Gwangju News International Magazine for Gwangju and Jeollanam-do
June 2009 Volume Volume 9, 9, Issue Issue 66
Gwangju News uses 100% E-PLUS recycled paper provided by Daehan Paper in Seoul. The website for Daehan paper is http://www.daehanpaper.co.kr
GIC TALK
Every Saturday 2:15 p.m.
June 6th No GIC Talk (National Memorial Day) June 13th Speaker: Janice Lyn Marshall (Representative, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Korea) Topic: Real People, Real Needs – the human stories behind the global refugee situation. UNHCR The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. In more than five decades, the agency has helped people restart their lives.
June 20th Speaker: Hwang Byung-Hwa (Professor, Department of Arabics, Chosun University) Topic: Understanding Islam June 27th Speaker: Nancy Scannell (Professor, Department of Business Administration, University of Illinois-Springfield) Topic: Business Ethics; an Oxymoron? * Attendees will view a film featuring the rise and fall of 'Enron', the quintessential case study of corporate greed and ethics gone awry. All talks take place at the GIC office Address: 5th Floor, Jeon-il Bldg, Geumnam-no, Donggu (동구 금남로 1가 전일빌딩 5층). Directions: The GIC office is located in the same building as the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) in downtown Gwangju. The entrance is immediately north of the KEB on Geumnam-no street, across from the YMCA.
For more information about the GIC Talk go to www.gic.or.kr contact Kim Ji-hyun at: gwangjuic@gmail.com or call: (062) 226- 2733~4
2009 GIC 3rd Korean Language Class Saturday Classes
Weekday Classes Level
Level
Days
Beginner 1-1 Beginner 2-1
Monday & Wednesday
Beginner 1
Tuesday & Friday
Beginner 3
Beginner 2-2
Monday & Wednesday
Intermediate 2
Advanced 2
Tuesday & Thursday
- Period: May 11th - June 26th (Twice a week for 7 weeks) - Class hours: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (2 hours) - Tuition fee: 80,000 won (GIC membership fee: 10,000 won/6 months and textbooks excluded)
- Period: May 9th - June 27th (Every Saturday for 7 weeks) - Class hours: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. (2 hours) - Tuition fee: 50,000 won (GIC membership fee: 10,000 won/6 months and textbooks excluded)
Note
*The tuition fee is non-refundable after the first week. **A class may be canceled if less than 5 people sign up.
GIC is located on the 5th floor of the Jeon-il building, the same building as the Korean Exchange Bank, downtown. The entrance is located immediately to the north of the bank. Contact GIC office for more information. Phone: 062) 226-2733~4 E-mail: gwangjuic@gmail.com Website: www.gic.or.kr
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Gwangju News June 2009
Contents
Contributors June 2009, Volume 9, Issue 6
4
Editorial
By Doug Stuber
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The Korean Way No. 76
8
The Attack on History
10
Yong Yun Farm
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The Chaebol Business System
By 2Ys
Publisher: Prof. Shin Gyong-gu
By Andrew O'Donnell Photos by Jang Kyong Ho
Editor in chief: Doug Stuber Editor: Andrew O'Donnell
Staff Report Photos by Doug Stuber
Coordinator: Kim Sing-sing Layout and Design: Kim Hye-young Proofreaders: Pete Schandall, Miriam Ho, Ed Lyons, Baek Sung Hyun
By Kang Myung Kwan
Printed by: Saenal
Photographer: Doug Stuber Cover Photo: Former President Roh Moo-hyun, Memorial Service, Provincial Hall, Gwangju
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Still, life goes on
By Kim Hyeongju
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Cartoon
15
Laughing Ribs
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Jindo’s “Moses Miracle:” The 32nd Yeongdeung Festival Photos & Story by Miriam Ho
18
What’s Next For the DMZ?
By Kae Bingham By Mary Middleton
Story by Kent Buchanan photos provided by The DMZ Forum 20
A Community of Foreign English Teachers in Korea By Kelly Shepherd
22
Being Bean: An alien’s encounter of the vegetarian kind Photos & story by Tamlyn Young
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.
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Namwon festival
Gwangju News welcomes letters to the editor (gwangjunews@gmail.com) regarding articles and issues. All correspondence may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.
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Special thanks to the City of Gwangju and all of our sponsors.
Photos & story by Simon Bond May Concert a Musical Success! Staff Report Photos by Doug Stuber 28
Kim San Ho Story by Ahn So Young reception photo by Doug Stuber
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Gwangju Foreigner’s Dinner By Kristin Messinger Photos by Lindsay Nash
k i m ’s Dental Clinic
32
Dr. Bob and the Disco Beaver
Staff report Photos by Doug Stuber
34
June Events
Compiled by Jung Ji Eun
36
Sons of Isan
Staff report Photos by Bill Reyland
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Community Board
Gwangju News June 2009
3
Editorial
The Role of Media in a Democracy W
hat is the role of the media in a democratic country? It is to be a watchdog on government, to inform the people of all wrongdoings, governmental, corporate, local and even individual so the people can make informed decisions about who should be in government. In the United States, “muckraking,” which is the act of digging up bad things about people in order to get them to either act better, or quit their jobs (especially if those are public service or government jobs) has long-ago gone out of style, except for right-wing muckraking, in order to make someone look liberal, which is a curse word thanks to years of right-wing propaganda.. Without the ability to freely question authority, the press gives up working for the public and becomes an instrument of propaganda. In the United States the muckraking that exposed poor governing to a wide audience in the 1800s and through about 1916 started to disappear as administrations, and the corporations that had paid for them to be in office controlled the media. “Woodrow Wilson was elected President in 1916 on the platform ‘Peace Without Victory.’ The population was extremely pacifistic and saw no reason to become involved in a European war. The Wilson Administration was committed to war…(and) established a government propaganda commission called the Creel Commission, which succeeded, in six months, in turning a pacifist population into a hysterical, war-mongering population which wanted to destroy everything German, tear Germans limb from limb, go to war and save the world.”1 Later television came along, and mass-marketing was only superseded by mass propaganda. Westinghouse (a bomb builder and appliance maker) owned CBS television, General Electric (a bomb builder, air force jet engine manufacturer and conglomerate) owned NBC, and ABC, though accused of being “Red” when Howard K. Smith was its anchor, eventually got taken over by Disney, whose right-wing, almost fascistpropagandist version of history is on display throughout its theme parks and movies. A fatal blow to democracy’s survival came when, just after Desert Storm, Ted Turner (the left wing owner of CNN) sold
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Gwangju News June 2009
out to Time-Warner (the right wing owner of Time and People magazines, America Online, as well as hundreds of cable TV systems in the United States). The last bastion of anything like balanced news was then gone off television. Left wing reporters at CNN were all summarily dismissed. PBS, which is not very heavily watched, now kowtows to corporations by having a left and right point of view in it political discussions. The problem being that the right winger is very right, and the left winger isn’t even in the middle of the now-conservative Democratic Party point of view. NPR, a formerly public-only funded radio network also takes corporation money now. Eleven newspaper editors (including the Los Angeles Times) were fired for writing editorials against Desert Storm (the earlier Iraq invasion). It was an easy editorial to write, as the expenditure of tax payer money and human lives made no sense, since Saddam Hussein was no real threat to the United States, and had carried out our biddings in wiping out the Kurds (at Turkey’s request with free chemical weapons, apparently provided in part or in whole by the US) and fighting a protracted war against Iran, at a time when the US was selling armaments to both sides! This means, that unless you are willing to believe unedited, often unfounded, rumors about what’s really going on by reading blogs and internet news, there is very little in the way of a free press going on in the United States. This has allowed governments to not only run amuck, but also drive propaganda down the eyes and ears of Americans without so much as a peep of resistance from the major magazines and newspapers. The exception is the New Yorker, where Seymour Hersch, the same man who uncovered the Mi Lai massacre in Vietnam, also found the photographs proving US torture in Abu Graib prison (Bagdad). Did Bush resign out of remorse? No he justified torture because “his lawyer told him it was OK.” This is akin to the note his father wrote to get him a plum spot in an Alabama reserve unit rather than fighting in Vietnam. So you can do a lot more than skip class if you have a good note! Bush’s lawyer of course was Alberto Gonzales, later vaulted to attorney general. So the US had an Attorney General that had written the propaganda that torture was OK. “‘Senator, that I don't recall remembering.’ With those six words uttered during the furor over his purge of U.S. prosecutors, former Attorney General Alberto
Gonzales likely etched his epitaph. But as it turns out, ‘hypothetical’ may be the most important word Gonzales ever spoke to Congress. New revelations this week suggest that in the spring of 2002 then-White House Counsel Gonzales personally approved the use of waterboarding, months before the Justice Department's infamous Bybee memo blessed the practice. By labeling such questions ‘hypothetical’ during his 2005 confirmation hearings, Attorney General Gonzales may well have committed perjury.” 2 Why didn’t the Senate block his appointment then? Because the Senate is owned by the same large corporations that control the media, drive fascist agendas, and have no qualms about killing nearly one million Iraqis in order to gain control of oil. The same media also failed to make clear that UNOCAL’s vice president became the special Envoy to Afghanistan (UNOCAL has been trying to build an oil pipeline through Afghanisstan for 30 years, and got the Russians to soften up the country before the US went in, apparently with the lure of oil money.) Worse things can happen though when big business controls a government, and then the government hands the media what it is to read as the news. In fact, anything can happen. In the United States a man is innocent until proven guilty. Still, on WRAL television (Raleigh, North Carolina) a black man arrested for a crime often has his picture put on the TV news before his trial even begins. This does not happen to white folks unless they are major figures, but it shouldn’t happen at all, as this allows the media to try, convict and hang a person. In short, when the media failed to question the Supreme Court’s vote that Florida’s laws should be overturned “just this once,” to get George Bush into office in late 2000, the US experiment with democracy was officially over. Electronic voting (perhaps the most dastardly use of media to date) now assures that there is no paper record of votes in the United States. Socalled free societies and democracies everywhere had better watch what their governments do via the media, or to the media on behalf of multinational corporations, otherwise we are giving away our hardfought democracies to a group of ultra-rich, powerful greedy, war-hungry “capitalists” who are capitalizing on taxpayer money and human lives in order to fill their coffers.
Death is Snow Death is upon him. Death is persistent. Death be not proud. Death is a series of twitches, days worth. Death is snow. Death moans and screams. Death is not easy, death is not random, death is not timid, death runs on time; death hangs in the air, then dives from on high, but not always that quick in the suffering phase. Death is Catholic. Death is not pretty. Death is white. Death is ginger ale, death is dehydration, death is omniscient. Death leaves bills to pay; death does not smile or frown. Death is a whisper. Death comes fast for those in a hurry. Death waits at the doorstep, greeting old friends. Death reunites, tears asunder, acts as the final good-bye. Death motivates. Death inspires. Death has its own terms.
By Doug Stuber www.stuberpark.com
1. Noam Chomsky, Media Control – The Spectacular Achievements of Propaganda. P 7 2. http://crooksandliars.com/jon-perr/did-albertogonzales-lie-to-congress By Doug Stuber www.stuberpark.com Gwangju News June 2009
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The Korean Way No. 76
Names and Titles for the Living and Dead T
he traditional Korean ruling class was referred to as sadebu (士大夫), sa- meaning government official, -debu title attached to certain ranks, together meaning ‘officialdom’, or yangban (兩班), literally, two classes, civil and military, meaning ‘the nobility.’ All government posts were monopolized by these people and the commoners (farmers, craftsmen, traders) were entirely excluded. The nobility highly valued their name and thought themselves righteous. Their two-letter name was a reflection of what their philosophy (usually in two Chinese characters each of which having distinctive meaning) stood for. The word myeong ye (名譽) ‘honor/glory’ literally means glory or honor of a name. Koreans get their name at their birth given by their parents. This is like the first name or given name in the Western culture or the Christian name in the Christian countries. Koreans get another name called ja (字) ‘literally a letter’ when they observe their coming-of-age ceremony. They may also have a pen name or a nom de plume and in case of distinguished services for the country during their life time, they would be granted a posthumous title by the king. The name, letter, nom de plume and the posthumous title that symbolized a person were of various kinds, each of which indicated their philosophy of life and reflected on the phases of the ages. Thus, knowing the names and titles of our predecessors could be a prerequisite to understanding Korean history and culture, which was solely written in Chinese characters. Necessity and Application of ‘Letter’ The Book of Rites, one of five cardinal Confucian classics, states that a boy, reaching 20 years of age, observes a coming-of-age rite and gets a ‘Letter.’ So does a girl at her ‘hairpin’ rite. Adding one more ‘letter’ to one’s given name derives from the idea of valuing the given name of the man who has become an adult. Once reaching manhood, one cannot be called outright at random by one’s given name. That’s why still now 6
Gwangju News June 2009
people do not call their father’s or teacher’s name outright : for example, if the father’s name is Sang shin (相 信), the son will say “Father’s name is mutual sang and trust shin,” conveying the meanings of the two Chinese characters of his father’s name. This custom may wösol Choi Hyun-bae_image.ohmynews.com be referred to as either ‘name-valueism’ or ‘name-avoidism.’ Of course there are exceptions as between well-known and friendly enough situations to call each other by their given names, such as Winnie and Frank between Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. These ‘letters’ instead of given names are said to have prevailed since the Chou (周) era (1,122 B.C. – 256 B.C.) through the Sung (宋) era (960-1279 A.D.). However, the glow of the ‘letters’ gradually started fading toward the end of the Sung era and the nom de plume or pen name came into fashion. This new title is being used now regardless of age difference between the young and old. In case of the ‘letters’ the juniors or the younger cannot dare call the seniors or the older by their ‘letters.’ A nom de plume or a pen name, and posthumous title When one’s given name or ‘letter’ came to be avoided, a new way of calling came into being: that is, a nom de plume, a pen name that could be used unscrupulously. It is called ho (號) or a ho (雅號) ‘elegant/graceful/refined
Rare cases are purely in Han-geul. Hangeul is a phonetic script and it usually does not reveal the imagery of its word as the Chinese script does. But wösol, the pen name of the deceased Hangeul scholar Choi Hyun-bae (崔鉉培) can be interpreted as ‘lonely pine,’ and han sol of Yi Hyo-sang, the first National Assembly Speaker may be interpreted as ‘one pine.’ The pen name of Hangeul linguist Lee Heui-seung (李 熙昇), one of the 43 scholars who were imprisoned by the Japanese colonial authorities in the early 1940s was il seok (一石) ‘one stone,’ which could possibly have derived from Einstein, which in German means ‘one stone.’ Thus, one’s name, letter, pen name and posthumous title, etc, may describe what one actually is. By 2Ys (An audacious pen name standing for Too Wise, whose real name acronym is S. S. S.)
一石 Lee Heui-seung_www.opentory.com/image
name’ or daek ho (宅號) ‘resident name’ or dang ho (堂 號) ‘hall name’, whose possessors could be referred to by these names. They are usually very descriptive and preferred mostly by artists, writers and scholars. Some people are better known by their nom de plume than by their real name. A person who rendered distinguished services for the country during his life time would be bestowed a posthumous title by the king. His office of posthumous titles would normally deliberate the bestowing business and the characters used in the titles were in general literature(文), bravery(武), loyalty(忠) and filial piety(孝). How to make noms de plume, pen name The noms de plume could be made of one’s own intent and volition or presented by one’s friends and acquaintances. The pen name usually depicts the owner’s name, personality, native place, residence, desire, wish, health, mental or physical conditions. The names are almost all in two or three Chinese characters and the Chinese characters being ideographic, the meaning of the pen name is self-evident. For example, nul jae (訥齋) may imply the owner is a stutterer, go wun (孤雲) ‘lonely cloud’ a loner, chüong (醉翁) an old drunkard, wubo (牛步) ‘cow’s pace’ a believer in slow but steady progress, etc. An interesting pen name was that of the first supreme judge of the Republic of Korea Kim Byong-no ga in (街人) ‘ a street man’, that is, a beggar, which can be a self-decrial.
Call when you are in need! (English is available) 062) 1345 Immigration Contact Center 062) 1350 Labor Counseling Center 02) 762-1339 Emergency Counseling and Hospital Information 062) 1330 Korea’s 24-hour One-Stop Travel Information Service
Gwangju News June 2009
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Current Issue
The At tack on History
Lee Myung Bak recently shaking hands with Chun Doo Hwan
O
n Sunday May 10th at approximately 9pm I was confronted by a small group of protestors, mostly men aged between 40-60, shouting and swearing loudly in front of a large line of police that divided them from entering the area in front of the Provincial Office. A large number of onlookers were also present (150200 people) and a couple of video cameras filming the entire episode. What was said by the protestors was fairly brief; a lot of swear words and a threat of violence (toward whom?) when the group next visited the area. The anger seemed to be directed at the police, and I wrongly assumed that these protestors were wanting to enter the Provincial Office, and were being stopped by the police. The truth, however, was a lot more complicated. A second visit to the Provincial Office, a few days later, proved more illuminating. After reading the leaflets for
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the movement against the destruction the picture became clearer, and I stayed awhile to chat to the protestors. I then learned that Sunday’s protestors were actually there to protest for the destruction of the south side of the building, and their anger was directed at the other protest groups who are currently occupying the contested section of the building (in fact it was the other protest groups inside, who, worried about their own safety, had called the police to the Provincial Office). Originally, there were three groups of protestors occupying the building, as of June '08: 1) Members of Those Wounded in 5.18 2) Members of Those Whose Family Members and Relatives Died in 5.18 3) Members of Those Wounded and Imprisoned as of 5.18
...in explaining, a demonstrator said that this third group, the Members of Those Wounded and Imprisoned as of 5.18, had split from the other two groups late last year in mysterious circumstances.
violence on those inside the building. At one point one of the protestors is seen repeatedly slapping the head of a policeman over the top of a riot shield without being arrested or detained.
This group (many members of which fought right through to the end of the uprising, and who I came into contact with on Sunday 10th) now wholeheartedly support the destruction of the Provincial Office, thus undermining the efforts of the other groups.
I currently have no way of knowing whether these men are actual members of the third group that fought through to the end of the uprising in Gwangju in 1980.
Chu Hae Song (53) is the Welfare Division Leader for the Members of Those Wounded in 5.18. In an interview she further explained the struggle, and the message of the protestors currently occupying the Provincial Office "The entire protest started in June, last year. At that time the three major groups started their protest to protect the Provincial Office, which they view as what we call 'The Heart of Korea's National History.'” The two groups of people still remaining at the Provincial Office want to protect the Provincial Office no matter what happens to them because they've lost their husbands and children here. (See May GN p.30) The resistance that began 29 years ago has to have a symbol for Democratization, not only in Gwangju but also as a nationwide movement. Even though it's only the destruction of half the building which will be right next to [the newly named] 'Sanctuary of Culture' the meaning of what remains will be lessened as a symbol. This leads to a poor impression of the struggle for democracy for the upcoming generations. It's sure that the spirit of reverence for our memory has to be protected for future generations. (See May GN p.30) “Government has a plan to destroy the Provincial Office in order to build a 'Sanctuary of Culture' and bring business back to Dong-gu (East Gwangju). After moving the Provincial Office [to Muan] a lot of business left the area. The government also distorted the facts in a questionnaire on public opinion regarding the new plan. Many foreign reporters helped us on May 18th 29 years ago. Support us to protect this historical landmark of the democratic movement,” Chu said. Viewing film of the May 10 events on the internet we see members of the third group (or those representing the third group) storming the line of police and trying to break through the cordon, swearing and threatening
When asked about the split with the members of Those Wounded and Subsequently Imprisoned in 5.18 Chu Hae Song expressed sorrow and a sense of betrayal at the solidarity not yet achieved in the struggle to keep such a vital part of the city's heritage alive. At this time the Members of Those Wounded and Imprisoned in 5.18 have been unavailable for comment. I plan to interview members of this group in order to understand why there was a turnabout in opinion late last year.
For more information visit the website of the first two groups here. http://bbs2.agora.media.daum.net/gaia/do/kin/read ?bbsId=K150&articleId=551111 ...and the film of May 10th (courtesy of Captain Harok) here: http://blog.daum.net/m61menegun/18328402?srchid =BR1http%3A%2F%2Fblog.daum.net%2Fm61menegu n%2F18328402 Thanks to Jang Kyong Ho for the pictures of the interiors and exteriors of the old Provincial Office. Andrew O'Donnell will be speaking on Climate Change at the YMCA on June 29th. www.myspace.com/ajodonnell www.openseasonpress.com ajodonnell.wordpress.com Story by Andrew O'Donnell Photos by Jang Kyong Ho
Gwangju News June 2009
9
Travel
Yong Yun Farm N
orthwest of Damyang, tucked between mountains and lakes, the village of Yong Yun is a thriving nest of organic farmers. The Yong Yun farm produces a variety of organic products, but mainly honey, blackberries (and blackberry wine), chickens, eggs, tofu, and pastes and powders made from a variety of organic vegetable and peppers. A recent visit found Kim Soon Young and Choe Kwang Chyun making a batch of tofu. What a process! You start with a pre-soaked batch of organic soy beans, and ladle them into a grinder which pumps out a paste. In this case, the water for the process is pumped from a nearby mountain stream. Soon Young re-scoops the paste into the grinder three times to get the right consistency. She carefully checks the consistency each time through, because every batch has its own character.
weren’t so hot. While he stirs, more wood is added to keep the boil roaring. After cleaning one area, Soon Young then prepares the Tofu bin which is located under tied bamboo. Huge bowls of boiling tofu are poured through a bag, and the bag is squeezed by the stirring paddle. What gets squeezed through the bamboo becomes tofu; what’s left in the bag is the bean husks and other thick unnecessary leftovers. The process takes almost two hours and yields 24 chunks, each one weighing over one pound. “Who taught you how to do this?” a spectator asked. “We read books, and then tried and made many mistakes before learning the best way to do it,” Soon Young said. The hot tofu was gobbled and bagged and made ready the Gwangju friends lucky enough to receive a chunk from this farm. While she’s doing that, Kwang Chyun is attending a fire, boiling a huge kettle of water, waiting for the paste. Once it is added to the kettle, he has to stir, nonstop for over a half hour, as the bean paste can’t settle, and has to be brought to a full boil, when it foams up and would be inviting as a bubble bath if it
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“We started 13 years ago, and now have a family of cows, along with chickens, beehives and blackberry bushes,” Kwang Chung said. Honey boxes stacked in sheds, conical beehives, farm dogs and cats scurrying, radishes set out to dry. The laid back approach makes the farm an ideal place to find. You can visit their
recently updated website, which is: www.yongyun.kr . You can also call to set up a visit at 017-616-5689 (cellular phone) or 061) 381-8335 on the land line. The revived June GIC Cultural Tour will stop in here on June 21 for blackberry picking, a tofu-making demonstration, and an opportunity to make an eastern medicine health curative from blackberry enzymes. The enzyme-making class will be led by Dr. Oh, Kyung Ho, a renowned eastern healer and devout Buddhist. Join us. (For inquiries: 062) 226-2733~4) Staff Report Photos by Doug Stuber
Gwangju News June 2009
11
Essay
The Chaebol Business System T
here are just a few words in an English dictionary that originated from Korean words such as Bulgogi, Chaebol, Kimchi, Kisaeng, (similar to Geisha) Taekwondo, and Soju. Likewise, almost every word coming from Korea is directly related to its unique culture, especially food. However, among them, there is a special word which isn’t relevant to Korean food or sports. The word is Chaebol, meaning a unique form of business conglomerate in South Korea. They are government-supported powerful global multinationals, often larger than entire countries' economies, owning numerous international enterprises. The Korean word means "business family" or "monopoly" and is often used the way "conglomerate" is used in English.1 For example, Samsung, LG, Hyundai are the epitome of Chaebols. Ironically, because of those Chaebols, Korea became known all around the world , even if Chaebols are not considered positive things by some Koreans. To be specific, once we asked “How did you know about Korea?”, a lot of foreigners mostly answered that they’ve known the image of Korea through Samsung’s TVs or cell phones and Hyundai’s range of cars. Meanwhile, some Korean people insist that even though Cheabols have taken advantage of the government’s economic policies, like the tax reductions and low minimum wage, etc, they haven’t contributed anything toward the nation except nice jobs for kids who are already rich. However, Chaebols are a huge part of the Korean economic system and even a vital majority of the Korean economy. President Park Junghee contributed quite a bit to the “miracle on the Han River.” As the President, he tried to get Korea developed very fast like Japan. Thus, he used a similar method as Japan did to boost the economy. That was to support the Chaebols by providing them with funding at a very low interest rate through state-run banks. He also reduced the tax on the Chaebols, particularly construction companies, when the government started to construct infrastructures such as highways and bridges in Korea. Backed by the government, Chaebols were able to fully grow to their worldwide size. The positive function of Chaebols Chaebols became the captain of the ship named Korea. For instance, shipbuilding by Hyundai and 12
Gwangju News June 2009
semiconductors by Samsung are the best products in their field in the world. According to the data2 I found on the internet, eight Chaebols – Samsung, Kepco, Hyundai Motors, SK, LG, Shinsegae, CJ, Hansol – account for as much as 60.73% of the entire GDP in Korea, but they only employ five percent of the Korean workforce. This figure simply means that there would be no Korea without the Chaebols. Second, thanks to economy of scale, Chaebols are able to utilize the cutting-edge technology they invented in other business fields, such as state-of-the-art battery technology which is needed to make hybrid cars. If Chaebols stuck to doing business in one field, such as making cars, this wouldn’t happen because we would probably just follow other leading companies as late starters without the advantage of economies of scale. Running a security company like Samsung, a type of company which is similar to IB in the U.S, is also a good example of economy of scale because Samsung Electronics, for example, can borrow funds easily from their sister companies such as Samsung Securities or Samsung Insurance. The negative function of Chaebols Even though Chaebols account for a large portion of the Korean economy in terms of sales volume, in terms of employment it’s as little as five percent of the Korean work force because they overpay themselves based on the cheap labor they use from overseas. Thus, Chaebols aren’t significantly helpful to employment rates. The most critical problem is that Chaebols own way too many fields of businesses. For example, Kumho owns companies including tire, commercial carriers, construction, insurance, chemistry, etc. Some industries look quite related to each other somehow like chemistry and tires. Obviously, insurance and tires aren’t similar and they probably don’t have an effect as a type of economy of scale. Based on data3 I read, the average number of groups a Chaebol owns is an incredible 23.4. What are the problems? There would be no one who strongly disagrees that Chaebols have added to the development of Korea in terms of economy. In the mean time, Chaebols were considered the cause of the 1997 currency crisis, the so-called “IMF era.” Then, what are the problems of Chaebols? The first problem I want to mention is the fact that they are so powerful. Since they actually dominate the Korean economy, they can force lawmakers to make laws which are likely to help manage
their business or even get more profits rather than public interest. It’s because without them, there would be no Korea. And there is also a possibility of the dirty relationship between politicians and Chaebols connected with bribes. That weakens fundamentals of Korean economy and even democracy! I personally think that this is also one of reasons that the Korean stock market reels when the U.S. stock market is not stable. Furthermore, a lot of businesses are managed by ONE family. Thus, it is so natural for a family to lack the expertise to run a multifaceted business. In other words, because owners and CEOs are the same, corporations don’t consider other shareholders’ interest but owner’s (Chaebols’) interest. What’s worse, they usually bequeath their positions to their sons and daughters. The way the Korean government and Chaebol should go Here is a solution to the Chaebol problems. First, the government should not let Chaebols take advantage of economic policies. Perhaps, helping firms run their business well is the one of the main roles of the government, but the Korean government has not considered this as a significant duty. The Korean government, at least from now, should take care of middle and small sized companies as well, which are also a very important part of our economy. Possibly the future of Korea means a non-corrupt government should take over the role Chaebols have had. Moreover, if small and middle sized firms are doing well against Chaebols, Chaebols should try to develop more new products or cutting-edge technologies. Overall, no matter who leads the Korean economy, this would be very good for both middle and small sized firms and Chaebols. The government should stop Chaebols from bequeathing the positions they have now to their sons and daughters. In addition, of course, ownership and leadership also must be separated. As a job-hunter, I highly want to get my job in a Chaebol company. However, as one of the citizens in Korea, I think Chaebols should be reformed somehow. I admit Chaebols’ hard efforts that made Korea richer than in the 19th and 20th Centuries. By reforming their system, Chaebols would symbol Korea as a very friendly country someday. 1. From www. wikipedia.org 2. http://blog.daum.net/conjugiallove/16150317 3. Hard copy of [Reformation of Chaebol] By Kang Myung Kwan student, Chonnam National University
Still, life goes on GFN Radio Monthly Column
T
here is a small garden next to my office where I usually take a break. While I was there to rest myself as usual, I happened to look closely the little flowerpots which had always escaped my notice. I counted the flowers swaying in the spring breeze, in their many colors. There were about 60 flowers crowded in that small space. It was amazing! The strong vitality and splendor of those flowers made me ashamed. I asked myself some questions. “Do I live enthusiastically?” “Is my behavior open and aboveboard?” I am not confident I can answer those questions with a yes. It makes me upset. These days, people especially in Gwangju and Jeollanamdo have a difficult time getting by because of the economic slowdown. I was trying to find words of encouragement for people who are in trouble, and I came up with a phrase a book I read before. “Don’t give up your life even though the world never gives anything to you. Still, the life goes on.” This is the message which film director Jorge Sanjnes gave when he was exiled from his country of Bolivia, South America. Koreans who faced many obstacles in bringing democracy to Korea are very similar to Bolivians who were in a state of disorder in 1960’s. The films from the “Umakau Movement” (means a right way in Aymara language), led by Jorge Sanjines, usually describe the relationship between the frailty of people and their despotic leadership. And Jorge Sanjines asked questions to them “What’s happening to you? Do you care about each other? Otherwise, you are guilty in history.” The 29th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising makes me think of Bolivia’s history from that time. Right. Living is not an easy thing. However, all that make us live our lives with bravery and vitality- even when life pushes us with disorder and abominable things- proves that “Still, life goes on.” I twisted and turned in my sleep, thinking one thing after another. My unquiet rest awoke me at dawn. I opened the window. There, the day newly began in silence. By Kim, Hyeongju (General Director, GFN)
Gwangju News June 2009
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Cartoon
Adventures in Korea by Kae Bingham
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Gwangju News June 2009
Food
Laughing Ribs Notes from a Foodie: Laughing, talking and drinking with friends one night at the local Miller Time, I looked over and noticed my buddy Murrison was sweating from the top of his white bald head down to his toes. Now Murrison is a tall, bald, hearty South African who loves to laugh and look at life light-heartedly. I couldn’t imagine what was causing all of this duress! Then I noticed his companion, Rhoda, also seemed to be suffering. Rhoda is a tall thin blond with a perpetual smile on her face. I leaned across the table to inquire, “What’s going on? You guys look like you’re in pain!” “It’s the ribs.” squeaked Murrison. “That’s the hottest food I’ve ever eaten in my life!” Rhoda appeared unable to speak, as she was trying to flag down the waiter for another glass of water. I looked down to see the remains of a halfeaten rack of “baby back” ribs coated in a thick red sauce. The 14 inch plate it was served on also seemed intimidating. I laughed out loud and the rest of the table all joined in on the fun. We watched as they suffered through the entire rack of pepper laden pork, as Murrison had announced, “I will finish these if it kills me!”
I invited my friend Kristin to join me for dinner. Now Kristin is from Los Angeles, California, or, to be exact, the Redondo Beach area. She grew up eating tacos, burritos and Mexican food delights. Admittedly though, she does not care for hot food. Kristin agreed to accompany me, but not to eat the “mouth-scorching, a**-hole-burning ribs” as she liked to refer to them. You know, Miller Time carries Guinness on tap for only 8000 Won/pint, a creamy rich beverage that is sure to quench your thirst. I ordered the ribs and Kristin opted for a chicken dish. As I had suspected, the ribs were indeed hot. However, the flavors of the sauce came through the singe off your tongue; barbecue, pepper and molasses were the distinctive ones. The meat practically fell off of the bones; it was quite tender and delectable. It took two pints to enjoy the full plate of these, but it was worth it. ;-) As to the latter part of Kristin’s nickname for the ribs, you’ll have to sort that out for yourself. Enjoy!
Several weeks later I asked Rhoda and Murrison if they would ever order those ribs again. “Of course I would” Murrison stated, “they were quite good.” Rhoda just laughed and shook her head. I was curious myself. I grew up in the mid-west United States, where spices tend to mean cinnamon rather than pepper or curry. We’re talking mashed potato and freshly boiled corn land. Food with no seasoning at all, just fresh from the garden boiled, steamed or baked. If the food had any seasoning, the trend was to put so many in that the typical untrained mid-western palette could not distinguish one spice from another. I once followed a recipe for Cincinnati Chile that called for 16 different and distinct spices. This chili also had seven other ingredients and was served on top of boiled spaghetti and topped with sharp cheddar cheese and chopped white onions. This dish is not hot, but some in the mid-west would also add a condiment of Heinz ketchup to round out the flavor.
By Mary Middleton
Some say that one out of every six children gets away, and I (being 4th of six) was the one to move to the southwest United States. The southwest IS known for spicy food. Some of the green chile made in that region can melt a hole in your tablecloth. I decided to give these infamous ribs a try.
Cartoon by Kae Bingham
Gwangju News June 2009
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Travel
Jindo s Moses Miracle: The 32nd Yeongdeung Festival
J
ust past 4 o'clock, the stone terrace facing Modo-ri is buzzing with spectators. It has been a fitful spring weekend, at times dismally cold, but enthusiasm is unabated on the second day of Jindo's Yeongdeung Festival as visitors await the twilight parting of the sea. A 2.8k long, 10-40m wide tidal road will connect Hoedong-ri on Jindo Island to the neighboring Modo Island at flood tide, the interval between high and low tide when the water level is lowest. This sea road on Jeollanamdo's southwestern shore enjoys international fame as "Moses's miracle in Korea." In fact, Yeongdeung (literally "spirit rising") Festival commemorates a legendary Jindo grandmother, who prayed for the waters to part so her family could return to Modo before her death. Annual rites marking Grandmother Bbong's realized prayers and heavenly ascent were made into a national festival in 1980. The event boasts up to half a million Korean and international tourists. Large foreigner crowds sojourned to Jindo for this year's three-day festival from April 25th - April 27th. "We're making art," a 23-year-old fine arts student from Chicago describes the experience. "Thousands of people walk this ephemeral sea road together for an
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Gwangju News June 2009
hour, transforming and internalizing a natural phenomenon." Her fellow traveler, a chance acquaintance from Australia, merely enthuses, "It's pretty cool."
Unlike most tidal islands, which can be accessed daily at low tide, Jindo's sea road is revealed only a few times a year. The dates vary according to the lunar cycle. During a particular new or full moon period each year, the sun and moon's strong gravitational pull causes tide levels to fall, exposing an underwater sand dune between Jindo and Modo. The dune emerges for an hour at dawn and dusk, and then it is engulfed by high tide. Tidal roads can be found at some 20 other locations throughout Korea, including Muchangpo beach, Boryeong in Chungcheongnam-do, and on Jeju Island. Currently vetting for the longest sea road in the Guinness Book of Records, Jindo's tidal pathway is considered the most spectacular. Hoedong - originally Hodong, tiger village, renamed after Grandmother Bbong's reunion to mean homecoming village - is a semicircular beach jutting against a rocky promontory. The road which runs along it has been sealed off to form a pedestrian esplanade festooned with craft booths, commercial stands, and bustling makeshift eateries. Folk performances take place all day, but just before the sea splits, sonorous shamanistic rituals are uttered on an altar overlooking the tidal road. Earlier in the afternoon, a lively pungmul parade circled the esplanade, reenacting Grandmother Bbong's funeral with an array of drumming, and choreographed dance rooted in agricultural traditions. These costumed performers, staffed by local talent, will return to lead the walk across the sea.
Hoedong beach is peppered with the bright figures of tourists intent on harvesting sea goods. "What are you collecting?" we ask two girls in rubbers, who show us a coffee cup filled with sea snails. They explain that their family has divided the tasks, and point to their aunt, who is picking bunches of Jindo's famous wild brown seaweed. The aunt waves a red shopping bag full of fresh marine plants, and calls out that it is very healthy, a valuable soup ingredient, traditionally best for mothers who had just given birth. Other locals and visitors are diligently plucking scallops and sea lettuce off the rock face. The industriousness continues even as the sea opens: clams, mussels and even small crabs can be gathered all along the road to Modo. I had been studying the sea with great anticipation, but in the hours, even minutes before the scheduled sea walk, there was hardly any sign of a path, no break on the surface ripples or dark patch beneath uniform azure. Suddenly the eager crowd surges forward. A pebbled spit, only a few meters wide, has appeared. We discover that it soon dead-ends. There is nothing to do but turn back, or to stand half a kilometer into the bay and bide time for the rest of the road to show. Some take advantage of the Kodak moment, and others resume clam digging on the expanding perimeter of sea way.
To wile away the hours before the miracle, you can sample Jindo hongju, a herbal red wine, stretch laver seaweed sheets on small bamboo mats, or see Jindo's unique species of intelligent dogs. For many visitors, though, the shoreline holds the greatest attraction. Tidal pools and algae colonies are left on Hoedong's rocky shores when the water ebbs. By mid-afternoon,
Then, with valiant drum-rolls and white flags flying, a procession marches through the sea to Modo Island. The masses follow. The journey is not devoid of obstacles: you have to traverse two knee-deep pools before gaining the gravel ridge that has risen nearly a meter above water level. Finally, you can trace the graceful arch through the open sea to Modo, taking part in a ritual that is perhaps one of the most primitive forms of communion with nature, walking. Photos & Story by Miriam Ho
Gwangju News June 2009
17
Environment
What s Next For the DMZ? T
he history of the divided Korea is like a lover’s quarrel: after a long and intense fight a cold and silent spell sets in between the two parties for years - interrupted by false hints of appeasement, and reconciliation. However, there is a major difference in the story of partitioned Korea: the presence of a physical barrier between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea that came into nexistence after the three-year Korean War was halted, known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The DMZ is no light-hearted subject. This 4km by 250km area demarcated by barbed wire enclosing over a million land mines running across the Korean peninsula separates a tyrannical nation from a democratic nation. It is a memory of a violent war, an obstacle between divided families, a hindrance to the economic development of Korea, a line of separation between wealth and freedom, and poverty and suppression. It is responsible for separating two groups of people sharing the same customs, culture, and language. Could there be any silver lining to come from this intrusive band of space along the 38th parallel? There is a reason for some to cheer, particularly for biologists, ecologists, bird conservationists, wetland activists, and other environmentalists throughout the world. An expedition completed by the Ministry of Environment was completed in November 2008 and stated, for the first time, the extent of the healthy and flourishing ecosystem located between the man-made explosives and barbed wire fences. Without the presence of people for 55 years the DMZ has become an invaluable source of natural wealth boasting populations of lynx, leopard, dear, bears and possibly even tigers, which are not present on the rest of the peninsula. The DMZ has been able to foster the proliferation of many unique and rare species of wildlife, including a rare plant only found on the Korean peninsula, the Korean epimedium, currently being investigated for its positive effects on osteoporosis. The DMZ is also a significant habitat for a traditional cultural symbol of Korea, the red-crowned crane, which winters here. In fact, one-third of the entire world population visits the DMZ each year. Furthermore, there are many natural resources important to the future of Korea that are evidence that the DMZ should remain securely unspoiled. There are five significant sources of water that have been 18
Gwangju News June 2009
protected from unsanitary disturbances in the DMZ: the Han, Imjen, Bukhan, Soyang and Nam rivers. They will be necessary as sources of drinking water in the future development of Korea. There are large tracts of wetlands important for recycling natural waste and habitat for rare birdlife. Forests, covering 75% of the DMZ, assist with improving the air quality and will have valuable potential use for timber. The pristine coastal habitat within the DMZ will be an important source of food. The untouched wilderness flooded with picturesque mountains, rare wildlife and other beautiful natural sites would be a wonderful weekend get-away from the high paced life in the cities. This has great potential to benefit the local economies of the residents in and around the DMZ. Thanks to the support and guidance given by international organizations such as the United Nations Environmental Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Peace Park Foundation, International Crane Foundation and the DMZ Forum, plans have been set forth to secure the natural wealth within the DMZ to benefit the residents of Korea for
generations to come. It has been urged that a transboundary, Peace Park adjoining the Koreas be established as a step toward reunification and to protect the invaluable natural ecology that currently exists, greatly supported by influential people like Nelson Mandela and Ted Turner. This would bring tourists into the area creating jobs and developing the local economies as well as strengthening diplomatic ties. This is currently supported by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Environment and positive signs of approval have come out of North Korea, but little interaction with the North Korean government and environmental organizations have been possible.
Establishing a nature reserve to maintain the DMZ’s wild treasures will not be an easy task. Progress has been set back by local residents along the DMZ borders and private development investors as well as the landmines scattered throughout the DMZ. Residents are concerned that their property and farms will be taken away limiting their already limited earnings. Developers envision new cities, ports, dams and even a large-scale amusement park to boost the Korean economy. The landmines will remain a serious issue for years to come due to the difficulty and cost of diffusing them. Each of the estimated 1.2 million landmines would cost about $1,000 to disarm. Hope remains for many that after the Koreas have made amends, we will be able to spend a weekend getaway on Daeam Mountain, or taking day trips into the Dragon Moors to see some of the rarest plants on the Korean peninsula. Maybe future Korean generations can have clean water and clean air and plentiful fish harvested from the pristine Han and Imjen rivers. Tourists’ enjoyment of these unique sites would create employment, giving current residents-turned-tour guides, and eco-tourism entrepreneurs, and nature lovers a reason to cheer. Story by Kent Buchanan Photos provided by The DMZ Forum
Gwangju News June 2009
19
Essay
A Community of Foreign English Teachers in Korea A
Community of Foreign English Teachers in Korea? We’re a tiny minority, to be sure, but it seems that everywhere you go in this country, you’ll probably bump into one or two western English teachers (and/or tourists). Some of us work for big schools, with a dozen or more foreign teachers; some of us work alone, or in two’s and three’s at smaller hagwons. Some are based in major cities, others in more remote or rural settings. Some are employed by public schools, some universities. And so on. We are a presence, we are a demographic, we are a population – but are we a community? I should point out that for the purpose of this writing, I will use the word “foreigner” in a limited sense. By using it to refer to western English teachers only, I will exclude other ethnic groups and nationalities that are also living in Korea. I want to emphasize that I am not implying this one particular group is in any way more special or more important than any other group. Simply, this is the group I happen to be a part of, and as such it is the only group I can personally and actively attempt to understand. I should also include the disclaimer here that this is a limited and generalized study. I don’t pretend to be an expert, and my findings are not “the last word” on the subject by any means. If this can serve as an interesting conversation starter, I will consider it a successful piece of writing. If it encourages someone to reflect on their own personal relationships and interactions – or if anyone is encouraged to do a more in-depth study on the subject – so much the better. One thing that has always struck me about foreigners in Korea is that they are awkward around one another. Exceptions to this rule include bars and sporting events, perhaps, but in most everyday settings, such as walking down the street, eating at a restaurant, or traveling on the weekend, foreigners seem downright uncomfortable being together. Many seem uncomfortable even seeing one another. The most common example is the sidewalk exchange (or lack thereof): two English teachers, total strangers, pass on the sidewalk. On many of these occasions, one or both individuals will deliberately look the other way, feign interest elsewhere maybe, in order to avoid eye contact. This has always struck me as odd. Why ignore one another? Certainly, we should not feel any pressure to go out for lunch together, much less even
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Gwangju News June 2009
speak to one another – but why not even a simple acknowledgement of the other person’s presence? I can’t help but think that in other circumstances, if the show was on the other foot so to speak, things would be very different. Picture a big city. Imagine a very small number of foreign workers there – and that most of these people do not speak the local language. Now picture these people bumping into other people from their home country once in a while, unexpectedly, on the street or at the grocery store. Would they speak to one another? Now, if they both knew they were from the same country, and shared the same language, do you think that these two people would pretend not to notice one another? To make it a little less abstract – imagine that two Korean people who do not speak English (or who are not confident with their English abilities) happen to meet one another on the street in a North American city. Would they deliberately ignore one another? “It’s not the same,” I’ve been told, “Korean people are much more sociable than we are.” Are they? The Confucian system has been brought up too, as an argument against my hypothetical situation: “Western people are much more individualistic.” Probably true. A few months ago I decide to dig around, to see if I was alone in these ponderings. I asked a few coworkers (and former co-workers), people who have spent significant periods of time in Korea, for their thoughts. Some of the responses were shocking, at best. “Why bother meeting more people?” I was asked. “Chances are, they won’t be worth the effort.” Someone else, in another conversation, said much the same thing: “I don’t think we’ll have anything in common, and what if they turn out to be freaks?” Several people expressed reluctance to commit to a new relationship, however casual: “If you say Hi on the street, then you have to say Hi the next time you see them. If you start talking, then you have to invite them for beers. I don’t know this person! What if I don’t want to hang out with them?” Several people I spoke to referred to a similar “snowball effect” – once you start being friendly to a stranger, where does it end? And how far do you have to take it? Better, it is implied, not to bother. Individualistic, indeed! One friend suggested an alternate idea: if people see you speaking to other foreigners, they will automatically assume you are dating them, or that you belong to their clique – and this, presumably, is
something to be avoided. Is this true? I have no idea. A former co-worker, when asked for thoughts on the subject, said “I’m not trying to get invited to their birthday party! I don’t care if they don’t want to be my friend, I already have friends! But they could still be civil! We’re grownups aren’t we?” Another friend told a story of standing at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. She glanced over and noticed an unfamiliar foreigner, a younger woman, standing next to her. My friend said hello. “You’re new here, aren’t you?” the younger woman asked, then added, with a smile, before my friend could reply: “Obviously!” Taken aback, my friend said, “Umm, no, I’ve been here for over two years.” Which ended the conversation, apparently. Can these actions, can these ideas, be those of people belonging to a community?? Another friend suggested that yes, there is a community of foreigners in Korea – and that being ignored by other members is a sign of your membership in the community! I don’t really understand how this could be so, or perhaps I need to change my perception of what a “community” really is! What exactly is going on here, I thought? Are we just looking at one-upmanship? Or some kind of extreme form of individualism? These are the same people, after all (many of them), who can’t leave their apartments without wearing headphones – and who can’t imagine socializing without the constant reassurance of hand-phones and text-messaging. I am reminded of the joke about the white guy who loves traveling in other countries, as long as he feels that he is the only white person there! But rather than relying on my own biased and uninformed opinions, or on a small number of other people’s theories, I decided to research the subject a little more thoroughly. “If you’re out walking, shopping, etc. and you see another foreigner, do you greet them or talk to them? Why or why not?” These questions were posed, either in person or via email, to over 40 foreign English teachers working in the cities of Seoul, Busan, and Gwangju. Subjects were also asked about the length of their stay in Korea. Other personal information, including name, gender, and country of origin, was not recorded. My questions, I quickly discovered, were not specific enough. I compensated for this by dividing the responses into three possible categories: “Positive,” “Maybe,” and “Negative.” I also found that the length of their stay in Korea seemed to have no bearing on people’s responses. I had expected this piece of information to be more significant, but what do I know? The final results: out of a total of forty-four responses, there were eighteen “Negatives.” 40.91 percent of those surveyed said they would not deliberately acknowledge another foreigner if they passed on the street. Several of these respondents gave reasons, such as being too busy all the time. One
replied with: “No talking, nod to men only,” which was one of the only “borderline” responses. Three people’s responses were actually openly rude or hostile toward their fellow English teachers. Most of the respondents reinforced my initial suspicions about people not wanting to commit to new relationships of any kind; a few said they simply never talk to strangers no matter where they are. One respondent, who lived for several years in Korea, said that “...while I don't feel I was actively avoiding foreigners, I was doing my best, through language acquisition etc. to melt the walls between foreign and local.” This was the only response that mentioned an attempt to better understand or fit in to Korean culture, or learning the language. Presumably this percentage is way off; in fact I know at least a couple of the others have also learned (or are learning) Korean. It is interesting, though, that this was not something people thought about when answering the survey questions. There were twenty-one (or 47.73 percent) “Maybe,” respondents who gave various reasons as to why they may or may not, at any given time, greet or acknowledge other foreigners. Some of these also cited busy-ness, but said that under less hectic circumstances they would probably act differently. Some said that they watch for the other person’s reactions first, before they choose to greet them or not. Six respondents said they would talk to people more often, but that they are accustomed to being ignored and so they are not as sociable as they would like to be. Three said that their behavior toward other foreigners depends on location. Boseong? Probably. Seoul? Probably not. One kind soul responded with: “I don't think I've ever stopped to talk to someone I didn't know on the street just because they were a foreigner...unless they looked lost or something. Then I'd help out.” Another said, “Every once in a while I’ll introduce myself to someone if it looks like they need some help.” Let’s hope we bump into these individuals if, heaven forbid, we are ever injured or lost in Korea! Finally, there were five out of the total forty-four, or 11.37 percent of the respondents, who were unequivocally “Positives.” All of them can more or less be summarized by this one succinct response: “I like to be friendly.” Very nice – but only eleven percent! What kind of community is this? Again, let me emphasize that this is a small and imperfect survey; these numbers may mean nothing. Another forty-four people might very well reply with an entirely different ratio of answers. However, in light of the various conversations I had already had on the subject, I can’t help but wonder. Kelly Shepherd wants everyone to know that no Caucasians were harmed in the writing of this article. By Kelly Shepherd Gwangju News June 2009
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Commerce
Being Bean: An alien’ s encounter of the vegetarian kind
T
his story begins with a flashback: I’m ten years old, biting into a chunk of something firm and white which I assume is cheesecake. “Its Tofu,” say’s my grandmother, its good for you, has as much protein as a Big Mac”. “Toe-who?” I reply, thinking that anything that references toes could not possibly taste good. Like any self-respecting pre-adolescent I’d have traded in my health for McDonald’s and cheesecake any day. [fast.forward 20 years…] Having recently arrived in Korea I am still coming to terms with my alien status, experiencing high voltage culture shock, and trying to adopt the UFO approach (useful, friendly, open-minded). After my first week of exposure to Korean restaurants I realised that only beef or pork qualify as meat. This means that chicken , seafood and in one instance, dog, are classified as suitable vegetarian cuisine . After all they are served with vegetables It was a snowy Saturday afternoon when I first visited Wolgok Shejung , a local market in Gwangsangu. I was prowling the narrow aisles for something edible, something familiar and suitable for vegetarians: something that was not instant noodles
I navigated through the tanks of eels, past the buckets of unidentifiable vegetables, and through clusters of curious ajumas. Any attempts to merge with the crowd were foiled by my “long body, yellow hair, high nose
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Gwangju News June 2009
and small face,” to quote my students. In a far corner of the market, I noticed a man who looked younger than most of the other stall holders. What drew him to my attention was his obvious dedication and passion for the work he was doing. He was focused, relaxed, and precise in his movements.Watching him work, I got the same sense I get when I watch a painter mixing pigment or a surgeon operating. As I approached his stall I saw that he was slicing into a block of something firm and white, something that from a distance resembled
cheesecake.... [If my life was a movie that moment would have been played in slow-motion , complete with nostalgic soundtrack and the soft- focus flashback to my 10 year old self.]
I greeted the man in my best (and only) Korean:“An junghaseyo, one Tofu please.” He smiled at me but looked confused. I tried again: “toe-foo!”.and again: “ t-o- f-u?”, “tee oh ef yoo?” I was gesturing and attempting different pronunciations.(How do you say ‘tofu’ with an American accent?)Still a blank stare, then, a faint flicker of comprehension: Man: “Aaaaahhh you want Dubu? Me: Do –What? Man: Doo-boo! Very delicious. This is Dubu, I am Mr Bean. Nice to meet you! Tofu’s story is best told by Wikipedia: The Chinese invented Tofu(豆腐). It is made by coagulating soy bean milk and pressing the resulting curds into blocks. In the eighth century. Korea adopted it, renamed it ‘Dubu’ and made it a key ingredient in traditional recipes. Mr Bean’s story is best told in his own words:
my own restaurant. Of course, there will be many delicious food with fresh dubu. I really care about our health. I can help many people to eat good food in a good place.”
[He points to a nameless, crumb-sized speck on the map of Korea]
He invites me into his closet-sized office and pulls a book from the shelf.
“I was born on this island my hometown, right at the end of Korea (in the South). Now I’m 31. I am a countryman. I grew up far from Gwangju. In the 1980’s, I heard from many people what was happening with the uprising—it was very terrible, very hard days, the President ordered the military to kill any protesters. They were just civilians, very pure and good civilians. Even women and babies were killed by that military force, for someone else’s ambitions. Later I came to Gwangju to study to be a public servant in the government administration. I didn’t take the exam because this is a job where I have to sit still.
“Here is my future restaurant.”
I am a kind of very active person, I like moving and if I don’t move, without anything to do, I feel tired. So I asked myself what am I good at, and I answered myself that I am good at making business. But I want to make business that can help people. Also, studying is a very big passion in my heart so at night I learn English at a college in Chonnam.
Before I leave, Mr Bean hands me a neatly packaged block of steaming fresh dubu.
I got my nickname many years ago when I went to study English in the Phillipines, that was a long time before I learned about Soya-beans. Now I have been making and selling Dubu for four years. I think this name found me because dubu is my destiny!”.
He was right—dubu is habit forming—it goes well with everything—probably even cheesecake. I’m an addict and Mr Bean is my dealer.
I ask him about his plans for the future. “I have dreams; I’m getting closer… preparing to open
The picture he shows me is of a round house made from clay and wood. “I will build this with my own hands, from the ground (clay): I learned how to. Anybody can make these houses, but they don’t have time and don’t like hard work. Traditional houses are very good for our health because the space is round: round is good for energy. Metal and square boxes and cement make us sick.
“This is for your health.”He refuses to accept payment. “Always the first dubu is for free because you will come back.”
His shop is worth a visit. These buses will deliver you directly to the entrance of Wolgok Shejung, (across the road from Hi-Mart), Bus Nos. 37, 98, 40, 18, 20, 700, 62. Photos & story by Tamlyn Young
Gwangju News June 2009
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Travel
Namwon festival E
very year since 1931 Namwon has held a festival in honour of one its most beautiful daughters, Chunhyang. Chunhyang is a story of love in the traditions of Romeo and Juliet, though in this instance we see the 2 sides of the class divide in later day Korea. In honour of Chunhyang’s devotion to her lover against all the odds we now have the Namwon love festival. The festival which lasted for 5 days and featured many events in honour of Chunhyang including a memorial service and a “Miss Chunhyang contest”. The day on which I attended featured lots of performances and traditional Korean wrestling. The whole festival centred around the river, with the beautiful Gwanghallu gardens on one side and the Chunhyang theme park on the other. The river was crossable by many methods, though jumping or swimming were not advised, some alternatives to those were a traditional style foot bridge. A traditional style river boat, or if your less adventurous the regular bridges that span the river at various points. If you were after a bit of swimming and splashing around though, and indeed jumping, you could try all these in the Mudfish pool while trying to catch a mudfish!
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Gwangju News June 2009
In the evening the action moved to the Love Plaza an open air auditorium style venue next to the river, which was perfect for a nice May evening. Each evening there were a succession of vibrant performances to entertain an expectant crowd there. The night I was there I was treated to a performance by a Russian violinist group, which was carried out with flair and panache. The last act of the night was the play “Simcheong” performed by Korea’s leading acting troupe, this was a real treat to see. Namwon is well worth a visit at any time of the year, not least to enjoy the gardens at Gwanghallu. The festival may only be there in May, but all the way through to the Autumn there are traditional street parades, performances and plays which you can see at the weekends. If you’d like to visit Namwon …………….. (Sorry Doug, I’m not sure about routes from Gwangju to Namwon…. Only from Suncheon) Photos & story by Simon Bond
Gwangju News June 2009
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Review
May Concert a Musical Success! O
n May 9th the GIC “May Concert to Raise Funds for Third World Countries” successfully helped raise 3,900,000 Won for the needy in Sri Lanka, while entertaining concertgoers with the music of several regional opera and classical music stars. Lee Sangrog and Park Jinhee (piano) opened the night with two rousing duets then split accompanying duties with fellow pianist Yu Ri, as violinist Yang Semi, Cellist Oh Seungseok, and Daegum player Kim Hyeongseok showed off their instrumental acumen. A Daegum is a traditional Korean flute made of bamboo, and at the concert it was used to play a contemporary work, an unusual mix of past and present. Works from John Williams' haunting theme from Schindler’s List, to Schubert’s moving Trio No 2-2 Opus 100 (Piano, Violin and Cello) kept the audience guessing what was going to come next. What “came next” were superior opera performances. Baritone Park Inseung was surrounded, in a beautiful way, by Sopranos Park Gyeonsgsuk, Lee Myeongjin, Kim Miok, Gil Aeryeong and Pahk Kay. Particularly memorable was the Park/Lee Flower Duet from Delibes’ Lakme Opera. Well intoned tight harmonies struck emotional chords until the very last (offstage) note. It also sounded a lot like a night at the cinema, as all the works had been used in popular western movies. Soloist Kim Miok nailed Catalini’s aria from “La Wally” which had been used in an equally amazing movie, the 1980 Euro-kinky thriller “Diva.” For pure inspiration though, once again Pahk Kay came through with her rendition of Puccini’s not-so-easy aria from “Gianni Schicchi,” adding heart to its moving melody. She was also a standout voice during the choral finale. The Chorus was made up of secondary school teachers. Many people commented that this was the best performance of the evening. Less than 10 attendees from the Gwangju foreign community attended, by Jessica Saura’s count. It was great to see such a large audience supporting the cause for a foreign country even though times are not so easy in Gwangju. Staff Report Photos by Doug Stuber
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Gwangju News June 2009
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Review
Kim San Ho Historical Revisionist, Art Mogul, Fine Artist
Kim San Ho with pianist Lee Sang Rog and Visual-digital artist Lee Dong Kyu
Wangnyeo, Wungnyeo, 2001, 136 X 115 cm
A
Manchuria and China since the Silla period. He wanted to restore the history which was written from the Chinese point of view so that the truth about Korean history could be disclosed.
n art museum always has aspects of history in it, but rarely to the extent that Artist Kim San Ho, and Damool Productions bring. His Gwangju exhibition, which runs through June at the Gwangju Arts and Cultural Center is, in effect, a gigantic historical rewrite. Kim Son Ha is a well-known comic book artist, but his work, since the late 50s science fiction tale ‘Reyphie’ has almost all been historical in nature. After moving to the United States in the mid-1960s he contracted with Carlton Comics. He was a famous artist for the company, and published more than 300 comics such as 'Hercules', 'Dr Graves', 'Billy the Kid', 'Cheyenne Kid,’ and 'House of Yang'. He helped American readers know about South Korea by putting in Taekwondo scenes, into the 'Cheyenne Kid' and the 'House of Yang'. He also drew horror comics for ACG Comics. When he visited China on business trip in the 1970s, he became interested in Manchurian history. In 1988, he went to Manchuria to study the history and found many lost histories such as the endless battles between 28
Gwangju News June 2009
He came back to South Korea in 1996 and continued his comics career with 'Daejusinjeguksa', 'The Duman River', 'The Story of the Big Buddha' and 'Daehanminjoktongsa'. In 2003 he published 'Japanese History,’ a book about the history of Japanese rule in Korea from 1909 to 1945. He wanted to discover the hidden history to eliminate all traces of the distorted concepts left from the Japanese colonial period. Kim uses many techniques for his portraits and historical paintings, none of which is normal for comic art. His fine art abilities rise above most graphic artists, as seen in ‘Wangnyeo, Wungneyeo’ where the fine detail of face, clothing and hair is accentuated by a watercolor effect in the strands of her flag. In ‘The Noble Portrait Founder Dangun’ a more impressionist face is matched by rough brushstrokes in the Emperor’s clothing and staff, as the monarch and his throne melt into Rembrandt-style darkness.
The Noble Portrait of Founder Dangun 1998, 144 x 112 cm
Kim’s storytelling prowess is exemplified in ‘The Dangun First Year (BC 2333) Mt. Baekdu Heavenly Lake,’ but it is the painterly touch on the winter scenes above the gathering (and many other like moments) that make this exhibit worth seeing from a strictly artlover’s point of view. Kim San Ho has the ability to lure art lovers into history, and history buffs into a new way
of seeing Korea’s past: not as an oft-conquered peninsula, but as the heirs of a proud history that was once the lead empire in Asia. Story by Ahn So Young Reception photo by Doug Stuber Art photogaphs by Damool Productions
The Dangun First Year (BC 2333) Lunar October 3rd, Mt. Baekdu Heavenly Lake Grand National Foundation Ceremony, 2002, 155 x 377cm
Gwangju News June 2009
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Food
Gwangju Foreigner s Dinner Third Saturday Every Month
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re you new to Gwangju or are you looking to expand your social network? If so check out the monthly foreigner dinner that takes place down town. You will find an interesting mix of people from around the world, as well as some really cool locals. Come by yourself or bring a friend. The dinner is fun, and it is a great opportunity to find out more about what to do in Gwangju, where the good jobs are at, where to get a hair cut, or meet someone to go hiking with.
Lindsay: We usually go to Korean restaurants, but we are open to any place that can accommodate a group.
The foreigner dinner has been going on for a little over a year. It is organized by an American couple teaching in Gwangju, Whit Altizer and Lindsay Nash, who have lived here for a year and a half. Whit and Lindsay are amazing and interesting people. It is easy to say that you immediately feel relaxed around them as they are warm and laid back, which is likely a key to the success of these dinners. I was able to talk to Lindsay and find our more about the dinner.
Lindsay: People of all ages, from all over Gwangju and the surrounding areas come to the dinner. Some people have been in Gwangju a long time, while others just got here. Usually it is a large group, some people are shy at first, and feel a little intimidated because they think that everyone knows each other already, which isn’t the case. We have new people come all the time. The atmosphere is casual, open and warm. Once at the restaurant the large group splits off into smaller groups, and it is fun to sit by someone that you don’t already know. People who come wanting to meet new people always end up making new friends.
GN: How many people come to the dinner? Lindsay: It really varies; we have had groups of ten and groups of fifty. GN: How would you describe the environment of the foreigner dinner?
GN: What is the average cost for the dinner? Lindsay: Usually around 10,000 to 13,000 Won, for dinner and drinks. GN: Are there activities after the dinner? Lindsay: Nothing official, but normally we end up at the German Bar, or another downtown bar. Sometimes we go to a Norae Bang singing room. GN: Do you have an interesting story that occurred during a foreigner dinner, or at an outing afterward? Gwangju News (GN): What gave you the idea to begin hosting the foreigner dinner? Lindsay: The idea actually came while I was at Dunkin Donuts where I would meet weekly with my good friend Kim Han Na, who I met working with the organization, Project Warm Hands. Kim Han Na and I would brainstorm ideas on how to bring Koreans and foreigners together in a social setting, with the hopes of creating a sense of community for foreigners. That is when the idea for a monthly dinner happened.
Lindsay: One time there was this guy that I was taking a Korean class with. His name was Jonathan and he was from New Zealand, and he was a really shy guy. We all decided to go to a Norea Bang after the dinner. It was his first time in a singing room so we made him sing the Madonna song “Like a Virgin”. To our surprise, he knew every word, and even danced for us, and I laughed so hard, that I cried! GN: When and where is the foreigner dinner?
GN: What restaurants do you normally go to? 30
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Dr. Jack has a busy practice in Gwangju. He loves to travel, and recently went to Germany with his wife. He heard about the dinner from his American friend Tony, and wanted to have a foreign cultural experience. “Interacting with, and having dinner with strangers is not a part of my culture, and I find it fascinating that strangers get together and have dinner,” Jack said. Stephen and his wife are from Australia. They have been in Hwasun, just outside of Gwangju, for almost two years. They ride the bus for a half an hour to come to the dinner, and have come about five times. They heard about the dinner from the newsletter. They work at an elementary school with three Korean English teachers, and one Foreign English teacher. They love hearing about other people’s stories and adventures.
Lindsay: We always meet at 7:00 PM in front of the Starbucks downtown, next to the bookstore. You can’t miss it, there will be a large group of foreigners all talking together and hanging out. First timers seem a little nervous to join the crowd, but once they do, after a few introductions, they are part of the group. The dinner is usually the 3rd Saturday of every month, but sometimes this varies. To be sure you can join Face Book, and contact Lindsay Nash’s group, “getingwangju”. If you join this group, you will get an invite to the dinner every month. You can also check out my monthly news letter at www.teacheslkorea.com/newsletter. This is a monthly newsletter that I write that has information and stories about Gwangju. My friend, who is an excellent recruiter for teachers, Dan Hendrickson, has the newsletter on his website to help his new Gwangju recruits get acclimated to the area. The newsletter always has the upcoming dates for the dinner.
May is an English teacher at a school where there are nine Korean English teachers, and two Foreign English teachers. She was born and raised in Gwangju, and has been to the dinner three times. She likes to practice speaking English and making new friends.
GN: Is there anything else that you would like to add? Lindsay: Don’t be scared of the large group. Stick with it and you will be guaranteed to have a good time. It looks like everyone knows each other, but they don’t. We have new people every month, and eat in smaller groups. It is not a big clique; we are not a cliquey crowd. It is truly an international event, so encourage your Korean friends to come. I was able to ask some of the people at the dinner a few questions: Susan is from Canada. She came to Gwangju at the end of September 2008. She is a teacher at Brighton School and heard about the dinner from people she works with. Susan came because she wanted to meet some new people.
John is from St. Louis, Missouri, and has been in Gwangju for a month. He found the dinner through the newsletter on teacheslkorea.com. This was John’s first dinner, but he will be back. He works at a school with no other foreigners and doesn’t see any foreigners Monday through Friday. He does play soccer on the weekends with a local team, but really enjoys meeting new people. Everyone seems to have a different experience at the Gwangju foreigner dinner, but the commonality is that everyone has a good time. Many stories are shared and many friendships are formed. Give it a try for yourself. By Kristin Messinger Photos by Lindsay Nash
Gwangju News June 2009
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Review
Dr. Bob and the Disco Beaver Saturday May 2, Speakeasy
D
r .Bob and the Disco Beaver played three rocking sets, interspersed by sets of solo strummer/singer/songwriter Mike Brumm for a lengthy night of music that went on past the live sets, until we were closer to dawn than midnight. It’s these now-legendary nights that keep Speakeasy at the forefront of the expatriot English-teaching meeting places in Gwangju.
who traded singing songs with Dan McKague, ran through covers from the 70s to the 90s and from blues rock to James Brown to U2.
Brumm, whose phrasing and melodies will remind you of John Mellencamp (especially on “Brain Delay” which is a touch derivative of “Jack and Diane,” but aren’t all songs reminding us of other songs these days?). His sets were all entertaining, as his loop machine synched up well with vocals and guitar. He made the trip down from Buscheon for the show, but that’s not a large amount of gig-day travelling for a man used to ranging all over the US Midwest to play. “I’ve been here since March and play four to six shows per month,” Brumm said. After teaching as an adjunct professor at Milwaukee Area Technical College, Brumm moved to Korea with his second CD “Roll,” available for purchase at the show. “Sometimes it is hard to converse with the students here, but they are also so excited to be learning English. It’s amazing how long they live at home,” Brumm said. He mixed originals and occasional covers to keep the attention of early-comers who were drinking their way into a Harold Lear frenzy. The odd mix of mellow acoustic folk rock and hard-partying didn’t bother hippie-strumming Brumm, who drew two Milwaukee dancing girls to the show. Later they strutted around (imagine two of the between-round ladies at a boxing or wrestling match) selling his self-produced CD for him. In his third set, the sound system malfunctioned, unknown to Brumm and turned his hard work into a little bit of a jumble. Again, it didn’t matter, as by then, the crowd was fully lubricated.
Mike Brumm
As for the CD, “Roll,” is lyrically centered, so if you like mellow ideas, rhyming couplets and music that feels like it was written under the stars by a tent on Max Yasgur’s farm, then it’s worth it to catch his show, and buy the CD.
By the second set the famous Gwangju Wig Party arrived en masse adding the last necessary ingredient to loosen the crowd away from the rigors of hagwon managers. Locals are familiar with Disco Beaver’s drummer Dan Lloyd as he played with Jordan Eammons and Betty Ass. “I’m really grateful for what Mike and Dave and now Derek have done with Speakeasy, as it is what kept me here in Korea. Without a musical outlet I wouldn’t have stayed,” Lloyd said in an interview just before he hit the stage. Musically, Lloyd, Lear and bassist Bob Massicote are the heart and soul of a band that keeps the beat alive, and lays the groundwork for Lear’s outstanding lead guitar.
Then came Harold Lear and his “Dr. Bob and the Disco Beaver” band. It was the maiden voyage for the good ship beaver, but the rhythm section was tighter than a mosquito’s rear, as Angelo, of Fishbone would say. Lear,
Some of us have missed Betty Ass lately, as they used to round up punk type acts and put on six-band extravaganzas. Lloyd cleared up the missing-in-action Betty Ass mystery: “The lead singer and guitarist is in
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These days Lear remains a consummate lead guitarist, sometimes complaining about his lack of good equipment, but generally on target, stroking prime versions of Clapton, Edge (U2), Rossington and Collins (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) and even Jimi Hendrix. To the rock-starved ears of local GFN listeners, Dr. Bob and the Disco Beaver were like a pint of fresh Guinness stout. At our table a local University student brave enough to appear argued that Brumm was too loud, and that it was hard to talk over the music. I figured he was in for an earful once the Beaver started to howl. Although they were louder, this young fan never said a peep about Marshall amplified decibel levels, as the musicianship was too good to worry about anything as normal as a Saturday night conversation.
Harold Lear
the US right now, so we’re on hiatus.” Not so for Dr. Bob and the Disco Beaver, who really put in the miles to remain tight. “We practice near the middle of the peninsula, but for Bob it’s a 3.5 hour trek, and it’s over two for me,” Lloyd said. McKague is from Sucheon, “Van Gogh” on rhythm guitar lives in Chungju, and with Lloyd traveling up from Gwangju, one gets the feeling the band is extremely committed to their excellent live show. Harold Lear, famous in many music circles, has been teaching middle school and high school in Korea for over five years, and is married to a Busan native. “I’m from St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada,” Lear said. “After a stint in the army here, Lear returned to teach, but never gave up playing guitar. “My most memorable moment had to be the last show on the Jerry-Lee Lewis Tour. It was in Austin Texas, the crowd was right, and the night was magic,” Lear said. That tour saw Lear laying lead guitar in a band that included Ringo Starr (of Beatles fame) and Nils Lofgren (among other stars) playing together behind the pianoslamming hard singing 70+-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis. “Great Balls of Fire” indeed.
Bob Massicote & Dan Lloyd
If you haven’t yet made it to Speakeasy, and you like a pub atmosphere with occasional live music acts, (there’s pool upstairs too), then it’s easy to find by taking a cab or bus downtown, then walking along the main perpendicular artery that goes away from Gumnamro and toward the post office. Keep going straight there and then past Paris Baguette on your right and Burger King on your left. At the next alley-length opening to your right, turn right and find Mike and Dave’s Speakeasy at the end, on the second floor. Derek sends out hilarious emails, for which you can sign up by bothering Derek with an email at: derekspeakeasy@gmail.com. The Gwangju International Center, Gwangju Foreigners Dinner, Song’s German Bar and Speakeasy form the quad in which the ESL teachers congregate after class. It is only Speakeasy that brings professional musicians onto the multicultural stage, so if your ears are aching for some sweet stress-relieving tunes, there’s always a friend waiting over the rim of your beverage. Staff report Photos by Doug Stuber
Gwangju News June 2009
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Events
June Events
“Daegu International Musical Festival” DIMF(The Daegu International Musical Festival) is the only exclusive international musical festival in Korea, which aims high at developing musical theater into an industry through which the beauty and joy of musicals can be shared with international citizens as well as local residents. DIMF, a newly born representative cultural event of Daegu, has firmly established itself as an art market for novel and diverse musicals for producers. DIMF has also been positioned as an open stage for many gifted artists and as an amusement ground for the audience. While in pursuit of boosting homegrown musicals, nurturing the upcoming musical generation, and expanding the audience, DIMF is in need of your support and active participation in taking a big leap into the Musical Mecca of Asia, You are cordially invited to the Daegu International Musical Festival as the VIPs of an internationally loved cultural event. - Period: Jun15~Jul6 - Venue: Main theaters and provisional stages downtown Daegu - What: Official events, official invitational performances, the DIMF-grantee premiere homegrown musicals, the DIMF college Students’ Musical Festival, the DIMF Fringe Festival, and academic conference, and side events - For more Info. Phone: 053-622-1945 http://www.dimf.or.kr/ (in Korean, in English) 34
Gwangju News June 2009
Musical “MAMMA MIA!” A Mother, A Daughter, 3 Possible Dads. MAMMA MIA! unfolds on a Greek island paradise. Donna used to dream of becoming a singer but now she is the landlady of a motel. She has an only daughter, Sophie. Sophie is about to marry her boyfriend, Sky, and wants her father to be beside her when she walks down the aisle. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie meets three men from her mother’s diary, Sam, Bill and Harry. She believes that one of them must be her father so invites them all to the wedding without Donna’s knowledge… - Period: Jun21~ Jul 23 - Time: Weekday 3:00pm&8:00pm /Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday 3:00pm & 7:30pm (NO PERFORMANCE ON MONDAY) - Show Run Time: 2.4hours, including as intermission - Venue: Admission fee: VIP 120,000 /R 100,000 /S 70,000 / A 50,000 / B 40,000 - For more Info. Phone 02)577-1987 http://www.mamma-mia.co.kr (in Korean ,in English)
“Muju Firefly Festival” The fireflies of Muju are considered to be so special, that they have been designated as one of Korea’s natural monuments. Of the various programs of this festival, the nighttime fireflies exploration event, which starts at 8pm, is the most popular. There are other hands-on events to help visitors experience the fireflies’ natural environment, such as the trout fishing and rafting. - Period: Jun.13~21 - Venue: Muju County Region (Hanpungnu Park/ Namdaecheon, Banditbul Sport center/ Bandi land) - What: Firefly Mystery Expedition, Firefly Ecology Hall, Traditional Folk Experience, Culture/Art Festival, National Children’s Soccer Competition, Firefly Singing Contest,
Traditional Food Contest, Firefly Children’s Singing Contest, Traditional Craft Contest, National Firefly Marathon, Korea Art Competition (writing, eloquence, drawing) - For more Info. - Phone: 063-324-2440 http://firefly.or.kr/ (in Korean)
“Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival” The region of Hansan-myeon is famous for producing ramie, one of the world’s oldest fabric crops. The Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival celebrates the high quality, luxury clothing that is produced from ramie fabric and which receives wide acclaim. The ramie crop is also used in making food, and at the festival visitors can try rice cakes, ice cream, tea and other refreshments all made from ramie. A must-visit festival for all shopping and food aficionados. - Period: Jun.12~ 15 - Venue: Chungcheongnam-do Seocheon-gun - What: Hansanmosi fashion show, Jeosanpaleup Gilssamnori, Experience of weaving Hansanmosi, Hansanmosi exhibition and selling, Mosi market place, Mosi concert (Rock, Dance, B-boy), Mosi parade - For more Info. Phone: 041-950-4226 http://mosi.seocheon.go.kr/ (in Korean) Compiled by Jung Ji Eun
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Review
Sons of Isan ‘Sons of Isan,’ is not marketed as a memoir, but it comes mighty close to being one. Right from the opening lines, the story has the style of a letter home from summer camp, including the “what to pack” list, and helpful Thai words that are later used in the chapter at hand. Bill Reyland’s writing is what keeps you interested in a story that might otherwise not be a first-summerread for 2009. This engaging, relaxed, extended postcard helps a story about being a temporary novice monk in a Thai Buddhist Temple exceed the 237 or so precepts required of said monks. It also has more than one example of monks breaking their own rules. Oh la la. “It’s not that I didn't do my research. I did plenty, but this is the kind of place no amount of research can prepare you for.” Straightforward foreshadowing is often poo-pooed as clunky, but in this case, didactic is warranted. Not many westerners would have guessed any of these about Thai monks: “1. Thai Buddhism is many things, but it is not romantic, soft, or even very clean. 2. Monks are people, too. Some are good, and some are bad. 3. Monks can't wear a watch, but they can wear a cell phone. 4. Many monks sleep late and then lay around the temple all day smoking. 5. Cleanliness has little to do with spirituality. Littering in the temple is acceptable. 6. During walking meditation, if a small puppy wanders onto the path, it's alright, and even entertaining, to give it a good swift kick.” There are three more interesting facts listed in the book, which you will have to buy to find out. Reyland openly admits to scampering home after a while, but he returns to Thailand and learns an awful lot more about Buddhism than your average tourist ever could. On page 41 he states there are 227 precepts 36
Gwangju News June 2009
to be memorized and on page 43 there are 247. That averages out to 237 rules to remember, which is less than the 349 the Seunims in Korea live under, but still, it’s easy to see why a man might turn to being a monk in Thailand, where Buddhism allows at least enough to eat, and very high respect for the Monks. As Reyland notes, only the King is held in higher esteem in Thailand, and he bows to a monk himself.
The book twists and turns through loneliness, acceptance of the monk’s life, and to being initiated as a novice, a feat rarely attained by westerners in Asian temples. Typical cultural differences though do play a part in how close a friendship Reyland could build with fellow monks. Either the monks were as close to him as anyone else (but it didn’t feel as close) or there was no time for a close friendship with him, due to other demands, or the there really was a difference in how close he was able to get to his fellow Thai monks. Passages that recount these frustrations are among the best in the book. You’ll have to read it to see whether Reyland manages to get through his time in Thailand without breaking any of the precepts. The poignant, often humorous read will keep you flipping pages until you find out. For a first (novel/memoir) this is good stuff, and recommended for your “time off,” from the ol’ Hagwan. Staff report Photos by Bill Reyland
Community Board
Gwangju News Needs You Due to the rapid expansion of our community, we need more volunteers to help with the running of the magazine. Help the community and gain new skills. You can help in a variety of roles: - proofreading - editing - photography - writing - layout - administration - website or any other way YOU can think of. Contact: gwangjunews@gmail.com Sung Bin Orphanage Sung Bin Orphanage is looking for longterm volunteers. We would like you to give at least two Saturdays per month. As well as being a friend, you will be asked to teach basic English to girls aged 7 to 14. For more information please contact Mike at: sungbinvolunteers@gmail.com. Gwangju Men’s Soccer The Gwangju international soccer team plays regularly most weekends. If you are interested in playing, e-mail: gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com. Kona Volunteers Kona Volunteers is a registered organization for helping underprivileged kids by teaching English using storybooks. We are looking for long-term native speakers who desire to enrich their lives by volunteering. We would like you to volunteer at least 2 Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons per month. We help orphanage children or children of lowincome or single-parent families. If you have any picture books or storybooks, please donate them when you leave Korea. For more information, please visit: http://cafe.daum.net/konavolunteers Gwangju Expat Parents Association Raising interracial or foreign children in Gwangju? Want to meet other expatriates who are doing the same thing?
A new web forum has been set up for expat parents in Gwangju, and we’re hoping that we can organize to discuss issues that are relevant to our somewhat unique situation in Gwangju. The web forum is open to people of all nationalities, not just westerners. Our main focus right now is on discussing alternative educational options for school-age children. Please join our facebook: gwangju parents Help Gwangju News Magazine! Volunteer one day a month GIC needs volunteers to mail out Gwangju News. Gwangju News, published monthly, is sent to nearly 700 addresses. Join our Gwangju News mail-out volunteers at GIC. Volunteers are called 48 hours before the mail-out day (during the first week of each month). GIC needs 6-8 people who can help. GIC and Gwangju News are only as good as the volunteers who bring it to life! Contact GIC at 062-226-2733~4, or email us at: gwangjuic@gmail.com.
PseudoFunk PseudoFunk is bringing you the Hottest Hip hop and Reggae night to hit Gwangju ever. For those of you who are not Hip hop or Reggae heads, do not fear, the PseudoFunk DJ has something for everyone. A night you should not miss, be prepared to be FUNKDAFIED!! Also, stay tuned for Pseudo Funk’s 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Time: 11pm until you say when Venue: Speakeasy (Downtown Gwangju) Date: Saturday June 13th Admission : 3,000won Contact number : 010-2971-6482
Free Health Clinic for Foreigners Venue: Gwangju Joongang Presbyterian Church. Time: Every Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Offers: Internal medicine, Oriental medicine and Dental service. You could take some medicine after treatment. How to get to there: Buses - 19, 26, 39, 59, 61, 74 (around Hwajeong crossroads), Subway - Exit 2 Hwajeong Station. Apostolate to Migrants Center 969-10 Wolgok-dong, Gwangsan-gu 062-954-8004 Buses: 18, 20, 29, 37, 40, 98, 196, 700, 720 get off at Wolgok market bus stop. Mass: Every Sunday 3 p.m. at Wolgokdong Catholic Church Cooking Contest in Gwangyang Time: Saturday, 6th June, at 8pm. Venue: String Bar in Jungmadong 3 cooking categories: appetizer, main dish, and dessert. Enter in any or all categories. Details/sign up at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid =103006951074 contact email: anichion@yahoo.com
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How to Subscribe
Gwangju News
Send an e-mail to gwangjunews@gmail.com including the following information:
A Monthly International Magazine
1. Sender name: 2. Receiver name: 3. Shipping address (including zip code): 4. E-mail address: 5. Telephone/mobile phone number: 6. The starting month:
Subscription Rates (monthly issues for 1 year):Domestic: 10,000 won Asia : 25,000 won Australia and Europe: 40,000 won The Americas and Africa: 50,000 won Payment can be sent to our bank account using the information below. Please include the name that corresponds to the subscription name. You are responsible for any bank charges incurred. Kwangju Bank 134-107-000999 User name: Gwangju International Center (광주국제교류센터) For further information on magazine subscriptions, please contact Kim Singsing at gwangjunews@gmail.com or call (062) 226-2733~4. 38
Gwangju News June 2009
Advertise in Gwangju News Target Your Customers! Does your business cater to the foreign community? Advertising in Gwangju News is the best way to reach your target market. 3,000 copies are printed and distributed every month. News about your services will spread like wildfire! For advertising information contact Kim Min-su at (062) 226-2734 or e-mail: gwangjunews@gmail.com
Worship at Dongmyung English Service Sunday 11:30 am, Education Bld.
Pastor : Dan Hornbostel (010-5188-8940)
Bus: 15, 27, 28, 55, 74, 80, 1000, 1187 get off at Nongjang Dari or at Court Office Entrance
If you bring this magazine,
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GIC was established by the Gwangju City Government and Gwangju Citizens Solidarity in 1999 as a model of government and NGO collaboration. Gwangju City provides financial assistance to help GIC to carry out its missions of - providing foreigners with information and services - promoting international exchange programs in the fields of culture and economy - fostering international awareness among Korean youth
GIC has administered a number of programs in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do. Its activites of note include the following: - A Monthly Magazine Gwangju News - GIC Talk on Saturdays - Korean Language Classes - Gwangju International Community Day - GIC Library
- GIC Concert - Additional Activities: Translation Service Counseling and conflict resolution services Information Service through phone and e-mail
Membership Fees
International Residents: 10,000 won/6 months Students: 10,000 won/year Korean Adults: 5,000 won/month Please remit membership fee to: Gwangju Bank 134-107-000999 / Kookmin Bank 551-01-1475-439 / Nonghyup 605-01-355643 Account name: 광주국제교류센터 *Your contribution to the Nonghyup account is used to provide assistance to the Third World countries.
The Benefits for the Center Members The Center members are privileged to - receive the Gwangju News and the GIC newsletter every month - participate in all events sponsored by the GIC - have opportunity to develop international friendship
5th Floor, Jeon-il Bldg, Geumnam-no 1-ga, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, Korea Phone: 062-226-2733~4 Fax: 062-226-2732 Website: www.gic.or.kr E-mail:gwangjuic@gmail.com Directions: The GIC office is located in the same building as the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) in downtown Gwangju. The entrance is immediately north of the KEB on Geumnam-no street, across from the YMCA. Subway stop: Culture Complex 문화전당역 Bus No.: 7, 9, 36, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 74, 80, 95, 150, 151, 518, 1000, 1187