Gwangju News March 2021 #229 by Gwangju International Center

Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine

Gwangju and South Jeolla International Magazine I March 2021 #229 The Bulldozed Future

March 2021 #229

The Bulldozed Future

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Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine

From the Editor Ready… Set… March!

March 2021, Issue 229 Published: March 1, 2021 Cover Photo

The Bulldozed Future (Photo by Ryan Berkebile)

THE EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Chief Copy Editor Layout Editor Photographer Communications Copy Editors Online Editor

Dr. Shin Gyonggu Dr. David E. Shaffer William Urbanski Isaiah Winters Melline Galani Kim Hillel Yunkyoung Ki Hyunsoo David Foster, Di Foster, Joseph Nunez Melline Galani

The Gwangju News is the first English monthly magazine for the general public in Korea, first published in 2001. Each monthly issue covers local and regional issues, with a focus on the roles and activities of the international residents and local English-speaking communities. Copyright ©2021 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 publisher.

Registration No. 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date: February 22, 2010 Printed by Jieum 지음 (+82)-62-672-2566

Special thanks to Gwangju City and all of our sponsors.

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Our cover feature introduces a new photo zine, The Bulldozed Future, through its urban-explorer editor who chronicles our present at times when it is on the verge of disappearing. Likewise, Lost in Gwangju documents the vanishing apartments of Unamdong and the nostalgia this creates. What’s going on around the community? Find out about the zerowaste concept and the initiative that a local shop has launched. Learn about the new PD at the City of Light radio show at GFN. Interested in culture and the arts? Blast from the Past explains why Koreans don’t whistle, play flutes, or clip fingernails at night. (Hint: It has something to do with rats, snakes, and/or ghosts.) Speaking of ghosts, we have for you an anthology of ghostly Korean urban legends in film. Getting hungry? Check out this month’s review of the restaurant with the freshest fish in town: Sushi Dogam. Or stay at home and stay warm by trying out this issue’s recipe for beef and radish stew. After eating, want to do more reading than in the Gwangju News? Check out our review of the best book platforms. Is that all, you ask? Of course not. Read a professor’s ten tips for fostering creativity. Find out how alternative schools differ from public schools, and from each other. And learn how to talk about locations in Korean. We have recent news from Gwangju City Hall, our muchtalked-about crossword puzzle, and our photo of the month. In addition, our lovely Photo Essay is of a dazzling wedding in the midst of the pandemic. And we sadly bid a final farewell to a well-known figure in the community. As always, stay Covid smart, stay Covid safe, and enjoy the Gwangju News. David E. Shaﬀer Editor-in-Chief Gwangju News

March 2021

For volunteering and article submission inquiries, please contact the editor at gwangjunews@gic.or.kr.

We look forward to March beginning to reveal positive effects of COVID-19 vaccinations and to the first blossoms of spring revealing themselves through the plum blossom paintings of Kang Namgu. We also look forward to March 8, International Women’s Day, which this issue of the Gwangju News commemorates with a feature article. March brings us much to look forward to, and here’s what our March issue has for you to look forward to.

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The Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center: Jungang-ro 196-beon-gil 5 (Geumnam-ro 3-ga), Dong-gu, Gwangju 61475, South Korea Tel: (+82)-62-226-2733~34 Fax: (+82)-62-226-2731 Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com Email: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr GwangjuNews gwangjunews

The month of March is symbolic of beginnings in a number of ways. As you may know, March was originally the first month of the Roman calendar. March is also considered to be the first of the three spring months (at this latitude), and this month contains two solar terms of Korea’s traditional calendar (aka “farmer’s calendar”) that signify the beginning of spring: Gyeongchip, the awakening from hibernation (March 5), and Chunbun, the spring equinox (March 20).

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2 The Photographer

When Ryan Berkebile is not taking photos of abandoned neighborhoods, he likes to write blog posts for his website, Long Distance Runner. Recently, Ryan put out his first zine called The Bulldozed Future. You can find out more about this and other projects at longdistancerunner.org and on Instagram: @l0ngdistancerunner and @naturaryan1600

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CONTENTS March 2021

Issue 229

01. From the Editor 02. Photo of the Month MONTHLY NEWS 04. Gwangju City News FEATURES 06. The Bulldozed Future 10. People in the Arts: Painting Spring for Us – Kang Namgu 14. Celebrating Women’s Day 2021 BLAST FROM THE PAST 18. The Dangers of Whistling, Clipping, and Shaking OPINION 28. Ten Ways to Foster Creativity COMMUNITY 24. Lost in Gwangju: Nostalgia and Nepotism in Unam-dong 36. Expat Living: Falling in Love with Volunteering 38. Local Entrepreneurs: Zero Waste, a Way of Life

44. GFN at 12 – Serving the Community 56. A Final Farewell FOOD & DRINKS 43. Recipe: Sogogi Muguk – Beef and Radish Stew 48. Restaurant Review: Sushi Dogam TEACHING & LEARNING 47. Everyday Korean: Episode 39 – 위치 (Location) 52. Language Teaching: Alternatives to Public Schooling CULTURE & ARTS 20. From Abroad: The Mărțișor 23. Crossword Puzzle 30. Photo Essay: Wedding During the Pandemic 34. Goedam: Hong Won Ki’s Netflix Series PRODUCT REVIEW 50. Is It Worth It? A Comparison of Book Platforms

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March 2021

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Gwangju City News From the Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall website.

Gwangju will have the nation’s first autonomous, lowspeed special vehicles in the public service sector. On February 17, Gwangju City and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups held a demonstration launching ceremony for the Autonomous Low-Speed Special Vehicle Regulatory Free Zone Project in front of City Hall. This presentation consisted of a demonstration of lowspeed special vehicle public autonomous driving, and the collecting and sharing of public information data. Until now, a prerequisite for autonomous driving in Korea has been with a driver on board, but the Gwangju Free Regulatory Zone Project is characterized by autonomous driving without a human in the vehicle – the first in the country for this.

In December 2019, Gwangju was designated as a free regulatory zone in seven areas, including the Pyeongdong Industrial Complex, the Hanam-Jingok Industrial Complex, the Suwan district, Uchi Park, the Bitgreen Industrial Complex, and Songjeong Park, and signed an MOU with special zone operators in July last year. In the Gwangju Regulatory Free Zone, special regulations on temporary road permits, road driving permits, and access to urban parks are allowed for autonomous, lowspeed special vehicles to the extent that safety is ensured. Accordingly, Gwangju City received a temporary driving permit from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport on January 29, satisfying the performance test that applies to the above special cases to obtain temporary

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March 2021

MONTHLY NEWS

Gwangju City First in Nation to Test Self-Driving Public Vehicles

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5 driving permits for road sweepers and waste collection vehicles for industrial complexes. The vehicles will operate in the Pyeongdong Station area in the Pyeongdong Industrial Complex, in Seongdeok Park in the Suwan district, in Goraesil Park, and in Uchi Park. The autonomous vehicles will be monitored in real time through a control center, respond through remote control in case of abnormal situations, and collect and share public information data with institutions and companies that need it. These vehicles will operate at a low speed of 5–7 km./ hr. for safety, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and between 2 and 4 p.m., when traffic is low, avoiding operation during commuting times and lunch breaks. However, at Uchi Park, the opening hours will avoid 7 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

At the launching ceremony, Yoon Hong-sik, CEO of AM Special Vehicles, said, “We will actively promote the autonomous vehicle business to not only local governments but also foreign buyers such as Spain and promote innovative growth in the local industry.” Mayor Lee Yong Sup said, “Gwangju has made efforts to find future business models and preemptively respond to changes in the industrial landscape in preparation for the fourth industrial revolution.”

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Mayor Lee Yong Sup reiterated his pledge, “We will lead the way at the forefront of change and make, in 2021, a Gwangju that no one can follow,” and added, “We thank local entrepreneurs who maintain employment and the local economy despite the severe situation presented by COVID-19 and ask for their active participation and cooperation. Translated by Melline Galani.

March 2021

Gwangju Metropolitan City Mayor Lee Yong Sup shared with local businessmen the current situation and future directions of the city’s core policies, and requested cooperation and interest for the “great Gwangju era.” Mayor Lee gave a special lecture on the theme of “Directions of Gwangju Municipal Administration Management in 2021” at the Gwangju Employers’ Federation’s Friday Breakfast Forum held at the Gwangju Science and Technology Promotion Agency.

He also announced that new jobs will be created for local youth through full-scale promotion of the Gwangjutailored AI Green New Deal, which aims to make Gwangju a “2045 carbon-neutral and energy-independent city,” and through a Gwangju-tailored jobs-producing car factory that will produce finished cars in earnest from September.

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To Make Gwangju a Memorable City in 2021

Mayor Lee then expressed the strong will of the three major Gwangju-tailored new deals, including the artificial intelligence-oriented Digital New Deal, the carbon neutral AI Green New Deal, and the mutually beneficial Human New Deal. Moreover, he said “We will start construction of a world-class national AI data center to open artificial intelligence at Gwangju University, attract artificial intelligence leading companies at home and abroad, and open artificial intelligence start-up camps.”

MONTHLY NEWS

These vehicles are expected to improve the hazardous working environment for street cleaners, such as traffic accidents at dawn, and improve work efficiency through taking over simple repetitive work. In addition, it is predicted that an industrial ecosystem will be created for future businesses in the field of autonomous driving, such as key components of radar and the development of autonomous driving system technology and commercialization promotion in Gwangju.

Mayor Lee first said, “We have been working hard to protect the community with the combined capabilities of Gwangju citizens in the wake of the unprecedented COVID-19 situation over the past year,” expressing gratitude to citizens who actively participated in the quarantine, despite massive damage and inconvenience. He then shared some of the policies achieved through innovation and communication, such as the construction of a Gwangju-tailored job automobile factory, the creation of an “artificial intelligence-centered city, Gwangju,” the construction of the second subway line in 17 years, and the designation of the free economic zone. He also cited the creation of the largest start-up complex in the Honam region, which will have investments of 1.2 trillion won by 2025 and attract 124 state-run projects that will change Gwangju’s future.

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The Bulldozed Future

An Interview with the Zine’s Editor, Ryan Berkebile Introduction and Interview by William Urbanski

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March 2021

FEATURE

few thousand years ago a volcano erupted, covering an entire city in lava and ash. Over time, a new city was built on top of the old one, which was, in time, all but forgotten. Serendipitously, the old city was discovered and excavated, revealing troves of commonplace but excellently preserved items that gave indispensable insight into the daily lives of the people who once lived there. That forgotten city is now one of the most significant cultural and archeological sites in the world and is called Pompeii.

culture of a society that gives crucial insights into the society – insights that can and may be lost forever in the bulldozed future. As managing editor of the Gwangju News, I got in contact with Ryan Berkebile, urban explorer and the editor of the zine The Bulldozed Future, for this interview.

While the perceived need for development is a whole issue in and of itself, there are certain people who focus on the edifices that are lost when this happens. The oldfashioned or obsolete buildings are all too often wiped out with little regard for what is lost.

Gwangju News (GN): I gotta ask: What’s this whole fascination about going into abandoned buildings? Isn’t it a bit dangerous? Ryan Berkebile: An abandoned building is a visually stunning scene. It evokes a vast array of emotions. Some people are embarrassed by it; others are depressed by the emptiness and decay. I am fascinated by such buildings and what potentially lies inside them. I think of my hobby as a form of anthropology mixed with modern urban archeology. Part of the adventure is finding artifacts that will help me learn more about the former occupants. I spend my free time exploring and taking pictures of abandoned buildings in condemned neighborhoods prepped for demolition. I record what I see with a camera, archiving the images to provide evidence of Korea’s dying communities.

As anyone who has studied anthropology knows, far more important than spoken language, stories, or traditions, it is the material

There is always some risk going into a house, either one that has been neglected for a long time or one set for demolition. A neglected house

While Gwangju and the rest of the Korean Peninsula certainly are not at an immediate risk of being buried under volcanic ash, there is another powerful force covering a significant part of its foundations: rapid development, especially of buildings, the construction of which requires entire neighborhoods to be erased from the landscape.

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7 will be full of dust and mold, which is terrible to breathe in, so even before the pandemic, I would recommend wearing a mask inside to everyone to protect their lungs. When you explore, there is also the potential of being exposed to asbestos; sometimes, you will come across yellow disposal bags filled with roofing made from the stuff. I try not to stay too long in houses with asbestos roofing. Again, I would recommend wearing a mask if you expose yourself to it. Just because a building looks sturdy does not mean

it is. The place you go into may be barely holding in place; keep that in mind when you survey a house. Other dangers involve walking over broken glass, climbing fences and walls, or maneuvering over piles of debris, which might have sharp nails sticking out. If you have an aversion to these things, it might be best to admire this hobby through social media.

On one level, paying attention to redevelopment zones offers a glimpse into the politics of urban renewal and redevelopment played out in modern South Korea. You become aware of why citizens fight tooth and nail until the end to bring awareness to their situation. As I mentioned earlier, redevelopment firms offer residents meager amounts of compensation to relocate. These same companies hire strongmen to intimidate residents into leaving without a fuss.

March 2021

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GN: Why should people care about this stuff? A bunch of old buildings get plowed into oblivion. So what? Berkebile: It is not for everyone. I understand that when confronted with these intense scenes, it can hit people hard. It might bring up melancholic feelings of the past, on a personal and historical level. Perhaps that is why demolition crews put up brown tarps to shield the public’s eyes from the demolition process of a once lively, vital community.

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GN: Have you ever had a confrontation? Berkebile: As I said before, it is ideal to be as invisible as possible when out seeing an abandonment. If you use common sense and caution, most times you will be able to explore without any problem. Perfect timing and a bit of luck lead to a successful and drama-free day out in the field. Sometimes, you cannot control the situation, and a person will see you coming out of a building. I find that honesty works the best. I state my intention of being there and hope the person will understand. If not, I will

GN: Since you’re heavily into photography, could you tell our readers what kind of camera gear you use and why? Berkebile: Because I am usually climbing up and over things, I try to keep things to a minimum. I rarely bring a tripod. I use point-and-shoot 35mm and medium format film cameras that are lightweight and can fit into the small bag I take along on explorations. While I would like to shoot scenes with my three-kilogram Mamiya that shoots 6x7, it would be a logistical nightmare trying to figure how to maneuver around smoothly and safely.

FEATURE

GN: What are your personal rules (or “code” if you will) when entering a building to take photos? Berkebile: In general, treat the area you photograph as a campsite or like an environmentally and socially conscious tourist would. Ethical urban exploration is on par with eco-tourism. Leave the site the way you find it; take photos and leave only footprints. Do not break things just because the place might appear like a warzone. Do not vandalize the area because former residents might come back to retrieve their possessions. Also, you will look like a jerk to the remaining residents in the area. The evicted are already dealing with harassment by hired goons, lowball compensation figures from the developers, and the prospect of losing their homes. Try to be as discreet as possible when visiting a place; do not get caught going into a site. The goal as an urban explorer is to be neither seen nor heard.

politely offer an apology and be on my way. I find the most contentious people are the demolition workers. Yet, they are not that angry; they are mostly confused why someone would want to go into an abandoned house. I feel that is the general feeling people emote when I tell them about my intentions.

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March 2021

FEATURE

8 On another level, exploring redevelopment zones provides a chance to dive into Korea’s history and culture, albeit in an unorthodox way. I have learned much about shamanism through my encounters with abandoned mudang (shaman) houses. Before I knew anything about traditional Korean religion, I would encounter yellow paper with red scribbles and symbols resembling hanja (Chinese characters) called bujeok (talismans) on empty houses’ walls. I became curious about their meaning. While I am no expert, I have read a lot on shamanism and have a general idea of their meaning and purpose when I discover them, which helps me understand who used to occupy the space. Perhaps the most extraordinary history lesson was exploring an abandoned North Korean school in Japan replete with schoolbooks and other Juche-related ephemera. I learned a lot about Japanese colonialism, the Korean diaspora in Japan, and inter-Korean politics through research inspired by that school visit. GN: You wrote that your recently inaugurated zine, The Bulldozed Future, serves as a kind of “visual obituary.” What do you mean by this? Berkebile: I try to offer a memorial to a place before it is gone for good. I reconstruct my visits for my blog and try to provide my experiences until the place is completely gone. Collective memory seems to fade quickly in Korea. Historically, Korea has had to deal with a loss of culture and identity through colonialism, the Korean War, and governmental oppression. Today, people focus on appearing modern and forwardlooking, on showing the world how advanced the country has become. But I ask, “At what cost?” It seems like the “balli-balli” culture is always looking for the next thing to quickly bulldoze. This us the reason I named the zine “The Bulldozed Future.” GN: Printed publications, and especially independent ones, are a

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bit of a dying breed. What made you want to come out with your own magazine? Berkebile: I view The Bulldozed Future as more a craft than a publication casting its net wide for as many readers as possible. It is an endeavor created from a desire to show an underrepresented aspect of Korea. I am sorry, I do not need to know any more about how great the guys in BTS are, the health benefits of kimchi, or where I can rent a hanbok in a hanok village [traditional costumes in a touristy tradition village]. The stuff the ministry of culture wants to push as Korean is highly manufactured and devoid of spirit. I see this more as a craft, as it is intensely personal work, and I do not care if it has marketability. In that aspect, it is part of folk/indie culture and will reach the intended audience through word of mouth, and I do not need to have big numbers to prove its

worth. Zines, or small independent publications, are rooted in the DIY subcultures of punk rock and skateboarding, which, depending on where you look, still operate on their terms and outside mainstream influence. GN: Do you think there are certain subcultures that lend themselves better to expression through independent magazines – like punk rock or skateboarding, for example? Berkebile: Ultimately, yes, as zine culture is similarly rooted in operating outside of mainstream culture. These subcultures are more open to new ideas and different processes of thinking. This independent culture is diverse and open to cross-pollination, which in time creates new ways of being. In the beginning, fans of punk rock music and skateboarding created these small publications to showcase

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tweaking needed for the next issue; I think I might add more descriptions of the pictures and add Korean translations to make it more accessible.

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The Interviewee

March 2021

GN: What’s your long-term vision for The Bulldozed Future? Berkebile: I do not know what the long-term future holds for The Bulldozed Future. It is a learning process each time. I am still trying to get the hang of using Adobe InDesign; I am glad that my wife, Sounion Hong (sounionhong.com), has been the big reason I have been able to get this project off the ground. Her expertise in design and layout is the reason why the zine is the way it is. At this point, I am trying to take it issue by issue. There is still a lot of

Photographs courtesy of Ryan Berkebile. www.gwangjunewsgic.com

the local scene while also connecting with other outsiders across the world. Urban exploration is a subculture with similar ethics, values, and an outlook that corresponds with the skate and punk scenes. You can identify with all at the same time: It is possible to be a skate punk urban explorer!

GN: Where can people pick up your zine? Berkebile: If you want a physical copy and live in Korea, you can message me personally at my website (longdistancerunner.org), and we can make arrangements. I am selling physical copies for 10,000 won. If you are in Seoul, Kenektid Bookstore (http://www.kenektidxbookstore. kr/) has some available. I also made a digital version of the zine for sale through gumroad.com. The link is available at my site.

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FEATURE

Painting Spring for Us: Kang Namgu

Space: Life Force 3 (2020).

By Kang Jennis Hyun-suk

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March 2021

ow do you realize that spring is coming? The warm air, the haze, or a ticklish scent of flowers? Yes, I agree that spring comes with flowers. The news of spring’s coming is delivered by the East Asian plum tree (maehwa, 매화). It blooms when the world is still white. The plum tree has two virtues. Its blossoms draw spring to the hearts and minds of the ice-cold souls who have endured the freezing winter. Another of its virtues is the sweetness of the scent it gives us. When spring comes, I enjoy plum blossom tea. You can pour warm water in your teacup and float a couple of plum blossom petals in it. It provides you with the taste of early spring. The Gwangju Museum of Art in Unam-dong has a cultural center in it. The museum opens diverse art classes for the citizens of Gwangju – including lessons in pottery, water painting, oil painting, calligraphy, and croquis – and I am one of the beneficiaries, as I have been learning oil painting at the museum. Last year, COVID-19 prevented us from learning for a while, but classes restarted recently under strict safety conditions. Our oil painting class is led by Kang Namgu. Yes, he is my painting teacher. A few years ago, my friends and I decided to do something to make our lives more exciting. We discovered that there were a lot of art classes offered by the museum and so

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enrolled in the oil painting class. Because we all loved the thickness of expression in paintings like Van Gogh’s matière. For several years, I have had many opportunities to see Kang’s exhibitions. I think Kang is an artist who can paint the virtues of the plum tree. His paintings of them are powerful: The tree trunk is like a dragon twisting up into the air. Standing in front of his paintings, I can imagine the scent of the blossoms beyond the purple mist. That is why some people call him the Messenger of the Spring.

Visiting Kang’s Studio

I recently visited Kang at his studio on Art Street (예술의 거리) in downtown Gwangju. When I asked him about the history of his paintings for the Gwangju News, he took out his exhibition booklets from his bookshelf and told me about the changes in his style over the past few decades. It was a precious time to hear from the artist about his works. This is how our discussion progressed. Jennis: A few years ago, I saw some of your artwork at your exhibition in the Yangnim Museum of Art. The pieces were quite different from your recent paintings. Kang Namgu: During my master’s course at Chosun University, I was fascinated by the world of nonfigurative, abstract artworks. It is not that difficult to open

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an exhibition these days because the increase in visitors has given rise to a large number of galleries. But in 1994, when I held my first individual exhibition, I had to go through an interview with my portfolio. Luckily, I was able to exhibit non-figurative works on huge canvases at Inje Gallery in Gwangju.

Jennis: To be honest, I’m not sure I know exactly what non-figurative artworks are. Are non-figurative works different from abstractions? Can I ask what an artist wants to express through non-figurative artworks? Kang Namgu: Non-figuratives and abstractions are sometimes used to refer to the same thing, but they are slightly different. While the non-figurative is to break the shape of objects in search of the essence of Nature, for me, the abstraction is like an extraction of something from the artists’ mind. In my early days, I wanted to express the primitive vitality of human beings through spontaneous brushstrokes on a large canvas. I can say that I did a type of action painting at that time. Jennis: Can I ask what made you move on to figurative art? When did the change begin? Kang Namgu: All of a sudden, it came to me: I could not hold my paint brush anymore. It was after ten years of expressing the world of non-figurative artwork. I had been living like an office worker, going to work every morning and leaving the studio in the evening. I just could not do it any longer. The gap between an artist’s ideal works and the collector’s needs is sometimes painful for the artist. I could not sleep until late and went out to drive around without any destination in mind. I think it was the Seomjin River (섬진강) that I reached at dawn. I saw plum blossoms peering through the mist. The fantastic sight and the scent of the plum blossoms were so beautiful that I wanted to express that feeling on canvas. So, I picked up my brush again. After that, I went to Juam Dam, Mokpo, Muan, and Suncheon Bay to catch the mist on the mudflats, the mist on the rivers, and the mist on the paths. I felt that the mist was representing my thoughts in a fog.

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Pomegranate (2019).

March 2021

Jennis: I am curious about how you depict the foggy landscape, which is behind the plum trees in your

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Jennis: That sudden encounter with plum blossoms changed your art style. It might have been hard move away from the art world that you had built up so passionately. What was the response of critics and collectors to your fog paintings? Kang Namgu: Two years after I started painting fog, I submitted my works to a fair called Art Seoul, and afterwards the Seoul Museum of Art contacted me about my paintings. They were interested in buying one of them. The positive response to my new style was a big boost for me. When the invitational exhibition was held at the Gwangju Shinsegae Gallery in 2007, I depicted more dreamy fog and more prominent plum blossoms.

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paintings. Kang Namgu: I thought a lot about how to express the fog properly. Then I started using an airbrush. Some of my curious artist friends asked me about how to use an airbrush because there was no one using airbrushes for authentic paintings at that time. Actually, it was not easy to work with an airbrush; it took me three years to express fog the way I wanted.

FEATURE

Jennis: So, you paint plum blossoms in the fog, paths in the fog, misty mudflats, and mist over snow-covered fields. What are you attempting to say through your paintings? Kang Namgu: I want to depict the scenery that I saw when I was young. To capture such scenes, I went all over the country that people rarely go to. Then the fog gradually cleared up and my paintings became clear. Jennis: Looking at your latest works, your blossoms and flowers are becoming more vivid. Is there any reason you magnify the blossoms within their natural surroundings? Kang Namgu: People say that my paintings have become more colorful since 2010. I love to paint red gems like seeds of pomegranates and many different kinds of flowers. Each flower or blossom has its own meaning of hope. I want to convey that hopefulness in my paintings.

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March 2021

Jennis: So, your paintings are like messages from your flowers and blossoms. Some artistic works express the world with realistic voices, and others give people a pause from the world. I think there are two types of paintings: Those that are made to please the collectors and the artist’s favorites. Do you have a favorite work as an artist? Kang Namgu: Yes, there is a withered sunflower painting among the works I have done. The seeds under the withered petals are expecting new lives. Luckily, I still have that painting. Jennis: How long does it take for a plum tree to blossom on your canvas? Kang Namgu: It depends on the size of the work, but it takes about 100 days of daily work to complete a painting. When the background fog is dried, I do the body of the plum tree. I like old plum trees. The scent of the plum blossoms on old trees is mellow and sweet, and even stronger than that of young trees. My acquaintances who have old plum trees in their garden give me a call around the time their trees are blossoming. In spite of the bitter cold, their roots send water to the tips of their branches to prepare for their big day. When the buds start to bloom, my heart flutters. Each blossom of my paintings takes more than ten touches to create. I depict light and shadow on each petal. Jennis: In the movies, we see artists working all day long, forgetting to have meals. What is your working style like? Kang Namgu: When I absorb myself in my work, I

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sometimes sit for hours. Once my wife stopped by my studio, I did not recognize her coming. She said she waited for me to wake up from my absorption for more than two hours. After that day, my dinner table got fancy for some time. Jennis: Wow, that is a touching story. The warm encouragement of your closest supporters might have led you to bloom as an artist and become so recognized. People say you are an artist who exhibits a lot. I am curious about your secret to proliferation. Kang Namgu: After graduating, I worked at Jeonnam Art High School teaching young artists for a while. Then I became a full-time artist because I wanted to do more of my work. I thought a full-time artist should be a professional, so I regulated myself, working from 9–6 like a common office worker. I think professionals should commercialize their works. Instead of waiting for others to understand me, I proudly introduce my works through diverse methods. That is why I am constantly getting invited to invitational exhibitions. I usually have at least five exhibitions a year. Jennis: Would you not have breaks if you continue to exhibit like that? Do you not need some time for rest? Kang Namgu: After a big exhibition, I take a break. But just a couple of days is enough for me. Then, I start working on canvases for the next exhibition. Having time to think about what pictures to put on my next canvas is my rest. Jennis: When an exhibition is over, visualizing the canvases for the next exhibition is the artist’s happiness. Wow, you draw my respect. What has been the most memorable exhibition for you? Kang Namgu: I remember the invitational exhibition at the Sunchang Public Okcheongol Museum in 2017. Sunchang is my hometown. My parents were not much involved or much in the know when I held a big exhibition in Seoul or Gwangju. But they were very proud that their son was exhibiting in their county with the county’s

▲ Space: Life Force (2005).

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magistrate attending! I thought I needed to work harder after seeing my hometown fans cheering me on. And last year’s invitational exhibition at the Gwangju Culture and Arts Center was also quite memorable. The title of the exhibition was “Hwayang-yeonhwa” (화양연화). The letters are from Chinese characters and mean “This moment is the most beautiful time in your life,” or more literally, “when life blooms as a flower.” Jennis: Can I ask what your plans are for this year? Kang Namgu: As an artist, it is nice to be able to make a lot of artwork, to have someone who likes my works, and to be invited to many galleries. This year, I have arranged to have successive invitational exhibitions: the first at the Itta Space gallery (잇다 스페이스) in Incheon, March 16– 31; at the Art The Ocean gallery (아트 디 오션) in Yeosu, April 2 – May 27; and during June, I will meet you at the Starry Night Museum in Gwangsan-gu here in Gwangju.

▲ Artist Kang Namgu

FEATURE

Jennis: Congratulations on your upcoming exhibitions in those beautiful spaces. I think the artist who lives his life faithfully deserves the moniker “Hwayang-yeonhwa.” Thank you for your time, Mr. Kang.

After the Interview…

Kang Namgu is an artist who is loved by poets and writers in Gwangju. The oriental feelings of his paintings give inspiration to poets. I have translated one of the poems written about him:

Namgu, Your Flowers Are…

By poet Kim Juntae

Kang has held 43 individual exhibitions and over 700 group exhibitions, and he has served as a judge at the Republic of Korea Art Competition. His collections can be found at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Government Art Bank, the Seoul Museum of Art, the Gwangju Museum of Art, and at Air Philippines. Email: namguk3@hanmail.net. Phone: 010-8617-6506. The Interviewer

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▲ Landscape 2 (2010).

Classes at the Gwangju Museum of Art

The Gwangju Museum of Art has a cultural center offering art classes. There are four sessions in a year, beginning in March, June, September, and December. You can sign up online. For more information about the art classes, call (062) 613-7181 or navigate to https://artmuse.gwangju.go.kr. Location: 52 Haseo-ro (Unam-dong), Buk-gu, Gwangju 광주 북구 하서로 52 (운암동)

March 2021

Kang Jennis Hyunsuk is a curious but shy explorer who loves exploring art galleries and museums. She is also an amateur oil painter who has been painting for seven years. She thinks that learning to paint gave her an eye for enjoying artwork. She also loves to play with kids.

▲ Sensing Autumn (2019).

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Your flower is the flower before it blooms, / and the flower after it blooms. / Your flower is beyond the vegetative world / and leads to the insect world / of butterflies or cicadas / (the history of cicadas tells us they’ve existed on Earth / since the beginning days of the Devonian Period), / and to the animal world, and generating a spark. / Namgu, your flower is but yourself / and it is also me.

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Celebrating Women's Day 2021 March 8 is International Women’s Day – this year and every year. It was established to promote equity for women in all aspects of life. As our observance of Women’s Day, the Gwangju News has asked three of our magazine’s contributors to write about their impressions of Women’s Day and what it represents. Here we present their thoughts. — Ed.

When Sleeping Women Wake, Mountains Will Move

I FEATURE

have to admit, writing this now feels incredibly affecting. As a South African woman, whenever I think of Women’s Day, I think of all the women who stood their ground to fight for the rights of South Africans long before I joined this world. The legacy symbolizing the incredible courage and strength embodied by the 20,000 women who led the Women’s March of August 9, 1956, is nothing short of tremendous.

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March 2021

It is similarly difficult writing these words while reckoning with what it means to be a person who identifies as a “Black/other/woman” in South Africa. Living in Korea right now, I cannot begin to disregard the privilege my body moves in every day. In being able to dress how I want, be who I want, love who and how I want in the most incredible enriching ways. For all the strides that have been taken by women for the betterment of South Africa, there is much work that still needs to be done in society for women to fully be in the simple act of existing – whole, powerful, magnificent and brilliant in whatever ways we want. I cannot wait for that day to rise.

Photo by Action Vance, Unsplash

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I also often think of the phenomenal Toni Morrison who wrote in her 1987 novel Beloved: “She is a friend of my mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order. It’s good, you know, when you got a woman who is a friend of your mind.”

By Boipelo Seswane Though I found her words much later in life, I cannot underplay how much the structure of sisterhood – women doing phenomenal things together – would come to influence my life. For as long as I can remember, my days have always been molded by women: my mother, aunts, sisters (blood and chosen), and teachers – women who have left tiny bits of their own experiences, selves, and wisdom in my sphere. In this way, familial and matriarchal connections have always played a strong role in my life, with women truly forming my foundation – and where I am intentional in my living. I am in awe of the women who have been friends of my mind. My anchor throughout this life game has been a single mother of six who poured every part of herself possible into giving us everything we needed, and any extra bits she could. My mother set the stones for the foundations of everything that sustained me and the way that I see the world. She was a woman who clarified how important it is to always pick yourself – woman – above all else, and in turn, she taught me what it means to be the kind of woman who holds space for others. Women who build entire villages and cherish all the rising, done together, celebrating and investing in each other. This is my tiny ode of thanks to the women who have come before and set the paths ablaze for us and our being.

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International Women’s Appreciating the History

Throughout history, women of all nationalities have faced many challenges. There are many matters that contributed to the oppression of women. These include not being able to vote, own property, or simply travel without a man. The road to women’s rights and recognition has been a long one.

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By Katy Clements women in New York City gathered to protest bad working conditions. The female workers of a blouse factory faced extremely long work hours, horrendous pay, and unsafe working conditions. A year later, in 1909, the Socialist Party of America celebrated the first IWD in remembrance of the strike. The following year, Copenhagen hosted the Second International Socialist Women’s Conference, held in conjunction with the 1910 Socialist Copenhagen World Congress. Due to the fact the conference and the congress were happening simultaneously, there were delegates in attendance from seven other countries. The following year, the first IWD was observed on March 19. On this day, the occasion was celebrated by Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. At the celebrations, women demanded the right to vote, hold public office, and an end to sexual discrimination in the workplace. At this time, the permanent date had not been assigned, and the United States still observed the occasion on the last Sunday in February. On March 8, 1917, the first day of the Russian Revolution, the citizens in Russia began to riot due to the inability to feed their families. The riots began when women picketed with signs demanding bread, peace, and the removal of the czar. A few days after the strike and riots began, the czar abdicated, and women were granted the right to vote. As the First World War raged on, women began to take up positions usually held by men. A lot of women became mechanics and worked on many of the airplanes that were used in battle. Women all over the world, though mostly barred from combat, served their countries on the home front. Not only were women working

Photo by Fateme Alaie, Unsplash

March 2021

The next big step for the movement came in 1908 when thousands of

and

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The history of IWD goes back further than the holiday we recognize nowadays. It began in 1848 when two women named Elizabeth Stanton and Lucretia Mott were infuriated that they could not participate in a discussion about anti-slavery. In response to them not being allowed to join any talks, they organized the Seneca Falls Convention, which is regarded as the first women’s rights convention. During this gathering, Mott and Stanton motivated others to take command over their own lives and had willing attendees sign a document known as The Declaration of Rights and Sentiments.

Learning

FEATURE

hen I volunteered to write a piece about the history of International Women’s Day (IWD), I was excited. After I thought for a moment, I realized that I did not know much about the history myself. I am from Tennessee, a state that is located in the middle of the Bible Belt of the United States. I attended many kinds of churches under different denominations, but they all had one thing in common: Women were treated as lower than men. In my church, women were required to wear dresses, not be alone with men, and were forbidden to preach. Even though I missed out on this key piece of history and change as a youth, I can now educate myself and help share the history of this profound day.

Day:

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▲ Women from many nations posing in a fashion photo for International Women’s Day

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March 2021

FEATURE

as mechanics, but also as nurses, doctors, switchboard operators, and by raising hopes and morale. Until 1967, the holiday was thought to be mainly communist in the United States, until feminists began to reclaim the celebration. It was at this time in the U.S. that there was a rise in crisis centers, the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association), and shelters for women. There was also a rise in education regarding birth control and the right to privacy. After this, labor organizations began to join the cause, and proper childcare, wages, and recognition in the workplace were also fought hard for. I am in awe of what I owe women who came before me. In 1975, the year was declared International Women’s Year by the United Nations, and the United Nations Decade for Women (1976–1985) soon followed. This was when March 8 was officially assigned as the day of observance for IWD, and a lot of recognition was made in regard to the discrimination women were facing. The first UN conference for women was held in Mexico City, and it led to funds for the educational advancement of women, a declaration of equality, and the removal of gender discrimination in written laws.

Presently, the United Nations is working tirelessly with all countries to establish better opportunities for women and female children. Though a lot of progress has been made, we still have a long way to go. There are still places in the world that enforce the child marriage, mutilation, and illiteracy of women and girls. By educating people and informing others of human rights, we can soon ensure a bright and equal future. I am truly humbled that I had the opportunity to write this piece and that I have had the chance to discover how much sacrifice has been made so that I could have the life I live now. If you want any more information about how to help women and girls, please visit www.sheheroes.org. For more information about IWD, please visit www.internationalwomensday.com.

A Recognition of How Hard Women Work & How Much More We Deserve By Cristina Murano

went to my first International Women’s Day (IWD) rally in Toronto, Canada, as a young adult. At the time, I was studying feminist theory in university and fully immersed in the energy of feminist political communities. I felt fortunate to be surrounded by wickedly smart and complex women. They taught me a lot about what it meant to be inclusive, bold, and committed. In Toronto, 1978 marked the beginning of an IWD committee, which was formed to host the annual event and raise the profile of women’s issues.a Attending an IWD rally decades after its inception felt like carrying history and stepping into hard-won privileges. And that is partly what IWD means to me: a recognition of how hard women work. Our labor, caregiving, and activism can be witnessed globally. Many women give life, which is an astounding thing. We often endure, speak about, and confront horrific violence and neglect. All the gains we have fought for – gender equity laws; anti-racist action; transgender expression; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer rights; access to education; equal pay for equal work; disability justice; migrant and religious protections; reproductive freedoms; and so much more – are what IWD represents.

▲ Women from the blouse factory that went on strike to help enforce better work conditions.

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Being specific about the details of women’s lived experiences, which are diverse, intersectional, and nuanced, is also what IWD means to me. Honoring that there is no single narrative to what being a woman is but instead a shared experience of gender; a shared experience of violence and control; a shared experience of resistance to these demands; and a shared future of

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17 accountability, healing, love, connection, and thriving that guides and strengthens our futures. As a reminder and for framing: “137 women are killed by a member of their family every day … adult women account for nearly half (49 percent) of all human trafficking victims detected globally … 15 million adolescent girls worldwide, aged 15–19 years, have experienced forced sex … school-related gender-based violence is a major obstacle to universal schooling and the right to education for girls … across five regions, 82 percent of women parliamentarians reported having experienced some form of psychological violence while serving their terms.”b IWD is a day that captures a larger picture about women’s work, but our visionary and influential contributions to labor, culture, art, education, politics, and law are happening all the time. Here is a tiny sample of examples to sit with:

Resources Rise Up. (n.d.). International Women’s Day Committee (IWDC) / Toronto Socialist Feminist Action (TFSA). https://riseupfeministarchive.ca/activism/organizations/ international-womens-day-committee/ b UN Women. (2020, November). Facts and figures: Ending violence against women. https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures a

The Author

Boipelo Seswane is a Seoul-based South African artist. She is a teacher, performer/creator (actor, model, painter), and writer with experience in multiple facets of creativity, including writing, editing, theater, and film. She has always been interested in interrogating life through words and other forms of expression. Instagram @bopzybee

The Author

Katy Clements has been a writer for the Gwangju News since 2019. She is from Memphis, Tennessee, in the U.S. and has a degree in criminology and sociology. In her free time, Katy likes to read, write fiction, and watch films. She lives in Mokpo with her husband.

March 2021

Cristina Murano’s work is in the areas of education, equity, public governance, and sport, with a focus on youth, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. She is originally from Toronto, Canada. Instagram: @profondoluce

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I encourage you to discover the feminist work that speaks to you, educate yourself about its history, and not only honor and respect this work, but thoughtfully and expansively contribute to it.

FEATURE

— The poetry and writing of Audre Lorde: Audre Lorde 1934–1992 – Poetry Foundation. https://www. poetryfoundation.org/poets/audre-lorde — The organizing of Mayan women in Guatemala: How Mayan Women in Guatemala Are Fighting to Protect Their Designs – and Their Identity. Association for Women’s Rights in Development. https://www. awid.org/news-and-analysis/how-mayan-womenguatemala-are-fighting-for-their-identity — The advocacy of transgender women for legal protections and a right to life: Rights in Transition: Making Legal Recognition for Transgender People a Global Priority. Human Rights Watch. https://www. hrw.org/world-report/2016/country-chapters/africaamericas-asia-europe/central-asia-middle-east/ north-0# — The leadership and activism of Indigenous women in Canada: What Indigenous Activists Want You to Know About the MMIWG Inquiry. FLARE. https://www. flare.com/news/mmiwg-inquiry/ — The work of women and girls with disabilities: Women Enabled International Survey and Mapping Project. Women Enabled International. https:// womenenabled.org/mapping.html — The deep and on-going feminist organizing by Filipino women: The Women Who Helped Shape Philippine Feminism. CNN Philippines. https://cnnphilippines. com/life/culture/2019/3/14/The-women-whohelped-shape-Philippine-feminism-.html — Women’s environmental coalition work throughout Africa: Network of African Women Environmentalists (NAWE). UN Environment. https://www. unenvironment.org/explore-topics/gender/what-wedo/network-african-women-environmentalists-nawe

— The vision and guts of women in politics: Female-led countries handled coronavirus better, study suggests. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/ aug/18/female-led-countries-handled-coronavirusbetter-study-jacinda-ardern-angela-merkel

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Blast from the Past

The Dangers of Whistling, Clipping, and Shaking

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March 2021

blast from the past

If you are an expat in Korea, you likely think nothing of whistling a happy tune as you walk down the street or allowing your leg to shake when sitting in a chair. Listening to the sounds of a flute drifting off through the quiet of darkness can be calming, and clipping your fingernails after sundown is commonplace. Not so in Korea. In “Whistling with Consequences” (Gwangju News, March 2012), Stephen Redeker warned of the dangers of whistling in Korea. His original article, appearing below, gave rise to the related material complementing the perils of whistling. — Ed.

Whistling with Consequences There are a number of social faux pas that people try to avoid doing in public so as not to bother those around them. Among these are using offensive language, coughing or sneezing in someone’s face, and speaking loudly on your mobile phone in the subway or on a bus. These are but some of the actions we refrain from around strangers. Would you consider adding whistling to the list? The art of the whistle can evoke different reactions depending on where you are in the world. Most Western countries regard whistling in a positive light. An elderly man enjoying a walk while whistling his favorite tune on an ideal day might be a pleasant memory many of us from the West have from our childhood days. Those who whistle as a habit tend to do so when they feel at ease. Let us not forget all the recorded music that contains whistling, or the tunes handed down by generations of whistlers (Camptown Races comes to mind). The innocent, “everything is right with the world” emotions induced by the sound of whistling lose their joyfulness as they cross the Pacific, however. In Korea, whistling is met with a quite different reaction. Young people aside, many Koreans frown upon the act of public whistling.

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Those who are superstitious are especially likely to ask you to stop whistling if they hear it. What is the big deal? Why is such a lighthearted act as whistling met with such disdain? Whistling in public is very unusual for the normally reserved Korean, but it goes a bit beyond just being shy. Like with many other Korean nonos, the main culprit is superstition. It is said that whistling, especially at night, will attract ghosts, thought to be pervasive in Korea’s past. The sound of whistling in the cool night

air is thought to lure evil spirits, and even hissing snakes, to the uninformed whistler and his home. Do people actually still believe this is true? Possibly not, but this is the reason behind why whistling is still frowned upon by many. Think back to earlier days before Korea had electricity. Candles and oil were at a premium. Families would go to sleep early in order to wake up at dawn and tend to their farmwork. Darkness creates fear, and the eerie

sound of whistling in the dark can add to that fear. The superstition also served to quell children’s playful whistling in the darkness. However, the superstition has survived through the ages, and today it still keeps whistlers at bay.

Luring Snakes

We are all familiar with the image of the Indian snake charmer playing his flute with the cobra rising out of the basket in front of him in response to the luring notes. In Korea, however, much like the spectral sound of whistling, the shrill tune of the traditional bamboo flute being played in the night aroused fear in those whose ear it caught. Rather than attracting ghosts, it was believed that playing a flute in the dark would attract snakes. The chilling sounds of a flute were associated with the hissing sounds of a snake, which were not thought to be harbingers of good fortune. The related saying that arose and is still prevalent is “If you play a flute at night, the snakes will come out” (밤에 피리를 불면 뱀이 나온다).

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19 On the practical side, telling one’s children to stop playing their flute at night lest they lure snakes their way was an effective way to silence the flute, quiet the night, get the children to bed, and shield against complaints from the neighborhood.

Shake a Leg – or Not!

Have you ever been sitting quietly on a subway seat, in a bus, in a waiting room, or even on a park bench, and noticed that a person across the way was giving you the evil eye? You sit there wondering why this person is giving you a disapproving stare – and you are not even whistling! If you are in Korea, this could easily be because you are unconsciously shaking your leg – or both of them!

So, the next time you see a mother placing her hand on her child’s shaking leg or a wife putting her palm on her husband’s quivering knee, you will know that they are guarding against misfortune for that specific family member and the entire family.

Clipping Fingernails

Another after-dark no-no in Korea is clipping one’s fingernails. “Don’t clip your fingernails at night” (밤에 손톱을 깎지 말라) is the expression that has been handed down through the centuries. As the story goes, once there was a scholar who was clipping his fingernails at night by the flickering light of his oil lamp. When he was finished, he took the clippings and tossed them out onto the packed ground of his courtyard.

In a time not so long ago, a child reading this story from his storybook turned to his mother and asked, “If I cut my fingernails at night, will a mouse come and eat them?” “Well, that’s why you shouldn’t clip your nails at night,” came his mother’s reply. On the practical side, people were given this warning against fingernail care at night because, in the days before the invention of the handy fingernail clipper, nails were cut with cruder instruments such as knives, scissors, or even farming sickles. In the dim light of the room’s oil lamp or candle, it was exceedingly easy to injure a finger or two. Fingernail clipping was much safer in the bright light of the midday sun. And there is one more reason for not clipping one’s fingernails at night. It is found in the unwritten ending to the scholar story above: The next morning, the scholar’s wife walked barefooted into the room where the scholar had clipped his nails, and … “Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!” … unknowingly stepped on those nail clippings that her husband had missed in his dimly lit clean-up the night before. The scholar never clipped his nails at night again. Original text by Stephen Redeker. Supplemented by David Shaffer.

March 2021

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There are those who contend that this belief has come to Korea from Japan because Japanese has a single word for the phenomenon and because they have a similar saying about losing one’s money from legshaking. However, culture flow in past centuries has largely been from the Korean Peninsula to the Japanese islands. It is also quite possible that the aversion to leg-shaking originated independently is both places.

In the quiet of the night, a rat came into the courtyard and nibbled on the discarded nail clippings, which magically transformed the rat into the image of the scholar…

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There are numerous theories as to why this unconscious leg-shaking occurs. Some say that leg muscle contractions occur because of the way the leg is making contact with the chair being sat in. Others suggest that the blood circulation to the legs becomes somewhat restricted when sitting in a chair and that the legshaking is to stimulate circulation. Still others contend the shaking is caused by the body’s instinctive desire to burn calories, and there are also those that say the leg-shaking is unconscious compensation for anxiety. An additional theory comes from the animal world, suggesting that primitive hunters, like their animal counterparts, would unconsciously be flexing their leg

Regardless of what the true cause of this leg-shaking may be, leg-shaking is much frowned upon in Korea. It not only affects the leg shaker but spreads discomfort to the onlooker as well. It is so much disliked that it has given rise to the saying “If you shake your leg, your ‘fortune’ will leave you” (다리 떨면 복이 나간다). If one’s fortune disappears, it can be replaced with misfortune, and with all the evil spirits believed to exist in traditional Korea, misfortune could be brought one’s way quite easily.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

To be fair, not all snakes were considered bad in traditional Korea. For example, it was believed to be a good omen if a home had one snake that took up residence under the porch or nearby. The snake was considered to be the guardian snake of the house, bringing good fortune to the family. It was especially a good omen if this snake was white. Part of the good fortune that the guardian snake would bring to the home was that it would contribute to keeping the rat population under control.

muscles while standing still, ready to pounce on their prey; from that the leg-shaking is thought to have survived.

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CULTURE &ARTS

20 From Abroad

The Mărțișor

@Pixabay

8,000 Years of Celebrating Spring By Melline Galani

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March 2021

ărțișor is an old tradition celebrated all over Romania every year on March 1, and it represents a time of joy and revival of nature. In the Romanian language, the word mărțișor is derived from the word marț, the folkloric name for the month of March. The literal translation of Mărțișor would be “little March.” According to archaeological research, Mărțișor traces its history back more than 8,000 years ago. Some ethnologists believe that the Mărțișor celebration has Roman origins, while others support the theory that it is an old DacoThracian tradition. In ancient Rome, New Year’s Eve was celebrated on March 1 in honor of the god Mars. He was the god of war and an agricultural guardian who ensured nature’s rebirth. Therefore, the red and white colors of Mărțișor may also reference the colors of war and peace. The Dacians also celebrated the New Year on the first day of March. Ample spring celebrations were consecrated during this event. In olden times, Mărțișor talismans were made of small river pebbles, colored white and red, stringed on a thread, and worn around the neck. They were worn to bring good luck and good weather from March 1 until the first trees would bloom. When the first trees were blossoming, the Mărțișor talismans were hung on tree branches.

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Mărțișor is also connected to the legend of Baba Dochia, one of the most popular figures in Romanian mythology. Baba Dochia is a figure associated with the arrival of spring. Legend has it that Baba Dochia’s son, Dragobete (Dragobete is also the name of the Romanian Valentine’s Day and is celebrated on February 24), married against Bada Dochia’s will. Upon finding out, she sent her new daughter-in-law to a nearby river to wash some black wool until it turned white. But no matter how hard the daughter-in-law tried, the wool would not change color and the poor girl started crying, fearful that she would never see her husband again. Upon seeing this, Jesus came down to Earth and offered her a red flower to wash the wool with. When the girl returned to Baba Dochia with the wool as white as fresh snow, Bada Dochia believed that spring had arrived, so she left with her flock for Ceahlau Peak in the Carpathian Mountains wearing nine wool coats. As she advanced higher on the mountain, the weather got warmer each day and she dropped her coats one by one. But as soon as she let go of her last coat, the weather turned bad and Baba Dochia froze on the mountain together with her flock. Baba Dochia is the embodiment of time; it is the symbol of disputes between the old and the new, between the winter that must go away and the spring that must overcome it by the power of its warmth, the symbol of not

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21 only seasonal change but also intergenerational conflict. All the traditions about Baba Dochia reinforce the idea that, for Romanians, the year is structured based on the eternal opposites of light and dark, summer and winter, hot and cold, fertility and sterility, and life and death. Another old Romanian legend says that once, in a fight with the winter witch who did not want to give up her place, the beautiful lady spring cut her finger and a few drops of her blood fell on the snow, which then melted. Soon in this place grew a snowdrop, and in such a way, spring overcame the winter. The snowdrop flower is now the symbol of joy, hope, and a new beginning.

▲

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Red and white threads (șnur). (Pixabay)

March 2021

Mărțișor tassels are a symbol of the rebirth of nature with the arrival of spring, which act as a talisman. The first one was a braided cord made of black and white thread, being replaced in time with a red thread, a color that protects from evil and expresses love in popular belief. White, in turn, signifies purity and energy. The two colors are open to interpretation: Red also signifies female vitality, and white - the wisdom of men. Thus, the strings of Mărțișor tassels express the inseparable interweaving of the two principles. Popular wisdom also shows that as the bearers of Mărțișor tassels are protected from sunburn during the summer; they will be as healthy and beautiful as spring

▲ Handmade martisoare made by my sister @Yvonne.

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At the end of the third season, the brave young man finally reached the castle of the dragon where the sun was imprisoned. The fight lasted several days until the dragon was defeated. Weakened by his wounds, the brave young man managed to set the sun free to the joy of those who believed in him. Nature was alive again and people got back their smiles, but the brave young man could not make it through spring. His warm blood was draining from his wounds in the snow. With the snow melting, white flowers, called snowdrops – harbingers of spring – sprouted from the thawing soil. When the last drop of the brave young man’s blood fell on the pure white snow, he died with pride knowing that his life had served a noble purpose. Since then, people have braided together two tassels: one white and one red.

▲ Traditional martisor. (Pixabay)

CULTURE & ARTS

Yet another legend tells that there was a time when the sun used to take the shape of a young man and descend to Earth to dance among the common folk. When a dragon found out about this and followed the sun to Earth, he captured the sun and confined him in a dungeon in his castle. Suddenly, the birds stopped singing and the children could no longer laugh, but no one dared confront the dragon. One day, a brave young man set out to find the dungeon and free the sun. Many people joined in and gave him strength and courage to challenge the mighty dragon. The journey lasted three seasons: summer, autumn, and winter.

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22 One last tradition is that on the first day of March, women pick one of the first nine days of the month as their babă (hag). If the day they chose turns out to be warm and pleasant, then they will age beautifully and their spirit will be forever young. But if the day turns out to be cold, then they will turn bitter and turn into a hag. Actually, we do keep this tradition nowadays. My “hag” is always March 3 (it is the sum of my birth date 21 [2+1]), and most of the time I was lucky enough to get a fine, warm, sunny, spring day. At present, Mărţişor is a tradition in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and the neighboring territories inhabited by Romanians or Aromanians. Similar customs are also found in Bulgaria, Albania, and Macedonia.

TRAVEL

For me, March and December are the best months of the year. In March, I have Mărţişor and Women’s Day to celebrate, in addition to the birthdays of my mother, cousin, and a few friends. Moreover, I was also born in March and have always felt this month (as well as December) to be a continuous celebration from start to end.

▲ Handmade martisor. (Pixabay)

Resources

flowers, in addition to being pleasant and loving, rich and lucky, and free from disease or the evil eye.

Ciobabu, D. (2017, March 1). Datini obiceiuri superstitii. CrestinOrtodox.ro. https://www.crestinortodox.ro/ datini-obiceiuri-superstitii/prin-martisor-daruiesti-particicasuflet-154340.html Mateescu, L. (2019, March 1). Originea martisorului. Cunoaste Lumea. http://www.cunoastelumea.ro/originea-martisoruluiobicei-specific-romanesc-afla-i-povestea/ Moceanu-RADOR, R. (2020, March 1). Sarbatoarea martisorului. https://www.radioromaniacultural.ro/documentarsarbatoarea-martisorului-origine-si-traditii/ Rolandia. (n.d.). Martisor: The symbol of spring and the revival of nature. https://rolandia.eu/en/blog/discoverromania/martisor-the-symbol-of-spring-and-the-revival-ofnature Traditions and Superstitions. (n.d.). March 1: Martisor traditions and customs, the meaning of martisor. https://www. traditii-superstitii.ro/1-martie-traditii-si-obiceiuri-demartisor-semnificatia-martisorului/

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

The oldest Mărțișor tassel in Romania apparently dates from 1879 and has the shape of a silver heart, and another, made in 1898, has the shape of a swallow in flight, both of which are in the possession of a hobbyist from Bucharest. Nowadays, on March 1, Romanians buy silky red and white threads (șnur) tied into a bow to which a small trinket is attached, and they offer them to their female family members, friends, and colleagues to show friendship, respect, or admiration. From March 1 to 8, when Romania celebrates not only Women’s Day but also Mother’s Day (March 8), everything revolves around these tiny gifts. Men and children usually scour the markets and shops in order to find the most beautiful Mărțișor tassels for the ladies in their lives, while women look forward to wearing them pinned to their fanciest clothes. Their reputation as lucky charms might be long gone, but their design seems more eyecatching than ever.

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The Author

Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, who is currently living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges, learning interesting things, and is incurably optimistic. She loves March as she is a spring child. Instagram: @melligalanis

2/26/2021 12:14:19 PM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Look for the answers to this crossword puzzle to appear in April in Gwangju News Online (www.gwangjunewsgic.com)

Created by Jon Dunbar

DOWN 1 Talk on and on 2 SNS version of 9 down 3 “Science Guy” Bill 4 ___ facto 5 Goes with crisis or change 6 Actor Aﬄeck 7 Molten rock 8 City of 15 across 9 Exclamation of frustration 10 Cole ___ 11 NBC News Today host Kotb 16 Not a chaebol 20 Picture or illustration 21 Goes with kimchi or galbi 22 Steve or Devon

ACROSS 1 “The Drop with Danno” radio station 4 Long-range weapon 8 ___ House Harriers 12 Schumer or Klobuchar 14 Guthrie or Matisz 15 Joseph Choi and Yuna Kim’s ___ Burger 17 OMG, back in the day 18 Matriarch 19 Folk paintings 21 Green gem 26 Biden or GI

35 Ode to ___ 36 Merriment 38 Busan band Say ___ Me 39 Five minus four 40 “It would be my ____” 42 Regretted 43 Ryan Berkebile's “The Bulldozed ___”

27 Despise 29 Suwon-based university 30 Region 31 Brown ___ Girls 34 Important profession these days 37 Heart sounds 41 Freshly 42 Fish eggs

46 Taiji or Jae-pil

43 Opposite of fiction

48 Made of electrons and protons

44 Salt Lake City state

49 March 14 (2 words)

45 Amos or Spelling

54 Freshwater fish

47 Sicilian volcano

55 Loretta or Vera

50 Confucian virtue of filial piety

56 Baseball player Hyun-jin

27 One ___ time (2 words)

57 Not that

28 Greatly impress

58 Hindu exercise routine

32 Eisenhower

59 “The best is ___ to come”

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25 Asian version of a dollar store

51 Opposite of wet 52 Opposite of nay 53 Korean board game for Lunar New Year

March 2021

24 Battlestar Galactica captain

33 Goes with well or human

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13 Defendant’s request

23 Antlered mammal

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24 Lost in Gwangju

Nostalgia and Nepotism in Unam-dong One Neighborhood’s Janus-Faced Goodbye By Isaiah Winters

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

TRAVEL

ollow the ripple effects of any urban redevelopment project and you’ll be amazed where you end up. This happens time and time again for me, and this month’s Lost in Gwangju is no exception. In this issue, we’ll look at how the imminent leveling of the massive 63-building Unam Jugong Apartment Complex 3 has inspired so much contrast in Buk-gu’s Unam-dong. On one end of the spectrum, the apartments have evoked an outpouring of childhood nostalgia and the urge to remember in one former resident; on the other end, a local politician is under suspicion of using insider knowledge to turn the apartments into a nepotistic investment vehicle. Between these two extremes, a clique of hired security goons steward the eviction process along while actively discouraging photography and outside visitors. Let’s see where these undulations lead. We’ll start with a constructive commemoration on the part of a former resident of Unam Jugong Apartment Complex 3. An Instagram account with the handle Unamarchivist has been acting as a digital archive of the apartments’ demise for the last year.1 The account was first brought to my attention by my good friend Ryan Berkebile, and I quickly took a liking to the way in which the photographer superimposed local residents’ memories upon various photos of the apartments, essentially turning the pictures into highly illustrative pages in a public journal. Impressed with the tasteful display of verbal and visual nostalgia for a run-down apartment complex, I recently reached out to the person behind Unamarchivist for an interview of sorts about her motivation for making the account, as well as our mutual run-ins with security while photographing the redevelopment site. The motivation behind Unamarchivist is quite simple: Remember the past, warts and all. According to its creator, the aim was never to make the most popular or aesthetically pleasing archive the internet had ever seen; instead, it was merely one humble record of a childhood inextricably linked to a specific place in time. As inspiration, she referenced other similar projects

2021�03��(March)_1.indd 24

online, with the best example being “안녕, 둔촌 주공 아파트” (Goodbye, Dunchon Jugong Apartments), a popular photographic tribute that can be found on Instagram under that name. Although Unamarchivist’s contents appear highly personal, the broader themes featured are wholly relatable, including coming of age, appreciation, loss, and reflection. When asked what her favorite memory there was, she recalled the walks she’d take through the complex’s thick, forested areas during the rainy season. After the summer downpours, when the sky would open up, she fondly recounted how the smell of the grass and the chilliness of the air left her feeling a bit spooked. There certainly is something spooky about the complex. On my own walks through the blocks over winter, I found many of these same trees rigged with CCTV cameras put up by the redevelopment company. Protruding from barren branches under overcast skies, the cameras were evocative of some drab Orwellian hellscape. In 1984, Winston Smith was keenly aware that even the countryside wasn’t free from surveillance technology, as microphones could be hidden anywhere. With this literary reference in mind, seeing the pillars of Unamarchivist’s favorite childhood memory turned into panopticons was inauspicious, to say the least. If that wasn’t bad enough, I soon learned that on the other end of those lenses were indeed men hired to deter anyone with cameras of their own – people like me and Unamarchivist. On my first visit, I took an interest in photographing these camera-strapped trees and was soon confronted by a young plainclothes security guard – then another, and another, until I was surrounded by five. They all seemed to be in their mid-20s, with neither a knack for intimidation nor a clue what to do with a foreign shutterbug. Their job was to simply watch live camera feeds for any theft or littering, neither of which I was doing. When asked why I was photographing their cameras, I tried my best to explain, but quickly found “dystopic surveillance hellscape” missing from my Korean vocabulary. With words failing me, I pulled up the Namuwiki webpage for

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TRAVEL 1984 and explained more simply that seeing cameras on trees was similar to having microphones in nature, like in the story. This precipitated a flurry of confused blinking and a rather unpleasant invitation to their office. Being far older than them all, however, I used my “senior privilege” to refuse and walk away. As they say, when in Rome… On my way out, with almost comedic timing, an elderly man casually crossed in front of me and tossed an armful of junk onto a trash heap in full view of security cameras. Curiously, our junior varsity goon squad was nowhere to be found.

2021�03��(March)_1.indd 25

March 2021

Unamarchivist had a few run-ins of her own with security despite her history of living there. When asked what had set the goons off, she suspected it was her yellow sunglasses and two cameras that made her look suspiciously out of place. She was approached by an older guy who asked where she was from and whom she represented, and then told her to stop shooting and filming there. On later visits, Unamarchivist would wisely change her photography gear and shooting style to avoid further confrontations. Instead of lugging heavy cameras, she later relied on a furtive iPhone; instead of shooting the complex’s remaining residents, she diverted her lens to more inanimate subjects. By contrast, being the insolent SOB that I am, on my second visit I brought even more gear and committed to taking highly irregular ways in and out of the complex to avoid the goons. For anyone looking to shoot redevelopment zones without getting

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

▲ “The people who used to live at Unam Jugong were asked about memories of the apartments. The answers gathered made this image of Unam Jugong.” – caption and screenshot from Unamarchivist

2/26/2021 12:14:20 PM

TRAVEL

▲ One of Unam-dong’s 63 buildings scheduled for demolition is shown nestled beneath the bough of an old, gnarled tree.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

into much trouble, please follow her discreet wisdom, not my cheekiness. In fact, exercising wise discretion in redevelopment zones is good advice for more than just us lowly urban explorers. Even lofty politicians can benefit from such sage counsel – like the local Buk-gu councilmember who bought her sons two dirt-cheap flats at the woebegone Unam Jugong Apartment Complex 3 just before it was consigned to the redevelopment chopping block. That such a timely purchase might have been made for speculative purposes using any insider knowledge is entirely conjectural, of course, and the councilmember naturally denies such accusations. In her defense, she wasn’t a member of the Buk-gu Council at the time of purchase, though she’d long been involved in local politics, having run for office in 2006, 2010, and 2014. Regardless of intent, I’m sure the over 450 million won in market gains she and her sons lucked into will be put to ethical use. After all, she’s a member of the Buk-gu Council’s Special Ethics Committee.2 But I digress. Today, Unamarchivist still updates her account from time to time, though she admits that visits to the complex have gotten harder since the virus hit and since she no longer lives in Gwangju. Still, she’s noticed an uptick in the number of Koreans interested both in her project and in archiving other similar bygones of the gutted past. Seeing more Gwangju-based photographers record the rapidly changing cityscape makes her feel glad and, in her view, any effort to collaborate would lead to a more meaningful

2021�03��(March)_1.indd 26

project. I share her sentiment and hope this article acts as one tiny pixel in what will become an increasingly high-resolution image of our city’s vanishing past.

The Author

Originally from Southern California, Isaiah Winters is a Gwangjubased urban explorer who enjoys writing about the City of Light’s lesser-known quarters. When he’s not roaming the streets and writing about his experiences, he’s usually working or fulfilling his duties as the Gwangju News’ heavily caffeinated chief copy editor. You can find more of his photography on Instagram @d.p.r.kwangju

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Unamarchivist [@unamarchivist]. (n.d.). [Photographs]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/unamarchivist/?hl=en Kim, H. (2020, June 18). [단독] 재건축 아파트 2채 구입하고 재건축 관련 구정질문한 광주 북구의원. Nocut News. https:// www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/5363591

▲ Exploiting the soft middle of surveillance hypertelorism, i.e., the condition where two body parts, such as the eyes, are unusually far apart.

TRAVEL

Sources

▼ A cherry tree is transformed into a surveillance cyclops, mainly to prevent theft and littering.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

2021�03��(March)_1.indd 27

2/26/2021 12:14:29 PM

Opinion

Ten Ways to Foster Creativity

here are many problems that appear as the world becomes more and more complex and technology develops day by day, but among them, creativity is quite important and is being discussed a lot. Opinions are often expressed on how to cultivate, achieve, and train for creativity. This is a simple issue. As I have been in the teaching profession for a long time, I have done a lot to cultivate creativity in my own way. First, I tried to cultivate my own creativity by myself. I made a lot of attempts and efforts in that regard. If we think from the problem of making a definition of creativity, it is an endless problem, but in order to develop creativity, I want to describe some of my own methods here. — First, have curiosity and passion in everything. This is the most important. If there is no enthusiasm or curiosity regarding a certain thing, I think it is not very likely that

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March 2021

THOUGHTS & OPINION

By Young B. Choi

2021�03��(March)_1.indd 28

the work will be interesting or that creativity will rise. — Second, frequently ask, “Why is that?” when analyzing any work or phenomenon. If you do this, you will be able to know the reason behind the phenomenon, or its grounds, so that you can deal with similar phenomena or work later. This curious frame of mind can be used for understanding and practicing creative work or research. — Third, get out of the ordinary frame of thought quickly. I believe that if you think and act like others, your chances of fostering your creativity are low. A variety of angles and viewpoints in which one’s new self is born can be generated by boldly deviating from the standard way every single day. As the Apple slogan goes, “Think Different.” — Fourth, read a lot of books to have diverse, indirect experiences. Books are summarized by experts in each field in their own way, including their own experiences, knowledge, and feelings. Because of this, through reading you can learn what you want to find out in a short period of time and then use that as a basis for thinking creatively later. In other words, you can use whatever you learn from books, so read regularly.

— Fifth, take a lot of trips and constantly stimulate yourself intellectually. When you travel, you will constantly plan, eat, sleep, and walk in a variety of new environments until you have successfully completed your journey. You will mix with diverse groups of people, naturally feel and learn many things, and receive fresh stimulation. In the future, this travel experience will help stimulate your creativity. — Sixth, develop the habit of taking notes. Even if a good idea is contained in your head, there is no use for it if it stays there, so whenever a good idea comes up, it should be recorded immediately. Then it can be utilized well if it is needed later. Great ideas should not be forgotten. — Seventh, study and exchange ideas with people from various fields outside your field of study to

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29 In Conclusion In my own way, I have briefly introduced ten ways to cultivate creativity through experience. As all work requires constant effort, even in the process of strengthening creativity, these desirable methods should be practiced continuously and repeatedly throughout life. I think it is possible to develop stronger mental powers to nurture creativity by practicing.

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The Author

Young Choi is a professor in the Department of Engineering and Computer Science at Regent University in Virginia, USA. He is serving KAUPA (Korean American University Professors Association) as the 14th president since 2020. Dr. Choi enjoys essay writing, drawing, and international poem composition and translation. Email: ychoi@regent.edu

March 2021

— Ninth, think as much as possible during quiet time in a space where you are alone. In a noisy place, it is very easy for your thoughts to become dispersed. If possible, forget about everything, even if for just a short period of time during the day, and try to concentrate on your own thoughts. If you spend quiet time

— Tenth, treat your brain to frequent walks, enjoyable music, and artistic endeavors. Walking is well known as very good exercise that gives good stimulation to the brain, and music and art are also good tools to stimulate the brain. Recent scientific experiments and research results have proven this to be true. Facilitating the activity of the brain, which is the core part of the body responsible for creative thinking, is very important. This healthy brain stimulation is very desirable for creative thinking.

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— Eighth, with a critical eye, read interesting websites, newspapers, and magazines, especially about new global trends. The media should be used to continuously grasp current issues and projects related to one’s area of interest. Try to keep abreast of what problems are currently emerging and topics that are actively being discussed. It is necessary to pay attention to these changes.

focusing on a problem or issue, this can lead to a more creative solution.

THOUGHTS & OPINION

broaden your knowledge. Even if something is not related to your field of interest, you learn a lot of things that you didn’t expect to by talking and interacting with people in those fields. By combining those new ideas with the field you are most familiar with, you can create your own ideas that are more original and diverse.

The following quote about the creativity of Albert Einstein (18791955), a world-renowned physicist and philosopher, touches the heart: “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”

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30 Photo Essay

Wedding During the Pandemic A Time for Love By Kim (Hillel) Yunkyoung

CULTURE & ARTS

t has been over a year already, since COVID-19 changed almost every aspect of our daily lives. And one of the biggest changes is that we aren’t supposed to be gathered together. Therefore, we are using all kinds of online media such as Zoom to communicate with each other and feel as if we are together. But at times, we still need to meet face to face, especially for events like weddings and funerals. These are the two events in which people feel obligated to meet in person regardless of the circumstances. However, the coronavirus does not care about either circumstance or time. If it is spreading, it spreads. The role of the government kicks in with its regulations at this point. So the wedding business is one of the fields that has suffered the most.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

In the midst of all of these chaotic moments, my closest friend Nick got married. On January 18, 2021, there were 386 COVID-19 confirmed new cases countrywide, and the social distancing level was 2.5. Only 50 participants were allowed to attend gatherings such as weddings, but they preceded with their wedding ceremony anyway. It was all about masks, but as you can see, smiles were everywhere. It was all about joy and happiness. The couple was so sad that they could not invite more people to their wedding ceremony. However, since there were fewer people gathered, they could focus more on each other. Overall, despite all the agonies during the wedding preparations due to constant changes in the COVID-19 situation, they feel blessed. COVID-19 might have kept families and friends apart but not the love between them.

The Photographer

Kim (Hillel) Yunkyoung is a priest in the Anglican Church and also a portrait photographer. More of his pictures can be found on Instagram: @hillelkim

May our daily lives shine again. 2021�03��(March)_1.indd 30

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▲ In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Yes, it is a happy day.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

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March 2021

Nick’s Aussi “parents.” They took care of Nick as their own son when he worked in Australia for a few years. They cried after they realized that they could not make it to Nick’s wedding due to the worldwide COVID-19 situation.

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▲ January 18, 2021: Nick rolls out to the hair salon.

▲ Mask, mask, and masked.

We just got married!

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March 2021

All set, ready to celebrate.

Happy parents

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2/26/2021 12:15:04 PM

CULTURE & ARTS

Mask, mask, and more masks.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

Here she comes. 2021�03��(March)_1.indd 33

2/26/2021 12:15:14 PM

Goedam: Hong Won-ki’s Netﬂix Series Transnationalism and Ghostly Korean Urban Legends

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

What Is an Urban Legend?

The American folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand defines urban legend as a “subclass of folk narratives (…) that – unlike fairy tales – are believed, or at least believable, and that – unlike myths – are set in the recent past and involve normal human beings rather than the ancient gods or demigods.”6 David Schaefer, who graduated in Japanese literature from Columbia University (New York), wrote a monograph in 1990 on Japanese urban legends and ascribed to them six main characteristics: They are “true,” primarily oral, short, linked together, unusually detailed, and cannot be traced to reliable witnesses.7 This last feature explains why a great many of these tales deliberately include spatial and/or temporal vagueness. For example, “once upon a time,” “long ago,” or “in a certain place” are the first words of many Korean,8 Japanese,9 Vietnamese,10 and Siamese11 tales.

Goedam

Hong Won-ki’s (홍원기) 2020 Netflix Series Goedam (괴담)12 (Figure 1), also known as Doshi Goedam (도시괴담), is an anthology of Korean ghost urban legends

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featuring eight short episodes (between 8 and 15 minutes each): “Crack” (틈), “Destination” (목적지), “Special Guest” (합방), “Curiosity”(장난), “Red Shoes”(맞춤신발), “Dimension”(엘리베이터), “Threshold” (문지방), and “Birth” (생일). As usual in Asian ghost movies,13 many actresses in Goedam are K-pop stars or top models: SeolA (Kim Hyeon-jeong) of the group Cosmic Girl and the model Lee Hyun-joo (former member of the group April) in Episode 4 serve as examples.

▼

CULTURE & ARTS

young girl in the restroom of her school realizes that there is no more toilet paper. Suddenly, she can hear a scary voice coming from nowhere and asking her, “Do you want blue or red paper?” This reference to a Korean urban legend is found in Gong Jiyoung’s novel Bonsuni Eunni (봉순이 언니),1 which is the Japanese counterpart to a similar tale known as Aka Manto (Red Cape).2 Korean literature and cinema actually share some folk tales with surrounding countries: Many studies point out the links between Korean and Japanese urban legends on the one hand – the powerful symbolism of hair, for example3 – and renowned filmmakers on the other hand, like Miike Takashi and the late Kim Ki-duk, who unfortunately died of COVID-19 on December 11, 2020.4 Pivotal concepts developed across pan-Asian urban legends (e.g., school toilets, taxi drivers, mirrors, elevators, Ouija, and the internet) belong to what one Californian anthropologist refers to as “deep structure,” as opposed to locally adapted “superficial structure,” which is the diversity within historical content with respect to vernacular traditions.5

By Régis Olry

Figure 1. Movie poster of Hong Won-ki’s Goedam.

Let us go through some of these eight episodes. The second episode (“Destination”) shows a young woman dressed all in white who takes a cab by night on a lonely road (Figure 2). But when she takes off her sunglasses, the taxi driver realizes that his passenger actually is a holloweyed ghost. This story refers to a Korean urban legend involving such a ghost seen in foggy weather, northwest of Seoul on the Jayuro Highway between Goyang and Paju. This kind of strange encounter by taxi drivers also occurs in Japan, especially near Midoro-ga-Ike Lake of Kyôto. In her 2016 Tohoku Gakuin University thesis, sociologist Yuka Kudo discovered that seven percent of Japanese taxi drivers claimed to have had at least one ghost as a passenger.14 The links between ghosts and cab drivers are also the core of the 2005 Thai movie Taxi Tonight. Episode 4 (“Curiosity”) takes place in a high school. A girl is chased by a ghost after having found a creepy doll in her friend’s locker. Frightened, she hurtles down the stairs but always finds herself back on the same floor: She is trapped in a time loop (an implied reference to the impossible object known as the Penrose stairs). The same phenomenon occurs in the celebrated 2004 Thai movie Shutter, when photographer Tun runs away from

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35 his ex-girlfriend Natre, who became a vengeful ghost after having been raped by Tun’s friends. This episode also refers to another aspect of “deep structure” in urban legends: the spider-woman. Actually, the way the ghost crawls in the corridor and on the stairs (Figure 3) on the one hand, and the increase in the number of her pupils (most spiders have eight eyes) when she comes near her prey on the other hand, lead us to acknowledge this ghost as a Korean counterpart to the so-called Kumo Onna, the famous spider-woman of Japanese folklore. ▼

Figure 2. Joo Bo-bi (주보비) as the ghost who takes a taxi (Episode 2).

Goedam (including the soundtrack of its trailer) is a real masterpiece that will delight lovers of ghostly urban legends. Some viewers have pointed out the recurring lack of explanation: the uncertain status of the creepy doll in the locker of Episode 4, for example. But is not the lack of explanation precisely a sine qua non component of these kinds of legends?

Gong J. (2018). Ma très chère grande sœur [French translation of Bonsuni eunni]. Arles, Philippe Picquier, p. 71. 2 Devlin, T. A. (2018). Aka Manto. In Toshiden: Exploring Japanese urban legends (pp. 83–87). Independently published. 3 Byrne, J. (2014). Wigs and rings: Cross-cultural exchange in the South Korean and Japanese horror film. Journal of Japanese and Korean Cinema, 6(2), 184–201. 4 Rawle, S. (2009). From The Black Society to The Isle: Miike Takashi and Kim Ki-duk at the intersection of Asia Extreme. Journal of Japanese and Korean Cinema, 1(2): 167–184. 5 Spiro, M. E. (1978). Burmese supernaturalism (p. xviii). Institute for the Study of Human Issues (Philadelphia, PA, USA). 6 Brunvand, J. H. (1981). The vanishing hitchhiker: American urban legends and their meanings (p. 3). W. W. Norton. 7 Schaefer, D. (1990). Urban legends and the Japanese tales (pp. 8–13). The Institute for Cultural Research (Tunbridge Wells, England). 8 Carpenter, F. (1973). Cinderella. In Tales of a Korean grandmother (pp. 117–124). Tuttle. 9 Mayer, F. H. (1984). Stepchildren stories. In Ancient tales in modern Japan: An anthology of Japanese folk tales (pp. 44–60). Indiana University Press. 10 Pham, D. K. (1989). Légendes des terres sereines (p. 7). Mercure de France. 11 Le May, R. (1970). Siamese tales old and new (p. 123). Arthur Probstein. 12 A 1968 ghost movie directed by Jeon Jo-Myeong had also been called Goedam. 13 The Japanese top models Hashimoto Ai and Nakama Yukie in 2000 Ring 0: Birthday and 2012 Sadako 3D, respectively; the Japanese member of AKB48 Matsubara Natsumi in 2012 Kotsutsubo; and the Taiwanese top model Shu Qi in 2004 The Eye 2, among many others. 14 Kudo, Y. (2016). Yobisama sareru reisei no shinsagaku: 3.11 sei to shi no hazama de. Kadokawa Shoten. 15 Devlin, T. A. (2018). Teke Teke. In Toshiden: Exploring Japanese urban legends (Vol. 1, pp. 35–39), Independently published; and Devlin, T. A. (2019). Sky resort. In Toshiden: Exploring Japanese urban legends (Vol. 2, pp. 23–24). Independently published. 1

Régis Olry, M.D. (France), is professor of anatomy at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres (Canada). In the early 1990s, he worked in Germany with Gunther von Hagens, the inventor of plastination and the BodyWorld exhibitions. He currently studies the concept of Asian ghosts in collaboration with his wife who is a painter (see www. gedupont.com).

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▼

Figure 4. Jin-gyeong’s ghost about to take her teacher’s legs (Episode 5).

March 2021

▲ Figure 3. SeolA (설아) as Min-yeong (foreground), the student trapped in a time loop (Episode 4).

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

The Author

CULTURE & ARTS

In Episode 5 (“Red Shoes”), a bullied girl who had committed suicide (when her legs were crushed by a truck) comes back as a ghost in order to appropriate new legs. When she stands up on her hands, her teacher sees that the ghost, cut in two, has only its upper part left (Figure 4): She explains that Hye-su’s (another schoolgirl) legs were not correct and then encourages the ghost to take the teacher’s legs instead. This creepy creature also belongs to Japanese urban legends such as Teke Teke,15 the young Kashima Reiko who was cut in two by a train in Muroran, a coastal town in the south of Hokkaidô Island.

References

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Expat Living

Hanbok Experience

COMMUNITY

Outside activity with Panggang Island students.

Falling in Love with Volunteering My Experiences in Indonesia

March 2021

The Initial Step

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Panggang Island students

My volunteer life first started in 2015, back when I was working for a company in Indonesia. I decided to join a volunteer-and-travel program offered by one of the many nongovernment organizations in Jakarta. All volunteers were invited to Rote Island, the southernmost island in Indonesia. It was a good opportunity to participate in positive activities while traveling inside the country. I served together with local residents and other volunteers for two days, and together we educated students by sharing our professions and experiences. We even had time to hear from the students and discuss their hobbies and dreams. Volunteering is something I decided that I wanted to keep doing. Once you have done it once, you realize how satisfying it is. After that first time, I became active as a volunteer in an education program for elementary and junior high school students,

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together with the Indonesian Volunteer Community in Indonesia until 2018. Fun Fact: Indonesia is the world’s largest island country with 1.9 million square kilometers. The country also holds the fourth largest human population in the world, showcasing a wide variety of cultures within its borders.

The Papua Story: Inequity in Education

After Rote Island, I visited several places in Indonesia to join other volunteer-and-travel programs, specifically in Toraja on Sulawesi Island, Sumbawa Island, and Kaimana City on Papua Island. Visiting Papua, the easternmost island in Indonesia, had been on my dream list in 2017. I had previously never thought that the flight to Papua would be as expensive as flying to South Korea. It took about six hours with a transfer. After arriving in Kaimana City, the

By Emmanuela Sabatini

volunteers needed to take a boat that took two hours to reach the school. The school itself was not located in the city, but instead was in the hills of a nearby island. We rested at the teacher’s house and had a class the next morning. We made our way to the school on that rainy Saturday morning in October 2017. Our volunteer activities started with introductions among volunteers, students, and teachers at the schoolyard after the rain had stopped. We stretched together by performing the “Baby Shark” song, as we did in Kaimana Bay, famous for its high shark population. During the activities, I realized that the students had come with uniforms on, but not all of them had schoolbags or shoes. The teacher told me later that not all the students had shoes, so students were not required to wear any. Other students also said that they only had one pair of shoes,

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37 and that the shoes would be dirty if they wore them during the rainy season. So, they preferred to come without any footwear. I worked as a Korean-Indonesian interpreter at that time and tried to invite the students around the world by bringing in a world map and showcasing how the hanbok (Korean traditional dress) is worn to the class. The students, who were in the fifth grade in elementary school, only knew a little bit about Indonesia, so Korea was an even less-known topic. Still, I tried to let them know a little bit about Korea and its language, and give them the chance to put on a simple hanbok. One girl student tried on a hanbok and modeled it in front of class. Not only the girl students but all the students there thought that it was a wedding dress! Because of their remote location, the students did not have many experiences. I felt sad. As a developing country, I realized that Indonesia still fights for equality in education, as mentioned in one of the UN sustainable development goals (SGDs). In the future, I hope there will be lots of opportunities for these students to encounter and explore new things.

Camp in the Capital City

Besides volunteer work on the islands in Indonesia, I have been a regular volunteer with the Indonesia Volunteer Community based in Jakarta since 2015, as well as being a part of the External Affairs Team. During my time volunteering, my group visited islands near Jakarta every year, and we volunteered with students and residents based on their circumstances. For example, students on Panjang Island tend to be active because of the hot weather, so we conducted more physical activities with them, involving regulations and achievements to help improve their discipline. Panggang Island has anchovies as a special product, so we gathered residents to make anchovy

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crackers, letting them know how to package their product so that it could later be sold in Jakarta. After they learned how to better develop their capacities, we invited student representatives and teachers to the capital city for a three-day camp at the beginning of 2018. Seventeen students and 17 teachers were invited to visit and experience this program. Together, we visited Jakarta’s landmarks, the Indonesia Airplane Training Center to experience some flight simulation, and the history museum, and enjoyed a farming experience with missions to accomplish at each. While the students were exploring the history museum, the teachers had a workshop on creative teaching. The volunteer activities that I participated in focused only on elementary school education and children of that age range. Through volunteering, I learned how to teach and even gained inspiration from other volunteers who shared even more experiences and remained very humble. This kind of volunteering showed me how big Indonesia is and the nation’s educational situation. I also gained new friends and received an opportunity for worthwhile selfintrospection. I got to know my capacities and learned to dare to dream for contributing to Indonesia no matter where I am in the world.

World Map Quiz

Photographs by Emmanuela Sabatini and the Indonesian Volunteer Community (www.jelajahpulauid.org).

The Author

Emmanuela Sabatini is originally from Jakarta, Indonesia. She did an internship at the Gwangju International Center. She likes to travel, dance, and do volunteer activities. You can follow her life journey at www.emmasabatini.com Instagram: @emmasabatini

Flight simulation

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38 Local Entrepreneurs

Interview by Melline Galani

F March 2021

act: In 1950, 1.5 million tons of plastic were produced. Now we are producing over 380 million tons of plastic every year, and some reports indicate that up to 50 percent of that is for single-use purposes. What is more, it is estimated that more than ten million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans every year.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

COMMUNITY

Zero Waste, a Way of Life

Can we live without producing waste? Maybe not, but we definitely can reduce it. The ultimate goal is to stop waste from going to a landfill or to the incinerator, because, inevitably, all the toxic substances end up in the air, soil, and water and destroy our planet little by little every day. The Gwangju News recently heard about the zerowaste initiative in Gwangju and met with one of the representatives, Lee Sehyoung (이세형), to discuss the topic. Gwangju News (GN): Thank you for taking time to do this interview. First, would you please introduce yourself to our readers? Lee Sehyoung: I am Sehyoung Lee, the director of Igong Space (이로운공간 이공). In 2016, Igong was established for the local young adults to provide an opportunity and place to work, live together, and get along in their community; the goal was to make a cooperative establishment, including a workplace, a living area, and a playground. Various events for young people have been held based on this concept in the past three years. Igong was opened as a community café from 2017, and from

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last October to December it had collaborated with Your Step, an operating zero-waste pop-up store called 한걸음 가게 - One step store. This is how I decided to create a zero-waste store within the café place. So technically, the café has expanded its field to zero-waste. GN: Please describe exactly what this zero-waste concept is. Lee Sehyoung: In 2013, Bea Johnson launched a book that was to become the bible for zero-waste devotees. It also introduced the Five Rs of zero-waste living: • Refuse: Say no to what you do not need. • Reduce: Let go of things that are no longer of use by donating or selling them. This also means only focusing on necessary purchases. • Reuse: Switch out disposable items for reusable and permanent alternatives. • Recycle: The process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. We have been made to believe that recycling is the go-to solution for waste reduction. In fact, it is number four on the list behind refuse, reduce, and reuse. • Rot: Compost your own household waste or take part in a composting program for organic waste In my own life, I have always wondered what we could do in the face of so many environmental issues and if we could live without disposables. My main goal was to

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39 promote the concept of zero waste. I wanted to run a popup store and let Gwangju residents know that recycling is not the only way to solve environmental problems. There are better ways such as reducing the use of plastic. For me, I personally like to reuse items. Zero-waste initiatives had already been implemented in Ulsan, Suncheon, and Seoul, and shops were being created.

▲ “Community Reuse and Recycle Project” ▲ Products on display and packing materials. ▲

▲ Products on display.

GN: Please tell us more about the zero-waste shop. Lee Sehyoung: As I said, I started in 2017 with the community café, then ran some popup stores in 2020, and then I decided to have zero-waste store within the café place, which was officially opened in January 2021 at Igong Space (이로운 공간). The space now has multiple functions. It is a place that combines a café area, a zero-waste shop, and the “Community Reuse and Recycle Project” (우리동네 회수센터).

COMMUNITY

GN: It is not easy for a person to change long-entrenched habits. How willing do you think people are to change their habits for a better environment? Lee Sehyoung: I think people are willing to change. When I had the pop-up store (appropriately named “One Step Store”), I thought that if one hundred people could be convinced to change their plastic toothbrushes to bamboo ones, it would be a first step in making a change. Step by step we can all learn to make some changes in our lifestyles. I started with a small step, a pop-up store, but now it has become the name of a network. At the time, I was surprised to see that more people visited the store than I thought would, so I felt that many people were already interested in the concept. We made a campaign to

use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bags at the Songjeong Five-Day Market. Glass bottles were gathered for reuse because recycling requires more energy and were mainly used for people to refill with dishwashing detergent (that we offer for free) and products were made with shoelaces. At that time, over two thousand people came, including foreigners, from various areas in Suncheon, Goheung, Naju, and Jangseong. Among them about two hundred participated in donating items such as milk cartons, shopping bags, etc. There were a lot of people who wanted to contribute something to this community.

▲

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

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2/26/2021 12:15:24 PM

COMMUNITY

GN: What does the Igong Space shop offer to its customers and how did you find the suppliers? Lee Sehyoung: Besides coffee and drinks that a coffee shop usually offers, we have selected the items that were best sellers last year when we ran the pop-up store. Our main care products are now soap nuts, bamboo toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, conditioner bars, and plastic-free toothpaste. All products are selected for plastic free or less waste, or zero waste. We are trying to have local items as well such as straws, handmade pouches for cutlery, and straws and handkerchiefs. We sell other reusable products such as cloths coated with beeswax that can be used to cover leftovers, cups, or bowls. Because they change shape with the temperature from body contact, they can be used in various situations, with the usage period lasting as long as six months. We also sell stainless steel and silicone straws. The open straws made of silicone are especially convenient to wash. We also have different cloth products for sale such as mesh produce bags, cutlery bags, handkerchiefs, and even tea bags. Many people do not know that regular tea bags contain a lot of microplastics and are not safe. In addition, we have loofa scrubbers grown locally in Hwasun.

▲ Samples of products sold at the Igong Space.

The store is also used as a place to inform and promote various activities related to the environment. We are also giving away kitchen detergent for free for anyone to take home in a glass bottle.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

As for suppliers, we collaborate with Donggubat (동구밭) for shampoo and conditioner bars. Donggubat is already a famous company that supplies a lot of environmental protection products and is also working with people with disabilities creating added value to the community. A plastic-free example is the tablet toothpaste. The difference between tablet toothpaste and regular tube toothpaste is that there is no plastic left after use. Also, the dish-soap bar (bar-shaped soap detergent used for washing dishes) does not produce garbage that goes into plastic bins. Ingredients used for making some of the soap, shampoo, and conditioner bars are certified green. GN: Please tell us about the milk carton recycling initiative known as the “Cafe Latte Club.” How did it start, what is its purpose, and how have people responded to it? Lee Sehyoung: I heard about such an institutive for the first time in 2019. Until then, I had washed used milk cartons and put them together with the paper disposables for recycling. I was shocked to find out that it was all in vain. I know that many people think that milk cartons are paper. But they actually have a different classification (Paper Pack / 종이팩류), and if discarded together with paper, they cannot be recycled at all. The milk cartons are coated with polyethylene that needs to be peeled

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▲ Shopping corner at the Igong Space.

off. If they are put together with paper, they cannot be completely melted and so cannot be recycled, not to mention that they are full of impurities. Since 2015, Gwangju City has implemented an initiative consisting of giving away toilet paper rolls: 2 rolls of toilet paper for 1 kg of milk cartons (= 35 cartons of 1,000 ml). Now all city offices at the dong level have implemented

2/26/2021 12:15:25 PM

41 the project so anyone can take these milk cartons to the closest neighborhood office and receive toilet paper in exchange. At the time, it was not easy to gather 35 pieces at home, so I started a campaign with cafés that used a lot of milk. A structure was created in which the residents collected milk cartons at cafés, changed them at their neighborhood office and donated the toilet rolls to the neighborhood. In 2019, we invited some cafés to participate. Over about five weeks, 4,000 milk cartons were collected and exchanged for 120 toilet paper rolls, which were donated to local children’s centers along with environmental education. And, from last year, we created a community to spread the initiative around Gwangju.

COMMUNITY

Currently, there are a lot of places where people collect these milk cartons, including coffee shops. For example, more than 100 cafes and bakeries in Gwangju are currently disposing of milk cartons separately. It is not difficult, so it seems like a lot of people are implementing it. This year, we are going to track the changes in the milk carton initiative and map the places where people can dispose the milk carton separately. I know that the Gwangju International Center has always been operating in accordance with the changing trends of the times and cares about the environment. I hope that such a movement will be actively carried out within the center.

▲ “Caffe Latte Club” project and free kitchen detergent.

(Since conducting this interview, the GIC has started a “Caffe Latte Club” initiative and is now collecting milk cartons. — Melline)

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▲ Entrance view of the Igong Space.

March 2021

Until February, we could offer a take-out option for our beverages only in single-use paper cups. But, to reduce the waste, we have implemented the ““bottle club” campaign — lending tumblers-to-go to our customers.

▲ Soap and conditioner bars.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

GN: Can you tell us more about the Community Reuse and Recycle Project? Lee Sehyoung: Of course. The “Community Reuse and Recycle Project” is a campaign we currently have in progress. As I said before, I do not think recycling is the best way to tackle the garbage problem. Recycling is the lowest level. Before recycling, we should think about how to collect resources and reuse them. For example, small plastic items (such as juice bottle caps) fall out in the recycling process. The reason is that the conveyor belt in the recycling sorting center is so fast that workers give up on trying to sort the small pieces. So, they just get thrown away. But if one collects these items separately, they can be converted into another product. Glass is also recycled, but because it takes a lot of energy, we prefer to reuse it. At the entrance of the coffee shop, there is a space for collecting milk cartons. People can just donate their cartons there. We also offer free kitchen detergent.

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42 GN: What future plans do you have for the zero-waste shop? Lee Sehyoung: I am thinking about ways to continue supplying the products inside this store in smaller quantities. They are usually purchased in bulk, but I am thinking about making sure that people can buy only the quantity they want.

COMMUNITY

I am also working on seasonal collaboration projects with local farmers. One of them is the “Market for Starting Farmers.” To support farmers who have just started small-scale farming, we are also thinking about opening various pop-ups with seasonal crops such as tomatoes. GN: What kind of impact do you think this initiative will have on Gwangju’s residents? Lee Sehyoung: I hope it will raise awareness about these problems and make some changes in the common mentality. As you can see, our store does not use plastic straws. In the past, there were many customers who were uncomfortable because they did not have plastic straws, but I think the fact that more and more people recognize and sympathize with environmental problems is the beginning of change. One item or method cannot make all the changes required, but I still think of it as a necessary factor to make changes. As I said, changes should be made step by step.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

There are people who come here just for a drink with no knowledge of the zero-waste concept. But then they start asking about the products on the shelves. There are many people who make purchases. And I have the expectation that they will think about what they have bought more than once while using the products. Even if it does not actually lead to a purchase, I think there is a big difference between knowing and not knowing about the existence of these products. There are also people who want to live a waste-free life but do not know how to start, and they ask us for advice.

▲ Lee Sehyoung

▲ Inside view of the Igong Space.

GN: I admire the work you are doing towards a wastefree society. Thank you very much for your time. Indeed, change starts with us. Together we can make a difference.

▲ Products on display.

The Interviewer

Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, who is currently living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges, learning interesting things, and is incurably optimistic. She is always in search of natural and organic products from local producers. Instagram: @melligalanis

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IGONG SPACE (이로운공간 이공) Address: 257-1 Songdo-ro, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju 광주 광산구 송도로 257-1 Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday–Saturday Instagram: @cafe20_2roun0gan

2/26/2021 12:15:28 PM

Korean Recipe 43

Sogogi Muguk Beef and Radish Stew By Joe Wabe Korean white radish, or mu (무), is one of the most widely cultivated crops in Korea, and its cultivation dates back to the Three Kingdoms era. Although it grows all year round, it is well known that the fall and winter harvests offer the tastiest and crispiest radishes of all. One of the main characteristics that set Korean mu apart from the rest is that they are larger than their other radish relatives. The beginning of spring with its chilly winds and carnival of scents blowing up in the air makes us want to enjoy food that resembles this time of the year: cuisine that feels fresh, clean, and is gently colorful and aromatic. This recipe fits perfectly these meteorological conditions, and considering that we can still get a hold of crispy and mild radishes from the winter harvest, this beef stew is an ideal choice. For centuries, sogogi muguk (소고기 무국) has been a popular Korean staple. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it one of my favorites in spring. Its soothing taste of beef and cool radish, slightly balanced with its sweetness and salty taste, will definitely make you want more than one serving.

The Author

Joe Wabe is a Gwangju expat who has been contributing to the GIC and the Gwangju News for more than ten years with his work in photography and writing.

(Serves 4)

500 gram brisket cut into small pieces ½ small Korean radish 1 tablespoon of soy sauce 1 tablespoon of anchovy stock 1 teaspoon of sesame oil 1 tablespoon of minced garlic 1 stack of green onions 1 teaspoon of sugar 1 teaspoon of cooking wine (mirin) 2 bay leaves black pepper

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• • • •

Put the meat, bay leaves, and cooking wine in a pot with water and let it boil for about ten minutes, removing the scum as it boils. When done, strain and let it sit on the side (remove the bay leaves). In a separate pot, add six cups of water and the radish (cut in thick slices), and bring it to a boil. Add the meat, soy sauce, minced garlic, and anchovy stock, and let it all cook for about 30 minutes. Once this process is done, add the sesame oil, chopped green onion, sugar, and black pepper, and let it cook for an extra ten minutes. Let it rest for ten minutes before serving. It goes well with white rice.

March 2021

• • • • • • • • • • •

•

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Ingredients

Preparation

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GFN at 12

COMMUNITY

Serving the Community

Interview with Han Soo-hee In continuing its collaboration with the Gwangju Foreign Language Network (GFN), in this issue the Gwangju News offers an interview with GFN’s program director in charge of the City of Light, which is changing its format starting this month. To gain an insight into the important changes that are taking place, the Gwangju News obtained this interview with Han Soo-hee. — Ed.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

By Melline Galani Gwangju News (GN): Thank you for taking the time to do this interview for the Gwangju News, Ms. Han. First, please introduce yourself by telling us a little about your background, GFN, and your career at the radio station. Han Soo-hee: First of all, thank you, Gwangju News, for offering me this opportunity. My name is Han Soohee (한수희), and I have been working at GFN since 2009. After graduating with a degree in fine arts from the University of British Columbia in Canada in 2008, I returned to Korea and applied to the Department of Western Painting at Ewha Womans Graduate School. Meanwhile, I was working part-time as an English academy teacher in Gwangju, where my mother lived, when I saw an advertisement for a position at an English radio station for a producer who could speak English well, my old dream came back to me. At the time, I was wondering if it would be possible to abandon my art major, which I had studied hard for four years, and go into broadcasting instead. I had a lot of questions in my head, but I thought it would be possible – “If I had the creativity to draw and paint on white paper then I could do broadcasting, too,” I thought.

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I also thought it would be good to take up my old dream of going into broadcasting, but I didn’t submit my resume until the last day of the application period. After passing one written test and two interviews, I was selected and soon began my new life, and now I am a program director (PD) at GFN. The job of creating something out of nothing as a PD was fun enough to help me forget about art, which had been my previous love. Perhaps the reason why I have stayed with this job for twelve years is because it is a great source of happiness for me to create programs that entertain and to communicate with listeners. GN: What are the main shows or programs that you coordinate and what are your future plans in relation to them? Han Soo-hee: At present, I am the PD for the City of Light show (since the beginning of 2021). Before this program, I was the PD in charge of K-Popular, The Afternoon Show with JD, and Hello Korea. Having just joined GFN and without experience in broadcasting, I began my career in broadcasting by assisting seniors as an AD (assistant director) for about

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45 a year and a half, and then I was put in charge of the K-Popular show for seven years. That period, when I was the producer and the host of the program, was a very difficult time for someone young and inexperienced, especially since in Korean companies, strict rules and regulations exist, but I was a free soul who had just returned from college abroad. However, like the saying that “time is medicine,” I was able to develop into a more mature person after experiencing all the difficulties that occurred during my twelve years of continually producing programs.

GN: On Sunday mornings, GFN does an “exchange” with a station in Busan (which we enjoy very much). Why do you think this is an important initiative? Han Soo-hee: Busan English Broadcasting and GFN have been promoting a lot of work together since they started broadcasting. I co-produced many programs and documentaries with them, starting with the YeongHonam Pungryu Journey – Arirang Road. Currently, we are exchanging regular programs on weekends. Also, we are presently applying for broadcasting support for a program that the Yeongnam and Honam regions can do together. It may be only my personal opinion, but I think the way GFN and Busan produce programs together is a symbol of harmony that connects the Yeongnam and Honam regions. In the future, we want to carry out various programs and events beyond our two regions.

March 2021

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Working at GFN for such a long time, produces so many memories that I remember, but not all of them were pleasant. While working as a program host, I offended some listeners with stories about their relatives that even they were not aware of, and I was hurt by them when some sent malicious messages asking why I was in charge of hosting when my English and pronunciation were not good. However, if it were not for the cheering messages from listeners who loved the program and the members of the program production team, I think that I would not be the person that I am today. There are still people who remember me and love me, and I would like to tell them through this interview that I am always grateful. www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Han Soo-hee

Part of my position at GFN has also involved planning various regional events, in addition to broadcast programs. These include the GFN Pop Song Contest, which was first conducted at the Hampyeong Butterfly Festival; the Scavenger Hunt in Yangnim, a historical treasure hunt in Yangnim-dong; and the Amazing Race in Wangin, a historical treasure hunt at the Yeongam Chrysanthemum Festival – all of which we planned for everyone residing in Gwangju and Jeonnam to enjoy. I also should not leave out the Damyang Bamboo Festival, where we prepared an event called the Foreign Expedition in the Forest. All of these programs were a meaningful time to meet with foreigners in person and make memories to enjoy together.

COMMUNITY

After doing the K-Popular music program for a long time, I was next put in charge of the cultural program The Afternoon Show with JD for a while, and I also produced a program called Hello Korea that informed about different aspects about Korea. I visited schools in Gwangju and Jeonnam and was in charge of Radio Star, an open broadcast with various students. In addition, I produced various documentaries, among which two are the most memorable. One, called Yeong-Honam Pungryu Journey – Arirang Road, was about foreign musicians from Busan and Gwangju who loved the sound of Korea. It was a documentary that reflected the true meaning of the song “Arirang,” which foreigners reproduced and sang by participating in the Daegu Arirang Festival, and by going to Jindo, Miryang, and Hadong with foreign pungmul bands.

The second documentary was titled A Mother's 38-Year Dark Silence and presented testimonies of the victims of state violence, including sexual assaults (rapes) committed by martial law forces during the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. It was made together with our chief producer, Kim Mi-young. The experience of listening to a victim of sexual violence and feeling her wounds and pained heart was an unforgettable moment in my life. This documentary, which won four gold medals, is like a child with a sensitive heart to me.

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GN: How does the show City of Light serve both the Korean and expat communities, and what are the challenges faced in doing this? Han Soo-hee: I think City of Light is a program that provides information for both the Korean and foreign communities, and delivers current Korean events and cultural information, especially for foreigners living in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do. For example, during the show, domestic and local news is translated into English and delivered. Many foreign residents can easily access domestic news, but local news does not often get translated into English. However, I think that local news and information is important for foreigners. Therefore, City of Light delivers local, cultural, and eventrelated news and information that listeners can enjoy. There are also sections where one can study Korean, as well as sections where one can learn about Korean laws from an international lawyer. Having said this, this show is a program for both Koreans and foreigners, helping the former practice English while providing the latter with current events in English. Moreover, there is a section that informs Korean listeners about difficult poems and English words. What is more, City of Light presents events hosted by resident foreigners and other organizations such as the Gwangju International Center (GIC), and also provides opportunities for Koreans to participate in foreign community events and for foreigners to participate in local Korean events. GN: What changes in programming are you planning, or at least considering, for GFN’s future? Han Soo-hee: According to the GFN listener behavior survey, Korean listeners are experiencing difficulties in listening because the language barrier is so great. Our aim is to have programs that are not difficult to listen to for both Koreans and foreigners. As a result of a meeting with program producers in January this year, we are considering producing bilingual programs that combine English and Korean. Broadcasting is scheduled to be reorganized this March, when the City of Light will be reorganized into a new bilingual program. Please show a lot of interest and love for the new program.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

COMMUNITY

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▲ The Amazing Race,Wangin, 2014.

GN: Since the GIC, of which the Gwangju News is a part, is committed to serving the expat community in Gwangju and the surrounding area, how do you think we might collaborate to better serve this community? Han Soo-hee: In my opinion, both GFN and the GIC are important organizations for Koreans and foreigners in the Gwangju-Jeonnam area. It is true that for those who live abroad, information is discovered much later or is altogether less known than for locals in that country. However, the Korean community tries its best to provide information and help expats who live in the region. Likewise, I think the GIC and GFN are doing their best for the foreign community. For example, the introduction of the tracking information on confirmed COVID-19 cases provided by both organizations in English has been a really important help to the foreign community. I think our two organizations should share important information related to disasters as they are underway and together become a medium that serves more and more foreign communities. When the COVID-19 pandemic ends, I think there is a need for further cooperation between GFN and the GIC to jointly hold events or record lectures and broadcast them. In addition, GFN plans to hold many cultural events for foreigners to enjoy, and I think we need cooperation to share, promote, and proceed with these events together. In conclusion, I would like to add that whenever I hear that many foreigners forget their homesickness while listening to our broadcasts, I feel proud. For the past twelve years, we have tried our best, and I think the reason why GFN has been able to maintain itself for such a long time is because of foreigners and Korean listeners who show interest and give support. Please continue to love GFN. Thank you. GN: Thank you very much for your time. The Gwangju News and the GIC support and love the variety in the programs that GFN produces and encourage everyone to tune in daily. Photographs courtesy of Han Soo-hee and GFN.

2/26/2021 12:15:39 PM

Everyday Korean Episode 39

위치 (Location)

By Harsh Kumar Mishra

Grammar

TOPIK GUIDE (topikguide.com) is the most comprehensive website devoted to the TOPIK exam. It has been helping Korean language learners pass the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) for more than eight years. On our website, you can get all the TOPIK updates, grammar and vocabulary materials, and study tips. You can also visit our TOPIK Guide YouTube channel.

~ 에 있어요: Use this grammar pattern with nouns to say that something or somebody is located at a certain place. Ex: 저는 집에 있어요. I am at my house. Note: To say this in the negative, you can use ~ 에 없어요.

~ (으)면: Use this conditional connector with a verb or adjective to express “if.” Ex: 오늘 바쁘면 내일 만나요. If you are busy today, let’s meet tomorrow.

Vocabulary where now department store to meet opposite side inside there location to tell/inform terminal bus stop to get off beside to arrive

Location-Related Expressions right side left side east side west side south side north side above under

여보세요. 정민 씨, 어디에 있어요?

Neha:

Hello (used on the phone)! Jeongmin, where are you?

정민:

지금 백화점에 있어요.

Jeongmin: I am at the department store now.

네하:

우리 백화점에서 만나요?

Neha:

Are we meeting at the department store?

정민:

아니요. 백화점 반대편에 있는 스타벅스에서 만나요.

Jeongmin: No. We are meeting at the Starbucks across from the department store.

네하:

저는 777번 버스 안에 있어요. 카페 거기 위치 좀 알려주세요.

Neha:

I am on bus 777. Please tell me the location of the cafe there.

정민:

터미널 정류장에 내리면 바로 옆에 있어요. 도착하면 전화하세요.

Jeongmin: If you get off at the terminal bus stop, it is right beside it. Call me when you arrive.

March 2021

오른쪽 왼쪽 동쪽 서쪽 남쪽 북쪽 위 아래

네하:

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

어디 지금 백화점 만나다 반대편 안 거기 위치 알려주다 터미널 정류장 내리다 옆 도착하다

Photo by John Arano, Unsplash

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FOOD & DRINKS

48 Restaurant Review

Sushi Dogam A Perfect Place for a Delicious Meal Reviewed by Melline Galani

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

hate anything raw! I cannot stomach raw meat, eggs, fish, or any other raw food for that matter. Even my steak has to be “really” well done for me to eat it. Nevertheless, here I am introducing a flavorful sushi restaurant in Sang-mu: Sushi Dogam (스시도감).

I discovered Sushi Dogam some years ago. At that time, it was named Mr. Sushi (Mr. 초밥). Recently, it has been refurbished and renamed. I do not know if the ownership has changed, but the taste of the food is the same: delicious.

Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish outside of Japan, and it has evolved outside the country, influenced by different Western cultures. I was exposed to this kind of food back home, and I first tried it just out of pure curiosity. As an outsider without knowledge of this food culture, this review might be biased. However, it is based on my sincere opinion and taste preferences.

I usually go to the restaurant at lunchtime. They have these special lunch set menus (10,000–13,000 won) that offer the best money can buy. The selections I chose offer eight pieces of sushi, including salmon, tuna, shrimp, and eggs. This set also includes side dishes of pickled ginger, garlic, radish, fried shrimp, sweet potato, and white kimchi. What is more, it comes with small bowls of seasoned rice and another small bowl of udon noodle soup – all for just 10,000 won. It is more than enough food for one person. Besides lunch specials, they offer a wide variety of sushi and sashimi dishes, including single items and, of course, beverages. The lunch specials are offered between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Sushi is often regarded as a health food because it boasts of several nutrient-rich ingredients. Fish is a good source of protein, iodine, and multiple vitamins and minerals. In addition, it is one of the few foods that naturally contains vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which human brains need to function optimally.

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SUSHI DOGAM LUNCH SET FOOD & DRINKS

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All in all, this is my favorite place in Gwangju for sushi. Not only is it affordable, but it is also savory, and it comes with a wide array of dishes to meet every taste. Also convenient is that the entire menu has pictures, so you will know what you get even if you do not speak Korean. At Sushi Dogam, you will not get just sushi; you will get really good sushi.

SUSHI DOGAM (스시도감)

Address: 106 Chipyeong-no, Seo-gu, Gwangju 광주 서구 치평로 106 Operating Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 midnight Instagram: @ssidogam

The Author

Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, who is currently living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges, learning interesting things, and is incurably optimistic. . It may come as no surprise that she also loves sushi from Sushi Dogam. Instagram: @melligalanis

March 2021

One of their specialties is warm sushi. They have a small poster on each table showing how to eat it for the best experience (it is in Korean, but the pictures are enough for understanding). Unlike traditional sushi, this is made with the rice temperature set to 36.5 degrees Celsius. An air layer is formed between the rice and the texture is excellent. Moreover, they also have cooked sushi, a specialty that even pregnant women can have (since they are not supposed to eat raw fish during pregnancy). Their specialties ensure an authentic experience that

corresponds to a Japanese dinner as they combine the taste, texture, form, and colors of the foods at their highest levels and in perfect harmony.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

In terms of the vibe, the restaurant is quite spacious. There is a lobby at the entrance where people select their table and number of customers. This area also serves as a waiting space in case the restaurant is full. I never have to wait more than two minutes though to get my table. On each table, there is a vase with a flower in it, and containers for the pickled ginger, garlic, radish, and soy sauce. (My favorite side dish is their pickled ginger; I just love ginger! Together with wasabi, it is perfect for sushi.) The yellow hue of the flower on my table made a perfect combination with the interior design, making lunch more enjoyable. The chefs prepared the dishes in front of me, so everything was fresh and tasty. While waiting, I was served a light, tasty salad as an appetizer.

2/26/2021 12:15:44 PM

Product Review

Is It Worth It? A Comparison of Book Platforms By Katy Clements

PRODUCT REVIEW

ver since I was a teenager, books and audiobooks have always been an obsession of mine. We are now living in such a modern technological era that almost everything is at the tips of our fingers. Instead of going out to rent a movie, we can obtain them on demand or even scour through vast libraries of streaming services like Shudder, Tubi, or Netflix. What is more, thanks to the availability of VPNs (virtual private networks), we can access Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ collections from other countries. You can imagine my relief when I discovered that book lovers were also represented in this flood of streaming services. Recently, I began comparing different book streaming platforms to find which was best for me. I compared aspects such as product quality, price per month, library availability, and genre inclusivity. Here is the six-item ranking I came up with, in order from least to most favorite.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

6. Kindle Unlimited – ($9.99 per month)

Kindle Unlimited is a book and audiobook subscription program run by Amazon that is like Netflix. With this service, you pay a flat rate and are treated to books included in your membership. You can subscribe to this service through your Amazon account and use the service via a Kindle reader or an application on a device. Kindle Unlimited functions as a borrowing service where you can borrow up to ten books, and if you are unhappy or finished with one, you can return it for another. This sounds convenient for an avid reader, but to me I did not find this product to be what I was looking for. Luckily, canceling your subscription is not too difficult. The reason I was unimpressed was because of the limited library. I am an avid reader of horror and suspense, but the books represented on Kindle Unlimited were mainly fantasy, manga, or self-published ones. If you are a reader looking for a lot of fantasy, cheesy romance, or manga, this service is something you may find useful. Additionally, the books that are included in your subscription are hard to find. The interface is exceedingly difficult to navigate. I am not too sure if it is because Amazon has Kindle Unlimited region-locked, or if the availability is not up to par. Ultimately, I do not think this platform is worth my money or time.

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5. Audiobooks.com – ($14.95 per credit)

This was the first audiobook streaming service I ever used, and I was very committed to bringing them business. Most of the audiobooks that I own are through this program, but that was before I was introduced to many of the other applications. I wanted to stay dedicated to it, but it does not offer too much in the way of free/unlimited listens or perks. The quality of the readers is very good, and the interface is easy to operate. I have communicated with customer service a few times and find them extremely helpful. Even though I do not subscribe to this platform any longer, I still use it daily because it still has houses of my books. Before I left the service, they introduced a feature called “Clubs” where you could read books included in that club for the price of one credit. However, after I viewed the titles in my preferred genre, I found them not to be to my taste. Sadly, even though I was dedicated at first, I find that this service is no longer worth it.

4. Google Books – (price varies per book)

Google Books is not a subscription service, but their library is extremely vast and they offer books in every genre. I own a lot of books on this platform simply because I could not find them anywhere else. The home screen is very easy to navigate and products are available both in ebook and audiobook form. I find that sometimes this service is useful, but I try to use it only if I am unsuccessful on other platforms.

3. LibriVox – (free)

This service can be hit or miss because these books are all in the public domain and are read by volunteers.

2/26/2021 12:15:45 PM

51 quality of the product is very good. As an example, I was able to purchase the entire The Chronicles of Narnia series for the price of one credit. Additionally, for the price of once credit, I acquired the entire The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Anne of Green Gables collections. This is an amazing deal that I have yet to see on any other platform. Typically, I will purchase credits separately and subscribe to Audible Plus ($7.95 per month). This service gives me access to all included books, which are actually popular books read by entertaining authors.

2. Scribd – ($8.99 per month)

It was difficult for me to choose this as my second-favorite because it was such a unique idea with an extremely vast library. This service allows you to listen to “unlimited” audiobooks and ebooks. I say “unlimited” because after you listen or read three popular books, the library actually disappears and the remaining books, though vast, are not as well known. I use this service often, and the ebook feature is very much like Kindle or Google Books. I was able to find old R.L. Stine books and textbooks for class. There are also a lot of magazines, sheet music, and PDFs. 1. Audible – ($14.95 per month for Audible Premium Plus, which comes with one credit and access to included books)

The Author

PRODUCT REVIEW

Sometimes, multiple people are reading the same book and it can be very distracting. However, I have found good readers and am satisfied overall with people who are dedicating their time for others.

Currently, my balance is a blend of Scribd and Audible Plus. Being abroad, it is hard to find interesting books that I have on my bucket list. If you are an avid reader who has missed reading, I recommend giving some of these book platforms a try!

My absolute favorite goes to Audible. Though you do pay more for the number of book credits you get, I find the www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

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Language Teaching

Alternatives to Public Schooling

Compiled by David Shaffer

TEACHING & LEARNING

hen we think of primary and secondary education in Korea, we think of the national public school system and the national curriculum that it is required to follow. But as any teacher knows, one size does not fit all in education. Accordingly, the government has made it possible for students to follow alternative pathways in pursuing their education. There are faith-related schools, prep schools heavily focused on university entrance, and schools for those who find it difficult to adjust to the typical public school system. These alternative types of schools and schooling are gaining in popularity, but so many of us still know so little about them. This article features the impressions of three English language teachers teaching at three different types of alternative schools in Korea. Here are their accounts.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

Instilling Seeds of Hope

Jared Dela Paz came to Korea over a decade ago, and during his time here, he has been teaching English at Lincoln House Gwangju. Jared received his BS at Far Eastern University in the Philippines and his diploma in TESOL from Concordia University, Canada. He has been active in Korea TESOL in Gwangju, but a growing family and teaching duties are now taking up more of his time. “Alternative education,” just by reading the first word, you already have that sense of what to expect. But if not, let me share with you my personal experience teaching the English language for eleven years at an alternative school. I came to South Korea in 2008 as a volunteer English conversation teacher at Lincoln House Gwangju, an alternative school. “Alternative school” (or daehan hakgyo, 대한 학교), leaves a bitter taste for many. They see “those” schools as a wasteland. A collection of hardto-manage students, students with problems stacking up as high as the room ceiling, and students whose parents, teachers, and current school have already raised a white flag. Yes, to some extent, this description might be true. But this does not necessarily apply to all.

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The current system of education in Korea is competitive. I believe that these students learn at varying levels. They do not need to be competitive to learn. They are freer and more unconventional. This is where alternative education steps-in. It provides students with a flexible curriculum where they can breathe and not feel suffocated by the pressure of getting a high score on a standardized test. Academics balanced with extra-curricular activities set out to reveal slumbering talents that the students might not even know they possess. Most of my students express themselves through art, digital media, music, and dance. Many students awaken a feeling of purpose and direction. As educators in this field, our role is to guide these students to a path that they can grow and learn from, and become better members of society. These students’ English levels are sub-average. They could not afford to attend private hagwon or get tutors. They do not see that English is a necessary skill for their future. At this moment, my job changes from just being a teacher to being a mentor. I begin to tell them that “English” is like a key that opens many doors. When they hear this, they begin to get interested. By learning English, they can become more than what they are now. It is a language that builds bridges; connects people of all shapes, colors, and races; and a tool that can help them get into a good university and eventually a better future. It is my job to instill seeds of hope in my students’ hearts and nurture those seeds, knowing that one day when

▲ Seeds of hope expressing themselves on Jared’s classroom chalkboard on Teachers’ Day.

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53 everything is right, a tiny sprout will come out. Seeing the students gain hope is what keeps me in this profession. Because of this hope, they now have a purpose for studying and begin to dream. I dream that they will become global leaders of their generation. If I were to choose between a “regular” teaching job and a teaching job at an alternative school, I would most definitely choose the latter. It keeps me up at night, thinking of ways to get through to one student and plant that seed. In the future, my hope is that today’s “alternative” education will no longer be the alternative but become the mainstream in education.

Teaching at a Christian Alternative School

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For those who are interested in working in a Christian alternative school, it is wise to first visit the school, talk to some teachers and students, and get firsthand

▲ Dr. Lee (left) on a recent return to Gwangju, pictured with his former university professor.

March 2021

In the English department, there were seven Korean teachers and three native English-speaking teachers. Teachers usually worked from Monday through Friday, teaching 20 classes a week (45–50 minutes per session). The teachers were encouraged to promote studentcentered autonomous learning inside and outside the classroom. But high school English teachers needed

There were some challenges as well. First, since it was a Christian boarding school, I had to play multiple roles, including English teacher, homeroom teacher, Bible reading facilitator, counselor, and administrator, which made my daily schedule hectic. Second, since the school did not use a textbook endorsed by the Ministry of Education, I had to prepare everything (e.g., teaching materials, quizzes, assessments, PowerPoint slides) by myself or in collaboration with colleagues. Third, since the school did not receive any financial support from the government, there was limited funding and financial support for teachers’ professional development.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

I worked as an English teacher from 2010 to 2014 at a Christian alternative boarding school in Korea. Students and parents chose the school because it was established on a Bible-based philosophy. The school’s curriculum and instruction were flexible since they were not governed by the Korean national curriculum. The school curriculum consisted of core courses (e.g., Korean, mathematics, science, and English) and electives (e.g., arts and crafts, creative play, and cooking). At the time of my employment, more than 80 teachers worked at the school, including residential teachers (who lived on campus) and commuting instructors (who taught on a weekly basis). Since the school did not receive any financial support from the government, the tuition fee was higher than that of public secondary schools. So, the students were generally from higher socio-economic family backgrounds.

I would like to share four rewards of working in the Christian alternative school. First, since the school was free to choose its own curriculum, English teachers were able to integrate innovative and creative activities into teaching. This approach is different from a public school, where English teachers rely on the established national curriculum. Second, unlike a regular public school, most of the teachers in the alternative school were provided with an accommodation on the campus, furnished with basic furniture, home appliances, and an internet connection. A free, healthy meal was also provided every day, even during vacations. Third, since teachers and students were all Christians, they were free to worship and sing praises to God. Finally, since I was living on the campus, I spent a lot of time with students playing sports, eating together, and doing various activities. This helped me form a strong personal relationship with students.

TEACHING & LEARNING

Ju Seong Lee is from Gwangju and received his BA in English education at Chosun University. He is a former volunteer and Korean teacher at the GIC during 2000– 2003. In addition to Korea, he has taught in a variety of schools in a variety of multicultural contexts in the U.S., Hong Kong, New Zealand, Mongolia, and Thailand for more than 15 years. Dr. Lee received his PhD in curriculum and instruction at the University of Illinois in the U.S. He is currently an associate head and assistant professor in the Department of English Language Education at the Education University of Hong Kong. He is also a lifetime member of the GwangjuJeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL. Here is his account of teaching at an alternative school in Korea.

to adopt a teacher-oriented approach to prepare the students for the university entrance examinations, which was similar to what public school teachers did.

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54 information about the school. After collecting accurate and comprehensive information about the school, you can make an informed career decision. Also, unlike at a public school, teachers may have limited opportunities for teacher professional development. So, I suggest you develop and engage in self-directed professional development through writing reflective journals, creating a teaching portfolio, conducting classroom observation, and conducting teaching evaluations from students.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

TEACHING & LEARNING

A Perspective from Kwangju Foreign School

Derek Iwanuk is from Canada and has degrees in English Literature and communications (BA, Wilfrid Laurier University) and English (Honors BA, University of Massachusetts). He has been teaching for 11 years. Derek came to Korea in 2009 and has been in Gwangju the past three years teaching at the Kwangju Foreign School. His account of his teaching experiences there follows. Over the last three years, I have been blessed to work at Kwangju Foreign School as the middle school English language arts and writing teacher. Previously, my area of concentration was ESL in one of the many after-school academies situated throughout Seoul. When I am asked about my experiences working at an international school versus an after-school academy, or hagwon, my first thought is how the instruction is delivered. At an international school, the entire community and its subjects (with the exception of specialized language subjects such as Chinese or Spanish) are taught in English. Metaphorically, our students are exposed to English as a fish is to water. Students here learn in English, as opposed to learning English as an additional subject. In my experiences, this holistic approach to the language allows for a great acquisition of English over an extended period of time. Moreover, it prepares our students for the cultural challenges that they will face when they inevitably enroll at a post-secondary institution in an English-speaking country. As a school, one of our primary goals is to prepare students emotionally, academically, and socially for life

▲ Derek with his students on a field trip to the DMZ.

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in a Western culture, and the acquisition of not only the technical aspects of English but the cultural aspects of the language as well is essential. Another one of our goals at Kwangju Foreign School is to promote and implement learning beyond the classroom. Before COVID-19, each division (high school, middle school, and elementary) was encouraged to organize at least one field trip a quarter to promote hands-on learning experiences. Our elementary division organized a field trip to a nearby salt farm and our middle school division organized an overnight trip to Seoul to experience the Korean Wartime Museum and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). These activities allowed our students to experience hands-on learning as well as cultural and historical learning in an immersive and interactive environment. Another advantage of working at an international school is that although we do follow Common Core standards and benchmarks, and administer standardized testing, we have the freedom to implement our content in a variety of ways. This is one of the major advantages of working at an international school, especially at Kwangju Foreign School, which emphasizes project-based learning: We have the freedom to use our creativity when developing unit and lesson plans. Moreover, this allows our teachers to infuse the use of technology into our lessons and challenges our students to solve real-world problems. For example, our social studies teacher created a project that challenges our students to create a subway line for Gwangju. The students must take into account a variety of issues that they could possibly encounter, such as city planning, economics, population density, and utilitarianism. Not only must they look at the logistics of the project, but they must explore the challenges that they could face with a large public project. One of the challenges that I have faced at Kwangju Foreign School is bridging the culture gap between the Korean and the broader Eastern philosophy of education with those of the West. On a couple of occasions, we have received critical parental feedback regarding the lack of testing and traditional methods of Eastern pedagogy. In response, we opened the lines of communication with the parents and explained the value of our approach and how this approach is beneficial to their child’s academic and emotional growth. The value of this communication has been instrumental in developing trust between parents, students, and our faculty, and I believe that this building of trust has helped us foster the cooperative relationship within the members of our school community. Another potential challenge is that, as teachers, the planning can be considerably more involved. We are expected to create and design curricula to implement and deliver to students. We use Common Core standards and benchmarks to guide our instruction; just coming to

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55 school, opening a textbook, reading out of it, and having students fill in workbook exercises is not possible here. While most teachers love this creative freedom, it is not for everyone. Moreover, school-sponsored teachers who work in any foreign school in Korea are required to have an E7 visa and the main requirement of that visa is a government-issued teaching license. Teaching at a foreign school in Korea is much like teaching in a US public school, providing it follows a US curriculum. Like any school, it has strengths and weaknesses. The holistic, integrated approach coupled with a focus on experiential learning make it stand apart from other schools. From a teaching perspective, the freedom of how to teach can be a gift and a challenge. Overall, though, for learning English, a foreign school is a great choice.

In Conclusion

Every teacher knows that no two learners in a class, let alone in a school, are the same. They come into the class with different levels of proficiency in the class subject, be it English or anything else. They come with different learning style preferences and different sets of learning strategies. They come with different aptitudes, different attitudes, different levels of motivation, and different aspirations. They may even have differing physical, cognitive, and emotional development. How can cookiecutter schools meet the educational needs of such a diverse array of students? The public school system does provide for vocational high schools, but their small numbers and curricula do not sufficiently meet the need. In the United States, for example, even small public high schools with fewer than 100 students in a graduating class may have five or more different educational tracks for students to select from. With forward thinking in educational policy, Jared’s wish could become a reality: that alternative schools are no longer the exception but are part of the conventional schooling system.

The Author

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Annual Membership Fee

General: 40,000 won Students: 20,000 won Groups: 20,000 won per person (min. 10 persons) Inquiry: member@gic.or.kr / 062-226-2733

March 2021

David Shaffer is an educator with many years of experience in the field of English education in Korea. As vice-president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of KOTESOL, Dr. Shaffer invites you to participate in the chapter’s teacher development workshops (now online) and in KOTESOL activities in general. He is a past president of KOTESOL, and is currently the chairman of the board at the Gwangju International Center as well as editorin-chief of the Gwangju News.

The Gwangju International Center (GIC) is a non-profit organization established in 1999 to promote cultural understanding and to build a better community among Koreans and international residents. By being a member, you can help support our mission and make things happen! Join us today and receive exciting benefits! • One-year free subscription and delivery of the monthly Gwangju News magazine. • Free use of the GIC library. • Free interpretation and counseling services from the GIC. • Discounts on programs and events held by the GIC. • Up-to-date information on GIC events through our email newsletter.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Photographs courtesy of Jared Dela Paz, Ju Seong Lee, and Derek Iwanuk.

Support the GIC! Be a Member!

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www.gwangjunewsgic.com

March 2021

COMMUNITY

A Final Farewell

orea is a beautiful country that I love, but it is not exactly known for having the best beer in the world. In a sea of barely drinkable swill, the German Bar, owned by Song Seung-cheol, was an island of refuge: a place that not only had the best beer on the peninsula but was also a fun, friendly place for foreigners and Koreans alike. To call it the “German Bar” (singular) is a bit of a misnomer. There were actually numerous locations, some of which existed at the same time. The German Bar at Daein Night Market was one of the best, but my personal favorite was the second-floor location just off of the “Wedding Street.” It was a mandatory place to visit, especially on St. Patrick’s Day, and a better time could not be had anywhere. Like many foreigners in Gwangju, I had a personal connection with the German Bar, and my wife and I even had our engagement party there with a group of our closest friends. At the German Bar, the choice was simple: You could either have Dunkel (dark beer) or Weiss (white beer), each of which was handcrafted according to mysterious, magical, and secretive recipes that were delicious, thirstquenching, and that somehow increased the patrons’ charisma, not to mention their loquacity. Too many restaurants (and beer brands) nowadays focus on fancy marketing to attract customers but spend precious little time making their product the best it can be. The German Bar never relied on over-the-top decorations or elaborate window dressings: It had a rock-solid product and a lively atmosphere, which explains why it was a popular and favorite haunt for many.

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By William Urbanski

This is not really an article about the German Bar. It is about the man behind the bar, “Mr. Song” (as he was affectionately called), whose recent and untimely passing has left a cloud of sorrow over the city. Mr. Song had a unique ability to make every customer feel like a VIP, and he projected a genuine friendliness that kept people coming back. He was an interesting man, to say the least, and the years he spent living in Bayern, Germany, honing his brewing skills meant that he spoke excellent German: an extremely rare trait among Koreans. It is said that we forget what people say and what they do but that we never forget how they make us feel. Mr. Song was one of the few people that made Gwangju feel like home, and the city will never be the same without him. Farewell, Biermeister Song.

Photograph courtesy of Liz Jurey.

2/26/2021 12:15:51 PM

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2/26/2021 10:36:25 AM

Commemorating

International Women’s Day

March 8

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash

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2/26/2021 10:36:26 AM

Gwangju News March 2021 #229

Articles inside

Is It Worth It? A Comparison of Book Platforms

Restaurant Review: Sushi

Ten Ways to Foster Creativity

Crossword Puzzle

The Bulldozed Future

From Abroad: The Mărțișor

Spring for Us – Kang Namgu . Celebrating Women’s Day 2021

The Dangers of Whistling, Clipping, and Shaking

Gwangju City News

People in the Arts: Painting

From the Editor

Photo of the Month