I could have just asked people to give a gift. You will take anything if you are poor. But I remembered

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1. Branum and Sungbin orphans on Children’s Day in 2011. Mi-rae is to his left. 2. 20-year-old Barnum spending Christmas with a homeless child at Harris Home for Children.

when I was young I knew I was getting my brother’s [hand-me-downs] for Christmas. I wanted these kids to have something they wanted...I expected to get one thing for each girl. A day after I posted the announcement on Facebook, I had 50 commitments. Two weeks after, I got a commitment of 200 gifts. Every child got four gifts.” That year, he also arranged for the orphanage to get a visit from Santa. Steve McNally, Barnum’s coworker who played Santa, had grown up in foster care and was especially touched by the opportunity to be the first Santa many of these girls had ever seen. Mi-rae remembers that year clearly. She was in 6th grade and had requested a T-shirt on her wish list. “Just waiting for the present made my heart flutter,” said Mi-rae. “I liked the gift because it was a present from the heart.” Adopt-A-Child for Christmas has expanded and evolved into one of the most anticipated holiday events in the expat community. Barnum has created a legacy thousands of miles away from southern New Jersey where he grew up. “My teachers would never believe in their wildest dreams what I’ve become,” said Barnum. As a young boy, he was stubbornly rebellious. He attributes a lot of that anger to growing up with the shame of poverty.

His father died in a car accident when he was 10 years old. His mother was 50 years old when Barnum born, so raising a young boy alone as an older mother was a challenge. “My mother had a third-grade education and scrubbed floors for white people,” said Barnum. “So I immediately knew the importance of sacrifice and having a strong work ethic.” He recalls his mother fondly. He remembers her long black braided hair that twisted past her waist. He remembers the bowls of water and bread that she would leave on the doorstep to feed stray cats and dogs—the reason, he says, he became a vegetarian at 19. “My brothers taught me how to be tough,” said Barnum. “Do things that a man should do. But my mother taught me the qualities that make you a good human being.” But Barnum also remembers the look of disappointment on her face when he acted out. “I was always fighting and getting in trouble in school, which my mother never understood. She would have to leave her day job to come to school and sit in the principal’s office because I was getting suspended. She would ask me, ‘Why are you so angry?’ What was I going to say? Because we are poor? Because you scrub floors? Because we are on welfare? I would just say, ‘I don’t know.’” Tired of being teased about his clothing, he rea-

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soned that money was the solution to his problems. At 13, he lied about his age and got a job working in the fields with Puerto Rican immigrants from sunrise to sunset. He bought nice clothes and noticed that people began treating him differently, especially girls. But his anger and behavior had not changed. “I intimidated everyone, even my teachers,” said Barnum. “...Many of the African American teachers who could have had an influence on me, they ignored me. They wrote me off.” He never liked school as a teenager. He never studied and often asked his girlfriends to complete his book reports. After high school, he became a draftsman in Philadelphia. But one day a visiting evangelist and Oakwood College student, Auldwin Humphrey, suggested Barnum submit an application to Oakwood College. The acceptance letter that arrived a few months later changed his life. “I was just determined to get through school,” said Barnum. Years later when Barnum became a teacher— young, sporting a jean jacket, an afro and a scraggly beard—he looked for his old self in his students. “I looked for the tough guys that no one would talk to and I made myself available,” said Barnum. “If I could be the teacher that I didn’t get, I bet I could make a difference.” Barnum owned a limousine service for several years in Los Angeles. The job gave him the opportunity to mingle with and befriend many celebrities, but in the end he decided to return to teaching. “In LA County because of crime in the neighborhoods, it is really hard for a kid to catch a break,” he said. “The school to prison pipeline keeps kids from excelling.” He taught at Fontana Christian School and was a counselor for the community. His work there caught the eye of the European film company Denkmal. They filmed the documentary “Since I’m Here” that shows how Barnum used limousines to motivate his students. “Years later some of my students’ mothers have contacted me and said, ‘Mr. Barnum, my son said that the influence you had on him in the 5th grade is still with him today.’”

Throughout his career, he has found that the key to reaching at-risk children is consistency and kindness—two things, he says, his mother taught him well. “If they find that you are sincere and consistent they will embrace you,” said Barnum. “They’ll see through you if you are fake or have some other ulterior motive and they’ll push you away. But if you are sincere and consistent, a way will present itself.” Barnum will leave Korea this year, but he is working hard to make his last few months count. Recently, he helped Sungbin arrange a cross-cultural experience with a host family in the United States for six orphans. He helped to raise funds to cover housing deposits and one year’s rent for two orphans who recently turned 18 years old and are stepping out on their own. Before he departs, Barnum hopes to find a psychologist who can help the orphans successfully deal with emotional and psychological trauma they have suffered. He is proud of the work that he has accomplished and hopes that the Adopt-A-Child program will continue to flourish. Looking at Mi-rae and Minsong, Barnum is optimistic that the program will not only encourage more adoptions in Korea, but also motivate others to discover their own niche in community service here. He hopes that Adopt-A-Child will be a model that other new projects can emulate. His strongest advice to others: don’t be afraid to go it alone. “You have to have passion,” said Barnum. “You’ve got to know you’re the only employee that you can count on. When I started Adopt-A-Child, I wasn’t thinking that I needed 10 people to help me. Whatever you decide to do, you have to know that you can do it even if no one wants to help you.” At the restaurant, Mi-rae pinches Guri’s cheeks as Minsong takes the little girl’s hand. They are preparing to leave. But Barnum has one lingering question. “Why were you so nice to me when I first went to your restaurant?” Barnum asks Minsong. Minsong smiles. “I think I wanted you to be the father I didn’t have.”

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Faith and Action The Salvation Army Words by Laura Becker Research and interview translation by Cho Nam-hee The Salvation Army follows the tradition of its founding father, a Methodist minister named William Booth, who in 1865 left his pulpit to establish a mission in the streets of London. Originally intending to bring people into established churches, Booth quickly realized that the poor did not feel comfortable or welcome in the pews of Victorian England churches, and he founded a church to serve them. Today, the Salvation Army operates in 127 countries around the world. The Salvation Army came to Korea in 1908, where it is known as Gusaegun, and it conducts various social welfare projects through its 158 centers around the country. The Gwangju branch was established on June 20, 1938. Gwangju News spoke with Mr. Cha Hong Gi, Gwangju PR coordinator, to learn how the Salvation Army is meeting the needs of people.

specially around the holidays, the Salvation Army is recognizable by its red donation kettles and bellringing volunteers. Many people are also familiar with the thrift stores and disaster relief programs but do not know that many Salvation Army centers hold weekly worship services. The Salvation Army considers itself part of the universal Christian Church, although distinctive in its quasi-military structure, and its doctrine is typical of Protestant evangelical denominations.

For children and youth living in welfare facilities, coins and bills dropped into the Salvation Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s familiar donation kettles help provide opportunities to practice hobbies, such as musical instruments or baking. Teenagers can access counseling and preparatory classes for tertiary education. For children with health issues, the Salvation Army provides funding for medical bills, cognitive development programs and counseling for the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents or guardians to help them navigate the unfamiliar territories of raising a child with special needs. In order to combat social isolation of senior citizens, the Salvation Army offers education and social activities, including cultural events and digital education, to help elders adapt to the rapidly-changing society. Because about half of the elderly population in Korea lives below the poverty line, the Salvation Army is committed to helping seniors both socially and financially. In addition to caring for the young and the elderly,

the Salvation Army recognizes the potential vulnerability of marriage migrants. The Army aims to support these women and their families by reinforcing cultural competency in Korean society. The organization provides classes for marriage migrants to learn Korean language and culture, which is necessary for their adaptation to Korean society and smooth communication with Korean in-laws. For victims of domestic violence, the Salvation Army runs women’s shelters for immediate physical protection and counseling and education and training for long-term independence. The Salvation Army offers programs to help social minorities, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for those struggling with addictions, along with providing medical checks and job search support for homeless people. People who are HIV-positive have access to counseling, special housing facilities and rehabilitative programs such as art therapy. In addition they also provide food and laundry services for 1,000 people in case of an emergency. According to the most recent annual report, the Salvation Army provided samgyetang to 600 people nationwide during the hottest days of summer and gave 1,400 relief kits to families during the Chuseok holiday. The Salvation Army operates through other regional social welfare facilities to distribute relief kits and necessities. All welfare projects are funded from citizen donations, government funds and project donations from major corporations. For example, KB Bank and Lotte Home Shopping supported a project to build 12 small libraries across the country and provide personal study rooms for underprivileged children from 100 families. Standard Chartered Bank supported the Dream House project to design and build 20 specialized houses for the blind. Even with a full-time staff of two Christian pastors working at the Gwangju branch, volunteers are still needed in four different areas: administrative, telephone, translation and events. Prospective volunteers must complete an application and attend an orientation by appointment. For foreign residents not proficient in Korean, applying with a Korean friend is a good way to participate in this community with an established and respected organization.

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A Level Playing Field

Addressing Educational Inequity with Teach For Malaysia Written and photos by Murdock Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mooney

eachers are important. Being an educator myself, my opinion is an obvious bias, but good teachers inspire us to think critically about the world in which we live. They also lead by example helping students consider where they want to be in the future and more importantly, create tangible plans for getting there.

in results, or efficacy, as experienced by students from different groups. Grades, standardized test scores and college registration statistics usually determine educational efficacy. Inequity perpetuates social and economic inequality meaning students from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to achieve less and remain in poverty.

Teach for Malaysia (TFM) embraces this lead-byexample model and places high-achieving college graduates in under-achieving schools. TFM is a non-profit organization launched in 2010 aimed at helping balance Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational inequity. While educational inequity varies across contexts, it can generally be thought of as the difference

In the global context, educational inequity is widespread. According to 100people.org (an educational website run by academics), if the world were represented by 100 people, roughly 65 percent of the world would have higher than secondary education, 17 percent would be illiterate and only 7 percent would have a college education. TFM

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age) and 44 percent fail to meet standards in reading (19 percent OECD average). “It’s about providing tangible role models,” Jonathan tells me as we discuss TFM’s strategy in addressing these statistics. Jonathan believes the Malaysian educational system needs systemic change, and that often Education Ministers are too far removed from the problems facing underachieving schools. Jonathan envisions former TFM fellows ascending to important positions within the Ministry of Education, and with their experiential knowledge, helping initiate positive change and ultimately reducing Malaysia’s educational inequity.

seeks to address educational inequity in Malaysia’s most disadvantaged schools, by exposing students to passionate, high-achieving teachers who push education beyond the classroom. One student said that thanks to his TFM teacher he now knows who can help [him], and what he needs to get there [future goal]. As the name implies, TFM is modeled after Teach for America and the UK’s Teach First and seeks to one day “give all children in Malaysia the opportunity to attain an excellent education.” To learn more, I sat down with former TFM intern Jonathan Dason. Jonathan is a student at the University of Malaysia Sarawak currently studying at Chonnam National University. Between bites of kimbap, Jonathan tells me that 4 out of 5 working Malaysians have only a secondary education and the heads of 3 out of 5 poor households have a primary school education or less. Only 15 percent of Malaysians have just attended some form of tertiary education institution. Furthermore, Malaysia’s educational system lags behind other member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). For example, 60 percent of Malaysian students fail to meet state minimum standards for mathematics (22 percent OECD average), 43 percent fail to meet standards in science (compared to 18 percent OECD aver-

Disconnects between the needs of disadvantaged students and government educational entities is a common theme in the conversation surrounding educational inequity. Jonathan recognizes that while organizations like TFM are making strides addressing educational inequity, large-scale reform requires change at multiple levels and will likely take some time. Malaysian Ministry of Education funds the TFM and has corporate sponsors such as Google, Shell, Pearson, DHL and the CIMB Foundation among others. However, private donations are becoming an increasingly more important funding source. As TFM is a non-profit, donations qualify as tax writeoffs in most countries. You can donate, and find more information about the organization at redcampaign.my or teachformalaysia.org/donate. Jonathan reminds me that TFM is always seeking new teaching fellows saying, “if you are Malaysian and about to graduate college, you should consider [applying].” Application and organizational information can be found at teachformalaysia.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/teachformalaysia/. Jonathan is unsure if he will apply to be a TFM fellow after he graduates, but says it’s a very real possibility.

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Stories Add Colors to Our Imagination Written and photos by Shilpa Rani

1. Reading books to kids at Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s English Library 2. Adhrit sharing his favorite storybook 3. Adhrit sharing his favorite story-map

e all love stories. One thing that we all remember about childhood is the stories we read or heard, or the stories we made up. I made up a lot of stories to remember things, even mathematical tables. I remember the joy and wonder I felt at the imaginative worlds into which stories took me. I loved stories as a child, but as I grew older, I somehow lost that fairy dust and wonder and imagination. But when I became a mom, my own childhood joys started to resurface. I wanted to give my child memories that he could relish when he got older, and to my luck my little one loved to read books. On Saturdays we visited UNESCO-KONA, where my son Adhrit could share/read books with other children as a part of a buddy reading program. He enjoyed all the love and affection from the student volunteers whom he called brothers and sisters, and thus began our journey in KONA. I strongly believe that one of the best ways to un-

derstand the culture of a country is through folklore and story narratives. At KONA, I shared stories from India from the book of stories called Panchatantra, which has simple moral stories for kids. I not only shared stories from my country but also heard and read folk stories from Korea. I was able to meet lovely people from other countries (Canada, Japan, Turkey, Australia, China and USA) and hear the stories from their countries. I was happy for the student volunteers, since meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures removes fear about foreigners from their minds. They learn to be more caring and loving about the world when they realize that even though people may look different, we are all part of the huge universal family. The student volunteers at learn a foreign language visual learning, they are speaking and presentation

UNESCO-KONA not only through storybooks and also exposed to public skills. The student volun-

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teers at KONA got an opportunity to read stories for the Radio Star program of Gwangju Foreign Network (GFN). Professor Kim was very kind to give an opportunity to Adhrit, who was just two and a half years old at the time, to participate. As a mom, I was a little nervous about my son’s mood and behavior at the time of the recording, but since he had been trained to use a microphone at KONA, he was pretty confident and did a fairly good job. KONA also introduced us to the Children’s English Library where we read books together to other children. This experience was both very joyful and sad to me: joyful because I was in the presence of so much knowledge, and a little sad because it made me think about the lack of this kind of facility for millions of kids in underdeveloped countries.

In addition to the monthly program, I was pleased to be a part of the 2015 Gwangju World Storybook Festival at Pungyeongjeong Pavilion, organized by UNESCO-KONA. It was a very memorable experience in nature, under the very old trees which have seen Gwangju transforming in so many ways. Continuing my journey as a KONA member I plan to volunteer at the Gwangju Children’s Home along with Mrs. Park in the year ahead. Buddy reading with the young kids reminds me of my own carefree childhood and a heart which thought of limitless possibilities in life. Above all that KONA does for children, it encourages them to dream and reinforces that dreams come true.

UNESCO KONA Volunteers of KONA Storybook Center The days and locations of the facilities are as follows: 1. Every Saturday afternoon, 3–5 p.m., Location: KONA Storybook Center 코나 스토리북센터, Seogu, Sangil-ro 42, Ssangchongdong, 062-434-9887

NESCO KONA Volunteers of KONA Storybook Center 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: one Friday or Saturday evening, Sunday morning or Sunday afternoon per month. (Please check the days and locations below). Foreign volunteers who are interested in practicing their Korean and learning more about Korean culture with Korean children are welcome to stay at the center on any Saturday afternoons for a short cultural exchange. If you have any picture books, storybooks, puppets and any educational items, we accept all donations in order to distribute them to the local children’s homes or community children’s centers in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province.

2. Every Saturday afternoon, 1-2 p.m., Location: Children’s English Library 어린이영어도서관, Seo-gu, Ssangchon-dong, 062-380-8843-4 3. Every Saturday afternoon, 3-5 p.m., Location: Gwangju Children’s Home 광주애육원, Bukgu, Dongnimdong, 062-513-0859 4. 4th Friday afternoon, 3-5 p.m., Location: Grandmother’s Community Children’s Center 외할머니댁 지역아동센터, Bukgu, Punghyangdong, 062-524-2076 5. 2nd Sunday afternoon, 3-5 p.m., Location: Gwangju International Center 광주국제교류센터 Dongu, Jungang-ro, 196, 062-226-2733 For more information, please visit http://cafe.daum.net/konavolunteers http://cafe.daum.net/storybookcenter facebook (UNESCO KONA Volunteers or UNESCO KONA Club) Kona (Kim Young-Im) at 062-434-9887 konacenter@gmail.com

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Small Steps

Gwangju Climate Action Day Written by Katrin Marquez Photographed by Ben Robins

his year’s transition into the cooler months has brought along reminders of the unfortunate role that pollution plays in our lives. According to an October report in the International Business Times, cooler weather is usually accompanied by heightened smog levels in Korea as increased fossil-fuel burning, for heating purposes throughout the East Asia region, but especially in China, releases particles into the air. This year the smog started earlier than usual and has been somewhat more consistent, causing public health concerns. These types of consequences — to the environment and to human health — were emphasized during the 2015 Gwangju Climate Action Day through numerous engaging activities for the public.

The 2015 Gwangju Climate Action Day environmental march was held in downtown Gwangju on Nov. 28. An event designed to both inform and entertain, the march included participants from multiple Gwangju and South Jeolla Province-based organizations concerned about climate change: the Gwangju Energy Network, which is composed of Gwangju Eco Bike, Gwangju Jeonnam Green United, Gwangju Jeonnam Buda Eco United, KFEM Gwangju, and Vegan Climate Action Network, as well as the International Climate & Environment Center and the Gwangju NGO Citizen Foundation. The event had a fun, festival-like feel that had two distinct and somewhat divergent effects. Because

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the event was held in the section of Geumnam Street leading up to the Asian Culture Complex, it was impossible for anyone to miss while coming to or traveling downtown that day. The march helped to draw people to the cause. Once there, children had fun having their faces painted, doing crafts and watching performances of various kinds. But, while these fun activities helped draw people, they may not have been too effective in terms of building awareness. “[The march] wasn’t any different, essentially, from the normal Chungjang Street Festival,” said Tiffany Monreal, an American foreigner who has lived in Korea for almost two years. Monreal commented that though the event “was a good time” and “people seemed to be enjoying themselves,” it was unclear to her whether attendants “really knew that the festival [was] geared toward an environmental agenda.” Though there were markers of an environmental agenda throughout the festival, they were easily

missed by those that just stumbled upon the event. This is especially true for those that arrived at the march later in the afternoon, after the awareness picket parade and flash mob had ended. Even though there was a large sign reading “Stop Climate Change!” at the event, as well as nature-themed decorations, the plethora of performances, activities and products for sale threatened to overshadow the environmental message of the march. Monreal described the event as “a little overwhelming and hectic” but added that she, nonetheless, enjoyed it. “My favorite part of the festival was definitely the giant musical ensemble,” she said. Overall, it seems everyone that attended really enjoyed the march, even if not all were aware or able to fully engage with the environmental message. Even if only a few people were inspired to learn more about, or take personal action against, climate change, the march was a success, as it helped to show that many in the Gwangju community care about an issue that is having a visible impact on Korea’s quality of life.

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Whose History?

Progressives and Students Converge in Demonstrations Written by Ana Traynin and Jonathan Chiarella

address various social and economic issues—the textbooks being the lightning rod. The event kicked off across central Seoul on Nov. 14. Demonstrators were chiefly the activist core: unions, farmer associations, and progressive parties (Justice, Green, and Labor). Across the country, students began protesting. The thought that the government would rewrite the history of democratic uprisings and workers’ struggles hit close to home. Student groups staged demonstrations on campuses and in cities.

he past year was hard on progressives. The Unified Progressive Party was forcibly disbanded. The China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement was finalized. The Sewol ferry still sat in the sea. And most recently, the word “history” took on a new significance and became a battlefield for the “New Right.” On Oct. 12, President Park Geun-hye announced that beginning in 2017, all secondary schools would study history from government-issued textbooks. Since 2010, schools have chosen from approved private publishers, a practice the government seeks to stop. The textbook committee make-up is still shrouded in secrecy, but Hankyoreh reporters came across an alleged secret presidential task force in Seoul’s Hyehwa neighborhood drafting a plan for the new books. In response, an organizing committee formed for the “General Rise to Action,” a catch-all rally to

The united march in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, started at 4:30 p.m., but various sub-protests started at noon. Mass media covered the Hyehwa University area, but the demonstrations there were less intense, more festive. Police presence was minimal. On the other hand, the Home Plus workers and the construction worker unions drew a much larger police presence. The South Jeolla chapters of construction workers started the union’s march, and a member from Yeosu began the speeches. He said their union’s goal was not to criticize any company in particular, but the economic system around chaebols as well as the lax enforcement of existing regulations—whereas Home Plus workers were targeting the closed-door negotiations of the selloff of the chain in August. The police presence was heaviest near Gwanghwamun, where the protests converged in the afternoon. The night before, buses were prepped for barricades. Protesters around Seoul Square formed the core of the march and would stay through the evening. The two largest groups were the All-National Peasants’ Association and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). Chief rallying cries were demands for chaebol reform and opposition to free trade agree-

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ments and labor reform bills implementing “peak” payment and “flexible” hiring. While Gyeonggi groups were large, Honam and Yeongnam came out in much stronger numbers relative to their populations. The atmosphere soured as marchers reached the first police barricades. Some pushed on the buses and walls. Water cannons were turned on sporadically. Others began to pull on buses with rope and throw litter. Later, the water cannons added artificial capsaicin, the irritant found in chili peppers, in order to burn the eyes of protesters. When a mock funeral procession arrived later in the evening, old men carrying a paper palanquin were blasted. Baek Nam-gi, 68, leader of the Catholic Farmers Association in Boseong, was knocked down, fracturing his skull. He is still in critical care at Seoul National University Hospital as of this writing. Soon after, vandalism of police buses and increased use of water cannons erupted. Baek’s plight was the concern of Jeolla residents, farmers, activists, and progressives around the world. The 50 wrecked police buses were the focus for the conservative press. The protests drew 130,000 people according to The Hanyoreh, or 68,000 according to police. Fifty-one protesters were arrested and 29 injured. Han Sang-gyun of the KCTU took refuge in a temple until Dec. 10. In preparation for the second round of protests, the Twitter handle “student_minjung” (with more than 5,000 followers) spawned at least 15 other youth-led gatherings in other cities and towns. On Dec. 3, the Seoul District Court said there was no proof that the demonstrations would turn violent, and that the police ban was improper. Out of protest—and for protection—many demonstrators adorned scarves and masks. Because of this, both the president and Saenuri Party leaders drew parallels between protestors and ISIS terrorists, further angering progressives. Protests went off without clashes on Dec. 5. No clubbing, vandalism, water cannons, or barricades were reported. However, police allege that unions were planning violent acts, and the following day, 1,531 were put under investigation for sedition. A Gwangju leader in the Part-timers Union was arrested in Seoul before the protests began. Organ-

izers put the attendance at 50,000 and police put it at 14,000—our witness put the number closer to the organizers’. There was a tighter focus in this demonstration, centering on the plights of working people. In Gwangju, the Dec. 5 rally was coordinated between students and the Gwangju Citizens’ Mourners Group (Sewol mourners), who joined dozens of youth for a march at 2:00 p.m. from Geumnam Park to Democracy Square. There, several high school students from the city, Damyang, Hwasun, and as far as Jeonju gave speeches. The textbook issue was prominent, along with lingering effects of the Sewol ferry sinking, and “passion pay” — low wages for interns and young workers. One of the demonstrators, Chosun University student Park Jeong-hoon, a member of the Gwangju Youth Social Participation Support Center, was at the first rally in Seoul on Nov. 14. Recalling the slogan after the Sewol ferry sinking—“One small movement can lead to big miracles”—Park believes that the fight against the history textbooks can also spur change in society. “History can judge that,” he added. Chosun student, Yoo Ga-won, was also in Gwanghwamun on Nov. 14 and became one of the organizers of the Gwangju event. “The new history textbooks make fake history,” she said. “They will call the 5.18 Democratic Movement in Gwangju a ‘riot.’” Han Shi-young, a Gwangju native and student of Busan’s Korea Maritime University, said, on the portrayal of Park Chung Hee (the president’s father), “The textbooks will say that he was a very, very great person.”

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4 Tips for a Good Relationship With Your Korean-in-Laws Written by Sheryl Ann N. Stucke

t is common for foreigners who are married to Koreans to have questions about getting along with their in-laws. Here are some suggestions that I have often heard foreign spouses give to foreigners newly married to Koreans. Tip 1: Bow and Smile If you are meeting your in-laws for the first time, always remember before meeting them to turn off your cell phone because it is really rude for a spouse to use any gadgets in front of their Korean in-laws, especially when talking to them. When in-laws are in front of you, the first thing to do is to bow until you are at a 45-degree angle while greeting them. You are obliged to bow to them for the rest of your life: every morning when your in-laws just wake up, every night before you sleep, and anytime you meet. After bowing to them, you should smile, kiss and

hug your mother-in-law even if you do not feel like doing it or you are shy. Just do it and remember the way that you smile is very important. You should give them the biggest smile that you can manage. If you can smile until the edges of your lips reach your ears, you will be more acceptable. Remember, as long as you love to keep on smiling and bowing here in Korea, your in-laws will think that you are very kind. Tip 2: Take Initiative In the morning, you should wake up earlier than your in-laws and show them that you are cleaning the house even if you are just cleaning because they are watching. After observing you for a while, your inlaws will eventually offer to finish cleaning for you. Also, after greeting and bowing to your in-laws, ask

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them if they would like something to eat and then try to serve them food. If your in-laws ask you to join them in their morning exercise routine, go with them and offer to carry whatever they are bringing and help them with whatever that they are doing. If other people see you and your in-laws, they will be really proud of you. When your in-laws introduce you to other people, you do not need to hug or kiss them. You should bow to them and greet them with a big, big, big smile even if you are tired and do not feel like smiling. Just do it! Try not to forget how your in-laws cook because that is your training before Chuseok comes. I am sure you will have a lack of sleep on that day. You are lucky if you love cooking, but good luck if you do not. Tip 3: Pay Special Attention Every time you go somewhere or you come home with your in-laws, always open the door for them and bow with a magic smile just for them. If your mother-in-law is talking to you, listen carefully, and nod your head as if you are bowing. Do not forget to wear a smile. If you really want to say something to her, do it while smiling and in a playful way as if you are just trying to be sweet to her. While she is preparing food, watch her and help her. Do not sit on the sidelines and relax. When she gives you

something, even if you do not like it, just accept it and pretend that you like it. Never refuse anything any old person in Korea gives you. Do not say, “No” even if you do not like it. When they give you food that you do not like, accept it. You don’t have to eat it. Just accept it, otherwise they will say you are arrogant. Tip 4: Don’t Be Openly Affectionate With Your Spouse If you are with your in-laws, even if you want to be sweet with your spouse, do not ever, ever attempt to show affection to your spouse in front of them because this will upset your in-laws. Instead of being sweet to your spouse, be sweet to your inlaws. Consequently, if your spouse sees how sweet you are to his/her parents, your spouse will be more careful to treat you well because in-laws always get involved in conflicts between husband and wife. So, secure your in-laws’ love no matter what. Do not worry. When you and your husband are alone, you can do whatever you want to do. If you are a foreigner recently married to a Korean, follow these four simple rules and your relationship with your in-laws will go much more smoothly.

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Op-Ed

Neutralizing Power Tensions In East Asia Written by Matt Furlane

s tensions build in the South China Sea, some nations are positioning themselves to avoid conflict. Not wanting to get swept up in a war between the U.S., Russia, and/or China、both Vietnam and Mongolia have recently openly declared their neutrality. This past September at the U.N. the President of Mongolia, Ts Elbegdorj, declared, “Our national laws and international commitments are consistent with neutrality principles....I am convinced that Mongolia’s status of permanent neutrality will contribute to the strengthening of peace, security, and development in our region and the world at large.” Then, a few weeks later in October, Vietnamese Defense Minister, General Phung Quang Thanh, stated, “Relations with China and the United States are very important to our security. If [we] have good and friendly relations with both countries, we will then maintain a balanced position, maintain independ-

ence and self-reliance. [We] will not side with one big power to oppose another.” These neutrality positions are important for world peace and for several reasons, also create new possibilities for South Korea. First, this past September the People’s Republic of China celebrated the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II with a huge, muscle-flexing military parade. Surprisingly, the North Korean envoy was not allowed to meet with President Xi Jinping and had to watch from the sidelines. In stark contrast, South Korea attended for the first time and President Park Geun Hye was given top honors along side Xi Jinping, whom she has met with six times. For North Korea, it was an international middle finger, but for South Korea it was a shift away from the Cold War animosity of the past. By moving slightly toward China,

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Park Geun Hye can improve trade, negotiate with North Korea from a position of strength, and remind Washington not to take South Korea for granted. Secondly, America’s Asian “pivot” policy leans on Japan. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s nationalism and new military assertiveness might dredge up the ghosts of WWII, but a strong Japan is what America wants. The U.S. is in no economic mood for yet another expensive unilateral foreign entanglement and feels it is time for other nations to start carrying their own weight. Japan is the logical choice and has been America’s ally since 1945 for political, geographic, and economic reasons. This means Korea will remain in Japan’s shadow relative to the U.S. for the foreseeable future. But more importantly, it allows Korea to remain wisely neutral in the event of a South China Sea conflict. War hawks abroad might talk boldly about confrontation, but when you live right next door to China’s 1.5 billion people, a more nuanced approach is required. Lastly, U.S. foreign policy has been described by some as, “schizophrenic.” Every new administration changes what the previous administration did. Nothing has been consistent over the last decade except a love for drone strikes. Additionally, budget strains

and domestic grumbling over U.S. defense spending has brought South Korea into the political spotlight. The boisterous presidential candidate Donald Trump echoed a growing neo-isolationist sentiment when he stated, “How long will we go on defending South Korea from North Korea without payment?” (South Korea pays about 1 billion U.S. dollars a year in support of its own defense.) And in conjunction with news columns like the Huffington/World Post’s July tirade by Cato Institute fellow Doug Bandow, who referred to South Korea as a “Welfare Queen,” it makes sense for South Korea to move closer to China as a hedge against future U.S. apathy. The rise of China, Japan’s more active role in Asia, and growing U.S. isolationist views all point Korea in one direction for the 21st century - neutrality. And if major powers want a nuclear-free Northeast Asia, and America wants to lighten its defense burden, and China wants closer ties with an economically stable Korean peninsula, the quickest way to achieve all of these goals would be for world powers to greenlight unification and then immediately after withdraw all U.S. troops, allowing Korea to achieve full neutrality. Mongolia’s and Vietnam’s stance opens the door for this possibility and it is the path South Korea should take.

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former judge, GIC board member Services available in Korean, English & Chinese

#402 Simsan Bldg, 342-13 Jisan-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju Location: next to Gwangju District Court

Tel: 062) 222-0011 Fax: 062)222-0013 duckheepark@hanmail.net

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The Devil’s Workout

Starting a CrossFit Exercise Routine Written and photos by Cho Nam-hee

eighborhoods full of signs advertising “Health ( 헬스),” “Pilates,” “Yoga” and “EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation)” give an indication that more Koreans are now aware of how important it is to be fit and maintain their health. Of course, the idea of “lookism” has also played a big part in forcing people to think more about their appearance and how that relates to fitness. In the very beginning of the emergence of “lookism” in the 2000s, six-pack abs for men and a tall slim figure for women were the picture-perfect body ideals. Therefore, in order to be as close as possible to these ideals, it was inevitable for people to try, through various means of exercise, to achieve their

goals, resulting in the introduction of diverse exercises for fitness. Koreans began to realize the true purpose of fitness. Instead of just creating temporary summer figures, they have started to devise long-term, healthy-living strategies. Nowadays, more people not only think about their appearance, but they also try to devote more of their free time in their hectic weekly schedules to exercise. Among these new fitness enthusiasts are those who challenge themselves to reach their extreme physical limits: the CrossFitters. In the late 1990s, CrossFit was developed by Greg Glassman, an American teenage gymnast who

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wanted to be stronger. He defined fitness as “increased work capacity across broad time and modal domains,” and created his own program for fitness optimization. CrossFit consists of various types of workouts included in what is called the “Workout of the Day” (WOD), which involves 10 key physical qualities: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. “In short, CrossFit develops your daily-use muscles … when crawling under the desk or reaching out for items on high shelves. Also, it challenges you to get fitter both physically and mentally,” described Dong Won Lee, CrossFit Rex’B head coach in Bongsun. Lee started working out at a fitness center when he was in high school, and he was very keen to get himself in shape. However, when he went to New York City for English studies, he found CrossFit and soon realized that this ultimate exercise program could really challenge him. When CrossFit was first introduced to Korea, due to its high intensity it was called “The Devil’s Workout.” The name was inspired by the notorious exercise called burpees, a full body exercise involving squats and push-ups. Throughout a week of CrossFit, WOD varies day-by-day in different combinations of pushups, pull-ups, rowing and barbell lifting, aiming to develop entire muscle systems in the body. All WODs have time limits to challenge participants and sometimes there are team WODs to encourage teamwork and companionship. “From boys to old men, and girls to old women, everyone is welcome, and by working out, everyone can achieve what they want,” Lee insisted. He has seen a man determined to lose weight for his wedding photos and ladies in their 40s seeking healthier

lives meet their goals through CrossFit. When asked about his involvement with international residents, Lee shared: “I had coached a foreign university professor in Gwangju but he was the only foreign student that I ever had. I understand temporary overseas residents here in Gwangju may find CrossFit a little overpriced, but I know they are more fit and competent in intense workouts. I wish for them to come and try out.” There are a few CrossFit boxes (fitness centers) around Gwangju, but only CrossFit Bongsun and CrossFit Yongbong are official affiliates of CrossFit America. Trainers at affiliate boxes must obtain CrossFit certificates which include accredited training seminars and an examination, and Lee is one of the few authorized Gwangju trainers. “CrossFit has been like warm sunshine when I was struggling and feeling miserable, and it made me realize that the only obstacle in my life is myself,” Lee stated, encouraging all to experience the exercise style of CrossFit. CrossFit Rex’B Address: 5, Obang-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju (광주광역시 남구 오방로 5번지) Tel: 062-655-7149 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. CrossFit Yongbong Address: 173, Seoljuk-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju (광주광역시 북구 설죽로 173) Tel: 010-9996-7149 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

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Creative Cities in Japan and Beyond A Talk with Dr. Masayuki Sasaki Written and photos by Joey Nunez

r. Masayuki Sasaki enjoys seeing creative cities start, blossom and flourish.

as a professor at the Graduate School for Creative Cities at Osaka City University.

To define a creative city, Dr. Sasaki said, “The contents of the free creative work is from all the citizens, so that all the citizens use the creative space and venue.” The venue’s size, or “container,” in the creative cultural city is insignificant compared to what is created from within.

Gwangju News was privileged to meet Dr. Sasaki when he attended the grand opening of the Asian Culture Complex (ACC) on Nov. 25.

Dr. Sasaki is acknowledged internationally for his leadership in the expanding fields of creative cities and creative tourism. At home in Japan, he currently serves

What Dr. Sasaki saw at ACC’s community introduction impressed and encouraged him, as he knew that future generations will benefit from the ACC’s offerings. “I like the ACC’s original design. Now as a large container, many students can use this Hub. So, it is possible for

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ACC to organize creative spaces, and many NGOs can now network with ACC,” he said. After visiting the University of Bologna, Italy in 2000, Dr. Sasaki began to consider the possibilities for Japan to learn from what he saw in Italy and throughout Europe. He attended a special 15th anniversary celebration of “European Cities of Culture,” with Bologna listed as one of nine selected creative cities, and was delighted to watch the multiple art projects, drama presentations and musical acts. On the back of this celebration, Dr. Sasaki published his first book, “Challenge for the Creative City,” in order to detail the process by which Bologna gained its prestigious status and explore the ways in which Japan could continue expanding the Creative Culture Network concept. Dr. Sasaki has since authored two other books and given multiple presentations showing that creative cities can and should be supported in Japan. “I first started working in technology in Japan, and then my interests moved to culture and art, because there were [sights of] an economy featuring great cultural paths,” he said of his interest in cultural cities. Insisting that the urban economy redefines its focus by incorporating creativity, Dr. Sasaki also suggests that community members would be better able to contribute their ideas, talents and performances. Dr. Sasaki has observed that along with the changes Japan is facing, plans for future implementation are essential. “The new high-tech industry needs a new atmosphere, so the new creative economy needs to be [installed as] a creative atmosphere in the city. If it is important to innovate and to regenerate cities, I think that the creative city strategy is essential to solve our problems in Japan,” he said.

Dr. Gyonggu Shin, director of the Gwangju International Center, asked for Dr. Sasaki’s suggestions for how small organizations such as the GIC can contribute to the ACC’s work. Dr. Sasaki replied, “We are all part of the global network, for there are many communicators. So, the small groups are needed to communicate, for more broadening of the mind, as their views are very important.” Dr. Sasaki believes that creative cities have a promising future. “In the future, there are not so many [limitations], and the work is very low. The current network is already helping with other projects. So, as a creative city network, we have overcome national boundaries.” Dr. Sasaki emphasized that the Creative City Network exists to help and support newly-established creative cities. With effective strategies, Gwangju and other cities around the world can apply Dr. Sasaki’s expertise to found, support and strengthen creative cities in which the community can freely take part in the process of creating and enjoying art.

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Moving Farther John Jackson’s Farther East Gallery Moving Written by Kim Ji-eun

“W

e live only to discover beauty. All else is a form of waiting.” -Kahlil Gibran In discussing the influences that have shaped his photography, John Jackson, who recently opened Farther East Gallery in Gwangju, regards his experience with Chinese calligraphy in 1973 as one of the many jeon hwa wi bok 전화위복 (good fortune coming from bad) experiences in his life. He stumbled upon this art form while struggling with a difficult life experience and regards it as an important turning point. “The hours I devoted to this alien artistic medium allowed me to climb out of the deep state of pessimism I had fallen into, and some of the ‘mystical’ beauty I experienced as a side effect still lingers,” Jackson said. “It’s the essential quality that infuses much of my photography and gives it its distinctiveness.” Jackson also feels that two other experiences directly

related to his life in Korea have greatly influenced his photography: the effort put into examining thousands of old Korean paintings during the 1980s and the intellectual challenge of understanding Neo-Confucianism during his studies for a master’s degree in East Asian Studies. Regarding the first, Jackson believes that the challenge of judging the artistic quality of the old paintings that he saw unrolled before him during the many years he was a collector is what is behind the common remark that his photos resemble oriental paintings. As for the Neo-Confucian exposure, it helped him to understand the philosophical background of the Korean seonbi, the virtuous scholars of the Joseon Dynasty era, whose calligraphy brushes created much of the art that he was collecting. Jackson says that not only was he charmed by the intimacy with nature in the art of these gentlemen, but he also found much food for thought and virtues

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to admire in these upright men. Add to this the fact that many seonbi favored the rustic environs that he has called home in Korea and from which he draws much of the inspiration for his photography, and it’s easy to understand why he chose “The Seonbi Spirit” as the theme of his gallery. Jackson has won numerous awards and participated in several exhibitions. Notable among these are a silver prize in a plum blossom photo contest; a UNESCO photo contest award for a shot taken on Jeju Island; a photo taken locally and chosen for publication by CNN News; and most recently, a second place award in the Summer Universiade photo contest. In addition, many of his photos from his Peace Corps tour were included in a photo book and exhibition that toured major cities around the world. One of these, a black and white shot on display in his gallery, even ended up being presented to U.S. President Barack Obama when he visited Korea. Unfortunately, Farther East Gallery moved at the end of December. Jackson is happy to report, however, that once again good fortune seems to be springing from bad, as a new (free!) location has miraculously appeared about 30 minutes farther east. Regarding the short run of his present gallery, Jackson said: “In the four short weeks that Farther East Gallery has been open, I’ve been invited to exhibit and be the keynote speaker at a Human Values Forum in the hometown of Korea’s most notable seonbi, and an art curator with valuable connections has appeared out of the blue. So, it’s been a short but very synchronistic experience.” At this point a bearded stranger appeared at the gallery door and soon the artist and his guest were busily discussing various interpretations of the seminal NeoConfucian text, “The I Ching”.

36 photography I photo essay

Fall: A Golden Season Words and photographs by Nathaniel Merz

n landscape photography, the golden hour refers to that beautiful hour each morning and evening surrounding the rising and setting of the sun. During this short period of time, the light can take on a quality that can turn an otherwise ordinary scene into something magical. If there were to be a single season in Korea with similar transformative power, it would have to be fall. Not that the rest of the year is not equally beautiful. The features that made me fall in love with the Korean landscape in the first place are the flowers blooming in spring; the lush forests and tumultuous skies of summer are certainly hard to beat; and also the stark beauty of snow covered mountain ridges in winter. Nonetheless, fall is especially beautiful in a way that showcases the best that the Korean landscape has to offer. Traditionally, landscape photography often focuses on big, sweeping scenes made all the more dramatic by

intricate compositions with pleasing foregrounds set against expansive mountains and dramatic skies. To put it simply, this style does not quite suit the landscape here in Korea. The mountains here are undeniably beautiful, not for the glacier-carved peaks and photogenic mountain tarns reflecting high mountain alpenglow, but for their seemingly endless layers and the way the light interacts between them. To that end, there is not a better season to showcase this beauty than the season of fall. In Korea, the beginning of fall means more than just the changing foliage. Fall is a season of low-lying fog in the valleys as well as rising mist from lakes and rivers, winding across the country as the still, warm sunlight reflects off their surfaces. This combination of fog, mist and morning light often creates an almost dream-like atmosphere that accentuates everything I love about the landscape here in Korea. What Korea lacks in defining landmarks, it makes up for in essence

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that is difficult to put into words, except that it is unmistakably Korean.

the most beautiful moments come when these elements all harmonize together.

In fall, there really is nothing better than hiking to the top of a mountain ridge and being greeted by a beautiful pattern of hills and valleys below as the fog flows over them like waves over stones on a beach. Better still is the way this scene changes as the sun peeks over the horizon. Before coming to Korea, I always expected the best moments of a sunrise to happen well before the sun actually made an appearance, as the sky would light up in shades of reds, pinks and magentas. In Korea, however, the most beautiful moments often happen after the sun is already in the sky and creating rays of light over the mountain ridges as it cuts through the fog and mist.

Beyond this dreamy quality of the season, fall has plenty of beautiful elements that further accentuate everything that makes Korea’s landscape special. The fall colors are of course a major attraction, but even once all the leaves have fallen and the trees are bare, the ridges take on a bristle-like appearance that not only adds texture to the lines but also accentuates each and every curve of the hills.

Even outside of the mountains, these conditions can come together to create some amazing moments. The second series of photos here were taken near Daecheong Lake just outside of Daejeon and they showcase a bit of what makes this time of year so special. Even on mornings where the fog is thick enough to block out the sun, something beautiful can be found in that surreal atmosphere. Just like in the mountains,

And finally, any discussion of fall landscape photography in Korea would not be complete without a human element. While the hot humid summer weather and bone chillingly cold winter weather — by Korean standards — keeps the crowds down for most of the year, fall means an increase of photographers and backpackers alike as everyone tries not only to make the most of the season but also get out for some fresh air before the long winter ahead. To view more of Nathaniel’s work you can visit www.500px.com/nathanielmerz

photography I photo of the month

Photo of the Month Photograph by Peter Demarco

Nikon D610 1/320 sec at f/5.6, ISO 6400, 300mm

his monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pick is an excellent photo by Busan-based photographer Peter Demarco, taken near Kyungsung University, in Busan. This photo not only has movement, but also a dramatic mood. Pete captured the final wail of the monsoon cry in a very smart way. The light falls exactly in the heart of the composition, driving the eye to look at a perfect angle and location. The colors surrounding the frame create a wonderful symmetry, and one can almost hear the rainfall. [To view more of Peteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work] Instagram: @PeteDeMarco Facebook: Pete DeMarco Photography Website: TheNomadWithin.com

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has been around for centuries. It is made out of pork and beef mixed together, and blended with a variety of natural herbs, among many ingredients are ginger, garlic, honey and pear — and it is grilled on charcoal. One story has it that it was not befitting a king to bite off meat from the ribs of sogalbi-gui, grilled beef short ribs, hence, tteokgalbi was born. It was a dish that was easier to eat, especially for children or the elderly with weak teeth, although not necessarily easier on the chefs due to the recipe of more than twenty ingredients.

A Royal Dish Tteok-galbi Written and Photograph by Joe Wabe

orean food aficionados should know three very important things: do not leave Jeonju without trying bibimpab, Jeju without trying black pork and finally Gwangju without tasting tteokgalbi. Tteok is the Korean word for rice cake and galbi is the word for short ribs, but do not worry, there is no rice cake on the recipe. Originally a royal dish, tteok-galbi is one of the signature dishes of Gwangju, and one of the top five from the region. This tender, moist and savory patty

In Gwangju, Songjeong — southwestern part of town — is the mecca of tteokgalbi. There is even a street specializing in tteok-galbi. Its history dates back to the 1950s, when Choe Jeoja began to sell tteok-galbi with bibimbab, rice mixed with vegetables and beef. Back then in the Songjeong Market, there was a slaughterhouse and a cattle market, which provided her with easy access to meat and the opportunity to create inexpensive, savory tteok-galbi. Her recipe requires that the meat be hand-kneaded for a long time in the seasoning made from nearly twenty ingredients, including kelp, pear and honey to ensure thorough marination. My grandma used to say, “One can not think well, love well, sleep well, if one doesn’t eat well.” So next time you are in town, or if you are here already, but have not tried this deliciousness yet, plan a short visit to the area and discover the reason why this royal recipe have been so popular for years. You will not be disappointed.

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Shiver Me Timbers! Chilling in Aruba Written and photographed by Karly Pierre

was still humming the iconic Beach Boys song “Kokomo” long after I passed through customs at Queen Beatrix Airport and hopped in a cab.

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya... The tune echoed in my mind as we drove through Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital—its colorful Dutch colonial buildings to my right, and the Caribbean’s lapping waves to my left. I could finally belt out the chorus as I tumbled onto the bed in our hotel room. My husband laughed. “Do you plan on doing this for the entire vacation?” he said, smiling as he unpacked his suitcase. Long before Hollywood could bank on Captain Jack at the box office, I was a childhood fan of all things pirate. I grew up along the Gulf Coast of the United States, one of many pit stops for pirates in the Americas, so I was told stories of their secret hideaways, adventures, and buried treasure for most of my life. Now as an adult, I was in one of the most popular destinations for those Caribbean pirates of old—Aruba.

Twenty-nine kilometers off the north coast of Venezuela, this Dutch colony is a relatively small island. It is only 19 miles (30 km) long and you can drive around the perimeter of the island in about two hours. The island’s size gave it a small-town charm and was a big part of its appeal for us. We were able to easily rent a car and leisurely see the sights at our convenience. Of course the main sight for us was the beach. The beaches’ powdery white sands and clear sapphire water begged you to relax in the sun and go for a dip. We spent most of our time at Eagle Beach. This stretch of sand is a quiet retreat away from the more raucous resort-lined Palm Beach, but is convenient to access by major roads. My husband—too pale for the equatorial sun—spent most of his time under the shade of the watapana trees that line the beach, reading and watching bright aqua-blue lizards dart in and out of the bushes. I, on the other hand, strolled along the beach enjoying the soft, perpetual ocean breeze and relatively calm waves. One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary, located in the interior of the island. We enjoyed the scenic drive through arid scrubland,

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marked by cacti, thorny bushes and wild goats. When we arrived at the sanctuary, we pushed open a large metal gate. The donkeys greeted us first. They roamed freely in the sanctuary, to my husband’s delight. We made our way to a small house at the center of the sanctuary where a caretaker welcomed us. He gave us feed for the donkeys and told us a little about the charity. Apparently wild donkeys are a pest on the island, often destroying property or getting hit by cars. The sanctuary provides a home for injured or sickly donkeys and keeps them out of trouble. Before we left, my husband bought a shirt at the gift shop that read, “I Love Donkeys.” I asked him to never wear it in public. Later that evening, we decided to have dinner at Old Cunucu House restaurant for classic Aruban fare. Originally a traditional farmhouse, the restaurant is quaint and far away from the more glamorous restaurants in more popular areas. My husband convinced me that his love of donkeys was heartfelt, so I lifted my ban on his T-shirt for the night. He wore it proudly. I devoured my cabrito stoba—Aruban goat stew— soon after it landed on the table. We shared a mixed appetizer of calamari, meatballs, cheese pastechi and fish cakes with Creole sauce. All of it was delicious.

While we relaxed, we heard the sounds of a birthday party in a distant banquet room. A Frank Sinatra impersonator had been hired to sing for the event, but his warbled attempts at a croon only resulted in stilted applause from the guests. We laughed, but when he began to sing “Summer Wind” I began to sing too. It was such a beautiful night at our cozy corner table. I couldn’t help it. On our last day, we drove out to the north of the island near the weary, rusted California Lighthouse. Waves crashed fiercely on this side of the island. We parked near the edge of a long stretch of white sand dunes. There we found what appeared to be a graveyard of coral. Large lumps of brain coral lay near bright red spindles of succulents that blanketed the ground. We were alone. My husband climbed a massive boulder and waved at me when he reached the top. “Get off that thing,” I shouted. As we drove back to our hotel, the sun setting, I spotted the silhouette of a pirate ship in the distance. Never mind that it was a campy adventure boat for tourists; I could imagine that it was the real deal. Avast! Those scurvy pirates are at it again.

places to see I lost in gwangju

The route is fairly simple. Take a subway or one of the many buses. The first time will take some orientation because it covers 1,253m2 of space and has four buildings with over 300 different stores. This does not even include the vendors sitting alongside the street selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to cooked food. Upon entering, the smell of fresh fish overwhelms, but this is the beauty of Yangdong Market. All types of fish are for sale. Also, the market has various cuts of beef and pork that I cannot find at the local market. If food is not the draw, a home goods space selling furniture, sheets, clothes, and even hanboks is sure to get attention. One of my favorite areas to walk is in the hanbok area. The rainbow pathways are tight, but to watch the seamstresses make hanbok in all shapes and styles is fascinating. A short walk across a small street to the bottom floor of an adjoining building and you will find shoes and bags galore. The upstairs has an inexpensive fabric shop that does not charge too much for alterations and mendings either. Also, the upper level has all of the curtains anyone could possibly want. The best part is knowing that all of these are high-quality products handmade by skilled families of artisans.

Yangdong Market Written and photographed by Marley Heckner

ather than talk about a “dong”, this month will be dedicated to Yangdong Market (양동시장). The reason for the switch is quite simple: I got lost there. Perhaps every person who has been in Gwangju longer than a month has heard of Yangdong Market. How many though have actually made their way there? Yangdong Market has many of the everyday items found at the local market. It has those not-soeveryday items as well. The market as operated on the second and seventh of the month since 1910. It moved under the Gwangjugyo Bridge in the 1940s. The Honam region considers this one of the largest markets, and some believe it is the best traditional market in South Korea.

The market also has recent history. During the May 18 rallies, vendors provided food, drinks, and medicine to those fighting for democracy. The market has also designated an area to serve the needs of low-income families. It also houses a slew of different international restaurants from different nationalities. Whether you have an afternoon, or an entire day, visit Yangdong Market to discover new foods, find that perfect pair of shoes or just to drop off some clothes for alterations.

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Horanggasinamu Hill Guesthouse Written and photographed by Karly Pierre and Antonio Kim

When did you open this guesthouse? I began this guesthouse in 2013 when Yangnim-dong became popular. A reporter from Trevi Travel magazine said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yangnim-dong is like empty vessels that make the greatest sound.â&#x20AC;? After looking around the neighborhood, I began to think more about starting this business. I have lived here for 12 years and knew Yangnim-dong well. Q. How many guests do you receive in a year? What kind of guests come to the guesthouse? We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have many guests, even though Horanggasinamu Hill Guesthouse is famous as a missionary residence. Around 1,000 people visit the guesthouse a year. Most guests are artists. Q. What makes your guesthouse unique? After leasing Horanggasinamu Hill Guesthouse, I remodeled it from January to November 2014 and then

I opened the doors for business. At that time, people were afraid to come here because it was an abandoned missionary residence. The guesthouse has special natural scenic views and is near historical residences. As time passed, people began to come here. There are very old trees in the area and diverse birds from woodpeckers to swallows. If you stay here, they rouse you from sleep. Q. How much does it cost to stay at the guesthouse? The guesthouse is 40,000 won for one person per night. But if you come here with a companion, it is 70,000 won for two people per night. For three people, it is 90,000 won. A group can get a discount and rent a whole house. It is free to use the seminar rooms and barbecue grills, but reservations are required in advance.

local I gwangju biz

*Gwangju Biz highlights innovative small to mid-sized businesses in Jeolla Province that are bringing the entrepreneurial spirit to the marketplace.

Business to Watch Written by Jessica Schultz Interview Interpretation by Jung Yun-hee Photos courtesy of Innocem Korea

hen you hear the phrase “potential to fundamentally change the future,” what comes to mind? Technologies in healthcare, sustainability, 3-D printing and computer programming are all common answers. What about lighting? Despite the rapid development of lighting technologies, rarely do we hear about the potential for lighting innovations to change the way we live. Innocem Korea, Co. Ltd. saw the possibility of a booming future market. In 2000, before much of the now tech-savvy world had a voice, Innocem knew that light-emitting diodes (LEDs) would become the focus of the lighting market for years to come. Today LEDs are some of the most exciting innovations

in lighting. Gwangju News recently had the pleasure to visit the Innocem facility and meet Innocem’s Vice President, Mr. Park Sang-Seon. GWANGJU NEWS (GN): How did Innocem Korea, Co. Ltd. get its start? Park Sang-Seon (PS): Before Innocem began, the two founders co-owned a landscape business. While lighting was not the focus of our business, we learned a lot and saw the potential for growth in the LED market. When we changed businesses from landscaping to LED manufacturing in 2000, we had no experience in manufacturing. We knew manufacturing was a key to expanding our business, so we learned. As demand has grown, we have added to

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our product line and improved the manufacturing process. We currently produce LED packages, LED lights, control systems and operation programs. GN: What were some of the challenges in opening the company? PS: A challenge in starting Innocem was raising the funds to actually begin production. Since there is a wealth of material needed for the manufacturing process, the capital required was more than we had available from our previous business. Luckily, we were able to use a state loan to raise the money needed to incorporate and start production with Innocem. GN: What are Innocemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main markets? PS: Innocem provides products and services to a variety of customers, including hospitals, hotels, schools, public offices and more. With regional sales branches throughout Korea, Innocem is able to perform lighting retrofits and installations in many areas of the country. Of the main markets that Innocem serves, approximately 70 percent are retrofits and 30 percent are new construction. Some installation examples include: Gunpo Jungsan High School, Yongin City Hall, the Donglim Bridge, [all] in Gwangju City and the Improved Coast project in Busan. The main international markets we sell to are the United States, Vietnam and Korea. In the United States we have a partnership with Chrysler. Chrysler wanted a sky-blue LED element for the interior dashboard of their vehicles that Innocem has designed and will continue to supply. In all markets there has been demand for new technologies that can be paired with new and innovative materials, such as chrome, to allow for more radiant heat.

GN: How has your company evolved since 2000? What does Innocem expect for the future? PS:There has been a continued emphasis on new technology and technical innovation. In December 2014 we launched a new luminaire with 20 percent greater lighting efficacy than before. Lighting efficacy, the measure of how well a light source produces visible light, is rapidly progressing. We expect to continue producing new technologies with increased efficacy in the future. Another important consideration for the future is energy efficiency. Our company has a multitude of product certifications, with many in Korea focusing on the efficiency of our lighting products. This [focus] will continue to innovate future technologies. GN: How long does it take to secure a product certification? And also, what are some of the certifications Innocem Korea has acquired? PS: The process for product certifications can be lengthy and costly but is an important part of our business. In one year we secure about 10 certifications for luminaires. There are always a few pending. We have acquired a multitude of certifications since our founding, but these are a few examples. In 2012, the Eco-label from the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute In 2011, the Green Technology Certification and High Efficiency Equipment Certification And in 2009, the Korea High Efficacy Equipment Certification Innocem Korea, Co. Ltd. is one of the leading LED luminaire manufacturing companies in the world. For more information, visit them online at www.innocem.co.kr

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TeaAt

A Delightful Rendezvous Written and photographed by Matthew Endacott

he East is traditionally steeped in a history of tea, and arriving in Korea, I knew I wanted to try its wide assortment. Everywhere I turned though I only saw coffee, kimbap, and chicken shops. Tea is not as prevalent in contemporary Korea as I had imagined. Of course a small selection of tea at coffee shops still exists, but not what I was looking for. Then I found TeaAt.

piqued. The barista then proceeded to tell me the story of her teashop. She and her sister lived in China for eight years. They learned about tea and opened a shop in their early twenties. After a few years of success, they decided to move home and open a shop in Gwangju. Thus, TeaAt was born. The teapots adorning the shop are the visual reminders of their Chinese life.

Atmosphere and Service Upon entering, I was enthusiastically greeted by the tea barista. The aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air of the charming shop that had so many teas to choose from. Thankfully, we could communicate, so I asked the clerk her favorite and she proceeded to tell me. I decided on a jasmine and green tea blend, which had an excellent and soothing effect. I enjoyed pouring myself cup after cup while munching on the complimentary burdock chips. I was hooked.

The Menu Most of the tea comes from China or Sri Lanka. A few times a year one of the sisters travels to replenish their current tea stock and try something new for the menu. The teas from China include: jasmine-green, puer (bo ee cha), dien hong (Chinese black tea), oolong, rose, chrysanthemum, and white teas. The ceylon and Earl Grey teas were hand-picked from Sri Lanka. Others include, Darjeeling from India, matte from Brazil, and a chamomile tea. My favorite is the fermented puer tea, the tea of kings. A teapot is well worth the 7,000 won cost and meant for more than one person. It is refillable and lasts a long time. A large single cup of tea is 4,500 won. Fresh fruit

As I sat sipping my tea, I took the time to observe my surroundings. Lining the walls were numerous teapots of differing size, shape, and color. My curiosity

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teas are also available – the lemon and grapefruit use honey and fresh fruit. Another delectable tea I discovered was milk tea. It is like a chai tea without cinnamon. It ranges from 4-5,000 won. If you fancy a smoothie or frappuccino they are 5,000 won. TeaAt makes tasty yogurt, blueberry, mango, or strawberry smoothies and green tea, vanilla, black tea, java, or cookies-n-cream frappuccinos. Of course, TeaAt serves all the basic coffee drinks as well: Americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, mochas, etc. at affordable prices. An Americano is 2,000 won for take-out and 3,000 won for sit-in. The rest are 4-5,000 won. All snacks are made fresh daily. I had a difficult time deciding what to pair with a cup of tea: the cinnamon walnut pies (S-1,800 L-3,200 won) or the cheesecake topped with crè me and almond chips (S-2,000 L-4,200 won). They bake chocolate chip and sunflower seed cookies (1,000 won) and an assortment of smaller cookies as well as the healthy burdock chips. They also make red bean (6,500 won) or caramel (4,500 won) toast covered with crè me and cinnamon. I am so happy to have found such an establishment in Gwangju. The tea, snacks, service, and overall experience are well worth making your way to try a pot and some snacks for a delightful rendezvous. The original

Pungam-dong location has done so well the sisters are opening a second TeaAt near Shinsegae department store the week of Christmas.

Pungam-dong TeaAt Address: 1086-6 Pungam-dong, Seo-Gu, Gwangju (광주광역시 서구 풍암동 1086-6번지 1층 티앗 ) Phone: 010-6426-8283 Time: 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 p.m. Everyday Take the bus to Pungam Hangook Apt on lines: 01, 45, 47, 59, 75, or 78. Walk up the hill and at the 3-way intersection take a left where the 7-11 stands. After a short distance take the next right and you should see TeaAt on the left as you walk up the street. Near Shinsegae/Bus Terminal TeaAt (Coming in January) Address: 42-2 Nong-Seong-Dong, Seo-Gu, Gwangju (광주광역시 서구 농성동 죽봉대로 42-2번지 2층) Phone: 010-4740-1695 Time: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Everyday Take a bus to the bus terminal. Walk towards the large intersection where Shinsegae is located. Turn right and you will be going towards the big E-Mart. As you continue in that direction there is a pedestrian bridge. Use it to cross the street and descend on the right side. There is an Outback Steakhouse on that side of the street. Continue walking in that direction and cross the street. There is an NH Bank and TeaAt is located next to it on the second floor.

local I my korea

Fit for Royalty Geumo-do Island Written and photographed by Victoria Lee

ust off the southern coast of Yeosu, the island of Geumo-do beckons visitors to come and see its beautiful natural landscape. This unique national park is a rare gem on the southern side of South Korea. Though you have to travel by boat to reach the island, Geumo-doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ocean views and peaceful hiking paths are well worth your time.

in harmony with the people who have taken permanent residency there. For the bird lovers, there are around 35 species of rare birds living on the island. The rocky cliffs are also excellent fishing spots; many local residents bring their gear and fish directly from the cliffs. The island is especially known for its black porgy fish.

Geumo-do Island was once used as the royal hunting grounds during the Joseon period. Since the island is protected as a national park, most of the island has been left undisturbed, allowing nature to live

Hiking is possible year-round, and admission to the park is free. The only cost is transportation to and from the island. There are limited places to buy food on the quiet island, so visitors should bring along

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some necessities for the trip. A walking stick can also be helpful, as there are some difficult spots on the hiking trails. Good-quality hiking shoes are recommended, as the rocky cliffs are challenging and could be a bit dangerous without the proper gear. Walking on the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trails, you can hear the voices of the birds sending out their calls. The songs of these rare birds produce a beautiful melodic tune and create a tranquil atmosphere for visitors. The birdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; songs will not only calm the spirit but mend the mind as well. Geumo-do is the perfect date spot for couples wanting to travel locally. The bamboo paths and rocky cliffs offer a romantic view to gaze upon with your loved one. The island has a perfect combination of wilderness and beauty to encourage a blossoming romance as you surround yourselves with the delicate flowers and wildlife.

tures can make you easily forget that you are less than two hours away from the city.

Not in a relationship? Not a problem; this is also a great place to find tranquility with your friends after a hard week of work. Geumo-do is an ideal place to unwind whether traveling solo, coupled, or in a group.

Many Yeosu residents plan their escape to the island to unwind from the stresses of daily living and encounter a glimpse of untouched nature right here in South Jeolla Province. Geumo-do is an ideal place to create lasting memories in the coming year.

In the summer months, Geumo-do has been compared to the Caribbean islands because of its crystalclear waters and beautiful beaches. It is a wonderful vacation destination off the beaten path, where visitors can enjoy the beach without having to travel to Jeju Island.

To get to the island, take the Yeosu local bus number 88 from the Yeosu bus terminal and get off at the Jungang Market bus stop. From there, walk 180 meters to the Yeosu Coastal Ferry Terminal. The ferry runs three times a day and travel time to the island is about an hour and 40 minutes. After a relaxing and delightful ferry ride, Geumo-do Island will be waiting to welcome you.

With a bit of luck and timing, this enchanting island will show you her hidden charms. There are some spots at which you can catch a glimpse of the famous Yeosu finless porpoises making their way around the island. The beauty of these wild crea-

* Every month, this column takes an in-depth look at a neighborhood in Gwangju.

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local I right to the city lture I gwangju

The Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Collective Written and photographed by Laura Becker Interview Translation by Kim Dae-yong

lack and white pieces click against worn wooden game boards, carefully placed by work-thickened hands. Each movement is followed by silent spectators on either side of the bench on which the two players sit hunched over the board. After games of baduk, there is conversation, drinking and the occasional argument, but during the game, few words are spoken. The men are upwards of middle age, and on any given day there could be dozens of them. They could be gathering anywhere that old men gather, but they are gathered around the public benches

and tables in the Geumnam-ro 4-ga subway station. Some are sound asleep, and some are watching the news on TV while others play traditional board games and many simply pull up a chair to watch. The men are doing more than playing games; they are engaging in what anthropologists call â&#x20AC;&#x153;placemaking,â&#x20AC;? inscribing a space with their own meanings or practices and re-humanizing a public place that may not have been designed or built with them in mind. In the subway station, the men are more or less

right to the city I local

ignored by passersby and, thankfully for their sake, the police. In a place where everyone is moving, hurrying on to the next thing, splitting their attention between devices, the men are an island of intentionality, showing up night after night to play the game, to socialize, to relax, to talk or not talk and to simply exist alongside one another. They are unhurried, because they have few other places to be. They are unplugged, because they have more interest in the game than in the phones ignored in their pockets. They are uncouth, because they have no need to impress anyone. For Jang Bo Young and Lee Tae Il, the community under the street provides refuge from the boredom of retirement. Jang, the elder of the two, is in his seventies and worked in the fishing industry for over 50 years. He remembers his hometown, Naju, as being a more prosperous town than it is now. Lee, who worked as a civil servant for 33 years, comes from Gimje in North Jeolla Province. There are few people their age who are originally from Gwangju, they say. Most of the older men are from the countryside, relocating in their retirement to live with their children in the city. Lee’s son and daughter both live in Gwangju, while Jang has two grown children in Gwangju, a daughter in Canada and a son in Seoul. Jang usually comes to the subway station two or three times a week, but some of the men come every day. They play baduk, consisting of round black and white stones, and janggi, whose flat white stones are inscribed with Chinese characters. The men scoffed at the idea of gambling for money. If they play for anything, Jang said, it is just for makgeolli, and even that is uncommon. During the game, he said, they have to focus because it is so difficult. Without concentration, they will surely lose. Lee sees no reason to talk about extraneous things during the game, stating that the players never talk. After finishing the game, however, the men often head up to the street and go to drink makgeolli together. While they drink, they talk about everyday life. According to Jang and Lee, no one has friends at the beginning; everyone comes alone for the first time. “If we meet each other 10 times, we call each other friends,” Jang said with a laugh. “When we are in the same place, we are friends. Is there any problem?”

Not everyone knows each other, however, as the men estimate there are over 200 people in all. Sometimes there are arguments, Jang pointed out, especially when the men are drinking. But for the most part, as they play or watch the games together, they become close. If they stay at home, the men feel bored, argue with their wives or become depressed. They have lived with their wives for decades and have little to do together except play “rock-scissors-paper,” said Lee. That is not to say, however, that the men do not enjoy female company from time to time. Every Monday and Friday evening, volunteer groups perform a free concert on the small raised platform in the subway station. They perform traditional folk music such as trot and pansori, jazz and classical. The volunteers are mainly women, their ages ranging from 30 to 70, and they are beautiful, the men insisted. They like to watch the performances and dance with the beautiful volunteers. Jang and Lee usually stay for two or three hours at a time, but some of the men spend their entire days in the subway station. For homeless men, the subway is a warm and dry place to sleep during the day, and there are places selling inexpensive food. The men do not sleep in the station overnight, but the station attendants and police do not kick them out or impose fines for sleeping if they do. Thus, this community of games, drink and conversation has become a place of respite, as Gwangju men kill time and create bonds of friendship.

general I movie review

On The Download

January January DVD DVDReleases Releases Written by Kyle Chandler

anuary is when Oscar contenders begin to appear on DVD, and this year is no exception. In Sicario (Jan. 5), an idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is recruited by a covert government task force in an escalating drug war on the US-Mexican border. Political and ethical questions are raised through the moral ambiguity of the film’s characters, namely the head of the task force played by Josh Brolin and a shadowy middleman played by Benicio Del Toro. Del Toro is already receiving a lot of Oscar buzz for this role. Acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins is also being tipped for an Oscar. Deakins has previously been nominated twelve times but has yet to win. With its breathtaking ambience and tone, Sicario is likely to be nominated for Best Cinematography and more. Another Oscar contender is The Martian (Jan. 12), starring Matt Damon. This is a welcome return to form from legendary director Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner). Based on Andy Weir’s novel, the film is a celebration of scientific achievement and human endeavor. At the heart of The Martian is Damon’s performance as an astronaut stranded on Mars. Through a healthy balance of comedy and drama, the audience is drawn into his fight for survival, urging him on every step of the way. This is great family fun for those who like scifi, action, comedy, Matt Damon, or disco. Set in 1974, The Walk (Jan. 5) recreates the daring feat by high-wire artist Philippe Petit (Joseph GordonLevitt) who walked between the World Trade Center towers. Those familiar with the 2008 documentary Man On Wire will already know this story. However, the one thing the documentary was not able to do was to show

the walk itself, relying instead on animation and testimonials – but not here. The final third of the film in which the stunt takes place is a sequence that puts the audience up on the wire with Petit, and on the edge of their seats as they are subjected to gut-wrenching heights. For this alone, the film is a must-see. Meanwhile, Straight Outta Compton (Jan. 19) tells the story of NWA, one of the most influential groups in music history. The film has received criticism for glossing over certain aspects of the group’s turbulent past, most notably Dr. Dre’s violent altercation with female journalist Dee Barnes. Furthermore, some viewers might be uncomfortable with the film’s misogynistic images, owing to its visual style that has been influenced by 1980’s and 1990’s hip-hop videos. Like other biographies, certain liberties have been taken due to time constraints and authorial biases. However, the film still remains a fascinating narrative. Ultimately Straight Outta Compton allows a new generation to understand why NWA was so important and why they are still influential today, but to get to the complete history they may have to dig a little deeper. Also out this month is Everest (Jan. 19), inspired by the doomed 1996 expedition on the world’s tallest mountain. Goosebumps (Jan. 26), based on the popular kids book series, is Jack Black’s latest comedy romp. Also, M. Night Shyamalan’s found-footage horror flick The Visit (Jan. 5) is his first film in nearly a decade that has not been completely panned. Although it will not be getting an award any time soon, The Visit and these other small screen releases usher in the race to the Oscars.

gwangju writes I culture

Courage Written and photographed by Joey Nunez

creaming both eased and ached. But Watson could not even manage to yelp. The destruction was complete. Relief in a Microsoft Word auto-correct was out of the question. Reaching for a full-inked board eraser was a waste of effort. It did not exist. Nothing could change yesterday’s past. What he heard was alarming, and still was: “You are filth. You are worthless. “Go back to where you came from and never return here. “Never try again.” Watson cringed, but not for long. Rage was the next turn, or rather U-turn, along Misery Lane. “Why did this happen to me? “How am I the only one facing these issues? “What could I have done differently? That is it...the problem is me.” Watson’s veins started to bulge, his arms and legs expressing tension, and his breathing rapidly increased. “I have to stop, but I cannot. I cannot even talk. How can I keep going?” He relaxed. After some time was Watson’s next illuminating thought: “If I could just learn more, study more, understand more, be more like them, do what they do more, replicate them even more than ever before, copy even more of what they do, finally, they definitely will accept me. That’s it!” But, he knew that the more he convinced himself of this falsehood, the more recognizable the permanent damages would surface. His eyes fluttered, but not wide enough to open, just yet. Exclusively through thinking, Waston was force-fed surrender. “Just give up,” something said. “Poisonous plants are not too far from here. The cliff actually softens the torture. Or, you have that knife. Make it quick, any of the three, or be innovative. Create your own conclusion.” What? Never. Why? Could I?, I just cannot imagine... but what if … am I really considering this? I...I...I’m stuck.” After some time, Watson concluded: “This is what I am now. Concealed, buried, empty. What way leads towards redemption? I sure don’t feel its peace upon me!”

Redemption was never a feeling. It beats to a different drum, because the Truth is always to be chosen. Watson stopped. Exhausted and overburdened, Watson just remained still. Thought nothing. Felt nothing. Saw nothing (but that was still not possible). “You are not good.” Watson twisted in pain, rage, confusion and hurt, more so than when he wanted to scream. Why would anything considered to be “good,” if indeed that was its nature, could say something so bad? The Voice stated: “You are not good, but there is hope. Choose Me, walk in the Light.” Watson could not comprehend that a solution was being offered in the midst of his chaos. “I thought they said that once the karma wheel tilts out of your favor...” “Stop. Just, choose Me.” “But how can I just choose you?” Watson legitimately questioned. “What have you done that is justifiable for me to follow you like a hungry cub or a love-struck suitor?” “The good that is lacking in you is present in Me. “But you must choose. “Why don’t you look for yourself? “I am willing to wait.” And just like that, the Voice stopped. Watson confusingly considered: “What happened? Where did He go? How much longer will the pain last upon choosing Him? Would the pain go away?” Watson was out of options and time. Nothing was left. So, thus, nothing was left to lose either. Watson decided that while unsure of what Truth the Voice whispered, he would sure look. After all, the Voice presented something, but also did so without forcing Watson’s hand to comply. Watson finally expressed that curious courage we all have, or, should have. His reflexes softened, and finally, his eyes peeled open. Paradise finally revealed itself. The ocean spread for thousands of miles. How does one not smile? But, Watson had to get off the boulder that was going nowhere near it. He rose to his feet, laced his boots, ignored the voice to end his life, listened to the Voice to begin it instead and has never regretted that decision. But, it took some time for him to trust that Voice. That is only natural.

culture I behind the myth

The Big Brown Swirl Poop’s Place in Korean Culture Written by Stephen Redeker Photos of courtesy myseoulsearching.com

of healthy plants and crops. This circulation between man and nature has been interrupted by modern methods of fecal disposal. Books have been written about the selfishness of man who simply flushes away his or her own waste instead of blessing Mother Earth with their precious gift.

f you have not noticed already, the image of a neat pile of poo is iconic in Korea. There is an admiration for poop in Korea that does not exist as much in Western culture. It starts early in life: “Doggy Poo” is a popular animated children’s show which follows the adventures of a living, breathing, wandering piece of dung that wonders what his purpose is in this world. “Dong Bang” is a franchise of shops that sell cakes shaped like poop that are filled with red bean paste, and Koreans and tourists alike line up in droves to grab a bite of this sweet snack. Some folks even value actual excrement as something useful to our well-being. Historically, feces had some perceived beneficial attributes, which explains much of the attention it still gets these days outside of the bathroom. Many people use the expression “nature is calling” when the need to visit the toilet arises. This is an appropriate expression, because there is still to this day the principle that pooping is a way for man to give back to nature. Excrement can be helpful as a fertilizer in the soil and can lead to new life in the form

Besides being good for nature, poop has often been seen as good for man as well. For those who wake up after a dream that contained poop, they can rest assured that good fortune and wealth is coming their way. It was also widely believed for hundreds of years that poop had healing powers. Various animal and people poo found its way into medicine as a remedy for many health problems. There are still a few medical practitioners today that believe in the healing powers of poop. Dr. Lee Chang Soo makes “ttongsul” (poo alcohol). This traditional Korean rice wine that contains the fermented feces of a human child is actually nine percent alcohol. He claims that it can relieve pain, heal bruises, mend broken bones and help heal patients in half the time it would normally take. Dr. Lee is saddened by the fact that the use of feces is all but extinct in medicinal applications. Most Koreans, and the rest of the world, are unaware that this blend of rice wine even exists, as the practice of brewing it faded after the 1960s. It begs the question: how bad of an ailment would it take for you to give this ancient recipe a sip?

“Doggy Poo” animation

jeolla history I culture

The Nosa School and Western Influence Written by Hea-ran Won

anxious after hearing the news about the invasion of Beijing by Great Britain and French forces. It was very shocking to hear that these Western forces easily seized the capital of a big, powerful country like China.

French campaign against Korea, 1866 (The Byeong-in yangyo)

In response, the government of Joseon banned Christianity, which was viewed as the key connection to European countries. Despite severe oppression however, the number of believers grew, and the government became wary of its influence. They feared Christianity would disrupt the traditional Confucian ideas. To prevent the further spread of Christianity, the government publically executed thousands of Christians.

nlike China and Japan, Korea was hidden from the eyes of the West due to its geographical seclusion. It was from the middle of the 19th century that the West actually started to take interest in Korea. However, the relationship between Korea and European countries was not a friendly one. In fact, their relationship was like oil and water. The European countries were filled with imperial aspirations, while the Korean Joseon government was heavily prohibitive of the Western culture.

The European countries saw this oppression as the chance to invade Korea. In 1866, priest Felix Clair Ridel, who ran away from Korea, informed the French Admiral Pierre Roze in Beijing about the massacre of Christians that was happening in Korea. The French admiral decided to invade Korea and even notified the Chinese government not to do anything about it. The war lasted three months, and Korea managed to secure its capital, but the French plundered Hwaseong and took away many of its artillery and books.

In the mid 19th century, European countries started to send more ships to the Korean coastline. Officially, these ships claimed to explore the marine ecology, but in reality they were measuring and investigating the shorelines and coastal regions of Korea to prepare for invasion. In case of Jeolla Province, the English battleship Samarang illegally measured several islands near Goheung and Jangheung, and a Russian battleship invaded Geomun-do (an island near Yeosu) twice. The locals feared these ships because they would often force trade and even plundered villages. In addition, Koreans became more

This incident further aggravated the relationship between Korea and the West. Originally, Korea was divided into those who claimed that they should allow Western culture and its advanced artilleries and those who wanted to prohibit any Western influences. The constant irritation and plundering on the Jeolla coastline and the French campaign against Korea in 1866 made the government side more towards those who wanted to prohibit Western influences. This was the rise of Nosa School that greatly influenced Korean diplomacy for years to come.

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KOTESOL

KOTESOL promotes scholarship, disseminates information, and facilitates cross-cultural understanding among persons concerned with teaching and learning English in Korea.

Looking in on Your English Class Written and photographed by Dr. David Shaffer

lass observations – ohh! This is a term that seems to have the bewitching ability to make the average teacher stop in their tracks and send chills up their backs. But we need to reconsider our instinctive beliefs, and rather than think of class observations as a dagger in the back, view them as a tool for self-improvement – a tool such as a comb, taking out the kinks and knots and putting everything in order so that what we put out there is a work of art.

avoids the human element in being observed. What follows below are some of the items that I consider to be very important and yet still rather easy to self-observe.

It is true that class observations are often employed by the administration as a method of evaluation greatly influencing the teacher’s job security. However, class observations can be taken out of their threatening environment and exploited for professional development purposes in a much more favorable setting. Peer observations are class observations of teachers by teachers. What makes them so different from observations by administrators is that they are done with the teacher’s willingness to be observed. Peer observation takes two forms: A teacher may invite a colleague to come in and observe their class, asking the colleague to pay particular attention to one or more aspects of the teacher’s teaching; or a teacher may ask to observe a colleague’s class in order to observe and learn from the techniques that the colleague employs. Much can be learned from each of these peer observation methods to improve one’s classroom performance. And if a teacher does not have an appropriate colleague to observe them or does not have a suitable colleague to observe, all is not lost. The teacher may conduct self-observation by video-recording their class, which

Different Seating Arrangements (from Harmer 1998)

Seating Arrangements How the students’ seats are arranged can have a considerable impact on how they perform in class. You may wish to consider different arrangements for whole-class work, group work, pair work and solo-work. Things to consider are: Can they see the board well? Can they see their speaking partners well? Are they comfortable?

kotesol I general

Giving Instructions Students need to understand what is expected of them in order to execute tasks. We need to check if we need to repeat the instructions – maybe once, maybe twice. Are we employing “modeling” to aid in understanding the directions? Teacher’s Voice In teaching, one’s voice is important, but in teaching a foreign language, it is especially important. Speaking too fast in the classroom is a problem that many L1 and L2 English teachers have. When we realize the need to slow down, how are we doing it?

Dr. 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 and special events. Dr. Shaffer is a professor of English Language at Chosun University, where he has taught graduate and undergraduate courses for many years. He is a long-time member of KOTESOL and a holder of various KOTESOL positions, including First Vice-President and Publications Committee Chair. He credits KOTESOL for much of his professional development in English language teaching.

Upcoming KOTESOL Events Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Monthly Chapter Meeting

Are…we…slow…ing…down…be…tween…words…and… syl…la…bles? Or…are we slowing down…with pauses… between natural groupings...of words? Of course, the latter is more natural-sounding and more helpful to the learner. As English teachers we need to constantly check that we are speaking slow enough, loud enough for everyone to hear (not just the first row) and clear enough.

Date & Time: January 9 (Saturday), 1:45 p.m. Place: Gwangju National University of Education

Teacher’s Position Where you stand, whether you stand and how long you stand in one place are all important considerations. If you sit and students cannot see you speaking, they are likely to be less attentive. If you spend most of your time standing in the front of the room, the students sitting further back can become inattentive. If you spend a lot of time standing near some students and almost none near others, students may interpret it as favoritism. We need to move around the room, all of the room, especially when students are doing activities.

[For more details] Website: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Email: gwangju@koreatesol.org

These are just a few key points that we as teachers should consider as we engage our students in the classroom. Others include calling on students, classroom English and error correction techniques. Knowing what to look for is a big first step in adjusting your in-class imperfections and improving your students’ classroom performances.

[References] Harmer, J. (1998). How to teach English: An introduction to the practice of English language teaching. Harlow, UK: Addison Wesley Longman. Wajnryb, R. (1992). Classroom observation tasks: A resource book for language teachers and trainers. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Presentation on “Commonly Overlooked Issues with Classroom Management” (Brian Burgoyne) and more! Swap-shop Session: Present your ideas, activities, advice. Morning (11 a.m.) Reflective Practice Session Admission: No Charge

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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 ICE HOCKEY TEAM Looking for men and women of all ages to join us every Saturday night from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Yeomju Ice Rink near World Cup Stadium. If you are interested, contact Andrew Dunne at atdunne@gmail.com 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. ADOPT A CHILD FOR CHRISTMAS Adopt-a-Child for Christmas is currently holding their annual toy drive to provide the orphans of Gwangju with Christmas presents. If you are interested in sponsoring a child or children by purchasing gifts or donating money, please visit www. adoptachildgwangju.org. There, you will find a form you can fill out to choose the number of children you would like to sponsor and how you would like to help them out. Also, “LIKE” Adopt-a-Child for Christmas Gwangju on Facebook to stay up-todate with future events, like present wrapping, Christmas parties, and future fundraisers! Thank you for your help in helping these children to have a brighter Christmas!

Jeolla Safety Alliance is a group of Koreans and international residents alike to create awareness of crimes. This safety card is for you to cut out and keep handy! FB group: Jeolla Safety Alliance

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 *The regular class will resume in midFebuary. 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 쁘띠 따 쁘띠 프랑스 그룹 *The regular class will resume in March. GIC Book Club – Room 3, 2F 4 - 6 p.m. Saturdays FB page: GIC Book Club

COMMUNITY GROUPS IN GWANGJU Gwangju – 광주 Gwangju Freecycle Gwangju Performance Project GFOG (Global Families of Gwangju) Gwangju EPIK Teachers Gwangju Community Builders Gwangju-Jeolla Job Bank Ladies of Gwangju and Vicinity Jeolla Safety Alliance Gwangju Yoga Gwangju Veggies

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! - Period: Wednesday, January 4 ~ Monday, February 29 - Registration Period: By the first day of the classes (*Online registration: By Tuesday, December 31, 2015) - 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.