(EN) Gwangju News July 2012 #125

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July 2012 Issue No. 125

On The Cover:

Reviving Korean Traditional Dance Song Chae-Pyong An Interview with Gwangju News’ Poetry Translator

The Rice That Binds The North Korean Food Debt

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

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July 2012

www.gwangjunewsgic.com ON THE COVER

Cover Photo: Professor Heo Soon Sun, recognized by Korea as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage”, dedicated her life to the protection of the legacy of Korea traditional dance movements.

Photograph: Courtesy of Professor Heo Soon Sun Read the full article on page 14 Photo edited for layout purposes.

THE EDITORIAL TEAM

Photo by Gwangju Performance Project

Publisher: Shin Gyonggu Editor-in-Chief: Julian Warmington Editors: Seth Pevey, Kathleen Villadiego, Kim Minsu Online Editor: Caitlin Jacobs Assistant Editor: Stephen Redeker Copy Editors: Kathleen Villadiego, Darren Bean, Jon Ozelton Coordinators: Karina Prananto, Jung Jayeon Layout and Design: Karina Prananto Online Technical Manager: Carl Hedinger Proofreaders: Jon Ozelton, Samantha Richter, Pete Schandall, Gina Covert, Darren Bean, Bradley Weiss, Lindsey Andrews

Researchers: Kim Wooyeon, Hwang Yeongwook, Kim Jiwon

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Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center Address: Jeon-il Building 5F, Geumnam-no 1-1, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, South Korea

Phone: +82-62-226-2733~4 Fax: +82-62-226-2731 Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com E-mail: gwangjunews@gmail.com Registration No.: 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date: February 22, 2010 Printed by Logos (Phone +82-62-444-8800)

Gwangju Performance Project Photo by Jason Newland

Publication Date: June 29, 2012 Gwangju News is a monthly English magazine written and edited by volunteers. We welcome your contributions for proofreading, copy editing, administration, layout/design and distribution. Please write to gwangjunews@gmail.com and tell us your area of interest.

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

Copyright by the Gwangju International Center.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the written consent of the publishers.

Gwangju News welcomes letters to the editor (gwangjunews@gmail.com) regarding articles and issues. Articles and submissions may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.

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Contents regulars 9

Local News This Month in Gwangju

By Carl Hedinger

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Upcoming Events

22

Event Preview Mt. Mudeung & Damyang

By Warren Parsons

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Photo Contest

26

Photo Essay

By Christian Oey

30

Home Pages

36

Culture Korea’s Celadon Tradition

By C. Adam Volle

Language Study Letters to KOTESOL

By Dr. Dave Shaffer

38

Event Review The Yeosu Expo: One Month In

By Seth Pevey

Culture Passing the Big Exam

By Stephen Redeker

39

Opinion MBC’s Video: A Response

By Rachel Redfern

Language Study The Connective‘-ㄴ(은/는)데’: and/ but/ so

By Jung Soo-a

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Literature Selected Poems by Shin Dal-ja Translated by Song Chae-Pyong and Anne Rashid

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Fashion Fash-on with xxl jjdp: Aloha Summer!

By jjdp

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Food and Drink Naengmyeon

By Gabriel Ward

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Food and Drink Boiled Chicken with Rice

By Hwang Yeong-wook

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Community Board

features 14

Feature Before It’s Lost: Documenting Dance

By Maria Lisak

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Community Gwangju Performance Project

By Adam Hogue Interview A Man of Letters: Song Chae-Pyong

By Seth Pevey

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28

31

Opinion Why South Korea Should Forgive North Korean Debt for Food Loans

By Michael Bielawski

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Sports Korean Pride Rising in the UFC

By Matt Furlane

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“

Gwangju News could not be as great as it is without the help of our regular volunteers, and we’re always looking for new contributors and proofreaders.

We invite

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you to join us!

”

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Editorial Dear Readers, We’ve made it to another sweltering Korean Summer. I hope you are staying cool, unmolested by mosquitoes, and – if you are one of the many foreign educators living here – that you might find yourself with some much needed time off as schools and teachers prepare to slide into their summer vacations.

We here at Gwangju News are keeping at it through these dog days as best we can, but it is not always easy. We need your help! We are a completely volunteer organization set up through the Gwangju International Center, and have a long tradition – involving many wonderful expats and Koreans alike – of working hard to keep our magazine free, and of the highest quality we can.

Recently, we lost a gem of a copy-editor. Emma Dooley has moved on to bigger and better things, and there are other members of our staff planning to leave shortly. Gwangju News is ready to take on new writers, proofreaders, editors and photographers. We seek passionate and ambitious individuals, who see their time here as a challenge to leave this city and local community an even better place than they found it. The work we do is by no means glamorous, but speaking from my own experience, working for Gwangju News has been by far the most rewarding and wonderful experience of my two years in this corner of the world. The people I’ve met at the GIC and those involved in Gwangju News are what have made my life abroad meaningful and rich, and enough good things simply cannot be said about the team.

So, if you have a mind to do something interesting, to get a chance to write and edit, perhaps a dream that you might never have the opportunity to do in your own country, please e-mail me directly at gwangjunews@gmail.com. The opportunities range from small proofreading responsibilities, all the way up to the top jobs. I hope to hear from you Gwangju.

Thanks, Seth Pevey, Editor

Our Contributors Jon Ozelton (UK, copy editor & proofreader) has been proofreading for Gwangju News for over 50 issues, going back to August 2007. This includes a twelve-month stint as editor from November 2009, before other commitments (notably a newborn daughter) made him scale his role back to proofing. He’s impressed with how the magazine has developed over the years, and hopes it will continue to go from strength to strength in the future.

Gina Covert (USA, proofreader) is a middle school teacher in Damyang County. She is from North Mankato, Minnesota, USA, and has been living in Gwangju for nearly two years. In her free time she enjoys swimming, running, reading, traveling, exploring Korea, and spending time with friends. In the future she hopes to study modern European history in graduate school.

Pete Schandall (USA, proofreader): Born 40 years ago in a cod-fishing village in Atlantic Canada, Pete soon fled west to “grow up” in the suburbs of Victoria, BC. He’s been in Korea for about eight years. Currently he’s working as a professor at Seoul’s Seokyeong University. He lives with his wife and a cat.

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[ GIC Talk ]

Time & Place: Every Saturday, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., GIC office (Jeon-il Bldg 5th Fl.) For more information visit www.gic.or.kr or contact gic@gic.or.kr Check out pictures from previous GIC Talks http://picasaweb.google.com/gictalk Watch highlight clips of previous GIC Talks at www.youtube.com/GICTALK

July 7 Topic: Enduring U.S. Deficits: The Political System is the Problem Speaker: David Webber (USA)

U.S. federal budget outlays have been greater than revenues for all but four years since 1969. Regardless of presidential administration, political party control, or domestic and international affairs, the U.S. has run federal deficits. The size of the current debt has alarmed American citizens but little corrective action has results.

As Fareed Zakaria and other political commentators have observed, the U.S. has a do-nothing political system that may not be capable of confronting existing financial and economic challenges.

July 14 Topic: Flourishing in good and bad times: What mental health science tells us Speaker Daniel Olympia (USA)

This talk will provide an overview of traditional and modern martial arts in Korea. In addition to a general introduction, there will be an in-depth discussion about one type of martial art, Teuk Gong Musul. The lecture will cover the basics of attending a martial arts gym or “dojang” in Korea.

Along with the inherent physical and mental exercises, practicing a Korean martial art is also an opportunity to learn about eastern philosophy and yourself.

July 21 Topic: Taking an extra mile...because we care!

Speaker: Prof. Rohizani Yaakub (Malaysia)

This talk is about a university-community initiative taken by a group of researchers in helping students in the rural area in Sabah, Malaysia. The project called InSPIRE (Integrated System of Program Instruction for Rural Environment) aims at enhancing primary students' academic performance. The remote location of these schools makes it quite difficult for the state education department to do constant monitoring and offer necessary aid. A needs analysis found that students lack motivation for learning while teachers lack the enthusiasm to teach. The laid back environment and the lack of learning facilities also contributed to the students not performing well. These shortcomings have inspired us to embark on a special program, which we called InSPIRE. It is a five-year project and was launched in 2008, with a grant from the Sabah Foundation. The project began with the needs analysis, followed by intervention, monitoring, and assessment. Interim reports indicate positive improvements in students' performance and also teachers' enthusiasm to encourage learning.

July 28 Topic: Internationalization of Korean Higher Education: The Need for Quality Consolidation Speaker: Eva Marie Wang (the Philippines) With South Korea’s rise to one of the world’s largest economies, its pervasive vision is now to become an active global player. With the aspirations of achieving world-class quality education, Korea pursued a state-led 8

Gwangju News July 2012

“Internationalization of Higher Education” by initiating various government-institutional policies and programs such as the Study Korea Project (SKP) and Brain Korea 21 (BK21). As Korea is not a popular international student destination, a policy-driven recruitment strategy was actively utilized to attract students, resulting in an evident growth in the number of international students from 11,646 in 2001 to 89,537 in 2011. Consequently, this overemphasis on the “quantity” approach cascaded into various issues that needed to be addressed. This talk will give a glimpse on the Korean government’s internationalization policies and programs, its impact and implications as well as some recommendations on how to pursue quality consolidation.

Eva is the Public Relations Officer of the Organization of Filipino Scholars in South Korea, Incorporated (PIKO, Inc.).

She participated as a student representative in various internationalization fora such as the Open Forum on Policy Development for International Students held in National Assembly in March 2012, Student Leaders’ Forum at National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in April 2012 and Open Dialogue with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in May 2012.

T

Dowry

Exhibition by Gilda Sénécal Wilson

My investigation into objects is driven by a concern for the loss of craft and tradition of making. This is being particularly poignant at a time when there is an overabundance of mass-produced commodities.

In this body of work, through paintings and photography, I am exploring the existence of objects which, in the western tradition, were given as wedding presents.

Exhibition opening: Saturday July 28th

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

By Carl Hedinger Local Student Team Wins First Prize in Festival Cooking Contest A team made up of students won first prize in the first ever Woorimill (wheat) Cooking Contest held during the Woorimill Festival. The winners hail from Gwangju and dedicated the dish to friends. Kim Hwa-eun from Gwangju Women's University and Cheo Dan-a from Honam University named the wheat dessert set "My friends, Mildori and Milsooni". Through its lovely taste and sentimental value, this work made a very nice impression on festival-goers. The accolades won’t stop for the winners as “My friends, Mildori and Milsooni” will be out on the market after the dish is inspected by food authorities. Be on the lookout for this yummy dish when it hits stores in the near future!

‘Save the Earth and earn money’ – Carbon banking in Gwangju Gwangju is seeing results from the carbon banking initiative which is giving back cash in return for reduced carbon. Gwangju City and Kwangju Bank founded the “Carbon Bank” in July 2008 and participation has increased each year. In four years, the program has blossomed from 20,000 to nearly 250,000 households joining together to reduce carbon emissions. According to the most recent report, the City announced that households participating in the carbon banking scheme have reduced over 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases. This reduction is equal to planting 9.1 million trees throughout the city. With such a huge increase over just four years, Carbon Banking should continue to flourish in Gwangju.

KIA Tigers Legend Lee Jong-bum bids farewell.

At age 41, Lee Jong-bum recently announced his retirement from baseball. Considered a living legend in Korean baseball, Lee decided to call it quits but not without a multitude of accomplishments. Throughout his time with the Tigers, Lee earned the nickname "Son of the wind". After debuting in 1993, Lee held the team's best batting average in 1994 (.393) and 84 stolen bases. This performance earned Lee MVP honors in that same year. Lee was a fixture with the then Haitai Tigers and helped the club to three Korea Series titles in the 90s and one more in 2009. Lee even spent some time playing in Japan with Nagoya’s Chunichi Dragons (1998-2001) but he came back home in 2002 to resume his career with KIA. In addition to his farewell speech, there was a parade held in Lee’s honor.

Lee Jong-bum

bluekoreadot.com

Gwangju FC finds a fan in China The story of a Chinese fan who loves Gwangju FC has been the talk of the town. While only in its second season, the club was presented a letter from someone named “Pung Bin” in Suzhou – a large city not very far from Shanghai. Accompanied by a picture of the team’s inauguration ceremony, the letter is addressed "Dear players of Gwangju FC". She introduced herself as a big fan of Gwangju FC. Pung Bin said that she always watches Gwangju FC matches and thinks they are the best soccer club in the world. She encouraged the players saying "You are the gift of our team and give hope for its future." This touching story gave all the players a very warm feeling and lots of extra energy to do their best. To show thanks, the players are arranging a way to send presents to Pung Bin. Furthermore, Gwangju FC plans to invite Pung Bin for a visit with her favorite club and players.

Tickets for Yeosu EXPO now sold in Gwangju Sinsegae Finally, anybody interested in heading to Yeosu for the World Expo can purchase tickets locally at Gwangju’s Shinsegae department store located near U-square.

Shinsegae announced that people can now buy tickets from their stores throughout the country. Tickets can only be purchased with cash or a credit card.

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Upcoming Events Contributors: Kim Wooyeon, Hwang Yeongwook, Kim Jiwon (GIC Gwangju News Team)

Movies @ Gwangju Theater Address: Chungjangro 5-ga (two blocks behind Migliore) Phone: 062-224-5858 Films change weekly to bi-weekly. Check online for more movies, schedule and prices.

For more info: http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju (Korean) Wuthering Heights 폭풍의 언덕 Genre: Romance Starring: James Howson, Kaya Scodelario Country: UK Language: English Synopsis: In Yorkshire, England, there is a solitary residence. One stormy night, the landlord Mr. Earnshaw brings home an orphan boy named Heathcliff. Mr. Earnshaw’s son, Hindley, hates Heathcliff, who gets all of his father’s attention. On the other hand, Mr. Earnshaw’s daughter Catherine falls in love with Heathcliff. After Mr. Earnshaw’s death, Hindley starts to treat Heathcliff cruelly and Catherine marries a man named Edgar. Heathcliff leaves the Wuthering Heights suddenly. A few years later, he becomes rich and comes back to avenge himself on the people who were cruel to him.

Midnight in Paris 미드나잇 인 파리 Genre: Comedy, Romance Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams Country: Spain, USA Language: English Synopsis: A novelist, Gil, travels to Paris with his fiancé Inez. Unlike him, who wants to enjoy the romance of Paris, Inez just enjoys the glamour of the city. He feels disappointed in her and goes for a walk alone at midnight in Paris. Then, an unbelievable thing happens.

He time travels to Paris in the 1920s. He becomes friends with Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and so on and has the most amazing and wonderful time in his life. One day, he meets Adriana who loves art and romance and he feels attracted to her.

Wandering Home 술이 깨면 집에 가자 Genre: Drama Starring: Tadanobu Asano, Hiromi Nagasaku Country: Japan Language: Japanese Synopsis: This movie is based on the autobiographical novel of the war photographer, Yutaka Kamoshida.

The main character, Tsukahara, is divorced and lives apart from his children because of his alcohol dependency. Due to his poor health, he is hospitalized for treatment. This movie is full of heart-warming stories and we can also see the deep affection of life and family, indirect criticism of the media and the sorrows of being a 10

Gwangju News July 2012

war photographer.

We Need to Talk About Kevin 어바웃 케빈 Genre: Thriller Starring: Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly Country: UK, USA Language: English Synopsis: A wild-and-free travel writer Eva has a baby named Kevin and her life totally changes. She has a really hard time raising a baby and working at the same time. It becomes harder because of Kevin’s defiant attitude toward her. She never understands the reasons for his behavior and why he hates her especially among all family members. Eva tries to get closer to Kevin, but he does not open up to her and instead causes her pain. The years pass by, Kevin becomes a teenager and one day, a terrible incident happens.

Exhibition Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea 2012 여수세계박람회 Venue: New Port Area (여 수 신 항 일 대 ), Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do Date: May 12 - August 12 Admission fee: General admission: Adults - 33,000 won, Youth - 25,000 won, Children/ Senior - 19,000 won Extra charged admission for special days (August 10-12): Adults - 40,000 won, Youth - 30,000 won, Children/ Senior 23,000 won Phone: 1577-2012 For more information: http://eng.expo2012.kr/ The Exhibition of the Southern Province Culture – Gangjin 남도문화전Ⅲ – 강진 Venue: Gwangju National Museum (국립광주박물관) Date: July 10 - September 9 Admission fee: free Phone: 062-570-7000 For more information: http://gwangju.museum.go.kr Children’s Paintings of Cultural Properties Exhibition 제 25 회 어린이 문화재 그림전 Venue: Gwangju National Museum (국립광주박물관) Date: June 1 – September 2 Admission fee: free Phone: 062-570-7000 For more information: http://gwangju.museum.go.kr

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Alive Gallery 살아있는 미술관 특별전시 – 광주 Venue: Gwangju Culture and Art Center (광주문화예술회관) Date: June 20 – Open run Admission fee: Adults – 13,000 won / Children – 11,000 won Phone: 062-613-8340 For more information: http://www.gjart.net Kim Ja-yi’s Private Exhibition (Kumho Gallery Young Artist’s Exhibition) 김자이 개인전 (금호 갤러리 영아티스트전) Venue: Kumho Gallery, U-square Cultural Center Date: June 29 – July 5 Admission fee: free Phone: 010-4772-7705 For more information: http://www.usquareculture.co.kr

This Month at Holiday Inn Gwangju Welcome to July! Here’s what’s happening and new at Holiday Inn Gwangju.

Picture Diaries Exhibition 그림일기 , 그림읽기전 Venue: Kumho Gallery, U-square Cultural Center Date: July 13 – August 26 Admission fee: Adults – 5,000 won / Children – 12,000 won (price includes a 10-page storybook) Phone: 062-360-8436, 062-360-8437 For more information: http://www.usquareculture.co.kr

Sports KIA Tigers Baseball Team July Match Schedule Date

Opposition

Time

3-5 10 - 12 17 - 19 24 - 26 27 - 29

Doosan Lotte Doosan Nexen Hanhwa

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

27: 5 p.m.

28, 29: 6:30 p.m.

Outdoor Terrace Beer Nights From Tuesday, July 3rd through Saturday each week.

UNLIMITED cool draft Hite Beer from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Venue: Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium (광주무등경 기장) Directions: Buses 16, 38, 51, 53, 58, 89, 95, 98, 151 get off at Mudeung Stadium bus stop Ticket Price: Adults 7,000 - 13,000 won; Students (13 - 18): 4,000 - 9,000 won; Children (under 13): 2,000 - 6,000 won Website: www.tigers.co.kr

16,500 won per person with dry snacks Gwangju FC Soccer Team July Match Schedule Date

Opposition

Time

14 26

Sungnam FC Suwon FC

5 p.m.

8 p.m.

Venue: Gwangju World Cup Stadium (광주월드컵경기장) Directions: Buses 6, 16, 20, 26, 47, 74 get off at Gwangju World Cup Stadium Ticket Price: VIP 10,000 won, GOLD 5,000 won (if you buy a ticket on the website, 10% discount) Website: www.gwangjufc.com

The outdoor terrace beer nights will also offer a delicious BBQ Platter for 26,000 won per person Enjoy a relaxing evening outside with friends.

Best wishes, Michael Wilson General Manager Holiday Inn Gwangju Michael.Wilson@ihg.com

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Festivals Gwangyang World Art Circus Festival 광양 월드 아트 서커스 페스티벌 Date: May 12 – August 12 Venue: Back end of the International Passenger Terminal of Gwangyang-hang (광양항 국제여객터미널 뒤편 ) Performances – Diavolo (Date: 06.29 - 07.15) , Elemental (Date: 07.19 - 08.12), Journey to the West (Date: 07.06 08.12) Directions: Take the bus to Gwangyang-hang from Usquare, transfer to bus 31 from Gwangyang-hang terminal, transfer to bus 23 For more information: www.circusfestival.co.kr

Performance Festival Oh Gwangju Brand Performance “The Swan Lake” of the National Ballet 페스티벌 오 광주 브랜드공연 국립발레단“백조의 호수 ” Venue: Grand Theater, Gwangju Culture and Art Center (광주문화예술회관) Date: July 6 – July 7 Time: July 6 - 8 p.m. / July 7 - 5 p.m.

Admission: VIP Seat 88,000 won / Seat R 66,000 won / Seat S 44,000 won Phone: 220-0541, 670-7465 Gwangju Concert of Marsim Mrvica 막심 므라비차 광주 공연 Venue: Grand Theater, Gwangju Culture and Art Center (광주문화예술회관) Date: July 8 Time: 4 p.m.

Admission: VIP Seat 100,000 won / Seat R 90,000 won / Seat S 70,000 won / Seat A 60,000 won Phone: 1600-6689 Neo Arirang 세계를 노래하다 Venue: Small Theater, Gwangju Culture and Art Center (광주문화예술회관) Date: July 11 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Admission: 10,000 won (all seats) Currently, the ownership of Arirang is a controversial issue in Korea. Therefore, this performance is a way to protect Arirang of Korea. The producer tried to mix Arirang with other types of music in hopes that the world would enjoy Neo Arirang.

Musical Elizabeth 뮤지컬 엘리자벳 Venue: Grand Theater, Gwangju Culture and Art Center (광주문화예술회관) Date: July 14 – July 15 Time: July 14 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. / July 15 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Admission: VIP Seat130,000 won / Seat R 110,000 won / Seat S 90,000 won / Seat A 70,000 won Youth passes and group discounts are available Starring: Ok Ju-hyeon (singer), Song Chang-eui (actor) The cast changes depending on the time.

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Gwangju News July 2012

Muan Lotus Blossom Festival 무안연꽃축제 Date: July 26 – July 29 Venue: Hoesan Beakleonji, Illo-eup, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do Features: Ecology exhibition, Lotus Cooking Festival, Pumba Festival, Lotus dyeing Directions: Take the bus to Muan from U-square, transfer to bus 800 For more information: tour.muan.go.kr The 4th Yeonggwang Mudflat Festival 영광 법성포 단오제 Date: July 21 – July 29 Venue: Baekbawi Beach, Yeomsan-myeon, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do Activities: sledding, long jump, treasure hunts, games on mud flats Directions: Take a bus to Yeonggwang from U-square, transfer to a bus going to Chagoji, Duwoo from Yeonggwang Bus Terminal Intersection For more information: 061-350-5752 (Yeonggwang Culture and Tourist department) The 40th Gangjin Celadon Festival 강진청자축제 Date: July 28 – August 5 Venue: The whole area of Goryeo Celadon Porcelain Kilns, Daegu-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do Features: exhibitions, performances, face painting, carving celadon, traditional marriage ceremonies Directions: Take the bus to Gangjin from U-square, transfer to a bus going to Maryang and Gangjin For more information: www.gangjinfes.or.kr Goheung Seonjeong Mudlympic 고흥 선정 머드림픽 Date: July 21 - July 22 Venue: Coastal Shelterbelt, SeonJeong-maeul, Namyang-myeon, Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do Activities: fishing, swimming in mud pool, beer and wine tasting Directions: Take the bus to Goheung from U-square, transfer to a bus going to Goheung and Beolgyo For more information: www.mudlympic.co.kr Jeongnamjin Water Festival 정남진 물축제 Date: July 27 – August 2 Activities: fishing Features: play about the environment, photo contest, Chinese acrobatics Directions: Take the bus to Jangheung from U-square, transfer to a bus going to Jangheung (Woosangyo, Busan) For more information: www.jhwater.kr

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Opt

i Las ik 2 012 (FS2 00 + EX5 00)

보건복지부 지정 안과수술 전문병원

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feature

Written by Maria Lisak Interpretation by Kim Se-ra Photos courtesy of Professor Heo Soon Sun

Before It’s Lost:

Documenting Dance E

xperts predict about half of today's languages will go extinct within the next fifty to one hundred years. Language is an obvious element of culture, but what about the arts? The Korean government has set up institutions and processes to help preserve Korean art and culture.

Korea identifies seven types of cultural heritage.[1] One particular type, “Intangible Cultural Heritage,” includes any cultural icon such as a drama, a piece of music, a dance or a special demonstration of craftsmanship which has great historic, artistic or academic value.

떵ㅇㅇ떵ㅇㅇ떵ㅇ더궁따ㅇ

This beat hits me every time. From my office window I can hear the drums keeping time to Korean beats. Heo Soon Sun, a professor of Performing and Martial Arts, provides free lessons to faculty at Gwangju University. Her knowledge of Korean traditional drumming and music is so great that she has given Korean dance and music a legacy that will endure as strongly as that of 14

Gwangju News July 2012

King Sejong in making the Korean alphabet.

Heo Soon Sun Originally from Jeonju, Professor Heo travels from there to teach her classes at Gwangju University.

She began learning Korean-style dance at the age of eight. Through years of performance and teaching she has not only provided audiences with delightful moments through her movement and music, won awards for her work, and been recognized by Korea as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage”, but has written a book vital to the protection of the legacy of these endangered movements.

She is a living cultural icon of Korean heritage because of her dance performances. In our interview she emphasized the method of learning to dance. There are four types of dances to master before being able to consider yourself a competent Korean dancer. These include: 아랫몸사 위 – bottom, 윗몸사위 – top, 온몸사위 – both, 바탕춤 – mix. While the English translation is descriptive of the

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general movements made (“top” meaning movements only of the upper-body, etc.), it has been Professor Heo’s lifelong work to create names in Korean for each movement of these traditional dances that she has learned since she was young.

In doing this she was inspired by the work of Park Keum Seul, who was the first to give names to pieces or sections – a series of movements – of Korean traditional dances. She named the dancing gestures (춤사위) of the upper-body and the lower-body. She also arranged the terms which describe the steps (입바탕춤). She also named pieces in the “naked-hand dance” (입맨손 춤) and the “towel dance” (입수건춤).

Professor Heo took it one step further. In naming each micro-movement, following in the footsteps of hundreds of years of Jeolla scholars, she has devoted her time to documenting these cultural assets for posterity. By taking the movements named by Park Keum Seul and breaking them down into each step, each flick of the wrist, each breath as the body is lifted from hip to waist, Professor Heo has made Korean dance more articulated for future generations than through just watching a performance on YouTube. Each simple move, previously unnamed, has been documented, named and shared. She has taken each movement and made it a note, just like in Gwangju News July 2012

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music, or a word, just like in language. She has transliterated dance moves into sounds and words.

한국의 춤사위와 무보틀

These naming devices have served Korea well. Her book, 한국의 춤사위와 무보틀 (Korean Dance and the Notes of Movement), is a key read for learners and teachers of Korean dance. She recently has given a demonstration workshop in Seoul. In this visual performance/training video, she included her prerecorded voice with the music to provide the name for each movement, while she is simultaneously on stage demonstrating each movement during the recording.

In the 1970s there was a resurgence of interest, practice and participation in Korean traditional dance and music. These days, popular Korean music and dance are influenced by the West. The ups and downs of Koreans’ interest in Korean traditional culture continue to vacillate. There is, perhaps, an identifiable cycle: the younger generation – no interest in things Korean; newly weds - new interest; those raising children – bigger interest; senior citizens – strong interest. Or maybe it is like what my mentor and friend Lee Young Seok, a historian, says: “Foreigners will be the ones protecting and perpetuating things Korean”.

Performing the Basic Dances Professor Heo does two performances annually, usually focusing on sharing the most basic of dances and how to do them well. While the movements are often slow and small and seemingly easy to mimic, her portrayal of these basic elements allows for a continuous realignment to the fundamental concepts of breath as well as movement in the Batang, Ip and Sukeon dances.

Batang Dance: This performance includes movements of the lower body and upper body, as well as the whole body, as studied through the Park Keum Seul School of Batang Dance to the familiar Korean background tune of “시나위” Ip Dance: This dance, literally the “Basic Dance,” is the root of all kinds of Korean dance, such as the Batang Dance. As a disciplined dance, it enables the performers to improve the emotion of their body movements.

Sukeon Dance: This is also known as the “Towel Dance,” in which a towel or kerchief is used.

Traditionally this dance was used to show the emotions of joy, anger, sorrow and happiness through the movement of the dancer and the towel.

[1]: english.cha.go.kr

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community

Gwangju Performance Project Written by Adam Hogue Photos courtesy of Gwangju Performance Project

C

reativity doesn’t have to stop for anything. There is no down time, there is no need to wait, just create and make the opportunity. This summer and into the fall, the Gwangju Performance Project is calling all artists to do just that: to create and to see those creations come to life.

The Gwangju Performance Project is launching a series of writing workshops designed to hone in local writing talent for a production called Your Words on Stage.

The project will collect plays submitted by local writers and just about anyone else who has a good idea for a play. The plays will be selected by a panel and eventually performed for the Gwangju community.

It is creative art at its best; art for the sake of art.

Leading up to the submission deadline, Gwangju Performance Project will be hosting a series of writing workshops hosted by Rachel Redfern. Rachel Redfern is a writer and blogger as well as a college professor.

She is currently teaching English in Gwangju. The workshops are being held Sunday June 24th with a “make-up” workshop on June 27th. There will be a follow-up workshop on July 8th to help people further their plays for submission as well as any other creative writing they want to work on. The workshop is open to all, with or without any writing prepared.

The workshop will lead up to the Gwangju Performance Project’s next show, Your Words on Stage. The show will feature locally (or not-so-locally)

written, produced and performed plays. The Gwangju Performance Project is accepting play submissions from anyone for review and selection.

The submission deadline is August 1st.

The Gwangju Performance Project’s fourth production is slated for this coming fall. Come be a part of it and get creative. Art for art’s sake is the best kind.

Visit the Gwangju Performance Project’s website for details on submissions and getting involved: http://www.gwangjutheatre.com/your-words-onstage.html Learn more and get your creative juices flowing at the Gwangju Performance Project’s Writing Workshops being held at the GIC downtown.

Workshop Dates at the Gwangju International Center: First Lecture Sunday June, 24th @ 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday June 27th @ 7 p.m. (make-up) Second Lecture Sunday July 8th @ 3 p.m.

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interview

A Man of Letters:

Song Chae-Pyong Written by Seth Pevey Photo by Park Min-woo

T

he hermit kingdom now sits at the world’s table. Korea has opened up, and global thoughts, ideas and people are flowing in. A strong economy combined with a near obsessive desire to learn English make it a particularly viable option for westerners, recent college grads and long-term “Korea hands” alike. But what about the flow in the opposite direction – the push made by some Koreans to make a new life in the West?

The BBC ran an article last year about the “most successful immigrants”, and to no one’s surprise, the studies showed that “Of all the groups … coming to the U.S. each year, Koreans are said to be among the most successful.”

It was with much pleasure that Gwangju News recently had the opportunity to interview one of these transplanted children of the Han, and one whose particular success story in his new home proved an inspiring case study of Eastern diligence blossoming in the open and individualistic climate of the West.

But let us not introduce him as some stranger, for he is Gwangju News’ own monthly contributor of translated poetry, none other than Dr. Chae-Pyong Song himself.

Short and starkly handsome, “JP”, as he is sometimes called in more casual circles, greeted us at the GIC in downtown Gwangju, just an hour before he took the stage to give the weekly “Saturday talk”. Although he returns to the region often (this being just one of his many trips back to the land of his birth) his manner and speech seem to have taken on, over the years, a distinctly American tone and directness. His Korean saturi or accent is almost completely gone, and we spoke with the easy familiarity of two countrymen meeting abroad.

Perhaps he may now be American, having assimilated into that great melting pot that is America years ago, but his past is a distinctly Korean one. Born in Yeosu, Chae-Pyong went to high school in Suncheon before attending our own

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Chonnam National University in the trouble-filled early 80s. After a few years of working as a translator with the local U.S. Air Force, Chae-Pyong left for America.

He would begin his American odyssey at the University of Virginia, studying linguistics on a Rotary Scholarship. There he would struggle in ways which might sound all too familiar to us expats here in Korea.

“The hardest thing at first was the (southern) dialect; I had trouble even ordering food. The clerk would ask me ‘whatchawan?’ It took me some time to figure out he meant ‘What do you want?’.

It was pretty discouraging at first, here I am thinking I have a grasp on English and I can’t even order a meal,” Chae-Pyong recalled, mimicking the deep mountain accent of West Virginia with the accuracy of a linguist.

He would overcome these and other adversities, attending The University of Texas (UT) in Austin and Texas A&M in College Station, switching majors in the process, and finally earning his Ph.D. in English literature.

“I lost interest in the mechanics of language, so I switched to Postcolonial literature, that is the literature of previously colonized countries, like Ireland or Korea,” Chae-Pyong said, referencing a cross-cultural connection and sympathy that you may have heard invoked before.

Fast forward to the present; the struggles and trials of those early days are long behind him. ChaePyong has a blessed life, born, of course, of nothing less than hard work and perseverance. He is now a tenured professor at Marygrove College, close to Wayne State University where his wife is also a professor of educational psychology.

When asked about his wife, who is also Korean, he told us, “it was wonderful to watch a woman blossom in Western culture; my wife was able to reach a high place that might not have been available to her in Korea because of the gender roles.”

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On top of his professorship, Chae-Pyong has a particular passion for poetry, a love which thankfully has put him in the position to contribute to the Gwangju News. He is a translator of the highest competency – the type of man who has earned the right to bridge this gap, to work between two languages, two different worlds, balancing two starkly contrasting states of being and perhaps helping bring the rest of us to some sort of understanding.

neighbors tell him to “stop cooking your stinky food,” and so on.

“Compared to Western poetry, which tends to be more suggestive, Korean poetry seems sometimes a little more direct. The traditional Korean stoicism opens up a little bit when it comes to poetry. And then, of course, there is our resistance poetry.”

It was a pleasure for us to finally get to put a face to the man who has helped our magazine so much, and to see the story of one who has succeeded so much in a place so different from his home.

Indeed, resistance seems to be a major motif in the poems published in our Gwangju News month by month, supplied by none other than the man himself. Resistance themes: resistance to foreign invaders, such as the Japanese, or resistance to their own country’s tightfisted governments of the past – these ideas flit though their lines, time and time again dutifully transformed into an alien tongue so that we too can appreciate their beauty.

Although he didn’t say it, you can tell Chae-Pyong has a lot of hope for Korea in the coming days. He is happy in his new life, that much is obvious, but the part of him that is Korean will surely always miss his home.

While recently there have been spates of xenophobia and racism in Korea, it is important to remember that these things exist everywhere, and are by no means unique to the situation of expats here in Gwangju. Dr. Song is in a great position to put things in perspective – mirroring our worst doubts and fears and showing us how they can be overcome.

You can check out Chae-Pyong’s translation work at http://jaypsong.wordpress.com/.

His cross cultural capabilities straddle not only the languages – Chae-Pyong had plenty of wise words on what might be lost, “or gained” as he put it, in translation. After our brief interview, he would take the stage to give the Saturday talk, which was entitled “Mapping Diasporic Identities.” It was clear that the years of lecturing had made him quite comfortable with public speaking, and he gave a very moving presentation.

He started by listing some of the differences between America and Korea, using literature, as well as a list of things he gained and lost when he made the transition.

“I left the land of we, and arrived in the land of I. I left the land of romantic nationalism, and arrived in the land of neo-imperialism. I left a land where you have to guess at the subtle desires of other people, and arrived in the land where people tell you directly what they want.”

The list went on and on, each comparison well thought out and vetted by Dr. Song’s years of experience on both sides of the Pacific.

He went on to tell us about some of the discrimination he faced in America, reminding us with his anecdotes that the specter of racism can still be found lingering in Western countries. He has been told by Americans to “go back to your country.” He has had culturally disrespectful Gwangju News July 2012

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culture

Korea’s Celadon Tradition

Written by C. Adam Volle Photo courtesy Gangjin Celadon Festival Acknowledgment: Yoon Sang-soo

D

r. Lilias Horton was not a naïve woman. She understood why her most important patient, Queen Myeongseong of the Joseon Dynasty, should be disposed to treat her with kindness: because really, Her Highness could scarcely afford to do otherwise. Female practitioners of modern medicine were almost as rare in 19th-century Korea as queens themselves. Yet the Queen’s generosity still felt far out of proportion to services rendered.

Among the treasures which arrived at the doctor’s door after her first day of work were “a fine embroidered silk screen, embroidered pillow, and bed cushions, native silks, linens, cotton materials, [and] fans.” This delivery was later followed by “a very unique pair of gold bracelets, which she had ordered made for a wedding present… [and] a ring set with a beautiful pearl for my husband.” And another present, one not inventoried for us in Dr. Horton’s later autobiography, would put all those offerings to shame. One day, the American doctor received a pitcher.

The pitcher was small and stoneware, but it was “green celadon”, what Koreans call Cheong-ja (청 자), and an antique besides, over five hundred years old – crafted in an era of Korean history as

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renowned for its ceramics as the European Renaissance is for painting. Its value thus derived as much from its artistry as from its age; on the very day of its completion it had been understood to be fit for use in a royal household, priced accordingly.

And the royals had come for it, along with every specimen like it. Their emissaries had arrived not only from the capital of the twelfth-century Korean state but also from the land of the Jurchens to the north, and from the islands of Japan, and even from the imperial courts of the Chinese emperors themselves, despite their country’s preeminence in the field. In fact the Chinese royals praised Korean pottery more effusively than most, with one scholar of the Song Dynasty placing the celadon on his widely-circulated list of “The Ten Treasures of the World”. It must be admitted that nobody seems to remember what the other nine Treasures were, but it’s assumed the celadon was in fine company.

So what made Korean celadon such a good thing, a treasure even the famous master-potters of Longquan couldn’t replicate? Well, in a word, “celadon” – and one particular pigment of it, a pallid, bluish-green hue. Some describe it as “kingfisher green.” One famous ceramicist has

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declared it “the color of Nirvana.” Whatever you’d care to call it, it’s utterly exclusive to ceramics prepared in Jeollanam-do. Its manifestation is caused by a unique level of iron oxide in the clay used by resident potters. The iron oxide undergoes a chemical reaction when subjected to high heat in the oxygen-reduced environment of a live kiln, which changes the clay’s color.

But if that doesn’t make the slightest sense to you, don’t be too hard on yourself. The potter who shaped Queen Myeongseong’s gift didn’t understand it, either. An uneducated man who likely never stepped a mile beyond his native Gangjin, what occurred within the chambers of the communal kiln he co-operated would always be a sweet mystery to him, magic perhaps taught by spirits long ago, or just fortuitously stumbled upon. All he knew for sure was his own part in the process. He and his sons collected the clay from the riverbank, as well as wood from the forested hills when it was their turn to provide it for the kiln. Outside the potter’s workshop they dumped the clay into holes lined with cloth weaved of grass fibers. They added water to produce a gooey mud, then drained that through a sieve to extract its impurities. Depending on the project, they might do this multiple times; once would certainly do for rough implements, but half-a-dozen might not have sufficed for Dr. Horton’s exquisite pitcher. Once the sludge was suitably free of contaminants, more water was added, as well as wood ash, and here the potters began to differ in technique. Like all his fellow craftsmen, the artist behind Dr. Horton’s pitcher held his own opinion about exactly how much wood ash it was best to add to the clay. He considered the measurement a trade secret and guarded it as fiercely as KFC supposedly does its list of 11 herbs and spices.

The work which truly distinguished one potter from another, however, came next. The potter plopped a chunk of the clay onto his potter’s wheel and sat down to spin it with his foot. The process which followed was and is called “throwing”. No molds or castings were involved here. Every piece was an original. This did mean mistakes were made, forcing the potter to abort the occasional project, but he considered that part of the process. For that matter, it still is today: modern equipment and knowledge haven’t saved 21st-century potters from screwing up over half the pieces they attempt. With a present-day statistic like that, there’s little telling how much clay dug up by the 12th-century potter was successfully turned into product. So it went; as previously mentioned, pottery in those days was no science. It was magic.

And when the magic happened, producing a shape upon the wheel pleasing to his eye, he left

that creation to dry for a few days in the sun, and then began the laborious process of wounding its body according to his chosen design – this time, a series of lotus blossoms, symbolic of the Buddha’s compassion. Into the cuts he created he applied a second batch of clay differently prepared. Each batch would react differently to the fire and assume contrasting colors, creating a vivid pattern.

The pitcher would actually have to see the interior of the kiln twice, once at 700 degrees C. to harden it enough for daily use, and a second time at an astounding 2000 degrees C., after he had dipped it into the witch’s brew of minerals and oxides that would form the pitcher’s waterproof, lustrous coating. If the spirits were good, (and he always bribed them to be, unreliable as they were) that “glaze” would emerge from the flames unblemished and tinted the tone of the sea. It would be a sight fit for the table of an emperor, one whose representative could set up the potter for life with one coveted commission.

Was the work of art which the potter found waiting for him within the kiln’s cooled-down chambers just such a commissioned piece? Was it the outcome of all his professional ambitions, or only the latest vessel to contain them? Either way, the potter undervalued it. He didn’t know that within a hundred years, the Mongolians would invade and leave nobody left alive who could make another one.

Knowing today that they did just that, however, is what makes July’s Gangjin Celadon Festival not just an art festival, but a celebration of the miraculous – because you’ve actually probably seen a lot of celadon around. You see it because Korean ceramicists and academics, in underfunded fits and starts, began a concerted effort in the 1950s to study the antique celadon which still exists – all pieces in Korea are now officially national treasures - and rediscover how to create them. Their results are now on display in store windows throughout the world. Their work’s led to the opening of the Gangjin Celadon Museum in Gangjin County, the region from which more than 80% of the world’s green celadon comes. The festival takes place there, running through the last weekend of the month (26th-30th), and for nine years in a row the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has declared it the best local festival in Korea. They say there’s something for everybody. You should go.

If you can’t make it that weekend, though, consider instead hitting the National Museum of Korea sometime soon. “Korean Art from the United States” runs until August 5 at its special exhibition hall and includes an extremely impressive collection of celadon, on loan from various museums in the States. There’s a pitcher provided by the Brooklyn Museum that’s just magic.

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event preview GIC Tour with Warren

Mt. Mudeung & Damyang Words and photos by Warren Parsons TOUR OVERVIEW Date: July 21(Sat.), 09:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m.

Itinerary: Chungjang Shrine - Buncheong Ware Kiln - Pungam Pavilion - Hwanbyeokdang Pavilion - Soswaewon Garden – Gwangju Confucian Academy(Miniature Hanbok Making) Fee: 25,000 won for GIC members/ 35,000 won for non-members

J

uly brings with it all the enjoyment of summer.

Monsoon rains, sunny beaches and refreshing mountain valleys add excitement to the humidity and incessant air conditioning. Gwangju is not on the coast, but there are plenty of mountains to cool off in. This summer, it is easy to beat the city heat and enjoy the mountain valleys with the GIC tour!

This month’s tour will visit the historical sites on the north side of Mt. Mudeung in Gwangju and Damyang. Wonhyo Valley stretches for several kilometers from the top of the mountain all the way down to Damyang. Not only are there cool streams and ancient footpaths but between the lush foliage there are also many historic pavilions and cultural sites.

The first stop will be Chungjang Shrine. This shrine is dedicated to Kim Deok-ryeong, a military general who fought against the Japanese during the Imjin War in the 1590s. His name, Chungjang, is also recognizable from Gwangju’s well known shopping street. The next stop will be the Buncheong Ware Kiln and Museum. Buncheong Ware is a type of Korean ceramic that was popular at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty. Unlike the refined white porcelains of later periods, Buncheong Ware is appreciated for its rustic qualities. The kiln used to make the wares and several examples of complete wares are on display.

From the museum, participants will walk along one of the ancient footpaths through the forest to Pungam Pavilion. Built by Kim Deok-ho,

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Many famous writers and poets have spent time in the pavilions of Damyang and Gwangju. For this reason the area is romantically called "the land of literature and exile." Please come and enjoy the mountains this July with the GIC tour!

Black Bean Noodle

Pungam Pavilion

Chungjang’s brother, the pavilion sits proudly on a small outcrop overlooking the beautiful scenery.

Deok-ho, saddened by the loss of his two brothers, retired here to write and live quietly. Along the way there are several religious relics, including a large boulder where shaman rituals are performed. Following the trek, participants will enjoy lunch at a local mountain restaurant that specializes in black tofu and refreshing cold noodles with ground soybeans.

After lunch, the tour visits Soswaewon Garden and Hwanbyeokdang Pavilion. During the 1500s many scholars and writers moved to the area to escape the violent literary purges occurring in Seoul. One such refuge is Soswaewon, a traditional garden set majestically in a bamboo grove. Sang-bo Yang, a scholar and writer, completed the original design in 1520. Here, participants can wander around the structures in the garden and appreciate the landscape. Finally, the tour ends at Hwanbyeokdang. Sachon, also known as Kim Yun-je, built this pavilion as a place to study, write and teach away from the vicissitudes of court life.

His student Jeong Cheol became a famous writer, well-known for his Gasa, or lyrical poetry.

Black Tofu Dish

**After the tour, the GIC is offering a Korean culture program at the Gwangju Confucian Academy. The program includes traditional games and making traditional Korean clothing. All participants on the GIC tour can join the culture program free of charge!

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PHOTO CONTEST Submit your best shot of Korea!

To enter the Photo Contest, simply send your name, photo and picture description to gwangjunews@gmail.com.

The Photo of the Month will be displayed at the GIC for that month.

Photo of the Month

Sports Day Spirit Photo by Anne Bellury Volle

On the ferry from Bigeumdo to Mokpo Photo by Brittany Baker 24

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Passerby Photo by Jaypee Capiral

Gwangju News’ photo contest was judged by Mark Eaton.

Mark Eaton has exhibited his photographic work in art galleries as well as other public and private venues in the United States and South Korea.

You can view his photography at eatonmark.com

Anticipation Photo by Lindri Steenkamp Gwangju News July 2012

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photo essay

Night S hot

By Christian Oey

Gwangju at dusk

C

hristian Oey is a photography hobbyist who came to South Korea to do his master's at Chosun University.

Since then, he has been living in Gwangju and taking pictures in his free time. He tries to photograph every good moment and experience that he has here in South Korea.

One of his passions is night shot photography. A collection of night shot photos taken in Gwangju are presented here.

You can see more of his works online at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chwijaya http://alensjourney.tumblr.com

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Crossroads of Chosun University

Main Gate of Chosun University

Gwangju News July 2012

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event preview

The Yeosu Expo: One Month In Written by Seth Pevey Photos by Christina Green

S

alty sea breezes were perhaps once the only whiff of the outside world experienced by the small “Jeollanamdo-ian” town of Yeosu, but that has certainly changed these days. As the summer comes on in full and the 2012 Yeosu World Expo reaches its height, there is plenty of global culture and excitement to go around in this once peaceful village by the sea.

First, the ambiance and carnival atmosphere are at the head of a long list of appealing reasons to visit. There are smiles everywhere. Russian sailors on stilts walk across the bridge; Thai dancers twist their lithe bodies to a strange rhythm; Turkish ice cream men shout their wares across the din in accented Korean and English. Here is a true world smorgasbord, a stark island of heterogeneous variety adrift in the sea of Korea’s rather homogenous peninsula. The sights, sounds, smells, not to speak of the people you meet, are more than a little intoxicating. What a joy to see so many cultures represented, coming together in this small and obscure place to demonstrate themselves. The buildings and setting are

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immaculate, sleek, modern, and no doubt cost a pretty penny to construct. They do their job of impressing international travelers well, and upon entering one is immediately taken aback by the sheer scale.

The visual centerpiece might be the gigantic video graphic ceiling somewhat reminiscent of Las Vegas’ Freemont Street. Visitor’s eyes will be drawn upward to what one could call an “oceanic chapel”. The screen shows whales made up entirely of pictures taken of visitors; colorful fish flit through pixilated coral. It is all aimed towards the goal of awareness about our planet’s oceans, and of course, impressing the international community with Korean technological capabilities.

While this flashy piece of technology serves its purpose as eye candy, the content lies in the countless international pavilions, each one showcasing a little slice of the country they represent. One of the coolest things about this is that they have people from each country present, actually working in their nation’s pavilion, most of

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whom are fluent in English and Korean, giving us traveling types plenty of interesting folks to converse with. You can talk with a man from the Congo or chat up a Peruvian dancer, grab an ice cream cone from someone from Turkey and shake hands with a Belgian, all in the space of a few meters.

The only problem with the pavilion set up is that the areas they are housed in are quite small individually. Each pavilion, rather than being open in a market style setup allowing visitors to stroll by and see what there is to see, is closed off in a small building, usually with only one entrance and exit.

This means that when one or another pavilion becomes popular, whether through word of mouth or because they are promoting a special show, the line outside becomes excruciatingly long, and it can take up to an hour to get inside some of the hotter areas. When attending the expo, bring a book or an MP3 player, as long lines are a given. The aquarium generally takes two hours just to get inside. There is a rumor that the pre-booking was abandoned when unruly crowds refused to let those with reservations ahead of the line.

So just what do these Pavilions contain? Well, we at the Gwangju News wouldn’t want to give away too many secrets. You will have to visit yourself to see all of the various oddities and interests collected within. Each area has its own hidden displays, all of which are involved with the ocean theme; and this motif plays itself out in some often odd and wonderful way from country to country.

Peru has a giant squid encased in glass and made into a bar. France has robotic fish darting through a tank with models of the Eiffel tower and Arc De Triomphe. Netherlands has a classical art gallery, depicting its centuries of naval exploration.

On top of the international pavilions, each country has its own special day, where its culture and displays are put in the spotlight by way of some demonstration, concert or parade. Gwangju News was lucky enough to visit on Sweden’s day in the sun, on which dancers dressed like sea creatures paraded through the expo grounds on stilts.

Although the celebration was marred somewhat when one stilt walker lost his balance and fell to the ground, badly injuring himself, the day was otherwise a wonderful tribute to the great Northern European country.

a bit overwrought, childish, and far too Koreacentric for an international expo. It features live satellite feeds of Korea’s coastal waters, an animated Dugong that speaks only in Korean to world visitors and a very childish and sappy presentation about how dugongs are lovable and the friend of children everywhere. In addition, the aquarium’s long line makes it basically inaccessible to anyone who isn’t willing to camp out for hours in the summer sun.

Being so close to Gwangju though, there is really no reason not to check it out. The amount of work and planning that went into the expo are mind blowing, and despite a few small flaws, the international feel and festival ambiance make it more than worthy of the trip.

The other two main attractions, the theme pavilion and the aquarium might be a little disappointing.

The theme pavilion, which is all about saving the Dugong, which are basically the Asian manatee, is Gwangju News July 2012

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Home Pages Want to write about news from your country?

Contact the Editor for more information: gwangjunews@gmail.com.

U.S.A

Indonesia

Korea

By Aisha Hobbs

By Karina Prananto

By Kim Dong-hun

You ‘tweet’ too much…

Technology may make life easier but it doesn’t always make us smarter!

Mahogany Mason-Kelly was arrested just outside of Houston, TX for oversharing on Twitter. The 20year-old student felt inclined to brag about avoiding the police for overdue traffic warrants. Police have the ability to search for key words in social networking sites and blogs. For example, the Pearland Police Department search for “Pearland” to stay current with all the town’s events.

Unfortunately for Ms. Mason-Kelly, the police also discovered that she has additional charges on her record. Her university is likely to evict her from their dorms and Twitter has deleted her account. It still holds true that knowing how to do something is no good if you don’t know when!

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Gwangju News July 2012

National Geographic Indonesia

The Vespa Diaries A Yogyakarta resident takes off in his 1960s Vespa from his hometown in Central Java to Italy while wearing a batik and blangkon, the traditional headwear of Javanese. He started his journey on June 1st, hoping to cover more than 27,000 kilometers, which may take him up to one year of travel time. He is doing this to introduce Indonesian culture while visiting the land in which his old Vespa was made. He also plans to visit all the Indonesian Embassies along the way and will do performances for the Indonesian communities there.

His Vespa is also decorated in style: along with GPS and a spare tire, Indonesian flags are installed on the back. “You’ll never know when you’ll need them,” he said.

Money buys better English?

A recent study shows that parents’ income reflects on their children’s English test scores. The higher parents’ incomes are, the more chances children get to study English outside school, such as at hagwons. Over half of children in the Gangnam area in Seoul start studying English before elementary school, while only 13.6% of children from other areas in Seoul do so. Students from the Gangnam area participate in English camps, overseas language courses, etc., twice as much as students from other areas. Such differences can contribute to a child’s overall academic achievements and their chances of getting a job in the future. In a word, according to the study, having parents with better financial backgrounds can guarantee better English scores and better jobs. But is it entirely true?

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opinion

MBC’s Video: A Response Written by Rachel Redfern In late May, Korean TV network MBC broadcast a short “news” piece titled “The Shocking Truth about Dating Foreigners”; a heavily biased, sensationalized report negatively portraying Westerners in Korea. It drew sharp criticism from the local expat community, with protest groups and petitions quickly appearing on and offline. Here Rachel Redfern contributes her own response to the video.

C

arriers of HIV/AIDS, morally bankrupt, predators of Korean women: these are harsh criticisms of any group, however all were present in the recent MBC video, “The Shocking Truth about Relationships with Foreigners” on its program “세상보기 시시각각”. The video alleged that foreign men were targeting Korean women as sexual partners, transmitting HIV/AIDs and impregnating Korean women without any personal consequences, and decried behaviors expressed between Korean and non-Korean couples, citing sexual promiscuity and inappropriate displays of public affection, insinuating these relationships were based on physical attraction or a desire to learn English, and nothing more.

Members of the expat community strongly criticized the video for its lack of balance, sensationalized and misleading portrayal of Westerners, and poor journalism in its lack of facts, names, studies, and its over-use of conjecture and hearsay.

While the video only aired in Korea, it has made its way into other countries through word of mouth and, of course, social media and networking. Even the Wall Street Journal picked up the story, focusing on the lack of data supporting any of the claims made in the video, most of which seem unfounded.

Obviously this video is creating some very serious accusations that some Koreans may have about Westerners in Korea and whether young Korean women are being “targeted” by foreign men. It may be that it raises the issues of expectations and the ever present fight between the traditional and the modern, perhaps exposing some of Korea’s deeper fears about what is being lost of its culture in the drive towards a more global society.

Granted, a large number of Westerners who come to teach in Korea are in their early to mid twenties, and with their youth comes enthusiasm and an energy that is easily translated in the classroom and in their excitement at living in Korea. However, along with that enthusiasm comes the usual activities of youth: relationships, adventure, drinking, dancing, travel and an eager desire to connect with others. At times there are miscommunications and cultural differences.

Regardless, it is objectionable to suggest that foreigners do bad things simply because they are foreigners.

There are concerns about the possible implications of this video. Even though the video was created by one broadcast station, and not representative of Korea as a whole, videos like MBC’s could easily tarnish the rest of the world’s perception of Korea.

Although Korea has pushed itself with an enormous effort onto the global stage, becoming a powerful economic force, hosting the Olympics for the second time in thirty years, (2018 in Pyeongchang) and, through K-pop, Korean culture has made its mark internationally. However, videos like MBC’s display an intolerant and xenophobic attitude that could undo much of the good that these other, more positive displays of Korean culture have promoted.

If Korea intends to invite the entire world to join in the largest of global events, the Olympics, I wonder what kind of welcoming atmosphere foreigners should expect? Will they be greeted with suspicion and disrespect? Or will they be welcomed as fellow members of a global community and as fellow participants in unity and sport? Given that Korea continues to invite foreign teachers, the Olympics, the World Expo and other harbingers of Western and global ideologies, it can only be hoped that the negative and xenophobic attitudes expressed in the video are simply the minority, and not representative of the wider society.

Consider also the effect this could have on the many multicultural families already living in Korea. Within Korea there are thousands of Western men and women who have married Korean citizens, adopted Korean culture and tried to make Korea their permanent home: what effect will this video have on their lives and the lives of their children? Will these children face future discrimination and disrespect because one of their parents is non-Korean?

The implications of this video are numerous, but none so damaging as to the possibility of causing fear, distrust and disrespect, between both Korean and Westerner. The more lines in the sand we draw, the harder it will be to reach the middle ground, where lies understanding, mutual respect, and unity.

Gwangju News July 2012

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opinion

Why South Korea Should Forgive North Korean Debt for Food Loans Written by Michael Bielawski

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eoul – Under normal circumstances when someone doesn’t pay back a loan they should default on the debt and have to face the appropriate consequences. Such is not the case with the latest political drama between the ROK and DPRK governments.

In September 2000 the two Koreas signed the “Agreement on Provision of Food Loans,” just three months after the first ever inter-Korean summit that June. Now the Export-Import Bank of Korea sent a message to the North’s Chosun Bank to make its first payment on the $720 million worth of rice (2.4 million tons) and corn (200,000 tons) shipped during the two previous administrations.

The first payment of almost six million was due June 7, after which they have 30 days to avoid default.

The plan was for the North to pay the money over 20 years at an annual one percent interest rate.

However, the ROK government shouldn’t hold their breath waiting. The DPRK has publicly stated that the food was their reward for allowing family reunions and for their participation in the 2000 June conference.

But the truth is the ROK shouldn’t even be asking for it in the first place. That’s because if this money were to be paid back (a long shot at best) the financial burden is for certain going to be put on North Korean citizens, and not the DPRK government.

Officially, demanding payment on a loan is not an economic sanction. But for all intents and purposes, in this case, that is essentially what demanding this money amounts to. This $720 million would be coming from a scrap budget under a dictatorship that has notoriously demonstrated its disdain for its own citizens in the form of a brutal police state, prison camps and economic austerity.

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igoodnews.net

The fact of the matter is the corrupt officials of the DPRK are going to look at each other in some smoke-filled room in one of their infamous pleasure palaces and say, “How can we squeeze our citizens harder? Maybe we can cut their electricity earlier each night? Maybe we can expand the forced labor camps?” In other words there won’t be any talk of concessions from government payroll or military spending, only talk of how to further exploit the citizens.

Ask almost any economist or geopolitical analyst and they will tell you, economic sanctions never work. It’s just a rule of economics, if you put strain on the government, it’s going hit the citizens the hardest every time. And what’s more is the government of the sanctioned nation will use the increased economic burden to fuel anger towards the nations that are imposing the sanctions.

Historically sanctions have sometimes been even more devastating than actual war. For example

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Dennis Halliday, a former UN official, quit after he realized that the 1990’s UN imposed sanctions on Iraq killed between 1 and 1.5 million Iraqis, even more than the eventual Gulf War. That’s why economic sanctions are arguably considered an act of war, only worse because they target civilians.

Actually the Lee Myung-bak administration already has official economic sanctions on the DPRK; they initiated some sanctions after the DPRK allegedly sunk the ROK Cheonan warship, an incident that’s still disputed among the international community.

“The sanctions have hit the North Korean agriculture and caused fears of a worsening of the food situation,” said Karin Janz, of the German NGO Welthungerhilfe. “The North Korean agriculture is highly industrialized,” she explained, and heavily dependent on imported farm machines and chemical fertilizers. “Most of these materials came from South Korea, which has now slammed the doors,” reported Saibal Dasgupta for the Times of India.

According to Janz: "[North Koreans] believe the country is in a bad condition because of outside forces.” Considering the notorious isolation and propaganda of the DPRK, this is likely true.

In addition, the US has imposed sanctions on North Korea since the beginning of the Korean War. Christine Ahn and Haeyoung Kim for AntiWar.com report: “In the six decades following the start of the Korean War on June 25, 1950, the United States has built a complex system of restrictions on trade, finance, and investment related to North Korea.

President Truman imposed a complete embargo on all exports to North Korea just three days after the war’s outbreak, and sanctions have since been a mainstay of U.S. foreign policy toward the country.”

In my opinion, South Korea needs to stop demanding this $720 million because first of all it’s not going to happen and more importantly it is bad public relations. The bottom line is this food has already been shipped; it’s over and done with, and it probably saved lives.

Gwangju News July 2012

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sports

Korean Pride Rising in the UFC Written by Matt Furlane

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ver the past 10 years Korea has become highly competitive, if not dominant, in many areas of the economic world with cars, flat screen TVs, and cellular phones as well as in sports such as soccer, women’s golf, and men’s speed skating. So it shouldn't be any surprise that Koreans are starting to exert influence in the area of Mixed Martial Arts.

In 1993 a mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament called the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was launched to determine what was the best of the martial arts – (such as Judo, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do,) and which was the best style of fighting (e.g., kick boxing, wrestling, or boxing). At first it was very low-brow and reminiscent of Roman gladiatorial battles with rabid plebeian crowds cheering for blood. And because the fights were unregulated, in a cage-ring, and sometimes ended with a bloody tooth flying out into the front row, US Senator from Arizona, John McCain, referred to the caged fights as "human cockfighting". But in 2001 the UFC was acquired by the Fertitta brothers who, with Dana White, tossed away the UFCs back-alley image by adding weight classes, ring doctors, new fighting rules, a reality TV show called "TUF," and brought martial arts fighters in from many countries to compete before a worldwide audience – including countries like South Korea.

Currently the two top fighters in the UFC of interest to Koreans (and many Americans I might add) are Korean-American Benson Henderson, who now holds the Lightweight title belt, and the increasingly popular Korean Featherweight contender Jung Chan-sung a.k.a. the "Korean Zombie."

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First, Ben Henderson, was born in 1983 in the USA to a Korean-American mother and AfricanAmerican father. He was raised in Washington State and graduated from Decatur High in 2001 and Dana College Nebraska in 2006 with degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice. While attending Dana College he was twice honored as an NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) All-American. [1] Now at age 28, having studied Tae Kwon Do, wrestling, and Jujitsu, he has amassed an impressive 16-2 MMA record.

In 2010, when World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) merged with the UFC all the fighters, including Henderson, were transferred to the UFC. He fought and won in April 2011 at UFC 129. A few months later in August 2011, he beat Jim Miller in a dominating unanimous decision. And in November of 2011 he won a hard-fought battle against the wild-haired Clay Guida and earned "Fight of the Night" honors which brought a $50,000 bonus.

Like a high-speed train Henderson kept rushing ahead and won the Lightweight title belt when he defeated Frankie Edgar in a unanimous decision on February 25, 2012. Now a muchanticipated rematch is scheduled for UFC 150 on August 11, 2012. Ben Henderson is currently ranked as the number one lightweight fighter in the world by Sherdog.com, and both Korea and America can be proud of him.

With zombies all the rage it's no wonder Jung Chan-sung has become a fan favorite in the USA. He was born in Pohang in 1987 and later moved

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to Namyangju near Seoul. Because he was small and from a rural community he was frequently bullied by his schoolmates, so his aunt enrolled him in Hapkido classes. Eventually he got tough and at age 20 he won his first lightweight tournament organized by Pancrase Korea.

A year later in 2008 he won two fights for Japanese promotion DEEP. And just like Ben Henderson, when the UFC acquired WEC in 2010, they picked up Jung also. His first fight for the UFC in March 2011 put him on the map when he executed the first “twister” submission (one part lateral neck crank and one part lower body twist – painful) in UFC history against Leonard Garcia. He topped that in December of 2011 at UFC 140 by knocking out his opponent in seven seconds – the fastest in professional MMA history.

Several months later on May 15, 2012 he submitted his next opponent with a D'arce choke (like being strangled by an anaconda) in the fourth round which helped earn him both a "Submission of the Night" and "Fight of the Night" bonus. His next fight, yet to be scheduled, will be for the UFC Featherweight Championship, and most likely be against current title holder Jose Aldo. Jung is currently ranked number four by ESPN in the featherweight division. His nickname "The Korean Zombie" comes from his natural Korean toughness and ability to press forward and fight despite taking punches. At 25 years old he is shaping up to be a great fighter that Korea can take pride in for years to come.

[1]: wikipedia.org

2012 GIC 4th Korean Language Class

(July 3rd - August 18th)

Enrich your life in Korea by studying Korean and learning Korean culture with the GIC! Five reasons why you should learn Korean at the GIC: 1. A chance to participate in “Culture Experience Program”: take part in Korean culture first-hand while practicing your Korean language skills.

2. Classes designed for your needs.

3. Experienced and dedicated teachers.

4. A certificate upon completion of the class and a special award for best student.

5. Small class - more opportunity to speak and practice your Korean!

Regular Class (Weekdays and Saturdays) Available Levels: Intensive Beginner, Beginner 1-2-3-4, Intermediate 1, Advanced 2 Time and day: Intensive (Tuesday~Friday - 4 times a week) 10:30 a.m ~ 12:30 p.m., Regular Weekdays (Tuesday, Thursday - twice a week) Morning Class: 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:30 p.m.; Evening Class: 7 ~ 9 p.m.

Regular Saturdays (once a week) 10:30 a.m. ~ 12 p.m.

Price: Intensive: 150,000 won; Regular Weekdays: 80,000 won; Regular Saturdays: 50,000 won (exclude textbook and GIC membership fee)

K-Entertainment Class

Learn Korean through K-pop and K-Drama!

Available Levels: Basic and Intermediate Time and day: Saturday (once a week) 1:30 p.m ~ 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. ~ 5 p.m.

Price: 50,000 won (exclude textbook and GIC membership fee)

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) Class

Specially designed for preparation for the test

Available Levels: Level 1 ~ 4 Time and day: Tuesday, Thursday (twice a week) 7 p.m. ~ 9 p.m.

Price: 100,000 won (exclude textbook, GIC membership fee and registration for TOPIK)

Reading Class

Learn Korean through fairy tales, poetry and articles!

Time and day: Wednesday (once a week) 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:30 p.m.

Price: 50,000 won (exclude textbook and GIC membership fee)

GIC Kindergarten

Available for kids aged 3 to 6 years old

Available Level: Kids Korean Time and day: Wednesday, Friday (twice a week) 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:30 p.m.

Price: 100,000 won (exclude textbook, GIC membership fee for parents)

Tutoring Tutoring is available every Wednesday for one hour between 2 to 6 p.m. once a week for seven weeks.

Fee: 100,000 won

Please contact Boram Lee at boram@gic.or.kr or by phone 062-226-2733/34 and www.gic.or.kr for more information.

Gwangju News July 2012

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language study

Letters to KOTESOL

By Dr. Dave Shaffer

If you have a question for Dr. Dave, please send an e-mail to gwangjunews@gmail.com letting us know your question, students’ age and proficiency level.

Dear Dr. Dave, We have to teach a lot of phonics to low-level elementary students. I think flash cards with written words and pictures are essential though I am running out of creative ways to use them. Can you tell me any ways to use flash cards that will keep my students stimulated as well as strongly develop their skills?

Thanks, Flash Dear Flash, Flashcards are very useful for teaching phonics.

However, students can easily get tired of the teacher flipping cards, modeling the sound on them, and having the students repeat it. This is one useful activity, but it shouldn’t be overused. There are numerous student-centered activities that flash cards can be used for, once the teacher has introduced the sounds of the flashcard letters.

One possible activity is a variation of Concentration.

Take two sets of identical phonics flashcards, mix them up and place them face-down on the table or floor. The aim of the game is to turn over two matching cards, but in order to gain a point, the student, or a member of his team, must pronounce the sound correctly (or the word for the picture that might appear on the card).

Another activity that you could do is a little more active. It could incorporate the Concentration aspect or the teacher could just turn over flashcards with sounds or words on them. The students are in teams with designated runners, and after the team reaches a quick consensus, the team runner runs to an object in the room that contains the same sound as that in the flashcard, touches it, and calls out its name before any other team’s runner. If the sound matches that on the flashcard, the runner’s team gains a point.

After an active activity such as either of the ones above, you may want to calm the students down with a “settler.” You could do this by having the students write as many words as they can think of containing the sound that a flashcard is focusing on, such as the “ow” in “cow”: how, bow, owl, ouch, couch, foul, now, wow!

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These are but a few activities that I thought of in answer to your question. Use your imagination to create activities that meet the needs and interests of you students.

Dr. Dave Dear Dr. Dave, I am currently on a training program along with many colleagues. We are all teachers for elementary schools in Korea. Many of us have lots of experience teaching English to Koreans. Soon we will go abroad to get a TEFL qualification, and there we will teach English to mixed nationalities. I am excited and nervous. What do you think are the main differences between classes with one nationality and mixed nationalities?

Thank you, Kim Dear Kim, Multilingual classes obviously contain more variety than monolingual ones. This means that there are more variables that the teacher must consider and deal with. To begin with, since the students do not have a common L1, the teacher and the students must rely on English as the language of classroom communication. In the Korean EFL class, it is so easy to fall back on Korean to make clear an English word, grammar point, or instruction.

A multilingual class is also multicultural. The teacher needs to be aware of the multitude of cultures that might be represented by the class. Some students may be offended by being pointed to with the forefinger or motioned to “come” with an upturned palm. Others could take offense to being patted on the head. Western teachers may feel disrespected when a student laughs while being reprimanded or avoids eye contact while being spoken to.

The multilingual classroom is also going to hold a wider variety of personalities. Far East Asians are more reserved, for example, while Central and South Americans are more outgoing and talkative. Dealing with the kaleidoscope of personalities can be both interesting and challenging.

Understanding one’s students becomes more of a challenge in the multilingual classroom as students

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bring with them a host of L1-influenced English accents that may be unfamiliar to the teacher who is used to teaching only in a Korean classroom where the singular accent on the English spoken is Koreaninfluenced.

The array of grammar problems that manifest themselves in the multilingual classroom is also wider.

This is due to the wider range of languages of the students contributing to L1-interference.

For the student, however, the experience of a multilingual classroom can be very beneficial, both linguistically and culturally, in gaining an understanding of the peoples of the world.

Dr. Dave Dear Dr. Dave, I am currently learning about future tenses. The level of the grammar is very high, and I didn’t realize how many differences there are between exact meanings of different future tenses. However, my teacher told us that the grammar rules in the book are not often rigorously followed or known by native speakers. If this is true, why should I learn these grammar rules exactly?

Please help me!

KHJ Dear KHJ, There are two things here that we need to have a good understanding of: what constitutes a good grammar rule and what it means to “know” a grammar rule. The grammar rules that you were taught in school, often referred to as “school grammar,” are a set of prescriptive rules designed for most easily teaching a subset of the grammar of English. Unfortunately, some of these have been handed down for ages though they are no longer commonly used, if they ever really were, and others are taught, but their multitudes of exceptions are conveniently omitted. In short, students are made to believe that the pedagogical grammar that their teachers feed them is unquestionably correct and that anything else is unquestionably incorrect.

However, a “proper” grammar of English should represent what English speakers actually speak and actually accept as acceptable English. This will differ considerably from school grammar. So, the grammar that speakers actually use can be quite different from the grammar that students are told and taught as being what English speakers use.

unconsciously internalize the rules of a grammar through use of the language. The second language learner will be able to verbalize grammar rules but very often use them incorrectly. The native speaker may not be very good at verbalizing a grammar rule but intuitively can use it correctly and know when others use it incorrectly. So, a native speaker’s knowledge of grammar rules in more intuitive and automatized, while a second language learner’s knowledge is more “book learning.”

The grammar rules that your teacher told you are not rigorously followed because they are incomplete, outdated, or just plain convoluted, and therefore should not be rigorously followed. It is often the case that English learning materials published domestically are not compiled with the rigor that should be required of educational materials.

Dr. Dave “Dr. Dave” is David E. Shaffer, current President of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL). On behalf of the Chapter, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings. Dr. Shaffer is a professor of English at Chosun University, where he has taught graduate, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses for many years. He has recently received the KOTESOL Lifetime Achievement Award.

Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL July Chapter Meeting Date & Time: July 14 (Sat.), 1:30 p.m.

Place: Chosun University, Main Building (Bon-gwan) Featured Workshop: Creating Practical and Original English-based Lessons (Tim Thompson) Swap-Shop: Share your teaching ideas and activities.

Admission: Free Next Meeting: August 11 (Sat.) Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Website: www.koreatesol.org/GwangjuJeonnam Email: gwangju_kotesol@yahoo.com

To “know” a language’s grammar can mean two quite different things. For a second language learner, to “know” grammar usually means to consciously learn or memorize rules from a teacher and textbook.

For a native speaker to “know” a grammar is to Gwangju News July 2012

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culture

Behind the Myth: Exploring Korean Tradition This series of articles will shed light on some Korean myths, folklore, traditions and superstitions. Every country has their own share of beliefs, fact or fiction, and many foreigners living in Korea are yet to hear or understand the basis of various Korean beliefs as they become apparent.

Passing the Big Exam Written by Stephen Redeker

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his month’s “Behind the Myth” begins where last month’s ended: about Korean students having an abundance of homework and exams to study for. It’s a part of Korean culture that dates back centuries. Passing tests has always been a way to succeed in life and raise one’s status in society. Usually young Korean students don’t become accustomed to tests until middle school. Then progressively the tests become more frequent, difficult and important through high school, college and post-graduate studies. These tests include major exams taken to qualify for employment for premium job openings at major companies.

Korean test culture differs greatly from western “test culture.” In the USA, the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) gives a clear-cut score which universities use to determine whether or not an applicant qualifies to attend. Scoring high on the SAT is something that takes much preparation. If a student does not do well on the SAT, they can still be confident that a successful career can be achieved. Fortunately, it’s believed that even college drop outs can become huge successes with the right ideas, hard work and timing. In Korea, this is not the case. If you don’t pass the test, dire consequences could follow. Which brings us to the Korean myths discussed this month, based on superstitious study habits and beliefs.

There are a few traditional beliefs that many students follow in order to successfully get them through tests. One such belief involves shampoo, or a lack thereof. On the day of the big test, or the night before, some students will take a shower without washing their hair. They believe they might lose all the information and knowledge gained from all the cramming and studying for the exam.

Washing your hair before a test could bring bad luck. The more important the test, the more likely a student will observe this tradition.

Everyone living in Korea has eaten the popular soup called 미역국 (miyeokguk), but did you know this soup could spell doom for test takers? Students won’t eat it before an exam. The thought process is this: miyeokguk is a seaweed soup which is

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considered to have a slippery texture, and if eaten, one might slip or fail the test. The Korean phrase 미끄러지다 (mikkeureojida) means both to slip or to fail, so you can see how this belief comes from language.

Not all pre-test superstitious habits involve restraint.

Some involve eating. Students eat 엿 (yeot) before taking the Korean version of the SAT exam. It’s similar to taffy but more like a hard candy, though still sticky. 붙다 (butda) means to stick to something, and also to pass an exam. Since it’s the same word, students eat yeot as a way to bring good luck.

If you’re wondering why they don’t apply more modern foods with these beliefs, keep in mind that these superstitions come from traditional Korean items. You won’t see beliefs about slippery banana peels, silicone spray, fly paper or masking tape supplanting the superstitions about miyeokguk or yeot any time soon.

Have you ever seen a student receive a fork as a gift before taking a big test? Students get a fork from their friends or family as a sign of good luck.

The verb 찍다 (jjikda) means to spear (as if eating food with a fork), and also to "take a stab at" a multiple choice answer, and get it right. Who would have thought that people would find such symbolism in a fork?

Always remember that with all superstitions and beliefs, not every person holds the same ideas and there are probably far more people who do not follow these thoughts than there are those who do. Taking tests in Korea is something which brings a huge amount of stress on young people, an unfortunate coming of age process that most, if not all, have to go through at some point. Perhaps in the future the nature of test results will not be so critical as they have been in the past, and people can be judged not by what they did before the test, but by what they did after it. In the meantime, when you see a stressed-out student with unkempt hair eating a sticky brown candy, you can simply wish them “행운을 빌어요” (haengun-eul bireoyo), good luck.

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language study

The Connective‘-ㄴ(은/는)데’: and/but/so

By Jung Soo-a Jung Soo-a is an instructor of the GIC Korean Language Class

Dialogue 소라 : 존씨, 안녕하세요?

[J o n s s i , a n n y e o n g h a s e y o ? ] Sora : Hello, John. 존

: 네, 안녕하세요? 그런데, 소라씨 서울에 가 본 적 있어요?

[N e , a n n y e o n g h a s e y o ? g e u r e o n d e , s o r a s s i s e o u r e g a b o n j e o k i s s e o y o ? ] John: How are you? By the way Sora, have you ever been to Seoul? 소라 : 네, 가 본 적 있어요. 그때 5일 동안 있었는데 아주 재미있었어요.

[N e , g a b o n j e o k i s s e o y o . g e u t t a e 5 i l d o n g a n i s s e o t n e u n d e a j u j a e m i i s s e o s s e o y o . ] Sora : Yes, I have. I stayed for 5 days, and I enjoyed it a lot. 존 : 그때 무엇을 했어요? [geuttae mueoseul haesseoyo?]

John: What did you do there? 소라 : 쇼핑을 했었는데 아주 좋았어요. [syopingeul haesseotneunde aju joasseoyo. ] Sora : I went shopping, and it was really good. 존

: 광주에서 서울까지 얼마나 걸려요? [gwangjueseo seoulkkaji eolmana geollyeoyo?]

John: How long does it take to get to Seoul from Gwangju? 소라 : 4시간쯤 걸려요 [N e s h i g a n j j e u m g e o l l y e o y o . ] Sora : It takes about 4 hours.

Vocabulary 서울[seoul]: Seoul, capital in Korea 노래[norae]: a song

존

: 언젠가 서울에 가보고 싶어요. [e o n j e n g a s e o u r e g a b o g o s h i p e o y o . ] John : I would like to go to Seoul someday.

Reference: 김성희 외. (2009). 서강한국어2A 서울: 도서출판 하우 서강한국어. Retrived June 6, 2012 from http://korean.sogang.ac.kr

Grammar

The Connective‘-ㄴ(은/는)데’: and/but/so This connective is used to introduce a certain fact, occurrence, or event.

Examples: -> 가방을 사고 싶은데, 지금은 돈이 없어요.

I want to buy a bag, but I don't have money now.

-> 제가 지금 시간이 없는데, 내일 다시 오시겠어요?

I don't have time now, so can you come again tomorrow?

-> 저는 한국인 친구가 있는데, 그는 노래를 잘해요.

I have a Korean friend, and he is good at singing.

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Selected Poems

By Shin Dal-ja Translated by Song Chae-Pyong and Anne Rashid

Shin Dal-ja (1943- ) was born in Geochang, Gyeongsangnam-do. She studied Korean literature at Sookmyung Women’s University. She taught creative writing at Pyongtaek University and Myungji College. Her poetry collections include Father’s Light, Passionate Love, The Long Talking Relationship, and Paper. She also has written several collections of essays including The Poet’s Love, You Remember These Three Things, and At Forty, I Learned the Baby-Steps of Life. Her literary awards include The Korea Literature Award, the Modern Buddhist Literature Award, and Youngrang Poetry Award.

Blank Paper: Part One

백지 1

If you want to calm anger like cast iron, if you want to calm resentment like a rock, jump down on the blank page.

If you want to open your spirit to the first nature that is endless however many times you enter and is wide open without bottoms or walls, if you want to taste the ecstasy of all of your body becoming a blank page, soaking slowly into the blank page, if you want to wash up the dirt of the world and be clear like spring water in a forest, if you want to experience the white light, deeply cool, even without bleaching that accepts everything and lets it go, if you want to enter into such a path of goodness where with the first step you step on eternity and with the second step the past and future worlds merge into one way, if you want to meet the spirit of the spirits that has no weight nor smell nor conflict, lightly jump down on a blank page.

무쇠 같은 분노를 삭이려면 돌덩이 같은 한을 삭이려면 그곳에 들어가 보세요 들어가도 들어가도 끝이 없는 바닥도 벽도 없이 확 트인 최초의 자연에 정신을 열어보고 싶다면 백지에 스르르 스며들어서 온몸이 백지가 되는 황홀을 맛보고 싶다면 세상의 먼지를 깨끗하게 씻어 산속 샘물같이 맑아지고 싶다면 표백은 없었지만 시리게 깊은 흰빛 다 받아들이고 다 쏟아내는 첫 발자국에 영원이 밟히고 두 발자국에 과거와 내세가 하나의 길로 열리는 그런 선한 길로 접어들고 싶다면 무게도 냄새도 충돌도 없는 정신의 정신을 만나고 싶다면 훌쩍 백지 위로 뛰어내려 보세요

It is such a path where the origin leads your hand— the origin in which there is nothing but there is everything, where you find meaning even though you followed without a purpose, where pure hearts stand up, where gallant people with conviction never get thirsty however long they journey.

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Gwangju News July 2012

아무것도 없지만 뭐든 있는 그런 근원의 출발이 손을 이끄는 무작정 따라가도 마음 잡히는 청정한 마음이 기립해 서 있는 소신 밝아 늠름한 가도 가도 목이 마르지 않는 그런 길

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Analogue A door of the latest brand opens smoothly with a password.

Even this is not urbane enough.

The top of the line door that opens immediately, saying yes, yes if only you put your fingerprints upon it gently.

Even this is not easy enough.

Now the door opens as if greeting an emperor even when it detects the voice saying, “it’s me.”

That’s right.

It’s a matter of time before the door clanks open the moment it smells the owner standing in front of the door.

But I like the mundane things— when you press the bell with a tired hand, the door that rushes to you and greets you with a smile and a human voice and human hands; and, if I can’t have that, the lovely twig gate of my maternal grandparents’ house that stands only up to my knees, open day and night.

아날로그 비밀번호를 누르면 스르르 문이 열리는 최신식 문 그것도 촌스럽다며 지문만 슬쩍 대면 네 네 네 하며 자르르 열리는 최고급 문 그것도 번거롭다며“나야”목소리만 감지해도 이제는 제왕처럼 문이 열린다 그렇지 이제는 문 앞에 주인이 서면 냄새를 훅 하고 맡는 순간에 철커덕 문이 열리는 날이 바로 내일이지 그러나 나는 우둔한 것이 좋다 피로에 지친 손으로 벨을 누르면 얼른 달려와 미소로 열어 주는 사람의 목소리와 사람의 손으로 반기는 따뜻한 문 그것도 아니라면 아예 정강이 밑까지만 가린, 밤낮 열어 두는 외갓집 정 깊은 사립문이거나.

Prologue

서시

Rumors are spreading.

Is paper disappearing?

입소문이 파다하다 종이가 사라진다고?

I walk out to an empty field.

A desolate page comforts it after a harvest.

I open it carefully.

I walk out to a trail in a forest.

A small concert plays with the words of whispering leaves and with the songs birds make with their beautiful sentences.

I go, and stand by a small pond in a beautiful yard of a Korean house waiting for calligraphy many fish write with their bodies.

그래서 빈 들에 나갔지 추수 끝난 뒤에 헛헛한 들을 달래고 있는 적막 한 페이지 조심스레 펴 보았지 그래서 숲 속 작은 골목길로 나갔지 나뭇잎들이 수 군거리는 말 새들이 단정히 문장 만들어 자작곡을 붙이는 작은 연주회 그래서 가 보았지 수려한 한옥 마당에 작은 연못 안 의 물고기들 온몸으로 일필휘지하는 휘호 하나 기다리며 나 서 있으니

What replaces paper?

종이를 대신하는 것이 무엇인가

I hold it dear.

Paper is the spirit of humanity; I worship paper as the pure spirit.

What would the poet write on it?

그리워라 종이는 사람의 정신 정한 신이라 우러르니 거기 무엇을 시인은 적을 것인가.

The Gourd Dipper

바가지

From a temple well deep in the mountain, I drink water with a gourd dipper.

Living trees, waking stars.

As I drink water which has flowed for thousands of years since antiquity, I become awake.

So this is a gourd dipper.

They took down the round moon floating above the thatched roof, scooped out the inside like white rice, and from it made a bowl of nature.

The beggars used it to ask for rice, and, when it cracked apart, my maternal grandmother sewed it up to hold life again.

It looked poor but gentle.

산속 깊은 절간 우물에서 표주박으로 물 마신다 살아 있는 나무 깨어 있는 별 수천 년 흘러온 태곳적 흐르는 물 마시니 나 깨어난다 그래 이거 바가지다 초가지붕 위에 덩그렇게 뜬 둥근달을 내려 흰쌀밥 같은 속 파내고 그것으로 자연의 그릇을 만들어 사용했다 바가지로 거지들 밥 얻기도 하고 바가지 금 가면 외할머니 바늘로 꿰매어 다시 삶을 담았다 궁핍했으나 순해 보였다 Gwangju News July 2012

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fashion

Fash-On with xxl jjdp

Aloha Summer!

Written by jjdp Photos by Jaypee Agustin

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loha Summer! Long time no see! It is that time of year to just relax and enjoy and forget about all the stresses of daily life. For those who have worked so hard during the past couple of months, summertime has possibly served as the brightest and sunniest beacon keeping many alive through the harsh Korean winter. Yes, those two weeks of absolute bliss where you can just cut loose and pretend you are in one of those glossy travel magazines sipping cocktails by an ultra exotic and luxurious pool are about to touch down. (Let’s also forget that Korean monsoon season is about to set in T.T) Yes, in just a couple more weeks many will be jetting off to tropical islands and beaches for countless yet-to-be-imagined adventures. Totally jealous I am. Well, while you wait for your boarding call, start preparing your summer wardrobe! In this month’s Fash-on I have some instant wardrobe additions that will make you feel the summer spirit from now until way into your vacation.

I present to you the Hawaiian print shirt which has made a comeback not only as summer 2012’s staple to wear any and everywhere, whether at the beach or just walking around town. Have no fear, go out there, be bold and party the night and day away with bold colors and prints.

Hawaiian or Aloha shirts first originated in the early 1930s in the tropical wonderland of Hawaii as a patchwork creation from old and unused kimono fabric. It was soon adopted by surfers and locals and notably became the island trend de jour.

After World War II many soldiers and troops returned to their homelands from the island nation with the now-evolved shirts which had blossomed into becoming prints on their own. After the print was assimilated into pop culture when worn by Elvis Presley for his hit song “Blue Hawaii”, the popularity of the shirts once again skyrocketed and thus became a signifier of perpetual summer.

Funnily enough by western standards, these shirts are only considered casual and leisure wear, but in their native Hawaii can also be worn as official 42

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or business attire. For this edition of course, we will consider it as purely casual.

So, how does one wear this refreshingly somewhat pastiche and retro trend? Known for its bold hibiscus flower, palm tree and bright color print, one cannot back away from just going with the flow when styling. Aloha prints work well for both sexes and are also often available as dresses and skirts for women and more commonly as board shorts for men.

Because the shirt often has so many colors in the pattern, try wearing a complementary color scheme in the bottom half of your look. I have matched a butter yellow shirt with hibiscus and palm tree pattern with bright salmon-colored cargo shorts which I have layered over a basic white t-shirt or undershirt. In three easy steps you are ready to go, go, go! This look is also perfect for a day at the beach or just relaxing anywhere.

Once again this year’s summer shorts trend is a tad shorter so if you would like, you can do a slight rollup as well.

For a different look I took a hunter-green print and paired it with skinny hunter-green jeans. To round off the look and also cater to the rainy and wet summer months in Korea, pull on a pair of Wellies.

Yes, invest in a pair of rain boots – trust me, you are

going to need them. I have had numerous pairs of my favorite sneakers ruined due to sudden cloud bursts and because of the humid weather, they often take days to dry out. So head on off to your nearest department store and pick up a cheap pair of knee or calf-high boots for about 20,000 won to save yourself the drama and agony.

Lastly complete your summer look with a cool fedora to give you the extra edge over your peers.

Right, now you are ready and outfitted to enjoy the summer spirit wherever you are. Remember to be safe, drink lots of water and always wear sunscreen. Aloha Summer!!!

Shot on location at Gwangju River To check out more of JP’s photos please check out his site at: http://jacimages26.carbonmade.com/ Clothing Salmon shorts - Le Coq Sportif Butter yellow print shirt - Asos.com White print Tshirt - Guess at Shinsegae Hat - H&M Green skinny jeans - Brand Market Green print shirt - Tokyo Juice Young Vintage Downtown (Next to Vitamin clothing store and near IF U department store) Black rain boots - Home Plus Hat - H&M

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food and drink

Sansu Momil 산수모밀 Words and photos by Gabriel Ward

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his month I’m more interested in recommending two very similar Korean dishes than any particular restaurant. I will nevertheless point out a restaurant downtown you can try. The dishes are naengmyeon or momil, which are almost identical. Why am I recommending them now? Well, for those of you who are either new to Korea, haven’t tried it, or haven’t had it in a long time, naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish that is particularly good during the hot summer months in Gwangju.

Naengmyeon comes in two varieties: mul (water) naengmyeon and bibim (mixed) naengmyeon.

Mul naengmyeon is comprised of cold, long, thin noodles (generally made from either buckwheat or arrowroot) served in an icy broth made from either beef, chicken, or kimchi, and gochujang (red chili paste). Bibim naengmyeon is essentially the same. However the ratio of broth to chili paste is different. There is usually a little more chili paste and certainly a lot less broth than mul naengmyeon. Both are garnished with julienned cucumber, a boiled egg, and often sesame seeds. Momil dishes are made similarly, except always using buckwheat noodles, and the wetter version is called magkuksu.

One particular place you could try momil is Sansu Momil downtown. Just walk past the KEB opposite the YMCA towards Art Street and Sansu Momil is on the left at the first intersection you’ll come to. I went there for the first time recently to try their offerings. There were a few people already seated and eating which always raises my spirits when trying a new restaurant.

I ordered the bibim momil (similar to bimbim naengmyeon), while my friend got the magkuksu (like mul naengmyeon). Before our noodles were

brought out the waitress brought us kimchi and danmuji (pickled radish) both of which I like, and water. A couple of minutes later she served us out bowls of what looked like delicious noodles. I eagerly chopped up my noodles with the scissors provided, mixed everything together and dug in.

My anticipation was satisfied as the noodles had a nice texture to them, the chili paste had a good amount of spice, but not too much, and the broth was great. I should point out that naengmyeon can be quite spicy at some restaurants, so if you don’t like too much spice you might like to ask for less chili. My friend, who hasn’t eaten as much naengmyeon as I have, was also very happy with their meal.

A dish at Sansu Momil costs 5,000 won. Thus, if you’re downtown I recommend swinging by to try this delightful Korean dish. As I mentioned though, I’m more interested in recommending that you try naengmyeon somewhere, than any particular restaurant. Just about anywhere is good to try it. Even most Kimbap Naras do a pretty good bowl of it. It can also be found at many Korean BBQ restaurants.

I’ve had it at some of the more well-known ones downtown such as Minsok Cheon, and it’s great there too. It generally costs 4,000 to 6,000 won.

If I had to make a list of my top five favorite Korean dishes, naengmyeon would be on it. I like both the mul and bibim varieties equally. I know a cold noodle dish might sound a little weird to anyone who hasn’t tried it before, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Sansu Momil 산수모밀 Address: 15 Geumnam-ro 2Ga, Dong-gu, Gwangju Phone: 062-233-5525

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food and drink

Boiled Chicken with Rice 백숙 Words and photos by Hwang Yeong-wook

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aek-suk is made of chicken, vegetables, rice and ginseng. Many Koreans like baek-suk and you can see them enjoying it usually during the summer. Baek-suk is mostly enjoyed in summer because it is good for protecting the body from the midsummer heat. It is especially good for people who have lost their appetite due to the sweltering heat.

Baek-suk is sometimes mistaken for samgyetang because both of them are made with almost the same procedures. However, they differ in the size of the chicken and the placement of the ingredients. In samgyetang, the vegetables and rice are placed inside a small chicken. On the other hand, baek-suk uses a bigger chicken and rice is added after the vegetables and chicken are taken out of the pot.

Things to prepare 1 chicken, ½ onion, ½ ginseng, 4 pieces of scallion, 5 pieces of dried jujube, 1 egg, salt and pepper, 10 pieces of garlic

Cooking Method: 1. Start by washing the ingredients and soaking rice in the water.

2. Place the chicken, onion, scallion, ginseng, and jujube in the pot and boil them for 15 minutes. Then, put the garlic and salt in the pot and boil them again for 20 minutes.

3.Take out the chicken and the vegetables.

4. Put the soaked rice in the soup and boil for 10 minutes. Then, put the egg and salt in the soup and stir for a few minutes.

5.Enjoy the soup with the chicken.

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

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

Please send us the information in 200 words or less to gwangjunews@gmail.com.

mu:m English Academy – Bongsun-dong Run by Principal Jun Im and with teachers Kay Kim and Joy Park, mu:m English Academy is for elementary and middle school students. In addition to a well-established learning system featuring native speakers and mu:m eye (reading pen) technology, special online programs and reading, writing, and listening materials are used. We are NOT your ordinary hagwon! With an electronic keyboard and a movie projector, and featuring special cooking and activities classes, our goal is to make English learning fun! 062-655-3405 http://cafe.daum.net/mumEnglish Fun classes, Experienced teachers, and Effective Techniques!

Dance Workshop in GIC The dance workshop will be held every 2nd Sunday by Angie Harley at the GIC. If you are interested in joining, please contact Angie at angiehartley1@gmail.com.

You will learn basic dance and create dance performance with specific theme in this workshop.

Come Try Yoga!

Vinyasa/Ashtanga style yoga class (either continuous flow or set series of postures).

All levels welcome. Teacher Rebecca Moss was trained in Vinyasa yoga in 2008 and has taught all ages and levels.

Yoga has many benefits including soothing the immune system and strengthening/toning the body inside and out.

Connect to your breath. Set time in your schedule to take good care of yourself!

5,000 won suggested donation if you have it. Money is donated to charity Wednesday Morning Class 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.

Sunday Evening Class 7:15 - 8:15 p.m.

Place: Above the Underground Grocer in Migliore (in the alley across from Zara).

Email rabigalemoss@gmail.com for more info. Facebook page: Gwangju Yoga. Join Facebook group for updates/changes.

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Gwangju Inter FC The Gwangju international soccer team (Gwangju Inter FC) plays regularly most weekends.

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

Gwangju Ice Hockey Team Looking for men and women of all ages to join us every Saturday night from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Yeomju Ice Rink near World Cup Stadium. If you are interested, contact either Andrew Dunne at atdunne@gmail.com or Chris Wilson at: kreeco@rogers.com

Kittens to have They are free, but you need to vaccinate them.

They are Korean short hairs. The kittens are 7 weeks old.

Contact Lynne at 010-8692-9101 or e-mail lelie0072003@yahoo.com

Sung Bin Home for Girls Sung Bin Home for Girls is looking for creative/ active/ energetic/ outgoing/ enthusiastic long-term volunteers to join in our regular Saturday program.

We would like you to give at least two Saturdays per month. Meet every Saturday at 1p.m. in front of downtown Starbucks. All are welcome.

For more volunteering information please contact Daniel Lister at: daniellister7@hotmail.com.

The Gwangju Photography Club The Gwangju Photography Club is a place where many different people can meet, share advice, give ideas, and practice photography. Every month, the Photography Club goes on a photo outing to different places around the city and country to capture the moment and practice new techniques.

Anyone is welcome to join the photography group and help share in the experience. To join the group, search Gwangju Photography Club on Facebook.

July2012_7 2012.6.2911:19AM Page47

Midway between Kunsthalle and the Grand Hotel, across the main street at the traffic lights from the Crown Bakery.

On the 3rd floor of the T World building.

Place Your Ad Here!

Advertise with Gwangju News!

Gwangju News is the longest-running English magazine in Korea.

Target your customer by advertising with us. More than 4,000 copies are printed and sent to 2,000 addresses all over Korea and the world.

Contact us for more details: call 062-226-2733 or e-mail us at karina@gic.or.kr Gwangju News July 2012

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