(EN) Gwangju News May 2012 #123

May2012_12 2012.4.274:53PM Page1

May 2012 Issue No. 123

On The Cover:

Ahn Sung-rye

remembering May 18

Farewell to Master Su San a funeral in pictures

Special May 18 Tribute in poetry and pictures

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

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Gwangju News May 2012

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May 2012 ON THE COVER Photographer: Christina Green Cover Photo: Ahn Sung-rye, May Mothers’ House founder.

May Mothers’ House is a place of refuge for women affected by the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

Read the full story on page 11.

Photo edited for layout purposes.

THE EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher: Shin Gyonggu Editor-in-Chief: Julian Warmington Editors: Seth Pevey, Kathleen Villadiego, Kim Minsu Assistant Editor: Stephen Redeker Copy Editor: Emma Dooley Coordinators: Karina Prananto, Kim Jihyun, Jeong Jayeon Layout and Design: Karina Prananto Proofreaders: Jon Ozelton, Samantha Richter, Emma Dooley, Pete Schandall, Gina Covert, Amy Daniels

Online Editors: Caitlin Jacobs, Andrea Galvez Researchers: Kim Wooyeon, Hwang Yeongwook, Kim Jiwon, Kwon Insung

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

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

26 KORUS FTA controversy

Publication Date: April 27, 2012 Gwangju News is a monthly English magazine written and edited by volunteers. We welcome your contributions for proofreading, copy editing, administration, layout/design and distribution. Please write to gwangjunews@gmail.com and tell us your area of interest.

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

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

Gwangju News welcomes letters to the editor (gwangjunews@gmail.com) regarding articles and issues.

Articles and submissions may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.

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the JU! Flea Market Gwangju News May 2012

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Contents features 11

Feature Ahn Sung-rye: Memories of a Massacre

By Seth Pevey

7

Local News This Month in Gwangju

By Carl Hedinger

15

Feature More Love, More Happiness with GIC’s May Concert!

By Karina Prananto

8

Upcoming Events

25

GIC Tour Preview Gurye

By Warren Parsons

28

Photo Contest

30

Photo Essay: Master Su San Funeral Procession

By Doug Stuber

32

International Volunteers will Attend Foreign Language School

By Kim So-yeon

34

Home Pages

40

Culture Blood Type: More Than Just a Letter

By Stephen Redeker

16

Feature Christian Ludwig: Gwangju Symphony Orchestra

By Doug Stuber

19

Culture UNESCO and South Korea - A Preview

By Sonia Mahut

20

Literature Not Over Yet: Poetry on the Gwangju Uprising Translated by Song Chaepyong and Anne Rashid

24

Travel An Ancient Village Alive and Well

By Mark Liebenthal

26

Perspective KORUS FTA: a Blessing or a Curse?

By Charles Murray

41

27

Food and Drink Treat Yourself Right: Drink Real Makgeolli

By Michael Bielawski

Language Study The Pattern‘-기 전에’: before doing

By Jung Soo-a

45

Community MDream Garden Children’s Home

By Emma Dooley

Movie Review Silenced

By Seth Pevey

46

Perspective “Pink Slime”: What’s Your Beef?

By Matt Furlane

Language Study Letters to KOTESOL

By Dr. Dave Shaffer

48

Community Buy, Sell and Trade in Gwangju

By Stephen Redeker

Fashion Fash-on with xxl jjdp By jjdp

50

Perspective Friends or Foes? Korea vs Japan By 8ball

Food and Drink California Roll

By Gabriel Ward

51

Food and Drink Flower Pancake

By Kim Jiwon

52

Puzzle Pages

By Emma Dooley and Brian Paredes

54

Community Board

36

38

44

46

4

regulars

Gwangju News May 2012

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Our Contributors Jeong Jayeon (Korea, Coordinator) Working as a GIC summer intern in 2007, she realized that she is a people person. This January, her wish to work here finally came true!

She is now happy with her Gwangju News work for mutual understanding between Korean and international residents and excited to meet new people every day. Singing in the Noraebang (singing room) and hiking Mt. Mudeung in a gentle breeze are her favorite pastimes.

Christina Green (USA, Photographer) has been living in Gwangju for nearly four years. It wasn’t until she came to Korea that she picked up a knack for photography. Though she considers herself as an amateur hobbyist, she finds joy in capturing images around her.

She is always looking for new and interesting people/events to capture.

Contact her at wolfec2@hotmail.com next time you're in need of a photographer.

Michael Bielawski (USA, Writer) came to Korea in late 2008 after he met his Korean girlfriend in New York City. They married and now he teaches English to elementary students in Seoul. Besides journalism, these days he enjoys Tae Kwon Do, homemade makgeolli, online gaming and watching old Snoopy and Ren and Stimpy cartoons.

8ball (Kim Dong-hun) (Korea, Writer) was a former GIC volunteer worker from 2003 to 2006, running the GIC Saturday Talk and writing for the Gwangju News. Recently, he made a surprise comeback as a contributing writer for Gwangju News.

After spending about 10 years in Gwangju, he now lives in Seoul. Want to know why he is called 8ball? Check out one of Gwangju News’ back issues. The 8ball show must go on.

“

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

”

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[ GIC Talk ]

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

May 5 Children’s Day - GIC is closed May 12 Topic: Mike Royko: Chicago Politics Threatened by Honest Humor Speaker: Mark Liebenthal (Educator, M.A. Eastern Classics, St. John’s College Graduate Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico)

A jester is an entertainer who uses humor to make a political point, often putting himself at risk. Mike Royko was such a man. He worked as a Chicago newspaper columnist for over thirty years, criticizing the city he loved so much. He is one of America’s best known and most loved newspaper men. In 1971, he published an unauthorized autobiography of Richard Daley, the mayor of Chicago.

He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1972. He is known for his biting political satire, especially concerning Chicago politics. His was always a humorous voice of reason and common sense, with rich imagery from baseball, family, taverns and the streets of Chicago.

May 19 Topic: Mapping Diasporic Identities Speaker: Chaepyong Song (Associate Professor of

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English, Marygrove College, Ph.D. in English Literature)

Globalization creates, expands and intensifies social interconnections and interdependencies, driving even previously homogeneous countries like South Korea toward more heterogeneous, multicultural societies. In this talk, Dr. Song will explore the connection between diaspora and identity. More importantly, he will examine ways in which different forms of identities can be conceived, forms that are not based on exclusionary notions of cultural identity.

May 26 Topic: Korea has Copyright Law? Actually, Yes. Speaker: Darren Bean (Lecturer at Chosun University's Department of Criminology)

Korea is actually a net exporter of royalties. For music and software, Korea sends more money to the US than it pulls in (think RIAA and Microsoft). And although it may be easy to copy an entire book (so easy that it was a point of interest to the FTA negotiations), many small business owners are finding that criminal prosecution for piracy in Korea has a very low standard. This talk will compare Korean and American copyright law, briefly discuss international treaties (including the FTA), music licensing in both countries and software anti-piracy crackdowns.

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

By Carl Hedinger Sing the Spirit of May Prepare to “Sing the Spirit of May”. Head out to Chonnam University on May 12th at 7:30 p.m. to see the 2nd May Creative Music Festival. While this showcase will be a great way to find new music, the festival’s other purpose is to rekindle memories of the May 18th Democracy Movement. Among the symbols to be prominent will be “democracy”, “human rights”, and “peace”. Festival organizers want to attract a younger audience and plan to involve the crowd in more ways than ever. One example will likely invoke notions of “Superstar K”. For this year’s show, 150 people from the audience will be chosen to serve as judges of the performances.

For more information, please call 062-6707-9713 or visit the festival’s website at www.518music.net.

The Kimchi Fair in Seoul

Gwangju Kimchi Hits the Road If one mentions the words “Food” and “Fair”, Gwangju must surely find a way to join the fun. This was certainly the case at the 2012 Korean Food Tourist Fair in Seoul this past month. More than 30 food experts from Gwangju arrived on the scene to display the superiority of Gwangju’s kimchi. The Gwangju delegates offered 60 varieties of kimchi dishes and raised eyebrows with the wide array of foods on offer.

According to a Gwangju representative, “we are carrying forward a project making more healthy and delicious kimchi to support the industry domestically and internationally.”

Museum Cafe Reopened Gwangju’s National Museum has been accused of lacking appropriate facilities to accompany its

collection of ancient relics. To make things up to visitors, museum officials ordered the renovation of the “Jamitan” which has served as the museum’s cafe since the building’s opening. The Jamitan reopened for business on April 3rd and is expected to give families more options during a lengthy visit. Children who visit will now have a place to rest and eat after long hours of walking through the museum’s corridors and adults will have a more welcoming place to reflect and contemplate the beauty of the artifacts inside the National Museum for many years to come.

Gwangju Expressway Toll Raised Frequent travelers of Gwangju’s elaborate expressway should prepare for higher fees in the near future. City Hall announced that toll prices will increase starting next month. The office said “If we don’t raise the toll, the city will be responsible for 9.2 billion won. Therefore we decided to raise the toll [by] 15-26 percent”. City Hall has been paying for the Gwangju expressway since it first opened in 2001.

While the increases are fairly minimal (ranging from 100 to 400 won), City Hall certainly expects to see tremendous rewards from the increases. Prepare for the fees to change on May 1st.

Gwangsan-gu teams up with Local University to Help Female Migrant Workers Following on from last month’s news roundup, more hurdles have been overcome for female migrant workers. Following a meeting at the Gwangsan-gu Office in Gwangju, the district has teamed up with Honam University to offer better employment opportunities for women working in Korea. The Ministry of Labor selected Honam to work with Gwangsan-gu and the resulting project is known as the “Marriage Migrant Employment Support Plan”. The MMESP’s purpose is to help married women living in Korea who are in need of secure and stable employment.

When foreign women are hired, they tend to be employed as “non-regular workers” or for simple tasks which do not provide stable income. For those selected for the MMESP, multiple tests will be administered in the hopes of finding a career that fits.

Among the services offered are a psychological examination, a placement test, career counseling and job-specific training. The program’s stated goal is to help 180 women find a job each year. In order to reach these expectations, Gwangsan District’s Office is responsible for finding candidates and Honam University will provide the training and education.

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

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

For more info: http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju (Korean)

Gone with the Wind 바람과 함께 사라지다 Genre: Historical, Romance Starring: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh Country: United States Language: English Synopsis: The tradition and orders of the southern US have gone with the wind because of the American civil war.

Scarlett O’Hara goes through pain as a defeated citizen, but gives all of her heart to live a winning life.

Waterloo Bridge 애수 Genre: Drama, Romance, War Starring: Robert Taylor, Vivien Leigh Country: United States Language: English Synopsis: During World War II, Captain Roy is taking a walk on Waterloo Bridge. At the air raid-alarm, while Roy is going to shelter, he meets a young and beautiful ballerina, Myra.

Singin' in the Rain 사랑은 비를 타고 Genre: Romantic comedy, Musical Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor Country: United States Language: English Synopsis: This movie is described as one of the best musicals ever made. Amateur comedian Don comes to Hollywood to find a new job. He acts as a stunt man and appears in lots of films with a popular actress. This film is famous for the scene which Don dances happily in the rain with an umbrella.

Roman Holiday 로마의 휴일 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck Country: United States Language: English Synopsis: Princess Anne begins to rebel against her restricted, regimented schedule. One day, she sneaks out of her room and goes to the street. On the street, she meets a gentleman and enjoys the life of a normal citizen.

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Gwangju News May 2012

Amadeus 아마데우스 Genre: Biography, Drama, Music Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Thomas Edward Hulce Country: United States Language: English Synopsis: An old musician named Salieri launches a long confession to a priest. Some days, he is so impressed with Mozart's concerts. He continues with his life, but thinks Mozart is irreverent and lewd, and so begins to hate him for his God-given talent.

Sports KIA Tigers Baseball Team May Match Schedule Date

Match Team

Time

1 2 3 4 5 6 11 12 13 22 23 24 25 26 27

SK SK SK Nexen Nexen Nexen Doosan Doosan Doosan Hanhwa Hanhwa Hanhwa LG LG LG

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

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

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Gwangju FC Soccer Team May Match Schedule Date

Match Team

Time

5 19

Daegu FC Seoul FC

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

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

Children’s Day Fundraiser for MDream Garden Children’s Home Date: May 5, 2012 (Saturday) - Children’s Day Place: Gwangju World Cup Stadium Time: 3 p.m. (Gwangju FC Vs. Daegu FC) Admission fee: Free, but a donation is requested.

(Tickets can be picked up from GIC, Speakeasy or Zeppelin’s bars downtown or at the stadium on the day.)

This Month at Holiday Inn Gwangju Dear Friends, Welcome to the May edition of what’s new and happening at Holiday Inn Gwangju Spring is in full swing!

Our Lobby Lounge Snack Buffet and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks continues to be very popular each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Rendezvous with friends and enjoy this fantastic deal for 21,500 won per person from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Help support a good cause while watching Gwangju FC’s home game against Daegu FC.

Exhibitions Gwangju International Tea Fair 광주국제차문화전시회 Location: Kim Daejung Convention Center 김대중컨벤션센터 Date: May 25 - 28, 2012 Admission fee: 2000 won (Adults), 1000 won (Children), Free (Under 6 or over 65 years old, those who have invitations or applied on the Internet) 50% discount (Groups of over 20 people) Phone: 062-611-2212 For more information go to: http://www.teaexpo.or.kr/ KBC Pregnancy Birth Child Education Exhibition KBC임신출산육아교육박람회 Location: Kim Daejung Convention Center 김대중컨벤션센터 Date: May 3-6, 2012 Admission fee: 2000 won (Adults) Free (children, those who have free invitations or applied on internet) Phone: 062-650-3048 For more information go to: http://www.kbcbaby.co.kr/

Spring Cocktails:10,000 won + tax Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri, Bombay Beach and Melon Cooler…to name but a few!

If you are looking for an intimate venue for a Western meal, our Cloud Lounge on the 10th floor now offers a set menu consisting of six courses that feature smoked salmon roulade, traditional French onion soup and Beef Wellington (beef tenderloin wrapped in pastry and mushrooms then roasted) This is available every day from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Price is 67,000 won + tax and includes a glass of the house red.

We all look forward to seeing you at Holiday Inn Gwangju.

Sungbin Book and Bake Sale Date: May 19, 2012 (Saturday) Time: 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Place: Underground Grocers, downtown Gwangju (please check page 55 for location info) This event is held to support the Sungbin Educational Endowment Fund to assist students in attending university or vocational training. You can participate in the event by donating baked goods or used books to be sold at the Bake Sale.

For more information, please check Facebook event: 2012 Sungbin Book and Bake Sale or contact Daniel Lister at daniellister7@hotmail.com

Best wishes, Michael Wilson General Manager Holiday Inn Gwangju Michael.Wilson@ihg.com Gwangju News May 2012

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Performances GIC May Concert

Festivals Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea 2012 여수엑스포 Date: May 12 - August 12 Venue: New Port Area, Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do Representative programs: Theme Pavilion, Korean Pavilion, Marine Life Pavilion, Aquarium, Local Government Pavilion, Corporate Pavilions, International Pavilions, DSME Marine Robot Pavilion and so on.

Admission Fee: 33,000 won on regular days, and 40,000 won on special days (May 12-13, May 26-28, August 1012) To get there: Take the bus to Yeosu bus terminal from Usquare terminal and (9,900 won) and take a shuttle bus to get to the EXPO. This shuttle bus from the Yeosu bus terminal is ready to serve you for free during the EXPO. For more English information, go to: http://eng.expo2012.kr/ The 38th Boseong Green Tea Festival 제 38 회 보성다향제 Date: May 16 - 20 Venue: Korea Tea Pansori Culture Park, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do Contests: Korea Best Tea Contest, National Student Courtesy Contest, Green Tea Drinking Contest, Recycle Idea Contest for Canned Green Tea, National Song Contest (in Korean: 전국노래자랑) Activity: Green Tea Beauty & Health Experience, Boseong Green Tea Taste, Boseong Green Tea Cafe Show Performance: Street Magic Performance, Tea Plantation Concert, Mime Performance To get there: take a bus to Boseong from U-square bus terminal.

For more information: http://dahyang.boseong.go.kr/ Jangseong Hong Gil-dong Festival 장성 홍길동 축제 Date: May 25 - 27 Venue: Hong Gil-dong Theme Park, Jangseong, Jeollanam-do Activity: Traditional Game Experience, Traditional Korean Village Experience, Hong Gil-dong Exhibition, Drawing Hong Gil-dong, Making Character Umbrellas, World Hero Character Parade, etc.

To get there: Take the bus to Jangseong bus terminal from U-square.

For more information, go to http://tour2.jangseong.go.kr/

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Theme: PLUS ‘More Love, More Happiness’ Date: May 13, 2012 (Sunday) Time: 5 p.m.

Venue: Recital Theater, Gwangju Culture & Art Center, Buk-gu, Gwangju 광주문화예술회관 소극장 Ticket price: 10,000 won (get 20 percent discount if you buy 10 tickets or more) - All proceeds of the concert will be used to help environmental disaster victims or human rights organizations Direction: Bus 12, 16, 18, 27, 48, 49, 51, 58, 72, 84, 85, 95, 101, 192 (get off at 광주문화예술회관) Please contact GIC for more details at 062-226-2733 or e-mail gic@gic.or.kr 7th Periodical Concert-Gwangju Youth Philharmonic Orchestra 광주청소년교향악단 제7회 정기연주회 Location: Grand Theater, Gwangju Art and Culture Center (광주문화예술회관) Date: May 28 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Admission fee: 10,000 won/ 5,000 won (for students) Phone: 010-5648-6547 Gwangju Youth Philharmonic Orchestra will give a recital on May 28. They will play a wide variety of music including Gioacchino Antonio Rossini's “The Barber of Seville”, Franz Peter Schubert's “Symphony No.8 [Unfinished]” and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's “Violin Concerto No.4”.

May 18 Musical 뮤지컬 화려한 휴가 Location: Dongsan Art Hall, U-Square Cultural Center (유스퀘어 문화관) Date: May 18 to 28 Time: 18th to 20th 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. On weekdays / 3 p.m. and 7p.m. on Saturdays / 3 p.m. on Sundays and holidays / no performance on Mondays Admission fee: 30,000 won Phone: 062-655-3580 For more information go to: http://www.musical518.co.kr or see This Month in Gwangju on page 7.

This performance is based on the famous movie “May 18”, which is focused on the Gwangju Democratization Movement of 1980. It gives us a vivid description of the tragic incident. This performance reminds us of the souls of all the fallen heroes who died protecting Gwangju.

There are also many interesting things in this musical you won’t find in the movie.

2012 The Second May Music Festival 제2회 전국 오월창작가요제 Location: Chonnam National University Date: May 12 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Admission fee: free Phone: 062-670-7971~3 For more information go to: www.518music.net The May Music Festival is a kind of concert that aims for freedom and a spirit of resistance.

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feature

Ahn S ung-rye Memories of a Massacre

By Seth Pevey Translation by Jeong Jayeon Photos by Christina Green Sung-rye in front of the portrait of Myung Ro-keun

M

ay, in our far-flung district, brings the beginnings of balmy weather, mosquitoes buzzing at your ears and windswept, cloudless days. Even so, there is often a stir at this time of something not quite set to rights. The glories of the peninsula in spring, however bright and petal-blown they may be, are now and then stifled by the reflections of the many other springs that have gone before. Though new growths of life blossom from every alleyway, May can bring with it painful recollections of death to the citizens of Gwangju; a crime can be felt to bubble up from below, painfully refusing to be forgotten.

And how could we forget? While those that left their blood on the streets may now be gone and silenced, some relics and artifacts of the May 18th massacre walk amongst us even now – mothers and fathers and indeed entire families who experienced the slaughter first-hand are alive, and they remember.

One such living memory can be found yet ablaze inside of Ahn Sung-rye. In her seventies, she has a

broad face and a tight smile not entirely resigned and dour enough in its expressions to suit the things she has seen and the many seasons that have passed since.

She greeted the Gwangju News team wearing full hanbok and a hopeful yet worried grin at the old May Mothers’ House (오월어머니집) in downtown Gwangju. This house, which she first used to establish a sort of sanctuary for the victims and their families, is now much like a shrine to the past: proclaiming and glorifying the human spirit while immortalizing its horrible recompense. Photos and paintings of her late husband, Myung Ro-keun, line the walls like sentinels and are interspersed here and there with hastily captured shots of the surging masses of humanity, seemingly pulsating even in the silent thirty-year-old photographs of the streets outside of the provincial capital building just blocks away from our interview.

She poured us homemade tea in homemade glasses with calmness and a grace that wouldn’t last long. Born in the countryside to a wealthy Gwangju News May 2012

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Sung-rye’s painful memories give rise to tears

family in 1938, her family was soon to be robbed of its fortune by the Korean War, a whirlwind of turmoil so catastrophic it would also leave her without a mother or a brother. Her father, left alone with her, wanted only that she marry well – and so she would. She at first thought her best chance at a better life would come from going abroad, and so she sought to study English. What she would find in her new teacher Myung was more than a foreign tongue. Ro-keun, a Fulbright graduate of Ann Arbor and who then worked at Chonnam University, and Sung-rye, his pupil, would soon find their teacher/student relationship dissolving into a romance which would last a lifetime.

“So, because of him, I couldn’t learn English!” she laughed when she recalled how easily love had replaced her other plans.

The handsome bearded visage of her late husband loomed over us still, watchful as she continued.

“We were married in 1959, the professor and I.” She looked dreamily up at him across the room.

After their marriage, Ro-keun would take up his post at Chonnam and continued in his strong Christian values, volunteering constantly at the YMCA and YWCA in Gwangju. The couple’s lives were near-perfect aside from one thorn – an itching, brewing trouble in the form of Park Chung12

Gwangju News May 2012

hee (in power from 1961-1979, and one of the most controversial figures in Korean History). As a public figure, a professor and a man to whom many people listened, Ro-keun was in a particularly precarious position under the presidency of a paranoid and heavy handed Chung-hee.

“At that time, professors were put to the task of basically spying on their own students, to monitor for any anti-government (or so called “communist”) ideals. My husband wouldn’t do it, and was reported by members of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA), and he lost his professorship. Eleven other professors were arrested.”

After this, Ro-keun would return to the church as an elder. He continued to preach the word of Jesus and to proclaim the ideals of aspiring freedom and democracy. Due to a random and unlucky circumstance, he would preach a sermon about “saving the country” – dangerous words at an inopportune time. This testimony, innocent as it was, would soon land him in hot water. In October of 1979, just one month before the sermon, Park Chung-hee had been assassinated. The powers that be would make a quick and unfounded link between Ro-keun’s proclamation and the political struggles of the day; this phantom connection saw him arrested and sent off to military prison for a few months while under suspicion.

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Chung-hee’s assassination, which led to the usurpation of power by Chun Doo-hwan, aside from casting Ro-keun as a political prisoner, would be a further jump from the frying pan and into the fire.

“In May, after Doo-hwan came into control, the students tried to go to university classes but found they were forbidden to enter by soldiers. So, they took to the streets.”

Sung-rye directed our attention to one particular photo of a procession of students, a few professors at the head of a long column of marchers.

She modestly points at a man at the front. “That is my husband in the front. Not leading, just escorting.”

After a 14-year-old boy was killed by soldiers while riding his bike from the countryside to view the protests, Gwangju citizens, Ro-keun and Sung-rye included, knew that the floodgates had burst.

There was a broadcast about the killings, and suddenly everyone knew that the government was guilty of murder. Eventually students and supporters would raid a local arms cache and take again to the streets. The government response was to make Gwangju an island; they cut off telephones, food, transportation and even medicine.

“My husband was asked to be a sort of negotiator of Citizens’ Settlement Committee between the citizens, students and the government,” Sung-rye recalls. “The students demanded the release of citizens, treatment for the injured and a formal apology.”

torsos with angry swollen bullet holes lining the floor, dead women, dead children and some bits of flesh hardly identifiable as once having been human.

She and her husband would survive to tell us about this, as well as her daughter who joined us for the interview, herself having spent two years in prison over the incident. Ro-keun would go on to live a happy life, passing away in 2000 from a heart attack.

“I love my husband,”Sung-rye says in English, holding a photo of him in her lap and smiling over tears.

Such is the living history of Gwangju. Democracy, once the philosophical fodder of intellectuals, suddenly became real in the minds of the people in that distant spring. Though Doo-hwan would rule for seven more years, he would eventually be sentenced to death, and then pardoned for his role in the massacre.

Sung-rye bows goodbye to the Gwangju News team with a smile.

As the new spring comes into flower across Korea, we can’t help but be reminded that the freedom and privilege it now enjoys once cost our own city so dearly. May 18th is only a special day in Gwangju, and not marked by any significance in the other Korean cities. Therefore let us somberly pay it homage, and hope for the springs hereafter to be filled with better days.

But Doo-hwan would overturn any agreements they managed to come to, and with the “agreement” of American leadership, sent the force of the army bearing down on Gwangju.

“At that time we were so thankful to America, but they did nothing to stop Doo-hwan. We felt so betrayed,” she said as huge marble tears rolled down her face and channeled into wrinkled lines of disgust. “So many people died.”

She has a right to shed tears. At the time, she was a nurse in Gwangju Christian Hopsital, and saw with her own eyes the horrible and bloody birth pangs of democracy. Her hospital did all it could, performing up to thirty surgeries a day as injuries and casualties mounted. She shows us pictures of bodies piled on bodies: their limbs flaccid and their faces unrecognizably smeared with black blood, Gwangju News May 2012

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feature

More Love, More Happiness with

GIC ’s May Concert!

By Karina Prananto

M

ay rhymes with spring, flowers and all the good things that happen after a long period of cold winter days. It also symbolizes a new start. The May Concert is an event to celebrate the beauty of life, community and sharing among people in need, like the spirit of Gwangju people in May 1980. The talented musicians of the GIC musician’s board donate their talents, time and energy to raise funds for environmental disaster victims in other countries and human rights organizations locally and abroad. All proceeds that were collected from past events have been used to help build shelters for foreign workers (2003), to help victims of an explosion in North Korea (2004), to aid victims of an earthquake in Pakistan (2005), to Sri Lanka (human rights group in 2006 and 2009, college scholarship fund and human rights group in 2007), to a Cambodian orphanage (2008), used for a Chinese student scholarship (2008), to help tsunami victims in Japan (2011) and donated to international organizations like UNHCR (2010). More than 26 million won has been collected since the first concert in 2003.

The concert will be opened by the trio of flute played by Choi Ji-hye, cello played by Oh Seungseok and piano played by Park Jin-hee. Soprano Lee Myung-jin will follow, accompanied by violist Yang Se-mi and pianist Lee Sang-rok. The violin duo of Yang Se-mi and Kim Do-yeon and the sopranos Pahk Kay and Gil Ae-ryeong will perform next. “4 Hands of Piano” by Dong Su-jeong and Park Uihyuk and finally a solo soprano by Park Kyung-suk will complete the concert, and the lovable kids from GFN Children’s Choir will perform famous songs from The Sound of Music.

The harmony of the music will instill in listeners a feeling of sharing and togetherness. Help us support this cause by coming to the concert and being a part of the Gwangju’s global community.

We guarantee a wonderful evening filled with beautiful music all in support of a good cause. See you on May 13!

GIC May Concert Theme: PLUS ‘More Love, More Happiness’ Date: May 13, 2012 (Sunday) Time: 5 p.m.

Venue: Recital Theater, Gwangju Culture & Art Center, Buk-gu, Gwangju 광주문화예술회관 소극장 Ticket price: 10,000 won (get 20 percent discount if you buy 10 tickets or more) - All proceeds of the concert will be used to help environmental disaster victims or human rights organizations Direction: Bus 12, 16, 18, 27, 48, 49, 51, 58, 72, 84, 85, 95, 101, 192 (get off at 광주문화예술회관) Please contact GIC for more details at 062-2262733 or e-mail gic@gic.or.kr

Gwangju News May 2012

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feature

Christian Ludwig:

Gwangju Symphony Orchestra

By Doug Stuber Photos courtesy of Christian Ludwig and Gwangju Symphony Orchestra

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T

he Gwangju Symphony Orchestra, now starting its second year under musical director Christian Ludwig, sounded magnificent in a recent performance of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto Number One (with piano virtuoso prodigy Cho Song Chin playing superbly) and Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony, a less-heard piece that demonstrated the orchestra’s ability to perform a subtle, moving work with all the emotion demanded by a Russian composer.

Ludwig commented on the talent of the soloist in an interview after the concert.

“We are able to bring in young, rising stars who are affordable, make the time to come to Gwangju, and perform very well. At age 17, Cho has already taken a prize in the Tchaikovsky Piano competition in Moscow and played with orchestras in Japan, China and Russia. The amazing thing is, no one in his family has a musical background,” Ludwig said, as he prepared for a flight to Germany the next day. Cho is slated to play in China and Europe in 2012 also.

Ludwig, who was the assistant to Mr Ku, the previous conductor here, in opera orchestras in both Frankfurt and Seoul, was born in Germany, and has a Korean mother.

“I visited here often, with so much family here, but working here has helped me get a complete impression of the Korean culture,” he said, with the smile of a man who appreciates getting to know his mother’s land.

symphony that is full of the same spirit of revolution that still hangs in the air here.”

Ludwig had a tough act to follow, as Ku had turned the orchestra from the best one in Jeollanamdo, to one of the most harmonious in Korea, yet his goal is to improve the orchestra even further. As is a tradition in all Korean orchestras, the Gwangju Symphony is going through a re-audition process. This means all members must re-qualify to retain their seats in the orchestra. The process has gone without a hitch and, with 16 members left to go, it appears Ludwig will have to improve the orchestra with its current members, rather than replacing fading or lesshard-working members with new blood.

And that spirit infected a practice recently when a number of orchestra members hung signs from their music stands asking “Are you doing a good job?”

Those may have referred to the fact that Ludwig also conducts the Cologne Chamber Orchestra, as well as guest conducting around Europe for approximately two weeks per month. Most recently he conducted in Lisbon, Portugal. Or, they may have been a reaction to the fact that re-auditions were happening at all, since, in a fit of what must be called a “Seoul Superiority Complex” the Korean Broadcast Orchestra allowed members to opt out of re-auditions, the only orchestra in Korean history to do so.

“The May 18 Memorial Concert is the major performance in May, but the orchestra plays many concerts at schools, and in places (like in front of the Town Hall in Sangmu last summer) that draw crowds that would not normally see classical music”, Ludwig continued. “The May 18 Concert features a Shostakovich piece that demands a very large orchestra and a chance to perform a

The fact is that in classical music, woodwind and brass instruments stand out, while strings are coddled in a cocoon of large sections. This means that a viola player may not be the best, but it would be hard to detect in a large section, while a flub on trumpet or French horn stands out, not just due to volume but also the obviousness of the instrument that made the error (either rhythmically Gwangju News May 2012

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The whole orchestra

or in tone). Thus in the case of Gwangju, the full reaudition is a necessary part of being a professional musician every year.

Considering the near-mutiny the little red signs created, there is an option for Mr. Ludwig that he did not mention in the interview. Instead of reauditioning an orchestra, with the assumption most will be professional enough to retain their seats, an orchestra can be disbanded, and every seat can be opened up to anyone who wants to audition.

Korea has an almost unbounded talent pool on strings, but one assumes that an open call audition would still find 85 percent of the orchestra retaining their seats. I can’t imagine a cellist losing a seat for instance, but a full and open audition is the only fair way to make better string sections, again because of the cocoon effect. It would have to be an excellent player on any instrument to find their way into this already strong addition to Gwangju’s place as a “cultural hub city of Asia.”

Without it, Ludwig will undoubtedly be stepping up his already rigorous rehearsals. Either way we can look forward to an ever-improving orchestra, and as was recently proven, one that plays well together, regardless of juvenile antics at rehearsals.

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Gwangju News May 2012

The May 18 Memorial Concert 5.18 자유

Date: May 17, 2012 (Thursday) Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Grand Theater, Gwangju Culture and Art Center 광주문화예술회관 대극장 Price: R seat: 30,000 won, S seat: 20,000 won, A seat: 10,000 won (students: 50 percent discount) For more information, go to: http://cafe.daum.com/gjsym.orch. (Korean) or 062524-5086 For ticket reservations, go to: http://www.gjart.net (phone: 062-613-8364)

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culture

UNESCO and South Korea – A Preview

By Sonia Mahut Photo courtesy of Ad-hoc Committee for Establishing May 18 Archives

A

n organization which has education, science and culture in its title should appeal to South Korean ideals maybe more than to any other country’s. Originally, UNESCO was designed to promote peace by stopping wars in their tracks just as they took root in the minds of people.

At the end of World War Two, when all countries were exhausted by the battles, it was decided to attempt to prevent a reoccurence by creating an organization oriented towards honoring cultural diversity, dialogue and sustainable development in order to promote profound understanding and tolerance among nations.

Wars used to be simpler, as well as more spectacular. They were mainly about territory, as the enemies tried to impose themselves using their size. Fights were in the open and casualties were measured in lost limbs and commodities.

Nowadays, wars are low-key, most of the time the violence is hidden. There is a trend towards minimization and the losses are spiritual, cultural and moral, measured in dying languages, traditions or philosophies of life.

Science now has a life of its own, and is becoming more and more specialized and narrow in its focus, though it has to be regulated by people who have a more general background. If we are capable of doing something, it doesn’t necessarily mean we should actually do it without careful consideration of the ramifications. As South Korea has seen a spectacular expansion in the natural and life sciences fields, many older people perceive that this has come at the price of losing the compass of morality. There has thus been a recent revival of interest in Seowons, academies in which students are taught the Confucian way of life. Seowons want to put ethics and history back into the schools that have shunned them in order to make more room for the sciences. UNESCO wants philosophical dialogue in schools so that young people can learn to make decisions based on long-term evaluation of their effects.

UNESCO designated Geumnam park crossroads (518m) as the road for democracy and human rights on September 5th, 2011.

From the Press Release of Ad-hoc Committee for Establishing May 18 Archives “May 18 Archives”, to be opened in May 2014, will provide a multi-functional space where exhibitions, research and education can be seen through database planning of archive contents including documents, sound, oral statements, images, research and cultural reappearance. With regard to this, the Ad-hoc Committee for Establishing May 18 Archives is waiting for donations of May 18 records from both Koreans and foreigners. Its collection targets are diaries, statements, reporters’ notebooks, proclamations, films and photographs, tapes and anything else relevant to May 18 democratic movements from organizations, groups and individuals within and outside of Korea. All inquiries are welcomed by the Ad-hoc Committee for Establishing May 18 Archives. (Email: 518unesco@hanmail.net, Contact number: 062-376-6644)

So what better challenge for UNESCO, the grand mediator between cultures, than to reconcile its policies towards youth empowerment with the Seowons’ preference for respecting status and age hierarchy, without damaging the culture it is supposed to protect? How will it do at its next meeting on May 18th in Gwangju, especially now that several Confucian academies have applied for the protection granted by being part of the UNESCO World Heritage program?

Gwangju News May 2012

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literature

Not Over Yet:

Poetry on the May 18 Democratic Uprising Translated by Chae-Pyong Song and Anne Rashid Photos by Mark Eaton and courtesy of The May 18 Memorial Foundation Don’t Sing of May as a Blade of Grass that Withers in Wind

By Kim Nam-ju (1946-1994)

Don’t sing of May as a blade of grass that withers in wind.

May didn’t come lyrically like wind, nor did it lie lyrically like a blade of grass.

May came with a beast’s blood-stained claws.

May came with the teeth of crazy dogs hungry for blood.

May came with the soldier’s bayonet cutting the pregnant mother’s womb.

May came gorging on the children’s eyes that popped out like bullets.

May came with American tanks that trampled down the breath of freedom.

Don’t sing of May as a blade of grass that withers in wind.

May didn’t come lyrically like wind, nor did it lie lyrically like a blade of grass.

May rose with the wailing of an angry lion.

May rose with the blood-stained hair of the slaughtered young woman.

May rose with the last scream that destroyed men shout.

It was the Freedom’s suicidal attack that jumped into the forest of guns and swords.

It was the hammer heated in the fire at the ironworks.

It was the kitchen knives of the boys who rushed out of the restaurants.

It was the rice ball rolled by the innocent lips of barmaids.

It was the dynamite where all the human emotion toward injustice congealed in love and exploded in hatred.

Don’t sing of May as a blade of grass that withers in wind.

Wind is not fitting poetic language for the beast’s claws.

Don’t sing of May as a blade of grass that withers in wind.

Grass blades are not fitting poetic images for the blood battle resisting massacre.

There is no room for the lyrical to stand in between the bloody massacre and the armed resistance.

Nor does it deserve a place– not in Gwangju streets in May of 1980!

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The Rice Ball of Tears

By Koh Jung-hee (1948-1991) The rice ball on which even the angel of death shed tears, the rice ball over which sisters and brothers sobbed: have you eaten the rice ball of Gwangju?

The rice ball that makes a fire pillar rise up after you eat it, the rice ball that makes the Youngsan River roll up and down when you share it: have you eaten the rice ball of freedom?

The rice ball mixed with Mother’s blood tears at the floor of the Hakdong Market and at the Yangdong Market, the rice ball seasoned with the sisters’ wailing at Hwajungdong, on Hwasun Neorit Hill, on Kumnam Street, and at Sansoodong: have you eaten the rice ball of sanctuary?

Have you eaten the rice ball of community?

Oh, love, love, love, the apocalyptic river water of May, the people who will run to Gwangju, toward Gwangju until we climb up Mudeung Mountain, Lake Chunji of Baekdu Mountain, climbing over Lake Baekrock of Halla Mountain, wash the snow and the rice in the deep blue lakes of Baekrock and Chunji that will feed more than sixty million people and share the rice ball of reunification, the rice ball of equality, the rice ball of humanity, let us flare up as rice and firewood at the home where dim evening smoke rises at dusk.

The May of My Heart

By Kwak Jae-gu (1954- ) I longed to open a green umbrella hanging with a pink ribbon wrapped around it.

Standing in the spring wind blowing in, I longed to collect flowers along the bank and flowers of my heart, and spray them toward the glowing sky of the South.

I longed to shout a poem that makes one burst into tears toward the grass surging strongly from the wound of a rocky mountain.

For that which was burned to bones and for that which collapsed and then became more beautiful, I longed to pin a few short flowers onto the heart of the naked land after the snow melted.

And then I longed to become a star.

I longed to become the starlight of the eastern sky which has a warm heart, a star that descends on the dew-drenched, dawn grass and with the incomprehensive fragrance of the sky puts to sleep the sorrows of this land.

Ah, what should I do, my love?

On this May day in my heart, only the azaleas hanging with black ribbons around their stalks maniacally burn the spring mountains and streams.

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By an Unnamed Warrior’s Grave

By Lee Si-young (1949- ) Leaving you here, we shouted “the time of reconciliation!”

Lifting up high our gunshot-wounded arms, clinking the glasses, we had already forgotten our wounds.

After dancing at the plaza where democracy was to come we had forgotten our wounds and all we had sacrificed to forget you, finally shaking our heads, to forget you who were lying down, painted, within the grave.

But the spring sun that hadn’t removed the paint from your whole body is not our spring any more.

It’s a lie; it’s hypocrisy.

The warrior, the youth who disappeared as a cold flower on the dawn of May 27, 1980, was pushed back by the closing-in forest of guns and bayonets.

Any history that shouts, leaving you here, is not a history.

The South I Long for

By Kwak Jae-gu (1954- ) Where is the place?

If you look, you will find the place azaleas bloom like tears at a corner of the foot of the mountain.

If you call toward it, putting together your big jointed hands it answers with clouds mixed with tears-the place where blood-filled tears gather again.

When you look back to the land you miss which in deepening darkness lies alone, becoming sorrowful, today who is calling it, thirsting for deep love?

Young poet, do you know everywhere in this land you can see clearly with open eyes: in the autumn melody when the autumn wind blows, in the spring melody when the spring wind blows, in the quiet sound of the rising tide, the undying, sorrowful powers of this land that are like corn, green peppers, and winter larva in snow, come into bloom on our collapsed hearts.

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By the Grave

By Lee Si-young (1949- ) Spring flowers were brutally snapped, and the aggressor’s footsteps by the grave make me giddy.

Friend, don’t sleep yet.

In our blood-shot eyes your death is vividly alive-you who threw a knife toward the enemy that dawn.

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Ah, May! Gwangju Is Not Over Yet By Na Jong-young (1954- ) May, 1989: Gwangju is not over yet Ah, Mudeung Mountain, our eternal mother, and azaleas blooming all over the land!

Ah, the angels who were dying on that day in their mother's wombs running thousands and thousands of steps, feeling out of breath as though the sky was collapsing!

The hands of avaricious devil that took away their precious lives!

May 1980: the city of revolution that lives eternally by dying.

Gwangju! We haven't laid down our hands yet.

Like beasts who smelled blood, the dark hands climbed over the wall and pulled the trigger of indiscriminate massacre at the brothers who couldn't shoot at the dawn of the day with their hands shaking.

May 1980: Gwangju is not over yet!

By the bank where milk vetch bloomed all over, you, eleven-year-old child, died on Kumnam Street, at Yangrimdong, at Wolsandong, at the Yangdong Market, at Kyerimdong Five-way Crossing, at the Hwankumdong bar district Gwangju died once, twice, three times, and Gwangju revived from the fight, from darkness, a city of resurrection that factory workers, restaurant workers, professors, students, doctors, barmaids, office workers, shoe shiners, and garbage scavengers built as one.

Kumnam Street overflows with love and peace-streets overflow with rice balls: the community where people's faces filled with smiles, their hearts filled with equality, the world where people live, the time of glory and shame that passes like a dream.

May, 1989: the life that emerges again in dying, Mudeung Mountain that stands as a majestic mother, the wildflowers who disappeared without any name.

Gwangju, Our Love

By Kim Yong-taek (1948- ) Gwangju, our love, that does not freeze even during dictatorship’s biting winter, where snow does not accumulate though it is dumped like bullets-here living water gushes with steam.

Today we march again From Kumnam Street, to Provincial Hall, to Shinandong, to Mangwol cemetery-we march, clenching our bare hands, not to remember the day's roar, the day's anger, the day's trembling, but to cut off the day's oppression, the day's torture, the day's terror that still constricts our feet.

To make tomorrow's good world with our hands, today we march holding torches.

Though the night sky is dark and our road is long and treacherous, till the day of democracy, till the day of national liberation till the day of our reunification, ah, May! Gwangju is not over yet.

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travel

An Ancient Village Alive and Well Words by Mark Liebenthal Photo by Matt Ehlers

W

ith spring in the air and blue skies overhead, it’s time to get back outside and see Korea.

A pleasant one-hour drive south of Gwangju, near Suncheon, is a popular destination called Naganeupseong (Nagan Folk Village).

Naganeupseong is renowned for several reasons.

First, it is a living village with almost two hundred residents. Second, the folk village contains the only castle representative of the Jeoson dynasty in South Jeolla Province. Third, Naganeupseong is also one of the filming locations for the wildly popular Korean historical drama, “Daejanggeum�

(Jewel in the Palace), which lead to a surge in visitor numbers.

Finally, the village is home to the shrine of General Im Gyeong Eop. General Im is remembered for his defense of Jeoson Korea during the Manchu invasions as well as his turbulent political life. An annual ceremony is held at his shrine during the full moon of the New Year.

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The paths around the village are wide and wellworn. They meander between and around thatched stone cottages and large official buildings. Residents of the homes go about their lives, mixing with visitors, occasionally stopping to chat while they cook or do laundry.

Within the village are traditional restaurants that are look rustic, but comfortable, roomy and bright inside. The menus contain only traditional Korean food and are the perfect place to take a break from a walking tour.

The village setting is perfect for photographers of all levels, as almost everything is picturesque and worth a second look. The views from the village walls are particularly amazing.

The village is open year-round and entrance fees are minimal at 2,000 won for adults, 1,500 won for youths and 1,000 won for children. Visitors may also make arrangements to stay overnight in the village.

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GIC Tour Preview

GIC Tour with Warren

Gurye 꾏륀

(Jirisan and Hwaeom-sa)

By Warren Parsons

M

ay is a lovely month of warm days and comfortable nights. In anticipation of the coming summer, the countryside and mountains glow a fresh vibrant green. It is an excellent time to use your vigor, see some nature and climb a mountain with the GIC Tour!

This month, we will go to the majestic mountain town of Gurye and visit Jirisan National Park. Jirisan is the largest park in the country and also has the highest peak on peninsular South Korea. Our first stop will be Seongsam-Jae, a high mountain pass from where we will start our ascent to Nogodan, the tallest summit in Jeollanam-do at 1507 meters.

The trail is wide and the views from above are expansive. After reaching the top we will trek down to a lower elevation for a comfortable picnic lunch overlooking the valleys below.

After lunch, we will hike back down to the bus and transfer to Hwaeom-sa. Founded in 544 C.E. by an Indian monk, Hwaeom-sa is one of the oldest, largest and most important temples in Korea.

Surrounded by exquisite scenery, the temple is full of treasures, including the tallest stone lantern in the country, a massive two-storey prayer hall and a

beautiful stone pagoda with carved lions.

Participants will have free time to enjoy the temple compound, stroll through the virgin forests or relax in a traditional teashop along a cool river.

Finally, we will head down the valley to the nearby village to have a light supper of mountain vegetables and Korean pancakes. After every good day of hiking in the mountains, it is customary to have some food and refreshments to satisfy your hunger for the ride home.

May is one of the most pleasant months of the year. Come out and experience it with the GIC Tour!

TOUR OVERVIEW GIC Tour May 2012: Gurye and Jirisan National Park Date: May 26 Itinerary: Seongsamjae-Nogodan-Hwaeom-sa Fee: 35,000 won/ non-member: 45,000 won Registration: May 11 - 24 via the GIC homepage (www.gic.or.kr) *Please wear appropriate shoes for hiking **Total hiking time is about 3 hours (about 6-7 kilometers)

Gwangju News May 2012

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perspective

KORUS FTA:

A Blessing or a Curse?

By Charles Murray

A

rguably the most talked-about issue du jour in South Korea is The Korus Agreement, or The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. Opinions vary widely on the subject, and indeed it is a highly polarizing issue for both countries.

This agreement, interestingly, is not new for either country, for it was first ratified in 2007 by South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun, and then renegotiated with Washington in November 2011. In that month and year the liberal opposition lawmakers in Korea were blindsided by the Grand National Party when they were forced into a "surprise" floor vote, catching them off guard. So chaotic did it become that Representative Kim Sun Dong, a Democratic Labor-Party lawmaker, shocked Korea by pulling the pin on a tear-gas canister, hurling it at Vice Speaker Chung Ui Hwa in front of the Assembly speaker's podium, an event that was replayed on Korean news channels literally hundreds of times.

Police had been deployed to block lawmakers' aides from entering the main building of the legislature to prevent melees or other aggression.

Journalists were also halted and kept away from the main chamber's observation deck.

Many Koreans have held anti-FTA rallies across Korea, and have demanded the FTA be invalidated; some have said that President Lee Myung Bak should resign immediately.

Kim Min Yeong, the deputy secretary-general of The People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, called late President Roh Moo Hyun's government's push for the agreement a coup d' etat, not an act of governance.

U.S. President Barack Obama had spoken with President Lee Myung Bak via telephone on March 14th, 2012, the day before the new revisions took effect, and Obama thanked the Korean president for Korea's close cooperation in implementing the agreement and noted how it was a strong example of the accomplishments achieved in the U.S.-Korea partnership.

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So after the pandemonium has faded, what will the FTA mean to each country?

The new version of the KORUS FTA took effect on March 15, 2012, and as of this date, almost 80 percent of U.S. industrial goods exports to Korea are duty-free. Included in this list are: aerospace equipment, agricultural equipment, auto parts, building products, chemicals, consumer goods, electrical equipment, environmental goods, travel goods, paper products, scientific equipment, as well as various shipping and transportation equipment.

Other projected benefits for South Korea will be the creation of 70,000 jobs for its people, and that twothirds of U.S. agricultural exports will be duty-free.

This list includes: wheat, corn, soybeans, whey for feed use, hides and skins, cotton, cherries, pistachios, almonds, orange juice, grape juice and wine.

The largest projected increase in U.S. imports will be in dairy products, other meat products (primarily pork and poultry), apparel, footwear, leather goods and bovine meat products. By value, the sharpest rise in American exports to Korea will be in various machinery and equipment, rubber, plastic products, chemical, bovine meat products and other food products.

South Korea will also create greater protection and enforcements of its intellectual property rights. The total package is estimated to increase profits for Korea by between 6.4 and 6.9 billion USD, a hefty revenue surge, indeed.

According to The U.S. International Trade Commission the reduction of Korean tariffs and tariff-rate quotas on goods would add an estimated 10 to12 billion USD to the annual U.S. GDP. The agreement is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in America.

The views expressed in this article are those of the writer’s only

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food and drink

Treat Yourself Right!

Drink Real Makgeolli

By Michael Bielawski

I

n Korea the expression “well-being” is thrown around a lot these days for foods, drinks and lifestyle, but like all catchy health terms, it means well until it becomes overused for marketing and now it can even be downright misleading. This brings us to one of the most popular Korean wellbeing traditions: rice wine, better known as makgeolli.

In 2009 over 90,000 people attended the world’s first Makgeolli Expo, which has been held annually in Seoul since. Traditionally most popular among farmers who would drink it while working in their fields for its apparently healthy effects, makgeolli is now rapidly gaining popularity among younger crowds in big cities.

Made from fermented yeast and rice, makgeolli is known to contain healthy bacteria, yeast, fiber, B vitamins, proteins, lactobacillus, as well as having anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. It’s even (allegedly) good for our skin, for weight loss and to lower cholesterol! And perhaps most importantly, it’s fun to drink!

All good things must be consumed with knowledge of how they were produced and what was added to them. For example, homemade makgeolli probably does have most of the alleged health benefits. Most makgeolli, however, is produced mainly by large corporations that prioritize shelf life and taste over any potential health benefits. There are at least two key factors that make most storebrand makgeolli not only less healthy, but even plain unhealthy.

One factor is sterilization. Sterilizing makgeolli basically enables it to extend its shelf life in the stores from ten weeks to ten months. The problem is that sterilization also kills many of the good bacteria that are beneficial to our health.

The second problem with commercial makgeolli is the added ingredient aspartame, a sugar substitute.

Aspartame is arguably the single most controversial

ingredient ever approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Since its accidental discovery in the 1960s, aspartame has been linked to nearly every imaginable health hazard from cancer, diabetes and seizures to headaches and more. Today aspartame is an ingredient in thousands of foods, drinks and even vitamins, as well as most storebrands of Korean “well-being” makgeolli.

So how can you find better-quality makgeolli? Well, first of all you need to check the labels for aspartame. Aspartame is very plainly spelled out in Korean characters, easy to read even for novices.

However, you won’t find any brands without it at your local corner stores, so you are probably going to have to go to E-Mart. E-Mart stores have entire makgeolli sections devoted to being aspartamefree, but again always check the label to be sure.

Now if you want the real deal: chemical free, unsterilized and makgeolli that’s genuinely good for you, this is going to take some extra effort. Officially you can only buy makgeolli from a licensed distributor, unless a private deal takes place among friends or family. There is now a substantial and growing independent market for homegrown makgeolli, and the aforementioned Makgeolli Expo is a great example of this. If you have a look around in your community, you can probably find similar events near you. You could also check the many Korean farmers markets. Even if your Korean language skills are limited, these home brewers are very passionate about their product. If you express interest to them they will be more than happy to help you obtain healthy, real makgeolli.

Gwangju News May 2012

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PHOTO CONTEST Submit your best shot of Korea!

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

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

Photo of the Month Sea road at Jindo Photo by Andrew Thomas

Sunset in Yeonggwang Photo by Jaypee Augustin

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Gwangju News’ photo contest was judged by Mark Eaton.

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

Spirit Dog Photo by David Cowger

Seoul Tower in Motion Photo by Jannies Le Gwangju News May 2012

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photo essay

The last salute

M a s t e r S u S a n Funeral P rocession

Words and photos by Doug Stuber

S

u San, the most revered Son (Zen) Buddhist monk since Beop Jeong, died recently, and in a snowy funeral at Baegyansa, a temple well-known to Gwangjuvians for its fall colors, streams and ponds, hundreds of people paid their respects.

Su San had studied Zen Buddhism in his early years as a monk, and painted some of the walls at Bulgapsa (on the west coast of Korea), a temple built in the late 4th century AD after a visit from a Zen monk from India.

More than just a leader, his two main concepts were Zen and farming, and “no work, no food.” This brought new meaning to the Buddhist tradition of hard work, and thus his departure leaves a gap, perhaps not as public as Beop Jeong’s but a gap nevertheless, in the spreading of wise teachings among the Son Buddhists in Korea.

Monks and notable Jeollanam-do elected officials paid their respects, at a funeral that would certainly have seen even more people in attendance had the weather not been so cold.

The tradition of a long white cloth held by believers streaming back for 500 meters was in place. The walkers who followed the casket to the pyre site chanted all the way, some near tears. Some untied the cloth that held the casket carrying sticks together to take as souvenirs of a life that will be long remembered.

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Reverent walk

The Master is gone

Loading the body onto the pyre

Proceeding to the pyre

Receiving mourners

Gwangju News May 2012

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community 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade

Volunteers Will Attend Foreign Language School

By Kim So-yeon (2015 Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee Press Support Team)

O

ne by one, students enter the university campus at the time of sunset. They are headed towards the Language Education Center. Inside their bags are the English textbooks that they had long ago deserted. The people who fill the classroom in the late evening are the students of the Universiade Foreign Language School.

Students with diverse backgrounds including office workers, housewives and retired persons are listening attentively to the blue-eyed lecturer.

The zeal for the Universiade Foreign Language School, in its third year of operation this year, is intense. The first task that the Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee (GUOC) set out to complete to encourage the volunteers who will play an essential role in running the Universiade was the establishment of the Foreign Language School. The GUOC believes that the success of the Universiade depends on the ability to communicate with the foreigners visiting Gwangju from various parts of the world. Language proficiency however, does not come overnight. It is an area that requires strenuous effort and investment over a lengthy period of time.

The GUOC formulated a plan to conduct language education for volunteers five years ago and has put the plan into action.

In the last two years, more than 6,500 students (comprised of middle school students who would become university students in 2015, as well as Gwangju citizens) have graduated from the English Language Schools conducted in the Language Education Centers of seven universities and middle schools.

Online educational courses include English, Japanese, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese are offered free of charge, and anyone with determination and passion can take a course. The biggest advantage is that students who go through the Universiade Foreign School can work in international events held in Gwangju as volunteers and build up a solid body of experience.

Of those who underwent language training last year, more than 200 registered as volunteers for interpretation and translation at the Gwangju

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Gwangju News May 2012

Opening ceremony of the Foreign Language School

Volunteer Center through the GUOC and performed the role of volunteer interpreters even before the Universiade. One such volunteer is Lee Mi-sook (a 51-year-old housewife) who is attending the Highly Advanced Class at Gwangju Women’s University. “I want to do some volunteer work during the 2015 Gwangju Universiade and make Korea and Gwangju known to the world,” says Lee, who has demonstrated her language proficiency while undertaking foreign language volunteer work during the opening ceremony of the 2011 Gwangju Design Biennale. The students of the Foreign Language School are filled with passion and zeal for providing volunteer interpretation during the Universiade, just like Lee. Although their ages and occupations are diverse, they all share one vision – to tirelessly study language and play a vital role in the successful staging of the Universiade.

The goal of the GUOC is to train some 20,000 volunteers by the year 2015. In addition to training the citizens and young people the GUOC, from next year, plans to gradually expand education on the fields of expertise for university students, professional interpreters and translators and those engaged in the tourism industry who will play the pivotal role in the success of the Universiade.

2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade Cyber Foreign Language School Registration period – Every month from 20th to 31st at www.gwangju2015.kr (click on Cyber School link on the left bar) Inquiry: 062-616-3643 Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, German, Arabic, Russian

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Home Pages Want to write about news from your country?

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

The Philippines

New Zealand

By Rubie Lee

By JJ Parkes

Holy Week in the Philippines Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter Sunday) is when many devout Catholics perform holy rites in fulfillment of a vow they made when they asked God a favor, such as a cure for an illness. Priests and religious statues are dressed in purple to symbolize gloom. Devout Catholics go to church every day during this period and many fast.

Holy week mourners www.miguelcandela.com

The most striking feature of Holy Week celebrations in the Philippines was the sight of Filipinos publicly whipping themselves. These are reenactments of the torture and death of Jesus. Some Filipinos not only whipped their backs into a bloody mess, they also had their feet and hands nailed to a wooden cross. In Manila, Tondo is the place to see these flagellants. Outside the capital, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija are famous for flagellants who cover their faces with white cotton hoods. Crowns of thorns are also placed on their heads.

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Gwangju News May 2012

Play time: Wahloo the blind wallaby plays with his friend, Toto the farm house cat.

Eyes on Wahloo A wallaby – an Australian animal similar to a kangaroo – has been taken in as a pet by a farmer on New Zealand’s Kapiti Coast, just north of Wellington. Adopted at infancy, it has been raised to go into town and even go shopping in the supermarket! The wallaby has now been found to have problems with its eyesight. National media publicity has seen the start of a public fundraising campaign to raise funds for a cost-price cataract surgical procedure of NZ$2,500 (2,340,000 won). More images and information are available on the Facebook group, “Eyes on Wahloo”.

Korea

By Kim Dong-hun

Serving his time in jail instead of the military A man in his 20s was sentenced to 18 months in prison for getting a tattoo on his entire body in order to dodge the draft. The court said that what he has done to avoid military service was totally inappropriate. In 2005 he had a checkup conducted by the Military Manpower Administration in Busan to see if he was fit to serve in the military.

Even though he was eligible to go to the military at that time, he postponed his service eight times, claiming that he had to prepare for a civil service examination.

In 2008 and 2009 he got a tattoo on his entire body (except his face and thigh) and in March 2011 he joined the military but was sent back home after 3 days because of his tattoo.

U.S.A

By Aisha Hobbs

“Goat”-busters!

If you think a greased pig is hard to catch, try catching a pygmy goat!

At a Ravenna, Michigan auction, a 15-pound pygmy goat, aptly named Billy, decided he didn’t want to be sold off to the highest bidder and took off on his own adventure. He has been evading residents ever since. He finds the parking lot and bushes at the bowling alley quite comfortable.

Jim Nutt, the owner of the alley, knows that ‘the marking of his territory’ is becoming a problem.

Another resident and his kids managed to catch him but when the bleating became too much to handle, they let him go! Well, here’s to you “Billy the kid” for outwitting them all!

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India

Ireland

Nepal

By Sreejith

By Patrick Conway

By Nipun Tamrakar

When the chips are down…

Korea is not the only place that’s been casting votes this season. The Irish have too, but on something to be taken rather more seriously than politics: chips. Yes, not the North American type but rather the ones that complete the popular “fish supper’”.

One of Ireland’s broadsheets, The Irish Times, has announced that the best chips to be found on the island are at Lennox’s, Cork City and McDonagh’s in Galway. This writer has sampled the fare in Galway and was happy enough but can’t give any comments on Lennox’s which one male voter described as having “great portions and very reasonable prices”. One lady voter dared to claim that McDonagh’s had the “best chips in the world” although this might give other countries a chip on their shoulder.

Nepal: the host for the largest Passover Seder in the world Passover is one of the most momentous festivals on the Jewish calendar. It marks the freedom of the Israelites from enslavement by the Egyptians.

Surprisingly, the largest Passover Seder is celebrated in Nepal, a country with almost no Jewish population. Around 2,000 Jewish people arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal, this year to participate in the weeklong event (April 18-26) of the largest Passover Seder in the world. Hundreds of pounds of kosher matzah, fish, meat, wine and Haggadahs were brought along for the Seder.

The tradition began in the mid1990s by Jewish travelers and trekkers who were impressed by the natural beauty of Nepal. Jews from all across the world, including Israel, America, Australia and Europe arrive at Kathmandu every year for the festive celebrations.

Truly, Nepal is a wonder to watch on the holy festival of Passover illuminated with the lights of spirituality and religious meaning.

Treasure temple

Indianist.com

A temple with treasure worth $22 Billion?

A treasure consisting of gold coins, statues, jewels was discovered recently in Sri Padmana-bhaswamy temple in the capital Tiruvanan-thapuram, of the southern state of India, Kerala. The estimated worth of the treasure being around $22(£14) billion. The treasure was discovered when the honorable Supreme Court of India directed the temple authorities to open the vaults which were closed for almost 120 years. Some of the precious items that were found were several golden statues, almost all weighing two kg each, a gold necklace as long as 15 feet, and crowns studded with emeralds, rubies and diamonds.

The chamber is situated around 20 feet under the ground. The foundation of the present entrance gateway of the temple was laid in 1566. The temple has a 100-foot, seven-tier tower besides a corridor with 365 and onequarter sculptured granite stone pillars. The main temple deity, Padmanabhaswamy, is a form of Hindu god Vishnu in Anananthasayanam posture or in eternal sleep of 'yognidra'.

Wales

By Andrew Thomas

Wanted: Welsh Water As drought continues to affect many areas across the border in England some voices in eternally damp Wales have been calling for water companies to make more of their “liquid assets”. Low rainfall and unseasonably high temperatures have forced much of southern England to enforce the dreaded “hosepipe ban” this spring and certain individuals, such as former Welsh Water CEO John Elfed Jones, want to see water treated as a national resource and sold at market rate like oil.

It's not a particularly new idea, but with the Welsh Assembly having new powers over many areas including water, it may now be more realistic.

One thing is for sure, there would be plenty of support for any policy that could make the most of the much-maligned perpetual drizzle that has forever drenched the length and breadth of Wales.

Gwangju News May 2012

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community

MDream Garden Children’s Home

By Emma Dooley

O

n a rainy morning in April, Gwangju News met the Secretary General of MDream Children’s Home, Chung Eunkang. Located near Mudeung Mountain, MDream has been helping the people of Gwangju in one way or another for over seven decades. Set up by Chung’s great-grandfather Chung Sun-Mo, MDream first opened its doors in 1928 as a homeless shelter, but was transformed into an orphanage in 1956 following the Korean War. In the early days, as many as 300 orphans of war were squashed into the rooms of MDream.

Nowadays the number of children hovers around 80 and they range in age from two to 18 years old. Not all the current residents of MDream are orphans: some of them ended up there as a result of child abuse or neglect, divorce or teen pregnancy.

MDream is arranged to provide as homely an environment as possible, and every child lives with between 10 and 14 others in a number of selfcontained four-bedroom apartments. The kids in each apartment are looked after by a group of 16 “aunties”, dedicated female staff members who work alternating 24-hour shifts. There are also six office staff, three kitchen workers, a nurse and the MDream Director, who is also Chung’s father, to cater to the children’s’ needs.

MDream Yoga Class with Rebecca Moss 36

Gwangju News May 2012

Baking club at MDream

In fact, Eunkang is the fourth generation of the Chung family to dedicate himself to MDream and its residents. Born in Switzerland and educated there and in the US, Eunkang worked as a social worker in the area of mental health before his return to Korea.

He came back for MDream and has been holding the reins there as Secretary General since 2009. He loves his job, but it doesn’t come without challenges. He says there are two significant obstacles he and the other staff face on a daily basis. First, he finds it difficult to see the effects of his work on the kids and whether or not they are learning or changing, so mired is he in the mountain of paperwork necessary to obtain and maintain the government funding of MDream. The second and potentially more hazardous obstacle he faces dayto-day is that some of the kids, in particular the older ones, resent the fact that they live at MDream, intensely dislike the place and indulge in fantasies about living in a “normal” home. This is especially difficult for those kids who are not actually orphans and may even see their parents from time to time. This is the reason behind the homely set-up of MDream, as well as the plethora of clubs and activities that are available for the kids to partake in.

May2012_12 2012.4.274:54PM Page37

Since the beginning of his time as Secretary General of MDream, Eunkang has tried to get as many foreigners involved as possible. At present there are photography, baking, yoga, drama, guitar, board games and sports clubs run by a troupe of enthusiastic volunteers. Eunkang feels that the frequent visits by foreigners are beneficial for both sides: the kids have a reason to learn and speak English and also feel that they have a friend from the other side of the world, while the volunteers can take home a very positive experience from their time in Korea.

In fact, the kids are now so used to the kindness of others and getting help free of charge that they can sometimes forget to be thankful for all that they do have. In order to combat this, Eunkang and the other staff are trying to teach the kids about the importance of giving back to their community. Now, when they receive a donation, they may use the money to put on a show for a local elderly facility, make a donation to a charity or use the money for something that will benefit everyone at MDream.

The kids also took part in a recent flea market and are now giving free Korean classes to foreigners!

Right now, MDream is trying to expand its prekindergarten program. Currently running Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, this program caters

for one to three year-olds and aims to get them in the habit of learning, studying and reading, so that when they get to school they’ll be prepared.

Eunkang hopes to expand the program in the near future to include afternoon activities, as well as getting some more English-speaking volunteers involved to play with and talk to the kids, thus exposing them to English from an early age.

This writer has been involved with MDream for some time now and the days I have spent there have been the most amusing, enjoyable and rewarding of my time in Korea and I will treasure them always.

The kids are hilarious, cute and inspirational and always up for a bit of fun!

If you would like to get involved with MDream, make a donation or simply find out more about this amazing place, visit www.mdream.org, join the Facebook group Mdream Garden or contact Eunkang himself at silverkang@hotmail.com.

On May 5th, which is also Children’s Day, there will be a fundraising event for MDream at the Gwangju FC home game at the World Cup Stadium. Tickets are free, but a donation is requested. Tickets can be picked up from Speakeasy or Zeppelin’s bars downtown or at the stadium on the day.

G

Opt

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

보건복지부 지정 안과수술 전문병원

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perspective

"Pink Slime": What’s Your Beef?

By Matt Furlane

K

orean cuisine is amongst the healthiest food in the world, and Korean beef is arguably some of the best quality beef in the world because it doesn’t contain steroids or fillers. I think even Korean McDonald’s, which uses beef imported from Australia, tastes better than American McDonald’s because Australia has higher standards for making ground beef. But now with the enforcement of the KORUS Free Trade Agreement this past March, more American beef will be coming to Korean markets. But is it really 100 percent beef? Is it likely to be harmful for those who consume it?

In April of 2011, famed English chef Jamie Oliver trotted out a live cow on the premiere episode of his new show "Food Revolution" in order to, "Get parents thinking, where does my food come from, and where does my children’s food come from?"

As the cow stood broadside to the audience Oliver spray painted prices on it representing how much each section of beef costs the consumer: shank - $30, round - $105, rib - $135 etc.

It gave parents and consumers a clear visual as to where cuts of beef in the supermarket come from.

Once the cow is cut up, where do the leftovers and the beef parts closest to the cow’s intestinal wall go? In the USA these meat leftovers are used to make hotdogs and pet food, or else they end up in something the meat industry calls “pink slime”.

What is essentially the dirtiest, cheapest form of meat you can get from a cow is stripped down, thrown around and beaten down and then, to kill any residual fecal matter to make it safe for eating, it gets mixed with ammonium hydroxide (NH3(aq)) and turned into a form of processed ground meat, now famous as "pink slime". ABC News describes the process this way: "the low-grade trimmings used to produce lean, finely textured beef come from the parts of the cow most susceptible to contamination with E.coli, often close to the hide, which is highly exposed to fecal matter. But because of the treatment of the

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Pink goo

thedaily.com

trimmings – after they have been simmered in low heat, separating fat and tissue using a centrifuge, they are sprayed with ammonia gas to kill germs – the USDA says it's safe to eat."

Pink slime goes into an enormous range of products including hamburgers sold at places like McDonald’s. The USDA allows for the slime product to be mixed in with other forms of beef served at grocers and in schools without labeling. According to Oliver, it is present "in 70 percent of ground-beef products." It was a stunning revelation. Oliver went on to say: "Everything about this process to me is about no respect for food, or people, or children."

After just one year the responses to, and corporate retractions of, pink slime have been phenomenal.

Five months after Jamie Oliver’s show aired, McDonald’s began removing ammonia-treated beef from its supply chain and announced on February 1st, 2012 that it is no longer using pink slime in any of its products. Burger King has done the same. Even Taco Bell, whose beef has been notoriously suspect for years as being nothing but filler or dog food, has announced it will discontinue using "Lean Beef Trimmings." Most notably, over the last month large American retailers and grocers

?

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like Kroger Co., Stop and Shop, Safeway, Supervalu, Food Lion and Walmart have said that they no longer carry any beef containing the ammonia-treated leftover beef trimmings.

More importantly for regular Americans is that the news coverage, social networking and citizen-style reporting from people like school food advocate Bettina Siegels (see www.thelunchtray.com), have helped lead school districts across America to start pulling pink slime out of school lunchroom cafeterias as quickly as possible.

On the website www.change.org, Siegel now has a petition asking the USDA to ban completely all use of pink slime. Over 250,000 people have signed it.

As of March 26th, Beef Products Inc., which is a company that makes pink slime, has suspended its operations for 60 days until further review. They blamed ABC news for "a gross misrepresentation of our products and our process" which is quite amusing since ABC asked former USDA scientists about pink slime. According to microbiologist Gerald Zirnstein, "It's not fresh ground beef. It's a cheap substitute added in."

Despite a public relations counter-campaign by the beef industry involving former presidential candidate Rick Perry with the dumb slogan, "Dude, it's beef" and scientific “evidence” that pink slime is harmless, Americans have overwhelmingly said “No”. Despite the success of Oliver’s “Food Revolution” the pink slime story is just one chapter in a very long book about unlabeled, hidden and questionable food processing methods and food poisoning in America. The United States used to have one of best food supply chains in the world, delivering farm produce that was clean and healthy to markets, homes and restaurants all over the country. But for the last 20 years the number of cases of food-borne illnesses, and the number of deaths, has been rising. Botulism, Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Hepatitis have all found their way into American food and sickened or killed people.

Here's a short list of food/meat related problems involving E.coli (O157:H7).

In 1993 four people died when fast-food restaurant Jack In The Box served up hamburgers tainted with E. coli.

In 1997 over 25 million pounds of ground beef was recalled by Hudson Food Company after E. coli was discovered.

In 2000 65 people were sickened and one died when beef containing E. coli from Excel meat packing was sold to Sizzler steakhouse.

In 2002 nearly 80 people were sickened by E. colitainted ground beef produced by ConAgra and Emmpak Foods.

In 2007 over 20 million pounds of ground beef were recalled because of E. coli contamination from the Topps Meat Company plant.

In 2009 Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough was contaminated by E. coli from ground beef and 70 people were sickened.

In 2011 Tyson Fresh meat recalled over 130,000 pounds of ground beef because of E. coli contamination.

Jamie Oliver, an Englishman, came to America and in the true spirit of America started a real revolution that helped people. May the Queen of England knight him for his efforts. But despite his widespread success and generation of awareness the darker side of business practices in the U.S., as well as the efforts of lobbyists to conceal the unsafe production of foods is still going on today. The USDA must be held responsible in order to be effective.

The pink slime food revolution must be just the first step in holding business leaders, politicians and corporations responsible for harming the public.

As free trade agreements continue to proliferate it is becoming clear that global business is benefiting, but the effect on the public is uncertain.

According to the office of the United States Trade Representative: "The entry into force of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement on March 15, 2012 means countless new opportunities for U.S. exporters to sell more....agricultural products to Korean customers....American beef volumes have increased by more than 120 percent in just a few years under the existing protocol – helping producers to regain much of the market share they lost earlier. Tariff eliminations on Korea’s existing 40 percent tariff will further boost beef exports, saving an estimated $1,300 per ton of beef imported to Korea – savings that would total $90 million annually for U.S. beef producers at current sales levels. " This might be good news for some Americans, and as an American I want to see my country prosper, but not at the expense of hurting its own citizens and those around the world – especially here in Korea where so much American beef is going to be shipped.

Gwangju News May 2012

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culture

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

Blood Type: More than just a letter

By Stephen Redeker

W

hether you’re a native Korean or a freshfaced foreigner here for only a short while, you’ve likely heard the term “blood type” mentioned. It could simply be related to the standard medical exam for new foreigners, or concerned with donating blood, but to Koreans it has another meaning. Many of them believe that one’s blood type is directly related to one’s personality traits. This belief does not originate in Korea, but it has been adopted here and often comes up in casual conversation.

The belief that blood type influences personality is something like the western thought that zodiac signs (determined by your birth date) have a direct correlation to luck, life, personality and compatibility with others. There’s a small minority who make decisions based on what the horoscope dictates, and those people are most likely the ones who would ask the clichéd question “What’s your sign?” on a blind date.

Inversely, in Korea, “What’s your blood type?” is not such an uncommon blind date question!

The blood type myth dates back almost a hundred years, with its origins in Japan. Then, after 1970, it regained popularity when Japanese journalist Masahiko Nomi published books on the subject. Some companies even grouped workers by blood type thinking they would work better together. Blood type plays much less of a role these days, but it’s still in the back of everyone’s mind here in Korea. Here’s a look at the personality traits associated with each blood type: Type A – The Good: Patient, punctual, perfectionists, conservative, creative, sensible, trustworthy. The Bad: Self-conscious, obsessive, uptight, stubborn, over-earnest. These people are considered to be mild-mannered, very loyal and considerate of others. They may also be very secretive, reserved and passive aggressive, yet also shy and sensitive. Compatibility: A and AB 40

Gwangju News May 2012

Type B – The Good: Active, optimistic, adventurous, creative, passionate, headstrong. The Bad: Irresponsible, selfish, careless, impatient, forgetful.

Type Bs tend to be very independent and go off on their own, caring not what everyone around them thinks. Strong willed and goal-oriented, they may also be seen as shallow and selfish. Some Korean women tend to avoid Type B men as they could be “players” and not very reliable in the long run.

Compatibility: B and AB Type AB – The Good: Calm, cool, calculating, rational, introverted. The Bad: Critical, indecisive, fickle, aloof, unforgiving, distant. This blood type is thought to be more about the brain than the heart. People with this blood type can be unpredictable but are usually well-organized and good with handling money. Some say this blood type often has a split personality. They may be shy but can also enjoy helping others and be outgoing to an extent. Compatibility: AB, B, A, O Type O – The Good: Sociable, optimistic, popular, agreeable, confident, inspired, ambitious, athletic.

The Bad: Arrogant, insensitive, vain, rude, intolerant.

Type O is seen as the ultimate go-getter, the natural leader who is expressive, passionate and obsessive in their pursuits. They tend to take risks and can cause rifts with those who dislike their strong, outgoing personalities and “center of attention” tendencies. Type Os are eager to initiate, but sometimes they don’t finish what they start. Compatibility: O, AB Do you believe your blood type matches the profile of the above personality traits? Do you even know your blood type? Koreans may very well be surprised at foreigners who do not know their own blood type. This myth about blood type and personalities has been disproven over time, but it still makes for good conversation fodder when a blind date develops into a lackluster affair!

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language study

The Pattern‘-기 전에’: before doing

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

Dialogue 소라 : 안녕하세요? GIC입니다. 무엇을 도와 드릴까요?

[A n n y e o n g h a s e y o ? G I C i m n i d a . M u e o s e u l d o w a d e u r i l k k a y o ? ] Sora : Hello. This is GIC, May I help you? 존

: 안녕하세요? 저는 존입니다. 한국어 교실 수업을 신청하고 싶어요.

[A n n y e o n g h a s e y o ? J e o n e u n J o n i m n i d a . H a n g u g e o g y o s h i l s u e o b e u l s h i n c h e o n g h a g o s h i p e o y o . ] John: Hello. I would like to apply for the Korean class. 소라 : 아, 그래요? 어떤 단계를 신청하고 싶어요?

[A , g e u r a e y o ? E o t t e o n d a n g y e r e u l s h i n c h e o n g h a g o s h i p e o y o ? ] Sora : Oh, I see. which level would you like to apply? 존

: 시작 단계요. 언제 수업이 시작해요?

[Shijak dangyeyo. Eonje sueobi shijakhaeyo?]

John: Beginner level. When does it start? 소라 : 5 월 9일이요. [Owol guiriyo. ] Sora : It's on May 9th. : 그럼, 언제 신청할 수 있어요?

[Geureom, eonje shincheonghal su iseoyo?]

John: If so, when can I apply for it? 존

Vocabulary 소라 : 한국어 수업 시작 전에 신청할 수 있어요.

[H a n g u g e o s u e o p s h i j a k j e o n e s h i n c h e o n g h a l s u i s e o y o . ] Sora : You can apply for it before the Korean class starts. 존 : 네, 감사합니다. [Ne, gamsahamnida. ] John : Ok, thank you.

돕다[dopda]: help 신청하다[shincheonghada]: apply, request 어떤[eotteon]: which 단계[dangye]: a, level, a step, a stage, a phase

Reference: 김성희 외. (2009). 서강한국어2A 서울: 도서출판 하우 서강한국어. Retrived April 9, 2012 from http://korean.sogang.ac.kr

Grammar The Pattern‘-기 전에 ’: before doing The word‘전’is a noun meaning“time before”or“place in front”and‘-에’is a marker meaning“at, in, on”. So the pattern‘-기 전에’is used to express of‘before something happens’. This pattern is always used with verbs, and the subjects of the two clauses can be either the same or different.

Example _ 잊기 전에 쓰세요. (Please write it before you forget.) _ 집에 가기 전에 GIC에 들르세요. Before you go home, please drop by GIC. _ 일하기 전에 공부를 하세요. Please study before you start working. _ 오시기 전에 전화하세요. (Please give me a call, before you come.)

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language study

Letters to KOTESOL

By Dr. Dave Shaffer

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

Dear Dr. Dave, What is the best way to understand CNN or BBC English? I try to listen, at first I can focus very well but if the sentences are long I get lost.

From Lydia Dear Lydia, One of the biggest problems that I find language learners doing is setting a goal and attacking it directly and immediately. There are many steps that one must take to get to the mountaintop. You can't get there in one giant leap. Similarly, the beginner or intermediate-level learner cannot just decide that they want to be able to listen to CNN, begin to listen and magically expect a high degree of comprehension. Efficient language learning occurs when the learning material is just a little above the learner's present level. So, start with listening materials at your level. Graded readers are good for this. Also many listening materials for learners are available at Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab (www.esl-lab.com) and at ELLLO (www.elllo.org) and at many other places on the web. (Do a Google search of "EFL Listening.") Gradually advance to higher-level materials as the materials at your present level become easy. Switch to materials targeting native speakers when learner's materials become overly easy. Many little steps will get you to your goal faster than hurried ones that are too large.

Dr. Dave Dear Dr. Dave, When teaching a reading course I find my classes to simply be getting the students to read, followed by me asking them questions about the text. How can I make this more productive, rewarding and varied?

Extensive Reader Dear ER, You sign yourself "Extensive Reader," but I wonder if you incorporate extensive reading (ER) into your course. It sounds like you are focusing exclusively on intensive reading -- reading for detail. While this is one useful activity, ER carries numerous benefits that intensive reading does not. ER involves each student reading in a book of their choosing and at their level (i.e., containing only a few unfamiliar words and structures). Graded readers are excellent for this. The

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trick is to get your school to supply them. Alternately, students can supply books and trade with other students after reading theirs. Everyone, including the teacher, reads together silently from the book of their choice. Questions are not necessary, except possibly to check whether particular students actually read.

This promotes the reading habit, gets students reading outside of class, and leads to increased vocabulary and grammar acquisition as well as increased general English proficiency. If students are provided with easy and engaging materials to read, you will have no problem keeping the students' interest. ER is a very productive approach to reading.

With ER, reading is its own reward. And reading is as varied as the books the students choose to read.

Dr. Dave Dear Dr. Dave, What is the most useful tool to use in teaching listening classes?

From a high school teacher Dear Teacher, The most useful tool for "teaching" listening is your own creative mind. You know your students' abilities and their needs better than anyone else, so you can best select and create listening materials to meet their needs. The second-most useful tool is now the Internet. It is a treasure trove of listening materials for all ages and all ability levels. Don't rely wholly on the Korean web. Much more is available on the English portion of the Internet. Input "ESL EFL Listening" into a Google search engine and it will offer you many sites with listening recordings, exercises, and listening activity ideas.

Dr. Dave Dear Dr. Dave, I am a English learner and I would like to know how to catch the details from native speakers speaking through listening. I’m currently on a training program and the teachers have a variety of accents which confuse me.

Please help me!

J Dear J., Learning to understand an accent of a foreign

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language is very much like getting accustomed to a strange accent in your mother tongue. For me to get accustomed to a Scottish accent, for example, or for you to get accustomed to a Gyeongsan-do accent, it takes a lot of listening. The same is true for getting accustomed to an unfamiliar accent in a foreign language. To get this practice, the Internet may be helpful. Some of the better English listening sites on the web offer listening materials in a wide variety of accents. Check them out, and listen extensively.

Dr. Dave Dear Dr. Dave, I am a high school teacher and I would like to find ways to make my classes more exciting. For the four skills where can I find the best resources?

From June Dear June, The best resource is actually you yourself. You know your students and their interests. Whether focusing on reading, writing, speaking or listening, select topics that the students are interested in. Making your classes interactive enlivens the students. Small-group activities work well for this, especially when taskbased instruction is employed. Give the groups a task that involves decision-making or problem-solving.

Structure it so that the students need to use the focused grammar point (if you have one) in their discussion, and let the students work on a solution (in English). When finished, have each group report their decision or solution to the whole class. Role plays also

work well. Give each group a situation and each member of the group a role, and let them try to complete the problem-solving or persuasion task in the roles they have – no scripts, no memorizing, just talking. A focal structure may be incorporated.

Meaningful student interaction in English is the key to making an activity interesting and the key to effective language learning.

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

Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL May Chapter Meeting Date & Time: May 12 (Sat.), 1:30 p.m.

Place: Chosun University, Main Building (Bon-gwan) Two Featured Presentations on relevant ELT topics Swap-Shop: Share your teaching ideas and activities Admission: Free Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Website: www.koreatesol.org/GwangjuJeonnam Email: gwangju_kotesol@yahoo.com

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community

Buy, Sell and Trade in Gwangju: at your fingertips and in person Words and photo by Stephen Redeker

H

ave you heard about the Gwangju-Jeolla One Stop Flea Market group on Facebook? If you haven’t then it’s about time! There are many different groups related to Gwangju on Facebook, but this one is the most active, with new posts and comments appearing almost by the second. What’s all the hype about? This community page is all about bringing people together to buy and sell their “stuff”.

The nature of expat life in Korea is very transient and therefore many foreigners are stuck having to get rid of household items purchased during their stay here in Korea. Much of those goods are perfectly useful and even valuable to others. Thanks to this Facebook group, the problem is solved. The Flea Market group is much like a mini-eBay in that it provides liquidity to your possessions, as well as vast exposure. The group has almost 1,000 members and is growing by the day.

The Flea Market group is also changing the buying culture among foreigners (and Koreans) in Gwangju.

If you’re planning on staying only for one year and have doubts about purchasing that nice bicycle or flat screen TV you saw at the store, then fear not! You will always have a suitable buyer waiting for your item to be listed for sale, and thus get back some of the money used to buy it. It’s almost like you rented that item for the time you had it. E-commerce is a beautiful thing.

There is also a physical manifestation of this popular Facebook group called “The JU! Flea Market”.

Created and managed by Gwangju residents Joe Wabe and Matt Rehrig, The JU! branches off from the online version and accomplishes the same goal: to bring people together to buy and sell their stuff. This time, instead of having to deal with carrying your item across the city to meet someone, you can sell your goods at a market. The main difference is people get to see the items in person, make a purchase and take it home from there. It provides a set time and place, making it easier for two people to meet. Many different items are bought and sold: books, clothing, baby items, hand-made crafts, CDs, DVDs, electronics and so on. A variety of food and drinks are also available. The first JU! Flea Market was held last November 19th at the Rainbow Village International Center at Yangdong Market. The second took place last March in front of the Kunsthalle art building and was a big success. The

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Clothes for sale at the JU! Flea Market

future looks bright: more Flea Markets on a bi-monthly basis, held outdoors in the spring/summer/fall and underground during the winter.

The JU! creator Joe Wabe first got the idea a few years ago when he came across the Facebook group which was then called “Jeollanamdo One Stop”. At the time it had only 200 users, but Joe saw the potential for something greater since there were many people willing to buy, sell and trade. He also wanted to hold regular flea markets that were larger than the ones happening at the GIC and at other locations downtown. When the original administrator for the “One Stop” group left Korea, Joe took over the group and gave it its current name, with hopes to combine and promote it with the live flea market.

Judging by the popularity and success of the events, the plan has come together beautifully.

If you’re interested in getting involved with The JU! Flea Market, contact Matt at matthewrehrig@ gmail.com. If you haven’t already, search for the Facebook group “Gwangju-Jeolla One Stop Flea Market” and join it. Keep an eye on the page if you need something in particular. The hottest selling items seem to be the electronics, as heat lamps, printers, speakers, wireless routers and other such items fly off the page faster than you can log in. Keep your eyes peeled for future events. Be a part of something which brings Gwangju and the community closer and happier together.

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movie review

Silenced 도가니

By Seth Pevey

I

f you are a teacher in Gwangju, you have probably heard your students mention Silenced by its Korean name Do-Ga-Ni. If you haven’t, ask them. You will likely hear outrage, disturbance and uncomfortable admissions of having viewed the film. It is well known for the controversy it caused, and is not a particular point of pride for the citizens of the city of light.

The film is based on a “true story” and on the 2009 novel by Gong Jee-Yong. Set in a thinly veiled representation of Gwangju, where the alleged events transpired, the story features a Seoul city-slicker teacher (played by dashing Gong Yoo) who is starting a job at a school for deaf children in this “provincial” and implicitly backwards locale.

Things do not start off well, as he is immediately set upon by the two twin (identical brothers) principals who run the school and who demand two things: Secrecy and a steady flow of bribe money if he wants to keep his job.

But it seems these creepy Gemini brothers don’t stop there, and soon our protagonist uncovers a dark secret that chills the blood. It seems this rustic sanctuary for the hearing impaired is actually involved in child molestation. Perhaps “involved” is the wrong word. In an over the top, evil, sadistic fashion, the entire staff and a number of the townsfolk are involved in an elaborate cover up of sexual crimes and abuse against disabled children.

What makes the film particularly jarring is that it doesn’t simply imply in a tasteful way this abuse is happening. That would be too easy and perhaps overshadow what really happens in cases of child abuse. Instead, the director Kwang Dong Hyuk chooses to show the molestation graphically and in detail. Yes, in the film there are explicit shots of nude children being abused.

All of this which really leaves your humble film reviewer a bit confused. Surely, they used real children to make the film, which means the children in the film were actually involved in what was only the “acting out” of abuse but what must have, in reality, left some of the child actors badly shaken and was perhaps no different in their young minds to the real thing. This leaves the film’s ultimate aim of denouncing South Korea’s lax sexual crime laws sounding somewhat hypocritical.

But the film is successful in using these images to shock the viewer, which the production team perhaps used to justify any harm done by the actual filming process. The movie will certainly jar you—leaving you feeling dirty and disgusted.

However, it is very well made and decently acted, and will certainly be talked about for years to come.

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perspective

Friends or Foes?

Korea vs Japan By 8ball

A

s a Korean interested in Japanese culture, TV dramas and movies, I’ve always wondered why many Korean people hate Japan and Japanese people. I have some Japanese friends and I always dream about going back to Japan again to see, taste and feel more about this wonderful country. As you are well aware, Japan is one of the countries in which KPop and the Korean wave (also known as Hallyu) are quite influential and popular. It implies that some Japanese people are quite interested in Korea, as well as Korean language and culture.

However, when some extremely conservative people, including politicians, in Japan denounce Korea and Korean people, claiming that we falsely accuse Japan and Japanese people of committing some terrible acts for nothing, I have to admit that I do, albeit temporarily, dislike Japan.

In spite of such tragedy we have a lot in common in terms of history, culture and geographical location. First, influenced by China in ancient times both Korea and Japan use Chinese characters.

Second, both countries use chopsticks to eat food. Finally, both Korea and Japan value courtesy and respect, especially towards elders.

However, Korean people often describe Japan as a close but distant neighbor. Why is that? Why do some Korean people hate Japan and Japanese people? Are there solutions to put an end to this problem?

When it comes to history between Korea and Japan, there are many issues that remain unsolved to this day. Japan has invaded Korea many times, including the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. From 1910 to 1945 Korea was under Japanese colonial rule. During this period many Korean people were forcibly sent to other countries and even joined the war as Japanese

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soldiers. Some Korean women were used by the Japanese Army against their will as “comfort women”. These victims have received neither compensation nor an apology.

Both Korea and Japan have claimed sovereignty over a certain isle located between the two nations called “Dokdo” by Korea and “Takeshima”

by Japan. This sensitive issue remains unsolved.

Some Japanese extreme rightists often try to distort historical facts regarding the relationship between Korea and Japan in the past, including Japanese colonial rule in the 1900s. They have even published textbooks in an attempt to incorrectly educate young Japanese students. Some say that Korean people are brainwashed to hold a grudge against Japanese people or that Korean people hold them responsible for atrocities carried out in the past.

Despite the issues mentioned above, Korean people are not taught to hate Japan and Japanese people at home or at school. We merely learn the truth and the facts. Not all Korean people hate Japan and Japanese people.

Korea and Japan have to embrace each other and people should speak their minds about the problems between them. We can’t dwell on the past, though neither should we forget the past.

Instead, we should move on to a better, brighter future for both countries.

These are just my opinions. If you have any ideas, thoughts or opinions, then please share them with me via e-mail: eightballkim@yahoo.co.kr.

The views expressed in the article are those of the writer’s only

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2012 GIC 3rd Korean Language Class

(May 1st ~ June 16th)

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

2. Classes designed for your needs.

3. Experienced teachers.

4. You will receive a certificate upon completion of the class and a special award for best student.

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

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

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

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

K-Entertainment Class

Learn Korean through K-pop and K-Drama!

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

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

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) Class

Available for students from Beginner 1 to Intermediate 2

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

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

Kids Korean Class

Available for kids age 3 to 6 years old

Available Level: Baby Korean Time and day: Thurs (once a week) 5 p.m. ~ 6 p.m.

Price: 50,000 won (exclude textbook, GIC membership fee for parents) Please contact Boram Lee at boram@gic.or.kr or by phone 062-226-2733/34 and www.gic.or.kr for more information.

Gwangju News May 2012

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fashion

Fash-On with xxl jjdp 벚꽃보다 남자 Boy before Cherry Blossoms By jjdp Photos by Brian Klein and Delsie Kwon Shot on location at Uncheon Resevoir, closest subway Uncheon/ Honam University.

A

fter playing hide and seek for a few weeks, spring is finally here! Nothing has gotten me as excited in the past few months as the thought of warm sunny days, breaking out my shorts and wearing a single layer of clothing. Although I am a bit sad to let go of the plush decadence that is cashmere and fur boots, spring means it is time to rock, roll and Fash-on.

One of the main attractions of the Korean Springtime is of course the onset of the festival season and heralding the start is one of the most amazing festivals that one can see on nearly every street corner: that of the delightful Cherry Blossom. It is hard to not feel happy and giddy inside when admiring the candyfloss pink masses of blooms decorating trees that have been brown and dull for the previous five months. I have thus also taken my cue from great Gaia and decorated myself with blooms to fully be enraptured in the 벚꽃; literally meaning happiness flowers, this month.

Clothing Indigo blue floral shirt - Paul Smith - Seoul Vintage floral shirt - Golden Vintage located next to Geumnamro 4 exit in the direction of Migliore Denim shorts - Diesel Milkshake socks - Uniqlo Contrasting Desert boots - Paul Smith

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I know it might be a bit adventurous for some but there is no harm updating your style or trying something new. I have contrasted two looks, first a more serious and dapper dark blue floral look, and second, a more dandy and joyful look. I have also included some pastels, a perennial spring trend that I can assure you will never go out of style. At the moment there are a variety of trends doing the rounds, last month we featured some great bold colors which are also still current, but this month it is all about taking a deep breath and enjoying nature by being free and easy.

Wearing florals in Korea can be quite daunting as they can be seen everywhere on older married ladies who have a certain flair for putting together some of the most eye-

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catching looks I have ever seen, so be very careful how you wear this trend. Keep your look young, fresh and exciting with a twist. The great thing with a floral pattern is that you can opt for a big or small print, just ensure that you include it in your closet this spring. Guys are usually more accustomed to wearing florals on a Hawaiian printed shirt or board shorts, but having this pattern on an actual dress shirt is a sure treat for the eyes as seen on the runways of iconic British fashion houses Burberry and Paul Smith.

interest but not too much to distract from your overall look. If you are afraid of wearing the shirt on its own, layer it with a light denim shirt, or if you want to take it to another level, add a bright cardigan in a complementary color to really make a mark.

I really hope that everyone will be inspired to add a little creativity to their wardrobe this spring and summer and as always, be careful when working with patterned garments and remember: less is more. Here’s to seeing you out and about looking good at some of the festivals!

The first look involves a basic spring day look, consisting of an indigo fitted cotton shirt with a minute flower pattern in white and hunter green.

The shirt is very simple and unassuming when seen at a distance, but remains detailed up close as it also features pearl snap buttons. I have paired it with dark denim cut-off shorts which are an xxl jjdp standard for any wardrobe. For greater effect I have added contrasting milkshake colored socks in candyfloss and lime and suede desert boots. Remember it is all about making a statement.

The second look is lighter and brighter and consists of a vintage white floral shirt with some awesome color. Working with bold shades of salmon and fuschia I kept the cutoff short combo and I have instantly created a different mood for the day. The shirt provides enough visual excitement to spark

Gwangju News May 2012

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food and drink

California Roll Words and photo by Gabriel Ward

O

pposite the German Bar downtown is California Sushi Roll. It’s on the second floor of the buildings lining the street and has a yellow exterior. I hadn’t eaten California rolls or anything remotely resembling Japanese food for a while. Thus I checked out said restaurant this past month for the first time.

Upon ascending the stairs I passed signs painted on the wall giving details of the menu and prices.

Salmon, Eel, and Tuna California rolls all in the range of 6,000 to 10,000 won sounded pretty good to me.

I was confidently greeted by a middle-aged guy, who showed me to a table. There were a few people there, which as always is a good sign.

Empty restaurants don’t give the impression of having good food. I was immediately impressed by the interior of the place. It was very capacious and uncluttered. The furniture had a very modern feel to it, with wooden tables and chairs reminiscent of IKEA. The music was at a good volume; not so loud as to be intrusive or annoying nor too quiet.

The waiter immediately provided me with water and a menu. I’d decided before I walked into the restaurant that I was going to get the salmon California rolls. I have a particular soft spot for salmon so I almost always get it when I am eating Japanese food. Thus I called the waiter over again to place my order. I explicitly asked him to put no

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mayonnaise or sauce in the roll, as I like to just dress it with soy sauce mixed with wasabi. I remained apprehensive at this point as in my experience these kinds of places in Korea can be way too liberal with the mayonnaise and other sweet sauces. Moreover, trying to make special requests can often lead to a breakdown in communication.

He was very confident in talking to me however, which I did find reassuring. A couple of minutes later the man brought out my salmon roll along with some wasabi (there was already a bottle of soy sauce at the table). I was highly impressed to find that there was no mayonnaise in my roll, though he did bring me out more of the sickly sweet green apple sauce in a small bowl. The roll was a generous size and there was a decent amount of salmon on each round of rice. The filling was rice and primarily lettuce, with some pickles and sashimi in there as well. Accompanying the roll was pickled radish and garlic, a salad doused in sickly sweet sauce, and of course kimchi. On the whole the roll was pretty good, not mind blowing, but not bad either. The service was excellent and the atmosphere and dining experience was really enjoyable. I plan on going back there again in the future, most likely when I particularly feel like a bit of Japanese influenced food. I might even go for their sushi instead of California Rolls. The sushi ranges from 8,500 to 25,000 won. The set menu options are from 15,000 to 38,000 won and serve two people. They also have udong noodles and rice dishes for around 6,000 won.

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food and drink

Flower Pancake

í™”ě „

Words and photos by Kim Jiwon

W

hat looks good, tastes good. What phrase could be better for describing hwajeon? Hwajeon is one of the most beautiful Korean foods and it represents spring. It has been made since the Goryeo Dynasty to celebrate spring. Korean ancestors made hwajeon with whatever flowers were in season at the time. In spring, they made azalea hwajeon or forsythia hwajeon and ate them with a cup of tea. They also had a great time in fall while enjoying chrysanthemum hwajeon alongside chrysanthemum wine. Besides looking beautiful, it has a great taste and texture because it is made of glutinous rice flour. It is tasty and chewy alone, but it is much better to dip it in honey or grain syrup. Why don't you try to make this simple, beautiful and traditional food this weekend?

Things to prepare (for two servings) 200 grams of glutinous rice flour, edible flowers, 3-4 tablespoons of hot water, salt, cooking oil and honey or grain syrup

Cooking Method: 1. Wash the petals of the edible flowers and drain on paper towels.

2. Put 1/2 teaspoon of salt into 200 grams of glutinous rice flour and pour in 3-4 tablespoons of hot water.

Knead the dough till it develops a sticky consistency.

3. Cut the dough into small pieces like a small ball and make it into a flat and round shape about 5 centimeters in diameter.

4. Oil the frying pan and put the dough in it. Put the flowers on the dough and wait for it to cook over low heat.

5. When it is ready, turn the dough over and turn it again immediately. If you don't turn it over immediately, the flowers will be cooked and look ugly.

6. Serve the hwajeon with some honey or grain syrup.

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Puzzle Page

By Emma Dooley and Brian Paredes

Please submit your answers to: gwangjunews@gmail.com.

The winner of this month's puzzle pages will be published in the next issue.

Winners will receive a collectors' edition GIC mug which can be picked up at the GIC.

Congratulations!! to KIM MI-OK who won last month’s puzzle and will receive a complimentary mug from GIC. Please drop by the GIC office in the office hours to retrieve your gift.

CROSSWORD

Across 1. Musical time (5) 3. New Zealand bird (4) 4. Gwangju's baseball team (3,6) 6. In poor health (6) 10. Frothy coffee drink (10) 14. Orderly (4) 15. Rumpus (6) 16. Animal den (4) 18. Selection (6) 19. Prestige (5)

Down 1. Extreme fear (6) 2. Italian pudding (8) 5. Vertical part of a door frame (4) 7. Rise - Outfit (3,2) 8. Garret (5) 9. Ogre (7) 10. Largest city in the Arab World (5) 11. The 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner (12) 12. Squirm (6) 13. Flash of lightning (4) 17. The UFC light-heavyweight champion (3,5)

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Logic Puzzle

’s Last Month’ Puzzle Solution CROSSWORD Across 3. Dram 4. Hail 6. Ache 7. Itaewon 9. Earl 10. Apogee 11. Pall 13. Iniquitous 15. Pelt 17. Petal 18. Cheltenham

A rose-red city half as old as Time.

One billion years ago the city's age Was just two-fifths of what Time's age will be A billion years from now. Can you compute How old the crimson city is today?

Down 1. Chauffeur 2. Giza 4. Hoe 5. Peppermint 8. The Artist 12. Lament 14. Owned 16. Qantas 19. Eddy

VISUAL PUZZLE 1

Visual Puzzle

VISUAL PUZZLE 2 16 ounces (about half of pot A). The amount of tea that can be kept within each pot is determined by the height of the spout opening. The tea level cannot rise above the spout opening since any extra tea would merely spill out from the spout. A simple visual estimate would conclude that the spout of teapot B is approximately half the height of that of teapot A, therefore providing only half of the capacity, or 16 ounces.

Draw this three crossing square pattern with pencil in one continuous line so that you don't take the pencil point off the paper.

You aren't allowed to go over any part of the line twice, or even cross it.

Source: www.puzzles.com

Gwangju News May 2012

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

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

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

Kittens to have

GIC Gallery is looking for artists

They are free, but you need to vacinate them.

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

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

GIC Gallery is an exhibition area provided for international artists or foreign artist community to share their artworks to both local and expats. For more information, please contact boram@gic.or.kr or call 062-226-2733.

Gwangju Zen Meditation Group

Sung Bin Orphanage

The group will meet weekly every Saturday at the GIC between 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. for meditation and readings from books written by the Korean Zen master Seung Sahn Sunim. For details email ross.chambers29@gmail.com or call 010-3439-7725.

You can also search for Gwangju Zen Meditation Group on Facebook.

Sung Bin Orphanage is looking for creative/ active/ energetic/ outgoing/ enthusiastic long-term volunteers to join in our regular Saturday program. We would like you to give at least two Saturdays per month. Meet every Saturday at 1 p.m. in front of downtown Starbucks. All are welcome. For more volunteering information please contact Daniel Lister at: daniellister7@hotmail.com.

Gwangju Inter FC

Sungbin Book and Bake Sale

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

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

Date: May 19, 2012 (Saturday) Time: 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Place: Underground Grocers, downtown Gwangju (please check next page ad of Underground Grocer for location info) Book and Bake Sale is held to support the Sungbin Educational Endowment Fund to assist students in attending university or vocational training. You can participate by bringing baked goods or used books for sale.

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

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

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

MDream Garden Children’s Day Fundraiser Children’s Day Fundraiser for MDream Garden Children’s Home Date: May 5, 2012 (Saturday) - Children’s Day Place: Gwangju World Cup Stadium Time: 3 p.m. (Gwangju FC vs Daegu FC) Admission fee: Free, but a donation is requested.

(Tickets can be picked up from GIC, Speakeasy or Zeppelin’s bars downtown or at the stadium on the day.)

Help support a good cause while watching Gwangju FC’s home game against Daegu FC.

MDream Garden Children’s Home

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

On the 3rd floor of the T World building.

Gwangju News May 2012

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